Chugga Chugga Choo Choo...

The Steamtown Marathon...a race I've been planning for more than a year now, first discovered when I made it my mission to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  Ahh, the hours spent strategizing, planning, training.  And now it's in the books for this year.

Steamtown (so named because it takes place in Scranton, PA...the center of the U.S. for steam locamotives) is a fast, downhill, point-to-point course.  Don't mistake that to mean it is easy - far from it.  It's one of the toughest marathons I've completed.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Before April 2013, I never had any designs on qualifying for Boston.  Not even a consideration.  Then the unthinkable happened.  I finished a half marathon that positioned me as fast enough to qualify for the big show.  Holy.  It changed my outlook and my running goals.  I was looking forward to a fall marathon that year that would cement my space on race day in 2014.  But, a month later I found out I was pregnant and it shelved the previously unreachable goal.

So, I spent the next two years dreaming, thinking, working.  Trying to rebuild the strength and speed I had before Baby K came.  And, earlier this year, I click the magical "register" button for the Steamtown Marathon - known for a field that qualifies 20% of its finishers annually.  I knew early on that this was not going to be the year I qualified on Steamtown, so I simply set my sights on running the course to become familiar with it and understand how to plan my training for the 2016 race.

First off, Scranton was beautiful.  Tucked up in the Poconos, with wildly changing leaves bursting with fall color, the scenery was just what my soul needed.  It relaxed me.  It allowed me to channel strength and happiness into thinking about the race.

On race morning, the temperatures were 10 degrees cooler than the forecast showed.  Brrr.  But I didn't change my clothing plans.  I wouldn't have to go outside until just before the start of the race.

Boarding the buses to the start line at 5:30 am, I sat back and listened to the runners chatting around me for the 45 minute drive up to the start line in Forest City.  I never really listened to the runners around me before.  Probably because I usually get my own ride to the start of the course.  It was 45 minutes of listening to the running credentials of the fifteen people closest to me on the bus.  It's actually pretty annoying.  Please slap me if I do that....I'm not certain these runners were aware of the conversations they found themselves in.

When we arrived at the start, we were greeted by the Forest City high school cheerleaders, handed "good luck runner" ribbons and ushered through the halls to the warm gym to wait for the start.  Walking through the halls, I was emotionally touched by the energy the school put into making us feel welcome on race day.  The bulletin boards were decorated for us, signs were made and posted, the gym hung with banners - all wishing us good luck on our run.

In the gym, I stretched out, attended to my pre-race Port-o-John needs, and managed to find a few other Annapolis Striders among the anxious runners.  Then the time came to head to the start.

The energy at the starting line was phenomenal.  Every runner around me seemed to be walking on air, ready for the starting cannon to boom and send us on our journey back to downtown Scranton.  It was exhilirating.

The boom finally came and we were off.  While my plan was to use the race to become familiar with the course, I still set my sights on a new marathon PR, finishing between 4:00:00 and 4:15:00.  Heading into the first mile, my legs felt ready to take on the world.  Everything clicked into place and I just fell into an unbreakable rhythm.

For mile after mile, my body seemed to float on air.  I took inspiration from the crisp fall air, the masterpiece of vivid colors rushing through the trees, and the endless crowd support lining the course.

I've run races with good crowd support.  This race had AMAZING crowd support.  Every town seemed to come out en mass to support the runners, provide aid, wave their motivating signs and high five you through the streets.  I've never seen anything quite like it.

The course itself was relatively straight forward - down a hill, down another hill, down yet another hill, maybe catch a brief respite at a short up hill, then down another hill and still yet another.  Normally, most of the runners I know relish a good down hill during a race.  I do too, but mostly as a function of making the course interesting and giving my hamstrings a break.  The constant down hill was brutal on the quads.  I knew this coming in and tried to train better for down hill running, but I still wept silent tears of joy when I saw those occasional uphills to give my quads a break.  Who ever thought a runner could miss an uphill so much?

On a marathon course, knowing I would be out there for more than four hours, I normally like to feed my body four or more times with gu or gummies for an infusion of energy.  Because I chose to keep my race day gear minimal, I only had room for two gus/gummies.  I had to ration carefully (and pray that I would find more on the course).  Ultimately, I ate at about miles eight and seventeen and passed up the bananas, oranges and other items provided by the crowds on the course.  But it turned out to work for me.

Have I mentioned yet that I was rocking out an amazing pace?  Not Boston qualifying, but very satisfying. ranging from 8:09 to 9:43.  While I knew I wasn't going to hit the magical 3:45:00, by the middle of the course I knew I could hit the lower end of my race goal.  Like I said, it was all just working.

I believe I also drew inspiration from the soundtrack that randomly played into my ears.  It can't just be coincidence that I heard three different versions of "Defying Gravity" -

I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap!

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down! 

Not to mention "I've Got Nerve," "Dancing Through Life," "The Warrior," "I'll Stand By You," "True Colors," "Firework," "We Run," "Good Life," "Come on Get Higher," "Don't Stop Believin'," and finally in the home stretch, Taylor Swift's "Changes" - 

Tonight we'll stand, get off our knees
Fight for what we’ve worked for all these years
And the battle was long, it’s the fight of our lives
But we’ll stand up champions tonight

It was the night things changed
Can you see it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back fell down
This revolution, throw your hands up
'Cause we never gave in
And we'll sing hallelujah, we sang hallelujah
Hallelujah

 

I believe God chose these songs to breathe new life into my tired legs.  He spoke to me about holding onto my dreams, doing this for myself, looking deep inside and seeing what I was made of.  It was about me out there.

So I crossed that finish line...with a big smile, more determination than I started with and crushing my marathon PR.  I finished in 4:00:20...can you believe it?  I can't express with words how it feels to go beyond what you believed you are capable of at any given moment.

Now that I've got the medal, it's time to turn towards the 2016 race and start setting out my training plan.  This racing year is far from finished (I still have one more marathon yet and sundry shorter races), but all along the course I paid attention to how my body felt, what worked, what needed tweaked, where I could make improvements.  Here's my current thinking - lose about 15 pounds and streamline my body (doable), more strength training (doable), more speed workouts (doable) and more down hill practice (doable).

I find no reason to believe that I'll be able to hit my goals next year at Steamtown and land myself a spot at the 2017 starting line in Boston.  Happy trails!!!

2015 miles to date:  1026.8 (I've crossed the magic threshold of 1000 miles so far!  Only 220 left before 2016 rings in.)

Observations:  My training is paying off.  Working hard, keeping at it and choosing discipline over a day off really does get it done.  Not even stiff the day after the marathon.  Now I just need to keep focused as I finish my race season, get rested for next year and hit it harder than ever.

 

Making changes...

We all have disappointing runs or training sessions from time to time.  Your head hurts, your body hurts, your mind is distracted, you've got too many other things to do - regardless of why, those workouts just leaving me feeling down and wanting something better afterward.

What I always hope doesn't happen is a body or mind crash during a race.  Unfortunately, I had just such an experience this past weekend at the Disney Princess Half Marathon. 

I've lined up at that start line four other times. I know the twists, the turns, the ups & downs.  I even know the speed bumps.  I keep coming back because it's predictable, I enjoy the atmosphere and I am always seeded well enough to end up in a starting corral that gives me space to run my race (as opposed to getting bottled up with the 24,000 other runners).

Coming out of the race, you would think I was happy with my performance.  I finished in the top 6% overall and the top 7% in my age group.  But I went into the race with a submission time that placed me in the top 1% of the race field....and, in all but a few races, I tend to compete against myself and the clock rather than the race field. 

So this weekend I was chasing 1 hour, 48 minutes.  That was my verified submission time for a half marathon finish in the past couple years.

In my heart of hearts, I know that my fitness still isn't back to that level, but 1 hour 55 minutes should have been achievable.

I felt good moseying up to the start (at 5:00am) in corral A (right behind the elites....which always gives me an extra boost of speed).  I didn't really do anything different in my race prep.  I didn't wear new shoes or a new piece of running gear.  I was hydrated.  My back felt good.  Everything pointed toward a good race.

At the start, I was pulling 8:30 miles, which would have landed me below my race goal of 1:55.  I was in to watching the costumes, enjoying the cooler air.  Then, almost like smacking into a wall or trudging through a bog, at mile 5 the wind went out of my sails.

I felt like there was nothing I could do to make myself move any faster, and my time began to degrade pretty dramatically.  I refueled.  I gazed at Cinderella's castle.  I smiled up at Anna and Elsa trying to gain some new momentum.  Nothing.  THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO TO MAKE MY LEGS TURN OVER FASTER.  That is as frustrating as it gets.

So now I'm looking at that 2:03 finish and trying to figure out what I need to do to get back down to that 1:55 (or even better, break that 1:48).

I've recently increased my strength and flexibility training, returning to yoga and pilates twice a week.  But I know that my frame is still caring 20 extra baby pounds and I've got to get my diet under control.  Which means, next step is cleaning out the kitchen and convincing my family to hold me accountable.

A Stacie who meets her goals is a happy Stacie.  Here's to the sweat and tears and all the hard work it will take to regain that fitness level.  Happy trails!!!


2015 Miles to Date: 137.14

Observations:  While it would be easy to let a bad performance go to my head, I can control the impact said performance has on my morale and I refuse to let it get in my way.  Just another hurdle to overcome....

Strength in numbers....

I'm pretty much a solo runner.  I like to tie on my running shoes, adjust my visor, make sure I've got satellite reception on my Garmin, turn on the ipod and go.  A mile in, I'm in that comfortable bubble where my legs are working in rhythm with my arms and my mind.  I'm not worrying about sticking to a certain route or keeping the group together.

Since May'ish, though, I've learned about life of the other side of the running coin - the strength you can find and grow when you run in numbers.  My recent return in endurance has as much to do with the ladies I'm running with as is does with the actual miles I'm putting on my shoes. 

The comaraderie and the endless interesting conversations make the miles melt away.  Where else can you discuss running commando or the virtues of running with panties, share the challenges of recent health problems, complain about husbands who create more mess than they clean up or get a great recommendation for a painting service?  We have been sharing our joys and our struggles, but most importantly ourselves.  I really love that.  So I raise a glass to those ladies - Ann, Leah, Brie, AliceAnne, Susan, Kathy and Kelly.  I look forward to every run we have together and miss you all when I'm running alone.  You're my rock and my inspiration.

Now on to my personal scolding.  Last night I was reminded that I really enjoy blogging - what I get out of it as a runner - and lament that it has been so long since my last entry.  This hiatus will cause me to forget some of the small, but funny moments of the past couple months.  How I enjoy going back and remembering quirky parts of a course.  So today I'm dedicating this post to Susan for reminding me just how much I enjoy this blog by letting me talk about it during last night's run.  Cheers Susan!

As I continue on my journey this fall (boy have I overextending myself on the race calendar), I hope to be more regular about writing and continue to cement the friendships I've made on the pavement.  Happy trails!!!

**NOTE - Since it's been a while, rather than inserting stats for a specific run, I'm just going to play catch up on totals today.

Stats -

Total miles:  I'm at just under 400 miles for the year so far...not where I need to be, but it's growing.  I also think my tracker is missing some runs and need to comb back through it.
Feeling:   TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!

Onward ho...

All good things must come to an end.  The last bit of an ice cream cone.  The last page of a great book.  The final chord of a favorite hymn.  The final steps across the finish line of an amazing race.  And yes, even maternity leave.

This past week has been a celebration of my time at home with Baby K.  We’ve spent more time physically active together.  We had two great power walks this week.  Wednesday was the usual trip to the library.  The day was bright and sunny.  I actually had to take off my track jacket halfway through because (a) it was warm and (b) I was working hard enough to generate a good lather. 

On Friday, Baby K and I had Striders business over at Quiet Waters (mark your calendars for the Anniversary Run 15K on December 14).  While we were there, and since it was an amazing day, we decided to get in our power walk there.  The trail that rings the park was surprisingly bustling with walkers, joggers and strollers for mid-day during the work week.

I’m not much of a walker, but one of the interesting things I’ve learned while power walking these past several weeks with Baby K is that walking can be a great glute workout – especially when you focus on your foot strike, speed and stead movement.  I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve finished and felt like I’d done a workout especially focused on that particularly troublesome muscle for women.  While I’m happy to be moving back into full-time running (not as a function of time or fitness, but because I’ll be going back to my lunch time runs at work), I’ve learned a bit about the benefits of walking.

In addition to the two power walks, I also logged three runs.  Wednesday and Thursday I took on my usual 4 mile route out College Parkway to Log Inn Road and back.  You can tell spring sports season is upon us because I had to play chicken with a number of soccer mom vehicles all rushing to get their kids to practice at Bay Head Park.  Car dodging aside, finding the rhythm that works for my feet, my heart and my head has been invigorating.  You don’t realize how much something is part of you are forced into a bit of a vacation.  This particular route is familiar enough to help me regain that rhythm.

Saturday found me back on the streets of DTA (that’s downtown Annapolis for you non-Annapolitans) with my bestest of best running buddies, Brie.  I was so happy to be hitting the pavement with her.  It’s been months…at least since October.  It’s funny, at the end of 2012 and into 2013 I was getting faster and she was slowing down as she advanced in her pregnancy.  Then this past year she was getting faster as I was slowing down as I advanced in pregnancy.  For the next future period of time, I think we’re both moving forward and eventually I will regain my speed so I don’t slow her down anymore.

Sun and warm spring temperatures propelled us through DTA, across the Naval Academy and back through her neighborhood to browse the yard sales as we made our way back to her house.  It was slow, but improving.  Give me another month and I bet I can bring my average pace down to 9-10 minutes per mile. 

As for the weight loss challenge – week one saw me with an overall body percentage loss of nearly 2%.  I’m not going to lie, ensuring I put down 100 ounces of water a day was tough but the daily booty blast workout was tougher.  Oh yeah, and then I learned that I was doing more than necessary…in fact double on those exercises that should have been alternating legs not the rep number per leg.  Who knows, maybe as a result my booty will be that much more irresistible come bikini season.

So as I return to a more normal routine, back to work, back to normal, I will look back on maternity leave fondly for what it taught me and the time it gave me to be with Baby K but I will look forward to really getting that rhythm back – or maybe even a better rhythm.  Happy trails!!!  

Stats – (There’s a week worth of backlog here, so bear with me)

Miles:  4.01 (Wed), 4.1 (Wed power walk); 4.25 (Thurs); 4.22 (Fri power walk); 7.15 (Sat)

Times:  42:12 (10:31); 1:03:47 (15:33); 45:40 (10:44); 1:10:00 (16:35); 1:19:30 (11:07)

Location:  Broadneck Peninsula and Quiet Waters Park

Feeling:  everything works, despite the exhausted glutes from the booty blast workouts
 

So ready...

...for the end of this pregnancy.  My due date is Monday (Jan 27), but here I am, two days before, still pounding out a few miles for endurance and sanity.  I can honestly say, it's getting rough to wog these days, but soon I will be back to the streets (well probably not as soon as my mind believes if the doctors have much to say about it...a woman can dream).

In the meantime, I'm happy to still be standing and moving.  I've discovered that many people believe pregnant ladies are all on the couch with their feet kicked up at 40 weeks (I think that's actually what you are supposed to do).  Have you seen anyone try to keep me down before?  Yeah, the answer is no because the folks who even considered it had second thoughts about butting heads with this bull-headed Taurus.

Here's to hoping the next post comes post-baby and I don't really hit 41 weeks and still running.  Happy trails!!!

Stats:
Miles:  3.5 last Saturday, 3.1 today
Time:
Location: Greater Annapolis Y
Feeling:  large and slow

It's Groundhog Day...

I have a feeling that, over the next couple weeks, my workouts will be nothing more than "same old, same old."  Deja vu.  Groundhog Day. 

While it's certainly not an inspiring tale of superwoman trains for her latest marathon at 38 weeks pregnant, I am catching up on the "Mortal Instruments" series between reps and miles.  If you haven't read the series, its about shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves and warlocks.  Not usually workout material, but I've got to tell you, I'm becoming jealous of the speed and strength of these characters...particularly when you happen to have a little angel blood flowing through your mortal veins.

Anyway, I digress.  I'm still sweating and exercising my body, even if it is low miles, low weight and little variety.  I figure, if I can keep it up until D-day, I may be quicker to return to pavement pounding of old.  Give me another monthish, and I will be on the trail toward a return to the start line.

The gym workouts aren't nearly as meditative or cleansing as my favored 4-10 miles runs but I do still get a bit of a thrill out of the surprise people show when they find out I am still keeping at it this late in the game.  That's something to make Groundhog Day worth the effort.  Happy trails!!!

Stats:
Miles:  2.5 on Thursday, 3 on Saturday
Time:
Location:  Greater Annapolis Y
Feeling:  the first mile is tough, but I'm feeling decent by the end

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


 

May the New Year bring...

...joy, challenge, good running and great memories!

While 2013 was a pretty great year, it ended much differently than it began.  I began the year focused on improving my running, reaching new fitness heights and spending quality time with my family.  I did all those simultaneously for a while, and then God stepped in a decided we were going to have a baby, which slowed things down a bit. 

January through May were banner months for my running.  I got faster, stronger and more courageous.  I ran PRs in the half marathon, 10K, 10 miler and the 1 mile.  I conquered a 50k course that had previously plagued me,  I served as a pacer in a half marathon for the first time.  I finished the Annapolis Striders year "Iron Man," completing all their champ series races for the year.  I trained with some new partners throughout the year.  I directed the Striders Anniversary Run for the fifth year, this time alongside one of my best friends Brie.  I continued racing, and completed a metric marathon 6 months pregnant.  I achieved a lot of what I set out to achieve, but still fell short on the higher goals I set for myself.  Let's recap my running/fitness goals for 2013:

• I will run 1245 miles in 2013...this is 200 more than 2012, and I believe well within my reach. - Baby had a different idea with this goal.  While I continued running throughout the year, I slowed down significantly as my lungs lost real estate and my weight skyrocketed the second half of the year.  I did still hit 1000, which isn't too bad for an overbusy pregnant woman with a family.
• 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 blew out both my half marathon and ten miler goals.  I didn't get in a marathon or five miler before my running started to change due to the pregnancy, so I'll have to roll those goals over.
• 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. - This one was pie in the sky.  While I watched my strength training, tracking to this level of detail wasn't really in my dna.  Perhaps this year I can add some metrics using the FitLinxx system at the Y, but I won't be adding a goal like this again.
• I will try to unload one of my other properties in 2013. - Check! 
• I will become a RRCA certified running coach in 2013. - Check!
• As a family, we will seek out and try one new family-friendly activity for the diva in our area each month in 2013. - Check!  And lots of fun...I think as a family we got to add many new great memories to the books.
• As a family, we will learn about and incorporate at least one Chinese tradition into our family traditions in 2013. - Check!  We celebrated the Diva's 4th birthday in Chinese New Year style and hopefully got to share her heritage with some of her friends in the process.

It's always fun and interesting to look back and realize you accomplished more and less than you set out to accomplish, but looking forward can be so much more fun and infinitely more interesting (setting new goals and investing in reaching them).  So let's get started:

• I will run 1245 miles in 2014.  Yep, resetting the clock on this one.  While my due date is late January, meaning I won't start laying down serious miles until late February, I still believe I can hit this one this year.
• I will reach new time goals for myself - 5:55:00 50k, hit a Boston qualifying time in the marathon(3:40:00), 1:45:00 half marathon, 1:20:00 ten miler, 37:30 five miler.
• I will more regularly blog about my running this year.  Got a bit sidelined last year, and realized the blogging helps me, personally, in keeping track of where I am and how I'm doing.
• I will unload my other spare house in 2014.
• As a family, we will continue to seek out at least one new family-friendly activitiy per month.  (Ought to be interesting with an infant.)
• We will continue to learn about Chinese tradition and incorporate one into our family traditions in 2014.
• We will get to know and enjoy having Baby K in the family beginning late January.

So let's get going...I'm out the door to start the year off with the annual resolution run at City Dock!

Running for the hat of it...

I've been chasing this race for four long years.  Yes, the first (and only other) time I ran this race was back in 2009.  I'm reminded of the post I wrote at the beginning of that year, excited to try a new adventure and vowing it would be a one shot deal.  Ha! 

That first adventure didn't end well for me.  The HAT course has a lot of tough hills (at least in my mind) and I left the course after 18 miles in a lot of pain (hamstrings felt like they were tearing), but not so much pain that I followed through on my plan to never run anything like this again.  While I struggled with injury off and on, I've never quite slowed down.  In fact, I just keep coming back for more.

Start of the HAT Run

So, why did it take me four years to hit the HAT run course again?  Well, even though I've run 50ks and marathons in the interim, I was never quite healthy enough or home long enough at the beginning of the year to tackle this one again.  Until this year.  At first I was super sad that the race went to a lottery system for entry.  I was certain it wouldn't be my year....but low and behold I got it! 

Then it was a sprained ankle that I was determined not to sideline my efforts to cross the finish line.  And then it was a very late night at work the night before the race.  But with only 3.5 hours of sleep, I dragged myself to that chilly start line (where I ran into Ron Bowman...who helped me achieve my first 50k finish back in 2009...THANKS RON!).

If you've run HAT before, you know that it starts with a pretty easy 3.6 mile loop before heading out to the main show.  You almost have to have that loop to spread runners out, because the vast majority of the race once you head into the woods is all single track trail.  Not a lot of run to pass people. 

This is a pretty course.  All ups and downs, windy trails that plummet down to the Susquehanna River.  Multiple stream crossings.  Wide open fields with views out to the foot hills of the mountains.  Stone walls.  Oh yeah, and mud.

You also never quite know what you are going to find out on the trail...you may run into that pack of horseback riders out enjoying the semi-dry trails.  You may find your foot connecting with many roots and rocks if you're not careful.  But by and large, the dangers and the joys of the trails should be under foot or in front of you (in the case of the logs you may need to maneuver over). 

You shouldn't have to look up, though, right?  Not usually in my experience at any rate.  Wrong.  After another stream crossing, at mile 19ish, I was heading back up a hill when I started to hear a crack.  By instinct I jumped back about a foot, which is good because that is when a tree limb came down about 3 feet in front of me.  That would have hurt if it had hit my head.  And can you believe it wasn't the only falling tree limb I had to deal with?  I guess mother nature is keeping me on my toes.

Through it all...all 31 miles...I had the best support system you could imagine.  With each aid station I came into and multiple early passes in the beginning, I could always count on my husband and the diva being there to cheer me on.  There's something horribly motivating about your four-year old yelling "run faster mommy" to keep you moving.

If that's not enough, I really do need to thank the two women I ran the final five miles with.  I know your names are Deborah and Diana, I know little else about you, but I appreciate the conversation, the compliments and the company.  Thank you, also Diana, for paying me the greatest compliment I could recieve when telling me I'm setting a good example for my daughter.  And to Deborah for recognizing I have the best cheering section you could ask for.  And then there are the HAT run french fries...lord do I love french fries.

As I neared the finish line (which moved slightly since the last time I was at this race), the race director told me "You can stop running now" and I recall telling him "Oh thank God."  It was a great race, and I was thrilled to accept my new hat for finishing the HAT run.  Will I do this one again?   Maybe, but I can think about that later.  Now I need to worry about putting on a dress and wearing heels to a wedding celebration tonight :)  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  31
Time:   7:06:40 (average pace of 13:45 per mile)
Feeling:  my ankle is in a lot of pain, but that is outweighed by my happiness at conquering this course.

Beating the heat and olympic spirit...

I've said it before...it's not fun to run outside in the heat and humidity.  When my husband got home from work tonight and I changed to get a run in he asked "how far are you going?" I said "not far, just 4-5 miles tonight."  He said, concerned, "you know its hot and humid out there...not really great for a run."  I said "don't worry, I'm heading to the gym to run on the treadmill." 

So maybe there is more than one reason I've willingly taken to the treadmill when I loathe the machine so much.  Yes, it's hot, but more importantly, they have the Olympics on about half the tvs in the cardio room, so I can indulge in keeping up with all the events while logging the miles.  Not sure I'll be quite as motivated for a treadmill run after the flame is extinguished...but I guess I'll take it while I can.

Tonight was a good run.  I hit a nice rhythm and kept on trucking while Access Hollywood recapped a number of the days events...and the lighter side of the Olympics...and then caught a bit of a handball game.  I admit, I know nothing about handball, but it kept my eyes occupied during my post-run mile rowing.

In all, I've got basketball, swimming, boxing, volleyball and a few other events while logging miles.  Not a bad way to while away the time if the scenery isn't changing over the course of 4-5 miles, right?  I'll take and look forward to the fall weather as I stare down four more days of running this week - two of which will be outside in the humidity.  Happy trails!!!


Stats -
Miles:  4.51
Time:   37:02 (average pace of 8:12 per mile)
Location:  Naval Support Activity Annapolis Fitness Center
Feeling:  Nice rhythm for a treadmill run, hamstrings started tightening a little at the end

Outdoors enjoyment....

While the weekend didn't come off exactly the way I would have liked, physical fitness speaking at any rate, this weekend was definitely not about being a counch potato. A) We had fantastic weather and B) we just had to be outside in it.

Saturday started with a great three-mile walk with the dogs. If you know my dogs, you know Jimmy Dean refuses to be the last dog ob the porch though his legs are only an inch long, and he's overweight. I'm surprised that his heart didn't burst fronm overexertion, but he would not walk at a slow pace. Duncan, on the other hand just enjoyed being out and about at whatever pace...though we did discover horses aren't really his thing. So, we made it home, mostly in one peace though slightly traumatized (there was a dead snake in the road, and I don't care if they are alive or dead, they cause me panic), and got ready for our afternoon out to see Wicked at the Kennedy Center.

The evening exercise just couldn't be helped. We had evening reservations at Chart House to celebrate my birthday (yes a few months late) but we were early and decided to walk around Market Square and City Dock before dirving over to Eastport. After trying on all the hats at Hats in the Belfry (that's exercise isn't it?) the weather was too good not to walk to Eastport, regardless of whether stilettos make great walking shoes. The roundtrip to where the car was parked added about another three miles to the day's tally.


Sunday just begged for sailing. We hustled up a few crew (read Elizabeth, David and Emma) and rented a Rainbow out at NSA Annapolis. We spent a few great hours cruising the Severn and the bay, zigging and zagging with the other sailors looking to take advantage of the fantastic winds. Jay got some very unique exercise while we were out. Emma wanted to swim - DESPERATELY - but we weren't about to let her jump out with the boat traffic, so Jay grabbed hold of the straps on the back of her lifevest and held her over the edge. She looked a bit like a dolphin skimming the surface of the water. Rather amusing if you ask me. Good thing he didn't drop her. While we definitely didn't add to the cardio tally, we did get that upper body workout. All's well that ends well, and we managed to fish an American flag out of the river while we were at it.

All in all, a weekend well spent. Onward ho....

Turning over a new leaf...

Well friends, it has been more than one year since my last ramble on this blog. It's not a result of laziness, nor is it a result of lack of interest. I haven't felt inspired. So, I'm turning over a new leaf. While I'm certain to interject a political rant, rave about the glory of being a marine spouse or insert an advertisement to support this or that cause from time to time, the rest of this year will be devoted to journaling about my fitness progress.

That's right, you will be privvy to my workout log (or blog as it were). Between now and December 31, I hope to regain my ability to lay down 50k on trails. Since my sacroiliac joint injury about a year ago I have been unable to race any further than 16 miles. This has been a point of massive frustration and during the Northface Endurance Challenge in early June (where I have previously run in the 50k distance) I have been feeling the need to challenge my body physically once again.

So here I go. I'm starting from the beginning and will rebuild my mileage from scratch. You can cheer, you can jeer, or you can just grimace. You may even choose to join me in a run or two. I appreciate your support and look forward to meeting you on the trails.

Water is life...

Happy New Year! I'm sure that all my friends and family have set goals for 2010 - perhaps to lose weight, get in touch with old friends, do more to ensure a healthy body, finally clean out the attic, or any number of a million other goals people set for the new year. I also set goals. This year my goals include getting back down to my size and fitness level from 2005, recycling more, and doing my part to improve one of the greatest challenges to global health and economic prosperity - ensure clean drinking water. Will you help me?

Unsafe drinking water is the world’s leading cause of sickness and death, places a barrier between women and girls to accessing basic education and also keeps families in poverty. Yet it is a simple problem for us to solve. Around the world, but primarily in Africa, I have witnessed what happens in communities that are water deprived and seen the great joy and growth in responsibilities in communities that have received the ability and management tools to access a lifetime supply of clean water through the generosity of organizations and countries from all different walks of life.

Few know that just $30 provides one person with a lifetime of safe drinking water...that's just two large pizzas from Dominos, or six lattes from Starbucks or means that you buy one sweater from Target instead of Macy's or Ann Taylor. For my part, I am running in 2010 with "Team Blue" to raise $3000 for water projects supported by the Blue Planet Run Foundation. As part of "Team Blue," I have dedicated a significant amount of time and energy towards creating access to safe drinking water for the billion people in need around the world.

Will you help support this worthy cause? If you would like to help me reach my fundraising goal to provide clean drinking water to 100 men, women and children in 2010, lace up your shoes and join "Team Blue" or visit my fundraising page at https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5505/t/3491/my/donate.jsp?supporter_my_donate_page_KEY=1091. Every penny makes a difference.

Want to track my racing this year or join me for one of these runs to raise money for clean water? Below is a VERY tentative schedule of what I have on tap for 2010. I look forward to your support.

Water is life...pass it on!

02/13/2010 - Valentine's Day 5K
03/07/2010 - B&A Trail Half Marathon
03/27/2010 - Run to Register 10K
04/03/2010 - MARSOC Cross Country 10K Mud Run
04/11/2010 - Cherry Pit Ten Miler
06/05/2010 - North Face Endurance Challenge 50K
06/12/2010 - Crossroads 17.75K
06/20/2010 - Dawson's Father's Day 10K
07/10/2010 - Women's Distance Festival 5K
07/17/2010 - John Wall Mile
07/24/2010 - MARSOC Run the Beach 8K
07/31/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #1
08/01/2010 - Dog Days 8K
08/14/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #2
08/28/2010 - Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Series #3
08/29/2010 - Annapolis Ten Mile Run
09/11/2010 - Mantua Potato Stomp
10/03/2010 - Metric Marathon
10/09/2010 - Warrior Dash
10/16/2010 - Beirut Memorial 10K
10/24/2010 - Army Ten Miler
11/06/2010 - Down's Park 5 Mile
11/07/2010 - Battleship North Carolina Half Marathon
11/21/2010 - Cold Turkey 10K