Great 5 mile run today at Manasquan Reservoir (MR) with a friend. I really love running with other ladies. I was not feeling the run today--I was so sluggish. Normally I get in my groove at 2 miles and I never got in the groove today at all---I struggled through the whole 5, but G kept me going.
I know she was holding back for me. She is a stronger/faster runner than I am. Picture a pretty blond with hair flowing, great form, making running look so easy next to me---sweaty mess, face redder than my red hair, hunched over, lurching along.
I love running at MR, but I always find that the route is more challenging than other routes I run---but the scenery is soooo worth it.
Today there were lots of people out for a lunch stroll. Lots of dogs walking their owners. Two men walking in casual business wear. Lots of people strolling in sweat shirts and jackets--while I was so hot, I wished I was naked. There was a man with a telescope like device and a father and a son watching the osprey nest.
When we hit the parking lot we witnessed a woman throwing her cigarette out the window--the irony was not lost on us.
Wow, I was not expecting it to be so cold out there. I wanted to run 6 miles after group today, but I was expecting it to be warmer. It never fails, when I am raring to go, my garmin takes forever to load. I ended up walking just because it was too cold to stand still while I waited.
I started off too fast--I need to work on negative splits. I haven't run in 5 days and I was worried about not making it. I planned on a 6 mile route I had run in the past and I am glad I thought about it beforehand--it made it harder for me to quit and pick a shorter route when I got started. At one point, I almost talked myself into running 3 miles, but I stuck with my route, which forced me to get the additional miles in.
The wind was brutal (25 mph)! I wondered if I was actually moving--the wind was blowing so hard.
I love this picture. It looks just like me-red hair and all. My left groin area started hurting at mile 3 and is still a little achy--but I feel good. I needed to run today. Lately, I have been feeling like I have too much on my plate and I am a rubber band stretched all the way to the limit--running is my ME time.
Today was the March of Dimes walk in Ocean Grove. The Bosom Buddies planned on meeting to walk the 4 miles together. The weather report had warned of rain all week and unfortunately the report was spot on. It was light raining all morning. Finn had LAX and much to my chagrin it was not canceled---supposedly everyone knows LAX is played in the rain and only canceled for thunder showers (not me).
We had to high tail-it from LAX to Ocean Grove to get there for the start time. I knew that most of the moms and little ones would be unable to come---it was really cold and rainy by the beach. They boys (Ronan) was with me too were hoping the walk would be cut short so they could go to lunch. When we did not see anyone from our group, but we wanted a picture to prove we showed up:
We called grandma and grandpa (who live in town) to see if they wanted to join us for lunch. Wouldn't you know it, the minute we hung up we ran into some die-hard BB members.
The boys and I went to meet my parents and then I went back to the walk--the boys got to enjoy some good ole Jersey Pork Roll and Cheese sandwiches.
I ran into a mother.runner friend and another Bosom Buddy at the end of the walk. The walk was cut short (from OG pavilion to Bradley and back) but it was nice to see everyone; although, my fingers are still a little numb:)
I only wish we had a chance to show off our shirts.
I have been composing this letter in my mind over the last couple of weeks and I have come to the conclusion that there really are no words that can represent how grateful I am for the support and camaraderie you have provided me over the last couple of months.
When I started running back in August, my goal was just to run. Could I do it? I had never been able to run before and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. If other people could do it---why couldn’t I? I signed up for a 5 K race and started running (if you could call it that)---incremental steps for me—it took awhile but I did it. I ran that first race S-L-O-W but I did NOT walk and from that moment on---I was OFF.
Back in November I decided I was going to run a ½ marathon; my goal was to complete the race before I turn 40 in October 2010. I had been running with friends and ladies from town, but no one else was willing to commit to a ½ with me.
I was so thankful to find out that Tammie was organizing a training group for a ½. I was so excited to attend the first session and meet all of you; I can now admit, I was a little nervous too. Just knowing that we were all working towards the same goal was inspiring for me. Our Sunday runs were just what I needed. Following your training on dailymile keep me motivated and you held me accountable for my own training. This was what I needed to follow through and get it done.
I am woman—hear me roar! MARATHON, here I come.
Now with your own ½ marathon less than a week away, I know without a doubt that you can do it. You are all strong women. You have trained hard. You are ready. You inspire me.
Lisa, you have conditioned yourself to be a runner—you are making it a daily routine, a habit---it comes naturally to you. I love watching your mileage climb. You inspire me.
Dana, I love your posts and more importantly your profile pictures on dailymile. A good sense of humor helps keep things in perspective. Running should be fun—we should enjoy how it makes us feel (not necessarily how we feel doing it—but the post high). I loved watching your training progress. You inspire me.
Crystal, you are fitting the running into your mom schedule (this is no easy feat). Finding the time for just you to enjoy yourself and friends is such a nice way to stay grounded. It was so nice meeting your beautiful children when we went to see Nikki’s husband play. You inspire me.
Jackie, you have managed to fit running into your family and work schedule. There were many times when I could easily talk myself out of the training run and I would see your post about running while on a business trip and I would get myself in gear; I had no excuses. I loved watching your endurance and speed grow. You inspire me.
Nikki, it has been so nice running with you. We often ended up running together due to our similar paces, but I know I would have been slower or in many cases would not have run as far, if it were not for your great company. You made running fun. You inspire me.
Melinda, you are a speed demon—you love running and it is so obvious that it comes to you naturally. You almost glow (almost, because you don’t sweatJ--just another thing I need to be envious about). You make it look so easy. You inspire me.
Tammie, your time and expertise was greatly appreciated. You organized a program that not only gave me the tools to complete my goal but also the motivation. It is because of you that I meet these lovely ladies. Thank you for fostering this opportunity of growth; for giving me a chance to show myself what I am capable of.
Ladies, I wish you the best of luck on your race----You can do it!
It seems like this week is extraordinarily busy and I feel like I am having a hard time squeezing in activities around all the appointments. On one hand, I am happy I have been busy at work, but I miss being able to put on my sneakers whenever I want and just go for a run.
Today I was able to fit in spin, a run, and tennis---but I am paying the price and now have to scramble to get some work stuff done. I have been struggling with my runs this week. Prior to the 1/2 marathon, I was beginning to look at 5 miles runs as my easy days and as a shorter run--but now I am questioning if I will ever feel that way again.
Today's song, Good Two Shoes, Adam Ant
I was able to get 5 and change in today; overall pace 9:47 (not bad for 5.22 miles---mile 4 was hilly):
Wednesday's are always busy--I look forward to our Bosom Buddies meetings, but it is hard to plan anything else on these days. I like to sneak a run in after group and thankfully B was able to join me today. I love having someone else to run with. It makes the run more enjoyable and the distraction is always a plus.
The weather was great--it had cooled off a little from the morning; although, I did carry hydration and drank an entire bottle of water while running. This was a first time carrying something and it seems to work well. I started the run hungry and thirsty--probably not my best idea--but did OK.
Here is the Nathan water bottle--it worked great
B and I ran 2 miles and then after I went to lock up the Community Center Room---I snuck another mile in.
Just in time too--now it is overcast and starting to rain--although, the rain would have felt good on my firey hot skin. I think I loose several pounds of sweat every time I run.
I took the last 2 days off post race and actually missed running. Today I went to strength training class at the Y--I love this. I usually strength train on Tuesday and Thurs for an hour, and if I miss I feel bad. The instructor is a runner and she is FABULOUS.
I was planning on running 2 miles after class at the library with 2 other racy runners---who ended up not showing---no biggie--I was going to run either way. The weather was gorgeous, but I am going to have to get used to running in warmer weather--I actually miss those snowy/ice cold days--my mouth felt sooooooo dry.
So, my big race was 2 days ago and I assumed I would feel sore---after I had run the 12 miles, I spent a week recovering with slow/short/run-walks, but I feel good.
My friend Amy (hopefully, soon to be sister-in-law) and I have a BIG spa day planned. I am not normally a spa person; I never have the time--I can count the number of times I have had a mani/pedi on my two hands---but I am definitely not opposed to a little pampering. I have been looking forward to today and I know Amy has too (see is a CPA--and is thankful tax day is behind her). So I am picking up lunch and she is picking up trashy magazines and we are meeting this morning to veg out.
I am still on the runner's high from the race, but I must admit, I am already thinking of my next venture. I really want to run the marathon in September---It seems impossible now--running almost 5 hours......BUT I am turning 40 in October and it would be so great.
My goal before turning 40 was running a 1/2 marathon (set this goal in Nov 2009)--now I am amending it---My goal is to run a MARATHON---HERE I COME!
Today was the BIG day--my first 1/2 marathon. I can not even begin to put into words how nervous/excited/scared I was. The last few days were hard; I broke into spontaneous tears yesterday---merely overwhelmed by the feat I was taking on---I know it sounds corny, but the rush of emotions even as I started to race where CRAZY---I swallowed down tears the first mile---I could have easily broken down into a full sob if it were not for the self control I muscled up---It was not that I was sad. In fact, it was the exact opposite. I overwhelmed with the thought that this was it--this was what I had worked so hard for.
Last night we went to Asbury Park convention center to pick up the race packet and it was COLD--not just chilly---COLD with a serious wind chill--the kind of wind were you have trouble walking. I was so nervous about what the weather would be like today. More importantly---what would I wear. I was planning on a Brooks running skirt and short sleeve Brooks top (I think Brooks is my favorite brand for running gear), but after feeling that wind, I began to seriously question my judgment. So, I decided to wait until this morning to check the weather out. The boys and I had last night all planned out. PIZZA and LOST (we DVR it because the boys and I are addicted to LOST and have watched every episode together). I even had a glass (a rather big one) of red wine.
We had the alarms all set (more than one--I was nervous) and I woke up around 6 am. I knew I would need time to get ready and have breakfast and coffee. The weather here in Colts Neck was perfect---50's and overcast, but I was still worried about wind chill off the ocean. Ended up with my Brooks running skirt and a long sleeve shirt---it was a perfect decision. It was cold at the beach, but I preferred it to being to hot out.
I lined up in the rear of the pack and the race started without any fanfare. The sky was overcast and the ocean looked mean----I ran through the AP/OG Casino building while fighting back the tears and when I broke through into OG the sun was shinning bright and everything was PERFECT. The first 6 miles were nice--don't get me wrong, it was not easy, but I was able to keep a nice steady pace.
I wanted to keep a pace of 11 min/miles and I was worried about starting out to fast or running the first 5 miles too fast. Thankfully at the start of the race I was able to pace myself with a man in front of me. He had on a red shirt and I liked his pace. I keep with him for the first 6 miles of the race and then he broke free.
I really started losing steam at 6.5-7 miles---Ray and the boys were waiting in Spring Lake, so I took this opportunity to stop and take a GU with water (I had been regularly stopping for water along the way---every 2 miles). This was my first walk--I walked for a minute or two at this point. The second half of the race was challenging. I was tired and my groin area (R and L) ached. I stopped to walk every now and then--I probably walked about .5 miles out of the whole race, but it was just enough for me to recover and to do a body check--I was sore and hurt, but not necessarily in pain.
Once I hit Bradley---I keep thinking Bradley--OG--DONE!
I waited until I could see the finish line in sight before I kicked it up a notch. I probably could have sustained this "strong" pace a little longer, but I knew I was holding back the last 2 miles in fear of not being able to finish. I thought for sure, I would burst into tears when I finished--but I did not---I saw the boys and they were so happy for me and I just felt--"It is done"---a sense of contentment (let's see how long that lasts:) For now, it feels GOOD.
WOW--it is hot out there---I am thinking I may need to carry water with me on the run. I am not really used to running in the heat and my mouth was really dry. I know they are planning on having water stops every 2 miles----the question is--do I take my chance (my long runs were fine with no water, but it was MUCH cooler) or do I carry an item I have never run with before. I could always throw the bottle away, but if I remember correctly it cost $20 dollars.----Oh well, this is the least of my concerns.
My biggest challenge is going to be keeping it slow---I really need to shoot for 11-12 min miles in order to get the 13.1. Today I ran with the garmin, but only looked at mileage and tried to keep it slow---ended up still too fast, a 9:36 pace---I need to shoot for mileage not speed.
My hopes for this race are:
1) FINISH
2) Not to be afraid to take break/walk at water stops (that is it)
Can You Tell 2:43 Ra Ra Riot Goody Two Shoes 3:29 Adam Ant Hypnotize 3:50 The Notorious B.I.G. All the Small Things 2:48 blink-182 Enema of the State Carry Out (feat. Justin Timberlake) 3:52 Timbaland Shock Value II Ring-a-Ling 4:33 Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. Calabria 2007 (Club Mix) 6:30 Enur Calabria 2007 Boom Boom Pow 4:12 Black Eyed Peas Don't Let's Start 2:36 They Might Be Giants Lisztomania 4:02 Phoenix Don't Trust Me 3:13 3OH!3 Ana Ng 3:23 They Might Be Giants Where Is the Love? 4:32 Black Eyed Peas & Justin Timberlake I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) Love Sex Magic (feat. Justin Timberlake) 3:40 Ciara Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now) [Radio Edit] 3:08 Teenage Dirtbag 4:02 Wheatus That's Not My Name 5:11 The Ting Tings Jesus Walks 3:14 Kanye West Move Along 3:59 The All-American Rejects Bulletproof 3:26 La Roux Say Hey (I Love You) [feat. Cherine Anderson] Swing, Swing 3:53 The All-American Rejects Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now) [Radio Edit] It's Tricky 3:04 Run-DMC Discover Run DMC Smooth Criminal 3:29 Alien Ant Farm ANThology Girlfriend 3:37 Avril Lavigne So What 3:34 P!nk So What Are You Gonna Be My Girl 3:37 JET Get Born Jai Ho 5:19 Lose Control (Featuring Ciara & Fat Man Scoop) Insane In the Brain (Explicit Album Version) 3:28 Cypress Hill Cupid's Chokehold / Breakfast in America (Radio Mix) 3:58 Hey Mama 3:35 Black Eyed Peas Save It For Later 3:36 The English Beat If U Seek Amy 3:37 Britney Spears American Girl 3:31 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Last Cigarette (Demo Version) 4:25 Dramarama Maggie Mae 3:01 The Pietasters Mr. Brightside 3:43 The Killers Death or Glory 3:55 The Clash Ignition (Remix) 3:06 R. Kelly Sheena Is a Punk Rocker 2:48 The Ramones What I Got 2:51 Sublime 1901 3:13 Phoenix Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Starry Eyed Surprise 3:48 Oakenfold Rock That Body 4:29 Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) Blah Blah Blah (feat. 3OH!3) 2:52 Ke$ha Jump Around 3:36 House Of Pain Rudie Can't Fail 3:29 The Clash London Calling Stronger 5:12 Kanye West Graduation Imma Be 4:17 Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kanye West) 4:35 Jay-Z Run This Town Anything, Anything 3:26 Dramarama Starstrukk 3:05 3OH!3 Want Rush 4:17 Big Audio Dynamite The Globe New Soul 3:35 Yael Naïm Meet Me Halfway 4:44 Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) Hey, Soul Sister 3:37 Train Hey, Soul Sister Jump, Jive an' Wail 2:53 The Brian Setzer Orchestra The Dirty Boogie
I really don't like this feeling of self doubt that has infected me through and through--permeating through my existence these last few days. I have determined---enough already. I am running this race and I am going to go out there and do the best I can.
I am still "babying" (is that a word) my left groin and hip--the area still feels uncomfortable, but not necessarily painful. I ran today after Breastfeeding Support Group, I thought I would have company, but alas, I had to go it alone. Run felt good--I was tired (as always) and sweaty (as always) but no pain.
It is such a gorgeous day out there today. I hope I have nice weather for race day.
From now on only positive thoughts. I am going to run again tomorrow. It will be my last run before the big day---I am going to run strong.
Today I had a 4 mile run scheduled. I was worried about cutting my 8 mile run yesterday short and the couple of miles I missed last week due to injuries----I decided to follow the advice in "Marathoning for Mortals"---if you miss a workout--it is gone, don't try to go back. So that is what I did--I followed the plan for today.
The sad thing was this 4 mile run was HARD--how am I going to run 13.1---I am going to have to trust "the plan" and find security in the miles and hard work accumulated over the last several months--but that is easier said then done.
Over the next few days I have to get my playlist in order and figure out what I am going to wear---it is going to be HOT and chub rub is a fear for me.
Well, my race is less than a week away and I have been nursing injuries sustained from my 12 mile run last Saturday all week. Although the last 2 weeks before the 1/2 marathon were my "taper" weeks---I assume no running is not what a taper is supposed to entail. I have been incorporating small runs this past week with walking and I wanted to give running a try today.
I was scheduled to run 8 today, and I knew that would be too much since my R groin (hip flexor/abductor) and right hip have been acting up all week. I took spin yesterday morning and I have felt NO PAIN or even minor discomfort in the last 24 hours. So----I decided to get a run in.
I ended up running a little over 5 miles. I walked most of the 3rd mile---I wanted to see if I felt any pain in the groin or hip when walking. Sitting here writing this, I wonder if I should have run further---pushed myself---run the 8 I had on the schedule. I have been so worried this past week about the injuries and not being able to run the race---Since I started running last August, I had NEVER experienced any pain during or after running--sure, I was sore, but this past week was the first time I actually felt pain from running. On one hand I want the injuries to heal and on the other hand I do not want the endurance I worked hard to build up to falter. Will I be prepared? http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29685056
Today's song, Black Eyed Peas, Rock that Body--video is only preview version (total endorphin rush when this song came on):
I caught the bug in August 2009. I had NEVER run before that. In fact, I was pretty sure that I hated running; bamboo under the fingernails was more appealing to me. That being said----I gave it a try. I started the couch 25K program (incremental running) and I was hooked. In fact, June 2011 I became certified RRCA running coach; I want to share my passion for running with everyone.I love running outside (love/hate relationship with my treadmill) and I LOVE running with friends. The more the merrier!
I am a mother of 3 boys, a nurse and lactation consultant (RN, MSN, LCCE, IBCLC), business owner (http://www.thelactationlady.com/), RRCA Certified Running Coach, wife, and I AM A RUNNER!
