Life Continues

I had intended to only do this blog while I was training for the marathon but I have had a couple of people tell me they have enjoyed it and so I may occasionally do an update.

After the marathon I was incredibly sore, even more so than I expected to be. The week after I did minimal running, some walking and some on my stationary bike to try and recover. The Saturday after the race was the Scott County Steps for Pets 5k. It was the first race I did last year, the first I ever did in my life, and I really wanted to do it again this year. Considering my legs and the fact that I had just done a marathon I was not sure if I could do it. I decided to go and at least start, my time last year was 38 something so even if I didn't really try I should be able to beat that time. Chandler decided to do it with me so we lined up at the start line together. We stayed together for just a couple of minutes, I could tell that my legs felt strong so he told me to go ahead and off I went. It felt great, I felt great. Strong and my leg didn't hurt at all. I finished in 28:40 which is just a few second shy of taking 10 full minutes off last years time and was good enough to win my age group. Chandler also won his age group.

After that I knew I was going to be fine and I started thinking about the Iron Horse Half Marathon I am signed up for at the end of the month. I pulled out the training schedule Ernie gave me for the Lex Half and on Monday went out on my first training run for the Iron Horse. The runs went well so on Sunday I met Cherri for our long run of 13.1 miles before we start tapering. I like this, one week of training and now I am tapering again. The 13.1 was harder than I thought it would be, my legs began to yell at about mile 8 but I got thru it and feel pretty good the day after.

So there it is, I finished a marathon and kept on running. After the Lex Half I had a let down feeling, all that training and when it was over I didn't know what to do. Having another race to prepare for I think has helped me just keep going and so my next one is the Flying Pig Half Marathon in May in Cincinnati.

till next time

C

I am a MARATHONER

I did it. I can't believe it and I am sure those of you who have known me longer since before January 2009, when I started the diet, also can't believe I did it.

When I ended last weeks post I wasn't sure if I was even going to be able to do the marathon and all week long I was worried about even being able to start. After consulting with all my running buddies I decided to go to Akron and at least start. If I couldn't do it I could always pull out and not finish but I had put in to much work to at least not go see what I could do.

I took the whole week off, I didn't run, ride my bike or anything. It was very hard and I was worried I would lose some of my conditioning but everyone told me it would be ok and I needed to rest my knee and leg. By Friday my knee was not hurting at all but the lower outside of my leg was extremely sore. My trainer figures that when I ran on Sunday I was compensating for my knee hurting and I changed my stride and made a muscle sore.

Friday morning we headed to Akron. Everyone had told me the course was hilly but the drive up thru Ohio is flat. I kept wondering where are the hills, let me tell you that they are all in Akron. Our hotel was downtown, a few blocks from everywhere I needed to be so it was very handy. There were signs all over the hotel and downtown about the marathon. After we arrived at the hotel David and Chandler went to play in the pool and I iced my leg. Then we headed to the expo. The expo was really great. I picked up my packet and jacket and then we went to the pasta dinner. It was a buffet, set up in a conference room, come and go as you wanted. The food was ok and they had speakers while we were eating. After we ate we went back up to the expo to look around better. It was crowded but I think everything you could want running related was there. I was able to meet Dana Casanave. She is an amazing woman who is doing a marathon a week to raise money for Aids Orphans in Africa. I also bought a pair of compression sleeves for my legs. David thought they would really help my leg so I tried on a pair and they did feel pretty good so I decided to try them. Then it was back to the room for an early night and hopefully a good night's sleep.

I did sleep fairly well, considering, but 5 am is still early. Chandler didn't like the 5 am at all. We got up and I started to get all my stuff together and get us packed up. I was plenty nervous and I had hoped to get to the finish line around 6 but it was a little later and I think it was better because I didn't have as much time to stand around and fret. When we got down to the lobby it was packed with people doing the race and it was fun to be in that atmosphere and all of us be in the same boat. After David and Chandler packed the car we headed to the start.

There was so many people. In total there were 13,000 runners. (Not all of them were at the start line because there were relay teams in the race but there were several people at the start line.) I started trying to find the 5 hr pace team. Dana had told me the night before that she was leading that group and I felt like that with my leg still sore that would about be my pace.

I have to tell on myself here. As I was looking for the group I decided I probably ought to go to the bathroom one last time and I started looking for the porta potties. David could see them over everyone's heads so we headed towards them. It was dark and as we arrived I saw people coming and going from them so as someone came out I went in. When I came out David asked me if Iknew I had just made alot of people mad. I asked him how and he told me that there had actually been long lines for the porta potties and I had just cut in front of a whole bunch of people. I was really embarrassed, I didn't do it on purpose, I swear I did not see the lines but there wasn't anything I could do about it then. (Lesson learned, next time look and see if there is a line.)

Then I hugged and kissed my guys good bye and got in line. By then I only had to wait for a few minutes before the race started. I was so far back in line that just as I got to the start line I heard them announce that the lead runners were already past mile 1. Thank goodness for chip timers. And then we were at the start and I set off on my first marathon. I don't even know how to tell you about the 26.2 miles - here are some thoughts:

- at first I was really worried about my leg but after a few steps I could feel that it was going to be ok, sore, but if I stayed in my stride and was careful I could handle it.

- I started off in a jacket(I bought it at Goodwill so if I needed to shed it I could and they donate the shedded items to a local charity). It was 58 degrees when we started and somewhere between mile 1 and 2 I had to come out of the jacket. I tried to drop it off the course so no one would trip over it behind me.

- the early miles went by incredibly fast. In fact we got to mile 1 so quick that I looked down at my watch thinking I must be going faster than I needed to but I was at 11:30 per mile which is a good pace for me and my leg. Until about mile 7 or 8 I couldn't believe how fast each mile seemed to come up but after that it seemed more normal and by the time I got to mile 23 I didn't think the last 3 were ever going to be over.

- about mile 4 I realized that my leg was going to be ok, sore but doable, and I was going to be able to finish the marathon that I had worked so hard for and I have to admit I was in tears and there were a couple of times along the way that I would think to myself that I was going to be able to say I did a marathon and I would get teary again.

- the first miles were downtown and not anything real interesting, although I did see a dead snake in the road. At about mile 11 we turned onto the tow path along the Erie Canal and that was gorgeous scenery. I didn't like the surface, crushed packed limestone but it was great scenery for about 4 miles. As we came off the towpath we started up a hill in a local park and I mean a hill. It went up and up and up for a little over 2 miles. It was a pretty run, lots of big trees and a creek running alongside the road but it was a heck of a hill. Then we were into neighborhoods. The people were great. They would cheer us on - many of them would look at our bibs and call us by name. Some of them had music set up and were partying as we ran by.

- Except for one cranky driver, who was yelling about not being able to move, the people were all great. The volunteers were also terrific. There was lots of water stations and plenty of volunteers at each one so that you could just grab water and go. The whole city really supports the race.

- Chandler did the Kids Fun Run while I was running and really enjoyed it. He got a finishers medal also. After he did the run he and David found some breakfast and then they stood near the finish and cheered on the runners.

- At about mile 25 I began to believe that there wasn't going to be a mile 26, we were just going to keep running and running but then I saw David and Chandler by the side of the road yelling for me and they told me that I was actually very close to the finish. They were yelling for me to finish strong so I mustered up what I had left and ran into the stadium and across the finish. The race organizer, Jim, stands there and shakes everyone's hand. He is a really great guy. Then I got my medal and my photo taken with it and a space blanket. Then it was time to find some water and something to eat. They gave every runner a bag with a bagel, banana, pretzels and bar in it. I think that was the best banana I have ever ate. Then a cold chocolate milk, which is actually a good recovery drink.

- I cannot even begin to tell you all my thoughts and emotions. As I was running I thought of family and friends who were pulling for me. I sang to myself. I tried to imagine my running buddy Cherri there with me, helping me get through. (She doesn't feel it but she ran the marathon with me in my thoughts). I really didn't feel bad until about mile 23 and then I began to feel tired and like those last 3 miles would never be over. But I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and before I knew it I was done.

- I didn't do as good time wise as I wanted. I had hoped to beat Oprah's time of 4 hrs and 30 minutes but considering the problems I had with my leg and the fact that I had a wreck just a week and half before the race I am telling myself that I did ok. (A gentleman I made friends with on facebook told me instead of trying to beat Oprah's marathon time I should try and keep my weight off and beat her there, something she hasn't been able to do.)

- Am I going to do another one? I can't believe I am saying this but yes I am thinking of doing another one. I am really disappointed with my time and I would like to find a flatter course and if my leg is 100% see what I can really do.

So there it is. I did it. It's been an interesting experience from start to finish and I am so proud of myself and glad I did it.

Cyndi

PS - afterwards - the word of the day for Sunday and Monday was SORE. Sunday worse than Monday and now today, Tuesday I feel almost normal again and hope to get a run in tonight.

Start of last week

Well I have been late in posting because there is nothing good to say about last week. The horse sales started at Keeneland which is always a busy time. I woke up on Monday with a very sore knee. I debated about going to the Dr and realized that to be on the safe side I should so off I went. Luckily my Dr is a runner also and she ordered an MRI although she thought it was inflammation she wanted to be safe. Tuesday I went to get the MRI and was told to wait 48 hrs for result. I did go for a run Tuesday evening to test my knee. It was painful but I did manage to about 3 miles.

Wednesday did not start good at all. Not a mile from the house I pulled out in front of a SUV and totalled my Forerunner. I have thought and thought about it. I would swear I looked and didn't see him coming but as I pulled out there he was. I took a pretty good lick to the head and had to ride in an ambulance to the emergency room. Which anyone who has ever had that experience knows how much fun that was. So the rest of the week was recovering and figuring out what to do about a car.

Friday afternoon I got a good report from the MRI and was feeling pretty good about life again.

Saturday night we went to Toyota in Nicholasville and bought a real pretty little red car.

Sunday I did get up and meet Cherri at the horse park for a run. After about 3 miles I was really hurting and was thinking of stopping when I guess I got used to it and was able to go on and did a little over 7 miles but I paid for it the rest of the day when I could barely walk. Not sure right now whether I am going to be able to do the marathon or not.

Tapering!!!!

Several of you have heard me say that my new favorite word is taper. The hard work is done, now I just need to maintain my fitness level and allow my body to recover to put in a good run in less than 2 weeks.

It's been a good week. One thing I have done differently this training period from the Lexington Half is not be such a slave to the schedule. It has taken some help from my running buddy Cherri and it's not easy for me. Monday was Labor day and we were traveling home from the family reunion. I think the combination of the stress of worrying about my final 20 and the reunion, the not sleeping good in a strange bed and the not eating like I would normally eat, all ganged up on me and as we were driving home Monday I was ill. When we got home Monday night I took it easy and gave myself the night off.

Woke up Tuesday feeling better and so off I went Tuesday for the 5 miles I was supposed to do Monday. Stayed in the neighborhood and didn't push it. I did about half of my hill route and half of my speed route and had a really good run. There was one point in the run where I really felt good. It felt like I had perfect form and was just breezing along. I even thought to myself now this is what running is supposed to feel like.

Wednesday night is the run clinic at John's. Cherri had a family committment but Chandler decided to go with me. As usual it was really good and I really enjoyed it. Chandler did pretty good considering he hasn't done much running and he says he wants to go back with me next week.

Thursday was the long run of the week, 7 miles. Had a nice run around Georgetown, thru the cemtery, uptown and all around. During this training period and all these miles I have really seen alot of Georgetown up close.

Friday was rest day AND new shoes day. I had been hoping to get new shoes before the big race and Friday night I was finally able to make it to John's. Good news was the guy there said that from the wear and tear on my old shoes it looked like I don't have any bad running habits. Enjoyed a nice dinner out with my guys and then some shopping.

Saturday David had to work so Cherri met me here in Georgetown and we did 12 miles together. We did the new run I have been doing that includes the long hill out on the bypass and had a pretty good run. I wore my new shoes and about mile 8 they began to bother me a little and by the end were bothering me alot but hopefully I can get them worn some more so they will be ok for the race. The rest of the day Saturday was shopping for the Keeneland sale for the farm.

Sunday morning I got up and met some of the Striders at John's for a run to see the Horse Mania horses. (Lexington has an art project this summer for the equestrian games where local artists took life size horses and painted/decorated them to display around town.) It was a great run. It took up about and hour and a half to do a little over 3 miles so we weren't getting in a hurry. I don't know how many horses we stopped and looked at but it was fun. It was really nice to run just for fun, not worrying about pace or distance or anything except enjoying the morning, the scenery and the company. In the afternoon I went with the scouts to the new Legacy trail and did a 15 mile bike ride. There are two different merit badges it can be counted towards. It was a really nice afternoon. Love the trail. It was a little crowded, being opening day and some people were not very nice but all in all I had a great time.

Last 20 miler done

This week was the last week of lots of miles, after this it is all tapering, my new favorite word.

I am going to start this blog with the end of week run, my last 20 miler was Saturday, because this was a stupendous moment for me. When I was contemplating a marathon it was the 20 mile runs on the training schedule that scared me to death. How would I ever do one 20 mile run, much less 3 of them and I knew that my usual running buddy, Cherri, didn't want to do a marathon at this time so I would be training by myself and would be doing the runs by myself. It was only after I found someone else who was doing the same marathon and we could do the runs together that I decided to do the marathon. Unfortunately after I signed up the other runner was injured and had to back out so there I was - committed to a marathon and no one to do the long runs with me. Since I had already put my money on the line and there are no refunds I had to go ahead. That first 12 miler, by myself, wasn't to bad. After all, in March I had done the half marathon, 13.1 miles by myself. The first 20 miler was hard. Cherri came and did the first nine with me but I did the final 11 by myself and by the time I was done I was hurting but I did do it. The second 20 miler was a little better. Again, the best running buddy in the world, Cherri, came and did the first 9 with me and I finished the rest by myself, while she rescued a bunny rabbit. I was a little stronger and my time was better. This week was the last one and everything I have read advised that if you were going to do the marathon by yourself you should do a long run solo so I told Cherri she was off the hook and Saturday morning at 6am I started off by myself.

I chose to stay in Georgetown and using gmaps mapped me out a route. At the last minute I changed it. Friday night as we were on our way home I realized that part of the bypass is a slow gradual hill that seemed very similiar to the one on the marathon route so I changed my route to include it. I wanted to say Georgetown for two main reasons. One it is best to run where you are comfortable and since I was going to be myself I knew I would be more comfortable here in town and the main reason is that I would be starting in the dark and I knew that if I started in my neighborhood there would be street lamps to light the way. It was a big moral victory that I started off in the dark by myself. I really am afraid of the dark and I have to admit to some major nerves until it got light. Since it had begun to get light when I left our neighborhood I ran over into the cemetery. So calm and peaceful but no ghosts to run with me. Then I headed uptown and out to the bypass and my hill. I was doing pretty good, staying around an 11:30 minute mile and not to cold. (It was mid to high 50's when I started off. Most people think this is perfect running weather and it really is but my hands get so cold.) I handled the hill, no problem, and was feeling strong. As I started down the hill I passed a field of cows who mooed at me and didn't run away. On my first 12 miler in Georgetown the cows ran from me as I ran by. I like to think they have gotten used to me and was mooing hello but my loving hubby thinks they were mooing at me that I am nuts. Anyway I continued on and began to feel my hands be really cold. I was planning to go by the house and refill my water bottles before I set off for the finish and by the time I got to the house my hands were like ice cubes, almost to the point of being painful. I got to the house and I changed my shirt and added gloves. I am sure people must have thought I was nuts, a running singlet and gloves but oh my gosh my hands felt so good the rest of the run. As I started back out I was at 11 1/4 miles and still feeling strong. With about 9 miles to go I headed out to Cherri and my regular run, out to the interstate and back. I felt good till about mile 13 and I had awhile there that I was really hurting and thinking I was out of steam. I was supposed to try and do 5 miles at my race pace and I was trying to speed up and I did, not sure I hit race pace, but I was definitely faster, less than 11 minutes a mile at that point. I got past that hurting point and at the interstate I turned for home and the last 4 1/2 miles. Whoohoo I was thinking, I am almost done, feeling ok and knowing that tapering is 4 1/2 miles away. I began to feel a little fatigued again and there is a pretty good hill on the way home and I was afraid it would slow down my time but I got home still at a sub 11 mile. Feeling strong, a little sore and tired but DARN PROUD of myself. I wish I could articulate all the thoughts I had while running 20 miles by myself. From the fear of the dark, to looking for ghosts in the cemetery, to the beauty of downtown Georgetown, conquering the hill, the cold hands and the final 9 miles, it was a great run that I am so glad I did. I missed my running buddy, I almost called and begged her to come do part of it with me and I know she would have been there for me but now I know I can do 20 miles by myself at a pretty good pace and I feel as ready as I can probaby feel for the marathon, which is after all why I was doing it.

Now to how the rest of the week went -

Monday night my running buddy Cherri asked me if I wanted company. I told her sure but Mondays are hill work. She doesn't really like hills so I wanted to warn her but she said she was up for it so she came over to Georgetown. We started off with David and Chandler. Chandler wants to start running to get in shape for basketball. David and Chandler did about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile with us and then they turned for home while we went on. It wasn't as cool as it has been so we didn't try and set a terrific pace. It was a good run and we handled the hills really well. I really don't mind running alone and sometimes I prefer to but I must admit sometimes it is good to have a partner and Monday nights run seemed to fly by with Cherri there with me. Unfortunately she got eat up with mosquitos. She must be sweeter than me because I only had a bite or two but they really got her.

Tuesday night is 4 miles and usually speed work. I started off feeling good and strong till about mile 3 and then it was like I hit a wall. I had hit a walk period and when it was time to run again I didn't think I could do it. I really had to push to keep running but after a few minutes it went away and I finished pretty strong.

Wednesday was supposed to be another running clinic but I got an email late in the day that Gary was having sore legs and was canceling. I had 10 miles on the schedule(my longest midweek run) and Cherri and I decided to run at the horse park. We haven't ran there in awhile, they are really busy getting ready for the World Equestrian Games. We agreed I would go do 5 miles and then meet her for the 2nd 5. It was a little warm, the heat had come back this week, which I love, but I started off and did pretty good. I was right at race pace and it is just so great to run over there even with all the activity. One kind of funny incident, there are ducks on the ponds at one of the bridges. As I approached I saw 3 ducks in the middle of the road. I was wondering if they would even notice me. As I got close a truck came up behind me and the ducks started to run towards my side of the road but then they noticed me and they started back the other way and here came another car. The poor ducks just went back forth for a few seconds till the cars and I got by.

Thursday afternoon I got sick and since I knew the 20 was coming on Saturday, on the advice of my coach, Cherri, I took Thursday off to rest.

Friday was a scheduled rest day and I even gave myself the day off from cross training and rested up for the last big 20. We went out to Fazoli's to carb up and then shopped for the family reunion on Sunday.

So that is the end of the intensive marathon training. I am now in what is called taper mode. I know to non-runners it probably doesn't make sense that 3 weeks from the marathon you actually start decreasing your mileage but that is how it works. It gives your body time to recover from the strenuous training and be fresh the day of the race. I cannot believe that I am at this point.

I know this is a longer post but it was an amazing week.

till next week

Cyndi

4 weeks to go

Monday - the nerves hit. Monday afternoon at work, printing pedigrees, which doesn't take a lot of concentration I got to thinking about the race and ended up thinking to much about the race. Before I knew it I was in a full blown panic, tears and all. I was asking myself what was I thinking and I was dwelling on the fact that I won't have done a full 26 miles before the race and everyone says the last 6 is the hardest. I called the best runner I know, Carol at the gym, and she talked me down. She has done lots of races, she is very fast, and I knew she would know what to say and she did. Felt better after talking with her.

Monday night is a 5 miler and I have been doing my hillier run on Mondays so off I set. Probably not my best idea, my legs didn't bother me during the day but as I got to running I could feel them, fatigue. Probably not smart to do a hilly 5 after a 20 miler on Saturday. I pushed ahead, told myself not to go for a fast time, just finish so that's what I did. When I got home I iced both of my knees and went to bed early. I try to remember that rest is as important as running.

Tuesday I woke up very sore, especially my right knee. I went ahead and got on my stationary bike and did my stretching and then after I got dressed for work I iced my right knee again. During the day it seemed to ease and I was feeling pretty good when I got home. I had been telling myself all day that I should give myself the day off and I had decided that was what I was going to do BUT... When I walked outside to leave work it was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon and my first thought was "I have to get out and run in this". When I got home I did a short little run on the sidewalk and decided I would be ok. Tuesdays are 4 milers and I told myself I would take it easy. David tried to talk me out of it but I promised him I would take it easy and if I got to hurting I would turn for home. It was a good run. I didn't push to hard and for the first time in months I didn't wear my Striders Singlet but went for a shirt with sleeves. I did think of wearing a long sleeve shirt because I thought it was that cool but of course once I got started I got warm and was glad I didn't put on long sleeves.

The running clinic at Johns was on Wednesday night. It was only me so I got a one on one session with Gary and it was great. I think I can really tell an improvement in my running just after two weeks of working with him. The form tips and the strides really help.

Thursday was a busy day. I needed to do a 9 mile run but I had to work all day and get to a meeting at 7 pm. I rushed home, changed my clothes and got started. Ater I did 8 miles I decided to stop and get home. That way I had time to ice my knee and eat my supper without rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off. It was a good run. I stayed in the neighborhood and set a really good pace.

Friday was a rest day and I needed it. My legs were feeling fatigued and tired. David and Chandler were off camping with the scouts so I got a manicure and had the night to myself.

Hills was word of the day for Saturday. Cherri and I wanted to run part of the Iron Horse half marathon course so we planned to run in Midway on Saturday. I had 12 on the schedule but I was staying flexible till I saw how I handled the hills. Bob and Chris met us at 6 and off we started. It was a great run. It is a really pretty course, going thru town and by horse farms. We saw some weanlings running in a field and a bunch of geese. We ended up doing 11 miles and both Cherri and I handled the hills. No problem. (This also helped calm some of my marathon nerves, the marathon course is hilly and I handled the hills ok so I am hoping that means I will handle the marathon hills also.) Afterwards we all headed to IHOP for a good breakfast and good talk. Cherri and I then headed over to check out the Swim, Bike, Run shop. Really neat store. I really think if I was a stronger swimmer I would have to try a triathlon.

Sunday is another rest day and I was glad. I had thought of taking a bike ride, it was so pretty outside but Cherri reminded me it is supposed to be a rest day and I have 39 miles to do this week so no bike ride.

This coming week is the hardest week mileage wise. After this I go into taper mode, which means the marathon is only 4 weeks away. I can't believe it is so close. When I started on June 7th it seemed so far away and I was terrified of 20 miles run but here I am 4 weeks away and 2 20 milers done with one to go. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

till next week

C

‎"If I can do that, there's probably not a lot I can't do."

Kenneth Feld of Ringling Bros circus talking about a marathon

35 days and counting

Oh my gosh, can it be only 35 days till I see this sign at the finish? For some reason 35 days sounds lots shorter than 5 weeks. Had a very good week. Even though I knew another 20 miler was coming it didn't freak me out quite as bad as the first one did.

Monday night started off with a good run. I wanted to do some good hills so I mapped out a new course in the neighborhood. 5.06 miles in 51:22 - it wasn't real hot and I liked the new course.

Tuesday was a 4 miler and I wanted to try for some speed. Did my usual in the neighborhood route and did 4.2 miles in 41:24. The weather was good and the run was great.

Wednesday night Cherri and I went down to John's Run Shop and attended a Running Clinic put on by Gary Ditsch of Endurance Base Camp. They have been doing them most of the summer but this was the first time I could get down there. I really enjoyed it. He showed us some great exercises and stretches along with analysing our form. It seems like I look down to much when I run. SO...

Thursday night I tried to put into use everything I learned on Wednesday night. I was supposed to do 9 miles on Wednesday and 4 on Thursday but since I had attended the clinic Wednesday I did the 9 miles Wednesday night. I headed out the bypass towards the interstate trying really hard to remember all I learned. Arms high and tight, lean forward, foot fall and of course keep my head up. It must work because I had the best run I have had in a long time. 9 miles at 9:55 per mile, that is an awesome time for me for that long of a run. I was really jazzed when I got home, felt like I could conquer the world.

Friday is an off day. We went bowling with some friends to raise money for an adoption. Some friends of ours are leaving this week to bring home their new son and we all had fun.

Saturday started at 5:30 am. Cherri met me at 5:30 and we started off, in the dark, for our 9 miles together. We ran out to the interstate and back, good run together. Just as we got back to my house we saw a bunny beside the road. It was obviously a pet bunny and I knew Cherri would go back and try and help it. We got to my house and parted ways. I filled up my water bottles and started off again. After I did 6 miles I headed home to fill up my bottles again and as I got near the house there was Cherri, police and animal control trying to rescue the bunny. They had caught it and was taking it away as I got there. I filled up my water bottles and headed out for the final 5 miles. It didn't seem that warm but the humidity was getting to me and I was drinking more than usual. With about 3 miles to go it started getting cooler and the sky started getting darker and sure enough there came the rain. With about 2 miles to go the skies opened up and poured. Strangely enough it felt good and since there was no lightening I just kept running. Was soaked to the skin when I got home but I had done it. 2nd 20 miler done in a pretty good time and stronger than the first one. One more 20 miler in 2 weeks and then it is taper time. I was pretty sore when I got done but luckily I had 2 free massages coming and I scheduled one for Saturday afternoon and so I let Nora work some of the soreness out of me. It felt so good, wish I could have massage after every hard run. One free one left and I am going to save it for after the marathon.

Sunday was about rest and laundry. I didn't sleep well Friday night so a good 11 hrs sleep on Saturday night felt good. Then the day was spent catching up the laundry and playing with my genealogy habit.

This week is about another clinic and a good run over the Iron Horse half marathon course on Saturday and hopefully breakfast out with friends.

Till next week

C

Commitment and Motivation - 6 weeks to go

6 weeks to go and this week was a toughie. If I didn't have my money already paid I would have been sorely tempted to quit. I was so proud of my 20 miler last Saturday but for some reason it makes the rest of the training seem anti-climatic or needless. It was like, ok, I did the 20 miler, I can do this, I don' t need to keep training. I really struggled to get out on Monday and get going. It was probably the hardest time I have had of getting myself motivated to get out and get going.

So Monday - I waited till 8 pm, as I have been doing to beat the heat, and started out. Unfortunately for me the days are getting shorter and it started getting dark on me before I got home. I ran here in the neighborhood, incorporating the hill I am doing to try and get ready for the marathon, but it was darker than I am comfortable with by the time I got home. Anybody who knows me knows I am a real chicken in the dark but I have been getting up at 5:30 am on Saturdays and starting out in the dark and it doesn't seem to bother me as bad as running in the dark at night. I think I have figured out that it is because in the morning I know light is coming where as at night it's just going to get darker and darker. It was a pretty good run, fair time and I realized I have to start running a little earlier to avoid the dark.

Tuesday was probably the warmest run I have had all year or at least it felt like it. I did 4 miles in the neighborhood and I was really pushing for a good time. I had water with me and I drank as I usually do but I was really warm when I got done. As I was drying off after my shower I had some cramps in my calf, not fun. I have to remember not to push when it is so warm.

Wednesday is the night of the long run but not this week. I had promised Chandler we would go to Bengals training camp this week. They practice just minutes from our house and one of his favorite college players is on the team this year. You might know their last and only evening practice was on Wednesday. I asked Chandler if I could let him and his dad go without me but since I am really more of the sports fan than David Chandler really wanted me to go. I decided that Chandler has been really good to help me get my runs in so I put family first and off we went to camp. It is kind of interesting to set there and watch them practice and see all the players. We stayed till the end and Chandler was able to get a few autographs.

Thursday night was the long run for the week, 8 miles. I stayed in the neighborhood and did ok, Didn't push real hard just ran along till all the miles in. I did decide I am going to start mixing up the routes a little to mix things up.

Friday was rest day. A friend of Cherri's wasn't able to use her ticket to see Beth Moore in Lexington so she gave the ticket to me. I had never heard of Beth Moore but I really enjoyed her speaking. She did a study out of Jeremiah that she called, Eat, Love, Pray. Very powerful speaker. I was amazed that there were 11,000 people from 29 different states.

Saturday morning was the conclusion of Beth Moore's study and then Saturday night was the Midsummer Night's run in Lexington. Both Cherri and I had friends who have only recently started running doing the race and we planned to run/walk with them. As as been the case for several of our runs we had bad weather. As David, Chandler and I headed to Lexington for the race the skies opened up and poured the rain. We pulled into Rupp's parking lot with it raining so hard you could barely see in front of you. Luckily Chandler could pull up a weather map on his phone and we could see that it should pass over pretty quick and it did. Cherri and friend and me and my friend all managed to meet up and even met up with Chris and Bob from the striders. As were lining up for the race I got separated from my friend. I knew she would be fine as she was running with another friend also. Since I was now on my own I decided to go for a good time. I ended up with a 28:37, that is the second time I have ran that, it was my time for the Purity Dash also. I feel like I could have done a little better but the crowd was horrible. Had I realized I was going to run by myself I would have started closer up, as it was at the one mile mark I was still dodging slower runners in front of me. When I finished I met David and Chandler at the finish line and was cheering on the rest of the finishers, fun - fun

My long run on the schedule for Saturday morning was supposed to be 12 miles. Since I needed to be at Rupp at 7:30 am for the conclusion of the Beth Moore study and I wanted to be fresh for the race Saturday I didn't run Saturday morning but planned to do 9 Sunday. I met Cherri and Marty in Midway to do part of the Iron Horse half marathon course. I had driven the course one day with David and I really did not remember how hilly it was. The race is going to start in Midway and go out Stephens St to the East and then back to town and out Stephens street to the West. We headed to the West as it is less hilly. It may be less hilly than going East but it was still a hilly run. We started a little later than we had planned and the hills slowed us down to the point we did 7.5 miles and called it a day.

All in all, considering how at the beginning of the week I didn't think I wanted to keep running it was a pretty good week.

till next week, (another 20 miler next Saturday)
C

7 weeks to go

This week was all about anticipating the 20 miler on Saturday. I tried not to think about it or dwell on it but it was always there in my head, 20 miles on Saturday. I was trying to decide the best place to run when Toyota stepped in and told David he had to work so that told me I was going to be running in Georgetown but will go into that later.

Monday started off as a bad day. Lot's of little issues, I didn't get home till almost an hour later than I had planned and I was stressed. Cherri, Marty and I were going to Frankfort to run with a friend of Cherri's and I knew we wouldn't be doing anywhere near the 5 miles on my training schedule. I had thought I would get out and do a mile or two before they picked me up but I got in a groove and got going and did a little over 4 miles in 10:03 per mile. Then they picked me up and we went to a park in Frankfort that has a really nice trail and did a little over a mile. It really helped me destress.

Tuesday was speed work at the track. Chandler wanted to go with me but after we got there he got to feeling bad so I got in my 4 and we left, no weight workout for me this week.

Wednesday is the long run, 8 on the schedule. I went to the Horse Park and did 4 by myself, good pace, good run and then met Cherri and Marty for the second 4. Marty was having trouble with her leg so we took it slow and had a nice run. It was dark, good and dark, by the time we finished though and I didn't like being there in the park in the dark. Cherri had promised to protect me so I stayed close to her.

Thursday my legs were feeling fatigued and I was really beginning to worry about the 20 miles on Saturday so I gave myself the day off. It was such a nice day though that David, Chandler and I went for a 5 mile bike ride. It was a nice ride and not real hard but I think I tweaked something in my left hamstring as it hasn't been right since then.

Friday is my regular day off but because my hamstring was bothering me a little I decided to go for a nice leisurely walk. I didn't even go a mile and by the time I got home my hamstring was hurting. This worried me immensely. How could I do 20 miles with my hamstring hurting like that. I think I had a mini panic attack as I worried over the 20 miles and my leg.

Cherri had volunteered to do the first 8 or 9 with me. Since David had to work that left me with what to do about Chandler. David and I decided he was old enough to stay by himself while I ran but I didn't want to be to far from home so Cherri came to Georgetown and off we went. I was very conscious of my hamstring but it felt ok. In fact it hurt less running than it did when I was walking. I did the first 9 with Cherri, thank goodness for her, and we headed home. I filled up my water bottles and off I went again. I felt ok, the weather was very nice, in fact a few times I was really cool and I was trying to not think about the total but just a mile at a time. At about mile 18 I ran out of water so I called Chandler and he met me outside and brought me some more water and I finished up. I probably walked more of the last mile than I ran. It seemed like I was having a problem breathing and it was getting warmer by then. When it was over I really could not believe that I had done it. If I didn't have my Garmin registering 20 miles I am not sure I would believe it. I have to say I am really proud of myself for doing it and hope I can keep it up for 6 more miles when it counts.

till next week - which is a 9 miles on Sunday because I will be doing the Midsummers Nights Run 5k on Saturday night.

found this week - 28 cents

Half way there

If I have counted right this is the midway point of my prep, 8 weeks down with 8 weeks to go. WOW 8 weeks to go and this was a big week. Had all week to worry about the 18 mile run on Saturday. I kept telling myself it would be ok, but more on that later.

Monday was a 5 miler, I decided this week to test a 1/5, walk one minute, run 5. I used it for all the runs this week and I think I like it. For the long run on Saturday I went back to 1/4 but may stay with the 1/5 for the shorter ones during the week. Also I have been a little worried about the hill in the marathon so David found a hill that he thought equates to the hill in the marathon. I have been trying to incorporate it into my Monday night run. As some of you know, I like hills and this one is not a problem. Of couse the one in the marathon is 4 miles long with an elevation of 200 feet but I think I can do it.

Tuesday was probably the hardest run I have had in awhile. It had rained and the air was just heavy and yucky and I had a really hard time. Several times I wanted to call David to just come get me but I kept remembering the quote about throwing in the towel or using it to wipe my face and I imagined wiping my face and just kept going. It must not have been as bad as I feared as I set a really good time.

Mother nature tried to mess me up on Wednesday. As I was getting ready to go to the Horse Park to meet Cherri and Marty for an 8 miler the skies opened up and poured. Luckily it stopped in time that I could get in 6 miles and I decided to add the missing two to Thursday nights run. Due to races, weather, etc I hadn't gotten in all the miles for the last two weeks and I was determined this week I was going to run all the miles on the training plan. Even though the air was a little heavy from the rain it was a pretty good run.

Thursday was a little cooler and it was a good run. I had 4 miles on the plan plus the two I missed on Wednesday and it was a good run.

Friday was the off day, the weather was gorgeous and I really wanted to go for a run but I knew I had those 18 miles on Saturday so I rested.

As I mentioned above I worried alot over the week about the 18. On top of that worry David ended up having to work on Saturday. Chandler had a scout lock in on Friday night and we were trying to figure out how to make it all work. We managed to work it out that another scout mom could bring Chandler home. My friend Cherri had agreed to do the first 9 with me so I knew if we started at 5:30 we could be back at the house about the time Chandler would get home. I could check on him, fill up my water bottles and finish up the second 9 while he slept. So thinking of it as two 9 miles runs somehow made it seem not so bad. I also kept thinking, I did 16 two weeks ago this is just two more miles. So off we went at 5:30 am and almost immediately I see lightning off in the distance. I had not seen the weather and sure enough in just a few minutes we were getting sprinkled on. Luckily it was just sprinkles and it went away, came back again about mile 4 for a short time and then came back again about mile 14. It was just sprinkles, no lightning or thunder so we ran through it. The first 9 went well, I enjoy running with Cherri, sometimes we talk and sometimes we run in silence, she is a good pace sitter as I tend to go out to fast and she reins me in. We were coming down the street back to the house just as Chandler pulled onto the street, perfect timing. I thanked Cherri for the companionship, ran into the house, checked on Chandler, he was pretty tired, filled up my water bottles and started back out. I stayed in the neighborhood for the second 9 miles. The first couple were fine but then I got a little down and I had to do some talking to myself to keep going. About mile 15 my calves really started hurting and I began to really look forward to my walking breaks but I kept pushing. When I saw mile 17 on the Garmin I was thrilled, one mile to go and in fact with 3/4 of a mile left I started into a run phase and I ended up running the whole last 3/4. My calves were killing me and my hamstrings were a little sore. I took a cool bath and rubbed my calves till I felt like I could move again. Chandler and I got dressed and headed to Mickey D's for some pancakes and then we went down to the mall to walk around and stretch my legs.

As I sit here today I cannot believe I ran/walked 18 miles. According to mapquest it is 15 miles from Georgetown to Lexington so I could just run down to Lexington the next time I want to go shopping. Nah, don't think so I still like my wheels. :)

Till next week

C

7 weeks done

7 weeks down and 9 to go. Almost half way there. Runners World had a great daily quote this week - "You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face" Since I started running there have been a couple of times that I have been close to throwing in the towel while I have been running. When this happens I try to think about why I am running and do I want to quit because I am really hurting or is just laziness. So far it has always been because of laziness and I have used the towel to wipe my face and kept going. It feels good when you keep going and finish even though you didn't think you could.

This week of runs did not start off well. Monday was warm so I was trying to wait till about 8 to run when it would have cooled off. About 7 David said it was getting dark already and then I heard the thunder. I got into my running gear real quick and started off but I only got in a little over 2 miles before I saw the lightening coming straight out of the sky and that was my cue to go home. We got a real old fashioned thunder storm, I figured it would pass and I would be able to finish but mother nature had other ideas and I was done for the night. 2.1 is better than nothing is what I am telling myself.

Tuesday night David and I headed to the gym. I was trying to decide if I wanted to run outside or on the track when mother nature again interfered. Just about the time we pulled into the parking lot the skies opened up and it flat out pored rain. We waited in the car till it let up a little and I went and did 4 miles on the track. It ended up being a really good run. Got some speed work in and I felt really strong when I was done.

The John's XC 5K was Wednesday night in Versailles. I have done one other race over grass and I knew I was not real crazy about it but since John's sponsors the running group I run with and I knew there would be people from the group there I wanted to go do it. I had talked Cherri into doing it with me, as I have said she hates the heat and it was just a tad warm(others said it was out and out hot) and the course was hilly. (As my friend Marty said, if I say it is hilly it must be hilly because I like hills.) I didn't set as good a time as I had hoped I would but I did ok and ended up 4th in the age group. Didn't win even one door prize but they did throw some stuff to the audience and I snagged two pairs of socks and David snagged a tshirt(my size). My other prize was my first blister from running. Not a bad one but it did hurt a little. Afterwards we went to Subway with Rick and Cherri to enjoy some sub sandwiches. Ran into two other runners there and we had a good time eating and talking.

Thursday's run was at the horse park with Cherri and Marty. Did 4 miles and felt really good. When I took my first steps I realized my legs were a little tight and I figure that is the result of run on the grass the night before working my legs in new ways.

Saturday dawned warm and dark, 5:30 am is early to start running but if you want to beat the heat that's what you do. Cherri, Marty, Chris and I met at the Horse Park and started off. Cherri wanted to do 7 and Chris and Marty were just going to see how the felt. We hadn't gone very far when I realized I hadn't finished filling my water bottles up, darn!!! I have been filling the bottles about half way the night before and freezing them and then filling the rest of the way in the morning. So all I had was the half that was frozen. I didn't want to make everyone go back so I was trying to ration out my fluid but I began to get thirsty. I started watching the barns, usually there is water spigots but you might know I couldn't find one. As we went by the stadium I did find a water fountain so I was able to fill up my bottle and get a good drink. Really helped. When we got back to the church, I filled up my bottles, said goodbye to Cherri and Chris, Marty and I headed out again. They had thought they would do 10 but when it was time to turn around they were feeling strong and they ended up doing the whole 12 with me. Good friends are one's who show up at 5:30am and run with you.

When I got home my wonderful hubby had us omelettes for breakfast and then we headed to Chattanooga to bring Chandler home. I think he had a good time with my family the last two weeks but is glad to be home.

So another week gone, this week I up the miles on Wednesday to 8 and this coming Saturday there is 18 on the schedule. I am a little nervous but I keep telling myself that I have done 16 I can do 18. Let you know next week how it goes.

till next week
C

No great finds this week.

69 days and counting

This is my running coach Ernie helping me celebrate after finishing 15 miles. He has been a terrific help to me. He designed the program I followed for the half training and the one I am doing now for the full. Plus he is always there to answer questions. He is a great help.

It has been an interesting week. For the first time in 13 years David and have been alone for the week. Chandler has adjusted really well and I think he is enjoying his time away. He will be gone one more week. School will be starting before we know it.

I started off the week strong. Monday David helped me pick out a hill to start incorporating to get in some hill training. Did my 5 miles and enjoyed it. On Tuesday I decided to go out to the gym and run the trail to get in some trail running before the 5k XC this week. I didn't think I would enjoy trail running but I did end up enjoying it very much and set a pretty good time.

Wednesday I start feeling a little uneasy and dizzy and then my ear started hurting and I knew what was going on, sinus infection. By Wednesday evening I was so uneasy on my feet I was afraid to drive so Thursday I stayed home and David drove me to the Dr. I love the fact that my Dr knows me so well and knows how important running is to me. She gave me two shots and a prescription. I took Wednesday and Thursday off hoping I would be ready for the 16 on Saturday.

Saturday's 16 miles was probably my most interesting run ever. I woke up to lightening, I have always said lightening is an acceptable excuse not to run. I texted Cherri and she was thinking we needed to still meet and see how it was so at 5:30 we were at the church near the Horse Park. Everyone who was there convinced me that it was heat lightening and ok to run in so off we went. We were having a pretty good run and a spectacular light show when all of a sudden it started getting darker and Cherri said she saw lightening bolting down to the ground. We hightailed it to shelter and called our other running buddy Chris to come get us. After about a 30 minute spectacular thunderstorm we went back to the church to fill up my water bottles and started off again. Cherri did another mile and a half with Chris and I before she turned back and Chris and I went on. We had a good run, the horses were out watching us and it was really enjoyable. When we got stopped by the storm I turned off my garmin not thinking that when I turned it back on it wouldn't remember where I was so I had to start at 0. I knew I had done about 6.5 before I turned it off so I did the math in my head(will never do that again) and decided I needed to do 8.5 to get in 16. I am sure all of you can add better than me and realize that was only 15. When I got back to the church Ernie and some others were there and as I was telling them I realized it only added to 15. I was really bummed. I had so psysched myself up for the 16 that I felt like I had failed. Everyone kept telling me it was ok but it didn't feel like it. When I got in the car and called David I got to crying I was so disappointed so he said come home and do a mile so that is what I did. I got home, didn't even go in the house just started running and got in a mile to make my 16, whoo hooo. I am so proud of myself. It only takes 10 more to do a marathon and I know I can do it. I am not to sure about meeting my goal time but I know I will finish.

The rest of the weekend has been nice. I did some much needed house cleaning and enjoyed some time with my hubby. I think he feels like he is married to a new woman. Last night I was eating cauliflower and liking it and tonight I ate cucumbers and enjoyed them. Those are two things I would not have ever eaten before.

I am excited about the week ahead. I hope to get in some good runs on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday I am doing the Johns Run and Walk shop XC 5k. Next Saturday's run is a 12 miler and then Chandler comes home.

1/3 of the way there or 76 days to go

This is Chase Mullins and myself before the Bluegrass 10,000. I was working for his parents when he was born and I have watched him grow into a fine young man, even baby sat for him a time or two when he was younger. Makes me feel old to see him now but I am really proud to know him and his sister, Dara. It was fun running with him. PS - I don't think his mom knew me when she first saw me.

This was a good week of running. Monday I did 5 miles in the neighborhood. Tuesday Chandler wanted to go to the gym so he and I went out to the gym. While he was shooting baskts I did 4 miles on the track and worked in some speed work, had a good run. Then finished off with a strength workout.

Wednesday I met Chris and Marty, from the Striders, at the Horse Park and got in 7 miles. It was a little warm but we had a good run. Thursday was Chandler's 13th birtday. Oh my gosh, I have a teenager. I splurged and enjoyed a piece of his ice cream cake, it was soooo good. Then I met Marty and Cherri at John's and got in an easy 4. It was really interesting. I thought the weather was gorgeous, it cooled off a little bit and I was loving it but Cherri and Marty both complained about it being to warm. I have decided runners are divided into two groups, those who like running in the warm weather and those who like running the cool weather. When I am cold Cherri is loving it and when she is warm I am loving it. Makes for some interesting runs for us.

Friday was an off day, since it was Chandler's birthday on Thursday he got to choose where we went to eat and his choice was Jalapeno's. We had a good meal and went to the mall for some shopping before heading home to finish packing him up.

Saturday I did something I would have never thought I was capable of doing. I got up and started off for a run in the dark. Anyone who knows me very well knows I am grade a chicken and it took everything I had to make myself go out in the dark and start running. I ran 2 miles over to Western Elementary where I met Cherri. We then got in 6 together before she had to take off and I got 4 more in. After I was finished I jumped in a shower and got ready, we drove down to Chattanooga and met my mom. Chandler went home with her for the next two weeks. This is the longest we have been apart and though I know it is good for both of us I do miss him.

Training note for the week - I have been worrying about my water intake so since I had weighed before I left I weighed as soon as I got back and I had sweated off 2.4 pds. I was really wiped out when I was done and David and I think I am not getting enough water. I am going to have to plan to drink more. SOOO week 5 is in the books, I am on a 16 week program that makes me almost 1/3 of the way to the marathon. I have 16 miles on the schedule for next Saturday and I am really pretty nervous about it. Let you know next week how it went.

C

My running finds:

wrench
cordless drill

lug nut
hubcap
8 silly bandz
a total of 53 cents

4th of July - Week four in the books

It is the 4th of July in 2010. I love the 4th. I love this country and all it stands for, we have problems but what country doesn't?

I had a pretty good week. I started off by saying goodbye to David and Chandler on Sunday afternoon. They went off to boy scout camp and left me alone for the week. I thought it sounded great, a whole week to myself. After the first night of sleeping alone I was ready for them to come home. The house was so quiet and it is hard to cook for one.

Monday it was still warm but my five miles went well. I did all my training runs this week in and around my neighborhood and I really enjoy running there. Tuesday it started cooling off and Tuesday and Wednesday were great runs. On Tuesday as I was running I found about 8 silly bandz for Chandler. Wednesday my legs were feeling a little fatigued and I intended to do an easy 11 minute per mile pace but when I got done I had done a 10:28. Didn't even feel like I was going that fast. I did try to walk during my walk time at a faster pace so I am sure that helped me improve my time. I am feeling really good that I can at least equal Oprah's time if I keep training this good. Thursday there was 4 miles on the schedule. My leg's were still feeling fatigued and I knew I was doing th 10k Saturday so I was trying to decide if I wanted to take the night off to rest up or go on when I realized the yard probably should be mowed, it wasn't bad but it would be Tuesday before David or Chandler could do it, so I mowed the yard for my exercise. We have an old push mower so it was a good workout.

Friday night I went to Shepherdsville for the closing of boy scout camp and to bring David and Chandler home. I had to drive in Louisville rush hour traffic to get there and that is NOT fun. By the time I got there my nerves were frazzled, I don't know how people do that every day. The camp is a really beautiful place and it seemed like they both really enjoyed themselves. By the time we got home and I got in bed it was midnight and I had a 5:30 wake up time for the 10k. But it was worth it, I think Chandler appreciated that I came.

Satuday morning was the Bluegrass 10,000 in Lexington. My running buddy Cherri and I had not yet managed to do a race together. After all the training we went through together for the half we couldn't get together in the crowd and ended up running seperately. We did the Krispy Kreme challenge but I was trying for a really good time and we didn't run that one together. For the Bluegrass I was determined to do it with her. She kept encouraging me to go on ahead and leave her behind but I had decided I was not going to worry about my time or pace I was just going to have fun. I had heard from several of the striders that this was a fun race and they were right. The race starts in downtown and winds around town for a couple of miles before heading out Richmond Rd to the Shriners hospital where we turned around and came back downtown to finish. The course was beautiful and the crowd support was tremendous. We took our time and really enjoyed it. I was surprised how many people I saw that I knew. There was two men dressed as Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story, there were a couple of Uncle Sams and a fireman were some of the costumes I saw. Towards the end of the race there was a priest blessing us as we ran by. This was absolutely, hands down, my favorite race ever and helped calm my nerves about the marathon some.

Sunday I spent the day at the 4th of July celebration at Mammoth Cave which was a really fun time. Week four is done and now I start week 5.

Till next week

C

I am going to start a running total of my finds while running:

wrench

cordless drill

hubcap

8 silly bandz

a total of 41 cents

Week Three

Ok for those of you who I haven't told this my goal in the marathon is to beat Oprah's time. Many of you may remember that in 1994 for her 40th birthday she did the Marine Marathon in 4 hrs 29 minutes and 20 seconds so I would like to beat that time.

Week three is done and in the running logs. It was a pretty good week although the first of it was really hot. My running buddy, Cherri and I signed up for the Bluegrass 10000 this week. From everything we have been told this is a really fun race that starts in downtown and goes out Richmond Rd(a really beautiful part of Lexington with wonderful old homes and big shade trees). Last year I think there was over 3.000 people who participated.

On Monday when I went to start my run my running watch, a Garmin, history was full so I had to delete some information before I could even begin but then I went out and had a pretty good 5 miles. About mile 2 1/2 I had a real funny sensation, wondering if I was experiencing a runners high. I also experimented on this run with taking some powerade in one of my bottles to drink. It worked out pretty well so on 5 miles or longer I am taking one bottle of powerade and one of water.

Tuesday afternoon I went and checked in at the Optifast clinic. I try to go about once a month as a way to keep me honest. I was down a pound from my last visit and my body fat % was 14.1%. I started at over 54% bodyfat so I am really proud of that reduction. Also a pretty neat moment was when the blood pressure cuff was to big for my arm and they couldn't take my blood pressure. David and Chandler wanted to go to the gym that night for a workout so I went with them and did my 4 miles on the track. 7 1/2 laps equals a mile and 4 miles or 30 laps is about the max I want to go around and around and around. It did feel nice though that it was air conditioned but I don't want to do many of those as the marathon isn't going to be air conditioned. While I was going around and around I was remembering when I first started running on the track. At first I would only run on the sections where I couldn't be seen by anybody, I was embarrassed for anyone to see that fat body flopping around. Eventually I did get to where I would run where other's could see me but I always did a run/walk. I had a real mental problem that I couldn't run one full lap on the track. Tuesday night not only did I run where other's could see me but I did one full mile on the track, not one lap but 7 1/2 laps. Remembering how I used to think I couldn't do one full lap it really makes me happy to know I can now do a whole mile.

Wednesday night you may have seen my posting on facebook, note to self scout a new route before running it. I had 6 miles on the schedule and I don't have a good 6 mile route laid out so I got on gmaps and laid out a route, up through town, through the college and on some different roads in the neighborhood than I usually run. I thought I knew what the roads were like, boy did I forget some hills. It was a good run and I need to do some hills because there is a pretty good hill on the marathon course but man were my legs sore and tired when I got done and it was HOT. I literally wrung water out of my pony tail when I was done.

Because my legs were sore I had thought I would take Thursday off but it turned cooler here and I hated to waste a cool night so I got out and did 4 miles in the neighborhood. I ended up really enjoying it and setting a good time.


Friday was a rest day so I had a date with my two favorite fellas and we went and saw Toy Story 3. Nice clean family movie, we all really enjoyed it.

Saturday it was up early, 4:30 am to meet Cherri at 6 at John's Run and Walk shop for a Saturday run. 12 miles on the schedule for this morning. Cherri did a little over 7 with me before she turned around and headed back and I finished up the rest by myself. It's good to run with her because she is better at pacing than I am. I get started and get to going and before I know it I am going way faster than I should so she really helps keep me on a decent pace. (She jokes that she is going to tie a rope around my waist so she can pull me back to her when I get to going to fast). I rewarded myself every mile with two peanut m&m's, for energy and to help mark the miles. I was really worried about doing another 12 miler but I did fine. We ran in a really pretty neighborhood with lots of big shade trees and by starting at 6am we missed the heat of the day so we were both pretty proud of ourselves. She hadn't done that long of a run in awhile and I finished up my 31 miles for the week. I told her we are now ready to rock out the 10,000. My leg is feeling really good. I have been getting up every morning and doing 10-12 minutes on my stationary bike and doing the stretches the Dr gave me and I had no pain at all this morning, yahoo!!!!

See you next week.

Week Two

Set your goals high because what a person accomplishes is in proportion to what they attempt. Mitchell Naufell

The end of week 2. I started off the week filled with self doubt. Could I do the miles and training, what was I thinking, I can't do 26 miles, were just some of the thoughts going through my head even as I was doing my run Monday night. Monday and Tuesday night runs were WARM, maybe even hot. I ran Monday at Toyota while David and Chandler worked out in the gym. I ran the 5k route and it was a good run. On Tuesday I waited till later, to see if it would cool off, got in 5 miles. I didn't try and set a great time, just trying to get in the miles. After Wednesday nights run I was really filled with doubt. I was tired and did not want to go run but made myself do it. For some reason my legs were really sore, felt like they were made of concrete and every step took effort. So I didn't push it, did my run/walk pace and got in 6.23 miles. Thursday nights run was great. I met Rick and Cherri at the horse park and we did 4 miles. They hadn't done as many miles as I have been doing so after about 2 miles I speeded up a bit and finished a little ahead of them. The horse park is probably my favorite place to run, peaceful, some shade, the horses, creeks and ponds, it's just a great place to run. Friday is a rest day and Chandler and I took David to Furlongs(a local cajun restaurant) for Father's Day. We set on the patio and had some great food while we enjoyed the evening and each other's company.

Saturday night was the 5k at the Toyota Fitness Center. I love the people there. They have been such a huge part of my weight loss. Brandi, was my trainer while I was losing, she has since moved on to another job. Meghan, Neil, Shawn, Carol, all of them, they are all great. I have been really looking forward to this 5k. Running with so many people that I have trained with for a year now was fun. When it was first announced I had set myself a goal to do well, possibly even win my age group, but since my leg has been sore and I hadn't been able to do the speed work that I wanted to do I was just planning on finishing. It was warm at race time but I started off well and maintained a good pace, my leg didn't bother me hardly at all, finished in 28.28, not as good as my Girls on the Run time but pretty good and I thought I might be in top 3 of my age group. After the race they had fun races for kids 12 and under. Chandler participated in those. They first divided the kids into age groups and ran them off with a staggered start. Chandler won his age group easily. Then they had all the kids run at the same time for "fastest kids" and Chandler won again but this time he had a kid nipping right at his heels the whole way. He got cookies from McDonald's as his prize. Then they announced the winners of the 5k. I got 1st Female Masters and 1st in my age group. Since I knew alot of these people I know there were some good runners there so I was really shocked but proud of myself. After dinner at Cracker Barrel and posting my news on facebook I headed to bed, 7 miles on the schedule for Sunday morning.

I had thought I would be doing my 7 by myself but Cherri said she thought she was up for 7 so we met at 6 at the horse park and had a great run to end the week. We decided while we were running that we are going to do the Bluegrass 10,000, a 6k in Lexington on July 3rd. We have had several people in the running group tell us that this is a great run that goes thru downtown Lexington and thru the historic Richmond Road area.

Thus ended week 2, 29.9 miles, and after doing so well last night in the 5k I am feeling excited about the marathon. I have checked a book out of the library about running a marathon and feel like I am getting some good information and help so here I go into week 3, 31 miles on the training plan this week.

Week One

The first week of training is over. It was a pretty good week. I had to fit my runs in around Chandler's tournament games. I got in all but one of the runs, total mileage, 29 miles.

I went to see Dr Allison on Wednesday about the pain in my leg. Even though it seemed better I am going to be running alot of miles and I didn't want to take a chance of hurting my leg. She diagnosed, Piriformis Syndrome. The piriformis muscle is deep in your butt and when inflamed it irritates the sciatica nerve and that was the pain I was having in my leg. She said it was fine to keep running, just listen to my body and I need to add some cross training and stretching. So that was good news.

My long run this week was 12 miles and I was really nervous about it. The longest run I have done since the half marathon was 9 miles. I wanted to run with the Striders at Todds Rd but no one else was doing 12 miles. Since I didn't have anyone who wanted to do 12 with me I decided if I was going to be running by myself I would stay and run in Gtown. Woke up and after a few minutes of moving around I thought I heard rain, sure enough, rain. I debated what to do. I know I don't melt and I could go ahead and run, it wasn't thundering or lightening. I decided to wait and few minutes and see what it did. About 6:15 the rain slowed down to a drizzle so I put on my pink hat, to keep the rain off of my glasses, and off I went. It drizzled on my for a few minutes and then the rain stopped till about mile 4 when it came a pretty good shower but didn't last long and I ran the rest of the way rain free. I felt pretty good till about mile 8 and I began to slow down and hurt a little but I was doing my run/walk so I kept going and managed to finish. My pace was a little slower than I wanted but overall a good run and I am proud of myself for getting out in the rain and doing it and finishing.

Today we went to Raven Run and did some hiking and had a picnic lunch, a really good day as a family. This week there is 31 miles on the schedule and a 5k on Saturday night. Chandler's ball season is over so it should be easier to get the runs in this week.

Later

C

And Away We Go - June 11, 2010

In January 2009 I started the Optifast program. My Dr had said that most people would lose about 50 pds in the 16 week initial program. I thought to myself, 16 weeks, 4 months, not that long in the general scheme of life I can stick with anything that long and if I could lose 50 pds that would put me back at the weight I have been most of my adult life and I would be happy. 11 months later, in December 2009, I reached my goal and had lost 122 pds. But I was scared, could I keep it off??? I have lost weight before, never this much but I have always gained it back and Ireally don't want to do that this time. At about this time a friend of mine, Dr. C, emailed me that there was going to be a half marathon race in Lexington in March and maybe we should think about doing it. Before I knew it we had committed to each other to do it together and put our money down. I decided to do it for two reasons, 1) to be able to say I had done it, my only goal was to finish and earn the finishers medal and 2) Ithought that training thru the winter would help me keep the weight off.

Well it worked, in March, we completed the race(although we didn't get to run together, long story for another post) but we finished and I was keeping the weight off and had even lost about another 20 pds just watching what I eat and running. SUCCESS!!

THEN my trainer started suggesting I do a full marathon. Her logic, I was already training and if I didn't do it now I would be like the people who finish school and say they will go back and get their MBA and then never do, so after alot of thought and soul searching I put my money down and signed up for a marathon. While we were training for the half we joined up with John's Striders in Lexington and without their help and support I don't know if I would have gotten out on those cold Saturdays and do the long runs so I emailed Ernie and said I need a training plan for a marathon and this is the first week of his plan. Tomorrow morning is my first long run, 12 miles. At this time I don't have anyone who wants to do 12 with me so I am going to run here in Gtown by myself in the morning and I am more than just a little nervous.

I have wished several times that I had kept a diary of my weight loss journey and my half marathon training so this time I am going to do it. This will be about my journey towards completing 26.2 miles with some remembrances back to my Optifast and half marathon journeys.

C