The early run...

That house with a lonely light on at 4am (or earlier)...that's my house.  The stars and the moon still light the sky.  The tree frogs and crickets still make the music in the air.  That's the time of day I become productive.

I'm really more of an afternoon runner.  But heat, humidity and a busy schedule have driven me to change the majority of my training runs to the pre-dawn hours this summer.  Three, four, five days a week you can find me out on the pavement before the sun crests the horizon.  It's at least an hour or more until my family will even think about waking up.

What I'm learning about myself is that I can be very productive as a runner in the early morning hours.  I'm still faster in the afternoon, probably because I'm better fueled at that point in the day.  I'm still more loose.  But in the morning, I'm more focused and alert in the silence.  I'm more in tune with my body.  I love watching the sun begin to peak above the trees or the edges of the water.  I have also found camaraderie in the morning run.  (These things don't seem to exist if you run at night...like after 9pm).

Dare I say, am I becoming that elusive unicorn called the morning runner?

This week, on a couple of early morning runs, I had a number of critter encounters too.  I crossed paths with a family of raccoons, came face to face with a large buck.  Sadly, I didn't see my normal morning friend, the fox that lives in my neighborhood.  I can almost always count on him checking out my run.  Alas, he was absent.  

During the week, my morning runs all radiate from my house, so I have limited options for routes.  I can run to the high school.  I can run to the State Park.  I can go in and out of the neighborhoods skirting the waterfront.

But the weekends, the early mornings on the weekends are for exploring the best spots for sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay or the many rivers and creeks around Annapolis.  Running through Bay Ridge, Greenbury Point, across the Academy Bridge, City Dock...there are so many great options.  If you haven't experienced one of our sunrises, you really should.  

So, if you, like me, are not much of a morning runner, give it a try.  You might learn you actually enjoy the torture of a 4am alarm ringing at your bedside.  Happy trails!!!

2015 miles to date:  753.45 miles

Observations:  My body is currently firing on all cylinders.  I've got now pain, no twinges, nothing.  How long this lasts is the only real question.  This past month I did a 30-day nutritional cleanse that rid my body of all the processed, fatty food I'd been feeding it.  I've even give up caffeine and am feeling more energy and alertness.  As I'm ramping up my mileage toward marathon season, this has been helpful in achieving my goals.  I just need to stay committed to leaving out the coffee, tea and soda, and skipping the easy boxed food for meals I prepare from fresh ingredients.
 

Feeling dynamite...

Yesterday my energy stores were waning.  I was at about the 10 mile mark and turning into the home stretch of my run when it happened.  You know, that song that boosts your mood when it comes through your headphones when you need it most?  That's what happened.

Back to the beginning....I needed a long run, but my body was a bit battered from hard runs and taking on a bit too much extra weight at barre class.  Exhaustion and achy muscles rarely keep me from getting done what needs to get done, so I headed out early evening for that long run.

Since I was over near Truxton Park, I decided to shake it up a bit and head out from there.  The run started with heavy legs but a determined psyche.  As I headed down into Eastport, around City Dock (what an absolutely amazing afternoon for that view), around the sea wall to Hospital Point and across the Naval Academy bridge to the peninsula I kept my eyes on the prize.  It was on the North side of the bridge that I finally realized how far my tired legs had carried me (7 miles at that point) and that I still had to get back to Truxton Park where my car was.

I cut out the return back through downtown Annapolis to save myself a couple miles and shot across Taylor to Spa Road.  I started wondering at one point if I was going to have to walk a portion of that road back to my car, but my head kept refusing to give in.  Then, just as I was turning off Spa onto Hilltop Dynamite came through my headphones....and the rest is history.

I've come to the conclusion that Taio Cruz's Dynamite is actually all about running.  Let's review why this song is all about one of my greatest passions by taking a look at the lyrics.

I throw my hands up in the air sometimes - This happens at random points throughout my training runs and almost always during a race...especially when there is a camera near by.

 

I wanna celebrate and live my life - Running is my celebration of what I can accomplish with determination and a little effort.

 

I came to dance, dance, dance, dance; I hit the floor 'cause that's my plans, plans, plans, plans - Here he's really talking about the race course and my intention to turn in a good run...I also occasionally dance when running if I'm inspired by a particularly good tune in the playlist.

I'm wearing all my favorite brands, brands, brands, brands - New Balance, Brooks, Asics, Adidas, Nike, Under Armour...you get the picture. 

Give me some space for both my hands, hands, hands, hands - This is my running space, and that's your running space.  Respect the barriers or face the consequences of my flailing elbows or overexcited gestures when I'm chatting during a run.

'Cause I told you once, Now I told you twice, We gon' light it up, Like it's dynamite - This one says I am all about finishing this run/race in a way that will make you remember me.

 

I came to move, move, move, move, Get out the way of me and my crew, crew, crew, crew; I'm in the club so I'm gonna do, do, do, do; Just whatever I came here to do, do, do, do - You don't want to mess with the awesomeness that is me and my posse of running pals because we have goals and nothing is going to get in our way.  And oh by the way, we're going to look amazing doing it.

And there it is.  Taio Cruz was speaking to runners everywhere.  And he managed to speak to me right when I needed it most.  Happy trails!!!

 

Stats -

Miles:  11 miles + 0.5 cool down

Time:   2 hours (average pace of 10:54 per mile)

Location:  just about half of Annapolis

Feeling:  tired but accomplished

Welcome to wogging....

Don't know what wogging is?  Well, it's not quite walking, and it's not quite jogging.  It's that shuffle in between the two that appears to be my new pace, at least for the next couple weeks.  That's right, I'm now into wogging.

How did I learn about this new pace?  Let's just say the new year brings new revelations. 

Like many other Annapolitans, I lined up on City Dock at 9am yesterday to ring in the New Year with my running friends.  The annual resolution run is generally a four-mile course that winds through the parts of Annapolis that remind you why it's awesome to live here...up Main Street through historic shops, across College Avenue past state buildings and St. John College, out King George Street over ancient brick sidewalks in the shadows of the Naval Academy, across the Naval Academy bridge with views sweeping out to the Chesapeake Bay, then back.

True to form, all my diehards were out there and ready to just have fun, including my pal in all things running and most things life, Brie. 

After the New Year's pep talk and course reminder, we were off.  Umm, remember that reminder to run on the sidewalks since the streets weren't closed?  Yeah, basically ignored up to Church Circle like usual.

The first quarter mile felt normal.  Pretty normal pace, normal movement.  Then the wog started.  As the weight of my ever-expanded middle began to pull, my pace slowed.  I couldn't quite bring myself to walk, but nor could I maintain my jog.  So wogging it is. 

Though I was quickly passed by just about every runner out there, I enjoyed hitting the bridge where I got to see and chat with everyone on their way back to City Dock.  Rather than only chatting with my normal run crew, I got to greet people I've never met, say hello to old acquaintances, and high five the cheerleaders.

It's important to jump up and hit the balloon at the turn around point.  I don't know why, it just is.  Unable to garner the energy to jump the necessary two feet into the air, however, I pulled the balloon down to do my part to maintain the tradition.  Then I headed back to see who was still hanging out at Starbucks when the slow lady returned to City Dock (the slow lady being me....not a distinction I'm all that comfortable with or used to).

The first run of the year wasn't fast, it wasn't pretty, but by george it's in the books.  I'd like to think I'm a bad ass mother runner just for getting out there.  I refuse to give up on my fitness and my passion for running, regardless of the circumstances (unless of course my health is really at stake).  So for now, here's to wogging if that's what it takes!  Happy trails!

Stats:
Miles - 4.53
Time - let's just say I'm going to wait on this stat until I'm back to actual training because it's not pretty
Location - downtown Annapolis
Feeling - heavy around the middle


 

Giddy up...

I'm getting back on the horse, so to speak, and I'm back to blogging...mostly.  I don't imagine I will be blogging every run as I used to, but through the remainder of the year I will attempt to keep up weekly. 

It's been a few months since my last post, but that doesn't mean its been a few months since my last run.  In fact, I've had a very exciting several months.  I'll give you just a taste of what's been happening.  This will be a long one, but stick with me and you will be rewarded.

In March, when I last blogged, I was running for the sake of running - for myself, for my health, for my daughter - with minor aspirations at a Boston qualifying run at some point before December.  Early in April, the running world changed with a bomb that explode of the Boston Marathon.  That month, we ran in solidarity and rememberance for those affected by the bombing, and we ran for a sense of normalcy.

Later that month, I ran the Nike Women's Half Marathon and realized that I didn't have just minor aspirations, but I was capable of putting in a better than qualifying marathon by the end of the year, putting in a 1:48:19 half.  Granted, I had the added incentive of lining up at the start directly behind Shalane Flanagan...talk about motivation.  How can you turn in a bad performance when you are chasing the heels of the women who took 4th at Boston?

Other races, many PRs, and a myriad of runs later, I hit another milestone...the first race where I served as a pacer.  Bless my friend who believed I could lead a group of ladies to the finish line in the Zooma half marathon.  It was an amazing experience pacing the 2:00:00 group.  There is nothing more motivating on a soupy June day than knowing dozens of women are depending on seeing your pacing sign waving in the air so they know they will finish within their goals. Following that race, I received this message on my facebook page: "Hey Stacie, a woman who you were pacing came up to me afterward and started crying as she was sooo excited that she finished. She said she would NEVER have been able to finish let alone at that pace with out YOU! She said she was looking all over for you to tell you and thank you. You are a great pacer and coach!!!"

That weekend, I also learned I was running with a new partner.  In fact, I'd been running with a new partner for several weeks and would continue to run with that partner until next January...at least as a regular fixture on every run.  Figured it out?  My family discovered we would be a family of four. 

That didn't slow me down though...are you kidding?!?!?  That month I turned in a great 10k performance and then finished 2nd in my age group at my hometown 5K in support of children battling cancer. 

My days of speed racing (for this season at least) were coming to a close though.  No Boston qualifier for me this year at Steamtown.  Not even a whiff.  That doesn't mean my running will disappear this year.  Quite the opposite.  My doctor has cleared me to run every bit as much as I always have, and to even keep the Richmond Marathon on my schedule in November if I'm feeling well.  So running I will continue.

I will admit, though, to rougher mileage in July and August.  The heat and humidity made me nauseous, and the treadmill caused my old back injury to begin to flare up again, so I was relegated to running when everything would allow.  I still turned in a "decent" performance at the John Wall Mile in July, but have come to realize I'm in "happy to finish" mode from here on out.

I'll finish this super long post with a quick note about one of my favorite races of the year - the Annapolis 10-miler - which happened today.  I love this classic hometown race and the people it brings to Annapolis.  Today we had the most perfect weather in A-10 history, and I ran with the perfect crew.  Without my best running buddy, Brie, and also Danielle, Gloria, and Jen, it would not have been quite so perfect for baby Peaches and me.  Thanks ladies! 

Looking forward to the running adventures that continue to await me this year!  Happy trails!

Stats: 

 

Guns blazing...

The best way to get going on reaching a goal is to dive right in and get your hands dirty...or feet in my case.  Not one to sit still and let a good morning - and the opportunity to hang with friends - pass me by, I was excited to join in the Annapolis Striders tradition of taking over the streets of Annapolis for a run on New Year's Day :)

Now, most of the fun run runners didn't hit the streets until 9am, but I'm so ready to get started on my miles this year that I hit the road at 8am.  Those earlier miles through the Naval Academy were made great because I was joined by one of my neighbors, Kristen.  I've never run with Kristen before.  I'll be honest, she's fast and sort of intimidates me, so I was afraid to slow her down too much.  I'm glad we ran together though.  She was a great partner, and I'd love to spend more time running with her this coming year.  It was a great morning for a run...as we passed through the Naval Academy, there were so many others out and all with a ready smile and a "Happy New Year".

The melee of the 9am run was charging.  So many great friends were out for the run I'm not sure who was still at home.  To top it off, the group of a couple hundred runners literally took over the streets of Annapolis...sorry drivers.  I spent this second part to my new year run with none other than my favorite running buddy and best friend - Brie - which seems like a fitting start to the year.  We also ran with Erin, who is another amazingly fit and motivational runner.  It was a nice even pace as we headed over the Naval Academy bridge and down toward Jonas Green Park to leap up and tap the cake shaped balloon hung from a road sign.  It was a wonderful 45 minutes of girl chat, waving to friends as you pass them and stretching the legs in a much needed run.

After the run, we went to Starbucks to refuel the right way - grande skim gingerbread latter, hold the whip - with Lara, Gloria, Jen, Jen and Brie for more girl talk with the greatest running crew this side of the Mississippi.  All in all, this is the way to get going on a goal.  If the rest of the year is anything like today, it will be a great adventure.

Stats -
Miles:  4.82 (with Kristen) + 4.4 (with Brie and Erin)
Time:   45:24 (average pace of 9:25 per mile) + 46:42 (average pace of 10:36 per mile)
Location:  Annapolis, starting at CIty Dock and including the Naval Academy
Feeling:  my muscles are well-rested and ready for 2013...good call taking December easy

Other:  I haven't completed any of the strength work yet, but as I do it will be added here as cumulatives rather than as a day by day "this is how many I did today".  Here's how it will go:  push-ups: 0/3600; squats: 0/3600; sit-ups: 0/12,000

Ringing in the new year...

Let's be honest, 2012 rocked and I'm determined to make 2013 even better!  But before we get to goal setting for 2013, I've got some recapping to do in order to close the books, once and for all, on 2012.

First, let's talk about December.  I haven't blogged in December. Not once.  It's not because I didn't run.  In fact I'll get to that in a second.  It's because my blog served the purpose I set out for it in January of 2012 - to log my running goal to hitting 1000 miles.  Anything beyond that was just icing on the cake.  So tonight I'm writing one last post to recap the year and set the stage for 2013 when I will launch back into blogging with gusto and new goals to track.

As far as running goes December was a bit of a rest month.  Over the course of the past year I've pushed off giving my body a real break to heal injuries and refocus my mind.  So that's what I've been doing.  While running a few miles in the process - almost 46 to be exact (low mileage, I know).  

Though low in numbers, the December miles came with a few high points.  It started with a great run with friends through Annapolis to see our Christmas tree all decorated for the holidays and to spend some quality time on the playground with kids and the camera.

December also was great for getting out and viewing the Christmas decorations all around Washington, specifically Capitol Hill.  I fancied myself a judge of sorts, looking for the best decorated houses - or at least good decorating features.  I found a few that were good enough to stop and take a photo of.  Some gave me new ideas for my own decorating and others gave me ideas of what to avoid.

Then came the real icing on the cake...a new 5 mile PR at the 2012 Celtic Solstice 5 mile run in Baltimore.  My previous PR was 42:19 set in November 2011.  Now I'll be chasing 40:38 for the next year!  I wouldn't have been able to have hit that time without my CS sidekick - Sophia - who prefaced the race with "I'm not feeling great today...so we'll have to go slow."  I think we both really surprised ourselves when the race finally started and it just felt right.  There's nothing you can't do when you've got motivation and good friends.

Who can complain finishing off a year that way?  Not this lady. 

So here's how 2012 went...I set out to run 1000 miles (check in the box November 2012), to complete my second master's degree (check in the box April 2012) and sell one of my two rental properties (didn't happen...just too much going on to put the necessary effort into it...so I'll roll that one over to 2013).  Not just icing....but cherries (GREAT BIG CHERRIES)...was a goal I didn't set at the beginning of the year because you can't predict these things...but I became the mother of a gorgeous, smart little girl from China (a journey we've been working on since 2007).  She's been running with me since August, and I think she'll be a big part of my running in 2013. 

Now to looking forward....here's what I want to reach for in 2013:

• I will run 1245 miles in 2013...this is 200 more than 2012, and I believe well within my reach.
• I will reach new time goals for myself - 4:30:00 marathon, 1:50:00 half marathon, 1:22:00 ten miler, 39:30 five miler.
• I will pay more attention to strength training and aim to do more than 3600 push-ups, 3600 squats and 12,000 sit-ups in 2013.
• I will try to unload one of my other properties in 2013.
• I will become a RRCA certified running coach in 2013.
• As a family, we will seek out and try one new family-friendly activity for the diva in our area each month in 2013.
• As a family, we will learn about and incorporate at least one Chinese tradition into our family traditions in 2013.

One last entry on the ticker - check out those miles - before resetting it in 2013!!!

Rules violations...

Tonight I ran the Fleet Feet Annapolis Pumpkin Fun Run.  Thank you Fleet Feet, it was a great event!  Sadly, I did not find one of the three pumpkins hidden on the path that meant fame, glory and treasure (okay...maybe not fame and glory, but you did get a prize if you found one), but I did find some commaraderie for a dark, misty run through the streets of Annapolis.  Unfortunately, the fun doesn't completely make up for the rules violations that occured during this run.

First and foremost, I again broke my own rule to not run after dark.  Granted, I was clothed in my Saucony vizipro top that only a blind person would not be able to see, so I had that covered.  But if you know Annapolis, you know how treacherous night running is for the clumsy folk (aka me).  Uneven brick pavement and no light to see where it's uneven - let's be honest - sucks.  It would be super easy to end up seriously injured and out of commission.  So why did I do it?  Well, it sounded fun and I was originally going to be running it with my co-race director for the Anniversary Run 15K.

My rules violation, however, pales in comparison to the woman who was dressed almost entirely in black (with a muted splash of color added by her tulle tutu) and running in the road rather than on the sidewalk.  Under no circumstances - racing on a monitored/closed course or during a halloween fun run - is it ever okay to run after dark in dark clothing without a reflective belt at the very least.  On the success to fail scale, this lady gets a MAJOR FAIL for runner safety.  She's also one of the legitimate complaints from non-runner drivers.  Please lady, next time don't give Annapolitans a legitimate reason to complain about our great running community.

Rules violations - and potential for injury aside - I liked the event.  It was a slow easy pace and the dark, for some reason or another, causes one to feel as if they have not run nearly as far as the Garmin shows in the end.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  3.15
Time:   30:14 (average pace of 9:35 per mile)
Location:  Eastport through downtown Annapolis
Feeling:  No real strong pain in the shin, all in all not bad

Lighting the night...

Earlier this year one of our neighbors, Kaitlyn, lost the fight against a lymphoma.  Around the same time, our next door neighbor's 7-year old granddaughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with leukemia.  Whether you've been touched by someone affected by the diseases or not, its hard not to wish for the discovery of a cure for these cancers, particularly for the victims whose time ends far too soon. 

That's why, when our neighbors invited us to join them for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk we absolutely said yes.  Yes, we would walk with Team Kaitlyn.  Even the diva went out to walk in support of the Dzurneys and in memory of Kaitlyn (she also got a balloon...which she loves).

The walk started at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and snaked down toward city dock before returning to the stadium.  While a somber occasion, it also was a great and joyful coming together of families and communities to raise money for research.  The atmosphere was celebratory, and a bit raucous if you were close to that large group of younger children. 

Above all, it was inspirational.  The rainbow of ballons told the story.  Gold stood for the courage of the grieving families.  Red stood for the strength of the survivors and white stood for the hope displayed by the patients currently battling cancer. There was no sense of defeat in the crowd...only a great commitment to find a cure.

 

Thank you to the Dzurney family for inviting us to join you in walking in Kaitlyn's memory.  She was a strong force that made a real impact in such a short period of time. 

Stats -
Miles:  4.3 (plus 2.75 for the Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma)
Time:   38:32 (average pace of 8:38 per mile..no time on the second half)
Location:  Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and Downtown Annapolis
Feeling:  there's nothing more humbling than running for a cure

Ducks and goals...

I love Sunday mornings.  Especially Sunday mornings that begin with a friend who enjoys the same things I do...stretching the legs and spending time with our kids.  This morning Brie and I started bright and early with the kids in tow...rather in the lead resting comfortably in their respective jogging strollers.  The plan?  Head down to city dock, feed the ducks and return in time to get a shower and drive to Sunday School.

It was chilly, there's no denying that.  But it was a nice change.  That crisp morning air just lends a little something to the aura of Annapolis in the early hours before the whole city wakes up and tourists flood the streets.  The quiet is also conducive to sharing all the gossip that must be shared.

The run downtown was kind of slow (umm, yeah, actually the whole run was kind of slow).  Both Brie and I are aching...her knee my hamstring.  But we are bad ass and just keep going.    And somewhere along this path I hit the 800 mile mark.  That's right folks, 80% of the way towards logging 1000 miles this year.   That just feels awesome.

When we got down to city dock and Brie pulled the bread out from under her stroller the kids were ecstatic.  I don't remember ducks being so thrillling when I was three, but they must have been.  Ducks fed, we continued down city dock, alternately racing the kids and carrying them (well me carrying the diva).  Brie also spent time telling B what was special about the Bear and the Bull, two almost ancient sailboats that are still in operation.  All in all it was a success...and then we had to hightail it back to Brie's so the diva and I didn't miss Sunday School.

I thank every opportunity to run with friends, particularly my BRB.  It makes the solo runs and the races easier later on.  In particular, its made my goals easier to envision this year.  All's well.  Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles:  5.42 (plus 2.34 walk with the diva to get her ready for her first race)
Time:   1:05:48 (average pace of 12:08 per mile)
Location:  Annapolis, City Dock
Feeling:  hamstring is pinching again

Action on the Severn...

Let's just say that, overall, this week has been abysmal for running.  Bronchitis is kicking my butt, so I've laid off enough to not totally kill myself, but still logged 14ish miles overall.  Hopefully this coming week will be conducive to catching up on miles.  Though, truth be told, I'm not behind for the month given last weekend's 25 miles logged in two days.  Anyway, I digress...I seem to be good at that these days.

On to today's run.  Brie and I are back in action...sort of.  As I already said, I've got bronchitis and can't breathe real well and Brie's still got the IT band issue, so we're not in tip top running form.  That's never stopped us though, and since we are running a half marathon next weekend, we set out at 6:30 this morning for a semi-longish run.

The weather was fantastic.  It's not been this good in months and was wonderful for stretching the legs.  The first couple miles felt very familiar.  Brie and I chatted about all the super duper news and goings on in our lives...and there seemed to be a lot this week.  We headed toward Annapolis, down Main Street and over to City Dock. 

Once we were on the Naval Academy "Yard," heading toward the sea wall, things got a little weird.  First we saw the DNR boat come up to the sea wall with its lights on.  An then at the bend before College Creek, we saw a MP sitting next to his car on the sea wall, that's when we saw the fire truck up on the Academy Bridge with its lights flashing.  What the heck was going on?  We thought immediately it must be a search and rescue.  Jumper?  Cap-sized vessel?  Who knows?  Our thoughts on the search and rescue were confirmed when a state police helicopter also came onto the scene, circling the Severn in the area between the bridge and the entry of the river to the Chesapeake.  I hope it wasn't a sad day for a family, but I've not been able to learn anything more than what we saw with our own eyes....which admittedly wasn't much.

Well, we finished the spin around Hospital Point and had two options - head back through the Yard and downtown toward our start point or exit gate 8 and head straight back for the start point.  Gate 8 was only about 2 miles versus 4ish and my lungs were straining and Brie's IT band was also bothersome, so we took the shorter route.  It wasn't a cop out, just understanding the limits and needs of our own bodies.  This has probably been one of the greatest unexpected lessons I've learned throughout this year of running to meet my goal - you can't get it done if you don't understand what your body is telling you and when.  Sometimes you can still push a little further, and if you listen, you know when those times are.  And sometimes you've got to end a run sooner or risk not being able to run for several days or longer (why I've taken the past couple days off).

We got back to the start while planning our packet pick up, race schedule, and what we're going to do for fun the day before the race.  I've said it before, but I'll say it again.  I love these runs.  They are my therapy, my exercise, my time with friends and my fun.  Thank you Brie! Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  7.42
Time:   1:16:26 (average pace of 10:18 per mile)
Location:  downtown Annapolis and the Naval Academy
Feeling:  the lungs were very rough but the legs felt decent

When it rains, it pours...

Today was A-10 time.  For those not in the Annapolis running know, that means the Annapolis Ten Miler.  It also marks the end of hot, hot, hot and humid August racing...or at least in most usual years.  This year was a bit different, but let me begin with the four day gap in running first.

I haven't hit the pavement since Tuesday, and its now Sunday.  Why, you ask?  Well, Wednesday morning we were out at the Queenstown Outlets when I lifted the diva just exactly the wrong way and tweaked the back.  It hurt scary bad.  I had visions of the SI joint injury flash before my face again and all I could do was pray that it was just a freak pain that would go away with a few days rest.  So, while it was hard not to lace up my shoes, I waited until this morning to give my back as much rest as possible to avoid turning a small thing into another back injury. 

The rest paid off.  I woke up this morning with no back pain..though now we had to contend with the rain.  Really if you want to get technical, we had to contend with thunder, lightning and heavy down pours.  Yep, perfect running weather.

I met up with Brie at her house.  We planned to walk down to the race.  We decided to wait out the major down pour and show up at the last minute.  That wait paid off too, and our walk up to the start at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was marked only by a slight sprinkle. 

We arrived, quite literally, with only a couple minutes until the start gun went off.  Not bad...usually I wait in the corral for about 15-20 minutes after arriving 45 - 60 minutes early.  I like this.  Anyway, I can't believe the start gun actually went off on time.  After all there was lightning in the sky and most sensible folks don't run when its lightning.  Oh wait, that would assume that those of us who showed up in a thunder storm are sensible people.  Ha! 

From the beginning through about mile 3ish, the rain poured with real intensity.  It was awesome!  Like I said before, this race is usually so hot you want to rip your clothes off.  The rain kept it cool and so much more fun.  Well that and my amazing running partner (sorry, no great pics of us this time because I couldn't bring electronics out into this storm).  We saw and chatted with a number of friends along the way - shout out to Ron Bowman, Lara Mish, Jennifer Bornemann, Heather DeBuse.

As we crossed the bridge onto the Broadneck Peninsula, this was the section I was unsure of in the race plan.  The course had a slight change this year due to some permitting issues.  As a matter of fact, it changed to match up somewhat with Zooma and the Annapolis Half in a way I don't like...or at least that's what I thought going into the race.  As it turned out, the course change wasn't bad.  As with past years, this year we did not need to go through Ferry Farms to make use of the sprinklers the residents so kindly turn on the street to cool down this atrociously hot race.  Nope, mother nature took care of that with on and off sprinkles and rain the duration of the race.  So in the end, the course change wasn't bad.

As we made the turn back toward the finish, Brie's IT band was starting to act up a bit and my hamstrings were getting tight.  At mile 8 I kicked it in to try to stretch them out a bit.  God love Brie for being supportive and not getting upset that I needed to stretch it out a bit.  The end of the race was good...course was slightly long though.  I finished 93 out of 292 in my age group, with Brie just two minutes behind me.  We received our customary cold towels and finisher's premiums, watermelon and other race amenities, but it was the first time I ever remember being cold at the end of the A-10.  I love it!

It's always more fun to run the streets of Annapolis with other adventurous runners and I think this race had them in spades.  Thanks Annapolis Striders for the best A-10 yet!  (In my humble opinion.)  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  10.11 (plus 1.77 mile walk to and from the stadium)
Time:   1:32:51 (average pace of 9:11 per mile...though I believe given the extra ten pounds of water weighing down our shoes and the rainy conditions really gives us a 5-10 minute handicap :) )
Location:  Annapolis
Feeling:  I LOVE IT!!!  Today felt totally awesome!

Adding to the jogging pleasure...

I have been looking forward to today's run for several days.  Why?  Well, today Brie and I switched up the routine and took along the kids.  Yep, my second run with the jogging stroller (see more on the jogging stroller saga below) and the added pleasure of new running partners, or rather spectators.  All around an enjoyable effort.


We started out a little late, but since the weather was cooler than it has been, it actually wasn't an issue.  We headed downtown toward City Dock and the playground on Newman Street.  This is a really cool playground if you have kids.  It's got just about everything you could imagine for the kids.  The diva still enjoys swings and slides over most other playground elements, but she is curious about tunnels.

After the playground, we headed over to City Dock to feed the ducks...feeding frenzy doesn't quite do justice to the melee in ego alley.  And took in the farmer's market to buy some great heirloom tomatoes to make BLTs for lunch (also got some zucchini to make bread, but that will have to wait a couple days).

Following the downtown events, we headed back up to Franklin Street - quieter and more shade covered than West Street, and then shimmied over to Poplar Trail.  I don't want you to get the idea that this was an easy run.  No way, I'm no where near accustomed to a jogging stroller, but it was great fun...especially with new jogging partners.  We ended with one smily boy and one rather tuckered out little girl.  I hope these two will grow up to be great friends...there mamas certainly are.

Now for the jogging stroller drama....wellnot so much drama as just determining that I really dislike my jogging stroller.  Sure its heavy, the combined weight with the diva means I'm pushing around 60 pounds.  That's not a big deal.  What I don't like is that I have no maneuverability, which is crummy on windy trails.  The seat sits too far back, so the diva has to lean forward to see around her.  And that means if we hit a bump her head is bumped against the unpadded side rails.  All in all, sucky.  So what's the solution?  I researched jogging strollers and reviews and will be the proud owner of the Joovy Zoom 360 by the end of the week.  I should have improved maneuverability, good suspension, better seat position...and a cup holder for me :)  I'll be sure to review the stroller after using it.

Finally, I logged this morning's run only to discover I was 0.07 miles from hitting my target for the week.  So what did I do?  I went out and ran a couple more miles.  It was warmer than this morning, and certainly less shade covered running the cloverleaf in Chesapeake Preserve, but felt decent and got the job done.

I'm hoping for more opportunities to get outside this week, as opposed to my treadmill running of the past two, though this will mean time with the dreaded Baby Trend jogging stroller.  Perhaps I can find a long straight road.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  6.11 in the morning, 2.26 in the afternoon
Time:  Not sure about the morning (forgot the watch) but the afternoon was 19:20 (average 8:33)
Location:  All around Annapolis & Chesapeake Preserve
Feeling:  Hot and sweaty, but the muscles were working well

A few kinks to work out...

As I said yesterday, I probably needed to take today off because of the ankles.  But getting in that first run with the jogging stroller - seeing how the little diva did - was too much of a pull to leave the running shoes in the closet.  So in grand denial style, I loaded up the stroller and the diva in the car and headed off to Quiet Waters Park.

I like Quiet Waters.  They have a decent paved trail with options for a couple different distances.  Today I just wanted to take it slow and easy to see how the little one adjusted to the jogging stroller and not hurt myself anymore, so I basically followed the course for the JLA Volunteers on the Run 5K (which happens every fall...check back for details on this year's run), except I swapped the boat loop for the compost loop. 

Things seemed to be going well for the diva...at least she didn't hate the stroller.  It wasn't going quite as well for me.  It definitely is tougher running with the stroller than without.  Most notably my arms were tired from pushing...or rather holding the stroller in front. Give me a couple more and this should get easier.  The other thing I noticed, I couldn't quite get up to speed.  Understatement.  I was going a more than a minute per mile slower.  Hopefully I can chip away at that as I become accustomed to the change.  Actually, this may be a good thing for my speed.  Just think of how much faster I will go without the stroller after training with it.

Okay, so we established I had at least one blunder on this run...that being I shouldn't have run on the injury to begin with.  So, at about mile two, I'm in a little pain, dripping sweat because it's wicked humid and the diva won't sit back because she wants to be able to see all around her.  Now I'm a good mom, and I tried to get her back, but was not successful before we hit a bump (the trail has a lot of them from roots growing up under the pavement) and she bumped her head a tiny bit on the side of the stroller.  I don't think she likes it anymore.  She couldn't wait for the ordeal to be over.  Hopefully she'll give it another shot for mama's sake.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  3.2
Time:   31:17 (average pace of 9:45 per mile)
Location:  Quiet Waters Park Annapolis
Feeling:  Uh, not fantastic...need to lay off the ankle (but let's be honest, I probably won't)

Rockin through Annapolis...

Today was the TriRock triathlon in Annapolis.  Truth told, I was supposed to be volunteering at the Fleet Feet water stop from 4:30am - 11:30am and then hit the roads with Brie in the afternoon.  It didn't work out that way.  For days I waited for information from the race organizers of Fleet Feet to tell me where to go, I even emailed both, but neither responded.  So, why wait until the afternoon to run?  Brie and I hit the roads in the morning planning to cheer for TriRock racers while we cruised the streets on our feet. 

We took off at a reasonable pace (after all, Brie has had some achilles issues and we don't want her to end up with a real injury at the beginning of the summer race season) around Navy stadium warming up.  By Rowe Boulevard and all along Route 450, we were able to cheer on the bike leg of the race (we missed the swim...we did not hit downtown until well into the bike/run leg).  It's always inspiring to watch all walks of life working hard to achieve a goal, small or large.  We even saw a few folks we know as we crossed the Naval Academy bridge and then returned to hit the yard.

Because most of the streets downtown were closed or only partially accesible by traffic, the Naval Academy was SUPER quiet.  Sure, we passed a few other joggers getting in the Saturday miles, but it was otherwise completely dead.  Until we ran into the French tall ships docked along the seawall near the sailing basin unloading their raw sewage (YUCK...it smelled nasty).  What might you ask are French ships doing at the academy?  Well, I don't know, but we think it may be as part of the War of 1812 commemoration happening along the east coast this year.  Once we got back off the yard, we wrestled the cheering crowds as we made our way back out of town to Admiral Heights to end our run.  In all, it was a great way to spend a Saturday - catching up with a bud, grabbing a few miles and cheering on amazing athletes.

The rest of the day was also super cool.  First Jay and I hit Sugar Buns for lunch before the Paca House garden sale (where I spent way too much money on plants for my gardens).  We also caught up with Ryan for burgers on the grill (turkey burgers that is) and an evening showing of the Avengers (great movie, go see it).  I can't ask for a better Saturday.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  9.08
Time:   1:27:08 (average pace of 9:35 per mile)
Location:  all over Annapolis
Feeling:  All the muscles were comfortable

Reasons to love Annapolis...

There are so many reasons why Annapolis is, to me, one of the absolute greatest places on the planet...and I get to live here. Today reminded me of just a few of the most important. First and foremost, Annapolis has amazing people, like my great running buddy Brie. She keeps me laughing and motivated over the long runs and can always be counted on to run head first into a challenge. Also, I love the bay - sailing, beach, outdoors, sparkling water, serenity, amazing views - those are all things I associate with the bay. Further, big town amenites but super small town feel - you escape into amazing pockets of solitude but still be close enough to catch an afternoon college football game at a BCS school (shoot me a message if you don't know what that is...we've got some educating to do and I don't want to embarass you publicly).

Today, I got all three of the aforementioned reasons to love Annapolis. The day started with a fantastic run through Greenbury Point and Naval Station Annapolis with Brie. It was a pretty easy run...okay, let me rephrase...it was a comfortable run, though we were cruising a bit. We did take the time to bask in some of the amazing views from the Naval Station, including across Mill Creek and the Severn to the Chesapeake Bay bridge and the sailboats docked at the Mill Creek marina on base. We also took a moment to look across the Severn into downtown Annapolis. In fact, it was here that even a 30+ year resident of Annapolis can still say "I really love this town." We finished up through the Naval Station proper where we passed a number of groups of midshipmen getting in their Saturday PT. We ended our run by checking out the new collection of Vineyard Vines clothing at the exchange...I've got my eye on that navy blue with white starfish wrap skirt.

The afternoon continued the streak of all things amazing about Annapolis, with the spring Blue-Gold football scrimmage at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. I'll tell you, we've got a decent quarterback coming up, but the defense still leaves a little to be desired. Hopefully come the fall season, the boys will have figured out how to stop the other team from scoring. Anyway, it was a great day all in all, including the peanut butter froyo at Menchie's and dinner at Mexican Cafe. Couldn't ask for anything more! Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 10.79
Time: 1:35:58 (average pace of 8:53 per mile)
Location: Greenbury Point at Naval Station Annapolis
Feeling: Loved it - great weather, great company, great feeling legs

Into the mist....

It's been a really foggy week in Annapolis. I mean SUPER foggy. Every day. When I wake up and look out my back window, I can barely see the edge of my bedroom balcony. Today was more of the same, except I was running in it. I headed out the door around 6:30 this morning to get in a quick run before the real start to the day My musical backdrop was the fog horn sounding with regularlity out on the bay warning errant ships of the shallows. It was a nice solitary run. I could only see about 15 feet in front of me.

All that said, the fog does provide some advantages. It closes you in and provides a bubble to think. It challenges to remember the terrain so you don't trip. And it keeps you cool on a 60 degree morning. Yes, I was soaking wet when I returned home, and I know only a portion of it was sweat. The rest was certainly a little bit of the moisture I soaked up from the air. The run felt really good though. I fact, I didn't really want to stop running, so I tacked on one more mile than I planned when I set out.

I have to say, the rest of the day was absolutely gorgeous. I got a bit of sun on my arms walking through Annapolis, so you won't have to hear about my pasty whiteness for a little. Perhaps tomorrow will be more of the same, though I suspect we are actually in for a random thundershower. Well, good muddy luck to all my friends running Hat then. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 4.76
Time: 42:08 (average pace of 8:51 per mile...nice and easy)
Location: Broadneck Peninsula
Feeling: restful

A day of joy and dark corners....

I am so grateful for many things in life Grateful for my family, grateful for my friends, grateful to live in financial security and grateful for my health. I am grateful that God has given us days to rest and days that try our limits. I have both of these to talk about today.

First the run...how is it possible to run for a little more than 9 miles and have it feel like you've been sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee? Run it with Brie. She is a kindred spirit and a phenomenal sounding board. She lives with passion and keeps you going. I don't get to spend enough time with her. We met up at her house at 7:30am (which is quite a feat on spring forward day) and headed out toward Navy-Marine Corps Stadium...which is my mothership during the fall months. Our run took us downtown, where the town was just waking up to another beautiful sun over the Bay and Severn River, and on through the Naval Academy. If you ever come to Annapolis and love to run, make sure you catch a few miles out at the Academy (though be ware the long wood bridge across the boat basin...if you are like me, it will freak you out every time though it is incredibly sturdy). It's breathtaking and calm running along the sea wall. Coming out of the Academy, we had a little left, so we tackled an over and back on the Naval Academy Bridge. If you read any of my blog last summer, you know I loathe the bridge. Luckily we only hit the head wind on the back side of the return. I'll tell you though, the toughest part of this run was the hill right near Brie's house. That thing doesn't look big, but can be a real kicker at the end of 9 miles.

Now for the dark corners...a local family needs our prayers. When I joined Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. I met an amazing family of women. During my first year, the son of one of these women fell ill with an extremely rare form of brain cancer. This little boy has been a real fighter over the years, overcoming extraordinary odds. Today he continues to battle, but may not win this time. If you have room in your heart to lift up a little boy and his family during this time, please ask that peace comes to them during this difficult time.

It is difficult to imagine the strength it takes to face such a difficult and unknown future. It is even more difficult to imagine as a child. I didn't know little Joey beyond his mother, but I have been amazed at his strength and the strength of his family. Joey, whatever the coming days bring you, happy trails.

Stats-
Miles: 9.28
Time: 1:25:00 (average pace of 9:09 per mile)
Location: Admiral Heights, Downtown Annapolis, US Naval Academy
Feeling: Better than I could have imagined

Ahhh, the bay...

I'm blessed to have many great friends, some of whom inspire me to run. This morning I took in a longish run with a group of women training for the Zooma half marathon, led by my great friend Lara. Lara is the woman who conned me into trying my hand at the 50k distance a few years ago. She's also a woman who can keep you entertained over many miles of quiet, boring, busy, or exciting roads. Today she led our group of ladies through the Bay Ridge community of Annapolis. If you know Annapolis, you know this neighborhood probably has the best views of the bay in the area. At any of a great number of houses, one could imagine taking in the morning coffee on the front porch watching the sun rise over the bay. This morning, the day was so clear that the sun was virtually sparkling on the glass surface of the bay. The stretches of bay were so inspiring that you could almost forget the strong wind coming down from the Severn. The beaches were so clean you wanted to sink your toes into the sand. Amazing!

Instead of getting to take in my coffee overlooking the water, or sticking my toes into the sand, I pushed out 7 miles through the rolling hills of Annapolis Cove, Bay Ridge and Anchorage. I changed shoes back into the old ones today to check on whether the shoes were creating the bakc issues - quite likely. It was a great run and I met some great new ladies. They even helped me regulate my speed a bit which I am not very capable of on my own....I'm a bit of a speed demon. I hope that I will be invited to run with this group again and I wish them all luck as they prepare for Zooma this year (I'm not fond of this race, so I'm more likely found at a water stop handing out liquid life). Thanks again to Lara, Gloria and my new friend Natalie (who hung out for the last 4 miles or so). Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 7.2
Time: 1:08:02 (average pace of 9:26 per mile)
Location: PAL Park down through Bay Ridge and back
Feeling: Very strong.

Running didn't help the Ravens...

I'm putting another week to bed with yet another treadmill run. I'm fairly certain I've never put in this many miles on a treadmill in a week, let alone a year. Here's to hoping this next week provides me with the opportunities to meet my goals outside.

Now for the run...while I hit my goals this week of exceeding 20 miles (it was actually closer to 23 - coming closer to making up for the missed miles the week before) the Ravens (playing at the same time I was running) did not meet their goal of reaching the super bowl. Better luck next time Ravens! In the meantime, I'm right on target to hit 80 miles in January, setting me up for 1000 miles in 2012 :)

Stats -
Miles: 4.5 (plus 1 mile walking in cool down)
Time: 37:35 (average pace 8:21 per mile)
Location: 24 Hour Fitness Annapolis, smack in the middle of the treadmills
Feeling: I wish I was outside...when will it be light until 9pm again?

The Vote of Women Does Matter....

(This article appears in the September newsletter for the Junior League of Annapolis)

WOMEN BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES: Afghan Women Remind Us Why Voting is Important
By Stacie Oliver

In the coming months, Annapolitans will go to the polls to elect a new mayor. The primary will be held September 15th and the general election will occur November 3rd. Many of you may not be planning to vote for a number of reasons – “I just don’t have the time,” “I don’t know any of the candidates,” “who really cares,” or “my vote doesn’t matter anyway.” You couldn’t be more wrong – one way women contribute to building better communities is by participating in the selection of leadership. I was reminded of just how important the women’s vote is last month in Afghanistan.

I recently served as an International Election Observer in Herat, Afghanistan during the presidential and provincial council elections on August 20, 2009. It was an honor and privilege to observe the enthusiasm shown by women as they went to the polls to exercise the hard-fought right to select their local and national leadership for only the second time in their history. Women defied the threats of the Taliban and other dangerous warlords to make their voice heard. They lined up at the polls as early as 4:30 a.m. to ensure they had the time to cast their ballot before being restricted to their homes for family duties the remainder of the day.

Why did these women come out to vote? I asked many that question and was impressed by their reasons – “I want to have a say in who runs my country,” “it is my obligation to participate if I want democracy to flourish,” “I want to set an example for my daughter that women should not be intimidated,” and “I am excited to be part of my country’s history.” Yes, some of the women said they were afraid that the polling centers may be bombed but they also said that they needed to not let those that view women as possessions win and keep them home. Nor did they want to forget that democracy came with rights and obligations for participation.

Hopefully we can be inspired by the courage and conviction of the women of Afghanistan in the coming election season and beyond – I know I have been. Each vote cast truly does make a difference in more ways than the final vote count.