Faithrunner....

I love it when your long run goes better than you had expected it to go, it's more than a marvelous feeling!  An 18 mile run on the trail, long and beautiful, hot and sunny, with friends and solo, all went better than I had hoped.  The plan was to run the first 10 miles with Jamie, a really long run for her, so I had expected us to pace around an 8:30.  Nope, did the 10 miles in 1:24, way faster than I had planned and that left me worried that I wouldn't make it another 8 miles (and I knew I wouldn't be able to negative split).  I headed back down the trail and finally ran into Caren, so I tagged along with her for just over a mile before she had to return to her car.  Then, just before my turn around point, I ran into Allie and Carter and enjoyed the smiles and encouragement they provided!

The heat kicked in shortly after my run began, but with my previously "planted" water bottles along the course, I was able to run without my big belt and that was freeing!  I felt good, my body was cooperating, and my mind was in a positive place.  In the first two miles on the trail, I nearly jumped as I saw some rare trail creature crawling along!  I shouted, "Jamie, it's a lobster!"  Ok, she clarified that it was just a Crawfish, but the thing was weird and completely unexpected in the middle of nowhere!




  The end result?

Very pleased with the run, at least for where my training is at.  Still slower than last year at this time, but catching up quickly.

I have high expectations for this week.  I'm really wanting to push and stretch myself, put in some hard training, get in the miles in order to ready myself for the peak of this training season.  The Monday morning run was great, 7 x 800's at the track with Jamie, felt hard but satisfying.  By the afternoon, the fatigue, cramping, bloated blahs kicked in and I was already self-doubting.  You ladies know what I'm talking about, for a whole week out of every month, your body is hating on you like no one's business.

Tuesday morning's plan was a solo run of 8-10 miles in CH with promises of big, long hills.  But, after two Midol, I simply wasn't feeling it physically, and mentally, well that's a whole different story.  I was late taking the 3 kids to school, each one progressively later than the first.  Then a text message from the middle child reporting that he desperately needed a paper he had left on his side table which meant my run was going to begin even later!  In order to make my 10am appt with my trainer, I needed to make this run fast and furious, and closer to home.

Already feeling sluggish, bloated, fat, disgusted, crampy, and just plain yuck, I didn't have much will power to get me through this long, hilly, humid run that I had to do solo.  I contemplated my outfit, I think it made my bloated belly protrude, so maybe a quick stop at home was needed.....maybe I needed new music on my ipod......I think I had the wrong inserts in my shoes.....really, the list went on and on in my head before getting out of the car.  It's seriously ridiculous!  Finally, when I though no one was looking, I got out of my car and proceeded to the trail.  I usually do a few dynamic stretches, find a good bush, then begin my run, but while I was stretching, I noticed a few ladies approaching and I needed to wait until they passed me.  Once they passed, I finished my routine, then did a brisk walk to the start of the trail.  As I caught up to them, the first lady said, "oh, I love your legs!"  What?  I turned down my music, not certain of what I heard.  The middle lady said, "Yes!  I love your legs! Wow, you are so lucky!"  The three of them smiled as I had no idea how to respond to that.

As I ran the first several miles, I kept thinking about the timing of these ladies and how fantastic their words were at that moment.  At any other time, I probably wouldn't have thought much of it, but at that exact moment, when all the self-doubt was bubbling at the surface, it felt awesome to receive such a compliment.  And yes, I should be thankful that I have two legs in which to run with.  Why don't we compliment one another on a more regular basis?  What are we afraid of?  Is it really too hard to speak kind, encouraging words to people we don't know?  My silly self-doubt was washed away by three ladies who had the courage to speak compliments (heck, they don't even need to be true!) to me.  I will return the favor and pass along the goodness.

This week is what I call a successful week.  There were many runs that felt strong, hills that felt a little easier than usual, and long runs that kept good paces.  I know my training isn't what it was at this point last year, especially with extra time off in late summer, so I'm trying to figure out what I can expect from my body.  A few good indicators occurred this week and I was pleasantly surprised by the results.    

First, there were the two early morning runs this week, both 5 mile hilly runs that I normally struggle through, but not this week!  I felt so strong on the ups and was able to recover quickly on the downs, maybe my iron levels have something to do with this, but I also think my legs are stronger.

Another indicator run was on Saturday, a 16 mile long run day.  16.1 miles at an ave pace of 8:30, and I felt like I could have run at least 4 more!  I couldn't believe how great I felt and I was pleasantly surprised by the pace of the run.  Chocolate milk for the ride home, a great 4:1 ratio of carbs/protein, and all is well with the world again!  If I can keep the 8:30 paces for each of the next 3 weekend runs, then I'll know that my fitness level is where I want it to be.  Next weekend 18 mi, hoping for the same results.












Lastly, I was able to power through an hour long spincycle class just minutes after a hard 4 mile run and that, my friend, is far better than I could have anticipated.  The class was fun, first one I've done since moving to NC 4 yrs ago, and I'm glad I tried it out.

So, this week, success was measured in runs that showed improvement, felt great, and left me wanting more.  I was itching all day today to go out for a nice 3-4 mile run but forced myself to let my legs recover fully.....hard to do, especially when I feel so good.

30 mile run week, no swimming, 1 hr spin class, 1 hr of AE....7 weeks to go!!!

Oh, and a round of ice cream from our FAVORITE Maple View Farms ice cream place!!
 

Yesterday, when I least expected it, I received this amazing email from my bestest friend.  See, my bestest friend has been by my side through thick and thin since college days, and that was many moons ago.  She's one of those special people who have a heart that's made of gold, hands that are used for helping others (and moving mountains), feet that are good for coming to your rescue, and a mind that's half filled with lists and half filled with so much knowledge that I'm surprised her brain doesn't explode.  She's a beautiful woman, strong as ever, compassionate beyond words, an extraordinary mother of two boys, and just simply amazing.  She's seen me at my worst, been there when I thought I was near death, been by my side in times of pain (and childbirth), and have always been a rock for me.

This year, we are finally taking a girls weekend getaway in Florida to enjoy some R & R together.  What's even more exciting is that we are planning this trip around a 5k race, her very FIRST 5k race!! What's even MORE exciting than that?  She has never ran that far, she has never attained that goal, she has never believed she would ever even attempt that goal.  But, after years of saying that one day she will conquer a 5k, she is finally doing it.  She asked me to put together a plan for her, so I came up with a 26 week training plan on a fancy calendar with lots of pictures, encouraging words, smiley faces, etc., and she is currently on week 7 of the plan and going strong!  I've always made training plans for myself, but not someone else, especially not someone who hasn't run before.  This was a test for me as well, to sit down and really think about what would be best for her, where to start, how to build her confidence and stamina, and how to get her motivated to keep going and believe in herself.  I know her, she's my closest friend, we have a history, so there was lots for me to go on when I made this plan.  I know where she falters, I know how she doubts, I know how her schedule can quickly take over her mornings, I know where her treadmill is, I know her husband's work hours, and I know how her lack of confidence shakes and shimmies.  So, after 6 weeks of following this plan, she has met every goal we've set, met every challenge, completed each day of training even in the busiest week of the summer, she is doing it!

I was just about to walk into a cafe yesterday when I received this email from my friend, I had to stop before entering the cafe because tears began to build in my eyes (I wasn't feeling up to looking like a fool at that moment, other times it's fine :)  ).  This is what she wrote,

I feel compelled to share another victory story with my beloved trainer :).  First I have to say that I was NOT feeling victorious during my long workout day last week... I'm seriously wondering if I will actually be able to run 3 minutes straight after my performance that day :).  BUT the good thing is that I'm starting to reap the benefits of 6 weeks of consistent  exercise!  Today Bobby and I had to move a couch and dining set up from the basement.  During the move I realized was not only carrying heavy loads up the stairs, but I was going fast and not coughing up a lung from the exertion!  That, my friend, is why I will keep running :). Thanks for doing this journey with me!!! Love you!


This just made me smile, cry, laugh, and rejoice, all at the same time!  I'm so proud of her!!  If you only knew how much of a struggle she's gone through, the yo-yo- diets she's been on, the constant weight battles, the huge amounts of self-doubt, then you'd realize just how amazing this accomplishment is.  We've still got 20 weeks to go, but she is on the right path and making HUGE strides that she's never done before, and her confidence is building up like a lego tower--one block at a time!  She's so FABULOUS!  

Yesterday, I was scheduled to run a 5K in Raleigh, but the 9am start time put a time constraint on the rest of activities going on, so I had to back out.  Instead, I chose to perform my own 5K right here on the east campus loop.  Appropriately named the Charles In Charge 5K, I picked a starting area on the loop and began to run as fast as I was able while pretending there were people I was beating.  I tried to envision hundreds of runners along side me, motivating me, pushing me to run harder, but that didn't work out so well.  Instead, I picked markers along the way and attempted to see how fast I could get to certain spots, or how fast I could pass another person on the trail.  I wore my Bull City singlet, my Garmin, my new shoes that I'm trying out, and away I went.  Official time (no chip timing), was 23:41 and that was good enough for first place!  Yeah, if only I could have won some prize money along with that, or even a shirt!  It was fun, and it was a good way to test myself and see what sort of pace I can push myself at.  The Brooks Launch seemed to serve me well, very light feeling!







After finishing the run, I headed over to the pool for a 1.2 mile swim.  I still had my running gear on, including my visor, so as I walked into the pool area with my head down, I was completely shocked upon lifting my head!  I instantly realized that I had not been paying attention!  There in front of me, all gathered together, were about 15 Duke Aquatic male swimmers standing about 10 feet from me....yes, all in the tiniest black speedos.  Aye.....it's so awkward to look up, not look startled, and then quickly look away and keep walking.  By the time I walked out of the changing room, they were all in the water swimming, that helped.  A few interesting things about my swim:  one, I'm competitive by nature, so swimming in a lane next to many fast swimmers only makes me want to swim faster and at each flip turn, I could see who I was going to pass next.  Totally ridiculous, for sure.  Two, with all those huge men swimming in all the lanes next to me, there were waves in my lane and I was gulping gallons of water with each breath!  Each breath became a quick spit, short exhale, huge inhale, face back in the water sort of move.  I kept thinking about how much more difficult open water swimming will be and how it's a good thing the Triathlon has the swim first, otherwise I would surely drown.  My heart rate was all over the place, I found it difficult to slow my breathing, and I was taking in way too much water, something needed to change.  After 500M, I stopped to catch my breath and gather my senses before going any further into my swim.  Once I started back up, I began to fall into a rhythm that continued easily until 1.2 miles.


This morning, Sunday, was long run day!!  My favorite run of the week!  Today was 14 miles and I was able to hook up with some fabulous Bull City women on the ATT.  With the low temps, low humidity levels, today was FAR easier than any run since Spring and it felt amazing.  The first 7 miles were an easy pace (staying around 8:25) although I was worried that my legs would be too worn out to make it all 14 since I haven't had a successful long run in quite some time.  Miles 7-14 were way faster than I anticipated and that I've run in months, so it completely took me by surprise!  8:19, 8:15, 8:02, 7:56, 8:07, 8:15's to the end!  Maybe all these horrific runs in the heat/humid conditions are paying off? I know that running with these fabulous women (Alicia, Caren, Kara, Becky, Ellen) is also part of the good run today, they are all motivational and inspiring (and much faster than I) and I'm thankful for the added "pace push" they gave me today, it brought out the best in me. :)  My legs felt tired and my feet were hurting towards the end, but I just kept thinking that I wanted to finish with a good pace, a good feeling of success, and a good test of where my fitness level really is at.  It was fabulous.  8:18 ave pace











All in all, a fairly decent week (tough).

31.5 mi Running
4000M swimming

This week has proved to be another tough week to get through!  I'm hoping this past iron infusion kicks in sooner than later, hoping and hoping.

I've struggled through a few runs already this week, but at least the swimming has been fabulous.  2300M x 2 already!  Monday was a day of recovery but I couldn't help going to the pool for a refreshing 2300 swim.  Tuesday's 4 mile run wasn't too bad, but that was followed by an hour of weight lifting with Meredith.  Wednesday was another hilly run with Edie but since we ran on the trail in the darkness of the morning, I got to wear my sweet headlamp!  Oh yeah, love looking like a dork!  With a few minutes to spare before pick up, I darted to the pool for another great 2300m swim.  Then today, with my legs feeling like lead again, I decided to wait until the afternoon to knock out a track workout.  What was I thinking!  The hot summer sun and humidity seem to suck the air from my lungs making it incredibly hard to breath normally, I left a nice trail of sweat in lane one.  2 x 800, 2 x 400, 8 x 200, done.  It wasn't pretty, wasn't the pace I normally run these at, but I got it done.  What helped me push through?  One single song on my ipod, yep, "Leaving On A Jet Plane,"  old school baby.  Brought me right back to the 80's.

I'm battling one decision this week that I can't seem to figure out.  I've been wanting to run a 5K in the month of Sept. mostly to see where my fitness is at, it's been quite some time since I've run a road race, but now I think I'm too afraid to do it.  Silly?  Yes, but honest.  If I fail miserably, then my outlook on my current training is negatively affected.  If I do well, then I'll feel as if I'm on the right track.  If I don't do the race, then I won't know...good or bad.  So, even though I've already registered for a race this Sat morning, I'm still debating whether or not I will do it.  Not only am I worried about failing miserably (especially considering how my training has been going), but this race doesn't begin until 9am and I need to be home by 10am.....it's 42 min away....so there's this time constraint lingering over me......  Will probably make my final decision at midnight on Friday. :)

I've taken a liking to this new swimming routine, it's working for me!  There's something so peaceful about swimming, it's hard to explain but I've learned to love the solitude I find in it.  The softness of the water, the gentle waves, bubbles popping, the quietness....ahhh, that's the key.  The quiet, stillness of the underwater experience has got me coming back for more.  After the hustle and bustle of the frantic morning routines, a quick drive to the pool and a swim in that quietness has got me hooked.  As soon as I get in that water, I long to find that place of solitude and I can't help myself for staying in it until my fingers are completely pruned.

Sometimes I find running to be a peaceful, a oneness with nature and my thoughts kind of experience, and sometimes it's joining up with friends and chatting all the way through.  But running is hard, it's long, it makes my muscles scream and can take my mind to places of pain and I'm not always able to combat those experiences.  Don't get me wrong, running is my thing...my passion....it's what I love most.  Lately, however, I have longed for that swimming pool.  I catch myself wishing I was swimming while I'm struggling up a hill and my quads are feeling like bricks, or I'm sweltering in this awful heat and humidity and buckets of sweat are dripping from every pore. This week, even though a tough running week to get through, I made it over to that pool 4 times and not because I needed the exercise, but because I was craving that peacefulness and relaxing experience.

Tuesday, since my quads were on fire (thanks to Meredith's fantastic workout on Monday) and I had no ability to run, so I took myself to the cool water of the pool.  1200M swim later, good as new.

Wed was a 9 mi run + 1 mi walk with the amazing Kara, and still.....with a one hour window before the school bell rang and pick up began, I found myself quickly driving to the pool to get in a few laps.  Now I know, 1000M can take about 23 min with a pull buoy, 43 sec to complete a 50M swim, 1:43 to complete a 100M swim, and 4:43 to complete a 250M swim.

Thursday, 6 miles of hills with Edie proved to be a struggle but I survived.  My legs, still heavy laden, needed something cold and soothing.....so back to the pool for another 2000M swim.  I use the pull buoy (floaty) for the first 1650M (mile), that way my legs get a chance to feel the coolness of the water and not work the sore, tired muscles.

Friday was my first ever, BRICK!  I laid out my shoes at my "transition" area, then hopped on my bike (in the basement, safely on the trainer of course!!!) and forced myself to a 45 min bike session followed by a 2 mile run.  My legs still felt like jello when I ran up the stairs to put on my shoes, but at least I will practice this several more times before the next tri.

Saturday I decided to just swim, I needed that.  Under the hot sun, the water felt amazing and the swim was perfect.  Another 2000M down.

Sunday.....oh Sunday.....not a good running day.  Let's just say that the 12 miles I managed to shuffle through happened, but that's about it.  I may have walked 20 times or more, I lost count.  At one point, I sat in my car debating whether or not I should stick it out or come back another day and hash it out.  I opted to keep going, suck it up, and as ugly as it was at least I got it done.  The humidity was a huge factor, 3 pounds of sweat loss in fact, it was not a good run.

Weekly total....27 miles of running, 45 min of biking, and 7000M (just over 4 miles) of swimming.