"You learn you can do your best even when it's hard, even when you're tired and maybe hurting a little bit. It feels good to show some courage." -Joe Namath
I knew every run wouldn’t be the best. Last night’s jog with Jackie at Seneca Park was about as BLAH as it gets. I’d had a headache all day and just generally felt not good. The heat and humidity didn’t help. Luckily, we only had to do three miles. We were able to pick up the pace some toward the end, so it wasn’t a total loss for the night. I am proud just to get out and do it, I know that’s the hardest part. So much of running is mental, and that’s what I need to figure out. I figure every workout is that much closer to my goal. And when I’m feeling icky or I’m tired or hurting, I just remember a saying I’ve seen on some Team In Training shirts: You think running a marathon is hard? Try chemotherapy.
That tends to put my “suffering” in perspective.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
One Down
My first week of marathon training is behind me! Only 17 more to go…
My long run (8 miles) was Saturday. I was looking for a new route this week and succeeded in mapping a slightly different run to keep things interesting. I got a late start because I was babysitting my cousins, so my run didn’t begin until almost 11. It was still cool out, in the 70s, but as I ran I quickly realized how wet the air was. I was not a pretty sight, but at least it wasn’t hot. I made a stop halfway into my run to visit the Bardstown Road Farmer’s Market and drink an iced chai. (The training plan I’m following by Hal Higdon recommends that you incorporate walk breaks. He says it’s better to do it when you want to instead of when you have to). Being around all the people and shops along Bardstown Rd. made my run more interesting. I finished right at 1:20, a 10-minute mile average. I felt good, my new shoes were great, and I’m ready to up the mileage a little for week 2!
Every Sunday is supposed to be a cross-training workout, so I was thrilled when my friend and TNT triathlete/marathoner Jackie called to set up an early morning bike ride. We set out from her apartment for a 25-mile ride down River Rd. It was another cool morning but, from what I hear, one of our last for a while. Jackie completed her second Olympic-distance triathlon on Saturday, and she won her age group! I’m super proud of all her hard work, and glad we got to do a recovery ride/mini therapy session together☺
Sounds like this week is going to be HOT. I’ll have to rearrange my training schedule slightly because I’ll be going to Indy on Tuesday, and camping at Rough River this weekend. But it’s all still manageable. Just hope I can handle the heat!
My long run (8 miles) was Saturday. I was looking for a new route this week and succeeded in mapping a slightly different run to keep things interesting. I got a late start because I was babysitting my cousins, so my run didn’t begin until almost 11. It was still cool out, in the 70s, but as I ran I quickly realized how wet the air was. I was not a pretty sight, but at least it wasn’t hot. I made a stop halfway into my run to visit the Bardstown Road Farmer’s Market and drink an iced chai. (The training plan I’m following by Hal Higdon recommends that you incorporate walk breaks. He says it’s better to do it when you want to instead of when you have to). Being around all the people and shops along Bardstown Rd. made my run more interesting. I finished right at 1:20, a 10-minute mile average. I felt good, my new shoes were great, and I’m ready to up the mileage a little for week 2!
Every Sunday is supposed to be a cross-training workout, so I was thrilled when my friend and TNT triathlete/marathoner Jackie called to set up an early morning bike ride. We set out from her apartment for a 25-mile ride down River Rd. It was another cool morning but, from what I hear, one of our last for a while. Jackie completed her second Olympic-distance triathlon on Saturday, and she won her age group! I’m super proud of all her hard work, and glad we got to do a recovery ride/mini therapy session together☺
Sounds like this week is going to be HOT. I’ll have to rearrange my training schedule slightly because I’ll be going to Indy on Tuesday, and camping at Rough River this weekend. But it’s all still manageable. Just hope I can handle the heat!
Friday, July 27, 2007
MomMobile
My current mode of transportation is not my legs in my luxury trainers, nor is it my sweet Camry. No, since last night, I’m the driver of a minivan. It’s pretty hot, and even has a TV! This is just a temporary thing since we’re babysitting my little cousins tonight (four girls, age 3-11). Even though it’s short lived, it’s freaking me out a little. I mean, I’m driving down the interstate in a big purple van with two car seats in the back! It feels quite strange. And it’s not nearly as sexy as my New Kids shirt.
On a side note, the only other vans I’ve driven were the Murray State passenger vans I gave tours in when I was a Student Ambassador. Now that was an experience. I’m an easily distracted driver anyway (if you’ve even ridden with me you realize how understated that is), so to put prospective students and their parents under my care in a giant van while pointing out buildings and answering questions through Murray traffic…I’m very surprised none of those tours ended tragically. Plus, the ONLY times we used the vans, as opposed to walking tours, was when the weather was either rainy or snowy. Talk about some white-knuckled prospectives!
Back to the point: As I left Starbucks this morning and got back in the van, I realized it probably looked like that was my van, with car seats for my kids in the back. Whoa! I mean, despite the fact that I always feel like I’m too young for everything, I do know people my age who are soccer moms…did it look like I was stopping by for a caffeine fix after dropping the kids off at day care?? I’m so not ready to be a mom (or even look like I could be one) now, if ever. The favorite aunt, though, I can totally handle.
Never say never, but I would bet a large sum of money that I will go my entire life without owning a minivan myself. Any takers?
On a side note, the only other vans I’ve driven were the Murray State passenger vans I gave tours in when I was a Student Ambassador. Now that was an experience. I’m an easily distracted driver anyway (if you’ve even ridden with me you realize how understated that is), so to put prospective students and their parents under my care in a giant van while pointing out buildings and answering questions through Murray traffic…I’m very surprised none of those tours ended tragically. Plus, the ONLY times we used the vans, as opposed to walking tours, was when the weather was either rainy or snowy. Talk about some white-knuckled prospectives!
Back to the point: As I left Starbucks this morning and got back in the van, I realized it probably looked like that was my van, with car seats for my kids in the back. Whoa! I mean, despite the fact that I always feel like I’m too young for everything, I do know people my age who are soccer moms…did it look like I was stopping by for a caffeine fix after dropping the kids off at day care?? I’m so not ready to be a mom (or even look like I could be one) now, if ever. The favorite aunt, though, I can totally handle.
Never say never, but I would bet a large sum of money that I will go my entire life without owning a minivan myself. Any takers?
Hangin' Tough
It’s been a great week for running as far as weather goes. My first three marathon training runs went really well, my body’s holding up okay, and I’m still excited about this commitment!
I ran 3.1 miles at Bernheim Forest after work on Tuesday. It was gorgeous!! I wanted to post a photo from the Quiet Garden there where I did my stretching, but didn’t have my camera. I’m sure I’ll be back there for a run soon, though, so I’ll get one later. There was no humidity, the course had lots of shade, and it was generally a great run. It was also my first run in my new shoes, and they were nice and cushy…one review called them “luxury trainers” so I feel pretty special wearing them. Bernheim is also where Adam and I got engaged, and I spent tons of time there growing up, so it’s always nice going back. I hadn’t been in a long time, and they’ve made quite a few improvements (a café, new run/bike paths, etc.). With the weather and the setting, I was feeling kinda Zen, so I tuned my iPod to “Instant Karma” (the charity album of John Lennon songs for Amnesty International…Adam thinks I’m a dork for ordering it). It’s slower and more mellow than what I’m used to while running, but it didn’t seem to slow my pace any.
Wednesday called for a 5-miler at Iroquois Park. Loree will remember Iroquois as the place with all the hills during the Derby miniMarathon. The main loop is 3.3 miles, so I did it twice (but ran the end). It was another great day. The people in Iroquois are always great, it’s a really pretty park, and it was about 98% shaded. Woohoo! If you’re interesting in running in general, or just like a good story, you should read about this Louisville man who is running a marathon EVERY day for 131 days in honor of injured Marines. His daily marathon is run in Iroquois, so I tried to channel his ability as I did my piddly jog. It was a wonderful run, I felt really good and was doing my cool-down stretches by my car when I suffered a minor harassment incident by some dude who looked homeless and/or strung out. I’ve heard lots of (true) horror stories about runners coming upon men “servicing” themselves in these parks, and the idea of it just freaks me out. This man wasn’t to that point (yet), but he did make me very uncomfortable. Not the best way to end a great workout, but it was still a really nice day.
Last night I did a late 3-mile run around my neighborhood. The humidity has definitely picked up, and I’m incredibly bored with running in my ‘hood. BUT…it had to be a good run because I was wearing my “vintage” New Kids on the Block shirt that surfaced during my parents’ recent move. I felt like such a bad ass. I mean, you can’t be slow or in a bad mood wearing a shirt with Joey, Jordan, Jon, Danny, and Donnie on it! The NKOTB kept me inspired, and it ended up being a decent run. I’ll get a pic of that shirt up soon, too. The girl across the street was, like, totally envious. (Actually, she wasn’t even born when I got that shirt, but still).
Today’s an off day, but tomorrow is my long run for the week, 8 miles. I’ve been doing the 8-mile loop beginning in nearby Seneca Park the last couple of weeks, so I want to find a different route. I’ll keep ya posted on that. I’m wondering what it will feel like when 8 miles as a long run seems ridiculously silly…
I ran 3.1 miles at Bernheim Forest after work on Tuesday. It was gorgeous!! I wanted to post a photo from the Quiet Garden there where I did my stretching, but didn’t have my camera. I’m sure I’ll be back there for a run soon, though, so I’ll get one later. There was no humidity, the course had lots of shade, and it was generally a great run. It was also my first run in my new shoes, and they were nice and cushy…one review called them “luxury trainers” so I feel pretty special wearing them. Bernheim is also where Adam and I got engaged, and I spent tons of time there growing up, so it’s always nice going back. I hadn’t been in a long time, and they’ve made quite a few improvements (a café, new run/bike paths, etc.). With the weather and the setting, I was feeling kinda Zen, so I tuned my iPod to “Instant Karma” (the charity album of John Lennon songs for Amnesty International…Adam thinks I’m a dork for ordering it). It’s slower and more mellow than what I’m used to while running, but it didn’t seem to slow my pace any.
Wednesday called for a 5-miler at Iroquois Park. Loree will remember Iroquois as the place with all the hills during the Derby miniMarathon. The main loop is 3.3 miles, so I did it twice (but ran the end). It was another great day. The people in Iroquois are always great, it’s a really pretty park, and it was about 98% shaded. Woohoo! If you’re interesting in running in general, or just like a good story, you should read about this Louisville man who is running a marathon EVERY day for 131 days in honor of injured Marines. His daily marathon is run in Iroquois, so I tried to channel his ability as I did my piddly jog. It was a wonderful run, I felt really good and was doing my cool-down stretches by my car when I suffered a minor harassment incident by some dude who looked homeless and/or strung out. I’ve heard lots of (true) horror stories about runners coming upon men “servicing” themselves in these parks, and the idea of it just freaks me out. This man wasn’t to that point (yet), but he did make me very uncomfortable. Not the best way to end a great workout, but it was still a really nice day.
Last night I did a late 3-mile run around my neighborhood. The humidity has definitely picked up, and I’m incredibly bored with running in my ‘hood. BUT…it had to be a good run because I was wearing my “vintage” New Kids on the Block shirt that surfaced during my parents’ recent move. I felt like such a bad ass. I mean, you can’t be slow or in a bad mood wearing a shirt with Joey, Jordan, Jon, Danny, and Donnie on it! The NKOTB kept me inspired, and it ended up being a decent run. I’ll get a pic of that shirt up soon, too. The girl across the street was, like, totally envious. (Actually, she wasn’t even born when I got that shirt, but still).
Today’s an off day, but tomorrow is my long run for the week, 8 miles. I’ve been doing the 8-mile loop beginning in nearby Seneca Park the last couple of weeks, so I want to find a different route. I’ll keep ya posted on that. I’m wondering what it will feel like when 8 miles as a long run seems ridiculously silly…
Monday, July 23, 2007
Marathon Training: Day 1
I've been mulling it over for a few months now, and finally decided to train for a marathon. Specifically, the St. Jude Memphis Marathon on Dec. 1.
A year ago, I never would have thought I would ever have the desire to attempt 26.2 miles. Now, I'm excited to take the plunge! After entering the world of triathlons with the Olympic-distance Memphis in May last year, I decided to make 2007 the Year of the Run in order to work on my weakest event. My great friend Loree and I trained together via e-mail and phone for Louisville's Derby miniMarathon (13.1 miles) in April, and I felt really great about that. It only seemed natural to go for the full. Plus, I realized (corny as it may be), that I would be running a 26 mile race in my 26th year...so it became a neat incentive to get a marathon in before I turn 27 in February. I'm a dork like that. I also think it will be great to return to the scene of my triathlon debut in Memphis and support the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
So today begins my 18-week training program/countdown. I bought a pair of shoes today to get myself pumped, and will hopefully be able to avoid the blisters and lost toenails that came from running the 10-miler and mini this spring.
I am excited about the race, but I'm more excited about the journey that the next 4.5 months will surely bring: pain, anxiety, accomplishment, discipline, prayers, hope, therapy, peace...I received the following quote in my e-mail today, and I thought it was quite appropriate for the start of my marathon journey:
"Running gives me creativity. It provides the meditative setting. It opens up areas in my mind I seem not to use otherwise." Dr. George Sheehan
So, wish me luck! I'll keep you updated on the developments. Ciao!
Dr. George Sheehan
A year ago, I never would have thought I would ever have the desire to attempt 26.2 miles. Now, I'm excited to take the plunge! After entering the world of triathlons with the Olympic-distance Memphis in May last year, I decided to make 2007 the Year of the Run in order to work on my weakest event. My great friend Loree and I trained together via e-mail and phone for Louisville's Derby miniMarathon (13.1 miles) in April, and I felt really great about that. It only seemed natural to go for the full. Plus, I realized (corny as it may be), that I would be running a 26 mile race in my 26th year...so it became a neat incentive to get a marathon in before I turn 27 in February. I'm a dork like that. I also think it will be great to return to the scene of my triathlon debut in Memphis and support the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
So today begins my 18-week training program/countdown. I bought a pair of shoes today to get myself pumped, and will hopefully be able to avoid the blisters and lost toenails that came from running the 10-miler and mini this spring.
I am excited about the race, but I'm more excited about the journey that the next 4.5 months will surely bring: pain, anxiety, accomplishment, discipline, prayers, hope, therapy, peace...I received the following quote in my e-mail today, and I thought it was quite appropriate for the start of my marathon journey:
"Running gives me creativity. It provides the meditative setting. It opens up areas in my mind I seem not to use otherwise." Dr. George Sheehan
So, wish me luck! I'll keep you updated on the developments. Ciao!
Dr. George Sheehan
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