2 days in a raw without running and other issues with the FIRST running program

As I mentioned earlier the FIRST marathon training program emphasizes 3 key runs: speed, tempo and long, as well as strenuous crosstraining 2-3 times a week. For me, this meant decreasing my mileage and giving up my easy 3-4 mile running day. This was the first day when I swam instead of ran, and I am suffering from withdrawal. Seriously. It is beautiful outside -not too cold, snowing -and I would have loved to go for a run. I was close to giving in, but then reminded myself that I have to stick with the program. I chose it bc of its low injury risk - 2009 is going to be a no injury year. So I swam. It was OK, it was fun at times, but did not come close to running. This 3 runs a week is going to take some getting used to.

*

On Saturday I am supposed to do the first long run, 13 miles at 9:05. Now 9:05 is sooo slow, and while I understand the logic for these slowness (the first 20 miler is going to be at 9:35 min miles, OMG), it is going to be tough to go this slow. Last night the Sue-s came over and we plotted a bit about the marathon training (since we all are running Boston). We all agreed there is no way we are going to be able to run this slow. We figured we'd have to pick some hilly routes to slow us down, and perhaps run the last few miles at marathon pace (OK, I am going to say it, 8:35 for a 3:45 which is qualifying time for our age....oh, confessions feel better).

So, not sure if anyone (OK, one of the 3 people that read this blog) has used the FIRST program before. I'd be curious to see how they managed the slow long runs.

Boy, I am FAST again!

Today I had my first key workout in preparation for the Boston Marathon. I am following the FIRST training program and have only 3 runs a week.
Today it was speed. I was to warm up for 10-20min, do 3 mile repeats at 7:11, with 1-2 min rest in between, and cool down for 10 minutes.

We had wonderful weather today. I finished work at 3pm, and was all ready to go by 4pm. I felt a bit intimidated by the pace. I know I used to be fast prior to my stress fracture, but can I be fast again?

I decided not to go to the track, and do the mile repeats on the bikepath. A friend of mine swears she injured her ankle because of the turns on the track. I may do the shorter repeats there, but today I settled on the path. The plan was to have a bite or two of the vanilla GU before each repeat. I am trying to get my stomach used to the GUs for longer runs, and also figured that the GU would be a nice treat after each repeat (Love the Vanilla Bean). The bike path goes slightly downhill one way, so I decided to do the first repeat on the downhill, the second on the uphill and the third on the downhill. Then, back home 1.5 miles.

Here are the stats:

1.5 miles warm up
1 mile @ 6:51, 30 secs rest
1 mile @ 7:02, 30 secs rest (this was the uphill)
1 mile @ 6:49
1.5 miles cool down.

Yeah, I am super excited about these stats. I ran 1/4 mile during the first repeat @ 5:40, and had to slow myself down to make sure I don't get injured or push too hard. I did not feel winded at all. I think I am in the best shape ever. I believe swimming help develop my anaerobic capacity - I suck at swimming so I am always out of breath after a 1/4 mile in the water.

I feel awsome. I think this marathon training is going to be great! Whoo-hoo! I feel so fast and happy!

Bring it on....the marathon!

Tomorrow I am starting my training for the Boston Marathon. I confess, yet again, that this was a bit of an impulsive decision. Last year I considered running a marathon, but then I developed a stress fracture, and told myself that perhaps marathons are not for me. In order to avoid feeling bad about this, I kept telling myself bad things about "the marathon" and in the process discovered trail running - still my biggest love. Boston came about because of my friend Sue, who wanted to do something for Mass General, because they saved her life 3 times in the past year. So when she mentioned that she signed up, and signed up to. Yes, peer pressure never fails to work for me. For the past month I have been agonizing about whether my body is made for marathons. I mean, I know I have the mind for the marathon, no doubt about it, I can easily push through pain, I have a bull's stubbornness and I never give up. But my body? My biomechanics? My on and off unpredictable knee pain (I can run 3 miles slow and be in agonizing pain, and run 11 miles the next day and have no pain at all)? I am the type of person that does not set goals that I can't achieve. I set gradual goals, when I know that, with hard hard work and determination, I can achieve them. The marathon is a tricky goal, because it does not take only hard work - in fact, I think I need to work less hard for it - or perseverance, it takes uncertainty, it makes you rely on your body, which, albeit is connected to the mind that is supposed the dictate what it does, can and may fail you. So this will be taking a chance for a woman who sets goals that she knows she can achieve.

Life is all about uncertainty and adjustments. This is what I preach about all day long. The marathon will be a great exercise for me. Working hard but maybe not too hard (to avoid injury), backing out for a few days at times, when life gets in the way (and being OK with that). It is also a great opportunity to do something for others. Although I would love to BQ someday (and I know that I can), I may never run for a charity again. I have never raised money, so this will be a nice opportunity to learn about that, and raise money for a good cause. In the process, I will also strengthened my friendship with the Sue(s). Oh, yes, I did coerced Sue M into the marathon. As she put it "I need to make sure when I open my mouth around it...you make it happen".

So, tomorrow I start the training. I will post my training schedule as well. I have a hefty goal for the marathon, but I don't think I'll share it as of now. It's to intimidating for a first marathon, yet I know I am capable of it unless I get injured.

Goals for training:
1. Stick to schedule, don't go faster than you are supposed to.
2. Take the rest day weekly, complete rest.
3. Continue strengthening the core.
4. Start experimenting with gels during runs.
5. Sleep, sleep, sleep - in the train, naps during weekends.
6. Eat for performance.
7. Don't get to serious about this. Life is a marathon, Boston is only a small part of it.

So now I am truly excited. I can't wait for the long runs. I feel ready. I got fitted for new shoes at Marathon Sports yesterday, got myself some gels, and am ready to go. I am also planning on taking lots of pictures during the marathon training journey, since I got a nice small camera for Christmas (thank you Margaret). Oh, and I did not mention that Bill Rogers is coaching the Mass General Team, so I plan to pester him with lots of questions about my running biomechanics and such.

Let the journey begin...

training log 12/22-12/28

Monday - 6.5m@ 8:20
Tuesday - 1/25m swim (.25kicks)
Wednesday - 7m@8:00
Thursday - 3m slow
Friday - 1.25m swim (.25 kicks)
Saturday - 11m run @ 8:25, 1m swim
Sunday - 1.5m swim (.5 kicks)

T: 28.5m run, 5 m swim

training log 12/15-12/21

Monday - 7 m @ 7:45 - 200 abs, weights arms
Tuesday - 1.25 m swim - 200abs, roller massage, leg lifts
Wednesday - 7m @ 8:20 (?)
Thursday - 3m slow - 200 abs, 30 push ups
Friday - 1.25 m swim
Saturday - 9.5 m @ 8:50 (including quite a few hills)
Sunday - 1.5 m swim - roller massage, 200abs, leg lifts

T: 26.5m run; 4m swim

I made it out - and it was beautiful!

For the past 2 years I have been running with the "Runaway Moms" of Arlington every Saturday morning. Although lately I have been going on my own with a couple of friends and running on trails, the snow and the need to train for the marathon have brought me back the the group. It is really nice to see a group of 5-20 fit moms meeting early in the morning in front of Panera, not for a yummy breakfast and coffee (we sometimes get coffee afterwards), but for a short, slow, long, fast run - whatever the individual need and desire that specific morning.

But Friday afternoon everyone chickened out, because of the big storm. They decided to run Sunday. I was in a desperate need of a long run. Plus, I live near the Arlington Minute Man bike path, which is plowed regularly during the winter. Plus, why should I let the weather tell me what I can or can't do? So I recruited my friend Sue and we both decided to run on Saturday am. Sue and I are much alike - can't resist to any type of peer pressure.

We made it out after several early morning emails, where both of us "opened the door" for the other person to back out, in hopes of not going for the run. But we are both tough and stubborn runners, and neither of us backed out. During the run we talked about it and had a good laugh. It's so nice to have someone else to help you get out of the house during cold and snowy days. Once out there, we really enjoyed the run. We ended up running 9.5 miles @ 8:50, mostly on the bike path, along with a couple of crosscountry skiers. We had a ball catching up - though my speech always becomes slurred in the cold; enjoyed comments such as "You are really showing off today" (darn, we are!), and "You have it tough today" (actually, it seems like it, but really you don't know what you are missing). I have to confess, I feel like such a badass running in the snow and cold! Bring it on! I have a scheduled 7 miler on Monday, and with the upcoming storm, it shall be another good one!

My mantra for the season: Don't let the weather tell you what you can or can't do!
Disclaimer: within reason, that is:)

Running in 2008 - 52 words or less

This post is part of Take It and Run Thursday (TIART)

January - running slow after an injury
February - 1/2 marathon PR
March - 5 K PR, 5K PR
April - 1/2 marathon PR
May - injured
June - running slow, boot camp
July - trail running rocks
August - Wapack trail race rocks!
September - i love speed work
October - i love swimming
November - feels good to win a race
December - dreaming of Boston

Winter is here

I forgot about winter. Until today. It's not that I did not talk about winter, or snow, or sledding and snowshoeing - I did. What I forgot was what winter and snow and ice actually mean: slow, slow, dangerous, dangerous runs. Until today.

-

I headed out for my typical 7 mile tempo run. I usually go for an 8-8:30 pace when not training. I made it past my house's stairs - almost falling twice! Next, going sloooow, down the slight hill on my street, and down a huge steep hill on next street, then 2 slight hills and down to Mass Ave and onto the Minute Man Bike Path. My run was a jog, no, it was a walk, then a sled, then a walk. I made it to the bike path where I was overwhelmed by slush turned into ice. (Warning: Here is where I get very spoiled!). What happened to deicing the path? I mean, doesn't the town of Arlington care about the bottoms of runners, or bicyclers, or parents with strollers? I know that other towns did not have electricity for days, but lets get our priorities straight. My tempo run, my tempo run, oh, no. It's about .5 mile to the bath. My GPS registered 9:45min/mile, so now you understand my thoughts (censored for this blog) when I saw the state of the path. I was about to turn around, but then I remembered what my friend Jenny always says, a short run is better than no run, and also realized this is a great opportunity to work on my cognitive flexibility - I tend to be a bit all or nothing when it comes to running - who cares about the pace? I am not in training...



SO off I go, embracing the icey bike path. It was a beautiful afternoon, not too cold. I had NPR's "Wait, wait, don't tell me" on my i-pod. After a couple of milers, I became more confident about my stride, less worried about falling, and my pace improved. I went from 9:00min/miles to 8:30 and eventually ended the 7 miler with an average on 8:17min/miles. Not bad at all. More importantly, my mood was much much better. I am giving the town of Arlington one more day to clear the path (how generous of me...:)



On a more serious note, I still think that the weather can be a bit of an issue when it comes to speed sessions and speedy tempo runs in prep for the marathon, but I'll have to get creative, maybe do a few treadmill runs (hrrr!!!), and be OK with having to go slower than the set pace at times. I want to make training for this marathon as stress -less as possible. It's going to be my first, it's going to be Boston, it's going to be a blast!

Just for fun

My cousin ran her first 1/2 marathon last weekend. This is a conversation with her father.

Cousin: It was a great race.
Father: Oh, please go and eat a stake. Running this much is crazy, another stupid American thing. You are already so thin, it will destroy you.

(This is the same cousin that prior to starting running about 8 months ago was going through a tough depression treated succesfully with a few weekly running doses...)

Marathon challenge - the movie

In preparation for the Boston marathon, I watched "Marathon challenge". It is an "experiment" done at Tufts university in Boston, where a group of average nonrunners/nonexercisers signed up to train for Boston marathon in over 20 weeks. Most of them were of normal weight, with only one woman being about 40 lbs overweight, between ages of 30 and 55. One of the participants has had a heart attack a few years back. Prior to their training they had body fat, VO2 max and others such tests that determined their fitness level. All but one had the fitness level of a person 10-20 years older.

The training program was simple. They had to do short runs on their own, and a long run together. Doing a 1 mile run was a challenge, but they slowly built up. Some of them (interestingly, only the women) got injured - one developed a stress fracture related to her diabetes, a few developed sprains and runner's knee. All but the woman with the stress fracture made it through and finished the marathon.

It was interesting to watch their journey. It is so hard for me to imagine that anyone would have a hard time running 1 mile, and be so out of shape that running a mile would be such a huge accomplishment. But that is the reality of our modern fast paced short term goal oriented society..

A few interesting facts about the experiment:
1. No one lost weight, except the overweight woman who was on a diet under the supervision of a nutritionist.
2. No one experienced changes in BMI.
3. All experienced a change in VO2 max, and went from subaverage or average to superior.
4. There is something called "innate ability to be a great runner". One of the participants had a superior VO2max from the start. He skipped all the training at the beginning, and was able to run up to 12 miles without training. But, his strategy did not work for the longer runs - he had to train. He ended up doing a sub 4 marathon, finishing first of the group...

This was an inspirational movie. I recommend it.

Cross Fells run

This morning I went back to the Cross Fells trail, along with Sue C and Sue M. It was Sue M's first trail run, and she was nervous. The trail is listed in my hiking book as an 8.6 miles out and back, but a few trail runners told me it is longer than that. Skyline is also listed as 6.2, but my GPS says 7.2-7.5. The Sues picked me up a little after 7am this morning. I really would have liked to start earlier, because both of them mentioned that they need to return home by 9:30, so I knew we'd cut it close... We found the start of the trail, in Medford, at the intersection of Playstead and Winthrop. Today I was determined to do the entire trail. It did not happen - more on that later.



We started out on a flat and dry trail, which quickly became very wet. After about 1 mile, we started climbing a couple of rolling hills, nothing major. Next, around mile 2, we met the Skyline trail, and had a couple of rocky hills. We crossed a couple of roads, and this time we managed to stay on course (last week Mary and I did no see the marks on the other side of the road and got off the trail). The trail became really beautiful after the second crossing. The full moon that welcomed us at the begining of the run, was replaced by a bright sun, so bright that it made me lose the blue marks and get off the trail a couple of times. Around mile 3 we were in a groove, laughing and talking, when 2 dogs started running toward us, while the owners, a man and a woman, were completely oblivious and did not try to call them or stop them in any way. We walked for a bit, and when we got close enough, one dog jumped on Sue M, who said very politely: "Are the dogs OK?", to which one of the oweners saied, "yes, they love you" and smiled.. Now, I do like dogs. What I don't like is owners who lack respect of other people and do not even think that perhaps not everyone likes to have dogs jump on them when running...My friend Bailee got bitten by one such dog in the summer. I was very close to saying something, so very close... Anyhow, we made it past the dogs, and ran for about 1 more mile, when Sue C realized she was going to be late if we don't get back. We had run for 50 minutes. OMG, 4 miles in 50 minutes, and we are not talking about 4 Skyline miles... I was a bit disappointed, but what can you do? We got back, picked up the pace a bit, but Sue M was having some trouble so we slowed back down. We made it back to the car for a total of 8 miles in 1:45.

I really like the Cross Fells trail, and I would like to go back and try to do the entire thing. Perhaps bring a camera and take pictures. I think this is the type of trail that I could run in the winter, as, aside from 1 mile or so, there are no rocky patches. It's the type of trail where you can get into a rhythm, you can keep up a stride, and get lost into running, something that I love about road running but I seldomly find with trail running.

training log week 12/8-12/15

Monday - 7 miles @ 7:45


Tuesday - 1.25 mile swim (400 meters backstroke) - legs


Wednesday - 7 miles @ 8


Thursday - Rest*


Friday - 1.25 mile swim



Saturday - 8 mile trail run, 1.25 swim (with 400 back kicks)



Sunday - 1.5 miles swim



T run: 24m, T swim: 5.25 miles

a few thoughts on my training

I feel very strong these days. My swimming has improved tremendously, and while my form is still imperfect (a combo of breast stroke and crawl), I have speed. I used to need 20 breast strokes to cover a pool length, now I need 15-18. That's huge. More importantly, I learned to love swimming. It is meditative. I repeat the number of the lap as I breath out. My mind is focused on the number and breath. Once in a while after a tough day I just goof off and not work at it, close my eyes and swim-sleep while entering a dreamworld.

My running is going well, too. I think my joint (knee, pubic bone) pains are related to my cycle, but I need to monitor it more clearly. I have heard the same from a couple of friends. Anyhow, no pain lately and running strong. Today I put together my training for Boston. I am still on a wait list, but I hear I'll get in as people drop out. The funny thing is that when Sue mentioned the marathon I was not interested, and then when she signed up it was too late for me to get a spot in the MGH pediatric cancer team - hence, the waitlist. Even funnier, when I put my name on the list I was not that excited, mostly because I love trails and dislike races that go through town and are crowded, but now I am excited. Why? Because Boston qualifying time does not seem undoable. Because I am up for the challenge. Because everyone talks about Boston as something you want to experience. Because there will always be time for trails, as I get older, but my body will not be able to handle road races for too long - hopefully it will this time.

Anther goal is to run a triathlon in 2009. I am thinking of a mini, with a 10k, 1 mile swim, 12 miles bike, and see if I enjoy it.

OK, feel happy with my training, time to watch Amazing Race. I am thinking of signing up, I just need a partners, coz my husband...he'd prefer to watch it on TV.

training log week 12/1-12/7

Monday: 7 miles @ 7:35 (work)
Tuesday: 1.25 miles swim - legs and roller and 200 abs
Wednesday: 7 miles @ 8:15
Thursday: 4 miles @ 8:20
Friday: 1.5 miles swim
Saturday: 9 miles trails, ? pace since I forgot to start my GPS after getting lost on the Crossfells path..; 1 mile swim
Sunday: 1.25 mile swim
T: 27 miles run; 5 miles swim; only one day strenght, no weights arms

using some advice from Dean Karnaze

I have been doing a lot of reading lately...running reading, that is. These books not only keep me motivated, but they provide valuable information about running and training. So far I read Dean Karnaze's "Ultramarathon Man", Bill Rogers' "Running for a Lifetime", Murakami's "What I talk about when I talk about running", and "Running Legends"(author?).

Lessons learned:
1. There are no clear guidelines in terms of running, training, increasing mileage and preventing injury. People like Karnaze run 200miles at a time and never get injured.
2. Streching does not necessarily prevent injury. BUT streching helps keep the muscles flexible and it is particularly important as we age, bc flexibility decreases.
3. Strenght training is very important, particularly as we age, because after 35 (yikes!) we lose muscle mass rapidly.
4. Eat 1/2 your weight in protein. OMG
5. During long runs, vary your landing (inner vs outer foot) to prevent injury.
6. Ice away...
7. Take a few months off each year, where you decrease intensity of running and crosstrain more.
8. Swimming is the best crosstraining for running.

I believe...

that every runner should win a race at some point during their running career. It's such an incredible feeling, such a motivator, such an adrenaline rush. I don't care what race you are going to win, and whether it has 25 people or 2 people or 1000 (dream on..) but you have got to experience the feeling of having worked hard and having won.

training log week of 11/24-11/30

Monday - 7 miles@ 7:35; weights arms
Tuesday - 1.25 miles swim; legs strenghts/200 abs and roller massage.
Wednesday - 7 miles @ 8:30 (pubic bone hurt so I kept it down a notch).
Thursday - 4 miles slow (did not take GPS with so I would not be tempted to go fast).
Friday -REST
Saturday - 8 mile race; 1 mile swim - legs/200abs and roller massage.
Sunday - 1.5 miles swim - weights arms

T: 26 miles RUN; 3.75 miles swam; 2 days weights arms; 2 days leg strengths and roller; 400 abs.

Fells Trail Race 8 mile loop

The timing of the Fells Trail Race could not have been better as Thanksgiving provided nice carbo, protein and fat loading (OK, and fruit loading in the apple pie). The weather also cooperated - we had 45 degrees and lots of sun today.

I was a bit nervous about the race because of my pubic bone pain. I took yesterday completely off, popped a couple of ibuprofen's with my oatmeal this morning, and off we went to get Sue and drive to the race. We was myself, Pepe and Chris (Chris backed out of the race yesterday - he kept complaining about having a sinus infection, but immediately felt better after I mentioned that he does not have to run the race...). We found the Fallon Rd parking lots easily, picked our numbers and met Mary. At 8:30 am sharp we started running - no chip, no gun, and not very fast. So I sprinted toward the front and caught up with the front runners. The 8 miler was a loop and we were allowed to go in either direction. Initially I wanted to go my usual way, which is clockwise, but I followed the front runner man, as he told me he knows his way around and I did not want to get lost. Shortly the man (Paul) and I lost the other woman and found ourselves alone in the woods. After a 7mim/mile pace for the flat .5 mile, we started to slow down and settled around 9:50 which we held up the the first large hill. We averaged about 11 min miles for the entire race, which is faster than I have ever ran Skyline. Paul and I chatted a bit, though I am not much of a talker on the uphills. I mostly led, and I only mentioned that bc I am oh so proud I did not get off trail once (later we heard that most people got lost) so my confidence as a trail runner goes up (I usually am the one getting lost). I would go fast on the downhills, Paul would catch up on the uphills. He told me I have "quick feet" which made my stride even longer:) I saw Sue and Mary around the 1/2 mark, as they were running in the opposite directions. I gave Carlene an encouraging hug and she looked fresh and ready to tackle 3 8 miles loops. Hopefully I will be up for that in the Spring. Paul and I finished together (OK, he was in front of me with like .5 second) in 1:26 I think, and we were FIRST! I have never won a race before, and even if this was such a small race (50 total, and 25 in the 8 mile loop) it did matter to me! Also, I had a blast, no pain, felt strong, enjoyed myself and did not feel sore or exhausted or even hungry thereafter. Boggie, who is Romanian, had a nice spread ready for us which he got ready after Paul and I arrive, as "I did not think you'd get here so quickly"")

Race stats: coming up!
Lessons learned:
1. always run a race AFTER Thanksgiving.
2. trail running is my niche.
3. trail runners are the friendliest, noncompetitive, helpful, laid back and fun runners.
4. need to find a way to continue doing my long runs on trails rather than road to stay healthy.

Ok, did I mentioned that I WON:)
On a side note, I am so happy Sue ran a good race and finished as the 3rd woman, with Mary as 4th. This should give her the confidence she needs to run strong after a tough year.

running worried

Monday I had a great run, 7 miles at 7:30, finished with negative splits, felt strong. But, during the last mile my left pubic bone started hurting a bit, same place I had the stress fracture back in May. Hrrr! So I decided to back out of the Turkey Trot tomorrow, bc I can't trust myself to go slow...I know I would just pop an ibuprofen and run it fast. So I ran 7 miles this am, at 8:30, slow and comfortable. No real pain, just a tightness on my butt, and post run a bit of discomfort while running. I'll do a short run or a swim tomorrow, and then hopefully I'll be ready to race on Saturday. The good news is that Skyline race is only 8 miles and with lots of elevation, and I'll be happy to do average 12min miles. I just dread the thought of getting injured. And the funny thing is that the more I think about it, the more I scan my pubic bone for pain, and the more I perceive that something is wrong. Not good. So I have to do the best I can, ice, compression showers, slow running, and hope for the best. Worrying does not help, this is always my mantra, for me and for my patients. Worry - go away. Done!

Skyline run ...at 18 degrees

Winter is clearly here. It's been quite a shock to go from shorts to tights and hats and gloves and layers. I had to remind myself how much I enjoy winter running, everything about it but the darkness that sets in too early for my taste. I had 2 beautiful runs on Monday and Wednesday, and, even though my hands were white and cold for almost an hour after each run, I felt strong and fit and refreshes thereafter. On Thursday I was a bit sluggish, and could not pick up the pace - my GPS went from 8m/hour, which was the goal, to 8:10 and 8:15 no matter how hard I tried to push it. That's OK.

This morning I ran with Sue in the Fells. We did the Skyline trail, in preparation for the race next Saturday. Waking up at 5am to run in the summer is piece of cake, but waking up at 6:45 to go for a run in the freezing cold requires...not thinking about it and mechanically doing it. And boy, the reward was unexpected. the trees blocked the wind and I actually had to remove a layer during the run. The views were spectacular and the air fresh. We had to take a few breaks as my laces kept untying, and Sue's water bottle froze, but we ran into a few runners including Reji, and I was happy to hear that I could have some company in the winter, when Sue will probably go back to running on the bike path.

We stopped at Starbucks after the run and the coffee was a nice reward. At home, after some oatmeal and clementines, Chris and I bundled Pepe and we went swimming at the Y, played in the indoor playground at McDonald, and then picked up some running shirts and tights for me - gotta love stores like Marshalls where you can get Nike apparel for 1/3 of the price. Hoo Ho!
Next week it will be packed with running, including the Somerville Turkey Trot (better register) and Skyline Race. I am so excited!

training log week 11/16-11/23

Monday - 7 miles @ 7:40


Tuesday - 1.25 miles swim - 200abs and strenghtening legs with weights


Wednesday - 7 miles @ 8:30


Thursday - 5 miles @ 8:15, with 2 20 sec speed on hills.


Friday - 1.25 miles swim - 200abs and strenghtening legs with weights


Saturday - 7.5 miles Skyline trail; 1 miles swim


Sunday - 1.5 miles swim - 200abs and strengthening legs with weights





T: 26.5 miles ran, 5 miles swam, 600abs, 3X strenghtening legs with weights





Yeah, things are looking good! Gotta keep this up!

my knees, ouch

My knees have been bothering me for a while. The pain seems to occur after my speed/tempo day, when I wear my Nike's. Both knee caps hurt and it is painful to go up and down the stairs. I am not sure if it's the speed or the Nike's, and keep forgetting to try to run fast and longish in my Sauconies and see what happens... So I ice, and I put all concerns aside, and hope that my orthotics (which arrived and I need to pick up) are going to help.

training log week 10/20 - 10/27 2008

Monday - no run, got home at 9pm...ran Sunday instead

Tuesday - 1.3 mile swim

Wednesday - 7 miles @ 7:44 pace (felt great)

Thursday - 7 miles slow (did not get the Garmin so I won't be tempted to speed up...my legs hurt)

Friday - 1.3 mile swim

Saturday - 7.5 miles run, Skyline trail; 1 mile swim

Sunday - 1.5 mile swim

Slow week, only 21.5 miles run, but 5.1 miles swim...

training log 10/2-10/9 recovery week

Monday - 7 easy miles (no GPS)
Tuesday: 1 mile swim; 15 min stepper
Wednesday - 7 miles @ 8:30
Thursday - 4 miles @ 8 with 2 miles hill
Friday - 1 mile swim
Saturday - 10 miles trails * 8:45.
Sunday - 3 miles @ 8 (only because I can't run Monday cause I will be stuck there till 10pm).

T ; 31 miles run
2 miles swim

the story of running

I don't remember a time in my life when I was not running, although the meaning and reasons of running have changed quite a bit over the years.

As a kid, growing up in Romania, I ran the streets of Bucharest with my friends, from the moment I came home from school to the evening hours when I could no longer ignore my parents voice calling me in for dinner. I ran in sandals and I ran in boots. I ran in skirts and I ran in dresses. I did a bit of crosscountry running when I was 9 years old; I remember running one race starting up as the first and finishing last. Certainly this competitive running was not for me.

I moved to the United Stated in 1994 and I gained weight in a matter of months. I started going to a gym, lost the weight, and flirted with running on the treadmill. I loved it. I remember the thrill of running faster and faster, and the amazing feeling that followed such intense running. But I did not stick to it. I am not sure why.

I started running consistently in 2000, a few months before my wedding. I remember running around Fresh Pond in Cambridge. I did a loop the day I got married, and it helped with the precommitment jitters. I continued running daily during our 2 week honeymoon in Hawaii, and when I moved to Ohio for graduate school. I used to run every day for 5-6 miles. I did not stretch or crosstrained. I did not care about the time, or about the gear. I would get lost in the music and enjoy every minute of running. In Ohio I fell in love with winter running, although I also grew a reputation of being a little crazy (funny, since I was studying to become a clinical psychologist), but I think most runners carry this reputation to some extent. I ran a few 5 Ks in Ohio, all part of the Clean Air Challenge - my father died of lung cancer, and that has been my way to connect and morn his loss. Running kept my sanity during the long nights of studying and writing of my dissertation.

In 2004 I was forced to return to Romania because of an immigration error. My American citizen husband accompanied me. We spent 8 tough months there, dealing with the possibility of never being able to return to the US. Running saved me during those months. I remember running on the streets of Bucharest, followed at times by the stray dogs, staring eyes, and frequent comments "Why in a rush?". I bet things are different now, since Constantina Tomescu won the Olympics. I got pregnant in Romania and continued to run . Running allowed me to connect with my baby in a very special way.

We returned to Romania May 2005. My son was born in August. I started my residency in July, took a few months off after delivery, and went back to my residency in October. I started running again one week after my son was born. I ran with him in a jogging stroller, first with a car seat, for extra protection. He loved it and I loved it.

Two years ago at a birthday party for one of my son's bodies, I met a mom who told me about the Runnaway Mom's running group in the area, who ran together every Saturday morning. I was a bit intimidated to join, but my son was getting tired of running in the stroller, and I was excited for some company. I joined, and pretty soon I signed up for my first half marathon. After that, I was hooked. This year I resolved to run 12 races, and I am very close to this goal. This year I also fell in love with trail running and have done a few trail races. I am now hooked on both distance and speed, and I see improvements every months. I plan to run my first marathon next year.

I learned that my body can't run more than 4 days a week, and 25-30 miles, without getting injured. I learned that I need to crosstrain and that swimming can be meditative and fun. I try to strengh train and stretch. But nothing compares to running, to the feeling I get when going fast and sleek, my breath in and out, my stride long and strong, my body and mind present. That's when I feel most alive.

thoughts on improving as a runner

I mentioned before how I felt I still had more running in me after finishing the 9.3 mile race today. It was a tough race, and I think my brain, fooled initially by my belief that there were only 2 large hills, felt more resources needed to be saved, and I did not fight it. My mind did not fight my brain. I know well about this biological fact, that the brain holds you back and keeps telling you how you need to stop or run slower way before your resources are depleted, and how you just need to tell him to shout up (OK, you can be gentler). And I strive on that. I practice that. I try to do negative splits. But I need to do more. And I will. Next race.

I also want to do better with my eating. I do it healthy and I do eat well. However, I feel I do eat a little too much chocolate sometimes (like around Halloween), and while these indulgences are fine, those calories could be fruit, or protein. Also, my stomach has been finicky lately, and so I have decreased the amount of veggies I eat. So, a little revamping of my food choices, not caloric intake.

Also, I need to do more strength exercises. It has to happen 2 times a week. And I need to buy ankle weights. I also need to go back to lifting weights. Again, 2 times a week.

I really feel I have more endurance and speed in me, and I just need to help it out a bit.

Busa Bushwhack 9.3 miles race report

I did not sleep all that well last night. Was I worries about the race, or just still getting used to the new mattress. Regardless, I did appreciate the extra hour of sleep and not having Pepe around (sorry little man) so that I could actually sleep in. After going back and forth between wearing tights and shorts, I settled on my gear, packed my jellybeans and water and bananas and electrolytes, and started driving Chris crazy with questions about what should my pace be, and should I go for it from the beginning, etc, etc. Maybe this is why he put "Drive by Trucker's" on and told me that the instructions on the CD said that you have to turn the music v loud, to level 10, in order to get the full experience.

Ok, so Sue picked me up around 8am, and I was a bit nervous about getting there on time, since the two of us have a history of having no clue about directions (though Sue is actually way, way better than I am), but we made it there on time. Lots of runners, over 300 I think, this year, were awaiting the Busa Bushwhack trail race .The weather was glorious. People were very nice. We picked our numbers, met some runners, and tried to get a sense of the course. I heard that there are 2 large hills on the 15K course, so I figured, OK, I can do that. After the race director's speech, and Busa Rich's speech (oh, yeah, we got to meet him), we walked 300 yards to the start line. I wanted to be closer to the start, as I have learned from previous trail races that it is hard to pass anyone on the single file trails. Off we went. I turned my GPS on. The first .5 mile was on the road. I had planned to stay at 8min miles for the first 3 miles, and then assess the terrain and see if I felt good to push it. Well, I looked at my gps and saw 6:40 for the first .5 mile. Too fast. Way too fast. I tried to slow down, looked around for Sue but could not see her, and went on my way. The first 2.5 miles were fairly flat. I stayed at 7:50. Then those of us attempting the 15K took a R, while those attempting the 5 miler turned a left. I was alone all of a sudden, with noone behind me, and few people ahead. Knowing how I can get lost in my backyard, I felt I had to speed up and catch up with them. And I did. GPS? 7:30At mile 4 I noticed the first hill. OMG. Long and steep. But I felt strong and kept repeating my mantra: "Perky, Perky" and "Strong legs". Hew, one down, one to go. Or so I thought. There were at least 5 such hills on the course, and toward the end I realized that walking part of a hill is actually faster than running it. And I did. No shame in walking. At mile 6 I was still alone. At mile 7 I passed a bunch of people on the uphill. At mile 8 I got passed by a group of runners, one male and one female. Bummer! They were coming so strong and, even though I was feeling really strong, I held back. I guess I did not trust that I had it in me, 1.3 more miles. At mile 9 we went on the road again. One of the volunteers looked at me and said: "Common, you can do better", and started racing me. Good, because I increased my pace. I finished without feeling dizzy or spent and a little bummed out that I just did not push farther. I saw Sue at the finish line, and she felt bad bc she decided to do the 5 miler, and turned around. The funny thing is that when they posted the results, Sue was listed at the winner of the race, with a 6:12 pace. I guess the numbers were different for the 5.3 vs the 9.3. She clarified this with the race director, but I thought this was so funny!

Race stats: 9.3 miles
Time: 1:12:00
Pace: 7:44
Place: 6th woman overall
Age category: ?
Overall:

Lessons:
1.Don't be afraid to push. You can do better.
2. Mantras work.
3. Banana with salt and electrolyte drops do not upset my stomach.
4. Trail races rocked.

I was impressed with this race. Perfect organizations. Lots of EMTs (needed bc several people fell). Lots of post race food. Quick results posting. Chance to meet Rich Busa himself.
Will I do it again next year? Absolutely!!!

The etiquette of running

I love to have company when running. I met wonderful women as part of my running group and boot camp group. I love the conversations, particularly when the endorphins are going and dilute a bit the censorship or shyness of some (including me). Although I always struggle with not being viewed as a therapist, I am self-conscious about being one (because I oh so want a break from coming up with insights, giving advice or having any kind of expertise or responsibility), I find a way to put that side of me away and just run and be.

So where does the etiquette of running comes into play for me? During races. I am competitive and proud of that. I am competitive with myself and others. I want to run my best race. I want to go out there and test my mind and my body. I strive on that. But I have not figured out what to do when I run with friends, particularly with those who are or say they are not competitive or say they do not care (I know some do!) about their times. I feel guilty to run away. I feel guilty when I finish before them. I work super hard to compliment their running and racing. How silly is this. Chris thinks that something like this would never happen with guys. Maybe this is only my issue. I don't know. I really don't think that I am a fast runner. I just try my best and have a tough mind. I just want to do better. Why race otherwise? I am always happy to hear about other runner's awesome times and I am always encouraging. I am so proud when I hear that someone I know ran an awesome marathon, or had an awesome 1/2 marathon time. I am never jealous. Eve though in a race I am running against other runner, I am really running against myself. What to do? Stop worrying about others, run your race, and be happy with it!

I also think this has something to do with being a woman. Unfortunately it is still unnatural for women to allow themselves to be competitive. Being competitive has somewhat of a negative connotation for women, whereas for men competitiveness is accepted as being male and sexual and attractice. Not for women. Women need to be nice and polite and feminine. But that can get oh so boring....I wonder what other women and men think about this...

training log week 10/20 - 10/27 2008

Monday - 7 miles; .5 warm up, .5 cool down; 6 miles @ 7:30.
Tuesday - 1 mile swim.
Wednesday -7.4 trail miles; Skyline trail, streneous, @ 12:00.
Thursday - 4 EASY miles @ 9:00 (this was tough to do...) with 2 10 sec hill speed.
Friday - 1 mile swim.
Saturday - 1.25 mile swim.
Sunday - 9.3 miles race - Busa. 1:12, 7:44min/miles; 15 min stepper
T = 27.7 miles (ran)
T = 3.25 miles (swam).

What the PT had to say

This week I went to MGH Sports Medicine to get fitted for orthotics. The guy looked at my feet/legs and his jaw dropped. "Well, you have a lot of mechanical problems". He proceeded to tell me that I have high arches, but when I ran my feet become almost flat, particularly the R foot. Yes, I overpronate. He also said my knees lock, and this in combination with my overpronation, puts a lot of stress on my pubic bones. There you go. He said orthotics and mild stability shoes, in addition to strenghtening exercises 2 times a week would keep me healthy. Lets hope so. So I need to quickly wear out my shoes (yikes, just bought them in the summer) and go get fitted for the first time in my life.

I have to say how frustrating it is that I used to run 6 miles every single day, no days off, when I was in my twenties, which would put me to 42 miles/week, and never got injured. And I never streched, iced, strengthened. The PT blamed the pregnancy which supposedly loosens up the ligaments and tendons. OK, more info to take into account when thinking about having nr. 2.

OK, I do feel good about having some validation about my injuries in the last year, as I have been blamed/told/etc that I overdo it, that I push too hard and too fast. And surprisingly I cared (or maybe not surprisingly). I do value my identity as a runner! I admit that I would love to run fast and long every day, and it is hard for me not to do it, but I do slow myself down as best I can...

Fells in the Fall

I managed a couple of runs in the Fells during the past couple of weeks. On Saturday I ran with a few friends and did the Reservoir trail. We ran the 5.2 miles at a slow pace, as one of us has just gotten back to running after a long lay off. I felt strong. I loved doing the run. I find that waking up at 6:30 for a 7am run is so hard when it's dark, rather than sunny. But happiness always takes over when I think about going on the trails with people I like. The slow pace allowed us to take in the views, catch up, and shared lots of laughter. I was a bit nervous doing only 5.2 miles, even though we ran for 1:20 (I don't even want to know the pace), because Saturday I never do less than 8 miles, and usually ran 10-12. But I think in the long run that was good for me. Plus, I wanted to be there for Sue.

Today Chris (my husband) and I went back and ran the Skyline trail (7.2 miles). We are both registered for the Skyline race on November 29th, and at least one of us (guess who?) is looking forward to it. Today I wanted to run fast. Chris runs 3-4 miles 2-3 times a day these days, but he still manages to stay strong every time we run together. I guess it is the muscle memory as he used to run daily in his early 30s, and also ran cross country in high school. This is why I think he never loses fitness, while if I take 1 week off, I lose more than 50% running speed. So back to Skyline. I decided to run in shorts, which was good. I decided to leave my gloves in the car, which was bad. Three miles in and my hands were white and frozen. They remained frozen until we got home and I put them close to the stove. The run was beautiful. We ran it at 12:01 pace, and I felt strong throughout. I think I can do 11:00 for the race, and will try. Chris did very well, considering, was amazing on the up hills and a bit slow on the downhills, but he confessed his legs felt like jelly by the end of the run. It was nice to be there together, as the mountains were one of the first things that brought us together.And of course, both runs gave me loads of energy for the day! T miles = 7.4, time = 1:24.

training log week 10/20 - 10/27 2008

Monday 10/20 - 6 miles pavement, 1 warmup/cool off, 6 at 7:27pace; 2 10 secs speed on hills
Tuesday - surgery, no exercise.
Wednesday 10/22 - 5 miles on trails at 7:50 pace.
Thursday 10/23 - 4 miles, 2 down, 2 up, at a 7:55 pace, with 4 10 sec speed on hills.
Friday 10/24 - 6 miles elipitical/step.
Saturday 10/25 - 6 miles tough trails; 1 mile swim.
Sunday 10/26 - 1and 1/2 miles swim.

T miles: 21 (yikes!!!)

Capstone Photography

Capstone Photography

races up in the air

A few of my running friends ran the BAA, Tufts and Bay State 1/2 and marathon races these past 2 weeks. Initially I wanted to run BayState, but then registration closed and I just did not feel comfortable to run as a bandit. So I cheered from them from home and was super excited to see how well they all did. And I got excited and pumped up for more running and improving my speed and endurance. I know it is all about the work, doing the intervals and the hills, eating well, sleeping well. Hopefully I will be healthy!

training log week 10/13 - 10/19 2008

I can't access my training log on runner's world. Bummer! I emailed them but have not heard back. In the meantime, this would have to do.

Monday 10/13 - 6 miles @7:30.
Tuesday 10/14 - swim 1mile.
Wednesday 10/15 - 5 miles trails @ 8:30 with 2 10 secs hill pick-up max speed.
Thursday 10/16 - 4 miles @ 7:45, with 2 10 secs hill pick-up max speed.
Friday 10/17 - swim 1 mile.
Saturday 10/18 - 10.5 miles, 7 @8:10, 1 cool down, 1 warm up, 1.5 hills with 3 10sec hill pick ups max speed; swim 1 mile.
Sunday 10/19 - swim 1 and 1/4 mile.

My R knee has been bugging me, my pubis ramus, R side has been bugging me as well. I made an appt to get evaluated for orthotics, so hopefully I'll learn once and for all the type of foot I have and type of shoes I should buy. And hopefully no more pain with running. I am so motivated to train and get faster, but it seems like every time I push it up I get hurt! I also had my bone scan today - hopefully bones are nice and healthy.

Houghton Pond 10k - race report

A beautiful Fall day in Milton, MA, and a great time of the year for a trail race. No worries about being too hot, too crowded, not finding a parking spot, staying in line for the bathroom or running to slow and missing the best post race treats...

This was my first year running the Houghton Pond 10K. My R knee has been bothering me for a while, and my plan was to let it dictate the tone of the race. I met Carlene and Geoff before the race, and my husband Chris babysat Pepe and Lila - Carlene's daughter (he did get to play tennis and watch the Sox later in the day, though he is the sweetest and most supportive husband ever). Geoff started out very fast and Carlene and I settled at an 8:10 pace. My knee felt great. We ran single file and at some point I lost Carlene. So I plugged along faster, around 8:00 pace. Then at mile 2 my laces came untied. Bummer. I stopped but did not do a good job and they untied again. This time I took my time at it. By the time I started running again my GPS showed 8:22 pace. Yikes! I had to speed up. And I did. Some tough hills and then lots of downhills which allowed me to get my pace down to 7:45 for a strong finish, 5th woman overall. Chris says I could subtract 1 minute from my time, and that I could have easily been 3rd woman overall had I not had the lace issue. Quite possible. Nonetheless, I loved the race. I had to be super careful bc the terrain was rocky, with lots of roots and a few boulders. But this is the beauty of running a trail race, you think about not tripping, not about how tired you are. Oh, and I forgot to mention how I pleaded with the Gods that I would not throw up in the last 100yards...and I did not. At the finish line Pepe ran into me and post race he gave me the biggest hug ever. Beautiful!

new work out regimen

Summer is long gone, and so are my swim days....or so I thought. I felt so strong during the summer, when I managed to swim a great deal in the open reservoir nearbye. I notices a clear difference when I stopped swimming, not only in how my body looks - my arm muscles, gone, my defined abs, gone - but also in how my body felt - strenght, much of it gone, and in my mood - I missed the meditative componenet of swimming, where you are alone with your breath, counting the laps, back and forth, back and forth, you, your breath and the water.

So Chris and I decided to join the YMCA. You see, I have a husband who also enjoys swimming, which is great. My plan is to swim Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and run Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. I'd like to run 10-12 or at least 1:30 min on Saturdays, to keep that as a long run. As of now, I ran on trails on Mondays, around the Arlington Reservoir, and I'd like to make it to the Fells on Saturdays about 2/months. Will see how that will work out. I want to try to work on speed Wednesday/Thursday, maybe even get back to the track on Thursdays, since Fridays I don't run. I also need to make sure I strength train, alternating leg days with arm days, and aiming for 200 sit ups 3 times a week at least. My left rotator cuff is painful but definitely getting better, so I can start on that soon.

So that's the plan. It worked out well last week. The only trouble with swimming? I get super hungry after, OMG. Oh, and another problem, it gets pretty busy there -today I had to share a lane with 3 people, and actually got hurt by one of the people from THE OTHER lane, who was sporting a lot of gear that somehow made contact with my R knee a couple of times.

Maine 1/2 marathon

Last weekend I ran the Maine 1/2 marathon with my friends Carlene, Jenny and Kim. I spent the entire previous week in Chicago for work, arrived Saturday night, and so my expectations were very low for a Sunday race and a prerace almost 2 h drive. The race ended up being a great experience. I ran the entire race with Carlene, who is super strong and manages to talk non stop through races. We started out at a 9:30 min/mile pace, which was rather scary for me, because I usually start at 8:30 and push faster the second part of the race. But this was impossible during this race, because the road was narrow and packed the first couple of miles. However, the course was beautiful. Almost flat, with a couple of short and not to0 steep hills, and views and smells of ocean and freshness. We finished in 1:50, not a PR, but a great enjoyable race, that left me feeling great the rest of the day - not the usual headache, fatigue, nausea that I normally experience after racing.

The morale: it is oh so OK to run a race sometimes for enjoyment and not for a PR, chat with your friends and have a chance to take in the view. I'll try it more often.

what's been happening

A pretty bad cold kept me from running good quality mileage, such that I don't feel as prepared for the Maine 1/2 on Sunday 9/21. My longest run in preparation for this race was a 10 miler at 8:04, done last Saturday, during which I struggled to keep up with my friend B., who seemed to just be flying. This week I am in Chicago for a conference, and I did manage to do 3 5 milers, 8, 8:05, and 7:55 min/mile. Not even close to where I was in May, before taking time off for my stress fracture.

But, still, my running is improving. I remember getting back to running sometime in June, after 3 weeks off, and how running 10 min miles was so tough, and how any distance longer than 6 miles seemed to be dragging on... This is good. I still feel some pain when running, but it does go away, and it is not too bad. I keep thinking I should try to get to the root of the problem, e.g., why did I get the stress fracture given that I am healthy, eat well, don't run more than 4 days/week - but life gets in the way. Funny thing, I am stoic when it comes to myself, and so empathic when it comes to my patients.

Back to running - really beautiful to run on the shore in Chicago. I miss the trails, though, and am hoping to take Chris with me and do Skyline on Monday am. As far as the Maine 1/2goes, I will not beat my PR, 1:44:50, but I hope to run strong. I also have to figure out how not to get so dizzy, lightheaded and off balance after mile 10. I will try a banana with pb and salt before the race, and have some electrolytes with water during the race, along with the jelly beans. It's just a race, and a learning experience. Shall be fun!!!!

Wapack 17.5 2008

Being a psychologist I have a keen interest in the human mind and perceptions, and am frequently using myself as a case study. I have had a tough time since Wednesday when I heard about the stress fractures. Although I have been back to running comfortably for over 1 month, since I have learned about the stress fracture I actually felt some pain or achenes in my left pubic bone. Yes, psychosomatic. And yes, truly amazing, the nociceptic mind-body interaction. Kinda interesting and scary. I also had foot pain, but this miraculously went away by Friday. I, on the other hand, went back and forth between doing and not doing the race. I am not squeamish about the pain, but was horrified about having the experience of collapsing in the middle of the woods and having to wait there for help. By Saturday I have made up my mind. I would do the race. Reading Murakami's new book on running has also helped made up my mind.

Friday I did a short 5 mile run around the reservoir, followed by a short swim, and Saturday I swam for 1 hour. My legs felt rested. I also ate more than usual the entire week. I did not sleep well the night before the race, too worried, too worked up. I was glad when it was time to go. Ate some cereal, drank some coffee and was ready to go. I had planned to do some visualizations the night before, but just could not do it.

I got excited while in the car. Chris was worried about being late, I was partly hoping we would and we'd miss the race. I really don't have much confidence as a runner, maybe bc it is a sport I picked up late in life, and also bc I am still new to racing.

Once we got to the start up line, I got excited. The shirt was awesome, the course intimidating. People were great, very friendly. M and C showed up a bit late, and I was nervous they won't make it on time. We took pictures. We peed. We lined at the start line, back of the pack. The race director gave a scary speech about his hopes we are in shape, about the tough and technical course, about stopping 1/2 way, about getting disqualified if not getting to the 1/2 point in less than 3 hours.

Then we started running. There were a bit of flat, and then people started walking when we got to the first climb. I wanted to run, but there was no room. Eventually we started running, but the pace was slow. I felt great. In retrospect, I should have started going faster, but I wanted to run with C and M. Eventually, I started going faster. The first 1/2 I felt v strong (first 8.5 miles). I met lots of people and had great talks. I got to the 1/2 way point in 2:00. I waited for C and M and had a sandwich and water, kissed my boys. C arrived at 2:05, and I really wanted to go. At 2:07 C and I started going back, but C decided to wait for M. I left alone. I caught up to some people and was happy not to run alone. We had a huge climb which went fine, than a 3 m iler of mostly flat. I felt strong up to mile 13, when I started having wabbly legs. I fell and scraped my leg and knee. Mostly, I was alone and worried about getting lost. I kept waiting for the guy behind me to make sure I was on the right path. Still, the time was good and I hoped to make it in less than 4 hours. At mile 15, another killer climb, and I felt dizzy and light headed. At mile 16, a bunch of guys that I had previously encouraged passed me and encoruaged me this time. I kept telling my mantra "Can you hurt more?", and it helped. I counted my steps, go to 50 and then get a drink. At mile 17 I felt much better, started running faster, and than I saw C's husband, and I heard cheers, and saw my boys and crossed the finish line, 4:15! Not to bad. C and M followed.

It was an amazing experience. Pushing myself, being alone in the woods and finding my way, taking the risk, feeling the pain and getting close to hallucinating (yes!)...

What helped: food, eating a lot pre and during. Salt and water and sports jelly beans.
What didn't: too slow of a beginning, too long of a break 1/2 point, feeling worried about leaving C and M behind, getting lost and waiting for those behind me to ensure I was not getting lost, not knowing that a bunch of rocks on top of each other is an actual marking:)

next year: under 4 h.

Oh, and I was 5th woman overall!!!

wednesday

Saw the ortho specialist and was dg with 2 stress fractures in my pelvis. He could not tell if they are old or new, and said I should not run the Wapack. David reassured me that I can, "it's more of a nuisance than a danger". So both my January and May injuries were stress fractures - hopefully healed, it's been a while now.

* 1 h swim at Walden.

tuesday 08/26/08

* swam for 1 h at walden pond - much tougher bc of the wind, water super warm, felt great. even pepe decided to get into the water, and we had fun.
* foot pain still bothering me. one more run tomorrow, 5-6 miles, and maybe another 3 milers on saturday, swim on thursday, maybe a bit of eliptical as well, swim on friday.
* not nervous about ability to finish wapack, just nervous about foot. perhaps i should experiment with some advil during tomorrow's run?
* have my appt with ortho sports tomorrow - perhaps i can get hooked to a regimen, so that i could avoid getting injured?

Monday 8/25/08

no work
5 mile trail run , 4.5 @ 8:30, around the rez, and .5 cool down.
Pilate's with Chris
Mama Mia - laughter and tears and vicarious relieving
nice moments with Petru playing with the trains, reading and rough housing.
bought Murakami's book "What I talk about when I talk about running".

weekend in new hampshire

We left Friday afternoon for the 2 night get away, 7 women and 1 guy (husband). Pepe was a bit sick so it was tough to get away. We got there safe, in spite of some reckless driving (will avoid at all costs to drive with Cat ever again). Saturday we did a 10 mile hike up Chicora, and then down and then up again to a little cabin. Nice hike, moderate, gorgeous views. Can't wait for pictures. Afterwards we swam in a near by stream. The water was very strong and I was unable to swim against the current. The beauty was going in the direction of the current, being pushes by the cold water. On Sunday we did a 5.5 mile trail run, 1/2 way up, 1/2 way down (70min total) and headed back home.

Nice opportunity to get to know other women better. Felt sad afterwards, feeling that work takes too much time, and I don't have as much adventure in my life as I'd like.

Felt queasy all day, likely bc of the tough effort on 2 consecutive days. Has happened before.

skyline X skyline

On Thursday 8/21/08 M and I ran the Skyline loop trail twice in 3:40 for 15 miles. We went on a slightly slower pace than last Saturday, and I felt strong all the way through. I can definitely add 3 more miles so I feel much better about Wapack.
A couple of lessons:
1) i don't get nauseous if i don't go super fast, and i can actually eat bananas and jelly beans with no problem.
2) i drink more water than i can carry.

Fells Skyline and Rezervoir Trail loops (14 miles, 3:07)

I head it out this morning at 6:15 with my friends S, C & M for the Fells in Winchester, to run the Skyline 7.2m plus Reservoir 5.2 m loops. Last weekend we did the Skyline trail, and got totally hooked into the uphill, downhill, rocky and slippery running. I was a bit nervous about the run (even though I had suggested it last weekend). We had friends over and I ate too much, so could not sleep well last night. Plus Pepe was up in the middle of the night for an hour (thanks Chris for attending to him). I felt very strong on the Skyline and the pace seemed a bit too slow for me. The up and down is what I strive on. We took a 15 min fueling break before starting on the Reservoir loop. I had 1/2 banana (had had 1/2 when I woke up) and water. S lead us on the Reservoir Trail and she was fast. We ran Skyline at about 11-12min miles, and Reservoir at 8:30-9, but slowed down toward the end. I felt my legs become rubber. My left ear got stuffed - perhaps too much sweatting. But I made it. M bailed out after the skyline so C, S, & I victoriously finished the 14 miles in 3:07 including stopping time. Our snickers were covered in mud, as were the backs of our legs. S fell and scraped her leg pretty bad on the Skyline but what a trouper, she continued on. C and I drove to get water and coffee and had a nice chat in the car. I felt so strong running the streets of Winchester with mud all over me. Chris and Pepe waited at home with kisses. We headed to the Rez (town beach) and I ended up swimming for 30 min, just to stretch my legs and ice them. I was ravenous all morning, ate cereal, toast, salad with chicken, soy chips, nuts, and egg whites with vegetables. I took a 1.5 h nap and I feel really strong. Ready for Thursday when we will attempt doubling up on the Skyline - this means 15 m of up and down. My new mantra is: "Can you hurt more?". It works wonders!
P.S. Oh, and minimal nausea today. The sugar did upset my stomach a bit. I wonder about looking into some protein bars... and maybe having a peace of toast with peanut butter before heading out on the trails.
P.S2. I did not mention how beautiful the views were...so therapeutic.

how this blog came about

This May I suffered a running injury in my pelvic bone. It was the week before the Boston Run to Remember 1/2 marathon and I dropped out. I have never dropped out of a race before. That month I ran 2 of my fastest races, Children's Museum in Portsmouth 5K, which I ran at a 6:50 pace, and Melrose Run for Women 3.5m, which I ran at a 6:40 pace. I was unable to run for 3 weeks, and spent my time crosstraining after deciding that I will not allow myself more than a couple of days of pitty partying. It is only recently that I have returned what something that resembles my previous running fitness level, and I still am far away from the speed I used to have. But I have fallen in love with swimming, boot camping and its camaraderie, and trail/mountain running. There is always something positive that comes out of a negative event. I am still having pain when speed running, but it goes away by the next day. I will see an orthopedic sports specialist in a week or so, and hope to get recommendations on type of shoes, strength training, etc, to perhaps prevent future injuries (I had a previous injury, similar, on the other side).

This blog will be for me and those who happen to stumble around it. it will help me organize my thoughts about running and life. It will be my writing therapy and my written memory. let the journey begin.