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 :)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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 :)
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