What a great day. I felt awful when I went to bed last night. My head was throbbing, and I could not breathe all night. I got only 2 hours of sleep and almost didn't get up for the Turkey Trot.
But with all the family running and the opportunity to run with Taryn (my daughter) I made myself rise and shine. And I am so happy that I did.
I ran this race with Taryn and allowed her to choose the pace. We started off a good pace first mile, went a little slower the second when she stayed back with a friend, and the last mile she took off and it was quite a bit faster to finish at :32. Not a bad time for her first race. And it was so much fun. With Sid (my brother and her uncle) and me and Taryn finishing exactly at the same time, a decision we made right before we hit the mat.
This was a great way to start the day and I am so happy to have been a part of such a neat race. The club did a wonderful job putting this together and the chip timing made it even better. I'm already looking foward to next year although we most likely won't be here :(
As far as being thankful, I must say that I am so thankful for my family, my friends, the health to run and exercise and for the opportunity to run a race like this surrounded by family.
Terry got a new PR for a 5K with the help of Tanner (our son) who paced him for the race. He is getting faster all the time. I think it was great for them to run together and for Tanner to help him reach his goal. What a great family we have.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Something New
Went to the doctor yesterday. I had a list of questions for Chad, the doctor (he is also a very fast runner). The questions really stemmed around what I should do going forward. Is my knee healthy enough, am I strong enough, why am I having so much trouble etc...
He is such a good friend as well as a great doctor and he gave me a new prescription. As he spoke I realized it was true. I am not having fun running, I worked for two years in order to try to qualify for Boston and then got hurt. Should have laid off for some time, done some other things, but instead went right back into training to try and do something to make myself not be so down about being hurt. Two injuries later and one marathon later it is easy to see the wrong decision. As Chad put it I am tired both physically and mentally. And I've given up all of my cross training and that has not been good for me.
The prescription is 30 days off of running. Turn toward other types of exercise, go back to strength training, swim, spin, do yoga...spend some time away from running but doing other things that can give you the release and when I am ready I will know. He insists that when I come back my body will be better healed, stronger from cross training, and my mind will be free and ready to run for fun not to try to prove something.
And so I lifted yesterday, yoga today, will run the Turkey Trot on Thursday and then I am off to find other things to give me that high. I've never done yoga and I have to tell you it was wonderful! So different, slow paced but a such a workout. The core workout is amazing. I plan to continue the yoga along with spinning and swimming. Wow, there is a world out there that does not include running!
I'm happy to get back to my old self and I know it is true, when I get back to it I will be ready and I feel sure I will reach further in my running than I've ever been. In the meantime I am going to enjoy the adventure.
He is such a good friend as well as a great doctor and he gave me a new prescription. As he spoke I realized it was true. I am not having fun running, I worked for two years in order to try to qualify for Boston and then got hurt. Should have laid off for some time, done some other things, but instead went right back into training to try and do something to make myself not be so down about being hurt. Two injuries later and one marathon later it is easy to see the wrong decision. As Chad put it I am tired both physically and mentally. And I've given up all of my cross training and that has not been good for me.
The prescription is 30 days off of running. Turn toward other types of exercise, go back to strength training, swim, spin, do yoga...spend some time away from running but doing other things that can give you the release and when I am ready I will know. He insists that when I come back my body will be better healed, stronger from cross training, and my mind will be free and ready to run for fun not to try to prove something.
And so I lifted yesterday, yoga today, will run the Turkey Trot on Thursday and then I am off to find other things to give me that high. I've never done yoga and I have to tell you it was wonderful! So different, slow paced but a such a workout. The core workout is amazing. I plan to continue the yoga along with spinning and swimming. Wow, there is a world out there that does not include running!
I'm happy to get back to my old self and I know it is true, when I get back to it I will be ready and I feel sure I will reach further in my running than I've ever been. In the meantime I am going to enjoy the adventure.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Post Marathon
Flew to Colorado on Monday after the marathon. I was pretty sore and sitting that much on the airplanes made me reall stiff.
I got up Monday morning and walked about a mile and 1/2 to the coffee/bagel shop up the street from the hotel. That felt good except for my left foot which feels bruised.
I was stiff at work all Monday. Tuesday I got up and walked again a little further and then on Tuesday night I had a massage. That really helped!
From that point forward I felt pretty good except for my foot.
Every morning I walked from a mile and 1/2 to two miles as briskly as possible. I love the crisp cold snowy weather and it felt really good to walk and not run.
Today (Saturday) I ran 3 slow miles but that too felt good again except for my foot. I am just not sure what the heck happened there. My knee also swelled a little today and hurt in the backside behind my kneecap which worries me some, I may go visit with Dr. Chad and see that it's ok before I move forward.
My plan for now is to train for the Cowtown Half Marathon and if my knee is ok to try and run it in a decent time. I also want to do the 3M half for fun, easy and enjoy.
I am also going to begin on Monday with strength training for runners, get myself in better shape. I used to strength train all the time but when I started the Boston training I let it go...I think that hurt me.
Enough for today, I am looking forward to the Turkey Trot on Thursday!
I got up Monday morning and walked about a mile and 1/2 to the coffee/bagel shop up the street from the hotel. That felt good except for my left foot which feels bruised.
I was stiff at work all Monday. Tuesday I got up and walked again a little further and then on Tuesday night I had a massage. That really helped!
From that point forward I felt pretty good except for my foot.
Every morning I walked from a mile and 1/2 to two miles as briskly as possible. I love the crisp cold snowy weather and it felt really good to walk and not run.
Today (Saturday) I ran 3 slow miles but that too felt good again except for my foot. I am just not sure what the heck happened there. My knee also swelled a little today and hurt in the backside behind my kneecap which worries me some, I may go visit with Dr. Chad and see that it's ok before I move forward.
My plan for now is to train for the Cowtown Half Marathon and if my knee is ok to try and run it in a decent time. I also want to do the 3M half for fun, easy and enjoy.
I am also going to begin on Monday with strength training for runners, get myself in better shape. I used to strength train all the time but when I started the Boston training I let it go...I think that hurt me.
Enough for today, I am looking forward to the Turkey Trot on Thursday!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Marathon Blues
Well, it's done, it's over, thank goodness.
This was the worst race I've ever run. I've never run while being hurt and now I know what it feels like.
I trained well, my speedwork was right on target, my long runs under my belt. During those long runs my knee would swell and that made it tough but because I was able to go slower I could make it through. I thought it would be ok but I was less than confident.
From the very beginning I felt sluggish. My legs just wouldn't move, but I thought it was because it was cold and it usually takes a few miles to get warmed up so I thought I could stay with it. But I never could get my pace together. I didn't set my Garmin correctly so I wasted time trying to get that fixed, what good it did me!
At mile 5 my stomach acted up, I waited as long as possible and finally found a port a potty that had no line and stopped there...that was 5 minutes.
I knew then my goal was shot so I decided, ok a 4:30 is ok, I will be ok with that. Coming off of my injury, knowing that the doc said it would take over a year for it to not bother me when I run.
At about mile 10 I could feel it swelling and I never could get my pace, I wanted to stop at every medical tent and ask them to take me to the finish, I've never wanted to quit anything more than I wanted to quit this race. when the half people split I started to follow them, but decided to try to keep going.
As I got further into the race my knees continued to lock up, and around 20 my claves began to cramp, especially the the left one. I would try to run and it would feel like the muscle was going to pop out of my skin. I would walk a bit then run some more. Eventually it worked itself out some and I could hobble along but my pace continued to slow.
At this point I was in tears. I did not know if I could go 5.2 more miles. Crying off and on I continued to push. I got my shuffle out thinking that music might motivate me, alas it did not. I would hobble along, walk some and cry. My knee and my claves just got worse. My feet hurt too, worse than I ever remember.
I did continue on and about the last mile I was able to hobble and not walk. As I started toward the finish the kids and Terry were there yelling for me and I started crying hard, it was so emotional, I was so miserable and frustrated and upset and there they were, still yelling for me.
The finish was frustrating, I've always been able to push at the end but this was like dragging my own body behind me.
In the end 4:50...how depressing, when the goal was 4:15. All the training and preparation for what?
Now I keep going over and over in my mind what happened. Over training? Under training? Did I spend 2 years training to qualify for Boston only to break myself down so much after tearing my meniscus that I can't even run what I know I should be capable of? Or is it a matter of different training? Or is it just a matter of time? I know it will take a long time before my knee is well, but what is wrong with the rest of me? 4:50 isn't really a bad time or anything it's just that I know I can do better and it was SOOOOO MISERABLE. I've never in my life felt that way.
So what do I do now?
This was the worst race I've ever run. I've never run while being hurt and now I know what it feels like.
I trained well, my speedwork was right on target, my long runs under my belt. During those long runs my knee would swell and that made it tough but because I was able to go slower I could make it through. I thought it would be ok but I was less than confident.
From the very beginning I felt sluggish. My legs just wouldn't move, but I thought it was because it was cold and it usually takes a few miles to get warmed up so I thought I could stay with it. But I never could get my pace together. I didn't set my Garmin correctly so I wasted time trying to get that fixed, what good it did me!
At mile 5 my stomach acted up, I waited as long as possible and finally found a port a potty that had no line and stopped there...that was 5 minutes.
I knew then my goal was shot so I decided, ok a 4:30 is ok, I will be ok with that. Coming off of my injury, knowing that the doc said it would take over a year for it to not bother me when I run.
At about mile 10 I could feel it swelling and I never could get my pace, I wanted to stop at every medical tent and ask them to take me to the finish, I've never wanted to quit anything more than I wanted to quit this race. when the half people split I started to follow them, but decided to try to keep going.
As I got further into the race my knees continued to lock up, and around 20 my claves began to cramp, especially the the left one. I would try to run and it would feel like the muscle was going to pop out of my skin. I would walk a bit then run some more. Eventually it worked itself out some and I could hobble along but my pace continued to slow.
At this point I was in tears. I did not know if I could go 5.2 more miles. Crying off and on I continued to push. I got my shuffle out thinking that music might motivate me, alas it did not. I would hobble along, walk some and cry. My knee and my claves just got worse. My feet hurt too, worse than I ever remember.
I did continue on and about the last mile I was able to hobble and not walk. As I started toward the finish the kids and Terry were there yelling for me and I started crying hard, it was so emotional, I was so miserable and frustrated and upset and there they were, still yelling for me.
The finish was frustrating, I've always been able to push at the end but this was like dragging my own body behind me.
In the end 4:50...how depressing, when the goal was 4:15. All the training and preparation for what?
Now I keep going over and over in my mind what happened. Over training? Under training? Did I spend 2 years training to qualify for Boston only to break myself down so much after tearing my meniscus that I can't even run what I know I should be capable of? Or is it a matter of different training? Or is it just a matter of time? I know it will take a long time before my knee is well, but what is wrong with the rest of me? 4:50 isn't really a bad time or anything it's just that I know I can do better and it was SOOOOO MISERABLE. I've never in my life felt that way.
So what do I do now?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Four Days
Four days until the first Rock n Roll San Antonio Marathon. I am feeling strong and ready for the race.
The taper is tough though. While I know I need the rest I am in that mode where I feel sluggish and lazy. Afraid I am gaining weight, stressed because I am not running as much so that outlet is gone, and yet I know it has to be this way.
Sunday I will be happy I had the taper and took it seriously!
I am excited to see the kids, I feel like I haven't seen them in forever. And Tanner's girlfriend will be there too, it is going to be so much fun. I feel like it's a huge party!
Now if I can just get this race under my belt and do it well.
The taper is tough though. While I know I need the rest I am in that mode where I feel sluggish and lazy. Afraid I am gaining weight, stressed because I am not running as much so that outlet is gone, and yet I know it has to be this way.
Sunday I will be happy I had the taper and took it seriously!
I am excited to see the kids, I feel like I haven't seen them in forever. And Tanner's girlfriend will be there too, it is going to be so much fun. I feel like it's a huge party!
Now if I can just get this race under my belt and do it well.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Cold Run
Sometimes it is so hard to get up when it's really cold out. In Colorado Springs last week it was pretty chilly at 6 AM. If you read my last blog you know I had a tough time getting by butt out the door. But I did it!
The run was good, very cold but it felt great. I love the cold dry air. It does however make it hard to run until I get pretty warmed up. My lungs hurt a bit but in the end it was wonderful. The crisp, dry, cold air is so refreshing.
I've been running there for so long now that I know the other runners because I see them a few times a week. Now we exchange more then just hello. It's becoming more like home and that is fun.
I do have to mention this one man. I passed him the last time I was there and again this week. It was 22 with a windchill of 16 Thursday. The last time I saw him it was 31. This man both times was running in just short black shorts, shoes of course, but no shirt, no tights. This time he did have gloves on. When people see him they look at him as if he is crazy, but he is very pleasant and always says hello. He has a beautiful black lab that follows him keeping perfect pace behind him. I was less fabergasted when it was 31, but Thursday it is VERY cold, crazy man.
The other thing I enjoy about running on the trail there are the dogs. Everyone brings their dogs, no leashes, and they run or walk with their humans. Occassionally they run over to someone else on the trail just to say good morning with their cold nose on the hand and sometimes they play together for a bit before going on.
There is one dog in particular I really enjoy seeing every morning. The trail runs along the river and on the west side is Piked Peak. On the East side in this one part there is a wide flat area and then a pretty steep hill with lots of trees, pretty forrested, and at the top are some homes that you can't really see for the trees. In this one particular place every morning this big black dog sits at the bottom of this hill. He is friendly, in no way "guarding" the area, he just sits there watching us all go by. He doesn't go out to meet the other dogs but if they come up to him he acknoweldges them and they go on, as if they are saying good morning. I assume his home is up the hill and he just enjoys coming down in the mornings to see what's going on. I've never seen his human but I say good morning to him every time I go by!
Running allows us all some amazing experiences even if they are simple ones.
The run was good, very cold but it felt great. I love the cold dry air. It does however make it hard to run until I get pretty warmed up. My lungs hurt a bit but in the end it was wonderful. The crisp, dry, cold air is so refreshing.
I've been running there for so long now that I know the other runners because I see them a few times a week. Now we exchange more then just hello. It's becoming more like home and that is fun.
I do have to mention this one man. I passed him the last time I was there and again this week. It was 22 with a windchill of 16 Thursday. The last time I saw him it was 31. This man both times was running in just short black shorts, shoes of course, but no shirt, no tights. This time he did have gloves on. When people see him they look at him as if he is crazy, but he is very pleasant and always says hello. He has a beautiful black lab that follows him keeping perfect pace behind him. I was less fabergasted when it was 31, but Thursday it is VERY cold, crazy man.
The other thing I enjoy about running on the trail there are the dogs. Everyone brings their dogs, no leashes, and they run or walk with their humans. Occassionally they run over to someone else on the trail just to say good morning with their cold nose on the hand and sometimes they play together for a bit before going on.
There is one dog in particular I really enjoy seeing every morning. The trail runs along the river and on the west side is Piked Peak. On the East side in this one part there is a wide flat area and then a pretty steep hill with lots of trees, pretty forrested, and at the top are some homes that you can't really see for the trees. In this one particular place every morning this big black dog sits at the bottom of this hill. He is friendly, in no way "guarding" the area, he just sits there watching us all go by. He doesn't go out to meet the other dogs but if they come up to him he acknoweldges them and they go on, as if they are saying good morning. I assume his home is up the hill and he just enjoys coming down in the mornings to see what's going on. I've never seen his human but I say good morning to him every time I go by!
Running allows us all some amazing experiences even if they are simple ones.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Cold Out
It's 22 outside. It's 5:40. I am dressed to run. I want the comfort of my big comfy hotel bed.
But I will push myself out the door in the freezing cold and run my easy 5 miles and enjoy it. This is what I keep telling myself.
I was really dissappointed when the people in the room next to me also got up at 5 because they woke me up several times in the night laughing. So I had this plan to get up at 5 and be loud just to make them mad. Oh well, probably better that it didn't happen. Although right now I don't hear them, maybe they went back to sleep, I could yell and beat on the wall now just to be mean. Nah, they area just kids (well teenagers I think) and their laughing was kinda funny last night. So I'll let it go.
Ok it's time, time to face the frost, to freeze my butt, to burn my lungs and to have a GREAT run. I'll let you know how it goes.
But I will push myself out the door in the freezing cold and run my easy 5 miles and enjoy it. This is what I keep telling myself.
I was really dissappointed when the people in the room next to me also got up at 5 because they woke me up several times in the night laughing. So I had this plan to get up at 5 and be loud just to make them mad. Oh well, probably better that it didn't happen. Although right now I don't hear them, maybe they went back to sleep, I could yell and beat on the wall now just to be mean. Nah, they area just kids (well teenagers I think) and their laughing was kinda funny last night. So I'll let it go.
Ok it's time, time to face the frost, to freeze my butt, to burn my lungs and to have a GREAT run. I'll let you know how it goes.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Politcial Thoughts
We all awoke today to a historic time in our lives. A time we will someday talk to our grandchildren about. The election when an African American man became our president.
This man has the opportunity to bring this country together, to break down the barriers between color of skin, to break down the barriers between political parties. The expectation of his term is high. Higher than any president since I've been alive.
People do not like change, even when that change will bring about good things. It is uncomfortable to step out of what is normal in our lives and into something that feels different. While some will be overjoyed at this change they will also begin to understand that it holds them to a higher standard. No longer can any of us live with a chip on our shoulder. No longer can we be apathetic toward what is happening in our great country. This change shows us that we as a body of people can make things happen when we work together.
It will not be easy in my opinion. I feel that there will be pockets of racial fighting, that African Americans will somehow think things will be better for them without working together to make it better and that Anglo Americans will continue to think that they are superior and will refuse to work together. There are too many ignorant people in our country, but it is a free country and they are free to be idiots if that is what they choose to be.
My hope is that this man who I believe really does want change, really does want us all to work together in this melting pot we call America, really does want to make a difference for a united group of people, will rise up and show that he is above the petty fighting, that he shows grace toward all, that he leads us all into a common good for our country. That he brings to this position a great understanding of what it's like to live, work, play, and die next to your neighbor who could be someone who's origin is not on our shores but who's family came here to find a better life.
I hope that he will rise above all of the special interest groups who plague the government now and those who now will think they have a "place" in his audience simply because he is African American.
I feel he is a strong man, a tough man, an intelligent man, a compassionate man, and I will do my part to stand by my president.
I did not vote for Obama, but in reality I am now excited at the possibility of change for my children and their children. I will work hard to do the things my president asks of us as Americans to unify this country in any way possible. I hope you will do the same.
This man has the opportunity to bring this country together, to break down the barriers between color of skin, to break down the barriers between political parties. The expectation of his term is high. Higher than any president since I've been alive.
People do not like change, even when that change will bring about good things. It is uncomfortable to step out of what is normal in our lives and into something that feels different. While some will be overjoyed at this change they will also begin to understand that it holds them to a higher standard. No longer can any of us live with a chip on our shoulder. No longer can we be apathetic toward what is happening in our great country. This change shows us that we as a body of people can make things happen when we work together.
It will not be easy in my opinion. I feel that there will be pockets of racial fighting, that African Americans will somehow think things will be better for them without working together to make it better and that Anglo Americans will continue to think that they are superior and will refuse to work together. There are too many ignorant people in our country, but it is a free country and they are free to be idiots if that is what they choose to be.
My hope is that this man who I believe really does want change, really does want us all to work together in this melting pot we call America, really does want to make a difference for a united group of people, will rise up and show that he is above the petty fighting, that he shows grace toward all, that he leads us all into a common good for our country. That he brings to this position a great understanding of what it's like to live, work, play, and die next to your neighbor who could be someone who's origin is not on our shores but who's family came here to find a better life.
I hope that he will rise above all of the special interest groups who plague the government now and those who now will think they have a "place" in his audience simply because he is African American.
I feel he is a strong man, a tough man, an intelligent man, a compassionate man, and I will do my part to stand by my president.
I did not vote for Obama, but in reality I am now excited at the possibility of change for my children and their children. I will work hard to do the things my president asks of us as Americans to unify this country in any way possible. I hope you will do the same.
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