Well, has anyone told you how humid it was? I actually thought it was about 71% humidity, until I learned later that it was more like 94% humidity.
I loved seeing all the Gazelle's before and during the race, especially, my crew, AW, CC, AT, Double D. I really loved seeing CR, Leslie, and CW at the start. I was excited for them and hopeful. They don't know it, but they helped relax me.
I started out ok, probably the wrong placement and too fast for the weather. But, I was unaware. I made the cardinal mistake and started too fast, feeling too pressed by my previous times. I ran with some guys from the National Guard...they were helpful and supportive. Tall Dan came up and ran with me for awhile and really cheered me on.
I ate the hill, that was good. Saw LB twice. Dan cheered more great thoughts my way. Karen S ran alongside me for a bit which really gave me a boost. Gilbert picked up my Hail Mary at the exact spot in the prayer where I was...this is now the second time he's done this and it freaks me out. But, I know I am fading. Too fast fades to too slow to hit the number. Slow gets slower, now I am hanging on to qualifying for New York. A marathon I won't even go too...I know this, but it gives me something to strive for. I try, I push, I kick what I can.
I cross the finish, congratulate the women that I worked with on the course, pick up my stuff, change, sit on the curb and start to cry. I'm alone, no one I know is nearby, no Gazelles, no family. A poor showing for me. I haven't trained well; I tossed out the plan. I pick myself up and head to watch for my friends.
Good news, my foot held out. It doesn't swell, I am walking. I watch the elite marathoners come in and wonder what that is like.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Running and Mothering: The Obstacles
Well, I've been absent from blogging. Honestly, I just had to let something go. I have to say, that it's a struggle sometimes to get it all done. And, I'm not the most organized.
The flu kicked my Jersey butt. My son got "it", and then I did. The first week that I felt sick, I ran anyway. My family hates when I do that. But, seriously, anything above the shoulders, you run. In the chest, depends. Below the belt, definitely not!
So, then, since my immune system was compromised, when my son fell ill, I, naturally, got it. I have to say, the pain was horrible. I've had shingles, which can be painful. But with this flu, I ached through to my hip bones. It hurt to lay down.
Running suffered as a result and I am so not where I wanted to be for the San Antonio 1/2 Marathon. Aside from that, I have a killer over committed weekend with a 1/2 marathon in it.
I'm disappointed. I'm admitting it. I had some hopes to see the old Red at SA. But, now, I have to let it go. I honestly feel so unprepared. It's like not studying enough for the test. I can't wing it, but I will have to.
It might be a good lesson for me. Letting go. Just doing it. The problem that I have is that I don't know when to push harder or if I am. I don't know how to gauge it yet.
I ran hard today along the Endfield. I was pissed. I was mad that I'm not as disciplined as I should be, that I didn't get up to run on Saturday, that I stopped going to the gym.
If I'm going to have a good race in Boston, I have got to hunker down.
The flu kicked my Jersey butt. My son got "it", and then I did. The first week that I felt sick, I ran anyway. My family hates when I do that. But, seriously, anything above the shoulders, you run. In the chest, depends. Below the belt, definitely not!
So, then, since my immune system was compromised, when my son fell ill, I, naturally, got it. I have to say, the pain was horrible. I've had shingles, which can be painful. But with this flu, I ached through to my hip bones. It hurt to lay down.
Running suffered as a result and I am so not where I wanted to be for the San Antonio 1/2 Marathon. Aside from that, I have a killer over committed weekend with a 1/2 marathon in it.
I'm disappointed. I'm admitting it. I had some hopes to see the old Red at SA. But, now, I have to let it go. I honestly feel so unprepared. It's like not studying enough for the test. I can't wing it, but I will have to.
It might be a good lesson for me. Letting go. Just doing it. The problem that I have is that I don't know when to push harder or if I am. I don't know how to gauge it yet.
I ran hard today along the Endfield. I was pissed. I was mad that I'm not as disciplined as I should be, that I didn't get up to run on Saturday, that I stopped going to the gym.
If I'm going to have a good race in Boston, I have got to hunker down.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Silicon Melting
Well, finally, Silicon...no, not the kind you stick in your chest wall, the Relay!
I signed up with LB and friends to do the Silicon Labs Marathon Relay. The last relay I did was Ragnar -- which was much harder and longer. But, I haven't raced since I my foot injury -- that is my unremarkable injury.
I have to admit I was horribly nervous. I used to get like this ages ago, but then one year I raced a ton and got over the jitters, but got hurt. I'd rather have the jitters.
I was the last...the caboose, they called it. I prefer clean up. I headed downtown with kids in tow as Rolph had a soccer game. The kids did fine. Although I did my OC thing and called LB a million times trying to find him, they were parked near the Gazelles. When we showed up Gilbert had just finished his leg and he came over to say hi to the kids. Yes, me, chopped liver!
Then Bernard came by and he was sweating. This scared me. I mean here is a dude who didn't break a sweat in August at night for a 10K. I said, Bernard, seriously, what's up, you are drenched? It's hot out there Red. Ok, got it. Now I want to puke.
I head to the corral to find the entrance and pester LB many more times about where I go in and when. How he puts up with me at races, I truly do not know. I kissed the kids and left them with LB with strict instructions to behave.
I waited behind a tall dude for the shade. I swished water and spit it out. I was nervous.
T came in and I headed out. My legs were like cement blocks. I had not warmed up enough at all. Trudge, trudge. Come on old girl I yell internally, get moving. I decide not to look at my watch at all. I start to pass people. LB gives me strict instructions not to let anyone pass me. I feel awful and want to quit. This also happens to me in every single race. I always want to quit.
I start to hit a groove and a guy starts to run with me. Good pace he says. We start to talk and I realize that while it's a good distraction, I'm slowing down. Still, I won't look. He eventually takes off without a word and I feel myself sink some more.
I turn down First. I think, If Gilbert sees me running this slow, he'll be yelling. But Gilbert is not there. I'm partially glad and partially disappointed, but I kick it in. I heard Evil call my team number and start digging, harder and harder. I see the time and I know what the team had hoped for...we are under.
I cross the line, relief, no puking...I head for the kids and show up at the tent quite like I just went to the loo and came back. Oh hey, you are back. Yeah, I'm done. My last little bit (.15) was fast, but I mistook that for my average pace. For a minute I was proud. Until I realized that I really had positive splits and just got slower and slower.
It was hot (10:15 am). But, I had so much fun being out there, seeing everyone and running. It was great to be back.
I signed up with LB and friends to do the Silicon Labs Marathon Relay. The last relay I did was Ragnar -- which was much harder and longer. But, I haven't raced since I my foot injury -- that is my unremarkable injury.
I have to admit I was horribly nervous. I used to get like this ages ago, but then one year I raced a ton and got over the jitters, but got hurt. I'd rather have the jitters.
I was the last...the caboose, they called it. I prefer clean up. I headed downtown with kids in tow as Rolph had a soccer game. The kids did fine. Although I did my OC thing and called LB a million times trying to find him, they were parked near the Gazelles. When we showed up Gilbert had just finished his leg and he came over to say hi to the kids. Yes, me, chopped liver!
Then Bernard came by and he was sweating. This scared me. I mean here is a dude who didn't break a sweat in August at night for a 10K. I said, Bernard, seriously, what's up, you are drenched? It's hot out there Red. Ok, got it. Now I want to puke.
I head to the corral to find the entrance and pester LB many more times about where I go in and when. How he puts up with me at races, I truly do not know. I kissed the kids and left them with LB with strict instructions to behave.
I waited behind a tall dude for the shade. I swished water and spit it out. I was nervous.
T came in and I headed out. My legs were like cement blocks. I had not warmed up enough at all. Trudge, trudge. Come on old girl I yell internally, get moving. I decide not to look at my watch at all. I start to pass people. LB gives me strict instructions not to let anyone pass me. I feel awful and want to quit. This also happens to me in every single race. I always want to quit.
I start to hit a groove and a guy starts to run with me. Good pace he says. We start to talk and I realize that while it's a good distraction, I'm slowing down. Still, I won't look. He eventually takes off without a word and I feel myself sink some more.
I turn down First. I think, If Gilbert sees me running this slow, he'll be yelling. But Gilbert is not there. I'm partially glad and partially disappointed, but I kick it in. I heard Evil call my team number and start digging, harder and harder. I see the time and I know what the team had hoped for...we are under.
I cross the line, relief, no puking...I head for the kids and show up at the tent quite like I just went to the loo and came back. Oh hey, you are back. Yeah, I'm done. My last little bit (.15) was fast, but I mistook that for my average pace. For a minute I was proud. Until I realized that I really had positive splits and just got slower and slower.
It was hot (10:15 am). But, I had so much fun being out there, seeing everyone and running. It was great to be back.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
13.7 in the Pouring Rain
It's raining in Austin, but I'm not complaining, we need it desperately.
I actually do wake up during the storm and make the mistake of asking LB if we are still meeting to run. Of course, we are.
I head out to the designated meeting point and we load up and head to the start.
It is cold standing in the rain, so I decided to just go. I get frustrated waiting and, I have to admit, I'm slightly irritated and pensive at the same time. Yesterday marked 8 years since 9/11, I was in NY, and I always have a lot to think about. This year, I feel like I should have done more to help other people. I was very humbled to read about all the volunteers and what they did to help others. I think I was in shock, somewhat, but in any event, I want to think about that while running.
So, I don't wait for LB or DD, I just go. My foot hurts, in spite of a session with Pieter, and I am worried about it. I decided to stop thinking about my foot and try to remember some thinks about 9/11...so much of it is still a blur and memories come back in pieces.
It's raining very steadily. M Woo comes up with the group of guys and says, Hey Alicia. Hey. That's it. I am concentrating and move over for the guys to pass me. But, either they are not running super fast yet (warming up) or I am running pretty well. In any event, I decided to stay with them for as long as I can and I do. It feels great, but I know I can't hold it.
I stop at the water stop and wait for LB and DD. The rest of the run goes pretty well with many sub 8 min. miles. I bonk a little at the end, but I figure it's ok. My legs are sore and my foot is swelling, but I am less weighed down by the past, by the visions, by the nightmares...I let it go till next year.
I actually do wake up during the storm and make the mistake of asking LB if we are still meeting to run. Of course, we are.
I head out to the designated meeting point and we load up and head to the start.
It is cold standing in the rain, so I decided to just go. I get frustrated waiting and, I have to admit, I'm slightly irritated and pensive at the same time. Yesterday marked 8 years since 9/11, I was in NY, and I always have a lot to think about. This year, I feel like I should have done more to help other people. I was very humbled to read about all the volunteers and what they did to help others. I think I was in shock, somewhat, but in any event, I want to think about that while running.
So, I don't wait for LB or DD, I just go. My foot hurts, in spite of a session with Pieter, and I am worried about it. I decided to stop thinking about my foot and try to remember some thinks about 9/11...so much of it is still a blur and memories come back in pieces.
It's raining very steadily. M Woo comes up with the group of guys and says, Hey Alicia. Hey. That's it. I am concentrating and move over for the guys to pass me. But, either they are not running super fast yet (warming up) or I am running pretty well. In any event, I decided to stay with them for as long as I can and I do. It feels great, but I know I can't hold it.
I stop at the water stop and wait for LB and DD. The rest of the run goes pretty well with many sub 8 min. miles. I bonk a little at the end, but I figure it's ok. My legs are sore and my foot is swelling, but I am less weighed down by the past, by the visions, by the nightmares...I let it go till next year.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
B-side
Well, it's official, filled out the form and sent in the registration. Now, got to stay healthy, not mess up my foot by standing in high heeled shoes at concerts and not lose my keys for the millionth time.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tigger - I'm the Only One!
Saturday we headed out and I wanted to try to extend my medium long run by one mile. Just one.
It was a point to point run, so I had to meet my crew part way into the run. I saw LB's truck at my designated parking spot, so I was curious. I watched Gazelle after Gazelle go by. Finally, LB and DD showed up. DD was hurting already. I thought she'd tied one on the night before, but she just did not have enough fuel. So, before we started, DD had to eat.
Off we go. I felt really good -- for a change. At the first water stop, we saw Gilbert and I pulled off to catch up with him for a bit. I sent the kids ahead and then hit the ladies room...that is, ladies pit stop bush.
Next water stop, we hook up with PK, who is going to Boston too. I always like to see PK, he has good energy. We talk a bit and head out.
After the next water stop, I start to feel really good and start pushing. I haven't felt like this in a very long time, so I just keep going. All of a sudden -- way into this run-- I look down and realize that I do not have my car key any longer. Now, granted, I have done this before. I cannot believe that I just now realized that the key was gone. It's a big key on a Tigger key chain -- you can't miss it or drop it without noticing.
I'm pissed at myself. Worse, I can't recall when I saw it last. I'm only 43 for goodness sake. I would curse here, so just imagine it.
Anyway, I go to OC mode (obsessive compulsive). I borrow LB's phone and call Gilbert -- no answer. I run more, I think more, I beat myself up more. Now, I'm running pretty good. I think about having to call my husband to get up and drag my two kids out to pick me up and break into my car. I run harder. My shoulders tighten, my back aches.
At the end, LB hands me the phone and I call Gilbert again. "My sister Red, what's up?" I try to be calm...Hey G, did you happen to see a key on a Tigger key chain? "Is that yours?" Yes. "Yes, I have it, Red, where are you?"
Milagro! I am so relieved, honestly. I just spent nearly $200 bucks for the last key I lost running. I love my Coach!
It was a point to point run, so I had to meet my crew part way into the run. I saw LB's truck at my designated parking spot, so I was curious. I watched Gazelle after Gazelle go by. Finally, LB and DD showed up. DD was hurting already. I thought she'd tied one on the night before, but she just did not have enough fuel. So, before we started, DD had to eat.
Off we go. I felt really good -- for a change. At the first water stop, we saw Gilbert and I pulled off to catch up with him for a bit. I sent the kids ahead and then hit the ladies room...that is, ladies pit stop bush.
Next water stop, we hook up with PK, who is going to Boston too. I always like to see PK, he has good energy. We talk a bit and head out.
After the next water stop, I start to feel really good and start pushing. I haven't felt like this in a very long time, so I just keep going. All of a sudden -- way into this run-- I look down and realize that I do not have my car key any longer. Now, granted, I have done this before. I cannot believe that I just now realized that the key was gone. It's a big key on a Tigger key chain -- you can't miss it or drop it without noticing.
I'm pissed at myself. Worse, I can't recall when I saw it last. I'm only 43 for goodness sake. I would curse here, so just imagine it.
Anyway, I go to OC mode (obsessive compulsive). I borrow LB's phone and call Gilbert -- no answer. I run more, I think more, I beat myself up more. Now, I'm running pretty good. I think about having to call my husband to get up and drag my two kids out to pick me up and break into my car. I run harder. My shoulders tighten, my back aches.
At the end, LB hands me the phone and I call Gilbert again. "My sister Red, what's up?" I try to be calm...Hey G, did you happen to see a key on a Tigger key chain? "Is that yours?" Yes. "Yes, I have it, Red, where are you?"
Milagro! I am so relieved, honestly. I just spent nearly $200 bucks for the last key I lost running. I love my Coach!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Whatev
I know, it's not Whatever, think Jersey, it's "whatev." That's how I feel about my running this week.
I guess I had higher expectations that I would be more like my old self right now. I mean, ok, I drank too much wine on Friday, so bonked on Saturday. But, I've been behaving, and my last two 7 milers have, well, frankly, um, sucked. (this is called "can't take the Jersey out of the girl)
I'm kind of fed up with it all. I know I shouldn't be. But, on the one hand, Pieter wants me to run at a faster pace and do a speed workout with Gazelles. I just don't feel up to it. I am really struggling on these runs to find the groove, to run without pain or discomfort, to open up the stride.
Basically, I am not running with Joy as coach would say. I'm thinking, I'm adjusting, I'm watching my watch. I pull my knees higher, I watch my foot strike on the right leg, I stick my butt out while pulling my gut in (no easy task) and, I lean forward. I'm uncomfortable. I get one or two miles where I get into a groove and that's it.
I hear my breathing, I hear my plodding feet, I feel my gut go up and down while I run. I run "heavy". I am frustrated with myself and the negative tape plays over and over in my head. I beat myself up for needing an attitude adjustment so soon after coming back from a lovely, restful vacation.
I want to be light on my feet and enjoy the running again. I need to break through this week and my negative feelings. I need to bump up the miles (three weeks at 26 miles for the week) and I need to get over it and get to the track.
I guess I had higher expectations that I would be more like my old self right now. I mean, ok, I drank too much wine on Friday, so bonked on Saturday. But, I've been behaving, and my last two 7 milers have, well, frankly, um, sucked. (this is called "can't take the Jersey out of the girl)
I'm kind of fed up with it all. I know I shouldn't be. But, on the one hand, Pieter wants me to run at a faster pace and do a speed workout with Gazelles. I just don't feel up to it. I am really struggling on these runs to find the groove, to run without pain or discomfort, to open up the stride.
Basically, I am not running with Joy as coach would say. I'm thinking, I'm adjusting, I'm watching my watch. I pull my knees higher, I watch my foot strike on the right leg, I stick my butt out while pulling my gut in (no easy task) and, I lean forward. I'm uncomfortable. I get one or two miles where I get into a groove and that's it.
I hear my breathing, I hear my plodding feet, I feel my gut go up and down while I run. I run "heavy". I am frustrated with myself and the negative tape plays over and over in my head. I beat myself up for needing an attitude adjustment so soon after coming back from a lovely, restful vacation.
I want to be light on my feet and enjoy the running again. I need to break through this week and my negative feelings. I need to bump up the miles (three weeks at 26 miles for the week) and I need to get over it and get to the track.
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