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.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
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!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Hamstrings and heels
I wasn’t the brightest crayon in the box this morning when I decided to wear high heels following a 2.5-hour workout yesterday.
After work yesterday, I went home to get ready for my run and soon decided that it was far too windy to run outside. Instead, I went to the gym to run on the treadmill. Here’s what I discovered: running 19 miles is a whole heck of a lot easier than running four miles on a treadmill. And I’m completely serious. First of all, the cardio room at the gym is rank with moldy sweat that seems to incubate in the warm air. Secondly, I enjoy running because I feel free, independent and get to zone out. I can’t really get that feeling with someone panting and sweating two feet away from me. Even though I was tuned in to CNN News on the TV screen to keep my mind off the run, I could not resist glancing down at the timer every few seconds. After what seemed like hours, it was finally time to lift.
I absolutely love lifting weights. It’s a different way to for me to push myself. It requires me to focus my energy and breathing differently than when I run. Last night, I started with abs: 100 bicycle ab-kicks, followed by 150 crunches on the ball, then 100 more bicycles, then 50 lower ab lifts and finally 100 bicycles. Yes, I love doing abs. Weird, I know. When my lifting buddy Beau showed up, we got started on legs. Beau was an NMSU football player and knows the perfect routines to make it hurt. And this includes the dreaded lunges. Squats I can handle, leg lifts I can handle, but lunges get me every time. And today, each time I get up from my desk — wearing my freakin’ high heels — I feel my hamstrings pulling and stretching in the most uncomfortable way. But secretly, I love it!
After work yesterday, I went home to get ready for my run and soon decided that it was far too windy to run outside. Instead, I went to the gym to run on the treadmill. Here’s what I discovered: running 19 miles is a whole heck of a lot easier than running four miles on a treadmill. And I’m completely serious. First of all, the cardio room at the gym is rank with moldy sweat that seems to incubate in the warm air. Secondly, I enjoy running because I feel free, independent and get to zone out. I can’t really get that feeling with someone panting and sweating two feet away from me. Even though I was tuned in to CNN News on the TV screen to keep my mind off the run, I could not resist glancing down at the timer every few seconds. After what seemed like hours, it was finally time to lift.
I absolutely love lifting weights. It’s a different way to for me to push myself. It requires me to focus my energy and breathing differently than when I run. Last night, I started with abs: 100 bicycle ab-kicks, followed by 150 crunches on the ball, then 100 more bicycles, then 50 lower ab lifts and finally 100 bicycles. Yes, I love doing abs. Weird, I know. When my lifting buddy Beau showed up, we got started on legs. Beau was an NMSU football player and knows the perfect routines to make it hurt. And this includes the dreaded lunges. Squats I can handle, leg lifts I can handle, but lunges get me every time. And today, each time I get up from my desk — wearing my freakin’ high heels — I feel my hamstrings pulling and stretching in the most uncomfortable way. But secretly, I love it!
Monday, May 7, 2007
Countdown!
Okay, so I have 26 days, 16 hours and 26 minutes until the starting gun goes off at the San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon and just writing about it is sending my nerves into “frantic” mode.
I was just checking up on the marathon Web site and found out that I get a free beer after the race. Quite the incentive!
My training has been going well. I ran a 19-miler two weeks ago and will run 21 miles this weekend! Surprisingly, 19 miles was rather enjoyable…well, maybe not for my knees.
For my birthday in April, I got a watch that tracks your pace per mile, distance, time and a lot of other stuff that I haven’t quite figured out yet. It’s nice to not have to drive a distance before my run. I just strap on the watch, head out and keep running until the watch tells me to stop. I also got some running clothes, Asics running shoes and something to hold my key. No more key blisters!
During the 19-mile run, I discovered a cool hidden trail that was shaded by trees. Unfortunately, since it’s getting hotter it’s becoming more difficult to control my runner’s tan line. Maybe tan lines mid-arm and mid-leg will be fashionable this summer? Eh, probably not, but I’ll definitely be rockin’ the look.
Also, my weight training couldn’t be better! Honestly, lifting weights has helped me keep my endurance during my long runs. I’ve seen a huge difference in my stamina since my first training experience in 2005 when I only ran. And, I’m starting to get muscles that I never knew existed.
I was talking with a co-worker the other day who ran a few marathons when he was my age. His best time was about 2 hours and 36 minutes and his worst time was just over three hours. That’s less than six minutes per mile! Yeah, wow! I’m hoping to come in somewhere between 4 and 4.5 hours with a pace between eight and nine minutes per mile.
So, being the competitive person I am, one evening I decided I’d pick up my pace to determine if I could run a quicker marathon. The first mile I ran in an exhausting 6:30 minutes. I felt like “The Flash” during that first mile. However, the second mile I had to slow down to a seven-minute pace. I then had to take a break before I finished the last two miles at my normal speed.
I’m hoping that I will eventually be able to run a marathon in three hours or less. And by eventually, I mean in a few years. But, that’s not going to happen for this marathon. My goal is to finish the race — and finish without injuring myself.
I was just checking up on the marathon Web site and found out that I get a free beer after the race. Quite the incentive!
My training has been going well. I ran a 19-miler two weeks ago and will run 21 miles this weekend! Surprisingly, 19 miles was rather enjoyable…well, maybe not for my knees.
For my birthday in April, I got a watch that tracks your pace per mile, distance, time and a lot of other stuff that I haven’t quite figured out yet. It’s nice to not have to drive a distance before my run. I just strap on the watch, head out and keep running until the watch tells me to stop. I also got some running clothes, Asics running shoes and something to hold my key. No more key blisters!
During the 19-mile run, I discovered a cool hidden trail that was shaded by trees. Unfortunately, since it’s getting hotter it’s becoming more difficult to control my runner’s tan line. Maybe tan lines mid-arm and mid-leg will be fashionable this summer? Eh, probably not, but I’ll definitely be rockin’ the look.
Also, my weight training couldn’t be better! Honestly, lifting weights has helped me keep my endurance during my long runs. I’ve seen a huge difference in my stamina since my first training experience in 2005 when I only ran. And, I’m starting to get muscles that I never knew existed.
I was talking with a co-worker the other day who ran a few marathons when he was my age. His best time was about 2 hours and 36 minutes and his worst time was just over three hours. That’s less than six minutes per mile! Yeah, wow! I’m hoping to come in somewhere between 4 and 4.5 hours with a pace between eight and nine minutes per mile.
So, being the competitive person I am, one evening I decided I’d pick up my pace to determine if I could run a quicker marathon. The first mile I ran in an exhausting 6:30 minutes. I felt like “The Flash” during that first mile. However, the second mile I had to slow down to a seven-minute pace. I then had to take a break before I finished the last two miles at my normal speed.
I’m hoping that I will eventually be able to run a marathon in three hours or less. And by eventually, I mean in a few years. But, that’s not going to happen for this marathon. My goal is to finish the race — and finish without injuring myself.
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