Yeah!!!! Today was the last really long run before the marathon and I made it through it! After cutting out red meat and Coke from my diet last week and adding in Magnesium, my legs finally feel less heavy. Even though I over slept this morning, I was still able to begin my 20 mile run by 7:20am. It was already getting warm with no clouds to speak of, but that meant that today would be the FIRST time this year to run in just shorts and a tank!!! Can you believe that, the FIRST time this year! Good thing I'm moving out of this state in July!! :)
Anyway, my dad gave me a great idea after hearing about my Gu theft/robbery. So I took his advice and put all my Gu's, water, Ultima Replenisher, Advil, Excedrine, chapstick, etc., etc., in my driveway!! Yep, I wanted to make sure no one stole anything this time so I kept it all close to home. It's exactly 5.4 miles from my house, around the lake, and back so I figured I'd do 4 of these "laps." It worked rather well I must say! My first "lap" was 46:28, the second time around was at 46:45, the third was 47:16 (getting tired), then I just had 4 miles left so I just went out 2 and back for a total of 20 miles!! I'm sure the neighbors were wondering why on earth this insane lady kept running back and forth FOREVER, but that's ok.
I finished in 2:53:53, an 8:42 pace. Overall I am pleased with how well and how strong I felt and thankful that I don't have to run that far again for 21 more days. Next Saturday is a 15 mile run, then a 7 miler, then race day. :) Can't wait. As long as I can stay healthy for the next few weeks, it should make for a great race.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Providing laughter
Trimama had some good advice, "take a day off with some good stretching," so that's what I did on Friday. I woke up fresh on Saturday morning and headed out for a long run--this time I CARRIED my GU with me. The run was better than any I had during the week so I was thankful for that. Ended up doing a 13.1 mi. in 1:54:02. Had a few slow miles but didn't dehydrate and didn't feel quite as fatigued.
So how am I "providing laughter" like my title states? Well, let me share with you what I did Monday morning!! I so desperately wanted to bike outside but I still haven't purchased a bike, so I took
off for a 20 mile bike ride on this!!! Yep, that's right! This is my green, Toys 'R Us "mountain bike" special purchased 3 years ago! Notice the pink helmet? Yeah, it's my daughter's. My head's too small for the adult size helmets. :) I'm sure the bikers out on the trails this morning got a good laugh when they saw me coming. I don't even have toe straps on the pedals! BUT, I will say that I had a VERY good workout and enjoyed the scenery of Minneapolis at much higher speeds that by foot. I've never enjoyed biking more than I did this morning, an invigorating ride that left me begging for more. I really do need to get a 'real' bike however, I'm pretty sure it'll be easier to ride than this thing.
So how am I "providing laughter" like my title states? Well, let me share with you what I did Monday morning!! I so desperately wanted to bike outside but I still haven't purchased a bike, so I took
off for a 20 mile bike ride on this!!! Yep, that's right! This is my green, Toys 'R Us "mountain bike" special purchased 3 years ago! Notice the pink helmet? Yeah, it's my daughter's. My head's too small for the adult size helmets. :) I'm sure the bikers out on the trails this morning got a good laugh when they saw me coming. I don't even have toe straps on the pedals! BUT, I will say that I had a VERY good workout and enjoyed the scenery of Minneapolis at much higher speeds that by foot. I've never enjoyed biking more than I did this morning, an invigorating ride that left me begging for more. I really do need to get a 'real' bike however, I'm pretty sure it'll be easier to ride than this thing. So, I'm looking forward to a nice running week that will end with my last long-long run of 20 miles. I'll throw in a few more speed workouts and work more on the nutritional side of running, and then the taper will begin. 26 days till RACE DAY!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Long Week
So, after my very tiring, dehydrating run on Sat., my week has gone pretty poorly! I'm not sure if my body is still trying to recover or if I over did it, or what?! Monday I biked for an hour, felt ok but just a bit tired and sore after. Tues. was a 6 mile run that I did in the afternoon with my son, he biked the trails with me. I threw up twice, felt sick, had muscle cramps in my quads, and just felt like quitting the entire time. Not fun. Wed. I took the day off from all exercise and even found 45 min. in the day that I could spend in the sun! Thurs. I went out to do sprints at the high school track when a large group of students came out for gym class, so that left me driving to the nearby trails. I attempted to do sprints but every part of my body wanted to quit and go back to bed. I ended up doing 4.7 miles but none of my splits were faster than a 9:13!! That's 45 seconds slower than usual! AH!! Now that the marathon is only 4.5 weeks out, I'm getting nervous that my body is dying out and won't be ready. Any suggestions, thoughts, advice on what may be going on or what to do to get back into it???!!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Long Run Catastrophe!
Loaded up with my water bottle, Gu's, Advil, and headed out the door for an 18 mile run this morning. The sun was just coming up over the horizon, looking like a beautiful day was about to unfold. All systems were a go. I typically run to the lakes and look to find a good hiding place near the water's edge to place my water bottle and Gu's. I prefer not to run with things in my hands or around my waist, so this is my alternative. After completing my first 8 mile loop, I went to grab my Gu and water when MUCH to my surprise, THE GU'S WERE MISSING! What?!!!! Who would steal a slimy, disgusting Gu?! I spent the next 9 miles thinking about how I needed some carbs, water, and what running club would feel pity on me and donate one of theirs. It completely threw off my run, mentally I was frustrated because I had planned on taking in 3 Gu's this morning and now I had none. My water bottle was still behind the tree but half of it was gone so I wasn't about to share germs with the thief!
Of course, by mile 14 I was feeling the effects of dehydration and fatigue. Chills, goosebumps, fatigue, and the awful burning sensation (like a bladder infection burn), I believe brownish-orange shouldn't be the color of urine?? I wasn't sure if it was even smart to continue, but being about 4 miles from home left me with no choice but to run. This was the toughest part of the run, but I believe it'll make me mentally stronger. :) So, finished 17 (instead of the 18) in 2:30:07, MUCH slower than I had hoped.
Oh, here's my new running toy! Yep, the Garmin 405!!! It's so slick, light weight, smaller than the 305, and a very pretty shade of green. HEART IT!! My Garmin 205 that I've had for over 2 years, stopped working last week so I decided to bring it back to REI to see if someone there could fix it. Instead of fixing it, they gave me an in-store voucher and for $50 more I was able to get the only 405 they had in stock!
Of course, by mile 14 I was feeling the effects of dehydration and fatigue. Chills, goosebumps, fatigue, and the awful burning sensation (like a bladder infection burn), I believe brownish-orange shouldn't be the color of urine?? I wasn't sure if it was even smart to continue, but being about 4 miles from home left me with no choice but to run. This was the toughest part of the run, but I believe it'll make me mentally stronger. :) So, finished 17 (instead of the 18) in 2:30:07, MUCH slower than I had hoped.
Oh, here's my new running toy! Yep, the Garmin 405!!! It's so slick, light weight, smaller than the 305, and a very pretty shade of green. HEART IT!! My Garmin 205 that I've had for over 2 years, stopped working last week so I decided to bring it back to REI to see if someone there could fix it. Instead of fixing it, they gave me an in-store voucher and for $50 more I was able to get the only 405 they had in stock!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Kept the Pace!
What a terrific weekend! It began with my sisters and I taking my mom for a pedicure and some TLC on Friday, while the guys went golfing for their relaxation. Later, my dad and I headed to Grand Rapids for the race expo. We tried out all the power drinks, bars, breads, and checked out the latest fashions. It was fun spending some alone time with my dad, just he and I. He even drove me around the toughest part of the race course so I could see what all the hills were like. I love listening to his wise advice on how to run, conquer fears, how to stay mentally tough, and how to have fun. I tried to load up on water for the two days prior to race day as well as on carbs. The only problem I hadn't anticipated was getting a migraine! Sure enough, mid afternoon, the aura and chills began. Thankfully, I was able to catch it early enough with medication and a massage. Everything else felt great, ready to go for Saturday's 25K race.
The morning was perfect, sunny and 42 degrees at the start, 60 by the end. The whole family came to the race to watch us all come across the finish line.
STATS:
Dad: 10K: 48:35 -- 7:50 pace! Amazing! My dad is truly an inspiration, at the age of 61 he is still tough to beat!
Sister: 10K: 55:26 --8:56 pace! She has hardly been running since her second baby was born, so way to go KK!!!
Son: 5K: 32:12. I'm so proud of him for completing his second 5K. He now wants to run a 10K this summer!
Sister: 10K: 55:26 --8:56 pace! She has hardly been running since her second baby was born, so way to go KK!!!
Son: 5K: 32:12. I'm so proud of him for completing his second 5K. He now wants to run a 10K this summer!
Husband: 5K: 32:25. Way to go! Thanks for running and then cheering me on at the finish line.
Bro-in-law: 5K: 32:14. Great job! I know you've been working so hard to train properly, keep it up!
Me: 25K: 2:12:07 --an 8:31 pace!! Hills and everything! I'm so pleased that I'm still on pace for Boston! I had set a goal for myself of 2:08:00 but that was because I thought the race was 15.1 miles, NOT 15:5!! It was a fabulous race, great weather, great family support and lots of fans to cheer you on.
6 WEEKS TILL MARATHON DAY!
Just want to thank all my family members for coming out to watch, for taking pictures, and for the support and cheers that kept me going.
Just want to thank all my family members for coming out to watch, for taking pictures, and for the support and cheers that kept me going.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Great Week Ahead!
Finally, warmer weather is here! In celebration, I broke out the 3/4 length tights for my Saturday morning run. Still needed the ear warmer and gloves, but it sure felt great to have the sunshine warming my face. Saturday's run was 10 miles which I happily ran at a comfortable 8:33 pace!! This is my target pace for Grandma's Marathon in order to finish in 3:45, qualifying time needed for Boston. It feels so heavenly to run without pain, aches or injury (just fluid on my knee), I hardly dare believe this is happening. What a joy, a pleasure, a treat, a surprise, a feeling sometimes takes for granted, to run pain-free! Hallelujah!!
I'll be heading to Michigan this weekend to run the Fifth Third River Bank Run, the largest 25K race in the U.S. My dad will be running the 10K, my sister, brother, brother-in-law, husband, and my 8 year old will all be running the 5K. My mom, sister-in-law, and daughter will be walking the 5K while pushing the little ones in strollers. I'll be doing the 25K with great hopes of a 2:08 finish time. Just 7 weeks till Grandma's!
This week will be a light week since I've been experiencing many of the signs and symptoms of over training! Tuesday will be 3 miles with my running partner!!! YES!! She's finally healing from an injury that has plagued her for the whole school year! Can't wait to have someone to run and chat with, looking forward to it. GO DINAH!! Wed. and Thurs. will just be 2-3 mile days. Thursday we'll sit in the car all day driving to Michigan, and Friday my dad and I will have a little "test run" together before heading to the expo.
My dad, my ultimate inspiration/hero/role-model, will be running the 10K this weekend. Last year he completed the 25K, but wasn't quite ready for it again this year or else we'd be doing it together. My son, who just turned 8, will be completing his second 5K. I'm so excited to have my son be inspired by the same man who has inspired me. I am passionate about running, it's second nature, it's a huge part of who I am. I'd love to have my children have that same passion, but as we all know, you can't push it onto someone. So, when my son asks me to run with him, I am overjoyed, I can see the passion in his eyes. :) I'm still working on my daughter, she's faster than any girl in her class (and most of the boys), so perhaps in time she too will take up running.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)