Good Run!

I don't think the word 'dread' adequately describes how I was feeling about today's 2:45 run. I think that I was so anxious about it that I actually wasn't feeling great this morning.... my tummy was a rumblin! Always a convenient excuse not to run. BUT, I went anyway... I figured if I ended up-chucking THEN I could abort the run and try another day.

I arrived, but Christy didn't. I was quite nervous. After all we had the long run planned, this was not just the usual morning run. I was going through the scenarios of what I would do if she would not show (another good excuse not to run?). My car clock struck 5:00, so I got out to talk to Todd about it. I couldn't talk to Jill about it since she is trying to get the gold medal for living up to nicknames - No Show Gal (NSG). I decided to give Christy a call and just as it finished its first ring I saw a white car screaming down the road (hopefully the local police don't read this blog - if they do, I am NOT saying she was speeding!). Whew!

So, let's get this over with! I explained to Christy that I broke it down to 2 and 3/4 morning runs. THAT wasn't THAT bad! Well, it wasn't that bad! I think I was dreading the run so much because I had such a miserable experience during the 2:30 run. This run I finished feeling great - like I could keep on going and wanted to pick up the pace for the last leg home! YEAH!

Of course it helped that we had a new runner with us. Christy's sister joined us at 6:00 for most of the rest of the run. A whole NEW set of conversation topics! Time just FLEW by! As is typical - Christy said a whole bunch of things that I thought - "Remember that for the blog". Yeah right, I am not 42 so obviously remembering anything during the 2:45 hour run is not happening. Of course, I am not as old as my friend Sandy who had a birthday this week. I wonder how she does it ;-)

When I got home I decided to take an ice bath. Now, I have done this in the past and it really wasn't that bad. I am not a die hard since I only put cold water in - no ice. I did not take any video of it like Shut Up and Run, but let me tell you - I was a bit more vocal. This time it really was bad! Jim was laughing pretty hard at all my screams and squeaks, but when he saw my blue lips and my uncontrollable shaking he said, "you better get out of there". So, I made it maybe 7 minutes. MAN! I think it was more miserable than past experiences since those were in the summer when I was training for a fall marathon. So the temperature of the cold water coming into the house was much warmer than it is now. I just cannot get over how miserable it was compared to when I did before. Even my Sudoku puzzle didn't distract me. Plus, I was having a hard time writing due to the uncontrollable shaking!

So, the bottom line is the Run was GREAT (well, let's be honest, it was okay) and the ice bath SUCKED!

p.s. Hopefully this time I don't misspell certain words into swear words! If I do, I am sure Tom will point it out (to everyone but me!)

You try and be careful

I think we all try and be careful when we go out running alone or for that matter with the group, but sometimes things are just out of your control. It is so sad when freaky things like this (article) happen. It reminds me of the person who was killed while kayaking when a tree fell on him. I can't help but wonder if things had been different if somewhere in their day they had been delayed for 5 seconds or was it inevitable?

My prayers go out to his wife and young son and daughter.

Cut it Short

I cut my run short today. A whomping 2.36 miles.

My shins or the muscles along side my shins have been bothering me. Yesterday's run went better, but today I was really feeling them. Looking for excuses.....I realized that it was my fourth day in a row running. I had forgotten about running on Sunday which is not a usual running day for me. Plus it was a CRAPPY run and when my shins started bothering... so in other words an run I would have liked to forget anyway. Another excuse..... our 2.45 run is this Friday. What better reason to give my legs a break. So, I told the shocked, Christy, Katie and Tom that I was heading back. I would have told No Show Gal but she was being true to her name AGAIN today.

Thinking about it on the way home, I decided I am going to get a new pair of running shoes. I have been trying to hold off, but it may be time. I have over 300 miles on each pair. I think I am going to go up a half size since my feet seem to have grown in the last year. I am also going to see if I can find a cheaper model, but keep with Asics.

It was FOGGY today!

A New Experience

Quite a new experience this morning. A first since I started running with the running group. It was me and the boys running this morning. I think Mike was running on air with the knowledge that I was finally experiencing what he had for the past 3 (has it been that long?) years. They were very kind and didn't make me go through some bizarre male initiation ritual in order for me to run with them. Of course, if they did they knew it would appear in this blog.

We did the "Beer" run. Not because we get to indulge in beer at the turn around point, rather we run by the beer distributorships. Interestingly, it is the only run that has a name. I am sure we all of have names for the different routes we do such as $#&^% Margaret St. route, or blankety-blank County B route, but true to the positive nature of the group (except Christy) we tend to keep those names to ourselves.

Mystery

We have a little mystery!

This morning when we returned to the Walgreens parking lot there was a new, as in unknown to us, car parked among ours. It caused immediate comment and discussion. Who could it be? We all KNOW that NO ONE can park in the Walgreens parking between 5:00 and 6:00 am without being a runner. We protect our turf very carefully. We have thought about flinging a pair of tied together Asics on the power lines surrounding the parking lot in order to mark the boundaries of our territory similar how gangs do it (Kwik Trip Gal errr, I mean No Show Gal taught me that). Did we leave someone behind? Were they on the poll? All questions we did not have answers too.

We decided that it must be Kristi M. A runner group alum who had been making noises about joining us again. I checked in with her this morning and NOPE! NOT her! HMMMMM. Who could it be, Who could it BE? The Running group wants to KNOW!

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.