Boca Grande 5K

Most of the Endurance team took this weekend off, but there were a few of us die hards who showed up for the Boca 5k. I ran this race last January and LOVED it. It's out on the island and sooo beautiful. The weather was actually cooperative too. Not too hot and a little breezy.

Given my sore hips and right knee, I had not run for a whole week. I was pretty sure my finish time would be "less than thrilling", but I figured...what the hey! I'd run it and take whatever the outcome. So I proceeded to party hardy Saturday night and downed 5 (yeah 5) beers. I woke up a little tired but I figured it wouldn't matter.

Sherry (Stiffy Legs Blues) was going to be there with her husband Scott, and I knew a bunch of people who were going to run it too. The social part of these runs are just as much a draw as the race for me. I love these people. Mike is back from Maine and he was supposed to meet us there. He was a no-show, very disappointed! I saw Chuck, Sherry, Mary, Bill...too many people to name.

Jim, Bethany, Josephine, Frank, Cindy and myself were the only ones who came. Tess had been traveling and needed a good rest. She was missed but we understand the need for sleep!!! And we were jealous we didn't get any....LOL.

I saw the tattooed woman I seemed to stay with for the last 3-4 races. Her name is Amy and she's not in my age group...lol. I knew that but I thought she was 22, she's 32! I talked with her today and told her I wanted a picture of her tattoo. It takes up her entire back, it's beautiful. As soon as I get that I'll post it.

Boca Grande 5K is very well known for their fantastic door prize of a 2 night stay at the Anchor Inn. It's worth $800. and we all covet it. Specially me. But that was not to be. The only thing that made THAT ok, was Jim got it! I guess if I couldn't have it, I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather see get it than my coach. But I want it even as I write this. BLAH....lol

We lined up at the start, I skipped my warm up run. I figured I already had a strike against me by imbibing the 5 brewdogs the night before. I did make a new playlist on my iPod for 28 minutes. It's my new thing. I make a playlist in the time allotment that I'm wanting to finish in. I make sure the last 2 songs are "The Race Is On" by Sawyer Brown and "Destiny" by Jim Chaps. This way I know where I'm at since I hate to wear a watch...

The island is so very beautiful, I looked around while I was running, trying to take it all in. The dragonflies were not as abundant but there were a few. The smell in the air was fresh and crisp. I ran with Sherry for a little while before she pulled ahead and then turned for her 10k route. I went straight ahead for the 5k. I slowed at the water table, sipped a little and poured the rest of the water on my arms and legs. I was so busy looking around that I never saw any of the mile markers. I can kinda feel the distance without them but I kept forgetting to check for the markers. Next thing I knew I was at the 3 mile mark. And I felt good. Still strong. Had some energy in me. So I booked to the finish line. I realized my iPod was still playing which meant I was coming in under 28 minutes. Hmmmmmm....made me go faster. I flew down the chute with "Destiny" blaring in my ears. I couldn't believe I got in at 27:31. Just one second longer than my PR. So now I'm all pissy because had I skipped the beers and warmed up and stretched I might have had new PR. Live and Learn.

Guess what? I think I want to change my goal time back to sub 2 hours. Will I ever be satisfied?????

Half Marathon Training

The FCA Half is in 10 days. I feel less prepared for this race than I ever did for the full marathon last March. I feel old, tired and sore. Not as sore as I was, but still sore. I didn't do much cross training in the gym this summer. When I trained for the full Marathon last fall I cross trained every other day. I ran Mon, Wed and Fri (Fri was always a light run so I could do some distance on Saturdays) and then I was in the gym for weights or cardio. And the only two injuries (only!!! LOL) were a pulled flexor from yoga and a pulled achilles from stepping in a hole. Oh yeah, and a dog tried to eat me. Other than that tri-fecta I was perfect....HAHA! Oh wait! How could I forget I got the flu the week I was to run my 20 miler???? Maybe I wasn't feeling too prepared then either. So what's that? A four-fecta???? I ran the full marathon with 14.7 miles being my longest run. Pfffft....this half should be a cake walk. (yeah right)

BTW, when I saw Jim at the gym and told him about my hip/glute pain he told me to rest it before I could even ask about some exercises for strengthening those areas. I knew it.

Let us count the catastrophes during this Endurance Team Training period together....

3 nice pancreatic flare ups (it's kinda nice I shared this with all of you, now I feel free to discuss it with you...lol) over-hydrating troubles (which I have figured out and are no longer having any troubles I'm happy to report), upper respiratory failure (ok, not complete failure but the cough was sooo annoying when trying to run) complete loss of the use of my legs 3 weeks ago after that 9.5 mile trek I went on after being sick for 2 weeks, (maybe not complete loss, but it KILLED to walk) anyway...what else??? Oh yes. I think I have a pinched nerve or sciatica or a tumor growing on my lower back/upper glute area. You choose. They all have the same outcome for me. PAIN IN THE A$$. (I don't like to use foul language. Swearing is not too lady-like. I hardly ever use profanity. My husband is a wicked liar.)

So...I think I'll run that half in 1:57:43. (in my dreams) Who says I'm losing my humor????
More like 2:22:22. I'll be ok with that. I hope.

I think all of you know me well enough by now, that no matter what happens Oct 11, 2008 at the FCA Half Marathon, I will be there. I will be smiling. I will be happy. I will be among friends who I have come to care very much about. Being there to see them reach their goal and knowing I got to be a part of that will by FAR be more important to me than my finish time.

This is the last time I will air my complaints. Thank you for listening.
xxx
Kim

PS. I probably will still complain now and then.
xxx

Aches And Pains

I am soooo frustrated these last few weeks. I finally got over that pancreatic flare up that set me back 2 weeks and now I'm having some funky hip pain. I seem to do fine with any distance under 5 miles, then all H-E-double hockey-sticks breaks out. I was pretty sure I just over did it when I banged out a 9.5 mile run coming off that 2 week hiatus. Pretty dumb thing to do after not running for a while, but then I don't always think. That's what makes me SPECIAL. That and the twitch I'm getting in my left eye. Sexy, I know....

The Endurance team met last Saturday for an 11 miler. I was curious to see how my achy breaky hips would hold out. I decided to go out veryyyy slow, about 13 minute pace. It was hard to stay down because I was feeling so good but I was in for the distance...hopefully painfree. Jim started off with the lightfoots and backtracked back to me and Cindy now and then to check on us. He had to cue me a couple times to slow down so that was good. I'll admit it sucked watching Ed and Michelle up ahead trotting along like I wished I was. It was also difficult watching Jim take off and run a 6 minute pace to catch back up to them. I could feel the draw to take off and follow them, but I didn't.

By mile 5 or so I felt that familiar pang in my right knee. My hips had been achy from the beginning but not getting worse so I didn't stop from that. The knee is a different story. I saw what Ed went through with his IT band injury last spring, I know for a fact I don't want that kind of trouble, especially 2 weeks away from the half marry.

I cut across and found Michelle and Ed headed for Sabel Trace so I sped up to catch up to them. Probably shouldn't have done that because then my knee was killing me. I had to walk the last mile or so back to the gym. I'm usually ok with having to do that, but this time it did plant a worry in my head. If I can't do an 11 mile training run at a leisure pace, how am I gonna finish the half marathon?? Never mind that I was hoping to finish it in 2 hours. I pretty much gave up my time 3 weeks ago, I decided my first half will be for enjoyment and to just finish. The second one will be different. Well, my heart and my head argue about that all the time. The facts are facts though...que sera, sera....

Saturday was a rest day for sure. Sunday my daughter Kerri gave me 2 Aleive and WOW...I felt fantastic! That tells me it's inflammation. This morning I ran 4 miles with Ed. I was exhausted and had to go slow but not too much pain. Ed was very good to me, he even stayed with me instead of taking off. Ed told me sometimes the first year of running can bring out the areas that may need extra care, like knees and hips. Makes sense, I am still a relatively new runner. Only been at it for 10 months. I plan on hitting up Jim for some cross training exercises to strenghthen my hips and knees. I know he's going to tell me to rest up first...of course...lol

Right now I'm feeling pretty good physically, mentally I'm going a little crazy.

So here's some fun news....less than 2 weeks to the FCA Half Marathon! YAY TEAM! It looks like all of us are ready except for one injured and one doubting herself. Jada, or as we who love her call her....JETTA...someone wrote her name on a race bib that way and we tease her mercilessly....teehee...anyway, Jada has been MIA for a couple weeks but we know she can finish the half. We have a pre-race pasta dinner planned the night before the race. It gives everyone a chance to relax and talk about what to expect for the race. And eat like maniacs. Except for Ed, who eats really light the day before a race. What he doesn't know is I'm making him a cheesecake. He can't resist THAT....teehee.....it'll be a good time with good people. I'm looking forward to it almost as much as the race!!!!

Sunday's Long Run

Ed and I have been doing our long runs on Sundays, as long as the Endurance Team Saturdays are under 6 miles. After our team finished our meeting this weekend, Ed invited people to join our Sunday run. I kind of laughed when they found out we meet at 5:30 am. It's so very hot here, if you don't get out nice and early you won't get far. Running in 96 degrees sucks the life out of you fairly quickly.

A few people half-heartedly said they might show up, Jo and Frank were conflicted because they like to stay up on Saturday evenings, getting up at 4am was not too tempting for them. Jim, my coach, talked with Ed and said he was up for it. Ed and I figured we'd meet at the regular time and see who showed up.

Just Jim showed up...LOL...we were not surprised, the three of us did wait a few minutes just in case Jo and Frank came along. I had gone out earlier and hung a cooler with Gatorade and water from a fence post at about the 3.5 mile spot. I thought we'd do a few loops at my fave route, but we took a few turns here and there.

At the first round coming up on the water stop, about 3.8 miles out, I went a little quick since I was ready for a water break. Ed yelled that I was going too fast, I turned to say something while still running...stepped off the sidewalk and fell on my hands and knees. I twisted my right foot on the way down. It wasn't just my pride that was hurt. My foot was killing me, blood was running down my leg and I felt a little something in my left hip. The grass was still damp, I had dirt all over my hands and legs. This little spill stopped the run for a few minutes. I popped my sneaker off and WOW did my foot hurt. I was MAD. I wanted to run this! The guys tried to get me to go back home, but NO WAY. I put my sneaker back on and did a little run. It was tender but I've run with a hip flexor injury. Not that two wrongs make a right, but I was back in the run. It was a little tough convincing my coach I was fine. Jim is very conservative with injuries, he does not play with an injury. Ed wanted to get me home too but I promised I'd stop if I needed to.

We continued on, the sun was coming up at this point. Bright red and orange. I could hear the crickets and I even ate a bug. Scrumptious. The guys decided to run in the street, I stayed on the sidewalk. They were talking but I couldn't hear them so I put my iPod on. I felt myself kind of close off, listening to my music, looking around at the neighborhoods and forgetting I was on a long run. Just going. I love these runs for those reasons. I was very relaxed at this point because I was with two friends who were setting the pace and the route, letting me just go.

We went by Jim's water station and sucked down some orange Gatorade. He had planted a little drink station of his own and he's a good sharer. I was concerned with having to share germs, but he had a couple extra bottles....lol...(I wasn't really too worried about germs...I have 4 kids!) Besides, he seems pretty clean. Haha!!

We went through a gated community where there were lawn sprinklers. I was hot and still had a bloody knee, so I beelined for the water. I rinsed off my knee and got cooled off a bit. Soooo refreshing! I was ready for the last 3 miles or so. The sun was high in the sky by now. There's something to be said for running into the daybreak. I love it. LOVE IT!

The guys are way more experienced and they made it look so effortless. I was behind them, seeing them just go. By mile 11 I was ready to lay down in the grass. I walked a bit, watching the guys run on ahead. They came back around for me, expecting me to be further away than I was. I wasn't too far back. I ran the last part off and on. I was extremely satisfied at 11 miles. If I'd been alone, I'd have walked the rest of the way home and been very content. Jim ran ahead for the cooler, thank heaven. I sooo needed a drink. Ed and I met him at the corner where I announced I was finished running. All done for me. When my body says we're done, I listen. Besides, my freaking foot was throbbing.

They guys ran on toward my house, I walked/limped the rest of the way. I took my sneaker off in the driveway. Big mistake. I couldn't even stand on my foot. Jim told me to stay off it, ice and elevate it. I did that, but after I soaked in the jaccuzzi for 2 hours. THEN I did what he said. It just plain hurt. UGH!

Today is much better. I had an exercise class tonight, I put my sneakers on and was very pleasantly surprised to find my foot felt way better with it on than my sandals. I just might sleep with my right sneaker on tonight.

We'll see......

NP Endurance Project Week 7

This Saturday we had a 10 mile/90 minute run planned. At a state park. On a trail. I was against it the whole time but I'd never undermine my coach. Secretly I was hoping someone else would complain enough to get the run changed to a road run, but no. So I went, quietly but reluctantly. One bright spot was I had the chance to try out my Nike Trails. I hate them. My right toes were tingly and cramped, almost like the right shoe was too small. I was wishing I had my Vibrams with me.

But WAIT!! I digress!! We all met at the state park where Joan and Ed were camping. They very sweetly were holding an "after run" breakfast. Joan had that under control, coffee makers ready to brew and the pancakes, sausage and bacon making all of us wishing we were done so we could just hang out and chow.

Once all of us arrived we did some stretching and got ready to go. We were off! It felt like I expected, having run a few feet here and there on grassy terrain. My legs were tired pretty quickly. Ed kept me going though. I was ready for a water stop but Bethany, Bob, Michelle and Josephine were just going full out. Ed and I were right behind them, which felt pretty good. I knew I needed some water, I've been experimenting with hydrating for a couple weeks. I've had to really cut my pre-hydration intake before a run. I'm trying to take in more AS I run instead of before. It helps alot, but I do need to make sure I drink during the run more often. Too bad I hate to run carrying a bottle. Ed, being my running partner, understands this and is very accommodating. Ed is also a very competitive runner. I tried to kinda duck out for a water stop without interupting his run but that was not to be. He refused to let me go by myself since we were on trails I didn't know. I knew I'd be fine if I stayed on the trail but Ed came with me for the detour. I was glad for that, to be honest. (hugs Ed)

We got back on the trail and decided to just go our own way since we couldn't see our team members. We came up on Jim, Cindy and Jada. They had also taken a different path at some point. They were doing exceptionally well. Nice and easy. Just OOZING of endurance. I found myself thinking back to my earlier training days. When I was learning how to enjoy a long run. Time was not a huge issue yet. I thought it was at the time, but now I feel more pressure to be faster. The 3 of them were smiling and talking, having a great time. I felt happy because I knew they were having a great run.

Ed and I ran on, I needed another water stop. I didn't bother arguing with Ed about him going on this time. I knew he wouldn't leave me. We yelled for Joan to let her know we were stopping for water and to say hello. Joan and Tony (Cindy's husband) were waiting for all of us at their campsite. As we were getting back onto the trail, Josephine came running across the road. She got separated from the original group too. Josephine stayed with Ed and I and we got back into it.

By mile 6 or so, I was telling Ed I wanted to go hang out with Joan and curl up with a cup of coffee. He kinda laughed. Then I said I wished it would rain. It was so hot, some rain would be so cool. Be careful what you wish for. The sky opened up and we got some rain. And some thunder. Oh...and some lightening. All at the same time, may I add. Within 15 minutes we were running in 6 inch deep puddles. I was nervous running in deep puddles with lightening. All we could do was pick up the pace. There was a huge crack of thunder and lightening lit up the whole wide world!!! I was screaming so I never heard Josephine screaming too. (she never heard me either) The 3 of us just took off. We ran the last mile faster than the first! And talk about getting DRENCHED!!

All of us were back at the campsite withing 15 minutes of each other. We had a lovely breakfast together and talked about the run. The "camper" is more like a condo, all of us fit in there! Joan and Ed had towels for everyone too. Bethany found there was a shower right across the road. A few of us had showers and changed into dry clothes, myself included. It was heaven!

So...I got a couple of revelations on this trail run.

1. I don't like my Nike trails
2. I run better when I'm enjoying myself
3. Maybe trail running isn't so bad

#3 is a little shocking. I was SO ready to hate the trails, that I think I convinced myself of that before I actually ran a full trail run. I need to admit that I ran 7 miles and was not sore at all the next day. I was a little tired, but overall...it was a beautiful run. There were wildflowers everywhere. The scrubjays were flying beside us. The parks people were mowing the path so the grass smelled wonderful. A few times I wished I could just lay down in the grass. But this is Florida. The red ants are brutal. So I could not lie down. There were butterflies, dragonflies and I think I ate a few bugs. Ed says they were protein but I'd rather have a cheeseburger. Extra cheese too. And a handful o'chips. Throw in a Bud Light and I'll be your best friend....LOL.

So we all had a great run. I love this team and I'm so happy to be a part of this project. The half marathon is 5 weeks away and I know we'll all do so well. All of us want the best for each other. I don't think I could have hand picked a nicer group of people to train with.

Personal Training Update

I've been so immersed in the NP Endurance Project, that I keep forgetting to post my own personal stuff. That, and I'm really busy lately. My embroidery business has had a little peak season. I spent a few hours in the shop last night (7.5 hours actually).

I was supposed to run with Ed this morning at 6:30. My husband tried to wake me at 5:30 but I was soooo tired. I remember hearing the PITA snickering about me having to call Ed to cancel. (for those who don't know...PITA stands for Pain In The Ass) Anyway...I mumbled that I had EVERY intention of running with Ed. It was a 3 miler...we have an 8 mile trail run planned for Saturday with the team so we were going easy this morning. Bobby said ok as he kissed me goodbye. I think I had him convinced I was running, but as soon as his car left the driveway I grabbed the phone. I can't remember the conversation but I know I got the key point across. Which was....I'm astayin' in my bed. And I did. Until about 9:45am. I never, ever do that. It's a huge waste of a day. But I kinda liked it this morning. I did get up at 7:15 to get the kidlings off to school and hopped right back in bed at 8:30 when I got back home. Ahhhhhhh....lovin' it!

So Ed and I ran Sunday. We did a 10 miler. I cannot for the life of me figure out my Garmin. Ed has the Deeeluxe model so I don't really bother when I run with him. I've been running for so long (ok, only been running 9 months) I never wore a watch when I was learning to run. My coach is very into listening to your body. Learning the Galloway without a watch worked so well for me that I can tell what my pace is pretty acurately. I never trusted myself before, but since I've been running with Ed I can call out the pace and I'm usually right on the dime. Kind of thrilling. Except at mile 9 the other day I said to Ed that it felt like a 9 minute pace. He laughed and said we were at an 11....LOL...I guess I was tired. Kinda like when the weatherman says it 82 degrees but feels like 103. Yeah! Just like that!!

I ran 3 miles yesterday after yoga. I was by myself. I had some new music on my iPod. Shattered by OAR is my new fave! The one and only good thing about running alone is....I can sing and no one cares! I did have a nice run. It was pretty hot...Aug in SW Florida is like that. At about a quarter of a mile to the end the sky opened up and it POURED. It felt fantastic! I loved it. The sounds of the rain, the smell of the earth and the coolness from the breeze is sooooo beautiful. I became one with nature that day. Like a butterfly. Anyway....I did it in 27:59. It's not a killer pace, but really invigorating. When I got back to the gym I complained to Carla that my heart rate monitor didn't work on my Garmin. (I can't figure out how to get the average pace either). But Carla said...and I quote...."Is your chest strap on correctly?" Ummmmm.....so I said...and I quote again...."I'm not wearing the chest strap, Carla." UGH! I'm an idiot. As my boss says...."Beauty and no brains." I'm sure she was just kidding.....hmmmmmmmm

Saturday's trail run should be interesting. I hate running across a patch of grass. An entire 8 miles of trail should basically suck for me. But wait! The true WOMAN in me is a little excited because I just bought a new pair of sneaks. Nike trails. They're cute and I bought them by accident. I liked the pink and navy colors. They felt cushiony when I ran around the store in them so I took them home like a drunk man takes home the barfly. Oooooh...PRETTY! Only they were still pretty in the morning....teehee! I found out when I went to a class Jim was teaching and he said something about my trail sneakers. Oh. I guess I'm still learning!!!

They Have Arrived!!

My Vibram 5 Fingers are here!!!!!! My husband had today off and wasn't really doing anything...(haha) so I asked him to hang around in case Fed Ex came by. He kinda breathed into the phone and said "ok"....PERFECT! What a sweetie! This is why I married this man. I knew someday I'd order a pair of Vibrams and I'd need to count on someone to be there for me. He's the one...sighhhh...

Anyway....I looked up from the desk and there he was....my Knight In Shining Armour. With a box. Oooohhh....I got all tingly. I knew what he had there under his arm! I was excited for a couple reasons...
1. I love packages
2. I couldn't wait to try these bad boys on
3. I couldn't remember what color I ordered (black and tan) (only cuz they don't come in pink)

I took off my sandals and thought I'd "throw" the Vibrams on. W-R-O-N-G! They don't just get "thrown on". It's hard to get these on. My toes had a mind of their own and wanted to stay together. It took me a few minutes, but I got 'em on finally. I walked around the office in them, pretending to run. My husband sat watching me with a smirk on his face. He's just jealous my sports stuff is way cheaper and more easily acquired than his. Whatever.

I had to stay in the office, I couldn't go running down the road like I wanted to. In the meantime, I wore them around the office. After about 3 hours, I noticed some discomfort in a couple toes. I was expecting this, so I wasn't deterred. I was late but I made it to the last half of my yoga class (the best half may I add) because I worked late. I slipped the Vibrams off. I need to be barefoot for yoga. Trouble was, there were people waiting to get into the room once yoga was over and I could not get those shoes back on so fast. I walked to my car barefoot. No biggie.

A handful of people at work saw my Vibrams and thought they were pretty cool. I think. They're all so sweet, they'd never make me feel bad, so who knows what they really think...lol.

When I got home, I put them back on and went for a quick run down the street. It was awesome. I felt barefoot but protected. It was so weird to actually feel the road beneath my feet. I can see how my feet land now. I love this feeling! I will be careful not to go for too long of a run. I know there isn't any support in these. I'm wondering if I could put a pair of Dr Scholl's in there. I'll look around and see....in the mean time....I'm out of work by noon tomorrow...I plan on getting a little 2 miler in with these on. I'll be back after that to give a full report!

For now, 2 thumbs up for my Vibrams!!!!!

Friday's Run...

My runner's club at the YMCA stopped meeting on Fridays because of the season. There wasn't really too many of us as it was, usually myself, Mike and Jim. Sometimes Maria would come along or I'd con some unsuspecting person who happened to look remotely interested in running to go for a shorty. Come to think of it, not one of those people I somehow talked into running has ever run twice. LOL!!

I'm happy to announce my coach, Jim, is putting a training program together for a half marathon to be run in October. We'll start the training in July. Long runs will be on Saturdays, not sure about the short runs yet. Details are still in the works. We'll run a few 5K races along the way. I'm going to do this program with my two daughters! Kerri is 22 and Kirstin is 19. I am thrilled they want to run. I think Kerri will be more serious about it, Kirstin is more of a free spirit and might not get too into it, we'll see. Kerri had a liver transplant 21 years ago so I'll worry about her hydrating on long runs in this Florida heat. Ok, I'll worry about her short runs too! Part of being a mom! Her meds can wreck havoc on her kidneys if her electrolytes get out of kilter. I'll be running behind her every step with a water bottle and gatorade....haha!

So....I have been solo on all my running these days. No runner's club, Mike went to Maine and Jim is extremely busy. I like running with people most of the time. Knowing I'd be running with someone on Fridays made it ok to run alone other days. I had something to look forward to. But alas!! I have found a very surprising side effect of running alone. With no one to talk to, I seem to have picked up some speed...

I did my core exercise class Friday morning, perfect warm up before a run. I was tired and lazy, almost just went home. I decided to do a slow 4 miles, I wanted to just get out there and enjoy the air. I ran about 3.8 miles and here's the exciting news...I ran it in 25:32. Almost 4 miles! I started off slow and steady, not really thinking about my speed. I actually remembered to hit my stopwatch (I'm trying to be better about that) When I looked at it at the 1 mile mark I couldn't believe it! 6:48! This first mile was short, about .1-ish though. Keep this in mind. I pushed my crazy thoughts out of my head, walked about a minute and took off again. Made it to mile marker 2 at 12:04. Yeah, I was thrilled! That was a true mile and it was faster. I am still so surprised. I took off again making it to mile 3 at 17:42. It felt like a dream. Still does. I had one mile to go and I was getting pretty tired by this point. I started to have my freaky obssessive thoughts, doing math in my head but I wanted to remember my times, so I refused to think about numbers and started running again. I got back to my starting point at 25:32. Remember though, this last mile was short by .1-ish also.

I kept running the times in my head as I did the cool down walk to my car. I wrote down my times so I'd remember them and then I started with my math craziness in my head. I still can't believe it. I went back in the gym to leave the paper on Jim's desk but I ran into him on the way. I showed him my watch (which I still haven't reset....LOL) He thought I just did 2 miles. It was so cool to tell him I did almost 4. He knows the route so I'm waiting to find out the exact mileage I ran. I would have been happy running 3 miles in 25:32!

When I think back to that run and pull it apart like I always do....I had a great warmup in the class and I remember I wasn't singing along to my iPod this time. I ALWAYS sing. It's the only time I'm by myself and won't hurt anyone's ears....lol. I was alone too, so no one to talk with or slow to look at stuff with. I had coffee and a banana before I got to the gym, then a water with a GU gel pack right before I ran. I didn't get any calf cramping this time either. I do have a lot on my mind these days, sleep has been elusive too. As I started running I just wanted to clear my mind and try to relax. I usually try to sort my mind while I run but I decided to just let everything go this time. No thinking.

I have this soothing relationship with music that lets me get completely inside it. There are some songs that I can actually feel envelope me sometimes. Usually I need to be laying down either by the pool, in the jaccuzzi or in bed. It's kind of like meditation I guess, only I can do it with any music. I had never thought to try it during activities. I'm thinking that when I shut my mind down and went into relaxation mode it let me just GO. I worry the excitement of running a race may not allow me to relax that way though....lol. I tend to get very excited in races. I also talk to people along the way. I only see some of these people at races, so it's the only time I CAN talk to them. I hope I haven't been bothering them! Yikes!!!

I guess I'll just have to wait and see if I can do it again.

Shaving My 5K....

As I have already posted, I ran a 5K last weekend for kids with cleft palates. It was called The Smile Train and it raised $3000. It only takes $250 per child, so it will help 12 kids. I feel so good about that. Some of you may know I have a child who received a liver transplant when she was a year old. She'll be 22 in July!!! Over the years of spending so much time in New England Med Center in Boston, we saw many, many kids who needed so much. It was both heart breaking and a gift to have met all of them and their families. This race was a special one.

I went back and looked up all my 5K times (and one 4 miler)...

45:48...4 miler...Scholorship Run on Dec '07
31:05...Resolution run 5K in Jan '08
30:52...5K Lamarque Feb '08
30:50...5K Boca Grande Feb '08
29:04...5K Smile Train May '08 (my new PR....for now)

They SLIGHTLY get better each time, and I'm HAPPY with that, BUT...all of a sudden I'm feeling a whole lot of ambition to really make a difference on the next one. I have some speed training coming and I'm going to make the best of it!!

My coach, Jim, is starting a training program for a half marathon coming up in September. My two older daughters are signing up and I thought it would be AWESOME to go through the training with them. I'm so excited by this. I ask them everyday if they're really going to do it. They keep saying "Yes Mom"....LOL. They're even getting some matching Asics....YAY!!!! They don't know it yet but we're going to wear matching outfits too.....heehee. This is starting in June. I think it will help my speed too.

My friend Sherry has posted her FANTASTIC tri results here http://awomaninmotion.blogspot.com/ Check out her exciting post!! We're all so very proud of you Sherry!!! And here's to Scott's speedy recovery so he can get back into it with you.

My coach is also a very talented singer/songwriter. One of my favorite songs is called "Destiny" and he let me make a little video for it on youtube. Go check that out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa3m7l6j2VI I had a lot of fun making it, let me know what you think! It's about making choices, taking roads that lead to great things. Good song to run to and reflect with.

Happy running!!!

Running In The Cold

It's true. People do it. I thought they did cross training in the gym in temps below 72 degrees, but I am W-R-O-N-G. I've seen pictures of my fellow runners in snow. I've heard them talking about the obvious perils of running on ice. I've heard their cries of joy as the spring approaches, but I must say....I was comparing it all to Florida winters. Which are too cold for me to run in. So I thought I understood. But I did not.

I made a comment on how yesterday's run had me coughing like I did the ONE time I did run in the cold. This was because I have some funky upper respiratory thing going on, not from the weather. In fact, I'm sick today and realize I had no business running 6 miles yesterday. I can't even get a good deep breath right now, but I'm still glad I did run.

During the cold days, I run after 1-2pm. It's usually about 68 or so. If it's colder guess what. I don't run outside. I go to the gym. Where it's W-A-R-M. Here in Florida we have a different problem. Summer. It can be 102 degrees by midday, so we have to get up really early to beat the sun. Or go to the gym. Otherwise we get something called "heat stroke". It'll be all about hydration real soon Baby. Which causes another problem. I can't stand running with a bottle in my hand. If I plant some bottles along the way, they'll be boiling by the time I'd get to them! So I am in panic mode, knowing full well my summer breeze (cool song BTW) will be over soon. About the time my northerner friends are coming out in full force, I will be miserably pedalling on the stationary, rowing on the rower or being bored to tears on the elliptical. Actually, I do enjoy the rower. I put the fan right on me and the sound of the water in the wheel helps me pretend I'm on the Charles in Boston. Which is something I never ever would have thought of doing when I lived there. Oh...did I mention that? I'm from the Boston area. I moved to Florida almost 5 years ago...heehee! So I do know real cold. That is why I do not live there anymore. Snowsuits, shovels, boots, hats, mittens, snotty noses....NO THANKS! Been there, done that and you can believe I complained from September to June. Yes I did.

My husband used to ask me to sit out on the deck with him after dinner in the cold seasons. I'd say no. He'd tell me to get a BLANKET and enjoy the cool night air. It's a miracle we're still married. He loves to snow ski, snow mobile, camp, all that weird stuff people do outside in the cold. I don't like that. Maybe that's why my entire family fell on the floor laughing when I said I wanted to run a marathon. Hmmmm...mebbee! But I showed them, didn't I? Ran my 1st marathon 4.5 months into training. Thanks to my friend/coach/science teacher, Jim. I told him I wanted to run a marathon, he said ok, here's what ya gotta do. I did it and I finished the race. Not even last, imagine! Now I want to do Boston. Not all of Boston, just run the marathon (ha) kinda perverted joke, teehee...

So, until they make a snorkelly snowsuit I can wear and still run comfortably in, I will leave the fridgid weather to you crazy northerners. I like my chest DEfrosted, thank ya verra much. I like to feel the wind in my hair, not the icicles breaking off my hair clear down to the root. If I'm gonna slip while running, let it be on a banana peel I can SEE and quite possibly (but probably NOT) avoid and not on black ice. If I need to do a hurdle, let it be over a crock and NOT a snowbank.

Here's to you all up there, may the spring be in your step and in the air, may the flowers lean toward you as you run by, may you enjoy the perfect running weather headed your way soon. While I'm back in the gym....sniff, sniff.....

I Am Running Again!

Yahoo for me! I am so happy! Monday I ran 3.7 miles with my coach. We took it easy between my flexor and his quads, but it was a great run. I skipped yesterday (like a good grasshopper) and daydreamed all day about running 6 miles today. But I wasn't feeling too good. I have some upper respiratory thing going on. So staying true to myself, I said...."I'm a goin' anyway". I started off with yoga this morning, got nice and stretched out and out the door I went.

Now, I was doing a 6 mile loop. From the gym to my house is exactly 3 miles. I figured I'd leave the car there, run to my house, hydrate, then run back to the gym. That way I could hop on the elliptical or bike for a nice cool down. So guess what happened. As I was walking out the door to start the 2nd 3 miles (finished the 1st 3 in 32 minutes BTW), the phone rings. It's the school (thankfully, I answered) my Emily (she's my 10 year old) was sick and needed to be picked up. So guess where my car was. Yeah...3 miles away at the gym. Welcome to MY world....lol. Luckily the whole school knows I run (my son tells everyone he sees) so when I explained to the nurse I needed a few minutes, she understood.

I was coughing by this point and my chest burned like I had run in 50 degree weather. Which, if you know me personally, you know I only needed to do THAT once. Back in November I ran 2 miles in 50 degrees. Took me 3 days to defrost my chest. I will never run in the cold again. Good thing I live in Florida. So anyway, back to the story.

I booked it out the door and down the street. I ran faster than usual figuring I'd just walk when I had to. Funny thing happened. I ran that mile in just under 8 minutes. Then I walked until my chest stopped freaking out and did it again. I tried to keep that up, it was pretty difficult. I felt light-headed a few times but I had a sick punkin waiting for me. By the time I got a half mile from the gym I was ready to hitch a ride. But I'm a wicked chicken and did not do that. I walked the last 1/2 mile. Coughing and light-headed. I didn't mind the light-headednes though....haha!! My total time for the 2nd 3 miles was 31 minutes. First 3 miles was 32 minutes. This proves 2 things to me....

1. My coach is right when he says you do not lose much time by walking when you need to.
2. I think I have a good chance of shaving my 5K time rather quickly.

I feel fine, flexor is a tiny bit tender and I am a very happy person right now. I'm not coughing too much now either. I have been training for endurance for so long that it felt so wrong to push myself today. My mantra has been "slow and steady wins the race" since the first time my feet hit the pavement. Any time I started to feel winded I have walked it out. But the marathon is over. I am free to test myself. I thought I had, but today when I was rushing to get back to my daughter I kept pushing through the weakness and light-headedness from the difficulty breathing. Emily was my goal.

I have my little one all tucked in her bed, tylenol administered, iPod beside her (she's a music fanatic like her Mom). She's looking quite happy (and healthy I might add). Sometimes even kids need some time off. She didn't need to fake a headache, but let's not tell her that part. Love that kid....

14.4 Mile Run

Oh, just typing in those words puts joy in my heart! Yes, it's true....I ran 14.4 miles last Saturday! And lived to tell about it....LOL

I had taken about 10 days off and had only run a few short runs because of the dog bite. I was worried I'd missed so much time and had fallen off the schedule a bit. I had run 11 miles 14 days before and did very well, so I decided I'd try the 14.4. If I couldn't do it, then I'd have to rethink the marathon.

I worked the night before and didn't get to bed until after 1am. I woke up about 8am and immediately wanted to stay in bed. I woke my husband and told him that. He told me I'd be very unhappy with myself if I didn't give it a shot. He said he'd come out and meet me here and there to give me drinks and encouragement and if I wanted to give up he'd drive me back home. Which he knew I wouldn't like either. He knows me too well...lol.

Jim told me to try to keep to a 12 minute per mile pace. It seemed like a very slow pace but he explained that it was the best way to conserve enough energy to finish such a long distance. When you're running a long distance, he said by running too fast in the beginning, trying to "bank" some time would only make me "bankrupt". There is no banking time because time is energy used. Use too much too fast, you won't have any near the end when you'll need it the most. His words of wisdom stayed in my head. Jim has given me so much valuable information, it's because of him I've gotten this far, so how could I ignore his advice now?? I couldn't!! I listened and went sooooo slowwww in my first 3 miles at about 31 minutes. After that I was just tired enough to be able to stay on pace without too much effort. I watched my time only to do the 30 second power walks every 10-12 minutes.

At about 6.5 miles I saw my husband's car up ahead. I ran up and he gave me some gatorade. He said he saw me running and I looked like an athlete!!! LOL I was glad to know I didn't look like I was about to fall over. He couldn't get over that I wasn't out of breath. I hadn't even noticed that! I felt great. Not too tired either. I got back into it and looked down Salford. UGH....it was such a long road. I kept picking out spots up ahead to run to so I wouldn't pay so much attention to the distance. It seemed like within moments I was at the end and taking a right toward the turn around point. And then I heard it. A dog. Oh no. I stopped short and waited but it stayed on his porch. I walked slowly by and it didn't bother me. I got out of it's sight and ran to my turn around spot. I called Bobby to let him know where I was. I still had my gatorade so I was good, but he got worried when I told him about the dog. We stayed on the phone as I passed by it again, then off I went.

The run back seemed easier than the run out. I felt very tired but overall I felt great. I was walking about every 8 minutes for about 1.5 minutes by about mile 10. Then my left calf started cramping up. I could hear Jim's voice telling me to walk it out. So I walked until it didn't hurt as much, then ran until it hurt again. I probably walked the entire last mile but in a power walk.

I was SOAKED and very salty. I had salt chrystals all over my arms and face. It was so weird. Bobby met me in the driveway. It was surreal. I had run 14.4 miles. I felt like I was in a dream. He said he was so proud of me, that he felt a degree of awe. That means so much to me. He hugged me even though I was soaked (that's true love)...When I got in the house I looked at the stop watch and I'd finish in 2:43. That worked out to a 11:24 minute mile. Just 30 seconds faster than Jim said to go for! I started to cry. I was so completely overjoyed. It seemed like I had walked so much, I really didn't think my time would be good. I wanted to come in at 2:30, but I'm happy with 2:43. Even 5 months ago I couldn't have run one mile.

First thing I did was shoot an email to Jim. I hadn't run into him lately so he didn't know I was running 14.4 that weekend, I knew he'd be surprised. He was very happy too, and in the same sentence told me when to run my 20 miler....LOL...oh, he's such a TRAINER!!!!! LOL

Feb 9th, I'll be running 20 miles. my husband and kids are going to set up water stations along the way and yell out words of encouragement. I'll have my own little mini marathon....LOL...I'm shooting for 4 hours, wish me luck!!!