Big Sur Half Marathon 2009

So here it is...the result of all my hard work for the past 6-7 months. I've made to the big day, the half Marathon in beautiful Monterey Bay in California. And was it ever amazing!!!! But most of all I DID IT!!

WARNING: RUNS THE RISK OF BEING LONG BUT THESE ARE MY GREAT MEMORIES AND WANTED TO GET THEM DOWN!! I SHARE WITH YOU IT ALL :) ENJOY!

So the 2 weeks leading up to the day I left...I continued more training runs but the week prior I only did one work out. I was so worried about having no soreness walking into that race! Left Friday Nov 13th with mom with plans to meet B, Zach there on Friday and Shelley and Brian flying in on Sat. Race day - Sunday. Friday and Saturday was filled with a significant amount of nervousness with B and I looking at each other through the days and just shake our heads or laugh. Saturday was great because we drove the route of the race, which was great because it turned out to be the time I really got to take in the true beauty of the route! As much as I would try, I didn't really "take in the sights" during the race. So while driving the route on Sat...mom would say...so this is probably half way right??!!...where you turn around??!! Uh NO....still have a ways to go...well 4 miles later..yes we found the turnaround :) Turned out to be so helpful because when the race came you had a good idea of where you were at and how much was left...EVEN though driving it and running is quite a bit of difference :) Not quite getting that level of speed :) For fun we continued the drive by jumping on "17 mile drive". Such amazing views along the coast..down to Pebble Beach and a good way to stay off our feet. So that night (the night before) I did what I've never done or should I say given myself permission to do :) Carbo load!! :) Hey I was about to burn 1300-1500 cals the next day so bring it on, I needed fuel for the next day...spaghetti, fettucine alfredo...mmmmm I haven't had alfredo in YEARS!!! But what the heck, I finally give myself permission but after eating such smaller portions over the months I was full after 6-7 bites... :) Didn't get a chance to hook up with Brian and Shelley that day but found out that she'd been super sick since Wed and as of Friday wasn't even sure she'd make it...but the girl is awesome and she made it- I felt horrible and thankful all at the same time! Slept better then I ever thought I would but 6 hours later it was time!

5 AM..IMMEDIATE NERVES! Got ready and B and I headed down to the lobby to meet Shelley and Brian. Walking to the race - 5 thoughts - 1) Do I need to use the restroom (sorry but it's a legitimate concern) 2) Don't throw up, don't throw up :) 3)Control your mind 4)let's freakin do this, I've worked my ass off to get here and 5) HAVE FUN!!

So we were all put into corrals with the first corral being those that expect to complete it the quickest and the last being ...well you know the last. Well I was in last because I had no clue where I was going to come in...and that was absolutely fine with me. Only thing that stunk was not being able to be with B, Shelley and Brian....but I knew from the beginning of this that this was MY JOURNEY and one I felt I needed to do alone anyway!! Race starts - first corral A, then B....slowly moving up to the starting line....amazingly enough I found my nerves were the most controlled they'd been to this point. I think mentally I had accepted the challenge and here it was...it was going to be what it was and I knew that no matter what happened I had to be happy with what I've done to this point!! I had come a long way...And now corral I and we're off...!

So I was worried about the first 3 miles because they can still be tough as your muscles warm up and I didn't want it to freak me out as it can tend to do when I do long runs....well I can definitely say that was not a problem!! Mile run found mom and Z man in the downtown area...waving and cheering.....and off for the rest of the race. After mile 1 looked down and my pace was 1:30 faster then my normal...ok adrenaline...get to mile 2 (first port a potties and oh I was fine...but there was a nice line already :))...but my pace still same as my 1st mile...down Cannery Row...hmmm 3-4 miles still same pace...ok ok...now while this makes me happy it makes me scared because it could potentially mean I am doomed at the end. During mile 2-3 it hit me I was doing this..that it was finally here and my eyes started to tear up and then of course I couldn't breathe because I was getting emotional so I quickly had to jerk myself out of that...there was time for that later. So get this...at my mile 4 the leaders from Corral A are passing me on their way back hitting mile 10-11 INSANE! Then I hit mile 5 and my friend Brian is passing me on his way back...and give me the "hang loose" sign...which incidently was in all his pictures from the race (finished 6th in his age group..amazing). Now I'm running right against the ocean...beautiful! I tend to run with my head down...really tried to look around and enjoy it but not so much. Don't get me wrong still enjoyed it but wasn't like oh hey look at the seals or the pretty waves...it was more like oh yeah I need to keep running toward that rock near that surfer and I'll be at mile 6 :) I actually got distracted starting at mile 6 looking for B to head back...finally found him and we did a high five in passing! It was awesome and he looked GREAT!!! Continued running and now was looking for Shelley...found her and waved her down...went to high five her and she grabbed me to hug me and tell me how great I was doing!!! I think I might have tripped a few people in the process but hey this was my girl and she looked great running after being so sick and was just so thankful for again all her positive words and support just being here!!! Ok so continue on and at 7.5 the turn around, ok only 5.5 to go...I'm more than half way there!! Every opportunity I was sucking down GU (essentially frosting in a pack) and gatorade whenever I could! Feeling good but the course was NOT as flat as they described it as being but not bad. At this point had no one else to look for so it was just me and the road for the rest of the way ...oh yeah and the dang woman in the fairy outfit that ticked me off everytime she passed me...yes I know you shouldn't be mad at a fairy because clearly she is good spirited and having a good time but I'll be damned if I'm going to let a fairy beat me! :) 7.5 - 10 was just about plugging along....OK so here's the thing, the farthest I'd gone prior to the race was 9.5 miles so everything between 9.5 - 13.1 was a crap shoot! Well mid mile about mile 11 I quickly found...my legs were rubber...wobbly...walking was even hard...my lower nether region had no feeling yet did and that was pain...strange to describe! I saw a downhill and was happy to run it but actually had to walk out of fear of becoming a cartoon character that turns into a rolling ball as they fall down the hill and of course in front of the aquarium with a ton of tourists and a man dressed as an otter trying to high five me....I gave that otter the look of DEATH!! :) Soon the mile 12 mark and I am miserable, my quads which have never bothered me are SHOT! Keep going, you can do it...oh crap an uphill...what the @$%#$?!!! Ok passed that...dang that fairy again....forget it she can have it...what now a woman in a red boa...Am I in a different race then I started??!! Or am I hallucinating??!! Screw it they can beat me....Ok 12.5 I'm almost there...I feel good all of a sudden...my legs were strong (as much as they could be) and I felt good....I was running, really running and I probably had about .2 left and I see Shelley and Brian walking back to find me....Shelley starts running with me and she has her wonderful encouraging smile she always has and just starts telling me "You are doing it...you are REALLY doing it...and you look great!! You're going to do this" And me huffing and puffing....."how much further is the line???". Right around the corner...she drops off to let me finish and I continue..the crowds grow and I know I'm almost there...I see the red FINISH LINE and kick it! Hit the finish line with a high five to the official and I immediately see me B, Zach and Mom right off the finish line and LOSE IT! I grab B over the fence and hug him and just cry/laugh. I was completely overwhelmed emotionally!! I had just completed something I never thought I would try, want or think to do! Up to this my thoughts of running were about being chubby in grade school and having to run a mile around a basketball court and walking most of it and hating every single minute of it..and honestly that was always my memory everytime I ran. I have a whole new memory now...me at 34 in Monterey, strong and hitting mile 13 and sprinting to the finish!!!

After gathering myself I slide the medal around my neck and walked through the tent...more like limp..and they give me a box in which they are throwing bananas, oranges, juice, bagels and whatever other stuff you can imagine and my weariness is all kicking in. The last thing I want to be doing right now is holding this box. I see mom, B and Zach and hand it off. It was hilarious...my mind and body didn't know what to do with itself...I didn't want to walk, sit, stand...I wanted to laugh, cry etc...everything hurt. But at the finish line a beer garden...strange but heck ya...B brought me a drink and it was the best beer we'd ever had and at 10 am baby ...who cares! I just ran 13 miles...I can do whatever I want! Quickly turned into wanting to get out of there and back to the room and into a cold bathe..ahhhh! With Z man yelling through the door if I was a popcicle yet :) Hour later met up with Shelley and Brian for lunch of yummy taco and talking about the race. Afterward headed back to room to decide what was next...which was a nap :) B and I laugh because even napping hurt...legs straight hurt...curled hurt...this side that side hurt...breathing hurt LOL :) Next morning left for Santa Cruz still achy but not horrible...rest of the trip was just spent relaxing and having fun along the beach with Z man. Was able to hit the jacuzzi and pool in Santa Cruz and I think that helped a ton! But mostly I was very surprised how quickly I healed...still sore running but overall not bad.

So back in April when I decided mentally (not knowing completely how I was going to do this physically, being overweight and limited working out) I started to prepare...I was honestly trying to convince people I was going to do this while internally questioning what the heck did I just get myself into. But I NEEDED TO DO THIS! I HAD TO DO THIS! I was in a funk both mentally and weight wise and needed to get my crap together!! And this did it...it saved me from stress from work, got me healthly and strong...and for that I now LOVE RUNNING!!! I found my inner competitive spirit again which respresents me and my inner soul and what I thrive on....I FEEL ALIVE AGAIN!!! And for that I'm thankful this Thanksgiving for all this and for of all my family and friends!!

Wk 13 of 16 Week Program

Ok so I'll be honest I thought about not writing this week and writing just a long one next week ...with me essentially glossing over this week. But I needed to suck it up plus there were a couple things I wanted to discuss even though I felt like such a downer last week and didn't want a repeat. So as I mentioned the week was suppose to go as follow: 2/7/2/9...actual 4/4....NOT NOT good. Good news is that my hips are feeling pretty good...and with new techniques from Shelley I think the ice bathes should really help!! After hearing the "details" of these bathes I'm cracking up and curious to see what my process is going to look like :) You create the picture and then I'll create mine next week...oh yes that's because I sucked this week...and one was not needed...until then..

So I couldn't run Wed as planned due to working late so I ran Thurs. Ok cool...going to get in a 7 mile run...let's do this. Had been a couple hours since food but now it was too close to running so do I or don't I ...and I didn't...well I had nothing in me. And FYI...GU is not a meal replacement by any means...so any strategy I had about using that to sustain me was pointless. Did 2.5m got close to my car...and got some water...went of course back and forth in my head and head off for more... at .5m stopped and walked and turned around to head back.. Said if I'm going to stop now and not do the full 7 then I'm going to bust this...ended up running a fast tempo .5 - .75 mile run around 11:30 - 12:00 pace ( ok for all you runner! This IS my fast tempo ;) ). So of course then I was busting my ass mentally if I was just psyching myself out and that's why I didn't do the 7. Of course drove home annoyed..

Didn't get my 2 mile run in over the weekend and I thought about creating an excuse but honestly...my heart wasn't in it...and just didn't want to. I worked a gazillion hours at work that week and honestly in my head I felt I was justified time to shop and just plain ol' relax and do nothing!!! I know in my heart of hearts that if I'd done the 2 mile run....it would have been great and would have been much needed mentally and made me feel better overall but...I just didn't do it.

So Monday....planned for it and knew it was coming...9 miles! Most I'll do before the race is 10 so I'm essentially getting to the end of the training. I tried not to let the Angel on one shoulder and Devil on the other creep into my head :) Appropriate for Halloween eh?! I really didn't stress about it and just tried to focus on hydration and fuel...well that plan was all great and good but of course work comes into play....I still thought I was good...had my breakfast, late lunch which I think I thought would help because it was still in my system to sustain me and grapes before the run....ok ok...hindsight I know this is not enough but still I done it on about the same. So actually forced myself to leave work at no later than 4:15. Was able to hit the road at about 5:10....and trying out the new shoes. Let's just say I was not prepared for what to think or do in this workout. No energy right away...I wore my visor which I swore I wouldn't again after the last 8 mile because it creates more heat around my head. My head hurt so bad, I felt sick to my stomach...I couldn't breath...it just all felt bad...but after Thurs...I wasn't going to give in...so just kept plugging but honestly for the first time felt happy I had my ID in my zipper pocket in the fanny of my pants...should I be laying flat out in the middle of asphalt or in the grass with ducks walking over me :) I got to my mom at 2.5m and just felt sick...grabbed her water which I'm sure she needed/wanted (sorry mom :) ). She was worried and just told her to continue on her path and I'd meet her at the car in another 1.5m for refueling at a minimum....I continued on both walking and running and was great to hear later that my butt looked great in my new spandex....HECK she should have told me that then because maybe I would have kept running just to show it off!!! LOL :) Anyway the real picture was that shortly after leaving her I was gagging and almost puking along the road..! I think if I'd really let myself do it I would have but I knew if I did I would lose any fluid I had in my body so just tried desperatly to keep it from happening. Any way felt a bit better and walked/ran the rest of the way to the car. Caught up with mom in which she'd told me that earlier when she'd saw me I was looked purple...and was concerned...but did I mention my BUTT!! :) Oh forget to mention I passed off my sweaty visor to her too in which she had to carry that...my mom is the best!! Anyway my head was throbbing and my stomach just wasn't going to stop....so I walked another 1m and was done...plan to give it another go on Wed. I'm determined.

So here is what I can't wrap my head around...how do we know when it's mental and we just have to push our bodies through it and when our bodies are spent and it's just not meant to happen??? I didn't really pay attention to my pace and just went with it even when I hit the mile mark didn't look at it, but at one time I did see I was at about 13:40 which is about what I average if running 3-4 miles. Didn't think to much about it but got home and downloaded my watch and my slowest mile was 13:37 and that included some walking...my first mile 13:24. Normally on long runs I hang around the mid to high 14's. I don't know what to think...first reaction is that for a 9 mile run this is too fast to sustain myself and that's why I failed but the other half is I wasn't trying to go fast. I was going at a pace that just felt normal...so what does that mean and what do I do??

3 weeks to figure it out??? Oh and I'm sure the race atmosphere won't influence that at all right??!!! :)

So during the walk with mom she could tell I was beating myself up and we talked about how far I've come....in about 6 months I'd gone from doing no running to planning to do a 13 mile race, I'm overweight and was doing most of my training in the summer!! I never do anything small scale! I remember calling Shelley and asking her for advice on how to train and her literally expressing her skepticism and her asking "have you done a 5K" in which I reply no. I know she was concerned but she was great and gave me the plan. Start small (to a degree) and work it up..but again I was setting myself for a big goal that many people as I've heard over the many months would never ever do. But that's me and how I do things...it's what pushes me and ultimately leads to life changes!! And while every fiber of my body wants me to do it perfect for the race...I know I won't...and I just have to remember that this is one step, one race in a process to get me further and set a foundation for my life!!! There is this race and the one after to keep learning...

I swear everytime I plan to write, it will be short and there is no way I can babble on about this...but here we are...

So this is what it is...and like I said I'm going to give another shot on Wed. Other thing I find curious is that when you have really good days like the day I did 8 miles...you want to find what the magic formula was that made "the stars align", the "body to feel great" etc. And I have time before and after this race and the next to keep working to figure it out...and I will!!! Even though there are times it's the last thing I want to do and just like the weekend didn't do it because I didn't want to...I'm ultimately loving it and I love who it is making me or like I said reminding me of who I am!!! This was me and is me...this competitive spirit...I just have to keep working hard!!

And this is also my friend Karyn who just completed her first Half Ironman doing the biking leg with Diabetes!!! I remember being there when she was first diagnosed when we were 15 and watching her take her first injections....doing them herself...it was amazing how strong she forced herself to be. Time has passed we may not have kept in touch as much as we should have... but we've reconnected on FB at a time when were both making really great changes for ourselves and it's so great to have someone to support and be supported by!!! Time is what it is...it's never to late to try new things and reconnect with old friends and create new foundation!! If anything I'm happy to take this away with me!!

Wk 12 of 16 Week Program

Ok this is going to be a short post because I'm frustrated...and perhaps concerned...and trying not to dwell on it or read too much into...so I figure I'll keep it short out of avoidance or how much I know I want to kick my own butt.....

Bottom line my lack of distance from prior weeks due to inconsistencies on my interval/speed work days really caught up with me....because after my great 8 mile run last Tuesday...I've had a lot of pain...mainly of course....my hips...actually mainly just my right hip! Only fortunate thing was that this was my slow week where max mileage was 4 so at least I didn't feel the pressure to increase come tonight...buuuutttt even with that said I was not able to get all my mileage in. I couldn't...it just hurt too much! Saturday finally tried my first run since the 8 miler and could only get to about 3 and it killed!! And killed more when I was done... Rested and tonight tried again....again only got to 2.7 miles! So frustrating. I was literally limping and could put hardly any pressure on my right leg following. It's all numbed up as we speak and just plan on taking a bunch of ibuprofen and stretching!! I know I know suck it up!! So I don't know what the heck the rest of the week is going to look like!! How it's suppose to look is Wed 2miles, Friday 7, Sat 2 and Mon day 9....I can't even think about it...because I just stress myself out and feel like I've already disappointed myself and ....yet I'm not even there or tried yet...so rather than do this and get down on myself...I'll say goodbye and hope for the best...a new leg perhaps, magical healing powers, a masseuse to show up at my office tomorrow... :) I can dream! Sorry to be Debbie Downer...but with the good days comes some bad...and I just need to remember that and keep it in perspective. Wish me luck...the next few weeks are going to be very challenging....both mentally and physically!

Week 11 of 16 wk Program

Ok first ....heck freakin' yeah.....I finally hit the 8 mile mark!!! I'm so unbelievably happy and I didn't drive myself mentally crazy leading up to it....


So let's back up and talk about the week....overall actually kind of a crappy week due to work hours...even managed to get myself locked out of our work area at 8:30 pm and had to beg the janitors to let me back in...in which he and 6 more followed me to my office...not sure if they thought a hijack was in action..but they had me out numbered and it was a sight watching them follow me to my office..so anyway....after last Monday didn't get in another run until Friday...it was suppose to be a tempo run...but I still stink at those. That may all change after the weekend...so the run itself was uneventful...ran through my neighborhood and just repeated the course...but most of all just loving being outdoors again and really being able to gage distance visually vs running around a track where you have no concept of distance...

Then the weekend....awesome time!! Headed down to Tucson to spend time with friends and compete in my first running race...."Get Moving Tucson 5K". Overall goal was to just get some kind of race under my belt before the big day...help me understand and mentally prepare for how it all works. So up bright and early...6 am..which is nothing for Shelley and she definitely I think took pleasure in turning on the bright lights to wake me up :) But all night I'd dreamt about it so I was up and going. Weather was great...a bit chilly and when we got there went and checked in (at about 7am) and then we went to the car to keep warm ... until the race time got closer. So note to self and perhaps TMI...but plan out the restroom time a bit better....got to the port-a-potties at 7:40 which first is everyone's favorite thing to begin with right...sense the sarcasm...and apparently everyone's coffee was kicking in because the were huge lines...me I was just worried out of precaution ;) No other fear then having to well you know...in the middle of the race....and I'm not hard core...there are folks that will let it all go just so they don't ruin their time...uhhhhhhh that's just wrong....for me just take 3 minutes or whatever off my start time...i have my dignity to uphold :) So anyway we just got to the line as they were doing the Star Spangle Banner and had a minute to spare...whew...close one.. So the race kicks off and Shelley had already told me...I think while in line for the port-a-potties :) that once we come up from the underpass (all uphill) we're going to kick it for the last 1/4 mile...me I'm like ok..but secretly saying "yeah right chick...we'll just see". So the race kicks off...and immediately I feel the pressure of the people around me...I don't know why...it's every age, size, speed you can imagine...so I just zoned in on me and whatever Shelley was saying to distract me at the moment. Goal was to keep within my normal pace for most of the race...which was about 13:30-13:40 yes i know slow...and then at then end go outside the box. For the most part hung within my pace if not faster...the first time under the underpass...there was an all female drum crew which echoed through the entire underpass...very cool and motivating. Then for the next two miles...Shelley entertained me by either pointing out people we could "reel in" and pass or just provide funny commentary in general...so it was a good distraction. It was still strange to me that it felt hard...why??...I guess again I had to go back to the fact that the first few miles are the hardest on any given day...which I'm seriously getting sick of this bull :) I told Shelley that is the hardest thing for me to grasp with running...and maybe I felt it with swimming...concept is the same but I don't remember it...but of course I was also 16 yrs younger :). As you get better shouldn't it get easier in the beginning vs in the end...it's total BS. Anyway I feel really bad about saying this but there was a woman with her husband and kid running separately and I could tell this was all about her...and them supporting her...and we stayed together for most of it...but honestly all I could think about was that I did not want her beating me!!! We are very likely going through the same thing...change in our life...giving run a go..and testing ourselves..and all I could think was that this chick was not crossing before me :) I know it's sick...so as we approach the underpass again...down then up....she passes me...and this is just before the plan of kickin' it in the last 1/4 mile was to take effect. I'm annoyed as all heck plus another woman whom I'd passed about mid way that sounded like she was dying had caught back up to me...and she was like 60 (while I'm speaking competively right now...I think it's awesome)....but in my mind I was like "uh no you didn't". So we go through the underpass and up the hill...I'm out of breath by the time we get to the top and Shelley is telling me I have two steps before we kick it....so two steps and I'm off...legs and muscle wise I felt great!!! I was in the zone and it felt smooth...only problem was I couldn't breath...I hadn't quite recovered from the hill so the entire 1/4 mile I felt like I was going to pass out...but I kept going at a pace that Shelley even told me to back off of...and I passed both ladies and crossed the finish line strong!! Was so happy!! We stayed for a while and watched the rest of the 5k folks come through as well as the winners of the 10 miler...the winner of the 10 miler came in at 52:07...uh only 11 minutes later than me and I only went 3.1 miles...amazing! So not to keep complaining or whatever it sounds like...I freaked out a bit about Big Sur after the race....it felt hard..and I don't know if that was partly due to the mental of the folks around me and perhaps pushing me outside my normal pace...but I just kept telling myself...really? I'm going to more than quadruple this...and in this type of environment...no way! I know myself...I'll completely psyche myself out...ok I take that back..also knowing myself I also know I'll psyche myself back in...but it's just such a mind game. So feeling great I drove home from Tucson with the top down and tanned/burned my left side...sweet...I don't care..I just completed my first race..weather was great and I had good tunes! And was so happy to do have done it with Shelley with over all support and motivation...as well as the way she consistently challenges me...which I can never turn down so it just reminds me I can do it!! Overall a great weekend!!

So I took Monday off and did my long run tonight..8 miles! Last Monday I was suppose to do 8 miles and didn't make it...ended at 6 so I felt very disappointed!! I think I purposely didn't think about it because I didn't want to stress myself out...and even as I start running told myself I wasn't going to think about it. Mom and I discussed and even though I was hitting the road at 5:30-5:45 by the time I ended it would be dark so I ran in my old neighborhood by the lakes which has some great routes and honestly was perfect because I really didn't have too much elevation to deal which...little bit but nothing like my neighborhood. She was going to catch up with me after her walk to check on me...I had a pretty good loop I started doing and doing it 2 and 1/2 times essentially would get me to the 8 miles. After the first loop...stopped at my car and had my first GU (I would describe it almost as frosting). It gives you the cals and caffeine to keep you going...but also has to be followed by water. Once done off again for another loop...still no sign of mom....keep going and feeling pretty good...at 5 miles...I felt tired...my legs were tired it was dark...and I was just ready to be done and mom still hadn't found me. Guess we didn't plan this right...then at just 5.5 miles she found me....I think there was relief for both of us...for her I wasn't dead in a gutter and for me I wanted water :) our priorities right :) So my blessed mom leap frogged me in her car for the remaining 2.5 miles (about 45 minutes) keeping a watch out for me....it was good distraction but also my controls on the new shuffle broke and of course on the part that lets me adjust volume....so what? huh? I'm now deaf because it was on the loudest volume for the last 3 miles. She never mentioned this to me but there was one point during that last mile where I had my head down and was so focused that I think my inner brain told me (samurai warrier to look up just as I was about to run head on into a parked car...ah warrior you have passed :) I have to believe my mom was watching in horror or just on the phone with no clue...honestly I have a feeling the latter...it's funny to me overall..she was still looking out for me "for the most part"...more from rapist and kidnappers...not me myself destructively running into a parked car. :) So anyway as I was finishing she got out of the car and ran the last few yards with me....it was great and I was DONE! I got in my car and drove home...the whole way with my visor completely drenched and actually chilly with the top down and sweat soaked shirt. I actually was thinking...I don't feel much pain or stiffness...maybe my body is adjusting. I get home and get out of the car...or should I say tried to get out of the car.....who else can say it took them almost 2 minutes just to stand up and get out the car? Huh who? So much for thinking I was golden...any way I am golden..I did 8 and that's another mile mark...I'm lathered up in icy/hot and going to go hit the sack...and smile :)

Less than 5 weeks to go....

Steph

Week 10 of 16 Week Program

First ow...second ow...oh yeah and ow!!! But as I say that I feel a bit pathetic as Shelley and Brian just complete the marathon in Portland yesterday!! So I feel I can't complain too much...


Before the ows...let's talk about the week. First I'll preface this update with the fact that I did not hit all my mileage this week which I wasn't happy about and as it accumulates...I feel like I'm getting behind, now.

So last Wed did my short run of 2 miles...ran in the neighborhood...ol' faithful. Pretty straight forward until my garage pad didn't seem to work and I sat outside my house for a half hour knocking on neighbors doors to use a phone with no success....until I remembered I'd hidden a key outside from the last time this happened...duh!! Ignore I just told you how stupid I was...

Then Friday evening did what should have been my speedwork run. Went after work and decided to take advantage of the cooler air and also with my distance increasing wanted to explore outside my subdivision. So I hit the streets on the opposite side of Happy Valley and within the first mile was paranoid about running in the dark....thanks mom!! In my neighborhood I'm ok but being in a new area with much darker streets I found myself constantly worrying....even that strange 80 yr old woman out walking with her schnoodle (or whatever mix breed) ...oh yeah that's right...I know that lady was packin' and looking to take me down!!! Ok actually she was very pleasant and waved as I passed by....but still everyone I saw or thought I saw started making me paranoid. I even literally jumped 10 feet out into the street because I thought I saw something came at me from a gutter drain....ok...it was actually just me...my shadow that is! Good news was it disracted for practically my entire run....but I worked my way into an area where I was getting no street lights and decided to turn back...ultimately I only did barely over 3 miles....I guess better than nothing but still.

Then Saturday I must have dropped an ice cube or two in the kitchen and later in the evening slipped....thank goodness I caught myself by grabbing the counters but the offset of trying to keep from falling...felt my hip pull. Not a big deal but I could feel it...wait and see. Next day not bad....Monday morning a bit more painful but still nothing as bad as previous hip pain. Saw on Runner's World 3 best yoga stretches and one actually really helped and was actually surprised I could even do it...not just because of the hip but it was close to doing the splits or a move a 12 yr old does :) ...felt awesome though!!

So today was my first 8 mile run. I left work earlier than I have in quite some time....and decided to hit the streets vs the indoor track. 1) I need to get some long distance runs in outdoor and 2) I think it's early enough that I can get it in before Lester the Molester comes out :) Well I went over to the subdivion on the other side of the mountain because there are just so many different streets and routes and ups and downs...get it all!! But didn't get started until about 5:45. Again again again all day and actually even starting Saturday night I started stressing about this run...one more mile increase - 8! Close to 2 hrs for me now...quiet the brain again....please! So I start to run down a down hill section...feel good and then a try an new road...and it's more uphill and longer than I'd thought...but ok keep pushing...heck if it's uphill this way I'm going back that same way and take advantage of some downhill....so that was good.....ran around my old loop from prior posting and it was still light out enough I didn't have to worry about Creeper Creeperson....but still for these first 3 miles...I was just like ugh!! I'm am just not up for 8 miles....my hips are killing me and the one that I pulled I was definitely feeling it!! But as I started to finish that loop and was approaching 4 miles...I felt great!!! Felt like I could keep going forever....started up another uphill and my pace actually got faster....and not intended!! Felt great!!! Went back down that route towards the beginning and was almost back to my car at mile 6...ok I need 2 more miles....only way to really do that is head toward Creeper Creeperson ville if I didn't want to get too far from my car. So unfortunately (thanks mom - just kidding) I opted to cut the run short!! I of course felt horrible but also immediately the pain in my hip was the worst ever!!! And I know tomorrow is going to be a BAD BAD day...icy/hot and ice packs for now. We'll see tomorrow. But again I can't feel bad....it was still a good run and plus I'm going from running 7 miles ( my highest) on a lap track, completly flat to 6 miles on tons of hill and elevation...not easy at all!! So I have to take it all in stride....

So this weekend I head to Tucson to do a 5k with Shelley....first race so I can get some practice in...working the starting line...putting on the game face...getting into the minds of my fellow racers....I know I can make them cry! Oh wait that's me.... :) Well you know what I mean...plus I want to support Shelley...I mean she just did this marathon so I know she's really nervous about doing this 5k...it's ok Shelley...just give it your best LOL!!

And then my brother just texted me saying there is a 5k Oct 30th at 7pm in the evening in Vegas and I was already planning on heading there for that weekend so I think we're going to hit that one too!! Then for Halloween Zach is a Mummy and maybe I'll be Jackie Joyner Kersee...put on some hot pink and green flourescent running gear and breakout some big ol' Lee press on nails...nice huh!!! I know you're trying to picture it :)

So until next week...keep pressin' on...

Love everyone....ah see running is euphoric...I'm feeling the love!! Ok enough of me...good night!!

Week 9 of 16 week program

Hmmm so for the week. After an easy (rest) week I'm now back to hitting the mileage for the next few weeks...oh lord help me now is all I can say!!! Because I'm going to need it!! And I also realized today that I'm a month and a half away from Big Sur...! Anxiety...just kidding, no not really :)

Last Wednesday was able to get outside that night for the first time since June and get my short run in. It was my easy run only 2 miles. Have to admit that I've gotten a little spoiled with the flat, hill-less track at the gym...compared to the very much hilly streets on the side of a mountain in my neighborhood. Also hmmm while cooler then back in June I realized quickly that I also got spoiled by the A/C as well!! :) Especially the big ol' fan as I come around one of the turns :) I agree with my original comments many months ago when I was just working toward doing 2 miles at a maximum in that the hills I think really helped speed up some of my training....make it a bit easier...tiny bit...once I was on only flat land like the track. But I think what was great most of all was to feel the progress from past June!!! The hills which I dreaded are now just minor annoyances and the down hill section that I loved before...felt like I was flying down it!! So while 2 miles (again 2 miles whether you are just doing 2 or 7 the first are still the hardest) it felt so much better than it did..oh you know back in the day...so long ago...oh wait 3 months ago...CRAZY!!!! And now I'm doing 7...WOW!

Didn't seem to get in my speedwork this week....had planned on Friday evening but opted for a night out with the girls so we hit a cool downtown lounge...much needed. Still planned to be good and get it in the next morning but ended up not feeling so great for pretty much the weekend....needless to say it didn't happen. No no nothing to do with partaking in too many adult beverages Friday night. Actually a lot of congestion issues which I was worried would impact my long Monday run.

So speaking of 7...that's what I did tonight. Once again....dreading oh dreading it all day...anxiety...stop the mind!! I have no idea why...I'd already done it but of course I knew it meant I was going to be running for a little over a hour and half....so all day I'd ask or tell myself stupid things like...what did I do hour and half ago...oh yeah I was still at work...yep I'd still be running....or the time it'd take me to DRIVE to Tucson and have an Eegee I'd still be running....or watch a movie...yep running the whole time...that's a long time to run around and around. I know I know....the numbers again!! Once I started running I really tried to zone out and not think about it....but then by mile 2 I managed to work through a mile and half just concerning myself with my garmin watch/foot pod and wanting to chuck it over the balcony ledge....good news is that it distracted me but bad news I ended up shutting it off and went back to counting laps the rest of the run...so I really have no clue where my pace came in!! Also it was the first time I actually stopped and walked a lap at mile 5 and mile 6...almost quit at mile 6 and was like....WHAT??!! How stupid is that....the longest part is already done....suck it up girl and do it...JUST DO IT!! So I did and was very happy for that...because we all know this posting would be a bit different....I'd be beating myself up. Afterward...creeped and crawled my way down the steps looking like a salt lick.....seriously!!! Face, chest, and arms....could see the salt build up from the sweat...that's ok..once again badge of honor! So now I smell of menthol from Icy / Hot on every part of my body, even places I didn't intend :)

So this past weekend I'd planned to do a 5k here in Phx but Shelley mentioned to me going down to Tucson for one on Oct 10th....so I decided on that instead...I have to admit the decision was motivated 50/50 between really wanting to do it with Shelley and this means I get to get a Pina Colada Eegee ( both when I get there and oh yeah baby before I leave town) :) No honestly really looking forward to that Eegee....just kidding, kind of! No it's been since Shelley ran the 2 miles with me at the end of the first 8 week program (at the end of June) and I'm really looking forward to running with her as well as spending time with her and Brian (whom have both been running their rears off preparing for a marathon...now talk about time to make me go mentally insane)!!

Til next week :)

Weeks 7-8 of 16 Week Program

Alright 2 things....2 more months until Big Sur!! It's quickly approaching...and I have to continue to control my mind from freak out mode! :) 2nd...I think I'm officially a glutton for punishment or just have a big S on my forehead for sucka, stupid... While committed to doing the half marathon in November, I've now committed myself to doing the PF Chang's Half in Phx in Jan and drumroll....thank you Shelley a 202 mile 12 person relay...which I'm constantly researching what will be the easiest leg! Each person does 3 legs and depending on avg pace this thing can last between 24-30 hours...wow!!! Ok so the route is Prescott to Mesa (suburb of Phx)....and do have to admit that a part of me is frightened to death....another is super fascinated about the idea of running in the middle of the night...in the middle of the desert with no lights but the clear black sky and stars...and shadows of the mountains around...and in Feb no less the most wonderful time of the year!!! So because of these latter points....I'm very intrigued and for the most part very excited about it! I just don't know if what I'm trying to do or committing to is too much to fast....I guess we'll find out... THE HARD WAY :)

So outside that here's how my week of running went...for the most part all is going great!! Ok I just lied....the ONLY thing I struggle with is getting those speedwork / tempo days in and doing them according to the schedule....my pace is way off and oh get this ...this is how the run is suppose to go....a nice warm up of a mile and then run my ass off as fast as I can for 4 miles at the decided time per mile etc...and then oh again a cool down of a mile. So let's be honest even though my mileage has increased...a nice warm up of a mile....is not all that easy and chill as they try to make it sound...neither is the cool down and everything in between is either miserable or close to the warm up and cool down speed :)

But other than that....all the runs have been great...and was very happy to hit my 7 mile run last Monday!!! It's strange because I had anxiety about it all day...it's just that the miles continue to increase and it's just getting longer and longer...not just distance wise but because my pace is still between 13-14 min...it's not just longer both physically on my body...but mentally...it's more time inside my brain to psyche myself out. So sure enough during the run...in the first 2-3 miles....I just kept questioning myself saying I'm not even half way there yet...there's still a long way to go yet...and I'm such a numbers person that I'm doing every fraction of time / length etc left to go..how many minutes of music...it's sick I know...but seriously it's what my brain does and I have to at certain points tell myself to shut it down and try and quiet it...strangely I find I do best when I go head down staring at the track in front of me and focus on the music or think about trivial things going on that won't raise anxiety...sure enough by end of mile 4 I was like...hmmm I'm more than half way through...again the fractions :) and ok but I've still got more than 3 miles....then I only have 2...and at that point I was good...my body was numb, I was in a rhythm and I was good to go....the last two were tough but not that tough, not quitting tough....I can say easier then the first 5. Once done....can't breathe....but felt great and again the badge of honor....a sweat drenched t-shirt...love it!!! Can't walk and I think it was the first time I considered taking the elevator down to the first floor for fear of my legs giving out and tumbling down the stairs :) Anyway I was very happy and proud....but again the numbers...the half marathon is barely less than double that...ugh can I really do this...I know the answer...but it's still hard for me to realize I can meet the answer.... Ok so tonight (this is my easy week...a low mileage week due to increase in mileage) and my long run was only 4 miles. I started the run later then I had planned but was still motivated...however didn't eat much. At less then 2 miles I was shutting down....I don't know if it was the food thing or just mental but I started into my 3rd mile and just stopped....walked a lap and grabbed water....ran another lap or two and walked off the course. Immediately as I started to walk down the stairs to leave I regretted it. Whenever I have a set mileage I know I have to do it...know matter what and for me I hate stopping so I just always continue to run. This was the first that 1) I stopped to think about it and then 2) restart and then quit....yes I say quit...because for the first without actual pain being involved I quit. That is a hard thing for me to admit....I don't know why. All I did was 2 1/2 miles which is minimal to what I've done. I can beat myself up which is what I can tend to do...but I've decided I won't...I can't forget where I've come from....and there will just be bad days. Always think good not bad right?!

On a more positive note....I got new shoes this past Friday and the guy who helped me must have been in his late 50's and runs 8 marathons a year and has done a total of 193 in his life....INSANE!!!! Isn't that amazing!!

And another thing...I love that I'm doing this with my brother....we are experiencing it all together and feeling each other pains and success together....been so great!!! And most of all we both really really feel it as a life change and amazingly enough (and my dad is most shocked, not so much about the achievement but running in general) that we are really enjoying this and want to continue to make this a part of our lives!!! Find new events to do which is why again from the beginning maybe it's not an S for stupid or sucka....maybe it's just becoming Steph...me and who I'm finding AGAIN :)