Another weekend, another race.
Well, we had a blast this morning at the Carl Hart Duathalon. It was touch and go with the rain...lots of folks waiting in the parking lot to see if the weather would clear up. Thankfully, it did, just in time for the start at 9:00. We had a blast with lots of our swim buddies, Jackie, Judy, Lisa and some run buddies, Karen and Fran. The course was to run 1.8, bike 10, run 1.8. The trails were muddy in places and my unstable ankles protested, but never did I slip or roll them. And the bike was good, the road surface dried in a short time with all the wind. Oy, that wind!!! By the third loop, I had some confidence and got up to 18 mph a few times. Happy to report that I took nearly 4 minutes off of my total time from last year!
Although it is a miracle after all the food and sangria I had with Esra and Bernadette yesterday! And today was an eating orgy. Complete with chocolate cake for Mother's Day. (Thank you Esra!!) I really must find some discipline with my food...I do well for a day, then I blow it for three. Tomorrow is a new week, I will try, try again.
The other thing I want to begin this week is the supplement thing. Joe has been telling me for years (at least 11 years) to take at least a multi-vitamin. And other things as well. Then, I come home with Dr. Steve's recommendations, swearing maybe I should try them after all. I think Joe was a bit insulted. But....be that as it may...he seems to be right...I've been told again and again by so many....I had better put a note on my calendar...I'll never remember otherwise.
Very excited to get my orthotics this coming week. Hoping that will help a whole host of issues from my back to my hip to my knee to my ankle to maybe even the big ol' honkin' callus problem on one foot.
After the half marathon last week, Joe took one look at my foot and told me to find someone to take care of it. It was so bad I couldn't even fit it into my shoe on Monday. Then, when I saw Dr. Steve on Wednesday and he saw it, he urged me to do the same. He tried to tell me about a pumice stone. I was like, "This is AFTER the pumice stone!" I happened to have $6.00 in extra bucks for CVS and decided to see what they might have to help with what we not so affectionately call "the honker." There is this thing, it resembles a cheese grater, made for the purpose of shredding away the offensive honker. After much grating and shredding, my foot is now nearly the original size it was before I got involved in all this fitness whoop-de-doo. So maybe, now, with the orthotics too, it will not get to be so horrendous again...we shall see. We need to do something before November, that is for sure. That honker hurt so badly by mile 7 last week....and that would have only been 25% of a full marathon...I'd never finish...
Alas, my darling daughter is pinging me via FB now for advice. This is a bonus Mother's Day present! Imagine that. My ruminations must end here so I can figure out all the wrong things to say...wink, wink.
Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there! Especially my own Mom, who I know will be reading this with her morning coffee on Monday!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Data Driven
The old saying is that couples begin to resemble one another once they have been married a long time. I'm not sure Joe and I are starting to resemble each other in looks. But I can say for certain, he is making a spreadsheet queen out of me. I keep spreadsheets on lots of stuff. One of the things I like to look at is my race performance. Today I took a few minutes to "drill down" as Joe would say into yesterday's run. And yes, my assessment of my performance is validated in the split times for every mile. Mile 12 was indeed horrendous! And mile 13 wasn't much better.
But here is the encouraging news. Last year, I did better than 25% of the participants overall (men and women, all ages). This year, I did better than 35%. That's a nice jump. Out of the women in the race, last year I did better than 43% and this year 45%. Not as big a jump, but still a move in the right direction. The biggest jump was in my age group. I had hoped to finish in the top half of women ages 45-49. Last year I was better than 33% of them. This year I reached 48%. That is the biggest jump and I am happy with that.
Overall pace was 33 seconds faster than last year. Even though I was 3-4 pounds heavier than last year. Imagine if we wired my mouth shut for a while, I'd be in the top half for sure!!!
Feeling pretty good today, considering how lousy I felt in mile 12. Just a little sore, and the feet got beat up more than usual. Those purple sneakers are awesome to look at, but I will be happy to be rid of them. Hopefully later this week. In my experience, Mizunos feel great at first but break down way too fast. I think I may go back to the Sauconys. Dr. Steve and Dr. Holly have recommended a particular pair, I hope I like the way they feel. At this point, I'd do whatever they tell me...if they told me to put stones in my shoes and run, I probably would!
Recovery swim this morning was delightful. I truly love, love, love it. I think I figured something out this morning during a 3x300 set that I'll need to run by my beloved coaches. I sure would like to be taking time off of my swims like I am taking time off of my runs! If I didn't hate being under the water so much, I'd consider synchronized swimming as a new hobby...for everyone telling me how great I look...looking good is lovely, but I'd rather be fast darn it!
Alas, my (small) lunch is finished, back to work I go. For those of you keeping count, I'm down to one spring book left. I had hoped to access the photos from yesterday as well during lunch, but haven't managed that yet. As usual, I always think I can get more done that what is realistic. I need an assistant!!!!
The old saying is that couples begin to resemble one another once they have been married a long time. I'm not sure Joe and I are starting to resemble each other in looks. But I can say for certain, he is making a spreadsheet queen out of me. I keep spreadsheets on lots of stuff. One of the things I like to look at is my race performance. Today I took a few minutes to "drill down" as Joe would say into yesterday's run. And yes, my assessment of my performance is validated in the split times for every mile. Mile 12 was indeed horrendous! And mile 13 wasn't much better.
But here is the encouraging news. Last year, I did better than 25% of the participants overall (men and women, all ages). This year, I did better than 35%. That's a nice jump. Out of the women in the race, last year I did better than 43% and this year 45%. Not as big a jump, but still a move in the right direction. The biggest jump was in my age group. I had hoped to finish in the top half of women ages 45-49. Last year I was better than 33% of them. This year I reached 48%. That is the biggest jump and I am happy with that.
Overall pace was 33 seconds faster than last year. Even though I was 3-4 pounds heavier than last year. Imagine if we wired my mouth shut for a while, I'd be in the top half for sure!!!
Feeling pretty good today, considering how lousy I felt in mile 12. Just a little sore, and the feet got beat up more than usual. Those purple sneakers are awesome to look at, but I will be happy to be rid of them. Hopefully later this week. In my experience, Mizunos feel great at first but break down way too fast. I think I may go back to the Sauconys. Dr. Steve and Dr. Holly have recommended a particular pair, I hope I like the way they feel. At this point, I'd do whatever they tell me...if they told me to put stones in my shoes and run, I probably would!
Recovery swim this morning was delightful. I truly love, love, love it. I think I figured something out this morning during a 3x300 set that I'll need to run by my beloved coaches. I sure would like to be taking time off of my swims like I am taking time off of my runs! If I didn't hate being under the water so much, I'd consider synchronized swimming as a new hobby...for everyone telling me how great I look...looking good is lovely, but I'd rather be fast darn it!
Alas, my (small) lunch is finished, back to work I go. For those of you keeping count, I'm down to one spring book left. I had hoped to access the photos from yesterday as well during lunch, but haven't managed that yet. As usual, I always think I can get more done that what is realistic. I need an assistant!!!!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Woo Hoo!
Got my PR by 49 seconds. Official time: 2:12:59.
Had a really good first half of the race, even though it is net uphill for the first 8 miles. And that Jericho Turnpike stretch involved a slight headwind. The ninth mile I even made up some time and brought my pace back down. Then it was up the onramp to the Wantagh Parkway...that slowed me down some. Then we had to go over some road or other while on the Parkway...that was pretty brutal for me. Folks were passing me in droves. Droves I say.
And after that I had nothing left. I tried all my games. I had been doing so well. But by then my feet hurt so badly and I was so tired, I was just saying one more step, one more step. The one more telephone pole was long since out the window. There was not even any energy left to lean forward. Or pick someone out in the crowd to chase. I tried thinking of Barbara and Kris who were running twice the distance. But I couldn't even gather inspiration from that. I tried focusing on the victims of the Boston bombing, and that just made me worry about Natasha at the finish line. Even Janice passing me handily with a quarter mile to go did not get me to rally and move any faster. It was going to be what it was going to be at that point. And although I cared, I couldn't muster any more strength. (Great job Janice!!!!)
Naturally, I went out too fast. No surprise there. A common curse of mine. I even tried to slow down at the beginning, but not enough, obviously. Miles 9-11 are always the hardest for me. And today was no different. The only difference was that I did not get a second wind after mile 11 like I have before. So, I tested myself again. And although I did better than before in a few ways, it was not as good as I have the potential to do, if I was better prepared.
We got Chinese food for dinner to help replace the salt lost. Here is my fortune:
Truer words for the day could not have been said. I believed I could break 2:13, but was not convinced about much more. And I did exactly that...broke 2:13 by one second, and not much more. Still have much training to do between the ears. Clearly.
Lots of work to be done on the legs too. After cleaning up the bloody feet, I will not waste any time getting new shoes this week!!! And then we just keep on moving...one day, one mile, one telephone pole at a time.
Got my PR by 49 seconds. Official time: 2:12:59.
Had a really good first half of the race, even though it is net uphill for the first 8 miles. And that Jericho Turnpike stretch involved a slight headwind. The ninth mile I even made up some time and brought my pace back down. Then it was up the onramp to the Wantagh Parkway...that slowed me down some. Then we had to go over some road or other while on the Parkway...that was pretty brutal for me. Folks were passing me in droves. Droves I say.
And after that I had nothing left. I tried all my games. I had been doing so well. But by then my feet hurt so badly and I was so tired, I was just saying one more step, one more step. The one more telephone pole was long since out the window. There was not even any energy left to lean forward. Or pick someone out in the crowd to chase. I tried thinking of Barbara and Kris who were running twice the distance. But I couldn't even gather inspiration from that. I tried focusing on the victims of the Boston bombing, and that just made me worry about Natasha at the finish line. Even Janice passing me handily with a quarter mile to go did not get me to rally and move any faster. It was going to be what it was going to be at that point. And although I cared, I couldn't muster any more strength. (Great job Janice!!!!)
Naturally, I went out too fast. No surprise there. A common curse of mine. I even tried to slow down at the beginning, but not enough, obviously. Miles 9-11 are always the hardest for me. And today was no different. The only difference was that I did not get a second wind after mile 11 like I have before. So, I tested myself again. And although I did better than before in a few ways, it was not as good as I have the potential to do, if I was better prepared.
We got Chinese food for dinner to help replace the salt lost. Here is my fortune:
Dreams are extremely important.
You can't do it unless you imagine it.
Truer words for the day could not have been said. I believed I could break 2:13, but was not convinced about much more. And I did exactly that...broke 2:13 by one second, and not much more. Still have much training to do between the ears. Clearly.
Lots of work to be done on the legs too. After cleaning up the bloody feet, I will not waste any time getting new shoes this week!!! And then we just keep on moving...one day, one mile, one telephone pole at a time.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Tomorrow is race day!!!
It's funny how exciting it is, anticipating a big race. We know it's going to be hard. We know we're going to be tired, and sore, and in my case, grouchy until I replace my glycogen stores. We know we'll feel like taking a break, and maybe even quitting, but we won't allow ourselves to. We know there will be someone ahead of us that we try to catch that stays just out of our reach which is frustrating. We know we chance injury. We know we will give it our all, and our all may not be good enough to reach our goals. We know we may be disappointed.
Yes, in spite of all of this, we look forward to race that we have trained for. Why? For so many reasons. Here are some of mine.
To test myself, physically.
To test myself, mentally, even more so. I now know I can run 13.1 miles. But what I don't know is how hard I can run them? How long can I force myself to concentrate? How long can I feel like I can't go any more at my race pace, and yet keep going?
To build my strength. Muscle strength. Character strength.
To spend time with friends. I will miss Mindy and Dana and Lauren this race. Love you girls!! But there are so many familiar faces, and I just know that we will all be encouraging each other to do our best. Good luck to all of you, especially Joyce, Carole, Kris, Barbara, Janice, Kathy, Melissa, Tricia, and my honey Joe! I'm sure there are plenty more folks running that I will see along the way!!!
To set a good example for my children.
To enjoy a beautiful day, with great people, doing something good for us. (It's supposed to be clear and cool tomorrow. A little breezy though, but nothing like Flushing in March.)
Because Joe and I have a life goal together....to be running, together, in our 80's....and this is the next race along the way to reaching that goal.
Here it is, the public statement of my goal. This makes me feel silly, but also makes me work harder! Last year, this race took me 2:18. My PB for a 13.1 is 2:13. Obviously, better than both of those is the goal. And the real reach, if all the stars align just so, is 2:10. Not sure how realistic any of this is...I do not feel as though I have done the work...but I will give it what I've got.
My clothes are laid out, my laces are back in my shoes, my fuel is ready, my bib is on my belt, I'm hydrating, and we have pasta planned for dinner (naturally). Race time is 8:00 AM. Ready!...Set!...
It's funny how exciting it is, anticipating a big race. We know it's going to be hard. We know we're going to be tired, and sore, and in my case, grouchy until I replace my glycogen stores. We know we'll feel like taking a break, and maybe even quitting, but we won't allow ourselves to. We know there will be someone ahead of us that we try to catch that stays just out of our reach which is frustrating. We know we chance injury. We know we will give it our all, and our all may not be good enough to reach our goals. We know we may be disappointed.
Yes, in spite of all of this, we look forward to race that we have trained for. Why? For so many reasons. Here are some of mine.
To test myself, physically.
To test myself, mentally, even more so. I now know I can run 13.1 miles. But what I don't know is how hard I can run them? How long can I force myself to concentrate? How long can I feel like I can't go any more at my race pace, and yet keep going?
To build my strength. Muscle strength. Character strength.
To spend time with friends. I will miss Mindy and Dana and Lauren this race. Love you girls!! But there are so many familiar faces, and I just know that we will all be encouraging each other to do our best. Good luck to all of you, especially Joyce, Carole, Kris, Barbara, Janice, Kathy, Melissa, Tricia, and my honey Joe! I'm sure there are plenty more folks running that I will see along the way!!!
To set a good example for my children.
To enjoy a beautiful day, with great people, doing something good for us. (It's supposed to be clear and cool tomorrow. A little breezy though, but nothing like Flushing in March.)
Because Joe and I have a life goal together....to be running, together, in our 80's....and this is the next race along the way to reaching that goal.
Here it is, the public statement of my goal. This makes me feel silly, but also makes me work harder! Last year, this race took me 2:18. My PB for a 13.1 is 2:13. Obviously, better than both of those is the goal. And the real reach, if all the stars align just so, is 2:10. Not sure how realistic any of this is...I do not feel as though I have done the work...but I will give it what I've got.
My clothes are laid out, my laces are back in my shoes, my fuel is ready, my bib is on my belt, I'm hydrating, and we have pasta planned for dinner (naturally). Race time is 8:00 AM. Ready!...Set!...
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Building Confidence, Building Muscle?
Well, here's hoping anyways!! Went out for a lunchtime ride just now. Forced myself to do 10 miles up and down the same road. Really someone should be filming this for a comedy show. The first time I had to make a U turn, I came to a complete stop and waited probably more than a minute before I felt I could do it. Mind you, this is not a busy road. But I felt I needed no moving vehicles in site in either direction. In sight. The good news is that by the last time, I was able to coast, look over my shoulder, hold my arm out, and make the U turn. I consider this major progress. Even if I had to talk myself through the process outloud. :)
On the last downhill I managed to screw up enough courage to allow the bike to get to 18 mph. Again, this is not really a true hill. It is just the bump in the road to go over the parkway. But still. That is progress and I even almost enjoyed it.
The kids at the elementary school must be getting a kick out of this. I'll bet none of them are afraid of their bikes at all. And there I go, up and down, up and down, giving myself a pep talk, telling myself what a good girl I am. Hopefully they cannot hear me since the building is set back from the road a little bit.
This was a good confidence booster. Not much of a muscle builder. As workouts go, I didn't break a sweat until I ran the mile after the ride. So I don't guess it counts for too much. But it's better than nothing. And it is a taper week after all. Wink, wink.
Now, back to work...still two spring books to finish. The end is in sight!!!!
Well, here's hoping anyways!! Went out for a lunchtime ride just now. Forced myself to do 10 miles up and down the same road. Really someone should be filming this for a comedy show. The first time I had to make a U turn, I came to a complete stop and waited probably more than a minute before I felt I could do it. Mind you, this is not a busy road. But I felt I needed no moving vehicles in site in either direction. In sight. The good news is that by the last time, I was able to coast, look over my shoulder, hold my arm out, and make the U turn. I consider this major progress. Even if I had to talk myself through the process outloud. :)
On the last downhill I managed to screw up enough courage to allow the bike to get to 18 mph. Again, this is not really a true hill. It is just the bump in the road to go over the parkway. But still. That is progress and I even almost enjoyed it.
The kids at the elementary school must be getting a kick out of this. I'll bet none of them are afraid of their bikes at all. And there I go, up and down, up and down, giving myself a pep talk, telling myself what a good girl I am. Hopefully they cannot hear me since the building is set back from the road a little bit.
This was a good confidence booster. Not much of a muscle builder. As workouts go, I didn't break a sweat until I ran the mile after the ride. So I don't guess it counts for too much. But it's better than nothing. And it is a taper week after all. Wink, wink.
Now, back to work...still two spring books to finish. The end is in sight!!!!
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