Get Out of My Head

Aug30

Before I started marathon training with Caolan, I would have been very happy with today’s run. On face value, my run looks good. The problem is I have been training and running long enough that I am very disappointing in it.

Yes, on face value this is a very nice run. The problem is that this is not the run I was supposed to do today. I was supposed to do what my coach calls a cut-down AKA as a tempo run. I was prepared for this run. I had the perfect route mapped out which was relatively flat. I had my paces written out, water bottles filled, and Garmin actually charged.

Yup, on paper it seemed like I was ready to go. The problem was that I needed to get out of my own head yet again. I’ve been hitting my paces on my normal runs but for some reason when it comes to my cut-downs I think I freak myself out. These paces just seem too fast for me and I think that I choke and stall on my run (yet again).

Today the heat came back and I should have gone out for my run early. The problem was that I have been getting out early a lot lately and I was still recovering from my early than earlier volunteer position. Then I had to take my son somewhere this morning at 8:30 not getting back and ready to run till 9:30. I should have scrubbed the run and done a blinkie run, but I thought I still had time to beat the heat. It really wasn’t that hot yet and I went for it.

I started off ok with the exception of my damn quads (yes, still). I stopped once I warmed up a little to stretch them and my hip flexors which also seemed to be in need of some stretching as well. Then it went down hill from there. I kept going, stopping, and going. Once I hit mile 5, I had a planned stop for a convenience store to get water. I opted for Gatorade hoping for a miracle.

At this point, my pace was better, but not on target which I had already given up on hitting. I stopped watching my watch and scrubbed the run as a cut-down. I had nothing to do but think about all the things that went wrong with this run, what I could do in the future, and wondering why I was doing this in the first place. My main conclusion was that I really just talked myself out of being able to hit the paces before I even gave myself a chance to hit them. I need to figure out how to not let these runs mess with my mind. It’s a work in progress.

I also thought about how even though I have run a marathon last year, this is the first time actually marathon training. I think that since I am not following a generic training plan but a plan designed for me; I know that I should be able to do the things assigned to me. I know that my coach knows what she’s doing. I know she wouldn’t be giving me these paces if she didn’t think I could hit them especially since I have hit them in the past. So I have to figure this out.

Tomorrow is another day.

Tomorrow is another run.

I won’t give up. I will roll my quads. I will stretch. I will do what I need to do. What I won’t do is give up.

Out for a Sunday Stroll

Jun23

In yesterday’s Race Day Recap, I made mention of the walkers. Now first of all I do need to clarify and say that there have been a few races that I have walked. In last years Sprint Triathlon, I even did the 3 to 1 Jeff Galloway plan with someone. I am by no means looking down at walkers. I am by no means saying that they don’t have a place at races. I am by no means disputing that they shouldn’t participate as on any given day, I might be one of them.

BUT

There is a difference between walking during a race with consideration to those running it and walking during a race not thinking of anyone else. Yes there are obnoxious runners and I am not disputing that either, but today I want to address the obnoxious walker. Obnoxious runners can be left to another day.

Here are my tips on how to be a good walker during an actual race where some people are actually running for time.

1. Start in the proper corral!

The Queens 10K had some spots where the participants were smooshed together on tight paths. I started in the 10,000 corral, so I am really in the middle. That being said, I came across walkers by mile 1. So if you know that you will be walking right away, why not start further back?

2. This is not a Sunday Stroll

Yes, it maybe to you; but there are actually people who are running it. Maybe not running it to win as those people start in the very front, but they are still running it. Maybe this is the race they are going for a PR. Maybe they have a specific target time in mind. Maybe they have a specific pace they want to run. Lots of things that weaving around you slows them down.

I, personally, came across two types of Sunday Strollers. The first was the friends chit chatting the miles away and the other was a couple holding hands. Both of these strollers were literally walking IN THE MIDDLE of the course. Why? For what purpose? The couple holding hands I wanted to run right through the middle of them, but weaved around them without confrontation. Both these groups could easily and should have walked to the side of the course. And for the love of God, don’t hold hands making it harder for people to get around you!

3. Be Aware of your surroundings

I know that those following the Jeff Galloway plan have a ratio for their walk to run. I will say that most of the people following this plan are thoughtful in their transition from run to walk. But as with anything, there are those not as thoughtful. Before you transition, please make sure that there isn’t someone behind you who may also be forced to either walk or literally run you over. Just be aware of who is around you.

There is room in any event for all types of participants from the fastest to the slowest. We just really need to be considerate of what we are doing and how it will effect our fellow participants. Again, I am not putting down those that either walk as part of their race plan, those needing a break and walk, or those whose whole plan is to walk the event. I have been there. I have walked in a few events, but give your fellow participants a break and just pay attention.

Have you come across the Sunday Strollers?

Friday Five – 5 Reasons I love to Run Races

May1

Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s Theme

5 Things about Race Day’s

But I mistankenly did that one last week.

My Bad.

That Post is here.

So Today I will do….

5 Reasons I Race

1. Bling – Admit it, you love, love, love the bling!

2. The sense of accomplishment finishing a race gives you. Be it a 5K, 10k, Half or Full Marathon. Crossing the finish line is always an amazing accomplishment.

3. Friends – Running a race is great in and of itself, but running it with friends is even better!

4. Tutu’s – Need I say more:)

5. Supportive Family – My Mom, sister, and family friend surprised me at the end of the Philly Marathon. It added to the amazement of the experience. I think my Mom was more excited about me crossing the finish line than I was (and I was pretty happy!).

Running can take you places you never imagined.

Where has your running taken you?

Practice Makes Perfect

Apr14

They say practice makes it perfect. I don’t think that expression applies to Yoga or at least the Yoga that I do. My sister is an accomplished Yogi. Seriously, I’m not talking someone who takes a lot of yoga classes. I’m talking about someone who literally traveled across the world for a summer Yoga training program as discussed in her book The Virgin Asanas: How Yoga, Sex, and Mother Mary changed everything. I didn’t even know what an Asanas was and had to look it up. Apparently to the Yoga world it is a physical Yoga position that helps master the body and enhance the body’s function. Still not sure that I understand it. I do understand it enough to know that I will never be one especially if today’s Yoga class is any indication.

Going into a Yoga studio for the first time is very intimidating as a non Yogi. Yes, there were people of all levels of practice but I just happened to end up behind someone who could not only do all the moves, but all the “fancy” ones too. But Yoga isn’t about competing with your neighbor. It’s about taking your practice as far as you can take it for yourself. It still doesn’t make it any less intimidating but it does help. I also know that those other people practicing are too busy with their own poses to worry if I am able to do any of mine.

In the past, I have taken Bikram Yoga and really enjoyed it. Still not flexible, but really enjoyed the class and always felt that the heat added to it. The Yoga Studio that I had been taking classes at shut down unexpectedly as their new location was not ready in time for them to move. So I’ve been going without. Then I found a handy dandy Groupon for another studio. The only catch is that they have limited Brikram and today I signed up for a Vinyasa class.

Going in I wasn’t sure if I would like it. I’ve done one or two classes of Vinyasa but that was over a year ago. I was pleasantly surprised that not only did I like it, but also as a runner I felt would be good for me. Most people think that Yoga is a wishy washy form of exercise. Maybe that was just me who thought that before I took any Yoga. It really is amazing how it can make your arms or legs shake while holding a pose. What I think that I liked regarding Vinyasa that Bikram didn’t offer were the many poses that stretched my leg muscles. I could see how this would be a good rest day activity because not only is it low impact but it could help to loosen up any tight muscles. Hmmmm, going to have to give this more of a test.

Are you a Yogi?

What is your favorite type of Yoga?

Word of the Week – Training

Apr1

I haven’t done this in a few weeks and I thought I would come back to it for today.

Today’s Word of the Week is

training

(ˈtreɪnɪŋ) n

1. a. the process of bringing a person, etc, to an agreed standard of proficiency, etc, by practice and instruction: training for the priesthood; physical training.

b. (as modifier): training college.

2. in training

a. undergoing physical training

b. physically fit

3. out of training physically unfit

Sadly it is so easy from going to Training to Out of Training and much harder to go back to Training. Right now I’m in between the two. I am training for My Birthday Half Marathon (that’s what the Moore Half is “officially” called now), but I’m also a little Out of Training. I have my plan, but I am not following it to the letter T. I’ve still got some tenderness in my ankle which I finally made an appointment to see a Podiatrist for and I’ve got some foot discomfort. I think the later is from needing a new pair of shoes. I realized after talking to a friend that I’ve had these shoes since before the Hat Trick. I then trianed and ran the Philly Marathon in them and have been running in them since. It’s time for new shoes. That being said, I am going to wait till I see the Podiatrist to see if she recommends a certain type of shoe.

Love a good reason to buy new shoes!

Back to Training…

When you have what seems like race after race after race, I will admit that training isn’t so much about training in as much about retention. Now there is training involved when it comes to my goals of reaching a certain time, but many of these races are really not to push the boundaries as to reach the end goal of my 9 plus 1. I still hope to meet my goal of a 2;00 hour half marathon, but I will need to train for that and train hard.

A friend who ran the NYCM last year and is doing the 9 plus 1 and I were talking. She was saying how she can’t wait till she is done training, because it’s getting old. It’s getting tiring of doing the same thing and to be honest she is thinking she wants to try new things. Can’t blame her. I sometimes feel the same way. I’ve said more than once that after this year, I will not run as many races next year and only run the NYC Half and the NYCM. Then I will be free to run or do other events that I want. I’m not sure if that will be the case as I always end up pushing some boundary somewhere. Who knows.

All I know is that sometimes, I do have to push myself out the door. Sometimes I don’t. Today was one of them. I was going to run 3 miles after the dog trainer came today. Yes, I need a dog trainer. Finn doesn’t but I do. Anyway after she left, I layed down on the couch thinking I would only rest a few minutes. I was tired after staying up late the last couple nights catching up on things and getting up early or in the night with Finn. So instead of running my 3 miles today, I ended up taking a LONG nap. You know what? That’s ok. Training is good, but pushing you body to the limits without giving it down time is not good.

My baby even napped next to me:)

Know your limits.

Know when to push them.

Know when to back away.

and

Know when to Run:)

Marching Onward…..

Mar30

As many of you read, I got into the Marine Corps Marathon in October. I’ve told the people I need to tell and now am moving onto the planning stage. Yes, I know it’s 7 months away but it is never to early to plan:) Besides, I don’t know ANYTHING about getting around DC. Yes, I’ve got 7 months, but that will go quickly. So much to do and so much to think about.

The first think I’m thinking though is I’m nuts. Then again if you know me or have been reading this blog long enough you might already realize this. I just really don’t know what possessed me to enter the lottery. Probably the thought that I could say that I entered it, but didn’t get in so I’m not running a marathon this year. We all know how well that worked out.

Moving Along…..

My first concern outside of having to run the marathon is where will I stay. I know nothing about DC or the course, but I quickly learned a few things. I then looked at the available lodging and with any luck picked the right hotel. It seems to be in the right area for the start and finish. At least I hope so!!! Either way, I’ve got that reservation booked and the rest I will work out.

I’ve looked at the course and have to say I’m excited. I’ve never been to DC. It’s been on the list. I think to see it all this way will be an amazing experience. It starts between Arlington Cemetary and the Pentagon. Then me and 30,000 other people will wind through the streets of historic Georgetown on our way near the Kennedy Center. Then we follow the course to the “Run To Honor” section where flags commemorate fallen soldiers. Then continue onto views of Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the National Art Gallery, the Capital Dome and other DC sites. I’m thinking I want to just run with my camera, but I think I’ll be a bit busy to take pictures. Busy trying to muster up the strength to “Beat the Bridge” at mile 20. Yes, this marathon apparently ends on a hill. Oh my!!!! I didn’t have the energy to carry a single rose at the end of Philly, I’m not sure how I will manage this. I think the momentum of the event will have to carry me through it. That and I’m going to train, train, train and then train some more for this:)

Can you tell that I’ve given this some thought this weekend?

Now that the shock has worn off, I’m marching forward with my plan:)

Friday Five – Five Spring Foods

Mar27

Getting in under the wire with my Friday Five Link up. Thanks to Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What? for hosting the Friday Five link-up!

Today’s Theme

Five Five: Five Spring Foods

I really had to think about this because to me there are warm Fall meals, hearty Winter meals, and light Summer meal; but Spring meals? Not really. Upon closer inspection, I did realize that there are things that are unique to Spring.

1. Hard Boiled Eggs – AKA Easter Eggs. I have 3 boys and each one loves to color eggs. Doesn’t matter how old you are because it is always fun to color eggs. Each one gets a dozen eggs. That’s a lot of eggs. I use them for a nice recovery snack after a workout.

2. Cadburry Eggs – no these are not necessary nor do they speed up recovery, but I have to have at least one a season. My favorite is the caramel eggs. I will also admit that I usually have more than one a season. Shhhhhh

3. Ham – We always have ham for Easter. Doesn’t everyone? I wonder why…. Either way it is not Easter without a ham on the table. What is on your table for Easter?

4. Anything on the grill! Spring is when we clean off the grill and fire up the barbeque. There is something to be said about the first grill cooked meal too.

5. Frozen Yogurt – Once the weather starts warming up, it is such a nice treat to have on a warm Spring night.

So my list isn’t necessarily a what should you eat in Spring if you want to be healthy, but it is all very Yummy:)

What Was I Thinking?

Mar25

So I had a little shock this morning! I wasn’t expecting it in the very least. Everyone said it was so hard to get into and as my marathon lottery luck in the past left me high and dry, I had no expectations this time around. I wasn’t even paying attention to the lottery. I, actually, forgot about the lottery! Then a funny thing happened when I was checking my email this morning. I found out that I got in. I looked at the email. I put the phone down and walked away because I knew I wasn’t seeing right. I had some coffee. I looked again and found out I was still in it.

Holly Smokes!!!!

I was not planning on running a marathon this year.

Really.

Honestly.

But This says differently

Now this is not to say that I haven’t thought about it, but I really, really, really wasn’t planning to run one. I never imagined that I would get to this race. To say I was shocked is a bit of an understatement. For those who saw my first post today, you will know this to be true, I didn’t even finish it!!!

So maybe my luck is changing. Either way, I guess I’m running a marathon. Good thing I front loaded my NYRR races and will only have to do two in the fall. Although, when I looked ahead to October this is the schedule that I have:

October 4th – Paine to Pain HM

October 11th – NYRR Staten Island HM

October 18th – Superhero HM

October 25th – Marine Corps 40th Marathon

Holly Smokes!

Breathe, Breathe, and Breathe some more.

It will all work out. I’ve always wanted to go to DC and this will be a lovely way to see it.

Now all I need to do is tell Dear Hubby tonight:)

Time to go inhale some calming lavender!

Has this happened to you?

Mar25

So this morning I was wondering what I was going to blog about. I had a few ideas, but they went right out the window when I checked my email. Here is why….

What to Wear? What to Wear?

Mar19

I must remember to dress for the run that I am going to finish not the run that I am going to start. The problem that I tend to have is that like most people I really don’t like to be cold. The problem is also that it’s cold, it’s just not freezing anymore. Therefore, when planning my running clothes, I am thinking about the temperature not what it will feel like when I’m running. Hopefully Spring will come and this won’t be a problem for much longer!

Yesterday was one of those mornings that I had poor planning. I was scheduled to run right after the children were dropped at school. I was going to meet my cohort Dawn at the park to do intervals. I thought the park would be good for two reasons. The first being that I could drop things off at my car as needed. The second was that even though I was hoping not to, I was expecting a call from the school nurse. Middle guy had been out of school for two days under what I consider suspicious circumstances. He had a stomach issue, yet there was no proof. I could not tell because of the way he was running around the house with his brothers or the way he was eating. He told me that he threw up. Again, there was no proof but I let him stay home. On day three, he was out the door. I told him if he didn’t feel well to go to the nurse and I would pick him up but make sure that he brought all his books home to do his work. I arrive at the park and the phone rings. I didn’t even get out of the car. I do believe that this day, he may not have felt right and maybe the previous days his stomach was off but not to the extent he should have stayed home. Anyway, no run at the park. Such is the life of a Mother Runner.

We get home and I get Middle Guy situated. Then must play with puppy who is awake and confused. Finally everyone but me settles in for a nap giving me time to go for my run at 11:30. I don’t go to the park but plot out a course and plan to run my tempo run on the roads. I start off good. Not too cold. Not too warm. After mile 2 where I was pushing it a bit, I’m warm. No car in site to leave my pullover fleece. I wasn’t thinking that today’s run called for me to push the pace and run 8:20 miles. Although I did hit that pace, I didn’t keep it. I was still pushing it. I stop on the side of the road to remove the fleece, but now I must run with it wrapped around me. Good times, but at least I am not over heating anymore.

Next time I will use the handy dandy little page from runners world that takes the thinking out of it.

http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

If i had done this, I would have been fine as I ended up running in just what they said.

While running though, I did think that I was hitting close to my targets. I know I was pushing it. Maybe not 8:20 but definitely under 9;00. The problem is that I didn’t us the lap button on my Garmin. Therefore I ended up not really knowing what I did. Although, I did look at my watch while running and do feel good about my run. So who knows. At least I got it in.

How do you dress for the changing season?

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!

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