Last Day of 2007

What a wonderful year it has been. I have my health, my children do too and so does my husband. And we all have one another and we all love each other. The Lord loves me and I feel blessed. I just feel like shouting up to the sky, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

I'm about to eat a quick and late lunch, but wanted to log my "long" run from yesterday. 11 miles with Cheryl and Ali, mid afternoon. It was cold and windy. We finished 8.6 miles together at an average pace of 7:53/mile. I ran the balance by myself and the overall avg. for the 11 was 7:55/mile. Felt great! No pains, aches or twinges.

I rolled on the foam roller last night for the first time in months, and boy did that feel uncomfortable. I also did 2 sets of 10 jumping pull ups, and I am so sore! I can't wait to get back into CrossFit regularly. I miss it!

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve and a very, very Happy New Year. Be safe!

Mellow Week

Hi! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. We had a great week. Lots of family time, lots of great grub and lots of easy, fun running with the gals. Let's see, here's a quick recap of the week as far as running goes.

Christmas Eve: 4 miles pushing the baby in the jogger (avg 9:00 pace).
Christmas Day: REST :)
12/26: 6 miles at 5 a.m. w/ the gals (avg 8:11 pace).
12/27: 6 miles again, 5 a.m., same partners (avg 8:16 pace)
12/28: 0 (had to leave for work at 4:30 a.m. and did not get home until 7:50 p.m.).
Today: undecided, might run 6 w/ the baby in the jogger, might just rest.

The gals and I decided to start marathon training the week of Jan. 7 and then take only a 2 week taper before Boston. I'm good with that.

A great marathon debut story about my coworker, Brian:
While at work yesterday I ran into him after a carstop. His primary fitness "expertise" is triathlons. However he does race distances up to the half marathon (his PR set in '06 is 1:15).

This guy is so nice and very humble, despite his talent as an athlete. Even though he wins a lot, I still feel amazed each time I hear of his latest race (usually through other coworkers).

Anyway, he asked how I did at the CIM and when I told him his eyes got really wide and he seemed so excited for me, (it was kind of funny really). He shook my hand and gave me a hardy congrats. Then he said he was so inspired by my marathon success over the last year that he decided to run the CIM too! I did not know he had run it.

I asked him how he did and he kind of looked to the ground almost disappointed and said, "2:59." My jaw dropped. AMAZING!

I know a sub-3 marathon debut has been done before, just not by anyone I knew personally. This just blew me away. I was so proud of him!

Anyway, he ran the first half in 1:20 and said he felt great up until the later teens, then he crashed and crashed hard. He said in retrospect his downfall was that he went out way too fast and just couldn't hold onto it. He is excited for his next marathon effort in the fall of '08. He opted not to run Boston because that's when his triathlon season is underway. Triathlons are his true love.

I felt touched that he said I inspired him to run the marathon distance. Me. Ha! I am nowhere in this man's league as far as running, yet I inspired HIM. I still have to laugh because it seems so ridiculous (but in a good way)!!!

Thanks for reading, just wanted to share.

Beautiful Sunday

Hey there, went to church this morning and then met my husband for coffee. We also ran a couple of errands. I can't believe Christmas is only 2 days away. I think we're ready!

I was able to break away from all the preparations and meet the gals for a 10 mile run this afternoon. They promised to run "slow." Well, it was slower than yesterday morning so I can't complain but we still averaged a 7:57 mile for the 10 miles. I was hoping for 8:30s. Oh well.

I made a boatload of deviled eggs tonight, wrapped some presents and vacuumed. This is disgusting to admit, but I still haven't showered since my run and it's almost 11:00 p.m. I am going to shower as soon as I log off the computer. Tomorrow the baby and I will run a couple miles, or 4, and then we will have dinner with my hubby and his fire crew. They are cooking up a great, big, Christmas Eve feast. The best part is he gets to be home for Christmas!!!

Have a great Christmas Eve and a very, Merry, Blessed Christmas! God Bless.

Running Club

This morning the toddler and I ran 2 miles together before we met up with the running club to do 6 more. I just did the math and we ended up doing the 6 miles at a 7:36 pace. Yes, I felt I had to do my best to keep up with my fellow marathon training partners, Cheryl, Ali and Kim. They finished faster than me, but they pushed me so I can't complain. I love running with them!

I was sore afterward so I stood in the FREAKING COLD pool. I could only stand 10 minutes of it before I jumped out.

Anyway I have been feeling a little under the weather in the last couple of days, really yucky yesterday, and now I feel DIZZY. I know I've taken in plenty of fluids. I wonder if I am falling victim to the ever mysterious "bug" that keeps floating around during this time of year. I need to go eat or something.

It felt good to run faster today. Tomorrow I meet with Ali and Cheryl for a "slow burn" run (basically around 8:30s). I should end up with about 30-34 miles for the week.

Base Building

Still logging the miles, not too easy but not hard at all.
Ran 6 (easy pace) yesterday at 5 a.m. with my training partners, Ali, Cheryl and Kim. We ran at an avg. 8:18 pace. They are still much faster than me so I know they probably held back for me quite a bit yesterday. They are all so nice and encouraging. It's great to run with them.

Today the toddler and I got out for another 6 miles during a break in the rain. Averaged 8:42/mile. It felt tougher pushing him today. My butt is still aching on both sides and sometimes the discomfort runs down my hamstrings. I know this is that aggravating piriformis syndrome. Ugh. I'm torn. I want to start running hard very soon, but I don't want to make these nagging little aches worse. I need to stick to my training paces and recovery runs for a while.

Rainy Day (Lazy Day)

Went into work to take care of some stuff this morning and now that I'm back home, I don't feel like running. Of course the fact that it's raining outside has something to do with my lack of motivation too. I wish I felt more drive to get out there, but since I'm still not technically in "training," I don't mind taking it easy until then. I know I will push myself as much as possible during the training cycle though.

I ran an easy 5.4 miles yesterday at about an 8:23 pace. Felt pretty good, but still have lingering soreness in my piriformis area and behind the knee (outer portion). Not terrible piriformis issues like before, just a hint of it.

Tomorrow I've committed to Ali to run at 5 a.m., rain or shine. Hee hee, I hope I get out there!

It helps to know that elite runners like Nate Pennington took 2 full weeks off after the CIM and that he felt some soreness on his first day running yesterday. I'm not the only one! (Granted I'm no elite, but at least I know there are others feeling my "pain").

Time to pick up the kids from school. Have a great evening!

A RAY of Sunshine in Bad Weather

Hey friends! It's been cold here lately. It's time for me to start running in long pants and several layers. (Yes I'm a wimp who thinks temps in the 40s are cold). But I can NEVER use the weather as an excuse. My friend Ray (rgreen45) from the Runner's World forums has so much dedication that when most mere mortals (like me) would push off a run due to inclement weather he says, "Ha, bad weather, you ain't nothin'." Here's a picture of him after his 21 mile run in horrible weather yesterday. He shared it with us on the forum. And to top that, he's still going to run 8 or so today!

Well, the toddler and I managed to run an easy paced 60 minutes yesterday afternoon. His nose is still runny and he's still coughing, but he seems to be getting better. I'm starting to feel weird twinges and aches in places that haven't given me problems in a while, like the piriformis area and down the hamstrings to the outer-back areas of my knees. My hips and groin muscles are also still kind of achey. I'm glad I don't start marathon training until Jan. 1.

I think I'll continue to run very easy miles until then. From 12/3 to 12/9 I logged only 8.45. I ran only 23.2 last week. I'll do about 30 next week, then 35 the week after, then get back to 40 for the first official week of marathon training (New Year's week). I'm hoping all the weird aches, pains and twinges are gone by then.

Have a great Sunday. We've already gone to church and now we're hanging out at home. We'll do some shopping in a bit. :)

Friday FUNNIES!

This is pretty funny. Smokeynights posted it on the Runner's World Forums and I laughed out loud as I read them. Enjoy!

After Mr. and Mrs. Fenton retired, Mrs. Fenton insisted her husband
accompany her on her trips to Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, Mr. Fenton was
like most men--he found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get
out. Equally unfortunately, Mrs. Fenton was like most women--she loved
to browse. One day Mrs. Fenton received the following letter From her
local Wal-Mart:

Dear Mrs. Fenton,

Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a
commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and may be
forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Fenton
are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's
carts when they weren't looking.

2 . July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice,
"Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away."

5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.

6. September 14: Moved a "CAUTION - WET FLOOR" sign to a carpeted area.

7. September 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other
shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets
from the bedding department.

8. September 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began
crying and screamed, "Why can't you people just leave me alone?"

9. October 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a
mirror while he picked his nose.

10. November 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked
the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11. December 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly
humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.

12. December 6: In the auto department, he practiced his "Madonna
look"by using different sizes of funnels.

13. December 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed
through,yelled "PICK ME! PICK ME!"

14. December 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he
assumed a fetal position and screamed "OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!"

And last, but not least...

15. December 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile,
then yelled very loudly, "Hey! There's no toilet paper in here!"

Regards,
Wal-Mart

Training Plan

Hey there! The last week of recovery is going well. Next week I'll ramp up the miles, but no speedwork until the week after.

Anyway some of you have asked what training plan I use. It's Runner's World online's Your Ultimate Marathon Training Plan. There is a beginner, intermediate and advanced plan and I use the advanced one. I've studied the popular plans out there and I like this one because it's like a combination of all the others. If you follow it pretty precisely, you'll get your mid-week medium long runs in, lots of speedwork, hill work and your regular long runs. There are 2 days complete rest and a couple easy running days as well.

If you're looking for higher mileage, this plan only peaks out at 57-60 mpw. For me, that works. I've toyed with the idea of tweaking things a bit to get up to 70 mpw during the peak phase, but I don't know if my other obligations would allow that. I'll see how it goes.

Still Runnin' Easy

Just a quick "hi." Ran an easy 30 minutes yesterday and an easy 20 minutes today. This is the last week of the "short, slow, easy" runs. I pick the mileage up again next week and will maintain about 40 mpw until the end of the month, then I start marathon training on Jan. 1, 2008. I actually cannot wait!

Baby's 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday little guy! You are loved!
Thanks for your endless hugs and kisses. God be with you always, baby.
He turned 2 yesterday and we celebrated today.

More CIM Pictures

These pics were taken by Jill, also known as "Racemomqt" on the Runner's World Forums. Thanks Jill and Steve (aka Racetraining) for sharing!

Great shot of Steve on the left, working his way through runners.


Close to the finish.


Working toward the last 10K.


The home stretch.


Just about to cross the finish...see the leaf falling in front of me? So cool! I was sooooo happy to be there.


Steve giving me a quick race report. He ran a PR of 2:55!


Thanks Racetraining for all your help through the last year!

CIM Race Pics

Here's the link to the race photos. My bib is 2760.
Fun times!
http://www.sportphoto.com/Event.aspx?EventID=33

More Recovery

Hi there. I ran yesterday, okay, jogged. :) I took the dog for a 20 minute run. Covered 2 miles. My IT band felt a little sore up higher in the hip/glute area, my right piriformis was feeling sore, and my groin muscles were sore. Wow. That marathon really did put a good hurt on my bod. Just minor aches that indicated I NEED to recover properly and EASE back into the running. I will do another 20 minutes easy tomorrow, take Saturday off and then run 30 minutes easy on Sunday. From there, the mileage increases slowly but there is still no speed workouts for at least another week. I'm fine with that!

Recovery

Thanks to everybody who read and commented on the race report. My body feels pretty normal, legs are a teeny bit sore but mostly fine. I might do a very easy, very slow 20 minute run today with the dog. Or I might do it tomorrow.

I think I'm going stir crazy though. Last year we all went to Disneyland after the marathon. This year we're home... I guess it's time to focus on other things for a while (like house cleaning, for one).

As soon as the race pics come up on the CIM website, I'll post them (if they don't completely suck). I hope you're all enjoying these days leading into the holidays. Make them special. I'm going to try!

A Few CIM Related Pics

This is Catra, the Dirt Diva. She's every bit as sweet as I thought she'd be. In just the few minutes I talked with her, it became obvious that she is a kind soul with a strong spirit. And she's beautiful! So nice to meet you, Catra!


If you click on the image and look toward the left, you'll see me in the white tank w/ the word GO GB on the front. This was a pic of last year's CIM in this year's 25th Anniversary Program/History Book.







The finisher's medal is HUGE and it's also a coaster! Very practical. Where's my beer? ;)

25th Annual California International Marathon - Race Report

What a race!
Just a shout out to Catra (Dirt Diva), Steve (Racetraining) and Jill (racemomqt), Eva (Makita), and Bill (Westside). It was so nice to meet you this weekend. What a cool thing to finally put faces to names. :)

I went into this weekend feeling healthy, with slight sniffles that never turned into a full blown cold, no injuries or nagging pain anywhere. I felt “on.”

I drank 80 ounces of water everyday from Thursday morning until Saturday at bedtime. I ate so many carbs that I don’t want to eat any pasta, sports drink, sports nutrition bars, bagels, pretzels, etc. for months. Give me steak and lots of wine and beer.

I went to bed at 9:30 the night before the race and tossed and turned until about 10:30, but then slept well until I woke up. The night before that, I slept crappy. Anyway, I woke up at 4:05 a.m. on race morning. Choked down 2 instant oatmeal packets and a toaster sized bagel with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. I drank about 32 ounces of water here and there with the food. I felt FULL.

My body got itself ready for the race (if you know what I mean). After the “cleanse” I drank about a half cup of regular black coffee (I usually drink decaf).

Got dropped off at the starting area about 45 minutes before the race started. Literally stood in line for the port-o-potty for 30 minutes, until 6:45. Jogged around for about 5 minutes and then got into the crowd at about 6:55. Race started promptly at 7, and my brother and I crossed the start line about 10 seconds after the gun. He and his wife ran the relay and the both got new half marathon PRs in the process..

The rolling hills felt more challenging for me today then they had been in the past. They didn’t burn my legs, but I could feel my IT band and old piriformis issues rear their ugly heads. And just like last year, I was so happy to be DONE with the rollers. But anytime a little roller popped up after the halfway point, I’d silently curse at it.

I was a little worried in the first 6-7 miles when all they had at the aid stations was water. I know how badly I cramp without those electrolytes and I needed sports drink early on. Oh well, I drank water at almost every station and whenever they had sports drink I would take that instead. I used 4 GU gels along the course (miles 8, 14, 18, 22).

I found the 3:20 pace group at mile 1. They started about 1 minute behind the gun. It was a BIG group. The leader was kind of off pace (we needed 7:38/mile) for most of the race. As soon as he'd get on pace, he'd stay there for maybe one mile and then it seemed like he'd speed up. I looked at my Garmin several times and wondered, “Why is he running a 7:15 pace when we only require a 7:38?” It was frustrating. You'll see the randomness of my splits later in the report.

I spent most of the last half trying to catch up to him and the group after all the water stops, and then they pulled away slightly. I ran behind them by about 45 seconds to a minute from about mile 16 to mile 23. I could see them fine, I just couldn’t speed up enough to catch them. Those miles were tough on me mentally and physically. This was the time that I had to pull from my resources and dig in. I thought about Ray and Sugar from the Runner’s World Forum and the kind words they sent me before the race. Ray is an amazing runner and always inspires me to train hard and smart.

I thought about Cody quite a bit too. He’s the son of another forumite, Deck Ape (aka Mickey). Cody is fighting another battle with cancer and he’s only 4. That’s just not right. I thought about my training partners, Cheryl, Ali and Kim and knew they were out on the course feeling the rough spots too. I also thought about all the hard training that I put in this season, and knew I could handle the discomfort my body was feeling. Lastly I thought about the “prediction” thread my Masters Forum friends had started, and I WANTED to beat my 3:20 goal BADLY!

While lost in thought and “pain,” I noticed that the 3:20 pace group fell apart at about mile 23. People were dropping behind like crazy. But I was feeling okay, not great, but not bad.

I passed a lot of the runners in that group between then, and the finish. The pace group leader finally slowed down to finish at the 3:20 pace (I don’t know if they get in trouble if they finish faster, but he had to slow down a lot). None of the runners in the group were with him at mile 25 when I passed him. Even though a lot of them dropped behind, I’m sure a lot of them sped up and took off.

I felt dizzy a few times in the last 6.2 miles (at one point I thought I was going to faint). I also got a ton of calf cramps (the ones that MAKE you wince in pain because they lock up the calf muscle in debilitating ways). I also felt waves of nausea here and there. Not a good feeling. But every time a challenge arose I prayed and prayed, actually begged God to make the pain or discomfort go away. And amazingly enough, it did go away!

I don’t know if the prayer was a distraction or a way of keeping hope alive, but I meant it, and it certainly helped! A wonderful thing happened in the last couple of miles. The leaves were falling on our heads like snow flakes. There were so many and it was absolutely breathtaking. Just a little reminder that there's so much going on around me, and to not get lost in my own world!

I saw my husband and 2 year-old at mile 26. I actually got to high five my husband on the way to the finish.

I felt strong as I finished. As I rounded the final bend, I saw the clock overhead and it said 3:19 something. I knew I could break 3:20 if I hauled booty. Surprisingly I was able to pick it up in the last straightaway. When I crossed, I got all teary eyed. What a sap!

My splits were:
7:46
7:36
7:31
7:48
7:22

7:38
7:24
7:50
7:30
7:30

7:40
7:36
7:31
(My Garmin said 1:38:48 at Mile 13)
7:39
7:33

7:24
7:31
7:34
7:21
7:23

7:32
7:34
7:32
7:41
7:35

7:42
2:48 (The last .2 was at about a 6:52 pace).

The official results are 3:19:44, with an avg. overall pace of 7:37/mile.

I’m ECSTATIC! But exhausted. Time for bed. Thanks for reading!!!