As I watch the numbers next to the dollar sign - horrrified, by the way - go by faster and faster I notice that the numbers next to "gallons" is taking its sweet, precious time. 'Try and keep up', I think to myself. This is what's wrong with the world today - no drive, no initiative. I remember a day when the number of gallons strived to have the 1/10th cent number look like a constant 8. Now I can only watch in agony as it sluggishly and painfully counts up.
CLUNK!
The pump handle jumps abrubtly to it's starting position. Inspecting the numbers on the display, I note my current amount due as $51.97. Oh, so close - yet, this is unacceptable. I rub my hands together in preparation of coaxing that last three cents of gasoline out of the pump.
Steady, steady...ever so gently a grasp the pump handle. Using a slow, calculated grip I squeeze the handle slightly to acheive a brief spurt - a task I have successfully accomplished on a number of occasions. The pump opens for only half a second, letting that 3 cent breath into my gas tank.
Content with the maneuver, I moved my eyes again to the display to inspect and confirm my $52.00 even charge. To my utter dismay, almost as if to smirk at me, the display before me reads $52.03. How could the science of the couple-of-cent gas spurt have failed me so horribly? With a full gas tank, there was no way to reach that so desired .00 goal.
Forget the pain to my pocketbook, how is an obsessive-compulsive, perfectionist like myself supposed to cope in these economic times? I am truly scarred. It's going to be a tough day...
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday, June 3, 2007
2007 San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon
Alarm Set: 3:30am
Gun Time: 6:35am
Total Time: 4 hours, 58 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop in 8oz. Rice Milk and 3 strawberries) at 5:30am, 1 scoop EAS Catapult Pre-Race Energy Fuel at 6:20am, and a total of 5 hammergels - 1st @ 1:00, 2nd @ 1:50, 3rd @ 2:45, 4th @ 3:30, and the 5th @ 4:25
Distance: 26.2 miles - there's a really cool map here.
And there we have it, folks, the conclusion to this 5 month adventure. First, the highlights:
*I never saw a mile 2 marker, I was so overwhelmed with seeing Joy at mile 18 that I forgot to hit the lap button on my watch, and I was apparently so delerious around miles 21 and 22 that I didn't even bother
**I had to wait in line for almost 10 minutes to use the bathroom
I ran hard and I ran long, and after a swift and successful cross of the finish line I joined my friends at the victory party. I remember walking up to Nicole, giving her a hug, and telling her just how great I feel. "I have so much energy," I said, "I guess this means I should have pushed myself a little harder during the race..."
...and then my alarm went off. That's right, it was 3:30am on Sunday morning - marathon day, and despite the fact that my brain was trying to convince me that I had already completed the race, this day had just begun. The night before, I had set out my clothes - my shorts, my bright purple Team in Training jersey, socks...everything down to the ponytail holder I was going to wear that day. I got dressed, tucked my Hammergel packets into my waistband, and headed down to the lobby to check in and meet up with the team. That morning Jeff, one of our run coaches, asked me if I was ready - I answered, "I think so," to which he replied, "Well, I know so." I knew a positive attitude was going to drive me a great distance, but I was practically psyching myself out with all the nervousness and anxiety I felt.
We got on the bus at 4:45, and at 5am we arrived at Balboa Park where a sea of people began to gather at the start line. At first there were hundreds, quickly to thousands, and within a blink tens of thousands of people crowded the park and began lining up in the street to begin their race. Hundreds of port-o-potties lined the part, and every one had a 10-15 minute line to stand in before the race started. This was the beginning of one of the longest days of my life - I knew it was going to be long as I watched the time tick by slowly in anticipation of the sound of that starting gunshot.
At 6:20 I gulped down the Catapult and made my way into corrall 13, which was assigned to me based on my estimated finish time of 4:30. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with the reality of the situation - this was the day I had been anticipating for 5 months. It was here, and I began to sob. At that moment a woman sang the national anthem over the P.A., and I cried and prayed through the whole thing. With a good anxiety-releasing cry, I was refreshed, focused and ready to get this show on the road. At 6:35 I heard the gun shot, and less than five minutes later I was crossing the start line.
The first few miles encompassed everything others had told me about the spirit of a marathon. This marathon, in particular, had a unique spirit as there were 26 bands along the course. The first band was right before the first mile marker, and everyone's energy was so high - it was a fabulous sight. I felt good, but found myself really swept away by the crowd and not even able to focus much on what I was doing. It was so crowded I could hardly get up a good pace! In fact, it remained crowded the entire 26.2 miles of the race. I was amazed that it never really let up!
There were 20,000 people who ran the marathon, and 20% were Team in Training teammates from all over the country. It was an amazing sea of purple, and I was proud to be a part of it. Many of these teammates had names written on their skin or on their jerseys - sometimes even photos - of who they are running for. One quote, in particular, struck me very deeply - "I would run 100,000 miles to spend one day with my mom". I thought of my mom, and I realized that this woman - who, by the way, was clearly younger than I - had been deprived of such a blessing in her adult life. I only saw the back of her jersey - I wish I had seen her face or asked her name, but I had no idea then just how inspirational those words would be to me during the moments when I really wanted to give up.
Before the race, a teammate of mine asked me if I'd dedicated certain miles to people who have faced a blood cancer. I certainly had people in my thoughts that I wanted to run for - my friend Joy, Scott's mom and my friend Donna, Donna's friend Cynthia, my aunt Nancy, plus a whole slew of teammates and their family members - but I hadn't stopped and dedicated specific miles to them. During the first mile of the race, I mapped out miles in my head. I knew mile 18 would be tough, so I told myself I'd run that one for Joy. Mile 21, I thought, would be tougher still (I was right), so I dedicated that one to Donna. My team had dedicated mile 15 to Cynthia, and I would run mile 16 for my friend and teammate, Mike and mile 22 for his late brother James. I kept Nancy and other names in my head to use as motivation throughout all the tough times.
At mile 10, there was a good hill that kicked my butt way more than I thought it was. I was feeling pretty good, but still waiting for the fast kick that I felt during most of the long runs. I'm not sure I ever got that "kick", since things started to go downhill fast at mile 15. Actually, I think knowing which mile I was on and anticipating the milemarkers worked against me. The miles seem shorter when I calculate them after the run - but knowing exactly where I was was really hard to swallow at times.
Along the way I looked up anxiously at the sidelines for any sign of someone I knew. I was hoping to see Scott, but with his broken ankle I knew it would be difficult for him to get around. A friend of mine mentioned that he would try to come out and give me some kudos during the later miles, but he couldn't make it out either. As I approached mile 18, I knew that the tough time was just beginning, and I begin to sink back a little in my pace and my thoughts turned to anxiety about finishing the race. It was mile 18, though, and I tried dominating my thoughts with Joy and the ordeal she faced shen she battled Hodgkin Lymphoma. Like an angel, right at that momen, I heard my name called out and there she was - Joy was all smiles running up along side me and running with me for a short time. It was tremendous, and I know that mile would have been so much more challenging had she not been there!
Miles 21-24 were really tough. It was all I could do to keep my legs moving, let alone running. At one point I actually had to stop - I tried to stretch my legs but my right quad cramped up on me. That hurt more than running, so I had to keep going. Words cannot describe the agony. Look, I don't mean to be negative here, but it was not a pretty sight! I was hurting! I ran through all the reasons I was out there...for Joy, for Donna, who had her own battle with Malt Lymphoma a couple of years ago, Donna's friend Cynthia who died a couple of weeks ago...I can only imagine that what they went through was nothing compared to what I was experiencing. But it was really hard not to have those self-centered moments when everything just hurt and it was just so hard to move on. The miles got longer and longer and my body just got weaker and weaker. At one point I was still running, but I realized I could actually move faster if I walked. THANK GOD for coaches! One of our coaches, Anne, came out and ran with me - hooked me up with some salt, threw out some words of encouragement, then went off to help the next struggling teammate. I didn't get a chance to see her afterward - but I just want to tell her just how incredible that was! At a time when I would have otherwise walked, she kept me moving and even running. I can't imagine what it would have been like had I not had the support of the team!
At mile 24 I began to regain some of my focus. Don't get me wrong, I was still having a seriously difficult time, but I looked down at my watch and realized that I would have to push it for the last couple miles if I were going to meet my goal. All I could think about is how disappointed I would be if I crossed the finish line at like 5:02...I had to beat the five hour mark - so I picked I up a bit. Slowly, painfully, my pace increased just enough to get me there. I'll tell you, it was the last .2 miles that were the most torturous a the race!
But I crossed that finish line - with 2 minutes to spare - sobbed to myself just a little bit, and whined my way through the finish line stops including a cold mist shower, a cold towel, receiving my finisher's medal, getting my time chip removed, a photo stop, pick up of my goodie bac (including a free pair of sport sandals I'll probably never wear again), and wait in line for like 15 minutes to pick up the gear I had dropped off at the start line. After this maze I was supposed to go to the Team in Training tent to check in, then meet Scott at the family reunion area. I wandered around briefly (though it seemed like forever) trying to find both areas. Finally I spotted both and realized just how far away they were (probably only about a block away) and I just couldn't move any more. I plopped myself down in the shade, sent Scott a text message of where to meet me, and soaked in the experience. Later, after we reunited, I enjoyed my well-deserved free beer in the sun before loading the bus to go back to the hotel.
I guess that should be the end of my story. I have so much to say but I've already rambled on WAAAAAAY too long! It was quite an experience...unlike anything I have ever been through before. It was likely the most difficult thing I had ever gone through, but was so great for my self-discipline and learning perserverance!
Thanks to everyone who has followed me through this along the way...your support was felt on the course and so very much appreciated!!
Gun Time: 6:35am
Total Time: 4 hours, 58 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop in 8oz. Rice Milk and 3 strawberries) at 5:30am, 1 scoop EAS Catapult Pre-Race Energy Fuel at 6:20am, and a total of 5 hammergels - 1st @ 1:00, 2nd @ 1:50, 3rd @ 2:45, 4th @ 3:30, and the 5th @ 4:25
Distance: 26.2 miles - there's a really cool map here.
And there we have it, folks, the conclusion to this 5 month adventure. First, the highlights:
- I finished the race 2 minutes faster than my goal of 5 hours at 4 hours, 58 minutes
- I now have a much greater appreciation for my grandmother, who has a hard time getting around. I always wondered why she grunted every time she had to get up or sit down, and now I COMPLETELY understand!
- I cried at least 3 times during the race - not really a bad thing...some tears of joy, emotion overwhelm, and maybe one or two out of pain :-)
- During the first mile of the race I decided to dedicate mile 18 to my friend, Joy Clausen, who battled Hodkin Lymphoma in 2002. At the 18 mile marker, I was surprised to see Joy run up from the sidelines and she ran with me for 1/4 mile or so...she didn't even know that was her mile (and I didn't have the strength to tell her until afterward)!
- At mile two, I saw a fellow Team in Training teammate (from another chapter somewhere in the country, I can't remember) who had written on the back of her jersey "I would run 100,000 miles to spend one day with my mom". This quote would carry me through some of the toughest miles of the race.
- My toughest mile was 21. Yep, somewhere between 21 and 22 I began to curse myself fo putting my body through this. But I pressed on...
- My mantras for the race included "This is my run forever pace", "I run so that others may live", "No Pain", "I own this marathon, this marathon does not own me", and towards the end, I couldn't have done it without "Finish strong" and "This last mile is my bitch!"
- Oh, did I mention that I'm FREAKING SORE?? Everything - my legs, my back...heck, even my right arm went numb towards the finish line. I hurt...
| Mile # | Pace | Mile # | Pace |
| 1 | 11:25 | 14 | 10:22 |
| 2-3* | 20:51 | 15 | 10:41 |
| 4 | 9:59 | 16 | 12:00 |
| 5 | 9:26 | 17 | 12:20 |
| 6 | 9:45 | 18-19* | 21:47 |
| 7** | 17:04 | 20 | 12:33 |
| 8 | 10:01 | 21-22* | 27:09 |
| 9 | 10:00 | 23 | 14:46 |
| 10 | 11:15 | 24 | 11:53 |
| 11 | 9:06 | 25 | 11:54 |
| 12 | 10:45 | 26 | 10:34 |
| 13 | 9:57 | 26.2 | 2:21 |
*I never saw a mile 2 marker, I was so overwhelmed with seeing Joy at mile 18 that I forgot to hit the lap button on my watch, and I was apparently so delerious around miles 21 and 22 that I didn't even bother
**I had to wait in line for almost 10 minutes to use the bathroom
I ran hard and I ran long, and after a swift and successful cross of the finish line I joined my friends at the victory party. I remember walking up to Nicole, giving her a hug, and telling her just how great I feel. "I have so much energy," I said, "I guess this means I should have pushed myself a little harder during the race..."
...and then my alarm went off. That's right, it was 3:30am on Sunday morning - marathon day, and despite the fact that my brain was trying to convince me that I had already completed the race, this day had just begun. The night before, I had set out my clothes - my shorts, my bright purple Team in Training jersey, socks...everything down to the ponytail holder I was going to wear that day. I got dressed, tucked my Hammergel packets into my waistband, and headed down to the lobby to check in and meet up with the team. That morning Jeff, one of our run coaches, asked me if I was ready - I answered, "I think so," to which he replied, "Well, I know so." I knew a positive attitude was going to drive me a great distance, but I was practically psyching myself out with all the nervousness and anxiety I felt.
We got on the bus at 4:45, and at 5am we arrived at Balboa Park where a sea of people began to gather at the start line. At first there were hundreds, quickly to thousands, and within a blink tens of thousands of people crowded the park and began lining up in the street to begin their race. Hundreds of port-o-potties lined the part, and every one had a 10-15 minute line to stand in before the race started. This was the beginning of one of the longest days of my life - I knew it was going to be long as I watched the time tick by slowly in anticipation of the sound of that starting gunshot.
At 6:20 I gulped down the Catapult and made my way into corrall 13, which was assigned to me based on my estimated finish time of 4:30. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with the reality of the situation - this was the day I had been anticipating for 5 months. It was here, and I began to sob. At that moment a woman sang the national anthem over the P.A., and I cried and prayed through the whole thing. With a good anxiety-releasing cry, I was refreshed, focused and ready to get this show on the road. At 6:35 I heard the gun shot, and less than five minutes later I was crossing the start line.
The first few miles encompassed everything others had told me about the spirit of a marathon. This marathon, in particular, had a unique spirit as there were 26 bands along the course. The first band was right before the first mile marker, and everyone's energy was so high - it was a fabulous sight. I felt good, but found myself really swept away by the crowd and not even able to focus much on what I was doing. It was so crowded I could hardly get up a good pace! In fact, it remained crowded the entire 26.2 miles of the race. I was amazed that it never really let up!
There were 20,000 people who ran the marathon, and 20% were Team in Training teammates from all over the country. It was an amazing sea of purple, and I was proud to be a part of it. Many of these teammates had names written on their skin or on their jerseys - sometimes even photos - of who they are running for. One quote, in particular, struck me very deeply - "I would run 100,000 miles to spend one day with my mom". I thought of my mom, and I realized that this woman - who, by the way, was clearly younger than I - had been deprived of such a blessing in her adult life. I only saw the back of her jersey - I wish I had seen her face or asked her name, but I had no idea then just how inspirational those words would be to me during the moments when I really wanted to give up.
Before the race, a teammate of mine asked me if I'd dedicated certain miles to people who have faced a blood cancer. I certainly had people in my thoughts that I wanted to run for - my friend Joy, Scott's mom and my friend Donna, Donna's friend Cynthia, my aunt Nancy, plus a whole slew of teammates and their family members - but I hadn't stopped and dedicated specific miles to them. During the first mile of the race, I mapped out miles in my head. I knew mile 18 would be tough, so I told myself I'd run that one for Joy. Mile 21, I thought, would be tougher still (I was right), so I dedicated that one to Donna. My team had dedicated mile 15 to Cynthia, and I would run mile 16 for my friend and teammate, Mike and mile 22 for his late brother James. I kept Nancy and other names in my head to use as motivation throughout all the tough times.
At mile 10, there was a good hill that kicked my butt way more than I thought it was. I was feeling pretty good, but still waiting for the fast kick that I felt during most of the long runs. I'm not sure I ever got that "kick", since things started to go downhill fast at mile 15. Actually, I think knowing which mile I was on and anticipating the milemarkers worked against me. The miles seem shorter when I calculate them after the run - but knowing exactly where I was was really hard to swallow at times.
Along the way I looked up anxiously at the sidelines for any sign of someone I knew. I was hoping to see Scott, but with his broken ankle I knew it would be difficult for him to get around. A friend of mine mentioned that he would try to come out and give me some kudos during the later miles, but he couldn't make it out either. As I approached mile 18, I knew that the tough time was just beginning, and I begin to sink back a little in my pace and my thoughts turned to anxiety about finishing the race. It was mile 18, though, and I tried dominating my thoughts with Joy and the ordeal she faced shen she battled Hodgkin Lymphoma. Like an angel, right at that momen, I heard my name called out and there she was - Joy was all smiles running up along side me and running with me for a short time. It was tremendous, and I know that mile would have been so much more challenging had she not been there!
Miles 21-24 were really tough. It was all I could do to keep my legs moving, let alone running. At one point I actually had to stop - I tried to stretch my legs but my right quad cramped up on me. That hurt more than running, so I had to keep going. Words cannot describe the agony. Look, I don't mean to be negative here, but it was not a pretty sight! I was hurting! I ran through all the reasons I was out there...for Joy, for Donna, who had her own battle with Malt Lymphoma a couple of years ago, Donna's friend Cynthia who died a couple of weeks ago...I can only imagine that what they went through was nothing compared to what I was experiencing. But it was really hard not to have those self-centered moments when everything just hurt and it was just so hard to move on. The miles got longer and longer and my body just got weaker and weaker. At one point I was still running, but I realized I could actually move faster if I walked. THANK GOD for coaches! One of our coaches, Anne, came out and ran with me - hooked me up with some salt, threw out some words of encouragement, then went off to help the next struggling teammate. I didn't get a chance to see her afterward - but I just want to tell her just how incredible that was! At a time when I would have otherwise walked, she kept me moving and even running. I can't imagine what it would have been like had I not had the support of the team!
At mile 24 I began to regain some of my focus. Don't get me wrong, I was still having a seriously difficult time, but I looked down at my watch and realized that I would have to push it for the last couple miles if I were going to meet my goal. All I could think about is how disappointed I would be if I crossed the finish line at like 5:02...I had to beat the five hour mark - so I picked I up a bit. Slowly, painfully, my pace increased just enough to get me there. I'll tell you, it was the last .2 miles that were the most torturous a the race!
But I crossed that finish line - with 2 minutes to spare - sobbed to myself just a little bit, and whined my way through the finish line stops including a cold mist shower, a cold towel, receiving my finisher's medal, getting my time chip removed, a photo stop, pick up of my goodie bac (including a free pair of sport sandals I'll probably never wear again), and wait in line for like 15 minutes to pick up the gear I had dropped off at the start line. After this maze I was supposed to go to the Team in Training tent to check in, then meet Scott at the family reunion area. I wandered around briefly (though it seemed like forever) trying to find both areas. Finally I spotted both and realized just how far away they were (probably only about a block away) and I just couldn't move any more. I plopped myself down in the shade, sent Scott a text message of where to meet me, and soaked in the experience. Later, after we reunited, I enjoyed my well-deserved free beer in the sun before loading the bus to go back to the hotel.
I guess that should be the end of my story. I have so much to say but I've already rambled on WAAAAAAY too long! It was quite an experience...unlike anything I have ever been through before. It was likely the most difficult thing I had ever gone through, but was so great for my self-discipline and learning perserverance!
Thanks to everyone who has followed me through this along the way...your support was felt on the course and so very much appreciated!!
Friday, June 1, 2007
Team in Training Article
Hey, this is my team! Mike keeps me motivated since he runs a little faster than me.
View Article
These are the little things that keep me going. I'm sad that it's almost over :-(.
View Article
These are the little things that keep me going. I'm sad that it's almost over :-(.
Two Days and Counting...
The San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon offers Live Marathon Data on their web site. This year, you can follow my progress on race day with LiveResults. My time will be recorded at the 10k, half marathon, 21 mile mark and at the finish line. If you want to keep track of me on race day, you can go to www.rnrmarathon.com at any time during the race and look for me, Jaimi Kercher. The race starts at 6:30am on Sunday, 6/3 and I expect to be crossing the finish line some time between 10:30 and 11:00am.
...I'm nervous. I'm a lot of things, but nervous definitely tops the list. "Stay stress free this week," they say. How does someone who's never run a marathon before stay sress free the week before it goes down?? Add to that a stressful week and work and otherwise - Let's just say I'm just trying to do my best the take care of myself. Last night I went to bed early but couldn't sleep - I feel like I'm coming down with a head cold. Good stuff, huh? Anyway, when I finally did sleep I dreamt all night of the race. In my dream I forgot all my nutritional supplements - the Catapult (or "crack" as I like to call it), my protein shake, and my HammerGels. When the race finally started, it ended up being some kind of scavenger hunt in Las Vegas - I was frustrated because I couldn't find a place to park without having to pay for it.
Lucky for everyone, I don't remember any more details of my dream, but I just wanted to document how this feels. It's an interesting mixture of anxiety, excitement, and nervous anticipation that I don't think I've ever felt before. I know it's going to be a tremendous experience - I am just so attached to its success that the thought of failure inevitably looms.
Oh and by the way, sorry if you were expecting a training entry here - Tuesday was my last training before the big day. I could have done a little something Wednesday and Thursday, but right now I'm focusing on trying to stay stress-free (and frankly the thought of trying to fit training into my schedule this week is stressing me out!)
I guess I'll talk to y'all on race day. Send your mental kudos my way...I need all the help I can get!!
...I'm nervous. I'm a lot of things, but nervous definitely tops the list. "Stay stress free this week," they say. How does someone who's never run a marathon before stay sress free the week before it goes down?? Add to that a stressful week and work and otherwise - Let's just say I'm just trying to do my best the take care of myself. Last night I went to bed early but couldn't sleep - I feel like I'm coming down with a head cold. Good stuff, huh? Anyway, when I finally did sleep I dreamt all night of the race. In my dream I forgot all my nutritional supplements - the Catapult (or "crack" as I like to call it), my protein shake, and my HammerGels. When the race finally started, it ended up being some kind of scavenger hunt in Las Vegas - I was frustrated because I couldn't find a place to park without having to pay for it.
Lucky for everyone, I don't remember any more details of my dream, but I just wanted to document how this feels. It's an interesting mixture of anxiety, excitement, and nervous anticipation that I don't think I've ever felt before. I know it's going to be a tremendous experience - I am just so attached to its success that the thought of failure inevitably looms.
Oh and by the way, sorry if you were expecting a training entry here - Tuesday was my last training before the big day. I could have done a little something Wednesday and Thursday, but right now I'm focusing on trying to stay stress-free (and frankly the thought of trying to fit training into my schedule this week is stressing me out!)
I guess I'll talk to y'all on race day. Send your mental kudos my way...I need all the help I can get!!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Last Track Training :-( - Santa Barbara City College
Time: 6:00pm
Distance: Approx 4 miles total
I'm so sad that this is my last week of blogging about my marathon training. What am I ever going to do with all the free time next week? (O.K., if you know me, you know that's a hilarious questions...I ALWAYS have too much to do!) Seriously, I'm soaking in all I can this week. I've really enjoyed the motivation, commradery, and discipline of the scheduled trainings. I'm really bummed that it's almost over!
I did well tonight - still limping during the entire warm up (even noted by Dr. Nicole as she ran past me at her lightning warm up pace), but I was pretty much good to go after the stretch. We were targeting about 2:18 per lap, and had to work pretty hard at it because it actually felt pretty slow. What a great accomplishment - to have to work hard to be slower! I never imagined it was possible.
I didn't stretch long enough afterward, so I had to spend a little more quality time with the foam roller. Same story as of late - my right hip and the inside of my right knee are feeling a little bothered - but I have the confidence this week that Sunday's marathon will be a complete success and I'm really looking forward to it. In fact, I already don't want it to end (well...I'm sure I'll want the running part to end but I think the whole experience is going to be unlike any other!)
Only a couple more training days until Sunday. Will you miss me? Don't worry, there'll be plenty of random post-marathon (and unrelated) banter I'm sure.
- 4 laps warm up
- Stretch
- 2 x 1600 (1 mile @ marathon pace, cool down lap, 2nd mile @ marathon pace)
- Stretch
Distance: Approx 4 miles total
I'm so sad that this is my last week of blogging about my marathon training. What am I ever going to do with all the free time next week? (O.K., if you know me, you know that's a hilarious questions...I ALWAYS have too much to do!) Seriously, I'm soaking in all I can this week. I've really enjoyed the motivation, commradery, and discipline of the scheduled trainings. I'm really bummed that it's almost over!
I did well tonight - still limping during the entire warm up (even noted by Dr. Nicole as she ran past me at her lightning warm up pace), but I was pretty much good to go after the stretch. We were targeting about 2:18 per lap, and had to work pretty hard at it because it actually felt pretty slow. What a great accomplishment - to have to work hard to be slower! I never imagined it was possible.
I didn't stretch long enough afterward, so I had to spend a little more quality time with the foam roller. Same story as of late - my right hip and the inside of my right knee are feeling a little bothered - but I have the confidence this week that Sunday's marathon will be a complete success and I'm really looking forward to it. In fact, I already don't want it to end (well...I'm sure I'll want the running part to end but I think the whole experience is going to be unlike any other!)
Only a couple more training days until Sunday. Will you miss me? Don't worry, there'll be plenty of random post-marathon (and unrelated) banter I'm sure.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Run - Home to Calle Ceasar Chaves and Back
Time: 11:00am, approx. 30 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended in 8oz. of rice milk) @ 5:45pm.
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
After a successful run on Saturday (and by successful I mean I could actually run without much pain at a decent pace), I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the shock of pain from my right hip and knee when I landed my first stride out. I stretched for a good 10-15 minutes and out the gate I was limping down the street...you could say I was off to a bad start.
BUT...it was short lived :-). I remembered the stretching, but my newfound appreciation of the warm up somehow slipped my mind for this run. It only took about 5 minutes until I was feeling normal again, able to run with smooth strides and without too much pain. In the past couple of weeks, warm up has taken me up to 20-30 minutes, so this 5-minute window was a great sign.
I felt good, though I am taking it easy. I didn't push myself too hard, I actually held myself back a bit. I want to keep this week at a light jog so as to not screw anything up before the marathon on Sunday.I have to admit - the past couple weeks I have been really nervous about the marathon. I'm feeling more and more confident every day that I can do this thing, and I'm really looking forward to it. (Not looking forward to waking up at 4am, however...)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Long Run - Leadbetter Past the Bird Refuge & Back
Time: 7:15am, approx. 1 hour, 8 minutes (pre-run warm up: bike for 10 minutes)
Meal: 1/3 serving Myoplex shake blended in 8 oz. of rice milk@ 6:30am. EAS Catapult Pre-Race Energy Fuel @ 7:00am.
Distance: Approx. 7 miles (View Map)
Back on my feet again after a few days off from training, and I feel pretty good. Today was a 'take it easy' run - the last long training before the marathon next Sunday. I was nervous going into it since my left leg still hasn't fully recovered from the 19.5 mile run 2 weeks ago. Although I could feel that it was tight (it feels like my left leg is much bigger and heaver than my right), I was able to avoid the popping in my hip and the surging pain on the inside of my knee. I am not sure how much of that I can thank the EAS Catapult for, but I have a feeling its contributing quite a bit to slowing down my muscle fatigue. That will be great on race day...but interesting after about 2 1/2 - 3 hours when it starts to wear off!
I really, honestly was taking it easy today, and I clocked in at well under 10 minutes per mile (about 9:24 not including one potty break, 9:51 including it). That maintains my hope that I'll finish the marathon much quicker than my drop dead time goal of 5 hours. If I can come in under 4:30 in my marathon time I will be absolutely thrilled!
For now, I'm sitting here icing my hip and the inside of my right knee before I hit the shower and go into work. My greatest task this week will be to keep my stress levels down, which includes eating right, sleeping well, and not letting the little things get to me. Hopefully playing catch up at work this weekend will help to ease the pressure.
Oh, and by the way, we had an extremely successful art show/fundraiser on Thursday! I sold two photos off the wall, and had a couple of inquiries regarding different sizes, options, etc. No including what Drs. Neal and Nicole collected at the door, my photos raised over $200 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
Meal: 1/3 serving Myoplex shake blended in 8 oz. of rice milk@ 6:30am. EAS Catapult Pre-Race Energy Fuel @ 7:00am.
Distance: Approx. 7 miles (View Map)
Back on my feet again after a few days off from training, and I feel pretty good. Today was a 'take it easy' run - the last long training before the marathon next Sunday. I was nervous going into it since my left leg still hasn't fully recovered from the 19.5 mile run 2 weeks ago. Although I could feel that it was tight (it feels like my left leg is much bigger and heaver than my right), I was able to avoid the popping in my hip and the surging pain on the inside of my knee. I am not sure how much of that I can thank the EAS Catapult for, but I have a feeling its contributing quite a bit to slowing down my muscle fatigue. That will be great on race day...but interesting after about 2 1/2 - 3 hours when it starts to wear off!
I really, honestly was taking it easy today, and I clocked in at well under 10 minutes per mile (about 9:24 not including one potty break, 9:51 including it). That maintains my hope that I'll finish the marathon much quicker than my drop dead time goal of 5 hours. If I can come in under 4:30 in my marathon time I will be absolutely thrilled!
For now, I'm sitting here icing my hip and the inside of my right knee before I hit the shower and go into work. My greatest task this week will be to keep my stress levels down, which includes eating right, sleeping well, and not letting the little things get to me. Hopefully playing catch up at work this weekend will help to ease the pressure.
Oh, and by the way, we had an extremely successful art show/fundraiser on Thursday! I sold two photos off the wall, and had a couple of inquiries regarding different sizes, options, etc. No including what Drs. Neal and Nicole collected at the door, my photos raised over $200 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Track Training - Santa Barbara City College
Time: 6:00pm
Meal: 3/4 Clif bar & a bottle of Gatorade at 5:45pm
Distance: Approx 2 1/2 miles
Still having problems with the hip today, I decided to call it a night after the first half of practice. I can gladly report that I felt slightly better than I did yesterday (the first half of practice required some brief sprinting which I surprisingly had very little trouble with), but I could still feel my hip injury being disrupted, which I knew would end up with more pain later on. The good news is that I got a few laps in to help curb the looming anxiety I feel today.
More on that - anyone who knows me understands that I have a tendency to overcommit. Okay, the word "tendency" maybe doesn't describe the problem..."addiction" is probably a better word :-). In all seriousness, there's something about having a dozen things to do that makes me somehow feel as though I'm doing something important...or at the very least keeps me so busy that I don't have time to spend on some other areas of my life that maybe I'm afraid to face or deal with. This is not deep personal stuff here...I think we all have those areas of our lives that we don't feel too excited about looking at and I'm just explaining what I've found to be my mechanism for avoiding that confrontation.
What does this have to do with my training, you ask? Well, I'm glad you did, because I've actually found the experience to be quite insightful. See, whereas several months ago I would have solved my overcommitment problem with an all-nighter or two - my body is just not letting me get away with any of that crap now. If I don't get sleep, I feel it in every inch of my body and it's punishment worse than a hangover. When I don't eat right (something I have to admit I am not doing well with right now), things start shutting down and it is effecting me on so many levels. I've actually been feeling as though my body is sort of a separate entity lately...holding me accountable for what I'm doing to it. I need that...I hope it stays. I find myself commending my body for not letting me get away with treating it poorly.
All that being said, today was a tough day. Regardless of my commitment not to overcommit (makes me dizzy just thinking about it), I've gone and done it again. I really, really, really wanted to compile a new set of photographs for the upcoming show this Thursday, and I didn't give myself to face the god-honest truth that I just don't have the time, energy or money to throw at it right now. Nonetheless, I committed. The commitment was made the minute I sent out the flyer last week, and now I'm stuck with the task of delivering it. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally excited...but it's not coming without a price. Today I was on a short fuse. I felt overwhelmed with overwhelm, without patience and without a solid foundation on which to gather my thoughts to communicate in the way I intended. The worst part is that today was an offsite meeting with my company where we were working on...you got it...communication :-). I felt bad that I couldn't be fully present and that I couldn't focus or gather my thoughts. All this because I couldn't draw the line where it needed to be drawn. More and more hard learned lessons.
I determined that there was just no way I could do it all...something's gotta give. I knew I would be working this weekend (another looming commitment), so I got the approval to take tomorrow off. It's a huge load of my shoulders, but I shouldn't assume that it's going to be a piece of cake. I still have about 2 days worth of work to shove into one day, so focus is going to be important!
Meal: 3/4 Clif bar & a bottle of Gatorade at 5:45pm
Distance: Approx 2 1/2 miles
Still having problems with the hip today, I decided to call it a night after the first half of practice. I can gladly report that I felt slightly better than I did yesterday (the first half of practice required some brief sprinting which I surprisingly had very little trouble with), but I could still feel my hip injury being disrupted, which I knew would end up with more pain later on. The good news is that I got a few laps in to help curb the looming anxiety I feel today.
More on that - anyone who knows me understands that I have a tendency to overcommit. Okay, the word "tendency" maybe doesn't describe the problem..."addiction" is probably a better word :-). In all seriousness, there's something about having a dozen things to do that makes me somehow feel as though I'm doing something important...or at the very least keeps me so busy that I don't have time to spend on some other areas of my life that maybe I'm afraid to face or deal with. This is not deep personal stuff here...I think we all have those areas of our lives that we don't feel too excited about looking at and I'm just explaining what I've found to be my mechanism for avoiding that confrontation.
What does this have to do with my training, you ask? Well, I'm glad you did, because I've actually found the experience to be quite insightful. See, whereas several months ago I would have solved my overcommitment problem with an all-nighter or two - my body is just not letting me get away with any of that crap now. If I don't get sleep, I feel it in every inch of my body and it's punishment worse than a hangover. When I don't eat right (something I have to admit I am not doing well with right now), things start shutting down and it is effecting me on so many levels. I've actually been feeling as though my body is sort of a separate entity lately...holding me accountable for what I'm doing to it. I need that...I hope it stays. I find myself commending my body for not letting me get away with treating it poorly.
All that being said, today was a tough day. Regardless of my commitment not to overcommit (makes me dizzy just thinking about it), I've gone and done it again. I really, really, really wanted to compile a new set of photographs for the upcoming show this Thursday, and I didn't give myself to face the god-honest truth that I just don't have the time, energy or money to throw at it right now. Nonetheless, I committed. The commitment was made the minute I sent out the flyer last week, and now I'm stuck with the task of delivering it. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally excited...but it's not coming without a price. Today I was on a short fuse. I felt overwhelmed with overwhelm, without patience and without a solid foundation on which to gather my thoughts to communicate in the way I intended. The worst part is that today was an offsite meeting with my company where we were working on...you got it...communication :-). I felt bad that I couldn't be fully present and that I couldn't focus or gather my thoughts. All this because I couldn't draw the line where it needed to be drawn. More and more hard learned lessons.
I determined that there was just no way I could do it all...something's gotta give. I knew I would be working this weekend (another looming commitment), so I got the approval to take tomorrow off. It's a huge load of my shoulders, but I shouldn't assume that it's going to be a piece of cake. I still have about 2 days worth of work to shove into one day, so focus is going to be important!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Run - Home Around Town & Downtown to Pick up my Truck
Time: 7:20am, approx 43 minutes
Meal: Myoplex Vanilla Shake (approx. 1 1/2 tablespoon in 8 oz. rice milk)
Distance: Approx 4 miles (Map)
Ugh...I'm off to a slow start this morning. Well...first a quick rewind. I opted against Saturday's 1 1/2 hour practice because I woke up in the middle of the night on Friday with all the action items on my to do list haunting me. My mind was going a million miles per minute and I just couldn't stop it. I barely slept all night...when my alarm went off at 6am I made the decision not to torture my body with a 10 mile run with little sleep. Plus, my mind was spinning for a reason...so there's two objectives (sleep and stress) that I'm having a hard time getting a handle on.
So back to this morning...my right leg is really tight. There was no real pain at first, just extreme tightness in my hip and a little on the inside of my thigh. It didn't take long (say 10 minutes or so) for my hip to start giving me trouble again. I struggled my way up the Loma Alta hill, (and down...which was worse in a way) - the whole time just not feeling confident in my stride. I didn't have the ability to trust my stride, I was too afraid that one wrong move would leave me wrenching with pain (for good reason, too...I got a glimpse of that pain every now and then as I tried shifting my stride to a more natural movement). It wasn't until Carillo & Castillo (3 miles), that I began to regain some sort of normalcy. Even then, the pain in my hip was present, only I finally felt like I was running like a normal human being (heels landing when requested, knees bending, and my body generally loose and free-flowing). I wasn't anywhere near the 9 minute mile pace I would have preferred to be at, but the point is that I completed the practice.
I'm sore this morning. Just like track last week flared up the pain, I'm wondering if running is really doing it any favors. All I can do is ice and roll and find the regime that works for me for now...
The marathon is now less than 2 weeks away. I'm excited...just trying not to psych myself out. I'm still feeling overwhelmed by way too much stuff to do...and it didn't help that I felt so sick yesterday!
Meal: Myoplex Vanilla Shake (approx. 1 1/2 tablespoon in 8 oz. rice milk)
Distance: Approx 4 miles (Map)
Ugh...I'm off to a slow start this morning. Well...first a quick rewind. I opted against Saturday's 1 1/2 hour practice because I woke up in the middle of the night on Friday with all the action items on my to do list haunting me. My mind was going a million miles per minute and I just couldn't stop it. I barely slept all night...when my alarm went off at 6am I made the decision not to torture my body with a 10 mile run with little sleep. Plus, my mind was spinning for a reason...so there's two objectives (sleep and stress) that I'm having a hard time getting a handle on.
So back to this morning...my right leg is really tight. There was no real pain at first, just extreme tightness in my hip and a little on the inside of my thigh. It didn't take long (say 10 minutes or so) for my hip to start giving me trouble again. I struggled my way up the Loma Alta hill, (and down...which was worse in a way) - the whole time just not feeling confident in my stride. I didn't have the ability to trust my stride, I was too afraid that one wrong move would leave me wrenching with pain (for good reason, too...I got a glimpse of that pain every now and then as I tried shifting my stride to a more natural movement). It wasn't until Carillo & Castillo (3 miles), that I began to regain some sort of normalcy. Even then, the pain in my hip was present, only I finally felt like I was running like a normal human being (heels landing when requested, knees bending, and my body generally loose and free-flowing). I wasn't anywhere near the 9 minute mile pace I would have preferred to be at, but the point is that I completed the practice.
I'm sore this morning. Just like track last week flared up the pain, I'm wondering if running is really doing it any favors. All I can do is ice and roll and find the regime that works for me for now...
The marathon is now less than 2 weeks away. I'm excited...just trying not to psych myself out. I'm still feeling overwhelmed by way too much stuff to do...and it didn't help that I felt so sick yesterday!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Cross Training - Yoga at Spectrum Club
Time: 6:45pm, 1 hour 15 minutes
Meal: Nothing since lunch...forgot to eat my power bar again :-)
I look forward to Yoga for a number of reasons, but my current main objectives are stretching first and mind/body focus second. We're getting closer to closer to marathon D-Day, and it's important to me that I do whatever I need to do to ease my muscles (still aching from last Saturday's 19.5 miles), including keeping my stress levels low, eating right and getting enough sleep.
I've had a difficult time finding a yoga class I really like during this training...and tonight was no different. I think all the instructors I've encountered have been great in their own style, I just have yet to find one whose style fits my needs. It's partly my fault - since every instructor does things a little differently it can be awkward during a first class to get to know the flow of their style. However, I feel that most of the time the instructors are more focused on the fitness aspect of yoga, which is much lower on my priority list. Tonight, for example, the class was very fast paced, with a lot of poses presented with variations that I wasn't used to and didn't particularly care for. I tried to think of it as a unique opportunity to work on being present without judgement but I found it to be quite a struggle. The most frustrating part of the practice was the loud, fiesta-type music the instructor played. It wasn't necessarily fast paced but it definitely had a tempo that it appeared he was trying to incorporate into the class. Again, more on the fitness aspect when what I really need to work on is focus, quietness, and stretching.
The only yoga classes at Spectrum that I've ever really liked were downtown and I just can't make it there during the day since I work so far away (plus it's been about 1 1/2 years since I've gone so I'm sure instructors have changed). I'm seriously considering joining a yoga studio...but I'll wait until I've exhausted all the options at Spectrum before I start throwing more money around :-).
Oh, and how am I feeling? My hip still hurts, along with my knee. It's been 5 days since the run and I'm still limping slightly. Just like with the IT Band stuff and the Peroneals, I'm sure I'll nip this one in the bud...I just have to find the right combo of maintenance to apply.
Meal: Nothing since lunch...forgot to eat my power bar again :-)
I look forward to Yoga for a number of reasons, but my current main objectives are stretching first and mind/body focus second. We're getting closer to closer to marathon D-Day, and it's important to me that I do whatever I need to do to ease my muscles (still aching from last Saturday's 19.5 miles), including keeping my stress levels low, eating right and getting enough sleep.
I've had a difficult time finding a yoga class I really like during this training...and tonight was no different. I think all the instructors I've encountered have been great in their own style, I just have yet to find one whose style fits my needs. It's partly my fault - since every instructor does things a little differently it can be awkward during a first class to get to know the flow of their style. However, I feel that most of the time the instructors are more focused on the fitness aspect of yoga, which is much lower on my priority list. Tonight, for example, the class was very fast paced, with a lot of poses presented with variations that I wasn't used to and didn't particularly care for. I tried to think of it as a unique opportunity to work on being present without judgement but I found it to be quite a struggle. The most frustrating part of the practice was the loud, fiesta-type music the instructor played. It wasn't necessarily fast paced but it definitely had a tempo that it appeared he was trying to incorporate into the class. Again, more on the fitness aspect when what I really need to work on is focus, quietness, and stretching.
The only yoga classes at Spectrum that I've ever really liked were downtown and I just can't make it there during the day since I work so far away (plus it's been about 1 1/2 years since I've gone so I'm sure instructors have changed). I'm seriously considering joining a yoga studio...but I'll wait until I've exhausted all the options at Spectrum before I start throwing more money around :-).
Oh, and how am I feeling? My hip still hurts, along with my knee. It's been 5 days since the run and I'm still limping slightly. Just like with the IT Band stuff and the Peroneals, I'm sure I'll nip this one in the bud...I just have to find the right combo of maintenance to apply.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Cross Training - Bike at Spectrum Club
Time: 6:45pm, approx. 30 minutes (plus stretching)
Meal: Sandwich at 2pm (I forgot to eat my Clif Bar)
Well, not a whole lot of excitement to report here. I enjoyed a mellow, low impact ride and the opportunity to read my book (which, at this rate, is going to take me MONTHS to finish). My legs were happy and thanking me for giving them a little bit easier time. To be honest, biking felt even better than walking does these days!
It helped that Dr. Nicole spent some time working on my adductors. It HURTS when she presses it...kind of like a deep tissue massage, but afterwards I felt so much better and could actually walk without a limp for a couple of hours. My biggest enemy is sitting down for too long...kind of a problem when I'm a desk jockey!
Tomorrow is our long day at work, but hopefully I'll make it out in time to do a little Yoga. I think that will feel great!
Meal: Sandwich at 2pm (I forgot to eat my Clif Bar)
Well, not a whole lot of excitement to report here. I enjoyed a mellow, low impact ride and the opportunity to read my book (which, at this rate, is going to take me MONTHS to finish). My legs were happy and thanking me for giving them a little bit easier time. To be honest, biking felt even better than walking does these days!
It helped that Dr. Nicole spent some time working on my adductors. It HURTS when she presses it...kind of like a deep tissue massage, but afterwards I felt so much better and could actually walk without a limp for a couple of hours. My biggest enemy is sitting down for too long...kind of a problem when I'm a desk jockey!
Tomorrow is our long day at work, but hopefully I'll make it out in time to do a little Yoga. I think that will feel great!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Track Training, Santa Barbara City College
Time: 6pm, approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes
- 4-lap warm-up
- 2-laps strides
- 3 x 1600 (4 laps @ 2:20 - 2:30 each, 1 lap easy - repeat (3 x 1 miles @ 9:30 minutes each)
- 2-laps strides
- 2 laps cool-down
Total Distance: 5 1/2 miles
Yep, I almost quit today. I'm really trying not to complain because it's not like I have some sort of somethingal tendononious injury that I need to recover from. Plain and simple, my muscles hurt. No matter how much I stretch and no matter how warm I get, the pain just won't go away.
But I did it. I made a deal with my legs that if I made it through all of the track practice I'd stay off them until Saturday. That means nothing but the bike and a little Yoga for the next two days...I'll take it. I was sore all through practice and even more so afterwards. I laughed to myself that my legs were kind of like whiney kids...I felt like they took on a personality of their own, crying "are we there yet?" and "I don't wanna! Whaaaaaaa!" My little "deal" with them about not running again until Saturday was the same sort of compromise I'm sure parents have to make with their kids every day. "If you eat the rest of your brussel sprouts I'll let you stay up an extra half hour!" Too funny...
I'm looking forward to a mellower next couple of days.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Run - Downtown Santa Barbara
Time: 6:05pm, approx. 45 minutes
Distance: Approx. 3 miles (View Map)
Boy, am I hurting from Saturday! I was supposed to do some cross training yesterday but, as I often find to be the case on Sundays, I could barely move. The good news is that this isn't the kind of debilitating, searing pain that I've felt in my knees or feet during past injuries - rather the pain caused by fatigued, aching muscles. With my past injuries, there has been a hanging question as to whether I suffered long term damage...although I'm hurting and can barely walk, I'm 100% confident that my muscles will recover in the next few days.
That being said - I am tight...and tight means slow. I feel like I forgot to walk, so naturally heading into a run is even more challenging. All I could do is ease into it as slowly as possible and stretch whenever I felt the need. It took me a good 30 minutes to finally warm up to a normal stride (and semi-normal pace). I slowly increased my pace as my sore legs would allow it!
I wish I could stretch for like an hour...I still had tightness and pain in my legs (specifically my hip and adductor) and nothing I am doing is offering very much relief in the short term. I'm using the foam roller twice per day and rolling every area of my legs I can feasibly get to...I can tell from the last two days that this is probably the single most important tool in my muscle recovery!
- Stretch for 5 minutes
- Run for 10 minutes
- Stretch for 10 minutes
- Run for 15 minutes
- Stretch for 5 minutes
Distance: Approx. 3 miles (View Map)
Boy, am I hurting from Saturday! I was supposed to do some cross training yesterday but, as I often find to be the case on Sundays, I could barely move. The good news is that this isn't the kind of debilitating, searing pain that I've felt in my knees or feet during past injuries - rather the pain caused by fatigued, aching muscles. With my past injuries, there has been a hanging question as to whether I suffered long term damage...although I'm hurting and can barely walk, I'm 100% confident that my muscles will recover in the next few days.
That being said - I am tight...and tight means slow. I feel like I forgot to walk, so naturally heading into a run is even more challenging. All I could do is ease into it as slowly as possible and stretch whenever I felt the need. It took me a good 30 minutes to finally warm up to a normal stride (and semi-normal pace). I slowly increased my pace as my sore legs would allow it!
I wish I could stretch for like an hour...I still had tightness and pain in my legs (specifically my hip and adductor) and nothing I am doing is offering very much relief in the short term. I'm using the foam roller twice per day and rolling every area of my legs I can feasibly get to...I can tell from the last two days that this is probably the single most important tool in my muscle recovery!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Long Run - Leadbetter to Crane School, Rinse and Repeat for 19.5 Miles
Time: 7:15am, approx. 3 hours, 15 minutes (pre-run warm up: walk for 15 minutes)
Meal: 1/3 serving Myoplex shake blended in 8 oz. or rice milk@ 6:30am. EAS Catapult Pre-Race Energy Fuel @ 7:05am, 4 Chocolate Hammergels @ :40, 1:20, 2:05, 2:45
Distance: Approx. 19.5 miles (View Map)
I was so nervous about today's run, especially because a couple of weeks ago I had to cut the run short after only about 2 hours due to injury. I am thrilled to announce that I not only completed all 3 hours and 15 minutes of this run (actually, add a few more minutes for reasons I'll explain later), and that I averaged close to a 10 minute mile pace throughout the practice (around 10:09). That 10 minute mile pace, by the way, includes 2 bathroom breaks at 3 minutes each...if nature didn't call I would have easily landed below 10 minutes per mile. My only complaint is that my muscles tightened up rather suddenly for the last 2 miles, slowing me down to what I'm guessing to be an 11 minute mile or slower pace. But, taking that into consideration, my pace would have been even faster had I been able to keep the fatigue at bay! Okay, that's taking a bit much into consideration...but either way I feel pretty great about that accomplishment, considering that my long runs in the past have been somewhere in the 11 minute-mile range.
I felt really great for the majority of the run. Still working on focus, I left my iPod at home and continued working on my mantra and body awareness. After Tuesday's track training, I had preemptively made the decision to push myself harder during this run. It's too bad there aren't any mile markers during the practice or that I don't have one of those GPS systems that can track your pace - all I have is my best estimate that I likely started out at around a 9-minute mile, got slightly faster over the course of the next 6-8 miles, probably slowed again slightly after about 12 miles, then slowed dramatically at about 17 miles when my muscles began to literally give up. That was my only discouragement - that at 2 hours, 45 minutes weakness really began to take over my legs. I tried not to think about it, but couldn't help but think about how the marathon will be approximately 2 hours longer than that. I won't hang on that detail for too long...I still have 3 weeks of training and strengthening before the marathon!
I began to feel the inevitable sensation of wanting to quit about half way through the practice. At this point, I checked in with my body to see where that urge was coming from. Were my legs tired? No. Did I have any physical pain anywhere? Not that I could tell. Was I tired, or feeling overexerted? Quite the contrary. Finally I realized the problem was in my head...plain and simple, I was bored. When I thought about it, it made perfect sense. I do tend to bore easily during many redundant activities. So, what do I do to stimulate my brain, or at least distract it from this boredom. I thought the mantra would work here...maybe it did slightly, but I never did find a good solution throughout the practice. I think it may lie in discipline and better focus...practice makes perfect I guess.
I tried a few mantras during practice:
All in all, I'm pleased. These next 3 weeks will be really important to make sure I'm stretching, foam-rolling, training according to schedule, and practicing the flexibility and strength exercises Doug gave me. He also gave me a DVD on running mechanics that I will watch this weekend...I'm taking all the help and information I can get!!
Oh...and by the way - I have pretty much met my fundraising goal! I'm officially $160 from goal, but have had several promises for next week that will bring me above the $2400 mark. By Friday, the Santa Barbara Team in Training Chapter will have raised over $200,000 for this event!
Meal: 1/3 serving Myoplex shake blended in 8 oz. or rice milk@ 6:30am. EAS Catapult Pre-Race Energy Fuel @ 7:05am, 4 Chocolate Hammergels @ :40, 1:20, 2:05, 2:45
Distance: Approx. 19.5 miles (View Map)
I was so nervous about today's run, especially because a couple of weeks ago I had to cut the run short after only about 2 hours due to injury. I am thrilled to announce that I not only completed all 3 hours and 15 minutes of this run (actually, add a few more minutes for reasons I'll explain later), and that I averaged close to a 10 minute mile pace throughout the practice (around 10:09). That 10 minute mile pace, by the way, includes 2 bathroom breaks at 3 minutes each...if nature didn't call I would have easily landed below 10 minutes per mile. My only complaint is that my muscles tightened up rather suddenly for the last 2 miles, slowing me down to what I'm guessing to be an 11 minute mile or slower pace. But, taking that into consideration, my pace would have been even faster had I been able to keep the fatigue at bay! Okay, that's taking a bit much into consideration...but either way I feel pretty great about that accomplishment, considering that my long runs in the past have been somewhere in the 11 minute-mile range.
I felt really great for the majority of the run. Still working on focus, I left my iPod at home and continued working on my mantra and body awareness. After Tuesday's track training, I had preemptively made the decision to push myself harder during this run. It's too bad there aren't any mile markers during the practice or that I don't have one of those GPS systems that can track your pace - all I have is my best estimate that I likely started out at around a 9-minute mile, got slightly faster over the course of the next 6-8 miles, probably slowed again slightly after about 12 miles, then slowed dramatically at about 17 miles when my muscles began to literally give up. That was my only discouragement - that at 2 hours, 45 minutes weakness really began to take over my legs. I tried not to think about it, but couldn't help but think about how the marathon will be approximately 2 hours longer than that. I won't hang on that detail for too long...I still have 3 weeks of training and strengthening before the marathon!
I began to feel the inevitable sensation of wanting to quit about half way through the practice. At this point, I checked in with my body to see where that urge was coming from. Were my legs tired? No. Did I have any physical pain anywhere? Not that I could tell. Was I tired, or feeling overexerted? Quite the contrary. Finally I realized the problem was in my head...plain and simple, I was bored. When I thought about it, it made perfect sense. I do tend to bore easily during many redundant activities. So, what do I do to stimulate my brain, or at least distract it from this boredom. I thought the mantra would work here...maybe it did slightly, but I never did find a good solution throughout the practice. I think it may lie in discipline and better focus...practice makes perfect I guess.
I tried a few mantras during practice:
This is my run forever paceProbably my only purpose for switching them up was to alleviate the monotany and boredom. During the last two, difficult miles, I kept wishing had something to help keep my mind off the muscle weakness. Someone after practice offered up this one "pain is weakness leaving the body"...I'll totally have to use that next time!
No pain...no pain
I run so others may live
I will finish this practice
All in all, I'm pleased. These next 3 weeks will be really important to make sure I'm stretching, foam-rolling, training according to schedule, and practicing the flexibility and strength exercises Doug gave me. He also gave me a DVD on running mechanics that I will watch this weekend...I'm taking all the help and information I can get!!
Oh...and by the way - I have pretty much met my fundraising goal! I'm officially $160 from goal, but have had several promises for next week that will bring me above the $2400 mark. By Friday, the Santa Barbara Team in Training Chapter will have raised over $200,000 for this event!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Overhead Squat Assessment & Cross Training - Elliptical @ Spectrum Club
Time: (Elliptical) 1:45pm, 30 minutes
Meal: Spinach, Strawberry, and Walnut Salad @ 12pm
Today, my friend Doug offered to give me an Overhead Squat Assessment to check which muscles may be weak and/or not firing correctly and contributing to my injuries and miscellaneous pain. Doug is a highly decorated personal trainer, owner ofConditioning Specialists at 1329 State Street in Santa Barbara, and Editor of SB Fitness Magazine (he totally has a ton of spare time other than that...not).
Anyway, he started me out on the treadmill, where he checked my gait. When I got new shoes in early April, the folks at Santa Barbara Running did a treadmill test to check my gait. Basically, they had me run on a treadmill and they videotaped me from behind, then slowed down the video to see how I was landing. This is when I learned that I was supinating on my left foot (landing on the outside edge) - which was most likely causing my IT Band injury. Doug's assessment today was actually quite different. He moved around to check my gait from the front and found that my left foot appears to be landing perfectly straight, but my right foot points slighly to the outside when it lands. As he explained it, "you can drive your truck with one wheel slightly off center for a few months but eventually it's going to bend your axle and throw your alignment off." He suspects that some of my pain in my left leg may have been as a result of overcompinsating for my right. Admittedly, its also likely that I've adjusted my stride since the first treadmill test so there's probably a lot of mechanics going in to my muscle fatigue and injuries.
Next, he did the squat assessment test, which entailed putting my arms above my head (I hate that, by the way) and squatting my butt towards the floor (similar to the chair pose in yoga), moving up and down for several repetitions. While I did this, he walked around me and looked for certain behaviors to assess which muscles were weak or not firing properly. Here is what he observed:
With each recorded tightness and weakness, Doug gave me a corresponding flexibility or strength exercise to help correct the problem and prevent further injuries. It was all very interesting...I only wish I had done this sooner!
After meeting with Doug, I headed to the gym to get in a brief workout on the elliptical before returning to work. (I would have trained longer, but I had already stretched my lunch hour a bit too far.) After a quick 5-minute stretch, I tried starting out on the treadmill, but I couldn't shake the tightness on the inside of my right thigh. I have found, once I warm up a bit, that the tightness alleviates - but I didn't want to push it too hard since I'm already pretty nervous about Saturday's 3 hour, 15 minute practice. The low-impact elliptical machine was a good option, and I got a decent cross-training workout in. As I mentioned, I was running late back to work so I didn't have time to stretch afterward...something I know I will regret later.
Meal: Spinach, Strawberry, and Walnut Salad @ 12pm
Today, my friend Doug offered to give me an Overhead Squat Assessment to check which muscles may be weak and/or not firing correctly and contributing to my injuries and miscellaneous pain. Doug is a highly decorated personal trainer, owner ofConditioning Specialists at 1329 State Street in Santa Barbara, and Editor of SB Fitness Magazine (he totally has a ton of spare time other than that...not).
Anyway, he started me out on the treadmill, where he checked my gait. When I got new shoes in early April, the folks at Santa Barbara Running did a treadmill test to check my gait. Basically, they had me run on a treadmill and they videotaped me from behind, then slowed down the video to see how I was landing. This is when I learned that I was supinating on my left foot (landing on the outside edge) - which was most likely causing my IT Band injury. Doug's assessment today was actually quite different. He moved around to check my gait from the front and found that my left foot appears to be landing perfectly straight, but my right foot points slighly to the outside when it lands. As he explained it, "you can drive your truck with one wheel slightly off center for a few months but eventually it's going to bend your axle and throw your alignment off." He suspects that some of my pain in my left leg may have been as a result of overcompinsating for my right. Admittedly, its also likely that I've adjusted my stride since the first treadmill test so there's probably a lot of mechanics going in to my muscle fatigue and injuries.
Next, he did the squat assessment test, which entailed putting my arms above my head (I hate that, by the way) and squatting my butt towards the floor (similar to the chair pose in yoga), moving up and down for several repetitions. While I did this, he walked around me and looked for certain behaviors to assess which muscles were weak or not firing properly. Here is what he observed:
| View | Movement Observation | Muscle Tightness | Muscle Weakness |
| Anterior (Front) | Knee Moves Inward | Adductor Complex | Gluteus Medius Gluteus Maximus |
| Lateral (Side) | Excessive Forward Lean | Calf Complex Hip Flexors | Gluteus Medius Gluteus Maximus Medial Hamstring |
| Lateral (Side) | Arms Fall Forward | Lattissumus Dorsi Pec Major Pec Minor | Mid/Lower Trapezius Rhomboids |
| Posterior (Rear) | Foot Flattens | Peroneal | Posterior Tibialis Gluteus Medius Gluteus Maximus |
With each recorded tightness and weakness, Doug gave me a corresponding flexibility or strength exercise to help correct the problem and prevent further injuries. It was all very interesting...I only wish I had done this sooner!
After meeting with Doug, I headed to the gym to get in a brief workout on the elliptical before returning to work. (I would have trained longer, but I had already stretched my lunch hour a bit too far.) After a quick 5-minute stretch, I tried starting out on the treadmill, but I couldn't shake the tightness on the inside of my right thigh. I have found, once I warm up a bit, that the tightness alleviates - but I didn't want to push it too hard since I'm already pretty nervous about Saturday's 3 hour, 15 minute practice. The low-impact elliptical machine was a good option, and I got a decent cross-training workout in. As I mentioned, I was running late back to work so I didn't have time to stretch afterward...something I know I will regret later.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Cross Training - Yoga at Spectrum Club
Time: 4:30pm, 1 hour 15 minutes
Meal: Pizza (ehck...again) at 12:00pm
I went to the afternoon Yoga class at the SB Uptown Spectrum Club - I don't think I've ever been in such a crowded class! I knew instantly that I probably wouldn't enjoy it...which was confirmed after hitting the arm of the woman next to me. I have to take some responsibility, though - the class may have been crowded but I forgot my yoga matt, was running late, and was generally discombobulated so I couldn't really be totally present.
The instructor was great, though. I appreciated that she took time before a pose to describe, in detail, what it should look and feel like. I think she had to do that since the class was so big there was no way she was going to be able to look at everyone's form...let alone adjust it. Her description gave me the confidence to make my own adjustments based on where I felt the stretch and how my form looked in the mirror.
Unlike previous yoga practices, I was actually able to do most of the poses...including the standing splits (which I could not do during my classes last month). The only pose I could not do was a fairly new one that I don't usually see with other instructors, which involved linking my finger around my big toe and stretching my leg straight out in front of me while standing up. I can't get my legs and arms simultaneously straight out in front of me in any position (I can only barely brush my toes on a good day). I'm just not flexible enough at the hips. On that note, any pose involving leaning forward with a sraight back is always challenging for me, but I've gotten better at just accepting the best I can do.
The stretching felt great. My current complaint is actually in my right leg - the adductor (I have tightness and aches along the inside of my leg from my groin to my knee). I can't quite seem to find a good pose or stretch that really works this...so back to the foam roller. Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time getting the foam roller to hit all the spots (the position I need to be in to work that muscle is a little awkward), but with a little patience I can get at it o.k.
I'm drinking lots of water and trying to eat more carbs in preparation for Saturday...3 hours and 15 minutes!! Yikes!
Meal: Pizza (ehck...again) at 12:00pm
I went to the afternoon Yoga class at the SB Uptown Spectrum Club - I don't think I've ever been in such a crowded class! I knew instantly that I probably wouldn't enjoy it...which was confirmed after hitting the arm of the woman next to me. I have to take some responsibility, though - the class may have been crowded but I forgot my yoga matt, was running late, and was generally discombobulated so I couldn't really be totally present.
The instructor was great, though. I appreciated that she took time before a pose to describe, in detail, what it should look and feel like. I think she had to do that since the class was so big there was no way she was going to be able to look at everyone's form...let alone adjust it. Her description gave me the confidence to make my own adjustments based on where I felt the stretch and how my form looked in the mirror.
Unlike previous yoga practices, I was actually able to do most of the poses...including the standing splits (which I could not do during my classes last month). The only pose I could not do was a fairly new one that I don't usually see with other instructors, which involved linking my finger around my big toe and stretching my leg straight out in front of me while standing up. I can't get my legs and arms simultaneously straight out in front of me in any position (I can only barely brush my toes on a good day). I'm just not flexible enough at the hips. On that note, any pose involving leaning forward with a sraight back is always challenging for me, but I've gotten better at just accepting the best I can do.
The stretching felt great. My current complaint is actually in my right leg - the adductor (I have tightness and aches along the inside of my leg from my groin to my knee). I can't quite seem to find a good pose or stretch that really works this...so back to the foam roller. Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time getting the foam roller to hit all the spots (the position I need to be in to work that muscle is a little awkward), but with a little patience I can get at it o.k.
I'm drinking lots of water and trying to eat more carbs in preparation for Saturday...3 hours and 15 minutes!! Yikes!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Track Training, Santa Barbara City College
Time: 6pm, approx. 1 hour, 45 minutes
- 4-lap warm-up
- 2-laps strides
- 2 x 3200 (8 laps @ 2:12 each, 1 lap easy - repeat (2 x 2 miles @ 8:48 minutes each)
- 2 laps cool-down
Total Distance: 6 1/4 miles
I have to admit, I was pretty nervous when they announced our run group to shoot for a consistent 2:12 lap for 4 miles...especially because they were referring to it as our "marathon pacing". I almost switched to the slower run group, but Sarah (one of the assistant run coaches, aka "Dodge") encouraged me to stick with the group. I'm glad she gave me that little nudge, it worked out in the end.
As I ran tonight I was really working on focus - something that I've found difficult in past trainings because I'm so easily distracted, which leads to discouragement. I think I was just as easily distracted, but more forgiving of myself during those distractions so I could come back to center more easily. I spent the entire run scanning my body for pain, fatigue, or any sensation at all. I listened to what all the voices were saying in my head, ranging from "this is a piece of cake" to "I think I'll just stop right now and go home". I found it interesting that often times those thoughts came up simultaneously, and I wondered if more natural athletes have simply learned the right techniques to surpress that negative voice. As the laps piled on, the louder the quitting voice got - and what I found most interesting was that it was directly associated with the perceived end of the training. A few weeks ago, I ran for 2 hours, 45 minutes, and the urge to quit didn't begin to overwhelm my body until about that last 45 minutes. Here I was, 1 1/2 miles into the total 4, and I found myself trying to rationalize a good reason just to give up. But I fought that voice. I listened to my body and, as much as I found a 2:15 lap to be mentally impractical, I learned that it was easily physically achievable. Note that there has to be a clear division between the mental and physical - although I realized that I could physically continue at the pace I still struggled mentally to actually believe in it and apply it. In short, it didn't make it any easier.
I ran at the back of a 4-5 person group, in my distracted moments feeling self-conscious that I was struggling (whether severe or not) and assuming that it was a breeze for the others. Fixing my eyes on one focal point straight ahead, I repeated the mantra in my head, this is my run forever pace. I chose the back of a woman's t-shirt as my focal point, which read "Sexual-Assault Free Week End". In the background there was a purple ribbon, so the type on the shirt was all the same color purple except for the word "week", since it laid over the ribbon graphic. I fixated on that ribbon...on that word...often mistaking it for that inner voice that kept trying to tell me I was too weak to go on. Not surprisingly, the thought of perhaps being defeated by weakness made me that much stronger, and I worked diligently to keep a consistent distance between my eyes and that word..."week". I am not weak, I thought to myself - almost as if I was in some kind of hypnotic state, battling first hand my natural forces of flight or fight. I chose to fight. Over and over again, I had to constantly remind myself that I was making the choice to fight. As long as my muscles could bear it I was going to press on.
After the second 3200, I slowed to a cool down pace and began to ask the woman ahead of me what I had wondered for the last 30 minutes - what was this Sexual Assuault Free Weekend? She pointed her finger to gesture that she needed a moment - she was breathing heavily and trying to clear her throat. I realized at that moment my assumption that it was a breeze for the group ahead of my was dead wrong. Each of us were battling our natural inner desires of flight. Each of us were pushing towards achieving the goal that was laid out before us, and each of us succeeded. We congratulated each other, shared our thoughts on the training and learned that the mental doubt and drive were similar in each of us. I was proud that I met the goal, and am motivated to push myself a bit harder during the long run, even running with these same people so that we can help to push eachother out of our perceived mental limit to realistic physical ability. Up to this point, I had expected my marathon pacing would be about 11 minutes per mile - I have some glimmer of hope and possibility that I can increase that speed up to an average of under 10 minutes. Especially if I can avoid flaring up any of the injuries I'm dealing with (which, by the way, I completely averted during this training - no pain at all with my IT Bands and Zero pain in my foot or anything associated with the Peroneal Tendonitis. As to be expected, I'm battling post-training muscle fatigue but nothing a little icing, rolling, and stretching can't help).
Oh, and in case you're wondering, Sexual Assault Free-Weekend is an event that a rape prevention group out of UCSB puts on annually, calling for a truce for just one weekend. I'll admit the concept seemed kind of pointless to me at first, but when I realized that it was an attempt to break down this serious problem small steps at a time, I found it pretty intriguing. Katherine, the woman in the shirt that I was following, spoke passionately about the mission of this group and the many events throughout the year that they put on to help raise awareness to this problem and attempt to minimize the number of occurrences - on campus, in the community, and around the globe. Pretty cool stuff.
Sorry for the book...I just felt right on and my confidence is boosting.
Bad Blogger!
I'm actually somewhat surprised by the number of people following my training, so to you I must apologize for not updating things in a timely manner this past week. Below you'll find 7 new posts since my unsuccessful long run a couple of weekends ago. I'm back in the saddle and feel good that I'll be able to overcome this injury, just like the last one.
Anyway, thanks for checking up on me as I really appreciate the support. Sorry for the cliffhanger... :-)
Anyway, thanks for checking up on me as I really appreciate the support. Sorry for the cliffhanger... :-)
Monday, May 7, 2007
Run - Home to Leadbetter/Quick Swim and Back
Time: 5:00pm, approx.45 minutes
- Stretch
- Warm-up (light jog for 10 minutes)
- Stretch
- Run (10 minutes)
- Swim (turned in to dancing around in the frigid water for 5 minutes)
- Run (10 minutes)
- Stretch
Okay, so today's training didn't work out exactly as planned, and I ran out of time to compensate for it. It was such a BEAUTIFUL day today! The temp was in the 80's for sure, I got a wild hair that I really wanted to get in the ocean today. The only problem is the water was SOOO DAMN COOOOLLLDDD!!!! Usually I have pretty good luck adapting to cold water, but I spent five minutes pretty much hyperventilating the whole time and I had to get back out.
In any case, the run felt great. As I'm learning, the warm up is key to avoiding fatigue and injury so adding that initial 10 or 15 minutes of easy activity is making all the difference.
At track tomorrow there's no doubt I'll be pushing it a little harder...I'm interested in seeing out that goes.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Cross Training - Swimming (Psuedo Laps)
Time: 1:30pm, approx. 30 minutes
Meal: Egg-Beaters Benedict at 12pm
O.K., I say "psuedo laps" because I was swimming in my Dad and Stepmom's backyard pool :-). I could only go back and forth about 15 feet, and I didn't really do any sort of structured strokes, just enough moving around to get my heart pumping a little bit.
I thought the water would be a nice break for my joints, but quite to the contrary I was having problems with both my knees when I kicked. When I got out of the water I must have twisted my body awkwardly, because now I have a little bit of discomfort in my right knee. I roll my eyes at the thought of yet another injury, but at least I know the precautions to take so I'll pay a little more attention to stretching and using the foam roller on both legs.
Some good news: I can walk normally. Still slightly uncomfortable but I have a great deal of confidence in this week's recovery. Again, the big test will be Saturday's 3:15 run...I'm nervous!It was a relaxing day in Indio, CA. I really need that!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Long Run - Hendry's Beach to Bike Path near More Mesa
Time: 7:0am, 1 hour, 45 minute run, 2:15 workout total
- Stretch
- Warm-up (bike to meeting spot - 15 minutes)
- Stretch
- Run (1 hour, 45 minutes)
- Cool-down (bike home - 15 minutes)
- Stretch
Distance: Approx. 11 miles
I did it! I completed the entire 1:45 with even some umph left in me to go a little further if I had wanted to. Granted, not quite enough umph to go on for 3 more hours (as it will likely be during the marathon), but leaps and bounds past last week.
I practiced a mantra, which was suggested to me by Lucas (one of the coaches) a couple of weeks ago. A mantra is similar to a meditation, it's a repeated phrase to help keep you focused and motivated towards your goal. I tried Lucas' mantra "this is my run forever pace". When I noticed my mind drifting and my stride getting sloppy I focused on this phrase, pointing my eyes directly forward and repeating the phrase, often times out loud. After about 45 minutes, a landed stride shot up a mild, but ever-so familiar pain from my foot. The tendons were getting tight and beginning to spasm again - my worst fear for the morning coming back to reality. When I felt the slight tinge of pain, I added a phrase to my mantra, "no pain". Over and over, I repeated to myself:
This is my run forever pace...no pain, no painDuring the moments where the pain began to increase, I simply added a few more "no pains" to the mantra. To my own skeptical amazement, I found this to actually reduce the pain and keep it tolerable.
This is my run forever pace...no pain, no pain
Back at the parking lot with the team, I experienced the same after-work out pain that I have the past couple of weekends, and I couldn't walk without limping. However, stretching seemed to help far more than it had in the past and the pain wasn't anywhere near as intense. So, as I mentioned in a previous post, I didn't expect it not to hurt, and I am thrilled at the apparent healing that is taking place.
I'm still limping around a little bit but I keep stretching and icing. Hopefully by tonight I'll be back on my feet again.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Run - Home to Calle Ceasar Chaves and Back
Time: 6:30pm, approx.1 hour
- Stretch
- Warm-up (walk for 15 minutes)
- Stretch
- Run (30 minutes)
- Stretch
Although today was technically an off day, I took the opportunity to make up for taking it slightly easy this week and for missing Sunday and Monday's training.
I feel really great. Well "great" is pretty much in comparison to how lousy I felt after the attempted long run last Saturday. I am experiencing no foot pain, almost as if it never even happened. I still have a hint of muscle fatigue and I'm sure I'm overcompensating just because I am so aware of my legs and I don't really trust that the pain is gone forever.
I have noticed, without much conscious thought, I have adjusted my stride slightly. Looking down at my feet, my left foot no longer appears to land so blatantly on the outside. I'm sure I'm still supponating, but at least it appears to be less extreme.
I'm nervous about tomorrow morning's run. It's 1 hour, 45 minutes and I really want to see it through to the end...
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Run - Home to Calle Ceasar Chaves and Back
Time: 8:30pm, approx.1 hour
I was in to see Dr. Nicole this morning, and she gave me the go ahead to try and run today. I was pumped to do it, until I had to work late and was utterly exhausted. It is SO HARD to push myself to run at night, especially when it is this late! Although it was slightly torturous, in hindsight I'm proud that I stuck to my plan of action and rode it out despite my hesitations.
Warming up is going to be essential for any practice from this point forward. Just taking the time to walk 15 minutes, I could tell a huge difference in my muscle fatigue. Even walking sends pain shooting down my legs, specifically in the adductors and (of course) my calf. But, after the warm up and a quick stretch, I felt pretty confident in my stride and my pace for the 30-minutes of running. My muscles were tight at the end of the run, but I think some of this may be attributed to the cooler weather this late in the evening. These little triumphs help my morale tremendously.
On a different note: The Santa Barbara Pier area is a little scary at 9:30 at night. The bike path isn't lit and it gets damn dark (especially near the Chase Palm Park soccer fields). I hope I don't do too much running this late, but in case I have to again my mental note is to stick to the streets where there is light. :-)
- Stretch
- Warm-up (walk for 15 minutes)
- Stretch
- Run (30 minutes)
- Stretch
I was in to see Dr. Nicole this morning, and she gave me the go ahead to try and run today. I was pumped to do it, until I had to work late and was utterly exhausted. It is SO HARD to push myself to run at night, especially when it is this late! Although it was slightly torturous, in hindsight I'm proud that I stuck to my plan of action and rode it out despite my hesitations.
Warming up is going to be essential for any practice from this point forward. Just taking the time to walk 15 minutes, I could tell a huge difference in my muscle fatigue. Even walking sends pain shooting down my legs, specifically in the adductors and (of course) my calf. But, after the warm up and a quick stretch, I felt pretty confident in my stride and my pace for the 30-minutes of running. My muscles were tight at the end of the run, but I think some of this may be attributed to the cooler weather this late in the evening. These little triumphs help my morale tremendously.
On a different note: The Santa Barbara Pier area is a little scary at 9:30 at night. The bike path isn't lit and it gets damn dark (especially near the Chase Palm Park soccer fields). I hope I don't do too much running this late, but in case I have to again my mental note is to stick to the streets where there is light. :-)
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Cross Training - Bike (At Spectrum Club)
Time: 6:30pm, approx. 30 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended in 8oz. of rice milk) @ 6:15pm.
At the suggestion of Dr. Nicole, I'm sticking with the bike to give my legs some more rest before the next long run on Saturday. This week has been so hectic, I decided to go to the gym for a more controlled workout (as opposed to riding my bike around town). It also gave me the opportunity to spend some time reading my book and to reflect on the events of this week.
The bike is very comfortable for me because it provides a break from the muscle pain and fatigue. I also enjoy challenging myself in endurance - it's fun to recognize that I can withstand a faster pace and/or incline for longer periods of time. The lower-impact workout gives me the opportunity to challenge myself - something I still don't feel like I can do easily during the runs (maintaining a consistent running pace seems challenging enough).
Hopefully I can resume running tomorrow.
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended in 8oz. of rice milk) @ 6:15pm.
At the suggestion of Dr. Nicole, I'm sticking with the bike to give my legs some more rest before the next long run on Saturday. This week has been so hectic, I decided to go to the gym for a more controlled workout (as opposed to riding my bike around town). It also gave me the opportunity to spend some time reading my book and to reflect on the events of this week.
The bike is very comfortable for me because it provides a break from the muscle pain and fatigue. I also enjoy challenging myself in endurance - it's fun to recognize that I can withstand a faster pace and/or incline for longer periods of time. The lower-impact workout gives me the opportunity to challenge myself - something I still don't feel like I can do easily during the runs (maintaining a consistent running pace seems challenging enough).
Hopefully I can resume running tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Cross Training - Bike (Downtown up Carillo)
Time: 7:00pm, approx. 30 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 2 strawberries in 8oz. of rice milk) @ 6:15pm.
Distance: Approx. 6 miles
After taking a couple of days off while waiting for the verdict on my foot, I'm thrilled to be back in the saddle (literally) again. The verdict is Peroneal Tendonitis, which is (not surprisingly) linked to overcompensation in my stride from the IT band syndrome. The Orthopedic doctor was nice, but was kind of giving me that "why are you here" look and there was a general "suck it up" attitude in his voice. He said that it's just a matter of working with my chiropractor (Dr. Nicole) and my coaches with Team in Training to strengthen the surrrounding muscles and correct my stride. It means it's still going to hurt, but I haven't permanently damaged anything and, given enough dedication and perserverance, I'll be able to train myself over this hurdle.
That dedication and perserverance, though, has been really difficult to muster up. Besides the physical pain and muscle fatigue, I'm still battling some emotional distress that I can't quite determine whether it's linked to some chemical deficiency as a result of my training or if it's a direct response to other personal struggles and stresses I am currently facing in my life. I have a hunch that it falls somewhere in between. To be honest, I'm struggling with a lot of ambiguity in every aspect in my life - my family, my friendships, relationship, and my career. I think the focus and energy I have been putting on my training is taking away from the amount of energy I'm able to put into dealing with and working through those ambiguities. Just another lesson in life that comes down to finding a healthy balance. Last night, it also occurred to me that perhaps this focus on the training and its purpose has served me as something to latch onto that isn't ambiguous. This is an aspect in my life that has a clearly outlined goal and defined steps in order to reach it. In fact, there are two goals: To support the research and developement of cancer treatment and cures and to personally achieve the feat of running a marathon.
Anyway, enough pondering on my personal situation. What matters is that, energy or no, I made it out for the bike ride and that's a triumph in and of itself.
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 2 strawberries in 8oz. of rice milk) @ 6:15pm.
Distance: Approx. 6 miles
After taking a couple of days off while waiting for the verdict on my foot, I'm thrilled to be back in the saddle (literally) again. The verdict is Peroneal Tendonitis, which is (not surprisingly) linked to overcompensation in my stride from the IT band syndrome. The Orthopedic doctor was nice, but was kind of giving me that "why are you here" look and there was a general "suck it up" attitude in his voice. He said that it's just a matter of working with my chiropractor (Dr. Nicole) and my coaches with Team in Training to strengthen the surrrounding muscles and correct my stride. It means it's still going to hurt, but I haven't permanently damaged anything and, given enough dedication and perserverance, I'll be able to train myself over this hurdle.
That dedication and perserverance, though, has been really difficult to muster up. Besides the physical pain and muscle fatigue, I'm still battling some emotional distress that I can't quite determine whether it's linked to some chemical deficiency as a result of my training or if it's a direct response to other personal struggles and stresses I am currently facing in my life. I have a hunch that it falls somewhere in between. To be honest, I'm struggling with a lot of ambiguity in every aspect in my life - my family, my friendships, relationship, and my career. I think the focus and energy I have been putting on my training is taking away from the amount of energy I'm able to put into dealing with and working through those ambiguities. Just another lesson in life that comes down to finding a healthy balance. Last night, it also occurred to me that perhaps this focus on the training and its purpose has served me as something to latch onto that isn't ambiguous. This is an aspect in my life that has a clearly outlined goal and defined steps in order to reach it. In fact, there are two goals: To support the research and developement of cancer treatment and cures and to personally achieve the feat of running a marathon.
Anyway, enough pondering on my personal situation. What matters is that, energy or no, I made it out for the bike ride and that's a triumph in and of itself.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Long Run - Leadbetter to Crane School and Back
Time: 7:00pm, run for 2 hours, 10 minutes, walk for 30 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 1/2 a banana & 2 strawberries in 8oz. of rice milk) @ 6:30am. 8 oz. Cytomax at 6:55am. Vanilla Hammer Gel @ 40 minutes, Tropical Hammer Gel @ 1 hour, 20 minutes, Chocolate Hammer Gel at 2 hours
Distance: Approx. 13 miles (View Map)
I've been dreading writing this entry because I wish I could write something triumphant about this practice. For anyone who knows me, you know that I'm very persistent in the commitments that I make and that I'd rather die than admit defeat. This was supposed to be a 3 hour run and after 2 hours and 10 minutes I had to throw in the towel and walk the rest of the way. You have no idea what a disappointment this was to me, I really wanted to cross that 3 hour milestone! But, as friends have pointed out, I did run for 2 hours and 20 minutes...which is still incredible in and of itself.
So, why did I have to throw in the towel you ask? If you'll remember from last weekend's 10-miler race, I started experiencing some sharp pain in my left foot at about mile 8. I was able to manage sucking it up for the remaining two miles, but I walked from the finish line about 125 yards to the bathroom and, by the time I got there, I could hardly put any weight on that left foot. I took it easy for about a day and a half - trying not to walk on it and riding my bike instead of running. By Monday night I was running again, but was still aware of some mild discomfort. "Mildly Uncomfortable" is how I would describe the sensation in my left foot during my run on Tuesday and also during the (more intense but ultimately successful) track training on Wednesday.
This morning, at only 15 minutes into the run, I must have landed on it just right (or, in this case, just wrong) because that sharp pulse of pain came back with a vengeance on the bottom outside of my left foot. I had to stop for a moment to let it pass, but when I tried going again the pain came back on that stride relentlessly. Not wanting to give up, I found a stride that was comfortable and didn't disturb that part of my foot. I pressed on for 2 more hours, putting weight/landing on only the ball of my left foot...essentially limping as I ran. I stopped at a water stop at about 1:50, where Lucas (one of the ever-so-patient coaches) noticed my limping. His suggestion was to take it super easy and to, in fact, not complete the full 3 hours of the practice. I put up a small fight, insisting that I could do it, but he kindly reminded me that one day of defeat is worth avoiding any long term damage that could pull me out of the game for further practices or, worse, the final marathon. At that point, I only had about 3 1/2 miles to get back to my truck and a compromisable stopping point. Unfortunately, I made it only about a mile before my foot completely gave in. I ended up hobbling sheepishly the final 2 miles, passing up the offer from everyone passing me by to send someone back to pick me up. Maybe I couldn't run that final stretch, but I certainly wasn't going to get driven back!
I can barely put any pressure on my left foot - I am icing it and taking it easy. There is some extreme tightness in my left calf, most likely from overcompensating and landing on the ball of my foot. The good news is that I already had an appointment scheduled with the Orthopedic doctor on Monday for the problems I had been having with my knees...my knees aren't even bothering me anymore so hopefully he'll be willing to take a look at my poor left foot.
I think I'm going to have to take it easy until I can get a doctor to look at it and give me the O.K. to keep training. I really, really, really, hate to admit that but it's where I am at. But I'm trying to stay optimistic about the whole thing...hopefully the pain is just linked to some tight muscle and can be resolved with a new stretch (as was the case with my knees). I guess I'll know more Monday.
Ahhh...the woes! Anyway, I'll keep you posted...
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 1/2 a banana & 2 strawberries in 8oz. of rice milk) @ 6:30am. 8 oz. Cytomax at 6:55am. Vanilla Hammer Gel @ 40 minutes, Tropical Hammer Gel @ 1 hour, 20 minutes, Chocolate Hammer Gel at 2 hours
Distance: Approx. 13 miles (View Map)
I've been dreading writing this entry because I wish I could write something triumphant about this practice. For anyone who knows me, you know that I'm very persistent in the commitments that I make and that I'd rather die than admit defeat. This was supposed to be a 3 hour run and after 2 hours and 10 minutes I had to throw in the towel and walk the rest of the way. You have no idea what a disappointment this was to me, I really wanted to cross that 3 hour milestone! But, as friends have pointed out, I did run for 2 hours and 20 minutes...which is still incredible in and of itself.
So, why did I have to throw in the towel you ask? If you'll remember from last weekend's 10-miler race, I started experiencing some sharp pain in my left foot at about mile 8. I was able to manage sucking it up for the remaining two miles, but I walked from the finish line about 125 yards to the bathroom and, by the time I got there, I could hardly put any weight on that left foot. I took it easy for about a day and a half - trying not to walk on it and riding my bike instead of running. By Monday night I was running again, but was still aware of some mild discomfort. "Mildly Uncomfortable" is how I would describe the sensation in my left foot during my run on Tuesday and also during the (more intense but ultimately successful) track training on Wednesday.
This morning, at only 15 minutes into the run, I must have landed on it just right (or, in this case, just wrong) because that sharp pulse of pain came back with a vengeance on the bottom outside of my left foot. I had to stop for a moment to let it pass, but when I tried going again the pain came back on that stride relentlessly. Not wanting to give up, I found a stride that was comfortable and didn't disturb that part of my foot. I pressed on for 2 more hours, putting weight/landing on only the ball of my left foot...essentially limping as I ran. I stopped at a water stop at about 1:50, where Lucas (one of the ever-so-patient coaches) noticed my limping. His suggestion was to take it super easy and to, in fact, not complete the full 3 hours of the practice. I put up a small fight, insisting that I could do it, but he kindly reminded me that one day of defeat is worth avoiding any long term damage that could pull me out of the game for further practices or, worse, the final marathon. At that point, I only had about 3 1/2 miles to get back to my truck and a compromisable stopping point. Unfortunately, I made it only about a mile before my foot completely gave in. I ended up hobbling sheepishly the final 2 miles, passing up the offer from everyone passing me by to send someone back to pick me up. Maybe I couldn't run that final stretch, but I certainly wasn't going to get driven back!
I can barely put any pressure on my left foot - I am icing it and taking it easy. There is some extreme tightness in my left calf, most likely from overcompensating and landing on the ball of my foot. The good news is that I already had an appointment scheduled with the Orthopedic doctor on Monday for the problems I had been having with my knees...my knees aren't even bothering me anymore so hopefully he'll be willing to take a look at my poor left foot.
I think I'm going to have to take it easy until I can get a doctor to look at it and give me the O.K. to keep training. I really, really, really, hate to admit that but it's where I am at. But I'm trying to stay optimistic about the whole thing...hopefully the pain is just linked to some tight muscle and can be resolved with a new stretch (as was the case with my knees). I guess I'll know more Monday.
Ahhh...the woes! Anyway, I'll keep you posted...
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Track Training, Santa Barbara City College
Time: 6pm, approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes
- 4-lap warm-up
- 2-laps strides
- 3 x 1200 (3 laps @ 2:05-2:15 each, 1 lap easy - repeat 2 more times)
- 1 x 1600 (4 laps (1 mile) @ 2:10 each (8:40 minute mile)
- 2 laps cool-down
Tonight's practice proves my theory about training by myself vs. training with others. I had such a difficult time on my Monday and Tuesday night runs this week that I was really worried about this track workout because the coaches usually push us pretty hard. But tonight I felt really good. The knee and foot pain was still present, but I had no problem sucking it up and completing the workouts within the time we were given. Yes, I pushed harder than usual but my body didn't resist as much as it had earlier in the week. Even at the faster pace I was able to keep up conversation (I forgot to bring my iPod) so I feel really great overall about the practice.
Something else that I found to be true tonight is that I wasn't nearly as tired as I have been after work. This morning I actually slept in until 8am (as opposed to waking up at 7am on Monday and 6am on Tuesday). I got to bed late last night so it was still only 8 hours of sleep but I found that I had much more energy today. I think the extra hour in the morning might be helping to give me some extra "umph" in the afternoon. Between now and the marathon I think I might take more advantage of my flexible work schedule.
The purpose of this journal is to record everything that's happening, so here's my warning that I'm going to be fairly candid here. For the past couple of weeks I have been experiencing some depression. Last week I wrote it off to being sick and having stress in other parts of my life, but I definitely recognized a high and a distinct crash tonight after the workout. I felt so GREAT driving home, but by the time I got there (literally minutes away) I found that my mind was racing and I was feeling worried, overwhelmed and hopeless. I can't pinpoint what exactly was getting me down...pretty much anything that popped into my head: work, family, relationships. Anyway, I'm saying this because I was able to find a place to just observe how I am feeling and pay attention to what was happening in my body as a result. The more I question it the more I think that, with all this training and the toll it is undoubtedly taking on my body, perhaps I am experiencing some sort of nutritional deficiency. I haven't been very good in the past about paying attention to my body, but I do know that things can shift drastically in my physical and emotional condition as a result of any sort of chemical imbalance.
The short amount of research I did on the subject tonight didn't turn up much - really all I read was that depresssion the week after the marathon is really normal and is to be expected. I'm still trying to find some information on nutritional deficiencies that may result from this kind of intense training that I could possibly link to the depression. I'd say the good news in all of this is that I'm getting better at reading my body. It feels healthy to recognize that I may be feeling insecure and down on myself emotionally but that there could be a perfectly good physical reason for feeling this way.
The body...and the brain...work in strange ways. Anyway, I'll keep you posted on my research about this stuff.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Run - Home to Chase Palm Park Soccer Field and Back
Time: 7:15pm, 30 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 1/2 a banana in 8oz. of rice milk) and about 8oz of Gatorade at 6:45pm.
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
Remember yesterday when I said I didn't think it could be any more difficult to motivate? Well, I was wrong. I am even more exhausted and dragging my behind today. I'm getting a solid 8 hours of sleep and being pretty good about nutrition and rest, but I'm still just so tired! People at work even commented on it today. I guess I have to give myself some credit - I'm doing pretty good sticking to the training schedule, just getting over a cold, and balancing other life stuff (including Scott's broken ankle and inability to drive himself places). OF COURSE its exhausting!
Anyway, this run was difficult. My trademarked phrase "Flu Legs" was back in full effect. O.K. it's not tradmarked and it's just my way of describing the muscle fatigue I feel going on down there. Everything hurts. It hurts during and hurts after. Stretching feels great, but doesn't make the pain go totally away. Again, I can hear Lucas telling me to try and push it - but it's just so hard when my energy is so low and I am clearly not good at self-motivating!
All that being said...
I feel grateful that I am part of this team. I feel grateful that, when I'm training on my own, I have the thoughts of what I'm doing it for to keep me going. I think of all the people suffering from blood cancers - and all the people on the team who are struggling through it with a loved one of theirs. I am grateful that I don't personally know anyone faced with this illness currently, and proud to be a part of helping to find a cure for those who are. I think of the people I know who have battled cancer in the past or currently battling non-blood cancers (my aunt, for example, is deeply in my thoughts as she is currently battling breast cancer). When I find myself feeling whiney, selfish, worried about my own exhaustion I realize that it's nothing compared to what these people are going through. I am just thrilled to be having this experience!
By the way, a visit to Dr. Nicole today revealed that the problem in my left foot is most likely related to my calf muscles. She did that painful deep-tissue stuff and it seems to have loosened up a little. It always amazes me as to how all this stuff is connected! :-)
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 1/2 a banana in 8oz. of rice milk) and about 8oz of Gatorade at 6:45pm.
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
Remember yesterday when I said I didn't think it could be any more difficult to motivate? Well, I was wrong. I am even more exhausted and dragging my behind today. I'm getting a solid 8 hours of sleep and being pretty good about nutrition and rest, but I'm still just so tired! People at work even commented on it today. I guess I have to give myself some credit - I'm doing pretty good sticking to the training schedule, just getting over a cold, and balancing other life stuff (including Scott's broken ankle and inability to drive himself places). OF COURSE its exhausting!
Anyway, this run was difficult. My trademarked phrase "Flu Legs" was back in full effect. O.K. it's not tradmarked and it's just my way of describing the muscle fatigue I feel going on down there. Everything hurts. It hurts during and hurts after. Stretching feels great, but doesn't make the pain go totally away. Again, I can hear Lucas telling me to try and push it - but it's just so hard when my energy is so low and I am clearly not good at self-motivating!
All that being said...
I feel grateful that I am part of this team. I feel grateful that, when I'm training on my own, I have the thoughts of what I'm doing it for to keep me going. I think of all the people suffering from blood cancers - and all the people on the team who are struggling through it with a loved one of theirs. I am grateful that I don't personally know anyone faced with this illness currently, and proud to be a part of helping to find a cure for those who are. I think of the people I know who have battled cancer in the past or currently battling non-blood cancers (my aunt, for example, is deeply in my thoughts as she is currently battling breast cancer). When I find myself feeling whiney, selfish, worried about my own exhaustion I realize that it's nothing compared to what these people are going through. I am just thrilled to be having this experience!
By the way, a visit to Dr. Nicole today revealed that the problem in my left foot is most likely related to my calf muscles. She did that painful deep-tissue stuff and it seems to have loosened up a little. It always amazes me as to how all this stuff is connected! :-)
Monday, April 23, 2007
Run - Home beyond Cabrillo Bath House and Back
Time: 8pm, 45 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 1/2 a banana in 8oz. of rice milk) at 7:45pm.
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
Ugh...I am SO TIRED!! I'm sure it has something to do with being sick and using up all my energy to get over this but motivating for this has never been so difficult! On Saturday, Lucas (one of the run coaches) recommended that I push myself harder during my weekday runs in effort to help my pacing for the Saturday long runs. This proved to be extremely difficult...I realized about 1/2 way through the run why doing the Monday night team "buddy" runs might be more beneficial than attempting to do it by myself. That and it was dark, cold, and my energy level is at its lowest at the end of my work day.
The good news is that I fought through it and did it. Again, I have to be proud of myself for these little victories! My overall exhaustion amplified the pains in my achilles and my foot - but obviously it was tolerable and I didn't have to limp to finish the run.
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 1/2 a banana in 8oz. of rice milk) at 7:45pm.
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
Ugh...I am SO TIRED!! I'm sure it has something to do with being sick and using up all my energy to get over this but motivating for this has never been so difficult! On Saturday, Lucas (one of the run coaches) recommended that I push myself harder during my weekday runs in effort to help my pacing for the Saturday long runs. This proved to be extremely difficult...I realized about 1/2 way through the run why doing the Monday night team "buddy" runs might be more beneficial than attempting to do it by myself. That and it was dark, cold, and my energy level is at its lowest at the end of my work day.
The good news is that I fought through it and did it. Again, I have to be proud of myself for these little victories! My overall exhaustion amplified the pains in my achilles and my foot - but obviously it was tolerable and I didn't have to limp to finish the run.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Bike Ride - Home to Los Positas, Modoc, Carrillo, and Back
Time: 4:15pm, approx 50 minutes
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 1/2 a banana in 8oz. of rice milk) and about 8 oz. Gatorade at 3:45pm.
Distance: 9.3 miles (Map)
Today was a rainy day so I wanted to make sure the rain had let up before I headed out. Well, I thought it had but you'd be surprised at how wet you get, even when it's just drizzling, when you're riding at 30-40 miles per hour! About 1/3 of the way through I thought maybe this wasn't such a good idea, seeing as how I'm getting over a cold and all, but actually it was really fun! I enjoy the adventure of being in the elements and toughing it out. Although it does make me wish I had the right gear for it! (I had on my biking shirt/shorts and a rain jacket - the jacket didn't breath nearly as much as I wanted it to...)
It was a good ride with some pretty decent hills. The bike was a good cross-training solution to keep weight off my left foot, and I tried not to overexert myself - again, to keep on my path of recovery from that damn cold!
A hot bath felt great afterwards, by the way. That, a good stretch, and some homemade Vegetable Beef soup (courtesy of Scott's mom Donna) made for a really great, mellow evening!
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 1/2 a banana in 8oz. of rice milk) and about 8 oz. Gatorade at 3:45pm.
Distance: 9.3 miles (Map)
Today was a rainy day so I wanted to make sure the rain had let up before I headed out. Well, I thought it had but you'd be surprised at how wet you get, even when it's just drizzling, when you're riding at 30-40 miles per hour! About 1/3 of the way through I thought maybe this wasn't such a good idea, seeing as how I'm getting over a cold and all, but actually it was really fun! I enjoy the adventure of being in the elements and toughing it out. Although it does make me wish I had the right gear for it! (I had on my biking shirt/shorts and a rain jacket - the jacket didn't breath nearly as much as I wanted it to...)
It was a good ride with some pretty decent hills. The bike was a good cross-training solution to keep weight off my left foot, and I tried not to overexert myself - again, to keep on my path of recovery from that damn cold!
A hot bath felt great afterwards, by the way. That, a good stretch, and some homemade Vegetable Beef soup (courtesy of Scott's mom Donna) made for a really great, mellow evening!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Santa Barbara 10-Miler
Time: 7am, Warm up with team. Race at 8pm - Race time 1:38:59
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 3 strawberries in 8oz. of rice milk) at 6:45am. EAS "Endurathon" During Race Energy drink at 7:30am, Orange Hammergel @ 40 minutes into race, Rasberry Hammergel @ 1 hour, 20 minutes.
I was worried about taking the week off from training because of that nasty cold and was really nervous before the race. I won't say the day was easy, but I am certainly pleased with my results. I finished in 389th place (whoo-hoo!), and 71/88 in my age group. To be fair, the age group is 19-29 and I'm on the teetering tale end of that group so I dont feel too bad about my place. Actually, given the fact that I'm not naturally athletic and this was my very first race, I'm just pleased that I finished and came in at under a 10-minute mile average (9:54/mile). That's faster than my pace for the past several long runs!
I still didn't feel 100%. I tried to stick around for the rest of the team to finish but at some point I realized it was time to get off my feet, out of the sun, and home to take a quick nap to recooperate. I've managed to take it good and easy - anything not to disturb this cold again!
My left knee still had some discomfort but I really feel like the pigeon pose stretches (a yoga stretch) and the foam rolling is paying off. Once I'm warmed up I seem to totally forget about it. But, as I'm learning that if it isn't one thing it's another, my newest injury seems to be popping up in my foot on the outside of my arch and also on my achilles. I started to experience some sharp, spasming pain in my foot at about mile 8 but was able to suck it up 'till the end. After passing the finish line I booked it to the bathroom, but by the time I got there I was completely limping and could only put pressure on the ball of my left foot.
The problem in my foot doesn't surprise me. If you'll remember, the people at Santa Barbara Running videotaped the way my feet hit the ground when I run and I clearly land on the outside of my left foot (called Supination). The more I run, the more I can even notice this visually as I look down on my feet. The people at SB Running said that there wasn't much I can do about it, that it's "just the way I naturally run" but I do find myself trying to compensate for it. If it becomes too much of an issue maybe I'll try orthotics in my running shoes.
Anyway, it was a successful race. I am so proud to be a part of such a great team and feeling great about my progress as a runner!
Meal: ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 3 strawberries in 8oz. of rice milk) at 6:45am. EAS "Endurathon" During Race Energy drink at 7:30am, Orange Hammergel @ 40 minutes into race, Rasberry Hammergel @ 1 hour, 20 minutes.
I was worried about taking the week off from training because of that nasty cold and was really nervous before the race. I won't say the day was easy, but I am certainly pleased with my results. I finished in 389th place (whoo-hoo!), and 71/88 in my age group. To be fair, the age group is 19-29 and I'm on the teetering tale end of that group so I dont feel too bad about my place. Actually, given the fact that I'm not naturally athletic and this was my very first race, I'm just pleased that I finished and came in at under a 10-minute mile average (9:54/mile). That's faster than my pace for the past several long runs!
I still didn't feel 100%. I tried to stick around for the rest of the team to finish but at some point I realized it was time to get off my feet, out of the sun, and home to take a quick nap to recooperate. I've managed to take it good and easy - anything not to disturb this cold again!
My left knee still had some discomfort but I really feel like the pigeon pose stretches (a yoga stretch) and the foam rolling is paying off. Once I'm warmed up I seem to totally forget about it. But, as I'm learning that if it isn't one thing it's another, my newest injury seems to be popping up in my foot on the outside of my arch and also on my achilles. I started to experience some sharp, spasming pain in my foot at about mile 8 but was able to suck it up 'till the end. After passing the finish line I booked it to the bathroom, but by the time I got there I was completely limping and could only put pressure on the ball of my left foot.
The problem in my foot doesn't surprise me. If you'll remember, the people at Santa Barbara Running videotaped the way my feet hit the ground when I run and I clearly land on the outside of my left foot (called Supination). The more I run, the more I can even notice this visually as I look down on my feet. The people at SB Running said that there wasn't much I can do about it, that it's "just the way I naturally run" but I do find myself trying to compensate for it. If it becomes too much of an issue maybe I'll try orthotics in my running shoes.
Anyway, it was a successful race. I am so proud to be a part of such a great team and feeling great about my progress as a runner!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Being Sick is a Drag
I've missed almost an entire week of training because I came down with, yet, another cold. It's really bumming me out - what will really suck is if I have to miss the SB Chardonnay 10-miler on Saturday.
Anyway, I'm just trying to take it easy so I can get back to normal. This is the 3rd time I've gotten sick since training began. I wonder what's going on in this body of mine???
:-(
Anyway, I'm just trying to take it easy so I can get back to normal. This is the 3rd time I've gotten sick since training began. I wonder what's going on in this body of mine???
:-(
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Long Run - Mesa Albertsons to San Ysidro
Time: 7am - 2 hours, 45 minutes
Meal: 6:30am - ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 3 strawberries in 8oz. of rice milk), 7:00am - EAS "Catapult" Pre-Race Energy Fuel, 1 Clif Shot (raz) at 1:45, 1 Hammer Gel (chocolate) at 2:20
Distance: Approx. 15 miles
SUCCESS!! I can't tell you how thrilled I am by my performance during today's training! It was such a tremendous improvement over last week - My body felt good, my attitude was right on, the weather was terrific and the ocean views were inspiring! Most notably, my legs did not have any real issues for most of the run. It wasn't until the 2 hour mark that I began to feel that familiar "flu legs" feeling, but by then I was almost done and it didn't take much to perservere through it.
I also learned the importance of the right dietary supplements to get me through the practice. That pre-race energy fuel was like crack on speed as a performance enhancer! It's primary ingredient is Alpha GPC (400 mg), which is noted to support the release of human growth hormone (hGH). According to bodybuilding.com:
I also found some less biased information on this natural supplement here. Of course, the secondary ingredient was caffeine (199 mg). Considering that a can of Coke only has 54mg of caffeine, I'm beginning to understand why this stuff gave me such a burst of energy. I'm sure, in the long run, such large doses of caffeine cannot be good for your body.
While energy is nice, my primary concern was to reduce the onset of muscle fatigue (a.k.a my "flu legs"). Dr. Neal recommended a dietary supplement called "Pro Vantage", as he found that one scoop of this stuff per day has really enhanced his training performance. I'm not sure if it was this stuff, the Catapult pre-race fuel, or a combination of the two but I was very successful in thwarting that muscle pain in my legs. As I mentioned, it wasn't until right about 2 hours that the pain came back. I found, mentally, it was easier to tolerate since I was 2/3 of the way through the practice.
I only had one GU pack (and it was a Clif Shot so I was a little nervous after almost barfing from the mocha last week), so I waited it out as long as I could, finally sucking it down at about 1:45 (thankfully the raz was tolerable). I wonder, if I had stayed on top of those, if I could have kept the pain at bay even longer? We were reaching the final stretch once we hit the last water stop at about 2:20. I knew I only had 25 minutes to go - but it was all uphill and my legs were killing me. One of the mentors offerred me a Hammer Gel - I hesitated but decided to give it a shot...the best decision I could have made! It was amazing how much better my legs felt for the duration of the run, and how steady I was able to maintain my pace. I suppose the next step is to do a little more research on all these performance enhancing nutritional supplements to find out (a) how much of my experience was physical vs. mental, (b) what the side-effects may be from using them, and (b) which have the most natural ingredients and a lesser likelihood of causing more harm than good to my body during and after this marathon training.
In any case, I felt great about the practice. I came in right at 11-minutes per mile, which is still slower than I wish it was but I can totally live with it. I am pretty sore (as usual), but stretching well helps. My only complaint is that I feel like I may be coming down with yet, another cold so I'm just trying to take it easy...
Meal: 6:30am - ProVantage Protein Shake (1 scoop blended with 3 strawberries in 8oz. of rice milk), 7:00am - EAS "Catapult" Pre-Race Energy Fuel, 1 Clif Shot (raz) at 1:45, 1 Hammer Gel (chocolate) at 2:20
Distance: Approx. 15 miles
SUCCESS!! I can't tell you how thrilled I am by my performance during today's training! It was such a tremendous improvement over last week - My body felt good, my attitude was right on, the weather was terrific and the ocean views were inspiring! Most notably, my legs did not have any real issues for most of the run. It wasn't until the 2 hour mark that I began to feel that familiar "flu legs" feeling, but by then I was almost done and it didn't take much to perservere through it.
I also learned the importance of the right dietary supplements to get me through the practice. That pre-race energy fuel was like crack on speed as a performance enhancer! It's primary ingredient is Alpha GPC (400 mg), which is noted to support the release of human growth hormone (hGH). According to bodybuilding.com:
Ageing and prolonged stress - including athletic endeavors like marathons or 'ironman/ironwoman' events are associated with decreased hormone production, especially reduced secretion of human Growth Hormone (hGH) from the anterior pituitary. These life events are also associated with lower levels of free choline in the blood and tissues. Concomitantly, both quality of life and lifespan decrease, sexual desire and potency diminish, muscles loose both protein (mass) and tone, and body fat levels increase.
I also found some less biased information on this natural supplement here. Of course, the secondary ingredient was caffeine (199 mg). Considering that a can of Coke only has 54mg of caffeine, I'm beginning to understand why this stuff gave me such a burst of energy. I'm sure, in the long run, such large doses of caffeine cannot be good for your body.
While energy is nice, my primary concern was to reduce the onset of muscle fatigue (a.k.a my "flu legs"). Dr. Neal recommended a dietary supplement called "Pro Vantage", as he found that one scoop of this stuff per day has really enhanced his training performance. I'm not sure if it was this stuff, the Catapult pre-race fuel, or a combination of the two but I was very successful in thwarting that muscle pain in my legs. As I mentioned, it wasn't until right about 2 hours that the pain came back. I found, mentally, it was easier to tolerate since I was 2/3 of the way through the practice.
I only had one GU pack (and it was a Clif Shot so I was a little nervous after almost barfing from the mocha last week), so I waited it out as long as I could, finally sucking it down at about 1:45 (thankfully the raz was tolerable). I wonder, if I had stayed on top of those, if I could have kept the pain at bay even longer? We were reaching the final stretch once we hit the last water stop at about 2:20. I knew I only had 25 minutes to go - but it was all uphill and my legs were killing me. One of the mentors offerred me a Hammer Gel - I hesitated but decided to give it a shot...the best decision I could have made! It was amazing how much better my legs felt for the duration of the run, and how steady I was able to maintain my pace. I suppose the next step is to do a little more research on all these performance enhancing nutritional supplements to find out (a) how much of my experience was physical vs. mental, (b) what the side-effects may be from using them, and (b) which have the most natural ingredients and a lesser likelihood of causing more harm than good to my body during and after this marathon training.
In any case, I felt great about the practice. I came in right at 11-minutes per mile, which is still slower than I wish it was but I can totally live with it. I am pretty sore (as usual), but stretching well helps. My only complaint is that I feel like I may be coming down with yet, another cold so I'm just trying to take it easy...
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Track Training, Santa Barbara City College
Time: 6pm, approx. 1 hour, 20 minutes
Although my practice this week continues to be discouraging, I'm proud to announce that I actually did complete the 3200 with the rest of my group, coming in around 2 minutes, 10 seconds per lap. (There were plenty of times during the training that I thought I might have to quit). I just almost vomited aftwerwards and had to walk during my cool-down because I just didn't have it in me for even a light jog. Everyone kept asking me if I was OK...yes I'm o.k. - I'm discouraged and feeling a little whiney (almost cried during the 800) but mostly I'm dissappointed because I'm feeling defeated by the week! I hate defeat, I don't take it well :-).
My problems were three-fold: (1) Of course, muscle fatigue, (2) physical endurance/energy and problems with asthma (the first time I've experienced athletic induced wheezing), and (3) I'm feeling a bit blue this week which is affecting my attitude and, therefore my perserverance. I want to be clear that my overall attitude is not as negative as this may sound, I'm just trying to record an accurate account of how I'm feeling through all this.
Anyway, it felt good to actually complete the practice, no matter how difficult it was, and I'm still confident that I will get over this hump of muscle fatigue and be just that much better. I'm also aware that I didn't eat a Clif bar before practice like I usually do, and I'm sure that's what affected my endurance during the fast training. The good news is that I was so distracted with pushing to complete the 3200 that I couldn't even feel my legs. The fatigue came back during my cool-down, but I am continuing to ice my shins and my knees, using the foam roller to activate the muscles, and stretching throughout the day.
The interesting day will be the 2 hour, 45 minute run on Saturday...
- 4-lap warm-up
- 2-laps strides
- One 800 fast (2 laps)
- One 400 cool down (1 lap)
- One 3200 fast (8 laps or 2 miles)
- 3 laps cool-down
Although my practice this week continues to be discouraging, I'm proud to announce that I actually did complete the 3200 with the rest of my group, coming in around 2 minutes, 10 seconds per lap. (There were plenty of times during the training that I thought I might have to quit). I just almost vomited aftwerwards and had to walk during my cool-down because I just didn't have it in me for even a light jog. Everyone kept asking me if I was OK...yes I'm o.k. - I'm discouraged and feeling a little whiney (almost cried during the 800) but mostly I'm dissappointed because I'm feeling defeated by the week! I hate defeat, I don't take it well :-).
My problems were three-fold: (1) Of course, muscle fatigue, (2) physical endurance/energy and problems with asthma (the first time I've experienced athletic induced wheezing), and (3) I'm feeling a bit blue this week which is affecting my attitude and, therefore my perserverance. I want to be clear that my overall attitude is not as negative as this may sound, I'm just trying to record an accurate account of how I'm feeling through all this.
Anyway, it felt good to actually complete the practice, no matter how difficult it was, and I'm still confident that I will get over this hump of muscle fatigue and be just that much better. I'm also aware that I didn't eat a Clif bar before practice like I usually do, and I'm sure that's what affected my endurance during the fast training. The good news is that I was so distracted with pushing to complete the 3200 that I couldn't even feel my legs. The fatigue came back during my cool-down, but I am continuing to ice my shins and my knees, using the foam roller to activate the muscles, and stretching throughout the day.
The interesting day will be the 2 hour, 45 minute run on Saturday...
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Cross Training - Elliptical @ Spectrum Club
Time: 9:30pm, 20 minutes
Meal: Macaroni-and-cheese-and-sausage-vegetable-surprise at 7pm
Another day of taking it easy since my legs are still really sore. I went in to see Dr. Nicole after work today and we're still trying to resolve the issue. Turns out I don't really know what I'm talking about (duh) - the core of the problem still lies with my IT Bands (part of the quadracept muscle, on the outside of my leg, which runs from my butt to down below my knee). "IT Band Friction Syndrome" is actually one of the most common injuries for runners. There's a good explanation of it here. The pain is prominent in my left knee/leg, and she explained that it can sometimes result in shin splints (which makes sense since my shins were really killing me yesterday). She did a lot of deep tissue work up near my glutes, on my shins, and around my knees (one word - OUCH!! I guess it has to hurt if its to heel). I need to continue using the foam roller, be better about stretching (she even gave me a few more stretches), and give my body a little more time to warm up prior to my workouts.
Under her recommendation, I did the ellliptical machine tonight in lieu of running since it's a little bit lower-impact. This was a lot easier on my body but its clear that I have a lot of work to do on my legs since they are still sore! I did stretch for about 20 minutes before and 10 minutes after. I really, really, really need to get in the habit of stretching a lot and allow ample time for it.
I'm having a slow, frustrating, typical PMS week (too much information? Too bad!), so I think its a good time to also work on my attitude (especially because this leg thing is really discouraging) and my focus during workouts this week.
Meal: Macaroni-and-cheese-and-sausage-vegetable-surprise at 7pm
Another day of taking it easy since my legs are still really sore. I went in to see Dr. Nicole after work today and we're still trying to resolve the issue. Turns out I don't really know what I'm talking about (duh) - the core of the problem still lies with my IT Bands (part of the quadracept muscle, on the outside of my leg, which runs from my butt to down below my knee). "IT Band Friction Syndrome" is actually one of the most common injuries for runners. There's a good explanation of it here. The pain is prominent in my left knee/leg, and she explained that it can sometimes result in shin splints (which makes sense since my shins were really killing me yesterday). She did a lot of deep tissue work up near my glutes, on my shins, and around my knees (one word - OUCH!! I guess it has to hurt if its to heel). I need to continue using the foam roller, be better about stretching (she even gave me a few more stretches), and give my body a little more time to warm up prior to my workouts.
Under her recommendation, I did the ellliptical machine tonight in lieu of running since it's a little bit lower-impact. This was a lot easier on my body but its clear that I have a lot of work to do on my legs since they are still sore! I did stretch for about 20 minutes before and 10 minutes after. I really, really, really need to get in the habit of stretching a lot and allow ample time for it.
I'm having a slow, frustrating, typical PMS week (too much information? Too bad!), so I think its a good time to also work on my attitude (especially because this leg thing is really discouraging) and my focus during workouts this week.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Easy Run - Downtown Santa Barbara
Time: 5:45pm, approx. 25 minutes
Food: Mexican buffet for lunch @ 12:30, a Vitamin Water right before the run
This is my rest week since I've been working so hard to catch up with the rest of the team, so Lucas (run of the run coaches) advised me to take it easy this week. I was supposed to do some cross training yesterday but it just didn't happen...my only excuse is that I just didn't feel like getting out of my pajamas :-).
So, what would have been a 40-minute run today was cut to about 25 minutes. Even still, it was 25-minutes of what I have affectionately been calling "flu legs". As soon as I started to lightly jog my muscles tightened, and I could feel the same pain in my legs as I did during the long run this past weekend. I'm really trying to just suck it up, but to be honest I'm getting frustrated by the pain.
As for my knees, the pain started on the outside of my left kneecap. When I tried adjusting my posture and concentrating on the heel-toe land again, this pain moved to the front of my kneecap, just below the patella. No matter how hard I tried I could not achieve heel-toe with my left foot - my left shin was just too stiff, I couldn't extend my heel. I'm sure I got a little obsessive-compulsive about the whole thing, and the more I thought about it the more I tried to correct my movements and the more I hurt. The pain in my left knee eventually moved to the inside of my kneecap. Overall, I could feel the most discomfort in my knees, my shins, and my quads. Contrary to my conclusions the other day, it didn't even feel like I was engaging my hamstrings.
At some point I realized I was thinking too hard so I tried to stop thinking and just let my strides fall naturally. I am practically limping on my left side, as the most comfortable land is on the ball of my foot. All in all, I feel really good about my heightened sense of awareness in my body. When I've experience muscle pain in the past I could usually just point you in the general direction but not really pinpoint exactly what was happening. There's a little of that going on, but I am much more aware of exactly which muscles are causing me problems, which makes me confident that, with the help of Dr. Nicole, I will be able to work on these muscles - loosen the ones that are tightening up and strengthen the ones that are weak - to reach my optimal performance. Like any practice or exercise, this is merely a plateau and a challenge that I'll need to overcome in my training.
I had an appointment immediately after my run. Afterwards (about an hour and 15 minutes later) I ran from the office to my truck (less than 1/2 a block) and noticed that my muscles were much looser - and I could easily land heel-toe on my left side. It proved to me the importance of (1) warming up and (2) stretching. It's critical that I pay special attention to these preventative practices as I continue my training.
Food: Mexican buffet for lunch @ 12:30, a Vitamin Water right before the run
This is my rest week since I've been working so hard to catch up with the rest of the team, so Lucas (run of the run coaches) advised me to take it easy this week. I was supposed to do some cross training yesterday but it just didn't happen...my only excuse is that I just didn't feel like getting out of my pajamas :-).
So, what would have been a 40-minute run today was cut to about 25 minutes. Even still, it was 25-minutes of what I have affectionately been calling "flu legs". As soon as I started to lightly jog my muscles tightened, and I could feel the same pain in my legs as I did during the long run this past weekend. I'm really trying to just suck it up, but to be honest I'm getting frustrated by the pain.
As for my knees, the pain started on the outside of my left kneecap. When I tried adjusting my posture and concentrating on the heel-toe land again, this pain moved to the front of my kneecap, just below the patella. No matter how hard I tried I could not achieve heel-toe with my left foot - my left shin was just too stiff, I couldn't extend my heel. I'm sure I got a little obsessive-compulsive about the whole thing, and the more I thought about it the more I tried to correct my movements and the more I hurt. The pain in my left knee eventually moved to the inside of my kneecap. Overall, I could feel the most discomfort in my knees, my shins, and my quads. Contrary to my conclusions the other day, it didn't even feel like I was engaging my hamstrings.
At some point I realized I was thinking too hard so I tried to stop thinking and just let my strides fall naturally. I am practically limping on my left side, as the most comfortable land is on the ball of my foot. All in all, I feel really good about my heightened sense of awareness in my body. When I've experience muscle pain in the past I could usually just point you in the general direction but not really pinpoint exactly what was happening. There's a little of that going on, but I am much more aware of exactly which muscles are causing me problems, which makes me confident that, with the help of Dr. Nicole, I will be able to work on these muscles - loosen the ones that are tightening up and strengthen the ones that are weak - to reach my optimal performance. Like any practice or exercise, this is merely a plateau and a challenge that I'll need to overcome in my training.
I had an appointment immediately after my run. Afterwards (about an hour and 15 minutes later) I ran from the office to my truck (less than 1/2 a block) and noticed that my muscles were much looser - and I could easily land heel-toe on my left side. It proved to me the importance of (1) warming up and (2) stretching. It's critical that I pay special attention to these preventative practices as I continue my training.
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