It has been very hard for me to post this summer (I know, excuses are for LOSERS!). But after my morning runs I quick eat breakfast and then take Ollie out for what usually is an hour walk (tired puppies make happy owners). By the time that is all done (plus showering) it is time to shuttle the kids some where. Today, however, I realized that I have a few musing to share.
On Wednesday when a certain person whose name rhymes with Wednesday and actually all the letters of her name are in Wendysday, I mean Wednesday, didn't let me know that she changed her mind and would not be running hills with me, I ended up running with the 6:00 group. (Dear Grammar Police - I know that is a very long run on sentence, but it is my blog and I can do whatever I want to do. You should just be happy I am posting at all) Yes, I should really thank her since I didn't have to run hills, but I also missed out on an extra half hour of sleep. I am not sure if the good out weighs the bad.....
Anyway, since I wasn't doing hills I figured I should get some speed work in. So after the hilly part of our route was done (I am not THAT hard core), I started to pick up the pace. I had edged a block or two ahead of our group when I passed by a guy taking a cigarette break out side his place of employment. He put quite a grin on my face with his enthusiastic "You Go GIRL!" "Keep your Focus!", "Pick up the Pace!", "Run, Run, Run" which lasted much longer than I expected. Plus,he finished with the Rocky Theme. It kept me smiling for quite a while. When I came back to my fellow runners they said they got the same royal treatment. Nice!
Today I decided to run with the 5:00 and 6:00 groups so I could make sure I could get my long run in (11 miles). The forecast was threatening rain on Friday when I had planned to do it. I have done this in the past, but this time I was the only one running long. I was quite surprised when I returned to the parking lot with the 5:00 group. They essentially ran right up to their cars, jumped in and left. Hmm... okay.... well.... so much for a little post run chit chat. Obviously I need to return to my 5:00 running time to model how to have fun running and relax a little. Too much seriousness!
Tonight I saw my "Speed Work Doesn't Equal Speed" post appear on Facebook (my brother "Liked" it). So, I ended up reading it. Wow - lots of typos. Sorry about that, but I am usually in such a rush to just get something posted that I don't spend a lot of time proofing it. So, of course I had to go back and correct it.
I know I have reached the extent of your attention span, so it is time for a little humor. This weekend is the Runner Camping Weekend which I organized, but won't be there. Long story, but I will sum it up by simply saying "BRAIN FART". Also, one of the posts I got the most feedback on was the one with the video of the drunk guy trying to put on a flip flop. So, I found a video which combines the two - two drunk guys trying to put up a tent. For your enjoyment:
I should have stayed in bed today like I wanted to.
I could have too.
No one was meeting me to do the track work out, so at least I slept until 6:00. I could have slept later, but I figured the longer I stayed in bed, the harder it would be to get out of it. Plus, I knew it would be hot and muggy and it was.
For those of you who don't know, our track work outs are what we used to call in high school swimming - "a ladder". We start with a lap warm up (I need much more than that), then a 400(one lap) followed by a lap of recovery (slow jog). Next a 800 (2 laps) followed by a recovery lap. We do that up to a 1600 and then come back down.
I knew I was in trouble during my warm up lap. I was hoping that it was just the normal pain and agony of getting my body warmed up, but it wasn't. My subsequent 400, 800 and 1200 were pretty pathetic. Slightly faster than my normal running pace. Then during my mile (1600) I got distracted by Ollie who decided that he would rather leave with Mr. Richgruber than stick around with me. I paused my watch with the full intent of finishing the mile, but when I started back I couldn't remember if I was finishing lap 2 or 3. And that was THAT. I was DONE.
Well, not quite. I decided that my body could handle some quick, short speed work, but was not up for the longer stuff. So, I did 10 x 100. I am not sure if that will really help me, but I figured it was better than nothing.
So, on a less depressing note:
I saw this elliptical bike at the street fair when I was Idaho. It might be something that would be good to give a try if I was injured. I also found a video of Dean Karnazes who uses it. Apparently he is going to do a couple of ultra bike events with it. I couldn't help but wonder why the guy in the red shirt doesn't match his bike like the other two. Did they decide it was too matchy-matchy?
I am always on the look out for a new Sparta running uniform. I have found the perfect one for the guys: I am sure it would eliminate chafing and bleeding nipples:
I saw this at BeerRunner and for some reason Christy came to mind.
You are a Beer Runner if you:
1. Fantasizing about the beer you’re going to drink when you’re done is what gets you through the final miles of a hard run or bike ride.
2. When planning a destination race, you take into account not only the views on the course, but whether or not FREE beer is offered at the post race party.
3. You judge a race director’s performance in part on the quality of beer he or she offers at the finish line. (Christy doesn't care what kind, just that it is FREE)
4. You’ve cured a hangover with a run.
5. You’re in way better shape than your drinking buddies (unless they’re also beer runners).
Apparently Mondays are turning into my tempo runs and my posting days.
It appears that I have found the secret to fast running. I am not sure I should share it since I am sure it will spread through the running community like wildfire and change running as we know it. But you know me... I can't help to share the newest and greatest thing for runners. Well, it is....
Snickers Blizzards.
Yep, I am SURE the fact that I had one last night is the reason that I was able to run an 8:28 pace this morning!!! Whew! It might be tough, but I may have to test my theory again next Sunday. I know you all will support me in my latest attempt to make running more enjoyable!
I hadn't really planned on running that fast, but poor Areanna (college cross country runner of our group) didn't have a fast running partner since Jenny pulled her hamstring. So, I decided to attempt to run faster. Now, 8:28 still is not fast for her, but I think it helped. I know I should be incorporating some of these pace runs into my training along with the dreaded track workouts, so this seemed like a good time. Surprisingly, it wasn't too bad.
Today turned into a tempo run with Jenny. 8:38 pace. Whew! Good for me though. We did an extra 2+ miles, but slowed it down to the normal 9:00 pace. It is hard, but I need to do it if I want to meet or beat my half marathon time this fall. I think I have plenty of time, but I know it will come sooner than I think. Plus, no matter how much may wish it, the fact is that ONE speed work out will not make me faster.
So, I have been thinking about the below video for a few days. It is shows a guy's over the top reaction to seeing a double rainbow. At first I thought, 'Geez! This guy needs to get a life!" Then as I thought about it, I came to think that maybe I am a bit envious of him. What a great thing to get so excited and emotional over something as simply beautiful as a rainbow. Then I listened to the video again and realized, "Nope - the guy is just really stoned". BUT wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if we all could get so much joy from a simple, yet still magical thing?
And it DID suck while I was running, but I did give myself a break. I didn't worry (too much) about my pace. I walked up hills when I wanted to. And I told myself again and again and again, "It is just good that I am out running."
AND afterwards, in a nice cool shower, I was glad I did.
I know, I know - it has been a LONG time since I posted. June 10th to be exact. Time flies! I guess it just took me longer than normal to recover from Butterfest! I realize now that the goal of keep up with the Flock girls is similar to the goal of qualifying for Boston - Impossible!
Life has just been busy and I am not in training for anything, so life seems pretty ho hum. If you consider taking care of this guy ho-hum:
It is amazing how much he has grown in one week! The bad news is that he has been at the Vet's the last two nights with a viral infection. Hopefully he will come home today.
Anyway - back to running. Today was a bit nerve wracking. I was the only one signed up with the speed demons Jenny and Wendy. A frightful experience (due to speed, not company) no matter what, but the last couple of runs I have really struggled. Not entirely sure why, but needless to say the Wisconsin heat and humidity did not help. Thankfully, I felt really good today. We had a fast pace - for me - they were nice enough to slow down a little bit. And I even did another mile loop afterwards. Of course they did a 2 mile loop in almost the same time I did a mile loop..... It was a beautiful morning to run and it had been a while since I talked with Jenny and Wendy (since usually they are 5 blocks ahead of me) so the run went well.
It was one of those mornings that I just loved running - well, almost.
Wow, what a painful run this morning!!! Oy! I just had to force myself to keep going. If I had not had running friends with me it would have been a much, much shorter run. I am not sure why it was. It is sad if it was the 1.5 beers I had at concert in the park last night. I know I am getting old, but geesh! Or maybe it was the Piyo (pilates and yoga) class yesterday. I didn't feel particularly tired afterwards, although I know I worked muscles. I actually feel more sore after then run than before. I guess it snuck up on me.
It was a beautiful morning for a run too! Too bad it was so miserable. It just goes to show it could have been worse.... a tired body and bad weather!
This morning when I checked the running poll, 8 people had filled it out, which is pretty good. I just checked it to see who is running tomorrow and was astounded to see that TWELVE people have filled it out! We are not all running at once due to the the 5:00 and 6:00 start times - but still!!!!! It is a pretty exciting thing for our little group of runners!
Now when I see someone running I will be even more puzzled when I don't know them! How many runners can this town hold?
I started back to running this week with a vengeance. I was away at a meeting Tuesday - Thursday and I actually ran the two mornings I was there. That was a first for me. Usually I try to run at least one day. It helps me keep my head in these meetings which tend to challenge me as much as my marathons do! I do love running in other cities. The pressure to do well is, for some reason, off. Plus with it being my first week of post marathon running... I had another reason to take it easy.
Today I had planned on going 7-8 and ended up with 10.6 despite the majority of the running group abandoning me and Julianne at 2 miles. They had started a half hour earlier. Personally, I just don't get why people don't want to sleep in just a little bit on the weekend! I could go on and on about that.... but I won't.
The rest of the group missed an enjoyable run - so it was their loss anyway. I haven't run with Julianne for quite awhile so we had quite a lot to talk about and the miles flew by. I was feeling it (the marathon) at the end, but was glad I did OVER 10 miles!
I was looking for something funny and running related to post - but no such luck. So instead I am going to post a video and a drummer that thinks quite a bit of himself. It is pretty funny....it is long, but he amazingly keeps it up the whole time. I wonder if he wore a Bodybugg, how many calories he would burn. Would it count as an aerobic activity?
This morning was my first run after the marathon. It felt about like I thought it would... hard. But I know it will just get better.
A bit of a shocker today.... Mike didn't show up. Too bad Jill wasn't there so she could finally give HIM a hard time about not showing. Life is full of missed opportunities.
I am feeling a bit under pressure since last weekend....
Sorry, but I can't help but think of that song when I feel "under pressure", which I do to write a Fargo race report.
Believe me, dear fans, I have been thinking about it every day, but not in a good way. I find it very hard to give race reports. Due to my race induced tunnel vision, my experience tends to be very narrow. However, during some car contemplation time this morning, I realized that I could just write about the "highlights" few that they were. That is another reason that I struggle to write this race report. The race was not exactly my best and I like to write about happy, fun thoughts, not why the F*** am I doing this thoughts.
First (I have no idea how many highlights there will be) - loved all the race clothing they had at the Expo and it was reasonable! Nothing like a little shopping to start the weekend off right.
Second - I passed Dean Karnazes! And yes, we were both running the same race at the same time! Okay, it was just the 5K, but a thrill none the less. I found it quite humorous that he was telling the guy next to him about a guy who had rigged up his water pack with beer. It sounded like one of those beer hats that are so common at Wisconsin tailgating parties. He thought it was a pretty cool thing.... my kind of guy.
Third - I know some of you were wondering if I would actually wear my beautiful throw away sweatshirt. Rest assured, I got my .25$ worth out of it. It came in quite handy when we were trying to locate the Cousins prior to the race. Christy said she spotted my sweatshirt a mile away. According to her it really set itself apart from the normal running apparel. Huh. I would have never guessed.
Fourth - I did have a moment of panic after the first mile when it was still quite cool and I was STILL wearing my horsey sweatshirt. I realized that if it didn't warm up, I might be wearing the thing the whole race. The good thing was that the sleeves that had shrunk to 3/4 length would work really well for an extended run. The BAD thing was that all my Fargo Marathon photos would feature the beautiful garment. The GOOD thing is that it would make finding my photo in the "lost and found" section of the race photos very easy. Thankfully, it quickly warmed up and I tossed my well spent .25$ to the side.
Fifth - Just before mile 6 I kept on hearing bells, but whenever I looked I couldn't find where they were coming from. I mentioned this to the Cousins and they didn't respond back. I had a moment of panic and asked "Are you guys hearing the bells?". I thought it was a bit early in the race to be hallucinating, but you never know... strange things can happen in a marathon! Plus, I figured it would give me a good excuse to find the next spot to drop out due to a "medical emergency". Thankfully, they cracked up (laughing!) and reassured me that they did hear the bells too. It turned out to be the bell tower at Concordia University which we ran right through the middle of. Very cool.
Sixth - Shortly after mile 17 I noticed a fellow running next to me. To me he suddenly was there, but I learned later he had been running along side of me for about 20 feet before I noticed that it was Bryan! It was time for my first DEW DROP STOP! This is the song I heard in my head at that moment...
I believe I have mentioned to you before that created a Running Induced Addiction to Diet Dew/Sun Drop among my long distance running partners. Oh, they looked down their noses at me, shaking their heads in shame the first time I made them stop at a Kwik Trip about 3/4 of the way through a long run so I could get a nice cold Diet Dew. That is until they took me up on my offer to have a taste. Thus the tradition and addiction to having a ice cold Dew/Drop 3/4 of the way through a run or in this instance, a race, came to be. Thankfully, Bryan on the injury list and not running so he was an enabler to our addition. He racked up many, many "points" from me, but unfortunately for him, I am not his wife so it does him no good. I saw his cheer face cheering me on so many times, I can't count. It was so great! (Thank you, Thank you, Thank you). This is what I will think of Bryan every time I see him (until the next story from Christy - in about a week)
Seven - It is really getting hard to come up with more highlights since by this time I was well into my "bad place" as Christy puts it.
Eight - During the last half mile I was once again walking when a guy in the crowd yelled at me with a lot of gusto, "Come on Allison! You can Do IT!" This caused a fellow runner to veer over to me and say the same thing with the same amount of disgusting enthusiasm. It took every remaining kind bone in my body to not say "Oh, I can DO IT. (lots of heavy sarcasm) It is more a question of whether or not it is running or walking." Thankfully, it would take to much energy to say that and she was well beyond my at that point.
Nine - Three words: PIZZA and CHOCOLATE MILK!
Ten - Jim was kind enough to go get me a beer. I was quite impressed by its size and even posted a photo of it to Facebook. I think that is a 20oz Powerade bottle sitting next to it.
Later when Jim was off getting something else for me - perhaps another beer? Two guys sat down at our table and asked how much it was and I said, with a lot more enthusiasm than I felt the entire race, "Its FREE!". Later, when Jim had returned, another two guys sat down and asked the same question and I responded the same. To which Jim said, "It's NOT free". Oh... does Christy have some explaining to do! She assured me that there would be beer. And there was, true, but it did not meet the Sparta Runner Race Criteria of being FREE beer. That criteria was submitted by Christy herself and the lack thereof of said FREE beer sends her immediately to her bad place.
It seems appropriate to end on that note. Beer. Needless to say it was not my best race - 4:13. I started out too fast and after doing 2 marathons a year for the last 3 years, I am mentally beat. So, that WILL be my last marathon for a long time. I won't say never, but the thrill is gone. Time to start focusing on halfs.
I would recommend Fargo to anyone. It is cheap, but provides the same level of service as much more expensive marathons (excluding the free beer). The people were incredibly friendly every where we went and crowd support was awesome.
My RIOCD (Running Induced Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) specifically checking the weather forecast for Fargo, ND a gazillion times a day, has not helped to relieve any anxiety. Here is how the weather has changed as I have been checking it:
Warm
Warmer
Hot (60 at beginning of race and 78 at end)
Hot and Breezy
Hot and Windy
Hot and Windy with Gusts
Hot and Windy with Gusts and a 30% chance of rain.
So, apparently I need to stop checking the weather because it just keeps on getting worse. Maybe if I stop it will improve. I am sure that the weather revolves around my actions, so it will work. Just like when my husband says he has to sit in a certain spot or wear a certain shirt in order for the Packers to win. The Packers' success depends on HIM!
Today is Christy's B-day. She is not sure if she is 36 or 38, so make sure you ask her how old she age since repeating things tends to either help you remember them or make people think you have dementia. I should be nice to her though, since she brought donuts this morning! Yum!
So here is a Birthday song for her. Based on what Christy said about how Bryan views her birthday, I think he will agree with its overall message:
On another unrelated note. I noticed today that we now have a lot of white cars in our group. Mine, Mike's Christy's and Todd's. NO ONE can get another white car! I bought white car to get away from all the Gray min-vans (mine, Wendy's, Sandy's, Judy's x2) and now I find myself in the predominate color group again! At least they are not all the same type of vehicles!
