Run and Run Some More.

Oct17

You can’t be a runner long without hearing the expression

run-forest

Sometimes it’s funny to hear.   Sometimes it’s annoying to hear.   Sometimes, I even say it.  It really depends on the way it’s said.

But there is truth to this.   Sometimes we overthink, over analyze, and just forget to enjoy the beauty of the actual run.   This weekend was different.

There was a part of me that wanted to run my races as races and not run them the smart way to run them to put myself in best position for NYCM.   Part of me wanted to attack those hills in Bethlehem.   Part of me wanted to see how if I could have run these races better than my first year of racing.  Part of me wanted to test my legs and feel the burn in my lungs.   But I needed to remember that in 20 days, I will be standing at the start line of the NYCM and then it will be go time.

I will say though that there is something to be said about running a good race, a smart race, and a fun race with friends.   We had a blast running together.   You get to chat away the miles.    You get to take in the course a little more.   You get to stop for photos if you want and you may even meet people that you might not meet otherwise.

 

Bethlehem is a really pretty course.   It was still a very tough course and those hills are wicked.

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Wicked!

It’s funny, I the first year I ran this in 2014 I didn’t know what to expect.  I went into it with the race mentality.   I had great finish times.   In looking at my results now, I’m actually shocked.   In my age group, I was 41 for 5K, 29 for 10K, and 50th for the Half.   Although not racing this year, I still was in the the top 100’s for my age group.   I went into this in 2014 not even knowing if I could finish these races and now it’s a stepping stone for a larger race.   All that being said, I had a much better time this year.   In 2014, I ended up not only running the races by myself, but starting them and ending them alone.   I may not have ran as fast this year, but I had a much better race experience.   I had fun.   I laughed  until I cried at one point.

Life is better with friends!

I am so happy that I ran this again and would love to do it again.  Maybe with some more friends (hint. hint).

Whose in for next year?

I’m Back!

Oct15

Two years ago I tackled the Runner’s World Hat Trick.   It was my first BIG event.   At that time, I trained specifically for this event with a training plan that I purchased from Runner’s World.   It was a good plan that had me ready to run it.   I was driven to run it and run it fast.   I even went to this race by myself and I did well.    I did so well that I brazenly thought, “Why not run a marathon now.”   Of course, I did have a friend who planted the seed and pushed me along:)

Fast forward two years later and I’m back.   Things are different this time around.  This is not a goal race.   This race is different as I’m not even viewing it as a race.   I’m viewing it as training for New York City Marathon.   I’m also not the same runner that I was two years ago.   I’m stronger and used to these long runs now.    That being said,  it is still difficult when you cross that starting line not to want to give it all you’ve got.

But….

This isn’t my Rodeo.

This isn’t my goal now.

Eye on the Prize.

NYCM is just around the corner and this isn’t the time to run crazy.

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Yes, I could have attacked the course faster today, but it would not have been a wise or smart move.   Luckily for me, I wasn’t alone today.   I was running with some other Mom’s Run this town who actually were doing four races in three days for 26.2 miles.   I’m only doing three races in two days.    And if more lucky, a few of us wanted to run these miles at an 11 minute pace and we kept each other in check.    Alone, I probably would have not run a smart race.   Together not only did I do what I needed to do, but we got to chat the miles away.

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Win.  Win.

It is amazing to me how when I first started running an 11 minute pace was a goal.   Now it’s literally an easy running day.   Although I was saying today that this course is not really a course that I would want to try to PR as it is such a hilly course.   I also realize that I may be as fast as I’m ever get at this point.    I’ve run my sub 2 half.    I think that be the best it’s going to get for me.   So why not enjoy the ride (or run).

Tomorrow is another day and another race.

We will see what the day brings.   Then it’s taper town for New York which will be my rodeo.

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 Tomorrow brings another 5 AM wake up call.   Another race and another outfit:)

 

 

 

Running by the Numbers

Oct9

effort

Running is all a numbers game if you let it get to you.

What is my pace?

How many miles can I get in today?

How much time to I have to run today?

How many weeks do I still have left in my training plan?

On and on it goes if you let it get to you.

I will admit, that sometimes I let it get to me.    But often, I just go with the flow.   It’s funny, sometimes I get so caught up in the numbers and sometimes I am clueless.   Like when I’m out for a run, I do admit that I am pace driven.   This is not a bad thing because usually I am saying to my running partner that we need to slow down.    When you train to run faster by running your many miles slower, it can be a struggle to keep the pace slower.   And, again, it’s not that I’m fast.   It’s just that most of my runs are 10:40 or slower.   Last week, I had a few that were at 11:30.   It was nice, but I had to be conscious of my pace as it was creeping up.

For example, I was going about my training acting as if the New York City Marathon was some far off distant race.   Then, bam, someone posts something showing that it is only a month away.

How did that happen?

Where did the time go?

My friends are all running their last long runs of 18 or 20 miles.   Then I realize that the longest that I’ve run is 16 for my long run.   It sounds bad.   It sounds like I’m not getting properly prepared.   Part of me starts to panic.   Then I remember that I hate those long runs.   I don’t mean hate those long runs like every runner training for a marathon hates/dreads running them.   I mean, I hate running them because for me, mentally, they don’t build me up but usually tear me down.  These runs do not leave me feeling prepared for my marathon.   They leave me wondering what I am doing.  So I opt to train without them if possible.   Last year I did one 18 miler before Marine Corps and that was it.

Now just because I am not running three 18 to 20 mile runs does not mean that I am going into NY unprepared.   It does not mean that I’ve been slacking on my running because shockingly I haven’t been even though I thought that I really was.   The truth lies in the numbers.   Last month I ran 145 miles.   What does piss me off is that there was a day that I missed a 5 mile recovery run due to not enough hours in the day to do it.   I would have been at a very impressive 150, but I will settle for the 145 if I must.

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I was talking to a friend today about my running on tired legs and this is why I don’t do those dreaded 18 plus mile training runs.   I’m certainly getting the miles in.   I’m certainly training my body and legs to keep going when they don’t feel like it, but I’m doing it the way that works for me.    Usually my training plan will call for me to do a 6 to 8 mile cutdown followed the next day with a longer slower paced run of 10 to 16 miles depending on the week.   This works for me.

I admit that I do have the luxury of doing this type of training plan because I do have the ability to run more days a week than some.   I know those who have to fit their training plan into a 3 to 4 day running schedule.    I would much rather run 5 to 6 days during a week.

The key to knowing what training plan will work for you is to know what you will need both mentally and physically.   Sometimes it is trial and error, but once you find the right fit it’s like finding the right running shoe and there is no going back.

So now, I’m faced with the realization that the marathon is less than a month away.   The funny thing is that before I get there I have one other big task to do next weekend.

It’s Hat Trick Time again baby.

Oh yeah.

We’ll talk more about that tomorrow though:)

Do you run by the numbers?

Seize the Day!

Sep26

It is not an exaggeration to say that I ran one of the best races that I’ve ever run yesterday.  The weather was optimal for running.   I ran a smart race.   I had beautiful pretty splits.   I felt good.   Great running time and a nice finish.   What more could a girl ask for on a Sunday race day?

The funny thing is that this was another race that I went into without an actual plan.   Nope.   Nada.   Clueless.    Like any tutu runner, I was more concerned with coordinating my outfit which I do believe that I did so perfectly.

bronx10m_5  Mission accomplished!

When walking and getting into the corrals with my MRTT Mama’s, I was saying that I was just going to run the Bronx 10 Miler as a training run.   I was just going to run it at a solid 10:30 pace like many of my training runs.

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Gun goes off and we are off.   I start off with my friend Kim.   I tell her just go ahead as I don’t want to affect her race as I’m going to be going slow.    She goes her way, I go mine.   Then a funny thing happens as I’m trying to maintain my 10:30 pace, I realize that I’m going too fast.    I feel good.   I know from experience though that starting out too fast can be a real problem, so I change my mindset to running a smart race.

Seize the Day mentality.

I still have not thought on overall time, but I figure I will try to just keep my splits good.   I did runt them faster than I was trying, but I was feeling good and felt like I could maintain the pace.    I figured that it was only 10 miles and I could just keep going.

It seemed to work for me.  I did a couple things to distract me from the actual running during the race.   First, I listen to those around me while running.    I listen to the sounds of the feet, conversations, and just pay attention to where I’m actually running.   Kind of taking in the sites.   One of the other things that I did was take the time to say Thank You to every Police Officer that I ran by.    Just a simple, “thanks officer.”    They probably were like who is this crazy lady in red, but I figured they deserved it.

Then I get to the finish line which this year is on a downhill as they changed the course a little.   I’m feeling a stitch in my side, but I push it hard at the end.   Why not?   I can always breathe after I cross the finish line.

So my non race strategy really paid off!    I think that I am more happy with my splits than my actual finish time.

Now hopefully, I will be as happy with this run this morning as I get ready to head out for my 15 miles today.   At least I am running a slow pace!

Let the training continue.

NYCM marathon bound.

 

Friday Five – Five things I need to Do

Sep23

It’s been a little bit since I’ve done the Friday Five, but I thought I would jump in today with it.    I am joining in on the Friday Five with Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run.

For those that I know personally, know that I am a bit of an environmentalist and one of my favorite sayings regarding taking care of our planet is “there is no Plan B.”    Well I’ve realized or be reminded recently that the same thing applies to my body.   I can’t use it all up and not take care of it because again “there is no plan B.”

plan-b

I’ve got to get better about taking care of myself.   I’m constantly aware as the “old mom” at the drop off line that I am not getting any younger.   Now granted, I am in much better aerobic shape than I was as a young mom, but I’ve got to start doing better.

Five things that I need to do

  1.  I really need to do more stretching.   This 2 minutes after a run just isn’t enough.   I haven’t been to yoga in forever.   I was never very good at it, but I need to get back to the practice of it.
  2.  Rolling, Rolling, Rolling.    I’ve been so bad about this I truly do not even know where my roller is and that’s a problem.   My right calf and hamstring have been so tight since my Tri and I’ve need to get that hurts so good rolling going.
  3. I went for a massage the other day and although not relaxing because it was a get in deep kind of work those muscles sports massage, but I need to do this more.   Even if I do one and two religiously, there is nothing better for tired muscles than a massage.
  4. Fueling better – I’ve got to get a better system for fueling my runs.   Some days I go out for a long run without even having eaten anything.   No good.   I’ve also got to get better and more consistent about fueling during my runs.
  5. Respecting my Rest Days – Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a good rest day.   The problem though is on a rest day, I tend to use it as the day to get everything done that needs to get done.   Not always the giving my body a break day.   But as the woman of the house, I have to do what I have to do to get things done.   I just need to start seeing if maybe I can do some of the heavy lifting things on a non rest day.

What are some things that you do to take care of yourself and keep you in tip top shape for running?

 

 

Take Credit Where Credit is Due

Sep14

It has to be said….

honesty-is-best-policy-quotes

In the last year, there have been several running news stories about people committing fraud during a race.   Some have gone to extremes to either claim to complete a race they never had any intention of completing, faking a chip time, or just lying about the whole thing.   I have never understood that mentality.

Never.

This is why I am having such a hard time with my chip time from the Iron Girl.

I believe in giving credit where credit is due.  I also believe it is wrong to take credit for something that isn’t true.  In my heart of heart I know after some thought that maybe not that my chip time is wrong, but that something is wrong.   And the thing is it pisses me off.

I am pissed not because I’m pretty certain that I didn’t run a 19:12 5k.    I am pissed because I intentionally didn’t wear my GPS watch so I could focus on running the way my body felt.  If I had worn my watch, I would know what I actually ran and how fast I actually ran it.

I am pissed because I trusted the race organizers to have not just an accurate chip system, but also have the proper race distance for the course.    This is actually what I think happened.   I’m not sure.   I’ve run this race enough to know the course somewhat, so it does feel the same.   That being said, I know there is something off.   I am really just not that fast and I’m really not sure what happened.

Now, I know that there are some people who will be like shut the blank up already.   I respect that, but as my real life friends will tell you, I am nothing if not honest.   Like all the time.  Brutally honest, but in a nice way.   They know not to ask me a question that they don’t want my truthful  answer to.   I am not a yes Mam kind of gal.   So I just want the truth.

Here’s the thing though, I’m not sure if I will get the truth but I’m certain it is out there.   I’ve been comparing not just my times from 2015 and 2016 but the some times of those that I saw that ran both years that were top finishers.  EVERYONE is much faster.   Obviously, everyone would have different times from year to year.   That being said, everyone is consistently faster by at least 5 minutes.   Now granted I am not crazy enough nor do I have enough time to do a statistical analysis nor would I even be good at doing it.   I just know that I looked at a few people and this is what it appears to me.    So I’m thinking that somehow they messed up the course and shortened it.

I’m pissed.   Not because they shortened it but in looking and thinking about this, I realized that even though I know in my heart that I didn’t run a 19 minute 5K, I might have actually still run under a 25 minute 5K and I will never know.   I feel robbed, cheated, and a little bit of a fraud.

Now I know that there is nothing that I can do.   Although, I did email Iron Girl organization to verify the course.   I know that if I had the time or inclination I could go down to Sandy Hook and do that myself.   Knowing me, the next time I am down there I just might do that:)     That being said, when asked what my 5K PR is I will still go with 26:26 which really is a rocking time.

Has this ever happened to you?

 

 

 

Believe the Unbelievable

Sep11

It’s been a LONG Day, but it’s been a good day.   I’m guessing any day that starts with a 4:00 AM alarm will be long.    Those are the breaks though on race day.

Today was my what appears to be annual trip to Sandy Hood Gateway National Park for the Iron Girl Sprint Triathlon.   The race that started it all.   The race that is always full of surprises and always worth doing although I question why on the drive down.

The morning had to start at such an unsightly hour because I needed to allow extra time to pick up my bib.   I will say that I normally like to pick up my bib, rack my bike, and get my bearings the day before.   This is not always possible when you are attending your son’s soccer tournament in the blazing heat.   That being said, it was all good.   Really only made for a slightly earlier morning.

Arrive with time to pick up packet, rack my bike, and set up transition.   I’m good to go.    Have swim cap and goggles and ready to make my way to swim start.   Hold the phones…. Swim is cancelled.    Apparently the current is making it unsafe.   I will say that I was disappointed, but I would much rather they side with caution than someone get hurt (myself included).   My very first Iron Girl Tri the swim was way wicked.   Everyone complained that they didn’t cancel it.   Then today many complained that they did.   Can’t win.

So today I did my first Duathlon.

Run, Bike, Run

It took a bit for them to reconfigure, but once they did it went without a hitch.   The beauty of being in the older groups is that I didn’t have to wait so long to start my run.   I think I was off by 7:45.     We started off with an out and back of 3 miles.   Why they didn’t do the full 5K, I have no clue.

So off I went watchless.   It was strange not starting my Garmin, but this was supposed to be just do what the body says you can do day.   It was supposed to be an easy recovery day especially after yesterdays 11 miles in the disgustingly hot weather.

First run feels good.  Get back to transition and really nothing to do except put on a bike helmet and suck down a Honey Stinger.  Bike sucks and only because I literally did not train or ride my bike ALL summer long.  Also might have been helpful to bring another gel with me.   Oops.   Get back to transition and I feel like I’ve been sitting on a horse all day not a bike for a little more than an hour.

I will interject to add that on the bike portion I knew they made the right decision about the swim as the wind was wicked and the white caps were plenty.   I will also like to add that I was starting to think that my name had changed to “on your left” which is what people say when flying by you (or me).   I admit, that I should have ridden my bike more or at least a little bit.

Go out for the second run.   This one being the full 5K.   I feel like my bottom is still in the saddle and I REALLY want to walk.   At this point, I decide though that I am going to run the whole thing.   I am just going to keep moving.   I dig deep as the saying goes and remind myself that this is nothing compared to a 50K (Ok it is, but you say what you say to keep yourself moving).   I also remind myself that this is how I’m going to feel come mile 22 of NYCM, so I just need to keep moving.   I know that I’m running brisk because not only can I feel a little stitch in my side but I’m breathing pretty heavy.   I’ve got no watch.   I’ve got no clue and I know if I slow down that I might just stop.  I also don’t feel like I’m dying, just like I’m at the end of a race

Just keep moving.    Going to make it to the end without walking.   This is it.

Cross the finish line.

Yeah!!!

Get my time.

Holy Crap.   This can’t be right????

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Now my question is why would I question it?    I know the course.   I know that my bike time is right about where it was last year.    If my times were in slower, I would never question.   Why is it so hard to believe the good stuff?

One of my friends suggested that I never run with a watch again::)   Ha!

I will say that I am in shock.   Last year my run was 31:53.    My fastest 5K was over the summer at a local 5K where I ran 26:26.   This is unbelievable and I keep expecting them to tell me that they made a mistake.    The won’t because official times were released and apparently I do run much faster without a watch to tell me to slow down.

Now all I need to do is see what m coach says about m easy recovery run that I was supposed to do.  So much for easy recovery run:)   Really shocked

It was a great day and even though I went into it by myself you can never feel alone when your surrounded by a group of Tri Women!

Now it is time to put this to bed and myself included.

Flexibility is the Key

Sep8

Yesterday I had an 8 mile run scheduled.

As anyone with school aged kids will tell you, the start of the school season is ruff.   First there is the adjusting to the schedule to knowing who needs to be where when and everything in between.   On top of all of that craziness, I in my infinite wisdom a few years ago took on the responsibility of running my son’s Cub Scout Pack in addition to being his Den Leader.   So this brings on a whole host of responsibilities and just like the beginning of the school year, the beginning of the Scouting year is also a bear.

Now normally when the kids are all dropped off at school, I like to start my run by 9:00.   Yesterday though I figured that I would first take care of some Cub Scout stuff that needed to be done.   I figured that I would be done by 11:00 at the latest.   One thing leads to another and another.   Before I know it, it is almost noon.

CRAP!

Now I’m hungry.

So knowing I’ve got a run, I quick eat a bowl of cereal.   Finally get out for my run a little after 12:45.   Do some quick calculations and realize that there is just NO WAY that I am getting in a whole 8 miles due to needing to start the school pick-up cycle.

CRAP!

Then I start to map out in my mind how far and where to run.   I figure that I can probably squeeze in 5 miles or close to it.

CRAP!

Then in the midst of my panic, I wonder what the Hell my problem is and what is wrong with me.   Running is supposed to be my stress relief.   It felt good to get out the door after sitting all morning.   Why am I causing myself more anxiety instead of letting the run take it away?

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Then I had an epiphany that I’ve had before.    Running is NOT my job.  I RUN BECAUSE I LIKE TO RUN!    Yes, I know that I need to stick to my schedule and train if I want to be able to finish all these races that I’ve signed up for.    Yes, I know that training is important, but so is flexibility.    My “job” is to do the things that I do at home not only because I “have to” but because I want to.   No one assigned me these jobs.   I decided that I wanted kids.   I decided that I wanted 3 of them.   I decided that I wanted to do the things that I do for our house, my kids, and our family.   They are my priority.

That is not to say that I should not take time for myself and the things that I want to do.  My run at the beach is a prime example of that rationale.   That is not to say that everything that is important to me comes second.   It just means that I need to be more flexible and cut myself a break.   Especially when there is a lot going on.   The trick is to know what days, I really need flexibility and what days I need a kick in the pants.

Today is not That Day

Sep6

Today is the first day of school for my boys.  My youngest started his last year in the elementary school.    As I stood at the morning drop off line dry eyed and wondering why the teacher’s were not taking the kids in when it was past time, I realized that I might have been in the minority with my dry eyes.   There was no nostalgia that he is the last of my boys who will be leaving this wonderful elementary school.  Nope.  Nada.   Maybe it will come.   Just not today.  Maybe it’s also because while my youngest is starting his last year of elementary school, my oldest is starting the process of looking at colleges.

I am not obtuse to the fact that one day I will miss these days.   That I will miss the chaos.   The running to and from.    The never having a moment to myself and that there is something that always needs to be done.   It is not that I don’t love my children.   Like any parent, I couldn’t imagine my life without them.   It’s not that I won’t miss  spending time with them and the adventures we share as a family.  All that being said, I’m in the weeds right now.

So today as I stood in the drop off line with my running clothes on, hair pulled back, and not a stitch of makeup, I realized that I might have been the odd man out.   That’s ok:)

I also know that there were a million and one things that I should do at home while the kids were at school today.   I know that “my job” is to take care of the household, but today Mommy need  a day off.    It has been a long summer and I haven’t had a day off in over 2 months.   No weekends off.   Nothing.   So today was my day.   I needed a day or at least a morning off.  By myself.  Period!

beach2

I totally justified a trip to do my 5 miles at the beach today since my Triathlon is there this Sunday.   Yes, I’m familiar with the area but I thought I would get a lay of the land.  Again.  It wasn’t even particularly a great beach day, but there is something to be said for sitting even briefly listening to the waves.   There is something to be said about an ocean breeze on your run.   There is something to be said about taking time for yourself.   It is not selfish.  It is self preservation.   Period.  End of Story.

So while I was only gone for a few hours, it was enough to charge my batteries.   To rejuvenate my spirit and to get in my run.

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Do you ever sneak away for a run?

 

 

 

Calling Dr. Google

Sep4

 

Even though I didn’t get out for my long run Saturday, I plan to do it Sunday morning.    Sometimes you have to change things up especially when life gets in the way.   I once again slept in this morning as honestly I’ve not been sleeping the best.   Problem was that I slept in too late to get a run in or I would be late for an important appointment.   I thought to myself, “no worries, I’ll just run when i get back from picnicking at my mother’s house.”

  Well when you don’t get home till almost 10:00 and you’ve got 12 miles on your schedule that run just isn’t happening.

Nope.

Now, it will have to happen in the morning.   Without a doubt.   I am getting and planning to stay back on track for my marathon training.   I’ve got reason to be committed (other than the obvious that I will be running the NYCM).   I now am 100% positive baring any injuries that I will be running.

What am I talking about you ask?

You did ask, right?

google

So during this somewhat stinky summer, I had to get a biopsy done on 3 nodules on my thyroid.   I’m not a fan of needles in my neck, so I was more concerned with that than the actual biopsy.   I will say that according to my consultation with Dr. Google who my lawyer friend told me was not licensed to practice in this state; I had high expectations of being told that my thyroid would need to be removed.   The results came back fine for the bigger nodules, but they wanted to retest the smallest one as results were not conclusive.   Ok.   Another round of needles.   Yeah, me.

Waiting…..

Waiting….

Phone rings

“Hello this is So and So from Dr. So and So’s office.  Don’t worry the results don’t show C, but the Dr. would like for you to come in to go over your results.   She has an opening today.   Are you available?”

Yeah, that’s never a good thing.

Off I go to the Dr’s who says in a nutshell that the results are once again not able to determine if it is bad or good.   Blah, Blah, Blah more medical information.    Bottom line is we need to take your thyroid gland out.

Me, who expected this months ago but then pushed it aside after first round of tests is shocked.   My main concern because I’m a crazy runner, “Can I push it off till after NYCM?”

That’s totally rational.

“Sure no problem.   Call Surgeon So and So now though to set up appointment as he is in leadership position and it’s hard to get into see him.”

Following Dr So and So’s order, I call the next day and this hard to see Surgeon So and So can see me in two days for my consultation.

WHAT???

So this consultation was today.   I feel much better after meeting Surgeon So and So.   He gave me the clear ahead to wait till after the marathon, but not much longer after that.  I liked that he knew that my body would need to recover after running such a long distance and the fact that he said the surgeon who would assist him is also running NYCM.

So now this reignites the fire.   It removes the cloud that has been hanging over my training and it also adds a little motivation as he might ask how I finished in said race.   Would hate to not have a good finish time to tell him.

So while all is not perfect.   While I may be freaking out a little or a lot depending on the time of day, I’m better knowing what is going to happen.   There is a plan.   I’ve been told that I like a plan and it is true.

Time to get myself moving!

ny_slogan

Do you have a plan?