We had open house last night at school. I dread open house. It's not anything specific, but I just don't love it. It's short and sweet, but then the pressure is on to meet with all the parents and be polite, but some parents totally hog your time and others get frustrated and leave to see other teachers and you feel bad. Some parents are super excited to talk about their kids (which is great!) and others seem hell-bent on convincing me their kids are really trouble and brats and they don't know how I haven't had problems with them yet. (Um. Well. Maybe I have. But I'm not going to talk to you about that in a room full of other parents and kids.) It stresses me out, so it was a perfect afternoon for a run (even though I would have to baby-wipe shower before parents showed up! I even remembered fresh deodorant and body spray that I never wear, but I figured I should err on the side of caution.)
My WRF (Work Running Friend) and I headed out around 3:30. I wasn't in such a hurry to get out the door since I knew I was staying at work until open house started at 7:00 (late, but there was a parent anti-bullying assembly at 6 that we didn't have to attend) and DH had encouraged me to stay at work to run and get some paperwork done instead of rushing home to do dinner and having to go back to the school. We ran to the park via our usual trail, then did the big park loop since we had some extra time and then up the big hill we usually avoid. Everything went great. Until a car that was parked on the side of the road started to drive. Down the side of the road. Where people park...not IN the road. I moved to get out of the way and ran through a pile of leaves. Unfortunately, the pile of leaves was hiding a few downed tree branches and I went down hard twisting my ankle. I actually thought I couldn't walk at first. I gingerly took a few steps and the throbbing was awful. I kept walking and tried not to cry and did my best to assess if it was me freaking out or if my ankle was really bad. After about a block, I tried a little jog and the pain passed.
We finished our run and I headed back into the building to change and assess the damage. It was fine during open house, but I wrapped it before bed anyway. In the middle of the night I took the wrap off and this morning I have my ankle brace on from when I sprained my foot (Why can't I remember if it's the right or left I always sprain?! This is my right ankle/foot this time...if it's the same foot I'm worried about it being weak and hurting my foot even more since this is my recurring injury.) It's a little tender this morning. And maybe a little poofy. I'll keep it wrapped all day I think and then ice it when I can. I should skip this afternoons run probably, but then that makes two super low mileage weeks before this Sunday's half. I've come so far in my training. I am now officially scared for Sunday, but I think it's the lesser of two evils to rest my ankle/foot then to get in another short run (that's all I really will have time for).
I'm extra glad I made the decision to run the Delta Lake Half two weekends ago. If I hadn't I would not have any feeling in my head about what a half marathon would actually feel like. I'm relived to have that under my belt and I might be in pain on Monday, but I don't think this ankle is anything that will stop me. Wish me luck!
Yesterday: 3.5
Week: 6
September: 50.2
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Technical Difficulties and Shoe Shopping
Last post never showed up, so I just published it...whoops! I think our internet connection is not as good, since it's the end of the month. We my cell phone hooked up to the computer for internet, and I am pretty sure the closer we get to using all the data, the slower the connection is. And when connected to the home computer instead of the laptop, I've noticed that I lose the connection more often. Another joy of country living I guess.
Anyway, this week is finally here! I snuck to the mall on Sunday when I was supposed to be getting groceries and tried to search out some shoes on my own. I was having such a hard time deciding that I began to think that maybe the increase in mileage has caused my feet to change or something. Finally, after talking to an employee at Olympia sports who acted like he knew about running shoes, but I suspect didn't really know what was going on I headed to my standby (where I should have gone anyway) called the Sneaker Store. It's the closest running shoe store in the area, and all the employees are runners for sure. The store was staffed with a couple of college cross country runners (It was the weekend of the Falling Leaves race which is another huge race in the area, so I didn't expect to see the owners like I usually do). We went through the usual procedure and after the discussion we had we narrowed down my options to the Nike Pegasus (my feet have never liked Nike-the arch is in a weird spot for my feet.) Mizuono Wave (I forget which ones, you can tell I didn't get them. I liked them, but after I tied up the bright yellow beasts, it seemed like they were rubbing me all the wrong way. And the way the toes curled up in the front just felt bizarre) Brooks Ghost and Asics Nimbus. I narrowed it down to the Brooks and the Asics. I really really liked the Nimbus. They felt so much like the other pairs of Cumulus I have owned (not the current ones though, I hate them. And I can't return them. Anyone have narrow toes and wear an 8? I'll sell them to you! They only have 5 miles on them!) but the price! I also liked the Brooks. The problem with them is that although I measured a 7 on the foot scale (I made him measure me twice. I haven't worn a 7 since before having children.) the 7.5 seemed a little snug in the toe. The kid helping me didn't seem to think it was that snug, but he went to look for an 8 so I could try just in case. Too bad, they didn't have any 8's. After much deliberation, realizing I STILL needed to go grocery shopping, I ended up with the Brooks. So far, they seem good, and aren't as tight as I had thought in the toe, they seem perfect actually.
I went out on Monday and put my first 2.5 on them, and they were nice and cushy and my usual post run aches and pains didn't happen. Success!
I skipped Tuesday's run to finish my Spanish homework before class, and to get back to the mall before class. A new DSW shoe warehouse opened up, and while I was there looking at running shoes, I found a pair of Merrells on the clearance rack. I loved them so much! Not for running. I have a few pairs of kick around in sneakers, and I talked myself out of buying them while I was there on Sunday. I've been thinking about them ever since. In my day dreams, I am wearing them post half marathon this weekend, driving home. I'm wearing them on jeans-day Friday at school. I'm wearing them while getting groceries. I have not been able to stop thinking about them. If that is not shoelove then I don't know what is. Luckily they had a pair left when I got there on Monday and I grabbed them right up. I haven't worn them yet...or even 'fessed up about my shoe haul (oh...I also picked up a couple pairs of brown shoes for work at Payless...my dog ate the pair of brown flats I wear with everything last spring and I never replaced them). They are totally on my feet tomorrow at work though for jeans day! So excited!
Monday: 2.5
Tuesday 0 (but quite the shoe haul..and I got my Spanish homework done...so hopefully I don't regret skipping!)
Week: 2.5
September 46.7
Anyway, this week is finally here! I snuck to the mall on Sunday when I was supposed to be getting groceries and tried to search out some shoes on my own. I was having such a hard time deciding that I began to think that maybe the increase in mileage has caused my feet to change or something. Finally, after talking to an employee at Olympia sports who acted like he knew about running shoes, but I suspect didn't really know what was going on I headed to my standby (where I should have gone anyway) called the Sneaker Store. It's the closest running shoe store in the area, and all the employees are runners for sure. The store was staffed with a couple of college cross country runners (It was the weekend of the Falling Leaves race which is another huge race in the area, so I didn't expect to see the owners like I usually do). We went through the usual procedure and after the discussion we had we narrowed down my options to the Nike Pegasus (my feet have never liked Nike-the arch is in a weird spot for my feet.) Mizuono Wave (I forget which ones, you can tell I didn't get them. I liked them, but after I tied up the bright yellow beasts, it seemed like they were rubbing me all the wrong way. And the way the toes curled up in the front just felt bizarre) Brooks Ghost and Asics Nimbus. I narrowed it down to the Brooks and the Asics. I really really liked the Nimbus. They felt so much like the other pairs of Cumulus I have owned (not the current ones though, I hate them. And I can't return them. Anyone have narrow toes and wear an 8? I'll sell them to you! They only have 5 miles on them!) but the price! I also liked the Brooks. The problem with them is that although I measured a 7 on the foot scale (I made him measure me twice. I haven't worn a 7 since before having children.) the 7.5 seemed a little snug in the toe. The kid helping me didn't seem to think it was that snug, but he went to look for an 8 so I could try just in case. Too bad, they didn't have any 8's. After much deliberation, realizing I STILL needed to go grocery shopping, I ended up with the Brooks. So far, they seem good, and aren't as tight as I had thought in the toe, they seem perfect actually.
I went out on Monday and put my first 2.5 on them, and they were nice and cushy and my usual post run aches and pains didn't happen. Success!
I skipped Tuesday's run to finish my Spanish homework before class, and to get back to the mall before class. A new DSW shoe warehouse opened up, and while I was there looking at running shoes, I found a pair of Merrells on the clearance rack. I loved them so much! Not for running. I have a few pairs of kick around in sneakers, and I talked myself out of buying them while I was there on Sunday. I've been thinking about them ever since. In my day dreams, I am wearing them post half marathon this weekend, driving home. I'm wearing them on jeans-day Friday at school. I'm wearing them while getting groceries. I have not been able to stop thinking about them. If that is not shoelove then I don't know what is. Luckily they had a pair left when I got there on Monday and I grabbed them right up. I haven't worn them yet...or even 'fessed up about my shoe haul (oh...I also picked up a couple pairs of brown shoes for work at Payless...my dog ate the pair of brown flats I wear with everything last spring and I never replaced them). They are totally on my feet tomorrow at work though for jeans day! So excited!
Happy Feet! Not for running though...I'm not into the minimalist running. Yet.
Monday: 2.5
Tuesday 0 (but quite the shoe haul..and I got my Spanish homework done...so hopefully I don't regret skipping!)
Week: 2.5
September 46.7
5K PR Boo-Yeah!
Yeah...I'm not really cool enough to pull off the Boo-Yeah. I don't really care though. About a month ago or so I had a 26ish minute run with my running club one tuesday night. I didn't believe the time, since I've never run that fast in my life, and drove the course later in the week just to make sure. The course was a *touch* short of 5K, but really really close to 3 miles so I was really happy with myself. I couldn't wait to see if I could do it in an actual race (I had been pacing behind a girl I knew was faster than me...but turns out she was pacing behind someone she knew was faster than her..so I didn't know if I had it in me to do it on my own.)
We arrived at my hometown's 5K early enough to register for the kid's fun run too. The sky looked ominous and if I hadn't preregistered myself, I totally would have bailed. Which is why I will always preregister for races from now on. I missed this race last year for the same reason, though turns out it cleared up in time for the race last year. This year, not so much. The boys finished their 1/2 mile run about 10 minutes before the skies opened up. I was soaked through to my skin before we even started. Ironic, since I just posted 10 Running Things About Me and I specifically said I never run in the rain, unless I get hit while I am out. Well, no choice today. I was worried about my hamburger toe but luckily I thought to wear my smartwool socks just incase I got wet. They were the perfect choice, and I didn't suffer at all today, old or new blisters. I hit my first mile with an 8:22 pace and I was stoked! And a little scared. I didn't know if I could hold that the whole race. I couldn't see for part of it the rain was coming down so hard, I couldn't keep the water out of my eyes, and I was afraid I would lose a contact lens. I had totally forgotten my 'portable porch' when I left the house this morning, a running visor I purposely bought for rainy runs, hoping it would motivate me to go in the rain...it's still on my dresser with the tags on. In part because I have no desire to run in the rain, and in part because it's was such a beautiful summer, I never had to.
The course goes on in big loop through town, then loops back on itself for a small bit then crossed town on some back roads and ends with the final 400 on the high school track. Just like last time I ran this race 2 years ago, I heard my track coach telling me I didn't go hard enough if I didn't puke (she was sadistic like that...and no, I never puked. She must have seen something in me I didn't...also, I hate to puke. So I was terrified that I could push hard enough to puke. So I didn't.)
Well, I didn't puke, but I DID cross the line with a new 5K PR at 26:41 ! I'm so amazed that following this 1/2 marathon training plan seems to given me extra wheels in shorter distances too...or I'm just more confident. I also have a better idea of what my body can handle, and I'm not afraid to push a little harder. My next goal I think for 5K will be to break that 25 minute mark. I spent the last 3 years of 5Ks hoping to beat half an hour, which I finally did last spring. But not by much.
If I had run that time any other year, I would have placed. As a matter of fact, 2 years ago, with a time of 30:18 I placed 5th (they give out to the 5th place) but I got the 4th place prize since the winner of the age group was also a top 3 finisher. This year, I was 6th in my age group and would have placed if I had been just 20 seconds faster. The race is about twice the size it was 2 years ago, and all these small races keep growing. It's nice to know I've improved so much.
I DO still need to get new shoes, especially if I want to have enough time to decide if I can wear them next week....I know what I'm doing tomorrow!
I'm having picture posting troubles with my phone....but with all the rain I didn't dare pull it out to take too many anyway. One week till Corning! Can't wait to show off my goodies! It's supposed to be an amazing event, and I'm excited to see my bestie!
Today: 3.1
Week: 18.2
September: 44.2
We arrived at my hometown's 5K early enough to register for the kid's fun run too. The sky looked ominous and if I hadn't preregistered myself, I totally would have bailed. Which is why I will always preregister for races from now on. I missed this race last year for the same reason, though turns out it cleared up in time for the race last year. This year, not so much. The boys finished their 1/2 mile run about 10 minutes before the skies opened up. I was soaked through to my skin before we even started. Ironic, since I just posted 10 Running Things About Me and I specifically said I never run in the rain, unless I get hit while I am out. Well, no choice today. I was worried about my hamburger toe but luckily I thought to wear my smartwool socks just incase I got wet. They were the perfect choice, and I didn't suffer at all today, old or new blisters. I hit my first mile with an 8:22 pace and I was stoked! And a little scared. I didn't know if I could hold that the whole race. I couldn't see for part of it the rain was coming down so hard, I couldn't keep the water out of my eyes, and I was afraid I would lose a contact lens. I had totally forgotten my 'portable porch' when I left the house this morning, a running visor I purposely bought for rainy runs, hoping it would motivate me to go in the rain...it's still on my dresser with the tags on. In part because I have no desire to run in the rain, and in part because it's was such a beautiful summer, I never had to.
The course goes on in big loop through town, then loops back on itself for a small bit then crossed town on some back roads and ends with the final 400 on the high school track. Just like last time I ran this race 2 years ago, I heard my track coach telling me I didn't go hard enough if I didn't puke (she was sadistic like that...and no, I never puked. She must have seen something in me I didn't...also, I hate to puke. So I was terrified that I could push hard enough to puke. So I didn't.)
Well, I didn't puke, but I DID cross the line with a new 5K PR at 26:41 ! I'm so amazed that following this 1/2 marathon training plan seems to given me extra wheels in shorter distances too...or I'm just more confident. I also have a better idea of what my body can handle, and I'm not afraid to push a little harder. My next goal I think for 5K will be to break that 25 minute mark. I spent the last 3 years of 5Ks hoping to beat half an hour, which I finally did last spring. But not by much.
If I had run that time any other year, I would have placed. As a matter of fact, 2 years ago, with a time of 30:18 I placed 5th (they give out to the 5th place) but I got the 4th place prize since the winner of the age group was also a top 3 finisher. This year, I was 6th in my age group and would have placed if I had been just 20 seconds faster. The race is about twice the size it was 2 years ago, and all these small races keep growing. It's nice to know I've improved so much.
I DO still need to get new shoes, especially if I want to have enough time to decide if I can wear them next week....I know what I'm doing tomorrow!
I'm having picture posting troubles with my phone....but with all the rain I didn't dare pull it out to take too many anyway. One week till Corning! Can't wait to show off my goodies! It's supposed to be an amazing event, and I'm excited to see my bestie!
Today: 3.1
Week: 18.2
September: 44.2
Friday, September 21, 2012
Low Mileage Week
Well, obviously I haven't been hitting the road as much as usual. Part of this is planned, the other part...not so much. After last weekend's half marathon, I had some creaky knees and a sore back to help me through the day on Monday. Nothing huge to complain about, and not unexpected, considering my old running shoes weren't helping me any. Monday at work though, BAM! I had a blister burst open in my shoe. The lovely beauty is located half on my pinky toe and into the crease under it, and a little on my foot. I almost NEVER get blisters! Especially not with old shoes! I knew my pinky toe hurt a bit at the end of the run, but I never looked to see what was going on with it. I wish I had known it was a blister (and a ginormous one at that) and I would have drained it on my own first. Instead it popped and made a disgusting mess of my sock, then burned and stung and bled all day. That night, I left it hanging out of the covers so it would air out, only to find that the next day was even worse, since the skin had hardened and was now stabbing into my toe with every step! It was a little better Thursday and I attempted a short loop after work in my new shoes (still hoping, but nope. They still suck) and found my gait was compromised because of my toe, and was really in agony when I got back to my car...from my hips and knees right down to my little pig. Finally I called my mom, after polling everyone I know about how to take care of the blister so I can run again! (Who knew a little pinky toe could cause so much trouble!) Moms always know everything. Especially my mom. Per her suggestion, I slathered it in Bag Balm (petro-chemicals aside....I don't use it for everything, but sometimes you just gotta mom says) wrapped it up and today it's a ton better. Thank goodness. I have that little 5K in the morning. Wish me and my hamburger toe good luck!
(For the record: I did take a picture of said toe. But it was just too gross to share. I'm totally going to delete it from my phone, it makes me queasy to look at it!)
Thursday: 2 measly, painful miles
Week: 15.1 (Thank goodness this week includes that half, or my count would be pa-the-tic! .....although if not for the race, I would not have the blister....so... moot point I guess)
September: 41.1
(For the record: I did take a picture of said toe. But it was just too gross to share. I'm totally going to delete it from my phone, it makes me queasy to look at it!)
Thursday: 2 measly, painful miles
Week: 15.1 (Thank goodness this week includes that half, or my count would be pa-the-tic! .....although if not for the race, I would not have the blister....so... moot point I guess)
September: 41.1
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Officially a Half-Marathoner!
I was really un-nervous about today's race...the only thing that worried me was my outfit (too hot, too cold?) and I knew I wanted to go slow and steady, and not get caught up in the beginning where I could have easily gone out too fast. I wish I had an awesome recap story, but I don't...it's kind of a blur. My Stitcher app crapped out after the first podcast I listened to, so I focused on my breathing and passing some people who were breathing louder than me...and finally around mile 5 (when I sort of was thinking of peeing in a cornfield, behind a bush, around a fence) I had to do something to distract myself, so I pulled out my phone and when I couldn't get stitcher to respond at all I just put it on the radio. That helped some, but really all I could think about was peeing the second half of the race. Probably because I knew it was not going to be easy, since I decided on my full-length light weight tights and not a running skirt (temp-wise it ended up being the perfect choice...but I have not mastered the quick squat and pee so no one sees your bum with out the skirt to help hide it for me!) I did not pee my pants or anywhere on the course, but I can't really remember many highlights.
The race was super well organized, the bag of swag was cute (the tech shirts are beautiful!) and I found some friends from work to start the race with (they all finished ahead of me, but I'm not sad about it, because I'm a Half Marathoner now!!!!) I went in with a goal of beating 2:30, knowing there were some hills on this course, and also that I haven't run that far, let alone with out walk breaks. I gave myself permission to walk if need be, but I only ended up walking the water stops (with the temps being around 45-50 degrees, I didn't want to spill on myself like I usually do, I was chilly, but in that just-right kind of way) I finished in 2:16:27 well under my goal time! My family showed up at the end (beeping at me as they drove to the park, after I did the last long hill on mile 12) and then met me at the finish when I got my bling. I didn't think DH would really get them out the door to come see me, but he did and it was great to have hugs from my boys at the end, and have them all tell me how proud they were of me. DH even complemented me on my time and chatted with my friends for a while before they took off. I hung around for results and food (at first, my tummy was not too happy with me, but finally it settled down and I had something to eat) and there was a drawing, where I ended up winning a pizza gift card. Awesome!
My favorite moment, besides seeing my family show up, I think would have to be the firefighters at every intersection (some looped around so I saw some of the same guys two or three times) and the volunteers who went around the course either by car or by bike and stopped to cheer every couple of miles. They were just the boost I needed, when I saw them! So nice! I also got a huge kick out of someone who kept yelling: "Go One-Thirteen!" and I almost corrected them the second time (um...thanks, but a half is Thirteen-One!") Then I realized he was shouting my number: 113!
Some fun swag in the bag...cute running-theme chocolates! How have I not opened them yet? So unlike me!
My favorite moment, besides seeing my family show up, I think would have to be the firefighters at every intersection (some looped around so I saw some of the same guys two or three times) and the volunteers who went around the course either by car or by bike and stopped to cheer every couple of miles. They were just the boost I needed, when I saw them! So nice! I also got a huge kick out of someone who kept yelling: "Go One-Thirteen!" and I almost corrected them the second time (um...thanks, but a half is Thirteen-One!") Then I realized he was shouting my number: 113!
A fitting number for my first half marathon, and my first bling! Yeay!
So I had a great run, I finished well under my goal, but I believe I left room for improvement on my "real" first half in two weeks. I'm not sure how much I will be out this week running...I have a 5k next weekend in my childhood home town to support the local library. I will definitely take tomorrow off, but I'm looking forward to getting back out there! I also might have to go shoe shopping this week, since my new shoes were such a bust. I ran the race in my old ones, which were fine-ish, but I can feel my back and knees in that way I feel it when I need more cushioning in my shoe.
Today: 13.1
Week: 13.1
September: 39.1
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Things you didn't know about Runner Me
HAD to do this from Another Mother Runner!
1.
Best Run
Ever: Hmmm…I’ve had lots of good runs, a
fair amount of bad ones…but the BEST one?
I think my FAVORITE was the first time I ran the Boilermaker 15K in
Utica, NY. It cemented my relationship
with running. I see that moment of
success (I finished! I didn’t die! I set a goal and worked for it!) as the
turning point for me, from running as part of working out, to truly becoming a
runner.
2.
3 Words that Describe my Running: Compulsive, Happy, Free
3.
My go-to Running Outfit: Gotta have a BondiBand in my hair (too short
for a pony, too long for nothing) <3 my running skirts, and a bright top so
everyone can see me (I know more than one person who has been hit by a car so…)
and in that vein: my RoadID bracelet…it’s always on my wrist. I am also having a love affair with my 3
pairs of ProCompression marathon socks.
4.
Quirky habit while running: I count steps to
100, then back down then by twos, then down then by threes then down…when I
forget where I am in my math, I’ve usually made it past any mental road blocks
that I put up! Sometimes I find myself
chanting in a sing-song…and I never know what the phrase will be. One race it was “I eat hills for breakfast,
oh I eat hills for breakfast, yes, I eat hills for breakfast , because they
taste really great!” Another run it was “Laundry,
dishes, floors, they suck. “ over and over again (I obviously was out for a run
and needed to be home doing chores…but it wasn’t a great run, but it was better
than cleaning!)
5.
Morning, Midday, Evening? Well, in the summer, morning. In the fall and spring, afternoon (I squeeze
in a few miles between work and getting my kids at the sitters) and winter will
be new for me, as I just got a treadmill this past one. I think probably morning there.
6.
I won’t run outside when it’s… already raining. I don’t like to head out in the rain, but if
it starts while I’m out there I welcome it and even love it. But for some reason, going from inside into
it is awful for me. I also haven’t run
in the snow/ice before, but that’s more logistical than anything. The roads are windy with no shoulder and we
get banks that are 6+ feet out here so…dangerous!
7.
Worst injury: Knock on wood, I’ve not had too
many. When I first started running, I
stepped in a pot hole and re-sprained my foot (the arch through to the top). I had sprained it originally when my oldest
son was a baby and I was wearing heels, carrying him in his car seat to the
car, down the stairs. I saved the baby
and car seat, and fell off my heels and the stairs. I ended up seeing a podiatrist, and had to
keep it elevated and wrapped and he chastised me for trying to “walk it out.” He warned that I was literally a week away
from needing cortisone shots in my foot, and that freaks me out! I am
always careful on heels now, and I’ve given up being fashionable right now
until my fall races are over…just in case!
8.
I felt most like a bad-ass mother runner when
I: Was up all night with a puking kid,
got up and ran a 10k race, then came home to take care of the other kid who was
sick too. (DH was super helpful in
making that happen too…if I were a single parent I definitely wouldn’t have
pulled that off without guilt!)
9.
Next Race is:
My First Half Marathon! Tomorrow
Morning!!! The Delta Lake Half, in Rome,
NY!! AAAAHHHHH! So nervous and excited and happy!
10.
Potential Running goal for 2013: This year’s New Year’s resolution was to do a
race a month for the year, but I didn’t start until March (I had no base, so it
would have been a baaaaad idea to run earlier!), so I have to finish that out,
and I think I will do it again. I am
eyeing a tri…but I don’t know how to swim for real yet…and I don’t have a bike…so
it might not be till 2014! J
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Not psyched about my new kicks yet...
Maybe I was expecting too much from my new pair of shoes. My last two pairs of Asics Cumulus have served me well. In the past few years, though I think my gait has changed a bit. I've seen myself run past too many store front windows, thinking I looked like Kara Gaucher, only to find that I look more like the old guy at the back of the pack just shuffling along. I realized that I needed to incorporate some of my yoga-straight-spine, tight core into my runs, and as a result, I'm not displeased with what I look like when I catch a glimpse of myself anymore. Also, my times have improved (although is that due to purposely training and not just hanging with a 5k base? Hard to say)
Anyway, I took the new kicks for a spin this afternoon. A mere 1.5 miles. The toe box is definitely narrower...I am pretty sure my big toe was squished, just a little. And I was right, there's just not as much cushioning in the forefoot and heel as I was expecting on my new shoes. It's very weird, since the cumulus and nimbus are known for their cloud-like feel. Or so I'm told. By the websites. And the guy at the shoe store.
I'm not in any pain from today's little jog (I usually loathe the word jog, but that's exactly what it felt like today...just a jog. I'm still counting it towards my total though!), and they seem alright enough, but I was just hoping to have the comfort I previously had with my old shoes. Maybe they're just not the right kind for me anymore.
It doesn't matter either way though, I no longer have time enough to get shoes for Sunday's race...so I either race in the new shoes and risk blisters, or tough it out in my older pair, which I was hoping to not have to do, since I've been feeling creaky in my back and hips and I'm pretty sure it's the age of the shoes. I totally should have thought about this earlier in the summer. Lesson learned: Go to the shoe store no matter how inconvenient and no matter if you actually have an hour to try on shoes or not. Just do it. Rats.
Today: 1.5
Week: 7.8
September: 26
Anyway, I took the new kicks for a spin this afternoon. A mere 1.5 miles. The toe box is definitely narrower...I am pretty sure my big toe was squished, just a little. And I was right, there's just not as much cushioning in the forefoot and heel as I was expecting on my new shoes. It's very weird, since the cumulus and nimbus are known for their cloud-like feel. Or so I'm told. By the websites. And the guy at the shoe store.
I'm not in any pain from today's little jog (I usually loathe the word jog, but that's exactly what it felt like today...just a jog. I'm still counting it towards my total though!), and they seem alright enough, but I was just hoping to have the comfort I previously had with my old shoes. Maybe they're just not the right kind for me anymore.
It doesn't matter either way though, I no longer have time enough to get shoes for Sunday's race...so I either race in the new shoes and risk blisters, or tough it out in my older pair, which I was hoping to not have to do, since I've been feeling creaky in my back and hips and I'm pretty sure it's the age of the shoes. I totally should have thought about this earlier in the summer. Lesson learned: Go to the shoe store no matter how inconvenient and no matter if you actually have an hour to try on shoes or not. Just do it. Rats.
Today: 1.5
Week: 7.8
September: 26
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Settling in to September, and racing my butt off!
Now that we have hit day 5 of classes at school, I'm finding my stride. This past weekend, my aunt got married, I had a meeting about the eventual redistricting of our elementary schools due to dropping enrollment,, and my kids' babysitter (whom I have long felt I paid too much, and was looking forward to dropping the price because I now have two full-timers) texted me to tell me her day rate was more than I thought therefore the check I wrote her was "confusing". I have had enough of her overcharging me, and not telling me when her rates have changed and basically not treating my kids the same as the others because they don't come all summer...so I spent Sunday seeking out a new babysitter to put them on the bus. My amazing neighbor is giving it a try and I sure hope it works out. A is a little weird-crazy when I pick him up, but otherwise she doesn't seem overly stressed out having my boys for an hour or so each day. Monday was tough, because I had a union meeting after school. Tuesday is my Spanish class night, and I was determined to fit in a run (I hadn't been out since Thursday last week! Oh no!) I brought both my running clothes and things to change into when I was done, and baby wipes for a 'shower' so I didn't stink up the Spanish room! My friend from work and I hit our usual route but added on the big loop at the park and it ended up being shy of 4 miles. It felt amazing to get back out there. So happy I went even though I had to eat dinner while driving to my class (subway is not the easiest thing to eat while driving stick shift through a city, but I managed!) and I did my homework in the parking lot! Today, I squeezed in 2.5 (we think, the gps wasn't working) after work, and I arrived home to find my new shoes. I'm happy about them, I think but they don't feel as cushy as I remember my other cumulus's feeling when I first got them. They'll have to do, I don't have either money or time to get another pair.
I think I'll have to run tomorrow too, then I'll see how I feel Friday. I feel like I shouldn't necessarily taper, since this Sunday's half is not my "real" first half (well, it is, but the first one I registered for is the one I will be running with my high school bff on the 30th). I also registered for the 5k in my hometown (not the one I live in now, my childhood one) which is the weekend in between my two half. My current hometown 5k (which technically, I have lived in much longer than I lived in in my other hometown) is the weekend following, and I really want to do that one, because I hit my 5k pr (race, not training timed pr) there last year with out realizing it.
My schedule is jam-packed (open house for the boys tomorrow, mine next week in addition to regular craziness) so I have to wrap this up, but I'm starting to fit in my runs again after last weeks slackerness so I feel much more centered even though the house is far from clean and I seem to only be able to get my running clothes washed recently.
Tuesday 3.8
Wednesday 2.5
This week 6.3
September 24.5 (not very many miles considering we are almost half way in...but my two half marathons should make up for that, right?)
I think I'll have to run tomorrow too, then I'll see how I feel Friday. I feel like I shouldn't necessarily taper, since this Sunday's half is not my "real" first half (well, it is, but the first one I registered for is the one I will be running with my high school bff on the 30th). I also registered for the 5k in my hometown (not the one I live in now, my childhood one) which is the weekend in between my two half. My current hometown 5k (which technically, I have lived in much longer than I lived in in my other hometown) is the weekend following, and I really want to do that one, because I hit my 5k pr (race, not training timed pr) there last year with out realizing it.
My schedule is jam-packed (open house for the boys tomorrow, mine next week in addition to regular craziness) so I have to wrap this up, but I'm starting to fit in my runs again after last weeks slackerness so I feel much more centered even though the house is far from clean and I seem to only be able to get my running clothes washed recently.
Tuesday 3.8
Wednesday 2.5
This week 6.3
September 24.5 (not very many miles considering we are almost half way in...but my two half marathons should make up for that, right?)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Glad for a routine...but wow is it a packed one!
My regular summer days looked like this:
4:30 Alarm goes off/ I hit snooze
4:40 same thing
4:50 I get up and throw together breakfast and lunch for DH to have him out the door by 5:10
5:15 DH leaves in a flurry of "Crap, I'm going to be late" and me throwing food and coffee with him.
5:20 I drink my coffee and read facebook and watch the news and generally waste time until...
7:00 the kids are awake now and wanting to watch 'something we like'
8:30 we head out the door to summer rec where I drop them off and drive like a maniac to yoga.
9:00 I get my ohm on.
10:15 i should go home, but maybe I will pick up a few things while I'm in town
12:00 oh geez, I'm hungry. How did it get to be noon already! Drive home
12:20 let the crazy dog out, pick up the mail, read the paper
1:00 I should go for a run, but I should do the dishes. Oh and I forgot to eat. Eating.
1:30 I really should go for a run but there's S&TC on TV, and I'm folding laundry.
2:00 Ok, I am going for a run NOW.
3:00 Back from run. I need to pick some things in the garden. I'm gross, I'll take a shower
3:30 Showered, Shaved, Lotioned and Dried.
3:45 OMG I need to pick the kids up from summer rec
4:00 phew, made it in time.
4:15 Uh oh...DH will be home in 5 minutes and it looks like I didn't do anything all day
4:16 fake clean the bathroom (empty trash, wipe the counter, spritz the mirror and baby wipe the dog hair off the floor
4:19 Yell at kids to put their junk away and haul the vacuum to the living room
4:21 DH in the driveway, quick wind up vacuum and press preheat on the oven so I can claim I've started dinner.
6:00 eat
7:00 do the dishes (again) and sweep the floor
8:00 round the kids up for bed
9:00...realize I am unable to account for having done a single thing today besides some yoga and a run. Oh well, it's summer. Go to bed to do it again tomorrow.
Today's routine was a bit different, and a rude awakening:
4:30 actually get up when the alarm sounds
5:00 shoo DH out the door so he wont' get stuck in traffic while he protests he has a couple of minutes before he HAS to leave.
5:45 Shoot, forgot I don't have time to do anything but drink coffee and shower and put lunches together. Darn it. I should have skipped the coffee, made lunch last night and done a Jillian DVD this morning. Ok then, maybe tomorrow.
6:00 Why am I still analyzing how quickly my morning went?! Get in the shower!
6:10 Still not in shower...A gets up and I realize I can't remember the last time HE showered. Force him in the spray meant for me.
6:30 A still in shower, me, yelling at him to hurry up! Dragging T out of bed, not fun.
6:35 Throw cereal in a bowl for A, Toss pop tarts at T and climb in shower. Awesome, no hot water left.
6:45 realize neither boy has eaten anything because someone turned on the TV. Yell some more. make them get dressed and brush teeth and put shoes on and put backpacks on before I make them sit down to eat.
6:55 OMG OMG OMG I dont' have make up on, and I can't find my shoe, and it's the first day of school so I have to do pictures. Throw on old ratty sandals with nice new dress, puff some powder on my face and grab the mascara to put on when I am in the parking lot.
7:00 Quick take some pictures and drive like a maniac to the sitters
7:10 Attempt to get a goodbye kiss from both boys. Am only offered the top of head to kiss. Sigh. Leave for work and get stuck in the road paving project. A 10 minute drive turns 25.
7:35 Arrive at work with five minutes to get my room ready.
7:40 here come the kids!
3:05 lock the door to my class, hide behind closet door and change to go for a run.
3:15 in parking lot, starting run, wow I feel good!
3:45 back to car, jump in, get stuck in paving project again
4:10 arrive at sitters too late to see boys get off the bus. Oh well.
4:30 DH arrives home and leaves promptly for golf
5:30 oops, meant to make crock pot meal this morning. Promise to take kids to Subway if they get ready right away to go to AYSO meeting
6:00 Arrive to meeting to find that it's just passing out uniforms. I drove all this way for NOTHING?!
6:15 Ok, not nothing. I get a veggie sub for my trouble.
7:00 back home, eat dinner, catch up on blog
8:00 kids to bed, me to bed. What happened to my day?!
I hope I get used to this pace sooner rather than later. Today felt like a marathon!
Thursday: 2.5
This week: 13.8
September: 18.2
4:30 Alarm goes off/ I hit snooze
4:40 same thing
4:50 I get up and throw together breakfast and lunch for DH to have him out the door by 5:10
5:15 DH leaves in a flurry of "Crap, I'm going to be late" and me throwing food and coffee with him.
5:20 I drink my coffee and read facebook and watch the news and generally waste time until...
7:00 the kids are awake now and wanting to watch 'something we like'
8:30 we head out the door to summer rec where I drop them off and drive like a maniac to yoga.
9:00 I get my ohm on.
10:15 i should go home, but maybe I will pick up a few things while I'm in town
12:00 oh geez, I'm hungry. How did it get to be noon already! Drive home
12:20 let the crazy dog out, pick up the mail, read the paper
1:00 I should go for a run, but I should do the dishes. Oh and I forgot to eat. Eating.
1:30 I really should go for a run but there's S&TC on TV, and I'm folding laundry.
2:00 Ok, I am going for a run NOW.
3:00 Back from run. I need to pick some things in the garden. I'm gross, I'll take a shower
3:30 Showered, Shaved, Lotioned and Dried.
3:45 OMG I need to pick the kids up from summer rec
4:00 phew, made it in time.
4:15 Uh oh...DH will be home in 5 minutes and it looks like I didn't do anything all day
4:16 fake clean the bathroom (empty trash, wipe the counter, spritz the mirror and baby wipe the dog hair off the floor
4:19 Yell at kids to put their junk away and haul the vacuum to the living room
4:21 DH in the driveway, quick wind up vacuum and press preheat on the oven so I can claim I've started dinner.
6:00 eat
7:00 do the dishes (again) and sweep the floor
8:00 round the kids up for bed
9:00...realize I am unable to account for having done a single thing today besides some yoga and a run. Oh well, it's summer. Go to bed to do it again tomorrow.
Today's routine was a bit different, and a rude awakening:
4:30 actually get up when the alarm sounds
5:00 shoo DH out the door so he wont' get stuck in traffic while he protests he has a couple of minutes before he HAS to leave.
5:45 Shoot, forgot I don't have time to do anything but drink coffee and shower and put lunches together. Darn it. I should have skipped the coffee, made lunch last night and done a Jillian DVD this morning. Ok then, maybe tomorrow.
6:00 Why am I still analyzing how quickly my morning went?! Get in the shower!
6:10 Still not in shower...A gets up and I realize I can't remember the last time HE showered. Force him in the spray meant for me.
6:30 A still in shower, me, yelling at him to hurry up! Dragging T out of bed, not fun.
6:35 Throw cereal in a bowl for A, Toss pop tarts at T and climb in shower. Awesome, no hot water left.
6:45 realize neither boy has eaten anything because someone turned on the TV. Yell some more. make them get dressed and brush teeth and put shoes on and put backpacks on before I make them sit down to eat.
6:55 OMG OMG OMG I dont' have make up on, and I can't find my shoe, and it's the first day of school so I have to do pictures. Throw on old ratty sandals with nice new dress, puff some powder on my face and grab the mascara to put on when I am in the parking lot.
7:00 Quick take some pictures and drive like a maniac to the sitters
7:10 Attempt to get a goodbye kiss from both boys. Am only offered the top of head to kiss. Sigh. Leave for work and get stuck in the road paving project. A 10 minute drive turns 25.
7:35 Arrive at work with five minutes to get my room ready.
7:40 here come the kids!
3:05 lock the door to my class, hide behind closet door and change to go for a run.
3:15 in parking lot, starting run, wow I feel good!
3:45 back to car, jump in, get stuck in paving project again
4:10 arrive at sitters too late to see boys get off the bus. Oh well.
4:30 DH arrives home and leaves promptly for golf
5:30 oops, meant to make crock pot meal this morning. Promise to take kids to Subway if they get ready right away to go to AYSO meeting
6:00 Arrive to meeting to find that it's just passing out uniforms. I drove all this way for NOTHING?!
6:15 Ok, not nothing. I get a veggie sub for my trouble.
7:00 back home, eat dinner, catch up on blog
8:00 kids to bed, me to bed. What happened to my day?!
I hope I get used to this pace sooner rather than later. Today felt like a marathon!
Thursday: 2.5
This week: 13.8
September: 18.2
Monday, September 3, 2012
I'm going to do this thing!
So for all my talking about running a half marathon, it's just started to sink in for real. Probably because the calendar says September now and the few Sundays remaining before my race are now a reality. I've been nervous, even though I've done a 10 miler and several 9+ miles... Today my scheduled run was another 10, but I really felt like I wanted to do a loop instead of an out and back. Sometimes with an out and back the return trip is so painful because I have just seen the scenery, my brain focuses on wanting to stop running instead of the fun, interesting things I'm seeing. And I do see some fun stuff on my long runs!
Today's fun finds:
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Is that a bow in the tree? Yep, and it was the second one I saw on my run...the first one was purple. It made me smile, somewhere around mile 7.
What's this? A HUGE flag! I would have been shorter than the third stripe from the bottom! This is right across the street from where I thought I saw a dog charging me last week...so I don't know if it's a new addition or if it was there last week. Either way, it made me smile too!
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Today, I got a later start than I had wanted, but I needn't have worried, since DH was just getting up when I got home and the boys had been playing very well together. I headed out on the beginning of my regular route, but added on a few new turns. I am usually pretty good at guessing closely to the right mileage, and I turned down the road I thought would bring me back to my driveway closest to hitting 10. I hit 10 right after I got on my road...which is about a mile and a half long...so, with out meaning to, I ran 11.3 today! Tacking on another 2 for a half marathon? Easy as pie. (I'm registering tonight! No more putting it off! I know I will be sad the morning of, if I'm not there...thinking I should have, could have done it) This evening I'm thinking another two is a bit more, but this morning I really felt like I could have easily kept going (except my new awesome water bottle was empty and I was out of fruit snacks). This evening, my knees are complaining a little, and my hips too. Hopefully all that will be remedied when I get my new running shoes.
I found the current model of the Asics Cumulus I'm wearing. I got them in the spring to replace the Cumulus I was already wearing. I actually tried on about 15 pairs of shoes and narrowed it down to my favorite 3, and had the running store guy (poor guy, he was with me for more than an hour) set them up for me in a random order and I put them on with eyes closed to determine by feel which ones I liked the best. I ended up with the same shoe I had, but a year newer. It's definitely time for new ones, and I was going to go harass the running store guy again, but found them for 88$ on line, with free shipping and no sales tax....compared to the 100 I forked over in the spring. I figured, go with the ones I know I will like since I have 2 weeks to break them in until the local half marathon which will be my first one ever! (and another two weeks later is the half that was meant to be my first, with my best friend from middle/high school...but I'm all trained up and I can sleep at home for the first one...so how could I not do it? Plus, registration is only $30 . I've paid more for a 5K before. They should arrive before next weekend, if the estimate the site gave me was right. Super excited! I love me some new kicks!
Today: 11.3
September: 15.7
Fun packed Saturday
First, my math skills are pretty stinky (I think I've covered this already) but simple addition. I didn't actually hit 70 miles in August...only 69! I ran 3 miles at the track not four. What was I thinking?! Oh well. So I have a goal for this month anyway...do my calculations correctly and hit 70!
Saturday I ran 4.4. I wasn't sure if I was going to run at all on Saturday since I was babysitting last minute for my niece and nephew in the morning and A had make-up horse lessons in the late morning and I am used to DH going golfing on Saturday mornings. I had a pleasant surprise when he stayed home and took A to lessons while I stayed at the house with T and my 8 year old nephew and 10 month old niece. After they were picked up, we worked on a pinterest craft I've been waiting to do all summer (simply because I didn't have my sharpies at home and refused to buy new ones just for a t-shirt!) which took way longer than I expected, in a good way.
I've been waiting forever from zulily for it, and it showed up promptly after I ate an entire plate full of fried okra.
Gross. But I went anyway. I wanted to test it out on a short run first, before I did my long run, to manage where the body glide should go if necessary.
It worked pretty well, after I figured out where to wear it. I started it low on my hips, where I usually wear my spibelt. It was bouncing all over the place so I moved it up...then up again and finally up again. After the first mile and 4 stops/adjustments it was solid and didn't move. Awesome. I could reach the bottle, which is really cool in that you turn the mouthpiece to open it, so it's leak-proof while running, and you don't have to worry about bouncing the spout closed with your teeth like on a regular bike-type bottle (I've tried one before...and I pinched my lip in the spout more than once!)
Anyway, I made it to the in-laws, despite a couple barking dogs (my goodness they get my adrenaline running and I just feel spent about 5 minutes after I'm past!) 4.4 in the bag and no chafing from the water belt. Sweet!
September: 4.4
Saturday I ran 4.4. I wasn't sure if I was going to run at all on Saturday since I was babysitting last minute for my niece and nephew in the morning and A had make-up horse lessons in the late morning and I am used to DH going golfing on Saturday mornings. I had a pleasant surprise when he stayed home and took A to lessons while I stayed at the house with T and my 8 year old nephew and 10 month old niece. After they were picked up, we worked on a pinterest craft I've been waiting to do all summer (simply because I didn't have my sharpies at home and refused to buy new ones just for a t-shirt!) which took way longer than I expected, in a good way.
A, carefully planning his design
T's finished product. Super cute! I think I might do one of my running shirts like this!
The boys were completely engaged in the project for almost 2 hours! After DH's parents called and asked for us to come over for dinner, I asked sweetly of DH if I could get a run in and meet him at his parents' house. Sure he said! Which was great, because I had my new Camelbak belt to try out.
A necessary purchase for long runs, after the empty bottle of nuun episode.
Our CSA has been sending generous portions of okra with each week's basket. I've tried it other ways, but it seems the most palatable way is Paula Deen style. Note to self: Don't fry two whole containers at once, you can't stop yourself from stuffing yourself silly!
It worked pretty well, after I figured out where to wear it. I started it low on my hips, where I usually wear my spibelt. It was bouncing all over the place so I moved it up...then up again and finally up again. After the first mile and 4 stops/adjustments it was solid and didn't move. Awesome. I could reach the bottle, which is really cool in that you turn the mouthpiece to open it, so it's leak-proof while running, and you don't have to worry about bouncing the spout closed with your teeth like on a regular bike-type bottle (I've tried one before...and I pinched my lip in the spout more than once!)
Anyway, I made it to the in-laws, despite a couple barking dogs (my goodness they get my adrenaline running and I just feel spent about 5 minutes after I'm past!) 4.4 in the bag and no chafing from the water belt. Sweet!
September: 4.4
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