So after a few weeks of letting my marathon finish sink in, I am completely ready to begin my training again. I've already selected my races! First, I will run the Rio Grande Half Marathon (here in Las Cruces) at the end of October. I chose that race mainly because it's convenient and I did it last year. For my next marathon, I'm going to run the P.F. Chang's Rock and Roll Arizona on Jan. 13 in Phoenix! It's the same company that did the San Diego Marathon and I figured since I had a good time during that one...I'd have a blast with this next one.
My goal this time is going to take some work, which is another reason why I want to run a half marathon first. I am going to get my time down to 3:30:00. That's shaving about one hour off my San Diego marathon time (4:27:40).
I really began my training again this week, with running and strength training at the gym. I've also added a few things for fun, such as jump roping. Right now, I'm terrible at it, but it's a great warm up. I also am going to add hills or bleacher workouts to my training once a week. And next week I start speed training.
I have just over six months to shed 60 minutes.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Whoever thought running a marathon could be so much fun?
Seriously. Running the San Diego Rock-N-Roll Marathon was one of the most entertaining and awesome experiences of my life. The weather was perfect (cool and foggy until mile No. 20), the course was beautiful, the drop in elevation was so easy on my lungs, the thousands of volunteers were amazing and the 20,000 or so other marathon runners were...unique (including some running Elvis's, a superhero, woman in a fairy costume and a 70-year-old man running his 100th marathon). It was almost perfect.
I say almost perfect because the thing that I was freaking out about the most happened. Yes...I had to go to the bathroom during the race. I think part of it was nerves. The other part was that I consumed a little too much water that morning in an effort to avoid dehydration. I attempted to use the portable bathrooms before the race, however, there was at least a 20-minute wait. This wouldn't have been a problem if I had arrived early, but I didn't get there until 15 minutes before it started. I reasoned that my need to go to the bathroom would go away once the race began (I still thought it was just nerves). Yet, by mile No. 6 I just couldn't hold it any longer and had to make a stop at a portable. That bathroom break also extended my time by 10 minutes. The whole time I was standing in line for the bathroom I watched as wave after wave of runners passed by.
Other than that glitch, everything went smoothly. I didn't get any blisters on my feet (thanks to an awesome tip from a colleague about rubbing Vaseline on them before the race). Although my knees and ankles were sore immediately following the race, the rest of my body felt amazing...tired, but not sore. After the race I was exhausted (I took a five-hour nap and then slept for 11 hours that night). By the next day I was able to go on a 40-minute walk with my mom. Amazingly, today (two days after the race) my body feels back to normal. So, I figured I could slowly work up my training by taking walks for a few days and progressing to shorter runs. I know many say you should wait at least a few days before you get back into training, but it's so hard. It really becomes a lifestyle. Honestly, my first two thoughts after crossing the finish line were: "Wow, I did it!" and "Next time I'll do it faster."
If you want to read more about my marathon experience, read my story on Wednesday, June 13 at www.lcsun-news.com
I say almost perfect because the thing that I was freaking out about the most happened. Yes...I had to go to the bathroom during the race. I think part of it was nerves. The other part was that I consumed a little too much water that morning in an effort to avoid dehydration. I attempted to use the portable bathrooms before the race, however, there was at least a 20-minute wait. This wouldn't have been a problem if I had arrived early, but I didn't get there until 15 minutes before it started. I reasoned that my need to go to the bathroom would go away once the race began (I still thought it was just nerves). Yet, by mile No. 6 I just couldn't hold it any longer and had to make a stop at a portable. That bathroom break also extended my time by 10 minutes. The whole time I was standing in line for the bathroom I watched as wave after wave of runners passed by.
Other than that glitch, everything went smoothly. I didn't get any blisters on my feet (thanks to an awesome tip from a colleague about rubbing Vaseline on them before the race). Although my knees and ankles were sore immediately following the race, the rest of my body felt amazing...tired, but not sore. After the race I was exhausted (I took a five-hour nap and then slept for 11 hours that night). By the next day I was able to go on a 40-minute walk with my mom. Amazingly, today (two days after the race) my body feels back to normal. So, I figured I could slowly work up my training by taking walks for a few days and progressing to shorter runs. I know many say you should wait at least a few days before you get back into training, but it's so hard. It really becomes a lifestyle. Honestly, my first two thoughts after crossing the finish line were: "Wow, I did it!" and "Next time I'll do it faster."
If you want to read more about my marathon experience, read my story on Wednesday, June 13 at www.lcsun-news.com
Sunday, June 3, 2007
I finished!
Yes! I completed my first marathon. It took me 4 hours, 27 minutes and 40 seconds. (My goal was 4:30:00!)
More than 20,000 people started the race and 15,943 finished. I came in 5,492nd.
Of 8,212 females who completed the race, I came in 1,868.
And of 1,171 people between 18 and 24 years old, I came in 265.
I would write more, but I am exhausted. Just wanted to give you all an update. Check back in the next couple of days for more about my marathon experience.
More than 20,000 people started the race and 15,943 finished. I came in 5,492nd.
Of 8,212 females who completed the race, I came in 1,868.
And of 1,171 people between 18 and 24 years old, I came in 265.
I would write more, but I am exhausted. Just wanted to give you all an update. Check back in the next couple of days for more about my marathon experience.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Toeing the (starting) line
Okay folks, this is my last day in the LC before I fly out to the big SD for my marathon! I think I'm ready — at least I hope I'm ready for this race. I'm flying out of El Paso early Saturday morning, will get into San Diego at about 11 a.m., pick up my race number, then go eat a hearty pasta dinner and go to bed. (That's if I can actually sleep).
Yesterday was my last run. I only had to run three miles and it honestly felt a little weird. I haven't run that short of a distance in...well...five months.
My friends are taking me out for a "good luck running 26.2 freakin' miles" dinner tonight. It's been great to have their support...and support from all you out there reading this. It really has helped me.
And if you're interested, you can check up on my progress during the marathon. Visit www.rnrmarathon.com on race day (Sunday, June 3). My time will be recorded at the 10k, half marathon, 21 mile mark and at the finish line. The race begins at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time.
I'll post another blog after my race. See you on the other side of the finish line!
Yesterday was my last run. I only had to run three miles and it honestly felt a little weird. I haven't run that short of a distance in...well...five months.
My friends are taking me out for a "good luck running 26.2 freakin' miles" dinner tonight. It's been great to have their support...and support from all you out there reading this. It really has helped me.
And if you're interested, you can check up on my progress during the marathon. Visit www.rnrmarathon.com on race day (Sunday, June 3). My time will be recorded at the 10k, half marathon, 21 mile mark and at the finish line. The race begins at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time.
I'll post another blog after my race. See you on the other side of the finish line!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Last week of training
I am totally excited about this last week of training. Not because it's almost over, but because I'll be able to rest a little this week, eat lots of carbs and finally be able to run my marathon in six days!
But goodness, I have so much to do this week. I have stories galore to write for work, running to do, sleeping to do, I need to do laundry, pack and get my house in order before I leave for my trip. Granted, I should have done some of this during Memorial Day weekend...but it's a little too late for that.
But goodness, I have so much to do this week. I have stories galore to write for work, running to do, sleeping to do, I need to do laundry, pack and get my house in order before I leave for my trip. Granted, I should have done some of this during Memorial Day weekend...but it's a little too late for that.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Scenic run may not be so beautiful at 5 a.m.
I received my marathon information packet in the mail two days ago. I cannot believe that I will be running my marathon in less than two weeks! It's going to be a beautiful run by the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter and around Mission Bay. However, when I saw the time I needed to be there I was less than enthused. There are going to be shuttles transporting the runners to the start line...and I need to be at the shuttle at 5 a.m. Yep, 5 o'clock in the morning! Since my mom lives 40 minutes northeast of San Diego, that means I will have to leave our house by 4 a.m. Needless to say, I am going to go to bed early that night.
My run and weight lifting yesterday went really well. I ran six miles in 50 minutes and only had to battle wind the first three miles. I'm starting to cut back on my weight training. Next week I'll really start tapering my run so I have enough energy to finish my race.
Oh goodness, it's almost here!
My run and weight lifting yesterday went really well. I ran six miles in 50 minutes and only had to battle wind the first three miles. I'm starting to cut back on my weight training. Next week I'll really start tapering my run so I have enough energy to finish my race.
Oh goodness, it's almost here!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Excited...more anxious
Lately, I’ll be sitting at work, at home or at a restaurant with friends when suddenly I get a flash of anxiety. This reality enters my thoughts: “In about two weeks I’m going to run a marathon…26.2 miles…all at once.”
Yes, you could say that I am getting a little nervous about my impending marathon. I have dreams that I don’t wake up in time on marathon day or that I’m missing one shoe at the start line. Most of all, I’m worried that I’m not prepared. Especially since I haven’t run more than 20 miles.
In fact, the most I have run is 19 miles. I’m worried that not going over the 20-mile mark will increase my chances of hitting the wall during the race. Most training programs say you shouldn’t run more than 23 miles during your training. My plan was to run a 21-miler, however, when I attempted this feat a couple things went wrong.
First of all, I was up late the night before. A few of my friends graduated from college, so I went to a few parties and barbeques. I didn’t get into bed until 12:30 a.m. So naturally, staying up late made it difficult to get up in the morning and I didn’t get started on my run until 7:30 a.m. (I was hoping to start at 6 a.m.).
That Sunday turned out to be the worst day to start late. When I set out to run, the temperature was already warm. However, I thought I was prepared with a camelback, a flask of Gatorade (yes, I put it in a flask…it didn’t have anything to hold it in), and hard candies.
I started on the East side of town and ran down the valley into Mesilla. I soon noticed a group of walkers blocking the path and pointing into the air. I didn’t pay much attention and quickly passed the group. About 30 minutes later when I was coming back down the trail, there was an older couple doing the same thing. This time I decided to stop and ask them what they were looking at. The couple was extremely friendly and pointed to an adult and baby owl in the tree branches above. Honestly, this made my day because the owl is my favorite animal.
As I continued down the path I started to get extremely overheated. This was by far one of the hottest days in awhile. I had to stop numerous times for water and Gatorade. I even changed up my course a little to find shade under trees — and this was all before 10 a.m. By the time I hit 15 miles, I really could not stand the heat anymore. So, I stopped and went home.
Last night, I got a late start on my run. (But I have a good excuse…it was the season finale of “Grey’s Anatomy”). I started my run at 9:45 p.m. on a stomach full of pasta. (And for all you worriers out there — mainly my parents — I WAS carrying protection). Since I was running in the dark, I decided not to bring my iPod. Surprisingly, it was one of the best runs I’ve had in awhile, even with a full stomach and without music. I ran six miles and kept a consistent pace of 8:35-minute miles. And even more surprising was the pace felt like a light jog. When I finished the run I wasn’t out of breath and knew that I could go on for longer.
As I get closer to my marathon date and my distance runs begin to taper, I think about things I should have done differently. I think that I should have trained harder or longer, that I should have eaten more healthy food, that I shouldn't have spent all those late nights at the bar. These thoughts especially enter my mind when I remember the interview I had with a 65-year-old NMSU professor who is currently training for his 107th marathon. He runs seven days a week, which adds up to about 60 miles per week. I definitely didn’t run that much.
Even though I’m freaking out that I won’t be able to finish the race…I know that I will. If it takes me six hours I am going to finish that marathon!
Yes, you could say that I am getting a little nervous about my impending marathon. I have dreams that I don’t wake up in time on marathon day or that I’m missing one shoe at the start line. Most of all, I’m worried that I’m not prepared. Especially since I haven’t run more than 20 miles.
In fact, the most I have run is 19 miles. I’m worried that not going over the 20-mile mark will increase my chances of hitting the wall during the race. Most training programs say you shouldn’t run more than 23 miles during your training. My plan was to run a 21-miler, however, when I attempted this feat a couple things went wrong.
First of all, I was up late the night before. A few of my friends graduated from college, so I went to a few parties and barbeques. I didn’t get into bed until 12:30 a.m. So naturally, staying up late made it difficult to get up in the morning and I didn’t get started on my run until 7:30 a.m. (I was hoping to start at 6 a.m.).
That Sunday turned out to be the worst day to start late. When I set out to run, the temperature was already warm. However, I thought I was prepared with a camelback, a flask of Gatorade (yes, I put it in a flask…it didn’t have anything to hold it in), and hard candies.
I started on the East side of town and ran down the valley into Mesilla. I soon noticed a group of walkers blocking the path and pointing into the air. I didn’t pay much attention and quickly passed the group. About 30 minutes later when I was coming back down the trail, there was an older couple doing the same thing. This time I decided to stop and ask them what they were looking at. The couple was extremely friendly and pointed to an adult and baby owl in the tree branches above. Honestly, this made my day because the owl is my favorite animal.
As I continued down the path I started to get extremely overheated. This was by far one of the hottest days in awhile. I had to stop numerous times for water and Gatorade. I even changed up my course a little to find shade under trees — and this was all before 10 a.m. By the time I hit 15 miles, I really could not stand the heat anymore. So, I stopped and went home.
Last night, I got a late start on my run. (But I have a good excuse…it was the season finale of “Grey’s Anatomy”). I started my run at 9:45 p.m. on a stomach full of pasta. (And for all you worriers out there — mainly my parents — I WAS carrying protection). Since I was running in the dark, I decided not to bring my iPod. Surprisingly, it was one of the best runs I’ve had in awhile, even with a full stomach and without music. I ran six miles and kept a consistent pace of 8:35-minute miles. And even more surprising was the pace felt like a light jog. When I finished the run I wasn’t out of breath and knew that I could go on for longer.
As I get closer to my marathon date and my distance runs begin to taper, I think about things I should have done differently. I think that I should have trained harder or longer, that I should have eaten more healthy food, that I shouldn't have spent all those late nights at the bar. These thoughts especially enter my mind when I remember the interview I had with a 65-year-old NMSU professor who is currently training for his 107th marathon. He runs seven days a week, which adds up to about 60 miles per week. I definitely didn’t run that much.
Even though I’m freaking out that I won’t be able to finish the race…I know that I will. If it takes me six hours I am going to finish that marathon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
