Very Quiet

Remember when I posted this picture back in June?  This is the Reno-Stead airport where the National Championship Air Races are held.  I run by here practically every run.  It's about 1 mile from our house.  This past week, the air has been humming with the planes warming up and practicing.  You can feel the excitement in the air.  We look forward to this event every year.  My husband BBQ's about 20 tri-tips for one of the fundraising dinners at his church (which is almost on the airport grounds).  Sometimes, we drive out in the hills and watch the Thunderbirds or Snow Birds or Blue Angels perform.  It's truly spectacular. 

Then, yesterday, this happened:

Source

One of the racing planes crashed.  This has happened before.  Unfortunately, this is the first time that spectators were involved.  9 dead so far.  The buzz of the planes and the roar of the fans are silenced. 

I had mapped out a different route this morning to avoid the traffic at the races.  No traffic, and nothing but eery quiet as I ran by the airport. 

I pray for the injured and for the families of those whose lives were lost. 

18 miles??? Piece of Cake.

Maybe it was the Green Bay Packers win over the Saints on Thursday night...maybe it was the morning I couldn't get out of bed because my hip was hurting extra "rest day" I took this week...maybe it was because I went back to wearing my CW-X capris instead of shorts.  Whatever the reason, when I began my run this morning, I felt strangely confident that I could do 18 miles today.  I was debating between doing the 16 I failed to finish last week or the 18 that was called for on my schedule.  I just decided to start running and see what happens.

Normally, I try to run a loop regardless of mileage.  I despise out and back (I think it's because I'm always looking for that turn-around point..."I'm not even half-way done" is the thought that keeps going through my mind).  Today, I tried a 10-mile loop I've done in the past and then added the 8-mile loop I run every Tuesday morning before work (2 different loops...2 different directions).  That way, if I needed to stop at the house for extra water, supplies, etc., I could.  I also thought that maybe there would be a psychological benefit to finishing up with a shorter run loop (like my body would think that I didn't just run 10 miles, and I could breeze through an easy 8 miles - ha ha).  

Miles 1- 4:  kind of slow and sluggish; I stop drinking water about an hour before I run, so why 2 pit stops in the first 4 miles???  This happens every long run (I know you don't really care about this, but part of the reason for this blog is for myself to keep track of what went right and what went wrong on the long runs, so I have to include these types of details).  I kept the Garmin going the whole time, so some of the mile times were downright depressing.

Miles 5 - 12:  I felt on top of the world; no fatigue, no aches, and had to slow myself down to keep in the 11:00 - 12:00 / mile range (I KNEW if I didn't do this, I'd be dead - not dead tired...just dead - before mile 18).  Stopped at a park briefly (to use porta potty - of course - and stretch) at mile 11.  It felt wonderful to pass by the street to my house at about mile 10 and not take it...I felt too good to stop. 

Miles 13 - 15:  Still felt pretty strong, but my legs started kind of doing their own thing independent of what my mind was telling them to do;  could feel some tightness in the ankles and achilles area.  Remember I gave myself the "out" of only having to do 16 if I felt like it.  The moment of truth came at an intersection about mile 14.5 where, if I went straight, it would be 16 miles...if I turned right, it would be 18, no matter what...whether I ran, walked, or crawled, it would be 18.  I turned right.

Mile 16:  The most mentally tough mile of the run.  Slowed to a walk in order to put on chap stick (my lips felt like they were glued together) and adjust my camelbak.  Walked for .25 mile...almost threw in the towel and walked the rest of the way home.  I had run 16 - the most I have done so far in this training - good enough, right?  Then I reminded myself that this is what I would feel like about mile 22-23 in the marathon (hopefully not before), too, and I NEEDED to get used to this.  Starting to run again was SO hard!  But, gradually, my legs started cooperating again and I was running.

 Mile 17 - 18...so tempted to walk....one more mile...1/2 more mile...1/4 more mile...DONE!  18 miles completed.

Yes, 18 miles completed...FEELS SO GOOD TO SAY THIS!!!



 

My Baby's 16!

First of all, Happy 16th Birthday to my son, Jacob!  When he was born, people would tell me to enjoy every moment because time would pass in the blink of an eye.  These 16 years have truly been "a blink of an eye".  I honestly don't know where the time has gone, but I have been so blessed in watching the years pass and seeing a baby become a toddler become a boy become a young man.  Pretty soon, he will be off to college, and my eyes already fill with tears thinking about it. 

Love you!  Can't wait to see what you do with the rest of your life!!

We spent a very enjoyable weekend camping (and eating too many s'mores, chips, and oreos).  I had a 16 mile run on my schedule, and had every intention of completing it.  On Saturday, I woke up at 5:00 a.m., ate a little breakfast, and set out about 6:00 a.m.  The route I took was absolutely beautiful...I may drive here for every long run.

The sun just starting to peek through the trees

My goal was to complete the run in 3 hours.  I packed my 20-oz hand-held water bottle to bring with me...does anyone see a problem with this plan?  I discovered that this is not nearly enough fluid to keep me hydrated for this long of a period (and, no, there were absolutely no spots for me to refill it).  I was really feeling depleted about mile 12, but figured I could at least finish.  I pushed it to 14 miles, got a raging headache and felt a little dizzy, so I decided to stop at a local picnic area.  My husband had been fishing at a pond close by, and I called him to pick me up.  I'm a little disappointed, of course, about not finishing (really?  I couldn't even go two more miles??), but I knew I had to stop.  I didn't want to run with my camelbak, anymore, as it starts to get uncomfortable after awhile.  However, I think this will be something I just have to put up with, since that is the only thing I have that carries enough water. (sigh) I have a feeling that every long run from here on out will be some kind of learning experience.  I'm trying to feel proud that I even got out of my nice warm sleeping bag and stepped out into the cold dawn to run!   

So, the last week was:
Monday - 6 miles
Tuesday - 8 miles
Wednesday - 6 miles
Friday - 4 miles
Saturday - 14 miles
Monday (today) - 6 miles

Now, the only question I'm facing is whether to do the 18 miles that's on the schedule for this Saturday or scale it back to 16 and adjust the following weeks.  I think I'll just play it by ear, and see what happens.

Hope everyone else is enjoying the nice long weekend!! 

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.  :(