It's like, here.
We arrived in Memphis at 3 p.m. local time, checked into the hotel, and drove the 20 minutes downtown to the Expo. I was happy that our hotel was in a good area and pretty nice, considering I waiting until like two weeks ago to book it. Oops. Luckily, it turned out okay. And the drive downtown from here is not bad at all.
The Expo was good. I got my packet (which included a coupon for a free cookie! It's all been worth it!)and shirt and runner info. I also got a cool temporary pace tattoo. It's starting to hit me that I'm going to do this tomorrow. It's exciting and fun, but different from a triathlon. I'm not running through transitions and thinking about what to pack for each sport. I just have to put on my stuff and run. Not that it's easy, just simple.
There are a lot of people in town for the race, which is a pretty good size. They do a marathon, half marathon, 5k, and I think even a kids run. It's supposed to be one of the best marathons around for the support (portolets and Vasoline at every mile! Be still my heart!). I'm exciting to just soak it all in, put in a good solid effort, and CROSS THAT FINISH LINE! It's going to be awesome.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tapers, Turkeys, Totally Ready!
A week ago on Thanksgiving I ran the Thanksgiving Day run at Iroquois Park. It was a really great run! Two miles straight up hill, and mile loop at the top, two miles downhill. I felt really good, didn't push too hard but just enjoyed the day and the weather and not having to go to work! It was cloudy and gray and started raining right as I crossed the finish line, but the leaves were such bright yellows and reds that it didn't feel gray out.
I've been tapering, which means I'm still doing stuff (jogs, spin, yoga, massage, etc) just nothing intense. I feel nice and rested, and the fear and anxiety I've been having are finally starting to turn to excitement. The weather for the race should be gorgeous, 65 for the high and partly cloudy. Depending on the clouds, the temps may actually be a little too warm! It's going to be in the 40s when I start, but I warm up really fast.
I can't believe it's here!! I'll post the results ASAP...
I've been tapering, which means I'm still doing stuff (jogs, spin, yoga, massage, etc) just nothing intense. I feel nice and rested, and the fear and anxiety I've been having are finally starting to turn to excitement. The weather for the race should be gorgeous, 65 for the high and partly cloudy. Depending on the clouds, the temps may actually be a little too warm! It's going to be in the 40s when I start, but I warm up really fast.
I can't believe it's here!! I'll post the results ASAP...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Fortune
My mom and I had Chinese for lunch, and my fortune read: "You will soon be the center of attention."
I just hope it's not because I'm passed out (or worse) in the middle of a road in Memphis!
I just hope it's not because I'm passed out (or worse) in the middle of a road in Memphis!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Mind Shift
I haven't posted in awhile because I've been really frustrated and felt like I needed an attitude adjustment. I still had some problems with the second pair of new shoes I tried, and ended up exchanging them again for what I'd previously been running in. But not before I ran more than 18 miles on the other ones last Sunday. I could hardly walk when I got back to my car, and have been sufferering all week. I ran mile repeats with Jackie on Wednesday and did a nice and easy seven miles with Valerie yesterday. It's not super painful while I'm running, but right after I have a variety of painful sensations (stabbing, burning, tingling) from my rib cage to my toes on the right side of my body. This morning things feel better than they have all week, so I'm finally hopeful that I can recover in time for the marathon...less than two weeks!
Ironman Louisville coverage is going to air on the Versus channel today at 4 p.m., so set your DVRs!
Ironman Louisville coverage is going to air on the Versus channel today at 4 p.m., so set your DVRs!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The Climb
This has been a pretty good training week, it’s my last hard one before I taper and run the marathon! I traded the pavement for the elliptical at the gym on Monday morning to give my knees and feet a little break, and then Valerie and I hit the trails at Seneca/Cherokee yesterday. It was a gorgeous afternoon, and we didn’t get hit by any mountain bikers! We were discussing how grateful we feel to not only physically be able to run, but to have good company and great locations, too. I certainly have no reasons to complain (even though I do way too often).
I’ve also been increasing my strength training, and continuing with the Pilates. It’s getting somewhat easier, so it must be working!
Speaking of my dear Valerie, I got an e-mail from her today with this statement from Andy Rooney: “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” That really makes me think about this whole marathon experience. I mean, I’ll be thrilled once I finish (because I will, no matter how long it takes…), but I think I’ll be equally happy just making it to the event because the most difficult part has been incorporating the months of training into my life. Dealing with the physical and mental toll on a daily basis along with the regular demands of work, family, etc. has been a huge lesson. How empowering will it be to have that success under my belt? Now, I’ll admit that the dishes haven’t always been done and the grocery shopping’s gotten put off, but overall I believe I have maintained my priorities and changed my lifestyle for the better.
P.S. I support the WGA strike!
I’ve also been increasing my strength training, and continuing with the Pilates. It’s getting somewhat easier, so it must be working!
Speaking of my dear Valerie, I got an e-mail from her today with this statement from Andy Rooney: “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” That really makes me think about this whole marathon experience. I mean, I’ll be thrilled once I finish (because I will, no matter how long it takes…), but I think I’ll be equally happy just making it to the event because the most difficult part has been incorporating the months of training into my life. Dealing with the physical and mental toll on a daily basis along with the regular demands of work, family, etc. has been a huge lesson. How empowering will it be to have that success under my belt? Now, I’ll admit that the dishes haven’t always been done and the grocery shopping’s gotten put off, but overall I believe I have maintained my priorities and changed my lifestyle for the better.
P.S. I support the WGA strike!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Trailblazing
Today I was scheduled to do 16 miles. Patrick (tri coach) initiated a group trail run, though, and since trail miles don't really translate into road miles, I decided I'd just run for three hours and that would equal out.
We set out from Seneca Park just after sunrise: Patrick, Katie and her husband Sean, Garrett, Jackie, Valerie, and me. It was the longest trail run I've ever done, and it was a great change up from pounding the pavement all the time. The fall weather and scenery are just gorgeous right now, too. It was a really good time! Plus, running with the group made half of my three hours go by really quickly. Once we made it back to Seneca, I said my goodbyes, changed my shoes, and downed an energy bar. The rest of my run was pretty good, too, though I could already feel the soreness setting in. Trail running is definitely a different game, but in a good way!
On another, but very important, note, I've just been reading Self magazine's October issue (yes, I'm a little behind). The included a cancer handbook, and I read this shocking fact: up to 75 percent of all cancers are preventable! I've had some very personal encounters with cancer, and it is a devastating thing. Especially when you know it didn't have to happen. PLEASE, get the information, screenings, whatever it takes to not become a victim. There's still no guarantee it won't touch you, but you can certainly lessen the likelihood of it.
Also, the men's Olympic marathon trials were this morning in Central Park NYC. I'd been reading up on this to get pumped for my own marathon (which will take about twice as long, but I digress). I was very shocked and sad to learn one of the elite runners and a favorite to qualify for Beijing, Ryan Shay, died at the event after about 5.5 miles of running. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
We set out from Seneca Park just after sunrise: Patrick, Katie and her husband Sean, Garrett, Jackie, Valerie, and me. It was the longest trail run I've ever done, and it was a great change up from pounding the pavement all the time. The fall weather and scenery are just gorgeous right now, too. It was a really good time! Plus, running with the group made half of my three hours go by really quickly. Once we made it back to Seneca, I said my goodbyes, changed my shoes, and downed an energy bar. The rest of my run was pretty good, too, though I could already feel the soreness setting in. Trail running is definitely a different game, but in a good way!
On another, but very important, note, I've just been reading Self magazine's October issue (yes, I'm a little behind). The included a cancer handbook, and I read this shocking fact: up to 75 percent of all cancers are preventable! I've had some very personal encounters with cancer, and it is a devastating thing. Especially when you know it didn't have to happen. PLEASE, get the information, screenings, whatever it takes to not become a victim. There's still no guarantee it won't touch you, but you can certainly lessen the likelihood of it.
Also, the men's Olympic marathon trials were this morning in Central Park NYC. I'd been reading up on this to get pumped for my own marathon (which will take about twice as long, but I digress). I was very shocked and sad to learn one of the elite runners and a favorite to qualify for Beijing, Ryan Shay, died at the event after about 5.5 miles of running. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Tri Pics
My sister just sent me photos she took at the Tri for Sight in Lexington Sept. 23, so I thought I'd post a few of the least unflattering ones:)
First, my gorgeous swim stroke. I'm the one in the silver cap with the high elbows...my coaches would be proud!
Next we have me in T1 (between swim and bike). The cigarette butts are not mine!
This is the bike start...
And the finish!!
First, my gorgeous swim stroke. I'm the one in the silver cap with the high elbows...my coaches would be proud!
Next we have me in T1 (between swim and bike). The cigarette butts are not mine!
This is the bike start...
And the finish!!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
One Month to Go!
Yeah, so I know it's been a week since I posted. I've been super busy and exhausted, but I've still been running. That running was made somewhat more challenging by blisters from the shoes I bought last week. I got the situation worked out with a few trips to the wonderful guys at Swag's Sport Shoes. Love that place! Seems like I'm good to go now and hopefully will make it to my marathon blister free! Speaking of the marathon...
It's only a month away!! It seems like I've been training FOREVER, and it is really strange to think it's getting this close. The most recent development in my training (aside from the new shoes, which any girl has to get excited about!) is the addition of twice-weekly 5 a.m. runs with Katie. I'm still adjusting to that, and it will probably take a couple of weeks, but I really like having my workout over before the rest of my day begins, and it's great to have a partner. Plus, the morning runs are different in a nice way...quiet and dark and refreshing.
By the way, if you haven't checked out the updates on Run131.com, please do. That's the site of the Louisville man running a marathon every day from Independence Day to Veterans Day (next Sunday). He's only got 10 more marathons to go, and I am anxious to see him complete his mission to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund for Injured Marines. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Happy November!!
It's only a month away!! It seems like I've been training FOREVER, and it is really strange to think it's getting this close. The most recent development in my training (aside from the new shoes, which any girl has to get excited about!) is the addition of twice-weekly 5 a.m. runs with Katie. I'm still adjusting to that, and it will probably take a couple of weeks, but I really like having my workout over before the rest of my day begins, and it's great to have a partner. Plus, the morning runs are different in a nice way...quiet and dark and refreshing.
By the way, if you haven't checked out the updates on Run131.com, please do. That's the site of the Louisville man running a marathon every day from Independence Day to Veterans Day (next Sunday). He's only got 10 more marathons to go, and I am anxious to see him complete his mission to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund for Injured Marines. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Happy November!!
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