A Contest Over At chicrunner.com

Are you desperate for some new running gear? Check out this contest:

Chicrunner is giving away a $75.00 Zensah prize pack. Click here for the link. You can check out the Zensah website here. Good luck and Happy Monday!

Morty and the Big 2-0

Yesterday marked the BIG 2-0 for me! No, I didn't turn 20 (although my birthday is just a few short months away), but I did complete my twenty mile training run. Not only did I make it through twenty miles, I did so on one of the hottest days of the year in San Francisco. Holy moly!

My training group generally meets at 8:00 AM and we start our runs shortly thereafter. On this day, however, we were joined by our counterparts from the SF Marathon Training Program-East Bay, so it took a little longer to get everyone organized into pace groups. The coaches also wanted to simulate the start of the actual marathon so they lined us up by pace- my group was near the back- and released us in waves. With all of this circus, my group didn't leave until close to 9:00 AM.

We ran the majority of the actual SF Marathon course, minus a few miles on the Golden Gate Bridge and a few miles in Golden Gate Park. We ran our first seven or so miles on the Embarcadero. It's always pretty out by the water but on Saturdays, they have a farmer's market at the Ferry Building which leads to lots of weaving in and out of crowds. To make matters worse, Warped Tour was held near the Embarcadero at the same time as our run as well. I've never seen so many hipster kids in the same place, at the same (early in the morning ) time.

We reached Fisherman's Wharf and then the sun really started to beat down on us. I could tell that this run was not going to be easy- AT ALL. Looking out at the Golden Gate Bridge was a little trippy because, although it was so sunny and clear where we were, the bridge was COVERED in fog. I didn't have the energy to stop and snap a picture though- ugh. We finally made it to our first water stop before making the climb up to the bridge.

Miles seven through twelve took us up and partially across the Golden Gate Bridge, and then up a semi-steep hill. Around mile 13, I literally started to go a little crazy. I am pretty sure that the heat was really getting to me. I took a short walk break and ate some sports beans. This seemed to help a little bit.

At this point, I think I need to explain who "Morty" from my entry title refers to. When I first started my training program, the toes on my left foot often would go numb while I was running, and then the ball of my foot would start to burn. I went to a podiatrist who diagnosed me with a "morton's neuroma." Basically, there's a nerve between two of my toes that swells up and causes the numbness and burning. It also causes me to feel like there's a marble in my shoe. When I went to the podiatrist, she injected my foot with cortisone which seemed to take care of the problem. Well, yesterday, "Morty," as I like to call it, reared his ugly head. A few miles into the run, I started to feel the numbness creeping into my foot. Ugh. Later, the burning started and then the marble. Awesome.

We got into Golden Gate Park and my pacer and I stopped at a bathroom. I crouched down and then, on my way back up, got dizzy. My pacer saw that I was light headed and she mentioned that she'd gotten the spins as well. We were really going to have to work together to get through the rest of this run.

We took several walking breaks during the last five miles of the course, trying to run in the non-existent shade. A few blocks away from the finish, we spotted one of our group members who had run ahead. The three of us powered on until the finish came into view. Suddenly, we all managed to build up a burst of speed and we raced to the end! We'd done it! We completed twenty miles in a freaking inferno!!

Our start and finish spot was a local sporting equipment store. When we got inside, we basically planted ourselves on the floor of the store- who cares if people were trying to shop! Poor shoppers! I collected my stuff, and my thoughts and walked, in my socks, to my car. On the way home, I was still trying to figure out what had just happened. I really couldn't believe that I'd run twenty miles.

I was kind of concerned on my drive home because my hubby was texting me messages like, "are you on your way home yet?" and "are you almost here?" I was certain that something had happened to him, or to our dog! Well, in reality, nothing had happened. Hubby and our poochie were waiting outside in the parking area for me with a cute sign that said, "Way to go Mama!" Check out the picture!

I'm happy to report that several weeks ago, I anticipated that Morty would return so I made an appointment with my podiatrist. The earliest she could see me is Monday- tomorrow! So, hopefully on marathon day, Morty will stay home!

Book Review- Marathoning For Mortals

My Latest Read
When I start something, I get SOOO into it. Since I've been training for my two marathons, I've just been ravenously reading running blogs, websites, magazines, and books. My latest read was Marathoning For Mortals, by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield.

Initially, I was drawn to this book because I'd heard John "The Penguin" Bingham speak at the Team in Training pre-race dinner when I participated in the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. He was such a great motivator, and extremely funny. Further, he was realistic. He talked about what it's like to spend five or more hours on the racecourse. He even quoted a fellow runner who said he thought that the slower runners and walkers were the real champions because they have the mental where-with-all to withstand that much time on their feet.

I picked up the book on a recent shopping binge at my favorite sports store, Sports Basement and started reading it that same day. The book includes chapters on Deciding to Train, Choosing a Training Program, Injury Prevention, Nutrition, Gear, Race Strategy, Goals, and Objectives, and The Post Race Party. It also includes a self-assessment so potential marathoners can determine if they are prepared to walk a full or a half, walk/run, or run/walk either distance, or run either distance. Finally, there are eight training plans included!

This books was a fun read. Both John and Jenny contribute not only content but also their voice to the book. John is very clearly a reformed couch potato and speaks from that perspective while Jenny lends more coaching advice. I found the book to be a quick read as well.

My only issue with this book, and it's pretty minor, is that it seems to be intended for people who are only now considering training for a race, or even considering running for the first time. The book even states that the authors want readers to complete the book first and begin a training program only after they've finished. In this sense, it wasn't as helpful for me because I've been training since January and will run a 20 miler in two days!!

I did find the chapter on setting goals and objectives for your training plan, but also for the race itself. The authors also caution that runners and walkers often need to rework their goals and objectives during a race- and sometimes minute by minute. That was good information for me as I tend to be pretty rigid in my goal setting and get disappointed when I can't fulfill them- even if the environment or circumstances prohibit it!

On the whole, anyone who is looking for motivation to start a training program, anyone looking for advice on gear, nutrition, cross training, or anyone brand new to running should pick up this book. If you've been running for a while and are well into a training program, you can probably skip it- or just borrow it from me!

Happy reading- and running!

What Happened Was...

In honor of my new blog, I thought it might be important to write a post about how I got into running. It's been a much longer journey than this one six-month training program!

Back in 2005, I was dating this guy- he's now my Hubby so it's not weird that he's going to read this- and we were eating a LOT of, well, crap. We ate Wendy's on a regular basis and Dairy Queen was almost a nightly thing. I joke now with Hubby that he used to consider Doritos a side dish! Considering that I've battled with my weight for my entire life, this "lifestyle" (if you can call it that) was a recipe for weight gain and disappointment in myself.

See, in the years prior, I had worked really hard and managed to lose over 100 pounds. I worked out with a personal trainer and ate a very clean diet. Vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains were my friends! I guess when you meet someone that you get comfortable with, you, well, can also get complacent. And that's what I did.

One random day, I saw something about Team In Training online and noticed that there was an informational meeting at the library close to my house. I attended the meeting and was immediately moved by what I heard. I could run a marathon, a half marathon, bike a 100 mile race, or complete a triathalon, all while raising money and awareness for blood cancers. I thought this would be a good way for me to lose some of my "relationship weight" and support a great cause.

I remember telling my Hubby about my plans. 'I'm going to run a marathon," I told him. "I guess you should probably go outside and run then," he responded. Umm..ok. But I had never run before. Sure, I'd played tennis and been a cheerleader in high school. I'd run the requisite three laps around the football field before practice, grumbling the entire time, always finishing last- but I had never tackled anything like this.

So I started to run. I lived by a little park with a little pond. I started by running around the pond once. Then, on a different day I ran around it twice, and so on. Eventually, I was running up to sixteen miles on trails!

And then it happened. I trained too hard, too fast and I got hurt. I developed a severe case of Plantar Fascitis in both feet. The marathon was just around the corner and I could barely walk, much less run. A doctor strongly urged me to stop training and try again next year. I sadly informed the TnT folks that I couldn't participate in the race and life went on.

I got married in 2006 and we moved to San Francisco. I had put on more weight- duh, I was married now- no need to worry about snagging a partner! I met this great friend, B, and she and I discussed starting Weight Watchers together. We also began walking every morning in Golden Gate Park. It was fun and we were able to start losing a little weight as well. One day, I started telling B about my marathon aspirations and she asked me if I'd ever consider walking the marathon. At that point, I knew she was on to something.

I contacted my old friends at TnT Iowa and asked if I could train for the upcoming San Diego Rock 'N Roll Marathon. They said they'd love to have me on their team (also I'd already raised all of my money so they wanted to me to benefit from that, at least). I started walking long walks on the weekends and realized that maybe a half marathon would be a better starting point.

In June, 2006, I went to San Diego with Hubby and I walked/ran the San Diego R 'n R half-marathon. I don't remember my time- I know it was slow- but who cares?? I'd done it! I was so proud of myself.

After finishing that race, I moved on to walk/run the San Francisco Half Marathon in 2007, the San Jose R 'n R Half Marathon that same year, and the Phoenix R 'n R Half Marathon in 2008. Hubby got inspired and did those races with me!

Flash forward to December 2008. I saw an ad for the San Francisco Marathon Training Program online and I was intrigued. I'd had a terrible year- seriously, 2008 can kiss it- and I was still struggling with reaching my goal weight on Weight Watchers. I talked to my parents and they agreed to pay for the training for me as a Christmas gift. What great parents!

So, I started training- to run a full marathon. I started with 2 miles, and now, as you can see from my last post, I'm on the verge of a 20 mile run. Has is been easy? No! Has it been fun? Heck yes! And, with each day the marathon grows closer and I get more and more excited. I cannot wait to cross that finish line and finally complete the goal that I set for myself back on that fateful day when I told my skeptical Hubby, "I'm going to run a marathon."

SMASHED IT!

I've been putting off writing this post for a little while because I'm not really sure what words would be appropriate to describe my 18 mile training run today. I've thought about the words, "awesome," "exhilarating," "challenging," and "humbling," but I'm not sure those really fit. I simply can't describe the way I'm feeling about my accomplishment!

I went into this run with a completely different mindset than I entered the 16 mile run with. I (strangely) wasn't nervous or uptight. I just decided I was going to run the run and see what happened. I also refused to focus on my "time"- I would finish when I finished.

These things coupled with a relatively flat and fast course, set the stage for me to have, literally, the best run of my life. Yes, I was tired and my feet started to ache but I felt strong. I felt fast. I felt like I was going to finish and that I have the strength and will to finish the complete 26.2 mile marathon. This is a crazy change of heart from how I was feeling just a few days ago in this post.

All in all, I feel like I'm walking (well, kind of limping) on a cloud. I definitely don't want to go out right away and run another 18 miler but I'm looking forward to seeing what the 20 miler next weekend brings.

Oh- and I think I figured out how to describe what I did today. As my running buddies and I exclaimed at the top of a giant hill, "We smashed it!!"

*This post is dedicated to my running buddies in Jackie's Pack!!

Friday Fun- Giving Up Running...

So, I've been inspired to change my fitness routine up totally. I will no longer spend hours upon hours of time trudging through the streets of San Francisco in my running shoes. I've recently learned of a new fitness craze sweeping the nation and I want desperately to participate! I am studying to be a personal trainer- maybe I can get certified to teach some of these classes.

It is...D-Bag Aerobics!! I saw it on my new favorite trashy tv show, "Is She Really Going Out With Him." Check it out!

D-Bag Aerobics
Uploaded by launch353. - See more comedy videos.

Doesn't it look fun?? Oh wait, no- it looks stupid! Ok, running it is.

Happy Friday!

Thirty-Nine Days

Before last Saturday's training run, the head coach, Greg, talked about positive attitudes and self-motivation. He basically reminded us that we've been training for this race since January and that we do have the ability to finish the marathon. I needed to hear that! I've been getting very nervous and doubtful about my ability to run 26.2 miles. I've also been worried about the fact that race day is fast approaching! Well, realistically, I have MORE THAN A MONTH of training left!!

I'll be fine...




SF Marathon Countdown

I Get So Emotional Baby!

I'm such a softy! In my pursuit of training for not one, but two marathons, I started reading blogs of runners- all women- who had completed at least one marathon. I came across a video that one runner posted on YouTube and, I admit, I almost started crying. I can't wait to run my own marathon!

Here's the video:



(This woman is a singer and also recorded the background music!! So talented!)

When Is 11 Bigger Than 16?

When it's a run that includes FIVE giant hills and an enormous flight of stairs!! Yesterday, I was so excited for my "short" eleven mile run. In fact, I had been looking forward to it all week. We'd conquered the sixteen mile run last week, this week we'd run a quick and easy eleven. What could be better??

Lots of thing could be better!! First, we started the course heading up a large, winding, hill. Ok, fine. One hill, no big deal. After a flat stretch, our groups decided we would change our route to avoid one street that is riddled with stop lights (stop lights generally add tons of time onto a run because you are, that's right, constantly stopping). We moved on block over only to be met with...dun dun dun...a stereotypical San Francisco hill. It was super steep, and several blocks long. Seeing as how I tend to think of myself as a Superhero when I'm running, I tackled the hill and ran to the top. Two hills, no big deal. Our course then took us along the Lands End trail where I was able to snap a few more pictures of the excellent view. We continued running and I as I looked ahead, I began to be filled with a huge sense of dread. We were coming upon a GIGANTIC flight of stairs. Yes, there's a hill on a trail that is so steep that some engineer put a staircase on it. Seriously- I snapped a picture of it and then marched my way up to the top...but I wasn't happy about it.

Around this point, we were seven miles into the eleven mile run and we realized that we had not stopped for water!! I had about a half of a cup of luke warm water in my water bottle (oh yeah, my fuel belt broke again...major Scotch Tape FAIL). Ugh- we'd traveled seven miles with barely any water but I guess the massive hills distracted us. So, we then had to make a slight detour back to our starting point to fill up our water bottles. Let me tell you, there are few things in the world that are more cruel than parading a group of tired, thirsty runners back to their cars, only to make them leave again to run four more miles. Coming back to our starting point also meant having to climb the first, winding hill again. Not only was the winding hill steep, it was then followed by a LONG, slow climb up to the Golden Gate Bridge. The ONLY upside to this hill was that at the birdge, we would turn around so the end of the run woud be completely down hill!! HURRAY! Oh, and at this point, I was suddenly crippled by a stitch in my side (the first one I've gotten during this training program!) and, trust me when I say, I felt like someone was stabbing me. ARGH!

So, finally, we made it the full eleven miles. On the upside, I did not get any new blisters thanks to the blister shield powder that I coated my feet in. I also managed to stay in the ice bath for fifteen minutes this time because, like I said, I am a Superhero!

So, in the end, the only time when eleven is bigger than sixteen is when I'm running.

5 Mile Miracle

Today, I needed to run an easy 5 miles. It's a nice day and I was pretty psyched. I even convinced Hubby to come along (although I kind of lied initially and said I needed to do 3 miles.)

So, what made this easy run blog-worthy? I decided to try not one, but about ten new things that, if they didn't work, alone or in combination, would make my run very, very long.

First, I "fixed" my fuel belt with scotch tape (see the pic!). It's the only thing I could think of that might hold the clasp together. Second, I decided to try out my new shoes. They are the same model as my old shoes but not as perfectly broken-in. Third, I pulled out the old running skirt. Yes I have a skirt- and I run in it- well, I RAN in it. I'm significantly smaller now than when I used to run so now the skirt is too big. Finally, as I mentioned, I tricked Hubby into running 5 miles with me.

So, I had the potential to end up walking home with my fuel belt in one hand, several new blisters on my feet, my new shoes in the other hand, my skirt around my ankles, and my angry and tired Hubby grumbling about divorce lawyers behind me.

BUT- none of that happened!! My shoes felt great, my scotch tape stayed put, my skirt was a little big but I managed to not give Golden Gate Park a free show, and Hubby powered through all 5 miles.

Today was a good day.

Sick Day :(

So, it seems that my body has decided to revolt against me. Today, Wednesday, I was prepared to attend my first track workout with my marathon training group. What do I wake up with? A neck and shoulder so stiff that I cannot move my head! Are you kidding me?

Oh, and I'm also sick to my stomach. Great. I love it when, while training for a marathon, my maladies have nothing to do with my legs, yet manage to derail my progress, if only for a day.

Awesome.

Gut It Out

Yesterday I woke up in a really bad mood. After much consideration I figured out it was because I was nervous about having to run 16 miles with my marathon training group. I mean, I had run 13 miles without much trouble but, for some reason, 16 was terrifying to me.

Now that the run is over, you might expect me to say, "It wasn't that bad." That would be a lie. It was very difficult, mostly because I had so many problems during the run. I had some blisters on my feet covered with moleskin and the moleskin came off inside my sock. Then, the clasp on the water bottle belt that I wear broke and for about a mile, I struggled with trying to fix it. My pacer then suggested that I tie the two loose ends (duh- she's so smart). So, I tied the belt around my waist and it was SO TIGHT. I struggled with trying to catch my breath for a little bit because of the water belt. And all of this was at mile 5!!!

After the water belt debacle, I had to run up the Great Highway and Point Lobos Ave, into the Presidio Golf Course. For people not from San Francisco, that equaled about a mile of uphill climb, and several flights of stairs (!!). I did manage to stop and snap a quick picture of the Sutro Baths from the top of the hill.

In the end, I finished the run and I was so proud of myself. I took my weekly ice bath (the pics are below- Mickey Mouse had to coach me through it because I stayed in for 10 minutes- a new record!). I also had to ice my knees and my arches. My poochie decided he wanted to help so he sat directly on my lap to keep me company.

This morning, I am miraculously NOT SORE. I really thought that my legs would be so sore, I'd have to amble around like Frankenstein! I guess the Mickey Mouse ice bath worked.

Cut Film To Vent

I am not a good cook. Hubby thinks otherwise but that's just because I'm able to follow a recipe without totally screwing it up. So, in lieu of creating wonderful gourmet dishes, we are often relegated to eating frozen dinners. Today, while I was heating up my Lean Cuisine, I read the directions, as I always do, but today, for some unknown reason, I actually thought about them. Specifically, I thought about "Step 1: Cut Film To Vent."

Not to be overly philosophical but I think "Cut Film To Vent" can be applied to humans as well. How many times have you just been irritated? Maybe not totally ticked off or ready to explode, but just annoyed. Or maybe you are teatering on the edge between a little tired and exhausted and, while you can continue to sit through that meeting, or finish that project, you know that one more annoying comment from a coworker will do you in. What we need at those moments is to have our film cut! We may not need an all out vacation but we do need to break. We need to release the steam lest we explode in the microwave (of life...hee hee).

Although I'm not stressed, or even tired, I do have a slight headache today that's making it hard to complete the items on my to-do list. I need my film cut. I was walking home from a meeting and, for the first time, I noticed all of the gorgeous, and diverse, flowers that cover my campus. Stopping to photograph them with my ever-so-technologically-advanced cell phone camera cut my film. I took a much needed breath and don't quite feel like I will lose it.

Here is the link to my photos:

A Walk Home

Other things that help "cut my film":
1. Feeling my doggie's feet on the back of my legs as he jumps up to greet me.
2. Having a long lunch with friends.
3. Finishing a long run.
4. Taking a warm bath.
5. Reading a blog.
6. Watching a reality tv show.
7. Vacuuming!
8. Eating a cupcake.
9. Going to bed early.
10. Having hubby tickle my feet.

What cuts your film?

How Much Is Too Much?

Hubby and I signed up for the San Jose Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon today. It's scheduled to be held in October- two weeks before I'm supposed to run the Nike Women's Marathon. Ok- so those two races sound do-able except that I'm also running the SF Marathon at the end of July.

This has me wondering- do I have an addiction to running? Better yet, do I have an addiction to racing? I think I have a little bit of both. Considering that instead of looking at cosmetics and celebrity gossip online, I look at running blogs and the Runner's World site, I'd say that I definitely have a strong attraction to running.

So, what draws me to running? It's the fact that some people think it's HARD. Sometimes people think it's something they could never do themselves. I'm attracted to the mental challenge of running 10 or 20 miles. Sometimes, it's a mental challenge to run 2 miles! I'm also attracted to the community that running creates. There's nothing like running to the top of a San Francisco cable car hill with your running parters, in silence, until one of you is able to catch enough breath to say, "good job everyone!" Right now, I run with a group of people that, without running, I would have never met. I know more about some of my running mates than I know about people that I call my friends. You can get really close to someone when you've conquered sixteen miles with them in the rain.

Like running, races provide a mental, as well as a physical, challenge. While I'm certainly not going to win any of these races (seriously- there's no way), I still have goals in mind (finish both marathons in 5 hours or less- the second faster than the first). Even though the element of competition isn't that important, I still get nervous before a race. I wonder if I can really do it. Will I finish? How will I feel at mile 1, mile 5, mile 16, or mile 25? Will I look terrible in the post-race pictures (yes, this is a concern!). Every time I run a race, I prove to myself that I am strong, that I am athletic!

So, do I think that three long-distance races over the course of three months is a little much? Yes, I do. Am I excited to feed my addiction? Yes I am!

United We Fall

Hubby and I signed up for the San Jose Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon today. It's scheduled to be held in October- two weeks before I'm supposed to run the Nike Women's Marathon. Ok- so those two races sound do-able except that I'm also running the SF Marathon at the end of July.

This has me wondering- do I have an addiction to running? Better yet, do I have an addiction to racing? I think I have a little bit of both. Considering that instead of looking at cosmetics and celebrity gossip online, I look at running blogs and the Runner's World site, I'd say that I definitely have a strong attraction to running.

So, what draws me to running? It's the fact that some people think it's HARD. Sometimes people think it's something they could never do themselves. I'm attracted to the mental challenge of running 10 or 20 miles. Sometimes, it's a mental challenge to run 2 miles! I'm also attracted to the community that running creates. There's nothing like running to the top of a San Francisco cable car hill with your running parters, in silence, until one of you is able to catch enough breath to say, "good job everyone!" Right now, I run with a group of people that, without running, I would have never met. I know more about some of my running mates than I know about people that I call my friends. You can get really close to someone when you've conquered sixteen miles with them in the rain.

Like running, races provide a mental, as well as a physical, challenge. While I'm certainly not going to win any of these races (seriously- there's no way), I still have goals in mind (finish both marathons in 5 hours or less- the second faster than the first). Even though the element of competition isn't that important, I still get nervous before a race. I wonder if I can really do it. Will I finish? How will I feel at mile 1, mile 5, mile 16, or mile 25? Will I look terrible in the post-race pictures (yes, this is a concern!). Every time I run a race, I prove to myself that I am strong, that I am athletic!

So, do I think that three long-distance races over the course of three months is a little much? Yes, I do. Am I excited to feed my addiction? Yes I am!