Team Tucson took off for Alaska today to run the Mayor's Midnight Marathon in Anchorage (although I hear it's not run at Midnight anymore)
There are a total of 3,500 runners, 615 of them are TNT participants who raised over THREE MILLION DOLLARS in the fight to cure blood cancers. That's amazing.
And bittersweet for me because I so SO wanted to be there, but with school and life in general, it just wasn't possible for me this year. I'm really excited to hear the race reports when they come back- always such a fun time, to see first-timers' faces lit up with the experience of getting a medal (and the ever-coveted TNT pin).
The other day I got into a conversation with someone who was preparing to run his first 5k (the Coronado Island one, I'd love to run that some day) and he asked me if I had any advice...and I thought about it....of course the usual runs through my head "Nothing new on race day! Hydrate! Put BodyGlide everywhere, even in places that never see daylight!"......but then I realized that none of that mattered (that much) in a 5k and they were all Moo points (thanks, Joey) anyway unless you (and this is what I told him):
1) Have Fun and Smile. No, seriously. Enjoy every minute you're on that course (barring serious injury, cramps, etc etc). Running the race is like....30% of the experience. There's packet pickup, t-shirt getting, playlist making (if you run with music), outfit coordinating, and REALLY getting to savor a start and finish line. So what if it's a splash of flour that someone threw on a sidewalk? It's a finish line....it's tangible, and the feeling you get when you cross it? Priceless (even if it does come with a side of "OhmygodI'mneverdoingthisagainI'msogladit'sover"). You did it, now wear that T-shirt with pride! DO IT.
2) Don't go out too fast. We've all done this. You say you haven't? Liar. I recently witnessed this phenomenon a couple of weeks ago at a local 5k. At mile 1 all of the peacocks (you know, the ones who shave everything and run shirtless with their pecs flexed the whole time?) who sprinted out at the beginning started dropping like flies. One by one they would look around self-conciously, hang their head, and start walking. Okay, hang on. There is NOTHING wrong with walking. For f's sake, every race I've run has been run/walk. However, walking was clearly not in the plan for these guys and the looks on their faces and the way they were carrying themselves was...well, sad.
Granted, the spirit of this event was an emotional one- it was the first race of the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown (he was Gabrielle Giffords' staff member who lost his life on January 8th) and Gabe's Dad was at the start line and there wasn't a dry eye who toed the line. So everyone was a little charged....
There's something about pinning on a race number (aka bib) that makes you feel a little more special. I'm totally serious. As dumb as it sounds, the second you are identified as a NUMBER on a race course? It's go time. And I told this person that- it's fun, but watch yo'self.
So yeah, don't go out too fast, you'll be a sad panda at mile 1 if you do.
3) And really, hydration isn't a bad idea either. Having 3 beers and an iced tea and an ice cream cone the day of a night run is not a wise choice. I didn't to this (I promise), but I know someone who did and maybe he didn't have such a fun time on the course.
Bottom line: Have fun, smile, and if you don't think you're going too slow, you're going too fast.
GO TEAM!
(and ps- 5 more days of school, but who's counting?)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Anybody Home?
I know.
I KNOW.
I'm sorry.
Here are my excuses:
1) I got into grad school and have been working my little running arse off. Did I mention the program is at night and I'm still working full time? Thankfully I have a summer break coming up and I'll graduate in December, but man.....I'm tired.
2) Um.. Yeah. That's all I got. I didn't stop training, but I did scale waaaaaay back on the mileage.
I was talking to Todd about my apprehension about letting my training go, giving up my mileage base, and all of those running diva fears, when he reminded me that I ran six marathons in exactly 2 years (bookended by the Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon, 2009 and 2011). That really put things in perspective for me, so I figured it was okay to cool the running jets for a little bit and focus on some other stuff like, oh, I don't know, getting a Masters Degree?
So I decided to sign up for a Triathlon instead.
I know, that makes a lot of sense, right? It seemed like a neat idea at the time (and it still does, to be honest).
So I joined the Y and started (trying) to swim. Then I bought a bike and started riding (which I love).
Man, training for a triathlon takes a LOT of work and time. Not exactly what you would heap onto the plate with an extra serving of overtime at work with a side of grad school. Oh well.
So here's the recap of the last 2 years' worth of races and times (as I can recall them).
January 2009: Rock N Roll Arizona- 5:11
Ocober 2009: Nike Women's Marathon- 5:05
December 2009: Las Vegas Rock N Roll- 4:35
March 2010: Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon (TNT Alumni Run)- 1:59 and something
June 2010: Rock N Roll San Diego- 4:30
October 2010: Mt. Lemmon Marathon (yes, it was up Mt.Lemmon- 6,000 feet elev. gain)- 6:09
January 2011: Rock N Roll Arizona- 4:10. (I know, right? I beat 2009's time by an HOUR!)
March 2011: Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon- 2:02 (but I was in a tutu)
Todd ran his first full marathon at the Rock N Roll Arizona and finished in 4:45. I was SO PROUD of him!
And since Blogger has changed a few things, now I can't upload that picture....
Anyway, that's what's up, I'll be back more now that summer's here.
My first Tri is on July 3rd, the Firecracker Triathlon. http://www.tritucson.com/FCTinf.htm
I'm really looking forward to it, and hopefully I'll have some pictures to share!
I KNOW.
I'm sorry.
Here are my excuses:
1) I got into grad school and have been working my little running arse off. Did I mention the program is at night and I'm still working full time? Thankfully I have a summer break coming up and I'll graduate in December, but man.....I'm tired.
2) Um.. Yeah. That's all I got. I didn't stop training, but I did scale waaaaaay back on the mileage.
I was talking to Todd about my apprehension about letting my training go, giving up my mileage base, and all of those running diva fears, when he reminded me that I ran six marathons in exactly 2 years (bookended by the Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon, 2009 and 2011). That really put things in perspective for me, so I figured it was okay to cool the running jets for a little bit and focus on some other stuff like, oh, I don't know, getting a Masters Degree?
So I decided to sign up for a Triathlon instead.
I know, that makes a lot of sense, right? It seemed like a neat idea at the time (and it still does, to be honest).
So I joined the Y and started (trying) to swim. Then I bought a bike and started riding (which I love).
Man, training for a triathlon takes a LOT of work and time. Not exactly what you would heap onto the plate with an extra serving of overtime at work with a side of grad school. Oh well.
So here's the recap of the last 2 years' worth of races and times (as I can recall them).
January 2009: Rock N Roll Arizona- 5:11
Ocober 2009: Nike Women's Marathon- 5:05
December 2009: Las Vegas Rock N Roll- 4:35
March 2010: Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon (TNT Alumni Run)- 1:59 and something
June 2010: Rock N Roll San Diego- 4:30
October 2010: Mt. Lemmon Marathon (yes, it was up Mt.Lemmon- 6,000 feet elev. gain)- 6:09
January 2011: Rock N Roll Arizona- 4:10. (I know, right? I beat 2009's time by an HOUR!)
March 2011: Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon- 2:02 (but I was in a tutu)
Todd ran his first full marathon at the Rock N Roll Arizona and finished in 4:45. I was SO PROUD of him!
And since Blogger has changed a few things, now I can't upload that picture....
Anyway, that's what's up, I'll be back more now that summer's here.
My first Tri is on July 3rd, the Firecracker Triathlon. http://www.tritucson.com/FCTinf.htm
I'm really looking forward to it, and hopefully I'll have some pictures to share!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Fundraising Email #1
Dear Family and Friends:
Happy April! I hope this email finds you doing well and enjoying your spring.
As you know, for the last two years, I've been with Team in Training, participating in marathons to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- to honor those who have won or lost their battles with blood cancer.
The last time you received an email from me, I was preparing to run the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. With your help, we raised almost 14 million dollars, and the number of people who died each hour from blood cancers decreased by one. So now each day, 24 lives are saved and it's all thanks to people like you- the generous contributors who graciously donate to fund research and ultimately find a cure.
This time I'm gearing up to run the San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon, and I'm so excited to be representing Team in Training and LLS for my fourth event. I've committed to raise $2,900 by May 1st (yes, that's a month from now) and I'm asking for your help yet again.
You may have heard me tell this story before, but it is the perfect snapshot of why I continue to fundraise: while I was running the Las Vegas Rock N' Roll Marathon (in my Team jersey), a man passed me, turned around and as he shook my hand he said "I have Leukemia, thank you so much for what you do".
To have a complete stranger approach you and let you know that they have been helped by your efforts, and that their life may be a bit better because of LLS...it gives me goosebumps. It also makes my determination that much stronger.
What a great example to show that your money gives hope to those patients and I am fortunate enough to represet the LLS because of your generosity. Your donation could provide a patient transportation to their chemo treatment sessions, or a place for their family to stay if they are being treated out of town. It could cover their insurance copays or pay for their treatment outright if they are not fortunate enough to have health insurance. And now, more than ever, they really need your help.
Every dollar counts and no amount is too small (or too big!). I know these hard economic times have affected us all, so thanks in advance for your help, and and Go Team!!
:)
Happy April! I hope this email finds you doing well and enjoying your spring.
As you know, for the last two years, I've been with Team in Training, participating in marathons to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- to honor those who have won or lost their battles with blood cancer.
The last time you received an email from me, I was preparing to run the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. With your help, we raised almost 14 million dollars, and the number of people who died each hour from blood cancers decreased by one. So now each day, 24 lives are saved and it's all thanks to people like you- the generous contributors who graciously donate to fund research and ultimately find a cure.
This time I'm gearing up to run the San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon, and I'm so excited to be representing Team in Training and LLS for my fourth event. I've committed to raise $2,900 by May 1st (yes, that's a month from now) and I'm asking for your help yet again.
You may have heard me tell this story before, but it is the perfect snapshot of why I continue to fundraise: while I was running the Las Vegas Rock N' Roll Marathon (in my Team jersey), a man passed me, turned around and as he shook my hand he said "I have Leukemia, thank you so much for what you do".
To have a complete stranger approach you and let you know that they have been helped by your efforts, and that their life may be a bit better because of LLS...it gives me goosebumps. It also makes my determination that much stronger.
What a great example to show that your money gives hope to those patients and I am fortunate enough to represet the LLS because of your generosity. Your donation could provide a patient transportation to their chemo treatment sessions, or a place for their family to stay if they are being treated out of town. It could cover their insurance copays or pay for their treatment outright if they are not fortunate enough to have health insurance. And now, more than ever, they really need your help.
Every dollar counts and no amount is too small (or too big!). I know these hard economic times have affected us all, so thanks in advance for your help, and and Go Team!!
:)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Something really cool just happened
So, last week, I sent out a fundraising email to kickstart my San Diego campain (annnd, that's 8 weeks until race day, but in my defense, I just finished fundraising for the Arizona Distance Classic!).....
....and fellow teammates, you know those emails....those ones that say "Donation Notification"? And you get one and your hear flutters and you feel like the most loved person on earth? Or, in my case my phone goes blingblongbleep and I check the message and there's one of those emails?? Yeah, those ones.
So...I didn't get any of those emails....and I had such a busy week at work that I didn't bother going to my fundraising webpage to check my progress. It was kind of in the back of my head that maybe my email was too pushy or people were rolling their eyes saying "AGAIN? Doesn't she ever stop?"
I just logged onto my page and almost peed my pants when I saw that there was already $160 in my account. From where??! Turns out people had been donating the whole time, there was just some glitch on my page (I'll figure it out eventually) and I was never notified.
Again, I am so touched by the generosity of my friends and family. Annnnd, if you donated, your thank-you note might be a bit late. :)
So with a wonderful surprise donation total, I am excited to kickstart my fundraising for the San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon! GO TEAM!
Tomorrow's practice run is in Sabino Canyon- I get to run 8 beautiful miles in the desert morning sun and I feel so blessed. Happy running!
....and fellow teammates, you know those emails....those ones that say "Donation Notification"? And you get one and your hear flutters and you feel like the most loved person on earth? Or, in my case my phone goes blingblongbleep and I check the message and there's one of those emails?? Yeah, those ones.
So...I didn't get any of those emails....and I had such a busy week at work that I didn't bother going to my fundraising webpage to check my progress. It was kind of in the back of my head that maybe my email was too pushy or people were rolling their eyes saying "AGAIN? Doesn't she ever stop?"
I just logged onto my page and almost peed my pants when I saw that there was already $160 in my account. From where??! Turns out people had been donating the whole time, there was just some glitch on my page (I'll figure it out eventually) and I was never notified.
Again, I am so touched by the generosity of my friends and family. Annnnd, if you donated, your thank-you note might be a bit late. :)
So with a wonderful surprise donation total, I am excited to kickstart my fundraising for the San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon! GO TEAM!
Tomorrow's practice run is in Sabino Canyon- I get to run 8 beautiful miles in the desert morning sun and I feel so blessed. Happy running!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Teaser
Here I am after finishing the Las Vegas Rock N' Roll Marathon in December. Official Time: 4:35:19. THAT'S what I'm talking about! This race was so much fun, I've decided to do it again this year. Let's GO TEAM!!
THE race report.
I wrote about three different reports and they all sounded so whiney and just….not me, so I went mile by mile (sort of) just to put it all out there. Here’s the bottom line: I didn’t follow the most sage piece of running advice that was bestowed upon me: Race how you train. I got caught up in the excitement and paid for it later, but looking back (almost 6 months later), in a strange way, I don’t regret what happened at all. It’s made me a stronger runner mentally and that’s a big part of the pie when you’re out there marathoning (and half-marathoning!) So take it for what it is: a race report (without pictures right now, because I’m lazy)
Mile 1- This I where I threw all judgment out the window. Instead of walking every mile like I did when I trained for 5 months, I decided that running to the water stations would be a better idea. Translation: instead of walking every mile, I’d be walking every 2-3 miles. No problem, I thought- it’s totally doable. Wrong. I’ll elaborate on the wrong part later.
Miles 2-5: Sort of a blur. We went through by Fisherman’s Wharf and Boudin’s Bakery, where the smell of freshly baked sourdough filled the streets….mmmm….we also ran by a group of bagpipers, a gospel choir, Ghirardelli Square, and some cheerleaders.
Mile 6: This is where we ran uphill for basically a mile. I’m not kidding. And partway through, I already knew that my brilliant “I don’t need to walk” strategy was already coming back to bite me in the ass. Hard. Coach Ashley caught up with us and I just huffed and puffed as she talked to me.
Miles 7-12: Hills and orange slices. And Luna Moons (those gummy nutrition chews). That’s all I remember. Seriously. Oh, and some guy on a microphone shouting at us that we were at mile 11.
Mile 13: I was totally screwed at this point and I knew it- I’d run too far too fast and I was totally out of juice. I occurred to me to get back into my interval, which helped a little bit. And I won’t lie- I considered splitting off with the halfers and finishing early, but I knew that I would regret that even more, so I plodded on.
Mile 16: Todd and my parents were there to cheer me on, and I broke town into a pool of tears and sweat. I told them that I really didn’t know if I could do it. My dad, in his infinite wisdom replied “Sure you can! You only have 10 more miles to go!”. Turns out a guy behind me had completely collapsed and an ambulance was in the process of loading him up. I didn’t even see it, I was that tired.
Mile 17: I remember telling myself to “Act normal” for fear that a medical staff person would spot me looking like total crap and pull me from the course….so I worked really hard on staying upright. I told you it was bad. This stretch was long the Pacific Coast Highway and I didn’t even care about the view….
Mile 18: Coach Glin caught up with me and told me “All you have to do is run around the lake” and I looked out at this series of ponds. When he told me I had to run around the whole thing, I seriously cried. “I can’t do it, I can’t”, I said. He told me that it was a little late for that and that he’d see me on the other side, so on I went to run around the lake.
Miles 19-22: Lake Merced. Talk to anyone who has run this marathon, and they will all describe running around this lake with the same word: Lonely. It was quiet and thought-provoking, and not in a good way, but mile 21 (I think?) was the Chocolate Mile- Ghirardelli placed several tables with squares of chocolate for the runners to eat. J A Team coach from another chapter checked on me, which I really appreciated. “Hey Arizona, you okay? Need Gu’s or salt?”. I just waved at him but his attention melted my heart a little and it gave me a boost.
Mile 23: The lake route ended (yay!) and I got back onto the PCH and meet back up with Coach Glin. Again, I’m not going to lie. I was in the “bite me” zone with teeth bared and fists up, so when Glin asked me how I was doing, I replied with a few four-letter words that made him laugh and me cry.
Miles 24-26.2: aka The Grand Handoff to Coach Ashley and Elsbeth Drops Her Basket. Jeez, I am such a drama queen, but I can’t think of any other way to describe it. About 10 minutes after Glin turned back to find other teammates, I ran into Coach Ashley and totally lost it. And I mean lost it- I turned into a hysterical blubbering fool and she put her arm around me and said “It’s okay, I’m just going to run with you. Is that okay?” and she talked to me (but I didn’t talk back) and before I knew it she said “Can you see the finish line? Go for it. I’ll meet you there” and she fell back to let me cross the finish line alone.
I need to interject here to talk about John "The Penguin" Bingham- he mentions that moment where you just *know* you're going to finish. Sometimes it's early in the race, sometimes it's later, but when it hits you, savor it....enjoy it, and SMILE. Well....I didn't really know that I was going to finish until I saw the actual finish line- my mental state had been broken down to the level of a caveman's (no offense), so when I saw the big F I N I S H, that was the first time I realized that I was going to complete Marathon #2.
The pictures speak volumes- I went into Ugly Cry mode when I saw the actual banner that said “FINISH”. I crossed the finish line and what is this? A San Francisco firefighter in a tuxedo with a silver tray of *those* little blue boxes?? For ME?? And what was inside? A Tiffany’s pendant that says “Run Like a Girl”. Yeah, I did run like a girl. I cried like one too. Oh well.
So, all in all, not my finest run, but it was a learning experience and I got to redeem myself six weeks later in Las Vegas (oh boy, that report’s gonna be interesting).
And you know what? I’ll be back. Not next year but maybe 2011. I need to perfect my plot of revenge on the course. ;)
Mile 1- This I where I threw all judgment out the window. Instead of walking every mile like I did when I trained for 5 months, I decided that running to the water stations would be a better idea. Translation: instead of walking every mile, I’d be walking every 2-3 miles. No problem, I thought- it’s totally doable. Wrong. I’ll elaborate on the wrong part later.
Miles 2-5: Sort of a blur. We went through by Fisherman’s Wharf and Boudin’s Bakery, where the smell of freshly baked sourdough filled the streets….mmmm….we also ran by a group of bagpipers, a gospel choir, Ghirardelli Square, and some cheerleaders.
Mile 6: This is where we ran uphill for basically a mile. I’m not kidding. And partway through, I already knew that my brilliant “I don’t need to walk” strategy was already coming back to bite me in the ass. Hard. Coach Ashley caught up with us and I just huffed and puffed as she talked to me.
Miles 7-12: Hills and orange slices. And Luna Moons (those gummy nutrition chews). That’s all I remember. Seriously. Oh, and some guy on a microphone shouting at us that we were at mile 11.
Mile 13: I was totally screwed at this point and I knew it- I’d run too far too fast and I was totally out of juice. I occurred to me to get back into my interval, which helped a little bit. And I won’t lie- I considered splitting off with the halfers and finishing early, but I knew that I would regret that even more, so I plodded on.
Mile 16: Todd and my parents were there to cheer me on, and I broke town into a pool of tears and sweat. I told them that I really didn’t know if I could do it. My dad, in his infinite wisdom replied “Sure you can! You only have 10 more miles to go!”. Turns out a guy behind me had completely collapsed and an ambulance was in the process of loading him up. I didn’t even see it, I was that tired.
Mile 17: I remember telling myself to “Act normal” for fear that a medical staff person would spot me looking like total crap and pull me from the course….so I worked really hard on staying upright. I told you it was bad. This stretch was long the Pacific Coast Highway and I didn’t even care about the view….
Mile 18: Coach Glin caught up with me and told me “All you have to do is run around the lake” and I looked out at this series of ponds. When he told me I had to run around the whole thing, I seriously cried. “I can’t do it, I can’t”, I said. He told me that it was a little late for that and that he’d see me on the other side, so on I went to run around the lake.
Miles 19-22: Lake Merced. Talk to anyone who has run this marathon, and they will all describe running around this lake with the same word: Lonely. It was quiet and thought-provoking, and not in a good way, but mile 21 (I think?) was the Chocolate Mile- Ghirardelli placed several tables with squares of chocolate for the runners to eat. J A Team coach from another chapter checked on me, which I really appreciated. “Hey Arizona, you okay? Need Gu’s or salt?”. I just waved at him but his attention melted my heart a little and it gave me a boost.
Mile 23: The lake route ended (yay!) and I got back onto the PCH and meet back up with Coach Glin. Again, I’m not going to lie. I was in the “bite me” zone with teeth bared and fists up, so when Glin asked me how I was doing, I replied with a few four-letter words that made him laugh and me cry.
Miles 24-26.2: aka The Grand Handoff to Coach Ashley and Elsbeth Drops Her Basket. Jeez, I am such a drama queen, but I can’t think of any other way to describe it. About 10 minutes after Glin turned back to find other teammates, I ran into Coach Ashley and totally lost it. And I mean lost it- I turned into a hysterical blubbering fool and she put her arm around me and said “It’s okay, I’m just going to run with you. Is that okay?” and she talked to me (but I didn’t talk back) and before I knew it she said “Can you see the finish line? Go for it. I’ll meet you there” and she fell back to let me cross the finish line alone.
I need to interject here to talk about John "The Penguin" Bingham- he mentions that moment where you just *know* you're going to finish. Sometimes it's early in the race, sometimes it's later, but when it hits you, savor it....enjoy it, and SMILE. Well....I didn't really know that I was going to finish until I saw the actual finish line- my mental state had been broken down to the level of a caveman's (no offense), so when I saw the big F I N I S H, that was the first time I realized that I was going to complete Marathon #2.
The pictures speak volumes- I went into Ugly Cry mode when I saw the actual banner that said “FINISH”. I crossed the finish line and what is this? A San Francisco firefighter in a tuxedo with a silver tray of *those* little blue boxes?? For ME?? And what was inside? A Tiffany’s pendant that says “Run Like a Girl”. Yeah, I did run like a girl. I cried like one too. Oh well.
So, all in all, not my finest run, but it was a learning experience and I got to redeem myself six weeks later in Las Vegas (oh boy, that report’s gonna be interesting).
And you know what? I’ll be back. Not next year but maybe 2011. I need to perfect my plot of revenge on the course. ;)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
So...four months later
and there's still no Nike race update.
I'm a pretty bad blogger these days (or silent might be a better word).
I actually need to credit Nitmos at Feet Meet Street for getting me to flex my blogging muscles again. This guy is not only ridiculously fast (3:12 marathon PR), but he's really really really funny.
So, okay- here's a timeline of what's been going on.
October 18, 2009- Nike Women's Marathon. Time: 5:05:05 (I have the Tiffany's necklace to prove that I finished). Seriously, I will write a race report.
December 6, 2009- Inaugural Las Vegas Rock N' Roll Marathon. Time: 4:35:19. No, that's not a typo. Seriously, the run of my life. Holy crap.
January 2010- The month of the kitchen remodel, the entire house turns upside down, life gets really hectic.
January 30, 2010- Training with the Team begins for the Arizona Distance Classic. It's a local half marathon and TNT Alumni come together to train and we commit to raising $500. I am having so much fun with them- such a great group of people.
So here's a peek into the future. Remain seated please. Permanecer sentados por favor.
March 28- Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon. I'd like to beat 2 hours, but with some rolling hills, this course might not lend itself to such a goal. I'll have fun trying, though. :)
April 24- Desert Dash Half Marathon. Another local half. Not sure if I'm going to sign up for this one or not......
June 6- San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon. I JUST signed up with the Team to run this one. I'm really REALLY excited. :)
October 17- Mt. Lemmon Marathon. Yes, that's 26.2 miles, UPhill. I have 10 hours to finish it. I hope that's enough time!
I don't have my San Diego website set up yet, but my ADC website is up and running!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/azdist10/elsbeth
Over Christmas, my mom sent me home with her old sewing machine. Well, I shouldn't say old, but it's the one she bought in 1978 and has since replaced it. I started making some cedar-filled shoe stuffers to sell to my teammates as a fundraiser. They're great for keeping in your stinky running shoes or tossing in your gym bag to absorb odors and moisture.
So to anybody donates $25 or more and would like a pair of shoe stuffers, let me know and I'll send you a pair. I have them in Team colors and other fun patterns (like lobsters or shamrocks).
That's it for now.....now I'm off to work on my Nike race report.
It's not going to be pretty, I'm just warning you. There's a reason I've been avoiding writing about it.
I'm a pretty bad blogger these days (or silent might be a better word).
I actually need to credit Nitmos at Feet Meet Street for getting me to flex my blogging muscles again. This guy is not only ridiculously fast (3:12 marathon PR), but he's really really really funny.
So, okay- here's a timeline of what's been going on.
October 18, 2009- Nike Women's Marathon. Time: 5:05:05 (I have the Tiffany's necklace to prove that I finished). Seriously, I will write a race report.
December 6, 2009- Inaugural Las Vegas Rock N' Roll Marathon. Time: 4:35:19. No, that's not a typo. Seriously, the run of my life. Holy crap.
January 2010- The month of the kitchen remodel, the entire house turns upside down, life gets really hectic.
January 30, 2010- Training with the Team begins for the Arizona Distance Classic. It's a local half marathon and TNT Alumni come together to train and we commit to raising $500. I am having so much fun with them- such a great group of people.
So here's a peek into the future. Remain seated please. Permanecer sentados por favor.
March 28- Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon. I'd like to beat 2 hours, but with some rolling hills, this course might not lend itself to such a goal. I'll have fun trying, though. :)
April 24- Desert Dash Half Marathon. Another local half. Not sure if I'm going to sign up for this one or not......
June 6- San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon. I JUST signed up with the Team to run this one. I'm really REALLY excited. :)
October 17- Mt. Lemmon Marathon. Yes, that's 26.2 miles, UPhill. I have 10 hours to finish it. I hope that's enough time!
I don't have my San Diego website set up yet, but my ADC website is up and running!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/azdist10/elsbeth
Over Christmas, my mom sent me home with her old sewing machine. Well, I shouldn't say old, but it's the one she bought in 1978 and has since replaced it. I started making some cedar-filled shoe stuffers to sell to my teammates as a fundraiser. They're great for keeping in your stinky running shoes or tossing in your gym bag to absorb odors and moisture.
So to anybody donates $25 or more and would like a pair of shoe stuffers, let me know and I'll send you a pair. I have them in Team colors and other fun patterns (like lobsters or shamrocks).
That's it for now.....now I'm off to work on my Nike race report.
It's not going to be pretty, I'm just warning you. There's a reason I've been avoiding writing about it.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Five oh-five oh five: A summary.
That was my official Nike chip time! 5:05:05 I beat my PF Chang's time by 6 minutes!
I apologize for my selfish lack of updates (yet again). Recovery has been physical and mental.
This race was, in a nutshell, the hardest thing I have ever done (physically) in my entire life. Hands down. Now, does it compare to chemo or radiation or nausea from chemo or anything else that a cancer patient goes through? Not even close.
Art, I'm sorry, I didn't see your comment until tonight!
It was a race day full of lessons learned, tears (happy and sad), survivors, celebration, fog, Tiffany & Co. necklaces, family, friends, and HILLS....woe is me, the hills...... And damn, it....was....tough.
However, I finished, I'm not injured (the ego might be a little bit bruised) and I'm still reeling from the emotions of the trip.
We had such a great trip, though- the race seemed almost like a secondary part- "Oh yeah! I'm running a marathon tomorrow!". We ate seafood, took cable car rides, went shopping (hellooooo, four-story Niketown!), ate more seafood, ran 26.2 miles, took ice baths, drank in an Irish Pub....it's all good.
I'm alive (and still training- Las Vegas Rock N' Roll Marathon is in 5 weeks! What was I thinking??)
Here are a few teaser pics until I provide my race report!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The calm before the storm
First off, we received some news about one of our honored teammates, Gabbi. She's a smart and vivacious 13-year old who was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was just two years old. Needless to say, she kicked that cancer to the curb and went on to excel in school, including competing in scholastic competitions in Washington DC!
Well, last week, her neck was in some serious pain so they took her to the doctor and she ended up having to go to Phoenix for more specialized care. Turns out she had a compression fracture in one of her cervical vertebrae (ouch!) and was given a neck brace to wear for two weeks. Doctors think that this might have been caused by osteoporosis, which is a nasty side effect of her prior chemotherapy. Of course, she had to have a bunch of blood panels done to make sure the cancer hadn't returned, and they were all clear (thank God). But the stress of going through that? AGAIN?
Now hold the phone.
Seriously? This little baby fought the battle of her life before she was three years old, and now, ten years later, she is still battling because of this cancer? Now how is THAT fair?
Just another thing to let us know that these diseases wreak havoc and they aren't done yet. They're still out there, threatening and taking lives. I'm not okay with that, not at all.
Gabbi was on all of our minds as we warmed up for our run in the dark at 5 am. Having missed last week's 16 miler, I was very anxious to make it up this week. I'd been gearing myself up mentally for it and was rearin' and ready to go.
16 miles was a really big mistake.
Without getting into all of the nitty gritty, I'm nursing a sore IT band (same thing that dropped me on my 18 miler last season ). Again, THIS WASN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. I keep running (no pun intended, ha ha) over in my head what happened, what I did wrong. I bought a new pair of shoes the week before but I didn't wear them since they were a re-design of the old pair and I didn't want to "test" them on a long run, so did dead shoes do this to me (again?). Did I have poor form and weak abs? Had I been overcompensating on the right side because I was favoring the left (where my biopsy was done?).
I came back, shed a few tears into a cool washcloth, then I put on my big girl panties and sucked it up. I really let pride get in the way this time, and this 16 miler was a very humbling way of bringing me back to earth, let me tell you. I should have just followed the schedule and let the 16 miler be history, but instead I insisted on doing it and have now put myself out of even considering 18 miles next week. BAD IDEA.
So, here's the bottom line. It happened, there's nothing I can do to take it back. All I can do now is take care of myself, and focus on the 20-miler and race day. That's it. I refuse to ruminate and think about "coulda shoulda woulda".....It is interesting, though- three of the mentors all got injured on the 16 miler. We're dropping like flies. These next few weeks are going to be recover and nurse-it weeks.
We got news this morning that Gabbi is doing better, although a neck brace isn't easy to deal with when you're in middle school. She is such a strong young woman that has been through so much, and if I could have just a FRACTION of her courage and strength, I know I'd be ok. In fact, I KNOW I'll be ok.
Well, last week, her neck was in some serious pain so they took her to the doctor and she ended up having to go to Phoenix for more specialized care. Turns out she had a compression fracture in one of her cervical vertebrae (ouch!) and was given a neck brace to wear for two weeks. Doctors think that this might have been caused by osteoporosis, which is a nasty side effect of her prior chemotherapy. Of course, she had to have a bunch of blood panels done to make sure the cancer hadn't returned, and they were all clear (thank God). But the stress of going through that? AGAIN?
Now hold the phone.
Seriously? This little baby fought the battle of her life before she was three years old, and now, ten years later, she is still battling because of this cancer? Now how is THAT fair?
Just another thing to let us know that these diseases wreak havoc and they aren't done yet. They're still out there, threatening and taking lives. I'm not okay with that, not at all.
Gabbi was on all of our minds as we warmed up for our run in the dark at 5 am. Having missed last week's 16 miler, I was very anxious to make it up this week. I'd been gearing myself up mentally for it and was rearin' and ready to go.
16 miles was a really big mistake.
Without getting into all of the nitty gritty, I'm nursing a sore IT band (same thing that dropped me on my 18 miler last season ). Again, THIS WASN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. I keep running (no pun intended, ha ha) over in my head what happened, what I did wrong. I bought a new pair of shoes the week before but I didn't wear them since they were a re-design of the old pair and I didn't want to "test" them on a long run, so did dead shoes do this to me (again?). Did I have poor form and weak abs? Had I been overcompensating on the right side because I was favoring the left (where my biopsy was done?).
I came back, shed a few tears into a cool washcloth, then I put on my big girl panties and sucked it up. I really let pride get in the way this time, and this 16 miler was a very humbling way of bringing me back to earth, let me tell you. I should have just followed the schedule and let the 16 miler be history, but instead I insisted on doing it and have now put myself out of even considering 18 miles next week. BAD IDEA.
So, here's the bottom line. It happened, there's nothing I can do to take it back. All I can do now is take care of myself, and focus on the 20-miler and race day. That's it. I refuse to ruminate and think about "coulda shoulda woulda".....It is interesting, though- three of the mentors all got injured on the 16 miler. We're dropping like flies. These next few weeks are going to be recover and nurse-it weeks.
We got news this morning that Gabbi is doing better, although a neck brace isn't easy to deal with when you're in middle school. She is such a strong young woman that has been through so much, and if I could have just a FRACTION of her courage and strength, I know I'd be ok. In fact, I KNOW I'll be ok.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Results are in!
The dermatologist called and said that my demon freckle was benign, no further treatment needed! Yay!
I've been off my feet for the last 5 days like a good girl. Not enjoying it, but under the guise that I will do this right the first time rather than push myself and end up getting injured (or infected!).
I went to practice on Saturday morning to cheer on my team and I'm glad I did, since the heat snuck up fast, and my teammates looked.....tired. I handed out the washcloths that had been sitting in ice water to the weary runners- they really did triumph that morning, and I know people with blood cancers appreciated their efforts. I know I did.
So, while I wasn't running this weekend, a teammate snapped a picture of me a few weeks ago in Sabino Canyon! Thanks, Susan!
I'm going to try out my foot at cross training class tomorrow. We'll see how it holds up!
I've been off my feet for the last 5 days like a good girl. Not enjoying it, but under the guise that I will do this right the first time rather than push myself and end up getting injured (or infected!).
I went to practice on Saturday morning to cheer on my team and I'm glad I did, since the heat snuck up fast, and my teammates looked.....tired. I handed out the washcloths that had been sitting in ice water to the weary runners- they really did triumph that morning, and I know people with blood cancers appreciated their efforts. I know I did.
So, while I wasn't running this weekend, a teammate snapped a picture of me a few weeks ago in Sabino Canyon! Thanks, Susan!
I'm going to try out my foot at cross training class tomorrow. We'll see how it holds up!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A slight hiccup (aka a pipe wrench in the works)
So, if you haven't met me in person, there's something you should know- I'm really pale. Like, SUPER pale. I don't tan; I never have unless I get a sunburn and it peels and then it turns into a tan.
So, living in Arizona for eight years has done some damage, and I knew it, so I finally put on my big girl panties and went to the dermatologist. Better safe than sorry, better to catch something early, yadda yadda yadda....and wouldn't you know, there was a naughty little mole on the pinkie toe of my left foot. Seriously? My PINKIE TOE??
Long story short, the Dr. ended up lopping it off right then and there, followed by a "No physical activity or exercise for one week". My response? "Does that include running?" I mean...I WAS planning on running 16 miles on Saturday.....not anymore..... ::le sigh::
Seriously if I knew she was going to take it off immediately, I would have waited to go to the Dr. I thought they'd reschedule, but who knew that they could numb you up and slice off a dime-sized chunk of skin in under 5 minutes? Not me!
Anyway, I'm being a total drama queen. Everything's fine, I'm just a little sore (and grumpy since I can't run). I just feel like such a chump and that I'm letting my team and honored teammates down since I'm "Out of Order" right now.
I'm going to use this time to turn inward and really focus on myself and my mission (and the Team/LLS's mission). It's so easy to get caught up in the race aspect of it and lose sight of why we're all really doing this. Today is my friend Cathy's three-year anniversary of being in remission. She's a lymphoma survivor who ran PF Chang's with me in January (and who kicked my butt in every single practice- she's a power house!!). I'll be wearing her name on my jersey to celebrate her as well has honor those who we've lost, like Granddad and Uncle Ralph.
"And even the rain, when it falls, is coming home"
So, living in Arizona for eight years has done some damage, and I knew it, so I finally put on my big girl panties and went to the dermatologist. Better safe than sorry, better to catch something early, yadda yadda yadda....and wouldn't you know, there was a naughty little mole on the pinkie toe of my left foot. Seriously? My PINKIE TOE??
Long story short, the Dr. ended up lopping it off right then and there, followed by a "No physical activity or exercise for one week". My response? "Does that include running?" I mean...I WAS planning on running 16 miles on Saturday.....not anymore..... ::le sigh::
Seriously if I knew she was going to take it off immediately, I would have waited to go to the Dr. I thought they'd reschedule, but who knew that they could numb you up and slice off a dime-sized chunk of skin in under 5 minutes? Not me!
Anyway, I'm being a total drama queen. Everything's fine, I'm just a little sore (and grumpy since I can't run). I just feel like such a chump and that I'm letting my team and honored teammates down since I'm "Out of Order" right now.
I'm going to use this time to turn inward and really focus on myself and my mission (and the Team/LLS's mission). It's so easy to get caught up in the race aspect of it and lose sight of why we're all really doing this. Today is my friend Cathy's three-year anniversary of being in remission. She's a lymphoma survivor who ran PF Chang's with me in January (and who kicked my butt in every single practice- she's a power house!!). I'll be wearing her name on my jersey to celebrate her as well has honor those who we've lost, like Granddad and Uncle Ralph.
"And even the rain, when it falls, is coming home"
Sunday, August 23, 2009
A month's worth of updates
Wow, a new entry! :)
Training has been going well!
Five weeks ago, I started an eight week program of track workouts with our local running shop, Fleet Feet which is designed to make your body more efficient when it comes to running....and ultimately make you faster (I won't lie, this is my main goal- to get faster [without injury]).
We meet at a track, do a 1 mile easy jog, half a mile of drills (jumps, bounding, butt kickers- literally), and another half mile of sprinting the straightaways and jogging the curves).....whew! And that's just the WARM UP! Then we get into our timed practices. 6-8 of 200 m runs, with a specific time goal (based off of our mile time trial the first week- I did it in 7:55! I didn't think I could run that fast). The objective of the timed goal is to get our bodies into this very specific "zone" of using the oxygen as efficiently as possible and pushing our limits so that we can gain endurance.
Well....a few weeks go by and while track practice was going great, my Saturday runs were.....well, they were sucking. I was fighting my pace and all over the place mentally. On a hill run I forgot to take nutrition for an hour and 45 mins....(normally I take it every 45 mins...) and didn't realize it until I felt so horrible and was basically delerious that Coach Rick found me and literally had to talk me in "See that tree? Once we get there we're going to run for a little bit, ok?". I was so grateful for him and his help, and he is such an awesome coach and selfless man......but I hope I never have to have him coach me like that again. Other runs were just slow and dumpy....I felt really out of my groove, and I became unsettled, impatient, discouraged, and sort of mad....
So two weeks ago I couldn't make it to track practice and felt super guilty and lame (the sessions are on Thursdays, by the way).....but come Saturday morning's run, I felt transformed. We did 14 miles and I felt like I was flying.....my last few miles were averaging 9:20-9:30 (I walk a minute in between miles, so my overall pace is a bit slower)....I couldn't believe it, I was simply floored. Holy crap. Track practice WORKS.
Yesterday's run, enter stage left, calf pain. What the heck? Where did THIS come from? It's not cramping, it just flat out hurts. So I'm working with a foam roller and a stick to work out some of this pain. It made for an uncomfortable 11.4 miles yesterday....well, the humidity didn't help either....I averaged 10:45/mile which includes my water bottle refill times, etc, so I'm pretty happy....
I bought some compression calf sleeves on Friday in hopes of decreasing my recovery time from the longer runs, and boy am I glad I did.....they really made a difference and I'm seriously considering running in them next weekend for our (dun dun dunnnnnnn) 16 miler.
I'm about $300 short on the fundraising front, and I'm really excited to be so close!!!
Let's hope I can chill out and just train injury free these next few weeks.
Training has been going well!
Five weeks ago, I started an eight week program of track workouts with our local running shop, Fleet Feet which is designed to make your body more efficient when it comes to running....and ultimately make you faster (I won't lie, this is my main goal- to get faster [without injury]).
We meet at a track, do a 1 mile easy jog, half a mile of drills (jumps, bounding, butt kickers- literally), and another half mile of sprinting the straightaways and jogging the curves).....whew! And that's just the WARM UP! Then we get into our timed practices. 6-8 of 200 m runs, with a specific time goal (based off of our mile time trial the first week- I did it in 7:55! I didn't think I could run that fast). The objective of the timed goal is to get our bodies into this very specific "zone" of using the oxygen as efficiently as possible and pushing our limits so that we can gain endurance.
Well....a few weeks go by and while track practice was going great, my Saturday runs were.....well, they were sucking. I was fighting my pace and all over the place mentally. On a hill run I forgot to take nutrition for an hour and 45 mins....(normally I take it every 45 mins...) and didn't realize it until I felt so horrible and was basically delerious that Coach Rick found me and literally had to talk me in "See that tree? Once we get there we're going to run for a little bit, ok?". I was so grateful for him and his help, and he is such an awesome coach and selfless man......but I hope I never have to have him coach me like that again. Other runs were just slow and dumpy....I felt really out of my groove, and I became unsettled, impatient, discouraged, and sort of mad....
So two weeks ago I couldn't make it to track practice and felt super guilty and lame (the sessions are on Thursdays, by the way).....but come Saturday morning's run, I felt transformed. We did 14 miles and I felt like I was flying.....my last few miles were averaging 9:20-9:30 (I walk a minute in between miles, so my overall pace is a bit slower)....I couldn't believe it, I was simply floored. Holy crap. Track practice WORKS.
Yesterday's run, enter stage left, calf pain. What the heck? Where did THIS come from? It's not cramping, it just flat out hurts. So I'm working with a foam roller and a stick to work out some of this pain. It made for an uncomfortable 11.4 miles yesterday....well, the humidity didn't help either....I averaged 10:45/mile which includes my water bottle refill times, etc, so I'm pretty happy....
I bought some compression calf sleeves on Friday in hopes of decreasing my recovery time from the longer runs, and boy am I glad I did.....they really made a difference and I'm seriously considering running in them next weekend for our (dun dun dunnnnnnn) 16 miler.
I'm about $300 short on the fundraising front, and I'm really excited to be so close!!!
Let's hope I can chill out and just train injury free these next few weeks.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
More hills and even less sleep
So this morning was a 10-miler in Sabino Canyon. Warning: whining ahead.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I only got about 2 and a half hours of sleep last night. My alarm went off and I hit snooze, then shot out of bed, realizing that I was late already. I had considered sleeping in and making up the run later, but I figured it would be good practice for race day eve. One never really gets the amount of sleep they should the night before they run a marathon, so I thought that this would be good practice. Wrong.
I started off strong, but just ended up totally petering out and finishing the miles for the sake of just being done. I switched to a timed interval, running 7 minutes and walking 1, which helped me fight off complete and utter exhaustion. A few more wrenches in the works were a different hydration belt out for a test drive and a dropped metronome.
Since the heat has increased and my need for liquid intake has increased exponentially, I've realized that two 10 ounce bottles are not enough, even with refill stations along the way. Jennifer lent me her belt with 4 bottles (8 oz each) so I could take it into the canyon and experiment with it. Did.not.like. I'm so glad I tried it before I dropped $50 on it....so now it's back to the drawing board....
You know how I've been running with a metronome to stay on pace? Well, it clipped to my old belt perfectly and stayed put. Not so much with this new belt. About 10 steps into my run, it came flying off, turned off, and reset itself. :( ::Whine::
When I finished my run, my coaches said they'd noticed that I was struggling a bit today. I agreed. It happens. Coach Rick told me last season: "Bad days are flukes; good days never are". I'm subscribing to that today. I'm glad I went out and practiced with the team and that I got some good hill training in, but I'm even more glad I came home to take a nap right after.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I only got about 2 and a half hours of sleep last night. My alarm went off and I hit snooze, then shot out of bed, realizing that I was late already. I had considered sleeping in and making up the run later, but I figured it would be good practice for race day eve. One never really gets the amount of sleep they should the night before they run a marathon, so I thought that this would be good practice. Wrong.
I started off strong, but just ended up totally petering out and finishing the miles for the sake of just being done. I switched to a timed interval, running 7 minutes and walking 1, which helped me fight off complete and utter exhaustion. A few more wrenches in the works were a different hydration belt out for a test drive and a dropped metronome.
Since the heat has increased and my need for liquid intake has increased exponentially, I've realized that two 10 ounce bottles are not enough, even with refill stations along the way. Jennifer lent me her belt with 4 bottles (8 oz each) so I could take it into the canyon and experiment with it. Did.not.like. I'm so glad I tried it before I dropped $50 on it....so now it's back to the drawing board....
You know how I've been running with a metronome to stay on pace? Well, it clipped to my old belt perfectly and stayed put. Not so much with this new belt. About 10 steps into my run, it came flying off, turned off, and reset itself. :( ::Whine::
When I finished my run, my coaches said they'd noticed that I was struggling a bit today. I agreed. It happens. Coach Rick told me last season: "Bad days are flukes; good days never are". I'm subscribing to that today. I'm glad I went out and practiced with the team and that I got some good hill training in, but I'm even more glad I came home to take a nap right after.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Double digits and double vision
No news means good news, right??
RIGHT??
So you'll forgive my lack of updates? Pretty please?
I think today I'll go for an entry that is vignette style, as my friend Stuart used to say.
RIGHT??
So you'll forgive my lack of updates? Pretty please?
I think today I'll go for an entry that is vignette style, as my friend Stuart used to say.
- I can't believe how fast we broke into the double digits. Holy crap. I remember when ten miles was MONUMENTAL (notice the word mental in there) and it still is, but it came through our schedule like a steam locomotive, and there's no sign of stopping!
- July 4th's run was, in a word, sweaty. The night before, we were treated to a spectacular show of thunder and lightning, accompanied by some torrential downpours. So not only was there actual WATER in the Rillito River, there was some nasty humidity to go with it.
- What goes well with murky water and humidity? BUGS, of course! About 3 miles into our 10 mile run, I looked down and noticed that my arms and legs were covered in tiny bugs that had tempted fate and landed on my sweaty limbs. Fatal mistake (for them). They got in my teeth and eyes, too. Fun times. After I was done, I looked down into my shirt and bra and there were plenty of bugs there too. Everyone looked the same coming in- drenched in sweat, and covered in bugs. None of us really seemed to mind, though- we wore the bugs proudly. :)
- I couldn't be happier with how my training is going at the moment. While I'm still not on pace to qualify for Boston (that's fine with me), I am really proud of how consistent I'm pacing, no matter how I feel or hurt, whether it's mile 2 or 12, I'm still within 20 seconds of my previous mile! And I feel GREAT! ::knocks on wood:: Let's hope this sticks around, okay?
- I'm just under $500 shy of my fundraising goal, which is amazing. I cannot thank you all enough for your support. I am truly honored to be running for such an important cause, and that you hold this cause as close to your hearts as I do. Thank you.
- Last week's run was a 12-miler. Coach Daz ran with me miles 5-12, and I was thankful for that. Normally I don't mind running alone- I actually almost prefer it. I get into my zone and just go. It's pretty cool. However, this day, the heat and sun really got to me. I was wearing my purple training jersey and it was just plain too hot. I actually ran out of water (that was my fault, folks) and was pretty uncomfortable. I got a huge cheer from the rest of the team when I finished, though, and boy was I glad to be done.....I get home and download my run, expecting my mile paces to have tanked in the last quarter of the run. Nope. 10:30's. The whole time (except when I refilled my hydration belt). Woah. Talk about muscle memory!
- Tonight is the first night of an 8-week track workout program put on by Fleet Feet. It's not so much speed work as it is working on endurance and stamina. It's a laps and drills- running straightaways and jogging curves, etc. I'll talk about it more once I know what's going on!
- I got hooked up with a Pearl Izumi T-shirt that says "Legs, the alternate energy source" :) Dig it!
That's all I've got for now, I've got to get to practice.
Happy running!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Highs and Lows
My apologies for the lack of updates again. I don't really have any excuses except laziness.
We've hit the longer miles sooner than we did last season, which is simply a factor of time. Last season, we had an extra six weeks to train, so the coaches had us spend a few weeks at the 6-8 range before hitting the double digits. Not this season! Six weeks INTO the season we're already at 8-10. Craziness.
Last weeks' run was an 8-miler along the Rillito River and what an awesome run it was. It was, do date, the best training run I've ever had. I found my groove, I settled in, and I hauled. Ok, well I hauled for ME. But even more? I was consistent- I'm pacing right around 10:30, which I am totally okay with. I'm aiming for a 4:30:and change time this race, which I'll need to maintain a 10:18/mile to achieve. I still have a ways to go, but it's a point of reference...
For my birthday, Todd gave me this awesome GPS watch that pretty much does everything except the laundry (damn!). I have it set so that I can run intervals based on distance- I run for a mile, it beeps and tells me to walk (it doesn't need to tell me twice, believe me), and then after 1 minute, it beeps again and tells me to run for another mile. Rinse and repeat 26 times. FUN!!
Since I've been training, I've been right around a 10:30/mile pace. Good runs, bad runs, runs where my foot cramps, I'm always at a 10:30! So now I need to take these numbers and figure it all out- I want to be smart about this. Last marathon, I lost a LOT of time walking. I was running a 7 minute run/1 minute walk interval, but also walked through the water stations, so I was walking a LOT. In hindsight, I should have blown off the interval walks if I'd just went through a water station, but I didn't know any better. I've heard that you always knock an easy 15 minutes off your first marathon time since you know the ropes....so I'm hoping to do that and then just plain go faster!
So I changed my interval t0 1 mile run/1 minute walk to be somewhat consistent with water station placement, so that I can train to run all the way in between water stations, walk through them, and not lose any time walking in between (unless placement is more than 1 mile).......I don't know, it doesn't make much sense to me either.
I'm going to meet with Coach Rick to discuss "strategery" as I put it. He just ran a PR in Seattle yesterday, a 4:38! He turns 55 on Tuesday, the same day he's going to shave off HALF of his beard and wear until his half-Ironman in Vegas. He made a deal that if he reaches his fundraising goal by June 30, he'd shave half of his beard. Well, people waited until he was running the Rock N' Roll Marathon to donate, so when he came back to his hotel room to shower and rest, he'd discover that he had only two days left with his whole beard (which he's had since 1984). Its' last supper will be held atop the Space Needle.
So, armed with this new pace and knowledge that I might be able to achieve a 4:30 (it's a lofty goal for me, I won't lie), I set off to conquer some hills.....because, well, San Francisco might have a few hills....so I've heard....
Mentally? I came to a grinding, screeching halt.
I know, I know, I'm such a drama queen.
What happened? Sabino Canyon happened. Now, Sabino and I have a history. Last year, this was the place where I really did a number on my IT band, but didn't know it until a week later at my 18-miler, where I ended up having to stop at mile 16 in tears and a lot of pain. I made the mistake of running it in "dead" shoes. Shoes that LOOKED fine, but had logged way too many miles and weren't supportive enough. That among with other small physical things stopped me dead in my tracks about 6 weeks before race day.
Yesterday was my chance at revenge. I was in new(ish) shoes, my core was stronger than ever (thanks, Rohan!), and I had some intense chi running lessons under my belt......bring it on.
Well, I wake up to an overcast day, and it's muggy. At 6 am, it's already 82 degrees, and 40% humidity......not ideal. We start out, and I can feel the humidity just sucking the life out of me. First mile, not bad, 10 mins! Ok, slow down a bit, you still have 6.4 miles.....
Let me explain about Sabino Canyon- it's an out and back course, 3.7 miles each way, and going in, it's pretty much all uphill- with the last mile gaining about 340 feet. It doesn't SOUND like a lot, but holy crap, you really feel it.
So I just struggled with these hills, the humidity, the heat.....it was certainly a wakeup call. I was all over the place mentally and just not really feeling great. I was so disheartened at how slow I felt like I was going, and how hard these hills were, and how would I ever be able to run hills in San Francisco if I couldn't run these, etc etc. I'd worked myself up into a pretty decent funk, and then I reached the top. Three older me who'd passed me on the last torturous stretch (and encouraged me along the way) were resting at the top. I asked them if this is where I was supposed to play the theme to "Rocky" and they started to sing it as I came around the little roundabout and raised my arms above my head.....
And then it was time to run down. Wheee!!!! I tried really hard to control the downhill part as to not overexert my IT band. I'd put on my knee brace as an afterthought and I'm kind of glad I did- it provided a little extra stability both mentally and physically.
Was I glad it was over? Yes.
It's going to take some mental "beefing up" for these hills. More than I thought. All day yesterday and today I've been mentally checking in with my knee, not knowing if it's injured or if I'm just being hypersensitive to it.....
My average pace for Sabino was an 11:30/mile. Less than stellar but not bad considering the circumstances, I admit. So now it's working on speed ON hills and not injuring myself in the process.
I think I can do that....
We've hit the longer miles sooner than we did last season, which is simply a factor of time. Last season, we had an extra six weeks to train, so the coaches had us spend a few weeks at the 6-8 range before hitting the double digits. Not this season! Six weeks INTO the season we're already at 8-10. Craziness.
Last weeks' run was an 8-miler along the Rillito River and what an awesome run it was. It was, do date, the best training run I've ever had. I found my groove, I settled in, and I hauled. Ok, well I hauled for ME. But even more? I was consistent- I'm pacing right around 10:30, which I am totally okay with. I'm aiming for a 4:30:and change time this race, which I'll need to maintain a 10:18/mile to achieve. I still have a ways to go, but it's a point of reference...
For my birthday, Todd gave me this awesome GPS watch that pretty much does everything except the laundry (damn!). I have it set so that I can run intervals based on distance- I run for a mile, it beeps and tells me to walk (it doesn't need to tell me twice, believe me), and then after 1 minute, it beeps again and tells me to run for another mile. Rinse and repeat 26 times. FUN!!
Since I've been training, I've been right around a 10:30/mile pace. Good runs, bad runs, runs where my foot cramps, I'm always at a 10:30! So now I need to take these numbers and figure it all out- I want to be smart about this. Last marathon, I lost a LOT of time walking. I was running a 7 minute run/1 minute walk interval, but also walked through the water stations, so I was walking a LOT. In hindsight, I should have blown off the interval walks if I'd just went through a water station, but I didn't know any better. I've heard that you always knock an easy 15 minutes off your first marathon time since you know the ropes....so I'm hoping to do that and then just plain go faster!
So I changed my interval t0 1 mile run/1 minute walk to be somewhat consistent with water station placement, so that I can train to run all the way in between water stations, walk through them, and not lose any time walking in between (unless placement is more than 1 mile).......I don't know, it doesn't make much sense to me either.
I'm going to meet with Coach Rick to discuss "strategery" as I put it. He just ran a PR in Seattle yesterday, a 4:38! He turns 55 on Tuesday, the same day he's going to shave off HALF of his beard and wear until his half-Ironman in Vegas. He made a deal that if he reaches his fundraising goal by June 30, he'd shave half of his beard. Well, people waited until he was running the Rock N' Roll Marathon to donate, so when he came back to his hotel room to shower and rest, he'd discover that he had only two days left with his whole beard (which he's had since 1984). Its' last supper will be held atop the Space Needle.
So, armed with this new pace and knowledge that I might be able to achieve a 4:30 (it's a lofty goal for me, I won't lie), I set off to conquer some hills.....because, well, San Francisco might have a few hills....so I've heard....
Mentally? I came to a grinding, screeching halt.
I know, I know, I'm such a drama queen.
What happened? Sabino Canyon happened. Now, Sabino and I have a history. Last year, this was the place where I really did a number on my IT band, but didn't know it until a week later at my 18-miler, where I ended up having to stop at mile 16 in tears and a lot of pain. I made the mistake of running it in "dead" shoes. Shoes that LOOKED fine, but had logged way too many miles and weren't supportive enough. That among with other small physical things stopped me dead in my tracks about 6 weeks before race day.
Yesterday was my chance at revenge. I was in new(ish) shoes, my core was stronger than ever (thanks, Rohan!), and I had some intense chi running lessons under my belt......bring it on.
Well, I wake up to an overcast day, and it's muggy. At 6 am, it's already 82 degrees, and 40% humidity......not ideal. We start out, and I can feel the humidity just sucking the life out of me. First mile, not bad, 10 mins! Ok, slow down a bit, you still have 6.4 miles.....
Let me explain about Sabino Canyon- it's an out and back course, 3.7 miles each way, and going in, it's pretty much all uphill- with the last mile gaining about 340 feet. It doesn't SOUND like a lot, but holy crap, you really feel it.
So I just struggled with these hills, the humidity, the heat.....it was certainly a wakeup call. I was all over the place mentally and just not really feeling great. I was so disheartened at how slow I felt like I was going, and how hard these hills were, and how would I ever be able to run hills in San Francisco if I couldn't run these, etc etc. I'd worked myself up into a pretty decent funk, and then I reached the top. Three older me who'd passed me on the last torturous stretch (and encouraged me along the way) were resting at the top. I asked them if this is where I was supposed to play the theme to "Rocky" and they started to sing it as I came around the little roundabout and raised my arms above my head.....
And then it was time to run down. Wheee!!!! I tried really hard to control the downhill part as to not overexert my IT band. I'd put on my knee brace as an afterthought and I'm kind of glad I did- it provided a little extra stability both mentally and physically.
Was I glad it was over? Yes.
It's going to take some mental "beefing up" for these hills. More than I thought. All day yesterday and today I've been mentally checking in with my knee, not knowing if it's injured or if I'm just being hypersensitive to it.....
My average pace for Sabino was an 11:30/mile. Less than stellar but not bad considering the circumstances, I admit. So now it's working on speed ON hills and not injuring myself in the process.
I think I can do that....
Sunday, June 14, 2009
6 Miles
Yesterday's run was interesting. I ran the entire six miles and only walked once about one mile into it so I could stretch out a little bit. The rest of the run I just felt like I was fighting it and really struggling to keep my pace and not just totally crap out.
It went quicker than I thought it would, and was greeted with a cold washcloth (whoever started doing that for the team, you have my eternal gratitude). I hit Trader Joe's on the way home and it was all I could do to not fall asleep on the way home- I was SO TIRED! I came home to surf our new cable channels (yes, we waited until the last minute to ditch our rabbit ears) and fell asleep for a few hours!
The interesting thing? When I downloaded my run and looked at my pace, I was only 14 seconds/mile behind last weeks' run (the run where I felt like a total badass). So I guess I wasn't going quite as slow as I felt....
I woke up early this morning and wrote my weekly mentor email and caught up on some other business (like watching the NASCAR race- pretty exciting!!). And wouldn't you know it, I fell asleep on the couch AGAIN (while watching Mythbusters of all things).
I have no idea why I'm so tired, but this napping thing is unusual for me.
Maybe next week will be a bit better. Call me sick, but I look forward to the longer miles. Next week is 8 and I'm eager to see what I can do.
It went quicker than I thought it would, and was greeted with a cold washcloth (whoever started doing that for the team, you have my eternal gratitude). I hit Trader Joe's on the way home and it was all I could do to not fall asleep on the way home- I was SO TIRED! I came home to surf our new cable channels (yes, we waited until the last minute to ditch our rabbit ears) and fell asleep for a few hours!
The interesting thing? When I downloaded my run and looked at my pace, I was only 14 seconds/mile behind last weeks' run (the run where I felt like a total badass). So I guess I wasn't going quite as slow as I felt....
I woke up early this morning and wrote my weekly mentor email and caught up on some other business (like watching the NASCAR race- pretty exciting!!). And wouldn't you know it, I fell asleep on the couch AGAIN (while watching Mythbusters of all things).
I have no idea why I'm so tired, but this napping thing is unusual for me.
Maybe next week will be a bit better. Call me sick, but I look forward to the longer miles. Next week is 8 and I'm eager to see what I can do.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Rock N' Roll!!
Look what I just registered for!
http://las-vegas.competitor.com/
Complete with run-through weddings and running Elvi.
I took a gamble and went all in. I signed up for the race but don't have a hotel or plane reservation yet! GAME ON!
http://las-vegas.competitor.com/
Complete with run-through weddings and running Elvi.
I took a gamble and went all in. I signed up for the race but don't have a hotel or plane reservation yet! GAME ON!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Meet Me Downtown Pictures
See? I told you I'd post pics!
Here's me and Teresa (Lil' T)- she was a mentor for my PF Chang's season. We're wearing matching Fleet Feet shirts, too! So....she ran 10 miles that morning (the race was at night) and she still managed to kick my butt. She makes running seem so effortless.
Notice that my arm is sparkly? That's compliments of......(see below)
My beloved Mashed Potato Queens (not to be confused with the Sweet Potato Queens)- they showed up in full regalia to support the race's cause (to bring business into downtown and support the Fox Theater). Plenty of glitter was shared.....and they wear shirts that say "Distill my beating heart". I've known them for years, and work out with several of them at my gym.
Todd took this photo (he's getting really good at this!) I love it because my form has improved so much (it's not perfect) and I really look like a runner!
The finish line went underneath a footbridge and Todd was waiting for me- I was seriously sprinting against the clock......
Here's me and Teresa (Lil' T)- she was a mentor for my PF Chang's season. We're wearing matching Fleet Feet shirts, too! So....she ran 10 miles that morning (the race was at night) and she still managed to kick my butt. She makes running seem so effortless.
Notice that my arm is sparkly? That's compliments of......(see below)
My beloved Mashed Potato Queens (not to be confused with the Sweet Potato Queens)- they showed up in full regalia to support the race's cause (to bring business into downtown and support the Fox Theater). Plenty of glitter was shared.....and they wear shirts that say "Distill my beating heart". I've known them for years, and work out with several of them at my gym.
Todd took this photo (he's getting really good at this!) I love it because my form has improved so much (it's not perfect) and I really look like a runner!
The finish line went underneath a footbridge and Todd was waiting for me- I was seriously sprinting against the clock......
There I am trying to beat the clock! ARGH, I wanted to beat 29 so badly! Oh well, maybe next year. :) (I'm right below the N in "FINISH")
Overall, it was a great time. I can't wait to do it next year!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
5k update!
What a fun night! Of course, I got caught up in the excitement and went out way too fast. At one point, I noticed that I was pacing an 8 minute mile. Woah, slow down.......but I'd already kind of run out of steam....so I fought through the second mile, and part of the third, and then I kicked into high gear. I'd resolved to finish the race in under 30 minutes if it made me puke or not......so I could see the finish line and I just went for it, and I was racing the clock.
Spectators near and at the finish line knew what I was doing, and they could see the big timer, so they cheered even louder as I neared the finish line. Todd got an awesome overhead picture (to be loaded later) of me JUST getting to the finish line at (get this)......28:59. WOOHOO! So I probably crossed at 29:00 or 29:01....
A new PR!
Of course, all kinds of doubt went through my head as I was running all out during this race..."How can I run a marathon if I can't even make it through a 5k?" "WHY do I do this??" "I'm not going to be able to do a marathon with hills if this course makes me want to puke".
Not pretty, and I know the training will take care of that mentality (hopefully), but it was eye-opening for sure.
In the meantime, I'm going to revel in my success at the 5k and be proud of myself. I analyzed my form in the pictures, and you know what?? I LOOK like a runner! Holy crap! :)
So today it's off to a pool party and then home to relax and prepare for the week ahead.
Life is good.
Have a good Sunday, and happy running. :)
Spectators near and at the finish line knew what I was doing, and they could see the big timer, so they cheered even louder as I neared the finish line. Todd got an awesome overhead picture (to be loaded later) of me JUST getting to the finish line at (get this)......28:59. WOOHOO! So I probably crossed at 29:00 or 29:01....
A new PR!
Of course, all kinds of doubt went through my head as I was running all out during this race..."How can I run a marathon if I can't even make it through a 5k?" "WHY do I do this??" "I'm not going to be able to do a marathon with hills if this course makes me want to puke".
Not pretty, and I know the training will take care of that mentality (hopefully), but it was eye-opening for sure.
In the meantime, I'm going to revel in my success at the 5k and be proud of myself. I analyzed my form in the pictures, and you know what?? I LOOK like a runner! Holy crap! :)
So today it's off to a pool party and then home to relax and prepare for the week ahead.
Life is good.
Have a good Sunday, and happy running. :)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The beat goes on
So today marked our second week of practice, and it's going really well.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately, I've been trying to settle back into "work, cross-training, running, clean the house" mode. So unfortunately, my blog can get put on the backburner. My apologies again.
So....where were we?
Ah, the 23rd....First practice and boy, what a great one. It was cloudy and cool, and humid (ugh). Almost everyone was there and it was great to feel the energy and enthusiasm of a new season. We ran a whopping 2 miles while the Seattle team (Their event is at the end of June) was doing 18!! The first-timers were all bug-eyed at that number- I remember feeling that way too. We reassured them that by the time they worked up to it, those distances wouldn't seem so bad.
Today's practice was a bit smaller, due to a communication breakdown (good Led Zeppelin song, by the way). Some people thought that it started a half hour later, so people were still trickling in as the rest of the team took off to do their 2-3 miles. I ran a little bit with the team, but turned back early so I wouldn't burn myself out.
Why, you ask? I'm running the Meet Me Downtown 5k tonight! This is the race that started it all for me last year. I saw a flier for it in 2008 (the race was on 6/7/08) and thought that it sounded like fun, so I signed up, knowing that the last 5k I ran had been about 6 years earlier. Um, yeah.....you get the idea. But wouldn't you know it, I had so much fun that I did another 5k the week after that! I was hooked. Slow, but hooked.
Then a couple weeks after that I got a flier for Team in Training and thought "huh. I remember when my co-worker ran a marathon with them and it seemed like fun....." maybe I'll go to the meeting just to see what it's all about....and yadda yadda yadda, the rest is history.
So, I paced a 10:17 mile for this race last year, with a finish time of 31:58, however that's a rough estimate. What happened at the race was interesting- so many people signed up right before or the day of, that the officials were sort of blindsided by the sheer volume of people that showed up. Not only did they run out of water at the hydration stations, but we had to STAND IN LINE to finish the race!!! So not only did I get a finish time of 31:58, but about 20 other people did as well.....I'm anxious to beat my "personal record" (sorry, trying not to snort at myself as I type that) and excited to had a little more experience under my belt! :)
Oh, and if anyone fancies themselves as a birder, I saw a beautiful bird this morning. It had a red breast and black cap/back. It wasn't a cardinal or a finch. It was probably the size of a robin, but it wasn't a robin. Any ideas?
Sorry for the lack of posts lately, I've been trying to settle back into "work, cross-training, running, clean the house" mode. So unfortunately, my blog can get put on the backburner. My apologies again.
So....where were we?
Ah, the 23rd....First practice and boy, what a great one. It was cloudy and cool, and humid (ugh). Almost everyone was there and it was great to feel the energy and enthusiasm of a new season. We ran a whopping 2 miles while the Seattle team (Their event is at the end of June) was doing 18!! The first-timers were all bug-eyed at that number- I remember feeling that way too. We reassured them that by the time they worked up to it, those distances wouldn't seem so bad.
Today's practice was a bit smaller, due to a communication breakdown (good Led Zeppelin song, by the way). Some people thought that it started a half hour later, so people were still trickling in as the rest of the team took off to do their 2-3 miles. I ran a little bit with the team, but turned back early so I wouldn't burn myself out.
Why, you ask? I'm running the Meet Me Downtown 5k tonight! This is the race that started it all for me last year. I saw a flier for it in 2008 (the race was on 6/7/08) and thought that it sounded like fun, so I signed up, knowing that the last 5k I ran had been about 6 years earlier. Um, yeah.....you get the idea. But wouldn't you know it, I had so much fun that I did another 5k the week after that! I was hooked. Slow, but hooked.
Then a couple weeks after that I got a flier for Team in Training and thought "huh. I remember when my co-worker ran a marathon with them and it seemed like fun....." maybe I'll go to the meeting just to see what it's all about....and yadda yadda yadda, the rest is history.
So, I paced a 10:17 mile for this race last year, with a finish time of 31:58, however that's a rough estimate. What happened at the race was interesting- so many people signed up right before or the day of, that the officials were sort of blindsided by the sheer volume of people that showed up. Not only did they run out of water at the hydration stations, but we had to STAND IN LINE to finish the race!!! So not only did I get a finish time of 31:58, but about 20 other people did as well.....I'm anxious to beat my "personal record" (sorry, trying not to snort at myself as I type that) and excited to had a little more experience under my belt! :)
Oh, and if anyone fancies themselves as a birder, I saw a beautiful bird this morning. It had a red breast and black cap/back. It wasn't a cardinal or a finch. It was probably the size of a robin, but it wasn't a robin. Any ideas?
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