Six more weeks left until the marathon...
I have pretty much stuck to the training plan that we have. I feel that if I don't stick to the miles each week that I won't be able to do the long runs. Last week was the first time I skipped a day because I just plain didn't want to run. At first I felt guilty when I hit the snooze at 5:30. I told myself I would run 6 miles, instead of the scheduled 8. Then, I hit the snooze again, and again, and again...and slept until I HAD to get up for work. I decided I am not a horrible person for skipping one day and got on with my life. :o)
Some changes marathon training has brought...
1) I can barely stay awake until 10 p.m. This past Friday night I fell asleep watching TV on the sofa. I woke up thinking it had to be at least 1 or 2 a.m. When I looked at the clock and saw that it read 10:19 PM!!! I couldn't figure out what senior citizen spirit had possessed my body.
2) Because I go early to bed, I am early to rise. I know consider 7 a.m. as sleeping in...on any day of the week.
3) After about two years of wearing the same shoes and sports bras, I decided to make a couple purchases to help my running career. I am cheap, so these were a bit tough, but definitely nessecary. My first purchase ...Mizuno running shoes . They are comfortable, decently priced, and won an award from Runner's World. My second purchase...a Champion, maximum support sports bra . Love it and would recommend it a million times.
I am feeling very ready to run this thing. I however am not looking forward to running a 22 miler this coming Saturday. Missy, my fellow marathoner who helps me to keep going, and I decided we are going to change the scenery for this run. You can only take so much of Wilmore before you want to go crazy. It is pretty hilly, and we run the same few routes 4 days a week. Boring. We're taking this run to Lexington...so watch out!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Priorities
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
What do you think of training so far?
Here's a picture of our crew -
Meredith, Sarah, Melissa, Stephanie and Kelly
We always meet up at the police station in downtown Wilmore to begin our runs together.
I asked the question, "How do you feel about the training so far" to each of us before the group began the 10 miler. Although Stephanie had already done about 5 when the rest of us showed up! Here's a video of our responses!
Sarah announced her decision to do the half marathon and fully supporting her, some of us may end up joining her on that race too, instead of the full. My knee continues to give me some problems although I now have a formal recovery plan that has included new shoes, drugs, and physical therapy. Melissa & Stephanie keep plugging away the miles and Meredith, well I can't really say enough about Meredith. She always has tips and info to share that help with the physical and mental/emotional trials of training. She's supportive, encouraging and flexible - I'm really glad to be a part of another season of running with her. We're about 5 weeks down into the training but with so many adventures still left to be had - October will be here before we know it!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
This weekend's 10 miler
We are getting ready to do our first double-digit run (10 miles) of the training season this Saturday. With our mileage increasing and the thermometer rising, I thought it might be necessary to bring up the idea of taking in calories during our long training runs.
I found this article on Run the Planet about eating and calorie intake while running. This is such a widely debated topic (what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, what flavor gel, caffeine or no caffeine, to drink water or sports drink, do I drink both, and on and on and on...) and I've found that it really is best just to test out different things and listen to your body. But this article had some really good information about the "hows" and the "whys" of eating while running.
I used to elaborately plan out and calculate all the aspects of eating while running, but I found that to be more exhausting than the running itself! For instance, here is a picture of just a few of my supplies before an 18 miler in Lexington last summer:
Color-coded and everything.
Now I just stick a few Shot Blocks in my pocket, and try to drink water as strategically as possible. I used to drink way too much water and spent too much time seeking out restrooms.
See you bright and early on Saturday to get in the 10 miles!
I found this article on Run the Planet about eating and calorie intake while running. This is such a widely debated topic (what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, what flavor gel, caffeine or no caffeine, to drink water or sports drink, do I drink both, and on and on and on...) and I've found that it really is best just to test out different things and listen to your body. But this article had some really good information about the "hows" and the "whys" of eating while running.
I used to elaborately plan out and calculate all the aspects of eating while running, but I found that to be more exhausting than the running itself! For instance, here is a picture of just a few of my supplies before an 18 miler in Lexington last summer:
Color-coded and everything.
Now I just stick a few Shot Blocks in my pocket, and try to drink water as strategically as possible. I used to drink way too much water and spent too much time seeking out restrooms.
See you bright and early on Saturday to get in the 10 miles!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Getting to Know...Kelly
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
That would have made me 16, a sophomore in high school. I was playing soccer and tennis during the year and swimming competitively in the summers. But running? Uh, unless I was chasing after something, or I was being chased, there was no running. No, that did not make sense to me! I'm not sure it makes sense to me now either! - But at least there's a love that has grown for it through the miles.2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
I'm a newbie at the races - I've only ran a 5k in Indy during the winter donning jingle bells and the half in Louisville with Amber, Kat, Sarah & Meredith. I loved the Indy race because it was downtown and there were so many people just running - I had never seen anything like it. The race was pure adrenaline because I was just so excited. I hadn't felt that way about running before. The half was an incredible experience - even the 4 months of training was such an awesome challenge. The weekend of the race blew me away - being with the girls, achieving our goals, being a part of such a cool adventure, and then crossing that finish line - It was far more spiritual and emotional than I ever would have guessed. That race has spurred me on to do the full in October.
3. What are your top 5 running songs?
I actually haven't been running with music until recently. My sister-in-law sent me an mp3 player for my birthday and Wow! now I'm a huge fan :) She filled it with a whole bunch of worship songs. I have loved running to them - there's something about having my body fully engaged, matching my heart & mind that makes it a great time with the Lord. So, my #1 song is "Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin. I'm really feeling that one every time. I also find myself repeating: "Yesterday, Today and Forever" by Vicky Beeching. And perhaps surprisingly, Josh Groban's "Your are Loved" (Don't Give Up) - its a slower song but there's a strong pulse, the words are so fitting, and it builds up into a great crescendo that pushes me to take the run to the next level. But I'm always looking for new tunes - send the suggestions my way!
4. What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Oh I'm all about the spaghetti dinner with friends! I couldn't think of a better way to spend the meal!5. What is your favorite post-race meal?
Mmmm, I just like the opportunity to choose whatever I want!In all reality though, my stomach usually feels too tight to eat much more than a banana...although milkshakes go down pretty good. :)
6. Where is your favorite place to run?
Tough call. I know where I hate to run but I don't know if I've found a favorite yet. I have this idea of a boardwalk at sunrise overlooking a beautiful shore. Any ideas? I haven't done that yet, I don't know, maybe it smells like fish. And I haven't technically "run" here but I have hiked Stanley Park in Vancouver Canada and I would love to go back. Just utterly beautiful and almost invites you to run on its trails. 7. Why do you want to run the Columbus Marathon on October 19th, 2008?
I'm doing the marathon because it very recently became a goal - since doing the half marathon. I never imagined I would even want to run 13 miles so when I completed it, it was like "well, this is as close as I might ever get to the full...might as well." I would like to incorporate running into my lifestyle, not just for a season of training but for health. The discipline for the training and the awesome payoff of completing a marathon is really just a means to an end. I want to be wholly/holy healthy.
I'm doing the marathon because it very recently became a goal - since doing the half marathon. I never imagined I would even want to run 13 miles so when I completed it, it was like "well, this is as close as I might ever get to the full...might as well." I would like to incorporate running into my lifestyle, not just for a season of training but for health. The discipline for the training and the awesome payoff of completing a marathon is really just a means to an end. I want to be wholly/holy healthy.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Getting to Know...Stephanie
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
Non-existent. I didn’t take up an interest in running until college…after I had gained the freshmen 15.
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Well, I’ve only run a few 5Ks, so I’m a bit of a rookie. My worst was not being able to run the whole 3.1 miles, and my best experience was running my latest race with my hubby.
3. What are your top 5 running songs?
I don’t usually run with music…
4. What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Again, only running 5Ks, I have not focused on the eating. My last pre-race meal was Doritos. Yum.
5. What is your favorite post-race meal?
I assume it would be either a cheeseburger or pasta of some sort followed by a chocolate chip cookie or two.
6. Where is your favorite place to run?
Downtown Fort Wayne (my hometown)
7. Why do you want to run the Columbus Marathon on October 19th, 2008?
For the past couple of years, I have had the goal of running a marathon, but have never really had accountability/motivation to keep up the training until I met our running group. I am looking forward to pushing myself physically in order to meet this goal and hopefully develop a more fit, healthy lifestyle.
Non-existent. I didn’t take up an interest in running until college…after I had gained the freshmen 15.
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Well, I’ve only run a few 5Ks, so I’m a bit of a rookie. My worst was not being able to run the whole 3.1 miles, and my best experience was running my latest race with my hubby.
3. What are your top 5 running songs?
I don’t usually run with music…
4. What is your favorite pre-race meal?
Again, only running 5Ks, I have not focused on the eating. My last pre-race meal was Doritos. Yum.
5. What is your favorite post-race meal?
I assume it would be either a cheeseburger or pasta of some sort followed by a chocolate chip cookie or two.
6. Where is your favorite place to run?
Downtown Fort Wayne (my hometown)
7. Why do you want to run the Columbus Marathon on October 19th, 2008?
For the past couple of years, I have had the goal of running a marathon, but have never really had accountability/motivation to keep up the training until I met our running group. I am looking forward to pushing myself physically in order to meet this goal and hopefully develop a more fit, healthy lifestyle.
Getting to Know...Meredith
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
I would have been 14 at that point, so any running that I did would have been for basketball or lacrosse. At that point, sports were a huge part in my life and I was quick to conclude that the only reason someone would run was if they weren’t good enough to make a sports team – kind of a “those that can’t, run” mentality. Ha! I was so mean back then. But now I have so much respect for runners and cross-country athletes.
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
My best race experience would have to be completing the Derby Festival Mini-Marathon in April of 2008 with Sarah, Kat, Kelly, and Amber. Everything was perfect: the weather, the food, the friends, and my half-marathon PR of 2:03:03.
Worst…hmmm, I’m going to have to say my Flying Pig marathon experience this past May. The whole trip was a disaster (if you haven’t already, please see my posts from May 2008 on www.23goingon60.blogspot.com to learn more about the whole ordeal). However, I had a great time with my family and I wouldn’t trade the weekend for anything.
3. What are your top 5 running songs?
Hmmm. These tend to change every few months, so I will include a spattering of perennial favorites, plus a few current favorites (in no particular order).
1. “Bleed It Out” by Linkin Park
This song gets me so pumped up. Like put my fist through a wall kind of pumped up.
2. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
‘It was the wicked and wild wind, blew down the doors to let me in, shattered windows and the sound of drums, people couldn’t believe what I’d become’ – This line gives me goosebumps.
3. “Lip Gloss” by Lil Mama
Thank you, Charis, for introducing me to the phenomenon that is Lil’ Mama
4. “Shake it Off” by Wilco
The groove in this song is something to behold. I know I probably look like a misplaced fool running through the streets of Nicholasville bobbing my head and snapping my fingers, but I just can’t help it!
5. “Right Now” by Van Halen
Some “running” songs will come and go, but this one will always stick with me. It was pumping in my earbuds when I crossed the starting line and finish line of the Louisville Marathon in October of 2007.
4. What is your favorite pre-race meal?
It depends on the length of the race. My favorite pre-marathon meal would have to include a small bowl of Corn Flakes with a banana, a Starbucks Doubleshot, a peanut butter Clif bar, and of course, water. For a 5k or 10k, I usually just eat a bowl of cereal with a banana, and drink a Gatorade/water mix.
5. What is your favorite post-race meal?
Has to be a McDonald’s double cheeseburger Mighty Kids Meal with a small Coke. For dessert, either a vanilla ice cream cone from McDonald’s, or a package of peanut M&M’s. Or both.
6. Where is your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run is in Alexandria, Louisiana, where Chad is from. We try to spend a week or so each August in Louisiana visiting family and friends. Chad’s dad is a runner, and I usually get to run with him and his running partner a few times while we are visiting. Then, I usually hop in their pool and stay in it all morning. It just doesn't get much better than that!
7. Why do you want to run the Columbus Marathon on October 19th, 2008?
I am very excited about embarking on this journey with Sarah, Kelly, Melissa, and Stephanie. It will be a time to not only improve our physical health and push our bodies to the limit, but also a time to deepen friendships, practice accountability, and learn from one another.
I am looking to better my current marathon time by 35 minutes with a 4:30 finish, and I am seeking redemption from my Flying Pig marathon experience.
I would have been 14 at that point, so any running that I did would have been for basketball or lacrosse. At that point, sports were a huge part in my life and I was quick to conclude that the only reason someone would run was if they weren’t good enough to make a sports team – kind of a “those that can’t, run” mentality. Ha! I was so mean back then. But now I have so much respect for runners and cross-country athletes.
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
My best race experience would have to be completing the Derby Festival Mini-Marathon in April of 2008 with Sarah, Kat, Kelly, and Amber. Everything was perfect: the weather, the food, the friends, and my half-marathon PR of 2:03:03.
Worst…hmmm, I’m going to have to say my Flying Pig marathon experience this past May. The whole trip was a disaster (if you haven’t already, please see my posts from May 2008 on www.23goingon60.blogspot.com to learn more about the whole ordeal). However, I had a great time with my family and I wouldn’t trade the weekend for anything.
3. What are your top 5 running songs?
Hmmm. These tend to change every few months, so I will include a spattering of perennial favorites, plus a few current favorites (in no particular order).
1. “Bleed It Out” by Linkin Park
This song gets me so pumped up. Like put my fist through a wall kind of pumped up.
2. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
‘It was the wicked and wild wind, blew down the doors to let me in, shattered windows and the sound of drums, people couldn’t believe what I’d become’ – This line gives me goosebumps.
3. “Lip Gloss” by Lil Mama
Thank you, Charis, for introducing me to the phenomenon that is Lil’ Mama
4. “Shake it Off” by Wilco
The groove in this song is something to behold. I know I probably look like a misplaced fool running through the streets of Nicholasville bobbing my head and snapping my fingers, but I just can’t help it!
5. “Right Now” by Van Halen
Some “running” songs will come and go, but this one will always stick with me. It was pumping in my earbuds when I crossed the starting line and finish line of the Louisville Marathon in October of 2007.
4. What is your favorite pre-race meal?
It depends on the length of the race. My favorite pre-marathon meal would have to include a small bowl of Corn Flakes with a banana, a Starbucks Doubleshot, a peanut butter Clif bar, and of course, water. For a 5k or 10k, I usually just eat a bowl of cereal with a banana, and drink a Gatorade/water mix.
5. What is your favorite post-race meal?
Has to be a McDonald’s double cheeseburger Mighty Kids Meal with a small Coke. For dessert, either a vanilla ice cream cone from McDonald’s, or a package of peanut M&M’s. Or both.
6. Where is your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run is in Alexandria, Louisiana, where Chad is from. We try to spend a week or so each August in Louisiana visiting family and friends. Chad’s dad is a runner, and I usually get to run with him and his running partner a few times while we are visiting. Then, I usually hop in their pool and stay in it all morning. It just doesn't get much better than that!
7. Why do you want to run the Columbus Marathon on October 19th, 2008?
I am very excited about embarking on this journey with Sarah, Kelly, Melissa, and Stephanie. It will be a time to not only improve our physical health and push our bodies to the limit, but also a time to deepen friendships, practice accountability, and learn from one another.
I am looking to better my current marathon time by 35 minutes with a 4:30 finish, and I am seeking redemption from my Flying Pig marathon experience.
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