14- Miler and Other Random Thoughts

So, yesterday, I had a 14-mile run on my schedule.  This is the farthest I have run so far in this training period (the farthest I've run in about 5 years, actually), so I was a little apprehensive.  I was telling my husband that, in training for my first (and only so far) marathon, I didn't remember having a "good" training run when the distance got to be longer than 13 miles.  There are many reasons for this: 1) - I was clueless as to the whole distance running thing; 2) - I was clueless as to proper hydration, nutrition, etc. DURING the run; and 3) - I was just CLUELESS.  I'd like to think that I'm going into this one a little more educated and, hopefully, just a little smarter. 

I began the run at 5:30 because I saw that the overnight low was only 65 (that's warm for here), so I knew it would warm up quickly.  It actually felt humid (weird sensation in Nevada), and by Mile 4, it was raining (another weird sensation in Nevada).  The rain actually felt good, but I suddenly started to wonder things like: Is my Garmin waterproof? Can my earbuds electrocute me if they get wet?  Will wet compression shorts chafe? (The answer to that is "yes"...ouch!)  Yes, the strange thoughts that go through your mind while running...  The rain didn't last long, though, and I actually finished the 14 miles pretty strong.  Only stopped running for two pit stops (HATE having to stop for that!  I know you're supposed to drink regularly, but is there any way to do that and not have to use the bathroom??  I'm open to suggestions).  Anyway, when I saw 13.1 on my Garmin, I thought, "Wow!  You just ran a half-marathon!"  That was incredibly motivating for me.  Made me think that maybe I can make it to a full after all.  We shall see.  Dramatic mileage increases (for me) in the next two long runs (16 miles next week and 18 after that...scary!)

I didn't run much otherwise this past week...only a couple of 4-milers.  It was a cut-back week, and, on this hike last weekend, I rolled my ankle on one of the last steep downhills.  I didn't want to say too much about that, because I was SO afraid I had done something serious which would stop my training.  I decided to completely rest it for a few days because it was a little puffy and somewhat discolored.  I still feel some twinges from it, but it held up yesterday with no ill effects, so I think it's going to be OK...phew!

Maybe it was the lack of running, or the fact that my husband was away on a hunting trip, but this week was pretty hard for me emotionally.  I think everyone must go through these phases of feeling OVERWHELMED by all that life throws your way.  That was me this week.  I go through these times of near-paralysis because of all of the things I feel I'm NOT doing!  Anything can trigger it.  In this case, something happened last week that shook me to the core (yes, on top of my son getting hit by a car) and really caused me to question my commitment to my family and making that my priority.  But, after the "triggering event", my thoughts tend to go something like this...  I look out in the yard and see weeds that need to be pulled.  There are things at my son's school that I should be involved in.  There are extra committees or events at work that I should volunteer for or attend.  I should help out at church more.  I should volunteer in the community more.  I should spend more time practicing my music.  I feel guilty because I feel like I'm short-changing my family, my job, my friends, and...well...everything.  So, what do I do?  NOTHING!  It becomes extremely difficult to prioritize when I feel this way, and I get laden with anxiety.  What usually gets me out of this funk is just a small little blessing (and, oh yeah, remembering that I'm NOT in control of everything...I pray regularly that God helps me to remember that). 

Yesterday afternoon, we were leaving the house, and a man was working on our neighbor's yard.  He asked us if we wanted him to cut our lawn.  My son was going to cut it that day, but we asked him if we could pay him to pull our weeds in the backyard (seriously...they were taking over).  He came by today while we were at church and did just that...and our yard looks beautiful!!

 We usually don't pay for luxuries like this, but it was WELL WORTH IT!  That's all it took for me to feel better.  I could cross one thing off my list, so it began to get easier to cross others off.  Now, my house is clean, the laundry is almost done, I'll take my son out to drive later (he has his learner's permit), etc. I guess the lesson is to just do something, realize you can't do everything, and fully rely on and pray to God to help you discern the things you can do that will most honor Him (and to please get rid of that self-imposed guilt for not doing the rest).  

Please tell me I'm not the only one that goes through this and that I'm not just mentally unstable. 

A Different Kind of 6-miler

Today begins a cut-back week, so I only had 6 miles on the schedule.  My husband left on a hunting trip this morning, so I had decided some time ago that my 6 miles would be a hike in the mountains with my son.  SO HAPPY we did this! 

The hike up was a significant elevation increase of 1900 ft, and the trail is rated difficult.  Wow!  I think my 12-mile run last week felt easier.  :)  Coming down felt great....at first.  By the time we got back to the car, my thighs and knees were begging to be on level ground again. 

We weren't sure if the hike was going to happen because last night my son was on a bike ride and he got HIT BY A CAR!!  I received a call from him asking me to pick him up.  Now, my logical mind was telling me that, since he was able to call me, he was OK.  My "mother" mind, though, was imagining all sorts of horrific scenes and I may or may not have driven faster than the posted speed limits to get there.  I was unbelievably relieved to arrive and find him walking around and fine but for some soreness and a scraped knee and ankle.  He was crossing a street and an older gentleman turned at the same time...I guess he just didn't see him.  I'm counting my blessings today that it wasn't a full-speed crash.  He woke up a little sore, and I made a deal with him that if it got too bad once we started the hike, we'd turn around.  But, we finished it.  Let's just say I cherished this time with him maybe even a little more than usual. 

I accomplished all of my scheduled runs this week.  I also reached a special (for me) goal.  My schedule has frequent 6-milers, and I try to make at least one of those a tempo run (not sure if I'm using that term correctly), where I warm up for a mile, run 4 miles at 30 seconds - 1 minute faster than my goal marathon pace (this is more difficult than it sounds, since I have no idea at this point what my goal marathon pace is...right now I would guess it's 10:30/mile), and then cool down for a mile.  I really don't care what my overall time is, but I've been trying for some time to break an hour.  On Wednesday, when I finished mile 5, I looked at my Garmin and thought that maybe I could do it this time.  I ditched the cool-down for the last mile and finished in 58:06:14!  I know some faster runners would scoff at that, but that is a HUGE accomplishment for me.  The breakdown was:

Mile 1 - 10:49/mi
Mile 2 - 9:11/mi
Mile 3 - 9:39/mi
Mile 4 - 9:47/mi
Mile 5 - 9:09/mi
Mile 6 - 9:29/mi

This run was just what I needed, as my runs on Monday and Tuesday just felt rough.  I finished the miles, and my times weren't worse than usual, but it was one of those phases of sluggishness that I think all runners go through occasionally (at least that's what I'd like to think). 

One last thing...
The husband of a friend of mine ran the Pike's Peak Ascent today.  That's 13.32 miles with a 7,815 ft vertical gain.  Congratulations on a great race, Randal!!  I'll just put it on the record today that this race will never be on my to-do list. 

Hope all are enjoying the weekend as much as I am!  Until next time...remember to cherish those moments.

Beginning of School / Family Accomplishments

This past Wednesday, my son began school!  This is much earlier than what we are used to.  Usually, school starts the week before Labor Day, but my son's charter school decided on a different schedule to give more time off at Christmas and spring break.  They'll also end earlier, but it sure made for a short summer this year.  He is a sophomore in high school!!  How did that happen?  I still remember tearfully dropping him off for his first day of Kindergarten.  I have enjoyed every single moment of being his mother and, each day, I become more and more impressed at the fine young man he is becoming. 

I have been negligent in bragging about some recent accomplishments by members of my family.  First of all, a few weeks ago, my dad and brother completed a bike ride called RAGBRAI.  It is a ride across the entire state of Iowa!  It takes 6 or 7 days (I can't remember which), and they ride anywhere from 56 - 75 miles PER DAY!  I will not lie...I am not a fan of biking.  I'm not sure why...I would rather just lace up my shoes and run.  And, my butt hurts just thinking about riding this many miles for that many days.  SO AMAZED and in awe of my dad and brother for completing this!

Rock stars in my book

 Another huge event that I can't believe I haven't mentioned yet...my nephew Caleb's little league team won the CHAMPIONSHIP!!  I love this little guy (not so little anymore), and could not be more proud!!

What a sweetie

First week of marathon training in the books.  No extremely memorable runs.  However, I am VERY sad that the days where I have some daylight in my runs seem to be over (except for my long runs on Saturdays).  The other four early morning runs during the week are now almost completely in darkness again(sigh).  Back to gripping my "jogger fogger" (pepper spray) even more tightly and at the ready.  When I began Friday's run, I didn't feel like music for some reason, so I left it at home.  I've said it before, but, when I run with music, I can imagine myself running swiftly and silently down the street...just a passing shadow that nobody could notice - even if they were awake at that time.  The reality is that my feet are pounding heavily on the asphalt and the sound of my labored breathing would surely notify anyone within 1/2 mile of my presence.  I like living in ignorance, so it was back to music yesterday for my long run.  All in all, a good solid week, and my 12-miler yesterday felt strong.

I know there are strong opinions on this, so - all of you runners (or other athletes out there on the road) - do you listen to music?
  

Just to Catch Up

It's been a pretty uneventful week.  Work has been very busy, so by the time I get home, I really have no desire to get back on a computer and blog...hence, the lapses between posts. 

The only big thing that happened this weekend is MARATHON TRAINING has officially begun!!  I am following an 18-week program that looks like this (from http://marathontraining.com/marathon/m_sch_2.html):

Marathon Training Schedule (Schedule II)

Week#	Sun.	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.	Sat.	Total
1	10	Rest	6	8	6	Rest	4	34
2	12	Rest	6	8	6	Rest	4	36
3	6	Rest	4	Rest	4	Rest	4	18
4	14	Rest	6	8	6	Rest	4	38
5	16	Rest	6	8	6	Rest	5	41
6	18	Rest	6	8	6	Rest	5	43
7	6	Rest	5	Rest	5	Rest	4	20
8	20	Rest	5	7	6	Rest	4	42
9	14	Rest	6	8	6	Rest	4	38
10	7	Rest	5	Rest	6	Rest	4	22
11	21	Rest	5	7	6	Rest	4	43
12	14	Rest	6	8	6	Rest	4	38
13	8	Rest	6	Rest	6	Rest	4	24
14	22-23	Rest	5	7	6	Rest	5	45-46
15	12	Rest	6	8	6	Rest	4	36
16	14	Rest	7	Rest	5	Rest	4	30
17	10	Rest	6	Rest	4	Rest	1-2 Opt.	20-22
18	26.2 Marathon	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest	26.2

I modify this a little bit so that my long runs are on Saturdays.  I like the fact that there are three 20+ mile runs in this program.  I hope that doesn't hurt me, but, rather, give me a boost of confidence for running the actual marathon.  

As usual, I ran five times this past week.  I want to talk about two of the runs I had.  On Tuesday, I had an 8-miler on schedule.  I decided to throw some custom interval training in there (you know...pick out a point somewhere up ahead and pick up my pace for that distance).  I wish I could force myself to sit down and figure out how to set laps on my Garmin, but you'll just have to trust me on these "intervals".  My usual pace for non-long runs is 10:00 - 10:30 / mile.  On shorter runs (4-6 miles), I've been able to push it down to about 9:45 / mile.  I decided to set these intervals for between 8:30 - 8:45 / mile (super fast for me), and I was successful!  These "intervals" were very arbitrary, so I can't tell you the distance or the length of time, but it felt good that I was able to push myself. 

On my long run yesterday, I ran into an unusual situation for me.  I had a 10-miler on schedule.  For my long runs, I start out super conservatively, because I have it in my head that I just want to get the distance done, and the time doesn't matter.  I think I may have started out too conservatively:
Mile 1 - 12:04 / mile (warm-up / steep hill)
Mile 2 - 11:20
Mile 3 - 11:16
Mile 4 - 11:24
Mile 5 - 13:39 (pit stop and I didn't pause my Garmin...I go back and forth whether I should "pause"during training, since I won't have that option on race day)
Mile 6 - 11:45 (steep long uphill)
Mile 7 - 11:02
Mile 8 - 10:00 (I was thinking this was probably not correct)
Mile 9 - 9:45 (What?!?)
Mile 10 - 9:35 (I'm still feeling really good! How can this be?)

I'm not sure what to make of this...I try to keep my long runs between 11:00 - 11:30 / mile.  Granted, I've been running 10-milers pretty frequently as part of my mileage build-up program.  Maybe I'm just getting used to them?  All I know is I had plenty of gas in the tank at the end....maybe too much?  In a few weeks, my long runs will get much longer in a very short period of time, so I think I'll stick to my strategy for now.  Any advice?  

After my run, the family and I took our kayaks up to Lake Tahoe for a blissful afternoon of lazy paddling in the water.

Isn't it beautiful?  Every time we go up there, I am reminded of and so grateful for the unbelievable world God has given us to enjoy.  Hope you all had a good weekend, also!  Hard to believe how fast they go.  :(

Running Buddies and 12-miler

In the running world you hear about varied opinions as to whether it's better to run with friends or by yourself.  Some say that running with others really inspires and motivates them to run better, farther, and faster.  Others prefer to run solo.  I'm definitely in the latter category.  I love running alone in the wee early hours of the morning with nothing but my thoughts (and music) as company.  Well, on Tuesday, I got to run with some new friends, but probably not the kind you're thinking of.  I was running past a house when two little pitbull-type dogs came racing out of the yard at full speed, barking furiously.  Scared me half to death!!  I completely stopped and begged for my life said some things in what I hoped was a gentle, non-threatening voice.  After only a moment, they calmed down enough to where I felt like I could start walking again.  I started walking, then running.  I knew they were somewhere behind me, but figured they would just turn around and go back home.  Ummmm.....apparently, they had some pent-up energy.  I was scheduled for 8 miles that day...they started running with me at 1.5 miles and ran the remaining 6.5 miles with me all the way to my house.  I used what I thought to be the very firmest voice I could muster several times and told them to go home, but they were having none of that.  When I reached my house, I went in the side gate, and could hear them scratching the wood behind me like they wanted to come in.  I said to myself that I would take a shower and see if they were still out there at that time, but they had left - hopefully back to their home.  Were it not for the fact that we already have two dogs, they probably would be new additions to our family right now.  :)

Good Puppy...it's OK

So, yesterday I had a 12-miler on my schedule.  Not sure if you remember the my last disastrous attempt at 12 miles.  I'm not going to lie.  I was pretty anxious about this second attempt.  I wanted it to go well, and, while I didn't run the same route as last time, there were still some pretty good hills on this route (as is the case with all my runs...they're unavoidable).  I started out ultra-conservatively to try to keep some gas in the tank for the later miles.  Turned out to be a dream run!!  I felt good the whole time, and my last miles were actually faster than the earlier miles, which I frequently struggle with.  I felt great during the run AND after the run.  Yay!!  I feel like right now I could complete a half-marathon (which I will at this race in Sacramento, CA in October), and that makes me very satisfied with my progress.

My "official" marathon training starts next week...yikes!  I have spent the last 4-5 months just building a solid mileage base.  Thinking of running that 26.2 miles distance still gives me some anxiety, but I am confident that I am doing what I am supposed to.  I have gone from short run paces of 10:45/mile to now knowing that I can run about a 9:45 pace for at least 6 miles.  My long runs have increased from 4 miles to 12 miles.  The fact that I can run 12 miles right now with no injuries to report whatsoever makes me pretty confident that my training plan is working and that I will be ready to go come December 4!!  Yes, marathon, you who kicked me in the patooty about 4 1/2 years ago and made me vow to never run another one will be my friend this time around...got it??  And, this time, I won't arrive limping across the finish line, but running strong and confidently!

Not this

Yes, like this!!

Of course, this time, I'm not running just for me.  It's in memory of Anna and for all those other children fighting the dreaded disease of cancer.  These innocent little ones do not deserve to endure their pain and suffering, so what's a little discomfort for me?  That - and, of course, some prayers - is what has kept me going through my training, and that is what will bring me across the finish line with a smile on my face (and maybe tears... but, we'll ignore that part).  By the way, did you happen to see the amount raised so far has just surpassed $2000?  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those participating in this journey with me. 

Minnesota Music and Memories

I can't believe it's been almost two weeks since my last post!  As you may remember, I was on my way to Minnesota.  I was very excited about all of the events that I had on schedule, and they were EVERYTHING I expected and more.  It was such a great week, but it's also good to be back home. 

My son and I started out our time there by running in the Isaac's Foundation Hope Run.  After our flight landed, we met up with my sister and her family at a hotel in Melrose, MN on the night before the run.  I was a little worried, because the weather forecast called for some possible thunderstorms and a heat advisory (I do not like running in heat or humidity), but the day started out cool and cloudy, and the run wasn't too bad.  I ran about 10 miles, and my son ran about 5 miles.  I was very proud of him, because the most he had run before this was 3 miles.  We did stop quite a bit, because at approximately every mile a little booth was set up honoring a child who was currently fighting cancer, had fought cancer and is currently free of disease, or had lost their battle with cancer.  It was very touching and humbling to see those innocent faces who had to go through this terrible ordeal.  Anna's stop was at mile 5, and that was where I turned around.

The rest of the weekend was spent visiting with my sisters and their families.  I got to meet a new nephew for the first time and watch my other nephews play T-ball. 

My nephew, Luke

Nephew, Isaiah (the runner on base)

New nephew, David

I should mention at this point that I managed to keep on track for all of my scheduled runs.  However, remember when I said I don't like humidity?  Well, this week was the WRONG week to run in Minnesota...more on that later.

Tuesday through Friday of last week was spent at the National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts. This was FABULOUS!  My son and I were inundated with pure talent the whole week.  So many gifted artists and musicians gave their time to make this week truly special, and I enjoyed every second.  The sessions were informative, and the worship services and concerts were indescribable.  Uninhibited beauty!!

The most beautiful pipe organ I've ever heard

Our time in Minnesota ended with the First Annual Anna Rogotzke Memorial Kickball Tournament.  My mom, some aunts, and two of my brothers were able to travel from Wisconsin to be there, so more family visiting time and a WONDERFUL day playing kickball, remembering Anna, and raising money to KICK CANCER TO THE CURB.  It was extremely successful for a first-time event, and the date has already been set for next year.  I hope to be there!

My little niece, Amelia, wants to play kickball, too!!

Anna's Army team (I'm second from the left)...double elimination..we lost our first two games.  :(

So, about my running.  I was able to get in all of my scheduled runs while away from home.  It was a cutback week (thank goodness), so it wasn't too hard to get the miles in.  HOWEVER, the heat and humidity were awful.  My sister recently posted this on her blog, which basically compared her running to mine.  She also said that with the bugs, humidity, and various varmints commonly found in farm country, it was more difficult for her to run than for me.  I came back from my run last Monday, and told her that SHE WAS RIGHT!!  I woke up at 5:00 a.m., and it was already 80 degrees (I'm used to 55-60 degrees at that time of day) with about 75-80% humidity!  How do you people who live in these conditions do it?  I came back a sweaty, drained, wilted MESS after each run.  Pure torture.  It was frustrating because, since I train at altitude with hills, I felt it should be a piece of cake to run at basically sea level on flat roads.  NOT SO!  My breathing was easier, but that humidity just saps your strength.  The heat index one day was 125 degrees at its worst...ugh!  I was able to pull out a good 10-miler on Saturday when it was cloudy with a fairly cool breeze, so I ended the week on a high note.  I've been resting these past couple of days after our trip back home, but I'm anxious to get running in the relatively cooler temps tomorrow.

Now off to catch up on everyone's blogs!

 

Regaining Confidence / Minnesota-Bound

First of all, thank you for the kind words regarding my previous post.  Your comments made me feel so much better.  I ran 6 miles yesterday and 8 miles this morning...they were exactly what I needed to regain some confidence.  The weather was perfect (mid-50's at run time) and I felt strong the whole time.

I wanted to share a couple of events with you.  Friday, I leave for Minnesota.  My church is paying my way to attend The National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts  at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.  The conference runs July 19-22, and is fairly close to where my sister and her family live.  My son and I are leaving early and staying a little later to get some visiting time in with them.  The two Saturdays I will be there have some noteworthy happenings.

Saturday, July 16, we will be attending and running in this: Fourth Annual HOPE Run in West Union, MN.

The bike/walk/run is organized by the family of a little boy, Isaac, who died in 2008, at the age of 2, of Neuroblastoma.  The funds faised in this event go to childhood cancer research.  My niece, Anna, will be one of those remembered this year at the run. 

Saturday, July 23, will be the First Annual

Anna Rogotzke Memorial Kickball Tournament and Family Fun Day

in Sanborn, MN (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon).  The funds raised in this event will also go to support sarcoma/cancer research.  I am THRILLED that I get to be in the area to attend both of these events.  If you live near either of these, stop by!  It's for such a great cause. 

I am going to try to keep on task with my training schedule throughout my time away from home.  I guess I'll have to get used to running with humidity and bugs for awhile (for some reason, mosquitos LOVE me).  Hopefully, the lower altitude will even things out a little bit.