I meant to take two weeks off. Well that turned into four. I guess I can blame the holidays and the crazy schedule. We did a lot these last two weeks. Rob has worked extra hours in the day along with leading extra services. I also dealt with some pretty extreme mood swings. I have always been someone who is more "up" in good times and "border line depressed" in struggling times. On Sunday and Monday it was so strong, I felt at times I could hardly function. I worried about the effect it was having on Rob and the kids. I felt anxious and "unsafe" like I needed Rob to be home with me (which is unrealistic). It is related to hormones. It has gotten more extreme in the past few months. I know if I just hang on, it will be gone in a few days. I was exactly right. It's always 2-3 really, really bad days. I am not sure what I'm going to do about it. Because it was a really, really bad two days. I just don't want that every single month. I am leaning towards some natural methods I learned in counseling about fifteen years ago. I think I am going to see my OB to just understand what my options are.
Anyway this was a huge reason why I did not run on Monday. I was planning on running during Rob's lunch. Then with us being at the coast and the New Years Eve events, it makes the most sense to start up after all that is over. I think I can do it this time. I do miss running. The break was nice and much needed, but it's time to get moving again.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Marathon!!
Wow I did it! It is still setting in that I completed my second marathon. What a totally different (and better!) experience than four years ago. I learned so much after I ran Portland. I set new goals I was able to achieve this time around. It was a pretty amazing weekend and one I will never forget. My final time was 4:22:00. My mile pace was around 10:04.
At first when I thought about running a marathon this fall, I wanted the whole family involved. It was important for me to see Rob and all three kids as I crossed the finish line. I wanted them there in their Team Winter shirts cheering for me. They were my number one supporters throughout this whole process. The more we looked at different marathons in the Pacific Northwest, the more we realized this was not possible. Rob mentioned the idea of me taking a trip by myself to Sacramento. I am always talking about how I never get any "alone time." The California International Marathon offered free shuttle to the starting line from area motels. The Ramada Inn in Discovery Park also offered free shuttle from the finish line, convention, center and airport. I could easily do the whole trip without renting a car. I scoped out the map and Sacramento looked fairly easy to get around. The marathon course looked doable. It was only my second marathon so I did not want anything too hilly. It seemed perfect.
I flew out on Saturday and six people sitting around me were all running the CIM too. The guy sitting next to me was an experienced marathoner hoping to qualify for Boston. I appreciated talking to seasoned runners the whole weekend. I never felt like I was a "true runner" until now. I was a high school track drop out. My freshmen year at Calvin, a girl on my floor encouraged me to train for a 5K. My response was, "3 miles. Wow, I could never run 3 miles!" And even after I ran Portland in 2006, I thought my marathon days were short lived and over. It is a wonderful feeling to talk with these fellow runners and feel like I am part of something. There is much I can learn from them too.
I took the city bus from the airport the the Convention center downtown. I was impressed how well I did venturing around an unfamilar city. I picked up my packet and spent a little time exploring the expo. I had lunch at Wolfgang Puck express in the expo and finished reading a book I started on the airplane. It was the first time in I don't know how long that I LOVED to be myself. I craved the alone time and I soaked it all up. I left the Convention center and checked into my motel. I did a quick two mile run on a bike path in back of my motel. I was a little leary about how safe the area was. I saw some possibly homeless men or drifters wandering around and it made me a little uncomfortable. The sun was beginning to set. I loved the colors on the trees and the river. Plus the warm air was wonderful. I ate dinner at a restaurant next to the hotel and ordered pasta. It was not great, but it was not terrible either. I read more of my book and noticed all the runners venturing in. It was awesome to see many people like me...30 or 40 somethings who took a weekend away leaving their kids with their spouses to come run. Some came with groups of friends or family, but there were a lot of people like me who came alone.
Surprisingly I was pretty calm and excited about running. The night before I ran Portland I was an absolute mess. This time I watched a movie and read more of my book. It was relaxing. I was able to fall asleep around 9 PM. I awoke a couple times in the night. I was a little concerned my cough in my throat turned into a sinus headache. It was in and out. I did not feel it all night. I awoke around 4:30 AM to runners getting up and walking around outside. I got on the bus at 5 AM in front of the hotel. Our bus was jam packed with runners. There was no free seats and tons of people had to stand. I ended up sitting next to a chatty girl from Coos Bay, Oregon. She talked the whole entire trip to Folsom and even told me I could ask to her "Shut up" if she was being annoying. It was a good distraction. My nerves were starting to act up and I was concerned about my sinus head ache. I was still coughing as well. She was also trying to qualify for Boston and shared some good running tips. I found her after the race back at our motel and she did qualify.
We got to Folsom around 6:15 AM. It was pretty dark and you could not see very much. The portapotty line was massively long. By the time I used the bathroom and turned in my sweat bag, I had about fifteen minutes until the start. I decied to join a pace team. In Portland my pace was all over the pace. This was the major reason why I hit the wall at Mile #19. My goal was to get around 4:15 - 4:25 so I joined the 4:15 team. I figured if I could keep up with them most of the way, I could beat my time. The pace leaders seemed really upbeat and chatty. That would get me through the race.
The gun went off and I had that feeling I always get when I am racing. I feel like yelling "Ahhh! I am running a marathon!" The sun was starting to come up and some of us realized it was going to get warmer. We were all overdressed. We were told how cold it was the year before. So many people regretting their long sleeve shirts. I was wearing my short sleeve Team Winter shirt with my blue long sleeve shirt under it. I figured I could change in one of the port-a-potties if I got too hot. I was keeping up fine with the pace team. We were running through more a rural area passing cows and farmland.
By around Mile #8 I really started to feel warm. I felt pretty uncomfortable. I also felt like my pace was too quick and I would not be able to continue the 9:40 miles. I was hydrating as much as I could. I was not sure what to do. I tried to talk to people to distract me. I found whenever I talked, I felt like I had to cough. My sinus head ache was going in and out again. I am so used to running alone that the team leaders were almost distracting. I could not get into "the zone" I can usually break into it by this point. At the halfway point, I ducked behind a storage shed and took off my shirts. I put my short sleeve shirt on and tied my long sleeve shirt around my waist. Instantly I felt way more comfortable. What a big difference! I lost the pace team and was not sure I would be able to catch up to them. As long as I stayed in between the 4:15 team and 4:30 team, I would beat my time. That was my new goal. I figured the 4:15 pace might be too much for me. My sinus head ache was gone. I think it was due to being too warm.
Around Mile #14 we started running through all these little cute communities. There were little shops and people cheering along the side of the road. I was able to get "into the zone" and my pace dropped to about 10 minute miles. I felt way more comfortable and knew I could continue. The gu and Ultima helped so much. I was thankful I had trained with both. By Mile #19, I was absolutely pumped that I was not totally dead. I COULD KEEP RUNNING! I walked through the aid stations and probably 30 seconds to a minute after the aid stations. It was almost more work to stop and start again so I ran as much as I could. My pace got a little slower by about 5-10 seconds, but I was averaging 10 minute miles.
As we approached downtown, the crowd started to get larger. The last two miles were grueling. When are we there? Are we getting any closer? I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. My form was starting to get sloppy, but I wanted to finish as strong as I could. I was really excited when I crossed the finish and I saw my gun time was 4:25! I shaved almost fifteen minutes off my Portland time. I felt so much stronger too! When I finished Portland, I felt like an absolute wreck. I swore I never wanted to do it again. This time I was so pumped. I had several post marathon conversation with people about what marathons I wanted to try in the future.
The rest of the weekend was very relaxing and included a nap, more reading time. a short walk, and I watched a documentary. So nice to have that alone time. In my current phase of life, I never get it. Or on a very rare occassion.
I would love to do this again in another year and a half or two years if I am able. It takes a lot for Rob and I am forever grateful for all his support. I really could not do it without him and my finisher medal is partially his. It really is a team effort and he is absolutely amazing in all he does for me. He has taught me to have an attitude of "feeling blessed" not guilty.
I will continue this blog, but I will not update it as often. At this point I am seriously considering doing the Eugene Half Marathon in May. It is part of the Eugene Marathon weekend. I could probably do the full, but it is more of a timing issue if anything with the long runs. Team Winter will be at the event and I would love to do an actual race with some other Team Winter participants. I think Winter herself is doing the half. Right now I am going to take two full weeks off from all exercise. Then I would like to get back into Rob's ab workouts he does in karate. They are brutal and not fun at all, but they really work. It is only about 10-15 minutes of torture. Then I will run outside about three times a week. If it works to do Eugene, I will start training in February. Rob and the kids should be able to watch me do Eugene as he would be off on that Sunday.
I still think about the duoathlon or triathlon idea. It is going to be awhile before I can do that as I don't have a good bike and would need to book a couple more swim lessons. I might look into the local running club. It sounds crazy, but I need to learn how to run with other people. It might help with pushing myself more and pacing.
I loved traveling alone and would not have it any other way. I do sometimes wish I had "a running friend" or someone to go to races with. Trena fulfilled that role for a short while, but she moved to Hawaii. Most of my friends and family members who run are in the Midwest. So maybe the running club might help with that. Or maybe running is my "alone time." Since I am so extroverted and around children all the time, I am hardly ever alone. Maybe running fills that space inside of me.
At first when I thought about running a marathon this fall, I wanted the whole family involved. It was important for me to see Rob and all three kids as I crossed the finish line. I wanted them there in their Team Winter shirts cheering for me. They were my number one supporters throughout this whole process. The more we looked at different marathons in the Pacific Northwest, the more we realized this was not possible. Rob mentioned the idea of me taking a trip by myself to Sacramento. I am always talking about how I never get any "alone time." The California International Marathon offered free shuttle to the starting line from area motels. The Ramada Inn in Discovery Park also offered free shuttle from the finish line, convention, center and airport. I could easily do the whole trip without renting a car. I scoped out the map and Sacramento looked fairly easy to get around. The marathon course looked doable. It was only my second marathon so I did not want anything too hilly. It seemed perfect.
I flew out on Saturday and six people sitting around me were all running the CIM too. The guy sitting next to me was an experienced marathoner hoping to qualify for Boston. I appreciated talking to seasoned runners the whole weekend. I never felt like I was a "true runner" until now. I was a high school track drop out. My freshmen year at Calvin, a girl on my floor encouraged me to train for a 5K. My response was, "3 miles. Wow, I could never run 3 miles!" And even after I ran Portland in 2006, I thought my marathon days were short lived and over. It is a wonderful feeling to talk with these fellow runners and feel like I am part of something. There is much I can learn from them too.
I took the city bus from the airport the the Convention center downtown. I was impressed how well I did venturing around an unfamilar city. I picked up my packet and spent a little time exploring the expo. I had lunch at Wolfgang Puck express in the expo and finished reading a book I started on the airplane. It was the first time in I don't know how long that I LOVED to be myself. I craved the alone time and I soaked it all up. I left the Convention center and checked into my motel. I did a quick two mile run on a bike path in back of my motel. I was a little leary about how safe the area was. I saw some possibly homeless men or drifters wandering around and it made me a little uncomfortable. The sun was beginning to set. I loved the colors on the trees and the river. Plus the warm air was wonderful. I ate dinner at a restaurant next to the hotel and ordered pasta. It was not great, but it was not terrible either. I read more of my book and noticed all the runners venturing in. It was awesome to see many people like me...30 or 40 somethings who took a weekend away leaving their kids with their spouses to come run. Some came with groups of friends or family, but there were a lot of people like me who came alone.
Surprisingly I was pretty calm and excited about running. The night before I ran Portland I was an absolute mess. This time I watched a movie and read more of my book. It was relaxing. I was able to fall asleep around 9 PM. I awoke a couple times in the night. I was a little concerned my cough in my throat turned into a sinus headache. It was in and out. I did not feel it all night. I awoke around 4:30 AM to runners getting up and walking around outside. I got on the bus at 5 AM in front of the hotel. Our bus was jam packed with runners. There was no free seats and tons of people had to stand. I ended up sitting next to a chatty girl from Coos Bay, Oregon. She talked the whole entire trip to Folsom and even told me I could ask to her "Shut up" if she was being annoying. It was a good distraction. My nerves were starting to act up and I was concerned about my sinus head ache. I was still coughing as well. She was also trying to qualify for Boston and shared some good running tips. I found her after the race back at our motel and she did qualify.
We got to Folsom around 6:15 AM. It was pretty dark and you could not see very much. The portapotty line was massively long. By the time I used the bathroom and turned in my sweat bag, I had about fifteen minutes until the start. I decied to join a pace team. In Portland my pace was all over the pace. This was the major reason why I hit the wall at Mile #19. My goal was to get around 4:15 - 4:25 so I joined the 4:15 team. I figured if I could keep up with them most of the way, I could beat my time. The pace leaders seemed really upbeat and chatty. That would get me through the race.
The gun went off and I had that feeling I always get when I am racing. I feel like yelling "Ahhh! I am running a marathon!" The sun was starting to come up and some of us realized it was going to get warmer. We were all overdressed. We were told how cold it was the year before. So many people regretting their long sleeve shirts. I was wearing my short sleeve Team Winter shirt with my blue long sleeve shirt under it. I figured I could change in one of the port-a-potties if I got too hot. I was keeping up fine with the pace team. We were running through more a rural area passing cows and farmland.
By around Mile #8 I really started to feel warm. I felt pretty uncomfortable. I also felt like my pace was too quick and I would not be able to continue the 9:40 miles. I was hydrating as much as I could. I was not sure what to do. I tried to talk to people to distract me. I found whenever I talked, I felt like I had to cough. My sinus head ache was going in and out again. I am so used to running alone that the team leaders were almost distracting. I could not get into "the zone" I can usually break into it by this point. At the halfway point, I ducked behind a storage shed and took off my shirts. I put my short sleeve shirt on and tied my long sleeve shirt around my waist. Instantly I felt way more comfortable. What a big difference! I lost the pace team and was not sure I would be able to catch up to them. As long as I stayed in between the 4:15 team and 4:30 team, I would beat my time. That was my new goal. I figured the 4:15 pace might be too much for me. My sinus head ache was gone. I think it was due to being too warm.
Around Mile #14 we started running through all these little cute communities. There were little shops and people cheering along the side of the road. I was able to get "into the zone" and my pace dropped to about 10 minute miles. I felt way more comfortable and knew I could continue. The gu and Ultima helped so much. I was thankful I had trained with both. By Mile #19, I was absolutely pumped that I was not totally dead. I COULD KEEP RUNNING! I walked through the aid stations and probably 30 seconds to a minute after the aid stations. It was almost more work to stop and start again so I ran as much as I could. My pace got a little slower by about 5-10 seconds, but I was averaging 10 minute miles.
As we approached downtown, the crowd started to get larger. The last two miles were grueling. When are we there? Are we getting any closer? I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. My form was starting to get sloppy, but I wanted to finish as strong as I could. I was really excited when I crossed the finish and I saw my gun time was 4:25! I shaved almost fifteen minutes off my Portland time. I felt so much stronger too! When I finished Portland, I felt like an absolute wreck. I swore I never wanted to do it again. This time I was so pumped. I had several post marathon conversation with people about what marathons I wanted to try in the future.
The rest of the weekend was very relaxing and included a nap, more reading time. a short walk, and I watched a documentary. So nice to have that alone time. In my current phase of life, I never get it. Or on a very rare occassion.
I would love to do this again in another year and a half or two years if I am able. It takes a lot for Rob and I am forever grateful for all his support. I really could not do it without him and my finisher medal is partially his. It really is a team effort and he is absolutely amazing in all he does for me. He has taught me to have an attitude of "feeling blessed" not guilty.
I will continue this blog, but I will not update it as often. At this point I am seriously considering doing the Eugene Half Marathon in May. It is part of the Eugene Marathon weekend. I could probably do the full, but it is more of a timing issue if anything with the long runs. Team Winter will be at the event and I would love to do an actual race with some other Team Winter participants. I think Winter herself is doing the half. Right now I am going to take two full weeks off from all exercise. Then I would like to get back into Rob's ab workouts he does in karate. They are brutal and not fun at all, but they really work. It is only about 10-15 minutes of torture. Then I will run outside about three times a week. If it works to do Eugene, I will start training in February. Rob and the kids should be able to watch me do Eugene as he would be off on that Sunday.
I still think about the duoathlon or triathlon idea. It is going to be awhile before I can do that as I don't have a good bike and would need to book a couple more swim lessons. I might look into the local running club. It sounds crazy, but I need to learn how to run with other people. It might help with pushing myself more and pacing.
I loved traveling alone and would not have it any other way. I do sometimes wish I had "a running friend" or someone to go to races with. Trena fulfilled that role for a short while, but she moved to Hawaii. Most of my friends and family members who run are in the Midwest. So maybe the running club might help with that. Or maybe running is my "alone time." Since I am so extroverted and around children all the time, I am hardly ever alone. Maybe running fills that space inside of me.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Week #18
This week is all about rest until the big day on Sunday!!
Monday - Rest. And I dropped my gym membership. I am going to miss it, but I haven't been there as much this month. I would feel better if I had a bike right now so I could at least do some outside biking. I would also feel better if I had a place to take Hailey swimming. I wanted to take her more, but it turned out to be once every 2-3 months. We're looking into the South Salem Swim & Tennis Club for swim lessons for her and they offer a few open swim times as well. I don't we can afford the summer membership though. I guess I have to realize Hailey is only five and I am not at the point where I can take all three swimming yet anyway. I have been thinking about trying to do a triathlon, but I am probably going to have to wait at least a year or so.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
The weather was awful. Cold. Windy. Rainy. Miserable. My throat hurt a little too. I caught what everyone else has. Mine started last Wednesday so I am hoping it's better by Sunday. It's not too bad, but I am coughing...mostly at night. It's been a crazy week so far. Kara has been miserable and feverish. I think I might be taking her tomorrow, and they will probably just tell me it's a virus and she'll get over it. I am glad I was still able to run. I am glad this is the last week. There is no way I would want to do a long run in the kind of weather we're having right now.
Wednesday & Thursday - Rest
The rest has been good for me. This cough and cold is lingering. Thought I would be over it by now. I am coughing mostly at night and a little bit during the day. The plus side is that is not affecting my energy level at all. I am not fatigued or weak or achy. I would just like to be coughing less by Sunday.
Friday - Ran 2 miles
Can't remember the last time I did a short 2 mile road. Wow, I leave for Sacramento tomorrow!! Still coughing. I ran fine and my energy level is OK. I just wish I had total relief from the coughing, but maybe that is unrealistic. Glad I have two more full days for my throat to get better. It seems to be a little bit better today.
Saturday - Ran 2 miles in Sacramento
I ran around the motel I was staying in but ending up dead ending into some industrial area. I was not sure how safe the neighborhood was that I was running in. Then I saw some runners off to right up a hill. I found a beautiful bike path along the river. I started running and I just took off. It was that "I am flying feeling." It was so beautiful out with colored leaves still on the trees and the water off to the side. I was a little leary about my safety. It was pretty secluded and there were single men walking along the path...did not look like runners. I thought I saw a homeless guy wandering around. The sun was starting to set so I headed back. I got two miles in.
Monday - Rest. And I dropped my gym membership. I am going to miss it, but I haven't been there as much this month. I would feel better if I had a bike right now so I could at least do some outside biking. I would also feel better if I had a place to take Hailey swimming. I wanted to take her more, but it turned out to be once every 2-3 months. We're looking into the South Salem Swim & Tennis Club for swim lessons for her and they offer a few open swim times as well. I don't we can afford the summer membership though. I guess I have to realize Hailey is only five and I am not at the point where I can take all three swimming yet anyway. I have been thinking about trying to do a triathlon, but I am probably going to have to wait at least a year or so.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
The weather was awful. Cold. Windy. Rainy. Miserable. My throat hurt a little too. I caught what everyone else has. Mine started last Wednesday so I am hoping it's better by Sunday. It's not too bad, but I am coughing...mostly at night. It's been a crazy week so far. Kara has been miserable and feverish. I think I might be taking her tomorrow, and they will probably just tell me it's a virus and she'll get over it. I am glad I was still able to run. I am glad this is the last week. There is no way I would want to do a long run in the kind of weather we're having right now.
Wednesday & Thursday - Rest
The rest has been good for me. This cough and cold is lingering. Thought I would be over it by now. I am coughing mostly at night and a little bit during the day. The plus side is that is not affecting my energy level at all. I am not fatigued or weak or achy. I would just like to be coughing less by Sunday.
Friday - Ran 2 miles
Can't remember the last time I did a short 2 mile road. Wow, I leave for Sacramento tomorrow!! Still coughing. I ran fine and my energy level is OK. I just wish I had total relief from the coughing, but maybe that is unrealistic. Glad I have two more full days for my throat to get better. It seems to be a little bit better today.
Saturday - Ran 2 miles in Sacramento
I ran around the motel I was staying in but ending up dead ending into some industrial area. I was not sure how safe the neighborhood was that I was running in. Then I saw some runners off to right up a hill. I found a beautiful bike path along the river. I started running and I just took off. It was that "I am flying feeling." It was so beautiful out with colored leaves still on the trees and the water off to the side. I was a little leary about my safety. It was pretty secluded and there were single men walking along the path...did not look like runners. I thought I saw a homeless guy wandering around. The sun was starting to set so I headed back. I got two miles in.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Week #17
I can't believe I am leaving for Sacramento a week from Saturday!!
Monday - I could not really run today due to a crazy schedule. We were taking Derek out for his birthday in the evening. I was at Dr. K's office with all three kids from 1:45 PM - 3:50 PM. Really kind of stunk. I could not run during Rob's lunch because he and Hailey went to buy birthday presents for Derek. And I was not going to get up early after having arrived home from Michigan Sunday night after traveling all day long.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
We got hit with an "Oregon Artic Blast" which is still a little humorous after living in Michigan for so many years. Yet I am understanding the severity of it having now lived outside the Midwest for four years. There is hardly any snow. No one knows how to drive in it. They don't "de-ice" anything. They just throw gravel all over the main roads. Running outside is impossible until the ice melts along the side of the road. I guess in Oregon we don't really get snow, but we do get ice.
Rob didn't really want me driving out at night. So I went to gym during his lunch and ran three miles. I am really supposed to do four today, but given the lack of time...I made three. I went really quick like a 8.40 pace which was awesome. I was done around 26 minutes. I am getting excited for Sacramento and hope I'm ready!!
Wednesday - Ran 4 miles
I ran 4 miles and changed my route so I ran up the Boone hills...which are less overwhelming. I did not feel as good as yesterday...a little fatigued. Once I hit the second mile, I felt better. The weather was the coldest I have run in yet and I was overdressed again. It was only icy on our street so I felt safe. No big wind or rain so that made it easier.
I am thinking about dropping my gym membership. As much as I love going, I like running outside more. If I do a triathlon in a year, I may pick it up again. Rob and I talked about buying hand weights for weight training. I want to buy a bike as well. I am not as excited about going to the early morning classes anymore and it's really hard to get there in the evening. There are so few evenings in the week I can actually get over there let alone make the 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM classes. I'd really like to pick it again at least when Derek is in school and I only have one at home. Even that is not for awhile.
Thursday - Rest
We were at Jonganeels' a good part of the day for Thanksgiving. Decided to take it easy.
Friday - Ran 4 miles
Went to the gym at 8 PM and there were like three other people there. I had a really good run on the treadmill. Did not go quite as fast as Wednesday, but still finished in about forty minutes. I felt good afterwards too.
Saturday - Pool
I took Hailey swimming. It may not count as cross training, but it was very relaxing. I tread water in the deep end with her for about 15 minutes and swam around. The hot tub felt amazing on the joints in my legs.
Holy cow, I can't believe I am flying to Sacramento a week from today. Is this for real?
Sunday - Ran 8 miles
My last long run! It was a fantastic run. I felt a little weak the first 1/2 mile, but once I got going I felt awesome. I reflected so much on the last few months as I was running. I am so blessed by this whole experience. From running in the summer into fall and now at the beginning of winter.
It was good to get out too. I had to miss church yet again. I have been miss a lot of Sundays lately. Kara caught this cough and cold we all got. Hers generated a high fever and it got all the way up to 104. No throwing up. Just trying to give her lots of TLC and keeping her comfortable. I have had this throaty cough since I left Michigan and it was really bad Friday night. Seems to be improving each day.
Monday - I could not really run today due to a crazy schedule. We were taking Derek out for his birthday in the evening. I was at Dr. K's office with all three kids from 1:45 PM - 3:50 PM. Really kind of stunk. I could not run during Rob's lunch because he and Hailey went to buy birthday presents for Derek. And I was not going to get up early after having arrived home from Michigan Sunday night after traveling all day long.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
We got hit with an "Oregon Artic Blast" which is still a little humorous after living in Michigan for so many years. Yet I am understanding the severity of it having now lived outside the Midwest for four years. There is hardly any snow. No one knows how to drive in it. They don't "de-ice" anything. They just throw gravel all over the main roads. Running outside is impossible until the ice melts along the side of the road. I guess in Oregon we don't really get snow, but we do get ice.
Rob didn't really want me driving out at night. So I went to gym during his lunch and ran three miles. I am really supposed to do four today, but given the lack of time...I made three. I went really quick like a 8.40 pace which was awesome. I was done around 26 minutes. I am getting excited for Sacramento and hope I'm ready!!
Wednesday - Ran 4 miles
I ran 4 miles and changed my route so I ran up the Boone hills...which are less overwhelming. I did not feel as good as yesterday...a little fatigued. Once I hit the second mile, I felt better. The weather was the coldest I have run in yet and I was overdressed again. It was only icy on our street so I felt safe. No big wind or rain so that made it easier.
I am thinking about dropping my gym membership. As much as I love going, I like running outside more. If I do a triathlon in a year, I may pick it up again. Rob and I talked about buying hand weights for weight training. I want to buy a bike as well. I am not as excited about going to the early morning classes anymore and it's really hard to get there in the evening. There are so few evenings in the week I can actually get over there let alone make the 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM classes. I'd really like to pick it again at least when Derek is in school and I only have one at home. Even that is not for awhile.
Thursday - Rest
We were at Jonganeels' a good part of the day for Thanksgiving. Decided to take it easy.
Friday - Ran 4 miles
Went to the gym at 8 PM and there were like three other people there. I had a really good run on the treadmill. Did not go quite as fast as Wednesday, but still finished in about forty minutes. I felt good afterwards too.
Saturday - Pool
I took Hailey swimming. It may not count as cross training, but it was very relaxing. I tread water in the deep end with her for about 15 minutes and swam around. The hot tub felt amazing on the joints in my legs.
Holy cow, I can't believe I am flying to Sacramento a week from today. Is this for real?
Sunday - Ran 8 miles
My last long run! It was a fantastic run. I felt a little weak the first 1/2 mile, but once I got going I felt awesome. I reflected so much on the last few months as I was running. I am so blessed by this whole experience. From running in the summer into fall and now at the beginning of winter.
It was good to get out too. I had to miss church yet again. I have been miss a lot of Sundays lately. Kara caught this cough and cold we all got. Hers generated a high fever and it got all the way up to 104. No throwing up. Just trying to give her lots of TLC and keeping her comfortable. I have had this throaty cough since I left Michigan and it was really bad Friday night. Seems to be improving each day.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Week #16
Can't believe I am to the taper already!!
Sunday - Ran 5 miles
Surprisingly I felt good. Was thinking I would be more sore after running 20 miles two days ago. I have a little bit of pain in my right thigh...like closer to the back of the knee. This is the exact same spot it hurt after I ran Portland. I did my regular five mile route to Sumpter Park. I was overdressed. For some reason I thought it was cooler than what it actually was. The weather was cloudy, but no rain.
Monday - OK I just back from Grand Rapids and I am trying to write last week's entries. I can't remember when I ran. I think (if I remember right) I did not run last Monday.
Tuesday - Ran 4 miles
I am pretty sure I ran 4 on Tuesday during Rob's lunch and I think my regular four mile route. As far as I know, the run went well and was uneventful.
Wednesday - I know I did not run because I was traveling all day - from 7 AM (Pacific time) until 9 PM (Eastern time). Very long day!
Thursday - Ran 5 miles
I ran five miles on the treadmill at the Prince Conference Center Exercise Room. I watched Fox News and the Office. Even with being able to watch shows, I DO NOT LIKE THE TREADMILL. I am constantly looking at the time and mileage. I don't feel comfortable. I had to stop and go to the bathroom. I kind of call it "conference bug." With all the different foods I eat at conferences, I often get digestive issues. It is usually mild and goes away really fast, but running made it worse. Then I got interrupted to get more water and give my roommate a room key. It just wasn't a very fun run.
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday - I did not run because our schedule just did not allow the time to get away. I hate missing another long run. If I did not have Kara with me, I would have run in Fruitport on my old running paths. But that was not really possible. I don't think it will set me back. I plan to run 8 on Friday. I feel like I will be ready for the marathon. Honestly the way my schedule has been and with all these trips...I've done pretty well.
Sunday - Ran 5 miles
Surprisingly I felt good. Was thinking I would be more sore after running 20 miles two days ago. I have a little bit of pain in my right thigh...like closer to the back of the knee. This is the exact same spot it hurt after I ran Portland. I did my regular five mile route to Sumpter Park. I was overdressed. For some reason I thought it was cooler than what it actually was. The weather was cloudy, but no rain.
Monday - OK I just back from Grand Rapids and I am trying to write last week's entries. I can't remember when I ran. I think (if I remember right) I did not run last Monday.
Tuesday - Ran 4 miles
I am pretty sure I ran 4 on Tuesday during Rob's lunch and I think my regular four mile route. As far as I know, the run went well and was uneventful.
Wednesday - I know I did not run because I was traveling all day - from 7 AM (Pacific time) until 9 PM (Eastern time). Very long day!
Thursday - Ran 5 miles
I ran five miles on the treadmill at the Prince Conference Center Exercise Room. I watched Fox News and the Office. Even with being able to watch shows, I DO NOT LIKE THE TREADMILL. I am constantly looking at the time and mileage. I don't feel comfortable. I had to stop and go to the bathroom. I kind of call it "conference bug." With all the different foods I eat at conferences, I often get digestive issues. It is usually mild and goes away really fast, but running made it worse. Then I got interrupted to get more water and give my roommate a room key. It just wasn't a very fun run.
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday - I did not run because our schedule just did not allow the time to get away. I hate missing another long run. If I did not have Kara with me, I would have run in Fruitport on my old running paths. But that was not really possible. I don't think it will set me back. I plan to run 8 on Friday. I feel like I will be ready for the marathon. Honestly the way my schedule has been and with all these trips...I've done pretty well.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Week #15
Monday - Ran 5 miles
I ran at Rob's lunch and thankfully avoided the rain. It was sunny when I started, but it has been in and out all day. It started pouring buckets about five minutes after I returned home. I hate taking so much time off. But I was happy I felt pretty strong after the first mile. I did my regular five mile run to Sumpter Park.
No pain anywhere and my stomach is fine. I am only going to concentrate on running this week. I am hoping to do some easy cross training (probably just a walk or easy bike ride on the stationary bike) this week. This is my last huge week before the taper. I am pretty sure I can do my 20 mile run on Friday. I am ready for it! Bring it on!
Tuesday - Ran 5 miles
I ran during Rob's lunch again. Bad weather. Cold, windy, and rainy. It's been in the 40's which is a little bit cooler for November in Oregon. The wind was fairly strong. I was in rain part of the time, but not any downpours so it was manageable. My hands were cold, but the rest of me was fine. I ran on Boone so I could some hills and then just up Commerical to Fabry and then back. I was surprised how hard the hills on Boone were today. Last time I ran them, I felt much stronger. I almost walked up the last one. It was a mix of the wind, cold, and the fact I have not been as consistent with running the last two and a half weeks.
Wednesday - Ran 5 miles
Three days in a row. Again during Rob's lunch. I did Monday's route, but I ran the opposite way. The weather was better today. No wind. Barely any rain...just a mist in the air. I felt a little tired, but not like yesterday. I am glad I feel much more motivated this week. Nothing is hurting or injured. I am hoping it can stay that way.
Thursday - Rest
Nice break! I needed it.
Friday - Ran 20 miles!!!
It was a nice sunny day. I thought of saving the 20 miler for Sunday. I was not sure if this weather would last. And today worked better with Rob's schedule. The temperature was perfect. The sign by Mc Donalds said it was 54 degrees and the billboard said 49 degrees so it was around that. I wore my long sleeve marathon shirt and Nike shorts. I went from periods of being too hot and then too cold and then hot again. I did a 12 mile loop, stopped at home very briefly to fill up my water bottle and grab another pack of gu, and then did my 8 mile loop. I started out feeling really good. By around mile #6, I started to feel fatigued. I stopped and walked up the Battlecreek hill. I was actually pretty nervous about this run. I think because my 20 milers were really tough when I trained for Portland. I am pretty sure it was a mix of nerves and stomach issues. And maybe I had not eaten enough? I ran up the Fox Haven hill and Landau hill without walking and feeling fine so I thought it was more nerves. By Mile #10 my stomach was acting up. I stopped at Circle K to go to the bathroom. After that, no more stomach issues. I was fine.
The best part of the run for me today was Mile #12 - #14. Yes, there is such thing as a second wind. I felt great. Started to get more fatigued by Mile #15, but kept myself moving. I found it almost harder to stop and walk and then start up again. I was doing better slowing my pace down. Once I started to walk, it was hard to get my legs going again into a run. I did about ten minute miles so I was happy with how it went overall. I only stopped to walk four or five times for one to two minutes. I did not feel as strong as my 19 miler. I think my body is still recovering from the intestinal thing last week.
Saturday - I rested. My body felt shot. I was so fatigued all I day. I did not get done half the stuff done I was supposed to. I guess I cannot expect anything more from myself. The soreness and fatigue was starting to feel better by 6 PM.
I ran at Rob's lunch and thankfully avoided the rain. It was sunny when I started, but it has been in and out all day. It started pouring buckets about five minutes after I returned home. I hate taking so much time off. But I was happy I felt pretty strong after the first mile. I did my regular five mile run to Sumpter Park.
No pain anywhere and my stomach is fine. I am only going to concentrate on running this week. I am hoping to do some easy cross training (probably just a walk or easy bike ride on the stationary bike) this week. This is my last huge week before the taper. I am pretty sure I can do my 20 mile run on Friday. I am ready for it! Bring it on!
Tuesday - Ran 5 miles
I ran during Rob's lunch again. Bad weather. Cold, windy, and rainy. It's been in the 40's which is a little bit cooler for November in Oregon. The wind was fairly strong. I was in rain part of the time, but not any downpours so it was manageable. My hands were cold, but the rest of me was fine. I ran on Boone so I could some hills and then just up Commerical to Fabry and then back. I was surprised how hard the hills on Boone were today. Last time I ran them, I felt much stronger. I almost walked up the last one. It was a mix of the wind, cold, and the fact I have not been as consistent with running the last two and a half weeks.
Wednesday - Ran 5 miles
Three days in a row. Again during Rob's lunch. I did Monday's route, but I ran the opposite way. The weather was better today. No wind. Barely any rain...just a mist in the air. I felt a little tired, but not like yesterday. I am glad I feel much more motivated this week. Nothing is hurting or injured. I am hoping it can stay that way.
Thursday - Rest
Nice break! I needed it.
Friday - Ran 20 miles!!!
It was a nice sunny day. I thought of saving the 20 miler for Sunday. I was not sure if this weather would last. And today worked better with Rob's schedule. The temperature was perfect. The sign by Mc Donalds said it was 54 degrees and the billboard said 49 degrees so it was around that. I wore my long sleeve marathon shirt and Nike shorts. I went from periods of being too hot and then too cold and then hot again. I did a 12 mile loop, stopped at home very briefly to fill up my water bottle and grab another pack of gu, and then did my 8 mile loop. I started out feeling really good. By around mile #6, I started to feel fatigued. I stopped and walked up the Battlecreek hill. I was actually pretty nervous about this run. I think because my 20 milers were really tough when I trained for Portland. I am pretty sure it was a mix of nerves and stomach issues. And maybe I had not eaten enough? I ran up the Fox Haven hill and Landau hill without walking and feeling fine so I thought it was more nerves. By Mile #10 my stomach was acting up. I stopped at Circle K to go to the bathroom. After that, no more stomach issues. I was fine.
The best part of the run for me today was Mile #12 - #14. Yes, there is such thing as a second wind. I felt great. Started to get more fatigued by Mile #15, but kept myself moving. I found it almost harder to stop and walk and then start up again. I was doing better slowing my pace down. Once I started to walk, it was hard to get my legs going again into a run. I did about ten minute miles so I was happy with how it went overall. I only stopped to walk four or five times for one to two minutes. I did not feel as strong as my 19 miler. I think my body is still recovering from the intestinal thing last week.
Saturday - I rested. My body felt shot. I was so fatigued all I day. I did not get done half the stuff done I was supposed to. I guess I cannot expect anything more from myself. The soreness and fatigue was starting to feel better by 6 PM.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week #14
Monday - Ran 5 miles
I am no longer running in the mornings because it is way too dark. I also am taking a break from Power because I am worried about overduing it with the strength training. I was reading Hal's tips for marathon training and he says to ease up on strength training by this point and cut it out all together by around Week #16. I know I need to do more with cross training and stretching. Honestly that is more of a scheduling issue if anything. I did walk for about a half hour on Sunday afternoon and that does count for cross training. I do like sleeping until 7 AM.
Anyway I ran my five mile route to Sumpter Park at 5 PM. The rain held off at least until the third mile. It was not a downpour this time, but I was pretty wet. I felt good except my muscles feel really tight. I want to do some good stretching this week.
Tuesday and Wednesday - Rest
In some ways it has been a tough week and I have not been very motivated. Which is why I did not run either of these days.
Thursday - Centergy
I went to Centergy and I have not gone since February. Back when I joined the Courthouse in January of 2009, I went to Centergy at least once a week...sometimes twice. I went for about four months until morning sickness set in with Kara and it was too much. I went two or three times last winter. I used to love it. I felt really energized by it. It was my favorite class.
My muscles has been so tight. I really should have been going all throughout this marathon training period. The running itself takes so much time. I don't know how I can squeeze anything else in there. Maybe if I run a marathon when Kara is 18, I'll have time for it. By that time I'll be 50. Am I really going to want to do this at age 50? I can see myself doing something like Curves or aerobics or jazzercise. :)
Anyway I did not get the memo you now have to bring you own mat to Centergy. This guy was nice enough to lend me his. He had two. Which means if I want to go back, I should stop at Big Five and buy a yoga mat. I'm not sure I want to spend my money on that right now. To be honest, the workout was tough! It hurt. The instructor said I probably needed it if it hurt that bad. I really really liked her. Which would probably make want to go back. It is more of a community class. The people were really sweet and chatty. No one at Power ever talks. So we'll see if I go back. It was nice break from running.
Friday and Saturday and probably Sunday - No running
Ugh! I hate missing all this training. Rob and Kara had an intestinal bug on Sunday. Kara was still pretty perky, but pretty pale in her face. Her appetite was a little lower. She had diarrhea and threw up twice...right after she ate. Rob was still able to preach two sermons (which included the evening one in Portland) and he did not seem too bad. So my thinking was if I don't get it by Thursday 1) I'm in the clear or 2) It will be mild. I was wrong on both. I could feel it coming on Thursday night around 11 PM and just planned on being sick on Friday. Rob was off work and I had gotten caught up on my studying and Banner work so I knew I would be OK. It was not mild...it usually isn't for me. Don't know what I was thinking. I was wiped out all day and went to bed at 9 PM. Around 4 PM yesterday all the intestinal stuff was gone, but I had a pounding head ache and felt overly weak. I am pretty much back to normal (it is Saturday night), but because I only drank Gatorade and ate soda crackers for 24 hours, my strength is not fully back. I hate, hate, hate missing all this running. I feel like I've been inconsistent since we left for Arizona. I go to Grand Rapids in two weeks which is going to disrupt my schedule again. I really cannot overdue it this weekend. I usually take two to three extra days off when I get sick. So I'll probably start up on Monday and call this a week.
I am no longer running in the mornings because it is way too dark. I also am taking a break from Power because I am worried about overduing it with the strength training. I was reading Hal's tips for marathon training and he says to ease up on strength training by this point and cut it out all together by around Week #16. I know I need to do more with cross training and stretching. Honestly that is more of a scheduling issue if anything. I did walk for about a half hour on Sunday afternoon and that does count for cross training. I do like sleeping until 7 AM.
Anyway I ran my five mile route to Sumpter Park at 5 PM. The rain held off at least until the third mile. It was not a downpour this time, but I was pretty wet. I felt good except my muscles feel really tight. I want to do some good stretching this week.
Tuesday and Wednesday - Rest
In some ways it has been a tough week and I have not been very motivated. Which is why I did not run either of these days.
Thursday - Centergy
I went to Centergy and I have not gone since February. Back when I joined the Courthouse in January of 2009, I went to Centergy at least once a week...sometimes twice. I went for about four months until morning sickness set in with Kara and it was too much. I went two or three times last winter. I used to love it. I felt really energized by it. It was my favorite class.
My muscles has been so tight. I really should have been going all throughout this marathon training period. The running itself takes so much time. I don't know how I can squeeze anything else in there. Maybe if I run a marathon when Kara is 18, I'll have time for it. By that time I'll be 50. Am I really going to want to do this at age 50? I can see myself doing something like Curves or aerobics or jazzercise. :)
Anyway I did not get the memo you now have to bring you own mat to Centergy. This guy was nice enough to lend me his. He had two. Which means if I want to go back, I should stop at Big Five and buy a yoga mat. I'm not sure I want to spend my money on that right now. To be honest, the workout was tough! It hurt. The instructor said I probably needed it if it hurt that bad. I really really liked her. Which would probably make want to go back. It is more of a community class. The people were really sweet and chatty. No one at Power ever talks. So we'll see if I go back. It was nice break from running.
Friday and Saturday and probably Sunday - No running
Ugh! I hate missing all this training. Rob and Kara had an intestinal bug on Sunday. Kara was still pretty perky, but pretty pale in her face. Her appetite was a little lower. She had diarrhea and threw up twice...right after she ate. Rob was still able to preach two sermons (which included the evening one in Portland) and he did not seem too bad. So my thinking was if I don't get it by Thursday 1) I'm in the clear or 2) It will be mild. I was wrong on both. I could feel it coming on Thursday night around 11 PM and just planned on being sick on Friday. Rob was off work and I had gotten caught up on my studying and Banner work so I knew I would be OK. It was not mild...it usually isn't for me. Don't know what I was thinking. I was wiped out all day and went to bed at 9 PM. Around 4 PM yesterday all the intestinal stuff was gone, but I had a pounding head ache and felt overly weak. I am pretty much back to normal (it is Saturday night), but because I only drank Gatorade and ate soda crackers for 24 hours, my strength is not fully back. I hate, hate, hate missing all this running. I feel like I've been inconsistent since we left for Arizona. I go to Grand Rapids in two weeks which is going to disrupt my schedule again. I really cannot overdue it this weekend. I usually take two to three extra days off when I get sick. So I'll probably start up on Monday and call this a week.
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