Again, I had planned out how this day was going to go for months. I would make it to mile 16 and things would get hard. I would push to mile 20 and then the next 6 miles would be a piece of cake. If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.
At mile 14 I turned to Mike and said, "I really want to walk." He said something along the lines of, "come on, you can do it." At mile 14.5, I walked. My stomach hurt. It was full of Gu and Gatorade and water and I wanted it to be digested already. As I walked, I twisted around hoping that would help it go through. No such luck. So, I sucked it up and started running again. After about an eighth of a mile, I slowed to a walk again. Mike turned to me and said, "Okay. This is not going to work. You need to walk until you have enough energy to run for a distance. If we finish this race running eighths of miles, it is going to take an eternity." I nodded and continued walking.
So, here's where it gets sort of fuzzy. I was really tired. I couldn't take anymore electrolytes because my stomach felt so crappy. There was a lot of walking, then running. I tried stopping to go to the bathroom to see if that would help. When I sat down, I felt beyond exhausted and really dizzy. There was a lot of dry heaving during the second half of the race. I wanted to puke so bad. Alas, I could not, and I had to finish this thing.
And then the miles kept coming. We ran to mile 17. Then we walked for a bit. Brad with his pacer balloons were far out of sight. Even the 4:30 pacer had passed us. I could care less. I just wanted to be able to say that I had finished. We ran some of 18, 19, and 20. I ran all of the 21st mile. My back was killing me. We ran and walked and ran and walked. I was so sick of walking. It was slow. I wanted to run. I wanted to sprint. But we still had 6 miles to go. I remember looking at the river and wondering if it would be faster if I jumped in and swam. Which reminds me, the route was absolutely beautiful.
Now mind you, Mike is next to me this entire time. He is not frustrated with me at all. He was so so so supportive. It blew me away.
And then, from out of nowhere, my lucky number 7, Deb, comes running up behind us. "HEY GUYS!!!" She has a huge smile on her face and is running with two other ladies. One of them seems to be having trouble like me. But Deb is running with her pushing her along. She runs next to us for a second and gives me a pep talk - beaming the entire time. I am beyond delirious at this point, but Deb's energy kicked me in the pants and let me know that I could do this.
Running and walking. Running and walking. Running and walking. Then, the five hour pacer passes us. Now, if you had told me before I started the race that I would be passed by the five hour pacer, I don't know if I would have done it. First of all, 5 hours was so beyond my goal of 4:30, that I would have just been disappointed with my time. Second of all, if I knew that the 5 hour pacer was going to pass me, that would mean that I would have to be out running for more than 5 hours. That is a long freaking time. But here I was, being passed by the 5 hour pacer, not caring in the least. My goal at this point, as it was in the beginning, was to finish. I am running a freaking marathon, dammit. I am going to finish this. By mile 23, I was done with walking. I wanted to run the rest of the race. I told Mike that, and he agreed, knowing full well that I was way too exhausted to do that. So, at mile 24, when I stopped to walk again, he was right there next to me. Every time I walked after that, I nearly broke down in tears. Mile 24. 2.2 miles. We were so so so close. And then we were at mile 25. Still running and walking. And then people started to appear. And then there was a straight away. And then I saw the mile 26 flag.
.2 miles. I was utterly exhausted. Within seconds, I can see the gate to Hayward Field. Mike screams, "THERE IT IS!!! YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!" I see Christina JUMPING up and down and screaming. I see John a few yards later with his finisher shirt and medal on - he had finished and I was so proud of him. I hear "LISA!" and look over to see Joel and Amanda - Amanda with her camera pointed right at me. I hop on the sidewalk and enter the gates onto hallowed ground. The track felt incredible - even Mike said something to me about how nice it felt. He said, "we're on the jumbo tron!!!" I looked up but didn't have focus enough to see. I was going to be done. I passed one girl and turned the corner. There it was. The end. The announcer yells, "HERE COME THE ROWELLS!!!" I cannot sum up in words how good that felt. I threw my arms in the air, as promised, and ran as fast as I possibly could. I heard the beep of the machine recording my time as I crossed the finish and that was it. I finished. I got my medal and was covered in a space blanket. Gosh, now, thinking back, I wish I wasn't so delirious so I could remember it better. That being said, I will forever remember how proud of myself I was. Oh gosh, and how happy I was to be done.
Oh, I forgot, my official time was 5:13:16. Overall, that is an 11:58 minute mile pace. My splits were:
10k - 1:00:35
13.1 - 2:13:10
30k - 3:36:53
Last 12k - 1:36:24
I, Lisa Rowell, ran 26.2 miles, a complete marathon. I am a marathon runner.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The good half.
When I woke up Saturday morning, I read my email. I got an email from Jen that said, "don't forget - you've earned this. you've done the miles, now you get to skip around and enjoy the day." For the first 13 miles, I thought of Jen and what she had said. I remembered to enjoy it.
People were everywhere. Folks out on their front porches cheering us along. The first mile felt AMAZING. I was so so so happy to be running. There were distractions everywhere. Everyone had energy. It was a great place to be. I remember hitting mile 3 and being amazed that I had already made it this far. The pacer was still right ahead of us. I remember saying to myself, "I hope to keep him in sight until at least mile 16". I felt good. And then, around mile 4.5, I got a shot of pain in my knee. There it was, that stupid freaking IT band. My heart sank and my leg gave out. I tried to recover as quickly as possible but eagle-eye Mike saw it happen. "Are you okay?" Crap. This was going to be a long marathon. And then, a miracle. The pain subsided and didn't return. I am not really sure how that worked, but (totally ruining any surprise) my IT band left me alone for the entire remainder of the race.
We hit a little climb around mile 5 and John ran ahead. So, here we were, as we had been for so many weeks before. Me and Mike - out for a long run. After the climb, I was tired. I took a Gu packet and panicked a little. If I was this tired at 5, what was I in for? By mile 6 I felt great and felt great through the 11th mile.
I have to reflect a bit more on miles 6-11. Seriously, that part of the marathon was the best run of my life. I was warmed up, I had energy, and I felt like kickin' some ass. The people cheering on the course were unbelievably supportive. My bib had my name on it, so people would cheer me on by name which was amazing. There was a big, long hill that we had to climb that I hardly even remember. It was just a great day to be running. Defiantly, my favorite part of the marathon.
Around mile 12, the crowd had subsided and the half marathoners had split off from the full group. The herd thinned, and we were clearly in for the long haul. I started to get tired. I took another Gu packet and drank Gatorade at all the water stops. We passed the mile 13 marker and saw that my time was 2:13. I had been running for two hours already. I just needed to do it again. But, I was tired.
People were everywhere. Folks out on their front porches cheering us along. The first mile felt AMAZING. I was so so so happy to be running. There were distractions everywhere. Everyone had energy. It was a great place to be. I remember hitting mile 3 and being amazed that I had already made it this far. The pacer was still right ahead of us. I remember saying to myself, "I hope to keep him in sight until at least mile 16". I felt good. And then, around mile 4.5, I got a shot of pain in my knee. There it was, that stupid freaking IT band. My heart sank and my leg gave out. I tried to recover as quickly as possible but eagle-eye Mike saw it happen. "Are you okay?" Crap. This was going to be a long marathon. And then, a miracle. The pain subsided and didn't return. I am not really sure how that worked, but (totally ruining any surprise) my IT band left me alone for the entire remainder of the race.
We hit a little climb around mile 5 and John ran ahead. So, here we were, as we had been for so many weeks before. Me and Mike - out for a long run. After the climb, I was tired. I took a Gu packet and panicked a little. If I was this tired at 5, what was I in for? By mile 6 I felt great and felt great through the 11th mile.
I have to reflect a bit more on miles 6-11. Seriously, that part of the marathon was the best run of my life. I was warmed up, I had energy, and I felt like kickin' some ass. The people cheering on the course were unbelievably supportive. My bib had my name on it, so people would cheer me on by name which was amazing. There was a big, long hill that we had to climb that I hardly even remember. It was just a great day to be running. Defiantly, my favorite part of the marathon.
Around mile 12, the crowd had subsided and the half marathoners had split off from the full group. The herd thinned, and we were clearly in for the long haul. I started to get tired. I took another Gu packet and drank Gatorade at all the water stops. We passed the mile 13 marker and saw that my time was 2:13. I had been running for two hours already. I just needed to do it again. But, I was tired.
May 2, 2010
I woke up at 3:30am. Well, actually, I woke up at 2:30am and fell back asleep until 3:30am. I forced myself to lay there for 2 hours with my eyes closed. My mind raced for 2 hours. I tried my yoga meditation and breathing techniques to try to calm down and fall back asleep. No such luck. Before I knew it 5:30 was here and this day was ready to start.
Now, I had tried to prepare myself in every way for this day and tried to imagine every moment of it. As soon as I woke up, I knew that there was no way that any of the things that I had imagined would ever compare to what this day would actually be like. For example, John knocked on our door at about 5:35, we opened it, and he greeted us with a very enthusiastic "LET'S DO THIS!" We ate bagels with peanut butter and Clif bars. Then, John went to get ready and left us to do the same.
Step 1. Body Glide. With my stick of body glide in my hand, I rewound through 18 weeks of training trying to think of every place on my body that had ever chafed. Arms, chest, upper back, lower back, legs. I applied it liberally.
Step 2. Clothes. I put on the clothes that I had laid out for the warm weather situation. It was already 47 degrees and was only going to get warmer.
Step 3. Stretch. Now, normally, I don't stretch a whole lot before runs because I stretch during runs. Today, I wouldn't have time to stretch during the run. So, I sat on the floor in our hotel room and made sure that my legs felt good.
Step 4. Ibuprofen. I had eaten. I should be okay. I was very nervous about this step. But down they went. 2 Ibuprofen.
Step 5. Teeth. Brushed 'em. I had to make sure I could smile for pictures
Step 6. Shoes. Putting on my shoes was sort of a momentous moment. It was time to go. This was it. I was lacing up my shoes for one big ass run.
Before you know it, it was 6:30. Time to go. We grabbed our bag and walked to the bag check and gave them our things. Then we headed over to the start line. At this point, I was going nuts. Christina took some pictures and said goodbye. We situated ourselves at the back of the first corral (sub 10 minute mile pace). We waited and watched people determine where they should be. I looked around and saw all of the yellow bibs (half marathon runners) and felt very proud to be wearing a green bib (full marathon). About 5 minutes to go, Brad shows up - the 4:15 pacer. I remember looking at that sign thinking, "can I really run a marathon in 4:15?" and feeling terrified. Whatever. It was here and I would do what I would do. After a few minutes we heard the national anthem and then the gun. It was go time.
Now, I had tried to prepare myself in every way for this day and tried to imagine every moment of it. As soon as I woke up, I knew that there was no way that any of the things that I had imagined would ever compare to what this day would actually be like. For example, John knocked on our door at about 5:35, we opened it, and he greeted us with a very enthusiastic "LET'S DO THIS!" We ate bagels with peanut butter and Clif bars. Then, John went to get ready and left us to do the same.
Step 1. Body Glide. With my stick of body glide in my hand, I rewound through 18 weeks of training trying to think of every place on my body that had ever chafed. Arms, chest, upper back, lower back, legs. I applied it liberally.
Step 2. Clothes. I put on the clothes that I had laid out for the warm weather situation. It was already 47 degrees and was only going to get warmer.
Step 3. Stretch. Now, normally, I don't stretch a whole lot before runs because I stretch during runs. Today, I wouldn't have time to stretch during the run. So, I sat on the floor in our hotel room and made sure that my legs felt good.
Step 4. Ibuprofen. I had eaten. I should be okay. I was very nervous about this step. But down they went. 2 Ibuprofen.
Step 5. Teeth. Brushed 'em. I had to make sure I could smile for pictures
Step 6. Shoes. Putting on my shoes was sort of a momentous moment. It was time to go. This was it. I was lacing up my shoes for one big ass run.
Before you know it, it was 6:30. Time to go. We grabbed our bag and walked to the bag check and gave them our things. Then we headed over to the start line. At this point, I was going nuts. Christina took some pictures and said goodbye. We situated ourselves at the back of the first corral (sub 10 minute mile pace). We waited and watched people determine where they should be. I looked around and saw all of the yellow bibs (half marathon runners) and felt very proud to be wearing a green bib (full marathon). About 5 minutes to go, Brad shows up - the 4:15 pacer. I remember looking at that sign thinking, "can I really run a marathon in 4:15?" and feeling terrified. Whatever. It was here and I would do what I would do. After a few minutes we heard the national anthem and then the gun. It was go time.
Let's start from the very beginning...
John and Christina arrived in Portland Friday night. It was great to see them. We had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner and then headed to bed. We woke up Saturday morning, had pancakes, sausage and fruit and then got ready to head down to Eugene. We got in the car around 11:30 and I called Carolyn and Laura to let them know that we were on our way. On the way down, we stopped at the outlet mall and stretched our legs a bit. Then we stopped at Subway to grab a bite to eat. Believe it or not, standing in front of us in line at this random Subway just north of Salem, was Laura. We chatted with her a bit about nerves, how the past few days have gone, and the plans for later in the evening. We decided that we would meet up with her later and eat pasta dinner together.
The next hour on the road seemed to take forever. About half an hour out, John notices our GPS and says, "hey look, we only have a marathon left to drive." I think that is when I got excited. 26.2 miles. The next day, I would need to move myself 26.2 miles. It didn't seem scary anymore - I just wanted to do it.
We got to the Hilton (the event hotel), picked up our packets, got our goodie bags and our t-shirts, and then went and sat in the bar so Christina could have a drink :) Laura met us in the bar and bought us a round in thanks for letting her join us for dinner (see, great running partner, huh?) I had a beer and it was amazing. I felt every nerve in my body let go. We ate our pasta dinner and then headed to our hotel to check in and get some sleep.
I laid out my clothes. I planned for various weather conditions. I made sure everything was in order. I laid down at 9 and was asleep at 9:30... Tomorrow was going to be a very very very big day.
The next hour on the road seemed to take forever. About half an hour out, John notices our GPS and says, "hey look, we only have a marathon left to drive." I think that is when I got excited. 26.2 miles. The next day, I would need to move myself 26.2 miles. It didn't seem scary anymore - I just wanted to do it.
We got to the Hilton (the event hotel), picked up our packets, got our goodie bags and our t-shirts, and then went and sat in the bar so Christina could have a drink :) Laura met us in the bar and bought us a round in thanks for letting her join us for dinner (see, great running partner, huh?) I had a beer and it was amazing. I felt every nerve in my body let go. We ate our pasta dinner and then headed to our hotel to check in and get some sleep.
I laid out my clothes. I planned for various weather conditions. I made sure everything was in order. I laid down at 9 and was asleep at 9:30... Tomorrow was going to be a very very very big day.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Stalking
So, the Eugene Marathon has this thing set up so you can check a runner's status as they go through the race. It will give you updates at 10k, half marathon, 20 miles, and finish. I currently have it automatically linking to my facebook page so that there will be automatic updates as I get to those points.
If you are not my friend on facebook, you can go to the Eugene Marathon website and they will have a "tracking tool". All you need is my bib number - 1300. Mike is 1302. John is 1398.
Happy stalking! :)
If you are not my friend on facebook, you can go to the Eugene Marathon website and they will have a "tracking tool". All you need is my bib number - 1300. Mike is 1302. John is 1398.
Happy stalking! :)
"In the Footsteps of LEGENDS"
As part of the Eugene Marathon, they will be dedicating each mile to a legendary runner. While I don't know a whole lot about legendary runners, these names don't mean a whole lot to me. Instead, I decided to come up with my own list of "supportive" legends:
1. Hal Higdon - He gave me my training plan and walked me through every last bit of my training with his online resources. Running the first mile of a marathon is absolutely dedicated to Hal. Thanks bud!
2. Rusty Weise - Rusty is a guy that I work with. He is having knee surgery today. Throughout my training, he would refer to me as the number of miles that I had run that weekend i.e., "Hey 18!" making me feel like a running stud. He shared stories about wanting to be able to run without knee pain, so mile two, the one that seems to do Rusty in, is for him.
3. Amanda and Joel - They have been inspired to run a 5k at the end of May and are great friends and amazing supporters. This third mile, the last one of a 5k, is for them.
4. Kathy Carlisle - Kathy is in my head every run telling me to stay positive. Mile four will be a positive one :)
5. Ryan and Amy - The best neighbors that two obsessive runners could ask for. They will be watching our dog for the marathon (as they have for countless nights throughout our training). They've fed us and Amy gave me her foam roller. Great friends to boot. Clearly amazing supporters. Mile 5 (50 minutes of dog sitting) is for them.
6. Monica and Eric - Monica is my yoga partner. Eric is Mike's kayak-building partner. They are in our lives daily and constantly supportive. They offered to bring dinner to our house Sunday night. We are so lucky to have these awesome friends. The 6th mile, last one of a 10k, is for them.
7. Deb - Deb was the first friend we made with the running group. She made us feel at home with the group and comfortable with the idea of running my first marathon. She always has a smile on especially during a race. She is my lucky number 7.
8. Mom - Number 8. The run that we went on with my mom was 8 miles. She will be riding a bike taking pictures behind us for this mile (in my imagination) - pushing us along. Also, she my mom, my quintessential cheerleader for this race as she has been for my entire life :)
9. Meg - My second mom! Following me throughout this training and supporting me like a second mom does!
10. Laura Nelson - Our running buddy and Nike insider. Laura shared her running stories with me making me feel human. Though these stories, she made me believe that I could run a marathon. I will never forget our 10 mile run up Terwilliger when we first "bonded". Mile 10 is for Laura (who will be well ahead of me at this point) :)
11. Jen St.Clair - My dearest bff. When she ran her half marathon a couple of years ago, 11 miles was her goal. After that, things got challenging (well, until the ridiculous sprint at the end). Mile 11 will remind me of Jen, my awesome shoes, and that I can finish this marathon no matter how challenging it is.
12. Carolyn Scherler - Another running buddy that is somewhere ahead with Laura :) Carolyn has a 1 year old and a 4 year old and is running a marathon - quickly. She is just plain inspirational and supportive as well. During mile 12, I will hear Carolyn's voice telling me that I look strong.
13. Patrice and Robyn - They got me an awesome gift certificate to Athleta to get a sports bra. To my well-endowed aunts that understand my pain, mile 13 is for you!
14. Emily Wiley - Emily is a friend from State College that was training for the Seattle Rock-n-Roll marathon until ITBS set her training back. Now, she is planning to do the half instead with the dream of a full still in the future. Mile 14, with any IT band pain it may bring, is all for her.
15. Run Oregon (Kelly, Meg, Coach Jim) - This supportive group with their blogs and running groups absolutely got me through the mental challenge of training. I cannot than them for their support. This 15th mile, one of my hardest training runs, is for them.
16. Steve and Mary Margaret - When I say, "I ran 16 miles", I can hear Mary Margaret gasping in awe. Neighbors down the way, they were always absolutely supportive and impressed with our running. I will hear them cheering for us during this mile.
17. Jamie Linerooth - Jamie ran with our group. She always looked like a super-elite athlete to me. She qualified for and ran Boston this year. She was always willing to chat and had the cutest running skirts. During mile 17, I will be reminded of running with Jamie and feeling like an real athlete.
18. Bill Otto - Bill was our pace leader for our group runs. I think he is 62 and I KNOW that he is in phenominal shape. During our 18 mile run, Bill was the one that approached me and taught me the mantra, "I am strong, I am trained, I am courageous." Thanks Bill.
19. Christina Ethier - Mile 19 is for Christina. Now, I might actually hear Christina screaming during mile 19. She will be there. Screaming for sure. During mile 19, I will recall all of the times throughout the marathon that I have heard her scream for us. That is support. As is the celebratory cocktails that she will have a big hand in on Monday night :)
20. John Ethier - YOU RAN 20 MILES ON A TREADMILL. Mile 20 is for my virtual running partner, John. He did nearly all of his training on a treadmill at high altitude (Denver). John is an inspiration and him joining us to run this marathon is the ultimate support.
21. Mike Rowell - Twenty one miles is further than I have ever run in my life. This mile is 100% for my running parter and the love of my life that helps me to push myself further than I thought I could ever go.
22. Bob Miller - Bob is another guy that I work with. He is a runner and has shared lots of stories of marathon running and training. He tells me that training is the hard part. Also, once he hits mile 22, he knows that he can finish the marathon. It better be true Bob :)
23. Katie Brady - Katie Brady is a high school friend of mine that is currently training to do an Ironman. Mile 23 is for Katie, and for being thankful that I didn't just have to swim 2.4 miles and bike 112 :)
24. Luke St.Clair - Possibly the most elite athlete I know, Luke is a super duper bike-aholic. He was the first one to identify my IT band issue and helped me find good stretches. When 24 seems difficult, I will think of Luke and how hard he works every time he gets on a bike.
25. Dad, Jerry and Claire - Possibly the three most giddy people about my running. I get nagged if I don't post on this blog because they want to know how it is all going. They have all run semi-seriously at one point or another, so they understand the challenge that this is. I will imagine their faces when I hit that 25 miles and be inspired by their support.
26. Dan Gaur - Dan, yet another guy that I work with, is another athlete. He is a runner but has completed an Ironman. And it was not easy. He shares his stories with me and encourages me. This week he has been telling me, in response to every concerned question that I have for him, "you've got this". My 26th mile will be thinking of Dan telling me, "you've got this".
.2. Me - The last .2 are for me. They are for me to completely soak in. They are for me to celebrate 8 months of training. They are for me to prove to myself that I really am an athlete.
I really cannot thank everyone enough for their support through this training. I feel as though they are all training and running with me. You will all be with me on Sunday pushing me along. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
1. Hal Higdon - He gave me my training plan and walked me through every last bit of my training with his online resources. Running the first mile of a marathon is absolutely dedicated to Hal. Thanks bud!
2. Rusty Weise - Rusty is a guy that I work with. He is having knee surgery today. Throughout my training, he would refer to me as the number of miles that I had run that weekend i.e., "Hey 18!" making me feel like a running stud. He shared stories about wanting to be able to run without knee pain, so mile two, the one that seems to do Rusty in, is for him.
3. Amanda and Joel - They have been inspired to run a 5k at the end of May and are great friends and amazing supporters. This third mile, the last one of a 5k, is for them.
4. Kathy Carlisle - Kathy is in my head every run telling me to stay positive. Mile four will be a positive one :)
5. Ryan and Amy - The best neighbors that two obsessive runners could ask for. They will be watching our dog for the marathon (as they have for countless nights throughout our training). They've fed us and Amy gave me her foam roller. Great friends to boot. Clearly amazing supporters. Mile 5 (50 minutes of dog sitting) is for them.
6. Monica and Eric - Monica is my yoga partner. Eric is Mike's kayak-building partner. They are in our lives daily and constantly supportive. They offered to bring dinner to our house Sunday night. We are so lucky to have these awesome friends. The 6th mile, last one of a 10k, is for them.
7. Deb - Deb was the first friend we made with the running group. She made us feel at home with the group and comfortable with the idea of running my first marathon. She always has a smile on especially during a race. She is my lucky number 7.
8. Mom - Number 8. The run that we went on with my mom was 8 miles. She will be riding a bike taking pictures behind us for this mile (in my imagination) - pushing us along. Also, she my mom, my quintessential cheerleader for this race as she has been for my entire life :)
9. Meg - My second mom! Following me throughout this training and supporting me like a second mom does!
10. Laura Nelson - Our running buddy and Nike insider. Laura shared her running stories with me making me feel human. Though these stories, she made me believe that I could run a marathon. I will never forget our 10 mile run up Terwilliger when we first "bonded". Mile 10 is for Laura (who will be well ahead of me at this point) :)
11. Jen St.Clair - My dearest bff. When she ran her half marathon a couple of years ago, 11 miles was her goal. After that, things got challenging (well, until the ridiculous sprint at the end). Mile 11 will remind me of Jen, my awesome shoes, and that I can finish this marathon no matter how challenging it is.
12. Carolyn Scherler - Another running buddy that is somewhere ahead with Laura :) Carolyn has a 1 year old and a 4 year old and is running a marathon - quickly. She is just plain inspirational and supportive as well. During mile 12, I will hear Carolyn's voice telling me that I look strong.
13. Patrice and Robyn - They got me an awesome gift certificate to Athleta to get a sports bra. To my well-endowed aunts that understand my pain, mile 13 is for you!
14. Emily Wiley - Emily is a friend from State College that was training for the Seattle Rock-n-Roll marathon until ITBS set her training back. Now, she is planning to do the half instead with the dream of a full still in the future. Mile 14, with any IT band pain it may bring, is all for her.
15. Run Oregon (Kelly, Meg, Coach Jim) - This supportive group with their blogs and running groups absolutely got me through the mental challenge of training. I cannot than them for their support. This 15th mile, one of my hardest training runs, is for them.
16. Steve and Mary Margaret - When I say, "I ran 16 miles", I can hear Mary Margaret gasping in awe. Neighbors down the way, they were always absolutely supportive and impressed with our running. I will hear them cheering for us during this mile.
17. Jamie Linerooth - Jamie ran with our group. She always looked like a super-elite athlete to me. She qualified for and ran Boston this year. She was always willing to chat and had the cutest running skirts. During mile 17, I will be reminded of running with Jamie and feeling like an real athlete.
18. Bill Otto - Bill was our pace leader for our group runs. I think he is 62 and I KNOW that he is in phenominal shape. During our 18 mile run, Bill was the one that approached me and taught me the mantra, "I am strong, I am trained, I am courageous." Thanks Bill.
19. Christina Ethier - Mile 19 is for Christina. Now, I might actually hear Christina screaming during mile 19. She will be there. Screaming for sure. During mile 19, I will recall all of the times throughout the marathon that I have heard her scream for us. That is support. As is the celebratory cocktails that she will have a big hand in on Monday night :)
20. John Ethier - YOU RAN 20 MILES ON A TREADMILL. Mile 20 is for my virtual running partner, John. He did nearly all of his training on a treadmill at high altitude (Denver). John is an inspiration and him joining us to run this marathon is the ultimate support.
21. Mike Rowell - Twenty one miles is further than I have ever run in my life. This mile is 100% for my running parter and the love of my life that helps me to push myself further than I thought I could ever go.
22. Bob Miller - Bob is another guy that I work with. He is a runner and has shared lots of stories of marathon running and training. He tells me that training is the hard part. Also, once he hits mile 22, he knows that he can finish the marathon. It better be true Bob :)
23. Katie Brady - Katie Brady is a high school friend of mine that is currently training to do an Ironman. Mile 23 is for Katie, and for being thankful that I didn't just have to swim 2.4 miles and bike 112 :)
24. Luke St.Clair - Possibly the most elite athlete I know, Luke is a super duper bike-aholic. He was the first one to identify my IT band issue and helped me find good stretches. When 24 seems difficult, I will think of Luke and how hard he works every time he gets on a bike.
25. Dad, Jerry and Claire - Possibly the three most giddy people about my running. I get nagged if I don't post on this blog because they want to know how it is all going. They have all run semi-seriously at one point or another, so they understand the challenge that this is. I will imagine their faces when I hit that 25 miles and be inspired by their support.
26. Dan Gaur - Dan, yet another guy that I work with, is another athlete. He is a runner but has completed an Ironman. And it was not easy. He shares his stories with me and encourages me. This week he has been telling me, in response to every concerned question that I have for him, "you've got this". My 26th mile will be thinking of Dan telling me, "you've got this".
.2. Me - The last .2 are for me. They are for me to completely soak in. They are for me to celebrate 8 months of training. They are for me to prove to myself that I really am an athlete.
I really cannot thank everyone enough for their support through this training. I feel as though they are all training and running with me. You will all be with me on Sunday pushing me along. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
And that's a wrap.
Mike and I ran 2 miles this morning. Mike told me that I ran it too fast. My stomach was in knots. I am so anxious.
He gave me a high five when we got back. And here we are. 500+ miles done. 26.2 left to revel in. And one overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
I am strong. I am trained. I am courageous.
He gave me a high five when we got back. And here we are. 500+ miles done. 26.2 left to revel in. And one overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
I am strong. I am trained. I am courageous.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
18 weeks and still a moron.
Over the course of 18 weeks, I have learned a lot about running. I have learned that I need to go to the bathroom before any long run. I have learned that I need to hydrate for long runs the day before. I have learned that Gu does work miracles and that chafing is a solvable problem. At times, it seems to be a bit of a science as to how you should manage these runs and I feel like I have gotten pretty good at it.
And then, after 18 weeks of training, I have a brain fart of a run like this one. We decided to run our Wednesday 4 miler on Thursday morning. Morning runs are something we haven't been able to do for quite a while because the runs are too long. Well, now that we are tapering, 40 minutes isn't too bad in the morning. So, this morning, I wake up, brush my teeth, get changed, and take the dog out. Then, I start running.
Let's play a fun game. What did Lisa forget to do? First, I clearly forgot to go to the bathroom. Just plain stupid. Second, I didn't eat. I haven't eaten since last night at 8pm. So, here I am, 2 miles into a run, huffing and puffing, not feeling well, no energy, and I have to go to the bathroom. Just stupid.
I had to walk for a few moments to gain composure over my need to go to the bathroom, but other than that, I was able to finish the run. Legs felt great.
When I finished, as I was rushing to the bathroom, I realized that I have 2 more miles of training left. 2. When I first started back in September, I had 562 miles to run. I am down to 2. Now, if I might toot my own horn, THAT is an accomplishment.
Goosebumps. Let's do this thing.
And then, after 18 weeks of training, I have a brain fart of a run like this one. We decided to run our Wednesday 4 miler on Thursday morning. Morning runs are something we haven't been able to do for quite a while because the runs are too long. Well, now that we are tapering, 40 minutes isn't too bad in the morning. So, this morning, I wake up, brush my teeth, get changed, and take the dog out. Then, I start running.
Let's play a fun game. What did Lisa forget to do? First, I clearly forgot to go to the bathroom. Just plain stupid. Second, I didn't eat. I haven't eaten since last night at 8pm. So, here I am, 2 miles into a run, huffing and puffing, not feeling well, no energy, and I have to go to the bathroom. Just stupid.
I had to walk for a few moments to gain composure over my need to go to the bathroom, but other than that, I was able to finish the run. Legs felt great.
When I finished, as I was rushing to the bathroom, I realized that I have 2 more miles of training left. 2. When I first started back in September, I had 562 miles to run. I am down to 2. Now, if I might toot my own horn, THAT is an accomplishment.
Goosebumps. Let's do this thing.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Arms up!
Tuesday's 3 miler was a piece of cake, obviously. Legs felt great. At the end, I really wanted to keep going. But, alas, I must rest.
The last .2 miles of our runs are pretty easy to calculate. When we turn onto NW Wilkins, our cross street, we know that we have about .2 left. Now, .2 means a lot to me. It is the distance that I will have to run after running 26 miles. And, in my particular case, I will be running 200 meters of that .2 on Hayward Track. Based on requests by my bff Jen and on Prefontaine history, I will most likely have my hands over my head for the majority of those 200 meters. Well, on Tuesday, at the end of our run, I practiced. I threw my arms up and sprinted to the stop sign on NW Wheelock Place.
Goosebumps. Let's freaking do this.
The last .2 miles of our runs are pretty easy to calculate. When we turn onto NW Wilkins, our cross street, we know that we have about .2 left. Now, .2 means a lot to me. It is the distance that I will have to run after running 26 miles. And, in my particular case, I will be running 200 meters of that .2 on Hayward Track. Based on requests by my bff Jen and on Prefontaine history, I will most likely have my hands over my head for the majority of those 200 meters. Well, on Tuesday, at the end of our run, I practiced. I threw my arms up and sprinted to the stop sign on NW Wheelock Place.Goosebumps. Let's freaking do this.
Last long run
Saturday Mike and I ran 8 miles - our last long run. Well, until the ultimate long run next Sunday...
My mom was in town and decided to ride a bike along with us. She rode behind us and took in the scenery of a beautiful Oregon spring morning. It was awesome to get to share a run with my mom. She was able to get a view of my world inside marathon training.
Now, we were able to run our awesome route which goes through an amazing neighborhood, hits minimal stoplights, goes by a lake with swans, a golf course, and soccer fields. It was a perfect running/bike tour of the area. My mom was impressed with the beautiful front yards, tree lined streets, swans, and waterfalls. She captured a lot in pictures. I am so thankful that she got these as they will serve as memories of this training forever.
She was also able to get some pictures of us running which I am really excited about. Any pictures that I currently have of us running are from races. Because I never know where the photographer is, I never smile or anything so the pictures always come out horrible (I always look very intense). And now, everyone gets to see what we look like when we train :)
As for the run, it went pretty great. I started way fast. I felt great. Mike had to tell me to slow down. Around mile 6, I could feel a bit of pain in my leg. Around mile 7.5 I got a nice shot of pain in my knee that slowed me to a walk. The pain subsided and I was able to finish the run. At the end of the run, Mike asked me if I had thought about switching to run the Eugene half marathon instead of the full. I vehemently said "no". On race day, I will eat, take some ibuprofen, and hope for the best. Worst case scenario is I have to run through pain. At this point, it is all worth it.
My mom was in town and decided to ride a bike along with us. She rode behind us and took in the scenery of a beautiful Oregon spring morning. It was awesome to get to share a run with my mom. She was able to get a view of my world inside marathon training. 
Now, we were able to run our awesome route which goes through an amazing neighborhood, hits minimal stoplights, goes by a lake with swans, a golf course, and soccer fields. It was a perfect running/bike tour of the area. My mom was impressed with the beautiful front yards, tree lined streets, swans, and waterfalls. She captured a lot in pictures. I am so thankful that she got these as they will serve as memories of this training forever. 
She was also able to get some pictures of us running which I am really excited about. Any pictures that I currently have of us running are from races. Because I never know where the photographer is, I never smile or anything so the pictures always come out horrible (I always look very intense). And now, everyone gets to see what we look like when we train :)As for the run, it went pretty great. I started way fast. I felt great. Mike had to tell me to slow down. Around mile 6, I could feel a bit of pain in my leg. Around mile 7.5 I got a nice shot of pain in my knee that slowed me to a walk. The pain subsided and I was able to finish the run. At the end of the run, Mike asked me if I had thought about switching to run the Eugene half marathon instead of the full. I vehemently said "no". On race day, I will eat, take some ibuprofen, and hope for the best. Worst case scenario is I have to run through pain. At this point, it is all worth it.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Positive thoughts
This week is about one thing. Positive thoughts. Well, its also about hydrating, carbo loading, sleeping, and stretching, but positive thoughts are really important. And this is not an easy task for me. Since Saturday, I was trying to figure out how I am going to get past the anxiety and nerves to have positive thoughts. And then I read this from the Run Oregon blog in the Eugene Marathon preview post:
"The final .2:
So, this is it. You've just run 26 miles so what's left to talk about? History. Heritage. Legacy. Oh, and one finish line you're not going to forget anytime soon. You see, you're going to be finishing on hallowed ground. I might sound a little dramatic about it, but trust me, crowds in Eugene at Hayward Field love one thing and one thing only, the finish of a great distance race. When you enter the track and hear the noise coming from THE West Grandstand, run tall, run proud... oh, and don't forget to smile!"
Goosebumps. Let's freaking do this.
"The final .2:
So, this is it. You've just run 26 miles so what's left to talk about? History. Heritage. Legacy. Oh, and one finish line you're not going to forget anytime soon. You see, you're going to be finishing on hallowed ground. I might sound a little dramatic about it, but trust me, crowds in Eugene at Hayward Field love one thing and one thing only, the finish of a great distance race. When you enter the track and hear the noise coming from THE West Grandstand, run tall, run proud... oh, and don't forget to smile!"
Goosebumps. Let's freaking do this.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Hardcore
When I was high school, I remember seeing kids finishing 5k races and then puking in garbage cans. I thought that was amazing. I couldn't imagine pushing yourself so hard running that you would puke.
Well, Wednesday, after our 6 mile run, I puked. I am one of those people. Sort of. I didn't puke from pushing myself. I took 2 ibuprofen right before I ran. And, I hadn't eaten since lunch. According to my nurse neighbor, I had metabolic acidosis. Basically, I took pills on a empty stomach and then ran, building up lactic acid, and, once my stomach had had enough with all the acid, well, it got rid of it.
So, needless to say, the run felt like crap. My legs felt great, I think. In comparison to the massive stomach pain, I didn't notice my legs at all. I do know that the first 2 miles felt great. I felt really strong. Then things went downhill. I was complaining about my stomach hurting and was taking big gasps of air to help with the nausea. I think Mike was a bit frustrated with my whining - and then felt really bad when we got home and ran into the bathroom.
The worst part of this story is that I didn't feel better. I went to bed early and woke up with a remaining stomach ache. I came home from work early today. I rested on the couch until Mike got home and felt good enough to do our three mile run today. The run went great - my stomach was okay, still getting better. A good night's sleep tonight will do me good.
And tomorrow morning, I get to see my mommy!!!
Well, Wednesday, after our 6 mile run, I puked. I am one of those people. Sort of. I didn't puke from pushing myself. I took 2 ibuprofen right before I ran. And, I hadn't eaten since lunch. According to my nurse neighbor, I had metabolic acidosis. Basically, I took pills on a empty stomach and then ran, building up lactic acid, and, once my stomach had had enough with all the acid, well, it got rid of it.
So, needless to say, the run felt like crap. My legs felt great, I think. In comparison to the massive stomach pain, I didn't notice my legs at all. I do know that the first 2 miles felt great. I felt really strong. Then things went downhill. I was complaining about my stomach hurting and was taking big gasps of air to help with the nausea. I think Mike was a bit frustrated with my whining - and then felt really bad when we got home and ran into the bathroom.
The worst part of this story is that I didn't feel better. I went to bed early and woke up with a remaining stomach ache. I came home from work early today. I rested on the couch until Mike got home and felt good enough to do our three mile run today. The run went great - my stomach was okay, still getting better. A good night's sleep tonight will do me good.
And tomorrow morning, I get to see my mommy!!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Adrenaline
So, here it is. Every time I look at it my heart pounds. I get excited and nervous at the same time. Last night was 4 miles. My leg felt great. I felt strong. Then, I felt really really nervous. I am ready for the emotional roller coaster to be over and just go get this thing. Eleven more days.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
I am trained.
My training plan had me running 12 miles today. So, we met Carolyn and Laura at 7:20am so we could run three miles before joining the Portland Marathon Training Clinic to run the renaming 9. The first three felt great. We ran out 1.5 miles and then came right back to see a large mass of people getting ready to take off. This was our first time running with this group. While some of the people ran with our group throughout the winter, there were a lot of new people and it was a lot less intimate. We found our group and took off with them. I felt like Laura, Carolyn, Mike and I were the only ones talking within this group. As the training clinic continues, I get the feeling that the conversations will begin to happen...
Around mile 1.5 (the second time out), I started to feel my IT band. The group was supporting 5, 7, and 9 mile runs. All of them were out-n-back. I knew that I would have to decide when to turn around. While my goal was to do the entire 9 (for a total of 12) I knew from the past week of discussions and reading that if I shorted this run by 4 miles, it would not be detrimental to my marathon. So, at 2.5, when I could really feel my IT band, I told Mike that I wanted to turn around. It turned out to be a good thing because, as we headed back, my knee started to feel worse. It never got excruciating like it has been in the past - and that was a good thing.
On the way back, Mike checked his GPS watch and let me know that we were moving. Moving as in 9:30 minute mile pace. Now, normally, this wouldn't be a big deal. But today, to me, it was. For the 2.5 miles back, we ran at an average pace of 9:37. Now, these were the last 2.5 miles of an 8 mile run. Turns out, after you train for 15 weeks running ridiculous distance, finishing and 8 mile run at a good pace comes naturally. It felt great. It was an amazing boost in confidence.
As for my leg, it feels fine. I am able to walk normally immediately following a long run for the first time in WEEKS. I think that is a good sign and will help with healing. I think I should be able to wrap up the rest of this taper according to Hal's plan :)
Around mile 1.5 (the second time out), I started to feel my IT band. The group was supporting 5, 7, and 9 mile runs. All of them were out-n-back. I knew that I would have to decide when to turn around. While my goal was to do the entire 9 (for a total of 12) I knew from the past week of discussions and reading that if I shorted this run by 4 miles, it would not be detrimental to my marathon. So, at 2.5, when I could really feel my IT band, I told Mike that I wanted to turn around. It turned out to be a good thing because, as we headed back, my knee started to feel worse. It never got excruciating like it has been in the past - and that was a good thing.
On the way back, Mike checked his GPS watch and let me know that we were moving. Moving as in 9:30 minute mile pace. Now, normally, this wouldn't be a big deal. But today, to me, it was. For the 2.5 miles back, we ran at an average pace of 9:37. Now, these were the last 2.5 miles of an 8 mile run. Turns out, after you train for 15 weeks running ridiculous distance, finishing and 8 mile run at a good pace comes naturally. It felt great. It was an amazing boost in confidence.
As for my leg, it feels fine. I am able to walk normally immediately following a long run for the first time in WEEKS. I think that is a good sign and will help with healing. I think I should be able to wrap up the rest of this taper according to Hal's plan :)
Friday, April 16, 2010
I need a lobotomy
Seriously though. If I could be the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, I can guarantee you that running would be much, much easier. Well, assuming that I had legs made of muscle and not straw. Anyhow...
Last night we went out to run 4 miles. I was still nervous about running even though I hadn't felt any pain all day. As we headed out and my ankles started to hurt. Then, the pain went away. Then, the top of my left foot started to hurt. Then, that went away. Then, my left quad started to hurt. Then, that went away. Near the end, my right knee (ie my IT band) started to hurt. And guess what? That too went away. Point here: my mind is so concerned with any sort of pain in my body that it makes crap up. This is very mentally exhausting. By the time I got home, I felt like I had just run 10 miles because I was focusing on every tiny feeling in my body for the entire 4 miles making those 40 minutes seem like an eternity.
So, my goal for this Saturday's run is to talk as much as possible to Carolyn, Laura, and Mike during the run. It is to be distracted by the cherry blossoms. My goal is to revel in the fact that I am in the best shape of my life and to just enjoy the feeling of running.
Last night we went out to run 4 miles. I was still nervous about running even though I hadn't felt any pain all day. As we headed out and my ankles started to hurt. Then, the pain went away. Then, the top of my left foot started to hurt. Then, that went away. Then, my left quad started to hurt. Then, that went away. Near the end, my right knee (ie my IT band) started to hurt. And guess what? That too went away. Point here: my mind is so concerned with any sort of pain in my body that it makes crap up. This is very mentally exhausting. By the time I got home, I felt like I had just run 10 miles because I was focusing on every tiny feeling in my body for the entire 4 miles making those 40 minutes seem like an eternity.
So, my goal for this Saturday's run is to talk as much as possible to Carolyn, Laura, and Mike during the run. It is to be distracted by the cherry blossoms. My goal is to revel in the fact that I am in the best shape of my life and to just enjoy the feeling of running.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
How are you feeling?
People have already started to ask me how I feel. Now that I am done with marathon training, people seem to be curious about my health, how confident I am, etc.
This should sum it up for you. I just saw a picture of the starting line at Eugene and almost puked. That's how I feel. I little nervous, somewhat scared, and unbelievably excited.
This should sum it up for you. I just saw a picture of the starting line at Eugene and almost puked. That's how I feel. I little nervous, somewhat scared, and unbelievably excited.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The 20 mile miracle
After you finish running 20 miles, no matter how much pain you are in or how tired you are, you are happy because you know what? You just ran 20 miles. And this is what that looks like. (I limped into this picture and then limped out of it)
Baby steps
I have been stretching, rolling, taking ibuprofen, and resting to make sure my IT band heals. I told Mike that I was not going to run until I could wake up in the morning without pain. Well, this morning I woke up without pain. But, I could still feel that it was tight. I stretched a lot today day and used the foam roller 4 times. I read about IT band injuries online. I talked to fellow co-workers/runners. Everything I read and heard said that I would be fine taking time off and that I wouldn't lose my fitness before the marathon.
But I want to run! I came home and told Mike that I think that we should try running three miles. As we got ready I was still nervous about the idea of running. We headed out the door and started running. We made it about 50 yards before we stopped. My leg felt weird. It didn't hurt. It just felt odd. Mike gave me a high five and we turned around and started walking towards the house. Then, Mike suggested that we do a loop around the complex (quarter mile) just so I could see how my leg felt. So, we did. My leg felt fine. And then we tried running to the end of the road. So, we did. My leg still felt fine. Once we hit the end of the road, I told Mike that we should just do the three mile run. My leg didn't hurt. Additionally, the weird feeling was going away.
It was 60+ degrees out. I was hot. It felt amazing. We stopped at a crosswalk which is normally when my IT band tightens up. I was so happy to feel that first step without pain. It felt incredible to run without pain. This is the first time I have had a completely pain-free run in over a week.
When we got home, I treated that run like I would a 20 miler. I stretched a lot immediately. I used the foam roller. I took an ice bath. After my ice bath I took a shower, got dressed, and ran down stairs for dinner. No pain.
Tomorrow, maybe we'll try 4 miles :)
But I want to run! I came home and told Mike that I think that we should try running three miles. As we got ready I was still nervous about the idea of running. We headed out the door and started running. We made it about 50 yards before we stopped. My leg felt weird. It didn't hurt. It just felt odd. Mike gave me a high five and we turned around and started walking towards the house. Then, Mike suggested that we do a loop around the complex (quarter mile) just so I could see how my leg felt. So, we did. My leg felt fine. And then we tried running to the end of the road. So, we did. My leg still felt fine. Once we hit the end of the road, I told Mike that we should just do the three mile run. My leg didn't hurt. Additionally, the weird feeling was going away.
It was 60+ degrees out. I was hot. It felt amazing. We stopped at a crosswalk which is normally when my IT band tightens up. I was so happy to feel that first step without pain. It felt incredible to run without pain. This is the first time I have had a completely pain-free run in over a week.
When we got home, I treated that run like I would a 20 miler. I stretched a lot immediately. I used the foam roller. I took an ice bath. After my ice bath I took a shower, got dressed, and ran down stairs for dinner. No pain.
Tomorrow, maybe we'll try 4 miles :)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Days off
When I first found Hal Higdon's training website I was ecstatic. He is a pro, knows what he is doing, and he had it all clearly presented on a website for me. He offers descriptions of each of the runs and how they should feel. After seeing the marathon training plan, I felt confident that I could do it.
And I did. I followed his plan for 5k training. It went great. I followed his plan for 10k training. It went great. I followed his plan for the first 15 weeks of marathon training and it went great, too. I don't stray from the plan. I think that is part of my engineering/logical personality. If the plan says that I should run 16 miles, then I will run 16 miles. I won't even break up the runs. For example, a lot of people run their long runs in two parts because it works easier for their schedule. So, like last weekend when I had to run 20, someone may have run the half marathon that I ran in the morning and then ran 7 more that night. Not me. The plan says to run 20 miles. I will run 20 miles in one fell swoop.
Well, the time has come to stray from the plan and it is really really really difficult for me. My IT band is still inflamed. I can still feel it. I need to take some time off. I am not going to run today. Ack - there I said it. The plan says I should be running 5 miles. But in the description of this week's runs Hal says, "The serious training is done. You now focus on getting to the starting line well rested." Later he says, "The better your preparation (the 15 weeks just past), the more you can afford to take time off, and the more likely you will achieve success." Given that I have not missed a run for the past 15 weeks, I think I am allowed to take a day or two off.
Right?
And I did. I followed his plan for 5k training. It went great. I followed his plan for 10k training. It went great. I followed his plan for the first 15 weeks of marathon training and it went great, too. I don't stray from the plan. I think that is part of my engineering/logical personality. If the plan says that I should run 16 miles, then I will run 16 miles. I won't even break up the runs. For example, a lot of people run their long runs in two parts because it works easier for their schedule. So, like last weekend when I had to run 20, someone may have run the half marathon that I ran in the morning and then ran 7 more that night. Not me. The plan says to run 20 miles. I will run 20 miles in one fell swoop.
Well, the time has come to stray from the plan and it is really really really difficult for me. My IT band is still inflamed. I can still feel it. I need to take some time off. I am not going to run today. Ack - there I said it. The plan says I should be running 5 miles. But in the description of this week's runs Hal says, "The serious training is done. You now focus on getting to the starting line well rested." Later he says, "The better your preparation (the 15 weeks just past), the more you can afford to take time off, and the more likely you will achieve success." Given that I have not missed a run for the past 15 weeks, I think I am allowed to take a day or two off.
Right?
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
You're ready
Saturday I ran longer than I have ever run in my life. TWENTY MILES. Okay, so I didn't run the entire thing, so I think that 18 is the furthest that I have run to date, but I moved my butt 20 miles.
Today was the day that I have been nervous about for months. I would have to run 20 miles after running 20 miles during the week. It consisted of a half marathon and 7 miles afterward.
Half marathon: Race for the Roses. Amazing race. So so so amazing. We met Laura and Carolyn before the race as they also needed to do 20 and wanted to run with us. We were all nervous. So silly, but it's the way it is :) We checked our dry clothes, went to the bathroom, and off we went. The race went great. There were a few uphills but the downhills were awesome making it all worth it. I must say, it was hard thinking that "halfway" for the day was the 10 mile marker. There was a killer hill at the end of the race, but we fought through it and finished. I think our time was around 2:12 which I was very happy about. (I will post the official time when it is posted online)
We ran through the finish and didn't stop. They were handing out roses, but we ran right past. Seven more miles. Let's go.
Around mile 12 of the race, I felt as though I wanted to quit as soon as we crossed the finish line. But when we passed the finish line, I knew that I could finish it and I just had to push through. I made it about 2 miles at training pace before I let the pain in my legs get the better of me. We told Laura and Carolyn to take off and run ahead and we would be behind them. I trudged on with Mike's support telling me that it doesn't matter how slow we go as long as I keep one foot in front of the other. We started walking then running then walking then running. I was chanting "I am strong, I am trained, I am courageous". I made my self laugh when, subconsciously, my chant changed to, "I am strong, I am in pain, I am courageous" :) We probably walked the last half mile or so. My legs hurt. But you know what, I ran a half marathon in a respectable time and I moved my butt 20 miles.
Laura and Carolyn were waiting for us at the end. They both knew that my legs hurt. Laura turned to me and said, "take a few days off. At this point, you're ready, you just need to make sure that you can stand at the starting line without pain." Clearly, an awesome running buddy. The thing that caught me off guard was her comment "you're ready". Holy crap. I am essentially done marathon training. At this point, I am just trying to keep fitness until the marathon. Oh, and rest. This is it. I'm ready. Weird.
We headed inside the convention center to grab our clothes and snacks. At that point, the place was pretty empty. They had granola, yogurt, oranges, and coffee. It was amazing. We sat down at a table and ate, chatted, and enjoyed being done. Mike and I went and got our finisher's photo taken - I will post that as soon as we get it. It will be a wonderful memory of the last long training run.
Bring on Eugene. I'm ready.
Today was the day that I have been nervous about for months. I would have to run 20 miles after running 20 miles during the week. It consisted of a half marathon and 7 miles afterward.
Half marathon: Race for the Roses. Amazing race. So so so amazing. We met Laura and Carolyn before the race as they also needed to do 20 and wanted to run with us. We were all nervous. So silly, but it's the way it is :) We checked our dry clothes, went to the bathroom, and off we went. The race went great. There were a few uphills but the downhills were awesome making it all worth it. I must say, it was hard thinking that "halfway" for the day was the 10 mile marker. There was a killer hill at the end of the race, but we fought through it and finished. I think our time was around 2:12 which I was very happy about. (I will post the official time when it is posted online)
We ran through the finish and didn't stop. They were handing out roses, but we ran right past. Seven more miles. Let's go.
Around mile 12 of the race, I felt as though I wanted to quit as soon as we crossed the finish line. But when we passed the finish line, I knew that I could finish it and I just had to push through. I made it about 2 miles at training pace before I let the pain in my legs get the better of me. We told Laura and Carolyn to take off and run ahead and we would be behind them. I trudged on with Mike's support telling me that it doesn't matter how slow we go as long as I keep one foot in front of the other. We started walking then running then walking then running. I was chanting "I am strong, I am trained, I am courageous". I made my self laugh when, subconsciously, my chant changed to, "I am strong, I am in pain, I am courageous" :) We probably walked the last half mile or so. My legs hurt. But you know what, I ran a half marathon in a respectable time and I moved my butt 20 miles.
Laura and Carolyn were waiting for us at the end. They both knew that my legs hurt. Laura turned to me and said, "take a few days off. At this point, you're ready, you just need to make sure that you can stand at the starting line without pain." Clearly, an awesome running buddy. The thing that caught me off guard was her comment "you're ready". Holy crap. I am essentially done marathon training. At this point, I am just trying to keep fitness until the marathon. Oh, and rest. This is it. I'm ready. Weird.
We headed inside the convention center to grab our clothes and snacks. At that point, the place was pretty empty. They had granola, yogurt, oranges, and coffee. It was amazing. We sat down at a table and ate, chatted, and enjoyed being done. Mike and I went and got our finisher's photo taken - I will post that as soon as we get it. It will be a wonderful memory of the last long training run.
Bring on Eugene. I'm ready.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The unthinkable
Here we are. We've made it through 14 weeks of Hal Higdon's marathon training program. Now we have week 15. The biggest week of them all: 5-10-5-20. I will run 40 miles this week. Honestly, 14 weeks ago, I remember looking at this week and thinking, "there is no way I will be able to do that, ever." Well, we're here and I have every intention of kicking week 15's butt. From Hal's website: "This is the infamous Week 15, the peak week of your training with 40 miles total for the week and a 20-miler on the weekend. Rather than fear this 20-miler, you should greet it with near the same enthusiasm you will greet the marathon one month from now. But, for the time being, take it easy."
I was really looking forward to Tuesday's 5 miler. I love my 5 mile route and I was so excited to run on pavement (not mud/snow/rain) again. Within the first mile my kinks were worked out and I felt great. A while back I mentioned how 3 miles was becoming pretty darn easy, well 5 miles has done that now. I feel like a runner. I like running. In saying that alone I feel as though I have accomplished something.
Today, we have our 10 miler. That is as big as Wednesday runs get. From here on out on Wednesdays we taper down. Today's run is going to be amazing. Sun and all.
I was really looking forward to Tuesday's 5 miler. I love my 5 mile route and I was so excited to run on pavement (not mud/snow/rain) again. Within the first mile my kinks were worked out and I felt great. A while back I mentioned how 3 miles was becoming pretty darn easy, well 5 miles has done that now. I feel like a runner. I like running. In saying that alone I feel as though I have accomplished something.
Today, we have our 10 miler. That is as big as Wednesday runs get. From here on out on Wednesdays we taper down. Today's run is going to be amazing. Sun and all.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Cold feet
Today we ran the Vernonia Half Marathon. I was super excited because it is the first race we have run since January where all we had to run that day is the race. That means I could push a little harder and see how fast and awesome I could run a half marathon. My first "official" half marathon.
I'm going to spoil the story for you here: it was EASILY the worst race of my life and, possibly, the worst run of my life.
We left the house around 8am and headed northwest to Vernonia. Vernonia is a very small town 45 minutes away in the boonies. We had a big storm last night and it was still cold, but we were hoping it would taper off a bit for the race. As we headed towards Vernonia we witnessed some very bad news. Snow. Inches of it on the ground. Then, worse, it started falling. This would be a cold, wet race no doubt. But, I've been training through the winter - I am used to this and I could handle it, right?
We get to the check-in, get our numbers, our shirts, and check our dry clothes bag. The whole setup was outside in a park in a covered picnic area. There were 3 heating lamps that people were huddled around. It was about 34 degrees with no sign of warming up. At 9:30 we started the race. Running felt great. It started snowing within the first mile and then seemed to clear up. The next 9 miles went great. So great, in fact, that I was convinced that I was going to shatter my goal of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Despite having to navigate through a lot of slush on the paved trail, everything was going great.
And then my hopes and dreams of a great race were shattered. The next 4 miles were one disappointment after another. It started with the beginning of the unpaved portion of the trail. I was expecting packed gravel, and that's probably what it was before last night's storm hit. Instead we got mud, puddles/lakes, ice, etc. It was awful. Every step I took seemed to be a half-step because my feet were just slipping all over the place. It was okay, because I knew that there was a downhill coming...
Boy was I right. In fact, it was such a downhill that there was a volunteer standing at the top telling us to be careful because it is a very steep hill and it is very slippery. So, I got my downhill, but in trying not to hurt myself, I had to walk it. All that climbing for nothing. We got to the bottom, crossed a road, and looked at the steep, slippery downhill's evil brother. The uphill version. Now, this hill was so nasty that Mike suggested that we just walk it. Mike. My husband. The one that can push through everything and helps me to push through. Walking. That's how bad it was. Ok. This mud crap has to be over soon, right? Wrong. We had at least 2 more miles of it. Seriously, these puddles were ankle deep and we really had no option but to run right through them. My pants were soaked with mud up to my knees. Every step was a calculated placement making the physical and mental challenge of this race unmatched. I was pretty sure that someone was going to jump out of the woods and tell us that this was all a big joke.
And then it appeared again - the paved trail. With a gradual downhill. Straight from heaven. It felt amazing to RUN again. It was at this point when I started thinking, "okay, all the mud and snow and wet was bad, but this is okay. We are almost done and I feel like I have done a pretty good job. Let's finish this." I spent every moment of that pavement trying to stay positive about that race. And then there it was. The turn that would shatter all of my positive thinking. There was a race volunteer standing at the end of the paved trail, pointing towards a road, saying "just a quarter mile longer". Well, that road that he was pointing at was STRAIGHT uphill. The guy that was running in front of us just gave up and started walking. I sighed a big sigh and just started crying. The good news was that in .25 miles this nightmare would be over. The bad news was that I had to climb Mt. Ridiculous before finishing. Mike started in, "you can totally do this. Come on. You are awesome." I did. I dug in, kept one foot in front of the other, and ran up that hill. We saw the 13 mile marker at the top of the hill, turned into the parking lot and finished the race. 13.1 miles. 2 hours and 18 minutes. Ugh.
I got my medal and a space blanket. It was freezing. We rode a bus back to the start of the race. As we were walking back to the car I was fighting back tears. I was cold, absolutely exhausted, and totally defeated.
Mike spent the drive home trying to cheer me up. He's a pretty awesome running partner. He asked me, "Don't you feel sort of good? You just ran a half marathon!" At that point, I really couldn't answer yes. In fact, as I write this, I am still not sure I can answer yes. I am very happy that I am able to run a half marathon - especially THAT half marathon. But I ran 18 miles last week. 26.2 is my goal. I will feel accomplished when I get there. As for today, I am thankful that my feet are no longer soaked with mud :)
I'm going to spoil the story for you here: it was EASILY the worst race of my life and, possibly, the worst run of my life.
We left the house around 8am and headed northwest to Vernonia. Vernonia is a very small town 45 minutes away in the boonies. We had a big storm last night and it was still cold, but we were hoping it would taper off a bit for the race. As we headed towards Vernonia we witnessed some very bad news. Snow. Inches of it on the ground. Then, worse, it started falling. This would be a cold, wet race no doubt. But, I've been training through the winter - I am used to this and I could handle it, right?
We get to the check-in, get our numbers, our shirts, and check our dry clothes bag. The whole setup was outside in a park in a covered picnic area. There were 3 heating lamps that people were huddled around. It was about 34 degrees with no sign of warming up. At 9:30 we started the race. Running felt great. It started snowing within the first mile and then seemed to clear up. The next 9 miles went great. So great, in fact, that I was convinced that I was going to shatter my goal of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Despite having to navigate through a lot of slush on the paved trail, everything was going great.
And then my hopes and dreams of a great race were shattered. The next 4 miles were one disappointment after another. It started with the beginning of the unpaved portion of the trail. I was expecting packed gravel, and that's probably what it was before last night's storm hit. Instead we got mud, puddles/lakes, ice, etc. It was awful. Every step I took seemed to be a half-step because my feet were just slipping all over the place. It was okay, because I knew that there was a downhill coming...Boy was I right. In fact, it was such a downhill that there was a volunteer standing at the top telling us to be careful because it is a very steep hill and it is very slippery. So, I got my downhill, but in trying not to hurt myself, I had to walk it. All that climbing for nothing. We got to the bottom, crossed a road, and looked at the steep, slippery downhill's evil brother. The uphill version. Now, this hill was so nasty that Mike suggested that we just walk it. Mike. My husband. The one that can push through everything and helps me to push through. Walking. That's how bad it was. Ok. This mud crap has to be over soon, right? Wrong. We had at least 2 more miles of it. Seriously, these puddles were ankle deep and we really had no option but to run right through them. My pants were soaked with mud up to my knees. Every step was a calculated placement making the physical and mental challenge of this race unmatched. I was pretty sure that someone was going to jump out of the woods and tell us that this was all a big joke.
And then it appeared again - the paved trail. With a gradual downhill. Straight from heaven. It felt amazing to RUN again. It was at this point when I started thinking, "okay, all the mud and snow and wet was bad, but this is okay. We are almost done and I feel like I have done a pretty good job. Let's finish this." I spent every moment of that pavement trying to stay positive about that race. And then there it was. The turn that would shatter all of my positive thinking. There was a race volunteer standing at the end of the paved trail, pointing towards a road, saying "just a quarter mile longer". Well, that road that he was pointing at was STRAIGHT uphill. The guy that was running in front of us just gave up and started walking. I sighed a big sigh and just started crying. The good news was that in .25 miles this nightmare would be over. The bad news was that I had to climb Mt. Ridiculous before finishing. Mike started in, "you can totally do this. Come on. You are awesome." I did. I dug in, kept one foot in front of the other, and ran up that hill. We saw the 13 mile marker at the top of the hill, turned into the parking lot and finished the race. 13.1 miles. 2 hours and 18 minutes. Ugh.
I got my medal and a space blanket. It was freezing. We rode a bus back to the start of the race. As we were walking back to the car I was fighting back tears. I was cold, absolutely exhausted, and totally defeated.
Mike spent the drive home trying to cheer me up. He's a pretty awesome running partner. He asked me, "Don't you feel sort of good? You just ran a half marathon!" At that point, I really couldn't answer yes. In fact, as I write this, I am still not sure I can answer yes. I am very happy that I am able to run a half marathon - especially THAT half marathon. But I ran 18 miles last week. 26.2 is my goal. I will feel accomplished when I get there. As for today, I am thankful that my feet are no longer soaked with mud :)
19th mile
Thursday's run was another five miler. Towards the end, I just felt tired. We ran 19 miles this week - 5 on Tuesday, 9 on Wednesday, and 5 on Thursday. It's just a physical beat-down at this point. Finishing my Thursday run always feels like my biggest accomplishment of the week. It is a great way to start a Friday :)
Awesome route
A week ago on Wednesday, Mike and I ran 9 miles for the first time on a Wednesday. That meant that we needed to find a new route. Well, we did, ran on a golf course, and got in trouble. So this Wednesday, I had to find yet another 9 mile route. I mapped it out - Mike thought that it looked pretty good, so we headed out.
The first 5 miles were very familiar - we had run those same 5 miles before. Then we ventured out to uncharted territory. Every time we do this (try a new route) it's always kind of an adventure. Will it be really hilly? Will there be sidewalks? Will there be a clear running path? Will there be lots of traffic?
This route was perfect. It was a gradual downhill with great sidewalks through a quiet neighborhood. It was just a great run.
I love days like that.
The first 5 miles were very familiar - we had run those same 5 miles before. Then we ventured out to uncharted territory. Every time we do this (try a new route) it's always kind of an adventure. Will it be really hilly? Will there be sidewalks? Will there be a clear running path? Will there be lots of traffic?
This route was perfect. It was a gradual downhill with great sidewalks through a quiet neighborhood. It was just a great run.
I love days like that.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Blech
Yesterday I took my vitamins after lunch - probably around 2pm. So, technically, I didn't really take them with food, but I figured I would be okay. 5 o'clock rolls around and we head our for our 5 miler. Half mile into the run, I realize, sadly, that not taking my vitamins with food really does make me sick. I didn't puke or anything, but I felt nauseous, very very nauseous for 4.5 miles.
Other than the constant feeling that I needed to vomit, the run felt great :)
Other than the constant feeling that I needed to vomit, the run felt great :)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Week 31
That's right, I've been running for 30 weeks. So far, I have run 430 miles. We have five weeks left. 132 miles left to run before I am standing on the starting line in Eugene. It is all becoming very very real.
In the next couple of weekends, Mike and I will be running two half marathons. I figure, while I am in the shape to run them, I might as well get the t-shirts. That way, in 6 months when I have totally stopped running, I can wear my half marathon t-shirts and still lead people to think that I am a running badass :) This weekend we are running the Vernonia Half Marathon. We are slated to run 14 miles, so that will work out perfectly. Next weekend we will be running the Race for the Roses half marathon. That weekend, we have to run our 20 miler. Our plan is to run the half then head out immediately after crossing the finish line and run the remaining 7. Our running friends, Carolyn and Laura, will be joining us.
After those weekends, we back off. We run 12 miles one weekend and then 8 the next. Then, we're done. We're there. All we will have left is 26.2.
In the next couple of weekends, Mike and I will be running two half marathons. I figure, while I am in the shape to run them, I might as well get the t-shirts. That way, in 6 months when I have totally stopped running, I can wear my half marathon t-shirts and still lead people to think that I am a running badass :) This weekend we are running the Vernonia Half Marathon. We are slated to run 14 miles, so that will work out perfectly. Next weekend we will be running the Race for the Roses half marathon. That weekend, we have to run our 20 miler. Our plan is to run the half then head out immediately after crossing the finish line and run the remaining 7. Our running friends, Carolyn and Laura, will be joining us.
After those weekends, we back off. We run 12 miles one weekend and then 8 the next. Then, we're done. We're there. All we will have left is 26.2.
Monday, March 29, 2010
I am the strongest.
Saturday I ran longer than I have ever run in my life. EIGHTEEN MILES. Let's have a moment of silence to honor my awesomeness.
I was nervous about Saturday's run. Prior to this, the longest run I had ever done was 16 miles. However, I feel like I sort of cheated because I had the adrenaline from a race and a 4 mile downhill to help me out. The last time I tried to run just a regular long training route was when I ran/suffered through 15 miles. I gave up and walked for part of that run and I was terrified that I would do the same thing this time. Even worse, it was the same route.
The route consisted of two loops - the first was a 6 mile loop ending back where we started and the second was a 14 mile out-n-back totaling 20 miles. Because we only had to do 18, we took off 20 minutes after our group and headed in the opposite direction, catching them after they had done 4. That way, we only do our 18.
Within the first mile of running with the group, our friend Carolyn eats it. Her shoe caught a crack in the sidewalk and she face planted into the cement. It looked awful. Everyone stopped, she caught her breath and demanded we keep moving. What a champ. That was a big inspiration. Less than a mile after that, another guy takes a dive. Throughout the day there were at least 2 more serious trips. Clearly, after that, my eyes did not leave the sidewalk. They say it was a beautiful day - I'll take their word for it :)
I ate a Gu packet after 4 miles. We headed out on the first half of the out-n-back. 7 miles. It went great. Just as great as it had three weeks ago when I ran the first half of my 15. I ate another Gu packet and we turned around and headed back. 11 down, 7 to go. That first step on the way back hurt. My IT band was tightening up on my knee. It took me a good five minutes to get it worked out. I felt my Gu packet kick in around a mile and a half in on the way back. I knew that I could do this...
Around 16 miles I wanted to stop. Bad. Nothing really hurt - my lungs were fine, my legs were fine, but I was tired. I was done. It was everything in me to keep one foot in front of the other. It was at that point that my running angels approached me. Carolyn running behind me says, "Lisa, you look really strong. Nice work." Mike is, of course, telling me how much I kick ass and how proud of me he is. Bill, our pace leader, starts running next to me and gives me a lesson on affirmations. He had me saying "I am the STRONGEST" over in my head for the remaining two miles. Another runner, Brian, came and talked to me about - I can't even remember, but I remember that it helped me out.
And then it was over. 18 miles. Done. I ran 18 miles.
I was nervous about Saturday's run. Prior to this, the longest run I had ever done was 16 miles. However, I feel like I sort of cheated because I had the adrenaline from a race and a 4 mile downhill to help me out. The last time I tried to run just a regular long training route was when I ran/suffered through 15 miles. I gave up and walked for part of that run and I was terrified that I would do the same thing this time. Even worse, it was the same route.
The route consisted of two loops - the first was a 6 mile loop ending back where we started and the second was a 14 mile out-n-back totaling 20 miles. Because we only had to do 18, we took off 20 minutes after our group and headed in the opposite direction, catching them after they had done 4. That way, we only do our 18.
Within the first mile of running with the group, our friend Carolyn eats it. Her shoe caught a crack in the sidewalk and she face planted into the cement. It looked awful. Everyone stopped, she caught her breath and demanded we keep moving. What a champ. That was a big inspiration. Less than a mile after that, another guy takes a dive. Throughout the day there were at least 2 more serious trips. Clearly, after that, my eyes did not leave the sidewalk. They say it was a beautiful day - I'll take their word for it :)
I ate a Gu packet after 4 miles. We headed out on the first half of the out-n-back. 7 miles. It went great. Just as great as it had three weeks ago when I ran the first half of my 15. I ate another Gu packet and we turned around and headed back. 11 down, 7 to go. That first step on the way back hurt. My IT band was tightening up on my knee. It took me a good five minutes to get it worked out. I felt my Gu packet kick in around a mile and a half in on the way back. I knew that I could do this...
Around 16 miles I wanted to stop. Bad. Nothing really hurt - my lungs were fine, my legs were fine, but I was tired. I was done. It was everything in me to keep one foot in front of the other. It was at that point that my running angels approached me. Carolyn running behind me says, "Lisa, you look really strong. Nice work." Mike is, of course, telling me how much I kick ass and how proud of me he is. Bill, our pace leader, starts running next to me and gives me a lesson on affirmations. He had me saying "I am the STRONGEST" over in my head for the remaining two miles. Another runner, Brian, came and talked to me about - I can't even remember, but I remember that it helped me out.
And then it was over. 18 miles. Done. I ran 18 miles.
Teh suck.
Thursday was one of those days. It was kind of rainy and kind of windy. I did not want to run. I mean, I REALLY did not want to run. Not to fear, I did. The run went fine, of course, but when it was over, I turned to Mike and said, "I REALLY did not want to do that."
Here's the thing. I've been training since September. We have not skipped a run due to not wanting to run. Thursday was the first time that I really felt burnt out.
Note to self: after 7 months of consistent running, you get a day when you don't feel like running. Push through. It's worth it.
Here's the thing. I've been training since September. We have not skipped a run due to not wanting to run. Thursday was the first time that I really felt burnt out.
Note to self: after 7 months of consistent running, you get a day when you don't feel like running. Push through. It's worth it.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Breakin' the law
Wednesday's run was LONG. Nine miles long. I was loopy by the time we got home. It was another beautiful day and the temp was in the high 60s.
Every time we reach a new mileage (last Wednesday was 8), I have to come up with a new running route. Normally they are some variation of the same loops that we've been running for months. But when the mileage climbs, I am always challenged to find some road, sidewalk, or trail that we haven't run before. This time, I found the perfect one - all the way around a beautiful golf course.
Out we go on our normal route, run an out and back on the latest new trail, and then connect to my newly discovered paved golf course path. At this point, we've run about 5 miles. There is no one on the course. Then, in the distance we see two golfers rolling their bags in the grass (not where we are running). As we get closer to them, I begin to smile and prepare to say hello - it is a beautiful day and these guys are golfing (and don't even have to carry their bags), they should be super happy. We run by them and I say hi. One of the guys asks us, "do you guys live on the course?" I reply, "no". He says, "well, its probably not a good idea to run on the course." We sort of mumble "okay" and keep on running. After we pass him, Mike informs me that normally you aren't supposed to run on golf courses. Fine. Even so, what does "not a good idea" mean? That I might get hit by a golf ball? If that's the case, isn't grumpy golfer man running the same risk?
Which brings me to the point of this blog. Runners are not allowed on paved golf course paths. Okay, I get it. Your golf cart does not want to be blocked by runners and walkers - I can understand that and will not break the rules again. However, if rules could be ordered in some sort of breaking severity list where murder is number one, I am pretty sure that running on a golf course would be below pulling your sister's hair and just above using your outside voice inside.
Every time we reach a new mileage (last Wednesday was 8), I have to come up with a new running route. Normally they are some variation of the same loops that we've been running for months. But when the mileage climbs, I am always challenged to find some road, sidewalk, or trail that we haven't run before. This time, I found the perfect one - all the way around a beautiful golf course.
Out we go on our normal route, run an out and back on the latest new trail, and then connect to my newly discovered paved golf course path. At this point, we've run about 5 miles. There is no one on the course. Then, in the distance we see two golfers rolling their bags in the grass (not where we are running). As we get closer to them, I begin to smile and prepare to say hello - it is a beautiful day and these guys are golfing (and don't even have to carry their bags), they should be super happy. We run by them and I say hi. One of the guys asks us, "do you guys live on the course?" I reply, "no". He says, "well, its probably not a good idea to run on the course." We sort of mumble "okay" and keep on running. After we pass him, Mike informs me that normally you aren't supposed to run on golf courses. Fine. Even so, what does "not a good idea" mean? That I might get hit by a golf ball? If that's the case, isn't grumpy golfer man running the same risk?
Which brings me to the point of this blog. Runners are not allowed on paved golf course paths. Okay, I get it. Your golf cart does not want to be blocked by runners and walkers - I can understand that and will not break the rules again. However, if rules could be ordered in some sort of breaking severity list where murder is number one, I am pretty sure that running on a golf course would be below pulling your sister's hair and just above using your outside voice inside.
Entertainment
Oh gosh. Tuesday's run was hysterical. The first mile at least.
Lots of people wear iPods when they run. I don't anymore. I like to talk to Mike and hear the sounds around me as I run. Sometimes it can get boring, but most of the time there is always something there to entertain you.
Tuesday's entertainment lasted a good half mile. We had just turned a corner when we saw a full grown man ahead of us chasing a skateboard across the road. He caught it, picked it up, got to the opposite sidewalk, and started riding it. Now this guy had to be in his 20s easy. He had big baggy pants and a big white sweatshirt. And, from what we saw, it looked as though he was trying to learn how to ride a skateboard.
He got on the board, and with his first push, fell off, and started chasing it. At this point, we were both giggling. Mike commented that he would probably look just like that if he tried to skateboard again. But this guy was doing it. In broad daylight. On the opposite sidewalk. Now, to give you an idea as to how bad it was going, we were keeping up with this guy. Then came the downhill. He started going down, swerving back and forth to try to slow the speed. He did great. But then there was the uphill. Mike turned to me and said, "oh gosh, now he has to try to push." Sure enough, foot off, push and fall off. We were busting up. We turned to finish up the rest of our run.
Lots of people wear iPods when they run. I don't anymore. I like to talk to Mike and hear the sounds around me as I run. Sometimes it can get boring, but most of the time there is always something there to entertain you.
Tuesday's entertainment lasted a good half mile. We had just turned a corner when we saw a full grown man ahead of us chasing a skateboard across the road. He caught it, picked it up, got to the opposite sidewalk, and started riding it. Now this guy had to be in his 20s easy. He had big baggy pants and a big white sweatshirt. And, from what we saw, it looked as though he was trying to learn how to ride a skateboard.
He got on the board, and with his first push, fell off, and started chasing it. At this point, we were both giggling. Mike commented that he would probably look just like that if he tried to skateboard again. But this guy was doing it. In broad daylight. On the opposite sidewalk. Now, to give you an idea as to how bad it was going, we were keeping up with this guy. Then came the downhill. He started going down, swerving back and forth to try to slow the speed. He did great. But then there was the uphill. Mike turned to me and said, "oh gosh, now he has to try to push." Sure enough, foot off, push and fall off. We were busting up. We turned to finish up the rest of our run.
Atypical
Saturday's 12 miler was a breeze. It was a bright warm day. We ran along the Willamette River and it was just perfect. I ate my first Gu at six miles - the texture was really gross but the energy that I got from it made it all worth it. During our run, we were talking with our friend, Carolyn. Mike told her that when he and I got home we should ride out to Helvetia tavern for burgers. Carolyn immediately responded, "ride?!?!" Clearly she could not understand how we would ride bikes to a remote restaurant after running 12 miles. Because that's what runners do - they ride their pedal bikes. Mike replied to her, "oh, I have a Harley." End of conversation.
Mike and I are novice runners. There are times when we are with our running group when we show our true colors and get funny looks. I remember the first time that I told the group that I ate lucky charms before my Saturday long runs. I got some chuckles and some funny looks. For weeks Mike and I would get asked where our water belts were. We finally got with the program: I started eating pb&j and we got a water belt. Those things have been tremendously helpful. We feel like we are staring to sort of fit in. We're turning into runners. And then we go home...
After our run, we came home to our dog. Not our lab or our retriever, but our cairn terrier. We tried running with her once and that failed miserably. Penny has three speeds: sprint, walk, and lay down. We definitely do not have a running dog. Every week the Run Oregon blog features a "dog of the week" and I always think about sending Penny's picture in - she may not be a running dog, but she boosts my spirits when I get home from a run :)
After greeting Penny, we took showers, got on our riding gear, and rode the Harley out to a hole-in-the wall tavern for burgers, onion rings, fries, and root beer! Saturday long runs deserve a meal like that. For us at least :)
As I was sucking down my third glass of root beer to rehydrate, I realized that no one in that tavern would peg us as runners. And no one seeing us walking our dog would peg us as Harley riders. And no one that we just ran 12 miles with is on their third glass of root beer! Why be part of one group when you can reap the benefits of being part of all of them :)
Mike and I are novice runners. There are times when we are with our running group when we show our true colors and get funny looks. I remember the first time that I told the group that I ate lucky charms before my Saturday long runs. I got some chuckles and some funny looks. For weeks Mike and I would get asked where our water belts were. We finally got with the program: I started eating pb&j and we got a water belt. Those things have been tremendously helpful. We feel like we are staring to sort of fit in. We're turning into runners. And then we go home...
After our run, we came home to our dog. Not our lab or our retriever, but our cairn terrier. We tried running with her once and that failed miserably. Penny has three speeds: sprint, walk, and lay down. We definitely do not have a running dog. Every week the Run Oregon blog features a "dog of the week" and I always think about sending Penny's picture in - she may not be a running dog, but she boosts my spirits when I get home from a run :)
After greeting Penny, we took showers, got on our riding gear, and rode the Harley out to a hole-in-the wall tavern for burgers, onion rings, fries, and root beer! Saturday long runs deserve a meal like that. For us at least :)As I was sucking down my third glass of root beer to rehydrate, I realized that no one in that tavern would peg us as runners. And no one seeing us walking our dog would peg us as Harley riders. And no one that we just ran 12 miles with is on their third glass of root beer! Why be part of one group when you can reap the benefits of being part of all of them :)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Maxing out
Thursday was an exciting day for me. Since last September, I have been increasing my mileage of all of my runs. My short runs get longer. My midweek runs get longer. My long runs get longer. Until Thursday.
We ran 5 miles yesterday. From here on out, that is the most that we will run on Thursday. Then, we start to back down for the marathon. Soon, I will get to say the same thing about my Tuesday run, then my Wednesday run. On May 3rd, I will finally get to say that about my long run :)
We ran 5 miles yesterday. From here on out, that is the most that we will run on Thursday. Then, we start to back down for the marathon. Soon, I will get to say the same thing about my Tuesday run, then my Wednesday run. On May 3rd, I will finally get to say that about my long run :)
Ridiculousness
I ran 32 miles last week. I will run 29 this week and 36 next week. Imagine how long it takes you to drive that far - that helps me to realize how ridiculous this is.
As we get up in mileage, I am starting to learn, first-hand, about things that real athletes go through in order to train.
Eating and drinking. You know my stance on carbo loading, but the focus on eating in general is just crazy. Every Saturday morning I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Anyone can tell you that peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a lunch item. Lucky Charms are a breakfast item. However, when we run as much as we do, apparently I need the fat or calories or sugar or something. On Fridays, I have to be sure to hydrate. You can't drink a lot of water before a run or you will have to pee a lot. So you have to be sure to hydrate the day before. And everyone knows that water is not the beverage of choice on a Friday evening...
Vitamins. I really really really hate taking vitamins. They always get caught in my throat and, if I haven't had enough to eat, they make me sick. While training, I have been sure to take them regularly as I know my bones and blood and all that good stuff needs what those vitamins have.
Chafing. Okay, so I didn't realize this one until my first 13 mile run. Mind you, I wear the uber top-of-the-line sports bra and it works great until 13 miles. After that, no luck. I have permanent bruns/scabs around my torso where my sports bra hits. Once this marathon is long gone, I will most likely be left with some pretty awesome scarring. This week I went out and bought Body Glide. It is like deodorant for your skin that helps with chafing. Let me just say, it is utterly embarrassing walking up to a (male) Sports Authority employee asking him, "um, do you know where your Body Glide is?" I tried using it this past Wednesday and it seems to work pretty well. Still though, Body Glide? Am I really to the point where I need to use Body Glide?
"Aid". During your run, whatever you eat and drink is referred to as "aid". Up until recently "aid" to me was a bottle of water. Then it turned into some Gatorade. Now I am at the point where I am eating Gu. I never ever imagined or dreamed that I would come to a point in my life where I would ever do something that necessitated Gu. I remember people telling me before I started running that marathoners need to eat while they run. I honestly pictured a person running along with bowl of macaroni and cheese thinking, "how weird. I wonder how that works." Unfortunately, I don't get to eat mac-n-cheese. Just Gu. Little packets of gel. mmm
Pain. I have been sore for 3 months. Seriously. I wake up in the morning, stretch, and notice at least 4 different parts of my body that hurt. Not severe pain, just achy. After runs, I get to feel my muscles tighten up. My feet hurt. I learned what my IT band is and that I need to do stretches a lot to make sure it doesn't leave me in pain. And then there is the pain associated with that last mile of any run. It's good and bad but its always there.
There are so many more things - dogs, cars, shoes, clothes, the right underwear, running belts, lack of sleep, lack of social time, lack of friends :) etc. - that people endure to train. It is a blast learning about all of it. I laugh a lot. I don't know if I will ever do something like this again. One thing I do know is that I have so much respect for all of those real athletes out there - the ones that wake up every day to run or bike or swim or lift. All to reach a goal. They truly inspire me.
But seriously guys, the chafing is unbearable.
As we get up in mileage, I am starting to learn, first-hand, about things that real athletes go through in order to train.
Eating and drinking. You know my stance on carbo loading, but the focus on eating in general is just crazy. Every Saturday morning I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Anyone can tell you that peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a lunch item. Lucky Charms are a breakfast item. However, when we run as much as we do, apparently I need the fat or calories or sugar or something. On Fridays, I have to be sure to hydrate. You can't drink a lot of water before a run or you will have to pee a lot. So you have to be sure to hydrate the day before. And everyone knows that water is not the beverage of choice on a Friday evening...
Vitamins. I really really really hate taking vitamins. They always get caught in my throat and, if I haven't had enough to eat, they make me sick. While training, I have been sure to take them regularly as I know my bones and blood and all that good stuff needs what those vitamins have.
Chafing. Okay, so I didn't realize this one until my first 13 mile run. Mind you, I wear the uber top-of-the-line sports bra and it works great until 13 miles. After that, no luck. I have permanent bruns/scabs around my torso where my sports bra hits. Once this marathon is long gone, I will most likely be left with some pretty awesome scarring. This week I went out and bought Body Glide. It is like deodorant for your skin that helps with chafing. Let me just say, it is utterly embarrassing walking up to a (male) Sports Authority employee asking him, "um, do you know where your Body Glide is?" I tried using it this past Wednesday and it seems to work pretty well. Still though, Body Glide? Am I really to the point where I need to use Body Glide?
"Aid". During your run, whatever you eat and drink is referred to as "aid". Up until recently "aid" to me was a bottle of water. Then it turned into some Gatorade. Now I am at the point where I am eating Gu. I never ever imagined or dreamed that I would come to a point in my life where I would ever do something that necessitated Gu. I remember people telling me before I started running that marathoners need to eat while they run. I honestly pictured a person running along with bowl of macaroni and cheese thinking, "how weird. I wonder how that works." Unfortunately, I don't get to eat mac-n-cheese. Just Gu. Little packets of gel. mmm
Pain. I have been sore for 3 months. Seriously. I wake up in the morning, stretch, and notice at least 4 different parts of my body that hurt. Not severe pain, just achy. After runs, I get to feel my muscles tighten up. My feet hurt. I learned what my IT band is and that I need to do stretches a lot to make sure it doesn't leave me in pain. And then there is the pain associated with that last mile of any run. It's good and bad but its always there.
There are so many more things - dogs, cars, shoes, clothes, the right underwear, running belts, lack of sleep, lack of social time, lack of friends :) etc. - that people endure to train. It is a blast learning about all of it. I laugh a lot. I don't know if I will ever do something like this again. One thing I do know is that I have so much respect for all of those real athletes out there - the ones that wake up every day to run or bike or swim or lift. All to reach a goal. They truly inspire me.
But seriously guys, the chafing is unbearable.
Happy St. Patty's day
You know what's great about running 8 miles on St. Patty's day? You can eat all the corned beef you want guilt free! Our Wednesday run went great. I wore shorts and a tshirt and sunglasses. We started around 4:30 and were home by 6. We took quick showers and then had neighbors and friends over for corned beef, cabbage, Irish soda bread, beer - duh, and Guinness pudding! YUM
You know what the bad part of running 8 miles on St. Patty's day? You can't stay awake past 9:30. So much for a wild night :)
You know what the bad part of running 8 miles on St. Patty's day? You can't stay awake past 9:30. So much for a wild night :)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
SHORTS!!!
On Tuesday, I ran in a tshirt and capris. Today I am going to wear shorts. The forecast looks like I will be able to wear shorts for the rest of the week. Not that I don't adore my Nike pants, but I am very excited about shorts - ooh and running in warmness. We'll see what I say when those 90 degree days get here. For now, I am happy :)
Running with Mike
I love my running partner, obviously. This post is for me to remember what training for a marathon with him is like and for anyone reading this to understand what he is like to run with.
Mike is an athlete. He can seriously do anything physical that he wants if he puts his mind to it. When it comes to running, he totally tackles the mental battle. It's pretty amazing. Additionally, he is fairly fast. At one point when he was training in State College, I am pretty sure he could run a 5k on a treadmill in 19 minutes. Last night, when I took the day off, he ran 8 miles at an easy pace in 1:07.
Mike has always wanted to run with me. He loves working out with a partner and since his #1 workout partner lives in Colorado, he was very excited when I decided to train for a marathon. While I run slow, he tells me that the distance is still a good workout for him.
Because of his strength, Mike has WAY more breath and energy than I do during any given run. This is great when I want to be pushed. He can keep up with me whenever I decide to sprint and he never falls back on hills. He always runs ahead of me to push the crosswalk button so I don't have to and he is my second pair of eyes on the roads and cars to keep me safe.
Mike uses some of his excess energy in other ways during our runs. Let me entertain you:
- He talks. Mostly about math. I have heard about matrices, quantum physics, converging series, q-series, proofs, counting, primes (regular and Mersenne), teaching methods, coding theory, etc. Most of the time, because I am a nerd too, its pretty interesting. Also, I know that he doesn't expect me to respond, so its a good topic. If he ever asks me a question or tries to start a conversation on a run and I just don't have the breath, all I have to say is, "later", and he totally drops it.
- A few weeks back he informed me, during mile 4 of our run, that sometimes, on our short runs, he likes to try to run just on his toes. He likes to try to keep his heels up. Then he demonstrates for me. I don't have the energy to look over, so I just see in my peripheral that he is bouncing more than normal. "It's a good workout", he says. Meanwhile, I am trying to make it up a hill.
- Near mile 8 of the Shamrock Run (i.e. mile 14 of a 16 mile run) there was an "aid station" handing out cups of Pabst Blue Ribbon. If you recall, I was tired and my legs were dead. Mike, on the other hand, tells me to keep running, dashes across the course to the opposite side of the road, grabs a big red cup full of beer, downs it, throws the cup away, and catches up with me.
- While I stare at the ground when I run, Mike looks around and announces to me what he sees. For example, "Wow, that house is really purple!" (That is an exact quote).
- When running with our group, no matter how far we have run, he is always able to bend down to pick up dropped water bottles, etc. Around mile 17 or so, that comes in very handy. I think that this makes Mike a favorite among the group. (Try bending down to pick something up after running for 3 hours for full understanding of this point)
Most importantly, Mike is the best and most supportive running partner anyone could dream of. He high fives me after every run no matter how good or how bad it went. He pushes me when I should be pushing myself no matter how mad he knows it will make me. He tells me to stop pushing when he knows that I am beat and it is okay to rest. He gets mad at me when I don't stretch. He carries my water and my Gu packets (which is just ridiculous). He makes sure that I have enough ice for ice baths. He is a live-in personal trainer that seems to love me no matter how crappy I run.
Mike, thank you for training with me through the good and the bad. You are the best. I love you.
Mike is an athlete. He can seriously do anything physical that he wants if he puts his mind to it. When it comes to running, he totally tackles the mental battle. It's pretty amazing. Additionally, he is fairly fast. At one point when he was training in State College, I am pretty sure he could run a 5k on a treadmill in 19 minutes. Last night, when I took the day off, he ran 8 miles at an easy pace in 1:07.
Mike has always wanted to run with me. He loves working out with a partner and since his #1 workout partner lives in Colorado, he was very excited when I decided to train for a marathon. While I run slow, he tells me that the distance is still a good workout for him.
Because of his strength, Mike has WAY more breath and energy than I do during any given run. This is great when I want to be pushed. He can keep up with me whenever I decide to sprint and he never falls back on hills. He always runs ahead of me to push the crosswalk button so I don't have to and he is my second pair of eyes on the roads and cars to keep me safe.
Mike uses some of his excess energy in other ways during our runs. Let me entertain you:
- He talks. Mostly about math. I have heard about matrices, quantum physics, converging series, q-series, proofs, counting, primes (regular and Mersenne), teaching methods, coding theory, etc. Most of the time, because I am a nerd too, its pretty interesting. Also, I know that he doesn't expect me to respond, so its a good topic. If he ever asks me a question or tries to start a conversation on a run and I just don't have the breath, all I have to say is, "later", and he totally drops it.
- A few weeks back he informed me, during mile 4 of our run, that sometimes, on our short runs, he likes to try to run just on his toes. He likes to try to keep his heels up. Then he demonstrates for me. I don't have the energy to look over, so I just see in my peripheral that he is bouncing more than normal. "It's a good workout", he says. Meanwhile, I am trying to make it up a hill.
- Near mile 8 of the Shamrock Run (i.e. mile 14 of a 16 mile run) there was an "aid station" handing out cups of Pabst Blue Ribbon. If you recall, I was tired and my legs were dead. Mike, on the other hand, tells me to keep running, dashes across the course to the opposite side of the road, grabs a big red cup full of beer, downs it, throws the cup away, and catches up with me.
- While I stare at the ground when I run, Mike looks around and announces to me what he sees. For example, "Wow, that house is really purple!" (That is an exact quote).
- When running with our group, no matter how far we have run, he is always able to bend down to pick up dropped water bottles, etc. Around mile 17 or so, that comes in very handy. I think that this makes Mike a favorite among the group. (Try bending down to pick something up after running for 3 hours for full understanding of this point)
Most importantly, Mike is the best and most supportive running partner anyone could dream of. He high fives me after every run no matter how good or how bad it went. He pushes me when I should be pushing myself no matter how mad he knows it will make me. He tells me to stop pushing when he knows that I am beat and it is okay to rest. He gets mad at me when I don't stretch. He carries my water and my Gu packets (which is just ridiculous). He makes sure that I have enough ice for ice baths. He is a live-in personal trainer that seems to love me no matter how crappy I run.
Mike, thank you for training with me through the good and the bad. You are the best. I love you.
Long run, long post
Sunday I ran longer than I have ever run in my life. SIXTEEN MILES. Can you even believe it?We woke up Sunday at 5:45am. We ate the pb&j sandwiches that I made the night before. We packed a backpack with dry clothes, then unpacked it and decided to wear those clothes over our running clothes. It was a cold morning - mid thirties - and, thanks to DST, we weren't going to see the sun for a couple more hours. We drove to the MAX station and got on the train around 6:20am. We made it into Portland by 7am. We stripped off the dry clothes, packed them back in the backpack, and gave the bag to the clothes check. Then we were off to "warm up". As we left, you could already see the people starting to gather for the 2010 Adidas Shamrock Run.
Now, the race we had signed up for was the 15k - 9.3 miles. Because were were slated to run 16 miles that morning, we needed to knock 6.7 out before the race started. We headed out in the opposite direction of the race and had a great run. On our way back we could hear the bag pipes and saw the start of the 5k. I have NEVER seen that many people running in my life.
We got back around 8:10 and our race was to start at 8:40. We made use of the porta-potties, grabbed some electrolytes from a vendor stand, and got in line for the race. 6.7 down, 9.3 left. Oh, I may have forgotten to mention. The 9.3 would be up Terwilliger - my arch nemesis.
Off we went. It took us 7 minutes to get across the start line to give you an idea as to how many people there were. My legs felt good and it was fun seeing everyone dressed up. As we hit mile 2 and the start of the uphill, we passed by a water stop that I decided I didn't need. Then we climbed. The climb went okay. I kept a pretty steady pace and I feel like training that hill really helped. I was tired, but I made it. You could definitely pick out the people that had never experienced Terwilliger before. I felt so bad for them - mostly because I knew how much further they had to go. It's no bunny hill.
Trudging along, we get to the top of the hill. I can see a water stop in the distance - thank goodness. We get there, and there are no cups, just jugs of water that people are swigging from and a lady volunteer apologizing to the exhausted runners. I passed up on the communal jugs.
4 more miles. All downhill. Yes please. My legs were dead. Totally dead. But downhill, I can do downhill. Looking at the results from Mike's GPS, I actually improved my pace over that last four miles. Near the 8 mile marker, I was feeling pretty tired. It was at that point that I remembered that I get a medal for finishing. I turned to Mike and exclaimed, "I get a medal!" So, for the next 1.3 miles, my legs kept going with the help of a downhill and the visions of a finisher's medal.
The finish was ahead of me - finally. I stretched my legs as far as I could, crossed the line, and then started looking for my medal. I was like a little kid looking for her lost dog. I was asking random people where my medal was. A volunteer asked me for my timing chip. Before I gave it to her, I demanded that she tell me where my medal was. She pointed over to another group of volunteers handing out small plastic bags containing medals. I hurried over, got my baggie, ripped it open, and put on my medal. I had run a 15k - scratch that - I had just run 16 MILES!!!We went over to the clothes check, got our sweats, changed, and then headed over to get our beer and chowder. Both were fantastic. We fell asleep on the MAX ride home. Sunday was a lazy afternoon :)
Carbo Loading
When you train for a marathon, they say you are supposed to pay attention to what you are eating. Well, I never thought I would be training for a marathon, so I never really took that advice seriously. I always think of "carbo loading" as something that serious athletes do or people who THINK they are serious athletes do (e.g. Michael Scott in The Office eating (and then puking) fettuccine alfredo before running a 5k). I put myself into the second category.
Although I put myself into the second category, I do, even though it seems nuts, belong in the first category. I am running around 30 miles per week now which makes me a "serious athlete". So, Saturday afternoon, Mike and I went to the OG to carbo load. Thanks to Nancy, the best non-grandma in the world, we had a fantastic dinner :) Afterward, we went home, moved our clocks forward, and went to bed as early as possible.
Although I put myself into the second category, I do, even though it seems nuts, belong in the first category. I am running around 30 miles per week now which makes me a "serious athlete". So, Saturday afternoon, Mike and I went to the OG to carbo load. Thanks to Nancy, the best non-grandma in the world, we had a fantastic dinner :) Afterward, we went home, moved our clocks forward, and went to bed as early as possible.
TGIF
No running on Fridays. However, most Fridays are pretty calm for Mike and me. We try to hydrate, get a good dinner, and go to bed early so we can be ready for our run on Saturday. Not this Friday. Because our run was on Sunday, we could do whatever the heck we wanted on Friday. I called Mike and asked him if he wanted to meet me at Rock Creek Tavern for happy hour...
Our friend, Amanda, met us out there for a quick visit. Then our friend Monica came out with a friend from out of town. We sat and ate happy hour food (sweet potato fries, cajun tots, and mini corn dogs) and drank local brew for a good two hours. We started to worry about our puppy so we called our awesome sauce neighbors to find out that they had already rescued her from her little jail. We headed home and invited our neighbors over for wine. Mike and Ryan looked through a Men's Health magazine and decided to have a "push-up challenge" in the middle of the living room. Mike gave in to his laugher after about two minutes. The dogs ran around the house and wore each other out. It was a rare, fantastic Friday night.
Our friend, Amanda, met us out there for a quick visit. Then our friend Monica came out with a friend from out of town. We sat and ate happy hour food (sweet potato fries, cajun tots, and mini corn dogs) and drank local brew for a good two hours. We started to worry about our puppy so we called our awesome sauce neighbors to find out that they had already rescued her from her little jail. We headed home and invited our neighbors over for wine. Mike and Ryan looked through a Men's Health magazine and decided to have a "push-up challenge" in the middle of the living room. Mike gave in to his laugher after about two minutes. The dogs ran around the house and wore each other out. It was a rare, fantastic Friday night.
Back Blogged!
No, I did not die of rabies or anything like that. I am just a running blog slacker. I will catch up. Let's start with last Thursday...
Rain. It was raining when we started, raining the whole run, and raining when we finished. Four miles in the rain. We were drenched. So drenched, in fact, that I decided that we should have our neighbors take a picture (notice the mascara rings around the eyes).
Funny thing about running with a rain jacket on is that you hear the constant swishing of the hood in your ears. It's kind of like white noise. When you take your hood off, it is amazing to hear the difference. Anyhow, for most of the run, my hood was swish swishing in my ears and, because of the tempo or the rhythm of it, I got the theme to "The Big Bang Theory" stuck in my head. Unfortunately for me, I don't know the words very well. So, for 40 minutes, over and over, I was singing to myself in my head, "The whole universe was in a dark dense state, blah blah blah, 40 million years, blah blah blah, THEY BUILT THE PYRAMIDS, blah blah blah, and it all started with the big bang. BANG!" Running really does make you crazy.
Rain. It was raining when we started, raining the whole run, and raining when we finished. Four miles in the rain. We were drenched. So drenched, in fact, that I decided that we should have our neighbors take a picture (notice the mascara rings around the eyes).Funny thing about running with a rain jacket on is that you hear the constant swishing of the hood in your ears. It's kind of like white noise. When you take your hood off, it is amazing to hear the difference. Anyhow, for most of the run, my hood was swish swishing in my ears and, because of the tempo or the rhythm of it, I got the theme to "The Big Bang Theory" stuck in my head. Unfortunately for me, I don't know the words very well. So, for 40 minutes, over and over, I was singing to myself in my head, "The whole universe was in a dark dense state, blah blah blah, 40 million years, blah blah blah, THEY BUILT THE PYRAMIDS, blah blah blah, and it all started with the big bang. BANG!" Running really does make you crazy.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Dogs
I am, by no means, a model dog owner. Our dog jumps all over people when they enter the door. She has a piercing bark that she exercises regularly. She bites my toes if she doesn't want me doing things. These are all bad behaviors that I have simply let go.
Now, there are things that I feel we are good about. We are good about taking her for walks and controlling her on those walks. I thank dog training and Ceasar Milan for our success there. That being said, and me having pride in our dog walking, extend-a-leashes drive me nuts. I shouldn't be so general. People that walk along with their dogs extended 20 feet from them with zero control drive me nuts. There is a girl in our neighborhood that walks her dogs every morning and they are almost always 40 feet apart - one dog in either direction. This is very frustrating when trying to get an excited cairn terrier to poop. Until today, it was just an annoyance.
We were just starting our run, coming up a sidewalk. Here comes a guy with three dogs, each on his own extend-a-leash, each going in his own direction. As he sees us coming closer he sort of tries to corral the elasta-dogs. He kind of tries to get out of the way (not block the entire sidewalk). We move off onto the grass to run around him. As I pass, I assume I am in the clear. Not so much. His small black dog jumps up on my leg and I feel a sharp pain in my butt. It happened so fast, I didn't really know what happened. Then I heard Mike yell, "Hey dude, your dog just bit my wife!!!" Apparently Mike saw the dog open its mouth and chomp down. We took a few more strides and stopped. Sure enough, I had a dog mouth slobber print on my pants, and underneath, a tiny bit of blood. Not really knowing what to do, we just ran on. Talking about it later, we really should have stopped and gotten his information.
We ran our 8 miles. Again, I feel like a freaking power house. I can't believe that I can run 8 miles on a Wednesday evening. It is crazy to think how far I have come.
On the stretch home, there was a lady walking a big white dog with a little boy by her side. As she saw us coming, she moved off to the side of the sidewalk and told her dog to sit. It did, and the three of them watched us run by. As we passed, I said to her, "thank you so much!"
Now, there are things that I feel we are good about. We are good about taking her for walks and controlling her on those walks. I thank dog training and Ceasar Milan for our success there. That being said, and me having pride in our dog walking, extend-a-leashes drive me nuts. I shouldn't be so general. People that walk along with their dogs extended 20 feet from them with zero control drive me nuts. There is a girl in our neighborhood that walks her dogs every morning and they are almost always 40 feet apart - one dog in either direction. This is very frustrating when trying to get an excited cairn terrier to poop. Until today, it was just an annoyance.
We were just starting our run, coming up a sidewalk. Here comes a guy with three dogs, each on his own extend-a-leash, each going in his own direction. As he sees us coming closer he sort of tries to corral the elasta-dogs. He kind of tries to get out of the way (not block the entire sidewalk). We move off onto the grass to run around him. As I pass, I assume I am in the clear. Not so much. His small black dog jumps up on my leg and I feel a sharp pain in my butt. It happened so fast, I didn't really know what happened. Then I heard Mike yell, "Hey dude, your dog just bit my wife!!!" Apparently Mike saw the dog open its mouth and chomp down. We took a few more strides and stopped. Sure enough, I had a dog mouth slobber print on my pants, and underneath, a tiny bit of blood. Not really knowing what to do, we just ran on. Talking about it later, we really should have stopped and gotten his information.
We ran our 8 miles. Again, I feel like a freaking power house. I can't believe that I can run 8 miles on a Wednesday evening. It is crazy to think how far I have come.
On the stretch home, there was a lady walking a big white dog with a little boy by her side. As she saw us coming, she moved off to the side of the sidewalk and told her dog to sit. It did, and the three of them watched us run by. As we passed, I said to her, "thank you so much!"
brrrrrrr
Tuesday's run went great despite it being cold! It was raining the entire time - from the moment we left our house to the time we walked back in the door. It was windy to boot. The four miles felt good, though.
So, funny thing about rainy runs is that I normally get mascara running down my face adding to my badassness. When we get home, Mike looks at me, gives me a high five, and then gets embarrassed because he realizes that he has been running next to his wife for the past 40+ minutes that looks like she has been beaten. HA.
So, funny thing about rainy runs is that I normally get mascara running down my face adding to my badassness. When we get home, Mike looks at me, gives me a high five, and then gets embarrassed because he realizes that he has been running next to his wife for the past 40+ minutes that looks like she has been beaten. HA.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Recovery
Sunday mornings are always interesting. It is when the initial pain from the run starts to fade away and the longer-lasting soreness starts to settle in. After 15 miles on Saturday, the pains on Sunday were a little worse than normal. I had a blister on my toe, chafing on my back and chest from my running bra, and tight hamstrings. Oh, and aching feet.
Our attack: go hiking. Nuts right? Well, it gets our muscles loose, gets our blood flowing, and we get fresh air. We headed out to forest park and went for a walk with Penny - about three miles. It did feel great. Plus I wanted to test out my new hiking shoes that I got with birthday gift cards from Mike's parents :)
Unfortunately, hiking doesn't help aching feet. So, Sunday night, with my new foot massager and soaking salts that I got for my birthday from my bff, I pampered my abused feet.
I can't wait for yoga tonight...
Hm, I wonder when professional massages will become part of recovery. Next week maybe :)
Our attack: go hiking. Nuts right? Well, it gets our muscles loose, gets our blood flowing, and we get fresh air. We headed out to forest park and went for a walk with Penny - about three miles. It did feel great. Plus I wanted to test out my new hiking shoes that I got with birthday gift cards from Mike's parents :)
Unfortunately, hiking doesn't help aching feet. So, Sunday night, with my new foot massager and soaking salts that I got for my birthday from my bff, I pampered my abused feet.
I can't wait for yoga tonight...
Hm, I wonder when professional massages will become part of recovery. Next week maybe :)
Hard.
Saturday, I ran further than I have ever run in my life. 15 MILES. Well, actually, it was 14.77 due to the running route. "How was it?", people ask. Honestly, the word that best describes Saturday's run is "hard". It was hard.
We got a late start due to my needing to go to the bathroom. We spent the first mile and a half or so catching up to the group. That means that we probably ran close to a 9 minute mile for a mile and a half. By the time we caught up, I was ready to take a break. But nope - I still had over 13 miles to go.
There were good parts. There were painful parts. And then there were the parts where my mind won the battle. I could go through a laundry list of things that I was thinking, reasons I couldn't make it, why it felt so painful, etc. The last four miles were agonizing. We dropped back from the group because I "needed" a water break. I walked for a few water breaks over the course of that four miles. And then I walked just to walk. Now, we probably walked less than a tenth of a mile, but I felt like letting myself stop was letting my mind win. I was pretty bummed. I didn't say a word to my trusty running partner that stayed next to me the whole time. He stayed there, through walks and all, despite being exhausted and wanting to be done himself.
Then we finished. We finished probably a minute behind the group - not bad. Mike turned to me and gave me a high five. I was kind of confused why he gave me a high five, because I felt like I had totally failed. And then I realized, something that I would realize over and over in the next couple of days, that I ran 15 miles. No matter how hard it was, how many times I walked, how slow I ran, how bummed I felt, I finished. I guess that's the cool thing about running :)
Oh, lastly, thank you to everyone that I talked to over the past few days that helped remind me that I did run 15 miles and that is something to be proud of. I have the best support crew in the world.
We got a late start due to my needing to go to the bathroom. We spent the first mile and a half or so catching up to the group. That means that we probably ran close to a 9 minute mile for a mile and a half. By the time we caught up, I was ready to take a break. But nope - I still had over 13 miles to go.
There were good parts. There were painful parts. And then there were the parts where my mind won the battle. I could go through a laundry list of things that I was thinking, reasons I couldn't make it, why it felt so painful, etc. The last four miles were agonizing. We dropped back from the group because I "needed" a water break. I walked for a few water breaks over the course of that four miles. And then I walked just to walk. Now, we probably walked less than a tenth of a mile, but I felt like letting myself stop was letting my mind win. I was pretty bummed. I didn't say a word to my trusty running partner that stayed next to me the whole time. He stayed there, through walks and all, despite being exhausted and wanting to be done himself.
Then we finished. We finished probably a minute behind the group - not bad. Mike turned to me and gave me a high five. I was kind of confused why he gave me a high five, because I felt like I had totally failed. And then I realized, something that I would realize over and over in the next couple of days, that I ran 15 miles. No matter how hard it was, how many times I walked, how slow I ran, how bummed I felt, I finished. I guess that's the cool thing about running :)
Oh, lastly, thank you to everyone that I talked to over the past few days that helped remind me that I did run 15 miles and that is something to be proud of. I have the best support crew in the world.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Why I run
For inquiring minds, Thursday's run happened, my legs were tired, and I didn't get hit by any cars. The important part of Thursday's run: LAST RUN BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY!!!
So, I run for a lot of reasons. I run because it makes me happy - lots of good endorphins. I run because it keeps me in shape. I run because I want to accomplish a goal. I run because I get to buy and wear cool running clothes. I run because Mike loves running with me. I also run because it burns calories. That comes very in handy for birthday week.
Mike and I typically eat pretty good. Lots of veggies, fruit, chicken breast, whole wheat. And while that can be good, I would choose brownies over any of that any day. So, being that its my birthday week (and I get to do whatever I want), I did. Here is a little summary of what I have had to eat this week:
Sunday: McDonalds. Fillet-o-fish are on sale because it is Lent. I love Lent.
Monday: I actually ate good-for-you things on Monday!
Tuesday: I ate good-for-you things on Tuesday, too!
Wednesday: German sausage sandwich for lunch. Our neighbor's leftover spaghetti for dinner. Brownie sundae for dessert.
Thursday: Brownies for breakfast. Taco bell for dinner. mmm.
Friday: Chevy's for lunch. We will go to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. Then popcorn and candy. Then ultimate brownie sundae (Mike gave me an entire box of ridiculous toppings for my birthday including gummy worms, sweedish fish, peanut m&ms, and sprinkles - he's pretty awesome).
Saturday: Whatever it takes to keep me from passing out. 15 miler Saturday. Kickin' ass.
So, I run for a lot of reasons. I run because it makes me happy - lots of good endorphins. I run because it keeps me in shape. I run because I want to accomplish a goal. I run because I get to buy and wear cool running clothes. I run because Mike loves running with me. I also run because it burns calories. That comes very in handy for birthday week.
Mike and I typically eat pretty good. Lots of veggies, fruit, chicken breast, whole wheat. And while that can be good, I would choose brownies over any of that any day. So, being that its my birthday week (and I get to do whatever I want), I did. Here is a little summary of what I have had to eat this week:
Sunday: McDonalds. Fillet-o-fish are on sale because it is Lent. I love Lent.
Monday: I actually ate good-for-you things on Monday!
Tuesday: I ate good-for-you things on Tuesday, too!
Wednesday: German sausage sandwich for lunch. Our neighbor's leftover spaghetti for dinner. Brownie sundae for dessert.
Thursday: Brownies for breakfast. Taco bell for dinner. mmm.
Friday: Chevy's for lunch. We will go to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. Then popcorn and candy. Then ultimate brownie sundae (Mike gave me an entire box of ridiculous toppings for my birthday including gummy worms, sweedish fish, peanut m&ms, and sprinkles - he's pretty awesome).
Saturday: Whatever it takes to keep me from passing out. 15 miler Saturday. Kickin' ass.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I am freaking badass
About 5 miles into our 7 mile run (I run 7 miles on a Wednesday evening - I have already proven that I am badass), it started raining. Rain was hitting my face and I could feel the water running down my cheeks. As the sun set, the temperature dropped and my nose started running. I just wiped it with my sleeve. My badass running partner would spit into the bushes from time to time. I was convinced that everyone that drove by us thought "wow, what a badass running couple".
And then we turned onto the home stretch with about a quarter mile left to run. My hands started getting kind of cold. I covered them up with my sleeves like a 5th grader does when she doesn't listen to her dad and chooses not to wear gloves. Also, I started to get kind of tired. When we got home, we were welcomed by a 14 pound yipper dog. Well, at least I got to feel badass for a good 15 minutes :)
And then we turned onto the home stretch with about a quarter mile left to run. My hands started getting kind of cold. I covered them up with my sleeves like a 5th grader does when she doesn't listen to her dad and chooses not to wear gloves. Also, I started to get kind of tired. When we got home, we were welcomed by a 14 pound yipper dog. Well, at least I got to feel badass for a good 15 minutes :)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Shoes and bffs
Running shoes are the most unglamorous shoe purchase ever. Once you find a pair that work for you, you just end up buying that same pair over and over and over. And, somehow, the shoes are never the cute ones. However, getting a new pair of running shoes is, somehow, one of the most satisfying purchaces ever. It means that you have put too many miles on a pair of shoes (which is an accomplishment) and now, you get something new, clean, and shiny to put on. Mike is in Brooks Adrenalines and I am in Saucony ProGrid Omnis. Mike is on his 4th pair and, thanks to an awesome bff, I am on my 3rd. More about my awesome bff. Jen lives in Seattle with her husband Luke that I used to work with in State College. We became bffs in January of 2007 :) Jen is awesome for plentyseven reasons, and I am going to focus on one running-related reason here...
Jen is one of my biggest supporters in training for and running this marathon. Additionally, she is one of my biggest inspirations. Jen started seriously running in late 2007. She found Hal Higdon's website and decided that she was going to train for the Mardi Gras Half Marathon in February. She kicked butt in her training. I remember her telling me about how far she ran and being totally blown away. To make her even more awesome, she trained for it in the dead winter in Pennsylvania. She ran ten miles from her house to ours one blustery Saturday. She was a pro-athlete in my eyes.
February rolled around and she ran and finished the half-marathon. A few weeks later, after severe shin splint-like pain, she went to the doctor. Come to find out, she had stress fractures in both shins. Jen had run her half marathon with two broken legs. Now, while this is obviously something that no one should ever do, she had made it. Whenever I am beyond exhausted, I think of Jen and manage to muster up more energy...
Now-a-days Jen focuses on being an awesome mommy to an awesome little girl. She ran a 5k in December with a stroller. Lately, she has been letting me know how awesome I am and supporting me every step of the way. Last week she sent me a gift card to Roadrunner Sports so I could get a new pair of shoes (Saucony ProGrid Omni 8) - the pair of shoes in which I will run the Eugene Marathon.
Thank you Jenny! You da jam fo shiz.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Best.run.of.my.life
I had trouble sleeping on Friday night because I knew what Saturday had in store for me. Terwilliger - that darn hill that I ran three weeks ago that absolutely killed me. Three weeks ago, we only had to run 7 miles. This week it was 10. I was really really scared. I didn't want to fall back from the group again and I really wanted to be able to have a good run.
We got up and moving Saturday and started on the run with the group. We are making more and more friends - I really feel so lucky to have met this group of people. Anyhow, we start heading out. I stick towards the back of the pack so no one will see me when I inevitably drop off. We head through downtown and then through Portland State campus. I feel good.
And then I saw my inspiration. Two people are on a walk through campus with their dog. That dog had three legs. At that point, I thought to myself, "I am going to climb this damn hill." If that dog can go on walks with three legs, I can climb this hill.
And so I did. I knew that we had reached the base of Terwilliger and I started staring at the ground. I told Mike, "I am not looking up. I am only going to look 10 feet in front of me." To be completely honest, I didn't even notice the climb. I was absolutely convinced that we had run a different route. Not only did I not drop back from the group, but I was passing people. I felt great. I felt like I could conquer the world. I kept asking Mike, "are you sure that this is the same run that we did. Are you really sure?" It was and I kicked its ass.
I am a runner. And for the first time, I really believe that.
We got up and moving Saturday and started on the run with the group. We are making more and more friends - I really feel so lucky to have met this group of people. Anyhow, we start heading out. I stick towards the back of the pack so no one will see me when I inevitably drop off. We head through downtown and then through Portland State campus. I feel good.
And then I saw my inspiration. Two people are on a walk through campus with their dog. That dog had three legs. At that point, I thought to myself, "I am going to climb this damn hill." If that dog can go on walks with three legs, I can climb this hill.
And so I did. I knew that we had reached the base of Terwilliger and I started staring at the ground. I told Mike, "I am not looking up. I am only going to look 10 feet in front of me." To be completely honest, I didn't even notice the climb. I was absolutely convinced that we had run a different route. Not only did I not drop back from the group, but I was passing people. I felt great. I felt like I could conquer the world. I kept asking Mike, "are you sure that this is the same run that we did. Are you really sure?" It was and I kicked its ass.
I am a runner. And for the first time, I really believe that.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Not ambi-lookers
I begin today's blog with a scene from the action/comedy Zoolander about male models:
Matilda: I think Katinka wants to kill you
Derek: Good! I deserve to die if I cant even beat ha-suck-ass in a walk off
Matilda: Come on Derek the guy had to miraculousy pull underwear out off his butt just to beat you.
Derek: But all he had to do was turn left.
Matilda: What?
Derek: I'm not an Ambi-turner. I can't turn left.
Dear drivers,
I understand that you just want to turn right. And, because we live in America, in order to do that, you need to make sure that no one is coming from the left that might ram you if you turn out in front of them. Although you may not care what the left-bound traffic is doing, this does NOT mean that you do not need to look right. What if something were in the road? What if that thing happened to be a runner? What if that runner were ME?!?!!?
Thursday's run I almost got hit - twice. The first time was fine. They didn't see us and turned right in front of us. I think it scared the bejeesus out of them when they started turning and saw us 12 inches from the passenger side window.
The second time was not so fine. The girl came to a complete stop at the limit line - thumbs up for her for obeying the law. She then rolled forward. Being that she stopped at the limit line, I assumed that she saw us. Wrong. We proceeded into the intersection (in which we had a walk signal). She started into her turn. I leaped out of the way of her front bumper and, as I moved into her leftwardly gazing line of sight, I am pretty sure she peed her pants. She slammed on her brakes (as did everyone else in the intersection because I am pretty sure they all thought we were done for) and looked at me with a gaping mouth.
While we learned a lesson today - make sure to make eye contact with right turners - I think it is my duty to spread the word. When you are turning right, please take at least one glance to the right and make sure you aren't turning into a poor runner. Or worse - a car driving in the wrong lane. Let's all be ambi-lookers.
Matilda: I think Katinka wants to kill you
Derek: Good! I deserve to die if I cant even beat ha-suck-ass in a walk off
Matilda: Come on Derek the guy had to miraculousy pull underwear out off his butt just to beat you.
Derek: But all he had to do was turn left.
Matilda: What?
Derek: I'm not an Ambi-turner. I can't turn left.
Dear drivers,
I understand that you just want to turn right. And, because we live in America, in order to do that, you need to make sure that no one is coming from the left that might ram you if you turn out in front of them. Although you may not care what the left-bound traffic is doing, this does NOT mean that you do not need to look right. What if something were in the road? What if that thing happened to be a runner? What if that runner were ME?!?!!?
Thursday's run I almost got hit - twice. The first time was fine. They didn't see us and turned right in front of us. I think it scared the bejeesus out of them when they started turning and saw us 12 inches from the passenger side window.
The second time was not so fine. The girl came to a complete stop at the limit line - thumbs up for her for obeying the law. She then rolled forward. Being that she stopped at the limit line, I assumed that she saw us. Wrong. We proceeded into the intersection (in which we had a walk signal). She started into her turn. I leaped out of the way of her front bumper and, as I moved into her leftwardly gazing line of sight, I am pretty sure she peed her pants. She slammed on her brakes (as did everyone else in the intersection because I am pretty sure they all thought we were done for) and looked at me with a gaping mouth.
While we learned a lesson today - make sure to make eye contact with right turners - I think it is my duty to spread the word. When you are turning right, please take at least one glance to the right and make sure you aren't turning into a poor runner. Or worse - a car driving in the wrong lane. Let's all be ambi-lookers.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Functional runner
Yesterday, I went to work, came home around five, let my puppy out, visited with Mike, went upstairs, changed into running clothes, went out and ran 7 miles, came home, drank some water, made dinner, went to the mall, visited with our neighbors, watched some Olympics, took a shower, then went to bed.
What's interesting to me is that, minus the 7 mile run, that is a pretty typical evening for Mike and me for the past few years. And now, we have injected running into our lives. I feel like I have tricked myself into exercising. We get outside, we notice that the flowering plum trees are starting to bloom, we see that the construction on the hospital is coming along, we talk about our days, we have discussions about life, and we burn nearly 1000 calories :) Not that it's about weight loss, but is pretty cool that this "exercise" has become part of our routine.
Oh, and I can run 7 miles. Weird.
What's interesting to me is that, minus the 7 mile run, that is a pretty typical evening for Mike and me for the past few years. And now, we have injected running into our lives. I feel like I have tricked myself into exercising. We get outside, we notice that the flowering plum trees are starting to bloom, we see that the construction on the hospital is coming along, we talk about our days, we have discussions about life, and we burn nearly 1000 calories :) Not that it's about weight loss, but is pretty cool that this "exercise" has become part of our routine.
Oh, and I can run 7 miles. Weird.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Treadmill
This morning I started a load of running laundry. I was hoping to come home at lunch to lay it out to dry - well, I had a meeting at 12:30 and that just didn't happen. So, when I got home today, I put all of the running clothes out on the drying rack. They won't be dry until tomorrow.
Now that load of laundry contained both pairs of my running pants, all of my long sleeve running shirts, and Mike's hat and gloves. Given that it was pouring outside, it probably would have made no difference if we had worn them wet, but instead, I opted for shorts and a tshirt - we decided to go over to the gym, skip the cold and rain, and run on the treadmills.
Three miles on a treadmill is my limit. It's less than 30 minutes. And when I am done, I am so ready to get off of that thing. Now John, our good friend that lives in Denver, is simultaneously training for this marathon with us. He is going to fly out to Portland on the Friday before the marathon and we will head down to Eugene together and run. Because John lives in Denver, he has been doing all of his training on a treadmill. ALL of it. He ran 13 miles on a treadmill last weekend. Plus he is doing his training at a significant elevation. Eugene is going to be cake for him.
Blech - I'm still thinking about 13 miles on a treadmill and it is still making me nauseous. Thank goodness for our running group.
Now that load of laundry contained both pairs of my running pants, all of my long sleeve running shirts, and Mike's hat and gloves. Given that it was pouring outside, it probably would have made no difference if we had worn them wet, but instead, I opted for shorts and a tshirt - we decided to go over to the gym, skip the cold and rain, and run on the treadmills.
Three miles on a treadmill is my limit. It's less than 30 minutes. And when I am done, I am so ready to get off of that thing. Now John, our good friend that lives in Denver, is simultaneously training for this marathon with us. He is going to fly out to Portland on the Friday before the marathon and we will head down to Eugene together and run. Because John lives in Denver, he has been doing all of his training on a treadmill. ALL of it. He ran 13 miles on a treadmill last weekend. Plus he is doing his training at a significant elevation. Eugene is going to be cake for him.
Blech - I'm still thinking about 13 miles on a treadmill and it is still making me nauseous. Thank goodness for our running group.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
"Cross Training"
I was awake at 6am this morning. This might have had something to do with the fact that I went to bed at 9pm last night (see previous post about 13.1 mile run). We didn't really have any plans for our Sunday, I figured that maybe we could get outside, enjoy the sun, and do some cross training. Being that it was so early, I got the idea to go on a hike at a super popular area before it got too busy. I found my Best Easy Day Hikes Portland, Oregon book and, given that we had already completed #1 (Hoyt Arboretum - awesome hike), we decided to do #2 - Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion.
Holy beautiful hike batman. And it was a hike. 850 feet gain 3.8 miles out and back. Penny got to come and loved every second - especially all of the dogs on the path. It was nice to get our legs moving and to get some fresh air.
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