OK, OK, so, I've been keeping a secret from y'all (no, not pregnant!) (and if my doctor asks me that one more time I will scream) (although my husband thought it would be rather ironic if I did get pregnant while training for a marathon. Guess what? Three down and still no babies!) (ok, enough talk about my unborn children. For now) (babies!)
OK--the big secret (and some of you already know--that's because I can't keep a secret, obviously).
Running has officially taken over my life.
No big surprise, huh? Well, it really, really has! In a few short weeks I will be starting a new job in which I get to jibber jabber about running all the live long day. If that's not perfection in job form, then I don't know what is (false, I do know what is: getting paid to watch The Office, blog and eat cookies all day long) (I'd weigh 10,00 lbs but who cares? I'd be happy as a little clam).
With my husband's employment situation (or lack thereof) it is rather ironic that I found a job whilst he and sis in law are still at home eating BonBons on a daily basis (kidding of course) (or am I? You never can tell with those two). But, nonetheless, having a happy me makes the hours I am home that much better and I probably won't try to attack the sis in law when she bakes banana bread anymore (because angry little me ate all the banana bread and gained 10 lbs, this was obviously my darling sis's fault) (only it was mine).
I'm still the breadwinner of the casa (for now) and pleased as punch about this new opportunity.
Thanks to those of you who kept me in your thoughts throughout this process, I truly appreciate it.
Now, just so you all know, my primary goal from here on out (besides getting everyone to move to Dallas) is to get y'all to sign up for our races. D-A-R already did (because she's awesome)--you should too! (I'm looking at you Sara...Chicago Half.....)
And if my life wasn't hectic enough, tomorrow I'm off to Atlanta for the ING Georgia Marathon. For work. Not running it. Cannot even think of running right now.
But I really want to. My legs are itchin' to move. Until they do and then I'm reminded that I ran 26.2 miles of hills the other day. Shocking.
Ahh how I want to run! OKC is so, so close!
Happy running, friends!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Well, I survived
Holy amazing marathon, Batman!
Whew. The Catalina Marathon was amazing. Amazing. Was it totally intense? Yes. Was it an insane butt kicking? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes!
When we left San Pedro on Friday morning bound for Catalina Island, our boat was filled to the brim with runners, most of which had run this marathon more than 10 times! That was encouraging. I figured hey, if these people come back for seconds, then it really won't kill me.
I thought this until we pulled into Avalon and I remembered how those mountains just jut out of the water. Started to panic a little, but, my game plan was just to honestly not think about it. At all.
We walked around the island, played tourist (judge all you want but for 45 minutes I got to feed fishes under the water and it was awesome) and then headed to the expo. Trail runners are a different breed of people, let me tell you. Now, we all know I'm a girly girl and that 90% of the time I run in something pink, but, let me tell you, I felt like I was covered in Barbie pink compared to these folk (and I wasn't even wearing pink!). But, they are a very friendly bunch and that helped put my fears at ease.
After I picked up my race goodies I met up with Sam and his darling wife Tiffany. While he may just be a regular guy with bad jokes and awesome hair, he needs to fully embrace his total awesomeness (I've used 'awesome' a lot already haven't I?). Because he is fantastic. And Tiffany is so dang cute and sweet I just want to hug her. They are both just about the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.
Race morning was interesting--we had to take a boat to the start and then wait for another boat to dock which ended up getting a line tangled so we just sat in the harbor for 30 minutes or so. Could have been worse--it beats standing outside for 30 minutes in the cold! So, the race started a bit late.
Sam found me at the start line and that was a huge boost since this was the first race in which my husband wasn't at the start line with me. Yes, yes, I'm a wuss, I need my cheering section!
And then we were off! Everyone kept saying not to burn out the first 3 miles (do they know me? My gift is a slow and steady first 10k! This is a recent gift, by the way) so I just kept telling myself sloooow, slooow, slooow. Well, the first 3 miles totally sucked and right after mile 4 was an insane downhill. I was having serious doubts as to my ability to finish and I texted the husband and told him it would be a long time and that I was going to walk 90% of the damn thing. This also made me rethink all those crazy repeaters--what the hell was wrong with them?!
Around mile 4 I found a buddy and we stuck together for the majority of the race. Having him to help push me was great--and it's nice to have someone to talk to.
This was not a marathon in which you could run the entire thing. Well, I suppose some people can. I am not some people. Walking the uphills was necessity because I didn't know when or if I would burn out and I didn't want to waste my energy. I don't usually haul ass on downhills, but, I did this time because I knew it was the only way to make up time. Luckily, on the flat sections, we were able to run and keep a good clip going. The only hard part was is that you'd get so used to walking the uphills that when you could run, it was like "why bother?".
It was hard to find a groove because everytime you'd start running and finding a pace a damn hill would stop you in your tracks.
The aid stations and volunteers were the best I've ever seen. From M&Ms, Swedish Fish, homemade cookies and Gu, the stations were fully stocked and the volunteers were so helpful and friendly. And yes, I snacked at every station--this is still me we're talking about!
There is a nasty hill climb from about mile 17.5 to 18 and my heavens, it took forever. Luckily, you can see the aid station at mile 18 while you're climbing and those people were having a party! Singing, dancing, cheering you on. It was great. We stopped up there for water and snacks and I was pretty much ready to stay and hang out with the crew at mile 18!
My family met me around mile 19 and at this point I was kind of on my own. Miles 20-23 are filled will short steep climbs and quick downhills. I knew that from mile 23 on it was downhill so my game plan was to run the flats and downhills as quick as I could to get to 23. I knew that from 23 it was basically over. Mentally at least.
Those few miles downhill were killer! Super steep and rocky and scary. I wasn't able to get a good pace even though I was downhill because it was such bad footing. I finally tried lenghtening my stride and that helped to get me going faster but it got me too fast at at mile 23.5 or 24 I almost totally went head over heels and busted my toe a bit because I slipped on a rock!
We hit pavement and that's when I knew I could do it. I just pounded on down that hill and went as fast as my leggies could carry me. I love pavement, I really do!
I saw the finish line in the distance and just hauled. Even though throughout the race, my buddy and I kept saying how we felt like we'd already run a marathon and some point around mile 25 that all went away and I was so happy. I crossed the finish line under my goal time and am certain I could have finished faster if I'd run a bit more, but, this was my first time on the course and now I know. Also wasted a time taking pictures and you know, eating, but, this race wasn't about time.
Sam and Tiffany were there waiting along with my family. When I crossed the finish line they said my name and that I was running for Operation Jack--that was cool!
Post race my husband and I stood around and chatted with Sam and Tiffany and my new goal is to get them to move to Dallas (that's basically my goal for everyone in my life). I'm just saying guys, the house behind mine is for sale.....
Also, if I hadn't gotten old, I could have totally placed in my previous age group. Those young'ins were slower than me. Sheesh. Sam got 3rd in his age group!
After the awards ceremony I said my goodbyes and walked back to the hotel to shower and eat! I'm still hungry, fyi.
It was a great experience. I would definitely run this again and if I do it next year, will plan on making it a longer vacation since we had to rush home on Sunday, but, spending a few leisurely days on Catalina would be fantastic. It was seriously the most beautiful course and such a fun weekend. Obviously, the Big D Texas Marathon won't be a pretty, but, it'll be fun to see Sam and Tiffany again and show them around Dallas in a few weeks.
WOW. You survived that damn novel of a post? You deserve pictures. (these are all Blackberry pics,so, please excuse the quality)
This was around mile 8 or so--we'd just come off a long downhill and were greeted with this gorgeous view. And yes, I had my camera in a ziploc baggie to protect it from sweat so this is through the baggie!
Hill climb after mile 18. That is my running buddy, Julian there on the right.
I don't remember which hill this is, I'm guessing mile 11 or so since I think that was the view around mile 10.... Not sure. But, you kind of get the idea of what the course was like! You really couldn't beat the surroundings for 26.2 miles. I mean it was just gorgeous! Beaches, palm tress--and it was all so green and everything was in bloom. Just breathtaking.
Around mile 2 looking back down into Two Harbors were we started.
The before. You can see the after on Sam's blog.
View from the boat at like 6:50 AM on race day.
There you have it! Pictures from Catalina! I have a few more, but, I think I've overloaded this post enough.
I can't thank you all enough for your support of me and to those of you who supported Operation Jack--thank you so much. It means a lot. I am so grateful.
And Sam, thank you for picking such a great marathon to be part of your 60 marathons this year! I'm so glad I was able to participate.
Whew. The Catalina Marathon was amazing. Amazing. Was it totally intense? Yes. Was it an insane butt kicking? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes!
When we left San Pedro on Friday morning bound for Catalina Island, our boat was filled to the brim with runners, most of which had run this marathon more than 10 times! That was encouraging. I figured hey, if these people come back for seconds, then it really won't kill me.
I thought this until we pulled into Avalon and I remembered how those mountains just jut out of the water. Started to panic a little, but, my game plan was just to honestly not think about it. At all.
We walked around the island, played tourist (judge all you want but for 45 minutes I got to feed fishes under the water and it was awesome) and then headed to the expo. Trail runners are a different breed of people, let me tell you. Now, we all know I'm a girly girl and that 90% of the time I run in something pink, but, let me tell you, I felt like I was covered in Barbie pink compared to these folk (and I wasn't even wearing pink!). But, they are a very friendly bunch and that helped put my fears at ease.
After I picked up my race goodies I met up with Sam and his darling wife Tiffany. While he may just be a regular guy with bad jokes and awesome hair, he needs to fully embrace his total awesomeness (I've used 'awesome' a lot already haven't I?). Because he is fantastic. And Tiffany is so dang cute and sweet I just want to hug her. They are both just about the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.
Race morning was interesting--we had to take a boat to the start and then wait for another boat to dock which ended up getting a line tangled so we just sat in the harbor for 30 minutes or so. Could have been worse--it beats standing outside for 30 minutes in the cold! So, the race started a bit late.
Sam found me at the start line and that was a huge boost since this was the first race in which my husband wasn't at the start line with me. Yes, yes, I'm a wuss, I need my cheering section!
And then we were off! Everyone kept saying not to burn out the first 3 miles (do they know me? My gift is a slow and steady first 10k! This is a recent gift, by the way) so I just kept telling myself sloooow, slooow, slooow. Well, the first 3 miles totally sucked and right after mile 4 was an insane downhill. I was having serious doubts as to my ability to finish and I texted the husband and told him it would be a long time and that I was going to walk 90% of the damn thing. This also made me rethink all those crazy repeaters--what the hell was wrong with them?!
Around mile 4 I found a buddy and we stuck together for the majority of the race. Having him to help push me was great--and it's nice to have someone to talk to.
This was not a marathon in which you could run the entire thing. Well, I suppose some people can. I am not some people. Walking the uphills was necessity because I didn't know when or if I would burn out and I didn't want to waste my energy. I don't usually haul ass on downhills, but, I did this time because I knew it was the only way to make up time. Luckily, on the flat sections, we were able to run and keep a good clip going. The only hard part was is that you'd get so used to walking the uphills that when you could run, it was like "why bother?".
It was hard to find a groove because everytime you'd start running and finding a pace a damn hill would stop you in your tracks.
The aid stations and volunteers were the best I've ever seen. From M&Ms, Swedish Fish, homemade cookies and Gu, the stations were fully stocked and the volunteers were so helpful and friendly. And yes, I snacked at every station--this is still me we're talking about!
There is a nasty hill climb from about mile 17.5 to 18 and my heavens, it took forever. Luckily, you can see the aid station at mile 18 while you're climbing and those people were having a party! Singing, dancing, cheering you on. It was great. We stopped up there for water and snacks and I was pretty much ready to stay and hang out with the crew at mile 18!
My family met me around mile 19 and at this point I was kind of on my own. Miles 20-23 are filled will short steep climbs and quick downhills. I knew that from mile 23 on it was downhill so my game plan was to run the flats and downhills as quick as I could to get to 23. I knew that from 23 it was basically over. Mentally at least.
Those few miles downhill were killer! Super steep and rocky and scary. I wasn't able to get a good pace even though I was downhill because it was such bad footing. I finally tried lenghtening my stride and that helped to get me going faster but it got me too fast at at mile 23.5 or 24 I almost totally went head over heels and busted my toe a bit because I slipped on a rock!
We hit pavement and that's when I knew I could do it. I just pounded on down that hill and went as fast as my leggies could carry me. I love pavement, I really do!
I saw the finish line in the distance and just hauled. Even though throughout the race, my buddy and I kept saying how we felt like we'd already run a marathon and some point around mile 25 that all went away and I was so happy. I crossed the finish line under my goal time and am certain I could have finished faster if I'd run a bit more, but, this was my first time on the course and now I know. Also wasted a time taking pictures and you know, eating, but, this race wasn't about time.
Sam and Tiffany were there waiting along with my family. When I crossed the finish line they said my name and that I was running for Operation Jack--that was cool!
Post race my husband and I stood around and chatted with Sam and Tiffany and my new goal is to get them to move to Dallas (that's basically my goal for everyone in my life). I'm just saying guys, the house behind mine is for sale.....
Also, if I hadn't gotten old, I could have totally placed in my previous age group. Those young'ins were slower than me. Sheesh. Sam got 3rd in his age group!
After the awards ceremony I said my goodbyes and walked back to the hotel to shower and eat! I'm still hungry, fyi.
It was a great experience. I would definitely run this again and if I do it next year, will plan on making it a longer vacation since we had to rush home on Sunday, but, spending a few leisurely days on Catalina would be fantastic. It was seriously the most beautiful course and such a fun weekend. Obviously, the Big D Texas Marathon won't be a pretty, but, it'll be fun to see Sam and Tiffany again and show them around Dallas in a few weeks.
WOW. You survived that damn novel of a post? You deserve pictures. (these are all Blackberry pics,so, please excuse the quality)
This was around mile 8 or so--we'd just come off a long downhill and were greeted with this gorgeous view. And yes, I had my camera in a ziploc baggie to protect it from sweat so this is through the baggie!
Hill climb after mile 18. That is my running buddy, Julian there on the right.
I don't remember which hill this is, I'm guessing mile 11 or so since I think that was the view around mile 10.... Not sure. But, you kind of get the idea of what the course was like! You really couldn't beat the surroundings for 26.2 miles. I mean it was just gorgeous! Beaches, palm tress--and it was all so green and everything was in bloom. Just breathtaking.
Around mile 2 looking back down into Two Harbors were we started.
The before. You can see the after on Sam's blog.
View from the boat at like 6:50 AM on race day.
There you have it! Pictures from Catalina! I have a few more, but, I think I've overloaded this post enough.
I can't thank you all enough for your support of me and to those of you who supported Operation Jack--thank you so much. It means a lot. I am so grateful.
And Sam, thank you for picking such a great marathon to be part of your 60 marathons this year! I'm so glad I was able to participate.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Catalina, Catalina, Catalina!
Eeeek! I'm so excited I could die (but, I won't). This marathon has been my "goal" since last summer. Last summer when I hadn't even completed marathon numero uno, last summer when Danica blogged about Operation Jack. It's finally here.I can't believe it!
It's going to be a butt kicking, I'm not entirely sure I'll be able to walk on Sunday, but, helllloooo, I get to run a marathon on Catalina Island! How awesome is that?!?
And, I'm running for Operation Jack, which as you know is so important to me. The inspiration from Sam and what he's doing has kept me going and I couldn't have gotten through my first marathon (and second!) without all his encouragement and advice. True, I'm going to run a few more for Operation Jack this year, but, this is the big one.
Thank you to all of you who donated (and to those who didn't, DO IT NOW) (seriously, donate! Go without your latte for the day, it won't kill you) (promise) (and, you'll feel so good about it!).
I hope that I can truly make a difference in Sam's goals this year for Operation Jack and Catalina is a great start.
I'm scared, I'm nervous, but, I get to run a marathon here:
(photo from here)Eek!
California sunshine, here I come!
PS. Donate!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Marathon Monday (again) (and, what have I gotten myself into?)
Wasn't it just yesterday that I was gearing up to run a marathon on Saturday? No? Two weeks ago? Yikes.
Well, like it or not, the time has come. The time that I've literally been thinking about last summer. The Catalina Marathon. For me, this might as well be Boston. This is it (sure, I've got OKC in less than 7 weeks, but, whatever, if I finish that, I'll be happy) (and I will finish. And I will PR. Even though I have noooo idea where I'm going to get my 20 miler in for that--yeah, I'll be out of town that weekend) (crap, I might really bomb OKC. That would suck).
The granddaddy of my marathon life thus far. And probably this year. It's going to be hard, it's going to be long, it's going to take every last ounce of energy I have to finish--but, it's going to rock. (see how I do that? Positive thinking, kids, positive thinking)
Sure, there's a ton of stuff to get done before now and when we leave, sure, we'll get back on Sunday night only to leave at 6AM Monday morning for 3 days of hiking and whatnot with a group of teenagers in the soggy Texas hills (did I mention it's supposed to rain for the next few days? Awesome). Sure, I'll get home Wednesday from hiking, caked in mud, sore, hungry and exhausted, only to pack my bags and head out of town on again Thursday night. Yeah, sure.
But, this Saturday, I get to run The Catalina Marathon! Are you kidding me? That's so exciting and crazy I can't even believe it. I am scared to death, have no idea what I've gotten myself into, but, by Saturday evening, I'll get to look back on it and say I did it. Hellloooo awesome.
My long run on Saturday didn't go as planned--I guess The Cowtown finally caught up with me and I struggled big time. But, I planned a hilly route knowing I'd need the hills for this weekend. I didn't get near the mileage I wanted, but, oh well. It's not about last Saturday, it's about this Saturday. I'm a little sore and worse for wear, but, I'm not running Catalina for time, so, if I walk like 75% of it, I don't care! (Lord help me that I don't walk 75% of it!)
Best part? I get to see my dad, step mom and half sis, possibly my in laws and I finally get to meet Sam of Operation Jack! The whole reason I've become a crazy runner in the first place.
No matter what, this weekend will be great.
Even if I do have to be heavily medicated on Sunday.
Well, like it or not, the time has come. The time that I've literally been thinking about last summer. The Catalina Marathon. For me, this might as well be Boston. This is it (sure, I've got OKC in less than 7 weeks, but, whatever, if I finish that, I'll be happy) (and I will finish. And I will PR. Even though I have noooo idea where I'm going to get my 20 miler in for that--yeah, I'll be out of town that weekend) (crap, I might really bomb OKC. That would suck).
The granddaddy of my marathon life thus far. And probably this year. It's going to be hard, it's going to be long, it's going to take every last ounce of energy I have to finish--but, it's going to rock. (see how I do that? Positive thinking, kids, positive thinking)
Sure, there's a ton of stuff to get done before now and when we leave, sure, we'll get back on Sunday night only to leave at 6AM Monday morning for 3 days of hiking and whatnot with a group of teenagers in the soggy Texas hills (did I mention it's supposed to rain for the next few days? Awesome). Sure, I'll get home Wednesday from hiking, caked in mud, sore, hungry and exhausted, only to pack my bags and head out of town on again Thursday night. Yeah, sure.
But, this Saturday, I get to run The Catalina Marathon! Are you kidding me? That's so exciting and crazy I can't even believe it. I am scared to death, have no idea what I've gotten myself into, but, by Saturday evening, I'll get to look back on it and say I did it. Hellloooo awesome.
My long run on Saturday didn't go as planned--I guess The Cowtown finally caught up with me and I struggled big time. But, I planned a hilly route knowing I'd need the hills for this weekend. I didn't get near the mileage I wanted, but, oh well. It's not about last Saturday, it's about this Saturday. I'm a little sore and worse for wear, but, I'm not running Catalina for time, so, if I walk like 75% of it, I don't care! (Lord help me that I don't walk 75% of it!)
Best part? I get to see my dad, step mom and half sis, possibly my in laws and I finally get to meet Sam of Operation Jack! The whole reason I've become a crazy runner in the first place.
No matter what, this weekend will be great.
Even if I do have to be heavily medicated on Sunday.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
What I'm thankful for today...
Several of my favorite blog friends do a "thankful Thursday" and since I'm just plain strapped for ideas, I'm totally jacking theirs (nope, I have no shame). (but, this should be considered flattery, right?)
1. Hair appointments: Holy split ends, Batman! I'm finally getting my hair cut this weekend (just in time for Catalina! Can't run another marathon looking like a disheveled mess). Of course my usual chick moved to freaking Arizona (why is everything in Arizona?!), so, I'm going to have to sell my first born child to pay for this nonsense, but, whatever. Beauty is expensive, apparently.
2. My fur babies: Snuggling in bed with Ella Mae beagle is the best thing ever. I got to take advantage of my 26.2 miles on Monday morning and sleep in a bit with my pup. And, it was raining. I love snuggling with my pups in the rain. But the whole getting up at 5AM to run thing kind of makes that a rare occurrence.
3. Advil, Tylenol, you get the idea: I know, weird thing right? And, does this mean I have some sort of addiction to pain meds? (hopefully not) Listen here, popping two Advil mid-marathon is what totally got me through those miles of death and to be honest, my neck is killing me (slept wrong and, guess what? I'm overly tense when I run. Irony much?) and I'd really like one right now!
4. Friends & Seinfeld: Sadly, no one was keeping track, but, I'm pretty sure Saturday will go down in history as the day with the most Friends references ever. And I pulled off two this morning as well. Bestie and I can relate 98% of our lives to episodes of Friends and generally reference it while talking or texting each other. It's like our own little language. And Seinfeld is the greatest TV show. (don't worry, still obsessed with The Office. After I watched all my seasons of Burn Notice on Saturday, I migrated to seasons of The Office)
5. Running: For the obvious reason found in my chips & salsa, cookie and general carb obsession. And the not so obvious reason of well, running rocks and its helped me meet some amazing people, run in some awesome places and opened the door to fantastic opportunities.
6. Friends & Family: Excuse the 'duh' answer, but, having my bestie cheering me on Friday night, my husband waking up at 4:30 to sit around while I run, my in laws driving to effing Tulsa, Oklahoma to watch me run, my dad sending congratulatory flowers--it just doesn't get better than that. Words cannot express how much I love my family and friends (but cookies do--I bake a lot of 'I love you food').
7. My mom: Sure, she's not alive, but, she was and is such a huge part of my life. I like to think I'm making her proud and I know that 90% of who I am is directly due to her. And I'm basically the spitting image of her.
1. Hair appointments: Holy split ends, Batman! I'm finally getting my hair cut this weekend (just in time for Catalina! Can't run another marathon looking like a disheveled mess). Of course my usual chick moved to freaking Arizona (why is everything in Arizona?!), so, I'm going to have to sell my first born child to pay for this nonsense, but, whatever. Beauty is expensive, apparently.
2. My fur babies: Snuggling in bed with Ella Mae beagle is the best thing ever. I got to take advantage of my 26.2 miles on Monday morning and sleep in a bit with my pup. And, it was raining. I love snuggling with my pups in the rain. But the whole getting up at 5AM to run thing kind of makes that a rare occurrence.
3. Advil, Tylenol, you get the idea: I know, weird thing right? And, does this mean I have some sort of addiction to pain meds? (hopefully not) Listen here, popping two Advil mid-marathon is what totally got me through those miles of death and to be honest, my neck is killing me (slept wrong and, guess what? I'm overly tense when I run. Irony much?) and I'd really like one right now!
4. Friends & Seinfeld: Sadly, no one was keeping track, but, I'm pretty sure Saturday will go down in history as the day with the most Friends references ever. And I pulled off two this morning as well. Bestie and I can relate 98% of our lives to episodes of Friends and generally reference it while talking or texting each other. It's like our own little language. And Seinfeld is the greatest TV show. (don't worry, still obsessed with The Office. After I watched all my seasons of Burn Notice on Saturday, I migrated to seasons of The Office)
5. Running: For the obvious reason found in my chips & salsa, cookie and general carb obsession. And the not so obvious reason of well, running rocks and its helped me meet some amazing people, run in some awesome places and opened the door to fantastic opportunities.
6. Friends & Family: Excuse the 'duh' answer, but, having my bestie cheering me on Friday night, my husband waking up at 4:30 to sit around while I run, my in laws driving to effing Tulsa, Oklahoma to watch me run, my dad sending congratulatory flowers--it just doesn't get better than that. Words cannot express how much I love my family and friends (but cookies do--I bake a lot of 'I love you food').
7. My mom: Sure, she's not alive, but, she was and is such a huge part of my life. I like to think I'm making her proud and I know that 90% of who I am is directly due to her. And I'm basically the spitting image of her.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Weekend of awesome in pictures
Let's start at the beginning, shall we?
(you will ignore the double chin I've got goin' on here, K?)
Friday night with my happy shiny new piece of look at how smart I am paper and my race bib. Kind of a weak bib, but, I'm over it.
This photo would be way less lame if i hadn't been mid sentence when it was taken, but, what are ya gonna do when you're asking a stranger to take your photo?
Hi, I'm going to die here in the cold. Sure, I ran in 18 degree weather with wind chills in the single digits, suuure, I ran through snow and ice but this? This will kill me.
Finishing! Thank God it's over. I can go pass out now. (bwhahah, can I tell you how thrilled I am that I am crossing that finish line before that guy?)
Don't I look thrilled? This was my 'I'm still a bit teary and shaken up, why on earth are you taking a picture now' look. Gorgeous, aren't I? (and very color coordinated)
I love downtown Fort Worth.
And because we're not intelligent enough to have someone take our picture after the race, we must do post race medal pictures at home. (do you think I like yellow?)
And that's my weekend of awesome in pictures. What is not included is the 2 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies I ate all by myself or the container of Oreos that I might have eaten as well. You know what Thin Mints look like, right?
Thanks again to everyone who cheered me on and supported me as I decided to run The Cowtown. I appreciate everything y'all do for me--the advice, your friendship-it all means so much. Thank you!
Monday, March 1, 2010
I'm awesome: I rocked The Cowtown
(be prepared, this is long) (and, no photos because my computer wouldn't connect to the internet all weekend)
Y'all. Y'all. Y'all! I don't even know where to begin. This weekend was a whole big bag of emotions.
Friday night was graduation and getting to spend the evening with my husband and my bestie made it that much more special.
We rushed home and I climbed right into bed.
Saturday morning was cold and Weather.com told me the high for the day was 45 but the people on Ch. 5 told me 65. Who to believe?! And it was very chilly at mi casa and cloudy. I grabbed my tech tee, capris and jacket and got ready.
We got to the race site and it was frrreeeezing. I had on my jacket plus my husband's sweatshirt and was still cold. It was cold. (even my husband was cold)
This race was laid out beautifully--the start areas and the expo/post race areas were great. It was very well planned. Even 20 minutes before the start I didn't have to wait to use the bathroom! Except for the whole pace leaders being all over the place in the start corrals, but, whatever.
I decided to run with my jacket and just tie it around my waist if I needed to. Which is totally lame, but, I didn't want to toss it (it's my favorite) and I was shivering at the start line. And I loathe being cold and couldn't imagine being cold for 26.2 miles. I knew that would put me in a foul mood and I wasn't ready to ruin my race because I was cold.
Of course I took that bad boy off at mile 3. LAME.
This course literally kicked my ass.
It was a big ol' loop so my husband wasn't able to meet me anywhere on course (this was the great thing about Tulsa--the loop was really tight and mile 6 for the runners was actually only 1/4 mile from the start, so, it was really easy for spectators to migrate around the course) which that kind of sucked, but, I knew it going in, so, that was OK. (but it still always helps to have your own personal cheering section)
0-3: I started off running with a group of 3 ladies who were shooting for the same time goal as I was and since we couldn't find that pacer (he was waaaay ahead of us) I figured I'd just hang with them for a while. We caught him around mile 3 and the three ladies I had been running with took off and I decided to just hang back with the pacer. According to my watch, I was on pace and while it felt "easy-ish" I knew this course had the ability to kick my ass and I didn't want a repeat of Tulsa where I went out too fast and burned out at mile 17.
3-8: I hung with the pacer and we chatted about the course, getting into running, etc. He had just finished up a 50 mile trail run, and we talked about people who do 100 mile trail runs and how intense that is. He's also run Pike's Peak and while I could have said I have no desire to do that, after running with him and another ultra trail runner for 5 miles and their encouragement, I do have a little bit of me that would someday like to do the ascent portion of it. But not this year! (sidenote: I'm learning that while I'd love to qualify for Boston at some point, a bigger part of me enjoys the challenging races and courses as opposed to being really fast if that makes sense. Although yes, I want to run super fast in OKC)
8-13: We got a few more runners in our group and just kept plodding along. The course was kind of strange because not all the roads were totally shut down, they were just shut down on one lane, and because I have this bad habit of running in the middle of the road (ITB issues) this meant I ended up like thisclose to cars a couple of times. My fault, I totally get it. Also, breathing in exhaust is weak.
13-15: My pacer stopped to tie his shoes at the water stop at 13 and I kept going but wasn't going all out because I knew there were hills ahead and I wanted to try and let him catch up with me. He had meds. I didn't not want to be far from the man with Advil. There were a few hills along this portion and this was also a portion that looped around when you're on like mile 20 so of course, there was some passing of the speedy finishers.... Bleh. After the hills it was a generally flat neighborhood area so I just tried to stay at a steady pace and enjoy my surroundings. So pretty!
16-18: At the mile 16 water stop I looked behind me and saw the pacer--he was hurting. (it was also super warm by this point). He told me there was no way he was going to make our goal time and I told him we could and that he needed to keep going. We were both a salty mess at this point. Not many of the water stops had Powerade, and they were kind stingy with the water, couple that with sun that no one expected and it was salty time! I had given him my Oreo stash at mile 12 because he was hungry and I was so sad to see him fading. I knew that in Tulsa I hit the wall at 17, so, mile 17 for me was going to be all mental. I had faith that he'd catch up with me, but, I wasn't sure. I decided I needed some pain meds if I was going to keep running on pace and feeling good, so I decided I'd stop at the next medic tent, but, if there wasn't a medic tent before mile 20, I'd wait for the pacer. Lo and behold, a medic tent at mile 17. I got 2 Advil and went on my way. Mile 17-18 was in a park and it was so pretty. Loved that mile!
18-20: Mile 18 started off with a hill climb which I knew was coming but it was pretty steep and it was hard. I texted the husband to let him know where I was kept looking for the pb sandwiches I was told existed at mile 17 (they didn't really exist, it was like a mirage of running). These miles where through neighborhoods and along the college campus and were pretty OK. Rolling hills but not bad. I passed one of the ladies I'd started out with at mile 20 and it was her first marathon and she was run walking at this point but doing great. I got a few pieces of a banana at mile 20 and then we looped back along the course where we had passed the speedy finishers earlier. That was really exciting because I knew it was the home stretch.
20-22: I tried to keep powering through and thought I could still reach my goal time at this point. I only had a 10k left and I run 8 milers in my sleep, so this was eassssy. Bwhahahah, how the Universe knows. I don't remember much of these miles other than the hilly ass kicking I got.
23-25: Mile 23 for the most part was straight along the river and I kept looking for a water stop but there wasn't one. It climbed up a hill towards the end of the mile and along that descent was where I lost it. We rounded a corner (and a downhill) along mile 24 and I just totally lost it. I could not stop crying. I didn't have it in me. I could not do this. It was all hills to the finish and I was hot, tired, thirsty and done. I ran as hard as I could powered up the hills, constantly consulting my watch thinking "I just might be able to do it if I don't wuss out" (I wussed out).
25-26.2: I got water at mile 25 and because the race finishes through downtown it's all sorts of twisty and turny and although I knew I was close, I couldn't really "feel it" if that makes any sense at all. Longest.1.25(37) mile(s) of my life. F. F. F. F! I hated this mile. Another small hill! Yay! Luckily it got real straight, real fast right before you hit 26 but the killer is, is that it's a straight finish, so, you can see the arch and everything in the distances but it's so damn far away. I found a kick at mile 26 and was full on bawling my eyes out. I was grunting and crying and so upset because I had taken too many walk breaks there at the end (seriously, 3 miles at the end are hilly--not cool) and I wasn't going to make my goal time and I was defeated. The good thing about that last .25 mile of death? Totally lined with spectators. So, although I'm crying my eyes out and forcing my legs to turn over they were still cheering for me. I crossed the finish line (and didn't even bother smiling for the finish line photo!) and pretty much collapsed.
Got my medal (which, like That Pink Girl said, were actually pretty cool), some water and found the husband. I was still crying at this point and I showed him my finishing time and we went to go get my finishers shirt and go home.
I only missed my goal time by 61 seconds (I came in exactly 1 minute over my goal time), but, still managed to shave 13 minutes off my Tulsa time. So, yes, I'm disappointed in that, so, still came so close and with as hard as those last few miles were (at least for me) I know that I left it all out there and that's what matters. Although I was really upset about it, my husband was so proud of my huge PR that it was hard to sulk.
I don't think I underestimated the course, but, I kind of overestimated the race itself. I tend to think of it as one of the flagship Texas races and it's a big race so, I assumed there were be a lot of support along the course and that wasn't the case except in small pockets. At White Rock, and even Tulsa, all the neighborhoods are outside cheering you on and having a party for you--that wasn't' the case here and was kind of disappointing. I'm still glad I did it.
This was definitely a great race. Even though I kind of fell apart around 23, I didn't really hit the wall like I did in Tulsa and felt great really the entire time (thanks I'm sure to the Advil). I don't want to sound arrogant, but, I really am proud of myself for this race. I kept my confidence up and ran hard to the finish. To that end, over the final 7.6 miles, I passed 126 runners and only 1 passed me. That's pretty badass if I do say so myself.
Pictures to come, I promise!
I'm sunburned with a sweet farmers tan (what I get for wearing a shirt with SPF in it) but am considering that my post marathon glow.
I'm still nervous about Catalina, but, am approaching it with a new perspective: experience. Yes, it's an intense course, it's going to kick my ass on more levels than I care to think about, but, hello, it's a marathon on Catalina Island. How cool is that?? There's an 8 hour cut off and if I can hit 13.1 in 4 hours, I'll be happy.
Ahhhh..... And I'm done.
Maniac Status: 1 down, 2 to go!
Y'all. Y'all. Y'all! I don't even know where to begin. This weekend was a whole big bag of emotions.
Friday night was graduation and getting to spend the evening with my husband and my bestie made it that much more special.
We rushed home and I climbed right into bed.
Saturday morning was cold and Weather.com told me the high for the day was 45 but the people on Ch. 5 told me 65. Who to believe?! And it was very chilly at mi casa and cloudy. I grabbed my tech tee, capris and jacket and got ready.
We got to the race site and it was frrreeeezing. I had on my jacket plus my husband's sweatshirt and was still cold. It was cold. (even my husband was cold)
This race was laid out beautifully--the start areas and the expo/post race areas were great. It was very well planned. Even 20 minutes before the start I didn't have to wait to use the bathroom! Except for the whole pace leaders being all over the place in the start corrals, but, whatever.
I decided to run with my jacket and just tie it around my waist if I needed to. Which is totally lame, but, I didn't want to toss it (it's my favorite) and I was shivering at the start line. And I loathe being cold and couldn't imagine being cold for 26.2 miles. I knew that would put me in a foul mood and I wasn't ready to ruin my race because I was cold.
Of course I took that bad boy off at mile 3. LAME.
This course literally kicked my ass.
It was a big ol' loop so my husband wasn't able to meet me anywhere on course (this was the great thing about Tulsa--the loop was really tight and mile 6 for the runners was actually only 1/4 mile from the start, so, it was really easy for spectators to migrate around the course) which that kind of sucked, but, I knew it going in, so, that was OK. (but it still always helps to have your own personal cheering section)
0-3: I started off running with a group of 3 ladies who were shooting for the same time goal as I was and since we couldn't find that pacer (he was waaaay ahead of us) I figured I'd just hang with them for a while. We caught him around mile 3 and the three ladies I had been running with took off and I decided to just hang back with the pacer. According to my watch, I was on pace and while it felt "easy-ish" I knew this course had the ability to kick my ass and I didn't want a repeat of Tulsa where I went out too fast and burned out at mile 17.
3-8: I hung with the pacer and we chatted about the course, getting into running, etc. He had just finished up a 50 mile trail run, and we talked about people who do 100 mile trail runs and how intense that is. He's also run Pike's Peak and while I could have said I have no desire to do that, after running with him and another ultra trail runner for 5 miles and their encouragement, I do have a little bit of me that would someday like to do the ascent portion of it. But not this year! (sidenote: I'm learning that while I'd love to qualify for Boston at some point, a bigger part of me enjoys the challenging races and courses as opposed to being really fast if that makes sense. Although yes, I want to run super fast in OKC)
8-13: We got a few more runners in our group and just kept plodding along. The course was kind of strange because not all the roads were totally shut down, they were just shut down on one lane, and because I have this bad habit of running in the middle of the road (ITB issues) this meant I ended up like thisclose to cars a couple of times. My fault, I totally get it. Also, breathing in exhaust is weak.
13-15: My pacer stopped to tie his shoes at the water stop at 13 and I kept going but wasn't going all out because I knew there were hills ahead and I wanted to try and let him catch up with me. He had meds. I didn't not want to be far from the man with Advil. There were a few hills along this portion and this was also a portion that looped around when you're on like mile 20 so of course, there was some passing of the speedy finishers.... Bleh. After the hills it was a generally flat neighborhood area so I just tried to stay at a steady pace and enjoy my surroundings. So pretty!
16-18: At the mile 16 water stop I looked behind me and saw the pacer--he was hurting. (it was also super warm by this point). He told me there was no way he was going to make our goal time and I told him we could and that he needed to keep going. We were both a salty mess at this point. Not many of the water stops had Powerade, and they were kind stingy with the water, couple that with sun that no one expected and it was salty time! I had given him my Oreo stash at mile 12 because he was hungry and I was so sad to see him fading. I knew that in Tulsa I hit the wall at 17, so, mile 17 for me was going to be all mental. I had faith that he'd catch up with me, but, I wasn't sure. I decided I needed some pain meds if I was going to keep running on pace and feeling good, so I decided I'd stop at the next medic tent, but, if there wasn't a medic tent before mile 20, I'd wait for the pacer. Lo and behold, a medic tent at mile 17. I got 2 Advil and went on my way. Mile 17-18 was in a park and it was so pretty. Loved that mile!
18-20: Mile 18 started off with a hill climb which I knew was coming but it was pretty steep and it was hard. I texted the husband to let him know where I was kept looking for the pb sandwiches I was told existed at mile 17 (they didn't really exist, it was like a mirage of running). These miles where through neighborhoods and along the college campus and were pretty OK. Rolling hills but not bad. I passed one of the ladies I'd started out with at mile 20 and it was her first marathon and she was run walking at this point but doing great. I got a few pieces of a banana at mile 20 and then we looped back along the course where we had passed the speedy finishers earlier. That was really exciting because I knew it was the home stretch.
20-22: I tried to keep powering through and thought I could still reach my goal time at this point. I only had a 10k left and I run 8 milers in my sleep, so this was eassssy. Bwhahahah, how the Universe knows. I don't remember much of these miles other than the hilly ass kicking I got.
23-25: Mile 23 for the most part was straight along the river and I kept looking for a water stop but there wasn't one. It climbed up a hill towards the end of the mile and along that descent was where I lost it. We rounded a corner (and a downhill) along mile 24 and I just totally lost it. I could not stop crying. I didn't have it in me. I could not do this. It was all hills to the finish and I was hot, tired, thirsty and done. I ran as hard as I could powered up the hills, constantly consulting my watch thinking "I just might be able to do it if I don't wuss out" (I wussed out).
25-26.2: I got water at mile 25 and because the race finishes through downtown it's all sorts of twisty and turny and although I knew I was close, I couldn't really "feel it" if that makes any sense at all. Longest.1.25(37) mile(s) of my life. F. F. F. F! I hated this mile. Another small hill! Yay! Luckily it got real straight, real fast right before you hit 26 but the killer is, is that it's a straight finish, so, you can see the arch and everything in the distances but it's so damn far away. I found a kick at mile 26 and was full on bawling my eyes out. I was grunting and crying and so upset because I had taken too many walk breaks there at the end (seriously, 3 miles at the end are hilly--not cool) and I wasn't going to make my goal time and I was defeated. The good thing about that last .25 mile of death? Totally lined with spectators. So, although I'm crying my eyes out and forcing my legs to turn over they were still cheering for me. I crossed the finish line (and didn't even bother smiling for the finish line photo!) and pretty much collapsed.
Got my medal (which, like That Pink Girl said, were actually pretty cool), some water and found the husband. I was still crying at this point and I showed him my finishing time and we went to go get my finishers shirt and go home.
I only missed my goal time by 61 seconds (I came in exactly 1 minute over my goal time), but, still managed to shave 13 minutes off my Tulsa time. So, yes, I'm disappointed in that, so, still came so close and with as hard as those last few miles were (at least for me) I know that I left it all out there and that's what matters. Although I was really upset about it, my husband was so proud of my huge PR that it was hard to sulk.
I don't think I underestimated the course, but, I kind of overestimated the race itself. I tend to think of it as one of the flagship Texas races and it's a big race so, I assumed there were be a lot of support along the course and that wasn't the case except in small pockets. At White Rock, and even Tulsa, all the neighborhoods are outside cheering you on and having a party for you--that wasn't' the case here and was kind of disappointing. I'm still glad I did it.
This was definitely a great race. Even though I kind of fell apart around 23, I didn't really hit the wall like I did in Tulsa and felt great really the entire time (thanks I'm sure to the Advil). I don't want to sound arrogant, but, I really am proud of myself for this race. I kept my confidence up and ran hard to the finish. To that end, over the final 7.6 miles, I passed 126 runners and only 1 passed me. That's pretty badass if I do say so myself.
Pictures to come, I promise!
I'm sunburned with a sweet farmers tan (what I get for wearing a shirt with SPF in it) but am considering that my post marathon glow.
I'm still nervous about Catalina, but, am approaching it with a new perspective: experience. Yes, it's an intense course, it's going to kick my ass on more levels than I care to think about, but, hello, it's a marathon on Catalina Island. How cool is that?? There's an 8 hour cut off and if I can hit 13.1 in 4 hours, I'll be happy.
Ahhhh..... And I'm done.
Maniac Status: 1 down, 2 to go!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Excuse me while I panic
Have we discussed that I'm running a marathon tomorrow? Because I am. Tomorrow. Not on Sunday. Tomorrow. As in, in 24 hours, I'll be like half way into 26.2 miles.
And the panic is totally setting in.
I haven't really been eating enough carbs (gummi bears? Yes)--what if I don't have enough in the tank? What if I get really hungry at mile 9 (like I'm prone to do). What if Mystery Illness 2010 hits at mile 19? Then what?! What if I wear a tee and capris and it's too cold? What if I wear capris and a long sleeve half zip and it's too hot? What if we don't get there in time?
Full.on.panic.attack.
(I've had like 3 this week--awesome)
And it doesn't help that the headband I ordered for this marathon hasn't come yet. That's just bad juju. (which also means I'm buying one today on my lunch break. Yes, I have 50. But, I don't have one with yellow on it, and if it's warm tomorrow, I'm wearin' yellow! If it's cold, I'm wearing pink--I've got pink totally taken care of)
But! But! But! I feel excited, I feel anxious, I feel jumpy and I feel like I can tackle the world tomorrow. In the form of running 26.2 miles of course.
And, I will not have a mental breakdown at mile 17. I will not. (mile 20, maybe)
Ahh! I can't believe it.
I've slipped up and told a few people at work, but, hopefully they'll forget (doubtful).
I'm just so damn excited. Even though the finishers medals are weak (yeah, they're part of a 5 year series--in 5 years, you get a big ol' 5 point star medal thing. Really? 5 years? That's asking a lot of me. Can I just get the big 5 point star now? K, thanks).
Bonus? Tonight is graduation (yes, I get to graduate from a 21 certificate training--shut up).
I think it shall be an awesome weekend.
PS. Good luck to Sam and The Redhead who are going to rock their marathon (and Sam will rock his first 15k!) this weekend too!
And the panic is totally setting in.
I haven't really been eating enough carbs (gummi bears? Yes)--what if I don't have enough in the tank? What if I get really hungry at mile 9 (like I'm prone to do). What if Mystery Illness 2010 hits at mile 19? Then what?! What if I wear a tee and capris and it's too cold? What if I wear capris and a long sleeve half zip and it's too hot? What if we don't get there in time?
Full.on.panic.attack.
(I've had like 3 this week--awesome)
And it doesn't help that the headband I ordered for this marathon hasn't come yet. That's just bad juju. (which also means I'm buying one today on my lunch break. Yes, I have 50. But, I don't have one with yellow on it, and if it's warm tomorrow, I'm wearin' yellow! If it's cold, I'm wearing pink--I've got pink totally taken care of)
But! But! But! I feel excited, I feel anxious, I feel jumpy and I feel like I can tackle the world tomorrow. In the form of running 26.2 miles of course.
And, I will not have a mental breakdown at mile 17. I will not. (mile 20, maybe)
Ahh! I can't believe it.
I've slipped up and told a few people at work, but, hopefully they'll forget (doubtful).
I'm just so damn excited. Even though the finishers medals are weak (yeah, they're part of a 5 year series--in 5 years, you get a big ol' 5 point star medal thing. Really? 5 years? That's asking a lot of me. Can I just get the big 5 point star now? K, thanks).
Bonus? Tonight is graduation (yes, I get to graduate from a 21 certificate training--shut up).
I think it shall be an awesome weekend.
PS. Good luck to Sam and The Redhead who are going to rock their marathon (and Sam will rock his first 15k!) this weekend too!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Brand New Day
Last night, when I got home from class (omg, so happy to be finished. Instead of crashing the second I got home, I actually had some energy--giant weight lifted!) the fam was watching Forrest Gump on TV. Now, this is one of my favorite movies, but, my husband doesn't like it. He thinks it's all about picking on Forrest. I say that it shows that no matter what, you can live an extraordinary life and do anything and everything no matter what people say--and in the end, he has his sweet little boy. I think it's a fantastic movie. I digress. Not the point. Anyways, it was the New Years Eve scene where the one of the women says to Forrest "Don't you just love New Years? It's like everybody gets a second chance." And of course everyone applies that to December 31st/January 1st--but what about each morning when we wake up? We're often still haunted by yesterday. I know I'm guilty of that.
Yesterday was an awful day. Downright scary. And awful. And all the other likeminded terms that could go along with "sucky". But! Today is a new day.
I had a great run this morning and only screwed myself by stopping to walk at one point which then just killed my motivation--but! I only stopped to walk because I was like "man, I should really stop for a second, I'm almost done and haven't stopped yet". So, that was encouraging. (why did I stop?!?!)
Yesterday was an awful day. Downright scary. And awful. And all the other likeminded terms that could go along with "sucky". But! Today is a new day.
I had a great run this morning and only screwed myself by stopping to walk at one point which then just killed my motivation--but! I only stopped to walk because I was like "man, I should really stop for a second, I'm almost done and haven't stopped yet". So, that was encouraging. (why did I stop?!?!)
Anyways! I'm rambling (I like to ramble, this is a problem). But! Here's where I'm trying to go with all this: a long lost childhood BFF of mine sent me this quote in an e-mail last night and I wanted to share it with all of you. I don't know where it came from, who said it, etc, but, she sent it to me and it just made my heart sing that I wanted to share singing happy hearts with y'all: (and, please note my comments in bold--because y'all know I can't not comment)
"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be (even if you feel 100% like that's not true, pretty much how I feel--but, I'm trying to find peace within the storm). May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass along the love that has been given to you (we all have love to share--make some cookies, share a smile--it helps us all). May you be content with yourself just the way you are (I'm working on this--even though I'm still not at my goal weight and far from it, I feel stronger and I feel like I look better...Maybe I'm not meant to be a size whatever anymore). Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
Happy Tuesday y'all! Now, go forth and sing, dance, and praise!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Marathon Monday
Well, I know it's not technically Marathon Monday, but, it's my Marathon Monday gosh darn it!
The CowTown is Saturday (I big time puffy heart Saturday races) and it's so weird because I don't feel like I have a marathon this weekend, which is a good thing, and a bad thing. Good because I'm not stressing about it, bad because I've got so much other crap going on this week I'm stressing about that instead. Oh, and, I'm still sick. Sheesh.
But, I did manage to get in a kick booty final "long run" on Saturday. It was a lot harder (and hillier!) than I had anticipated, but, the harder the training runs, the better the races, right? (just agree with me here, K?)
I'm ready. I'm ready to run. I'm ready to PR. I'm ready to have fun.
I'm ready to run on my home turf and to giddily drive home with that post marathon glow (that's also called sweat, fyi) to my puppies and crash on the sofa with them before getting take out and watching movies with my family (yes, I have high expectations for my post marathon weekend).
The clothes are picked out, the gear is ready. Now, the weather just needs to cooperate and we'll be fine. None of this scattered showers and 39 degree high nonsense. I don't enjoy that. I'm constantly freezing and do not want to run 26.2 miles in layers, understand Weather Gods?
So, it's Monday.
The Monday before I marathon. Again.
Eeek! Wish me luck. (I'm still kinda scared)
The CowTown is Saturday (I big time puffy heart Saturday races) and it's so weird because I don't feel like I have a marathon this weekend, which is a good thing, and a bad thing. Good because I'm not stressing about it, bad because I've got so much other crap going on this week I'm stressing about that instead. Oh, and, I'm still sick. Sheesh.
But, I did manage to get in a kick booty final "long run" on Saturday. It was a lot harder (and hillier!) than I had anticipated, but, the harder the training runs, the better the races, right? (just agree with me here, K?)
I'm ready. I'm ready to run. I'm ready to PR. I'm ready to have fun.
I'm ready to run on my home turf and to giddily drive home with that post marathon glow (that's also called sweat, fyi) to my puppies and crash on the sofa with them before getting take out and watching movies with my family (yes, I have high expectations for my post marathon weekend).
The clothes are picked out, the gear is ready. Now, the weather just needs to cooperate and we'll be fine. None of this scattered showers and 39 degree high nonsense. I don't enjoy that. I'm constantly freezing and do not want to run 26.2 miles in layers, understand Weather Gods?
So, it's Monday.
The Monday before I marathon. Again.
Eeek! Wish me luck. (I'm still kinda scared)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Congratulations, Universe, you win (again) (as always)
So, in 8 days I'll be running a marathon (because I'm crazy) (and like torture) (and am really just a show off).
Since the start of 2010, I have been 150% more dedicated to my training than I was in 2009. Which is awesome pants, if you ask me (and, by reading my blog, you did in fact, ask me). Of course, 26.2 miles is a long freaking way and anything can go wrong anywhere along there. Trust me, I know.
So, I've been trying to get good solid runs in and good strength training, etc. I'm feeling strong, confident (but not overly so--I'm still scared to death!) and good. Which had made me just that much more exicted about running in general. Which is the point, right? Right.
Until Wednesday night.
When I got hit with mystery illness 2010. (it's actually the same thing that haunted me in 2009, but, it's now 2010, so....)
And a cold.
I spent the entire day in bed yesterday (and there was nothing good on TV. I can only watch curling for so long--why I have missed the ski jumping events is a mystery) except for the 20 minutes that I thought it would be a good idea to go for a run in my new Brooks tech tee. Because obviously, I need to try it out. (obviously)
Lesson? Do not attempt running whilst hopped up on DayQuil, pain meds and the like. It's not a fun experience. Even if your pace was super speedy, you'll be too sick and generally out of it to enjoy the euphoria.
(but the tech tee totally rocked)
So, I didn't get my miles for the week and I'm still sick.
Oh well.... Excuse to eat too much and gain even more weight? Yes.
(I swear I'm thisclose to swallowing a tapeworm a la Kelly on The Office) (not really cause that's ick) (maybe I do the Emily Blunt from The Devil Wears Prada: "Well, I don't eat anything and then when I feel like I'm going to pass out, I eat a cube of cheese") (I'm lactose intolerant) (sure)
Since the start of 2010, I have been 150% more dedicated to my training than I was in 2009. Which is awesome pants, if you ask me (and, by reading my blog, you did in fact, ask me). Of course, 26.2 miles is a long freaking way and anything can go wrong anywhere along there. Trust me, I know.
So, I've been trying to get good solid runs in and good strength training, etc. I'm feeling strong, confident (but not overly so--I'm still scared to death!) and good. Which had made me just that much more exicted about running in general. Which is the point, right? Right.
Until Wednesday night.
When I got hit with mystery illness 2010. (it's actually the same thing that haunted me in 2009, but, it's now 2010, so....)
And a cold.
I spent the entire day in bed yesterday (and there was nothing good on TV. I can only watch curling for so long--why I have missed the ski jumping events is a mystery) except for the 20 minutes that I thought it would be a good idea to go for a run in my new Brooks tech tee. Because obviously, I need to try it out. (obviously)
Lesson? Do not attempt running whilst hopped up on DayQuil, pain meds and the like. It's not a fun experience. Even if your pace was super speedy, you'll be too sick and generally out of it to enjoy the euphoria.
(but the tech tee totally rocked)
So, I didn't get my miles for the week and I'm still sick.
Oh well.... Excuse to eat too much and gain even more weight? Yes.
(I swear I'm thisclose to swallowing a tapeworm a la Kelly on The Office) (not really cause that's ick) (maybe I do the Emily Blunt from The Devil Wears Prada: "Well, I don't eat anything and then when I feel like I'm going to pass out, I eat a cube of cheese") (I'm lactose intolerant) (sure)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The goings on....
Things have been pretty lame around here lately and for that I apologize. Bad news? Don't expect it to get any more exciting in the near future. Yes, my life is just that awesome right now (read: actaully super boring). I'm hoping upon hope for an update on a possible new fabulous opportunity, but, am less optimistic than I was a week ago (::breaks down in tears like a little child and screams 'why!'::). So, that's obnoxious and sucky and stupid. Stupid.
But! I'm less than 2 weeks out from The Cowtown and although my right hip is a touch sore, it's nothing that ice, stretching and foam rolling can't cure. I feel great running wise, I feel strong and am excited. I really want to PR, which honestly, after the mental breakdown at mile 17 of Tulsa, I'm hoping I should be able to do that for crying out loud, but, hey, you never know. I've put in some challenging training runs this time--yes, I wasn't training for 24 weeks like I did for Tulsa (err, 6 weeks?) but, I'm kicking some serious booty and although the snow sloooowed me waaaay down last week, it was still a might bit faster than my last 20 miler for Tulsa, so, yay!
Also, Catalina! We're like thisclose to having our flights, hotels and boats all figured out. Who knew it would be difficult? Looks like we'll be hanging out on the island all day Friday which will be a great stress reliever and we'll head back to the "mainland" on Sunday morning since the last boat is at like 5 on Saturday and I fully expect to take 8 hours to finish the marathon and I don't need to rush to get on a boat less than 1 hour after the finish! But, I'm really excited. My first race of the year for Operation Jack! Yippee!
My sweet husband got me a lovely necklace for Valentine's Day--it's a silver butterfly and I love it. Hummingbirds have always kind of been "our thing" (we got married at The Hummingbird House), but, I love the butterfly. It's dainty and perfect. Turtles are my running guys, but, maybe I can include butterflies too?
I'm in the home stretch of class and only one more session before graduation. I can't wait. Nothing like an extra piece of paper to hang on my wall to remind people of how smart I am. Obviously.
What will I do with all that extra time? (probably watch TV)
Also, I'm addicted to the Olympics. I am such a cheeseball. I don't even care who wins most of the time, I just get so excited cheering on all those athletes. I keep telling my husband he needs to look into curling or something--I'm sure they make some $$, yes? But really, cannot turn off the Olympics.
I went to the opening ceremonies in SLC and let me tell you--there is nothing like watching your country enter the stadium in your colors, with your flag--whew--I balled my eyes out. But! In my defense, there wasn't a dry eye in the place--this was our Olympics. Also, coldest day of my life--we ordered hot chocolate and chili and by the time we sat down (3 minutes +/-) it was ice cold (I should note that it was steaming and boiling when we picked it up!). Stupid Vancouver being indoors--that is not hardcore guys.
I kind of wish I was there.
I'm a nerd.
Any other Olympic nerds out there? What did you do for Valentine's Day?
PS. Have you donated lately? Please help me raise funds for Train 4 Austism as I join Operation Jack in my marathon efforts this year. Want to help me run Catalina with pride? Donate today. Every little bit helps. Click here to donate today. Thank you.
But! I'm less than 2 weeks out from The Cowtown and although my right hip is a touch sore, it's nothing that ice, stretching and foam rolling can't cure. I feel great running wise, I feel strong and am excited. I really want to PR, which honestly, after the mental breakdown at mile 17 of Tulsa, I'm hoping I should be able to do that for crying out loud, but, hey, you never know. I've put in some challenging training runs this time--yes, I wasn't training for 24 weeks like I did for Tulsa (err, 6 weeks?) but, I'm kicking some serious booty and although the snow sloooowed me waaaay down last week, it was still a might bit faster than my last 20 miler for Tulsa, so, yay!
Also, Catalina! We're like thisclose to having our flights, hotels and boats all figured out. Who knew it would be difficult? Looks like we'll be hanging out on the island all day Friday which will be a great stress reliever and we'll head back to the "mainland" on Sunday morning since the last boat is at like 5 on Saturday and I fully expect to take 8 hours to finish the marathon and I don't need to rush to get on a boat less than 1 hour after the finish! But, I'm really excited. My first race of the year for Operation Jack! Yippee!
My sweet husband got me a lovely necklace for Valentine's Day--it's a silver butterfly and I love it. Hummingbirds have always kind of been "our thing" (we got married at The Hummingbird House), but, I love the butterfly. It's dainty and perfect. Turtles are my running guys, but, maybe I can include butterflies too?
I'm in the home stretch of class and only one more session before graduation. I can't wait. Nothing like an extra piece of paper to hang on my wall to remind people of how smart I am. Obviously.
What will I do with all that extra time? (probably watch TV)
Also, I'm addicted to the Olympics. I am such a cheeseball. I don't even care who wins most of the time, I just get so excited cheering on all those athletes. I keep telling my husband he needs to look into curling or something--I'm sure they make some $$, yes? But really, cannot turn off the Olympics.
I went to the opening ceremonies in SLC and let me tell you--there is nothing like watching your country enter the stadium in your colors, with your flag--whew--I balled my eyes out. But! In my defense, there wasn't a dry eye in the place--this was our Olympics. Also, coldest day of my life--we ordered hot chocolate and chili and by the time we sat down (3 minutes +/-) it was ice cold (I should note that it was steaming and boiling when we picked it up!). Stupid Vancouver being indoors--that is not hardcore guys.
I kind of wish I was there.
I'm a nerd.
Any other Olympic nerds out there? What did you do for Valentine's Day?
PS. Have you donated lately? Please help me raise funds for Train 4 Austism as I join Operation Jack in my marathon efforts this year. Want to help me run Catalina with pride? Donate today. Every little bit helps. Click here to donate today. Thank you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
