slow and easy

I did 3.5 tonight and aside from some tighness in my thighs I felt fine. Remarkable the body's ability to recover and heal itself.

"Got no regrets I'm blessed to say. The heart of me is strong today." - JT

20

I did 20 miles last night. It took me 4.5 hours. I left at 8pm and got home at 12:30. I am grateful to Missy for goading me, and maybe the reason I went 20 is because I didn't really have time to get all psyched out about it. I just downloaded some new music and went. I felt really good for the first 10 and then got increasingly worn. I walked the last 3 at a decent pace and was just really feeling wiped. I think I'd do better if I'd had more gel packs, as I only took one at 9 miles. Anyway, I'm glad I did it and I won't be doing it again!! It just really sucks to run that long. I don't know why people want to do that.

I feel very blessed to have my wonderful and divine sistas on this journey with me. You guys have kept me going when I so badly wanted to give up. Thank you for helping me accomplish this dream.

"I got nothin but affection for those who sail with me." - Cheryl Crow

3/4

I did a complete circuit of my neighborhood this morning for the first time since surgery. So that is 3/4 of a mile. I went very sloooooowly, since the doc says another week before aerobic activity. But still, it was nice to do it at all. I've been walking every day, but just a block or two.

good news

I took the gel pads out of my shoes and went just a little over 2 miles yesterday with very slight numbness at the very end. We'll see how it goes on my 8 tomorrow. The good thing about yesterday was that I ran the whole way. I felt like an actual runner.

I am full of it

I did 6 last night but I walked the first part because the wind was blowing so hard and it was uphill. So that's my reason. Yeah. Seriously I got home and I had welts on my body from the flying pollen particles. I didn't go Weds. Its just so freakin hard to go when that's my only free night. Tonight I'm golfing and tomorrow I'm going to the basketball game with Lo. So we'll see what I can muster up for the weekend. Need to get another long one in.

stupid feet

I put the new insoles in my shoes, and then put the ball-of-foot gel pads where the ball of my foot goes. Then I went 3 miles. My toes were numb after the first half mile and stayed numb, but never started hurting. But, it was only 3 miles. So after reading more about how to avoid foot pain, I moved the pads to right behind my toes. Then I went 3 miles. My toes still went numb and still didn't hurt, but it was only 3 miles and today I went so slow it wasn't even funny. So I will try just the insoles tomorrow morning.
I just don't know what I will do if I can't get this figured out.
I am going to try 8 miles again on Sunday and I'm cross training Saturday with the tai chi - yoga - pilates class at the gym.

Foot

I did 3.5 today just for the hell of it. Cause I felt like it. Even though this is my normal day off.

"I walk like this cuz I can back it up." -Beyonce

Meant to tell you about my foot. The MRI just showed bruising and swelling on my metatarsals but no evidence of fracture or other major malfunction. My doctor suggested crosstraining with swimming and/or water running (which is never gonna happen). But, I've found that now that I'm doing some running on the treadmill (which has a much better cushion) and on the road runs I stick to asphalt rather than concrete sidewalks, its gotten a lot better. You'll have to let me know how the insoles work.

And yeah, I definitely recommend the gel packs. You can just swig them down in one nasty gulp and then chase them with water, whereas the jelly beans you have to chew and eat, which can be rather nasty when you're hot from running and your mouth is all sticky. They give those gel packs out at different places on the course and the water stations tend to alternate between water and gatorade or have both so you can choose. I plan to bring a gel pack with me in my pocket but that's all.

the running store

I went to the running store yesterday. I got new insoles, ball of foot gel pads, endurance drink powder, a gel packet, and some electrolyte jellybeans. This training is getting to be an expensive hobby. After exhaustive research and talking to other runners, it seems that I need to have either a) electrolyte drink or b) electrolyte gel or c)electrolyte other, such as jellybeans, every 3 miles or so. That seems like a lot to me. In between those, I should have water, otherwise I won't get what I need from the other junk. When I tell the other runners about the 5-mile wall I can't seem to get past, they are absolutely certain that it's because my body doesn't have enough fuel to keep going. So I am going to try this on the weekend. Hopefully the new insoles and the gel pads will help my feet situation and I will also have an easy week - 3 miles on Tuesday and Thursday and then 8 on Saturday or Sunday. Maybe I should go for 6 instead of 8 but I sure hate the thought of going backwards.

So . . .

I did a really strong 6 at the gym today. This was after I had decided that I was going to do nothing today but sit in my pajamas on the couch and watch basketball. Then, after ASU lost and UA freakin won, I decided maybe I'll at least show up and do a mile or two. I don't understand me. But I guess its easier when the pressure's off.

There will be blood

I'm just sayin. This thing is going to be masterfully ugly. Tonight I had been preparing myself for a nice long run mentally. But I Just. Couldn't. Get. Going. I procrastinated about 30 minutes looking for my ipod, which my darling daughter had on last I saw it, before giving up and going without it. And I just started walking and talking to myself. Let's Go! Just Go! Start already! Just start! And so after about a half a mile, I started running. And about a half a mile later I started walking again. And I walked the rest of the 6 miles. I guess I won because I went, but I'm not sure that strategy works with marathon training. It is so hard to get my head around starting a 15 mile run. Thinking that in two hours, I'll still be running but I'll be in a lot more pain than I'm in now. And yeah, its gonna really suck. But have fun!

"Its not over tonight, just give me one more chance to make it right." - Maroon 5

You have as many chances as you need little girl! I'm never gonna give up on you. You have the courage to try this thing and that's so impressive! You live life with gusto, you experience it, you feel it. You push your body to the limit, you push your mind to the limit, you push your heart to the limit. How many people do you think have the courage to live that way? So you just take as many chances as you need. Life is full of chances - second chances, once in a lifetime chances, 10th chances, millionth chances. I will still love you and you do me proud every day.

Thought I'd let you all in on some of my self talk there.

I think the problem is that I've taken something that I have historically loved and turned it into pressure and work. So, as is my nature, I'm rebelling. Who do you think you're rebelling against? I asked. The man, came the answer. But. . . aren't you the man? Well, yah.

Perspective

"You're not a real runner unless you've pooped while out on a run. It's a rite of passage!"—Jeff Hall, Sun City West, Arizona

7.5 ugly miles

It was supposed to be 8 miles, but I only really did 5. Here's what happened. I am consistently so fatigued at mile 5 that I decided I probably need something besides water at some point in the run, since I am out there for at least 2 hours depending on my time. I thought maybe that would help my endurance... after all, that's what those electrolyte replacement drinks are out there for. So I looked for recipes to make my own "gatorade." I put a cup of orange juice, 9 tablespoons of sugar, 3/8 teaspoon of salt, and 2 liters of water. I tasted it and it was ok so I put it in my camelback instead of water. So the first 2 1/2 miles were really good. My mouth didn't feel dry, I didn't feel thirsty, was taking it real easy because I really wanted to go the whole 8 miles today. But by the 3rd mile, my mouth was getting all sticky and slimy, and I was already feeling tired, which is not normal. By the 4th mile I decided the drink was a really big mistake, so I decided to get rid of it. I was going by a Domino's pizza and the OPEN sign was lit, so I went in and asked for some water. "Oh," the youngish man behind the counter says, "We really don't have water." Really? You don't wash your hands? I didn't say anything, just left because there is a gas station/convenience store not much farther down the road and I was pretty sure they had a bathroom. But I started choking up and trying not to cry, because of the sheer meanness of that kid not being willing to give me any water. I walked along, trying to get my breathing back to normal because it was kind of hitching, because I was trying not to cry. I got to the gas station, found the bathroom, dumped out most of the juice drink, and filled up with water. I drank quite a bit because I was really thirsty by then. So I got back on the road, but I just never recovered from the long stop. After the fifth mile, I stopped running all together and powerwalked for a while. Then I even gave that up. My feet were absolutely searing with pain, I hurt from the waist down, and I realized I had waited too long to go because it was getting really hot out. My stomach was cramping up, which has never happened before. I trudged home, thinking the whole time that I must be crazy thinking that I could actually do a half marathon. I thought, I am going to quit. I'm just not going to do this. So I got home and cried, and then remembered that Sandy told me everyone has a bad run now and then. I went and ate sushi with Marianne and Chris, and now I am resting in bed. It's been a tough day. I did some more research about when and how much to drink, and I definitely need for some of my hydration to be a sports drink. I think next time I will buy gatorade, and make one part gatorade to 8 parts water or something like that. I'm going to take it real easy this week, to see if that helps my feet. I am also going to buy new insoles and some of those gel cushions you can put in your shoe to cushion the ball of your foot. I have to believe everything will work out because I really want to do this half marathon.

running vs happy hour

Both have their virtues. Both bring a special exhiliration and glowing feeling. Both leave me feeling exhausted. Both make me feel good about myself. Both bring confidence. Both have the capacity to induce severe pain in the aftermath. Both are an enjoyable way to spend a Friday evening.

And tonight, my friends, happy hour won. I mean, two AZ teams were playing in the NCAA tournament. Come on.

3

I did 3 again this morning but ran more than 2 of it. I figure that if I run as much as possible on the short runs, then the long runs will be easier because I'll do a 1:1 ratio. Then I'll have more energy to last through more miles. Does that even make sense?

6

Well I did 6 tonight and I'm pretty happy with that. I had to pick K up from track practice at 4:30 so being out of work early was a good reason to get a good one in. Will try to do a short one tomorrow night and then a long one Sat nite.

"Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me" - Sublime

3

I did a very slow and easy 3 this morning... my back is feeling better but I didn't want to push it! I did 14 minute miles and barely broke a sweat so I know I'm making really good progress. I'll probably do a 2.5 mile pacing run tomorrow, take Friday off, and do 8 on Saturday.

15 this morning

I can't have my sister kickin my ass. Thanks for the motivation :) That's all I have to say about that.

"I have every reason to feel like I'm that bitch." - beyonce

My achin' back!

My back muscles are incredibly sore from my 8 miles on Sunday. From what I have been able to gather, it's probably due to not using my quads and hamstrings properly to propel myself. This makes sense, since the last 2 miles of the 8, I could not feel my legs! Ugh...

2.5

I went 2.5 this morning. I went as fast as I could and did 13.2 minute miles which was really exciting. Then we had a field trip today at school so I walked another 3 miles. Slow walking of course! But my feet are tired and the bones above my arches hurt. So I will take it easy for at least tomorrow, possibly the next day. I don't want an injury.

that's all i got

I did 3 at the gym today. And, I was tired and just sick of it, so I quit. Ugh. I'm in trouble I think.

8

I did 8 miles today. The first 3 were awesome. The fourth and fifth I was just a bit tired. The sixth was hard. I walked most of the 7th. The 8th I ran sporadically but didn't give up. I feel good because I pushed myself past 6 which was a pretty big plateau for me.
Sandy, I think you might be falling into that trap... the one where you think, well I can't go this far, so I might as well stay home. Remember your words! If you go, you win, even if it's only 2 miles.

6

I did 6 today at about a 12 min/mile pace. Was going to do my long run today but I stayed in bed til 10:30 and then didn't have time before I picked up J. So maybe tomorrow. Its so hard to get up early enough to go before it gets hot, ya know? And its really hard to do 10+ at the gym. So we'll see.

I gave up

So today I went to the gym after work with a plan to do 6 miles. I started out real strong, 1% incline, 11 min mile pace. Then after two miles I had to stop and poo. So it was hard to get back in the groove again and I was exhausted by 4 miles. And, after 5, I had to stop and poo AGAIN. So I quit.

Damn the cookie dough

So I didn't go tonight. Didn't have the kids. Just. Didn't. Go. Was really hungry after work so picked up some Outback Steakhouse and watched my shows whilst pondering the fact that I COULD STILL GO. But then I walked to AJ's instead and got some cookie dough. Which I eat as I write. So damn.

Here's The Dealio

I had a lengthy conversation with my surgeon today about exercise and what I can do and when. What he says is this:

From day of surgery until two weeks after, only very light walking as tolerated, so just around the block or whatever and walking very slowly.

Two weeks to four weeks after surgery, increase pace and intensity of walking as tolerated, I can do aerobic exercise at this point in moderation and as tolerated.

Four weeks after surgery, I am in the clear and can do whatever aerobic activity I choose and for however long I want.

SO, I interpret this to mean that if I have the surgery on the 23rd, as scheduled, I can do a few good train walks for the 5K the last three weeks in April and then I should be able to do the 5K with his blessings on May 3rd. So, I am still totally in for the weekend!

progress

I went 3 miles yesterday and 2.5 today. I don't usually go on Wednesdays but had such a bad food day yesterday that I forced myself to go. This morning I went for speed and did 13.75-minute miles, which is my best time yet! I bet it would have been even faster if I wasn't so tired from class last night. Of course the time isn't really important. This is what I am planning for this weekend. OOH, 8 miles!! I wonder if I can do it! Wish me luck.

runnin and runnin

"The beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair." - Reliant K

Ponder that! I ran 3.5 tonight, and snowboarded yesterday and today. Tomorrow I hope to get in 6 or so.

6

Today is the third time I did 6. I keep waiting to feel like I could go farther but after 6 I always feel like I am going to collapse. My legs hurt for hours afterward and I have to take a nap. How am I going to go 13 miles?

I need to get my shit together

I did 12 yesterday which was awesome except that I felt certain I would die after. I probably ran about 10 of it. I did 3.5 this morning and it really wasn't so bad. A slow jog helps recovery I think. Anyway, prior to that I hadn't done anything since Tuesday because on Weds I had to go have a drink with my boss because he has cancer and it entertains him greatly to hear my pathetic dating stories. And after two glasses of wine I just couldn't see going running. Could I have had only one? Or just tea for that matter? Sure, but that wouldn't have been nearly as fun. And Thurs I had a police officer come to the house to scare K a little, then she had practice and I went to see a friend's baby in the hospital. And Friday K had a competition and I was going to to at 9 when we got home but figured why bother when I was going to go Sat morning? Which turned in to Sat afternoon, but whatever. I digress. I need to be more committed and consistent with my training because that's the only way this thing is going to get done. And no matter how hard it is, I'm DOING IT because I can't get myself geared up mentally, emotionally or physically to attempt this again before I turn 40.

So, this Weds I think I have to go to San Diego for work, which will make it tough. And next Weds I have tickets to a Suns game in a suite, so really that has to take priority right? Ugh. Life happens. How do you fit something like this in??

No, really

I really am going to do 3 miles tonight. I have not been doing well...in the sense that I haven't been doing anything. I have not responded as well as I could have, exercise-wise, to my own family drama but I'm not beating myself up about it, because life happens.

I do hate to say it, but my final decision is to have the surgery as soon as possible now that I am not at all certain what is going to happen with our benefits and I am sure as HELL not going to go through this damn approval process again with a different insurance company. If I am going to do it, it needs to be soon and that is what I am planning. I'll know Wednesday when the surgery is scheduled for and I'll let everyone know then when the surgery is and what my plan is as far as this marathon.

But none of this is reason not to exercise, which I do plan on doing again. Starting tonight goddammit!

motivation

I did 14 all together this past week, which isn't bad. My goal is at least 13 a week. My allergies have been so bad they are getting in the way of everything. I am so tired, stuffy, and itchy, and going outside makes it worse. I went 3 on Thursday morning, and 2 yesterday. I may or may not go to Body Flow today... but either way I will do 6 again tomorrow. I'm having trouble finding my motivation!! I hope my foot doesn't hurt when I do the 6. We'll see.

foot pain

Definitely let me know what the doctor said. Because this is what I am afraid of.

short n sweet

I did 3.5 at a pretty good pace tonight. Given the family drama lately I feel pretty decent about that. I have a doctor appt in the morning about my foot so I'll let you know what she says. I was doing some looking on WebMD and am afraid maybe its a stress fracture . . . ?? It says that's fairly common in women who dramatically step up their running regimen without allowing the body time to adjust and the foot muscles time to develop to support the metatarsals. Anyhoo.

"I'm shuttin' off the phone, leave me the fuck alone . . . tonight, leave me alone!" - P!nk

3

I did 3 this morning. I am taking tomorrow off, then will do 3 weds.
Sure is getting lonely on here.

Serendipity

"you can do anything you put your mind to, man" - eminem

Missy I SWEAR that was the quote I picked from my run today!! But here was my second choice: "Here I go, its my shot, feet fail me not!"

Anyway, I have been having exactly the kind of pain you described, in the ball of my left foot, and it starts only after 3 miles. I ran on the treadmill today and thought it would be better, but it still hurt pretty bad. I've been debating whether I should go see my doctor about it.

I did 5 miles in 60 minutes on the treadmill today with the first 3 on a 1% incline. I felt much better than yesterday but am concerned that I'm not doing better with only 60 days left!!!

Mari its been awhile since we heard from you, what up????

I'm having some issues.

I went 6 miles today. I am having excruciating pain in my left foot, around the ball of my foot and my middle toes. It starts about the 3rd or 4th mile. There's got to be a fix. It stops hurting when I do a regular walk for about 2 minutes. Should I investigate new shoes?? There is no way I can do 13 miles with that kind of pain. No way.
I took advil and put aspercreme on my knees. I feel OK. This is the first time I have gone longer than 4 miles and not fallen asleep when I got home. I took my camelback with me today and so I was hydrated the whole way. I think it made a big difference. If it wasn't for my foot pain I could have gone further.
"you can do anything you put your mind to, man." - eminem