Someday, I'll look back on the awfulness of now, and it will only be some very faint memory. A bad dream. Or at best, maybe some sort of testament to my commitment to completing a marathon, however unnecessary or misguided the endeavor was to begin with...
Training is going great. Obviously.
My right leg feels like it's on the wrong body. Like it doesn't fit anymore. Like it's too long. And it's pissing-off my knee, too. It hurts. It's been hurting. It does not appear to be getting better.
It feels like I'm about to get sick again. Maybe it's just allergies? In any case, I can't hear out of my ears. Again. And I can't help but think that maybe there really is something in our house that is slowly killing us. Maybe I too will get to look forward to the joy of sinus surgery.
ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
It's just incredibly frustrating, comparing how well the year started off, versus how things are going right now. Right now, when I actually really need to be training in earnest...
I may go back to a doctor and ask them about this ear thing. Again. Maybe I'll try to chat with a physical therapist, too.
When I imagined the difficulties of training for a marathon, this was NOT what came to mind...
25 July 2014
14 July 2014
Two steps back...
No sooner than I received my awesome, new tracking spreadsheet, I was plagued by a nasty, nasty summer cold that just won't die. After a demoralizing two-weeks, in which I ran a total of 2 miles (and probably ill-advised miles, at that), I returned to the doctor, and was informed that I likely have a sinus infection. Bad news.
(As a side note, though, I have to say, those 2 miles felt so, so good. I can't even explain. Maybe it was just the immense joy of being off the couch for a few minutes. Either way, I regret nothing!!)
The good news is that they prescribed me some nifty pills and I think I may finally be on the road to recovery! And not a minute too soon, either. I'm definitely stressing over the time I've lost, as I'm now nowhere near where I thought I'd be or where I'd like to be, training-wise. The only thing I can think is that at least I had those 100+ miles in before all of this went down...
But I guess that's life! And I suppose part of attempting to do anything difficult that requires lengthy planing and training is accepting that things are often, well, difficult, and don't always go according to plan.
Speaking of, just before falling ill, I attempted one of my more ambitious routes to date. The plan was to run from my house all the way over to my parents' on the west end of town. I had anticipated that the "rolling hills" of 15th Street would make the 5 or so miles "difficult," but wow. Wow. Much respect to those middle-aged ladies out there that morning, running up and down those hills, in to the sun, seemingly unfazed, all along that vast, shade-less awfulness of a street. Hopefully I'll try it again soon with better results.
Here's to feeling better soon!
(As a side note, though, I have to say, those 2 miles felt so, so good. I can't even explain. Maybe it was just the immense joy of being off the couch for a few minutes. Either way, I regret nothing!!)
The good news is that they prescribed me some nifty pills and I think I may finally be on the road to recovery! And not a minute too soon, either. I'm definitely stressing over the time I've lost, as I'm now nowhere near where I thought I'd be or where I'd like to be, training-wise. The only thing I can think is that at least I had those 100+ miles in before all of this went down...
But I guess that's life! And I suppose part of attempting to do anything difficult that requires lengthy planing and training is accepting that things are often, well, difficult, and don't always go according to plan.
Speaking of, just before falling ill, I attempted one of my more ambitious routes to date. The plan was to run from my house all the way over to my parents' on the west end of town. I had anticipated that the "rolling hills" of 15th Street would make the 5 or so miles "difficult," but wow. Wow. Much respect to those middle-aged ladies out there that morning, running up and down those hills, in to the sun, seemingly unfazed, all along that vast, shade-less awfulness of a street. Hopefully I'll try it again soon with better results.
Here's to feeling better soon!
The Totals:
Running:
- July: 2.0
- 2014: 126.8
Biking (non-stationary):
- June: 0.0
- 2014: 58.5
19 June 2014
Muchas gracias!
Well. It is hot out there. If tonight's run wasn't enough to convince me to start getting up to run before work, instead of in the heat of the day, then I must be even lazier than I thought...We'll see!
First of all, a very big thank you to brother Darren for helping me get on track with an actual training plan, now that we are officially ONLY 4 MONTHS OUT! It seemed like there was so much more time! In any case, not only did my dear brother make up a training plan, but he put it in a beautiful calendared spreadsheet that changes colors as I complete each week's mileage. It's pretty much AWESOME and I'm extremely grateful. Thank you again!!
Also, much thanks and gratitude are due to Kristina Selters. She met up with me last weekend to impart some wisdom about her own marathon experiences over breakfast. Hopefully she'll forgive my lack of interviewing skills. She had a lot of really great things to say and I've tried my best to get them all down here.
Enjoy!
Me: How did you first get interested in running marathons? What inspired you to attempt the first one?
Kristina: My mom; that's the short reason. The first one I did, it was a Christmas present to my mom. It was in Dallas, and I said I'd never do one again. Before that, I'd run a half that October. In 2012, I ran my 2nd one. I had done a lot of halves that spring, so I'd thought I'd try another full. The last one, a friend of mine was trying to qualify for Boston, so I said I'd try with her. Now that that goal's in my head, that's why I'm trying another one. But my mom is my inspiration and the reason I run. But she actually started running because of me so, it's been a funny role reversal.
M: How many marathons have you completed? Do you plan to do more?
K: Three. The next one is in Kansas City in October.
M: What advice would you give to someone contemplating their first marathon?
K: Go for it! It's not something a lot of people do. Your body tells you no, but your mind can say yes. Put in the work. Find someone to do it with you; those miles suck and it's hard to do by yourself. After you finish running, keep walking! When you get done, keep your muscles moving. The miles you put in beforehand will determine how sore you are afterwards. And the people at marathons, the supporters, are so great. What's the saying? "If you're starting to doubt humanity, go to a marathon finish line,"? I love finish lines.
M: What is the best advice someone gave you about running marathons?
K: It's mind over matter. Your body will tell you no, but your mind has to tell you yes. I haven't fully grasped this one yet. Your body will break down at mile 18 and you've gotta just say, "Yes." Some of the signs there are awesome, too. ("You trained longer for this than Kim was married," "Britney made it through 2007 - you can make it through this!")
My first one, I walked. The 2nd one, I said I was done at mile 18. The last one, I ran the whole thing, but drastically slowed at mile 20. So I keep making it further. Maybe just think about the beer and the food you can eat all day afterwards.
M: Any tips or tricks for training? For race day?
K: Don't do anything new. You don't know how your body will react. In training, make sure you do the work, even the speed training, especially if you have a goal time.
Find someone to run with you. I never realized before how much I liked running with people. I always thought I liked running alone. Having someone to go through it with you, you get to talking and you learn a lot about people.
There are 2 theories. One is that if you can do 20, you can do 26. Or the other, do 26 or more beforehand so you know you can do it.
If you've got to do 15 miles for the day, maybe run 6 or 7 in the morning and the rest in the evening. That way, you're running on tired legs. Or cross train; go swimming and then go run...
Sometimes you just have to rest, especially if you're not going for a certain time. You have to listen to you body. You don't want an injury.
M: When you're in the thick of the race and digging deep for some motivation, what keeps you going?
K: I try to think of a couple people...When you feel like you don't have anything else, run for someone else. I run for people who can't. I think of my dad and Jayden, people who are fighting cancer. My pain is so temporary. You're choosing to do this. Some people are not choosing their pain; you can run for them. It doesn't always work. People come to me and say I inspire them, but I'm just a girl who likes to run. It clears my head. I just think of people who are going through real stuff and not just a race that's only going to last a day.
M: Do you have a favorite race moment or memory? Or a favorite part of marathons in general?
K: My favorite moments aren't really about me. I love seeing people doing it for the first time - like, I'd love to see you in Chicago! When I did the Plaza 10K a couple years ago, this lady had just finished and was in tears, because she had never run that far before. It's such an accomplishment for people and I forget that. My last race, I didn't get what I wanted...Seeing other people finishing their first half or whatever distance it is, is by far my favorite part. I forget sometimes to see the big picture and take a step back. Right now I'm so focused on time, it can take the joy out. It'll be that way for the next few months.
M: What's next? Do you think it's important to improve (i.e. run the same distances faster)? Or is it just all about finishing/continuing to run?
K: I'll be doing the KC marathon in October, and the Ironman in Lawrence next summer. I may try a trail half next March, too.
Those people that run a marathon a month, I couldn't do that. It's not great for your body. For me, it's a speed thing. I want to qualify for Boston. After my last one, I said if I did another one, I want to qualify for Boston. For your first one, just cross the finish line. For shorter distances, it's all about the group and the community. Everyone has an opinion on how to do it; it's really up to you. Right now, I just have the one goal. After the first one, you'll probably say 'I hate it, I'll never do it again,' but keep trying. Try different distances. Try running with groups.
Much thanks again, Kristina, for sharing your thoughts, and very best of luck to you on all your upcoming running adventures!
First of all, a very big thank you to brother Darren for helping me get on track with an actual training plan, now that we are officially ONLY 4 MONTHS OUT! It seemed like there was so much more time! In any case, not only did my dear brother make up a training plan, but he put it in a beautiful calendared spreadsheet that changes colors as I complete each week's mileage. It's pretty much AWESOME and I'm extremely grateful. Thank you again!!
Also, much thanks and gratitude are due to Kristina Selters. She met up with me last weekend to impart some wisdom about her own marathon experiences over breakfast. Hopefully she'll forgive my lack of interviewing skills. She had a lot of really great things to say and I've tried my best to get them all down here.
Enjoy!
Kristina: My mom; that's the short reason. The first one I did, it was a Christmas present to my mom. It was in Dallas, and I said I'd never do one again. Before that, I'd run a half that October. In 2012, I ran my 2nd one. I had done a lot of halves that spring, so I'd thought I'd try another full. The last one, a friend of mine was trying to qualify for Boston, so I said I'd try with her. Now that that goal's in my head, that's why I'm trying another one. But my mom is my inspiration and the reason I run. But she actually started running because of me so, it's been a funny role reversal.
M: How many marathons have you completed? Do you plan to do more?
K: Three. The next one is in Kansas City in October.
M: What advice would you give to someone contemplating their first marathon?
K: Go for it! It's not something a lot of people do. Your body tells you no, but your mind can say yes. Put in the work. Find someone to do it with you; those miles suck and it's hard to do by yourself. After you finish running, keep walking! When you get done, keep your muscles moving. The miles you put in beforehand will determine how sore you are afterwards. And the people at marathons, the supporters, are so great. What's the saying? "If you're starting to doubt humanity, go to a marathon finish line,"? I love finish lines.
M: What is the best advice someone gave you about running marathons?
K: It's mind over matter. Your body will tell you no, but your mind has to tell you yes. I haven't fully grasped this one yet. Your body will break down at mile 18 and you've gotta just say, "Yes." Some of the signs there are awesome, too. ("You trained longer for this than Kim was married," "Britney made it through 2007 - you can make it through this!")
My first one, I walked. The 2nd one, I said I was done at mile 18. The last one, I ran the whole thing, but drastically slowed at mile 20. So I keep making it further. Maybe just think about the beer and the food you can eat all day afterwards.
M: Any tips or tricks for training? For race day?
K: Don't do anything new. You don't know how your body will react. In training, make sure you do the work, even the speed training, especially if you have a goal time.
Find someone to run with you. I never realized before how much I liked running with people. I always thought I liked running alone. Having someone to go through it with you, you get to talking and you learn a lot about people.
There are 2 theories. One is that if you can do 20, you can do 26. Or the other, do 26 or more beforehand so you know you can do it.
If you've got to do 15 miles for the day, maybe run 6 or 7 in the morning and the rest in the evening. That way, you're running on tired legs. Or cross train; go swimming and then go run...
Sometimes you just have to rest, especially if you're not going for a certain time. You have to listen to you body. You don't want an injury.
M: When you're in the thick of the race and digging deep for some motivation, what keeps you going?
K: I try to think of a couple people...When you feel like you don't have anything else, run for someone else. I run for people who can't. I think of my dad and Jayden, people who are fighting cancer. My pain is so temporary. You're choosing to do this. Some people are not choosing their pain; you can run for them. It doesn't always work. People come to me and say I inspire them, but I'm just a girl who likes to run. It clears my head. I just think of people who are going through real stuff and not just a race that's only going to last a day.
M: Do you have a favorite race moment or memory? Or a favorite part of marathons in general?
K: My favorite moments aren't really about me. I love seeing people doing it for the first time - like, I'd love to see you in Chicago! When I did the Plaza 10K a couple years ago, this lady had just finished and was in tears, because she had never run that far before. It's such an accomplishment for people and I forget that. My last race, I didn't get what I wanted...Seeing other people finishing their first half or whatever distance it is, is by far my favorite part. I forget sometimes to see the big picture and take a step back. Right now I'm so focused on time, it can take the joy out. It'll be that way for the next few months.
M: What's next? Do you think it's important to improve (i.e. run the same distances faster)? Or is it just all about finishing/continuing to run?
K: I'll be doing the KC marathon in October, and the Ironman in Lawrence next summer. I may try a trail half next March, too.
Those people that run a marathon a month, I couldn't do that. It's not great for your body. For me, it's a speed thing. I want to qualify for Boston. After my last one, I said if I did another one, I want to qualify for Boston. For your first one, just cross the finish line. For shorter distances, it's all about the group and the community. Everyone has an opinion on how to do it; it's really up to you. Right now, I just have the one goal. After the first one, you'll probably say 'I hate it, I'll never do it again,' but keep trying. Try different distances. Try running with groups.
Much thanks again, Kristina, for sharing your thoughts, and very best of luck to you on all your upcoming running adventures!
The Totals:
Running:
- June: 13.0
- 2014: 114.8
Biking (non-stationary):
- June: 0.0
- 2014: 58.5
06 June 2014
Shaking my head...
In the past week, I've run a total of 3 miles...
I at least did some hiking in there at some point. I guess we went on a little bike ride, too.
I don't know if it's the heat/humidity, or my new yoga class, or being dehydrated, or eating poorly, (or all of these things), but I've just been feeling kind of -- I don't wanna say 'awful,' but yeah -- kind of awful. Every morning, I wake up and my calves are all cramped, and the last thing I want to do is get up and go running.
Basically, I've got to figure something out, because whatever 'this' is is not working...
On a happier note, while I've still got zeros across the board for June thus far, we have at least passed 100 miles for the year!
#silverlinings
I at least did some hiking in there at some point. I guess we went on a little bike ride, too.
I don't know if it's the heat/humidity, or my new yoga class, or being dehydrated, or eating poorly, (or all of these things), but I've just been feeling kind of -- I don't wanna say 'awful,' but yeah -- kind of awful. Every morning, I wake up and my calves are all cramped, and the last thing I want to do is get up and go running.
Basically, I've got to figure something out, because whatever 'this' is is not working...
On a happier note, while I've still got zeros across the board for June thus far, we have at least passed 100 miles for the year!
#silverlinings
The Totals:
Running:
- June: 0.0
- 2014: 101.8
Biking (non-stationary):
- June: 0.0
- 2014: 58.5
29 May 2014
Promises, promises...
I know you may find this hard to believe, but I've yet to get up early again before work to go running. Shocking.
I did, however, go for my first real run in the rain last Saturday morning. After reading Running Like a Girl, by Ms. Heminsley, I realized that for her, living in England and all, she probably had more rainy outings than not, and that a slight drizzle shouldn't really be a valid excuse anymore. Frankly, it really wasn't bad at all. I think I might do well to leave my rain jacket at home next time, though. Even with my venting zippers it was still a bit too steamy.
So, the most awful part of this particular post is where I confess that I haven't been out to run at all since that rainy Saturday. I did do some hiking and camping, so that's something, I guess. I really am going to start focusing here shortly, I promise...
Also, the new Chromeo album is extremely entertaining and I fully intend to put it on my ipod ASAP so as to give myself the option to run whilst enjoying it. So I've got that going for me, which is nice.
I did, however, go for my first real run in the rain last Saturday morning. After reading Running Like a Girl, by Ms. Heminsley, I realized that for her, living in England and all, she probably had more rainy outings than not, and that a slight drizzle shouldn't really be a valid excuse anymore. Frankly, it really wasn't bad at all. I think I might do well to leave my rain jacket at home next time, though. Even with my venting zippers it was still a bit too steamy.
So, the most awful part of this particular post is where I confess that I haven't been out to run at all since that rainy Saturday. I did do some hiking and camping, so that's something, I guess. I really am going to start focusing here shortly, I promise...
Also, the new Chromeo album is extremely entertaining and I fully intend to put it on my ipod ASAP so as to give myself the option to run whilst enjoying it. So I've got that going for me, which is nice.
The Totals:
Running:
- May: 25.2
- 2014: 98.8
Biking (non-stationary):
- May: 15.5
- 2014: 50.5
21 May 2014
Well, that wasn't so bad...
This morning, for the first time ever in my entire life, I got up earlier than I had to, before work, and I ran 3 miles.
I've often heard that you should just get up early and work out in the morning, "before your body even realizes what it's doing!" I have to say, this notion felt all-too-frighteningly accurate as I was hurtling down the street this morning. And by the end of it, it felt almost as if it'd never even happened. I hopped in to the shower thinking I'd just had some really odd, vivid dream with sunshine and lots of people walking dogs. I admit, I was especially pleased with myself upon seeing all the people out running in the 87-degree heat on my drive home from work.
Needless to say, I may be trying this again very soon.
So, I really lost a lot of momentum last week. By which I mean I don't think I ran at all, anywhere, at any point last week...
In an effort to make up for my lack of mileage, I went all-out on a 5-mile run on Sunday afternoon. It was less than lovely, and it became very apparent that my running style may need some work. I think I was just tired and fell in to some unusual sort of strained/strange gait. The more I read about running, I can't help but think I probably need to actually do some legit 'strength-training' type work.
I hope to do some more reading about running, (which sounds kinda silly now that I see it typed out), as it's been pretty useful so far. If nothing else, it's slowly helping me come up with more of a training plan beyond, ya know, just "keep running a lot before the marathon."
I'm looking to start some 'interval/sprint training' and definitely/unfortunately some hill-running.
Stay-tuned. Things could get interesting! (There's a chance they might not...We'll see!)
I've often heard that you should just get up early and work out in the morning, "before your body even realizes what it's doing!" I have to say, this notion felt all-too-frighteningly accurate as I was hurtling down the street this morning. And by the end of it, it felt almost as if it'd never even happened. I hopped in to the shower thinking I'd just had some really odd, vivid dream with sunshine and lots of people walking dogs. I admit, I was especially pleased with myself upon seeing all the people out running in the 87-degree heat on my drive home from work.
Needless to say, I may be trying this again very soon.
So, I really lost a lot of momentum last week. By which I mean I don't think I ran at all, anywhere, at any point last week...
In an effort to make up for my lack of mileage, I went all-out on a 5-mile run on Sunday afternoon. It was less than lovely, and it became very apparent that my running style may need some work. I think I was just tired and fell in to some unusual sort of strained/strange gait. The more I read about running, I can't help but think I probably need to actually do some legit 'strength-training' type work.
I hope to do some more reading about running, (which sounds kinda silly now that I see it typed out), as it's been pretty useful so far. If nothing else, it's slowly helping me come up with more of a training plan beyond, ya know, just "keep running a lot before the marathon."
I'm looking to start some 'interval/sprint training' and definitely/unfortunately some hill-running.
Stay-tuned. Things could get interesting! (There's a chance they might not...We'll see!)
The Totals:
Running:
- May: 22.2
- 2014: 95.8
Biking (non-stationary):
- May: 15.5
- 2014: 50.5
13 May 2014
Duathlon-ed.
Hey! I finished my 1st duathlon! And you know, I dare say that I even enjoyed it. I kept waiting for the awful part, where I'd have to get in to the lake and swim, and it never happened! The park was lovely and I just could not have asked for nicer weather. A little cool, with a decent breeze and lots of sunshine.
While I certainly didn't break any records, I didn't break myself either. Starting out on the last 3-mile run was a bit brutal at first, and frankly, I was probably not sufficiently hydrated. It got easier though, and I almost didn't even mind the hills. It was so very, very encouraging, as I look ahead to the marathon, that I was able to keep up my motivation and will to finish over the entire 2 hours and 2 minutes it took me to complete the course. (My little 'cheering section' was certainly a huge boost, too -- thanks, guys!)
Overall, it was just an all-around pretty fantastic experience and I'd really love to give it another go next year.
That being said, do I get to include the miles I rode/ran in the duathlon in my 'Totals' count below? I guess I get to decide, seeing as this is my blog. Ha!
And speaking of miles, the weekend before, I attempted my longest run yet! The course I'd tentatively set out for myself looked to be about 9 miles, but by my best guess, I only completed about 8 total. I'll need to remeasure, but I'm calling it 8 for now. So, that was pretty exciting, too!
So, yeah. Tune in next time for more stuff about my adventures in running, etc.!
While I certainly didn't break any records, I didn't break myself either. Starting out on the last 3-mile run was a bit brutal at first, and frankly, I was probably not sufficiently hydrated. It got easier though, and I almost didn't even mind the hills. It was so very, very encouraging, as I look ahead to the marathon, that I was able to keep up my motivation and will to finish over the entire 2 hours and 2 minutes it took me to complete the course. (My little 'cheering section' was certainly a huge boost, too -- thanks, guys!)
 |
| Me and my crew. |
Overall, it was just an all-around pretty fantastic experience and I'd really love to give it another go next year.
That being said, do I get to include the miles I rode/ran in the duathlon in my 'Totals' count below? I guess I get to decide, seeing as this is my blog. Ha!
And speaking of miles, the weekend before, I attempted my longest run yet! The course I'd tentatively set out for myself looked to be about 9 miles, but by my best guess, I only completed about 8 total. I'll need to remeasure, but I'm calling it 8 for now. So, that was pretty exciting, too!
So, yeah. Tune in next time for more stuff about my adventures in running, etc.!
The Totals:
Running:
- May: 14.2
- 2014: 87.8
Biking (non-stationary):
- May: 15.5
- 2014: 50.5
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)