Race Recap: Philadelphia Marathon

Monday, December 31, 2012

"The best TIME of my life"

Its been a month since the marathon.  Boy, how time flies.  I have been busy relaxing and recovering and slow running and trying to find the rythym again.  I have been doing everything except updating this blog but, alas, I can stall in writing this report no longer.

First of all, thank you to all who have supported me through this process.  All of you!  If you think you haven't done anything, think again.  Even just seeing that some read this blog has been immensely encouraging.  And, most others (basically anyone who has spoken with me in the last 3 months) have listened enthusiatically to more than their fair share of marathon talk.  You guys are great.

A very special thanks to the friends who came to see us race.  It was such a blessing to have you there.  You made the experience extra special.  And, to the greatest running buddy in the whole wide world, you rock!  Can't wait to do it again.  

So here it goes.

The Philly Marathon was awesome.

It was a great time, the race was well organized and Philadelphia is a beautiful city to take a 26.2 mile running tour through.  I highly recommend it for everyone; first time marathoners to seasoned veterans.

Saturday:  The Expo
We arrived at the hotel, dropped off our things, and went almost immediately to the expo.  To our great surprise/relief, the train station, hotel and expo were within a block of each other!  At the expo it was easy to find the race packet and t-shirt pickup stations and the lines moved quickly.  I also had zero trouble moving up my coral to Orange-- I no longer wanted to be in the last (Blue) coral.  I wanted to be in a better position to not finish last.  It was an easy change to make-- I was given a sticker that said "Orange" to place over the spot on my bib that said "Blue"-- easy and that was good.

The vendors and free stuff left a lot to be desired though.  I fully intended to buy a marathon jacket at the expo but by the time we got there they had run out of "normal" sizes of most things.  Only small or gigantic were left.  Boo.  Also, we must have missed the good giveaways because all I noticed was a table giving out pieces of cliff bars.  I really like free so this bugged me.  I think we lasted an hour before we were so over the expo.

Sunday:  Race Day
Race day started early!  Our alarms went off at 5.  I got up ran down to the Wawa across the street from the hotel to get some bananas, a bagel and a yogurt.  I had picked up my customary Vitamin Water Energy the night before.  It's what gets me pumped to race!  Anyway, breakfast was had at a reasonably easy pace.  No need to rush.  We'd be pushing hard the rest of the morning into the afternoon.

The hotel was about a mile and a half from the start of the race so we walked.  It was about 30 degrees and still dark when we set out.  On the way we met a couple of nice guys from Boston; one a first timer.  The atmosphere was so energized even as we were all just walking up the street.

It was easy enough to find my coral, though it took a while to get to it way in the back!  There were some of the longest porta potty lines I've seen anywhere.  I probably waited 20 minutes before it was my turn.  The wait wasn't so bad though.  I made a nice friend who had just taken up running in the last few years after retirement and was running the race, her first marathon, to celebrate her birthday.  Another nice runner helped me shed my layers right before the start.  The race organizers collect discarded clothing left along the course to give to charity.  I wore two extra t-shirts to get rid of. Runners are cool people.

 - -  mile 1

By the time it was my turn to set off (about 28 minutes after the start gun went off) I was was so cold and stiff.  Yikes!  That first mile was uncomfortable.  I had a crick in my left foot that worried me a little.  I knew I'd be warmed up in a couple miles but it was a strange way to start off the race.  I saw the 4:30 pacer and decided to see if I could keep up with that group.  Pace groups are offered so that runners can get help pacing themselves through the marathon.  The leaders are trained to run to finish within a certain pace and time.  Anyone running in the 4:30 group would finish the marathon in  net time of 4 hours 30 min.  This was ambitious for me, but I was feeling excited!

- - miles 2-5

At about mile 2 I realized that I couldn't keep up with the 4:30 pacer. haha I slowed down and let them pass.  Truthfully, my goal was to finish under 5hrs so I knew I had no business with the 4:30's.  I was growing tired of the jostling of those committed to following the pacer anyway.  Psychos.
 I settled into the idea of working up to my own pace.  I saw L's parents at 2.5!  So fun.   It's so good to see friends on the course and it gave me some energy.  By mile 5, the party zone in the old part of town, I was warmed up and had found a good pace.  The pain in my left foot was gone and I had actually caught up with the 4:30's (something I probably paid for in the end but oh well).  I fell in a few paces in front of the pacer himself.  Again, the runners behind him were a little obsessive in their following.  I was much more comfortable just out in front.

- - miles 6-13

I felt great.  Shout out to my friends who were waiting to cheer me on at mile 8.5.  Realizing I hadn't eaten anything yet, I took a quick fruit snack break when I saw them.  I looked back and the pacer balloon was bobbing far behind.  I was probably moving too fast, haha but oh well.   

The hill at mile 9 definitely slowed me down some.  It was a beast and I took my first real stretching break after, at mile 10.  My legs were starting to get stiff.

- - miles 14-17

One of my goals for this marathon was to run through the half marthon without having to stop.  Not only did I do that but I felt super good through mile 16.  I thought I would feel envy when the half marathoners started to break off toward the finish line but I felt great and pumped to keep going.  PTL!

I saw my friends again around 14.5 at the beginning of the long stretch out to Manayunk.  I was still feeling good at that point and still ahead of the 4:30's... That is until I stopped for a power bar break around mile 15.  The 4:30's past me and I didn't have any steam to catch up.  No big deal, I was so excited and distracted at the finishers on the other side of the road.  Crazy fast people.  It's honestly hard to believe it when they're finishing as you're only half way through.  I knew I was using a lot of energy but couldn't help cheering for them.

At mile 17 I had to do some real walking.  There's a little tangent that takes you across the river, down a big hill and then back up.  Silly hill tangent.  I was tired and annoyed and walked back up.

- - miles 18-23

Mile 18-23 was a blur of run/walk, run/walk.  I saw L right before the peeps handing out beer.  She was kicking butt and taking names!  The party in Manayunk lifted my spirits a lot.  Thank you super marathon fans in Manayunk.  The town center was a gigantic party and as tired as I was I couldn't help run-dancing in the street. Woo!  Too bad you basically had to climb your way up to the turn around.  That hill was utterly unwelcome.

- - miles 24-26

This was farther than I've ever gone in my life and I felt every bit of it.  The cramping started around 23.5 and was intesifying with every walk break.  Seriously questioning the wisdom in trying to keep up with the 4:30's.  They were long gone at this point.  At one point I got a cramp so bad in my left quad that the thought flashed through my mind that I might not finish.  A kind older runner came over just as I was pannicking and said, "you just have to keep running" and I said "okay" and started to hobble along.  I was a case and a half at that point and I think I worried some volunteers at the mile 25 rest stop. 

After that momentary freak out I became determined again.  Too close to stop! And, it helped that I knew I still had some wiggle room to come in under 5 hours (even though I was running 12-13 min miles by that point).  I pulled myself together enough just before I saw my friends again at mile 25 and was even able to smile for the camera.  haha

The last mile was the most annoying thing in the world.  The crowds had grown again and everyone kept yelling "you're almost there!", "Go, Cha!".  And I was like, almost there where?  why can't I get there already.  It was nice how many people there were cheering (throngs) but I was ready to be done.

- - last .2

I saw the finish line down the hill, heck yes!  I'm pretty sure I didn't even run that part of the race (maybe I did, I don't know) I was so happy to be done.  I saw that I was going to hit my goal by 10 minutes and I just remember cheering at the top of my lungs, hands raised, praying that my body wouldn't start convulsing once I stopped moving.  The race pictures can attest.  I look like I won the thing.

Crossing the finish line was the best thing.

I felt so happy.  I was cold and tired and broke-down and happy.  It's hard to explain. The foil blanket, the medallion, the warm chicken broth, friends waiting at the end...it was all perfect.

Here's to the marathon.

Finished!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Philly Here We Come!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Travel Day


Arrived in Philly today around 1pm.  After spending some time settling in, we went over to check out the expo and pick up our race numbers.

Tomorrow will be an early day.  The forecast is cool but it should be pretty sunny.  Getting all excited!

Gear all laid out.  Woo!

One More Week!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Afternoon Run
8.1 miles - Long Run
Road

Feeling great.  My running bud and I spent the afternoon planning race weekend details, buying iron-on letters for our race shirts, and watching You tube videos of last year's race.  Getting pumped!

www.philadelphiamarathon.com/

BenGay: Not Just for the Advanced in Years

Friday, November 9, 2012

Afternoon Run
3 miles - Easy Run
Treadmill

I gave in yesterday and bought my first tube of BenGay. 

It being cold here now has turned icing into a special form of torture.  My mom had mentioned BenGay the last time I was home.  She noted the possibility of me needing it after the marathon but I only half considered it.  After going half the week with an aching right calf from pushing too hard during Sunday's run and wincing at the touch of my ice packs, her suggestion made a little more sense.  I decided to give BenGay a try.

Not just any BenGay, mind you, but BenGay Ultra Strength, the self-proclaimed Strongest BenGay EVER.

I twisted off the cap and was immediately transported back to my childhood growing up around my grandmother's house.  Granny loves BenGay.  She would be proud that it is my ointment of choice. 

Couldn't get the lame picture to rotate... 
I could have gone with Icy Hot.  With all it's clever marketing, I must admit it was tempting but before giving in I decided to do some digging.  My five minutes of research on the internet lead me to believe that BenGay Ultrastrength has a more immediate and definite effect on achy muscles than Icy Hot any day. 

I was just relieved to see that there weren't any elderly folk pictured on the box.  Even with all the research favoring BG, that would have given me pause.  Look at that guy.  He's strong and confident and he uses BenGay too!  I used some on my calf and knees last night and woke up feeling like a champion (aside for that weird medicated smell of course).

BenGay, not just for old people, for real athletes everywhere!

It's Taper Time!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Afternoon Run
3 miles Easy Run
Treadmill
2 Weeks until the marathon!!

Last night, as we were doing our last significant run of this training plan (14 miles), we were getting really excited for the race.  I'm tempted to say we were almost too excited as we kept the pace pretty quick and as a result I'm wicked sore today but, "too" excited may not even be possible.  I am running my first marathon in 2 weeks! 

It seemed like it has been a long time coming but now that it's right around the corner it's getting real. 

These last two weeks are the tapering phase of the training.  It's basically a time to give the body a period of rest before the big effort on race day.  The runs are shorter-- I'm scheduled to run a 4, 3, 4 sequence this week with an 8 mile long run on the weekend-- and are to be run at an easy pace.  The week before the race week I will run a 3 and a couple of 2's... basically just keeping my legs moving so they don't get stale.  Then on Sunday, we race!

With my new found endurance (I just ran 23 last weekend for crying out loud!) tapering is going to be hard.  It seems like an unnatural break in momentum but all the training plans I've looked at and every runner I've talked to about marathon training (and maybe even every runner that have ever lived) emphasize the taper so it seems tried and true.  It will be good to have a bit of extra time now that I'm not running as far at least.  If only I could be disciplined enough to use it to get some extra rest.

Racing the T

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Afternoon Run
5.2 miles Easy Run
Road

Run home from work.  Why ride?

This is the only way I could see to fit in my workout and still make it home in time for the trick or treaters to come around.  Thankfully the rain held off.  I made it home just in time to shower and only ended up missing the first group of kids!  I love how resourceful running has made me.

The run itself was pretty tough.  Legs felt heavy and it was like I couldn't get my body to "want to".  It's crazy when these supposedly easier runs take it all out of you.  Unfortunately, with running, it sometimes just depends on the day.

Christ Tomlin's,  Our God is Greater, was playing in my head most of the way.  This song definitely lifts my running spirits.  BUT...what lifted my running spirits even higher was when I looked over and found that I was neck and neck with an MBTA bus.

I passed the station just as the bus was pulling out.  It would pull over, let someone off or on, I would pass and it would catch up later down the road.  This went on for a few blocks...to the point where I could tell people on the bus were recognizing me and even routing for me-- in my head at least.  "Go, Cha. Go."  They were saying.

And, I was going.

My back straightened up a bit, my legs quickened and the run felt a little less painful.  I was winning and that's all that mattered at that moment.  Traffic was on my side... but who's counting?  The thing had four wheels and an engine! 

I was feeling pretty pumped about racing the T and winning until the point when I realize I'd been running for a few minutes with no sign of the bus.  Silly thing had turned.  Punk.  Afraid to lose to a girl?  I was back on my own.  Good thing I had only about a mile and a half to go.  The residual excitement carried me through to the end.  Good times.


Super side-note...

Even though this particular run was hard I definitely woke up this morning feeling thankful and blessed by this marathon training; all of it.  With only 3 weeks to go, I look back at the hundreds of miles I've logged in the last 3 months, some easy and some just as difficult as today's, and I'm filled with gratitude.  God has been so gracious to me in this process and I honestly don't believe it will end on race day.  Race day's going to be a great big party no matter what happens!  The hard work's already been done.  Shoot.

20 miles!

Monday, October 22, 2012

Afternoon Run
5 miles Easy Run
Treadmill

I never really got a chance to sit down and put my thoughts on the distance to paper.  I recently completed my first 20 miler (hopefully the first of 2 during this training) with my running partner.  The run, completed a week and a half ago already, ran up through Belmont to the edge of Lexington and back.  I don't know how else to describe it.  Running 20 miles is something special.

It takes a special kind of mental prep

If you've ever set out on your first 20 I think you can relate.  It takes some bravery even to get out the door.  Knowing that you'll be pounding out there for that long, the longest you've ever gone or for most, ever dreamed of going, is intimidating stuff.

I must admit I was a little intimidated starting out.  I wouldn't say I was nervous about finishing-- I was pretty sure that with all this training we were fully prepared-- I just wasn't sure how painful it would be.  I was fine all week but when Saturday morning came, suddenly, I was obsessing over small-ish issues trying to make sure everything was perfect.

I was having wardrobe anxiety.  The day was cool, but even still I knew I would sweat a lot.  So, I had to wear just the perfect combination of layers to not get too hot running and to not get too cold once I started sweating.  I donned a short sleeve over a long sleeve (both moisture wicking) and capri tights.  I still don't think I got it right but oh well.  I spent the last few miles cold and my hands were freezing the whole time (gloves are on the shopping list).  I was worried about my food not being enough.  I took along a couple power bars and ended up carrying twice as many fruit snacks as normal.  Also, at the last second I was freaked out that my nose might start to run.  I'm no good at improvising with snot on the road.  So, along came some tissues in a ziplock.  My pack was packed.

The thing about going for so long is you have to remember to pace yourself.  I think we started out a little faster (for me) than we should have-- it's hard to hold back and not just run when you feel good.  There was a spot when I was leading that I was definitely guilty of pushing the pace a little harder than necessary for which I paid on the next sequence of hills.  The good thing is, even if you get tired, you have 20 miles to get yourself a second and even third wind.  This is what happened to us, we stuck with it and the energy came in waves.

Running 20 produces a special kind of pain

...like you wouldn't and can't experience any other way...but, you run through it because that's what you're doing; running.   After all, it is self-imposed, isn't it?  As ultra marathoning champion, Scott Jurek, wrote over and over again in his autobiography/recipe book, Eat and Run, "pain only hurts".

Running 20 miles is supposed to be uncomfortable.  I'm supposed to get tired.  Usually at stop lights my running bud would ask, "ready?" and I would say either, "yeah," or  I would answer "no, but I'm going anyway", however, towards the end of this run when she was would ask, "ready?" I started to respond with just, "no" and she would counter with something like, "too bad" and off we'd go.  She is a good friend.  Sometimes, when I'm out there by myself and I get distracted and complainy, I think to myself "zip it and run" and it helps.

I started to tire around mile 13...with a lot more miles to go.  My legs started to tighten up more than I've ever experienced to the point where I started noticing a little cramping when I would push off too hard on my right calf.  Moving in such a repetitive motion for that long, the legs start to kinda stick in a rhythm.  I started finding myself doing strange motions for variety and stretching at every stoplight.  Stoplights are my best friends on long runs.  Thankfully, there was no serious pain or cramping.

Running 20 produces a special kind of joy

Even though, things start to fall apart towards the end, there is nothing like the mega dose of endorphins one gets while out on a 20 mile run.  I was definitely exhausted but at points I couldn't help but laugh out loud.  I think at one point coming back on Mass Ave. we stopped at a light and I couldn't get my drunken legs to stop moving.  I had to keep pacing.  My upper thigh was pretty stiff but my legs were so wobbly every time I stopped.  It was quite ridiculous and I laughed.  Towards the end also, every time I took my mind off of my form, I would start shuffling a little sideways; an old crooked runner who lives in a little crooked house.  I would kinda start and stall, start and stall like a broke-down old Chevy and tripping over absolutely nothing became the norm as my feet were hardly leaving the ground at times. 

Watching my form and getting my legs to keep up took most of my mental energy.  The last couple of miles, my running partner coached me to start counting my steps.  Counting your steps helps you keep your legs moving by developing a rhythm to follow.  You count 1, 2, 3, 4-10 or 12 every time your right foot hits the ground.  At first it helped so much that I wondered why I didn't start counting sooner.  I was sort of keeping pace again.  Then, after a few blocks, I started to loose track and forget the numbers and I laughed.  Ridiculous.  Running 20 makes it so I can't even count to 10!

It was funny and it wasn't at the same time.   If I any one who knew me saw me out there those last couple miles, I'm pretty sure they would have offered "to help".  You know those people who run by and you think, "that looks like it hurts".  Well, that was me and it did hurt.  But, there's something about running 20 that infuses you with pride.  You say, "I may look busted but I've just gone 18 miles with only 2 left to go.  Boom.  How was your afternoon?"  You keep running because you a boss.

When it was all over, I got home, sweating and shivering, able to stand up straight but unable to stop moving.  I downed some Vitamin Water and jumped in the shower to try to warm up a bit.  When I got out, the fatigue and hunger and everything caught up to me all at the same time.  I ate a few Sun Chips, curled up on my bed and went straight to sleep (wet hair and all) .  I literally couldn't do anything else.

Running 20 makes you want to run another 20.

Toast to a Faster, Stronger Cha

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Afternoon Run
8 miles Tempo Run
Road

Run home! 

We conquered this one.  

This was definitely good confirmation that I'm getting stronger and faster.  PTL!  Sometimes as I'm trailing my running buddy barely keeping up, or as I look at other runners effortlessly making their way down the street, I'm discouraged at my slow progress.  I want to be faster and I want to be faster now!  Today, the pace wasn't lightning by any stretch of the imagination but I felt like I was holding my own well enough and it felt good.

We took off from work, dressed in our fall appropriate running clothes-- praise the Lord, insane sweating season is over-- outfits complete with our hott running backpacks.  We literally turn heads running through town like this.  We took it up through Downtown Crossing, around the Commons, up Comm to Mass Ave, forever on Mass all the way to the bike path and home.  I love running over the Mass ave bridge.  I always get an extra boost of energy as it's the best/prettiest part of this route. 

The run started out slow but we steadily increased the pace until we were sprinting the last stretch on the bike path.  My heart beat was running away like "boom, badoom, boom, boom, bass".  I could literally feel it beating through my shirt but, it was all good.  I was just happy to be keeping up.  My legs felt great (even after a recent 20) and my breathing was steady most of the way.  8 miles of glory.

Midweek mileage is now 5, 8, 5. 

It has been hard to fit this much running into the work week so running home has been the best way to do it and still maintain some sort of normal life schedule. Though this is the last week of running this 5, 8, 5 sequence, this will be the first week that I will actually complete it.  Different things kept coming up during the last few weeks that kept me from completing all my scheduled runs.  Also, all this rain we've been getting has left fewer options for fitting runs in...and we know how I feel about running in the rain.  C'est la vie.  The great thing about running plans is that they aren't set in stone.  I'm still pretty confident in my progress even though I've had to move (or nix) some workouts.

5 more weeks.  Woo Philly!

Recap: Tufts Health Plan 10k for Women

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Yesterday, I took another break from marathon training to run the Tufts Health Plan 10k for Women.  This is my second year running the race and I have been looking forward to it all year.

This was a really good race. 

I woke up Monday morning not feeling the greatest.  So right then after assessing the situation, I decided that I would run but that I would make the day more about having "fun" than breaking any records -- I didn't think I had it in me.  When I got started running however, I felt good.  Around the 2nd mile I thought, "hey, I may be able to do this".

You see, for a year now my goal has been to race a 10k in under an hour.  I'm talking 59:59 or better.  After coming in at 1:01:04 at the BAA 10k back in June, this year's Tufts 10k was my last chance for the year.  I spent most of the summer thinking about it.

I decided that I would carry my water so that I could by pass the water stops.  This really helped shave a few minutes off but in the end what really hurt me was not keeping track of the time.  I had intended to bring my watch to keep track personally but forgot it at home.  The race clocks were really hard to see and I missed half of them which made it really hard to tell how I was tracking.

So my final time?... 01:00:00

Does that even happen!?  One second off of my goal.

There's so much to be said for what happened to that one second-- my spandex were bugging me the whole time...I may or may not have been posing for the cameras along the course, etc, etc.  Let's not dwell in the past... 

Even though I didn't make my goal, I say this was a really good race because I felt so strong.  I realized around mile 5.5 that I was going to finish the race without stopping once.  I have never raced without stopping.  I've definitely come a long way from last year's 1:07:44 finish!  That one second doesn't scare me.  What it boils down to is this girl will be running another 10k and Lord willing, smashing her goal next time!

http://www.tuftshealthplan.com/tufts10k/index.php
About the Race

I really appreciate how the race is organized and the energized atmosphere on race day.  It's really quite inspiring to run with 6,000 or so other women just celebrating being awesome.  This year the money raised from the race went to support The Family Van.  Here's a little blurb from the Tufts website that explains what that is:
"The Family Van provides compassionate curbside care in urban neighborhoods through its mobile clinics. The Family Van supports preventing screening, testing, and education for thousands of people each year."

Is it Okay if I Say it?: Rest Rocks!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

I did not run today.  

       I did not run yesterday...or the day before [or the day before that].

4 days off and...is it okay if I say it?...it is wonderful. 
  
This is the longest break I've taken since I was sick back in May.  Only, then I was pulling my hair out because I desperately wanted to run.  I couldn't believe the injustice of getting sick during half marathon training and thought I would lose my mind.  I think I may have even started out a few times only to be grounded by my fluid-filled lungs.  Then, I was a prisoner confined against my will to only walking (and slow-walking at that).

Now, I am gladly enjoying this break.

After Friday's run I knew I had to do some major resetting.  When I hit the treadmill and my head immediately started pounding (an allergic reaction of some kind, I'm sure), I knew it was going to be a long run.  5 miles later (and only halfway in), I had to put a stop to the madness.  My body and mind had had enough.  I decided I needed to hop off and stay off for a while.
This was the perfect weekend for an extended break from running.  I was away all weekend at a church retreat which made taking Saturday and Sunday off easier to justify.  There were some in the group who went out running along the beautiful wooded roadsides but the thought of joining them made me want to cry.  Monday morning, I woke up with the same feeling so I promptly declared-- to myself of course-- that my running week would start on Tuesday!

Then, today it rained.

Somewhere along the way the treadmill has earned my disdain (I'm just "hating" right now...it'll pass) so I wasn't prepared to go to the gym after work.  And, we all know how I feel about running in the rain...even light rain.  So, today is out-- and, is it okay if I say it?-- I don't mind one bit. 

I came home, made dinner and ate it.  Checked my email, responded to some, read a bit of a magazine, and then packed up and went to Starlight.  I can't remember the last time an evening went like that...all relaxed like.  Training is hard stuff and I have to admit I didn't miss it much these past few days.

I guess this is what they call burning out...

Don't get me wrong.  I still like running.  Maybe I do need to write that post on exactly why I do after all this.  I'm just enjoying sitting still for a few days.  I can already feel the good a bit of extra rest has done for me overall.  Lord willing, I'll run again tomorrow.

Sometimes You Just Can't

Friday, September 28, 2012

Afternoon Run
5 miles
Treadmill

This run was pretty bad.  Set out to do 10; only ended up being able to do 5.  Felt pretty run down and kept having to stop.  Most of the time I'm an advocate for toughing it out.  Today, I just couldn't.

Timely Fortunes

Monday, September 24, 2012

I opened up a Dove chocolate this afternoon and this was on the inside.  

How did they know!?

run, run, REST, run longer

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Afternoon Run
18 miles Long Run
Road

Ran this one over to Watertown.

I wish I could say I took to the streets fired up and ready to run this afternoon.  It was actually quite the opposite.  I had intended to go out in the morning but I woke up feeling super groggy and run down.  I eventually had to drag myself out there after stalling for a couple of hours with my roommates.  It's my own fault really.  Work was a beast this past week and instead of taking Friday evening to rest it up before my big run, I stayed up way too late playing Ticket to Ride (woo hoo!).   Great fun was had by all but, I unfortunately couldn't get going this morning.

In addition to not being fully energized before I set out, my legs were stiff the whole way and started to tense up and hurt around mile 9 (much earlier than usual).  A headache also came on around mile 14, which I carried all the way home.  Tense and tired; there's no other explanation.  I still consider this a good run for having completed 18 miles-- the farthest I've gone to date-- but I am just exhausted.

Rest is one thing about training I haven't really mastered yet.  I want to be able to work really hard and long at work, run often and far during my workouts and still be able to see people whenever the opportunity arises.  Not that there's anything wrong with having a social life while training.  I just haven't been guarding my rest as much as I probably should at this point in the game.  It is important stuff that rejuvenation.

Tomorrow's rest day is going to be sweet.

Shoe Killer! Shoe Killer!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Afternoon Run
4 miles Easy
Treadmill

Definitely ruined another pair of shoes last week.  This time shrunken in the washer.  Fail.
 
RIP, 2nd pair of Kinvara 2's:  72 miles.  Your loss is felt deep in my pockets.

So...if no more mishaps ensue, here are the shoes that I will be wearing to the 2012 running of the Philadephia Marathon.  Just 9 short weeks away!  Not the colors I would have chosen but these were the last Kinvara 2's in all of City Sports Boston and practicality (and the sale price) beat out fashion.

Kinvara 2 Black and Blue.  3rd pair's the charm.

Running Long in a Small City

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Morning Run
15 miles Long Run
Road

This run was basically a repeat of last week's run only shortened at the end.  I know I've probably said this before but trying to run 15 miles in Boston means you see the whole city.  Today, I started through Harvard to Kendall and the river, down to Science park through the North end, around to South Station through Downtown and the Commons over to MIT, and up Mem drive all the way through Harvard again.  As the distances get longer, plotting out a good course gets harder.  I did a repeat of last week's run because I knew I wanted to do about the same distance and because I was being lazy and didn't want to take the time to think up a new route in a new neighborhood.

It all worked out.  It was a beautiful morning-- warm but with a nice, at times strong breeze.  I only took water out today; no Gatorade.  And, because I didn't want to make the mistake I did last week of not eating enough and having the last few miles suffer because of it and because I didn't have time to buy more Shot Bloks earlier, I stuffed two Power Bars and two fruit snacks in my pack.  Calories are calories.  The Power Bars, which I ate at miles 5 and 11, agitated my stomach immediately after I ate them then subsided.  I may give them one more try before I rule them out completely.  The fruit snacks worked out well.  I only had one pack around mile 8.

There were lots of runners out.  I met two at my water stop at the BU boathouse who were out on their first ever 10 mile run.  They are training for a half marathon and super excited about it.  I got to share some of my excitement too...I mean 15 miles, really!?

I'm being blown away daily by this training and what my body can do right now.   8 days into the month and I've already gone 46 miles!  What is that!  Last September I only went 39 miles total.  I am also really excited because with this run I surpassed my 600-mile mileage goal for the year!  PTL!  I basically have 4 months to go before the end of the year. What does that MEAN!?  No clue.  I'm in uncharted territory here (at least for me).  God has designed the body to do some amazing things and I'm super pumped by this experience and to be getting stronger everyday.

An Average 7

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Afternoon Run
7 miles Easy
Treadmill

It was hard to get going on this run.  Legs felt great and I was surprisingly alert after a long day at work but I ultimately had to take it at a snail's pace.  My HR was racing a bit which told me I needed to take it slow.  To make sure I wasn't overdoing it, I pulled DB out mid-run.  I was doing okay at 11 min/mile pace so I decided to tough it out and do the full seven.  I was previously debating whether or not to stop.  It worked out okay, though.  I guess I'm still a little tired from last weekend's epic 17.8 miler.  I still can't believe that!

Shout Out to Week 7

Week 7 was a good lesson in time management and juggling a million obligations.  Between work, packing and moving, I really had to work to fit in my midweek runs last week.  It was hard and I was exhausted most of the week but some times you just have to make time.  I didn't want to go without mentioning the week so here I am posting about it after the fact.

Week 7 Highlights:

- Upped my mid-week mileage:  I'm now running 4, 7, 4.  Takes a little bit of extra planning but not bad.

- Wednesday's run: I decided to run Heartbreak Hill as my last run on the Boston side of the river.  It was pretty intense but doable...probably only because I only went 5 miles total.  Talk to me if I ever try to run Boston and see if I have the same story to tell when I hit the hill at mile 20!

-  Sunday's long run:  16 mile run turned into a 17.8 miler.  My running bud and I ended up taking a wrong turn at the end (around 15.8) of this week's long run.  I was sure I knew where I was on our map but I guess I was wrong!  So, our already ambitious run ended up being epic. By that time I was already losing it pretty bad; low energy and such -- "hitting wall" I guess they call it -- but we made it and we're so pumped about it.  Philly here we come!

Oops

Sunday, August 26, 2012

RIP, 1st Kinvara 2's:  347 miles.  You had a good life.

This is what happens when you preheat your oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees with your Kinvara 2's inside.
Why were they in the oven you ask?  Well, I washed them yesterday and had put them in there to dry out.  I'm usually more careful... By the time I realized it was too late.

Good thing I had just bought a new pair last week. :)

Now that's what a Kinvara sole should look like!

The new and the melted old.

Do as I say...

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Afternoon Run
3 miles Easy
Treadmill

Today's run was pretty painful starting out but got easier after about a half mile.  I think I pulled my left hamstring somewhere during my Tuesday's "easy" 3.  Looking back on it, I may have started out too fast and may have pushed a little too hard on Tuesday.  I went out there pretty wired and tense from work, in a rush to get the run over with.   My left hamstring definitely bore the brunt of my hastiness and I ended up spending the better part of yesterday and all of today babying my left leg.  After I got off the treadmill today, the pain came right back so I spent some extra time stretching and am now sitting here icing as I type.

Wasn't it just last week that I posted about the benefits of a good warm up?  How soon we forget!
Tai Chi!

Yesterday's run strangely enough wasn't really affected by this.  I ran in to work and so just assumed the stiffness I was feeling was just me still waking up.   I also ran the 6 miles stupid slow and spent most of the time too distracted by abandoned dress shoes in the street and old folks practicing Tai Chi in the Commons.  Maybe I should have joined in for a bit...not sure how effective Tai Chi is for loosening up stiff muscles but the grandpas seemed to be having fun.

Rug Buurrrnnnn

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Afternoon Run
3.3 miles Easy
Road

FYI:  This post might get a little awkward and at times be too much information.  If you're still interested read on.

As I was musing about this weekend's runs I had a thought.  If somebody came to me and asked, "Cha, which would you prefer, running for 2+ hours in wet shoes or running 2+ hours comfortably only to find out in the shower later you had been chafing the whole time?  Cha, wet shoes or chafing?"  Which would I choose?

Call me crazy but, I would, without a doubt, go with sweat-soaked shoes every time.  Even with the threat of blisters and all the other crazy things that happen with feet, even with the reality of leaving the treadmill soaking wet after long runs or leaving wet foot prints through the city of Boston-- Did it rain?  No, that girl must have stepped in a puddle or something.  Eh, wrong!  I am the puddle...or something-- and, even though I have been on the verge of tears a few times over the uncomfortableness of it all, there is no comparison.  Chafing or "rug burn" as I will call it from here on out (chafing just sounds dirty) is no joke!

It happens a lot.  Most runners deal with it in some form or other.  I will not discuss specifics here but I will just say that if it touches fabric, it has the potential to chafe.  It's usually all good until you step into the shower and the water hits you.  Then, what was supposed to be a nice refreshing cool down becomes a mortal struggle for hygiene.  The fight or flight reflex kicks in and you bite your lip and stomp your feet to resist the urge to quit the shower entirely.  The neighbors perk up at the yelps and involuntary exclamations and wonder if there is to be a full moon tonight.  The roommates come running, startled by that initial cry for mercy.  "Ah no no...every thing's fine in here!  Just a little ah...rug burn."  The whole thing lasts about 5 minutes as the initial sting wheres off but depending on how bad it is-- the rug burn that is-- the healing could take weeks.

The only worse thing about not knowing your getting a rug burn until you get back is knowing you're getting one while you're running.  Some times you feel every bit of the grind and there's not a thing you can do about it while you're out on the road.  Sure, the books say bring extra Vaseline or Body Glide or what have you --the stuff wears off with sweat-- but REALLY?  Am I really going to stop and "reapply" during a race?  Probably not.  The only other option is you just keep running and hope there's some skin left when you stop. Gah!


Week 5 Highlights
- Hit 500 miles on Tuesday.  So pumped as my goal for the year is to run 600 miles!
- Friday's run was awesome!  14.5 miles at a good pace. Farthest yet!
- Took some extra rest this week and felt good about it. :)


Warm-up Works!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Afternoon Run
3 miles Easy
Treadmill

Felt really good today.  Warmed up with about 10 minutes of jump roping (I love jump roping) and some dynamic stretching.  Learned a new routine from an article on Runner's World called A Dynamic Routine.

"Hacky Sack" is my favorite.  "Toy Soldier" my least.  All are wicked effective.

I don't always take the time to fully warm up but I'm glad I did today.  It made all the difference coming off of a really long day at work.  When I hit the treadmill it was easier to get up to speed and felt like my heart was doing less work.  It could just be a good day or it could be that warm up works!  Or, maybe I'm getting better?  Don't know.  Just thankful I was able to do this "easy" run faster than I have been doing them lately.


Long Run Temptations

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Afternoon Run
13.5 miles Long run
Road

Have you ever had your T pass yell at you?  I mean scream at the top of its lungs with an impressive will of its own?  No?  Carry it along on a 13.5 mile hot sweaty run.  You'll hear.

This was the long awaited Fresh Pond run.  My running bud has been talking about showing me this route for a while and finally today was the day.  Things started out okay.  By mile 9 (near Harvard Sq), however, my pass was legit burning a hole in my waist-pack begging me to stop.  Crashing miserably, I wanted to hop on the T so badly and end the madness.  Hot, drenched literally from head to toe with my form falling apart; comfortable things were beckoning from all angles.  Every bench I passed was an invitation to sit.  Every grassy spot a call to quit.  Wowee. Crazy long run temptations!  But... I made it!  I had convinced myself I'd had enough but I didn't quit.  I ended up taking frequent and increasingly longer [and longer] walking breaks but I kept moving forward.  Victory?  Victory!

Many thanks to L for slowing down and waiting for me and...for not letting me get on the T.  This is the farthest I've gone to date.  Sure, I know the long runs will only be longer from here out but I'm celebrating this one now.  Wahoo!

Why Ride When You Can Run?

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Morning Run
5.6 miles Tempo
Road

I woke up pretty exhausted this morning but somehow was able to keep the pace up for most of the run.  It might even be possible that this was my best run through the "Twilight zone"-- the stretch on Comm Ave. between Mass and Arlington.  I gave it the name because the brownstones lining the street all look alike and there's nothing to mark your progress but the alphabetical street names and the approaching cityscape.  Today, running that stretch didn't seem so daunting and I didn't stop at all except for red lights!  I arrived at work feeling really good.

Running to work is probably one of my favorite workouts!  Not because it's the easiest (Lord knows waking up is hard) but because it makes me feel so pumped about the day.  It's a decent distance of 5.6 or 6 miles depending on which way I go and I kill two birds with one stone: my workout's over with and I avoid yet another long crowded ride on the green line.  Is it a wonder I would take running over riding the T any day?  Why ride when you can run!?  Sometimes I run down with my running bud which always makes for good times.  Today, I went at it sola.

Conflicts Abound

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Rest Day

My good friend was telling me yesterday all about the elements that make a good story and in her wisdom found a way to apply it to my training.  Obviously, there needs to be a good plot and a semi-interesting protagonist.  What I never really think about is the necessity for conflict in making a good story-- something the main character is up against; over which she can and must prevail.  Who is Fodo without The Dark Lord and Mount Doom?  What is the Fellowship without the journey and the orcs?  Remove those antagonists and I'll tell you what you'd have...some boring tv.  Take away this element and you have Teletubbies (no offense, Po).

In this epic that is my 18 week marathon training I. Am. Conflicted. but I was encouraged to take heart. Closing out Week 3 and entering into Week 4 I have no kind words for the triple-threat chafing my experience.

My message to the fiends:  Humidity, it's just a matter of time before you are swept away by the cooler more pleasant air I've become so used to.  You will not keep me confined to the treadmill for long!  Excessive Sweating, I will sop you up with a biscuit and keep on running.  You too will soon be history.  And, by God's grace, Unruly Mr. Heart Rate, I will pacify you!

It is hard now but overcoming is going to feel so good in the end.


Week 3 Highlights
- 5 miles at 9:03 pace on Wednesday.  PTL! Getting so close to my 9 min goal.
- On Saturday completed 10 miles on the treadmill for the first time.  Not fun but also not as hard as I expected it would be.  Overall a good week.

It's the Humidity...

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Morning Run
5 miles Easy
Road


Went out for an easy 5 to Kenmore and back.  Felt pretty sluggish and I blame it all on the humidity. After all, I'm super well rested after an easy 2 on Sunday and a rest day Monday.  It didn't kill me today but it definitely slowed me down.

70 degrees with 80% humidity!  Cool but damp. Kept having to squeeze out my headband to stop it from dripping down the back of my neck. Eeew.  It was okay, though.  There were a bunch of other sweaty people running around so I didn't feel too bad.  That's one thing you can count on around here.  No matter the weather, you'll always find someone else out doing their thing.

Week 2

Sunday, July 29, 2012

I considered naming this post "The Terrible 2" because this week was pretty difficult.  Breathing...heart rate...core issues...tiredness.  All of the above made this week a hard one.  I managed to get out there five times and get some good mileage considering everything.  Some times I think I push myself harder on days/weeks when I'm not feeling the greatest.  I wonder what that's about...

The 4 I completed on the treadmill Tuesday was probably the most frustrating.  In my mind it was supposed to be an easy run.  What actually happened was 4 miles in 45 min (last week I ran 5 miles in 46 min!).  I was running at a relatively slow pace trying to keep my HR down but kept having to stop to catch my breath.  I literally stopped 10 or more times.  I just felt uncomfortable and it was discouraging.

My long run this week really wasn't any better.  Went out for an 11 on Saturday with my running bud.  We picked a new route running through Newton.  Though beautiful, the whole run, from beginning to end, was haarrrd (for me at least).  To be fair, there were lots of rolling hills and the humidity was pretty high but from mile 8 and on I no longer felt like I was running but shuffling, barely lifting my feet.  Not a good feeling when you think you should be further along with your fitness.  By the time we got back it looked like I had gone swimming instead of running. :(

I still can't get used to how each run can feel so differently.  My midweek runs were okay.  Every time I go out it's like pulling a run out of a  hat.  I kept reminding myself to be thankful my self worth isn't dependent on me running like the wind every time!  This probably sounds silly but a frustrating long run can take it's toll.  God is good and my joy depends on that alone.  I've got a ways to go to be able to take every run as they come without getting psyched out by the difficult ones.

Cameo: Meet DB

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Meet David Bowie, my new Bowflex Active Trainer 9.0 Heart Rate Monitor!  It's sleek, dark, and can be little bit scary when at work. I call it DB for short.

DB was a gift from a family friend back home...he had two!  Thanks, Paul! What an amazingly fun blessing. You rock. It has been pretty eyeopening using this thing. My heart rate is like crazy high almost all the time. 174 easy at a ten minute pace. I praise the Lord it is down from what it used to be but golly!

Chest belt and watch

Name:  David Bowie the Heart Rate Monitor
Color:  Black
Purpose: To help Cha train and make her aware of her effort level on runs (and, maybe even scare her into running slower).

Since using DB:  I've been noticing tons of people running around with these over-sized watches on their wrists.  It's funny what details you miss until you're on the inside.

Make Room for the Long Run

Saturday, July 21, 2012


Day 4
10 miles Long Run
Morning - Road

The city woke up real slowly this morning.  I think it was the overcast skies and the coolness following such a long humid spell.  I took this one slow just enjoying the relative quiet and having the sidewalks basically all to myself (for the first half at least).

Truthfully, I too had to peel myself out of bed to get going today.  My Fridays are usually for sleeping in.  Because I was rushing I didn't have a chance to eat anything before I started out.  Took a few ounces of Gatorade and a Power bar with me and ate a little around mile 3, 5 and 7...worked nicely to keep me going though I know I should've had more.  Stopped into SMG and Fitcorp Gov ctr for water breaks.

Funny thing is it's only week 1 of this marathon training and I've already had to completely rearrange my runs to fit "life" in.  I guess that's how it goes.  Thankfully, I was able to make some room for this long run before work this morning.  Family is in town for the weekend.  Will be fun times but I definitely won't get much running done.

The Start

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Well, that first post was kind of abrupt!  I launched into my running log without a hint of an explanation.
   
I'm beginning this blog to chronicle my 18 week preparation for my first marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon - November 2012.  I don't intend to write every day nor to mention every run.  This is just a place where I will share my joys and frustrations as I train, record stories from the road, and remember new insights as they arise.  After all, with all the upcoming time on the road I'm sure to be doing some deep thinking.

First and foremost I hope this blog will glorify God and be a joy to you as you read.  I'm excited and scared and just ready to see how I grow and develop on this journey.  26.2! Oh man! 


Day 2
5 miles Tempo
Afternoon - treadmill

Fastest I've run 5 miles to date (46:15).  Praise the Lord!  Right hamstring aching a little.  Had to stop a couple of times to stretch.  Besides that I felt great.  Did the last mile at 8:50 pace!

Philly 26.2, Here I come!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Congratulations! You are now registered for Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. Please check the event's official website for updates: http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/
MARATHON REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION!

Woo hoo! Now that training has begun this is really real.

Day 1
Run: 3 miles Easy
Afternoon - treadmill

Pretty slow 3 miler on the treadmill.  Boston has been seeing some pretty oppressive weather so I didn't dare run outside.  Not a bad run for the first of marathon training!  Super thankful to be in relatively good shape starting out.