103 Days to Portland, 201 Days to Houston
That's right! I found out today I'm going to run the Chevron Houston Marathon too. I entered the lottery earlier this month and wasn't really sure whether or not I really wanted to get in. I did. Guess I have to run it now, huh? I may seriously regret this decision once I've run one marathon, but I think I'm going to enjoy running a local race and having a cheering squad. I might have one in Portland as well--I don't know what my family up there plans to do, but I know I'll have local support. My mother (who works the same place I do) put balloons on my office door this afternoon. Makes it a little difficult to shut the door but I still think it is so cool I'm not taking them down.
Last night I ran 10 miles. I stuffed my mailbox with four bottles of water and headed out at about 7 pm. I was soaked through before the end of a mile. I was doing a good job of pacing myself and forcing myself to drink every five minutes or so, but I was still exhausted. My sister showed up at around mile 5 or 6 with her kids. They handed me water and cheered for me. My nephew told me that I was running "super fast". My sister also told me that she overheard a little girl wondering how many times I was going to run past her. Once it got too dark I came inside and finished on my treadmill. I would have kept going outside but I'd forgotten to put my headlamp outside--not that there was room in the mailbox for it.
This was my first run in this training program where I decided to carry and consume an energy gel. I actually tried Chocolate Mint by Gu. I heard about it on the Two Gomers podcast. It wasn't too bad, actually. I don't know if it was the flavor or the brand that made it better than the ones I used when I was training for a half marathon. It could also be that, because of the heat, the Gu wasn't quite as thick as the ones I was using earlier this year. Who knows? All I do know is that gels in general are gross but necessary. I certainly felt like it gave me enough energy to finish the run.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Benadryl to the Rescue
105 Days to Race
I had a very full day today. I helped my sister watch her kids at the first birthday party for one of my cousin's kids. They had little pools in the back yard and there were about a million little kids everywhere. We all had a great time but, as my niece and nephew are without fear, it was exhausting.
I was very glad to finally get home. I realized that the one day of rain we've had caused green stuff to sprout up in my yard. I won't say it was grass because it wasn't. Well, technically I guess it was--crab grass. I knew I needed to mow. I also knew I needed to run. I thought I'd mow first and go for a run with my sister later in the day. Front and back yard done with minimum fuss. I even avoided fire ant bites! (I'm allergic)
I got to take a shower only to get dressed to go get sweaty again. I picked my sister up at her house and we drove to a local school to use the track. I needed to run three miles so a track wasn't really the top of my list of places to run tonight, but she needed to do some speed work. She needed a track.
I'm running along and begin to realize that my breathing isn't going so well. I slow down some, but my breathing isn't getting any better. I do have asthma--exercise induced at that--but I'm on a daily controller medicine and use my rescue inhaler before every run. I haven't had problems running in ages. Today it felt like I hadn't used anything. When my sister finished her work she walked a lap with me--I was able to finish two miles. I came home and took Benadryl. I hope it was the combination of exhaustion and pollen and dust kicked up by mowing. Perhaps also that my inhaler is nearing the end of its life. I really don't want to have to deal with medicine changes again.
I had a very full day today. I helped my sister watch her kids at the first birthday party for one of my cousin's kids. They had little pools in the back yard and there were about a million little kids everywhere. We all had a great time but, as my niece and nephew are without fear, it was exhausting.
I was very glad to finally get home. I realized that the one day of rain we've had caused green stuff to sprout up in my yard. I won't say it was grass because it wasn't. Well, technically I guess it was--crab grass. I knew I needed to mow. I also knew I needed to run. I thought I'd mow first and go for a run with my sister later in the day. Front and back yard done with minimum fuss. I even avoided fire ant bites! (I'm allergic)
I got to take a shower only to get dressed to go get sweaty again. I picked my sister up at her house and we drove to a local school to use the track. I needed to run three miles so a track wasn't really the top of my list of places to run tonight, but she needed to do some speed work. She needed a track.
I'm running along and begin to realize that my breathing isn't going so well. I slow down some, but my breathing isn't getting any better. I do have asthma--exercise induced at that--but I'm on a daily controller medicine and use my rescue inhaler before every run. I haven't had problems running in ages. Today it felt like I hadn't used anything. When my sister finished her work she walked a lap with me--I was able to finish two miles. I came home and took Benadryl. I hope it was the combination of exhaustion and pollen and dust kicked up by mowing. Perhaps also that my inhaler is nearing the end of its life. I really don't want to have to deal with medicine changes again.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
New Record!
108 Days to Race
I just ran my fastest 5K to date! I beat my old record by 27 seconds--and that includes a quick stop to readjust my shoelaces.
I've been so focused on getting in my distance and suffering through my speed work that it is really nice to see some evidence that it is working! I felt like I was flying!
Today. I just need to remember today. THIS is why I run.
I just ran my fastest 5K to date! I beat my old record by 27 seconds--and that includes a quick stop to readjust my shoelaces.
I've been so focused on getting in my distance and suffering through my speed work that it is really nice to see some evidence that it is working! I felt like I was flying!
Today. I just need to remember today. THIS is why I run.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Odds and Ends
110 Days to Race
I chose to sleep in a bit yesterday morning instead of go running, so I had to either complete my long run on a treadmill, brave the heat, or put off the run until this morning. I already know what it is like to run before work and to brave the heat, so I decided to try running on the treadmill. I chose to go to the gym because their treadmills are better than the one I have at home. However, six miles on a treadmill seems to take forever. I'm lucky that this week was a recovery week and my long run was shorter than it has been for a few weeks. I think the gym was warmer than it normally is as well. That wouldn't be surprising given the record heat we've been having.
I did pretty well on the run all things considered. I ran most of the distance at 5.3 mph, slowing down every mile or so for a good drink of water. I sped up a bit at the end--no so much because I felt like I could but because I felt like if I didn't finish soon I'd lose my mind!
Things pick back up in the training schedule this week. I'll actually be glad to put in longer and harder runs to combat some of life stresses that have been increasing lately. In fact, I'm having a hard time accepting that today is a rest day. I really want to go out and beat down some stress.
![]()
![]()
On a lighter note, my nephew did really well at his race. He finished strong. He is only three, so of course he didn't have an easy time with even the relatively short 1K distance. But he did it all himself. And he sprinted the end. I couldn't be prouder. As promised, I'll include a picture of him and his beaming face!
I chose to sleep in a bit yesterday morning instead of go running, so I had to either complete my long run on a treadmill, brave the heat, or put off the run until this morning. I already know what it is like to run before work and to brave the heat, so I decided to try running on the treadmill. I chose to go to the gym because their treadmills are better than the one I have at home. However, six miles on a treadmill seems to take forever. I'm lucky that this week was a recovery week and my long run was shorter than it has been for a few weeks. I think the gym was warmer than it normally is as well. That wouldn't be surprising given the record heat we've been having.
I did pretty well on the run all things considered. I ran most of the distance at 5.3 mph, slowing down every mile or so for a good drink of water. I sped up a bit at the end--no so much because I felt like I could but because I felt like if I didn't finish soon I'd lose my mind!
Things pick back up in the training schedule this week. I'll actually be glad to put in longer and harder runs to combat some of life stresses that have been increasing lately. In fact, I'm having a hard time accepting that today is a rest day. I really want to go out and beat down some stress.
On a lighter note, my nephew did really well at his race. He finished strong. He is only three, so of course he didn't have an easy time with even the relatively short 1K distance. But he did it all himself. And he sprinted the end. I couldn't be prouder. As promised, I'll include a picture of him and his beaming face!Friday, June 17, 2011
The Spread of Running
113 Days to Race
I had an easy four mile run this morning with my sister. I was only supposed to run three but, as her training schedule had her doing four, I decided to run with her. Having company more than makes up for having to run an extra mile. And. Well, it isn't like I was saying, "Hey, sure I'll add another mile to my long run." Although it is still weird to say it, going from three to four miles isn't a big deal any more.
What I'm really excited about running wise is that my three year old nephew, Gavin, is going to run his first race tomorrow morning. It's only a 1K, but he is so excited. My sister tells me that he asks her almost every morning if his race is today. He's been on a few "runs" with us before and insists on sprinting and then resting. But what do you expect from a toddler? Preschooler? What do you call a three year old, anyway? Every kid who finishes this race gets a medal. Before anybody starts complaining about how all the kids get medals for just finishing and how this is adding to the downfall of society, I just have to admit that I LOVE getting a finisher's medal. If we are trying to create a healthier society we should use every gimmick we can. If it works. . . Besides, I'd bet most of the kids who are competing are the children of runners. Many of these kids just want to be like Mom or Dad. I know that is the case with Gavin.
Maybe my sister will let me post a picture of him with his medal tomorrow.
I had an easy four mile run this morning with my sister. I was only supposed to run three but, as her training schedule had her doing four, I decided to run with her. Having company more than makes up for having to run an extra mile. And. Well, it isn't like I was saying, "Hey, sure I'll add another mile to my long run." Although it is still weird to say it, going from three to four miles isn't a big deal any more.
What I'm really excited about running wise is that my three year old nephew, Gavin, is going to run his first race tomorrow morning. It's only a 1K, but he is so excited. My sister tells me that he asks her almost every morning if his race is today. He's been on a few "runs" with us before and insists on sprinting and then resting. But what do you expect from a toddler? Preschooler? What do you call a three year old, anyway? Every kid who finishes this race gets a medal. Before anybody starts complaining about how all the kids get medals for just finishing and how this is adding to the downfall of society, I just have to admit that I LOVE getting a finisher's medal. If we are trying to create a healthier society we should use every gimmick we can. If it works. . . Besides, I'd bet most of the kids who are competing are the children of runners. Many of these kids just want to be like Mom or Dad. I know that is the case with Gavin.
Maybe my sister will let me post a picture of him with his medal tomorrow.
Monday, June 13, 2011
I Did It!
117 Days to Race (Still)
I did it! I finished the nine mile run before work this morning. The stress of working out before work is unbelievable. Did I allow myself enough time? Will I be able to cool off before my shower? Am I running too slow? Can I walk right now so I can drink some water?
To shut my brain down I ended up turning on some music at about mile five. I generally don't like to run to music. I'm not sure why. I want to hear birds and cars. I like to hear my footsteps and regulate my breathing. Maybe I've been running long enough now that I don't need to do that so much anymore. Anyway, I turned off the podcast I'd been listening to (Two Gomers Run a Half-Marathon--it's amazing) and turned my ipod to Alternative music. Most of the songs in that category have a great beat. I was really liking it. Until Nirvana came on. It just felt really, really wrong to be engaged in a healthy activity while listening to that band. But I finished. That's what mattered.
I had a little time at home. I took a cold shower--it actually felt really good--then turned it to hot to get clean. I don't like to take a shower immediately. I like to cool down first. I didn't have time this morning. But I made it to work on time.
Barely.
I learned two things today. I don't want to wear the shirt I wore this morning during the race. It got too heavy. Also I learned that my new running skirt has seams where it really shouldn't. Chafing has become an issue. At least I now know where I need to place more BodyGlide before I run.
I have another class in a few minutes. I hope I can stay awake. . .
I did it! I finished the nine mile run before work this morning. The stress of working out before work is unbelievable. Did I allow myself enough time? Will I be able to cool off before my shower? Am I running too slow? Can I walk right now so I can drink some water?
To shut my brain down I ended up turning on some music at about mile five. I generally don't like to run to music. I'm not sure why. I want to hear birds and cars. I like to hear my footsteps and regulate my breathing. Maybe I've been running long enough now that I don't need to do that so much anymore. Anyway, I turned off the podcast I'd been listening to (Two Gomers Run a Half-Marathon--it's amazing) and turned my ipod to Alternative music. Most of the songs in that category have a great beat. I was really liking it. Until Nirvana came on. It just felt really, really wrong to be engaged in a healthy activity while listening to that band. But I finished. That's what mattered.
I had a little time at home. I took a cold shower--it actually felt really good--then turned it to hot to get clean. I don't like to take a shower immediately. I like to cool down first. I didn't have time this morning. But I made it to work on time.
Barely.
I learned two things today. I don't want to wear the shirt I wore this morning during the race. It got too heavy. Also I learned that my new running skirt has seams where it really shouldn't. Chafing has become an issue. At least I now know where I need to place more BodyGlide before I run.
I have another class in a few minutes. I hope I can stay awake. . .
Grumble
117 Days to Race
If God had meant for me to be awake at 5 am she wouldn't have made sleep feel so darn good.
I'm off to do yesterday's nine mile run. Wish me luck.
If God had meant for me to be awake at 5 am she wouldn't have made sleep feel so darn good.
I'm off to do yesterday's nine mile run. Wish me luck.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
HOT
118 Days to Race
I just tried to run my long run. I was supposed to do nine miles this morning. I was going to get up early and get it over with. But. . .sleep sounded better. I had some errands to run in town so when I was done I just headed over to Memorial Park--the big running park in Houston. They have a great wooded three mile loop there. Three loops. Done.
Right.
It was just too damn hot. I think it was around 96 degrees when I started. I carried plenty of water and had more in the car. I was able to run a mile without stopping. After that I was walking more than running. The heat was killing me. At about two miles I realized that this run just wasn't going to happen. I kept running as much as possible while I was deciding what to do. They say that it is most important to get the miles under your feet on a long run--even if that means walking a lot. At first I thought I'd just finish out the nine miles walking. At about 2.5 miles I realized that wasn't going to happen, either. When I made it back to my car at three miles I hopped in and blasted the AC. I decided I did Tuesday's three mile run early. I'll try to get in nine miles a bit later in the week.
I just tried to run my long run. I was supposed to do nine miles this morning. I was going to get up early and get it over with. But. . .sleep sounded better. I had some errands to run in town so when I was done I just headed over to Memorial Park--the big running park in Houston. They have a great wooded three mile loop there. Three loops. Done.
Right.
It was just too damn hot. I think it was around 96 degrees when I started. I carried plenty of water and had more in the car. I was able to run a mile without stopping. After that I was walking more than running. The heat was killing me. At about two miles I realized that this run just wasn't going to happen. I kept running as much as possible while I was deciding what to do. They say that it is most important to get the miles under your feet on a long run--even if that means walking a lot. At first I thought I'd just finish out the nine miles walking. At about 2.5 miles I realized that wasn't going to happen, either. When I made it back to my car at three miles I hopped in and blasted the AC. I decided I did Tuesday's three mile run early. I'll try to get in nine miles a bit later in the week.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A Most Alarming Shade
120 Days to Race
Today I ran a three miler with my sister. Our plans just happened to overlap today so we decided to run together. It's always nice to have somebody to distract you while you are running. What was different today was that she was pushing my niece in a jogging stroller. I have a lot of respect for people who do that on a regular basis. It is so odd to not be able to pump your arms. You'd think that the lack of movement would help you conserve energy but it really doesn't. The stroller rolls very well and it actually takes very little energy to push it, but it really throws you off to not be able to swing your arms. We kept trading her off. It also didn't help that the roads aren't completely flat. I know that's a good thing for drainage and all, but it is horrible for strollers. It ended up slowing us down quite a bit. It also didn't help that the heat index was still in the nineties.
Not much fodder for a blog there, is there? I was planning to write this just to try out a new automatic facebook tool anyway. I went to take a shower first. I happened to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror on the way into the shower. I noticed a massive rash across my breasts. I looked down and realized that my boobs are a most alarming shade of pink. What could it be? I'm not itching. My mind is racing and finally I realize. . .my newish sports bra has faded onto my skin. Oh well, at least it wasn't the blue one. I'd rather not be a Smurf.
Today I ran a three miler with my sister. Our plans just happened to overlap today so we decided to run together. It's always nice to have somebody to distract you while you are running. What was different today was that she was pushing my niece in a jogging stroller. I have a lot of respect for people who do that on a regular basis. It is so odd to not be able to pump your arms. You'd think that the lack of movement would help you conserve energy but it really doesn't. The stroller rolls very well and it actually takes very little energy to push it, but it really throws you off to not be able to swing your arms. We kept trading her off. It also didn't help that the roads aren't completely flat. I know that's a good thing for drainage and all, but it is horrible for strollers. It ended up slowing us down quite a bit. It also didn't help that the heat index was still in the nineties.
Not much fodder for a blog there, is there? I was planning to write this just to try out a new automatic facebook tool anyway. I went to take a shower first. I happened to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror on the way into the shower. I noticed a massive rash across my breasts. I looked down and realized that my boobs are a most alarming shade of pink. What could it be? I'm not itching. My mind is racing and finally I realize. . .my newish sports bra has faded onto my skin. Oh well, at least it wasn't the blue one. I'd rather not be a Smurf.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Getting Better??
121 Days to Race
I haven't written since my last really bad run. Why? I don't know. Perhaps I wanted to write that things were now going really well. I can't say that, though. I'm doing well. I'm healthy. I just had to ice my knees, but nothing too bad. I'm just starting to wonder again if I'm crazy.
I had a good run on Sunday. I did eight miles in a local park. I hadn't been to this particular park in several years. There is now a good set of running trails through the woods. Woods are good in this heat. Besides, it was nice to see a bunny rabbit at about 7.5 miles. Anything to get my mind off the fact that I was tired.
I went for a decently long bike ride on Tuesday and ran three miles yesterday. Oh, yesterday. I went up to the indoor track at the school where I work. I don't really like running there because it is only a tenth mile loop and that gets old really, really fast, but it beats the heat. I made one lap before the volleyball camp that was happening on the gym floor let out for a break. Thousands (not really) of middle school aged girls swarmed the track and wouldn't let me pass. I had to stop, ask them to move, deal with preteen attitudes, and shove my way through. I went into the Wellness Center and continued the run on a treadmill. Which I could have done at home. Ugh.
Today I ran fartleks at the school. I would have normally run on the track but the volleyball camp was still going on. I just wasn't in the mood to deal with it. I did pretty well, but, as I've said here numerous times, fartleks suck. My knees weren't too happy with me afterward. They aren't exactly bad, but they just let me know they'd had some work today. I thought I had better ice them just in case. The last thing I need is bad knees.
On a different note, my family is talking about taking a trip together later this summer to Colorado. Good news? I love Colorado. Bad news? I'm supposed to run my eighteen miler that week. I ain't gonna do that one at altitude. I'll be researching alternative schedules if we decide to actually go.
I haven't written since my last really bad run. Why? I don't know. Perhaps I wanted to write that things were now going really well. I can't say that, though. I'm doing well. I'm healthy. I just had to ice my knees, but nothing too bad. I'm just starting to wonder again if I'm crazy.
I had a good run on Sunday. I did eight miles in a local park. I hadn't been to this particular park in several years. There is now a good set of running trails through the woods. Woods are good in this heat. Besides, it was nice to see a bunny rabbit at about 7.5 miles. Anything to get my mind off the fact that I was tired.
I went for a decently long bike ride on Tuesday and ran three miles yesterday. Oh, yesterday. I went up to the indoor track at the school where I work. I don't really like running there because it is only a tenth mile loop and that gets old really, really fast, but it beats the heat. I made one lap before the volleyball camp that was happening on the gym floor let out for a break. Thousands (not really) of middle school aged girls swarmed the track and wouldn't let me pass. I had to stop, ask them to move, deal with preteen attitudes, and shove my way through. I went into the Wellness Center and continued the run on a treadmill. Which I could have done at home. Ugh.
Today I ran fartleks at the school. I would have normally run on the track but the volleyball camp was still going on. I just wasn't in the mood to deal with it. I did pretty well, but, as I've said here numerous times, fartleks suck. My knees weren't too happy with me afterward. They aren't exactly bad, but they just let me know they'd had some work today. I thought I had better ice them just in case. The last thing I need is bad knees.
On a different note, my family is talking about taking a trip together later this summer to Colorado. Good news? I love Colorado. Bad news? I'm supposed to run my eighteen miler that week. I ain't gonna do that one at altitude. I'll be researching alternative schedules if we decide to actually go.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Worst. Run. Ever.
127 Days to Race
I was supposed to do three miles. It should have been no problem.
We're having an ozone day here in the Houston area. I have asthma. So even if I had wanted to go run in the unbearable heat--near 100 degree heat index--I couldn't. I didn't really want to run on my old treadmill so I headed to the gym.
About a half mile into the run I realize I'm just going too fast for today. I try to slow down. BUT THE MACHINE WON'T LET ME! I have to stop and start again. I just couldn't do it. I kept having to slow down. I ended up walking about a third of the run. I felt so bad. I thought I was going to be sick. I reached the point when I didn't even want to keep walking.
I don't know what the hell is going on but I hope it goes away soon.
Ugh.
I was supposed to do three miles. It should have been no problem.
We're having an ozone day here in the Houston area. I have asthma. So even if I had wanted to go run in the unbearable heat--near 100 degree heat index--I couldn't. I didn't really want to run on my old treadmill so I headed to the gym.
About a half mile into the run I realize I'm just going too fast for today. I try to slow down. BUT THE MACHINE WON'T LET ME! I have to stop and start again. I just couldn't do it. I kept having to slow down. I ended up walking about a third of the run. I felt so bad. I thought I was going to be sick. I reached the point when I didn't even want to keep walking.
I don't know what the hell is going on but I hope it goes away soon.
Ugh.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
I Must Be Insane
128 Days to Race and 226 Days to Race?
Yesterday was my birthday. I had a great day. I brought my three year-old nephew to Brazos Bend State Park and we "hiked" around a lake and looked at alligators and birds. It wasn't much of a work out for me, but he had fun. Well, not a physical work out, anyway. Mentally I was exhausted--trying to keep him away from the water, watching both our steps for snakes--especially babies, and making sure there were no hiding alligators near us. But we both had a great time, I think.
I came home after dropping him off with his mother and ran my three miles on the treadmill. I really hate treadmill running, but hey, at least I got to watch television while I was doing it. I've learned that So You Think You Can Dance isn't a bad show to run to. The music keeps changing and you are entertained. Can't ask for much more.
Yesterday was also the first day to enter the lottery to run the Houston Chevron Marathon. I entered. I must be insane. I've never run a marathon in my life and now I've registered for two??? I don't know whether or not I hope I'm picked. It would be nice to run closer to home--more supporters, you know, but, still. . . If I'm not picked I might go do the Dallas White Rock with my sister. At least I'll have somebody to run with there. AND I'll have more marathon experience than her. That would be a cool feeling.
The summer session at school starts up again next week. I came up to the school today to get a little (very little) work done and to use the indoor track to run some fartleks. I hate fartleks. I like the air conditioned-iness of the indoor track, but other than that I hate indoor tracks. I don't particularly like outdoor tracks either, but at least they are a bit longer. Running in tenth mile loops gets old fast. But I learned that I can run at a 9:30 pace for four minutes without dying--not quite dying anyway.
Any which way, I am back on track and running like mad. Or is that mad with running?
Yesterday was my birthday. I had a great day. I brought my three year-old nephew to Brazos Bend State Park and we "hiked" around a lake and looked at alligators and birds. It wasn't much of a work out for me, but he had fun. Well, not a physical work out, anyway. Mentally I was exhausted--trying to keep him away from the water, watching both our steps for snakes--especially babies, and making sure there were no hiding alligators near us. But we both had a great time, I think.
I came home after dropping him off with his mother and ran my three miles on the treadmill. I really hate treadmill running, but hey, at least I got to watch television while I was doing it. I've learned that So You Think You Can Dance isn't a bad show to run to. The music keeps changing and you are entertained. Can't ask for much more.
Yesterday was also the first day to enter the lottery to run the Houston Chevron Marathon. I entered. I must be insane. I've never run a marathon in my life and now I've registered for two??? I don't know whether or not I hope I'm picked. It would be nice to run closer to home--more supporters, you know, but, still. . . If I'm not picked I might go do the Dallas White Rock with my sister. At least I'll have somebody to run with there. AND I'll have more marathon experience than her. That would be a cool feeling.
The summer session at school starts up again next week. I came up to the school today to get a little (very little) work done and to use the indoor track to run some fartleks. I hate fartleks. I like the air conditioned-iness of the indoor track, but other than that I hate indoor tracks. I don't particularly like outdoor tracks either, but at least they are a bit longer. Running in tenth mile loops gets old fast. But I learned that I can run at a 9:30 pace for four minutes without dying--not quite dying anyway.
Any which way, I am back on track and running like mad. Or is that mad with running?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)