Didn't I just run two half-marathons in April? It's not like I've completely slacked off in the mean time. I've been going to Crossfit and last night I took the kid on a 6.5 mile bike ride and I've been running but tonight, 2 miles was hard. I realize I should recognize how far I've come and how great my next run will be, but for now I'm just irritated that I nearly had to walk before my first mile was finished.
On the upside, I'm up to 176 miles so far this year which puts me right on track for getting to my goal of 500 for the year. Yippee!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Robie Recap!
It's been a week since the Race to Robie Creek half marathon and I'm still trying to figure out how to post my recap in a way that will really explain what happened last Saturday. I might be struggling to explain it because I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. The only way I've been able to describe it to anyone in person is by saying, "it was ridiculously hot and ridiculously difficult." And it was.
The fact that April 21st was easily the hottest day of 2012 so far in Boise made me nervous and the fact that Robie doesn't start until noon every year downright nearly terrified me. The race directors sent an e-mail mid-week warning us about the heat and recommended everyone start hydrating and continue to hydrate through the entire week. And I did.
Let's talk race time, shall we? Noon. Seriously. Noon on the hottest day of the year. The website says it will always be noon and don't ask them to change it because it's always going to be noon. The early morning race starts kind of suck because I love my sleep and having to get up earlier than I would on a workday to get to a race isn't really my idea of fun. That being said, noon is worse. Having a noon start time gave me way too much time to freak out and stress about race strategy (because there's nothing like changing it on race day) and whether or not I've had enough water or fuel and which clothes to wear and the list goes on and on.
Friday night I laid out a pile of clothes of what I thought I wanted to wear in the morning and went to bed at a decent hour. When I got up in the morning I was still unsure of my choices. My best running skirt is really heavy for some reason and I questioned if I should wear a lighter, less comfortable one. I decided against it and then threw I took two alternatives and put them in a bag and then drove over to REI to see if they had any cute, lighter running skirts. They didn't. I drove over to Renee's house and hemmed and hawed over my decision of the day (as well as whether or not to wear my Garmin or a regular watch to keep my time) (and yes with the Garmin) and settled on the heavy running skirt and a tank top. Robie was a Team Beef run for me but I couldn't bear the thought of having to wear a shirt with sleeves for the race. I snapped a quick picture of me in my Beef shirt and then packed it in Renee's bag so I could wear it during the post-race party.
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Mike, Sean, and Lindsay showed up and we all walked a mile over to the race start. It was already hot and I was already sweating just standing at the start line. We didn't have to wait around very long before it was time to get running. I didn't have a plan for when to walk vs. run and just decided to let my body take over and walk when necessary. I think I ran about 2 miles before taking my first break to walk but I wasn't paying much attention. I carried Clif Shot Bloks with me and ate them about every 3 miles. I carried my hydration pack with me and had to fill it up somewhere near mile 6 at an aid station. I caught up to Lindsay somewhere near there and we endured the summit together, which we walked. It was brutal. We finally reached the summit right around the 2 hour mark and began the 4.5 mile descent down to Robie Creek.
I felt like I flew down the mountain! There was shade! I was running! I was running downhill! In reality, it still took me about 50 minutes to go 4.5 miles but any type of running felt like flying after walking the summit! I could feel myself slowing down at the end until some random guy yelled to us, "the finish line is right around the corner! Less than 500 feet to go!" and I flew again. Mike was waiting alongside the road and cheered me in (Yay! Thanks, Homeschool!). I got my shirt, sweet bottle opener (in lieu of medal - awesome!) and some chocolate milk and water and then joined Mike along the finish line to cheer in the rest of our crew. We sucked though and somehow missed all of them coming across the finish line which I attribute to me stretching...I don't know what Mike's excuse was other than exhaustion! Renee got her bag after she finished which meant I got to strut around in my clean, dry Team Beef shirt for the afternoon as planned. We finally got some food and I got some beer beer before getting in the for the bus to take to Lucky Peak and eventually get back to Boise. There were a few other snags in the day (like sunburns and Sean and Lindsay's bouts with dehydration) but nothing that kept us from celebrating our Robie completions with dinner and drinks after we got cleaned up!
My final chip time says I finished the race in 2:52:25 and I'm confident I would have been a little bit faster if it hadn't been so freaking hot outside. That can only mean one thing: I'll have to try again next year.
The fact that April 21st was easily the hottest day of 2012 so far in Boise made me nervous and the fact that Robie doesn't start until noon every year downright nearly terrified me. The race directors sent an e-mail mid-week warning us about the heat and recommended everyone start hydrating and continue to hydrate through the entire week. And I did.
Let's talk race time, shall we? Noon. Seriously. Noon on the hottest day of the year. The website says it will always be noon and don't ask them to change it because it's always going to be noon. The early morning race starts kind of suck because I love my sleep and having to get up earlier than I would on a workday to get to a race isn't really my idea of fun. That being said, noon is worse. Having a noon start time gave me way too much time to freak out and stress about race strategy (because there's nothing like changing it on race day) and whether or not I've had enough water or fuel and which clothes to wear and the list goes on and on.
Friday night I laid out a pile of clothes of what I thought I wanted to wear in the morning and went to bed at a decent hour. When I got up in the morning I was still unsure of my choices. My best running skirt is really heavy for some reason and I questioned if I should wear a lighter, less comfortable one. I decided against it and then threw I took two alternatives and put them in a bag and then drove over to REI to see if they had any cute, lighter running skirts. They didn't. I drove over to Renee's house and hemmed and hawed over my decision of the day (as well as whether or not to wear my Garmin or a regular watch to keep my time) (and yes with the Garmin) and settled on the heavy running skirt and a tank top. Robie was a Team Beef run for me but I couldn't bear the thought of having to wear a shirt with sleeves for the race. I snapped a quick picture of me in my Beef shirt and then packed it in Renee's bag so I could wear it during the post-race party.
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I felt like I flew down the mountain! There was shade! I was running! I was running downhill! In reality, it still took me about 50 minutes to go 4.5 miles but any type of running felt like flying after walking the summit! I could feel myself slowing down at the end until some random guy yelled to us, "the finish line is right around the corner! Less than 500 feet to go!" and I flew again. Mike was waiting alongside the road and cheered me in (Yay! Thanks, Homeschool!). I got my shirt, sweet bottle opener (in lieu of medal - awesome!) and some chocolate milk and water and then joined Mike along the finish line to cheer in the rest of our crew. We sucked though and somehow missed all of them coming across the finish line which I attribute to me stretching...I don't know what Mike's excuse was other than exhaustion! Renee got her bag after she finished which meant I got to strut around in my clean, dry Team Beef shirt for the afternoon as planned. We finally got some food and I got some beer beer before getting in the for the bus to take to Lucky Peak and eventually get back to Boise. There were a few other snags in the day (like sunburns and Sean and Lindsay's bouts with dehydration) but nothing that kept us from celebrating our Robie completions with dinner and drinks after we got cleaned up!
My final chip time says I finished the race in 2:52:25 and I'm confident I would have been a little bit faster if it hadn't been so freaking hot outside. That can only mean one thing: I'll have to try again next year.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
High Speed Pursuit Half Marathon
My friend, Mike, and I registered for the High Speed Pursuit (aka Prison Break) Half Marathon yesterday. As in the-day-before-the-race yesterday. We're smart like that. Before I got a Robie bib I had planned on this being my first half of the season and after I got a Robie bib I almost stopped thinking about the HSP race...almost. It's been in the back of my mind for the past few months because it's 2 weeks until Robie and my training plan for this weekend consisted of either a 11-12 miler on hills or this race. Earlier this week I still couldn't decide what I wanted to do, so I posted this on facebook on Wednesday and got the following responses, none of them telling me what to do:
I'm taking suggestions: do I register for the High Speed Pursuit Half Marathon for this Saturday (http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=450191) or take one last 10-12 miler up/down Shaw Mtn. Rd for Robie training???
Awesome, thanks everyone...sheesh! That same day I had a text conversation with Mike and randomly asked if he wanted to run the High Speed Pursuit with me. He said "yes" and I kind of threw up a little bit in the back of my mouth. We finally registered on Friday morning...rather, Mike registered both of us because I was in the field all day visiting kids.
I'm taking suggestions: do I register for the High Speed Pursuit Half Marathon for this Saturday (http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=450191) or take one last 10-12 miler up/down Shaw Mtn. Rd for Robie training???
- Renee ummm... you also have next weekend - it's 2.5 weeks to Robie (I'm terrified) so theoretically you could do both...Wednesday at 12:55pm ·
Miranda The most I want to do the next weekend is 8...so I guess I could start at dirt/gravel the next weekend....
Miranda http://robiecreek.com/ - 8-ish miles up, 5-ish miles down...
robiecreek.com
Let’s face it, the next best thing to running the Race to Robie Creek™ is volunteering to help the Rocky Canyon Sailtoads put on the best race in the Northwest!Wednesday at 2:04pm · ·1 ·
Renee No way am I committing to 13 miles this week! I'm not the crazy lady you are! I'm hoping to get back to 10-11 since I've had two off weeks!!
Ben Did high speed use to be the prison break half marathon? I thought prison break was pretty damn boring
Awesome, thanks everyone...sheesh! That same day I had a text conversation with Mike and randomly asked if he wanted to run the High Speed Pursuit with me. He said "yes" and I kind of threw up a little bit in the back of my mouth. We finally registered on Friday morning...rather, Mike registered both of us because I was in the field all day visiting kids.
As of last night I was still trying to figure out if I wanted to run with my Garmin or just go nekkid. Thankfully, my facebook post requesting someone make a decision for me yielded better results and I ran with it today. I didn't have very many expectations going into it this morning. I had a stellar 10 mile run in Fresno last weekend and did some calculating on this site before I went to bed last night. I got to the start line this morning and shared with Mike that I was going to try to hold a 10:45 pace for the run but that if that didn't pan out, I wouldn't be heartbroken. I figured if I could keep my running pace around 10:45, my average pace with walking through some water stops would put me somewhere between 11:00 and 11:15/mile. I knew it would be tough for me to run that fast at higher elevation but I thought I'd give it a shot. I also knew that it could be tough for me to match my last run in Chicago (2:27:11). In all, expectations were low which I think helped me in the end.
I ran the first mile trailing a man and his wife. They kept a good pace and I felt pretty good. I ended up making some conversation with them for a few miles (it was their first half!) but eventually picked up the pace and continued on.
And I felt amazing. Seriously.
I got to mile 6 and felt great and at mile 6.5 my Garmin read 1:10. I calculated in my head: if I can keep up this pace for the next half of the race, I can finish in 2:20...a 7 minute PR. A SEVEN MINUTE PR, PEOPLE! I trudged on and continued to feel pretty freaking great until somewhere between miles 8 and 9....because that's when the wind hit, and it was brutal.
I had to walk. The wind was damn near blowing my hat off of my head and when I got to mile 10 I didn't want to think about running anymore. I commiserated with a few other runners before I took off running again and when I finally got to mile 12, I stared up at a big ol' hill with the wind blowing all over me and I walked it. I had no shame...until I got to the top and the photographer was there taking photos. I pretended to enjoy running at that point and when I passed him, I slowed to a walk again. I finally turned into the entrance to the prison (where the race was held, in case you didn't pick up on that one) and picked off another runner (cruel, I know, but that was all I had left to enjoy) and looked up to see Mike, God bless him, waiting for me around mile 12.5. My watch said 2:24 and I told him I had really started to hope I'd PR again. He encouraged me and ran into the finish with me.
I crossed the finish line in 2:28:15. I swear if that headwind hadn't been so terrible I would have had a HUGE PR at that race. I guess there's always next time!
We hung around for the age group awards and Mike got 3rd in the 30-39 age group for men with his time of 1:51:16! That guy is fast!
Overall, it was a pretty good day at a pretty good race with some pretty good grub that followed at Brewforia.
Monday, April 2, 2012
12, 5, 4, 10 and vacation!
I really wasn't sure if I'd do a 12 mile run before Robie, but I'm pretty glad I did. Allow me to back up first...
After my 10 mile run I went to one of my local running stores and bought a ridiculously expensive rain/wind resistant jacket...and of course I haven't run in the rain since then. My bigger and better purchase that week, however, was a new pair of running shoes! I was hesitant to get another pair of Brooks Trance due to the seam coming apart on the left foot, so the owner fitted me with Brooks Glycerin with an insert. The new purchase was well worth every. single. penny. I went out the next day and ran 12 miles (1/2 uphill) without a single blister, hot spot, or any general uncomfortableness. Seriously, it was amazing! The run went well too and I've come to realize it is a great possibility that I could finish Robie in under the time that I ran my first half back in 2010.
I took Sunday and Monday off from running and started out my vacation with a solid 5 mile run in the morning before heading to the airport to California with the kid for spring break. We did some walking in San Francisco, but nothing big. We were on our feet all day in Monterey at the Aquarium on Thursday, but again no running. I was finally able to get in a 4 mile run on Friday in Fresno while visiting my brother and his family and felt FAST. Seriously! My Garmin read 9:40/mile for most of the time I was running and I finished my 4 mile run at an average pace of 10:00/mile after a few walking breaks.
I had planned on getting in 8 miles on Saturday at my brother's house but decided to lengthen that a bit and went for 10. Again, I felt FAST and finished my 10 mile run at a faster pace than I've ever run 10 miles. I was quite pleased with my 10:43/mile average pace for the run which included a few walking breaks here and there. It was another milestone for me in a different regard: I got so damn hot wearing my shirt and ended up running miles 3.5 - 10 in solely a sports bra and running skirt. My plan for years has been to get in tip top shape to feel comfortable enough to run in just a sports bra, but that all went out the window when the temp increased....
My latest dilemma is whether or not to sign up for the High Speed Pursuit Half Marathon this upcoming Saturday. It's my last opportunity to get in a long run before Robie and I'm not sure if I want to get one last hill run completed or if running the 1/2 will be sufficient. I'm sure I'll be OK either way, but it sure would be easier if someone decided for me!
After my 10 mile run I went to one of my local running stores and bought a ridiculously expensive rain/wind resistant jacket...and of course I haven't run in the rain since then. My bigger and better purchase that week, however, was a new pair of running shoes! I was hesitant to get another pair of Brooks Trance due to the seam coming apart on the left foot, so the owner fitted me with Brooks Glycerin with an insert. The new purchase was well worth every. single. penny. I went out the next day and ran 12 miles (1/2 uphill) without a single blister, hot spot, or any general uncomfortableness. Seriously, it was amazing! The run went well too and I've come to realize it is a great possibility that I could finish Robie in under the time that I ran my first half back in 2010.
I took Sunday and Monday off from running and started out my vacation with a solid 5 mile run in the morning before heading to the airport to California with the kid for spring break. We did some walking in San Francisco, but nothing big. We were on our feet all day in Monterey at the Aquarium on Thursday, but again no running. I was finally able to get in a 4 mile run on Friday in Fresno while visiting my brother and his family and felt FAST. Seriously! My Garmin read 9:40/mile for most of the time I was running and I finished my 4 mile run at an average pace of 10:00/mile after a few walking breaks.
I had planned on getting in 8 miles on Saturday at my brother's house but decided to lengthen that a bit and went for 10. Again, I felt FAST and finished my 10 mile run at a faster pace than I've ever run 10 miles. I was quite pleased with my 10:43/mile average pace for the run which included a few walking breaks here and there. It was another milestone for me in a different regard: I got so damn hot wearing my shirt and ended up running miles 3.5 - 10 in solely a sports bra and running skirt. My plan for years has been to get in tip top shape to feel comfortable enough to run in just a sports bra, but that all went out the window when the temp increased....
My latest dilemma is whether or not to sign up for the High Speed Pursuit Half Marathon this upcoming Saturday. It's my last opportunity to get in a long run before Robie and I'm not sure if I want to get one last hill run completed or if running the 1/2 will be sufficient. I'm sure I'll be OK either way, but it sure would be easier if someone decided for me!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
10 Mountains up a Hill
I was not as much of a slacker this week as I wanted to be. I went to CrossFit on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and I ran, which is a feat in itself because the weather has been absolute crap. I think I had plans to run on Tuesday, but it was raining and I was a pansy, so I rested instead. Thursday was also pretty rainy but at some point in time that afternoon, the sun shone through the clouds for a brief period of time and I got out there to pound pavement for the first time in over a week. My first mile was fast, of course, because I always start out too fast. Mile 2 was ok and then during miles 3 and 4 the wind blew and blew and made me miserable. I walked a bit and called it good at 4 miles.
Saturday was my first race of the season! I woke up to a torrential downpour and had absolutely no desire to race a 5k. But, I made arm warmers for my friend, Malia, and myself for the race and there was no way I was going to skip it, plus I needed to run. I really wanted to get in 4+ miles, preferably on hills, but I settled for a one mile (+) warm up (10:42/mile), raced my 5k (averaged 10:07/mile), and then ran a cool-down mile (10:53/mile) back to my car for a total of 5.25 miles Saturday. Thankfully, the ran subsided during our actual running time and it ended up being a decent day to be on the greenbelt in Boise. Did I mention the St. Patrick's Day Basic 5 was a Team BEEF run?! Hooray for sponsored and reimbursed runs!
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The kid and I went to my parents' house that night for a St. Patrick's Day/Birthday celebration for a friend of ours. I was a very responsible lady last night and had two beers (2!) at the beginning of the gathering and that was it. I ate responsibly until the Boston cream pie was served and I indulged, which is just fine because I knew I had to run 10 miles today. Upon our early departure, being completely sober, I informed everyone I had to leave early so I could go run 10 mountains up a hill in the morning. I informed them it would be my mantra for the run the next day.
I made plans to meet up with Lisa and Mike at 11:00 AM and was ever so glad that I was so responsible last night. I left the house in a complete snow storm wondering if I should just turn around and go to work for a bit so I could run my 10 miles tomorrow during the nicer weather but I didn't. Mike was nice enough to run alongside me for a few minutes before the ascent up Shaw Mountain Road. I started my ascent and, as if it were magic, the snow stopped! My rain jacket worked out alright for the weather, but I'd like to get a better one for running at some point in time.
Instead of walking at distance markers, I walked at heart rate markers. During most of the uphill climb ran until my HR got to 170, then walked until it got down to 160. It seemed to work out alright and I averaged 12:40/mile up to mile 5.
I turned around at my 5 mile marker and started the descent, which I rocked in comparison to the climb. I was surprised when I turned into the parking lot and found Mike and his friend still standing around in the parking lot waiting for me. We talked while I stretched and eventually we all parted ways. I averaged 11:42/mile for my 10 miler today...I'll take it!
I went to pick up the kid from a friend's house and was greeted with red wine, dry clothes, blankets, a fire in the fire place, and dogs to keep me warm. She even sent us off with dinner and brownies in hand, knowing I would have absolutely no desire to grocery shop or cook tonight. Thank God for good friends who wait for you at the bottom of a grueling run and for those who wam up you up at the end of a 10 mountain day!
Saturday was my first race of the season! I woke up to a torrential downpour and had absolutely no desire to race a 5k. But, I made arm warmers for my friend, Malia, and myself for the race and there was no way I was going to skip it, plus I needed to run. I really wanted to get in 4+ miles, preferably on hills, but I settled for a one mile (+) warm up (10:42/mile), raced my 5k (averaged 10:07/mile), and then ran a cool-down mile (10:53/mile) back to my car for a total of 5.25 miles Saturday. Thankfully, the ran subsided during our actual running time and it ended up being a decent day to be on the greenbelt in Boise. Did I mention the St. Patrick's Day Basic 5 was a Team BEEF run?! Hooray for sponsored and reimbursed runs!
Malia standing on her tip toes in attempt to be as tall as me...
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The kid and I went to my parents' house that night for a St. Patrick's Day/Birthday celebration for a friend of ours. I was a very responsible lady last night and had two beers (2!) at the beginning of the gathering and that was it. I ate responsibly until the Boston cream pie was served and I indulged, which is just fine because I knew I had to run 10 miles today. Upon our early departure, being completely sober, I informed everyone I had to leave early so I could go run 10 mountains up a hill in the morning. I informed them it would be my mantra for the run the next day.
I made plans to meet up with Lisa and Mike at 11:00 AM and was ever so glad that I was so responsible last night. I left the house in a complete snow storm wondering if I should just turn around and go to work for a bit so I could run my 10 miles tomorrow during the nicer weather but I didn't. Mike was nice enough to run alongside me for a few minutes before the ascent up Shaw Mountain Road. I started my ascent and, as if it were magic, the snow stopped! My rain jacket worked out alright for the weather, but I'd like to get a better one for running at some point in time.
Instead of walking at distance markers, I walked at heart rate markers. During most of the uphill climb ran until my HR got to 170, then walked until it got down to 160. It seemed to work out alright and I averaged 12:40/mile up to mile 5.
Looking uphill at mile 5...
I turned around at my 5 mile marker and started the descent, which I rocked in comparison to the climb. I was surprised when I turned into the parking lot and found Mike and his friend still standing around in the parking lot waiting for me. We talked while I stretched and eventually we all parted ways. I averaged 11:42/mile for my 10 miler today...I'll take it!
I went to pick up the kid from a friend's house and was greeted with red wine, dry clothes, blankets, a fire in the fire place, and dogs to keep me warm. She even sent us off with dinner and brownies in hand, knowing I would have absolutely no desire to grocery shop or cook tonight. Thank God for good friends who wait for you at the bottom of a grueling run and for those who wam up you up at the end of a 10 mountain day!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Traitor
I had big intentions for this weekend. Since yesterday was supposed to be over 60 degrees in the mountains, I decided it would be worth my time and effort to get my boat put together and head up to the river for a day on the water. That meant there would be no running on Saturday, so I'd have to get my long run in on Sunday. I got my first day on the river and it was a perfect day! My parents were nice enough to make us dinner upon our return to Boise and we still managed to be in bed by 10pm (11pm with the time change). I set my alarm for 7:10 am...I had devised a semi-perfect plan for Sunday:
7:19 (after one snooze) - rise, eat steel cut oats, drink coffee, drink water, shower, etc.
9:00 - church
10:15 - Husband to take me to meet some friends on to run up Shaw Mountain Road
11:00 to 1:00 - Run my little heart out on some hills and then head home
1:30 until whenever - hang out, nap, eat something, and pride myself in getting in 10 miles on hills.
This is what actually happened:
7:10 - alarm went off and thought I hit snooze
8:04 - woke up and realized I turned the alarm OFF instead of snooze
8:04:30 - woke up the kid
8:05 - showered and ran around like a mad woman
8:35 - asked kid to make me a cup of coffee while I ran around gathering running gear
8:39 - realized I could not find my hydration pack or Clif Shot Bloks for 10 mile run
8:40 to 8:44 - ran around trying to find above items
8:45 - left the house for church
8:46 - realized I left my coffee on the kitchen table
8:46:30 - spilled water all over my dress on the way to church as husband gunned it through a yellow light so we wouldn't be late for church
9 to 10:00 - sat through church wondering if I could keep my eyes open for another minute and if I could manage to run 10 miles today
10:15 - got coffee at Fred Meyer while the kid was at Sunday School
11:10 - picked up the kid, went to Blimpie for lunch (so husband could pick up some pre-packaged mayo and mustard for his upcoming Grand Canyon trip), and came home
12:00 - 3:00 - NAPPED.
3:30 to 4:30 - helped the kid with some tennis stuff
5:15 - went to dinner and drank beer.
Running was not in the cards today.
So here I am, at 7:40 pm, feeling like a traitor. I am usually all over my training plans and honestly don't ever remember skipping a long run, but today my body couldn't handle it. It was obvious that I was beaten down and tired and needed to rest. I am hopeful that tomorrow will allow me to either get up early to run or that I'll be able to leave work early to do the same. Either way, I still need to get in about 8 miles tomorrow to be on top of my game for Robie. On a brighter note, I did go to CrossFit on Wednesday and Friday last week and killed Friday's session. It was tough and exhausting and I was SO SO SO SO SO sweaty, but it was awesome and I can't wait to get back!
7:19 (after one snooze) - rise, eat steel cut oats, drink coffee, drink water, shower, etc.
9:00 - church
10:15 - Husband to take me to meet some friends on to run up Shaw Mountain Road
11:00 to 1:00 - Run my little heart out on some hills and then head home
1:30 until whenever - hang out, nap, eat something, and pride myself in getting in 10 miles on hills.
This is what actually happened:
7:10 - alarm went off and thought I hit snooze
8:04 - woke up and realized I turned the alarm OFF instead of snooze
8:04:30 - woke up the kid
8:05 - showered and ran around like a mad woman
8:35 - asked kid to make me a cup of coffee while I ran around gathering running gear
8:39 - realized I could not find my hydration pack or Clif Shot Bloks for 10 mile run
8:40 to 8:44 - ran around trying to find above items
8:45 - left the house for church
8:46 - realized I left my coffee on the kitchen table
8:46:30 - spilled water all over my dress on the way to church as husband gunned it through a yellow light so we wouldn't be late for church
9 to 10:00 - sat through church wondering if I could keep my eyes open for another minute and if I could manage to run 10 miles today
10:15 - got coffee at Fred Meyer while the kid was at Sunday School
11:10 - picked up the kid, went to Blimpie for lunch (so husband could pick up some pre-packaged mayo and mustard for his upcoming Grand Canyon trip), and came home
12:00 - 3:00 - NAPPED.
3:30 to 4:30 - helped the kid with some tennis stuff
5:15 - went to dinner and drank beer.
Running was not in the cards today.
So here I am, at 7:40 pm, feeling like a traitor. I am usually all over my training plans and honestly don't ever remember skipping a long run, but today my body couldn't handle it. It was obvious that I was beaten down and tired and needed to rest. I am hopeful that tomorrow will allow me to either get up early to run or that I'll be able to leave work early to do the same. Either way, I still need to get in about 8 miles tomorrow to be on top of my game for Robie. On a brighter note, I did go to CrossFit on Wednesday and Friday last week and killed Friday's session. It was tough and exhausting and I was SO SO SO SO SO sweaty, but it was awesome and I can't wait to get back!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
I Registered for Robie
I registered for Robie. I registered for Robie. I registered for ROBIE. Who the hell do I think I am, Deena Kastor or something? Seriously. After I somehow managed to be one of 2100 people to register in 9 minutes and 46 seconds or something ridiculous like that, I freaked out and then ran 5 miles to my nearest CrossFit location. No joke, that happened. That being said, the CrossFit session was really just an on-ramp session that still managed to kick my ass. But I survived, oh yes, I survived.
I've been trying to get in 2 weekday runs and a weekend run since the beginning of February but with this whole CrossFit deal, my muscles have been SO SORE. Our office started this CrossFit deal with the E3 location with some of the kids on our caseload at work during the first few weeks of February and I, being overly enthusiastic about the project, volunteered to be one of the POs to work out with the kids. I never imagined I'd do so many damn air squats or that my legs could ever feel as sore as they did in February! It pains me to say that CrossFit sidelined my running for about a week after I started. My first 2 mile run after the first week of CrossFit took me 24 minutes. I couldn't sit in a chair without bracing myself and I struggled to get up and down the stairs.
I hurt.
Then something magical happened a few weeks later: I voluntarily chose to do air squats, sit ups, and push ups at home on a non-run day and I didn't hurt like hell afterward.
And the next day I bought a 2 month membership to a CrossFit box.
And in the mean time I've been training for Robie. I've run hills and long runs and have tried to continue cross training as much as possible. This weekend I ran my first ever route on Shaw Mountain Road with my friend, Renee. Eight miles later, I didn't die. I've got a long way to go before I'm officially ready to run Robie, and I highly doubt I'll ever be ready to run Robie, but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to complete the race in under 3 hours. We'll see how that all works out!
For now, enjoy these 2 pictures from Saturday's training run: one 5 miles in and the other after our 8 mile finish!
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I've been trying to get in 2 weekday runs and a weekend run since the beginning of February but with this whole CrossFit deal, my muscles have been SO SORE. Our office started this CrossFit deal with the E3 location with some of the kids on our caseload at work during the first few weeks of February and I, being overly enthusiastic about the project, volunteered to be one of the POs to work out with the kids. I never imagined I'd do so many damn air squats or that my legs could ever feel as sore as they did in February! It pains me to say that CrossFit sidelined my running for about a week after I started. My first 2 mile run after the first week of CrossFit took me 24 minutes. I couldn't sit in a chair without bracing myself and I struggled to get up and down the stairs.
I hurt.
Then something magical happened a few weeks later: I voluntarily chose to do air squats, sit ups, and push ups at home on a non-run day and I didn't hurt like hell afterward.
And the next day I bought a 2 month membership to a CrossFit box.
And in the mean time I've been training for Robie. I've run hills and long runs and have tried to continue cross training as much as possible. This weekend I ran my first ever route on Shaw Mountain Road with my friend, Renee. Eight miles later, I didn't die. I've got a long way to go before I'm officially ready to run Robie, and I highly doubt I'll ever be ready to run Robie, but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to complete the race in under 3 hours. We'll see how that all works out!
For now, enjoy these 2 pictures from Saturday's training run: one 5 miles in and the other after our 8 mile finish!
.JPG)
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