She Knows its Coming

Kwik Trip Gal's name is now officially No Show Gal.

I am sure she will have some good excuse like she had to change the batteries in her smoke detectors since it was daylight savings. I was even feeling guilty that I may not have waited for her long enough, so after returning home to pick up my dog (who is always willing to run with me) I ran by our meeting place to make sure she hadn't come. Nope. She did leave me a message 30 minutes after our meeting time saying she was sorry and she would look for me.... hmmmm She was probably really on her way to get more batteries.

AND in addition to that heart breaker, my run SUCKED! My shins were killing me. I thought they would warm up and it would turn into an okay run. Nope. And my pace just kept on getting slower and slower. Too bad too because the morning gave the feeling that it was going to be a beautiful March day. We might actually get the see the sun today.

However, there was a happy being in all of this. Shiner. He was one happy dog when I came back and got him. His tail was just a waggin'. He would have looked like this dog:

10 mile pace run - a little late

I am a little late in posting this, but other things were calling my attention - like a 7:00 a.m. meeting.

So, The Cousins, He Who Shall Not Be Named and Kwik Trip Gal ran our 10 mile pace run. I think we did well - at 8:44 pace. Newbie Runner (Todd) also joined us for 6 miles of it. He did GREAT! He hung with us which is pretty amazing - not because we run super fast, but because he is pretty new to us and it wasn't really fair for us to "change things up" on him this early. BUT Marathon training must go on! We really weren't trying to run away from him.... REALLY - even if he is a Vikings Fan!

I learned quite a bit about He Who Shall Not Be Named today. One, as a teacher he sure doesn't practice what he preaches. You would not BELIEVE how many times I had to tell him to Shut Up! when I was trying to explain the route. Hopefully he learned his lesson during one of the many of times that he tried to turn when we were going straight or when he went straight when we turned. Note that I said WE - everyone else (who had their listening caps on and their mouths closed) knew where to go. No extra steps by us. I had no sympathy for him. It was a good life lesson for him.

We were also talking about musical devices and the things we used to and still call them.... like boombox and walkman instead of mp3 player. We are so.....o old. He Who Shall Not Be Named admitted that when he first was running he listened to a cd player but it would skip. So he would have to run with his hand out, palm up and his cd player lying flat. I thought it sounded like some yoga pose. I think this means he would make a good pacer for a marathon. I always wonder how those people run 26.2 miles holding a stick with their pace time on a flag at the top of it. Plus, he said he didn't have any goal for his 3rd marathon except that he wanted to be under 4 hours. Ah! We had to remind him that most people (including 3 of us running) couldn't run a marathon under 4 so running a marathon under 4 hours really is a GOAL. I think it was really his usual way of trying to get people to admire him without looking like that is what he is trying to do.

Surprise!

We got a nice surprise this morning as we were running the dreaded Margaret loop!

Katie!

She is back at running. She said that she wasn't sure if she could keep up with us since it was her first day back after surgery. We were so taken aback by her appearance that we believed her. So she turned with us and continued until her turn back to home point. So glad she is back! Now, where is Elyse?

Yesterday I was suffering from my long run. It just wiped me out. Christy mentioned she was happy I FINALLY moved on to a new excuse - post vacation run - and got of my blood donation excuse. Apparently, she did not give up whining for lent either that or she needs to go to confession.

Tomorrow there is a 79% chance it will be raining at 5:00 am. The season of getting up, walking outside with my hands up in the air (to see if it is raining, not praying for rain) and turning around (just in case this helps a rain drop hit me) has begun!

2:30 Done

Done with the 2:30 long run! Many, Many THANKS to Jill who ran it with me at the ridiculous time of 11:00.

I started out feeling really good, especially considering we got back from ski vacation the night before. Normally, my first run after a vacation is not great - sluggish. I think it is because I am out of my routine and eating habits are less than ideal (not that they normally are). But today I felt really good. I think part of it was that I got to get out of the house for 2.5 hours and away from the kids (yes, I do love them, but after a week of vacation I am ready for some ALONE time) plus J could get caught up on laundry!

So, I felt in high spirits for about the first 50 minutes. The next 1:40 minutes was a struggle. It has been a long time where I have stopped to "take a break" with only 15 minutes to go. I am afraid this is one of my quirks that I am sure drives my running partners crazy. You would think I could push through it and just run those 15 minutes and get it done with, but sadistically I feel the need to walk. AND I even turn off my watch so is not like I letting myself not run those 15 minutes. Nope, I am just stretching out the pain and agony even longer!

So, we ran 15.68 and nice weather. No sun, but little wind and relatively warm. A lot of spring weather walkers were out and about.

A better day

Today was a much better day on the treadmill. I usually don't run two days in a row while on vacation, but I consider yesterday's 2 miles a non-run. A good attempt, but not enough to count as a run day.

So, today all went well except for a guy hogging the fan, but I managed pretty well without it. I went in with the attitude of running 45 minutes or 5 miles whatever came first. So it didn't matter how fast I did it, unless I was feeling inspired.

The first few steps were a good sign since I didn't experience the excruciatingly painful butt giggle. I just started out running and started increasing the pace as I felt good. Eventually I started to do 1 minute intervals and some variations of that. I won't got into the mind numbing details. The end result is I hit 5 miles at 43 minutes. I finished out the 45 minutes with about 5.25 miles and felt good.

I guess my body has adjusted to being 42.

Good Ones!

I found these Nike Running ads on one of my favorite running blogs -Runny is Funny. I had to share them....

All of us early morning Wisconsin (COLD!) runners can probably say that Nike got the idea for this ad from us since it has happened to us at one time or another...... Sadly, though they got the reality part of it wrong. Because we all know that it it was real, she would have icicles on her eye lashes and pony tails!



Now this is one that goes out to Mike. He always scoffs at us women when we talk about wanting to lose those infamous 5 lbs. Maybe this ad will put it in terms he will understand.



This one I know they got after watching me during the last 3 miles of the Twin Cities Marathon. And yes, I was talking out loud to no one but myself.

A different day

Well, remember when I said that I actually "enjoyed" running on the treadmill while in the Boat? Today was a different day.

I knew it wasn't going to be a good run when I looked in the mirror and said to J, Today is my first full day as 42 and I look it. Oh my. As I was walking toward the fitness center, I found myself thinking that I would rather not be doing this. And of course everything went wrong when I got there.

First, I have to say that I don't like the new set up in the gym. They got one big screen TV to replace 3, but the equipment didn't get moved back. So, unless you are on one of the two (very popular) elliptical machines right in front of it, you have to turn your head in at least a 45 degree angle to see it. Of course, then you can't hear it either. Naturally, the treadmills are at the ends of the row... the worst spots.

I got on one though. Got things moving when I realized that I was going to need a LOT more distraction than the 45+ degree TV viewing angle would provide. I then realized that I forgot to switch my iPod holder for the one with the belt clip. I made the mistake of putting the iPod on the machine. You know what happened. Within 30 seconds I hit the headphone cord and my iPod went flying. Luckily, it was unscathed. Then I realized I was HOT. I saw the treadmill on the far other end of the line of equipment was free and had a fan. So, I moved. Got situated again. Started listening to my audio book when I accidentally hit the chapter ahead button. UGH!!! So, I switched to podcasts. I had listened to ALL of them already. ARRGH.

On top of all of this my body was not happy. My first few steps I believe I let out a pretty audible groan as the jiggle of my butt was amazingly painful. So, I ran 2 miles. Pathetic. But I did it. Better than nothing. Plus, I have been downhill skiing on a BIG MOUNTAIN for 2 days. My legs have been getting quite a workout, so it is not like I have been slacking.

Plus - I am 42, I deserve a break today!

ALMOST an embarrassing moment

Luckily yesterday I managed to avoid a potentially very embarrassing moment......

On the slopes of Mt. Werner in Steamboat they have mesh type banner signs which warn you to slow down or not jump. They are usually placed where runs are merging. Well, this year I noticed that they had some new signs. One that caught my curiosity was W.H.O.A Partner - Slopewise. I figured that they must have some new partnership with the WHOA group, but couldn't figure out what WHOA stood for. I thought I would see some explanation of it somewhere on the map or in the Gondola building, but no such luck. I meant to ask a lift operator what it stood for - because you know me, I need know what is going on! - but I kept on forgetting. Later in the day I finally got it.... it wasn't W.H.O.A Partner, it was Whoa Partner! As in cowboy on his horse - Whoa Partner!!

I could only imagine the look of bewilderment that I would have seen on the lift operator's face as I asked what WHOA stood for. Jim assured me that it would have been in the top 10 for the stupidest question asked by a skier. Whew! Sometimes forgetfulness is a good thing!

We are looking forward to skiing today. 4" of new snow at mid mountain and 6" at the top.

First Run in the BOAT!

My first annual run on treadmill in Steamboat Grand.

It is the only place I enjoy (look forward to....nah!) a treadmill run. I am not sure why that is. Maybe because I am on vacation and all is good? Maybe because since I normally avoid running on the treadmill, it is different enough to make it interesting? Maybe because I have no gauge of whether or not it is a bad or good work out except for how my body feels? Maybe because I allow a shorter work out since I tend to try and do a much faster pace? Or is it because I get to sleep an hour later and still run at 6:00 am! Hmmmm. I just don't know. But the good thing is that I like doing and usually get a least 3 runs in.

Today I decided to try an interval run where I ran fast during the show and recovered during the commercial. Unfortunately, I started with the WRONG channel. Who knew that CNN had such long news periods. And to make it worse it was typical 24 hours news channel "no news trying to look like new" It was all (25 minutes until I changed the channel) on the Chile earthquake. Now, don't get me wrong, I have sympathy for them. But it happened yesterday and I would think there would be SOME other news to report. Especially when they weren't giving us any news anyway.

So I switched to network news. Much better. And of course the first story was about the inaccuracy of exercise machine and watches estimation of how many calories you burn. Not good news, but not surprising. I have never paid much attention to how many calories I have burned except after a 3 hour run! Needless to say they all OVER estimate the amount of calories you burn by quite a significant amount. Now that is NEWS!!!!!

So, my work out when well. 45 minutes at a pace over 1 minute per mile faster than my pace run on Friday and Yes, I did have the incline at 1% except for the last minute.

I don't get it.

So, just to start off - I had a nice 8 mile pace run with Christy this morning. Well, the company was nice, but the run wasn't. I continue to hang on to my "I gave blood" excuse. It really has wiped out my energy in runs. However, the 8 miles did go by quickly - THANKS Christy. I hope giving up Bryan for Lent is going well.

So - a little vent here. I just don't get people sometimes. I just deleted a comment from my blog which was from a person pretending to be a friend or an 'interested' runner when in actuality they were trying to get me to go to a shoe website. Well, I am at least giving the benefit of the doubt that it was a shoe site and not a virus site. If it was a virus site, then well this person has WAY too much time on their hands. I mean, who has time to go find running blogs and post a comment about running shoes (complete with misspellings) just to get me to go to a site to get a virus. Did I mention that they mentioned Prada sneakers???? Oh yeah - I think I will give up my dependable Asics Nimbuses and switch to Prada. I am sure they pay good attention to the needs of a runner like me. I wonder how high the heel is? At least that way when I fall I will fall forward - towards the finish line!

I also don't get the virus thing. I don't understand how this gives people a thrill. They never actually see the frustration and damage they do. Maybe their imaginations provide better images than what happens in reality. I just don't get it. Sometimes I feel it just is an indication of the weird evil in the world. A sad thought. Why do people feel the need to cause harm to people they will never see? Okay, getting too deep here. I went for my run already today, you would think I would have all this energy out of my system. Maybe it is just because I am getting my haircut today (LOVE the massage during the shampoo (Can I fall asleep right here?? Please???)) AND I am leaving for vacation tomorrow!!!! Whooo HOOOO!!!!

Alarm Clock

A nice group of runners this morning... I am referring to number of runners not types of personalities! It was a little slick with the dusting of snow, but warmer than it has been.

The last post starred Christy. So today's will feature her lovely spouse, Bryan. The quote of the morning that literally stopped my conversation with Tom and Mike because it was too good to let go without comment was from Christy, "I am worried about Jake's birthday, I am not sure what to get him. Bryan suggested an alarm". Yes, you read right, an alarm. Now, this comes from a man that has no problem buying not only one tractor, but a SECOND one! AND he has a corn picker and as Tom pointed out, he isn't even a farmer. However, Bryan had a well thought rationale for all of this.... There isn't any tax on farm equipment purchases. Ah.............

I guess Christy and I are headed to Minneapolis today for a tractor's worth of shopping since there isn't any tax on clothes! Oh, and we need to pick up a nice alarm clock. Like this one.... I have to say. It would get you up, but there would be a lot of swearing (from you and your neighbors) as you tried to find the flying thing in a dark room while half awake in order to shut the darn thing off!

Crabby Apple

Today I cannot shake my crabby apple mood. My run this morning did not help. I am still struggling. At one point I made a conscious effort to focus on the positive aspects of the run.... it was light out, I could hear birds chirping which means spring is on the way, there was warmth in the sun which means spring is one the way, my new running jacket seems to be working well, most of the ice was off the sidewalks. Unfortunately I was only able to keep this up for 5 seconds.

So, this morning I went in search of an appropriate Oscar the Grouch video. However, while listening to this song, I realized that it is much more appropriate for Christy our self proclaimed long run grouch. She has been trying to complain less and be more positive during our long runs (and sometimes during our regular runs) by saying such things as "I will be really happy when this run is over." She knows she isn't quite getting it, but we will give her an A for effort because.... We Love YOU Just the Way You ARE!

Christy has been struggling to come up with something to give up for lent and a brilliant idea just occurred to me! It the perfect thing because not only will it be a sacrifice for her, it will also greatly benefit others! It is much better than her sacrifice of limiting herself to one dessert a day (now you know why she runs) She should give up complaining during running. Notice that I didn't limit it to long runs. She needs to really sacrifice - all runs!!! What do you think??? Yes, I am really asking, so there is a poll at the top of the poll for you to indicate your thoughts. I know I haven't wowed you all with my technical know-how for quite some time, so I thought I would expose you all to a new gadget - blog polls.

Also, you will notice that I did some updating to the blog page. Long over due.

Lastly, in attempt to end this poll on a positive note, I am happy to report that I actually finished the paper's Sudoku puzzle today. My husband tells me that Sunday has the hardest puzzles... so I am particularly pleased!

First official long run

I guess I should be happy since the first official long run of the training season is done.

It was painful.

The night before I had called C to tell her that if I wasn't there, don't wait for me. I was experiencing a sudden onset of nausea and thought I was in for a long night. I had heard too many nasty stories of 24 hour stomach bugs. Maybe it was my body's way of trying to get out of it since I had a solid night of sleep - dead to the world.

In the morning I was still feeling nauseated, but still able to run. Plus I didn't want to not go and then feel fine later in the day. I would rather go and quit the run early if needed. Too many times I have felt icky before a run just to have it disappear a few miles in.

Near the end of the first hour I was already thinking.... boy, I wish this was the end of the 2nd hour. NOT a good sign. A quarter of the way into the next 1.5 hours I was already thinking about telling the cousins and Tom to just go on. It was one of times where every time I looked at my Garmin I thought "Only ONE minute has gone by?????".

I managed not to bail as we ran by the vehicles... at that point I was able to think... I CAN do 45 more minutes. But not long after I told the others to just go. Of course I forgot that they are all Garmin sluts. So, not long after they slowed their pace down in order for me to catch up. Don't go thinking that they are kind and sensitive running friends because they are not. Nope, they don't care about me, they just care about my Garmin. The were lost with out me and my Garmin. Fortunately my slow, slow pace eventually made them give up and they went on their way.

I did finish, a little shy of 2:15, but only by 2.5 minutes, so that is just fine considering how rotten I felt.

Blood and the Olympics

Today is one of those days that I have so much to say that I don't know where to begin!

So, let's begin with a topic that is always interesting... blood.

I gave blood for the first time this week. (pat on the back) However, after today's run I have decided that I will not give blood during training season (I can't say "racing" season with a straight face). I thought it would probably impact my running because I remember running with some of my fellow morning runners and them saying they were struggling because they gave blood. However, I read up on the issue (no surprise to those who know me well). I learned that it can take 3-4 weeks for your body blood haemoglobin levels to return to normal. I was thinking it would be a couple of days. I have a hard time maintaining my iron levels under normal circumstances, I can only guess how hard it will be for me to recover after giving a pint (of blood, not beer - in my dreams). I was actually a little surprised I was able to give blood since in the past my iron levels were too low. However, this week I was taking an iron supplement in addition to my multi-vitamin. Now, I am sure that iron is a nice little mineral as minerals go, but I am sure those of you who have taken an iron supplemental can support my testimony that it is not NOT nice to other vitally important and daily bodily functions. So, although I believe it is the right thing to do, I will not be giving blood until October.

So, on to more cheery subjects. Did you watch the Women's Downhill on the Olympics last night? OMG. OMG. You could use this race alone to develop an updated montage for the ABC Wide World of Sports' catch phrase, "Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… This is ABC's Wide World of Sports!" (I looked hard for the original video montage, with no success).

The course was very hard and icey after being slushy all week and then freezing the night before making for some spectacular crashes which they only can be at 60mph. Amazingly, they all walked away and afterwards they reported that none of them were seriously injured.

Particularly sad was the women from Italy(?) who is the second skier in the montage. She wipes out within 25 feet of the starting gate. Wow.... you gotta feel for her. And adding insult to injury, she had to be wearing an ALL WHITE ski suit. Now, any woman can tell you that an all white, skin tight outfit is NOT flattering, even if you are an Olympic athlete. You look more like a dough boy (or in this case - girl) not a hard trained, rock hard Olympic athlete. Obviously it was a man who came up with the design.

Take the time to watch the video... if you can without say OH! or OUCH! it is a good indication that you have serious issues and you should pick up the phone right now and get some therapy!