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!!!