i defer

This spring has been full of good weeks and not-so-good weeks. In regards to training, the not-so-good weeks outweigh the good ones. I've been battling sicknesses, over-tiredness, and busyness. It's led to a less than stellar training cycle.

Last night (while trying to fall asleep in between coughing fits), I realized that I am not going to make it to the starting line of Vermont City as prepared as I want to be when attempting the marathon distance. So I made the call today to defer my registration to next spring.

It's a hard decision to come to, but I think it's for the best. I want to feel strong when I toe that starting line, not like I've limped toward it. I'm going to settle on making it to the starting line of a few half marathons instead. Which, let's be honest...13.1mi is the most fun distance for a race.

Anyway, just for fun, here are some pics from some of the good training weeks:

rain + wind = a fun, wet run

wakefield is beautiful in springtime.

happily completed 9 miles!

insanity workouts kick my butt!

day twenty three

On day eleven, I went to my local YMCA to use up the second of three guest passes. I went in for a total body sculpt class and it was awesome. It didn't feel super tough, but I knew I was getting a good workout. And I love being in a class with other people - helps me try just *that* much harder. We did a lot of squats and lunges, plenty of arm work, and focused on abs during the last 10min of the class. It really made me seriously consider signing up...still thinking that over, though. At the end of class, the instructor casually mentioned that zumba was up next in that room, and I love zumba! So, I stayed and did that too. So much fun, but man, I was beat by the end of it.

Day thirteen, I logged 4mi - I think it was a loop around the lake, but I'm not entirely sure. I didn't write down in my log where I ran so quite possibly it may have been at the gym? Who knows. The important piece here is that it's done. Right? Right.


Days fourteen through twenty one are the lost days. I lost my mojo, momentum, and any kind of motivation. I spent the frigid-est, windiest winter weekend we've had on the cape, holed up in an old house with a bunch of friends. There was NO way I was going to run in negative temps, never mind the windchill. I have nothing to prove to myself or anyone else. :) And then I came down with a head cold. I treated myself with lots of sleep and plenty of rest.


It worked. The cold is gone, and I'm back on track! Day twenty two (yesterday), I picked back up on the training schedule with a whopping 8mi. I was working at REI all day with customers coming in raving about the sunshine and 60deg temps, by the time my shift was up I couldn't wait to get out and get my miles in. Felt so good to log a nice log run, never mind that most of it was in the dark...

And a few more dark miles were put in the books tonight! A little bit chillier than last night, but still in the 40's (and still in a pair of capris). I took my phone along, which I never do, to show you that Lake Quannapowitt is just as pretty at night as it is during the day. I love running here!

So, I think I've got some mojo, momentum, and motivation back and I'm looking forward to some seriously good workouts this week. Stay tuned...

day two

Two posts in two days?! Don't get used to it... I ran up into Reading today, skipping the typical around the lake loop. Gave me a different view and some elevation changes, too. The lake is pretty flat so to get any sort of hills into my training, I have to get creative with my routes.

What's notable about today? The weather. Sunny and 50+ degrees in January...um, yes please and thank you very much. Couldn't have asked for a better day two training run. 3.75mi locked in!

10+3.1+6.8

Remember a couple of posts ago when I mentioned I'm due for a rainy race? Yep, happened today! But that's cool, because I got to run with more friends, fun even in the rain!! The Freedom 5K took place this morning at the lake, and despite the cool temps and steady precipitation, there was a good crowd that came out to support what Route One Ministry is doing in the Greater Boston area.

Here are (most) of the Grace Chapel runners: Ryan, Jared - recognize him from Smuttynose?, me, Sarah and Josh. Not pictured: Robert and Beatriz.

This 5K was not the only running I did today - I don't typically run only 3mi with a Camelbak. I started the morning by leaving the house at 8am, getting in a full 10mi before getting to the race. Sarah and I ran the whole thing together, that was super fun. :) After the race, I hung out long enough to tell these guys, "Good job, that was fun!" before heading out for another 7mi.

Today marks 22days until NYC and it was now or never for these 20mi. I wasn't excited about doing it in the rain (and 45deg temps) but I figured if Nov 2nd is rainy, it's good practice. Despite the rain, I was stoked to get the mileage in - and to feel good nearly the whole time! I started feeling rough around mile 19, nearly at the finish. And it wasn't even like a wall, it was just that I'm-getting-hungry-and-am-starting-to-not-feel-my-legs type of rough. 

After such a good looooong run, I'm feeling more ready than ever for New York. I seriously cannot wait - and you might not read about much else these next three weeks. My apologies in advance. :)

cold. too cold.

I'm not sure where your line is but I'd have to say mine is around 10deg. And that's with no windchill. If there's a windchill colder than that, I am not going to run outside, no way. Perhaps others enjoy proving how tough they are by running outside in that kind of weather, but I'm comfortable enough to say that I'm a big ol' wimp.  

This morning I woke up to -7deg temperatures. NEGATIVE seven. I had six miles on my plate for the day and there was absolutely no question I was going to the gym. I spent about 10min outside yesterday (in similar temperatures) shoveling and cleaning off my car and was frozen to the bone - running tights are not made for negative temperatures. 

We're supposed to have some weird weather this week - 45deg on Monday?! - so I hope to get a few runs outside but for days like yesterday and today I am thankful for the gym and for at home workouts - shout out to my T25 people!

What's the coldest you feel comfortable going for a run or whatever outside?

truth

I read this little gem of a quote this morning from one of my very favorite professional runners:  

"That's the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is." -- Kara Goucher

There is so much truth in these words!  If I measured my great runs by how well I do at races, I would surely have given up long, long ago.  But what keeps me going is knowing how incredibly blessed I am to be able to, simply, run.  To feel the sun on my face (or sometimes snow, rain, and sleet), to feel the wind at my back (or fiercely pushing me in the face), to effortlessly (or not so sometimes) tick off mile after mile after mile.

Just yesterday, during a particularly brutally hot 4mi race, I was thinking how amazing it is that there is shade, that there is breeze.  That there is cool, clean, crisp water to quench my thirst.  I am blessed!

I can run with friends who help push me, I can run alone with my thoughts and prayers.  I am blessed!

I run along busy roads, down empty trails, along shaded paths.  I am blessed!

Many times I get grumpy thinking how unfair this or that is.  Then I go for a run and things seem to fall back into perspective.  Running absolutely helps me see how wonderful my life is.  Don't take my word, or Kara's word, for it though.  Take a walk, or a run, or get outside and do something active and you just may see the truth in this quote that I see. 

 

heatwave

This weekend, the Northeast was treated to three days of 90+ degrees!  I'm not complaining, I love the heat.  But it does make for slower runs, at least for this girl.  On Friday, I wanted to get about 3-4mi in and a friend said she'd run with me.  Great!  However, by the time we could get together, it was about 95deg.  We called it, got iced coffees and went for a 3mi walk instead.

Saturday, I got up early (although, not early enough) and headed out for 10mi.  I left the house by 8am and it was already roasting!  Somehow I made it the whole 10mi, slowly but completely.  On Sunday, I knew if I was going to get any kind of running in, I was going to have to get myself out the door by 6:30am.  And that's just what I did.  It was still pretty warm and I was really tired so it was a horrible 4mi.  (I also wore shorts...I hate wearing shorts so I know that contributed to my feelings on this run.)

Running in the heat is hard.  But it's do-able...just pay attention to your body and stop if you need to!  For my run on Saturday, I made sure to stay at the lake where there are water fountains every mile or so.  I not only drank from the fountains, but was sure to drench my head and face each time to cool off.  When I got home, I took a cool shower and continued to drink lots of cold fluids - including some nuun!  I was planning to go up to the beach that day, but with the later start, I thought twice and hung around home.  I'm glad I did...even sitting on my porch in the shade, I was roasting!  So, I hit up the nearest Redbox and Chipotle and had a lively, happenin' Saturday night.  :) 

countdown to louisville - photo #4

I'm not liking the weather forecast for Saturday...

what a difference

Last week I ran 14 of my scheduled 18mi and could run no further.  We had snow on the ground, it was 30something degrees, and we had 25mph winds.

Today I ran 17.5 of my scheduled 17mi (see what I did there?) and while it was tough, it was a MUUUUCH better run than last week.  We had green grass and flowers popping up, 50something degrees, and only 10-15mph winds.  It helped, too, to have a friend run the final 5mi with me.

I'm struck by the difference a week makes.  I'm glad for it...but it's pretty remarkable.  See picture below for reference:

winter's death grip

It just won't. let. go.  Not only did we get another foot of snow earlier this week, the temps have been so cold that the snow is not going anywhere.

Thankfully, most of the sidewalks are pretty clear and so is the Minuteman Bikeway!  Now that we have more daylight after work, I can make use of this favorite running spot again.  Matter of fact, I did just last evening.  I had planned to go for a run at lunch but decided to push it off to after work, thinking it'd be a bit warmer by then.  What I didn't realize is that it'd also be snowing by then!  Huge fat, wet flakes.  And so I finished my 4.5mi run like this:

I was actually a bit more covered, but when I ran inside to grab my phone the snow immediately started to melt.  Buuuut, you get the idea.  I am so over this and will gladly welcome spring with open arms.  Any day now...

countdown to memphis #2

The obligatory weather freak-out shot.  It's still too soon to tell...so I'm hopeful this is wrong!

a night of firsts and one last

There were a few firsts I noticed on my run last night (please note, some are firsts just for the season):

First time I wore my tights.  Relatedly, this was the first time I realized they didn't have a pocket.

First time I wore a winter weight shirt and an ear band.

First time it was in the 30's.  Brrrr!

First time it was d.a.r.k. dark before I even left my house.

Which leads to the first time I wore my ultra cool reflective vest.

First time I ran after my latest half marathon.  Relatedly, first time both of my IT Bands were painful.

First time my left leg hurt more than my right.

First time I used my foam roller AS SOON AS I walked in the house.

First time I wanted to either pass out or throw up from the pain.

First time I combined quinoa, brussel sprouts, candied walnuts, and sweet potatoes for dinner...but not the last.  Yum.

Last time I ran as a 32 year old.  Today I turn (shock and horror...) 33!!

race recap #7

It was a beautiful day for a race yesterday!  A little on the chilly side, but that's how it's going to be for the forseeable future.  But the sun was shining, I had 2 friends running and 2 more cheering us on, and very fresh legs (considering I hadn't run in the 2wks prior).  And I had a burger to look forward to at the end...

The All Women and One Lucky Guy Half Marathon was really enjoyable!  Even though there were a TON of women - all decked out in pink and purple, sequins and sparkles - it wasn't as bad as I'd expected it to be. Not nearly as "girl-power!" as the Tufts 10K for Women is...

Number/T-shirt pick up was super easy, the volunteers incredibly friendly, and plenty of portopotties. :)  The course was beautiful, lots of rolling hills but also some challenging ones.  We ran through very rural parts of Newburyport and West Newbury.  Lots of historic sites and ginormous new homes, as well.  We even ran past an alpaca farm.  In case you're keeping track, that 2 alpaca farms in the last 3 races.  Who woulda thought?!

I ran with my friend, Brenda, the whole way which was so fun.  I wasn't really excited about this race, but knowing that I'd have company (accountability not to shag it...) was incredibly motivating.  By mile 7, we were both a little worn out, her foot was hurting and my knees (ITBands - blast!) were feeling stiff.  We carried on, walked just a couple of times, did not walk during the last mile, and finished with a new PR for Brenda in 2:18.53.  Not bad for not having really trained for this one!

This is a race that I would totally recommend to any lady out there thinking about running a half.  It's not intimidating course-wise, it's very well run (no pun intended...), and the tour through these old towns is beautiful!

After the race, we picked up our freebies and our medals then headed into downtown Newburyport (The Port Tavern) for some delicious burgers and refreshment.  It was well earned!

once, twice, three times

Here's the thing about how I train for races:  I don't do the fancy stuff.  The tempo runs, the track workouts, the speed stuff.  I just don't do it...  I run (and run and run and run).  There is one type of workout that we're always told to do that I especially shy away from - the hill repeats. 

Just saying it gives me shivers up my spine.  Running up a challenging hill and knowing you have to do that again and again.  I typically avoid this at all costs.  Sure, I'll throw in a hill every now and again.  I try to get at least one good one on every run, especially on the long runs.  Yesterday, though, I got it in my head that since it was so nice out I would do a few hill repeats on The Hill.  If you're familiar with Wakefield, it's Prospect St, just over the railroad tracks heading up toward Stoneham.  It's one of my least favorite hills to run but once in a while I get the urge to conquer it.  That's what happened last night.

The first time:

For me, the first slow slog up the hill is the worst.  I didn't feel good yet, I wasn't in the groove.  In fact, halfway up I said to myself, "There is no way I am doing this two more times.  No.  Way."  But when I made it to the top, I felt better and resolved to make it up at least once more.

The second time:

Not nearly as bad as the first.  I felt stronger and, except for pausing to take the picture, put my head down and drove myself up this bad boy.  I realize from these pictures that you don't get a good grasp on the severity of this hill.  Let me put it this way:  When my previous car was on it's way to death, I avoided this hill at all costs because I didn't think it could actually make it all the way up.  It's long and steep, where the white house is, it curves around and inclines more.

The third and final time:

This was the best time.  I felt super strong and invincible!  I powered my way up with my head up and determination in my mind.  This hill ain't nothin'.  In fact, I lapped a woman walking up on the other side of the street.  She was just beginning the hill on my second time around and when I reached the top of the hill the third time, she had just reached the intersection where I turned off.  Now, tell me that wouldn't make you feel like a beast while doing hill repeats! 

The reward:

Each loop included a nice long downhill as a reward for climbing up hill.  I savored the downhills and ran as fast as I dared, keeping in mind my ITBS prone right side. 

As I was making my way back home, I realized I had a bit more time to spend out on the roads.  I really made the most of it I had by tacking on just one more little hill.  This one is in my typical route.  Why not throw in another hill?!

It was an extremely pleasant fall run - perfect temps, perfect time of day.  I made it home just in time to whip up some chicken sausage, sauteed with red and green peppers and onions over quinoa for dinner before spending time catching up with friends.  And I now have a new appreciation for hill workouts.  The other fancy stuff can wait...for now.