I've finally had time to reflect on my hard work over the past few weeks. My running schedule has not been nearly as strict but I've made a point to commit to at least one five mile run per week. I run more if I can fit it into my schedule or if I want to, but otherwise, I'm not pressuring myself at all. I am enjoying not being tied to a training schedule. That being said, my goal for next year is to run the Fifth Third River Bank Run (25K). My running schedule will soon pick up again but I'm looking forward to it. It will provide some stimulation for me during the cold winter months.
Last week, I watched a video clip from the half marathon. It was so overwhelming I started crying when it was done. I realized at that moment I had finally fully digested my experience. I had completed the training and the race, but not been able to complete the journey until that moment. I had been physically strong for months but at some point I forgot that physical strength isn't everything, even when it comes to running and racing. Mental strength and emotional strength are just as important; and while I understood that, I think I simply forgot to let go and rest my mind when it was over. Just like the body needs rest after a long run, the mind and soul need rest too and I had not allowed that for myself. It felt good to finally rest completely.
I had lunch with a good friend last week who asked me what I thought about during my runs. It was a great question; I'm so glad someone asked. My response was this:
~ It depends. On shorter runs (five miles or less), I just took everything in and tried to absorb my surroundings. I took in the weather, the colors, the sights, the noises. For instance; on my five mile runs, there was a barn and field at the halfway point. During many evenings in the summer the sky would be changing colors from blue to pink, gold and purple and the moon would be rising over the field surrounded by color. The west side of the barn would be a brilliant red as the evening sun illuminated and showcased it's simple beauty. I will never forget what that looked like. The scene's details changed a little every time I ran but in a way it was very much like my runs; each run was always a little different.
On longer runs, I would pray more and focus more on my breathing and rhythm. I would pass the time by listening to NPR and PRI podcasts. I would, in essence, morph into a machine after about mile eight. Thinking at that point was not an option. I just ran. After eight, ten, twelve miles, running became a mental challenge, almost like a form of active meditation. Physical ability was secondary.
Whatever distance I was running, I made it a point to enjoy every moment, no matter how painful, frustrating, exhausting or challenging. I have no negative training memories to speak of. I don't remember specific instances of pain, frustration or exhaustion. I know those moments existed, but I remember them as good things. ~
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Day 16 (Post Run)
16 days after the race I've finally made some time to write again.
I'm not sure where to start with this entry because I haven't had much time to reflect on my experience. We got home from Toronto on September 28th and on the 29th, my in-laws arrived and stayed for a week. Come to think of it, I really haven't thought deeply about my race at all since the drive home. There just hasn't been time. I think I will have a few more entries after this one.
Toronto was amazing. We had a great time and want to visit again. I love the city. There is so much energy and life but somehow it's still relaxing. Traffic never stops, people are everywhere and the city never sleeps, but to me, it isn't tiring. Schedules revolve around public transit so in a way, life seems to slow down in the city. I enjoyed walking to the grocery store and only buying what we could carry back to the hotel.
The city, specifically Toronto in this case, has a lot in common with running. I love them both and maybe for similar reasons. Running takes energy but it's still relaxing and it makes me feel alive. I never stopped during my runs, I never gave up, just like the city. The city just keeps going and doesn't get tired and somehow I always found strength during my runs. My "normal" schedule slowed down during my training, at least enough to allow for running to be my first priority; in essence, my life revolved around my running. I hope for that trend to continue. I also realize I only "carried" what I could during training too, which ended up being a lot more that I thought I could carry.
I'm not sure where to start with this entry because I haven't had much time to reflect on my experience. We got home from Toronto on September 28th and on the 29th, my in-laws arrived and stayed for a week. Come to think of it, I really haven't thought deeply about my race at all since the drive home. There just hasn't been time. I think I will have a few more entries after this one.
Toronto was amazing. We had a great time and want to visit again. I love the city. There is so much energy and life but somehow it's still relaxing. Traffic never stops, people are everywhere and the city never sleeps, but to me, it isn't tiring. Schedules revolve around public transit so in a way, life seems to slow down in the city. I enjoyed walking to the grocery store and only buying what we could carry back to the hotel.
The city, specifically Toronto in this case, has a lot in common with running. I love them both and maybe for similar reasons. Running takes energy but it's still relaxing and it makes me feel alive. I never stopped during my runs, I never gave up, just like the city. The city just keeps going and doesn't get tired and somehow I always found strength during my runs. My "normal" schedule slowed down during my training, at least enough to allow for running to be my first priority; in essence, my life revolved around my running. I hope for that trend to continue. I also realize I only "carried" what I could during training too, which ended up being a lot more that I thought I could carry.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Day 80
Day 80! Even as I wrote it in the title, I was thinking, "Wow, really?" and found myself counting the days on my calendar. I can not believe how fast the past 80 days have gone. I'm no longer running for distance at this point in my training schedule. I'm running a set amount of time for each run this week and I only have one 20 minute run left, which I plan on completing tonight. It is really hard for me to comprehend the fact that after three months of training, this whole thing is almost over. I'm excited for my race on Sunday but I'm somewhat sad at the same time. It's a bittersweet feeling. I've worked so hard and moved so fast for this one day, this one experience. I know I can run more races and do this again, but first experiences are special. There are feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, fear and excitement that are never present, at least not in the same way, with second, third, or fiftieth experiences. I wish I could have somehow slowed the last three months down. I wish I could have found a way to better savor the moments, good and bad, challenging and easy, peaceful and distressing. It's going to be difficult for me to wind down for the next few weeks as my life slowly returns to normal.
I ran the Gazelle Sports Bridge Run on Sunday and did really well (for me at least). My official time was 29:17 which is about four minutes better than my race times last fall. It was nice to be around other runners and I was able to somewhat prepare for the racing environment. There were just over 1000 runners on Sunday and I'll be running with about 14,000 people next Sunday. I'm not sure the two environments can be appropriately compared. I can't wait to be at the starting line. It feels like I'm a kid waiting for Christmas. At this point, I am going to just sit back and enjoy the ride. No more worries, no more fears.
I ran the Gazelle Sports Bridge Run on Sunday and did really well (for me at least). My official time was 29:17 which is about four minutes better than my race times last fall. It was nice to be around other runners and I was able to somewhat prepare for the racing environment. There were just over 1000 runners on Sunday and I'll be running with about 14,000 people next Sunday. I'm not sure the two environments can be appropriately compared. I can't wait to be at the starting line. It feels like I'm a kid waiting for Christmas. At this point, I am going to just sit back and enjoy the ride. No more worries, no more fears.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Day 73
I ran my longest training run of 12 miles last Saturday. It was challenging and I wasn't feeling 100% that day, but I completed my run on pace. When I finished my run, my body was feeling just how I expected it would....like I had just finished running 12 miles. I think I chugged a 20 ounce bottle of Gatorade in 1.3 seconds flat after I dragged myself to the refrigerator by my fingernails from the front entry where I involuntarily collapsed after walking into the house. Okay, I'm exaggerating a little, but I was in pain. I seriously did have to use the handrail to safely make it upstairs. I spent the next 30 minutes (at least) in an ice cold shower. It felt wonderful. Advil was my best friend Saturday night.
This will sound crazy after what I just wrote, but after last Saturday I'm really excited for my race. Even after all the pain I dealt with Saturday, and for the previous three months for that matter, I know I can do it! I mean come on, if I can run 12 miles, what's another 1.1 miles? The race is less than two weeks away now and I get butterflies in my stomach every time I think about it or someone asks me about it. I'm starting to build my travel list and I'm strategically planning laundry days so my favorite running clothes are clean for the trip.
Over the past three months I've learned a lot. Not just about what I'm personally capable of, but also about the science behind running, the importance of "fuel" and Gatorade, how to avoid chaffing (which by the way is no joke - it's downright painful), how to deal with blisters, tight muscles, stiffness, how to run with a cold, what clothes are best for what weather conditions, and a slew of other things I can't think of right now. I'm sure I'll be digressing for a while after the race is done. For now, I have a little more training to do before I can stop to look back at everything I've accomplished and learned this summer.
This will sound crazy after what I just wrote, but after last Saturday I'm really excited for my race. Even after all the pain I dealt with Saturday, and for the previous three months for that matter, I know I can do it! I mean come on, if I can run 12 miles, what's another 1.1 miles? The race is less than two weeks away now and I get butterflies in my stomach every time I think about it or someone asks me about it. I'm starting to build my travel list and I'm strategically planning laundry days so my favorite running clothes are clean for the trip.
Over the past three months I've learned a lot. Not just about what I'm personally capable of, but also about the science behind running, the importance of "fuel" and Gatorade, how to avoid chaffing (which by the way is no joke - it's downright painful), how to deal with blisters, tight muscles, stiffness, how to run with a cold, what clothes are best for what weather conditions, and a slew of other things I can't think of right now. I'm sure I'll be digressing for a while after the race is done. For now, I have a little more training to do before I can stop to look back at everything I've accomplished and learned this summer.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Day 68
I didn't realize it had been almost two weeks since I'd blogged until today when my mom asked me how running was going. I've been so incredibly busy with life that blogging just hasn't been a priority. My grandparents visited last weekend, my best friend will have a baby any day now, my cat had surgery this week and work has been busier this week than it has been in the past three months. I'm drained. However, I still think my blog is an important part of this experience so tonight I'm carving out some time to digress.
I've run two eight mile and two ten mile training runs in the past month. I can't believe how far I've come in just two and a half months of training. I'll run my longest training run of 12 miles tomorrow. In fact I just finished mapping out my course on one of my favorite websites, www.mapmyrun.com. All of my training runs are archived on the site so it will be another neat way to look back on what I've been able to accomplish during this experience.
It's hard to believe my half marathon is only 2 weeks from this Sunday. I signed up for a 5k on September 20th so I can prepare for the racing experience. I'm really looking forward to it. It will be a good way to mentally prepare for the race on the 27th. Although, I know racing with a few hundred people on the 20th will be a totally different feeling than racing with 14,000 people in the half marathon.
I've already starting thinking about what my goals will be after the race. I've focused on my goal of finishing a half marathon for so many weeks that I have a feeling it will be hard for me to not have something to work toward anymore. I know I want to keep running after this is done, maybe I'll run another half marathon, maybe I'll just stick to 10k races for a while. We'll see.
I've run two eight mile and two ten mile training runs in the past month. I can't believe how far I've come in just two and a half months of training. I'll run my longest training run of 12 miles tomorrow. In fact I just finished mapping out my course on one of my favorite websites, www.mapmyrun.com. All of my training runs are archived on the site so it will be another neat way to look back on what I've been able to accomplish during this experience.
It's hard to believe my half marathon is only 2 weeks from this Sunday. I signed up for a 5k on September 20th so I can prepare for the racing experience. I'm really looking forward to it. It will be a good way to mentally prepare for the race on the 27th. Although, I know racing with a few hundred people on the 20th will be a totally different feeling than racing with 14,000 people in the half marathon.
I've already starting thinking about what my goals will be after the race. I've focused on my goal of finishing a half marathon for so many weeks that I have a feeling it will be hard for me to not have something to work toward anymore. I know I want to keep running after this is done, maybe I'll run another half marathon, maybe I'll just stick to 10k races for a while. We'll see.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Day 57
I can't believe it's the end of August already. This month flew by, just like the rest of summer. My race is less than one month away now and I'm starting to get really excited! I realized today that the first day of autumn is also less than one month away.
The weather has cooperated with me almost every time I go out for a run. I've really enjoyed my time on the Paul Henry Trail and running around Reed's Lake. I'm glad I've been outside so much to enjoy the uncommonly cool, crisp and dry summer. Today's and yesterday's weather were perfect. The air smelled fresh and clean and reminded me of how the water from Lake Superior makes the air smell in Grand Marais. The clouds were slow moving yesterday, despite a swift westerly breeze. It felt like they were trying to hang on to what little summer we have left and slow time down. The nights are getting cool enough to need a second blanket; a cruel reminder that winter isn't that far away. Despite knowing what's coming in the next couple of months, I have to admit I'm looking forward to running during the next few weeks during September as it cools down even more.
Saturday I ran 8 miles in 82 minutes, right on pace at about 10:30 per mile. It took a couple of weeks to get back to normal after being sick but I feel strong again. I'm no longer nervous about my long runs. It doesn't really seem like a big deal anymore. Running has become such a "normal" part of my life now it almost doesn't feel like I'm doing anything extraordinary. I still know what I'm doing is a pretty big deal but it just feels, well, normal. In a way I wish it still felt new and unknown but it's also a really cool feeling to be comfortable with what I'm doing.
The weather has cooperated with me almost every time I go out for a run. I've really enjoyed my time on the Paul Henry Trail and running around Reed's Lake. I'm glad I've been outside so much to enjoy the uncommonly cool, crisp and dry summer. Today's and yesterday's weather were perfect. The air smelled fresh and clean and reminded me of how the water from Lake Superior makes the air smell in Grand Marais. The clouds were slow moving yesterday, despite a swift westerly breeze. It felt like they were trying to hang on to what little summer we have left and slow time down. The nights are getting cool enough to need a second blanket; a cruel reminder that winter isn't that far away. Despite knowing what's coming in the next couple of months, I have to admit I'm looking forward to running during the next few weeks during September as it cools down even more.
Saturday I ran 8 miles in 82 minutes, right on pace at about 10:30 per mile. It took a couple of weeks to get back to normal after being sick but I feel strong again. I'm no longer nervous about my long runs. It doesn't really seem like a big deal anymore. Running has become such a "normal" part of my life now it almost doesn't feel like I'm doing anything extraordinary. I still know what I'm doing is a pretty big deal but it just feels, well, normal. In a way I wish it still felt new and unknown but it's also a really cool feeling to be comfortable with what I'm doing.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Day 47
This week has passed too fast. I've been tired since Monday and tomorrow's 10 mile run is quickly sneaking up on me. I don't feel like I've had a chance to rest at all. In past weeks I've been able to take some time to relax and recharge for my long Saturday run but this week has not allowed for that luxury. My training has not been easy this week which doesn't help prepare me for tomorrow at all.
Sunday was really muggy and a little warm for outdoor running. I started my 3.5 mile "active recovery run" on the treadmill, which broke after 1 mile. I finished my run outside but it was dreadfully uncomfortable. My treadmill is still broken so for the time being I'm at the mercy of the weather. My 4 mile run Tuesday was painful. I had a cramp in my side, my back hurt, my knees hurt (I think because of my new insoles - not a big fan) and I couldn't catch my breath. I just couldn't get into my run for some reason. Yesterday was better. I wasn't in the mood to run last night but it's getting easier to find motivation to run. I guess maybe it isn't even motivation. I just don't think about it anymore. Running on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday is automatic for me. I don't let my brain tell me I'm too tired or too sick or too busy. I just do it.
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn." Psalm 18:32-36
Sunday was really muggy and a little warm for outdoor running. I started my 3.5 mile "active recovery run" on the treadmill, which broke after 1 mile. I finished my run outside but it was dreadfully uncomfortable. My treadmill is still broken so for the time being I'm at the mercy of the weather. My 4 mile run Tuesday was painful. I had a cramp in my side, my back hurt, my knees hurt (I think because of my new insoles - not a big fan) and I couldn't catch my breath. I just couldn't get into my run for some reason. Yesterday was better. I wasn't in the mood to run last night but it's getting easier to find motivation to run. I guess maybe it isn't even motivation. I just don't think about it anymore. Running on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday is automatic for me. I don't let my brain tell me I'm too tired or too sick or too busy. I just do it.
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn." Psalm 18:32-36
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Day 44
I have nothing profound to say today. My weekend was busy and I've been really tired so I haven't had much time to reflect on my running experiences. I feel like I've been operating on auto-pilot, just going through the motions to get through the past couple of days.
On Saturday I ran 9 miles and made some changes to my normal routine. First, I changed my hydration method from water to a mix of water and Gatorade. It worked great and kept me going through my entire run. I wore sunscreen and I also brought my iPod with me. The time passed much faster and I was able to focus my attention on something other than myself. I also wore "compression" shorts which were awesome! They were very comfortable and cooler than the long run shorts I've worn in the past. All the changes were positive so next week they will become part of my normal routine.
Preparing for a long training run is becoming an event in and of itself now. My inventory list for Saturday's run included: sunglasses, chap stick with sunscreen, iPod and arm band, water bottle, watch, Shot Bloks, house key, and $3.00 in case I ran out of Gatorade and needed to stop at a gas station. Thankfully, I didn't need to stop for a refill.
Overall, I felt great after my run Saturday. I had such a sense of peace when I was finished. I still experienced some pain in the balls of my feet but I am trying some new insoles this week to see if they help. I figure I'll never be completely comfortable after running long distances anyway.
Back to auto-pilot mode...
On Saturday I ran 9 miles and made some changes to my normal routine. First, I changed my hydration method from water to a mix of water and Gatorade. It worked great and kept me going through my entire run. I wore sunscreen and I also brought my iPod with me. The time passed much faster and I was able to focus my attention on something other than myself. I also wore "compression" shorts which were awesome! They were very comfortable and cooler than the long run shorts I've worn in the past. All the changes were positive so next week they will become part of my normal routine.
Preparing for a long training run is becoming an event in and of itself now. My inventory list for Saturday's run included: sunglasses, chap stick with sunscreen, iPod and arm band, water bottle, watch, Shot Bloks, house key, and $3.00 in case I ran out of Gatorade and needed to stop at a gas station. Thankfully, I didn't need to stop for a refill.
Overall, I felt great after my run Saturday. I had such a sense of peace when I was finished. I still experienced some pain in the balls of my feet but I am trying some new insoles this week to see if they help. I figure I'll never be completely comfortable after running long distances anyway.
Back to auto-pilot mode...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Day 37, Vol 2
Ever since I started thinking about training for a half marathon I have been searching for the reasons why I am motivated to run 13.1 miles. Even when I signed up for the race I still questioned what I was doing. Even I think I'm a little crazy. I know there is a deeper reason than the sense of accomplishment I will feel after finishing the race. Yesterday I stopped questioning why and decided to live with the fact that I may never know exactly why. I have two reasons to stop questioning why: surrender and mystery.
Sunday's message in church focused on surrender. I was reminded that sometimes we are so focused on ourselves we think: I can, I will, I am, I can't, etc., without looking beyond our own human capabilities. At times when we are at our weakest, we need to remember to surrender to God in order to accomplish our goals. Otherwise, we are only fighting ourselves. Case in point, my feet and ankles ached horribly on Sunday during mile 6 of my 8 mile run. I wanted to quit. I decided to surrender to God and almost immediately I stopped thinking about the physical pain I was dealing with. My focus shifted to simply finishing my run. Before I made the decision to surrender to God, I was fighting myself and my own body so much I almost had myself convinced I couldn't finish.
I think surrender and mystery go hand-in-hand. If I can't surrender, I can't enjoy mystery. In my opinion, the mystery of life's purpose makes life fun and interesting so I want to enjoy it. If we knew all the answers ahead of time, what would we have to look forward to; what would we have to fear? There would be no surprises, no excitement, no "ah ha" moments, no epiphanies, no letdowns, no disappointments. I don't fear my race, I look forward to it. Therefore, I don't need an answer right now as to why I'm doing this. Maybe I won't ever need an answer. Maybe I'll get an answer and maybe I won't. I'm going to just embrace the experience and enjoy the mystery.
Sunday's message in church focused on surrender. I was reminded that sometimes we are so focused on ourselves we think: I can, I will, I am, I can't, etc., without looking beyond our own human capabilities. At times when we are at our weakest, we need to remember to surrender to God in order to accomplish our goals. Otherwise, we are only fighting ourselves. Case in point, my feet and ankles ached horribly on Sunday during mile 6 of my 8 mile run. I wanted to quit. I decided to surrender to God and almost immediately I stopped thinking about the physical pain I was dealing with. My focus shifted to simply finishing my run. Before I made the decision to surrender to God, I was fighting myself and my own body so much I almost had myself convinced I couldn't finish.
I think surrender and mystery go hand-in-hand. If I can't surrender, I can't enjoy mystery. In my opinion, the mystery of life's purpose makes life fun and interesting so I want to enjoy it. If we knew all the answers ahead of time, what would we have to look forward to; what would we have to fear? There would be no surprises, no excitement, no "ah ha" moments, no epiphanies, no letdowns, no disappointments. I don't fear my race, I look forward to it. Therefore, I don't need an answer right now as to why I'm doing this. Maybe I won't ever need an answer. Maybe I'll get an answer and maybe I won't. I'm going to just embrace the experience and enjoy the mystery.
Day 37, Vol 1
I feel like I'm almost back to normal today after fighting a cold all last week. I can barely remember last week to be honest. When I'm sick it's like my brain looses all capability to function like a normal human being's. I misplace everyday objects (I looked for my iPod Sunday for at least 20 minutes before realizing it was right where I though it was). I say sentences that only an alien from planet Zoogt would understand and I forget the simplest things (I yelled for Finn, the cat, to come in from outside for about 5 minutes on Saturday before my husband reminded me I brought him in the house already).
I only ended up missing one of my short runs last week and I feel like I made the right decision to rest instead. I went to bed early Friday and made up my Thursday run on Saturday morning. It wasn't nice out at all on Saturday, actually I think it was raining pretty hard, so I ran 4 miles on the treadmill.
Sunday I ran my long run. I still wasn't 100% better but I couldn't put it off another day or I would have really been behind. It was already 74 degrees with 95% humidity at 6:30 a.m. so I opted to run on the treadmill again. I knew running on the treadmill for the better part of an hour and a half in our unfinished basement would be dreadfully boring so I downloaded some free audio podcasts to occupy my mind while running: PRI's This American Life, BBC's Woman's Hour and BBC's Silver Street (a radio soap opera). I'm hooked on Silver Street now and can't wait to find out what happens in the next episodes! This American Life was great and I only made it about 5 minutes into Woman's Hour before finishing 8 miles in about 92 minutes. My pace is a lot slower on the treadmill than when I'm running outside so I feel really good about next week's 9 mile run now. I should be able to finish in about the same time if all goes well.
Yesterday I picked up some GT's Organic Raw Kombucha. I was warned the flavor isn't the greatest but I tried it today and I don't mind it at all. In fact, I enjoy it. It's full of probiotics, B vitamins, and lactic acid (the latter two being great for runners). It's suppose to be great for digestion, immune system health and a slew of other things. I'm going to try it for a few days and see if it does anything for me. For all of you who know what a strong dose of B vitamins will do; yes, I will be drinking this long before I head out for a run.
I feel refreshed this week after surviving last week. Training won't get any easier in the coming weeks but I am energized and ready for what lies ahead!
I only ended up missing one of my short runs last week and I feel like I made the right decision to rest instead. I went to bed early Friday and made up my Thursday run on Saturday morning. It wasn't nice out at all on Saturday, actually I think it was raining pretty hard, so I ran 4 miles on the treadmill.
Sunday I ran my long run. I still wasn't 100% better but I couldn't put it off another day or I would have really been behind. It was already 74 degrees with 95% humidity at 6:30 a.m. so I opted to run on the treadmill again. I knew running on the treadmill for the better part of an hour and a half in our unfinished basement would be dreadfully boring so I downloaded some free audio podcasts to occupy my mind while running: PRI's This American Life, BBC's Woman's Hour and BBC's Silver Street (a radio soap opera). I'm hooked on Silver Street now and can't wait to find out what happens in the next episodes! This American Life was great and I only made it about 5 minutes into Woman's Hour before finishing 8 miles in about 92 minutes. My pace is a lot slower on the treadmill than when I'm running outside so I feel really good about next week's 9 mile run now. I should be able to finish in about the same time if all goes well.
Yesterday I picked up some GT's Organic Raw Kombucha. I was warned the flavor isn't the greatest but I tried it today and I don't mind it at all. In fact, I enjoy it. It's full of probiotics, B vitamins, and lactic acid (the latter two being great for runners). It's suppose to be great for digestion, immune system health and a slew of other things. I'm going to try it for a few days and see if it does anything for me. For all of you who know what a strong dose of B vitamins will do; yes, I will be drinking this long before I head out for a run.
I feel refreshed this week after surviving last week. Training won't get any easier in the coming weeks but I am energized and ready for what lies ahead!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 33
I have been fighting a cold since Monday night. I've gone to bed before 9:00 p.m. every night so far this week with the exception of Tuesday. I'm starting to feel better but my training has suffered.
I managed to finish 3.5 miles of my 4 mile run on Tuesday night. My stuffy nose actually cleared up during the first mile of my run and I remember thinking to myself, "This might not be so bad after all". Wow was I wrong! I made it to the 3 mile mark and lost steam almost instantly. By mile 3.5, I was almost falling over my own feet and decided it was time to walk. Sometimes I think our bodies know better than our minds when to quit. I could barely move off the floor when I finally made it home and collapsed.
Yesterday was the worst day of my cold and I missed my run completely. I was only supposed to run 3 miles so I'm still debating on making it up tonight or taking it easy and just calling yesterday a lost training day. I don't think it will really hurt to miss one run. I really want to be strong enough to complete my long run this week on Sunday (a day later than normal).
I knew this would happen eventually. I just had a feeling when I started training that I would have to deal with an illness at some point. I suppose it probably isn't that uncommon for runners to deal with illness during a long training program. I could be really frustrated about how this week has panned out but when I step back and look at the big picture, I realize this is just a minor setback, a hurdle, and I just need to move forward.
~Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:30,31~
I managed to finish 3.5 miles of my 4 mile run on Tuesday night. My stuffy nose actually cleared up during the first mile of my run and I remember thinking to myself, "This might not be so bad after all". Wow was I wrong! I made it to the 3 mile mark and lost steam almost instantly. By mile 3.5, I was almost falling over my own feet and decided it was time to walk. Sometimes I think our bodies know better than our minds when to quit. I could barely move off the floor when I finally made it home and collapsed.
Yesterday was the worst day of my cold and I missed my run completely. I was only supposed to run 3 miles so I'm still debating on making it up tonight or taking it easy and just calling yesterday a lost training day. I don't think it will really hurt to miss one run. I really want to be strong enough to complete my long run this week on Sunday (a day later than normal).
I knew this would happen eventually. I just had a feeling when I started training that I would have to deal with an illness at some point. I suppose it probably isn't that uncommon for runners to deal with illness during a long training program. I could be really frustrated about how this week has panned out but when I step back and look at the big picture, I realize this is just a minor setback, a hurdle, and I just need to move forward.
~Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:30,31~
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 30
Saturday I ran seven miles. It was the most lonely, physically exhausting and challenging run I've completed so far. I wanted to quit so badly toward the last mile of the run. The balls of my feet hurt, my back hurt and my water supply was depleted by the beginning of mile six. I almost cracked under the pressure of finishing but I made it.
It's a good thing I've already registered and paid for the race because after Saturday I was ready to call it all off. I have started re-reading my earlier posts to remind myself why I am doing this. I still don't have all the answers as to why but I feel like this is something I just need to do. I will keep pushing forward because I know I am capable of finishing this training program and this race. I know God is still with me and I knew this wouldn't be easy. I will not let this defeat me.
It's a good thing I've already registered and paid for the race because after Saturday I was ready to call it all off. I have started re-reading my earlier posts to remind myself why I am doing this. I still don't have all the answers as to why but I feel like this is something I just need to do. I will keep pushing forward because I know I am capable of finishing this training program and this race. I know God is still with me and I knew this wouldn't be easy. I will not let this defeat me.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Day 27
This week was incredibly busy for me. I had an event Tuesday that threw my sleep schedule and my running schedule out of whack. I ran almost eight miles in two days on very little sleep and slept for almost 12 hours straight last night. Today I'm feeling a little more like my normal self. I have developed a lot of respect for dedicated runners over the past week. It takes a lot of planning and sacrifice sometimes to fit running into an already busy life. Unfortunately when I'm sacrificing sleep, it just makes running that much more difficult! Oh well, the week is over and life should be a little less hectic this coming week.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 21
Wow, I can't believe three weeks of training is over already! So far, training is flying by. Before I know it, I'll be in Toronto at the starting line for my race.
Friday I found out my grandpa is in the hospital. He needed emergency open heart surgery so I decided I needed to fit a hospital visit into my day Saturday. I run my long runs every Saturday so needless to say, yesterday was a busy day. I got up a little earlier than normal and finished my long run of six miles in just under an hour. Unbelievable! I had to double-check my route when I got home just to make sure I ran the correct route. Right now I'm giving all the credit to Shot Bloks. I will never run more than 45 minutes without them after yesterday. After my run my husband and I were off to Lansing for the afternoon. We had evening plans too so the whole day was shot.
Today I finished three miles on my normal three mile route. I haven't run that route since being attacked by the red-winged blackbird. I was a little jumpy but apparently the birds didn't see me as a threat today. I prayed that my grandpa would find peace and be able to go home soon. The hospital is making him restless. I asked God to give him strength and patience (something my grandpa definitely lacks) so he could recover quickly.
I'm starting to understand how running, and especially training for a major event, can take over a person's life. I never understood how people could get so wrapped up in training but after completing three weeks of my own training program, I already get it. I will never again call someone crazy for training for a race or triathlon because I'm one of the "crazy" ones now! For the next two months, training will become a more time consuming priority for me and I will be one of those people that says "I can't do XYZ, I have to train in the morning". I'm okay with making sacrifies because I know I will accomplish something huge at the end of all this.
Friday I found out my grandpa is in the hospital. He needed emergency open heart surgery so I decided I needed to fit a hospital visit into my day Saturday. I run my long runs every Saturday so needless to say, yesterday was a busy day. I got up a little earlier than normal and finished my long run of six miles in just under an hour. Unbelievable! I had to double-check my route when I got home just to make sure I ran the correct route. Right now I'm giving all the credit to Shot Bloks. I will never run more than 45 minutes without them after yesterday. After my run my husband and I were off to Lansing for the afternoon. We had evening plans too so the whole day was shot.
Today I finished three miles on my normal three mile route. I haven't run that route since being attacked by the red-winged blackbird. I was a little jumpy but apparently the birds didn't see me as a threat today. I prayed that my grandpa would find peace and be able to go home soon. The hospital is making him restless. I asked God to give him strength and patience (something my grandpa definitely lacks) so he could recover quickly.
I'm starting to understand how running, and especially training for a major event, can take over a person's life. I never understood how people could get so wrapped up in training but after completing three weeks of my own training program, I already get it. I will never again call someone crazy for training for a race or triathlon because I'm one of the "crazy" ones now! For the next two months, training will become a more time consuming priority for me and I will be one of those people that says "I can't do XYZ, I have to train in the morning". I'm okay with making sacrifies because I know I will accomplish something huge at the end of all this.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Day 16
Last Saturday (Day 13) I ran five miles for the first time ever. The weather was cooler and there was a breeze in the morning when I ran. My mind was clear and I just enjoyed "being" that morning. I prayed but not for any particular reason. I thanked God for nature, the color green and for life. My prayers were fitting: I ran on a trail through the woods for a good portion of my run. I finished my run cramp-free in about 53 minutes. Not bad for my first five mile run! It is also reassuring to know I'm running on pace at between 10:00 and 10:30 per mile.
Sunday (Day 14) I ran an easy 2.5 mile run. There was nothing profound about it. To be honest, I wasn't too keen on running Sunday so I had to make myself get off the couch and go outside. I was really glad when it was over.
Today I'll be running 3.5 miles and I'm searching deep for motivation. I didn't sleep well Sunday night or last night and I'm so tired today I can barely concentrate on work. I'm going to run right after work today so I can't make excuses later for not wanting to run. Hopefully tonight I'll get some decent sleep and get back on track for Thursday's run.
Sunday (Day 14) I ran an easy 2.5 mile run. There was nothing profound about it. To be honest, I wasn't too keen on running Sunday so I had to make myself get off the couch and go outside. I was really glad when it was over.
Today I'll be running 3.5 miles and I'm searching deep for motivation. I didn't sleep well Sunday night or last night and I'm so tired today I can barely concentrate on work. I'm going to run right after work today so I can't make excuses later for not wanting to run. Hopefully tonight I'll get some decent sleep and get back on track for Thursday's run.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Day 12
This week has been busy and I haven't had much time to blog so I'm going to try to catch up today.
Tuesday, (Day 9) I ran a fairly painless three miles along my normal three mile route. It was warm so I was running slightly slower than usual and just enjoying my evening run. I was minding my own business when about two and a half miles into my run, I was dive-bombed by a red-winged blackbird! It swooped and caught my ponytail at least twice before I figured out what was going on. Apparently it didn't think I was minding my own business! I screamed, loudly I might add, and took off into a dead sprint. This all took place near a popular fishing pond so of course everyone who was fishing heard my frantic screams and watched me sprint away flailing my arms as I tried to escape my avian attacker. Needless to say, the last quarter mile of my run was not very enjoyable as I was struggling to slow my heart rate and recover from my unexpected speed work. I remember nothing else about Tuesday's run.
Yesterday's run was nice. It was cooler outside, breezy and the clouds were beautiful. I ran another three miles but I chose a different route because, honestly, I am a little nervous about running my normal route past the fishing pond and the red-winged blackbirds that live there. I will probably wait a while before running that route again. I was experiencing some pain in my right knee during yesterday's run. The pain subsided after about one mile but I'm going to keep a close eye on it. Today, I don't have any knee pain but my back hurts like crazy but I don't know if it's from running or if I slept in a weird position. It feels like I have a giant knot on the right side of my back near the bottom of my ribcage. I guess I'll also have to keep an eye on my back too. Running five miles tomorrow could be interesting if my back still hurts.
Tuesday, (Day 9) I ran a fairly painless three miles along my normal three mile route. It was warm so I was running slightly slower than usual and just enjoying my evening run. I was minding my own business when about two and a half miles into my run, I was dive-bombed by a red-winged blackbird! It swooped and caught my ponytail at least twice before I figured out what was going on. Apparently it didn't think I was minding my own business! I screamed, loudly I might add, and took off into a dead sprint. This all took place near a popular fishing pond so of course everyone who was fishing heard my frantic screams and watched me sprint away flailing my arms as I tried to escape my avian attacker. Needless to say, the last quarter mile of my run was not very enjoyable as I was struggling to slow my heart rate and recover from my unexpected speed work. I remember nothing else about Tuesday's run.
Yesterday's run was nice. It was cooler outside, breezy and the clouds were beautiful. I ran another three miles but I chose a different route because, honestly, I am a little nervous about running my normal route past the fishing pond and the red-winged blackbirds that live there. I will probably wait a while before running that route again. I was experiencing some pain in my right knee during yesterday's run. The pain subsided after about one mile but I'm going to keep a close eye on it. Today, I don't have any knee pain but my back hurts like crazy but I don't know if it's from running or if I slept in a weird position. It feels like I have a giant knot on the right side of my back near the bottom of my ribcage. I guess I'll also have to keep an eye on my back too. Running five miles tomorrow could be interesting if my back still hurts.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Day 7
Yesterday I ran my first of many weekly long runs of my 12 week training program. I ran four miles for the first time in about five years. I have to admit the distance intimidated me when I was mapping my route. I didn't realize how far four miles really is until I saw it on a map! I started my run slow because I knew I would get tired. I also started later than normal at 11:45 a.m. and the sun was high and hot so I wanted to be careful not to overexert or overheat myself.
My brother was the subject of most of my prayers yesterday. I prayed that God would help him realize how special he is and that He would help him find his path. Toward the last half of my run my prayer switched focus to "God please help me finish" and "God please help my legs find the strength they need to get me home." Very few times have I actually heard God speak to me but yesterday I did. I heard three things yesterday during my prayers; "I am with you", "I will not leave you" and "you will finish." Maybe I heard Him because I was actually listening or maybe I heard Him because my prayers were desperate. Either way, it was an awesome feeling to communicate with God.
I was surprised at how good I felt after finishing my run yesterday. I was very tired but I also felt a sense of accomplishment and inner peace. I will still be intimidated by my long runs because each week for the next nine weeks I will add one mile to my long run. However, after yesterday, I know "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." ~ Philippians 4:13
My brother was the subject of most of my prayers yesterday. I prayed that God would help him realize how special he is and that He would help him find his path. Toward the last half of my run my prayer switched focus to "God please help me finish" and "God please help my legs find the strength they need to get me home." Very few times have I actually heard God speak to me but yesterday I did. I heard three things yesterday during my prayers; "I am with you", "I will not leave you" and "you will finish." Maybe I heard Him because I was actually listening or maybe I heard Him because my prayers were desperate. Either way, it was an awesome feeling to communicate with God.
I was surprised at how good I felt after finishing my run yesterday. I was very tired but I also felt a sense of accomplishment and inner peace. I will still be intimidated by my long runs because each week for the next nine weeks I will add one mile to my long run. However, after yesterday, I know "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." ~ Philippians 4:13
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Day 4
Tonight was supposed to be a fairly easy running night. I ran 2.5 miles but about a half a mile into my run, I got a cramp in my side right under my ribcage, in the place that makes it painful to take in a full breath. For a few moments I was pretty irritated since 2.5 miles should be an easy "short" run by now. Then I realized something.....
I will be running much longer distances than this in the near future. I will most likely cramp up again and there is nothing I can do about it except breathe deep and keep running. I prayed that God would find strength for me, re-focused my energy, ran through the pain and finished my run tonight. I'm tired and my time was not good but I didn't quit.
As I mentioned before, I will need to keep my faith front and center through this training process. I'm going to add to this by also committing to praying while I run. I run alone most of the time and the only things I have to occupy my mind are the same sights I see every day and the rhythmic sound of my feet hitting the ground. I can't think of a better way to spend my alone time than to pray.
I will be running much longer distances than this in the near future. I will most likely cramp up again and there is nothing I can do about it except breathe deep and keep running. I prayed that God would find strength for me, re-focused my energy, ran through the pain and finished my run tonight. I'm tired and my time was not good but I didn't quit.
As I mentioned before, I will need to keep my faith front and center through this training process. I'm going to add to this by also committing to praying while I run. I run alone most of the time and the only things I have to occupy my mind are the same sights I see every day and the rhythmic sound of my feet hitting the ground. I can't think of a better way to spend my alone time than to pray.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Day 2
Yesterday "officially" marked the first day of my half marathon training. It was a rest day and I used it accordingly. I'm finishing a very special knitted baby blanket for a good friend and my deadline is July 18th. I also reserved a place to stay in Toronto for the half marathon. Today was an active training (running) day. I ran 3 miles in about 32 minutes. Not fast, but I'm okay with that. It was sunny, breezy and 75 degrees; all in all, a beautiful summer evening.
I'm facing a lot of unknowns right now. I don't know what it will feel like to complete a half marathon. I don't know how my body will respond to training. I don't know what the weather will be like on September 27th. I don't know what made me decide to do this. However, all of these questions will be answered by September 28th. I'm okay with the unknowns.
There are also a lot of things I do know. I know God gave me a strong, athletic body and there are many people in this world who are not capable of doing what I am doing. I know I can do this because I am determined and maybe a little stubborn. I know my goal is simply to finish the half marathon, not to be the fastest. I know this will be difficult. I know this is the right thing to do, right now, at this time in my life. I know I need to keep my faith front and center.
I will not give up.
I'm facing a lot of unknowns right now. I don't know what it will feel like to complete a half marathon. I don't know how my body will respond to training. I don't know what the weather will be like on September 27th. I don't know what made me decide to do this. However, all of these questions will be answered by September 28th. I'm okay with the unknowns.
There are also a lot of things I do know. I know God gave me a strong, athletic body and there are many people in this world who are not capable of doing what I am doing. I know I can do this because I am determined and maybe a little stubborn. I know my goal is simply to finish the half marathon, not to be the fastest. I know this will be difficult. I know this is the right thing to do, right now, at this time in my life. I know I need to keep my faith front and center.
I will not give up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
