OK so I never updated my blog when I ran the marathon over a year ago in October 2008! Summary: It went well. I didn't quite make my goal of 4:30:00 but finished pretty close thereto (4:33:12-ish) and I blame the bathroom break at mile 8 (and the heat, and the blister that popped at mile 18). Yeah... anyway I finished and felt good afterwards, and was all pumped up for a life full of regular running and races and fitness and excitement... and then... I re-discovered how nice it is to not have to get up to run 10 miles in the morning before work, and I fell prey to the obscene comfort of the couch that James and I share, which we have lovingly dubbed "the red cloud" due to its extreme comfort.
Fast forward to today, a year and 3-ish months after the Chicago marathon that I ran, and I've probably not run a total of more than 50 miles in the whole time. Pathetic! I even signed up for the 2009 Chicago marathon, only to bail on training (blaming, of course, life circumstances which really should not have prevented me from putting one foot in front of the other).
But it is a new year, bound to be a better year than the last (how could it not), and my passion for running has returned! Ah the triumphant glow of the New Year's resolution. I will bask in it now, thank you very much. Give me at least a month before you say it has fallen the way of past resolutions. I was busy last weekend, and the first few days of a new year don't count right?
No, I'm serious. I've renewed my CARA membership, and signed up for the Shamrock Shuffle and a 10-miler in April. And I've already updated this blog, see, and I plan to update it regularly on all things running-related, which actually includes much more than just getting out there and running. Well we'll see how it goes. All I know is that I watched a Nova show about marathoners last night, and it made me literally twitch with desire to put on shoes and go for a jog.
So, that's a good sign.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Thursday, October 9, 2008
T minus 3
Well ok, so it's only been about three weeks this time since the last entry... It's been a busy month! I went to Minneapolis for a wedding (fun but lots of babies), had my 10-year reunion (fun but kind of weird), and did a ton of work for all my litigation cases, which suddenly got really interesting and busy (fun but stressful). Oh yeah -- and I continued "training."
So. The CARA Ready to Run 20-miler was on September 21. It was technically not a race, but a simulated race/training run. There were water stations, a start and finish line, bibs, a photographer, official gear, etc. But no chips, no official glory. I woke up early that morning and headed to Foster Ave. for my wave start at 6:48 a.m. By the time I parked, it was about 6:40. I dashed from my car (Clark and Berwyn) to the lake, and as I walked up I heard them calling my wave (38). Just in time. I fell into the crowd and only then did I realize that I had left my ipod in the car - d'oh! It was a sunny, muggy morning. About 72 degrees and 70% humidity -- not favorable conditions for a long run. But I was feeling ok, and was sort of still running on a little bit of adrenaline after doing well in the half marathon. And I was really excited, thinking about how I'd feel after finishing the 20 miles. It gets to be like a drug, these long runs. I see how people get addicted to it.
A couple minutes into the run, some guy comes up to me and is like, "hey! You ran the half marathon last weekend, right?" "Yes..." "And you wore your hair in those same braids, and you wore the same running skirt?" "Umm yesss..."
A little weird. But it turns out that he ran the whole race a couple steps behind me, and had paced himself off my run. It is funny, everyone does that in these races -- you find someone who you think is about your speed, and then "race" against them and use them to motivate yourself and keep you on track. And I guess I was this guy's (Bob) pacer. But it's just funny to recognize your pacer and then tell her about it -- or be the pacer and be told about it. Anyway we wound up running together for about 8 miles, had some fun conversation. He told me that during the half, he wouldn't have "let" me stop running if I had, and he would have made me keep going. I am not a big social runner, I prefer to run alone, but it is nice to feel like there's a bond with other runners sometimes. Bob dropped back around North Avenue, and I tried to keep pace with the 9:30s.
Things felt fine for a long time that day. But around mile 14, I slowed down. A lot. Bob eventually passed me by. I really started to miss my ipod. I decided around mile 16 to maybe walk -- just a little -- and that was where things sort of fell apart. I walked about a fifth of a mile, and then when I started to run again, it was like someone had applied a needle-laden vice to my legs. It just didn't feel right. My toes started to hurt around mile 18. I remember thinking, "ok, this sucks, but 2 more miles, 1.5 more miles, 1 more mile, is that the finish? I think I see the finish???"
I crossed the line at the South Shore Cultural Center in Hyde Park, and finished the 20 miles in about 3.5 hours -- an average pace of about 10.5 minutes per mile. Obviously the walking through water stations and the walk at mile 16 threw that off, but still... I was not pleased. But then again, I had finished it, and I was still standing and feeling ok, all things considered. I have some pretty sweet bruises under my big toenails as a badge of honor (they were recently admired by the running guru at Fleet Feet). Apparently it doesn't matter if my running shoes are 2 sizes up from what I normally wear. Pounding on your feet for 3.5 hours will make them swell enough that you get bruises that last for a month. Who knew?
Anyway, that day I took the bus back north and walked back to my car. Felt fine. Took a shower, went to meet my girlfriends at Wishbone for brunch -- felt fine. Even the next day, I could walk around ok and I went to work and didn't feel too stiff -- felt fine.
But then on Tuesday, I went for a run with James. Just 3 miles, to warm back into things. It was not fine. As soon as I started running, it was like my legs from the knee down were dead weight. I was dragging my feet, unable to really feel what they were doing or exert any control over propelling myself forward with my calves.
Wednesday was the same. 4 miles, 4 painful miles. Ice didn't help. I took Thursday off, and diagnosed myself at work with having posterior shin splints. The treatment was stretching, ice, ibuprofin, and compression. So I started myself on that regimen. I felt OK playing on my softball team that night -- and I thought that maybe wearing a compression wrap was all I needed to do.
So then Friday, I was supposed to run 12 miles. I wrapped myself up and headed out. But as soon as I started running, the pain was there. Every step felt like a rolling pin with red hot needles was hammering my calves. I wondered if suddenly one of my bones would just snap, and I became acutely aware that I didn't have a phone or money with me out on the trail. I turned around after 2 miles and walked home. I sat on the floor and cried to James that I'd ruined my chance of finishing the marathon, all because I was lazy and hadn't trained properly for those couple weeks in late August/early September. He was optimistic, as supportive as you could be. I decided to take a couple days off of running and see if the leg could heal itself in time to continue training.
Fast forward a week. Thursday October 2. I had taken a week off, and was icing myself, stretching every day, using compression and elevation whenever I could. Not wearing heels to work, not running across crosswalks or up the el stairs. I felt much better. James and I ran from our house to Hamlin park for the softball game, a little over a mile and a half each way, and I actually played really well and ran around the bases a couple times. It felt OK. I went running Friday and Saturday -- felt OK. Went running Monday this week, and it felt OK. I'm going to run tonight and tomorrow -- short, 3 mile runs -- and I think it'll be OK.
But I'm really worried about Sunday. T minus 3 and I'm going to be running 26.2. The weather report says high 70's and 80% humidity. Partly cloudy = mostly sunny. Oh, Chicago weather. Should be interesting.
I bought a $60 pair of endurance athlete compression socks last night, and the guy and I talked training and race/recovery technique. He and I are both pretty sure that I'm going to be injured after the race. I don't think I'll do anything permanent, but it probably won't be very pretty. We'll see, though. At this point I'm not so much concerned about making a time as I am about just finishing and feeling good about things. Plus, James kindly reminded me that I look like a sci-fi creature with melting flesh when I run, anyway -- so how much worse could it get.
It may sound defeatist but lately I've sort of resigned to the thought that this marathon is sort of a test run. I have actually been thinking that maybe I should do it again next year -- and train like I should have this year -- and run it feeling 100% at the start. Maybe I can convince someone to do it with me. Any takers? Seriously... I was never a "runner" and I can sort of see, now, how it's something that people get really into. I definitely want to keep doing shorter races, like half marathons and 10Ks, etc. And doing another marathon is on the radar... well maybe.
I am excited though. It's not the best situation it could be, but I'm so excited. I dream about the race, I think about it all day. I can't wait to run around this big city on a beautiful day (well, beautiful for the spectators, terrible running conditions for the runners), and see my friends and family out there rooting for me. It should be great.
To be continued.
So. The CARA Ready to Run 20-miler was on September 21. It was technically not a race, but a simulated race/training run. There were water stations, a start and finish line, bibs, a photographer, official gear, etc. But no chips, no official glory. I woke up early that morning and headed to Foster Ave. for my wave start at 6:48 a.m. By the time I parked, it was about 6:40. I dashed from my car (Clark and Berwyn) to the lake, and as I walked up I heard them calling my wave (38). Just in time. I fell into the crowd and only then did I realize that I had left my ipod in the car - d'oh! It was a sunny, muggy morning. About 72 degrees and 70% humidity -- not favorable conditions for a long run. But I was feeling ok, and was sort of still running on a little bit of adrenaline after doing well in the half marathon. And I was really excited, thinking about how I'd feel after finishing the 20 miles. It gets to be like a drug, these long runs. I see how people get addicted to it.
A couple minutes into the run, some guy comes up to me and is like, "hey! You ran the half marathon last weekend, right?" "Yes..." "And you wore your hair in those same braids, and you wore the same running skirt?" "Umm yesss..."
A little weird. But it turns out that he ran the whole race a couple steps behind me, and had paced himself off my run. It is funny, everyone does that in these races -- you find someone who you think is about your speed, and then "race" against them and use them to motivate yourself and keep you on track. And I guess I was this guy's (Bob) pacer. But it's just funny to recognize your pacer and then tell her about it -- or be the pacer and be told about it. Anyway we wound up running together for about 8 miles, had some fun conversation. He told me that during the half, he wouldn't have "let" me stop running if I had, and he would have made me keep going. I am not a big social runner, I prefer to run alone, but it is nice to feel like there's a bond with other runners sometimes. Bob dropped back around North Avenue, and I tried to keep pace with the 9:30s.
Things felt fine for a long time that day. But around mile 14, I slowed down. A lot. Bob eventually passed me by. I really started to miss my ipod. I decided around mile 16 to maybe walk -- just a little -- and that was where things sort of fell apart. I walked about a fifth of a mile, and then when I started to run again, it was like someone had applied a needle-laden vice to my legs. It just didn't feel right. My toes started to hurt around mile 18. I remember thinking, "ok, this sucks, but 2 more miles, 1.5 more miles, 1 more mile, is that the finish? I think I see the finish???"
I crossed the line at the South Shore Cultural Center in Hyde Park, and finished the 20 miles in about 3.5 hours -- an average pace of about 10.5 minutes per mile. Obviously the walking through water stations and the walk at mile 16 threw that off, but still... I was not pleased. But then again, I had finished it, and I was still standing and feeling ok, all things considered. I have some pretty sweet bruises under my big toenails as a badge of honor (they were recently admired by the running guru at Fleet Feet). Apparently it doesn't matter if my running shoes are 2 sizes up from what I normally wear. Pounding on your feet for 3.5 hours will make them swell enough that you get bruises that last for a month. Who knew?
Anyway, that day I took the bus back north and walked back to my car. Felt fine. Took a shower, went to meet my girlfriends at Wishbone for brunch -- felt fine. Even the next day, I could walk around ok and I went to work and didn't feel too stiff -- felt fine.
But then on Tuesday, I went for a run with James. Just 3 miles, to warm back into things. It was not fine. As soon as I started running, it was like my legs from the knee down were dead weight. I was dragging my feet, unable to really feel what they were doing or exert any control over propelling myself forward with my calves.
Wednesday was the same. 4 miles, 4 painful miles. Ice didn't help. I took Thursday off, and diagnosed myself at work with having posterior shin splints. The treatment was stretching, ice, ibuprofin, and compression. So I started myself on that regimen. I felt OK playing on my softball team that night -- and I thought that maybe wearing a compression wrap was all I needed to do.
So then Friday, I was supposed to run 12 miles. I wrapped myself up and headed out. But as soon as I started running, the pain was there. Every step felt like a rolling pin with red hot needles was hammering my calves. I wondered if suddenly one of my bones would just snap, and I became acutely aware that I didn't have a phone or money with me out on the trail. I turned around after 2 miles and walked home. I sat on the floor and cried to James that I'd ruined my chance of finishing the marathon, all because I was lazy and hadn't trained properly for those couple weeks in late August/early September. He was optimistic, as supportive as you could be. I decided to take a couple days off of running and see if the leg could heal itself in time to continue training.
Fast forward a week. Thursday October 2. I had taken a week off, and was icing myself, stretching every day, using compression and elevation whenever I could. Not wearing heels to work, not running across crosswalks or up the el stairs. I felt much better. James and I ran from our house to Hamlin park for the softball game, a little over a mile and a half each way, and I actually played really well and ran around the bases a couple times. It felt OK. I went running Friday and Saturday -- felt OK. Went running Monday this week, and it felt OK. I'm going to run tonight and tomorrow -- short, 3 mile runs -- and I think it'll be OK.
But I'm really worried about Sunday. T minus 3 and I'm going to be running 26.2. The weather report says high 70's and 80% humidity. Partly cloudy = mostly sunny. Oh, Chicago weather. Should be interesting.
I bought a $60 pair of endurance athlete compression socks last night, and the guy and I talked training and race/recovery technique. He and I are both pretty sure that I'm going to be injured after the race. I don't think I'll do anything permanent, but it probably won't be very pretty. We'll see, though. At this point I'm not so much concerned about making a time as I am about just finishing and feeling good about things. Plus, James kindly reminded me that I look like a sci-fi creature with melting flesh when I run, anyway -- so how much worse could it get.
It may sound defeatist but lately I've sort of resigned to the thought that this marathon is sort of a test run. I have actually been thinking that maybe I should do it again next year -- and train like I should have this year -- and run it feeling 100% at the start. Maybe I can convince someone to do it with me. Any takers? Seriously... I was never a "runner" and I can sort of see, now, how it's something that people get really into. I definitely want to keep doing shorter races, like half marathons and 10Ks, etc. And doing another marathon is on the radar... well maybe.
I am excited though. It's not the best situation it could be, but I'm so excited. I dream about the race, I think about it all day. I can't wait to run around this big city on a beautiful day (well, beautiful for the spectators, terrible running conditions for the runners), and see my friends and family out there rooting for me. It should be great.
To be continued.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
2 months???
wow i can't believe i have neglected this blog for almost two months! ok, i can.
well i've been busy! which is my excuse for why i basically stopped training from about august 19th to september 6th. i had been doing really well till then, and had actually completed a run of about 18 miles and felt great. but then things started to catch up with me, and before i knew it my right hip was killing me, i had developed some awful dry eye problem, and i was generally irritable, sleep-deprived, and miserable as a human being. so i stopped training. this seemed like the logical choice, at the time, and actually within a week i was feeling great. i had planned to start running again around august 27, but james and i went to california for a wedding from the 27th to the 1st and though i packed my running gear i couldn't motivate to run up and down the hills of san francisco or through the valleys of napa. so, i didn't. THEN my sleep schedule was off for another week... so i didn't train the week following california.... yeah....
i know these are just excuses. i think i subconsciously sabatoged myself because i had been doing so well. people do that!
anyway i thought i'd get back into the swing of things on september 6, with a CARA group run of 20 miles. this did not go well. i felt pretty good for the first 10. i thought, "ok, almost 3 weeks off and i've still got it!" but then, around mile 11, when we turned around a mile south of soldier field (coming from montrose harbor), i started to feel it. by mile 13, my left leg was on fire. by mile 14.5, i'd decided that i was done keeping pace with my group and fell back. i started walking. i guess i was limping. a woman stopped to see if i was ok. this is the point at which i decided to hail a cab. it took me the 5 miles to my car, and i quietly went home, defeated and regretting those blissful 3 run-free weeks.
but i felt bad. i couldn't do the run, and for that matter i couldn't walk like a normal human for 2 days afterwards. i really got worried that i had ruined my chances of physically finishing the marathon. at that point it was 5 short weeks away, and i wasn't physically able to run 20 miles.
so i started running again, and i went for 3 or 4 runs that week. then on sunday, september 14, i ran the chicago half marathon. i was worried, and not just because the event happened to fall in the middle of the record-breaking rainfall that chicago endured last weekend. i was worried because if i couldn't run the whole thing, or if i was in serious pain, i really think my confidence would have been shot. and then training for the marathon, then 4 weeks away, would be even more tortuous than training normally is.
so. i woke up around 5:45 the morning of the half-marathon. it was raining, it was in the 60's out. i got dressed, put my hair up, ate some oatmeal. james drove me down to hyde park and dropped me off so that i could make it to the starting line while he parked. it was gross out, this cannot be stressed enough. flooding, mud, a chill in the air. it seemed surreal. but i got into the pack just 5 minutes in back of the start. i started running. it felt... good. the rain was actually fun, and it kept me from feeling sweaty or hot. there were lots of people cheering, standing in the cold rain with umbrellas and signs. it was so nice. i kept running. i noticed the pace clock at the 2-mile mark, and it said something like 23:40. i thought i was going really slow, since at that point i didn't know how far back i'd started. but i kept running. at the 3 mile mark, the clock was right at 32:10. at the 4-mile mark, 41:something. and i realized that i was running faster than my training pace (9:30 miles) and i felt good. and it just kept getting faster. i couldn't believe it. by the 12th mile, the clock was around 1:55:00 and i knew that i had a shot of meeting my goal of breaking 2 hours. so i went for it, though my legs had started to tire of the puddles and the cold. with the finish in sight, i heard james cheer for me from the sideline. and i crossed the finish line around 2:04--. later that night i found out that my official chip time was 1:59.18. a split average that was a little quicker than 9:10 per mile.
i'm a little curious to see whether i look like a monster in my race photos again... they're being posted soon. yikes!
needless to say, i'm re-charged for training. my legs didn't even feel too stiff the day after the race. work has finally settled down, the weather is perfect, and i'm excited again about the marathon. at least, i think i can finish it.
the next test is this sunday, when i'll be running CARA's 20-mile "ready to run" training race at 6:30 a.m. we run from around foster avenue down to the museum of science and industry. then we take a shuttle back north. i'm nervous, but i think i can do it. in any event, i have a brunch planned with my girlfriends at 1:00 that day so i better do it.
well i've been busy! which is my excuse for why i basically stopped training from about august 19th to september 6th. i had been doing really well till then, and had actually completed a run of about 18 miles and felt great. but then things started to catch up with me, and before i knew it my right hip was killing me, i had developed some awful dry eye problem, and i was generally irritable, sleep-deprived, and miserable as a human being. so i stopped training. this seemed like the logical choice, at the time, and actually within a week i was feeling great. i had planned to start running again around august 27, but james and i went to california for a wedding from the 27th to the 1st and though i packed my running gear i couldn't motivate to run up and down the hills of san francisco or through the valleys of napa. so, i didn't. THEN my sleep schedule was off for another week... so i didn't train the week following california.... yeah....
i know these are just excuses. i think i subconsciously sabatoged myself because i had been doing so well. people do that!
anyway i thought i'd get back into the swing of things on september 6, with a CARA group run of 20 miles. this did not go well. i felt pretty good for the first 10. i thought, "ok, almost 3 weeks off and i've still got it!" but then, around mile 11, when we turned around a mile south of soldier field (coming from montrose harbor), i started to feel it. by mile 13, my left leg was on fire. by mile 14.5, i'd decided that i was done keeping pace with my group and fell back. i started walking. i guess i was limping. a woman stopped to see if i was ok. this is the point at which i decided to hail a cab. it took me the 5 miles to my car, and i quietly went home, defeated and regretting those blissful 3 run-free weeks.
but i felt bad. i couldn't do the run, and for that matter i couldn't walk like a normal human for 2 days afterwards. i really got worried that i had ruined my chances of physically finishing the marathon. at that point it was 5 short weeks away, and i wasn't physically able to run 20 miles.
so i started running again, and i went for 3 or 4 runs that week. then on sunday, september 14, i ran the chicago half marathon. i was worried, and not just because the event happened to fall in the middle of the record-breaking rainfall that chicago endured last weekend. i was worried because if i couldn't run the whole thing, or if i was in serious pain, i really think my confidence would have been shot. and then training for the marathon, then 4 weeks away, would be even more tortuous than training normally is.
so. i woke up around 5:45 the morning of the half-marathon. it was raining, it was in the 60's out. i got dressed, put my hair up, ate some oatmeal. james drove me down to hyde park and dropped me off so that i could make it to the starting line while he parked. it was gross out, this cannot be stressed enough. flooding, mud, a chill in the air. it seemed surreal. but i got into the pack just 5 minutes in back of the start. i started running. it felt... good. the rain was actually fun, and it kept me from feeling sweaty or hot. there were lots of people cheering, standing in the cold rain with umbrellas and signs. it was so nice. i kept running. i noticed the pace clock at the 2-mile mark, and it said something like 23:40. i thought i was going really slow, since at that point i didn't know how far back i'd started. but i kept running. at the 3 mile mark, the clock was right at 32:10. at the 4-mile mark, 41:something. and i realized that i was running faster than my training pace (9:30 miles) and i felt good. and it just kept getting faster. i couldn't believe it. by the 12th mile, the clock was around 1:55:00 and i knew that i had a shot of meeting my goal of breaking 2 hours. so i went for it, though my legs had started to tire of the puddles and the cold. with the finish in sight, i heard james cheer for me from the sideline. and i crossed the finish line around 2:04--. later that night i found out that my official chip time was 1:59.18. a split average that was a little quicker than 9:10 per mile.
i'm a little curious to see whether i look like a monster in my race photos again... they're being posted soon. yikes!
needless to say, i'm re-charged for training. my legs didn't even feel too stiff the day after the race. work has finally settled down, the weather is perfect, and i'm excited again about the marathon. at least, i think i can finish it.
the next test is this sunday, when i'll be running CARA's 20-mile "ready to run" training race at 6:30 a.m. we run from around foster avenue down to the museum of science and industry. then we take a shuttle back north. i'm nervous, but i think i can do it. in any event, i have a brunch planned with my girlfriends at 1:00 that day so i better do it.
Monday, July 21, 2008
country runnin'
I was home in Barrington last weekend for a wedding, and did my long run on Sunday since it had been storming out on Saturday morning.
I went a little less than 9 miles... From my parents' house north to Route 68, then east to Old Sutton, south to Creekside Lane, around that loop, continuing south on Old Sutton, past Penny, to the railroad, back to Penny, west on Penny to Healy, north on Healy, east on 68, back to my parents' street, down to the end and back. Literally over the river and through the woods.
I was gone about 95 minutes -- enough time for my mom to get worried and start gathering her things to get into the car to come look for me [or my corpse]. ("... a lot of joggers disappear!")
There are a couple differences between jogging in the city of Chicago and jogging in Barrington. In the 'burbs, you will experience:
I went a little less than 9 miles... From my parents' house north to Route 68, then east to Old Sutton, south to Creekside Lane, around that loop, continuing south on Old Sutton, past Penny, to the railroad, back to Penny, west on Penny to Healy, north on Healy, east on 68, back to my parents' street, down to the end and back. Literally over the river and through the woods.
I was gone about 95 minutes -- enough time for my mom to get worried and start gathering her things to get into the car to come look for me [or my corpse]. ("... a lot of joggers disappear!")
There are a couple differences between jogging in the city of Chicago and jogging in Barrington. In the 'burbs, you will experience:
- Less people
- More bikers
- Faster cars, that don't really care that you're running 3 feet to their right
- More roadkill. Specifically squirrels, birds, a raccoon, and LOTS of frogs (?)
- Less water
- More hills
I like running in Barrington (and other "new" places) though. Going up and down the lakeshore path is always great, but a change in scenery never hurt anyone.
I really need to get some new running gear (white, breathable hat; pace watch; more clothes, etc.) though. Especially with this hot weather, I'm not too into wearing my gear more than once or twice. I feel sick enough after running for an hour and a half...
This week, the training gets a little steep. I'm sort of busy at work and during the evenings, but am trying to squeeze about 25 miles in M-F this week, then 14 on Saturday. Should be interesting...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
No longer feeling like death
So I guess it's been a while since I updated my blog. This contravenes all my intentions! I really went into this thinking I would create a neat summary of my progress throughout this crazy training experience. I'll do my best to reconstruct the past month and a half -- or at least hit the highlights. And I'll be better from here on out with the updates.
Official training for the marathon started the Saturday after the dreaded North Shore Half. I guess that would mean June 14. My official CARA training group meets at 6:30 a.m. each Saturday, to run from Montrose Beach. I thought I would be the only person there, but there are actually about 200 people there each Saturday! Plus, there's another group that meets even earlier. Crazy.
Anyway the first day was sort of awkward. I put myself in the "beginners 9:30 pace" group. Our leader's name was Howard, and Howard was an old fellow who's run plenty of races in his time. Something like 30 marathons, if the stories are true. He sort of reminds me of my high school A.P. Chem professor, Professor Offut -- only less potion-mixing, more running. He promptly informed me that my form was WAY off. I was instructed to keep my hands at my hips and maintain "triangles of light" with my arms. Elbows back, chest up -- like I'm being pulled forward from the waist (I wish). Sort of like a hornet flying with all its legs dragging behind. I resolve to become the hornet.
This first Saturday, we ran a mere 6 miles. I found it quite easy, after the tribulations of the weekend before. The biggest problem was listening to the banter of the people around me. There was one girl who had run last year's marathon, and the highlight of her day was telling all the newbies about it. "Last year, when I ran the marathon..." oh. my. god. I must have heard it 45 times.
During the week, I run on my own. Sundays are cross-training days, then a relatively short run Mondays, speedwork Tuesdays, a pace run Wednesdays, a longer run Thursdays, and a short run Fridays. Then the really long group run on Saturdays. So far, I've been pretty good about following the schedule. I'm also doing my weekday training on the "intermediate" length schedule. Mostly because the "beginners" only run 3-5 miles each day during the week, and I can barely rationalize getting out of bed and into my gear for less than 5 miles these days.
To sum it up, the weekday runs have been steady enough, especially since I started running before work. Though it means that I have to get up at ungodly hours, I do get the run out of the way while it's still "cool" outside and not too crowded. Plus, I am actually more focused during the day and I sleep better at night. It's also nice to not have to think about a pending workout during the work day. Anyway, after work all I really want to do is lie on the couch and (lately) watch the Sopranos.
Weekend runs have also been going well, so far. Actually, they've been going so well that I think I'm going to abandon my running group soon and move to the "intermediate" training level on the weekend. During the last 9-mile run (the intermediates went 11 miles), I felt like the group was waaay to slow and whiny. I was there to train, and I felt like everyone else was just trying to convince our group leader to take it easy. Grr. I also wanted to keep going. It's so much easier to run those long distances when you have group pressure pushing you along. And it's not like I'm forced to "socialize" with people so there's really no downside. I hope it's not awkward to abandon the "beginner" group though. Shouldn't be too bad, considering that I don't regularly talk to any particular person there, anyway. I plan to make my move in the coming week or two.
Perhaps I'll eventually be able to move up to a 9:00 pace group, too... hmm we'll see.
Anyway. I guess that's pretty boring but the summary is that I actually feel good after running now, instead of feeling like I've been hit over the head with a bag of sand. I also feel notably worse when I don't run, and not just mentally (though that's big, too).
I have also identified my perfect pace running song: Jigsaw Falling Into Place, off Radiohead's "In Rainbows." The tempo is perfect and if I force my feet to hit the ground on each note, I fly along at a perfect clip.
More frequent updates forthcoming.
OH if you want to check out my PAWS website (and find a link for donating), go to http://www.pawschicago.org/pawsmarathonteam/member47.htm. I'm really close to my $1000 goal, thanks to so many generous friends and family members. :-)
Official training for the marathon started the Saturday after the dreaded North Shore Half. I guess that would mean June 14. My official CARA training group meets at 6:30 a.m. each Saturday, to run from Montrose Beach. I thought I would be the only person there, but there are actually about 200 people there each Saturday! Plus, there's another group that meets even earlier. Crazy.
Anyway the first day was sort of awkward. I put myself in the "beginners 9:30 pace" group. Our leader's name was Howard, and Howard was an old fellow who's run plenty of races in his time. Something like 30 marathons, if the stories are true. He sort of reminds me of my high school A.P. Chem professor, Professor Offut -- only less potion-mixing, more running. He promptly informed me that my form was WAY off. I was instructed to keep my hands at my hips and maintain "triangles of light" with my arms. Elbows back, chest up -- like I'm being pulled forward from the waist (I wish). Sort of like a hornet flying with all its legs dragging behind. I resolve to become the hornet.
This first Saturday, we ran a mere 6 miles. I found it quite easy, after the tribulations of the weekend before. The biggest problem was listening to the banter of the people around me. There was one girl who had run last year's marathon, and the highlight of her day was telling all the newbies about it. "Last year, when I ran the marathon..." oh. my. god. I must have heard it 45 times.
During the week, I run on my own. Sundays are cross-training days, then a relatively short run Mondays, speedwork Tuesdays, a pace run Wednesdays, a longer run Thursdays, and a short run Fridays. Then the really long group run on Saturdays. So far, I've been pretty good about following the schedule. I'm also doing my weekday training on the "intermediate" length schedule. Mostly because the "beginners" only run 3-5 miles each day during the week, and I can barely rationalize getting out of bed and into my gear for less than 5 miles these days.
To sum it up, the weekday runs have been steady enough, especially since I started running before work. Though it means that I have to get up at ungodly hours, I do get the run out of the way while it's still "cool" outside and not too crowded. Plus, I am actually more focused during the day and I sleep better at night. It's also nice to not have to think about a pending workout during the work day. Anyway, after work all I really want to do is lie on the couch and (lately) watch the Sopranos.
Weekend runs have also been going well, so far. Actually, they've been going so well that I think I'm going to abandon my running group soon and move to the "intermediate" training level on the weekend. During the last 9-mile run (the intermediates went 11 miles), I felt like the group was waaay to slow and whiny. I was there to train, and I felt like everyone else was just trying to convince our group leader to take it easy. Grr. I also wanted to keep going. It's so much easier to run those long distances when you have group pressure pushing you along. And it's not like I'm forced to "socialize" with people so there's really no downside. I hope it's not awkward to abandon the "beginner" group though. Shouldn't be too bad, considering that I don't regularly talk to any particular person there, anyway. I plan to make my move in the coming week or two.
Perhaps I'll eventually be able to move up to a 9:00 pace group, too... hmm we'll see.
Anyway. I guess that's pretty boring but the summary is that I actually feel good after running now, instead of feeling like I've been hit over the head with a bag of sand. I also feel notably worse when I don't run, and not just mentally (though that's big, too).
I have also identified my perfect pace running song: Jigsaw Falling Into Place, off Radiohead's "In Rainbows." The tempo is perfect and if I force my feet to hit the ground on each note, I fly along at a perfect clip.
More frequent updates forthcoming.
OH if you want to check out my PAWS website (and find a link for donating), go to http://www.pawschicago.org/pawsmarathonteam/member47.htm. I'm really close to my $1000 goal, thanks to so many generous friends and family members. :-)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
reality
Oh. My. God.
Pictures from the NSHM just came up. I look like I am sleeping/vomiting/melting in every single one. Well, there's one where I look like a functioning human, but I'm walking.
www.northshorehalf.com. My pride - clearly non-existent.
Pictures from the NSHM just came up. I look like I am sleeping/vomiting/melting in every single one. Well, there's one where I look like a functioning human, but I'm walking.
www.northshorehalf.com. My pride - clearly non-existent.
Monday, June 9, 2008
And away we go...
Well yesterday I "ran" the North Shore Half! Actually I didn't do as terribly as I thought I would, all points considered. I was not being as vigilant as I should have been with the training in the past two weeks, due in large part to moving apartments and working a lot. But I did go running once or twice in the week before the race, and I think that actually helped...
So on Saturday night, the eve of the race, James and I went up to Highland Park to stay overnight at our friend Susie's house. Her parents live about 5 minutes from where the race started, and she and another friend, Sue, were also running the half. We had a big pasta dinner -- delicious -- and watched "Talladega Nights" (which I actually liked). Went to bed early, in the hopes of having a chipper morning.
But things didn't go exactly as planned. While the guest room was very comfy and nice, I kept having awful dreams about running and racing. I would wake up every half an hour thinking I was late for the race. And the alarm clock kept making these strange buzzing noises and waking me up. By the time the alarm went off at 6 a.m., I was sleepy and sore and NOT looking forward to running around.
Hopped in the shower, got dressed, and went downstairs for some breakfast. This was delicious. I had a wheat pita with peanut butter and a sliced banana. Really, I think I'll eat that every weekend before I go for long runs from now on. It was perfect. Scott (Susie's hubby) was nice enough to hold all our things and drive us to the race, so we didn't have to worry about storing things and walking from the parking lot to the race. Thanks Scott!
When we got there, the sun was out and it was probably about 77 degrees... very humid, too. But I had actually expected it to be much worse -- either hotter, more humid, or storming -- so I was happy. There was a guy announcing that it was a "high risk health advisory" running day and any "first time runners" should re-think their decision to run, considering the health implications... I paused, but only for a minute.
The race started at 8. The first mile or two were anti-climactic. I was just sort of running in a crowd, trying to figure out whether the people around me were faster or slower... And then I started to get HOT. I was sweating way more than I wanted to be by the 2-mile mark. At the first water station, I grabbed one water to drink and poured another on my head. It was refreshing but also sort of disgusting, as the water ran hot down my back. But I did this at every water station, and by the end of the race my outfit was completely soaked. It is sort of weird to think that I was running through Highland Park scantily clad in a soaking wet outfit for two hours. But, I guess everyone was...
Around mile 6, I started to question my sanity. There were hills, so many hills. And going downhill is actually more stressful for me than uphill. It's a lot harder on the joints, and my knees and right hip were killing me. At one point, I felt a "pop" in my right knee and I thought I'd have to pull over. But after a few strides it was ok again and I kept going.
Nearing the end of mile 8, we descended a big hill towards Lake Michigan. It was really beautiful, but everyone around me was saying, "It's right around the corner... It's coming up! After this we will be OK, but here it comes!" and I know I had a look of dread on my face, anticipating the hill that I couldn't yet see. At this exact moment, I realized that one of the race photographers was snapping pictures. I am sure that one will be a beauty. I'll probably post some of these pics when they come out, but I can't promise anything -- I do have some pride.
The hill at mile 9 was NOT fun. I wound up walking most of it. Then I realized, "hmm this is just over a third of the distance I'll be 'running' on October 12." And I started to well up. I think a tear trickled down my cheek, but it may have been sweat. I resolved to not be discouraged and I stopped thinking of the marathon and started focusing on finishing.
The last 4 miles were the hardest by far. My legs were dead from the hills and all I wanted was to lay down in a cool pool. But I trudged on, thinking to myself of how pathetic and ridiculous I must look to the crowd cheering at the sides. But there was some big athletic guy running behind me (I think he was a pace setter for the race) and he kept yelling, "good job everyone!" and he made the crowds whistle and shout, and I felt better. But oh man, when I saw that final lap around Wolter's field in the distance, I can't tell you how happy I was.
I ran the last lap around the track and felt pretty energetic. By the time I crossed the finish line, though, I was definitely done. Probably the best part of the race was when James bounded at me just across the line and told me how proud he was of me. It was so nice. Thank you James.
Overall, I am happy with the race. I finished at 2:13.42 - that's about a 10:13 pace per mile, which is slower than I usually run but oh well. James, Susie, and Sue all did really well (they all beat me, anyway)! Overall, I placed 761 out of 1335 competitors... and not everyone behind me was elderly, disabled, or obese. So, I feel OK about things.
Anyway after the race we walked (like, a mile) to the car - oof - and went to Susie's for a post-race bbq. My dad and brother came from Barrington to say hello and congrats, and that was so nice! They are very supportive and interested in all the running. It really does help to have people cheering you on, even if they're not physically at the race. It was pouring out by this time, but the men grilled the meat (turkey meat and a veggie burger for me, of course) and I gorged myself on watermelon. It was so good. About 45 minutes into eating, though, my adrenaline must have stopped pumping because I felt like a zombie and could have slept at the table. James and I drove home (glad we made it back without falling asleep at the wheel) and as soon as I got there I hit the couch (beloved "red cloud") and fell asleep. I woke up about 5 hours later feeling pretty out of it and sore, but happy. We got Chinese food and hung out, and all in all it was a great day.
But I think now I realize how important it is that I don't skimp on the marathon training. I've got a couple long runs (longer than the half marathon) planned in the next few weeks, and a half marathon and a couple 20-mile races are on the training program before the big day in October. So hopefully I'll be good and I won't wind up on a stretcher at the end of all of this. Time will tell...
So on Saturday night, the eve of the race, James and I went up to Highland Park to stay overnight at our friend Susie's house. Her parents live about 5 minutes from where the race started, and she and another friend, Sue, were also running the half. We had a big pasta dinner -- delicious -- and watched "Talladega Nights" (which I actually liked). Went to bed early, in the hopes of having a chipper morning.
But things didn't go exactly as planned. While the guest room was very comfy and nice, I kept having awful dreams about running and racing. I would wake up every half an hour thinking I was late for the race. And the alarm clock kept making these strange buzzing noises and waking me up. By the time the alarm went off at 6 a.m., I was sleepy and sore and NOT looking forward to running around.
Hopped in the shower, got dressed, and went downstairs for some breakfast. This was delicious. I had a wheat pita with peanut butter and a sliced banana. Really, I think I'll eat that every weekend before I go for long runs from now on. It was perfect. Scott (Susie's hubby) was nice enough to hold all our things and drive us to the race, so we didn't have to worry about storing things and walking from the parking lot to the race. Thanks Scott!
When we got there, the sun was out and it was probably about 77 degrees... very humid, too. But I had actually expected it to be much worse -- either hotter, more humid, or storming -- so I was happy. There was a guy announcing that it was a "high risk health advisory" running day and any "first time runners" should re-think their decision to run, considering the health implications... I paused, but only for a minute.
The race started at 8. The first mile or two were anti-climactic. I was just sort of running in a crowd, trying to figure out whether the people around me were faster or slower... And then I started to get HOT. I was sweating way more than I wanted to be by the 2-mile mark. At the first water station, I grabbed one water to drink and poured another on my head. It was refreshing but also sort of disgusting, as the water ran hot down my back. But I did this at every water station, and by the end of the race my outfit was completely soaked. It is sort of weird to think that I was running through Highland Park scantily clad in a soaking wet outfit for two hours. But, I guess everyone was...
Around mile 6, I started to question my sanity. There were hills, so many hills. And going downhill is actually more stressful for me than uphill. It's a lot harder on the joints, and my knees and right hip were killing me. At one point, I felt a "pop" in my right knee and I thought I'd have to pull over. But after a few strides it was ok again and I kept going.
Nearing the end of mile 8, we descended a big hill towards Lake Michigan. It was really beautiful, but everyone around me was saying, "It's right around the corner... It's coming up! After this we will be OK, but here it comes!" and I know I had a look of dread on my face, anticipating the hill that I couldn't yet see. At this exact moment, I realized that one of the race photographers was snapping pictures. I am sure that one will be a beauty. I'll probably post some of these pics when they come out, but I can't promise anything -- I do have some pride.
The hill at mile 9 was NOT fun. I wound up walking most of it. Then I realized, "hmm this is just over a third of the distance I'll be 'running' on October 12." And I started to well up. I think a tear trickled down my cheek, but it may have been sweat. I resolved to not be discouraged and I stopped thinking of the marathon and started focusing on finishing.
The last 4 miles were the hardest by far. My legs were dead from the hills and all I wanted was to lay down in a cool pool. But I trudged on, thinking to myself of how pathetic and ridiculous I must look to the crowd cheering at the sides. But there was some big athletic guy running behind me (I think he was a pace setter for the race) and he kept yelling, "good job everyone!" and he made the crowds whistle and shout, and I felt better. But oh man, when I saw that final lap around Wolter's field in the distance, I can't tell you how happy I was.
I ran the last lap around the track and felt pretty energetic. By the time I crossed the finish line, though, I was definitely done. Probably the best part of the race was when James bounded at me just across the line and told me how proud he was of me. It was so nice. Thank you James.
Overall, I am happy with the race. I finished at 2:13.42 - that's about a 10:13 pace per mile, which is slower than I usually run but oh well. James, Susie, and Sue all did really well (they all beat me, anyway)! Overall, I placed 761 out of 1335 competitors... and not everyone behind me was elderly, disabled, or obese. So, I feel OK about things.
Anyway after the race we walked (like, a mile) to the car - oof - and went to Susie's for a post-race bbq. My dad and brother came from Barrington to say hello and congrats, and that was so nice! They are very supportive and interested in all the running. It really does help to have people cheering you on, even if they're not physically at the race. It was pouring out by this time, but the men grilled the meat (turkey meat and a veggie burger for me, of course) and I gorged myself on watermelon. It was so good. About 45 minutes into eating, though, my adrenaline must have stopped pumping because I felt like a zombie and could have slept at the table. James and I drove home (glad we made it back without falling asleep at the wheel) and as soon as I got there I hit the couch (beloved "red cloud") and fell asleep. I woke up about 5 hours later feeling pretty out of it and sore, but happy. We got Chinese food and hung out, and all in all it was a great day.
But I think now I realize how important it is that I don't skimp on the marathon training. I've got a couple long runs (longer than the half marathon) planned in the next few weeks, and a half marathon and a couple 20-mile races are on the training program before the big day in October. So hopefully I'll be good and I won't wind up on a stretcher at the end of all of this. Time will tell...
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