Check one off my bucket list

This weekend was one of those really good weekends - we didn't have much planned, the weather was great, and we enjoyed good friends and good times all around.


Friday nights Ashley has dance class with a few other girls on our street, so right after dance we all headed to our local watering hole in the downtown part of our town. We were able to get tables outside so we enjoyed relaxing and eating and the kids didn't have to be on their best behavior since we were outside.


Saturday mornings are my long run mornings and I got to run with Carmen and another new-ish neighbor to our street. I was doing 10 and they hung with me for 6 miles which was great. And the new neighbor has twins (a boy and a girl) who are Audrey's age, so we set up a playdate for later that day. After the run and eating lunch at home, Ray headed out with Audrey and I headed out with Ashley. Since Ray had been on two weekend camping trips recently with Ashley, we figured some bonding time with the girls was in order, so he took Audrey to a park and I took Ashley ice skating (I had purchased a groupon months ago that was about to expire for ice skating). We headed back home in time for Audrey to have a playdate, and for Ashley to have a friend from school over as well.


The other local bar/restaurant in our town was having "Rocking at the Crossing", with bands playing, bounce houses and such. After dinner we headed there and Ashley's friend's parents met us there. We hung out until after 9:00 at night. On the way home, Audrey looked like this:

But I have saved the best for last! Ray's company helps with marketing and selling houses in a neighboring golf community in town, and they were having a family festival on Sunday with a 5K race. Ray, myself and Ray's brother Sean were all signed up to run. Sean had been mouthing off for the past month that he was going to beat me and that he was in better shape than me. Ha!


I won 1st place in my age group (35-39), was 4th female overall AND I beat Ray and Sean.


Yes, it was a very small race. I would have never won in my age group otherwise. There was only about 150 registered, and I think less than that finished. It was hot (92 degrees at the 2pm start time) and crazy hilly. I saw one lady taken away on a stretcher. Not good.


But it still counts as an award. And not just any award, $20 to a local running store. Yippee!

I want this shirt....

Running 5 days a week with my new training plan has been a huge adjustment. You wouldn't think going from 4 to 5 days would be, but it is.

This is the beginning of a crazy month...

I finally bit the bullet and got a real running coach to do a training plan (it's in plain sight at my desk at work) for me (versus finding random training plans online that weren't customized to my paces). And it is awesome (although running 7 and 8 milers during the week scares me). Go check Tonia out and give her some words of encouragement, she crashed her bike this weekend and is out of commission for a bit.


So running is back full force and for the first time, I am going to try and keep up with strength training as well. We shall see how that goes.


Audrey's dance recital is on May 14th; Ashley's dance and piano recital is on June 4th. Between Mother's day, birthdays, and in general craziness, we have started on a crazy month. I am looking forward to getting away to the beach Memorial Day weekend.

2 races in 2 weekends

That was me last weekend at the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. Great course, sort of great weather (I was really cold because I am a wuss in 30 degree weather) and great company during the race. I went down with Carmen and another neighbor and I ran most of the race with each of them. I actually crossed the finish line with Carmen which was really cool. My official time was 1:40:37 which gives me an 8 minute PR from my last 10 miler almost 2 years ago. The course was pretty crowded for most of the race, but nothing unbearable. I did see a man juggling 4 balls, a blind runner, and 2 girls dressed as the statue of liberty.

And now my ride is waiting for me...off to Kitty Hawk for the Flying Pirate half marathon!

Running and running and running

I have 2 races the next 2 weekends, this weekend is the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC and next weekend is the Flying Pirate half marathon in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For Saturday's race, I will be driving up with two running buddies in my neighborhood for the race (can't wait to see how well Carmen does!) and the following Saturday with another running buddy and her neighbor. Running has been sort of sporadic since the marathon. Last week I only ran twice, one really crappy run where I thought I was going to die (ran right before dinner so I hadn't eaten in 6 hours and it was in the 80s temperature-wise) and another fabulous run (9 miles in 50 degree weather and it was perfect). I don't know what I will do this week. I am definitely hitting the gym tonight since it is sleeting outside (yes, we had 80s last week, 40 as a high today...where did spring go?). But I have been doing cross training and core work. Ashley is still tracked out of school and after a week at Grandma's house and two sleepovers this past weekend, she was toast last night. Seriously, I thought her head was going to spin around. She crashed hard. She is hanging out with her Dad today and with me tomorrow. The end of the week is questionable as she might be heading to Virginia with Ray to help his parents paint or she might ride up with me on Saturday morning. Who knows. Audrey did enjoy her week without her sister last week. Those two seem to constantly fight lately and it drives me nuts. Here's hoping it warms up later this week for good.

Like how I haven't posted in forever?

I finally got off my butt and ran last week. It was a measly 11 miles total for the week, but it's a start. I am going to try and hit all my planned runs this week and with the temps in the 80s by Friday, I think that's looking pretty good.

But has anyone else been bulldozed by the time change? I can't go to bed at night and then when the alarm goes off, I can't get up. It's a vicious cycle I am hoping to break up tonight by going to the gym and crashing into bed.

Ashley is tracked out of school right now (year round schools here), and she has 4 weeks off instead of the normal 3. She did a camp at Lifetime Fitness last week (our old camp standby that she loves) and she is at a gymnastics camp this week. If only I could find a running camp for her :). Next week she is going to Camp Grandma and Grandpa Fuzzy (my Dad and Stepmom) and we haven't figured out the last week yet. I think she may just hang with Ray and I at work. She loves camps, but unfortunately they are expensive. Lifetime isn't that bad, but the gymnastics camp is expensive and it's hours are short, but she begged to go with her friends to this one.

Audrey is counting down the days until her last day in Pre-K. Soon I will be finding camps for both of them to do (how scary is that). June 17th is her last day and she starts kindergarten July 11th.

And no, I am not going to discuss Virginia Tech being left out of the NCAA tournament. I assume you all know how I feel about that.

Recap of my marathon experience...

Melinda Hinson Neely has been a great resource for me while embarking on my first marathon. Not only is her website full of information, but she left me encouraging words on both my blog and facebook.

And I forgive her that she is a Boise State fan...

She wrote a post about my experience here as she is working on a book and collecting stories about first time marathoners.

Getting better...

I ended up at the doctor's on Tuesday. I was sick of hacking up a lung and blowing my nose every 5 seconds. Diagnosis? Ear infection and sinus infection. Good times.

But I finally feel better and my legs finally feel fine. I actually might even try to exercise in the morning. Note I didn't say run (I am giving myself a week off of running). On a much brighter note, today is mix-match day at school for Ashley. She has been planning her outfit for a week!

Austin Marathon 2011 - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

I really don't know where to start. But I want to preface this whole post with this: my performance at the marathon was no one's doing but my own. What I am trying to say is that I am not about making excuses. I didn't run the race I had trained for, and that sucked. I could sit here a write a post about how the weather was very different than what I trained for, I ate different foods, I traveled, I had a head cold, but in the end, all of those things were still my fault. I chose a race in Texas. I chose to eat food the night before I hadn't eaten before. But at least now I know my mistakes, and I won't make them next time! And yes, there will be another marathon (just don't tell my husband...).

So, onto the race.

I traveled to Austin last Friday and arrived to warm weather. Highs in the upper 70s/low 80s, lows in the upper 60s. High humidity. Weather that I love, just not the weather I had trained for the last few months. I didn't even pack my gloves to run in. I was in heaven. Saturday we hit the expo where I picked up some Yurbuds and a really cool shirt that says "Run, Live, Sleep, Repeat". My friend got her legs all taped up with k-tape and people were staring where ever we went. It was pretty funny. We finally made it home about dinner time and my friend's mom had made some homemade spaghetti sauce. I should have said no and just eaten plain pasta, but it was yummy and I had two servings. My friend smartly passed and just ate plain pasta. I crashed pretty early that night since I had been up early.

Race day my alarm went off at 4:00am. I took my time getting ready, but already had a nervous stomach and by the time we left at 5:00am, I had visited the bathroom 4 times. Not a good sign, but I figured I was just really nervous. I was in a tank top and running skirt, and was fine outside since it was already 65 degrees and 75% humidity. We made it to the start in plenty of time, and lined up between the 4:30 and the 4:45 pace groups.

And we were off onto the HILLIEST COURSE I HAVE EVER RUN. Seriously. I would not recommend this race to even my worst enemy. I run hills all the time in Holly Springs, but these hills were relentless. The first 6 miles were uphill out of downtown Austin. Then a little bit of a downhill, and then all I remember are uphills. I freaked out my husband and friends who were tracking me because I missed the 5K timing mat. It didn't go all the way across the road, and I never stepped on it. We did hit it at about 33 minutes. My 10 mile split was 1:48, and soon after that things started going downhill.

It was hot. By mile 3, I was pouring water on my head. I had been taking extra vitamin C and zicam to head off my head cold, and that was a stupid idea because it didn't work and I think it just made my stomach worse. I stuck with my friend and her running friends until about mile 12 (the half marathoners split from us at mile 11), but I ended up puking on the side of the course at that point. It was a lovely mix of orange Gu and yellow Gatorade, but I instantly felt better. I was still running 100% of the time through all this. And then BAM, my stomach just completely cramped up. Who knows what it was - the heat, the food I ate, the medicine I was taking, the Gatorade, dehydration - but whatever it was, it SUCKED. My stomach hurt so bad at points I had to completely stop and was doubled over. I threw up again somewhere about mile 15ish in a portable restroom (which was lovely, let me tell you). Again, I felt better instantly but that feeling went away quickly.

At that point, I had nothing left in the tank, and taking another Gu or drinking any Gatorade was not an option for my stomach. I tried some pretzels someone was handing out, and I could get it in my mouth, but I just couldn't swallow them. I was drinking water but I was still so freaking thirsty. I remember somewhere about mile 19 I saw a girl throwing up and a policeman took her off the course and I thought there was no way in Hell they were taking me off the course. I was going to finish no matter what. All I really wanted was a diet Coke. I even almost asked some spectators, but honestly the energy that would have taken to ask was too much. So I kept trudging along. I walked when my stomach protested too much and the hills were too steep, and ran when I could. Even walking though, I was passing people running. I remember around mile 23/24 walking up a hill and looking around me and everyone was walking. I remember the 5:00 pace group passing me, and I didn't even care. I knew I would finish, but I knew any hopes of a "good" time were over.

Finally I was at the end. At 800 meters to go, you have to climb a hill and I saw my friend's husband. He was a huge help throughout the day on the course. He talked to me and told me when I rounded the corner to start running, but instead I started running then. I remember seeing the finish line and I was so freaking happy.

5:25:24

A couple days post marathon, and my quads are still sore from all the hills. My head cold is worse, but my stomach is finally better. I will be honest, I am hugely disappointed and sad about my time. I really thought I would have done better. I know that if my stomach had felt better I would have done better, I just don't know by how much. I am still proud of my accomplishment and am going to wear my finisher's shirt every chance I get, but still. Hence why there has to be marathon #2. My friend didn't do as she expected either, and we both want our redemption race. Any ideas?

Huge, huge thanks to momof3 for her kind words and helpful wisdom, and for Tall Mom for the shout out. And thanks to my husband for putting up with me and all my running the past 6 months, and taking care of the home front while I flew to Austin. And a huge thanks to my friends who supported me from afar in Holly Springs with cards and love and good thoughts - Wendy for the arm warmers and cards, Nancy for the brownies, and Shelley for my week of gifts, poster on my front door when I got home, and the champagne. I couldn't have done this without any of you.

Leaving on a jet plane

Tomorrow I fly from Raleigh to Austin, Texas for the marathon. I am leaving behind a husband coming down with a head cold, and a brother-in-law who lives with us with the flu (the rest of us smart people in the house had our flu shots, so I am hopeful we won't get it). That and Audrey said her legs hurt today and I am hoping it was just the P90X Ab Ripper stuff she was doing with me last night and not a repeat of transient synovitis she had EXACTLY A YEAR ago where we spent the night in the ER. Nothing like having a ton of stuff to worry about before flying away to go run a marathon.

And I still don't feel ready.

I have run 511 miles in this training cycle, run in cold, heat, snow, rain. I have run through illnesses and cramps and side stitches. I have run with friends, alone, on the treadmill. I ran one half marathon, 3 16-milers, 1 14-miler, 1 18-miler, and 2 20-milers and a ton of stuff in between. I have done tempo runs, mile repeats and easy slow paced long runs. I should be ready, my brain tells me I should be, but I just don't feel it.

My bib number is 5042. Don't make fun of me if I take a really long time to finish the marathon.

weather

After running all my significant long runs this training cycle in weather of about 30 to 35 degrees, the forecast for Austin this weekend is a low of 57, high of 75.

Holy crap.

Need to find my tank tops!!

Commence FREAKING OUT

Less than a week until 26.2 miles, and considering I was miserable during my last long run of the training cycle that was ONLY 8 miles, I am pretty nervous. If I can't do 8 miles comfortable, how in the HELL am I going to do 26.2? I had no energy during my run, which I am going to blame on PMS. Yes, you read that right. I have that going on this week too. Good times.

And today I am home with Audrey. There is some random fever/headache/cough thing going around, and its Audrey's turn to have it. She is sad to miss her Valentine's Day party at school, and I am sad for her as well. Let's hope that I don't get this thing either. Because that would be icing on the cake.

One of my best friends is sending me motivational quotes every day this week leading up to the marathon. Today's quote:

"We are different, in essence, from other men (women). If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."
-Emil Zatopek

I love it. I loved yesterday's quote too:

"Big occasions and races which have been eagerly anticipated almost to the point of dread, are where great deeds can be accomplished."
-Jack Lovelock

Less than two weeks

My first marathon is less than 2 weeks away. And yes, I did say first because I don't think this will be my only one. I am hopeful that in the future there will be another.

I had a friend ask me last night if I was ready, and I replied no. Because I don't feel ready. I have missed a few runs. I am not fast. I haven't run over 20 miles. I don't know what to expect. Luckily, my friend in Texas who normally is faster than me has slowed down some due to injuries, so I don't think I will be running the marathon all by myself. Which honestly I have trained 90% by myself, so I think I would be okay.

I think I just need to stop thinking for the next 2 weeks.

This week my long run is only 8 miles. I haven't had that in months...

another head cold...

I have another head cold this week. Maybe its part of the "taper madness" of running. I skipped my speed workout on Monday, only ran 2 miles. I did 3 last night, will do 12 tomorrow. And then hopefully 4 on Sunday. My hip is still bothering me after I run, but not enough to cause issues.

I haven't run much this week due to my head cold and the fact I spent Wednesday driving to Virginia, sitting in a court room for most of the day, and then driving 4 hours back to NC. Let's just say the court system works. I was a character witness for a family member's custody battle, and he won full custody of both of his kids. It was a long and emotional day, not one that I want to repeat ever in my life.

Today was wear your favorite team shirt in Audrey's school, so of course I sent her in a Virginia Tech shirt. And since we live in Raleigh, there weren't many football shirts being worn for Green Bay or Pittsburgh, just tons of UNC or NC State stuff. I told Audrey not to play with any kids wearing NC State or UNC or Duke. I was joking (sort of). Audrey is really sad though because her favorite teacher is leaving next week. Which sucks since she only has a few months left at this school (she graduates on June 17 and starts kindergarten the beginning of July). When her teacher told the class she was leaving, Audrey cried, that's how much Audrey likes her.

Ready

This is what Ashley wore OUTSIDE yesterday. No, I am totally not bragging to my family and friends who live in colder climates. This is the reason we moved to Raleigh...70 degree days that appear randomly in January (our average temp for this time of year is supposed to be 50s).

Ashley got to enjoy the weather, Audrey didn't due to strep throat. She did get outside some, but was tired pretty quickly. She is on meds and was fine this morning.

This week starts my 2 week taper until the marathon. I did my last 20 miler on Saturday with another big thanks to Carmen. I got up early and did 9 miles in my town and then met her and her running crew for 11 miles in a neighboring town. It was nice for good conversation and a change in scenery. And the coffee Carmen bought me afterwards! Thanks again!!

And no, I don't feel ready for the marathon. I am not sure I ever will. I feel like I need to drop 5 pounds, run a few more 20 milers, and drink water from now until February 20th; then maybe I will feel ready. But for now I have 2 weeks of taper to do...less mileage after my highest mileage month EVER....over 100 miles run in January.

Playlist

I have my bib number for the marathon in February. It's getting more and more real everyday!

I finally finalized my playlist on my iPod today. Here is my playlist in case you are curious:


Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore) by B.o.B Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore)
Bang Bang by K'naan & Adam Levine
Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
Bottoms Up (feat. Nicki Minaj) by Trey Songz
Carry Out (feat. Justin Timberlake) by Timbaland
Closer by Ne-Yo
Club Can't Handle Me (feat. David Guetta) by Flo Rida
Don't Stop Believin' by Glee Cast
Down (feat. Lil Wayne) by Jay Sean
Dynamite by Taio Cruz
F**kin' Perfect by P!nk
Forever by Chris Brown
Forget You by Cee Lo Green
Freak the Freak Out (feat. Victoria Justice) by Victorious Cast
Glitter In the Air by P!nk
Grenade by Bruno Mars
Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor) [feat. T-Pain] by Pitbull
Hotel Room Service by Pitbull
How Low by Ludacris
I'm In the House (feat. [[[Zuper Blahq]]]) by Steve Aoki
I Like It (feat. Pitbull) by Enrique Iglesias
If It's Love by Train
Imma Be by Black Eyed Peas
In the Ayer (feat. Will.I.am) by Flo Rida
Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri
Just a Dream by Nelly
Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Let It Rock by Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne
Like a G6 by Far East Movement
London Bridge by Fergie
Love the Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna) by Eminem
More by Usher
Morning After Dark (feat. Nelly Furtado & SoShy) by Timbaland
OMG (feat. will.i.am) by Usher
Poker Face by Lady GaGa
Raise Your Glass by P!nk
Ridin' Solo by Jason Derülo
Rock That Body by Black Eyed Peas
Say Hey (I Love You) [feat. Cherine Anderson] by Michael Franti & Spearhead
SexyBack by Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland
Shake It (feat. Lady Saw) by Michael Franti & Spearhead
Stronger by Kanye West
The Time (Dirty Bit) by The Black Eyed Peas
Tipsy by Big Heed And Alien
Total Eclipse of the Heart (Glee Cast Version) by Glee Cast
The Way I Are (feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E.) by Timbaland
What the Hell by Avril Lavigne
4 Minutes (feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland) by Madonna

Yes, I have the song from Victorious on there. Don't make fun. And what song has helped me on every single speed workout? Don't Stop Believin' from Glee. Once again, don't make fun.

Running Mojo

Last week, I lost the will to run. A few things caused this - that time of the month, a sore throat and swollen glands in my neck, a hip that hurt, Audrey's birthday, the coldest winter Raleigh has seen in a long time. I ran once, on the treadmill, and stopped when my hip pain became more than I was willing to run through. I think my body was telling me I needed a break. I have been training for this marathon since August really - a 16 week training program up until my half in November, and then another 16 week program that overlapped that one by 2 weeks for the marathon in February.

Of course I am worried about the lost mileage last week, but it was a step down week of only 27 miles, so I am trying not to stress about it too much. I did see my massage guy Friday night for some active release therapy and WOW did it hurt. My hip pain in my left hip seemed to stem from a strained butt muscle and a sore hamstring. He worked on my left side for most of the hour.

And last night? I knocked out 5 fast miles on the "dreadmill" and felt minimal pain. I have my running mojo back. And just in time for my last 20 miler of this training cycle this Saturday.

The shoe that will take me 26.2 miles in February....

For my past few longs runs, the arches of both feet have been aching as well as part of my right foot. I had about 400 miles on my shoes, but considering the last Brooks Adrenalines I had lasted about 600 miles, I thought that was odd. But after talking to the guy at the Raleigh Running Store, I didn't put 20 and 18 milers on those last pair of shoes like I did these. And these shoes should really only last 300-400 miles.

So here are my shoes for the marathon....they are my favorite color blue (and no, they are NOT Carolina Tarheel Blue as Ray suggested...).

Elevation...

Please tell me that miles 9 - 20 won't feel like I am running uphill the whole time?

I still have a ton going on....

Next week my youngest turns 5. I am still uncertain to where the last 5 years went, but she is excited. Why? Because she knows going to kindergarten is really, really close. I actually get to register her for kindergarten on her birthday. I will save my sappy post for Tuesday about her, but she is such a happy kid that she makes everyday shine.

And yes, Ashley makes our days shine too. We had a month or so a few months ago where every.little.thing was a battle with her. Thankfully it was a stage and she has been very loving and sweet and helpful lately (although she still has her moments). The only thing the two girls do that drive me nuts? They fight with each other, and it seems like they fight all the time although that is probably an exaggeration. But some days, I swear it sucks the life out of me.

So next week will be filled with birthday dinners, birthday parties, doctor's appointments (for Audrey) and the ever present running. I am in the middle of the highest mileage weeks of my training cycle. I will wait until near the marathon to post my thoughts on my training cycle, but I think I will be embracing the taper weeks at the end. 12 miles and 8 miles for my long runs? Shockingly, those sound like a piece of cake.