May the New Year bring...

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

Looking back on 2014 I have to admit to many failures.  On January 1, 2014, I was like that kid at the fancy restaurant for breakfast - I wanted the waffles, pancakes and crepes but didn't have the stomach to eat them all. 

I didn't complete the mileage I set out to hit.  I didn't clock many of the PRs I set out to clock.  I wasn't a very good blogger.  And, I still own two houses.  Perhaps, though, my biggest failing was in setting unachievable goals for a woman who was set to have a baby in the first quarter of the year.  Can we say denial about the impacts of having a baby on your body?


What I did achieve, though, was really awesome. 

• I ran five days before the baby was born and than more than 1000 miles after the baby was born.  I even ran on four continents within four days at one point.  Remaining active kept me sane, healthy, strong and happier. 
• I rejoined the racing community 20 days after Kellen was born with the Royal Family 5k at Walt Disney World.  I normally run the Disney Princess Half Marathon during this particular weekend, but did I mention it was only 3 weeks after having a baby?  
• I recorded a new PR in the marathon (and the metric marathon, incidentally).  It wasn't the Boston qualifier I set out for (remember the stack of pancakes?) but it was respectable and gave me the confidence I needed to set lofty goals for 2015.  It felt so great I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing at the finish line.
• I returned to the 50K distance, 9 months after the baby was born.  Not my fastest time, not my slowest time, but with great company and a beautiful day, I was elated to be able to hit this accomplishment.
• I learned the thrills and challenges of family activities with a family of four. 
• I shared my love of running with my daughter and watched the joy grow on her face as she ran kids races this past year.
• And, among my banner achievements for 2014, I grew my tribe of running friends....not just running friends, but also true friends.  There are few things I would have accomplished this past year without this group of women.  Through tough runs or crappy days, sharing joys and pains smoothed the road to be happy, healthy and a better person.  Thank you to Ann, Leah, Alice Ann, Susan, Kelly, Kathy, Brie and Lara.

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 2015.  Yep, resetting the clock on this one.  Third time's a charm right? 
• 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. Trying this one again too.  While it was unrealistic for 2014, I feel much better about my chances of achieving it in 2015.
• I will continue to build my fitness level, including strength, and along the way I'll work my butt back into my pre-pregnancy suits.
• I will more regularly blog about my running this year.  Got a bit sidelined these past two years, and realized the blogging helps me, personally, in keeping track of where I am and how I'm doing.  I also enjoy looking back on the memories and experiences I had along the way.
• I will unload my other spare house in 2015.  For real this time.  Like do more than just get all the way to signing a contract with the realtor.
• As a family, we will continue to seek out at least one new family-friendly activity per month.
• We will continue to learn about Chinese tradition and incorporate one into our family traditions in 2015 - maybe even add more phrases to our limited Chinese vocabulary.

So let's get going...Happy trails!!!

A skunk of a good time...

I've run across a lot of animals during my running career.  Deer, horses, fox, squirrels (oh the squirrels), bunnies, fox and so on.  But never skunk.  In fact, I've never seen a skunk living outside a zoo or animal show.  That is until tonight. 

Tonight I decided to do my interval/circuitish type workout on the golf course cart path at Cole Park Commons on Fort Campbell.  I like the trail.  Early early morning or late evening it's deserted.  Just you and nature and lovely views.  It's a golf course made up of rolling hills...lots of hills. 

Anyway, I was just finishing my first of three circuits (1/4 mile jog, 15 reverse lunges, 1/4 mile jog, 30 crunches, 1/4 mile jog, 15 push-ups, 1/4 jog then repeat two more times for a total of 3 miles, 45 reverse lunges, 90 crunches and 45 push-ups) when I looked off to my right and there he was...or she...I can't tell the difference and I wasn't going to get close enough to take a real look.  That skunk looked at me like I ruined his solitary stroll through the golf course (I could say the same about him or her) then scooted across the cart path and kept on going.  I decided to wait until he was well across the path before continuing...just in case.

So yeah, check that one off the bucket list.

On a training note, I'm feeling pretty strong.  That said, I need to start being more mindful about overdoing it.  I've been pushing myself hard and not worrying about recovery and I think it's catching up with me.  Thursday's run was my seventh day in a row without a rest and my calves were locking up.  I took Friday off before my long run on Saturday and everything seemed to shake back out, but I'm in danger of running down that path again if I don't force myself to take a day off early this week to rest.  Today may look light, but I also did a 55 minute pure barre class this morning...so basically my glutes are screaming and my quads were shaking during those reverse lunges tonight.

Moving to a completely different topic, I went on a bit of a shopping spree recently to spruce up my tired running wardrobe. Lucy was having a great sale on tops, so I picked up three, and while I was at it, I grabbed a new running skirt at Lululemon....check it out.  I took it out for a spin on my 14.7 mile long run Saturday (which I normally wouldn't do for a first wearing on a long run, but oh well) and was pleasantly surprised that it didn't ride up, roll up or cause any chafing.  All around, A+ and the same to the Lucy top I paired with the skirt.

New clothes, new animal sitings and overworking aside, I'm starting to feel strong and consistent again and looking forward to the insane fall racing schedule I've set for myself.  Happy trails!!!

Stats:

Total miles:  427.47...starting to chip away at a more consistent and higher rate
Feeling:  Stronger, yet not treating my body well enough

 

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!!!!

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

Hey dude...

There's a protocol to be followed.  Regardless of activity, if you don't follow the appropriate protocol, you blight the whole community.  So goes for runners who don't follow the rules of the road when, well, running on the road.

This morning I took another hilly jaunt to the gym before my barre workout.  I thought to myself, let's get out and enjoy the beautiful day, breathe in the clean spring air and clear the brain.  If you didn't get out, then you missed out.

The legs were feeling great.  The hills are getting easier again.  The pounding of the pavement was meditative....until that guy.

As I'm passing the Falcon Crest community, running in opposition to traffic as one is supposed to when on the road, out comes that guy.  The one who runs in the same direction as traffic.  The one who runs in the same direction as traffic in dark clothes (on a very shady road).  The one who runs in the same direction as traffic, in dark clothes, with headphones on.  Yes, the guy all drivers hate...and runners do too, because he gives us a bad name.

It would only be mildly bad if he was the only one breaking all the rules of the road.  But no.  There was another one, and yet another one.  College Parkway is a pretty busy road.  For the love of running dudes, at least get on the right side of the road.

So, meditation broken.  All I could think for the remainder of the run was about these guys...that and how much stronger I'm becoming again.  I guess that's the important one. 

(I also got in a nice stretching run through the Capitol on Thursday...nobody does tulips in the Spring the way the Capitol complex does.  It was a remarkably beautiful and refreshing 5.14 miles).

With each run, my body is regaining its previous strength and, with a little luck and hard work, I may just hit the highwater mark of qualifying for Boston this year (or by next at the least).  Happy trails!!!

Stats:

Miles:  5.14 (Thursday); 6.28 (Saturday)
Time:   54:10 (average pace of 10:32/mile); 1:05:12 (average pace of 10:23/mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill; Broadneck Peninsula
Feeling:  bring it

Working on the run...

Warmer temps have arrived.  Green is bursting from the trees.  Flowers are blooming.  Spring is in the air!  That means it's no excuse time for getting outside for a nice run. 

Today for the fitness challenge, we were asked to post a picture of ourselves outside...breaking free from the walls that have penned us in throughout the winter.  What better way to celebrate Earth Day!  So I decided it was time for a semi-annual "Stacie in front of the Capitol" pic.  Enjoy!

As you can tell, this was a "worktime" run.  Sometimes this is the only way to get it done if you work full time and have a family.  I'm often asked how I manage to exercise during the work day.  Tongue in cheek, but total reality, my response is "with my blackberry in hand."  I run during my "lunch break" so I'm not missing the real action.  But I do stop at red lights to keep current with what's happening on the blackberry.  And, rest assured, I am responding throughout my runs to any incoming actions. 

Doesn't that make it hard to get in a worthwhile workout?  Well, no.  My lunchtime runs are almost always base miles.  I save the effort workouts (when I get them in) for a time when my training can be uninterrupted by the outside world.

Base miles are important building blocks for all runners.  There is a training progression that every runner goes through with each new cycle. 

Base miles always on the front end...and throughout.  Which is lucky for me.   Because my work also has me on the road a lot, I tend to spend those weeks focused on base miles.  It can be difficult to schedule much more than that when you are worried about making it from one location to the next or the weather or altitude causes physical changes to your body (like my recent travel through New Mexico, Nebraska and North Dakota where we had altitude, high heat and low heat all in a course of hours).  The one thing that keeps these runs fresh is the every changing scenery.

So, if you are like me and don't like to use work or family as an excuse for not taking care of your training needs, then embrace the base miles.  Happy trails!

Stats -

Miles:  3.1 (Thursday); 4.11 (today)
Time:  26:00 (not a road run); 43:06 (average pace of 10:29)
Location:  Minot North Dakota; Capitol Hill
Feeling:  a little tired

At altitude...

An alarm should never start beeping at 5am…unless it’s super important, like a big race or an exciting trip.  The fact that I was merely waking up for a morning run before a work day in Albuquerque, New Mexico certainly didn’t stop that alarm.

Compound the early wake up with a city that sits more than a mile above sea level.  For those of us who train at roughly sea level, altitude can be an unaccustomed challenge. 

A couple years ago I spent a few weeks off and on out here for a school and remember the first couple days of a week always felt like there was a weight on my lungs.  I was a bit light headed, winded by a simple set of stairs and working to catch a good breath.  Add a workout onto that. 

While I was receiving my certification as a running coach we had a conversation about racing at altitude.   The general wisdom was to arrive several days early to acclimate.  I would say I missed the boat on that one…but it was an light workout and no one was timing me, so oh well.  It wasn’t too bad.

Altitude behind me, I climb on yet another plane today to take me to Omaha, Nebraska.  If I can squeeze in a run, I will have nothing but super flat, close to sea level ground in front of me.  Happy trails!

Stats -

Miles:  3.5

Time:  30:15
Location:  Albuquerque, New Mexico
Feeling:  my lungs long for sea level