16!

So, today was a scheduled 16 miler... And for the first time (in this training) I need to slow down;) I seem to stick around 9:30 or less. Problem being I'm kinda dieing around 12 miles:( Last week it was a nutrition issue, but this week- I dunno?? And- I've felt I've needed a nap all day!
Perhaps the workweek got to me, or the lack of Xtraining.... Legs were dieing before the lungs, and back was sore. Gotta get used to the job and get back on track!

Official re-start

This week marks the pick-back-up of marathon training. I found (quickly) that running in the deep south through summer was pretty depressing! Therefore I focused of tri training and let the long runs go...and speed runs for that matter! It's showing now, but it will get better!
I don't have a mantra for this training yet/ haven't had enough time to think of anything but "you need to go!"
10 miles this Saturday, fought for neg splits but was off by 2 sec per mile;( like I said- lots of work to do!

Recognize

So, Spring marathon training has commenced:) 10 miles last week, 12 this week. Nothing too hard yet, as long as the weather cooperates!
Today's run coincided with Run for Sherry. I would be lying if I said she, and her family, weren't heavy on my mind for many of the mikes I ran today. Perhaps, thar is where today's mantra stemmed from: Recognize.
One word, three little syllables- yet it means so much. Recognize. How often do we stop to recognize what we have; what we can do; who is in our lives; how we affect people; our surroundings, and how easily and instantly all things we "know" can change. Recognize.
Here are just a few things I recognized today in the 2:07 it took me to run 12.3 miles:
1. The sun, you don't see it much this time of year. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was beautiful and warm on my back.
2. Clear roads and almost clear sidewalks- something else you don't see much in Minnesota winters.
3. Progress- this is my second time training for Fargo. The difference between this year and last is amazing, simply amazing!
4. Effort- (linked to #3) I had to recognize, many times, how easy it was to maintain a 9:40 pace, even when dbl digits came around and I was tired.
5. Luck- for lack of a better word- how lucky I am to be able to do this. To run, to maintain, to race... To return home time after time to a loving and supportive family.
6. Sherry. Recognize that we aren't all lucky. Bad things do happen and lives/families/dreams are shattered every day.
7. My home. Albeit not always my favorite place, the air is clean, roads are safe and it's beautiful to look at.
8. Haha- recognize that I Got This:) I have rocked another training run, despite below freezing temps and tired legs. I.have.got.this.
Recognize something in your life today.
For me- now- even though I am tired and pretty much done for tonight, I can't wait for Saturdays 14 miler to see what I can recognize again:)


My thoughts and prayers go out to Sherry's family, as well as one simple yet impossible wish: peace. I pray you all find peace in the tragic untimely death of a wonderful wife/mom/friend and runner.

2012 Goals

My biggest goal, well- OK- a goal for 2012 is to update my blogs more! I seriously skipped at least 50% of Savannah's training and everything else in between and after :( Who has time to do this??
Ok- short but sweet entries, I can do this!
On tap for 2012: Fargo Marathon in May, Savannah RnR in November and hopefully at least one half in there somewhere. Twin Cities in October may be on tap as well, If Hubby's friend mans up and registers! So exciting- lots of training happening, and it all starts.very.soon!!!

Let's Rock n Roll!!!

Savannah Style!
I know I skipped the whole training updating part... but you know you want the race report the most anyway! So without further ado~
Hands down the best race experience I have ever had. I loved, loved, loved every minute of it. I wish I could tell you why, but after much soul searching...I just dont know! Was this marathon so much better because I had experience on my side this time? Was it all location, location, location? Was it family waiting at the finish line? Maybe all of those, and maybe, none of it!
Whatever it was, it has me all psyched up to do another!
Miles 1-16, honestly- I dont even remember anything but the cheerleaders! All those wonderful souls from the "rougher" areas of Savannah coming on out to cheer us on. Something about hearing, "Mornin' dahlins!" from a big black lady all bundled up at 8 in the morning just for us...sigh.. I miss the south! Mile 8 was back downtown on Liberty- much bigger crowds and lots of hootin' and hollerin'! Apparently my sister saw me here and chased me for 2 blocks, but crowd had me going!! She said I was weaving in and out and just kept speeding up and up, lol! She collapsed on the corner wondering How in the He** Someone Does this for 26 miles?!?!
Mile 11/12 was a mimosa party :) Too bad they werent passing them out! Shortly after, the herd is seperated... the rest from the best :)
At mile 17 I knew I needed to text my locale to my family. But dang! I just didnt want to stop! I am still in awe of just how AWESOME I felt! This mile marker is also where one of my uncles waited for a looonnnggg time for me to pass by! First time I have ever had someone meet me mid-course, took lots of effort not to cry :)
Finally at mile 18 I sent out one quick text, 18 doing good!
Mile 20- girls in front were celebrating and dancing! Heck yeah- 20 miles down, WE GOT THIS!
Then mile 21...the parkway of doom, dah dah daaaahhhh! Back on the Truman Parkway which was incline-y (I hesitate to call them hills) and a 20mph wind tunnel :( This vast passage with no crowds/support lasted for a full 3 miles! I remember passing mile 24 and thinking, Gosh- there is only 2 miles left in this damn race- when are we gonna get off this thing and get back downtown?!!!?
But alas, we did get off shortly after 24, straight into downtown-ish and back to some crowds and OUT of that life-sucking wind. By now I know that my kick-ass PR is gone but my goal PR is still attainable. I. Must. Rally. and bring this thing home. I send out one last text at mile 25: 25, give me 10 minutes!
I fully remember rounding the corner on Drayton. I am scanning the crowds because I know my mom, aunt, niece and sisters are waiting for me. I see Aunt Janet!!! I see my Mom!! It is on now!! Pace gets picked up and I am bringing this biotch HOME at a 7 m/m !!!!!! I cross the finish in 4:30:09 and am ready for the world!!!!
My goal is met, my mind and body are happy. I have done what I set out to do. I am not tired, I am not sore, heck- my hamstrings are hardly tight. I shouldve run faster! LOL That is OK, next time I will. NEXT time, I will finish in 4:15! Watch me, Savannah, just watch me!

I'm Sexy and I Know It

Love, love love that song (this week anyway!) it totally made me bust out some moves right around mile 10, yeah- that crazy chick dancing while running this morning- just ignore her! Whew- it was hot this AM! Got out a little earlier than usual- but not early enough. Miles 15-17 were pretty rough :( I really just wanted to stop; BuT I acknowledged that my legs, lungs, and the rest were felling pretty good. It was a mental game. I think just knowing I was SuppOsed to be tired, and hot, and thirsty made me a little more negative than I felt!
So, at the pace I kept today, I stand to beat my A goal of 4:30. bUT hang on!!! We all know the last half of the race is much harder than the first! So, considering how I felt, I think shooting for 4:30 is still a (reachable) but logical goal!
I didnt wear my compression/knee support pants today- hello!! Mega hot out!- so this 17 miles was done with only KT tape on the knees :) Knowing that I made it that far with minimal help on the ITBand is a pretty big confidence booster. Oh- and that KT tape started to sweat off around 6, lol! I could see the edges flapping on my shadow runner girl as I kept trudging down the road.
I wish I could find the times of my last 17ish mile runs, just to compare... I am not walking except for nutrition breaks, would be interesting to see how I am stacking up. I suppose in the interest of the NEXT marathon training- I will post times... Today 17.1 was 3:01. Just looking at the numbers- it still makes 4:30 look lofty. Fargo was 4:42, and experience has to count for something, right?!?

back on track!

I made it!! I made all 14 (ahem... 15) miles today! Gotta say, the first 4 were iffy, I couldnt think of anything BUT my knee. Is my form right, am I relaxed, did I just feel something... On and on and on it goes. But finally I was able to let go and just run. It was awesome! I didnt stop till mile 7. There I walked @ 3 minutes for a GU break. Then I set off again. I stopped next at 11 miles to check out my friends garage sale (I needed new fabrics for the headbands!) I figured I deserved a little break from battling a head wind my whole way back :(
Anyway- I left her house after about 10-15 minutes and head home. I started feeling bad for breaking, so I decided to tack on an extra mile. I think I walked a minute at 13.5 or 14?? I was tired... but then something just kicked after that and I brought it home nice and strong :) 15 miles with no ITB pain!! I am ecstatic.
Now, for the record- and maybe you have noticed something like this too? I am wondering if the flare up has anything to do with AF? Gonna keep my radar tuned into that! Until then, on to 17 Saturday!!

bit of a backtrack

Wow- actually had to read my last entry just to see where I was. Been a while...
BUT I have good news. After my 14 got cut short (thank you ITB) I sulked home with 8 and tried to stay positive. I rolled and stretched and rolled- AND kept up with my strength training. The following Saturday was a 5K... I planned to run it consertively and do another 7 afterwards. Well, I walked/ran 1.5 to the race site, then ran the 5k in... wait for it... 24:25! Yeah, so much for conservative! Although I am pretty stinkin' sure this course measured short- I will talke that time and relish it :) OH, and I am sure I dont need to mention- there was not 7 more miles after that!
Although the ITB felt fine during the run, fast forward a bit and my WHOLE right leg is just aching :( I mean hip to calf, just achy and no rolling or stretching is helping. In fact the stretching seems to aggravate! It just so happens AF is in town as well... Regardless- strength training continues, as do shorter runs that feel fine, but aching afterwards...
Well- in time for Saturday's 14 re-do, I dont have high hopes. Actually I am crossing my fingers for 10 miles! I fill the water belt, apply the KT tape and set off...

ITBS we meet again

Ugh, ugh, ugh... Ok- I dont think this bout is as bad as the last one / but annoying none the less! Last weeks 14 miler was cut to 8:( I felt the pain at mile 4, massaged/walk breaked to 6 (where I got home and wrapped the knee) and headed back out for a mere 2 more before I knew I had to give it up.
So- insert 3 foam rolling sessions a day and stretching. I have managed to keep up with my strength training, but I feel the knee:( I skipped Monday's run and opted to walk, fine. Wednesday felt ready but nervous- did 3 on the tm (with intervals) and felt fine. Then I did 4 more later that evening and felt some tenderness... Dammit.
Today, Saturday, I ran the bass Dash 5K. Knee was fine, race was fast, all was well. Until I get home. Knee is achy, I have rolled 3 times already and stretched... Needless to say I am sitting out my extra 7 today... Maybe tomorrow- but most likely Monday.
Arggg- this is annoying! Why can't I just run free??? Damn damn damn!!

12 miles...on a whim

My ITB really acted up Wednesday. I mean, .25 mile in and I knew I was doomed. Kinda came out of nowhere but the pAin was all too familiar. These stabs signaled the death of my Savannah marathon :( You know, I was pretty apathetic towards this race until I was told I couldnt do it!
So, in all too familiar fashion, I continued with the cross training and stretched and rolled and rolled. Come Friday I am just too eager to test out my knees. Unfortunately, I had all the kids and no way to swing a 12 mile run. But then, the sun went behind some clouds and a nice breeze picked up. And I start thinking... Hubs will be home soon and I might, just might- be able to swing this! Still tons to do with garage sale prep, but waiting till Sunday to see if I am going to register for this marathon just seemed impossible!
As soon as I mention the posibilty of running to my husband he all but pushes me out the door so I can be back home before dark. I geared up with water bottles and bloks not knowing if I would even make it a mile... But- I did! I made it many miles :) I ran 6 out to the lake, walked for a minute to swallow blokes, then ran the 6 back home. Only two times did I feel my knees, 1) at the onset of running again after the break. For a moment I thought the trip back was gonna be pretty hairy... But then the discomfort disappeared! And 2) around mile 9 or 10, I can't say they hurt, but they werent feeling incredibly strong:( But, again, this passed and I finished the run strong.
So, with a goofy grin on my face, I went straight upstairs to the computer, downloaded my results to dailymile and then swiftly registered for the Savannah RockNRoll marathon. I figure, if I can decide last minute, unprepared, to run 12 miles- then I am good to train for a marathon, again!!
Long story short- I am running another marathon baby!!! This time I will train with slower runs and little to no walk breaks. Not gonna say legs aren't tired after long runs, but runs are going really smoothly! I am so excited about how the training is going so far. Hopefully, knock on wood, things continue to go as well!

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Week Behind but Miles Ahead

Technically I am a week behind in my Savannah Marathon training schedule but I feel like I am so far ahead of where I was for my Fargo marathon. It seems so stupid, but I can not believe how EASY my run was when I slowed it down and just went... I ran 10 miles with no, NO, walk breaks... Not even the slightest need for one!! I just can not get over how easy this run felt. If it werent for common sense (and some tender knees) I swear I could have just kept on going for 10 more!
Speaking of knees, I am in need of more rolling. I did some last night but I can feel the right one today. Funny, it was the left yesterday!
I am working out my schedule so that I can complete all the training runs as well as Bodyrock most days. I will keep the day before the long run absolutely free of anything! I am learning more the need for rest.... Now, if I can stay injury free and not need all the time consuming PT exercise like last time- I will be good to go!
So, this week, I feel confident in saying, "It is ON like Donkey Kong!" After Ll, you have credit cards to USE them right?!?

Half of a Whole

(This is my hubs at the St Pats Parade downtown Savannah... my last trip there years ago!)

Conflicting emotions!! I am not so good with these, usually I know what I want and realize that life is too short to bother with what I dont want! In this case, I want the end product- but really dont want to do what is required to get it...
I am talking about a Fall maratnon. It is possible (although not prudent) for me to head down to Savannah for the inaugural RockNRoll marathon. I can see the race expo, the route of my old stomping grounds, the incredible finish with a ton of family around... I like what I see. But, I just cant hold onto that "like" enough to train for it. I am so wishy washy with this event! Perhaps its the guilt manifesting into negativity, it is a lot of $$ at a bad time of year... Perhaps its the heat, long runs or speedworkouts are uber tough in high temps... Perhaps I just dont really want to do it, just want the glory without the work... Or perhaps I am just tired- in which case I need to suck it up!
Either way my mind is unsure and running is seeming like a job. I really hate both of those factors!
I know your input isnt necessary for my decision, but would love to hear it anyway. Have you ever had something you want but no desire to attain it? Funny how that is even possible! Often times I want chocolate but just DONT want to go to the store for it no matter how bad the craving... So maybe these conundrums arent rare for me, lol.

Vacation

The Mason family just wrapped up their first official family vacation! We all packed into the 'burb and drove 1000 miles to the Black Hills, SD. We had a great time, made some memories and just enjoyed ourselves. Of course, spent way too much money and ate some things we shouldnt have.... And although we packed bikes on a towed trailer, not once did we pull them out. The hills were so steep that I knew the kids would just get frustrated and hate it :( I, however, couldnt wake to tackle the hills on foot!
I gave myself 2 days before I set out for a hilly run. Hmmmm, hills may be the wrong word... Perhaps small mountains? My first attempt was only 2 miles and most of it was walking, er trudging up hill. Then it was so steep and loose that I couldnt run the downside! Argh, I think these hills tackled me!
A couple days later I anxiously tried again... I scouted out a road that looked a bit less mountainess and took off. The elevation difference made the first mile hard and the hills were still there- but then my body just fell in and went with it. Slower up and quicker down but enjoyable none the less. I decided to try the monster hill again from attempt #1 and see if it felt better; nope- still sucked!! LOL - upon checking the Garmin on my return, turns out it was a 2000 ft climb (at 6000ft elevation) and close to a 1000ft drop on the other side! No wonder I was sucking wind!!
Despite the dificulty and the wear and tear on my ITBand, I felt so awesome after each run! You know, tired and spent, but not quite wanting to stop... Funny, collectively my runs were only 5 miles but the difficulty of those 5 had me thinking of marathon training. Its hard, and at times it sucks- but isnt it so awesome when you are done??
Well, speaking of done, our vacation is. As is the lack of routine, diet skips and all the other goofs that led to a big flab bowl on my middle :( Glad to be back in my house, sleeping in my bed, sweating my batooty off to bodyrock in my garage and tomorrow- running around my flat town! Ahhhh, home sweet home!

Dont Let It End!!!

This is the sentiment that my last 3 or so runs have ended with. I get to the stopping point, wether it be miles, time or what have you- I am just not ready to stop running. I take that as a good sign!
Saturday's 5K, I just wanted to keep going... Even running as late as 9pm Tuesday- I had to pick up my son from a party and just didnt want to quit. And today, at the track- monotonous as it was- When I saw the Garmin click to 3 miles and I remembered my promise to the kids of a 30 minute workout- bummed was all I could be. I just want to keep running, not fast-not hard, just moving!
So, I have visions of a dbl header today... will this current feeling last until 8 or so tonight when I finally have a chance to do it again?? We shall see- I am ready! Of course, I still have to bodyrock it today :)

Bronco 5K

I really love local 5K's! It is so cool to see all the runners/walkers out- just really nice to be surrounded by by people who like to be active and like to run vs ones who just think youre crazy. I love cheering on the runners coming in as well as the walkers who you unfortunately dont see out walking nearly enough. I had a blast! I ran with a friend, who finally let her competitive spirit come out and totally whooped me :)I made a PR, but didnt place this time- it was a FAST crowd this go around! The winners in my age group were all 20-22 minute finishers; I wasnt even close with my 24:59 (reported as 25:13-grrrrr) My one and only complaint about this race is the fact that the finish line is not clear... Once you hit the chute, coordinators are telling you to slow or stop, but the times reported dont match the times on the jumbotron; which leads me to think they are telling you to slow/stop too soon. I know 14 seconds isnt much- but thinking I broke 25 minutes was HUGE for me! I couldnt help but be catapulted from cloud 9 when I saw the results on paper :(
Ahhh well, another one down. All fun- loved having all my running friends in one spot doing what we love to do!! Cant wait to do it again!

Wow! I Needed That!

You know how sometimes you get something that you never knew you wanted; now you cant imagine life without it? Well I got one of those gifts today. It came in the form of an interval workout.
My husband recently got a new coworker (whose wife hasnt moved up here yet). When the wife came up for a visit, hubs invited them over for dinner. Great- another couple with no kids, who will inevitably never return b/c we DO have kids- and lots of them. They were nice, had a good visit.
Fast forward months later- the wife is in town again for the summer. Her husband is begging me to call and get her out of the house for a run/workout, whatever... Well, when I finally see her i say,"let me get your number and I can text you for a run." To which she responds, "how about I text you then you will have my number?" From this response I gather that she really isnt interested in running (at least with me.) Well, a few texts exchanges later (and no workouts mind you) we finally make a date to run some intervals. Turns out she wants to run the local 5k this weekend and cant make it past a mile... So, we meet at the track where my kids can play while we run. Honestly, I was really happy to run with her and just glad she finally called...
Well, turns out this workout was my gift... We did two easy chatty laps, then set our Garmins for the laps. 1:42 laps with walks in between. Not an all out sprint, but sustainable and repeatable. We did 4 sprints, drawing on each other to finish; me knowing she was behind me and her not wanting to quit. Two cooldown laps later, I was so glad we did this! Now, I dont mind running alone, prefer it actually, but to have someone with you for these repeat toughys was priceless.
Now, who knows if she will ever call back after this 5k Saturday- only time will tell... But for now, spent, confident and happy- I am glad for the gift, and appreciative:)

Busy Mommy Media RLAM giveaway

Running came into my life (seriously) after my 4th child was born. He was unexpected to say the least and the depression that came with him was equally surprising!
Running stayed in my life when I saw the sense of empowerment it gave me, and a feeling of control. With 4 busy children 5 and under, there wasnt much else I could control! I fell in love with the pure sense of accomplishment; setting a goal and reaching it all on my own… I may not be able to make my kids eat their peas but I can make a good stress reducing sweat in no time:)
4 years later, my kids are no strangers to playdates at the track. They have learned not to complain that we dont drive for any destination under 2 miles. It isnt weird for mom to be doing pull ups on the monkey bars (what, doesnt your mom do that??) Vacations almost always include some kind of race and yes, Mom plays chase to win! They know that it takes hard work and practice and determination to reach a goal. They have all been by my side as I have met and surpassed each one I set! Most importantly- they know exercise is a factor of everyday life; not weight loss or showing off or any other reason… Just because that is how we roll!

Pickin it up, Puttin it on- Stickin with it

BodyrockTV.com is my strength work for now. I love how the workouts are intense but not too long. I liken them to p90x without all the rest breaks... I feel worn after them but they can easily be fit into my day! So, three of those with 3-4 days of running and I am good to go. I also downloaded a daily yoga app and a daily abs app for my ipad. They are so handy. Absolutely no excuses to not do abs now, 3 minutes and you are sore and lovin it :)
As for the speedwork I was so excited to start... Well, it can only get better right? Actually my numbers were pretty good, but it was hard. Not that I wasnt expecting the difficulty, just I am really not in the mood (currently) to be pushed. I think after all the training, part of me wants to just chill and go woth the flow, even if that means a 27 minute 5k! To top it off I keep thinking about last years 2nd place win. There is pressure to pull one off again- and now my noncompetitive friend has decided she is competitive now and wants a medal too. Well, I cant let her beat me!! LOL
So, Smartcoach has been called upon once again. Strength training/stretching/foam rolling will not be way-layed; I am going to put up some times that I can be proud of. Its all about doing better than before, right? I got this!!

A Week of No Running

OK, I vowed to take a full week off from running... Monday will be 7 days; today is Friday. Hmmmmm, can I make it? Hahaha, I no longer want to! Tomorrow the sun will be out and the temps will finally be decent. I have to go! I am thinking 5 easy miles, 5 miles of empty thoughts and peace in my head. I can hardly wait!
Now, I have done great workouts this week. I am loving BodyrockTV! But they are not the same, I am sure you know what I mean... Matter of fact- tomorrows workout looks really tough and I am really excited for it! but running- outside- fresh air and alone- I NEED it!! Just thinking about it makes me happy, and when mama's happy...

Sun- half in Minneapolis
Mon- rest
Tues- yoga fusion
Wed- bodyrock Survivor workout, walk
Thu- bodyrock burpee/reptile challenge, walk
Fri- yoga and abs, bike
Until next week !!