Sunday, May 31, 2009
Week 22 Totals
Week running mileage: 45
Total mileage for 2009: 718 miles
This week's weight training: 2
Cross training: 0
Finally, I could use the watch
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Mt. Evans Training Run #1
The two groups departed at Echo Lake and said we'd see them in two weeks for the climb from Summit Lake to the top (the hardest part). I was so cold, donning 4 layers of clothing wasn't helping, so I cranked Dennis' heat on full-blast all the way to Idaho Springs. I think Dennis was about to melt. We went into town and had a quick bite to eat and headed home to Denver. It was 78 degrees when I crawled out of the car, still wearing 4 layers of shirts (one of them my fleece North Face jacket); if any of the neighbors saw me, I'm sure they questioned my sanity. Well...I'm sure most question it when I wear normal weather appropriate clothing :).
I don't think I'll be overly sore tomorrow, at least I hope not and so far not too stiff, though I have been doing a lot of sitting as all I've basically done all day is sit here and type; I have a lot of writing due by tomorrow evening and I wanted to get the bulk of it done today so that tomorrow, I can actually try to clean my pity house!! I hope my legs are good enough for a medium run tomorrow!
Friday, May 29, 2009
My watch; My demise
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Difference in a Day
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Things I learned running 15.5 today:
2) that the gnat population has risen x150 since I was there a few days ago.
3) that my glutes are very sore from yesterday.
4) that my quads are also sore.
5) that sore glutes, sore quads and a bum knee make for a very difficult long run.
6) that the two basic functions I know how to do on my new watch, start and stop, are awesome.
7) that I CAN go a pathetic 10:15-10:30 pace at times with sore glutes and quads.
8) that it's okay (to a point) I run with soreness; one of my goals is to learn to run through the "hurt" of a marathon.
9) that my right foot is larger than my left foot and the 4th edition of various sized new shoes is actually too small for my righty.
10) that I'm going to have to get new larger shoes for long runs.
11) that 69 degrees with overcast skies is much cooler than 69 degrees and sun.
12) that there are a lot of bikers in the park at 5:00pm as they are traveling home from work, I presume.
13) that a little Rihanna goes a long way with achy muscles.
14) that thoughts of an ice-bath mid way through run is a sure sign that your body is sore.
15) that it takes longer to dig a pebble out of your shoe than it would be to take entire shoe off, dump it out, and reapply shoe.
16) that I still can get a little sun on my shoulders when I run at 4:00; despite it being mostly overcast.
I love it when I learn something new on a run! Even if it wasn't the greatest of runs, I learned a lot. Knowledge is power.
15.5 miles run
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
talks and weights
Here it is 11:30 and I am just starting to write my blog - it's going to be short.
I came home from work and fell asleep hard as I laid on my bed deciding which of the many things to tackle first. Guess that nap took care of that decision.
Met with Rob tonight to talk about my running goals for this fall. It was good, hopefully productive; insightful on my end and I hope his. I still want a fall marathon PR and feel a new sense of motivation and purpose now. Have not committed to a marathon yet, waiting on a couple of things to pan out first on Portland. If that doesn't work out, I'll find one around the same time-frame. I have taken a few things off my plate for the summer and am seriously thinking that Ragbrai is not going to work with my chronic knee problem. I can't imagine riding 75 miles with this knee. I do, though, think it may workout to do the Bix run while back in Iowa; it's gotta be like 9 years ago that I ran it last....and possibly longer! Anyway, after a lengthy talk, where my posture sitting in a chair that long was anything but proper, I lifted some weights, emphasising my glutes....need 'em to get up Mt. Evans this weekend as we head off for our first training run up the thing. I think there's a lot of snow up there but I'm excited to get back in the mountains. Love summer trail running!!
weight training: 1
Monday, May 25, 2009
Week 21
Week running mileage: 33
Total mileage for 2009: 673 miles
This week's weight training: 2
Cross training: 0
Not as I had hoped...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Bolder Boulder in 7 hours
I took my Garmin watch this morning and read the manual, watched some Youtube videos on the thing and started playing. Somehow, I got the thing in GPS mode and for the life of me couldn't get it it out. I have absolutely no idea what combination of buttons I pushed but I managed to get it back to the start screen about an hour later. I took it and ran up to the track so I could monitor it's pace along with it's distance. I learned I cannot run a 10:30 minute pace...which is what my Team Oregon Pacing book says I should for a long run. Probably that's my problem in not running strong in a marathon, I'm running my long run too fast. Anyway, I did get a lot of the very basics learned with my watch but I cannot figure out how to get splits per mile so I'm going to not use it tomorrow. Which is a bummer because I was really looking forward to it to keep my pace where it needs to be. Err. Hopefully I can play with it more this week and get some more kinks worked out.
Race details tomorrow!!
3 miles run
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Running Coach and Cupcakes
Friday, May 22, 2009
I Got the Watch
Wrapped up Abbey's graduation tonight with a little party at our house. Lots of people stopped by, it was very nice to see everyone and I'm telling ya, those cupcake she made were a big hit. If my camera weren't downstairs, I'd load the cupcake masterpiece and share...but I am very tired so will do that tomorrow instead. I am VERY glad all the graduation festivities are done and over (aside from a few parties I need to attend tomorrow, but that's nothing I have to do prepare .... my job is DONE! Yes!)....smooth sailing from now til end of school in two week. I am so tired right now; I've had a blast but ready to move on. Thanks to all those that attended and supported Abbey!!
I am super tired!!
5 miles run
Thursday, May 21, 2009
And She's Done!
I met with Rob tonight and he stretched my very tight legs and we did some weights. I got my watch back with a few minor instructions. Not was I was hoping but after tomorrow's graduation party, I should have more time to sit and figure the thing out. Maybe I'll hit up Dennis for a lengthy demonstration :). My legs actually felt pretty well today, surprisingly after yesterday's long run. I will take that as a good sign!!
And we have our diploma!
Her and I (or I and her)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
18 ... it's good to be back!
Sat at graduation for 3 hours. Nice...but man-o-man, loooooong! I'll share some pictures tomorrow along with some sentiments. We got home really late, I'm dead tired, and I ran far in the heat today :).
18 miles run
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A somewhat better day at the track
Monday, May 18, 2009
Week 20 Totals
Week running mileage: 29
Total mileage for 2009: 640 miles
This week weight training: 1 1/2
Cross training: 0
We moved up the rankings
I was so tired at work at one point today, I seriously thought I was going to have to go home and take a nap. I didn't get much sleep last night (obviously!). I opted for a diet coke, instead, cuz I had a lot of work to do and really couldn't leave. I eventually did make it home from work and eventually did take a nap, albeit short.
Did some weights with Rob after learning that my body weight and body fat are way up. At least my body fat is. I so look forward to next week when all this insanity of graduation is over and I can get back into a serious routine!! Came home from lifting weights and ran about 4 miles. My left quad is sore from yesterday so sitting here rolling-pinning it out!
Allergies finally better...
Off to bed.
Weight training: 1
4 miles run
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Official Results
2nd place mixed open division, Bib # 1199, Name: Pick'd Pro's
Leg 1: Neil Robichaux (10K) 41:32
Leg 2: Jill Parker (5K) 1:00:05
Leg 3: Matt Mussetter (10K) 1:42:23
Leg 4: Alicia Caldwell (5K) 2:04:33
Leg 5: Dennis McConnel (12K) 1:55:17
Colfax Marathon Relay
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Yellow Bib
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Goodybye Smoky Hill Class of 2009
Okay...so as not to calm the craziness in my life, God forbid, I rushed home after the assembly today and gathered what I could to go run then do weights. By the time I finally got out the door, it was 4:15 and still very warm. I made a loop around the creek, noticing how fast it is flowing - indicative that it's spring. The amazing thing, though, is that on the east side of the creek, the water is starting to negotiate a new path. The water is splitting into two in many place. Along the west side of the creek, the gnats were swarming and I know I inhaled about 400. I hate these guys! I also saw my first snake of the season, and almost stepped on it. They are out sunning themselves already. Ick. I didn't feel that great but I keep on my slow pace til I finished my 5 miles. When I got to the car, I was sporting a major headache, which has been the case for the past several days, and I was not going to go to the gym to workout. I ran to the grocery store quickly and then got home and did a few weights on my own here. Not as much as I wanted but some was better than none. I had to finish up the interview/writing for Dimity and I had to finish my newsletter for Rob. Two big deadlines and I was scrambling to get 'em done! I just got an email from Rob stating that my article probably isn't making the deadline. Err.
I'm so tied I'm about ready to pass out!
Tomorrow I am going for a medium run then heading downtown to pick up my race packet for the relay. Dennis has now given me 24 minutes to do my relay exchange. Given it's going to be some time to actually DO the exchange, this is probably still a little fast for me. We'll see. Sharon, who was handing off to me, is now being replaced by her fiance, Neil, due to injury....I now get to don my same anxiety, only it's who the heck Neil is vs. Sharon. Hoping that cuz Neil runs an insanely fast 10K, he'll be one of the front runners and I'll easily spot him up front. Yeah, okay Jill...keep thinking that. Never mind how you're going to find Matt. One at a time. Who's idea was this relay, Dennis? Oh yeah....
5 miles run
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Is the Grass Greener
I sat here typing away tonight and frantically trying to get stuff done. It was 9:00 and I had not run yet. My head was killing me and I still had a lot to do and thought I was just going to have to blow it off. But I was drawing a blank with my writing and I realized I had to go for a run. Sometimes, all I need to do is go for a run and tonight was one. When I think I have no time to get out there, or that taking time to run could be the most selfish thing to do in that moment, my feet start slapping and I remember once again, just like always, that there is nothing selfish running. It's one thing that allows me to be everything I need to be for everyone else and not resent it. With so many time constraints and limits and rules and routines in the hectic pace of daily life, we need another place where we set our own pace, even if it's just for 4 miles.
4 miles at 8:41 on the treadmill was the best antidote ever! Not the 7 on my plan (got it today!) but the 4 I did cleared clutter out of my head and lifted the ache it was previously carrying. I came upstairs from the basement, made lunches, cracked out some laundry and back to my writing feeling fresh and revived. It was the best 4 miles I've had in a long time!!!! Sometimes, the grass IS greener....
4 miles run
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Massive wind at the track
Monday, May 11, 2009
Let's call it 5
Sorta heard from Rob today, long story. Long email. On my end, not his. Go figure. He has flu-like symptoms so wasn't able to meet him tonight (thank you!!!). I was relieved; I had way too much to do and really was only going to stress if I had to squish in weights. Anyway, we may go to the track tomorrow and I may finally do my timed 1-mile. I want to get a gauge where I can run a mile at the beginning of my so-called "metamorphosis" and see if any progress is made over the summer before I do the big fall marathon. I just want to see where my speed fitness level is. But tomorrow is suppose to be in the mid-80's so yeah, yuck. Not ideal for a time trial. But is there ever an ideal time? At one time a few weeks ago I was hoping I can run about a 6:35 but now I'm not so sure. Not after last week's disaster at the track trying to run a 7:00. But the plus side is that this medication I'm currently on for my sinuses seems to be working a little better than the last. So maybe I can actually breathe tomorrow.
Dennis got into the St. George lottery so looks like he'll be running it this fall, he's trying to get to Boston. He's putting a lot of pressure on me to perform my leg well at the relay this weekend. Told me I'd let the team down if I run over 23:30 for my 5K. Maybe ....if I didn't have the most difficult hills section!!!!!! I wonder how much time it's going to take to hand off the leg baton....that's gotta take some time, especially since I don't KNOW what my hand-off person looks!
5 miles run
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Week 19 Totals
Week running mileage: 29
Total mileage for 2009: 611 miles
This week weight training: 2
Cross training: 1 bike
Crappy attitude: 1
Followed by a better attitude: 1
Sucked up a lung attempting to run intervals: 1
Happy Mother's Day
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Am I conditioned to run long?
I also think that 15 really took a lot of out of me today; more than usual for 15. That's okay...cuz I still love the long run. Over any other run. My friend, Barb, just cracks me up. I posted on FB that I ran 15 today. She writes back that she can't believe I ran that far and thinks maybe she walked about that in a week's span. She asked me if when I run 15 miles do I have time for anything else? Or . . . am I so conditioned that those 15 miles is like walking up one flight of stairs for her. I thought about this most of the day. It's not like 15 miles, 26 miles or anything in between is easy....it's just that it's real. It's as much a part of me as brushing my teeth...or walking up those stairs. I can't quit. At least not yet. I love how I am able to have the time to myself and my mind, to think about things that I cannot think about any other time in my busy life, to de-clutter the cobwebs that form throughout the day, think about past memories....and the list goes on. I feel so whole when I return from a long run, it transcends me into a better person. Yes, I am conditioned to it, Barb, but not because it's easy....I felt almost every step of my long run today: my quads were tight from Thursday's workout; the left ball of my foot was developing a blister (which I have to say, prior to these "new" shoes, I can't recall EVER getting one aside from Pikes Peak last year when I ran for 5 hours in wet shoes and socks. I mean, there was a reason for that one to develop); I had stomach cramps; and I was just plain tired at the end. And a little more tired than normal throughout the day.....no, I'm conditioned to it because despite the aches and pains and fatigue, I love it and would miss it like the death of a loved one. To me, there is nothing more whole than accomplishing the long run.
Though probably only about 60 degrees, I managed to get a little sunburn on my shoulders and back. Welcome, Spring!! I'm looking forward to getting this pasty-white skin in hibernation for awhile.
Upon my return from my run, I took an ice bath. My quads were screaming for it and now that winter is behind us (hopefully), I could ease my legs into the cold water better than I have been able to for the past 5 months. Felt great!
15 miles run
Friday, May 8, 2009
Favorable Friday
Left work about an hour early.
Dennis has reclassified my "sucky" leg assignment in next week's marathon relay to "challenging" (he knows I like a challenge). Still no word on a group meeting to identify my hand-off teammates....I suggested a group packet pickup and pre-race carbo loading beer. No confirmation on that.
My knee is not hurting today. Though I was suppose to run 5 slow miles, I did not. I took the day off and I feel good about that decision.
I didn't eat great, but better than previous days this week.
Ran into an amazing athlete and neighbor, Carol, at the dry cleaners today. I haven't seen her in ages and love her incredible athleticism. She's doing a half Ironman triathlon in July. I'm in awe!
Was asked by dmd if I would do an interview for her for an article for Woman's Health magazine. What... are you kidding me? Of course!!
Used a $100 coupon on a new purple patent leather Coach purse. SCORE!
Thinking of catering Yolanda's Tacos for Abbey's graduation. LOVE that place! At least a "thought" is further progress than we were yesterday with nothing.
Had two beers tonight with good friends.
Enjoying the house to myself and getting some writing done tonight. And some laundry.
My defaced FB "friend" emailed me today.
My yard's currently getting some good hydration.
I think I'm going to sleep more than 4 hours tonight.
Bought some tomato plants.
Learned I will wake up in the morning after taking 1 1/2 antihistamines before I go to sleep.
Feeling slightly better about registering for the Portland Marathon.
My favorite color is still pink (always). But I'm kinda liking the violet world.
Still feeling Boston!
I had a better hair day.
Feeling good about my long run tomorrow; will try for 15.
Thinking I may go to bed at 10:45 on a Friday night!!
All yesterday's issues addressed? Well, no word from Rob S. but that's par for the course, but I think I've made progress on most other matters. TGIF!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Many Ouches
It's always interesting to me how one thing, one little minor thing, can change your whole disposition and make everything else change with it. If you allow it to, which most days I can shoo it away but today I couldn't.
I'm not sure what to do about the Portland Marathon. Early registration goes on only through next week so I need to decide (if I want to save a few $$). I wish Rob S. would sit and talk to me about it but I've expressed a few concerns and he doesn't seem to want to address them. Nor a few other questions I've asked that never got answered this week. I really have pulled away from my "constant questioning" that I've been accused of in the past......so not sure why a few measly questions and one head-spinning Portland Marathon mind can't be laid to rest by talking to me. Nope, in and out in less than a hour!!! No talking required, just lift the weights and do what you're told .... until next time. Repeat.
I'm not sure if I can bike across Iowa this summer with my knee. It was feeling so well up until yesterday. Not a major defeat if not...but I'd certainly like to if I can. Meg, wanna do the BIX? My treat!!! :) We'll stay with Karen and head over to Kathie's bar the night before, should make for a great run the next day!
Abbey's last full day of school is tomorrow. Next week she has finals and then she's done! It's so surreal to think that she'll be graduating in a few days. Wow. Reality is setting in. (btw, she still has over $60 bucks on her lunch card ... I put $100 on it 3 years ago and she's used $40 in 3 years. And probably $20 0f that is from the past week. So I guess we're donating some cash to Regis H.S.).
I'm not sure what to do for food for Abbey's graduation party. I know we're making cupcake - she's actually pretty adamant that she make them herself. Bought banana cupcake mix today at William's Sonoma. Don't even ask how much the mix cost....it was WS after all! We need to find a cake decorating place to figure out what to put on top of these things she's making....but I'm thinking these blueberries look nice :). Not sure about other food...but by golly, we'll have cupcakes!
My hair's driving me crazy. I think this 'Locks For Love' thing is not going to work. We'll see. Maybe Becky can do something with it next week when I see her. I love it long...but it's soooo dry!
I think someone defaced me in FB. Or he removed himself totally. Not sure.
I can't stop eating. And I don't really seem to care. Or know what to do, more likely.
I am so overly tired!
I hate how crazy May is.
My head hurts.
I can't breathe.
I need to run a timed mile. Allergies and all other ailments.
I want to wear my new watch but I don't have it yet.
Dennis stuck me in the crappy leg for the relay next weekend. JK. Sorta. :). Um, Dennis, will I know who Sharon is when she hands the leg strap thingy to me? And Matt...I've met him like twice about a year ago. You'd better account several additional minutes to the relay for "guessing" who our teammates are in hand-offs. Will we all have matching prostate shirts? Can mine be pink?
I'm really a pretty likable person, I promise!
Wow, how's that for an uplifting and energizing blog! I'm not broken, Rob K., just filled with uncertainty right now in my directions.On a good note, Abbey's in a great mood lately. End of high school and onto DU can do that to a girl, I guess. Well, once we start summer job searching, I'm certain all glee-ness in her will leave.
And the Clawson's want to take me out for Martinis for Boston celebration. I'm game. Let me get through this graduation thing first, guys!
It's been warm here in the mile high city....I was roasting last night. Time for the windows to pop open....Looking forward to tomorrow!
Weight training: 1
Failed attempt to run: 1
Crappy attitude: 1
Zero willpower to stop eating crap food: 1
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
8 run.....13 on bike
Though not on my "plan" my friend and woman that cuts and highlights my hair, Becky, had a free afternoon and asked if I wanted to ride bikes around the "pond" (as she calls it....it's the reservoir at Cherry Creek State Park near my house) today. She's an incredible cyclist whom I've admired for years....from the side, never partaking in a any sort of cycling adventure with her. I mean, I don't bike. I own some bike shorts and go to cycling class when I can but when I venture out on my bike, it's usually at a snail's pace with my kids or on my own (though as the boys are getting older and stronger, they can do most any sport now much better than me....except for the marathon :) ). So I forewarned her that I would be slow...especially since I needed to get my 8-mile tempo run in first. A must do. Biking was secondary. She understood. But I was still skeptical, she owns a super nice bike. I had to ride my mt. bike. It's a great bike, I paid a small fortune for it some odd-years ago, but it's not light and it's not meant to ride on the streets of the park. But ride I went.
My 8-mile tempo was tough; my quads were tight from yesterday's failure at intervals and it was hot. I am not acclimated to running in warm temps yet so it was a challenge but I loved running on the trails with the sun warming my body; it's been a long time waiting! It felt great to get a little sun and vitamin D on my skin; I can even see the beginning signs of my watch tan line....one of those 'medal of honor' signs that I like to look at deep into the middle of the summer. It's one of those signs of the sacrifices that I have made with my running.
After I got back to my car from my dusty trail run at the park, I was tired but Becky was right on time and waiting at my car. I ran into the pediatrician's office right there where I parked and changed into my bike shorts, had some intestinal problems to take care of (sorry, had to share), and then off on bike. She was good and stayed with me most of the time, but on some of the downhills, I let her take off and man...she is fast! For some odd reason, there was a bike race going on in the park and there were lots of really REALLY fast cyclists out there and we were in the middle of them many times. You know, those guys that wear those aerodynamic helmets and have a solid rear wheel!! Yep, they were surrounding us. I have no idea why there was a bike race on a Wednesday afternoon at the park, but there was! So when all was said and done, Becky told me that I rode well (uh...not sure what she was comparing me to cuz I was really struggling at points, but thanks....I'll take the compliment- any bike compliment) and that we averaged about 13 mph and rode about 13 miles. Not speedy but if you take into account the times we had to slow way down for the racers, it wasn't bad. My left knee bothered me a lot and I made sure to ice it when I got home. Feels better now.
I came home and just crashed, I was dead, and I was so light-headed. I had to down a Diet Coke, which I really have done a good job of giving up but somehow got back into my diet since Boston. I like to treat myself to one after a good, hard, long run as it just goes down so well...but I seem to not have weened myself off of it since Boston and today I just craved it so bad! I was almost in sleep-mode when Abbey came running in my room stating she HAD to go to Target to get some "stuff." I guess I sort of promised yesterday that we'd go today when she wanted to go and I was too tired to. So went I did. I was so light-headed and having a splitting headache when I got there but we had a great time at Target, laughing at all these cards and looking for things she may need in college. We didn't buy much but we did have fun. Then we got sandwiches on the way home and I think I inhaled mine in less than a minute!! I didn't even care that it was bread and I don't eat bread. Very often.
So a good day for lot of exercise. Tomorrow is weight training and a very short 5 minute run. I'm glad to have the day off of hard running!!!
8 miles run
cross train: 13 mile bike
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
An Emotional 13 hour Marathon
I don't know if it was the fact that I could actually perform my 1200's on my treadmill with both lungs operating at about 80% (vs about 3% at the track) that was causing my eyes to blurr....but most likely, it was seeing the last guy, Ron, cross the finish line in 13 hours and some change. Everyone was crying for his victory ... including me. He persevered what only a few months ago was impossible when he weighed 141 lbs more. Yes, most anyone could go out there and walk 26 miles in less than 13 hours but I had such great admiration for his determination to fight his knee pain, overcome his obstacles, and never give up! To me, that's a true hero!!!! I even bumped up my last 1200 to a 6:53 pace just to pay tribute to those 4 marathoners today on TBL (BTW, I believe the first place chick never once walked and crossed in 4:48. Incredible...she, too, never ran more than a few miles in her life). I felt great!
I'm not exactly sure what's going on with my lungs but I'm almost certain some of it, if not all, is allergy related. I am just suffering big time. The reason why there was an intermission to grocery store between track and treadmill intervals is because I needed to go talk to a pharmacist and see what they recommended to clear out this crud in my sinuses. I am so drugged up right now and I know this is effecting my ability to breathe and run efficiently. So I got some things to try - things I've tried in the past but willing to try again. I think I'm close to calling an allergist ... and since my insurance won't pay for it, that indicates to you how bad I am hurting and want this fixed!
My new shoes that I loved on my long run Saturday are too big. Errr. My heels are also hurting some. I need to call the shoe place and get this shoe thing fixed. Again.
Tomorrow I am going to do my darnest to get out of work by 2:30, hit the CC trails for an 8 mile run, then meet up with Becky for a spin around the reservoir on our bikes. Becky's an awesome cyclist (she does my hair... the one that laughs every time I come in and tell her how this Locks for Love thing I'm attempting to do is driving me crazy) and offered to go with me for a little ride on the bike. I'm going to close and make sure that I have air in my tires.
7 miles run