Full Week Report

I came off of a runner's high leading into my short week of running. Since the long run was on Sunday, I only had to run Tuesday and Thursday this week. It was a nice break, but I think that it negatively contributed to my long run on Saturday.

Tuesday was an easy 4 miles that I did right away after school. We were scheduled for more snow...yes...more snow. I was able to sneak the run in before any snow came and enjoyed myself.

Thursday was a busy day for me since Tony was leaving right away after work to head to Vermont for a wedding that he was in this weekend. I escaped school without anyone seeing me because I left before I was supposed to. Luckily our principal doesn't give us the evil eye even if she had seen me duck out early. I was dressed oddly because I hadn't fully intended to run outside, but it was so nice I couldn't pass it up---sorry no pic. Since I didn't pack my running jacket, I put a vest that I had worn all day on over my gear. I spent 4 of my 7 miles playing through a confrontation with an acquaintance that occurred this week. I won't go into the details, but needless to say I was not happy that I devoted over half of my run to a man I don't see eye to eye with on nearly anything. I stayed fairly close to school and was able to get in at least 2 miles of the actual marathon course.

When I picked up the kids from daycare our babysitter could tell I had just come from working out and that prompted my telling her that I was training for a marathon. She asked how far that was and later asked if it was a mini thing or a full. It baffles me that many people have absolutely no concept of what a marathon actually entails.

My parents were nice enough to come visit for the weekend while Tony was away. This also allowed me to run with the group on Saturday, something I don't always get to do since Tony works most Saturdays. The group was a big one (at least 50) and we looked pretty mighty when we first started out, but spread out quite a bit as the 12 miles went on. All in all it was a decent run (2:15 with one bathroom break and 3 water stops), but I didn't feel as fresh as I had the week before for an even longer run. Fortunately the others felt similarly, so that made me feel a bit better.

Some highlights from the morning included a reappearance of the yellow devil horns, the local news filming our group outside of the running store (I was about 2 feet too far to the left to make the frame), Del coining the race the "Stupid Ass Marathon," meeting some new runners--one who even knows my husband, and getting our group shirts (picture to come later).

Next week is going to be a tough one and to top that off, the run moves to 7am...ugh.

16 miles...A New Milestone

I was a good combination between nervous and excited for Sunday's run since it would be the longest I have ever run. I got a decent night's rest, only to be woken up around 4:30 by Tyler and the horrendous rain that was pounding outside. After feeding Tyler, I went back to bed and prayed that the rain would stop in time for my run. Thankfully the running gods listened.

I met the group just before 8am and used the most disgusting port-o-potty I think I have ever seen before we left. It was significantly colder than the 50 degree temps the forecast had shown, so I was pretty chilly in my capris and lighter jacket. Fortunately I threw in a headband for my ears.

The route was an 8 mile loop that covers a good portion of part of the marathon route. We had our usual group with both pace leaders, so I knew it would be an entertaining run. I noticed the wind right away and it really didn't let up until around mile 5, so that made the run colder and tougher.

We had great conversation throughout the run, so great that I only checked my watch once before we finished and that was at mile 13. I felt phenomenal. My knees and hips did ache a bit starting at about mile 10, but I think that is to be expected. The group took a short bathroom break and quick stops at the water station, but we were still able to come in just under my goal time with my watch reading 2:59.52.

I'm probably not pushing myself as hard as I could, but everyone keeps telling me with a first marathon, you should just put the miles in and enjoy it. I'll take that.

I felt pretty good the rest of the day and was even perky enough to chase M&M around the house by dinner time. I hope I feel this way in 2 weeks when I have my 18 miler.

Just a little Obsessed

As you can see, this little running thing has turned into a bit more than just running. I'm afraid I'm turning into my father. I've been increasing my miles on the road along with my list of blogs that I read regularly (some listed on the side) and books I'm currently reading. I've never been one to read more than one book at a time, but am currently finishing Run Like a Mother and have started Ultra Marathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner (and my students wonder why I haven't been reading the latest YA fiction).

I had been super excited about starting to read Run Like a Mother because of my current situation and the fact that the two authors keep a blog that I occasionally follow. It has some interesting stories, but overall, it's not as great as I had hoped it would be. They do include tidbits from over 100 female runners that they interviewed and those make for some great stories and insights.

As for Dean Karnazes, the Ultra Marathon Man, he is outright crazy. He's run 5o marathons in 50 consecutive days. I haven't gotten to that part of the book, he's only just finished his first 50 mile race and is training for the Western States Endurance 100 mile run. His stories are incredible and he makes my 16 mile feat from this weekend seem like a warm-up.

I'm afraid I've found a new passion. We'll see how long this lasts.

Midweek Run

8+ miles ran
7 massive puddles stepped in
6 waits at stop lights
5 zig zags across the road to avoid cars, snow, ice, and uncleared paths
4 cars that nearly hit me bringing me to full out stops
3 snow bank/ice piles I had to jump into to avoid cars and other obstructions
2 new blisters from running in wet socks
1 potty break at Panera

Overall time: 1:28 (not too bad in my opinion considering the obstacle course I went through)
Felt pretty good before and after

Dear Champaign,

I know I complained about not clearing snow from our streets and not having a snow removal mandate, but I think the lack of lighting is actually worse. I do not feel safe running long stretches without any street lights on roads that do not have sidewalks. I just might have to invest in a headlamp for my runs, that would be especially dorky. Please help your people out.

Thanks,
Jill

Warmer Weather

Finally the temperatures are starting to pick up and I only wore a short sleeved shirt with a lighter running jacket. I did an out and back through Parkland for the first part of my 9 miler today. This week was a step back week and I really appreciated the lighter load.

For whatever reason, the first leg was a bit emotional for me. I think it had something to do with the fact that 30 minutes before leaving for my afternoon run, I checked the mail. We received a postcard from a dear friend, who now lives in North Carolina. Her husband has been deployed once again and it just hit me hard for some reason. I thought a lot about him and other people in my life throughout the run. This left me teary eyed and struggling for my breath. While this wasn't where I thought my mind would be today, it was great.

I spent a lot of time thinking about everyone who has been in my life at some point or another. It reminded me how important my friends and family are to me, no matter how far away they might be or how little I may see them. Throughout this marathon process alone, I've had so many loved ones checking in on me through emails, texts, phone calls. It has been so encouraging to have everyone on my side and worried about what I am eating the night before, if I've been on my feet too long, or how I'm going to find time for my long run.

It was hard stopping back home for my Gu, when I saw Tony and M&M doing this...

It took all my will power to get back on the road and finish the last 5 miles. I have this bad habit of stressing out about all the things I have to do in my life and I have a tendency to freak out a bit. Fortunately Tony has learned to live with this. Every once in awhile I get a reality check and I remember that I really need to slow down and appreciate everything I have. I did continue out, even though I really wanted to stay and help build the rest of the snowman.

Nothing too exciting to report about the rest of the run, just that I'm glad I've finally decided to try this marathon thing out. I've still got a long way to go, but I'm confident that I can do this...there are so many other people doing way more out there, the least I can do is suck it up and run.

Holy Mother of Coldness

Needless to say the 3 degree temperature that felt like -7, combined with a fairly full stomach after eating out for dinner, were both less than desirable reasons for me to run tonight. Somehow I managed to suck it up and even dragged Ellie along with for the ride.

On our way home from dinner, I himmed and haaed over whether I should go to the gym or run outside. I consulted Tony, weighing my options, one of which was the fact that I really didn't think it was a good idea to run outside in the dark all by myself and I felt like it was too cold to take Ellie with me on my run. Being the concerned husband that he is, Tony's response was, "Do you really think some madman is going to be hanging out in these temperatures to assault a girl? That would be some dedication."

Little M&M stretching with her momma. Yes, I have 2 pairs of pants on and knee high PINK socks. I think those were the reason my toes were so cold...Smart Wool from now on.

The cold temperatures beat out the treadmill tonight because I knew in the long run it is actually quicker for me to just run outside than drive to the gym and back. It turns out it's not really the crazy men lurking outside I need to be concerned about. Instead I should be more worried about the horrendous 20something Parkland College drivers that have no regard for runners. In their defense, yes, the road curves around making it more difficult to see pedestrians, and there are portions of the road that are less lit, but COME ON PEOPLE! I most have dodged at least 5 cars while rescuing Ellie from an early death and had a few choice words for the young students that were either busy smoking or texting while driving.

My toes, fingers, and nose were all freezing during the first mile. I think even the tear drops in my eyes began to form icicles. I kept a quicker pace though and came back in around 40 minutes (which included multiple complete stops to make sure I was out of the way of the drivers who were going upwards of 40 mph in a 25 mph zone).

Ellie was eager to get back as her pace drastically slowed. She might have been affected by the frozen whiskers that covered her face.

All in all, a good run. Remind me to save night runs at Parkland for when it is light out.

Super Bowl Sunday run

This weekend was a busy one for me and I have very little mental power to put together a cohesive posting. I made it back to Champaign Saturday evening with little time to prep for the long run on Sunday.

Old Man Winter just couldn't get enough and decided to add 3 more inches of snow to Champaign on Saturday and remained in the forecast for all of Sunday. I wasn't sure how my new shoes would fend in the snow covered roads, but they worked out okay.

Before

My stomach seemed to be cooperating well Sunday morning despite the fact that I was not too mindful of my diet the day before. I met the group at a new location for a new route that had very few bathroom options (something that is on my mind a lot!). I was a little worried that the weather would keep people away, but both of my pace leaders were there so it was great.

We took it a little slower due to the snow and I was okay with that since I would be going a little further that day, 13 miles. Mike and Donna blocked the wind during part of the route and I jokingly asked if that was in the job description of the pace leaders.

Mike split off after 8 miles since he had done a race before, so that left me with Donna and occasionally Dan (a retired math professor who must really worry about his eyes because he wears massive ski goggles during all winter runs). Donna and I had a great visit and got to know each other a little better, which is to be expected since we were out there for so long.

I felt pretty good throughout the run, fueling with both jelly beans and the delicious chocolate Gu that I would gladly eat no matter when it is. I was eager to see the orange turn around spray paint, but it came soon enough. We made it back somewhere around 2:30...slow and steady I keep telling myself. I am trying to figure out how it was that I ran this time, but I guess that does include snow, 3 water stops, as well as a bathroom break (which included trying to figure out how to get out of the gas station...that is a whole other post!).

AFTER

My post-run snack was only part of my bagel this time since I neglected to buy some more chocolate milk. Hosting a Super Bowl party at our house kept my mind away from my sleepiness and aching shins. My shins (especially my left) have been bothering me the day of and after the long run this week and last. I hope to make it to yoga and will squeeze in some extra stretching and maybe some ice tonight.

I'm glad to have come out well from the run and am trying not too look to far ahead into the uncharted territory that is approaching. I've done 13.1 before, but nothing further. This should be interesting!

The Trusty Woodway

Due to the lovely weather, I had to run inside again yesterday. My schedule called for a 7 mile run, so I was dreading doing this on a treadmill. I had checked the health club's website frequently during the day to make sure they would still be open, unlike many other businesses. Fortunately, they were open and I was able to get there by about 5:45pm once Tony got home from work.

I typically choose to run on one of two treadmills, both being Woodways. These are a little nicer treadmills and have a feel more like running on the track. My first stint was on a the one that has the broken TV since someone had already snatched the other one. So, I spent the first 3.25 miles looking at my reflection in the TV. I gradually increased my speed finishing those miles in just over 33 minutes. Thankfully the gal next to me finished and I was able to hop over to the Woodway with the working TV. The second part of the run went even better and I was able to crank out the remaining 3.75 in 38 minutes.

I felt pretty good and it was not as horrible as I had expected it to be. It was nice to see the friendly faces of some friends who we just had over for dinner the other night. My new shoes seem to be working out nicely as well. I am considering using them for my 13 miler this weekend, but feel like it might be too soon to try them out. I'm open to opinions if you have any.

I've been quite consumed with this running stuff and spend a lot of time reading about running through other blogs (some listed here, but not all) and information I can find online. My students are giving me a hard time because it has been a couple months since I've actually read a book.

I came across this quotation that I will be keeping in mind this weekend, "As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do." Zachary Scott

Some other food for thought is an article linked here that discusses the strain training for endurance sports can have on family.

That was somehwat unexpected

Another fartlek was scheduled for Monday and I was excited to try the workout again since I only had to run 4 miles. Unfortunately the freezing cold and rain forced me inside and waiting for after dinner when Tony was home from work.

I wasn't too worried about running after eating dinner because I used to do this all the time without problems. Well, guess there is a first for everything. The first mile and a half were great. The speed work wasn't bad, even on the dreaded treadmill. Unfortunately, by about mile 2, I felt like I was going to throw up my dinner at any second. I had to slow it down and really didn't get much of a workout in after that. I made myself complete 4 miles total, but the last 2 miles were a mix of jog and walk. I'm calling that a fartlek.

The Blizzard of '11 has left me house bound yesterday and today. I keep checking the gym website to make sure they are open today. I hope to make it to the gym tonight to crank out 7 miles on the treadmill...ugh.

On another note, after my run on Saturday I did buy new shoes. I tried to get ones that were as close to the model that I currently have. Fortunately they had my size in stock, were on sale, and gave me an "extra" discount. As a result, I decided to purchase a second pair to have after these new ones wear out and another pair of Smart Wool socks. I can't wait to try them out!