Post Race Blues...

I haven't run for a week. Up until yesterday I didn't have a plan for future races or a goal of what I wanted to accomplish as a runner. I was wandering around the wilderness and I was lost. I had completed my race, basked in the goal of running 13.1 miles and then realized "now what?"

So yesterday I sat down with a calendar and a list of races and planned. My first question was, did I want to focus on getting faster? Or distance. Well, I know that I want to run a marathon at some point in 2009 so I opted for distance. So here is my plan for this year:

March 8th - Disney Princess Half Marathon - start Hal Higdon Intermediate training Dec. 15th.

Jan. 10, 2010- tentative date - Disney Marathon - Starting training Sept. 7th 2009

I am sure I will throw in a few 5K's and 10K's to make life fun and before the marathon training I will have a mileage buildup plan to keep me busy. I have learned so much about myself through running. I *need* a plan!!!

So I have thrown my blues aside and have now returned to my giddy little running self. Whoo hoo!

My video!

Quick race report!

Oh my goodness what a day!!! My whole race experience was flawless, down to my kids going to bed at a decent hour. Wooo hooo!

We all woke up at 4:15 to get to the race venue by 5:15. The kids weren't too happy about getting up that early but they managed. They accompanied me to the starting line and cheered me on as the race began. It was still dark outside but the sun soon began to peek out and light our course.

About a mile in I noticed that this wasn't an ordinary race. There were spectators lining up dressed as every imaginable space creature! I think Star Wars characters were the most prevalent. People were happy chatting while running and laughter consumed the runners. We were shot at by storm troupers, cheered on by Princess Leia and stalked by Darth Vader.

The course was absolutely beautiful. The Indian River Lagoon is actually the Intercoastal Waterway which is a pretty big body of water going down the coast of Florida. There was a nice breeze on our backs for the first 6 miles or so. At the turn around, the breeze turned into gusts but it was nice and cooling. The houses that lined the streets were ones that I wouldn't have any problem moving into! LOL!

The race really flew by and I was thankful that my shins had no pain whatsoever. About mile 10 the race really started for me. I focused in and thought about all the hard training I had put in. I had never run further than 10 miles so it was all new to me! I watched the miles yet to go get smaller and smaller and was amazed that I could actually do this!

The finish was in Centennial Park which had a circular path that led to the finish line. I caught a glimpse of the clock at 2:29:45 and thought, CRAP! 15 seconds before my goal time! I turned into a bonafide Kenyan and ran like a madwoman to beat my time. Then 5 seconds after finishing I thought, "you blonde! Chip time! It took me forever to get to the start so I had plenty of time!" Fun none the less.

I will definitely put this on my to do list next year. The course was beautiful which is one of the main reasons I run!

So here are the stats:

Chip time: 2:27:40

Age division 55/98

Place 675/1068

So I am pleased at my first attempt!

I am going to do my own video when time allows but for now, enjoy last years promo video!

Sunday!!

Well, the day of the race is fast approaching. My mind is calm but I am sure tomorrow I will be a nervous wreck! I can take peace in the fact that I have trained well and hard.

We will be headed down tomorrow - the kids are so excited to stay at the beach. We will hit the bed early and will anticipate a 4am wake up call. *yawn*! The start is at 6:00am so the sun will just be coming up as we run.

The course is flat and right along side the Indian River which will make a beautiful backdrop as we run. It is shaded as well so it won't get too hot. I think the weather is still supposed to be partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm - mid 50's and then a high to mid 70's. I pray I can make it off the course by the time it hits 60!

My goal time is 2:30 - do I dare put that in print?? I ran two miles yesterday and my shins are not so hot today so who knows what 2 days of rest will bring. I think the shin issue is the only thing that will hold me back. After a huge Thanksgiving feast and all the leftovers, there is no way that lack of fuel will be a problem!

So today I can rest up, drink lots of water and make a mental checklist of all that needs to be done. Wait, I better write it all down! LOL!

Now, don't shoot me, we all do it!!!

Off I went this morning for my 10 miler, and last run before my half next week, and lo and behold? What did I see as I pulled into the trail head?? Porta Potties!!

I know, gross you say, but I used to be a toilet snob and now I am all too happy to use a porta potty. It *is* better than the woods ya know. And my belief is, you are not truly a runner until you have used the woods on a run. Ok, I am not going to go into *that* story!

So I can run in confidence that at some point during my run, I will have a bathroom no farther than 2.5 miles. I am covered!

And a side note, do you notice my cool headband?? 70's runner returns! I soooo need to go and buy a ear warmer thingie but this gag gift of my dh's will have to do. I tried to toss it as clutter 2 years back but thankfully it was still in it's hiding spot. Very useful as today it was 41 degree

Weather

A week or so ago I had a dream that I was running in rain. Now I don't believe that dreams come true or now do I??

I just checked the 10 day forecast and what is on tap for race day?? You got it, 30% chance of showers. I pray that this is the day that meteorologists are WRONG!

Low's around 55 Degree's F, High of 73. Race starts at 6:00am so we shall see!

Runcast TV...

What fun I had today as I went out this morning with my camera phone and snapped some shots of my trail where I run. There is a new site, Runcast TV which is a site devoted to runners. Very cool. Enjoy!

I am all for cleaning up the environment but...

This is ridiculous! I put out my water bottle for my run and when I came back 5 miles later with a gel in my mouth, and nothing!

Now I am assuming that some sweet earth conscious person tossed it in the trash, or maybe the recycling bin but I need water! Fortunately, I had a back up in my car just a few steps away.

I think next time I will keep my stash in my car. It might not be as easy to grab it but at least I will have something!

Hal Higdon with a Galloway spin...

Today I had an experiment. I was to run 5 miles and I felt pretty good as I started off. My right calf muscle is still giving me fits and today it just wasn't loosening up the way I had hoped but, hey, I am used to the pain and I kept running through it. Not good I am sure but I did it anyway.

Anyway, I have a Hal Higdon half marathon plan which I have been faithfully following. I also run it Jeff Galloway style as I run 3 minutes and then walk a minute. While I think it is the easy way out of running, it works for me at the moment! ;) So this is my experiment. I ran 3 miles Galloway style then on the 4th mile I ran straight through with no walking breaks. Then ran the last mile in the run/walk ratio. Here are my split times: Running straight is bold/italic

1 - 10:33
2 - 10:58
3 - 10:48
4 - 10:18
5 - 11:04

So was running straight really worth it for me?? No way! Even though I was a bit faster, it killed me on the last mile! So for now, I feel good about doing the whole run/walk thing.

I suppose I will continue to run like the wind - the wind is wind, no matter how fast!

Pace

Pacing is so over rated for me. As I read books it says to run easy, run hard, run slow blah blah blah. But for me, I just run to get to the end. I mean sure, I slow down if I am hyperventilating but for the most part, it takes everything I have just to keep going! I might as well walk if I go any slower! LOL!

So I know I will probably run the Half at a slower pace than what I have been running, and I am ok with that. I know there will be time to sharpen up my speed but for now I am having a blast going the distance.

I decided...

To the left there is a void. There used to be a 10K race there which was going to be in my training schedule but I opted out of it. I would much rather run the Half strong and healthy than to jeopardize my leg for a local 10K.

So tomorrow I will be going for 8 miles and I am ready!

What to do!!!

Ok, here is the deal. I am following the Hal Higdon plan for my first Half. In the training, it incorporates races for two of the days. I checked off the 5K from the training, but there is a 10K for Nov. 9th. I work on some weekends so it is not always feasable to race. There is one for Nov. 1st which I can run. But then it mucks up my scheduled long run of 8 miles on Sunday! Follow me?

Schedule
10/27 - strength/stretch
10/28 - 4.5
10/29 - 3 3
10/30 - 4.5
10/31 - rest
11/1 - 50 min cross
11/2 - 8 miles

So my options are to just stick to the schedule or race on 11/1 and add on a few miles after the race to get to 8 miles and ditch the cross training.

So can someone give me some feedback as to what to do? I really want to race, but I also want to get in my long run. *and* not get injured! Help a girl out!

Morning run

How I love to venture out early in the morning to this. See the small bit of moon up there on the top of the picture?

It was so quiet out this morning but soon a handful of people joined me out on the path. They were all choosing their method of exercises, whether it be on foot or by bike but one thing was common. Their love for the newfound fall weather!

While driving to my destination I hit the temp. button in my car. 55 degrees F. it read! Brrrrr! But after a summer of running in the mid 80's, I welcomed the cool crisp air. It felt invigorating!

I finished 7 miles strong and surprised that I felt so good since resting so much from my leg issue. I was encouraged too as my pace was under 11 minute miles. I looked back at my history on my Garmin and last April I was at 13 minute miles for a 7 mile run! Training works!

A little more than one month to go for my Half-Marathon. I look forward to having a great race no matter the pace...

Cleared!!

Went to the Dr. yesterday and he cleared me to run! Gotta love Sports Medicine professionals as they are used to wackoes who are passionate about their sport. Go ahead and run through the pain - here are some drugs that will make it just fine!

As long as I can run still I am good. But really, it was just a case of nasty shin splints that will recoup well after some heavy corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories.

So today I am going to do a very SLOW 4.5 miles as to not wipe myself out. Then back home to ice the fool mess out of my leg.

I can still run my races!!!!!! No, I am not the least bit excited and relieved! ;)

Aw heck!

So yesterday I didn't run my 2 miler to rest my leg. Today I was a glutton for punishment and ran 4 miles against my better judgement. I mean, it doesn't hurt that much!

So I ran today and felt pretty strong minus the nagging dull pain in my right leg. At mile two, I stopped for water and massaged my shin bone all the way down towards my ankle. All of a sudden shooting pain right above my tattoo and ankle. Totally muscle pain right at the attachment. Why I didn't do that yesterday I have no clue!

So now I am resting with an ace bandage securing a bag of frozen peas around the area. Can I say OUCH??!! Guess I will have to chill today with the laptop! ;)

Pain...

Today I was so excited to get out there and run on my favorite trail but moments into my run I knew I wasn't going to like it! I had a dull ache in my right shin area. It kind of circles around into the back of my calf as well. Just dull and achy.

I thought I would push through it and keep on going - hopeful that it would just fade away after I warmed up. Nope, didn't. It nagged me for the whole 4 miles and then after as I walked. So frustrating!

Now I sit here at my computer about 30 minutes later and it still hurts. Just achy and bothersome. Enough to remind me that something is not right.

I hope some Vitamin I will do just the trick. I will rest it and hopefully it will be good as new soon!

If anyone can do a cyber diagnosis or offer any advice, go for it!

Tickers...

Can I just tell you how freaky it is to have those tickers count down the days? I thought it would encourage me when I saw my little tickers but now I feel a bit ticked off! LOL!

No really, I see them now and think "OH CRAP!" only that long until my next race? What have I gotten myself into! (saying this as I snicker and shake my head back and forth!)

Ok, thought over.

First of three down!

What a blast! Had a great morning run at the Greater Maitland 5K with around 300 others. My time was 32:28 which was a lot faster than my first 5K 2 years ago (35:20!) so I am pleased.

It is so funny because when I train the first mile is always the hardest and for this race, I averaged 9:45 for the first mile! Yikes - slow down girl! If you average it out, I DID slow down but I was a bit ticked I had been so fast the first mile. My hope was to kick it in gear the last 2 miles but I kind of outdid myself without knowing it on mile 1! Oh well. Knowledge for the next race!

My last post was regarding feeling giddy yesterday and I did. So much so I didn't sleep so well. Then at 11:45 the door alarm started going off - wonderful when you know you need to be up at 5:30 and all you hear is "back door open, back door open" in this booming man's voice. Grrrrr. I turned off the monitor and switched on a fan to block the noise and thankfully fell back asleep.

I don't know about you, but I learn year after year how controlling and obsessive I am. Do you know that on my way there I practically panicked that I had gone on the wrong day?? LOL! I quickly snatched my phone and checked out the date - whew! I was on track! I relaxed again and enjoyed the drive there listening to great morning music.

The race was well put on, a nice support group and not too crowded. I do have to admit though, I am a bit spoiled by my two Disney Medals!

I am so happy I ran like the wind!!

Feeling giddy!

Tomorrow is my third race ever! It is a local 5K that I am so excited about and I can't wait to hit the pavement in the morning. The first 5K I ran was two years ago and my goal was to finish... This year my goal is to be faster and finish stronger. I feel confident that my training so far has prepared me well for that.

So for now, I will just enjoy the nerves, anxiety and excitement of tomorrow as I run like the wind!

The stinkin' treadmill...

This morning I opened the door and what did I see? Huge raindrops coming down. Fortunately I work and live right on a campus that has a gym and a good treadmill so I have no excuses.

So I have found out that I hate running on the treadmill! I can't push myself and it is just too easy to go slow. I find it hard to use my mental Garmin games when I am on a thing that just keeps me in one place.

My time stunk today and I didn't get to breathe fresh air. Grumble grumble... I am thankful that at least I did it, I just didn't like it!

Running on emotions...

This could be such a bunny trail post but hopefully I will make sense of it all!

So today I just did some cross training - on the elliptical. I love the way it makes me sweat with minimal effort! I do feel like I moved my body and it didn't wipe me out so that is good!

Tomorrow I run 5 miles. Now that I am jittery about! I have perused blogs and since it is a weekend, many runners are out running races today. I am excited for them but also have a bit of apprehension about my own races to come. I guess that is why running is such a rush for many!

Running makes you live life to the fullest. One moment you feel sure of yourself, while the next you are full of self-doubt. This can be throughout the day as you look towards your goals or during a run. It is all such a mental game!

Personally, I haven't really run in ages, not that I have really been consistent in running at all! I ran a 5K in 2007, a 15K in May of 2008 and now have signed up for 3 races in two months! I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

My 5K is exciting as I feel confident that I can at least finish. LOL! My Half, well, only training will tell. I know that two months of training is a good amount of time to build up so I am hopeful!

Until then, I will continue to run like the wind!

Running fuel...

The other day I was at a hotel and out of my element. I woke up, went downstairs to use the gym and against my better judgement, didn't drink my morning cup o' joe. What happened? Well, I tuckered out after 2.5 miles. Pretty sad if you ask me!

So today I made sure I had a good dose of caffeine to wake me up and out the door I went! MUCH BETTER!! Ahhhh... I like running again.

Drink up and run like the wind!

Flexability...

Give me a training plan and I am good to go. My personality is one where you just tell me what to do, and I will do it! I read all of the books, listen to all of the guru's and follow the directions. Should be easy right?


Wrong... Well, maaaayyyybeee, I wasn't following all of the directions! The other day I was supposed to do 2 easy miles. So the last mile I wanted to time myself and I pushed it. I mean really hard! What did I get for that? A shin splint that hurt like the dickens.


I spent the next day and a half worrying if I had a stress fracture, if I would be able to run again, and how much will this set me back in my plan. Grrrrrr... I have paid good money for these races and I didn't want to loose it all!

So I popped some Vit. I, iced my leg and took it easy. Today was my 4 mile run and after talking with a runner friend who has many miles under his belt, he said to just take it easy on the treadmill. Ok, I said but deep down was disappointed as it "feels" different than the road. I don't want to get lazy now! His idea? Set the incline to 3. Ahhhh haaaaa!

Well, I no longer think that the treadmill is the lazy man's running game. It kicked my butt and I am thankful for it! Leg is good and I am happy again! Plus, it was nice to run in AC for a change... Ya know, I am acclimating to a November race --- Ha haaa!!

Alligators, mosquitos and spiderwebs... Oh My!

Maybe it was because we watched a Veggie Tales rendition of The Wizard of Oz since this title is all I had going through my head as I ran this morning!

I set out for my 4 miler this morning around 6:30. The sun had not yet come out and the animals were all making themselves heard. Because the light level was low, I was a bit apprehensive of going out on my run but I knew that in 10 minutes or so, dawn would be my friend. My iPod was going but very softly just so I could hear the outside noises. I was just getting into my groove when I heard a loud bellow! Could it be alligators calling this close to the trail??!! Run Forrest, RUN!!!

The sun was just starting to spread some light and the air was still.Because of the floods, the ground is extremely wet- perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. I was into mile 2 and the trail was closed off due to the lake's increased water level. I ran under the rope that closed off the trail and I couldn't believe my eyes! The water and air were swarming with mosquitoes! I was running as quickly as I could before they carried me away!

So I finally dodged all of the blood sucking mosquitoes and then found my next obstacle. Spider webs. This area of trail is gorgeous. Strong tall Oak tree's, palms and Spanish moss surround the trail. But because it is heavily wooded, it also lends itself to spiders, and their webs! Now how a spider spins a web across 4-5 feet of trail, I don't know! Uggghhh! They stretch over your face, your sweaty legs, your arms - just everywhere! So from afar, I would hate to see what I look like running down this stretch of trail. I am sure I look like I am having convulsions from slapping the sticky webs off of my body!

The positive from this run? I was nicely distracted from the actual act of running!!! I felt great this morning despite all of the natural wonders. So now go run like the wind!

A family affair!

 
Today I got up fairly late, too late to dash out of the house quietly so I grumbled a bit and stayed in bed with my ds who had joined me not a minute earlier. At noon I opened up the door and to my surprise, it wasn't that humid! I said, "let's pack a lunch and head to the park!" So in 10 minutes we were out the door.

My dh dropped me off 3 miles away from the park and I met them there.

 

I finished up the last half mile in the park area so my kids could join me in running. They love to follow me and beg me every day to wake them early so they could run with me. Oh for them to be just a few years older!

I pray that I can be a positive influence as they grow up and make their own health choices. For now I love it that they want to join me in this activity!

New shoes!

My old Brooks have seen better days so off I went to spend a bit of $ on shoes! My old shoes have fit so well and have never given me any trouble so I have been a bit sad to give them up. I mean, if it isn't broke, don't fix it! But that is not what the experts say - they say get new ones after a lot of road use. I would say 2 years of road use kind of fits there definition of over use!

Went to a great place called Fleet Feet that took a lot of one-on-one time to get me properly fit in a good shoe. It was a little intimidating at first but the employee's were so kind who made me feel more at ease. They offered some ideas for shoes and out they came. I was able to put them on and test them on a treadmill that had a camera set up behind it. They taped me and my running gate and showed how the shoe supported my foot. That is scary but really cool if you get over the embarrassment factor! LOL!

They also gave me inserts for my feet to correct my right foot. It seems to want to bend to the right and the inserts help out my foot alignment or something. It will take me a week or two for my muscles to compensate for the inserts so we shall see!

What I am up to...

To the left I am sure you see the tickers and yes, it is waaaay too many things going on at once! But I have a plan! Roll eyes here. If any of you know me in real life, I am the queen of impulse and spasticity but my hope is that by entering these races, I will be able to work towards something and because of them, keep me accountable. Will it work? We shall see one race at a time.

Actually Hal Higdon has a fabulous training program for the Half Marathon. Great for beginners like me who don't have a lot of miles under their belt. I have used his plans before and I enjoyed the results (hey I finished didn't I?)

So this is my plan. Now run like the wind!

I just finished this book yesterday and I am blown away! This man ran 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days! For those who don't know, marathons are 26.1 miles of sometimes road, sometimes rough terrain and he did both.

I am ready to read something else of his as his writing style was so encouraging even to me, a very beginner runner. A wealth of information as well!

Purpose of this blog...

Everyone needs a purpose and a goal so what makes a blog different? My goal or purpose for this blog is to keep all of my running thoughts in one place. To challenge myself and others on this impossible task of getting fit through running.

What has impressed me about running is that anyone can do it! Two years ago I ran my first 5K and was shocked at the amount of non-runner types out there. I thought everyone would be super fit, toned and lean runners. As I entered the crowd with 100 butterflies in my stomach, I saw something that relieved me to the core. There were fit people, fat people, fast people and very slow people! Some even walked the whole way! *gasp* It was that day I concluded that if they could do it, then so could I.

Now run like the wind!