Marathoners, listen up!
Running Jayhawk is so graciously organizing a post marathon brew fest! Come out to relax and unwind from your amazing feat! Please leave a note in my comments or Jayhawk's if you want to come so she can reserve enough space for us all! Here are the details:
Who? YOU!
What? The 27th Mile Celebration...RBF Meet Up...Post-Race Celebration
When? Sunday. 10/7 at 6:30
Where? Garrett Ripley
Why? Because you just ran 26.2 miles, want to meet some RBFers, will need a drink, and can unload your tales of blisters and trots and walls to people who actually understand :)
Hope to see you there!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Think Success!
I was talking about my intent for the marathon with a co-worker today and she asked me if I had run a 10k race this summer. My response was that not only did I run a 10k, I ran a 10 mile race, a half marathon and multiple other double digit distances on my own! That is when I realized that just because the marathon isn't turning out the way I expected, doesn't mean that I have not been successful this year!
Things have been WAY stressful at work and I think it has just thrown me into an all-around negative state of mind. And I don't want to be that way! I want to be proud of myself for what I accomplished instead of basing everything on what I didn't! So, no more! Marathon or not, I am proud of myself!
My leg is finally feeling some relief, although I suppose that could have something to do with the fact that I haven't been putting it to use much...but whatever! We all have our own versions of therapy, okay?!
I think my running will pick up again when the marathon passes and I have that big ol' gorilla off my back! Until then, positive thoughts...positive thoughts...positive thoughts...
Things have been WAY stressful at work and I think it has just thrown me into an all-around negative state of mind. And I don't want to be that way! I want to be proud of myself for what I accomplished instead of basing everything on what I didn't! So, no more! Marathon or not, I am proud of myself!
My leg is finally feeling some relief, although I suppose that could have something to do with the fact that I haven't been putting it to use much...but whatever! We all have our own versions of therapy, okay?!
I think my running will pick up again when the marathon passes and I have that big ol' gorilla off my back! Until then, positive thoughts...positive thoughts...positive thoughts...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
It ain't lookin' good, folks!
I think I've been averaging less than 10 miles a week! Seriously, I do not know what happened! I just suddenly couldn't get myself to run if my life depended on it! I'm truly sad now, whereas before, I didn't really care. The reality of not running this marathon is setting in. And while I hate to say I won't be out there...the thought of suffering through HOURS to get to the finish line is scaring me to death. And of course, I hate to think that this training got the best of me! I hate losing! But is walking who knows how many miles after running who knows how many more really winning? This bites.
On the upside, I've already discussed next year with my potential training buddy and its looking good. I really think that will make a huge difference! I'm obviously not disciplined enough to do it on my own :) Most people seem to run with someone or a group and I guess I just wasn't cut out to make it on my own. Who knows. Maybe I'll just get out there and go as far as I can...and attempt to walk the rest. How long is the course open again? :p
On the upside, I've already discussed next year with my potential training buddy and its looking good. I really think that will make a huge difference! I'm obviously not disciplined enough to do it on my own :) Most people seem to run with someone or a group and I guess I just wasn't cut out to make it on my own. Who knows. Maybe I'll just get out there and go as far as I can...and attempt to walk the rest. How long is the course open again? :p
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Nothing about running
I usually keep this blog about running...cuz that is what I created it for! It's rare that I go off topic, but here goes...GREEN BAY ROCKS!!!!! That's right, I'm a Packer fan living amongst the enemy! 3-0 Baby!!! Just took down the Chargers and it feels great! That is 7 wins in a row and Brett is breaking all kinds of records...this could be the note for him to finally go out on! I wouldn't want to see him retire after any of the less than stellar seasons we've been having! Go Brett! Go Pack! Yeah!!!!
Friday, September 21, 2007
I was missing out!
I had planned to run last night, but it has been a timing issue with the sun setting earlier these days. I've been running around my neighborhood because I feel safer there in the dark than on the lake front path, but its getting boring and the sidewalk is a bitch on my knees. I really, really wanted to get to the lake front last night, but I couldn't make it work before dark. So, "lightbulb", I get the idea to ride my bike (okay, not MY bike, but the one I borrowed and now claim as my own) to my friend's place (and get at least a little exercise in) and then run in the morning. I pack up all my stuff into a backpack and head out about 8:15pm.
Since it was dark and I had no lights or reflective gear...or helmet...I figured I better stay on the busy, well lit streets. Which meant Ashland. Yeah right, my scaredy cat self was not about to try to ride with traffic on Ashland...its scary enough being in a car! So, I did the unthinkable in Chicago...I rode on the sidewalk! There wasn't hardly any foot traffic so it actually wasn't a problem at all.
Let me tell you how much I truly enjoyed this ride!!! First off, I make this commute fairly often. It's only 4 miles, but with traffic, it can be the most stressful 20 minutes ever! Being on the bike, I could just cruise. No being stuck behind slow pokes or being cut off by a crazy cab driver. It was sooooo relaxing. Plus, you notice stuff you would never notice from your car. There were families sitting on their stoops and all kinds of different music coming from houses and bars. I was so loving the experience! There was a creepy part where I had to ride passed this huge cemetary. Its way different to be outside a car and cruising by in the dark. I had this mantra running through my head, "just look straight ahead, just look straight ahead..." Creepy.
And the best part of all? I didn't have to cruise around the neighborhood for 20 minutes looking for a parking spot! There was absolutely no downside! I can't believe I haven't done this before! I've got to make this a habit! It only took 30 minutes...barely more than it takes to drive...and probably less when you figure in time to park!
And then guess what? I actually ran this morning! Granted, it was only 3 miles because I slept later than I had planned and didn't have time for more, but it was something! Overall, this was a great plan! And I love the bike!
Since it was dark and I had no lights or reflective gear...or helmet...I figured I better stay on the busy, well lit streets. Which meant Ashland. Yeah right, my scaredy cat self was not about to try to ride with traffic on Ashland...its scary enough being in a car! So, I did the unthinkable in Chicago...I rode on the sidewalk! There wasn't hardly any foot traffic so it actually wasn't a problem at all.
Let me tell you how much I truly enjoyed this ride!!! First off, I make this commute fairly often. It's only 4 miles, but with traffic, it can be the most stressful 20 minutes ever! Being on the bike, I could just cruise. No being stuck behind slow pokes or being cut off by a crazy cab driver. It was sooooo relaxing. Plus, you notice stuff you would never notice from your car. There were families sitting on their stoops and all kinds of different music coming from houses and bars. I was so loving the experience! There was a creepy part where I had to ride passed this huge cemetary. Its way different to be outside a car and cruising by in the dark. I had this mantra running through my head, "just look straight ahead, just look straight ahead..." Creepy.
And the best part of all? I didn't have to cruise around the neighborhood for 20 minutes looking for a parking spot! There was absolutely no downside! I can't believe I haven't done this before! I've got to make this a habit! It only took 30 minutes...barely more than it takes to drive...and probably less when you figure in time to park!
And then guess what? I actually ran this morning! Granted, it was only 3 miles because I slept later than I had planned and didn't have time for more, but it was something! Overall, this was a great plan! And I love the bike!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Hit me like a truck...
I woke up this morning and the weirdest thing happened. The first thought in my head was that I don't want to run this marathon! What the?! How do you just wake up one morning and think something like that?
I think I did have a reality check this weekend. I went out Friday night and ran into some friends I hadn't seen for awhile. When they asked me how the training was going, the first thing I said was that I was burnt out. That I just wanted it to be over. I don't think that is the response I'm supposed to be having right now! With less than 3 weeks to go, shouldn't I be excited?! Shouldn't I be telling them that I'm more ready than ever to knock out these 26 miles? That it feels great to be looking towards a taper and resting my body? But that wasn't what I said. I said I was burnt out. Tired. Stressed.
If that is how I feel, how do I expect to get truly rallied and complete this race? I guess at this point, that means this is up in the air. A game time decision. I'm sad about it...and relieved all at the same time. I can think of a number of reason why it didn't work out. And I can think of a thousand solutions if I could do it all over again. But I can't. I am here, 3 weeks from the marathon and severely under-trained. And my knees hurt :)
I've still accomplished a lot this season. I've run father than I ever have before. I've gotten more miles under my belt than I ever imagined at this point in my life. Running became a part of my life again when I was at a point where it was the elliptical trainer or nothing. I've learned about the power of the mind...and the weakness of it. I've learned that my body isn't invincible and I have to learn to work with it and not against it. I've learned that I don't want to do this alone. And that I need the support of my friends and family more than I thought I did. I've learned that Gatorade gives me yucky tummy and Shot Blocs are not the save all :)
Wow...Jon just called me in the middle of writing this and we had an excellent talk about it! Thank you for being a continuous inspiration for me and for always being there to listen to my struggles and have profound words. You help me more than you know and you continue to be my role model in all this!
Bottom line: I don't know what is going to happen on race day. I'm not sure I'm officially ready to concede just yet, but I know that finishing is a long shot. We'll see...
I think I did have a reality check this weekend. I went out Friday night and ran into some friends I hadn't seen for awhile. When they asked me how the training was going, the first thing I said was that I was burnt out. That I just wanted it to be over. I don't think that is the response I'm supposed to be having right now! With less than 3 weeks to go, shouldn't I be excited?! Shouldn't I be telling them that I'm more ready than ever to knock out these 26 miles? That it feels great to be looking towards a taper and resting my body? But that wasn't what I said. I said I was burnt out. Tired. Stressed.
If that is how I feel, how do I expect to get truly rallied and complete this race? I guess at this point, that means this is up in the air. A game time decision. I'm sad about it...and relieved all at the same time. I can think of a number of reason why it didn't work out. And I can think of a thousand solutions if I could do it all over again. But I can't. I am here, 3 weeks from the marathon and severely under-trained. And my knees hurt :)
I've still accomplished a lot this season. I've run father than I ever have before. I've gotten more miles under my belt than I ever imagined at this point in my life. Running became a part of my life again when I was at a point where it was the elliptical trainer or nothing. I've learned about the power of the mind...and the weakness of it. I've learned that my body isn't invincible and I have to learn to work with it and not against it. I've learned that I don't want to do this alone. And that I need the support of my friends and family more than I thought I did. I've learned that Gatorade gives me yucky tummy and Shot Blocs are not the save all :)
Wow...Jon just called me in the middle of writing this and we had an excellent talk about it! Thank you for being a continuous inspiration for me and for always being there to listen to my struggles and have profound words. You help me more than you know and you continue to be my role model in all this!
Bottom line: I don't know what is going to happen on race day. I'm not sure I'm officially ready to concede just yet, but I know that finishing is a long shot. We'll see...
Friday, September 14, 2007
On the move...
The compromise seems to be working...sort of. I've ran twice this week...yeah, I know, ONLY TWICE? But hey, twice is better than none, which is where I've been the last couple of weeks! I plan to run 5 miles tonight and do 10 on Sunday. The runs have been tough for how short the distance is, but I guess that is what happens when you fall off the wagon!
I didn't want to mention this before because I didn't want people to think I was making excuses for my lack of running besides the fact that I just didn't want to. BUT...I think I have once again pulled my IT Band! This little bugger is what stopped me from running the Portland Marathon years ago. I think it happened on my last long run a few weeks back. I didn't run much after that so I was kind of hoping the feeling wouldn't resurface. But after these past couple of runs...It's baaaaack!
It's not necessarily a pain feeling...more of just a "sensation" on the outside of my left leg while I run. There is a definitely point on the outside of my left knee that is feeling weird. It only bothers me when I run and when I walk up stairs. I figure I'll just ignore it until after the marathon and then figure out what to do! Unless it gets bad enough to the point that I'm in pain...that will not do!
I hope my run tonight goes well cuz after that I'm off for a night on the town. Been awhile since I went out and had a good time! Training is a killer on the social life!
I didn't want to mention this before because I didn't want people to think I was making excuses for my lack of running besides the fact that I just didn't want to. BUT...I think I have once again pulled my IT Band! This little bugger is what stopped me from running the Portland Marathon years ago. I think it happened on my last long run a few weeks back. I didn't run much after that so I was kind of hoping the feeling wouldn't resurface. But after these past couple of runs...It's baaaaack!
It's not necessarily a pain feeling...more of just a "sensation" on the outside of my left leg while I run. There is a definitely point on the outside of my left knee that is feeling weird. It only bothers me when I run and when I walk up stairs. I figure I'll just ignore it until after the marathon and then figure out what to do! Unless it gets bad enough to the point that I'm in pain...that will not do!
I hope my run tonight goes well cuz after that I'm off for a night on the town. Been awhile since I went out and had a good time! Training is a killer on the social life!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Compromise
Since I can't seem to convince myself to get 100% back into the game, I've struck up a compromise. I'm going to pretty much train to keep myself at my current level of endurance because the thought of suffering through another atrocious really long run just doesn't seem fathomable right now! Suffering through a moderately long run seems much more tolerable. I'm hoping that with the marathon day adrenaline and the fans out there cheering us on, I'll be able to somehow muster the willpower to go farther than I have on my own. And then I'll just split the rest of the distance between running and walking. It won't be pretty, but at least I'll cross the finish line!
Don't worry, I've already got my sights on next year. If I keep my base at what it is, I'll be able to go into the training a little later next year and hopefully not burn out like I have. Plus, I'll be able to focus more on speed and the fun stuff, rather than just suffering through trying to improve my distance. And I've learned a ton about myself and what works so I've got new strategies already planned for next year. Hopefully, I'll have a partner too and that will help tremendously! So, there you have it, folks. Not what I wanted it to be, but I'm gonna make it happen somehow :)
Don't worry, I've already got my sights on next year. If I keep my base at what it is, I'll be able to go into the training a little later next year and hopefully not burn out like I have. Plus, I'll be able to focus more on speed and the fun stuff, rather than just suffering through trying to improve my distance. And I've learned a ton about myself and what works so I've got new strategies already planned for next year. Hopefully, I'll have a partner too and that will help tremendously! So, there you have it, folks. Not what I wanted it to be, but I'm gonna make it happen somehow :)
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Always something...
It's always something with this training. I'm now going through a new (and not good) phase. I've been through the "I hate running" phase. The "this is too hard" phase. The "26 miles? You've got to be kidding me" phase. Now, somehow, I've stumbled into a really bad one. The "I don't care" phase.
I'm not really sure how this happened. But suddenly, I just don't care about the marathon. I don't care if I have to walk half of it. I don't care if I don't run between now and Oct. 7th. I just plain don't care :( I'm assuming this is the final burnout phase. Maybe this is the result of begining training so early in the season. Maybe 6 months is too long for me to mentally hold out. I really don't know where it came from and why its there. I'm hoping its over soon.
I ran this morning and it was the first time in a week. It was hard. 4 miles was hard. Critical Mass last Friday really put a strain on my knees and I felt it big time this morning. Note to self: No more Critical Mass until after the marathon! My stride felt very sloppy and uncontrolled. I felt like I'd forgotten how to run. Forgotten all the adjustments I'd made to my form. Forgotten my breathing techniques. It was bad. But the good side was that I got out there and did it. Because I haven't had the willpower to do even that for a week now. Hopefully, this is the start of something good. I had my week off and of not caring and I've got to dig down deep and finish what I've started!
I'm not really sure how this happened. But suddenly, I just don't care about the marathon. I don't care if I have to walk half of it. I don't care if I don't run between now and Oct. 7th. I just plain don't care :( I'm assuming this is the final burnout phase. Maybe this is the result of begining training so early in the season. Maybe 6 months is too long for me to mentally hold out. I really don't know where it came from and why its there. I'm hoping its over soon.
I ran this morning and it was the first time in a week. It was hard. 4 miles was hard. Critical Mass last Friday really put a strain on my knees and I felt it big time this morning. Note to self: No more Critical Mass until after the marathon! My stride felt very sloppy and uncontrolled. I felt like I'd forgotten how to run. Forgotten all the adjustments I'd made to my form. Forgotten my breathing techniques. It was bad. But the good side was that I got out there and did it. Because I haven't had the willpower to do even that for a week now. Hopefully, this is the start of something good. I had my week off and of not caring and I've got to dig down deep and finish what I've started!
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