Running Georgetown 2nd Edition

I ranted just last week about how I get talked into silly things like running 1/2 marathons, especially ones that I've had bad experiences with. I questioned why I subject myself and why I feel like I must test my limits.I also questioned why I was letting my head get the best of me (you shouldn't run, you have a cold, your knee could hurt etc) Although I'm still questioning all of the above, I'm still wondering why I let people talk me into things. But I'm also glad that they did.

When I ran Georgetown to Idaho Springs last year I totally bonked at about mile 6-8 and then walk / ran (more walking than running) the rest of the way. This made the course feel like it was 'forever' long. I gave much of my energy to the 'uphills' of the course and not nearly enough energy to the downhills. I didn't train well for it, letting my head get the better of me. I prayed for a miracle when I knew that you have to train for miracles. Therefor, after I committed to doing this race again I threw myself into training 100%, maybe even more. I did hill workouts and speed work and tempo runs (although they were short) all so that I wouldn't have the same experience. I remembered my gels and I stuck to my plan at the aide stations and with the pace group. The miles ticked by easily, the pace group seemed a bit slow, and the uphills didn't seem so much like uphills, more like rises in the road. The signs from the cross country team were cute and funny this time instead of annoying and dumb like I thought they were last time. They changed the finish this year which is fine but I didn't know when to speed up and 'find the next gear' so I guessed, and I will tell you that I guessed too early and sprinted longer than I thought I could, but the bottom line is that I could sprint that far and it was fine, except I couldn't breath but that is minor right? I passed a lot of people along the way. The bottom line is that my finish time is 1.55.16. That is better than I could have hoped for. I ran without a watch this time (the first time for this distance) I just ran by feel. Who knew that you could set a PR running by feel?

I told some friends that my goal for the 1/2 marathon distance is to feel strong for the entire 13 miles so when I felt good and I began to notice things like the view and such I was happy. I made that goal. The weather was also perfect, not too hot, not too cold which also made my day.

I had also mentioned to someone that if I ever got to the 1.50 1/2 marathon I might consider a full marathon. Who does stuff like that?

So just know, Georgetown and I have become friends. No longer will I tell people how terrible that race is...I will mention there are hills. It's just not right to tell people it is all downhill. But when you train for the hills and for the distance then sometimes it all just comes together, kind of like a perfect storm and when that happens then miracles can happen as well!

Running butterflies

About a month ago I was again talked into running a race that I didn't plan on. Heck, do I ever plan a race? Anyway, Georgetown to Idaho Springs, here I come again.And let me remind everyone that I didn't have that fabulous of a run the first time around. But now, as I sit here the day before the race, with a bit of a head cold and fatigue wearing on me because of this lifestyle I live, I'm wondering what the heck I was thinking? Don't get me wrong, I've trained for the race; the only run I cut short was the 14 miler...I only did 13.3 and on 800's I did make it up to 9 repeats before I started a taper. Either way, I am now letting my head get the best of me. It's gonna be hot and I don't feel that fabulous with the head cold and I'm tired. So I'm wondering why is it different? A few weeks ago when I did the 13.3 miles I had no anxiety before the run, and now since I paid an entry and will have a number and an official finish time I worry and fret like crazy? I begin to second guess myself and my hobby and everything? Is this even normal? Maybe part of it is that I have time to worry...When you don't taper you don't have worry right? There is no time when your busy concentrating on putting one step in front of the other because every muscle screams at you. Also, contributing to my worry is that Louis and the kids are coming this time. As if there aren't enough people at the end waiting anyone, the ones I care about the most will be there to either see me at my best or possibly my worst...I'll let you know!

My July update

So, for a change I have a few extra minutes in my day and I decide to look at my blog...As fabulous as the blog is, I can't believe that it has been almost a month since I've said a word on it. How am I supposed to be using this as a journal if I don't ever write stuff down? So, I guess it is very very clear that I suck at this. Or maybe I'm just leaving lots and lots of room for improvement.

Brooke ran her first 5k with me on July 4th. She hated every minute of the actual running. She was super excited before the race started. She was happy at the finish line but during the race I heard it all...we are going too fast, its hot, I'm tired, I hate this etc etc etc. I had read about other running moms having a hard time with their children running so I had thought about all types of positive things I could say to her but she wasn't having it... Mom, I'm never doing this again...My response was ok, that's fine, but lets just finish what we started...

And she did. Ever since her running at track has been so much better! I am still in shock at the improvement! Her time according to her (my running ) watch was 39.47...she wanted to be under 40. I kinda think the official times are off (especially since they say that I didn't run) that I'm ignoring them.

After the race we did the normal 4th of July routine for us which included a parade, pool party, block party...sleep

We also ventured to the Renaissance festival, much to my dismay. Amanda and Louis thought it would be fun. I think they need to re-evaluate their fun standards. Regardless, the kids liked it. They got their face painted, Brooke got her hair done and then we hit the rain. Lots and lots of rain. It is always an adventure to go to the festival and see all the crazy people dressing up, talking differently etc. I'm just not sold on the every year routine.

I have also been talked into trying my luck at the Georgetown to Idaho Springs 1/2 marathon. I'm not sure how I get into these things, but I'm training smarter for this race this time so I'm hoping that things go better. Much much better.





June Updates

As I sometimes read back into some of the posts I have done I realize how much I forget...I kinda miss my busy weekends...even though I'm really good at complaining about them...I was intoduced into my busy weekends again recently. Brooke had a dance recital and I was racing again and Father's day.

Brooke's dance recital...I just love watching her dance because she has learned so much and gained so much confidence...I'll be honest, the company needs a little help as far as the recital organization goes, and in my future I see helping to fix that but all in all it was fun. And the end goal is to teach the kids how to dance, to give them confidence and provide it in a fun environment. The company has been very successfull in that aspect, so I'm happy.

I raced the father's day 5K again this year at APEX. Last year, if you recall I was afraid to run the 5K distance, for fear of the unknown. Also if you recall I ran a 26.50 finishing 8th in my division. I remember being excited to actually be in the top 10 and happy with the time. So this year, it would be safe to say that I had some preatty high expectations as I had been training hard. I guess I didn't really go into the race with a taper (who tapers for a 5K was my thinking) and I also had 8 miles scheduled for this weekend for other training. So I got up early on Saturday to get the 8 miles in (at Lookout Mountain) and then ran the race Sunday...I know, the suspense is killing you...Official finishing time 24.59, 2nd place in my division. I'm happy overall, kinda, I guess. The 2nd place made me happy, as this was a true 2nd place. Not one of those that they take the first 2 out of my division because they won overall, but true 2nd. The time, however, I've run better, maybe just 30 seconds better, but 30 seconds is 30 seconds and that is what I lost by...I guess I'll be back again next year. And good for you guys that I don't take pictures of me racing. Louis and kids tried to take a picture of me and ended up getting the guy behind me. I'm not that sad that they missed me.

Father's day...we went to Sloan's for brunch in Edgewater. Louis loves that place and my parents joined us, which was great. We then headed to the pool for the rest of the afternoon.  

Since that weekend, I also ran the Slacker  1/2 marathon relay. I only signed up for the relay because I was worried that this supposed downhill race would turn into another Georgetown / Idaho Springs lie. However, this is was no lie...It really was downhill, it really was a fast course. Since I'm the competitive type (although I try not to be) I was busy trying to make up time the whole way. I ended up running the 2nd leg and then ran the rest of the race when I met up with our 3rd leg. We ran a little over 7 miles in 1 hr 2 min. It was a fabulous run for me, however that downhill really did tear my legs up. I think they were sore for the better part of 3 days. And I think if Cindy and I would have ran 7 min miles we still would not have been able to make up enough time to even be in the top 3 but that is ok. Running is largely an individual sport and I have to be happy with what everyone did.

Louis and Brooke have started running a little as well. Lets just mention that my runs have become much more frequent, but shorter distances. It is kinda killing me as now I'm almost craving a solitary run, alone to go as far, as fast as I want. Soon enough...I know.

Besides our above activites of keeping us busy, the kids have been in track 3 nights a week and a few day camps here and there. We have been going to the pool often trying to get Louis and the kids more comfortable in the water. So far that strategy is working.



running mantras

Did you know...running is hard. I know, we have already discussed that I'm a slow learner. I was so reminded that running is hard on Tuesday night at the track. We were doing repeat 800's. I guess you should know that the 800 and I have a love/hate relationship. I love how strong they make me but I hate actually running them. Anyway, the story is, there were many more participants at track this week than usual and so most of them only had 4 repeats...Those of us that show up every week we had 6. And in theory it should have probably been more because we had done 18 200 repeats the week before and building the strength blah blah blah. Long story longer...after everyone dropped out after number 4 this whole thing got really hard. But I was able to tell myself on number 5 that I only have 1 more...you know that whole mind over matter deal. Then on number 6 I got through it because it really was supposed to be the last one. In the end I got talked into doing a 7th repeat. And like I mentioned I probably should have counted on doing that many anyway. And on that 7th repeat do you know how many times I said I was gonna step out, just finish the one lap? Far too many. However, it is a good thing I read all these blogs and talk to all these people that put these silly mantra's in your head and you just tough it out and finish...So guess what, I finished the 800 and it wasn't even my slowest one!

So it only took about 14 pages to describe where I was going with... running is hard -- but we all get through it! What mantra's do you use?

Some of my favorites...

"Shut up and Run" -- I have to thank Beth (from the blog SUAR for this one)
"It's when your uncomfortable that your body is getting stronger"
"This is fun (in a demented sort of way) and you are going to be happy you finished when your done"
"Your body will always tell you to stop...you need your mind to tell your body to shut up"
"Even if your walking or going slow at least your not at home on the couch."

Patience!

"...It's all about patience! When injured, we have no where to go , but forward and up! The journey is grueling, and sometimes not fair...but the wait is well worth the end result!" -- unknown

I read this quote today and no, I'm not injured but I thought how fabulous it would have been had I read this when I was injured. How many people I would complain to would not understand or tell me I was being too hard on myself etc...but if someone would have told me something like the above mentioned I might have had a different/better perspective.

But then maybe, just maybe we can take the above quote out of running text and say something to the effect that when we have no where to go but forward and up...the end result is well worth it in everyday life then perhaps our whole focus changes. Maybe then our jobs aren't so painful or taking care of the kids becomes a bit easier or whatever the case may be. I'm just throwing it out there that life doesn't always have to be painful and negative. Sometimes, if we just take a minute and realize that we are at rock bottom and life is only gonna get better then the positive side of us takes over.

After the whole knee / lower leg debacle I want to say that I healed the 'right' way (for me at least) and now my running is so much stronger. My track times are better, my long runs are easier, I appreciate the fact that I'm able to run at all. The races I've run are faster and I do feel stronger (although I'm not where I want to be yet I'm getting there.) So the patience was totally worth it, the low mileage that was completely different from what I thought, the swimming and biking and resting...all of it was worth the long, grueling, cruel journey.

In other news...My kids have exactly 7 days left of school, they are entering the next 7 days with mixed feelings of excitement for summer break and then sadness from being forced to move on to the next teacher / grade / challenge. You see both of my kids fall into what human naturally do, they become one with the situation and when forced to change (i.e have a new teacher) they are scared to death. We have entered school the last 4 years filled with tears, scared attitudes and very obvious fear. Usually all of these feelings are changed within the first week. Brooke has even gone so far this year to try and convince her teacher to move up to the next grade level. He, I'm sure, is flattered but has politely declined. Anyway, I've procrastinated long enough in getting the kids lined up with summer activities so yesterday I decided enough was enough. I would finally be a mom and get things set up. Hopefully they enjoy what I picked for them.

Running Palisade

As after any major race I write a post about how the race went...I've now waited 3 days, hoping to be able to post my official results but they haven't been posted yet. I guess I was also waiting to write about this one also to be able to make sure all of my thoughts were organized and stuff. I'm not sure I achieved organization but I was able to make many bullet points that I want to cover...

• The Training -- I trained hard for this one. I didn't miss a long run. I fit in longer runs during the week. I made most of the track sessions. All of my times were faster, and continued to improve. I was conscious of any pain and adjusted my training to accommodate such pain. I was told there were hills, so I trained hills...a lot... So before I even started I knew that I had done everything I could to prepare. My downfall to my training...the whether...many of my long runs the weather was nice, a little on the cool side... Lets just say there is a reason they grow grapes in Palisade. Grapes like it warm...

• The Course -- This course was far more beautiful than any other race I have done. Don't get me wrong, Georgetown was nice, many of the 5k's I've done have been fine...Colfax is...well...it's east Colfax, so however beautiful that can be. And the Denver / Rock -n- Roll is downtown Denver which gives its own type of beauty...Palisade has a natural beauty, like this is who I am and if you like it, great, if not your the one missing out. Running along the Platte River and the Mesa, in the Vineyards was very nice. The bummer...the giant, curvy hill. The race organizers did not try to hide the hill, they were very forthright with it. And even though I trained on hills that were bigger than this one, it was still hard.

• The Organization -- This is race had probably less than 1,000 runners which mainly means that it is easier to organize the race. Either way, it seemed like everyone was super relaxed and things were well run. There was plenty of water and cups at the aide stations, people asking if I needed gels or water or whatever, people to make sure we turned around at the right spot. I wish they would have closed the road we were running on, but I understand not closing the road also...sometimes vehicles can be very rude.

• The Trip -- This is the first race that I have traveled to so as I'm packing and repacking and debating what I want to bring, and what I don't need I was terrified that I would forget something important...I did not forget anything but I did have a pretty big bag and extra stuff. Usually, getting 14 girls organized and in the same location can sometimes be kinda difficult, but this trip went well. There was no rushing around and we made it to all of our obligations. The girls were all fabulous and fun. There was some snow during the drive, but we live in Colorado, that is to be expected. The hotel was beautiful and new and very nice. The wine tasting was fun, dinner was good. I don't have a complaint.

• My Race -- This race was a bit different for me, because I was on a little bit different of a schedule than I'm used to, I decided to try some new things (some worked, some I'm still debating), I was out of my comfort zone. That being said I still ran a solid race. It started out when I got up a little earlier than I would have, but we made it to the start line with plenty of time for the bathroom and warm up...which was all that really concerned me. Since it was a small race the bathroom line was fine and the start line wasn't too crowded. I started running with Jo Ann and we were doing well. She told me our first mile was 8:39...I'm thinking, crap...starting out too fast is going to kill me. Things were pretty uneventful until mile 3 when I had to stop at the bathroom. I have never had to have a bathroom stop at any race I have done, so that bummed me out. But I kept going. Mile 4 was when they warned us of the hill...and when I saw the hill it smacked me right in the face...like are you kidding me right now? About 1/2 way up the hill I met a photographer which irritated me only because I don't want to see how pained I looked, I remember how I felt. About mile 5.5 I met the leader already on the turnaround. Which bummed me out a little only because that meant he was a good mile and half in front of me. Wow, I still have a lot of work to do, is what I kept thinking. Things were again uneventful until the bottom of the hill and I was trying to remember where the aide stations were...Like I was thirsty...but not...After the aide station at mile 10 I told myself that I have about 25 minutes left...we can do this. That mile should have been easy because it was flat, in the shade (which was nice because it was warm and the sun was becoming a little brutal) and I think I sped up because I was passing people but it was still hard. At mile 11 you go over a bridge and I remember thinking there was another water stop in 1/2 mile so I hurried along. Thinking if I drank that I would be able to finish strong. Right after that was when the stomach started its thing again so I ran faster...I only know this because I was passing people again. When I turned the last corner so I could see the finish line there were 2 girls in front of me, one in a purple shirt and one in a green shirt...the green shirt was pretty far (like maybe 3 blocks ahead) but I was determined to beat them both. There was some giant amount of effort given there but I did it. I remembered all those track workouts and Lori reminding us that we have another gear...way down deep and the end of the race is the time to find it... My clock said 2:02...I had hopes and goals of breaking 2 hours. So I'm not happy with my finish in that aspect. However, my previous best is 2:11, so breaking that by 9 minutes with a bathroom stop is nothing to be sad about. I keep telling myself to be happy with it...It was a challenging course with a few minor issues (the stomach thing, the warm sun thing)...however, I'm still not happy...Guess there is another 1/2 in my future. By the way...some of the new things...I started re hydrating with coconut water along with a smaller amount of Gatorade. I ran in new shoes (like shoes that only had about 10 miles on them). I had a real meal, like right after the race, instead of hours after I finished running. All of this went extremely well...I'm debating if the stomach issue was because of the coconut water before the race, but I'm also thinking it could have been the LARA bar...My recovery so far has been good, there was no headache after the race. Very few minor sore muscles...Just a lower IT band tightness that hasn't given up yet. It will in time...

Don't take any of it the wrong way. I loved the trip...had an amazing amount of fun and the race was good. It was my time I'm not excited about. Who knows, maybe the official time will give me the benefit of the doubt...