Big Fat Fail

Overall my weekend was nice, but I can't help but feel like a big fat failure.

I got the news Fri evening that my couch would be arriving between 9 and noon. SO, basically that meant that I would have to be up at 5:30 am to get to my running spot to be home in time. Sorry, but F-that. So I got home from Swasome's house around 9. The couch arrived at 10. I made my first trip of the day to Home Depot. My dad called to come over to install my microwave and redo some torn screens. He forgot about the microwave so he didn't have the tools. GER. The damn microwave has been sitting on the floor for over a month. I made a 2nd trip to Home Depot. By then, it's dinner time and I had dinner plans with a girlfriend. My long run never happened. I was seriously frustrated with the day.

Sunday I helped host the baby shower. It was awesome. Then I went back to Swasomes for pool time. We ran errands together, then cooked a healthy dinner together. I mentioned the frustrating Saturday I had and he just texted me to tell me he is coming over tonight to install my microwave. I didn't even have to ask. **Swoon** (Come over bearing tools and you win my heart.) You'll notice - still no run.

So the bad news is that I'm a week behind my marathon training schedule. This drives me bonkers. The good news is that I'm seriously crushing on my new guy and every time we are together I like him more and more. I guess ya gotta take the good with the bad sometimes. I'll get back on track. Starting tomorrow.

Starting Point

This is going to be quick and painless. I just wanted to document my starting point for this training season.

Sun: 10 miles - 1:34 = 9:28 pace
Wed: 4 miles - 37:18 = 9:19 pace

Those were both hilly runs so I guess I'm not in as bad of shape as I was thinking. We'll take a look back come September and see where I'm at.

I'm finally getting into the swing with my morning run. The only drawback is that it take a little more time than my old run. Just to get to the starting point of where I can run, I have to wait through FOUR stoplights - just to get to the other side of the freeway. It's a bit annoying, but I'll deal.

She's Running; She's Actually Running

CORONA DEL MAR 5K
I was running this race with my friend SZ. She walk/ran a 5k years ago, but this is her first race after getting back into running. She did the Cto5k program on her iPhone (walk/run combo plan). I picked her up at 7am and we talked about her race goals. She said she thinks she will be around 32-35 minutes. I asked her what her dream time would be and she said to break 30 mins. So I told her that I will run with her and get her to her dream goal. We got to the starting line and I talked with her about not going out too fast. The race started and we kept a nice easy pace. I talked to her the entire time. We stopped and walked twice, but I pushed her to start back running as soon as she caught her breath. I actually had so much fun pacing and coaching - almost more fun than running my own race. We got to about .5 miles left and I told her we had to keep that pace to reach her goal - and at the final stretch I said "Run like a banshee from hell!" Her final time was 30:14. I felt like a proud mama :)

There isn't much in regards to spectators or music, but the scenery is nice. The best part about this race is the food after. Finishers go thru a shoot called "restaurant row" and that's what it is - they have pizza, tacos, sushi, bagels, pastries, fruit, etc. I settled on an orange, yogurt parfait with berries and a bran muffin. Ok, I'll admit I had a creme brule, too. We grabbed our goodies and sat on the lawn looking at the ocean. I think she's hooked because now she wants me to help her with a half marathon plan!!!!

OFFICIAL MARATHON TRAINING RUN
Sunday morning marked my first official marathon training run. I haven't run 10 miles since February! I set out in my new hood - ran a warm up mile over to Back Bay. I have to say that I struggled mentally a little bit at the beginning, but the run over all went really well. There are a heck-of-a-lot more hills than I am used to (remember my beach path is as flat as I was in 7th grade). But I loved the challenge of the hills. What I struggled with was my own ego. For the life of me, I couldn't keep my old pace. I averaged a pace of about 9:38.

Once I let go of my expectations, I really enjoyed the run. It was warm & humid and was a sweaty betty. Here is the only other issue that I had with Back Bay: I brought my water bottle fanny pack - but I'm a big thirsty lady. I could have polished off that bottle in the first half. BUT there are no water fountains to refill. So I had to ration my water. I think for any longer distances I will have to go back to beach path just for water and potty purposes.

Besides that, I went on another fantastic date. It's such a fun story, but I'm not ready to share yet.

We-we-weekends

Wow, weekends seem to fly by.

Holding with my short-term marathon plan, I scheduled a 6 miler this Saturday. I grabbed Big G (my Garmin) and hit the road. I knew I was slower than I was last year, but didn't realize HOW slow. Mile 1 was 8:59. WTH? Then I got to mile 2 and looked at my watch to realize that it said 1.2 miles. I guess it stopped right after mile 1. Then I remembered that I haven't used (or charged) my Garmin since my last race - Feb 4th. ha ha. Luckily I've run this path for 3 years now, so I know that 3 mile turn around. I have to say that I was disappointed with my slowness and felt like I needed to stop for water more, but I finished it and felt fine right when I stopped. Next weekend I'll bump it up to 7 or 8.

I met with my painter on Sat and they already started scraping & texturing my ceilings! They should finish all the painting by middle of week. Then I need to get the flooring guys in. So many things to think about and coordinate. I just want to get in and do the fun stuff!!!! I spent the rest of my afternoon at Home Depot and think I found my new home away from home. **Swoon**

Spent Mother's Day with my family - got to hang with my adorable nieces. My snuggle bunny youngest niece is in this mommy-only phase. So I didn't get all the lovin' that she used to give me. And the 3 yr old only gives love with presents. My granny was smart and stocked up on the presents.

Twenty Two Miles of Reflection

Alt Title 1: You've Run A Long Way Baby

Alt Title 2: You've Come A Long Way Baby

Let's get the digits over with first because this run today was a lot more than numbers (although I am extremely happy with them). I definitely felt like I pushed myself. HARD. At no point could I sing a song - I was working. I was sweating and crackin' out the miles.

Distance: 22 miles

Time: 3:09:48

Average Pace: 8:38 (6 seconds faster per mile than my 21 miler!)

Calories: 2419

Now don't think I'm a total wuss, but about an hour into my run, I got a little emotional and reflective. This is the last long run before my 2nd marathon and it made me think. A lot.

First, I feel so blessed as a runner. I get to run in the perfect environment - on a beach path, in perfect weather at sea level. I'm thankful and appreciative of this, especially after reading the weather drama that some of you have to go thru. So I'm not as bad ass as some of you, I know this.

Second, I am amazed at how far I've come in the last year. Looking back at my long training runs from my first marathon, I was really struggling. I remember after every long run (18+) I would get some stupid little cold. I would be wobbling around in pain. I would break out and be so flipping hungry or tired I could barely function. I think this year, I have found the right balance for me. I know everyone is different, but some of those training schedules online just had way too much running . Every other day is just fine, thank you. I'm faster and healthier!

Last, I feel so much more confident with my running. I can't help but notice how this has seeped over into other parts of my life. It has to. I mean, running is such a huge part of it that the hard work and commitment that it takes to get here is transferable to everything you do.

Last night I was having dinner with The Captain and I had a little glass of wine.

I said to him, "God, I want another glass of wine, but I guess this is the sacrifice I make to be an endurance athlete." Of course I was totally joking about the 'endurance athlete' part. So I stared at him with my eyebrow cocked, waiting for a laugh.

He just said, "yep."

I said, "Aren't you gonna raz me about calling myself an 'endurance athlete?"

He said, "No, 'cause you are one. "

(SWEETNESS)

For any of my newer readers, I want to let you know that I have only been running for about 2. 5 years. Three years ago, I was 40 lbs heavier. I had worked out my entire life, but wasn't committed to it. Nor was I committed to eating healthy. I will even embarrass myself by showing you these creepy pics from the bad ol' days.

They are both from 2006 when I was pushing 168! I am not happy with these, but everyone loves before and afters, so here ya go.

If you're wondering what I look like now, check out my race report from the 5K last weekend. You can definitely see the weight in my face, boobs and waistline.

I'm sharing this with you all (again) because I know that some of you are struggling with getting started - either with eating healthy or with getting moving. But you can do it. If I can, you can. Lots of small changes can change your life. I'm not perfect. But everyday I try to be healthy and fit. It's a decision that you make everyday. It's a lifestyle change - not a quick fix, but a different way of thinking.

So, back to the Portland marathon. It's taper time! Something I learned from my last marathon - taper time does not mean to carbo load yourself into oblivion and gain ell bees. No way jose. If you know me, then you know I have a PLAN for my taper.

Ze Taper Plan:

• Stick to original running plan- a 14 miler and a 10 miler for the next 2 weekends.
• Stretch and do lots of yoga to keep my hips from tightening up (they were on this run).
• Food: More carbs, but keep calories about the same. I really want to weigh 128 or so on marathon day. I'm much faster at this weight.

Thanks for reading this terribly long and probably boring post. But it's over now, so get out there and enjoy your weekend. You better believe I will enjoy that 2nd (or 3rd) glass of wine tonight. I think I've earned it.

Tester 14

As it is known in the running community, your long runs are the time you "test" things for your marathon. You test out your clothing, nutrition, gu, etc. So I tested out a few things on my 14 miler this morning and here are the results. Hold on to your seats cuz this is exciting stuff.

Good:
1. Hair tied in BUN instead of pony tail. Usually after a long sweaty run, my hair is one big dread lock, impossible to brush through. A bun solved this. Definitely gonna "bun" it for the marathon.
2. Nike's did good on the long distance, as did my fav brooks shorts. Although they were completely drenched and dripping sweat when I was done. I was so sweaty that I actually looked like I just got out of Bikram, instead of running. It was crazy. I love it!

Side note: I hopped on the scale right when I got home just cuz I'm crazy like that. I wanted to see how much water I lost. I was 129.8 (That is 2 to 3 lbs of sweat). Of course I drank it all back in like 2 mins, but it was cool to see the scale say that. Plus it proves how much we sweat when we run, and therefore need to replace those fluids.

Bad:
1. Running with Invisalign. You are supposed to leave them in except when you eat. So, I wanted to run in them, but when it came time for my Shot Bloks, I had to take them out. It was annoying. But I don't want to keep them out for a full 2+ hours. Also, the G2 probably is not good for staining reason. I guess I'll live with it.
2. G2. I hate hate hate drinks like this. I try them all and they are all just too damn sweet for me. I actually choke as I'm trying to drink it. And they make me my stomach cramp. I wonder if I should just stick with water, then find some other way to replace electrolytes. I drink Smart Water in Bikram. Supposedly it has electrolytes, but I'm not sure if I believe all that stuff. What do you guys think?

So, here's the digits. I am pretty happy with them. I think Fartleks are really helping me. I read somewhere (I think Nitmos or one of those fancy fast runners) that if you want to get faster, you have to train faster. Seems like an easy concept, but it took me a while to "get it."

Distance: 14 miles
Time: 2:09:02
Average Mile: 9:18
The awesome part is that my 2nd half was as strong/if not stronger than the first half. Mile 2 and Mile 10 were my fastest miles, both under 9 mins.

Song of the Day: Now You're Gone by Basshunter