Hmmm. I guess in addition to a training break, I've been taking a blogging break too. Truth be told, I stare at this screen a lot and random post ideas flit through my head often, but when I try and put together something cohesive, I got nuthin'. So let's skip the cohesive, shall we?
1. NOT running in effort to have more time for other stuff is ridiculously counterproductive. I spend all my time wishing I'd run. I feel like a lump so I have no energy for chores. So basically, I've succeeded in shooting myself in the foot. MUST REMEMBER THIS.
2. I had the most amazing run with Kim last Friday. I was thinking about running 10, but I knew she was running long, so I asked to join her. It was a gorgeous day! We checked out a new trail. Starting out, I said I'd do 12, but we were feeling good so we made it an even half mary. I faded a bunch at the end (can you say, OUT OF PRACTICE on the long run?!) but I made it farther and felt better than I ever expected. Win!
3. Saturday night we had a DATE! I went to the Blackhawks game, sat 14 rows off the glass, parked like a rock start, and had an all out fabulous time with friends. It could only have gotten better if the 'Hawks had managed a win, but it was a great night out in any case. AND. Jenna babysat. SCORE!
4. Sunday I had a run set up with my friend Sarah, who just started running at the beginning of this year. She was going for 6 miles (she is working up to a 10k) for the first time. In spite of belly issues (GOD do I know all about THAT!) she finished the distance with her legs and lungs feeling strong. SO PROUD! She told me afterwards that I inspire her. That watching me succeed as a runner gave her the confidence to start, mostly because I'm not the stereotypical teeny tiny runner. She called me "realistically inspirational." I like knowing that watching me has given people I know the confidence in themselves to start doing something that I've grown to love. It's a whole new dynamic to my love affair with the sport. And it's kind of like a circle - it's inspiring to ME to see my friends start from scratch. and motivating to help them accomplish their goals.
5. We are all getting excited for Halloween around here. I have succeeded in getting costumes for everyone, on time even, and they are all excited about it. I'm sure you'll be seeing pictures coming up soon - we trick-or-treat on Sunday here, which was weird for me when I first moved into the neighborhood. Do you trick-or-treat on Halloween? Or on a different community designated day?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Running For Fun
This morning I ran 6 of the best miles in forever. I felt AMAZING. Last week I ran 5.5 gorgeous miles on the trail Wednesday. It was a stunning mid-October day and I wore a tank and was almost hot but not quite. And between those 2 runs?
NOTHING.
And I'm so not stressed about it, and I can't tell you how much I'm LOVING that feeling. If I go out and feel like shit, I can bail after 3 miles and who cares!? If I feel spectacular, I can run as long as I want and as fast as I want. Today, my average pace was 9:55 minute miles! THAT IS WAY FAST FOR ME.
So instead of running, I've been giving back to my family. They sacrifice for my training more than they should, even if they don't see it as such. It was nice to hang with them all weekend, and not worry about when I was going to get a long run in.
So I guess you could say I like this laid back approach.
BUT! Unlike last year, I still have a goal to meet. Which means I can't just stop running regularly. Last October I logged 53 miles. Only 11.64 were post 10/10/10 (Chicago marathon). I ran 23 in November and 10(!!!) in December. This year, so far, I've run 810 miles. Which means I still need to run close to 20 miles a week to break 1000 for 2011. I AM going to do that. But it's going to be more fun and less work. :)
I have been enjoying dinner (and WINE!) with friends, without worrying about being out too late or eating the wrong thing.
There's been a way lot of volleyball happening. Unfortunately, their season ended with a disappointing showing at the conference tournament, but I'm super proud of how they progressed this year.
I got to go with James on a school field trip (yay for youngest kid - I could never do this before!) to the Chicago Botanic Gardens last Friday. It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun.
And yesterday we finally made it to Fright Fest at 6 Flags - we had a great day, and came home to venison chili in the crock pot. We watched a fantastic Bears game. It was perfect.
And finally, 2 decent pictures from TCM. The first is significant, since it is my VERY FIRST official race photo with air. I tend to look like I'm walking. The second is just past their giant inflatable "you're running through the wall." Mile 22 I think? I'm smiling!
NOTHING.
And I'm so not stressed about it, and I can't tell you how much I'm LOVING that feeling. If I go out and feel like shit, I can bail after 3 miles and who cares!? If I feel spectacular, I can run as long as I want and as fast as I want. Today, my average pace was 9:55 minute miles! THAT IS WAY FAST FOR ME.
So instead of running, I've been giving back to my family. They sacrifice for my training more than they should, even if they don't see it as such. It was nice to hang with them all weekend, and not worry about when I was going to get a long run in.
So I guess you could say I like this laid back approach.
BUT! Unlike last year, I still have a goal to meet. Which means I can't just stop running regularly. Last October I logged 53 miles. Only 11.64 were post 10/10/10 (Chicago marathon). I ran 23 in November and 10(!!!) in December. This year, so far, I've run 810 miles. Which means I still need to run close to 20 miles a week to break 1000 for 2011. I AM going to do that. But it's going to be more fun and less work. :)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Three Things Thursday
1. I've been quietly trying to catch up on everything that got left behind for marathon training. There's a lot. It's going to probably take me until the next training cycle starts to complete it. Ack.
2. Sick kids make everything suck.
3. Because I love you all (and because I am so boring), I leave you with this goodness. She is much funnier than I will ever dream of being. So stop drinking / eating (don't say I didn't warn you!) and enjoy, courtesy of the Bloggess.
2. Sick kids make everything suck.
3. Because I love you all (and because I am so boring), I leave you with this goodness. She is much funnier than I will ever dream of being. So stop drinking / eating (don't say I didn't warn you!) and enjoy, courtesy of the Bloggess.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Glutton For Punishment
I just registered for Grandma's 2012.
There's something wrong with me. Truly.
And there's a pretty outstanding chance that I'll be running a Fall race with my sister.
So.
2012 looks to be another 2-marathon year.
Bring. It. On.
There's something wrong with me. Truly.
And there's a pretty outstanding chance that I'll be running a Fall race with my sister.
So.
2012 looks to be another 2-marathon year.
Bring. It. On.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Twin Cities Marathon: Race Report
I feel like I've said so much about it already, that this is going to be rather anti-climactic, but here it is, in all it's glory...
Friday FINALLY got here, and I was packed up and ready to go. As soon as I got the kids off to school, I headed towards Minnesota. I know I've said it before, but there is something about crossing that state line that always makes me smile. Minnesota makes me HAPPY. I miss it.
On the way, I was talking with my Mom and realized that the Expo was on the way to her apartment, so I stopped and picked up my bib just to get that out of the way. I shopped a little bit, and drooled a little bit, but the budget was not allowing for much buying, so I didn't stay long. Which ended up being a good thing, as it took me over an hour to get to the restaurant where I was meeting my parents for dinner - I HATE being stuck in traffic. So annoying.
An early dinner, a walk by the lake near my Mom's place, and I was hashed. I was falling asleep on the couch and my Mom sent me to bed. I think I slept for 10 hours straight - I really needed it. (Julia has been sick, so I've been listening to coughing all night for about a week now.)
The next day was kind of a blur. Shopping, lunch with my parents' friends, and back to the expo to meet Carly! We chatted for a while and I met her friend Kelli (they both grew up in my hometown and ran high school track with my sister - small world!) and I left them on their mission to find just the right race shirt. I did a little more shopping at the expo, and bought a new SPI wrist band with a pocket, since I hate belts of any kind SO much. Then back home to chill.
I went to bed early, but didn't really sleep well. Not too surprising. My stomach had been talking to me for since arriving in MN...it doesn't really travel well. I was still hopeful that I could work it out in the morning and have a good race.
But, as you know, that wasn't how that played out at all.
SO. Race morning! It didn't start until 8am, so I got up early, but not obscenely so. My Dad dropped me at the metrodome for the start, where we could wait inside and use real bathrooms. It was CRAZY inside, but really nice to be out of the morning chill. As cool as it was at the start, I was a little nervous about how warm it would end up.
With just 20 minutes to go, I headed outside to sunscreen up (I ended up sharing with a couple people) and check my stuff. I found my corral and waited. I'd been texting with Sara, but it wasn't until just before go time that I realized we were in different corrals (which is why I was unable to find her). It was crowded and exciting!
For as many runners (there were 8500+ finishers) it was REALLY well organized from start to finish. I crossed the start just 11 minutes after the gun went off, and was on my way.
The first mile, the thing I remember most was that my skirt was giving me fits. It kept falling down! I have worn this skirt on a gajillion long runs and never had this issue. I know my weight is down a little, but I didn't think it was enough to make a difference. But it was disconcerting to be messing with it for the entire first mile.
Luckily, that was short lived, and I was able to just settle into a pace that felt comfortable. My goal was to stick to as close to 11 minute miles as I could, for as long as I could. I felt AMAZING. It was gorgeous out, the energy of the race was so high, and the spectators! They rocked!
I had my walkman around my neck, but I never even put it in until mile 7. And then I took it off again, since I couldn't hear it anyway. There were very few quiet spots on this course - people lined the ENTIRE thing, whole families and neighborhoods cheering. It was outstanding!
The course starts in Minneapolis, weaves around several lakes and through gorgeous neighborhoods, runs all along the Mississippi river and into St. Paul, and then down Summit Avenue which is lined with incredible historic mansions, and ends smack in front of the State Capital building. It is BY FAR the most beautiful course I've ever run. There were no crappy industrial areas or boring spots to get through. From start to finish, it was gorgeous.
The first miles ticked off easily. I felt great. My splits were right on point. (garmin stats here.) I was chatting with other runners. I was smiling at everyone. It was perfect. Spectators, as I said, were outstanding. But the best part was seeing the same families and signs over and over again throughout the race. To the point of me actually saying to them, "Hey! I saw you just a little while ago!" It was a great race for seeing your loved ones on the course many times. Some of them I saw as many as 5 or 6 SEPARATE times. (And they didn't even belong to me! They really know how to work it!)
Even the hills! (And there ARE some hills on this course.) I ran steadily up them. I was only walking the water stops. The plan was running beautifully.
And then? Mile 12 happened. And my stomach made itself known. I had been running for a couple miles with Jess, a first time marathoner, but I sent her on her way to wait in line at the damn port-a-potty. I spent 5 or 6 minutes there, and when I finally got a turn, some RUDE guy outside was screaming like a 2 year old for us to HURRY UP IN THERE!! Really?! You think I LIKE wasting precious minutes in the damn toilet? I got the hell out, and he RAN ME OVER on the way in. He kicked my ankle out and I nearly fell. Nice. I was pissed.
And just like that, it all fell apart. I couldn't settle back into a pace. My mental game was struggling. I was upset and nearly in tears. I couldn't find a rhythm. I texted my husband that I was struggling.
He was so encouraging.
But I never got it back. I tried, and for several miles it was back and forth...I'd think I had it, and then it was gone again. Just past mile 17, I ran into my aunt and uncle on the course! That was a really nice boost right then, and I thought I could get it back. I had already been passed by the 5 hour pace group, but I wasn't so far off yet.
And then? Damn stomach again.
It was then that I realized I was hot, and a PR was out of my cards for the day. I was in it to enjoy it. I walked when I wanted to. I talked to everyone. I really had an amazing time soaking in the course, and I am glad I didn't try to kill myself when it was no longer necessary. For a while, I felt like I'd given up on myself, but after a few days to process it all, I realize I simply adjusted my goals with what the day had brought me.
And I KNOW I did the right thing.
At mile 19, I saw my parents. My Mom had been worried, since I was so far off of my projected time, but I just shrugged. I was fine. It just wasn't my day.
After that, I just kept with "constant forward motion." I was hot (I realize that some people thought this was a PERFECT running day, but I like it much colder. I suppose if I could run MUCH faster, it wouldn't be such an issue...) but I was having fun. I smiled. I chatted. I high-fived. I ran some. I walked some. And before long, the finish was in sight.
This is THE BEST FINISH LINE EVER. It's on a nice downhill, the Capital in full view, and they announce your name as you cross (which I loved - it was the first time I'd ever experienced that). My family back home got to hear the announcer say my name and watch me cross live. That was also pretty cool.
Finishing this one felt great! The finishers area was really well organized, and after getting my medal, shirt (you have to FINISH to get the shirt) and picking up my stuff, I met my family again.
The rest of the day was spent ice-bathing and showering, and then chilling. After a bit, Carly made it back from urgent care, and I headed to her place to hang out and rehash the day and trade Duluth stories. It was the perfect end to a great day.
With so many superlatives used to describe everything about this race, there's no way I can say I had anything other than a fabulous time. Sub-5 hours is still waiting for me, and I'll still chase it, but that doesn't diminish my accomplishment in any way. I reminded myself often that day - I am BLESSED to GET to do this. I am LUCKY. I trained with wonderful people. I GOT TO RUN.
Now on to what's next....
Friday FINALLY got here, and I was packed up and ready to go. As soon as I got the kids off to school, I headed towards Minnesota. I know I've said it before, but there is something about crossing that state line that always makes me smile. Minnesota makes me HAPPY. I miss it.
On the way, I was talking with my Mom and realized that the Expo was on the way to her apartment, so I stopped and picked up my bib just to get that out of the way. I shopped a little bit, and drooled a little bit, but the budget was not allowing for much buying, so I didn't stay long. Which ended up being a good thing, as it took me over an hour to get to the restaurant where I was meeting my parents for dinner - I HATE being stuck in traffic. So annoying.
An early dinner, a walk by the lake near my Mom's place, and I was hashed. I was falling asleep on the couch and my Mom sent me to bed. I think I slept for 10 hours straight - I really needed it. (Julia has been sick, so I've been listening to coughing all night for about a week now.)
The next day was kind of a blur. Shopping, lunch with my parents' friends, and back to the expo to meet Carly! We chatted for a while and I met her friend Kelli (they both grew up in my hometown and ran high school track with my sister - small world!) and I left them on their mission to find just the right race shirt. I did a little more shopping at the expo, and bought a new SPI wrist band with a pocket, since I hate belts of any kind SO much. Then back home to chill.
I went to bed early, but didn't really sleep well. Not too surprising. My stomach had been talking to me for since arriving in MN...it doesn't really travel well. I was still hopeful that I could work it out in the morning and have a good race.
But, as you know, that wasn't how that played out at all.
SO. Race morning! It didn't start until 8am, so I got up early, but not obscenely so. My Dad dropped me at the metrodome for the start, where we could wait inside and use real bathrooms. It was CRAZY inside, but really nice to be out of the morning chill. As cool as it was at the start, I was a little nervous about how warm it would end up.
With just 20 minutes to go, I headed outside to sunscreen up (I ended up sharing with a couple people) and check my stuff. I found my corral and waited. I'd been texting with Sara, but it wasn't until just before go time that I realized we were in different corrals (which is why I was unable to find her). It was crowded and exciting!
 |
| that's the metrodome on the right... |
The first mile, the thing I remember most was that my skirt was giving me fits. It kept falling down! I have worn this skirt on a gajillion long runs and never had this issue. I know my weight is down a little, but I didn't think it was enough to make a difference. But it was disconcerting to be messing with it for the entire first mile.
Luckily, that was short lived, and I was able to just settle into a pace that felt comfortable. My goal was to stick to as close to 11 minute miles as I could, for as long as I could. I felt AMAZING. It was gorgeous out, the energy of the race was so high, and the spectators! They rocked!
I had my walkman around my neck, but I never even put it in until mile 7. And then I took it off again, since I couldn't hear it anyway. There were very few quiet spots on this course - people lined the ENTIRE thing, whole families and neighborhoods cheering. It was outstanding!
The course starts in Minneapolis, weaves around several lakes and through gorgeous neighborhoods, runs all along the Mississippi river and into St. Paul, and then down Summit Avenue which is lined with incredible historic mansions, and ends smack in front of the State Capital building. It is BY FAR the most beautiful course I've ever run. There were no crappy industrial areas or boring spots to get through. From start to finish, it was gorgeous.
The first miles ticked off easily. I felt great. My splits were right on point. (garmin stats here.) I was chatting with other runners. I was smiling at everyone. It was perfect. Spectators, as I said, were outstanding. But the best part was seeing the same families and signs over and over again throughout the race. To the point of me actually saying to them, "Hey! I saw you just a little while ago!" It was a great race for seeing your loved ones on the course many times. Some of them I saw as many as 5 or 6 SEPARATE times. (And they didn't even belong to me! They really know how to work it!)
Even the hills! (And there ARE some hills on this course.) I ran steadily up them. I was only walking the water stops. The plan was running beautifully.
And then? Mile 12 happened. And my stomach made itself known. I had been running for a couple miles with Jess, a first time marathoner, but I sent her on her way to wait in line at the damn port-a-potty. I spent 5 or 6 minutes there, and when I finally got a turn, some RUDE guy outside was screaming like a 2 year old for us to HURRY UP IN THERE!! Really?! You think I LIKE wasting precious minutes in the damn toilet? I got the hell out, and he RAN ME OVER on the way in. He kicked my ankle out and I nearly fell. Nice. I was pissed.
And just like that, it all fell apart. I couldn't settle back into a pace. My mental game was struggling. I was upset and nearly in tears. I couldn't find a rhythm. I texted my husband that I was struggling.
He was so encouraging.
But I never got it back. I tried, and for several miles it was back and forth...I'd think I had it, and then it was gone again. Just past mile 17, I ran into my aunt and uncle on the course! That was a really nice boost right then, and I thought I could get it back. I had already been passed by the 5 hour pace group, but I wasn't so far off yet.
And then? Damn stomach again.
It was then that I realized I was hot, and a PR was out of my cards for the day. I was in it to enjoy it. I walked when I wanted to. I talked to everyone. I really had an amazing time soaking in the course, and I am glad I didn't try to kill myself when it was no longer necessary. For a while, I felt like I'd given up on myself, but after a few days to process it all, I realize I simply adjusted my goals with what the day had brought me.
And I KNOW I did the right thing.
At mile 19, I saw my parents. My Mom had been worried, since I was so far off of my projected time, but I just shrugged. I was fine. It just wasn't my day.
 |
| coming up to the Franklin St. bridge at mile 19 |
 |
| getting some love from my Mom |
This is THE BEST FINISH LINE EVER. It's on a nice downhill, the Capital in full view, and they announce your name as you cross (which I loved - it was the first time I'd ever experienced that). My family back home got to hear the announcer say my name and watch me cross live. That was also pretty cool.
 |
| looking AWAY from the finish up the hill - first we ran under the flag... |
 |
| I am a giant dork :) |
With so many superlatives used to describe everything about this race, there's no way I can say I had anything other than a fabulous time. Sub-5 hours is still waiting for me, and I'll still chase it, but that doesn't diminish my accomplishment in any way. I reminded myself often that day - I am BLESSED to GET to do this. I am LUCKY. I trained with wonderful people. I GOT TO RUN.
Now on to what's next....
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Lessons
(Race report is still coming - I'm waiting on pictures before I put it all together, so AHEM! Daddy! Email me!)
For the record, I'm really not as crabby as I sounded in yesterday's post. I just never had a chance to get upset about it until I walked in the door yesterday afternoon, and John hugged me. It honestly caught me off guard, feeling upset like that. I shed a couple tears. I wrote a pouty post.
But I don't want any of that to diminish the fantastic weekend I had.
Erin (go read her OUTSTANDING race report!) commented yesterday, "You know what our running club coach says to us after we run a race we're not happy with? "You have one hour to be upset. Then you tell me what you learned from this race."
Perfect. Here are some take away lessons from the weekend:
For the record, I'm really not as crabby as I sounded in yesterday's post. I just never had a chance to get upset about it until I walked in the door yesterday afternoon, and John hugged me. It honestly caught me off guard, feeling upset like that. I shed a couple tears. I wrote a pouty post.
But I don't want any of that to diminish the fantastic weekend I had.
Erin (go read her OUTSTANDING race report!) commented yesterday, "You know what our running club coach says to us after we run a race we're not happy with? "You have one hour to be upset. Then you tell me what you learned from this race."
Perfect. Here are some take away lessons from the weekend:
- Heat sucks the life out of me. 78 degrees at the finish. Adjusting goals because of weather is something I just need to accept and deal with gracefully.
- It is possible to be having the day of my life one minute and not be able to get up to speed a mere 10 minutes later. It happens.
- It's possible to watch your dream goal fall into the port-a-potty abyss and STILL have a fabulous time.
- High (and low) fiving little kids makes every race better.
- God bless spectators with outstanding signs. I guffawed loudly several time Sunday.
- I LOVE chatting with first time marathoners. They inspire me so much!
- This was my first "race with expectations." Just because I expect it to go a certain way, doesn't mean it will. 26.2 is a long freaking way. Anything can happen.
- Meeting awesome bloggers rules. (YAY for internet dating!!)
- Cake makes everything better.
- Text messaging awesome bloggers also rules. Even if we couldn't get our shit together AGAIN enough to meet.
- Never underestimate the boost gotten from seeing family. Especially unexpected family!
- Running a well-supported course with music is stupid (for me). Leave it home next time.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Processing
5:31:32
A pretty far cry off from where I'd hoped to be.
While the easy answer is, "You finished! Be proud!" the reality that is my brain right now is having a much tougher time wrapping my head around Sunday.
There's a lot of disappointment there.
But don't worry - I really did have a great day, and SO much fun, but that's because I adjusted my goal mid-race to "have an AMAZING time, no matter what the pace is." It worked for me that day.
I'll be back with a real race report in the next couple days, and I hope to get caught up on everyone.
I'm way proud of so many of you! SO many PR's this weekend.
Which may or may not make my less than stellar showing sting just a LITTLE bit more...
A pretty far cry off from where I'd hoped to be.
While the easy answer is, "You finished! Be proud!" the reality that is my brain right now is having a much tougher time wrapping my head around Sunday.
There's a lot of disappointment there.
But don't worry - I really did have a great day, and SO much fun, but that's because I adjusted my goal mid-race to "have an AMAZING time, no matter what the pace is." It worked for me that day.
I'll be back with a real race report in the next couple days, and I hope to get caught up on everyone.
I'm way proud of so many of you! SO many PR's this weekend.
Which may or may not make my less than stellar showing sting just a LITTLE bit more...
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