Recovery from last Sunday’s marathon is going very well. Monday and Tuesday were the worst days in terms of stiffness and pain. My quads were sore but my hamstrings felt tender and my calves were very tight. By Wednesday, my hamstrings were feeling much better. When I woke up Thursday, the soreness was greatly reduced and my calves felt much looser. Today, Friday, five days after running 26.2 miles my legs are pain free, I’m feeling good and I can finally walk down stairs.
Thursday was my first day back in the gym. I decided to concentrate on core exercises since I stopped all strength training during the final month of marathon training. It felt good to get the muscles moving and to work specific core muscles. I went back to the gym again today but focused on stretching. It felt good to just sit in some of the positions and breathe deep.
I’m having some pain in my left piriformis muscle (read: a pain in the butt) so I’m a little hesitant to get back to running. I’ll be at the beach on Saturday morning and I’m hoping I’ll feel up for a short 2 or 3 mile run in the sand. Perhaps the softer surface will be exactly what my legs need.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
45 minutes of stretching w/ an easy warm-up and cool down
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Keybank Vermont City Marathon, Burlington, VT - Race Report
I was surprisingly relaxed going in to this marathon. I have had a tremendous amount on my mind between buying a house and worrying about work stuff that I wasn’t able to focus solely on training for and running the marathon. In addition, I was plagued by minor, irritating pains that I didn’t want to turn in to major injury so I knew I was lining up for the race under trained. I was initially thinking this would be to my disadvantage; however, I think in some aspects it helped me stay relaxed.
Marathon morning started early with my alarm going off at 5 am. I slept well the night before and felt only slightly groggy as I rolled out of bed. I had laid out everything I would need for the day’s race – clothes, bib, food, etc. and all I had to do was scoop up the pile, put it all on and I was ready to run. Well, almost ready to run, I sipped water and ate oatmeal and a banana for breakfast.
As I was getting ready, the rest of the house started to come to life and by 6 we were out the door, crammed in the car and ready to make the one hour drive to Burlington. Due to parking concerns, we were aiming to get to the race an hour before the start. After parking, walking to the start area, finding a bathroom (no wait, we were lucky), and eating a last minute orange, I calmly waited for the announcer to ask all the runners to line up. We chatted and checked other (more adventurously dressed) runners – Tony the Tiger, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, and Sean the walking classified ad.
Finally, the time had come to line up and I got in a last round of hugs and good luck wishes and I took up a position slightly back from the 4:30 pacer. My previous marathon PR was 4:35 and I was aiming for 4:20 or better for this race. My plan was to run just behind or with the 4:30 group for the first 5 miles, then get past them and stay ahead of them for the rest of the race, keeping my pace under 10:00 per mile.
Without corrals, the starting line was crowded and somewhat confused but we all managed to get in line without too much difficulty. In the starting line for my first marathon I had no idea what to expect, no idea what it was I had gotten myself in to but I was excited to be there among the crowd of runners. I was distinctly more nervous during the lineup for my second marathon. No one was there with me at the start line and I felt lost in the huge crowd of runners. This time, my third time, I was far more calm. Is this what comes with experience? I knew I could complete the distance and I knew no matter what I would be proud of the accomplishment.
Then, a feeling of doubt hit me. It wasn’t doubt that I would run the marathon that morning but doubt that marathon running was really something I wanted to keep doing. Why wasn’t I nervous with excitement? Why wasn’t I doing the pre-marathon lineup jig – nervous bouncing, stretching, swaying, chatting – like everyone else who was lined up with me? Had I lost the marathon mojo and wonder this quickly?
I was sad but that is no way to start a marathon so I told myself to focus on the mission I had laid out before me and figure out the rest of these feelings later.
Then the gun went off and the crowd of runners surged forward. I crossed the start line about 2 minutes after the gun, started my watch and just like that I was running my third marathon.
The Vermont City Marathon is set up as a series of out-and-backs so I was able to see my family at the start line, around Miles 3, 9 and 15, as well as the finish line. It had been drizzling all morning and by the time I saw my family around Mile 3 along Church Street, the rain had become steady. I enjoy running in the rain and this morning was no exception, especially since it made the mid-60s temperature seem much cooler.
The first out-and-back was along a highway with not much in the way of scenery. I felt great during these miles with all of my splits coming in under the 10:00 mark. I had lost the 4:30 pacer in the shuffle of the beginning and my slow first mile but I finally caught up to the 4:30 group just after mile 6 and scooted past. By Mile 9, I was rounding the corner back on to Church Street, ready to wave to the family and ended up giving a jumping high-five to my brother. It felt great seeing them cheering for me. It is overwhelming to have people there in the crowd to support you. I was on cloud-nine. Nothing could stop me.
The second out-and-back took us south to a park and the halfway mark before circling back. This section of the course was uneventful and running felt good. I got to the halfway point and thought about how 13 more miles wasn’t going to be a problem. The rain had stopped by this point but the day was still overcast. It was great running weather. Just before Mile 15, as I swooped back in to the center of Burlington and as I was about to face the Assault on Battery, a 6 block uphill climb, I heard someone shout my name. There they were again, my family cheering me on just when I needed them. As I passed, I heard my mom shout “You’re looking good” and then saying “she really is looking good” to my Dad (I am assuming). I felt good, I was looking good…bring on Battery.
I love hills. My running thrives on getting out of breath on the uphill and fighting to get it back once reaching the top. The race organizers position a group of drummers at the bottom of the hill to drum us up to the top. It was a lot of fun to get their support and so much crowd support but for me it was unneeded. Battery Street was mine. I chewed it up and spit it out. I conquered it!
After a quick jaunt through the park where we started the race, I was ready for the third and final out-and-back. This was to be the longest section – 5 miles out, weaving through neighborhoods and along a road with traffic followed by the final 5 miles along a narrow bike path along Lake Champlain. I actually enjoyed the courses side trips in to the neighborhoods because it was so encouraging to see the people out on their lawns cheering for us, setting up water stations, offering oranges and other goodies. The community truly supports the race and its runners.
By Mile 18, I was back out on the highway and the sun was coming out. It was clearing up (and I was drying out) to be a beautiful day. Despite the sun and accompanying heat, the race conditions weren’t too bad. However, I was starting to fade. The sun did nothing to reenergize me. Up to Mile 20, I had been having a fairly easy go of it. I didn’t feel like I was pushing my pace too hard and I felt very comfortable. There was no real effort on my part to hit mile splits between 9:30 and 10:00. After Mile 20, hitting 10:00 became increasingly more difficult. My hamstrings began to hurt and my calves started to cramp; however, I was able to run through the pain and kept going, telling myself just to get to the next mile marker, get to the next aid station.
From Mile 24 onward, I was involved in a mental struggle against my legs. My body was tired and my legs hurt, all I wanted to do was make it go away; however, I knew if I walked not only would I be disappointed but it would mean being out on the course much, much longer. I just wanted to be done running, please and thank you.
“This is nothing.” “This isn’t real pain. It will not defeat me.” “You can do it. Don’t quit. Just keep running.” I started repeating these motivational snippets to myself and even started mumbling to myself. This is the first time I’ve truly (and literally) had to talk myself in to finishing a race. The desire to walk was so strong but each time I hit a mile marker and saw how close I was to staying on pace (10:10 was my slowest mile split, not counting the first mile) I knew I had to keep running. I promised myself that if I started doing the zombie runner shuffle, if my pace fell way below that I could walk but my splits stayed close to the 10:00 mark.
Finally, I heard the crowd. Finally, I saw the crowd. Finally, I saw the 26 mile marker. Only .2 miles left to go. I saw my Mom cheering me on and telling me that my husband and little brother were just ahead, I knew I had to keep running. I saw them and I kept going. At the final turn, I saw my Dad (nice high-five) and I was almost there. I was almost done but by this point, I was almost in tears. I was so close to the finish line but I was still running. It felt unfair. I just wanted to stop.
Despite my negative thoughts and the pain, I turned on a finishing kick, passed three runners (and got passed one) and finally I had finished my third marathon. My legs were on fire, my quads and calves were burning and my hamstrings were achy, and I was just plain exhausted but I did it! I crossed the line in 4:19:09, smashing my PR by 15 minutes and beating my race goal by one minute. Despite all the pain and soreness, despite my exhaustion I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
All my doubts about running marathons were long gone.
I caught up my family, grabbed some food (great selection – Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream!) and hobbled back to the car, proud of myself and the day’s accomplishments.
Next up: how close can I get to the 4 hour mark? Find out next time!
Mile Splits:
Mile 1 : 11:30 (No idea why I started that slow)
Mile 2 : 9:53
Mile 3&4 : 19:32
Mile 5 : 9:33
Mile 6 : 9:49
Mile 7 : 9:33
Mile 8 : 9:52
Mile 9 : 9:33
Mile 10 : 9:25
Mile 11 : 9:50
Mile 12 : 9:55
Mile 13 : 9:35
First Half Split – 2:09
Mile 14 : 9:42
Mile 15&16 : 19:43
Mile 17 : 9:48
Mile 18 : 9:41
Mile 19 : 9:49
Mile 20 : 9:42
Mile 21 : 10:08
Mile 22 : 10:06
Mile 23 : 10:09
Mile 24 : 9:52
Mile 25 : 10:10
Mile 26 : 10:10
Final .2 : 1:57
Finish : 4:19:09
Lessons Learned
1. Burlington, VT knows how to put on a great marathon event.
2. I’m getting better at even pacing but I’m not quite there yet.
3. Stick to the plan. I had planned out when I would eat my gels and Fig Newtons but I didn’t follow through on it. I think it would have helped alleviate the calf cramps if I had.
4. I love running…especially marathons.
Marathon morning started early with my alarm going off at 5 am. I slept well the night before and felt only slightly groggy as I rolled out of bed. I had laid out everything I would need for the day’s race – clothes, bib, food, etc. and all I had to do was scoop up the pile, put it all on and I was ready to run. Well, almost ready to run, I sipped water and ate oatmeal and a banana for breakfast.
As I was getting ready, the rest of the house started to come to life and by 6 we were out the door, crammed in the car and ready to make the one hour drive to Burlington. Due to parking concerns, we were aiming to get to the race an hour before the start. After parking, walking to the start area, finding a bathroom (no wait, we were lucky), and eating a last minute orange, I calmly waited for the announcer to ask all the runners to line up. We chatted and checked other (more adventurously dressed) runners – Tony the Tiger, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, and Sean the walking classified ad.
Finally, the time had come to line up and I got in a last round of hugs and good luck wishes and I took up a position slightly back from the 4:30 pacer. My previous marathon PR was 4:35 and I was aiming for 4:20 or better for this race. My plan was to run just behind or with the 4:30 group for the first 5 miles, then get past them and stay ahead of them for the rest of the race, keeping my pace under 10:00 per mile.
Without corrals, the starting line was crowded and somewhat confused but we all managed to get in line without too much difficulty. In the starting line for my first marathon I had no idea what to expect, no idea what it was I had gotten myself in to but I was excited to be there among the crowd of runners. I was distinctly more nervous during the lineup for my second marathon. No one was there with me at the start line and I felt lost in the huge crowd of runners. This time, my third time, I was far more calm. Is this what comes with experience? I knew I could complete the distance and I knew no matter what I would be proud of the accomplishment.
Then, a feeling of doubt hit me. It wasn’t doubt that I would run the marathon that morning but doubt that marathon running was really something I wanted to keep doing. Why wasn’t I nervous with excitement? Why wasn’t I doing the pre-marathon lineup jig – nervous bouncing, stretching, swaying, chatting – like everyone else who was lined up with me? Had I lost the marathon mojo and wonder this quickly?
I was sad but that is no way to start a marathon so I told myself to focus on the mission I had laid out before me and figure out the rest of these feelings later.
Then the gun went off and the crowd of runners surged forward. I crossed the start line about 2 minutes after the gun, started my watch and just like that I was running my third marathon.
The Vermont City Marathon is set up as a series of out-and-backs so I was able to see my family at the start line, around Miles 3, 9 and 15, as well as the finish line. It had been drizzling all morning and by the time I saw my family around Mile 3 along Church Street, the rain had become steady. I enjoy running in the rain and this morning was no exception, especially since it made the mid-60s temperature seem much cooler.
The first out-and-back was along a highway with not much in the way of scenery. I felt great during these miles with all of my splits coming in under the 10:00 mark. I had lost the 4:30 pacer in the shuffle of the beginning and my slow first mile but I finally caught up to the 4:30 group just after mile 6 and scooted past. By Mile 9, I was rounding the corner back on to Church Street, ready to wave to the family and ended up giving a jumping high-five to my brother. It felt great seeing them cheering for me. It is overwhelming to have people there in the crowd to support you. I was on cloud-nine. Nothing could stop me.
The second out-and-back took us south to a park and the halfway mark before circling back. This section of the course was uneventful and running felt good. I got to the halfway point and thought about how 13 more miles wasn’t going to be a problem. The rain had stopped by this point but the day was still overcast. It was great running weather. Just before Mile 15, as I swooped back in to the center of Burlington and as I was about to face the Assault on Battery, a 6 block uphill climb, I heard someone shout my name. There they were again, my family cheering me on just when I needed them. As I passed, I heard my mom shout “You’re looking good” and then saying “she really is looking good” to my Dad (I am assuming). I felt good, I was looking good…bring on Battery.
I love hills. My running thrives on getting out of breath on the uphill and fighting to get it back once reaching the top. The race organizers position a group of drummers at the bottom of the hill to drum us up to the top. It was a lot of fun to get their support and so much crowd support but for me it was unneeded. Battery Street was mine. I chewed it up and spit it out. I conquered it!
After a quick jaunt through the park where we started the race, I was ready for the third and final out-and-back. This was to be the longest section – 5 miles out, weaving through neighborhoods and along a road with traffic followed by the final 5 miles along a narrow bike path along Lake Champlain. I actually enjoyed the courses side trips in to the neighborhoods because it was so encouraging to see the people out on their lawns cheering for us, setting up water stations, offering oranges and other goodies. The community truly supports the race and its runners.
By Mile 18, I was back out on the highway and the sun was coming out. It was clearing up (and I was drying out) to be a beautiful day. Despite the sun and accompanying heat, the race conditions weren’t too bad. However, I was starting to fade. The sun did nothing to reenergize me. Up to Mile 20, I had been having a fairly easy go of it. I didn’t feel like I was pushing my pace too hard and I felt very comfortable. There was no real effort on my part to hit mile splits between 9:30 and 10:00. After Mile 20, hitting 10:00 became increasingly more difficult. My hamstrings began to hurt and my calves started to cramp; however, I was able to run through the pain and kept going, telling myself just to get to the next mile marker, get to the next aid station.
From Mile 24 onward, I was involved in a mental struggle against my legs. My body was tired and my legs hurt, all I wanted to do was make it go away; however, I knew if I walked not only would I be disappointed but it would mean being out on the course much, much longer. I just wanted to be done running, please and thank you.
“This is nothing.” “This isn’t real pain. It will not defeat me.” “You can do it. Don’t quit. Just keep running.” I started repeating these motivational snippets to myself and even started mumbling to myself. This is the first time I’ve truly (and literally) had to talk myself in to finishing a race. The desire to walk was so strong but each time I hit a mile marker and saw how close I was to staying on pace (10:10 was my slowest mile split, not counting the first mile) I knew I had to keep running. I promised myself that if I started doing the zombie runner shuffle, if my pace fell way below that I could walk but my splits stayed close to the 10:00 mark.
Finally, I heard the crowd. Finally, I saw the crowd. Finally, I saw the 26 mile marker. Only .2 miles left to go. I saw my Mom cheering me on and telling me that my husband and little brother were just ahead, I knew I had to keep running. I saw them and I kept going. At the final turn, I saw my Dad (nice high-five) and I was almost there. I was almost done but by this point, I was almost in tears. I was so close to the finish line but I was still running. It felt unfair. I just wanted to stop.
Despite my negative thoughts and the pain, I turned on a finishing kick, passed three runners (and got passed one) and finally I had finished my third marathon. My legs were on fire, my quads and calves were burning and my hamstrings were achy, and I was just plain exhausted but I did it! I crossed the line in 4:19:09, smashing my PR by 15 minutes and beating my race goal by one minute. Despite all the pain and soreness, despite my exhaustion I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
All my doubts about running marathons were long gone.
I caught up my family, grabbed some food (great selection – Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream!) and hobbled back to the car, proud of myself and the day’s accomplishments.
Next up: how close can I get to the 4 hour mark? Find out next time!
Mile Splits:
Mile 1 : 11:30 (No idea why I started that slow)
Mile 2 : 9:53
Mile 3&4 : 19:32
Mile 5 : 9:33
Mile 6 : 9:49
Mile 7 : 9:33
Mile 8 : 9:52
Mile 9 : 9:33
Mile 10 : 9:25
Mile 11 : 9:50
Mile 12 : 9:55
Mile 13 : 9:35
First Half Split – 2:09
Mile 14 : 9:42
Mile 15&16 : 19:43
Mile 17 : 9:48
Mile 18 : 9:41
Mile 19 : 9:49
Mile 20 : 9:42
Mile 21 : 10:08
Mile 22 : 10:06
Mile 23 : 10:09
Mile 24 : 9:52
Mile 25 : 10:10
Mile 26 : 10:10
Final .2 : 1:57
Finish : 4:19:09
Lessons Learned
1. Burlington, VT knows how to put on a great marathon event.
2. I’m getting better at even pacing but I’m not quite there yet.
3. Stick to the plan. I had planned out when I would eat my gels and Fig Newtons but I didn’t follow through on it. I think it would have helped alleviate the calf cramps if I had.
4. I love running…especially marathons.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Pacers Running Festival - Half Marathon - Race Report
Even though this race is run practically right outside my door, it took me awhile to sign up for it.
First, Pacers, a local running store, in year's past put on a 10K at the beginning of May with a challenging one mile climb to the finish. It was a tough ending but I always enjoyed the race. I was disappointed that instead of the 10K this year, Pacers decided to replace it with a Half Marathon/5K and eliminated the tough climb at the end. Wusses!
Well, that's how I felt at first. I looked forward to the 10K and was bummed that it had been taken away (from me). Out of spite, I was reluctant to embrace the new event.
Looking at my training schedule, I noticed I was scheduled to run 12 miles the weekend of the new race so my feelings of betrayal quickly faded to excitement as I realized I could get in a good training run on a supported course. I'm not one to resist a race, especially one so conveniently located.
This year, the new Running Festival had a Mother's Day theme so I convinced my Mother-in-Law to sign up for the 5K and we could participate in the "Mom and Me" challenge. She would do the 5K and I would run the Half. Our times combined would be ranked with other such teams. In turn, she convinced her daughter (my sister-in-law) to do the race as well so they could walk it together. It was a great way to celebrate Mother's Day in such an active way, to see so many mothers and their children, young and old, out celebrating the beautiful day was encouraging.
The half marathoners began their race a half hour before the 5K participants so I said good-bye to my family and waited for the race to start. Standing in the large crowd of runners at the beginning of races I was amazed that there could be so many area runners when comparatively the bike paths are practically deserted in the mornings when I run.
There was a slight delay at the start but soon enough we were off and running, with a downhill first mile as we ran from Clarendon to Rosslyn and then on to the highways around the Pentagon. I felt very sluggish at first but I told myself to just relax, it was just a training run and I would find a groove in time.
The course itself left a little to be desired with several twists, turns, out-and-backs, and double-backs as the race organizers managed to squeeze 13.1 miles out of an area without ever getting more than 4 miles from the finish line. As a result of retracing our steps constantly, the mile marker placement (or lack thereof) was not consistent or as clear as I would have liked. There were few spectators but the course marshals and volunteers at the aid stations brought a welcomed enthusiasm and spirit.
My favorite part of the course was the long, steady climb up the road to the Air Force Memorial, then loop through the Memorial grounds and back down. I know a lot of people struggled with this part as it was later in the race (Mile 7 - 8) but it felt good to conquer that hill and be rewarded with a run by the Memorial.
Miles 11 through 13, finally finished with all the turns was a straight shot down the highway to the finish line in Rosslyn. However, the wind really started to pick up at this point and I was faced with over 2 miles of a constant and strong headwind. At first, I was almost defeated (the last time I faced off against the wind in a race, it quickly and assuredly kicked my butt) but I told myself that I was a stronger runner now and I could handle a little wind. To my surprise, the mental pep talk worked and although it was a struggle and harder than I would have liked the last few miles of the half to be, I kept going at a strong and steady pace.
As I started getting close to the finish line, I was pleased to see that the finish line would be slightly uphill and rounding the last turn - I charged!! I finished strong and happy.
I quickly met up with the family and heard about the 5K from my MIL. They had a good time out on the course. I snagged some food and water and we headed home. It was a good day.
Splits (sorta):
Miles 1-3 : 29:37
Mile 4 : 9:03
Mile 5 : 9:33
Mile 6 : 9:44
Mile 7-8 : 19:15
Mile 9 : 9:04
Mile 10-11 : 19:05
Mile 12-13: 18:35
Finish : 0:50
Chip Time : 2:04:46
Average Pace : 9:31
The Spiering "Mom & Me" team placed 6th with a combined time of 2:57:03.
Happy Mother's Day to all Moms!
First, Pacers, a local running store, in year's past put on a 10K at the beginning of May with a challenging one mile climb to the finish. It was a tough ending but I always enjoyed the race. I was disappointed that instead of the 10K this year, Pacers decided to replace it with a Half Marathon/5K and eliminated the tough climb at the end. Wusses!
Well, that's how I felt at first. I looked forward to the 10K and was bummed that it had been taken away (from me). Out of spite, I was reluctant to embrace the new event.
Looking at my training schedule, I noticed I was scheduled to run 12 miles the weekend of the new race so my feelings of betrayal quickly faded to excitement as I realized I could get in a good training run on a supported course. I'm not one to resist a race, especially one so conveniently located.
This year, the new Running Festival had a Mother's Day theme so I convinced my Mother-in-Law to sign up for the 5K and we could participate in the "Mom and Me" challenge. She would do the 5K and I would run the Half. Our times combined would be ranked with other such teams. In turn, she convinced her daughter (my sister-in-law) to do the race as well so they could walk it together. It was a great way to celebrate Mother's Day in such an active way, to see so many mothers and their children, young and old, out celebrating the beautiful day was encouraging.
The half marathoners began their race a half hour before the 5K participants so I said good-bye to my family and waited for the race to start. Standing in the large crowd of runners at the beginning of races I was amazed that there could be so many area runners when comparatively the bike paths are practically deserted in the mornings when I run.
There was a slight delay at the start but soon enough we were off and running, with a downhill first mile as we ran from Clarendon to Rosslyn and then on to the highways around the Pentagon. I felt very sluggish at first but I told myself to just relax, it was just a training run and I would find a groove in time.
The course itself left a little to be desired with several twists, turns, out-and-backs, and double-backs as the race organizers managed to squeeze 13.1 miles out of an area without ever getting more than 4 miles from the finish line. As a result of retracing our steps constantly, the mile marker placement (or lack thereof) was not consistent or as clear as I would have liked. There were few spectators but the course marshals and volunteers at the aid stations brought a welcomed enthusiasm and spirit.
My favorite part of the course was the long, steady climb up the road to the Air Force Memorial, then loop through the Memorial grounds and back down. I know a lot of people struggled with this part as it was later in the race (Mile 7 - 8) but it felt good to conquer that hill and be rewarded with a run by the Memorial.
Miles 11 through 13, finally finished with all the turns was a straight shot down the highway to the finish line in Rosslyn. However, the wind really started to pick up at this point and I was faced with over 2 miles of a constant and strong headwind. At first, I was almost defeated (the last time I faced off against the wind in a race, it quickly and assuredly kicked my butt) but I told myself that I was a stronger runner now and I could handle a little wind. To my surprise, the mental pep talk worked and although it was a struggle and harder than I would have liked the last few miles of the half to be, I kept going at a strong and steady pace.
As I started getting close to the finish line, I was pleased to see that the finish line would be slightly uphill and rounding the last turn - I charged!! I finished strong and happy.
I quickly met up with the family and heard about the 5K from my MIL. They had a good time out on the course. I snagged some food and water and we headed home. It was a good day.
Splits (sorta):
Miles 1-3 : 29:37
Mile 4 : 9:03
Mile 5 : 9:33
Mile 6 : 9:44
Mile 7-8 : 19:15
Mile 9 : 9:04
Mile 10-11 : 19:05
Mile 12-13: 18:35
Finish : 0:50
Chip Time : 2:04:46
Average Pace : 9:31
The Spiering "Mom & Me" team placed 6th with a combined time of 2:57:03.
Happy Mother's Day to all Moms!
Why this one feels different
I remember the week before my first marathon, I was nervous but exhilarated. The reasons for being nervous are obvious - 26.2 miles is a long freakin' way to run and I had never, ever done anything like it before. My first marathon was also my first race. I wasn't sure what to do or what to expect at the start, whiling I was running or through the finish line.
I also remember being exhilarated by the anticipation of finally achieving something I had set out to do 6 months prior. Training for my first marathon was a watershed moment for me because I proved to myself that I could accomplish something that had once seemed so unlikely. I was tired from the training, getting up early in the morning, putting in 5 to 10 miles before going to work. Yet, I remember feeling very strong during the taper like all those lower mileage days during the taper were easy strolls in the park compared to the higher mileage I had been putting in.
The week prior to my first marathon, over two years ago, was a good week.
This week, the week before marathon number 3, feels different. I don't feel particularly strong. I don't feel particularly ready. I don't feel any different today than I would if I had a 10 mile run planned for this coming week instead of a marathon. To be honest, I'm disappointed that I can't seem to recapture the nerves and anticipation.
One difference is that I think this marathon training cycle was too low mileage to truly challenge me. Granted, I was coming off a month-long layoff due to injury; however, this cycle has shown me that I can handle more and it is my intention to build up my base after the marathon by adding a fifth day of running each week. One day of cross-training will be replaced by another day of running.
Additionally, I've been distracted for the past few weeks with house buying. Going through the negotiation process for buying a house has been stressful and frustrating for me. I haven't been able to sleep well with my mind racing between "will we or won't we get this house," "what will we do if it falls through," "what will we need if it does go through." The lack of sleep has meant that my taper weeks, weeks that are meant to be restorative and confirmative of all my hard work, have been less than both of these things. (The only positive out of marathon training and house buying at the same time is that I can truthfully state, "I ran 20 miles and bought a house within 2 hours of one another!")
I've been so distracted that I haven't had time to get nervous or excited about the marathon. Rather than being the thought at the front of my brain, running this marathon has nearly become lost in life's madness. I hate seeming so cavalier about running a marathon but the past few weeks my attitude has been one of "oh yeah, I'm doing that too."
I want to run this marathon well. I want to finish strong. I want to feel good about my time, whatever it is, because I gave it all I got. I need to figure out how to bring the marathon back in to focus in the next couple days (if it is even possible).
Today’s Daily Dozen:
35 minutes - elliptical
I also remember being exhilarated by the anticipation of finally achieving something I had set out to do 6 months prior. Training for my first marathon was a watershed moment for me because I proved to myself that I could accomplish something that had once seemed so unlikely. I was tired from the training, getting up early in the morning, putting in 5 to 10 miles before going to work. Yet, I remember feeling very strong during the taper like all those lower mileage days during the taper were easy strolls in the park compared to the higher mileage I had been putting in.
The week prior to my first marathon, over two years ago, was a good week.
This week, the week before marathon number 3, feels different. I don't feel particularly strong. I don't feel particularly ready. I don't feel any different today than I would if I had a 10 mile run planned for this coming week instead of a marathon. To be honest, I'm disappointed that I can't seem to recapture the nerves and anticipation.
One difference is that I think this marathon training cycle was too low mileage to truly challenge me. Granted, I was coming off a month-long layoff due to injury; however, this cycle has shown me that I can handle more and it is my intention to build up my base after the marathon by adding a fifth day of running each week. One day of cross-training will be replaced by another day of running.
Additionally, I've been distracted for the past few weeks with house buying. Going through the negotiation process for buying a house has been stressful and frustrating for me. I haven't been able to sleep well with my mind racing between "will we or won't we get this house," "what will we do if it falls through," "what will we need if it does go through." The lack of sleep has meant that my taper weeks, weeks that are meant to be restorative and confirmative of all my hard work, have been less than both of these things. (The only positive out of marathon training and house buying at the same time is that I can truthfully state, "I ran 20 miles and bought a house within 2 hours of one another!")
I've been so distracted that I haven't had time to get nervous or excited about the marathon. Rather than being the thought at the front of my brain, running this marathon has nearly become lost in life's madness. I hate seeming so cavalier about running a marathon but the past few weeks my attitude has been one of "oh yeah, I'm doing that too."
I want to run this marathon well. I want to finish strong. I want to feel good about my time, whatever it is, because I gave it all I got. I need to figure out how to bring the marathon back in to focus in the next couple days (if it is even possible).
Today’s Daily Dozen:
35 minutes - elliptical
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Running is a Roller Coaster
Often during my morning runs, I compose blog posts as I run along the bike paths and roads. More often than not only small snippets of these mental compositions actual making in what I eventually type up but it keeps my mind occupied on something while still allowing me to focus on running.
Yesterday’s mental post was about how strong I felt, about how I had finished my final high mileage week and I was feeling very strong – mentally and physically. Yesterday morning, I was ready to declare to the world, “I am runner, hear me ROAR.”
This morning I was hoping to carry that confidence over to strong 8-miler that, if I was feeling good, would include a few middle miles at marathon pace. That was not the case. My legs were tired and I had to constantly refocus on ensuring I was picking up my feet enough and avoid shuffling along, scuffing my shoes. I was more than a little demoralized.
Training for a marathon can be an emotional roller coaster for me. The highs are tremendous. I feel so confident and strong during and after a good run that it makes me forget all previous days of heavy legs or aches and pains. I forget that there have been days that I simply had to give up on runs. I forget that barely six months ago I was building back up from scratch, looking forward to running for 30 minutes straight. Yesterday’s run made me remember all of other runs as if they were as smooth and refreshing as this one.
But there will always be lows. This morning was a low. After less than a half mile, I didn’t feel like continuing and I wasn’t able to shake the feeling. My legs were tired and heavy. They felt like they were on the verge of rebelling. Even the slight inclines were enough to start me huffing and puffing. I decided to vary my route and run by some houses my husband and I have had our eye on in the hopes that the new streets and neighborhoods would be enough to stimulate the run.
While I finished the 8 miles, I couldn’t help but feel disappointment in how fleeting yesterday’s strength and confidence happened to be. Where did they go? Will I get them back? Is tomorrow morning’s run gonna suck as well?
Before I sink to for in to my feelings of “woe is me and my running,” I’ve got to remind myself, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity for strength. I lost somewhere out on the roads this morning but maybe I’ll find it again on tomorrow’s run. I’ll keep an eye out.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
8 mile morning run
Yesterday’s mental post was about how strong I felt, about how I had finished my final high mileage week and I was feeling very strong – mentally and physically. Yesterday morning, I was ready to declare to the world, “I am runner, hear me ROAR.”
This morning I was hoping to carry that confidence over to strong 8-miler that, if I was feeling good, would include a few middle miles at marathon pace. That was not the case. My legs were tired and I had to constantly refocus on ensuring I was picking up my feet enough and avoid shuffling along, scuffing my shoes. I was more than a little demoralized.
Training for a marathon can be an emotional roller coaster for me. The highs are tremendous. I feel so confident and strong during and after a good run that it makes me forget all previous days of heavy legs or aches and pains. I forget that there have been days that I simply had to give up on runs. I forget that barely six months ago I was building back up from scratch, looking forward to running for 30 minutes straight. Yesterday’s run made me remember all of other runs as if they were as smooth and refreshing as this one.
But there will always be lows. This morning was a low. After less than a half mile, I didn’t feel like continuing and I wasn’t able to shake the feeling. My legs were tired and heavy. They felt like they were on the verge of rebelling. Even the slight inclines were enough to start me huffing and puffing. I decided to vary my route and run by some houses my husband and I have had our eye on in the hopes that the new streets and neighborhoods would be enough to stimulate the run.
While I finished the 8 miles, I couldn’t help but feel disappointment in how fleeting yesterday’s strength and confidence happened to be. Where did they go? Will I get them back? Is tomorrow morning’s run gonna suck as well?
Before I sink to for in to my feelings of “woe is me and my running,” I’ve got to remind myself, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity for strength. I lost somewhere out on the roads this morning but maybe I’ll find it again on tomorrow’s run. I’ll keep an eye out.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
8 mile morning run
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