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 :)

Wk 4-6 of 16 Wk Program

Been working really hard on and off the track....at work continue to live and breath 2010 plan....but end of week 4 headed to Huntington!!! :) So I get a much needed break from work and enjoy some vacation time with family on the beach! Worked my workouts around it but also B and I were also excited to get in a workout on the boardwalk along the beach! So for week 4 I was still down in the lower mileage for this plan but knew I was soon suppose to be back at that 5 mile mark. It was stessing me out and I was worried after not hitting that for almost a month now I wouldn't be able to do it and I was getting behind. Also as I talk about these weeks I really don't know what my true pace is...have a good idea but have spent so much time on trying to calibrate for indoor it just isn't working out. Anyway did a workout that Monday 3 miles...then getting ready for the trip didn't get in another run until B and my run in Huntington. So funny thing...B and I, (brother and sister, hermana y hermano), were so excited to do this run, we're in cooler weather (outside the 100 plus heat of Vegas and Phx,) plus we were on the BEACH!! This is going to be great!! He's like we'll run together...and I kept saying...you don't have to my pace is really slow (keep in mind at this point he'd started training almost 2 months after me and had already reached a 7 mile run and in one of those miles did a 8-9 min pace....boys are so lucky! :) ) So he's like no no we'll stay together....not even 1/3rd of a mile he bails :) I tease because I can and it's funny to me....but honestly, I get it! I have just as much trouble trying to run with someone faster because it's making me go out of my comfort zone and throws off my overall pace and approach to my run. I think afterward during our bloody mary...yes that's right bloody mary, he said it would have been easier to walk with me...ouch :) No again I know this and the pace is what I'm now working on but I do have to say it has improved. Funny story which I've told a few people...in my first week or two when I was running in my neighborhood there was a couple walking in front of me....not more than 25 yrds....first it literally took me 10 minutes to catch up to them...then I actually ran (what am I saying jogged, trotted...whatever you call it) next to them for a good 2 minutes...I COULDN'T EVEN PASS THEM)...boy did I feel pathetic and couldn't help but laugh inside my head. So anyway B ran ahead which was absolultely fine I do better by myself...he was going to do 5 and I was going to do 4 and hopefully by the end we'd meet up at the same time. So I'm going along trying to take it all in...and I just wasn't feeling it...isn't this suppose to be amazing?! Keep going and ugh finally 2 miles...one of the hardest 2 miles but now I get to turn back. Think that's cool...just keep an eye on the pier and I know I'm almost done. The run was miserable...wasn't taking in any of the beautiful ocean...my chest felt like I was being drowned...my breathing just stunk. It was actually the first time I walked...at 3.25 mi I walked...ran walked again and then finished it out. I did manage to beat him back but only because he went 5.8 instead of 5...good for him! I was able to see GPS and get a true pace...and it ranged from 13:20 to 14:20....and in this case with the higher pace at the end which is usually opposite for me. I tend to improve. But so why was it so hard....was it the ocean air...the moisture and humidity (didn't feel humid but obviously there is some being on the ocean)? And if that's the case it's got me freaked out for Monterey...what if I run into the same issues?? The other thing I think may have wigged me out is I think I've actually now become more accustomed to indoor training...counting laps etc and mentally I've shifted...when I was outdoor running...I kept seeing sights in the distance and think oh hey if I reach that crazy looking guy in the speedo then I've got to be close to the 2 mi mark...and then I'd get there and I'd still have another qtr mil...what the freak..it was defeating! Scoping out the distance in front of me visually really messed with me I think plus I think I made a skate boarder wipe out. So anyway we didn't get another run in that weekend but got plenty of exercise on the beach in the ocean boogie boarding. And that's another thing walking in sand is hard and tiring ( you don't remember that until you do it) and the waves can take there toll...but I honestly felt really good...no problems digging a big whole to bury my nephew in and carrying his wetsuit, boogie board, shovels and pails...my muscles are getting strong and they held out for me over the weekend...it was great!! Oh and what was it my nephew said when he saw a guy playing volleyball in a speedo...first why is he playing in his underwear...and then I think there was something about his twigs and berries, or meatballs and noodles...either way we were dying!!!

Boy this is going to be a long post....ok so when we got back I was feeling a little pressure like I said because I was getting close to having to hit that 6 mi long run and was worried 1) because I hadn't done 5 since a month ago and 2) it was only increasing from that point forward. What about my hip blah blah blah...I also decided to change up my days with my long run being on Monday's so week 5 I moved my long run to 8/31...6 miles the day before my 34th B-day. I was really nervious about that 6 mile long run. I just didn't see how I could do it...80.4 laps around this track but with my b-day the next day it became a personal goal for me. So I did it...it was hard and it sucked at many points...oh but the highlight...a complete stranger whom I never recall ever seeing there before (ya get to know the repeaters) started walking on the track around mile 5 and as she saw me approaching her she says "you are really doing a great job...I can really see all the weight you've lost especially from behind"...what?! I don't care from which angle...that was the nicest thing!! She must have been watching me since I started running at the center and seen my progress...it just totally lifted my spirits and made the rest seem easy. So I finished and what is it about once you stop your body just is shot....I'm breathing fine in my 6th mile but the moment I stop running it's like I can't suck enough air in...I went to sit down and put my head down between my legs...came back up as a guy was walking toward me to see if I was ok...he just smiled and back away. I was dripping, half my shirt was drenched, my face was all salt and I couldn't have worn that more as a badge of honor...it was awesome!! I liken it to what I can imagine as giving birth...sucks while you're doing it but it's great afterward..of course I just recently read pregnant women hate when you use this comparison and you've never had kids....so forget that :) Also my recovery went well...no major hip pain outside just the overall aches and pains from long run so I was psyched about that.

Next night was great with the girls celebrating my b-day...low key, sushi and a couple drinks...oh and forgot to say I got a surfboard from dad while in CA so my goal next summer is work this ass and get into surfing shape :)

Labor day weekend was fun...had family over and played water volleyball in the pool...and then didn't get my run in Monday so I did my long run tonight. Horrible day overall and was literally 90% checked out from running but then something just told me it would make me feel better mentally and physically...because ultimately I'd just beat myself up for not doing it and feel worse. Ang came with me and while stretching asked how many miles I needed to do today and I said 6 mi...she essentially said oh my gosh really....she hasn't been there for anything past 4. She ran the first mile with me which was a great distraction and then did her own intervals around the track as well as weight training but on top of that came back to take care of me and be my water girl...that was great...so supportive and really helped. Time went slow but fast and I felt great when it was done!!! So so glad I did it and just have to remember that the next time I try and talk myself out of it. So anyway....whew...that all! 3 weeks worth of catching up....

Week 2 & 3 of 16 wk Program

Ok so how do I describe the last 2 weeks...hmmm 12-16 hr work days, little sleep and not enough running. So I was still coming off having some hip pain but whenever I could get a run in I really tried at a minimum just to get something in so I really can't say I abided to any program at all these past two week. Fortunately in general my miles were in the realm of where I needed to be so I think I'm ok. Was only able to get in 2 runs per week...1 - 2mi, 2 - 3mi and 1 - 4mi. Not in that sequence. These two weeks really showed me how much my mind and body has become in need of the runs..it's a stress release and I sleep and feel better in general...really missed that!! This week I'm wrapping up the majority of the work that's been killing me so I think things are going to get much better. PLUS..yeah...I'm going to Huntington this Thursday so I'm really honestly...who would have thought....I'm looking forward to getting in some runs on the beach!!! I have never never never ever said something like that ..on vacation no less :) Me and my brother B and little man Z maybe on his bike..then looking forward...oh so looking forward to just a mindless weekend of fun in the sun with family...bring on the beach and waves! :)

Wk 4 of 4 wk prg and Wk 1 of 16 wk

Ok so busy couple weeks and this is a combination of the past 2 weeks.

So week 4 of 4 week program.....had me ending out at 6 miles. I think summary is that it was all a little too fast...still struggled and continue to struggle with my hip. So week 4...hit my 5 miles from the prior week!!! Yeah!!! But didn't hit 6 mi. Boo hoo :( I think that 5mi is what put me over the edge on my hip...but while running all was good. Was very very happy to accomplish it!!! Because the hip was sore...ran just 3 miles on Wed. To an extent it's all becoming a pattern...first 2 miles suck :) and then I get into a rhythm. Friday wanted to give my hip a break but wanted to get something in so Ang and I walked 3-4 miles.

Week 1 of 16 week program....ok so this was tough...the program was built using SmartCoach which I've played around with...you give a range as to how many miles you do in a week as well as an estimated half marathon time. Right now my pace continues to get better and better. Now whether that can be maintained for 13 miles I have no clue...all I know is that everytime I've done the 4 or 5 mile run my last mile is always the best. So right now I'm coming in at 13:40 (end of week coming it at low 13:00) and I for the most part am doing 6-10 miles in total for the week but sometimes past that....so what do I pick on Smart Coach. If I do 6-10 with 3 hr marathon which is close to the program Shelley gave me....the first 2 weeks are max 2 miles per each run and it takes 4-5 weeks before I actually get back to a run of 5 miles....and the pace is in the 14...even for interval training....this feels like too much of a step backward. But if I do the 11- 15 or whatever per week mileage it has me starting my first week with a long run at 6...which may be too much considering my hip issues. Decided Monday to run 3 miles...not push it but not go back to 2...Wed planned to do 3 but felt really good and decided to 4..pushing Ang to do a mile with me...or at least 3/4 a mile. When running I didn't feel too bad but when not running I still was having problems with the hip. Admit I didn't do anything Fri - Sun....thought the hip was ok but Mon (today) felt like another story..

So now I'm trying to figure out where I fit in the Smart Coach Program....if I use a range of 6-10 it seems too easy and if I use the next range the starting point feels too high with 6 mile run in the first week as my long run. I wish there was a happy median. Was really really happy with my 4 mile run Wed!!! Each mile just got better and better ( 13:27, 13:11, 13:01, 12:55). That is insane to me!!! My last mile was 12:55? What?! Makes me so happy especially because it wasn't something I was intentionally doing....it was just my body doing it. I'm really liking what my body is doing right now :) oh except the hip. Oh and on Tuesday did a good long walk with some upper body weight training and some glute work to try and strengthen the muscles around my hips....no weights on the glutes because I don't want to stress them too much more.

So I'll figure out what to do for the next few weeks and perhaps the lower mileage will give me time to let my hip figure out what it needs....gluteous maximus training... :) I don't know...we'll figure it out!

Now I realize I'll probably get scolded for being up and writing this too late..but just finished work and if I didn't do it now I may not get it in until I'd be 3 weeks behind... Work is crazy or should I say crazier....it's month end, 2010 planning and few other things...I'm doing everything I can to make sure I make this a priority and get the workouts in. It really has become my release even if I can't do it until 7 or later (as was tonight) and then go home and work some more. It's not ideal...but unfortunately it's how August is going to work. I'm happy with how I'm seeing changes in my body and weight and that just incentivize me more...I've never felt so changed and motivated in such a long time...so all the long hours and pain is worth it!! :) YEAH!!

Week 3 of 4 Week Program

On the agenda for the week was 3/4/5....

Well because I wasn't able to do the full 4 miles at the end of last week...knew the first week was going to be about hitting that 4 mile mark. So that's what I did Tuesday. Was able to hit the goal but was definitely tired and didn't have enough fuel. Knew I had to make some adjustment before the next workout to make sure I had enough energy to sustain the longer harder workouts. Also noticed my hips were hurting much more than normal. Thursday went for 4 miles again....hips a little sore but nothing bad. Also made sure I had a good snack an hour before my workout and that seemed to really help!! I felt like I had plenty of fuel...the 4 miles actually flew by and I increase my pace from my first mile at 14:20 or so to my fastest pace in the LAST mile at 13:40. Was very happy!!! But with the good there was bad....my hips took an additional beating. My body was BEAT Up! And it got worse 2 days later....I was questioning whether I could do the 5 mi. on Sunday. Email Shelley and she was quick to point out if I added by total miles per week - week 1 - 7 , week 2 - 8, week 3 - 8 already..in just two days...if I did the 5 that would be 13 total for week 3 which is a big increase so I've definitely pushed my body harder faster. With that said I decided to give my body an additional days rest and planned to just resume in Week 4. Happy to say I did pull off 5 miles tonight!! Very happy and for the most part felt pretty good....but I paid for it...the moment I stopped my left hip "said what the heck did I do to you....I'm done!" So I've put it on ice and researching good stretches :)

Overall good and bad....happy with the progress and know I'll work through the pain...did it before!!!

Week 2 of 4-week Program

Plan for this week was:

3/3/4 miles

Tuesday and Thursday were very similar. Did great with the 3 miles.....on the track it's kind of crazy to see people come and go and I continue to go round, and round and round.....sweating, and sweating and sweating :) Also note to self....stay away from white and light pink T's because borderline wet T-shirt contest :)

Now day 3 different story....suppose to do 4 miles and I don't know if I was dehydrated but my body just wasn't hangin' with me. Sucked it up and did 2 miles but that's all I had....try again next time.

I will say I did do the 4 miles today...and boy did it suck!! But as usual felt great after...but have to say it had me a little scared....fill you in next week. Again hoping bad days vs good.

Also I hate food...so tired of thinking about it and when I should eat...it's the last thing I feel like doing. That battle continues...just need to get my cals over 1000...

Week 1 of 4-wk Program

So I made it through the 1st program...amazing and now start the 2nd one....4 weeks to increase my distance before I begin the 16 week..ultimate stretch. Goal for these 4 weeks is to increase mileage so that while I'm in the 16 week program I'm not drastically trying to increase mileage on top of speed. If I can get my distance up then that will hopefully put me in a good place to do both.

So here's how it lays out...3 days a week and in miles
Week 1 - 2/3/3
Week 2 - 3/3/4
Week 3 - 3/4/5
Week 4 - 2/4/6

So starting this week I had to take my workouts indoors....just too hot. There is a community center with an indoor track but the down side is that it takes a gazillion laps to = a mile and my GPS watch doesn't work indoors so I have to 1) count my laps which sucks 2) don't get a good idea of pace...yes I can do a proxy but still not great.

Day 1 - Did the 2 miles with no problem...which was great coming off my first 2 mile run Sunday.

Day 2 - Did 3 miles....first 2 didn't feel so great but as soon as I hit my 3rd mile I was in the zone....all was going great until halfway and I felt as though all the fuel in my body had been used up. I'm really struggling with my food....balancing calories with the workouts. I think I've been eatting too little so it's going into starvation mode. Conceptually I really struggle with this because I'm trying to lose weight on top of trying to increase my workouts and I can't find that balance. I work out harder and eat less and don't lose weight...how can that be...I get it...but I don't know how to find the balance. Do I do more protein, more carbs...I don't know. I have a crap load of storage that can be used if you know what I mean :) I know that's not how it works but I'm a numbers girl...all about the plus and minuses...so it's not working for me :) What % of carbs, protein, fat etc..is needed ?? I have to lose more weight if my body is going to carry me the distance. It's doing great right now...but somethings gotta give.

Day 3 - Did 2 miles...was short on time and got that in...I was fine with that because I knew I had two more days at 3 miles next week to prepare for the increase to 4 by the end of that week.

On top of each workout I've been swimming 30-40 minutes right after....very tiring but use that time to focus on my upper body and build arm strength on top of cardio. And the water feels great on my sweaty body and sore limbs after the run.

Can't believe I did 3 miles non-stop when just 4 days earlier I was stressing about doing 2 miles....increase by a mile in 4 days...I'm becoming a believer :)

So plan for the week is to figure out the food thing...any advice would be great!

Program Week 8 - Days 3-5 - I did it!!

I did it!!! So freaking shocked!! I finished week 8 in line with the program....maybe even slightly above the 2 miles...slightly :) Days 1 and 2 in my last posting I was feeling a bit frustrated and was worried how things were going to go... Day 3 was sooo much better. Hadn't planned to run outdoor taking the advice of those closest to me but that day after work it was overcast and rainy (temp high 80 - low 90) so I decided to do the run in my neighborhood. Weather was humid but still not bad out at all. The run went so much better!!! Ended at 1.9m, 29 minutes....AND my pace came in at what it was on the track...flat land vs hills...avg 14:50 min...huh? Day 4 ran about the same as Day 3 but first interval was 20 min...just to get a little rest for Sunday. Day 5 - Sunday morning, got my butt up at 5am, Shelley came over and we hit the streets for a run at 5:45. She talked I listened :) no questions please...can't breath enough to talk :) Made it through the 30 min run a little over 2 mi and felt good...hot but really good!!!! I know I say this over and over again and I probably will continue to... At the beginning I was trying to convince myself I could do it but had serious serious doubts and really thought I'd be on to an alternative within 3 weeks. But I stuck to and did it and it didn't kill me....and even now after running the 2 mi which felt hard...today I continue to go further. I actually finished my run today and was anxious to do it again tomorrow (but it's a rest day). I'm infected with the sickness :)

Now onto the next 4 weeks....each week end increasing one mile therefore ending at 6 miles. Shelley is evil....it took me 8 weeks to get to 2 miles...now 4 weeks to triple it...what did I do to her?? :) Kidding, I get it...the process and thought behind it.. and honestly believe I can really do it. Onward I go....

Program Week 8 - Days 1 and 2

So I've decided to write a bit early about week 8 because I'm feeling a bit frustrated with my running this week. I can't sleep and it's really bothering me because I haven't really felt this way in a while so I thought I'd get it all out now in the hopes that I could move on....

This week I switched things up a bit...Ang is on a break from boot camp and so we decided it would be great to work out together....so she could work on her running and I could just continue on with my program but both have the benefit of support of each other and laughs (when we weren't dying). So we found a high school that is on both of our ways home from work and decided to run the track...during high school summer football workouts no less..... So not wanting her to wait until my usual time to work out we compromised and Mon started the workout at 6:30. Sun still fully on the track it was tough for the first part of the workout...27 min run/1min walk/2 min run. It was ok but I never fully got into a rhythm and it just didn't feel good the entire time....( I even managed to be unsuccessful in timing my running for when the sprinklers were spraying onto the track....give me relief lord :) ). Got through it and it was great to have Ang to walk a few laps and talk afterward as we warmed down. Now another point...this is a track...no hills nothing....shouldn't this be easier??????? What the f?? I forgot my watch so I couldn't time it but I think my times were actually better so may that's the other thing...I'm not used to someone running with me or near me so I felt pressure to increase speed therefore perhaps wearing me out faster...hmm. So today we did run #2....the program actually had me coming down to 20 min run for the first interval. Sky was overcast all day so we decided to head out a bit earlier so we could get it done. Found out it was still about 103 degrees out. Started at about 6....and was able to get 4 laps (ie 1 mile) down before the sun was out fully....my body was just in quit mode...it took everything in me just to finish at the 20 min mark....I actually wanted to quit at 15 min. Sorry if I sound crazy but ever have the couple minutes of insanity where all your brain is doing is telling you how much it just can't go on but you don't want to give in...and you're almost on the verge of a panic feeling...it felt like that...why am I getting this now?? Shouldn't this be showing up when I start increasing my distance and/or increase my speed....I've done this ...been doing this. And again...easier route. Had my watch today and my 1 mile pace did decrease to 14.50 so I did cut a almost a min...probably because of the flat land. I think the heat ultimately got to me today and yesterday to a degree. I think I'm just either going to have to convince Ang to go later or go back to my other routes....plus the track is so boring....oh hey there's the scoreboard...3 minutes later...oh hey there's the scoreboard...you catch my drift...very repetitious and not mentally stimulating. I was excited going into this week because I knew first I'd have my final run with Shelley Sunday morning...and also that I'd be starting the next phase...4 weeks to increase speed and/or distance...then the next phase of 16 weeks of both as well to get me close to the 13 miles by the race in November. So the most recent barrier...please let it be temporary.

Plus I guess what is bothering me mentally is that I need to get in more cardio on top of this as well as strength training...and I just don't know what do...because I want to swim at one place, run at another, and strength train at another...it makes it hard from a time perspective...I need to figure that out in my brain. And with finishing running at 8...I just want to stay up later because I know I have to start the day all over again..and I'm just not ready. Not about the workouts but from my hectic work hours and this in addition to it.

So on a positive note...don't get me wrong...I'm still farther along than my brain ever thought I would be and I'm seeing very positive results on the scale etc...so I'm very happy about that!!!

I'm just in a thing right now...and have to work it out mentally.

Program Week 7

So week 7 went well..work week was better as well...however it wasn't until Tuesday night that I realized I actually had to get in 5 runs this week...all progressing toward 26 min non-stop by end of the week....crap...close to the 2 miles for me...for someone else that actually had speed perhaps 5 miles. :)

Monday ran my route in my neighborhood 20 min run/1 walk/9 run..hadn't charged my watch so I wasn't able to see my pace but things went well. Same time etc for Tuesday run as well. Wed finally had my watch and got to see how my pace was on this route with my new watch. I actually did better than the other route...huh..there is way more uphill on this route. Don't get me wrong was very happy but very surprised. Last 5 minutes straight uphill...was so so hard but felt so freakin fabulous once I was done. Friday went about 7:15 and ran the route in the other neighborhood...went just early enough to be out of the creepy areas by dark. It was an overcast day and actually had a few sprinkles in the beginning which felt great. Time increased to 24 min which came in at about 1.3-1.4 miles....Sat 26 min but didn't have my watch....think my distance came in at about 1.7 miles for the non-stop ..just under 2 in total.

Short submission this week...as things just seemed to move along plus I'm tired :) Talked to Shelley this week and she is going to be in town the weekend of my last day of this program (week 8) which is the 28th so she's going to do my end goal for this program of full 30 min run....so I'm happy to have her do it with me....if she can keep up with my wicked speed :)

The good weather we had in June definitely came to an end in week 8....so far not as great of a final week in this program as I'd hoped....changed my routine and don't know if that's what's messing with me...still 3 more runs this week left...fill ya in next week.

Program Week 6

Ok better late than never :) So week 6, continue to progress. I was very excited Monday when I managed to run my first mile without walking or stopping...1.09 mi to be exact! :) Couldn't believe it...my first time ever! Bought a brand new bad ass watch by Garmin that allows me to track everything..heart rate, GPS mapping of my route, per mile times etc. So that first 1 mi came in at 15.41. I did the route I did the previous Friday and again tried the opposite route. Not bad...however I did find that it can get creepy at night in a half built subdivision. Twice had to consider in my brain if I thought I could actually run faster if I needed to outrun Creeper Creeperson. Decided that it didn't seem feasible, I was spent :) I was SOL! Rest of the week was hell...not running but work! Monday after the run worked until 2am...keep in mind I started work that day at 7am. Wed had a mini-breakdown but by Thursday was settled and ok again. Wanted to get my workout in before sundown so went to the gym with mom and did my workout on a treadmill for the first time. Thought it might be easier with the give of the treadmill....but honestly it felt harder...for the first time I got shin splints. I think it was hard to find my normal pace. It was funny to me that I've run in warmer weather but even with the fans from the machine came out of there sweatier than I've ever been..but still overall great workout and stuck to my program. Overall, I'm really trying to make a commitment to myself that even if I have to work late, if I know I can do some of the work at home (which I normally can) I try to leave at least to get a run in...because I have to do these things for myself. I still may work late but I have to make it a priority..plus it helps to destress my brain for a period of time. Friday headed to Vegas to celebrate B's b-day. Was a good girl and did a run in Vegas. A little to late around 9 or 10 and even though Vegas is cooler the sun was beating down. I've also come to the decision that there is just no flat land in neither Phx nor Vegas :) Didn't have my watch with me so I didn't capture my times but hey at least I got the work out in. 18 min run, 1 walk, 11 run. Better work week in week 7 so that's good. Even though I didn't get in all my workouts I'm still learning that I need to do this for myself and if at all possible get it done even if it means going back to the grind immediately after. Soon week 7...

Program Week 5

A couple days late but things have just been so busy at work..and I'm completely drained on top of it. I kind of thought the running thing would energize me more...but I'm more tired than ever! Been getting the best sleep however :)

First run Monday was ok...did my route backwards which again had it's pros and cons. Find that whenever doing a route you think "oh hey if I go reverse" it's probably easier...well you quickly find it equally has it's challenges...and in this case that down hill section I previously loved was way more uphill the other way than any of the uphills the original way. Didn't like that hill so much that way...can you go slower than a worm??...I think I proved you can :) Any way did the first interval at about 12 minutes...then when starting to run again right after the hill my Achilles (sp?) felt a little tight...not wanting to risk anything just ran 2 minutes....walked 10 then ran the remainder and I was fine. Wednesday was good, tried the reverse route again and things we ok...still slow up that hill for sure. Then Friday after an early evening appt in the salon...drove over to a neighborhood on the other side of the mountain looking for flatter land and a change of scenery. Found a loop in the subdivision that I"d seen previously while walking and decided to do this route. Drove it and it measured to about 1.75 miles. Started running and at first my body just felt weighted down...like 4 minutes in I just wanted to walk...kept going and started looking around to distract me. It's a new subdivision that has basically come to a halt on new homes since the economy so in many sections of the loop you have wide open views of the mountains and at this time the sunset. It was soooooo beautiful...it was at that point where the sun is almost down and the base of the sky is hot pink and against it are the black mountains...found myself just taking in the view and next thing I knew I was at the 14 minutes...second interval was fine as well because I was hitting a bit of downhill and also with it being a cloudy day that day...the temperature was great!!! Got done, put the top down on the car and drove home for a chilled out Friday night of movies. Was a bad girl and missed the last workout over the weekend .... but does laying on your raft and swimming over to your drink on the side of the pool count??!!

Good to hear from Shelley that the first so many minutes sucks for everyone because it seems like I"m getting used to a bit of the distance but that beginning 5 or so just stinks!! Still have a hard time fathoming 13 mi!!!!!

Won't spill but my Monday workout this week....oh nevermind...I'll tell ya next week :)

Program Week 4

So what a crazy and odd week! Monday was a holiday, work was so busy and stressful, Zach came into town Wed night (but because of work couldn't see him until Fri). Was then able to spend the weekend relaxing from the busy work week and enjoying time with Zach. So what about the running....??? Ended last week with my knee really bothering me again and decided to give it about 4 days to rest. Still was really bothering me as of Sunday but Tuesday decided to run even though I could still feel a little tenderness. Decided to stick with where I left off and not push additional time just to be safe so I did 6min x4 and 2 min...with 1min walk in between. Knee felt good and no issues the next day. So far so good! Thurs planned to up it 1 min per interval...but still always thinking about what was going to push my knee over the edge again this week.... First interval didn't feel too bad was able to do 7 min. Second interval...didn't feel as good so I lasted about 5:30...then on the next interval something happened and I was in a complete rhythm and felt like I could go forever....so Shelley will probably kill me but instead of sticking with my intervals I decided to keep going and see what I could do, fully understanding I may really regret this. Now don't expect a miracle here but I ended up comfortably running a 13 min interval. I was really happy!!! It felt so good!! I think I did another 2 min interval...but again I was expecting the worst from my knee the next day. Next day...not a problem. What?? Maybe it will take a day for the pain to kick in?? Friday came and my stressful week was coming to an end...just looking forward to having fun with Zach and not doing anything outside that. Planned to get up Sat morning and run but was just so exhausted from the late nights during the week working that I slept in. Zach and mom stayed the night Sat night and Sunday morning got up before everyone and went for a run. Decided to see where I could land between the 7 min and 13 min and ended up doing 11 min x2 and 5 min at the end. Felt really good...don't get me wrong...it's still tough but it's bearable tough! First morning run...went a bit later than I'd hoped...around 8 and honestly it felt much hotter than the evening runs...the sun beating down on you...even though the temp was lower. Strange how for Shelley and I it's opposites...I do have to admit maybe if it had been closer to 6 am that may have been another story. So not a typical or ideal week but I think I made a ton of progress that I wasn't at all expecting!!! Back on plan now and we'll see if I can stay the course vs. this twisted one I seem to have been on the past couple weeks. :)

I don't know what to think about the knee...ok I take that back, I do have some thoughts...whether any of them are valid who knows...
1) Muscles are getting stronger and it's helping to take some of the strain
2) I don't think I did any real damage to the knee as I was fearing (considering my prior MCL tear) but I think it's just bruising that I'm feeling and it seems to be working to just give it a few days to really rest and then restart.

Pretty simplistic thinking but right now something is working....so I'm going to go with it. I'm continually shocked by where I'm at just 4 weeks in....but also feel completely overwhelmed when I think about the end goal. Can't think of that and just need to keep on, keepin on... :)

Program Week 3

So week 3 started out good...even though I didn't end the prior week exactly on plan, I was able to start Monday with 5 run/1 walk....and did fine! Broke the Monday curse :) However my fears and Shelley's were confirmed shortly after.....the knee started to bother me but more so than last week. Don't know if it's the downhill section doing the damage or everything overall. Wed went back and forth as to whether I'd do the workout. Thinking last week the pain went away and it would do the same this time as well. Decided to walk but just as I got started changed my mind and decided to do the program. First two 6 min intervals were ok but felt a little pain. Then came the 3rd 6min on the downhill and I knew this was not good. Was smart enough to stop and walk the rest but I think the damage was done. So the knee is sore....not like it's been in the past....stairs are ok...stuff like that but it's sore and tendons feel tight and bruised. So frustrating!! I don't want to lose momentum. I don't know what to do...I feel like I can still run but I'm worried about causing more damage....how long do I wait? How do I know? I just don't want to have to start from scratch weeks from now.

Just realized as I was writing this, I looked at the program and realized Wed was still suppose to be 5 min, not 6...hmmm...don't think it would have made a difference but if somehow I can work it out next week I'm not behind....but the question is...should I take a little time off?

I'm going to look into stretches specific to knees to see if there is anything that can help. Also focus on finding flat ground... Wish me luck...after a not so great week.

Program Week 2

So as I left off I was nervous about this week. The time of running was increasing the whole week with only 1 minute of walking in between. A minute goes really slow when you want it to be fast (ie when running) but goes by really fast when you want it to last forever (ie walking) :) But I'm committed and was going to follow the program.

So week 2 program -
Mon - Walk 1/Run 2 X 7 - plus 2 min run
Wed - Walk 1/Run 3 x 7
Fri/Sat - Walk 1/Run 4 x6

So Monday...absolute hell! Did it but suffered the whole way through. And this still isn't hard....in contrast to the end goal. All Monday and Tuesday really questioned if this was going to happen for me. Once again texted Jeremy that said to be exact "I f'n hate running" which of course was about the same text he had gotten a week before. But I said I still wasn't going to quit in which he responded and said it wouldn't be quitting just changing focus to something that I "enjoyed" more. I appreciated the "letting me off the hook" response. But my response was that I'm really hoping this is a "there are good day and bad days" type of situation.

And I'm happy to say it was....Wed in which I actually increased another minute felt so much better. Had put together a playlist on my ipod of tunes to run to and I just got into a zone. I was slower than a snail...but I was moving...and that was ok for me. But the downside...once I stopped I immediately felt it in my knees and hips. Iced my knees that evening but ached all night and felt like even organs hurt from the jostling around. Next day my bad knee was bothering me...not as bad as in the past but enough to make me nervous again that maybe this just wasn't going to happen for me. Thurs was a walk day so I did have a break to recover. Friday worked late....knee still a little sore and just wasn't in the mood. Got home and decided hey I'll at least walk. By the way I've been doing most of my workouts at about 7 when the sun is going down and considering I hate the heat and summer...the heat has not bothered me at all..in fact I don't even notice it. Perhaps it's all the other pain distracting me :) So anyway...about 7:30 got started and decided what the heck...I'll do what the program said and if it hurts then I'll stop and walk...and re-evaluate my next steps in the program. Now I was suppose to do 4 min of running for each interval but decided to do just 3...not push it. Immediately I was in the zone...the 3 minutes were not bad at all....and for the last 2 intervals instead of doing another interval of 2 min at the end...just added a minute to the last 2 intervals. I think at one point I was actually looking around and taking in the sights and enjoying a breeze....during the 4 minute interval no less..it was so wierd! I finished and I wasn't dying and no pain in the knee since. How is this...is my body already adapting this fast....? And truth is I'm running 23 of the 30 minutes...those 1 min...are really nothing. I'm really starting to see how I can convert this into a full 30 minutes. Sat another good run....and was able to do them at the 4 min. Now please don't think I'm falling into a false sense of hey this is now easy...not by any means...but I'm seeing progress...and it was unexpected at this point.

So another theory.....and this is just speculative...obviously it's early...but swimming was and is my gig....and long distance swimming to be specific. I've just always been an endurance person vs a sprinter. Never thought it might convert to running which is physically harder to a degree...as you don't have the water to offset the effects of gravity while running. Could this be a part of me that extends past swimming? Again it's super early...and Monday may be hell again...but I'm curious as to whether this is an overall trait and is now benefiting me. We'll see...

Program Week 1

Ok so I'm switching it up. All my life I've hated running...but my theory as it stands right now is that everyone hates what's hard and unknown to them. I've never committed to it nor tried to really DO it. So I'm testing out my theory...commit to it...give 100% and if I still hate it then I now know and I can move on. It's just such a great exercise that I would love to have it in my repertoire of options for staying fit. And there's another reason, Danielle is committing to a half marathon in Nov.. Big Sur as a goal to get fit as a commitment to her mom who just passed due to a long life of health issues. So I'm going to give it a shot and do the half marathon with her...and if I'm lucky Brian and Shelley will join in too!

So here's the thing...this scares the crap out of me. I don't run...I'm no where near an ideal weight for running and I'm going to start with a half marathon. And at a time when most of my training will be in the middle of an AZ summer...what the hell!! Literally! But I've committed myself mentally and anytime I think or feel like I can't do something...it only makes me want to prove that I can. So with that said...Shelley was kind enough to provide me with some programs to guide me through the training and last week was week 1. So let's get to it...how is it going?!

Week 1 - 4 days of walk 2min/run 1min for 30 min and 2 days of just walking 30min

Oh this should be cake right?! A minute that's nothing. And it encourage to patient and still take it slow...so I'm thinking this is a gimme week. Uh after the first night I wrote Jeremy about how much I now know I hate running :) It's a minute...that's not very long and it's already hard...what the...But ok the theory again...this is just new to my body and that why I feel that way...so day 3 second runnig session...first 1 minute still not lovin it...second 1 min run...hmmm that actually feels not so bad...soon the last 3 1 min run, I was really enjoying it. I finished that session and the ones the rest of the week feeling really good...like maybe I can do this. Oh and I do have to say this...I live on the side of a mountain so all my roads have small hills throughout various portions of my route...so I've come to determine this is both good and bad...tougher at points but it also works me harder so that the flat sections or downhill feel really awesome and lifts my spirits.

But here's the deal I was thinking week 2 was just run 2/walk 2 but I actually see there is just one day of run 2/walk 1 then up to 3 and 4 by the end of the week. I'm nervous and I honestly think the next 2 weeks are going to be very telling. Wish me luck and hope I haven't thrown out the running shoes....