Runnin' Along

September

2010-09-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

It's September which means the Akron Half Marathon is quickly approaching. From now, it about 2 weeks away. I guess I'll be ready. I mean, I know I can run the distance, I'm just wondering what I can do with it. It's hard to tell. My easy runs and long runs have been getting progressively faster with the same effort. I've recently been hoovering around the 8:00 p/mile mark with the jogger for my regular runs and 8:20 p/mile for my 12 mile longer runs. I decided to throw in a couple tempo runs which haven't been half bad. The one legit tempo workout was a 2 mile easy run, 3 tempo (7:18, 7:03, 6:52), 2 mile easy. Not too bad. My breathing and everything felt really good, my body felt a little out of sorts which was to be expected. All in all, I'm pretty happy with the progression. I'm just wondering what will happen with the Half.

This weekend I plan on running a 5K if everything works out. I thought about running one on Labor Day, but there was just too much going on. I feel like I really should run a shorter race to see where I'm at before Akron. I'm interested to see how it goes. I'll report on that after the fact.

In baby news, my little guys is rolling over, babbling away, drooling like a pug, sitting up with support, and laughing. It's simply wonderful to witness all these things. I truly mean that. Lately I'm questioning weather or not he is teething with all the fussing and anti nap attitude...but it could be growth as well. At his 4 month appointment, he took the shots really well which made me happy. He came in at just over 18 pounds and 26 inches long. He's still growing like a weed. I love him so much.

Our annual quality audit it tomorrow at work which means I need to be there all day. Yuck yuck yuck. My mom is going to watch the little guys. I'm kind of nervous about getting him up so early and dragging him into work then having my mom watch him while he's been fussy. I keep telling myself it's only one day. I think it may be good for everyone. Hopefully, things will go okay.

So, things are progressing along at our household. I'm keeping very busy and am constantly thankful for all the friends and family that I have that make my life sane. Seriously, I don't know what I would do without them....and it's wonderful that my little guy will have so many little ones to play with. Thank you everyone.

August

2010-08-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

Excuse me summer but where did you go? I find myself asking this too often about my time. I REALLY can't believe it's the middle of August already. I have to take my little guy in for his 4 month shots tomorrow. Boooo. I can't believe he's 4 months. I can't believe a lot of things.

I kind of have a complex about trying to get everything done and keeping in touch with all my friends. I feel so bad when I don't get to it or don't get things done. Maybe it's because I feel like it's part of my new full time job. How funny I was in thinking I would be bored if I didn't work full time after having a child. Sheesh! What was I thinking?

So Nathan is 17 weeks and he continues to grow and reach his little milestones. He just started rolling from his stomach to his back this week on a consistent basis. He's rolled from he stomach to his back 2 times but is still working on that one. He LOVES to blow spit bubbles and stick his feet in his mouth. He's a big boy at 19 pounds (unofficially). I am so completely in love with him. It's a really wholesome, peaceful, just plain wonderful feeling. Hmmm...did I mention I'm not looking forward to the shots tomorrow? Sigh.

So on the running front, things are coming along nicely. I'm feeling pretty decent most days. I still can get overly tired easily but I manage it pretty well. The only thing that is annoying to me that when I am really tired I have a hard time concentrating on one thing. It sucks when I make long drives because I tend to get easily distracted. It's like my eyes get tired and want to go to sleep. It's a weird thing. So I digress. Anyway, running. I have built up to a solid 12 miler (8:45ish pace) on the weekends (followed by a day off for now) and fairly easy runs the other days 5-7 miles (8:20ish pace). I'm at 42 miles the past couple weeks. I finally signed up for the Akron Half Marathon so I really need to start doing something to get my legs moving a bit faster. I'm not looking to break any records that day, but I would like to show up as well prepared as possible.

This past week I did a few faster miles during one of my runs to kick start the faster running. I alternated easy running with a couple 7:00 miles. It went well. I then went and ran an old school cross country race hosted by the local running club. It's always a good time. I was a little nervous I would hurt myself somehow, but it turned out well. I ran 21:38. I was happy. It's a fairly difficult course with a lot of people. The start was interesting. I think everyone took off like crazies. High school kids have a lot to learn about pacing. My body felt good. I just need to work on getting stronger and faster again.

So I'm still plugging away. Getting up and getting out the door to meet some of my running friends just wasn't happening after my race. Ha ha...I have my work cut out for me huh? I am just about at my normal weight....and pretty much back to normal. There are a few little things, but those will pass with time I'm sure.

So as summer wraps itself up, I'm looking forward to fall, my favorite season. I'm taking life one step at a time and trying to enjoy all the little things that come my way. I have been very blessed with my family, friends, health, husband, son, circumstance...just to name a few things. I'm looking at ways to give back to those a bit on down side of life. I've actually been giving this a lot of thought. We'll see what happens with that.

In the mean time.....happy running. Hope to see everyone out on the trails and roads.

Priorities

2010-07-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

My baby is going to be 13 weeks this week. He's getting so big. He's smiling, sticking his tongue out, enthralled with his fingers, trying to sit up....I could go on and on. It's amazing how much these little people do in such a short time. I'm his biggest cheerleader and I love it. I actually can't believe how much I love it....and I can't believe how fulfilling I feel my life is at the moment. I just love being Nathan's mom.

So just around the 4th of July weekend....how I've been feeling as fallen off a cliff. It seems like ever since our little fireworks party thing we had, I've been burning the candle at both ends. That weekend was filled with things to do, along with my running....and the 5K I ran.

Speaking of the 5K, I ran around a 21:30 and was really happy. It was very warm, sunny, and hilly. I'm slowly coming along.

Anyway, the day after the 5K is when everything really felt terrible. I was getting dizzy, headaches, and just exhausted. I figured it was dehydration. Since I'm nursing I forget how much I need to eat and drink. I think I do a pretty good job of piling on the food and drink, but maybe my body doesn't think so. Who knows. I'm just trying to figure it out. I was starting to feel better, much better, until this weekend passed. It was, yet again, another hectic weekend, Nathan isn't sleeping well (growth spurt or something), and I was running more miles. I woke up this morning feeling like crud again. I went to the store and had to go home. I decided I needed to get my priorities on paper so I knew what I needed to do to be myself again...my good feeling self. I didn't obsess with my list of things to do around the house....I didn't workout....I actually took a 20 minute nap. All that mattered and all that I HAD to do was take care of Nathan, and make sure the dog and cat were fed and happy too. Wow do I feel so much better at the end of this day already. That is telling me I was in overdrive. It's all a bit frustrating because I try to do everything I feel I can do. Running is so very important to me, but I think I need a bit of a better balance. It's putting me a bit over the edge with the sleep I'm getting. Sigh. The lessons of life.

So, I'm currently in the process of finding that Zen place where my well being is at its optimal. Wish me luck on that one.

On the running front, I had to take a couple days off here and there from being so tired, but it's going really well otherwise. My pace has come down to about 8:20-30 on my easy runs. I'd say I'm averaging 6 miles per day with a 10 mile long run. I finally hit a 40 mile week. I am quite sore after the 10 milers because it's hilly and just feels long to my hips and pelvic area. The second 10 miler felt better then the first, so I know I'll get there. Sometimes it's nice to see a progression with running. When I was in super good shape, it was hard to see a large progression. It's kind of a nice thing.

Weekly Rundown:

M-off
T-6 miles
W-off
Th-6 miles
F- 7 miles
Sat- 6 miles (HOT mid day run)
Sun- 10 miles

Total: 35 miles (not bad for the shaky cruddy start to the week!!)
(Had a solid 40 mile week the previous week with a 10 mile long run and 1 day off)

Lucky Me

2010-06-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Life is good 10 weeks out from delivery. I swear the baby changes everyday. It's so neat to see how he is progressing. I always tell him he's not allowed to grow up, but if he does, he needs to be a happy man and always love his family (especially mom!!). He is smiling so much now and is doing his baby talk more and more. It really makes my heart melt. He has discovered how to swat at his hanging toys in the baby gym and giggles at them. He is stubborn and lets you know what he doesn't like something. Not a very patient person at this point in his life. At his 2 month appointment he was almost 14 pounds. He's a really big boy!

I really do love being at home with him. I started working 10 hours a week from home on some quality control work...and that is more then enough for me at this point. Trying to keep the house in order, baby happy, and working out is crazy. It's more crazy then I ever would have imagined. The days just fly by and I don't know where they go. I remember how I thought I would just hate being at home with the baby. I was so sure I would want to go back to work shortly after having a baby. I thought I wouldn't know what to do with a baby, nor have the patience to deal with one. Boy how things change. Sometimes I really do believe I was made to be a mom :) I thought I would feel worthless not making all the money I could. I sure got over that and feel like a whole other life opened up to me. It is very fulfilling so far. It gives me a chance to discover myself in a deeper way as well.

I have a wonderful group of new mom running friends. They are such fantastic people and I love getting together with them on a regular basis with the babies. How lucky are we to have all met? I feel like I have such a great support group. It really brightens my week. My friend LP just had a baby girl on Monday (Jason's b-day!!), so there is a new baby to add to the group. I hope our kids get to grow up playing together. That would be a neat thing.

On the running front, things are progressing nicely. I'm working my way up to 40 miles per week, but I'm more concentrated on the quality of the runs rather then the quantity. Last week I had to take an extra day off from just being exhausted. I am much better at listening to my body these days...I think. My runs are averaging around 8:45 per mile and I am up to 8 miles as my longest run. The treadmill has become a little more of a friend this past week. When Nathan happens to nap, I jump on to get the workout in. It worked out nicely. Other days I either take him with me or try and get out before Jason goes to work. I'm getting it done one way or another. My body is still on the mend but is feeling pretty good. The Flag Day race went well. I ran 23:01 and I think I may have won my age group as I look at the results!?! After running the race, my easy runs became quicker I notice. Perhaps I need to keep on working the kinks out. Next on tap is a 4th of July race in Hudson. Hopefully, I will run a bit faster and feel smoother. Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!!!

Weekly Rundown:

M- 5 Miles (Treadmill)
T- 7 Miles (Treadmill)
W- Bike 45 Min.
Th- Off
F- 7 Miles (Treadmill)
Sat- 6 Miles
Sun- 8 Miles!!

Total: 33 miles (Easy runs around 8:45)

Back to Life

2010-06-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

After a long break from blogging (unintended), I am back and running again after having my beautiful baby boy. He was born April 21st and weighed 8.0 Pounds and 20.5 inches long. I had a long bout of back labor that pretty much brought me to my knees, but I toughed it out for 24 hours before I decided to have an epidural. After the epidural, I had the baby 6 hours after that. The pushing was about 15 minutes long as he turned in the right direction just in time. Too bad he didn't turn earlier so I didn't have to deal with the pain of back labor. It was worth it though and I'm leaning to walk through the life of motherhood. I'm not going to try and go into all the details of everything to catch up from my last blog post...but the birth of my son (Nathan) is the most important thing.

I started walking a few days after my delivery, which turned into a few miles of walking a weeks later. I started biking 45-50 minutes daily around 3 weeks post delivery...then started very slow running/walking 4 weeks later. After an all clear from my doc at 5 weeks, I have been off an running (if you want to call it that). I know it will be a process to get back into shape, but I'm getting there and am feeling good about running. I still have some aches and pains, but nothing that isn't expected. I am currently 7 weeks post delivery.

I have met the greatest group of women runners who all have had children within the past year. Most of them have actually had babies in the past couple month. It is so great to have such a wonderful support system. We meet about once a week so we can get our runs in, some social time, and have our kids play (well, when they can actually play!). I'm looking forward to watching out kids and our friendships all grow together. What a blessing that is in addition to the friends I already have in my life.

I'm going to be staying home most of the time now to take care of our family. I will be working a few hours a week at our business, and the rest will be stuff at home. Life is so busy right now, but so great at the same time!

So anyway, that is a quick version to my life and I plan on blogging again and keeping things updated with my running. I'm hoping to get back into good shape so I can perhaps get some PR's sometime this year. Maybe a winter or spring Marathon will be in the works. We'll see how things go. Right now I'm at about 30 miles per week with my longest run at 6 miles at about 9:00 pace. I'm hitting 9:01 consistently weather I'm running the the BOB or not. It's kind of funny how that works. I will be at the Flag Day race next week and am looking forward to it. I'll probably be sore as hell from trying to run 8:00 pace...but it's progression. Will keep updated on how thing are going!!

30 Weeks

2010-02-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

I'm a little over 30 weeks!!! I can't believe it! It all seems to be going by so fast right so as we have so much going on. My little brother got engaged and was trying to plan a wedding for October...which got postponed to May 2011 (thank goodness....for me). Jason has been traveling quite a bit (which stinks). There are friends we are trying to catch up with. It seems like I'm in and out of some kind of doctors office (dentist, chiropractor, OB...etc).....AND....we are trying to figure out if we can squeeze in a prenatal class. Sigh. We'll see. I have 2 showers coming up in a few weeks (for me!) There just seems to be so much to do and so little time....but it's all good things. Well, maybe except for the bathroom remodel that seems to be getting more and more expensive as we are progressing along.

So I've been seeing a chiropractor and she has done wonders for me. I was not able to walk for a while I was in so much pain with my hips and back. I've been seeing her for 3 or 4 weeks and I feel 100 times better. I can walk without pain, I can workout without a problem, and I can run without any issues from the hips or back. Even though when I sit for a while, or get up from sleeping, my hips get tight, that is very minor compared to the agony I was in a few weeks ago.

Speaking of working out. I've decided to revise my frame of thinking. I was still in the mind set of running 5-6 miles, but (sadly) no more. It just not comfortable and it hypes my body up too much to the point that I can't sleep or relax. I'm finding that working out for 45-60 minutes a day 5-6 days a week work great with mostly "cross training." I do mostly bike and/or elliptical mixed in with some core and yoga stuff. I mix in 2-3 miles of running on the treadmill between cross training segments to break it up. I go by how I feel. I actually feel really good on this little schedule and feel very fit for my situation.

I'm finding that I can start seeing the end of the tunnel from afar. I had a doctor appointment last week and everything looked great. I have gained 18 pounds so far which is actually much less that I thought I would have gained by now. I'm not complaining though. Jason tends to be a worrier as I haven't gained much weight in the lat 6 weeks, but I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I have a hard time eating with my stomach being so smooshed up. I'm finding my hormones are starting to act up again and I'm getting more tired...and of course, the nausea is always there at some point of the day. I took the glucose test which I didn't think was too bad at the time, but I ended up getting pretty sick and feeling ill for a couple days following it. The test, along with my blood work came back great though. I had my Rhogam shot (since I'm a negative blood type) taken care of too. Fun fun fun! The only other small issue is my blood pressure at the doctors office. It has been SKY high the past 2 visits....but only at the office. I've been taking it 2x per day for the past 4 weeks at home and it's actually really good for me. I even had another doctor take it and it's pretty good. For some reason, when I go to the OB office, it's off the charts. The doctor isn't worried since I've been monitoring it, but it just drives me nuts that it's so off. I'm not nervous or anything so I'm wondering if I get a spike in blood pressure when I'm sitting in the hot waiting room, then stand up suddenly when the call my name to the back. I can feel my blood pressure rise along with my heart rate for about 5 minutes....and in that time they take it. I just may ask for them to take it after the appointment. Who knows. I'm just thinking out loud at this point.

Anyway, nothing is perfect I guess and I'm just happy everything is looking as good as it is at this point. We just put up the baby furniture and are starting to collect baby items. I can't believe we are so close to having this little guy so soon. It seems to have been a rather long year for us, but hopefully, everything will finish out well and it will be all worth it.

Oh the pains of growing

2010-01-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

It's week 26 already and I can feel every bit of it! I thought I was rolling along pretty nicely the past few weeks. Other then my morning sickness coming up (this time in the morning) and having terrible nights of sleep, everything was pretty much fine.

I got a great new treadmill for Christmas and have been spending a lot of time on it. It's a Nordic Track and I seriously love it. The base is cushioned and feels so much better on my body. From Week 19-25 I was averaging a little over 25 miles per week at around 9:00 pace (5 running days) along with biking and core. I've been feeling very fit for being pregnant. Even though I'm running less then I would have ideally planned on, I'm feeling good. The miles don't bother me...I just want to maintain fitness and health. Sometimes I worry about doing too much, but my body definitely knows how to let me know. That's for sure.

Speaking of Christmas....we had a great one. It was very busy this year and I was exhausted. I'm not sure if that's because I'm pregnant and tried to keep up with everything I do (baking cookies, presents, decorating, etc...) or if if just really was busy. Jason and I decided to spend New Year's Eve and Day home.....relaxing. It was wonderful. We are looking forward to a great 2010.

So back to my pregnancy progression. I had to deal with some groin issues for about 4 weeks which, for the most part, took care of itself in a very slow manner. I was running well for the weeks I mentioned above. Last week I completed a 5 mile run on the treadmill (due to the weather) and my back started to hurt about 30 minutes later. I mean it was a grabbing pain. It felt like my piriformis on steroids. I actually didn't think too much of it. I put a heating pad on it, Jason rubbed it out, then I slept it off. The next day it felt much better. I biked VERY lightly the next day since I didn't feel well then took the day after that off. I just about forgot about the back ache. On Friday, I decided to do a light 3 mile run and some biking. After the workout, I have never experienced so much pain in my life. My lower back or hip was on fire and I couldn't walk. I thought maybe I pulled a muscle or something. Now I'm wondering if it's sciatica. I don't know. Today is Wednesday and I can walk better, but I'm still in quite a bit of discomfort. It's ridiculous. When I ran I didn't feel anything. I know my pregnancy contributed to this, but I'd love to pin point the issue so I can resolve it. I thought I'd give it a week before I called a Chiropractor or something. Argh. My hips really feel like someone is taking a hammer to them. Thanks peanut. This kid better be good.

So anyway, at the moment, I'm on the bike. I can't elliptical since it hurts so much, but the bike and good stretching help a lot. I'm praying this goes away....or at least gets to the point that I can walk without limping and wincing in pain. I look extra pregnant when I walk with this issue. The only thing I can take is Tylonel...and I've only taken 2 since this has happened. I'm not a fan of taking ANYTHING while I'm pregnant though.

In happy news, our last appointment was just before the New Year and it went really well. I've gained 16 pounds at Week 24 at that time with good blood pressure. The babies heart beat sounded good. I'm measuring 1 week ahead again so I hope that is a good thing. I wouldn't mind popping out this kid a wee bit early!! I still worry about everything. I'm always holding my breath at the appointments. It is nice to feel the little guys kicking around like an acrobat though. It gives me a little solice. I just hope he isn't as active and crazy when he is born as he is in my belly....especially at night :)

Things no one mentioned

2009-12-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Week 22. Its goes so fast, yet so slow at the same time. It's kind of like college...or training for a marathon.

I'm not really complaining, but there are these crazy things going on with my body that no one really seems to talk about. It's always the "morning sickness" and "being tired" people talk about. No one seems to mention the every couple hours you wake up at night to either pee, or just stare at the clock. I guess sleep deprivation starts before you have the baby! Must be mother natures nasty joke to get you prepared. Also, I was greeted this week with a re-visit of morning sickness (aka. all day sickness). When I lay on my back I can't breath. Apparently something is pushing up on my lungs. I walk like a duck. I guess I waddle....and this is due to my hips and pelvis being so freakin' sore. What's that all about? Running is just plain funny. Yes, I run...I start slow and pick it up as I loosen up, but I think I waddle weather or not I know it. Ahhh...the joys.

So, today some of the employees were informed I was pregnant. I guess they figured it out by the way I walked. I just had to laugh. I tried to hide it for a while because they are all men that tend to act funny about dealing with a pregnant women (or women in general really). I'm not the one who told them...but at least they know and I don't have to keep wearing the same 3 extra drapey shirts to work anymore. My belly has popped out and I don't care to try and hide it anymore. Oh the liberation :)

On the running front, last week was a bit rough because I was feeling sick and work was crazy, but I got in 22 miles over 5 days and did some biking, pilates, core & stretching. I'm feeling pretty darn good physically (other then the above listed pregnancy symptoms). This week was a rough start, but I've kept up pretty well. The goal is to keep physically in shape. I'm not looking to break any mileage records or times, just stay in good, physical shape without breaking myself down in any way. My runs were between 4-5 miles. I'll be happy to keep then all between 4-6 and between 20-25 miles per week with the respective cross training and core. I do have to admit, running is a little harder for me then I anticipated. I didn't think my hips, back, and pelvis would be so bothersome at this point. Running actually helps loosen it up, but it's never completely loose. O well.....I'm doing what I can. It won't be forever. Soon enough I'll be wishing I had an excuse to back down a bit from all the training.

Take the good with the bad

2009-12-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm not keeping as up to date with my blog as I would like, but I think about writing often. It's the thoughts that counts right? Maybe not.

So the last few weeks have seen some progress with my groin. After 5 weeks cross training, trying to unsuccessfully run a few steps, and much pouting, I finally was able to get out and run/walk 4 miles for a week which built up to 4 miles of running. Horrah! My groin pain is minimal and getting better each day. I'm just happy that I can run. I feel like an old lady waddling around the streets, but my body is getting used to it again. I'm just a few pounds heavier and a bit more front heavy....and I can completely tell while I'm running. I'm just wondering if it's something I'll get used to, or if it's just something I'll have to deal with.

Last weekend I made a trip out to Lakewood for the Reindeer Run 5K. It was cold, but I met up with 8 other fantastic ladies. The best part was that 4 others were pregnant! How great is that? It's like a mini support group. The "race" went well. I averaged about 8 minute pace comfortably. Not bad considering the past few weeks and the pregnancy I suppose. To make the morning even better, we headed to the Original Pancake House. The wait was long, and I was ready to eat the carpet, but it was well worth the wait. What a selection! I had the best Cinnamon Raisin Pancakes! My Garmin took me took me on some odd route home, but I made it and was completely pooped out. It was a great day that I very much needed though.

So in the "gotta me kidding me" news, I'm sitting here at work, while my parents are in Florida only to have our main set-up guy come in and tell me he found another job and is starting Monday. I'm like " are you serious? you're giving us only 3 days notice?" Talk about a pile of poo that just got shoveled onto me in an instant. Seriously, I'm going to scream! Argh. I had to get the off my chest.

So anyway, I'm currently almost 21 weeks and everything is going really well. We had an ultrasound on Friday and found out we are having a BOY! I'm so excited, and even more excited about the fact that everything looked healthy. I feel like a blimp, but I know that there is much, much, much more to come. I'm just hoping it goes fast!!!

The weather is taking a turn for the bad, but I'm not going to complain too much as we had an amazing fall. I just wish I wasn't stuck on the cross training stuff for 5 of those weeks. I'm hoping to build up my running a bit more and get to a steady routine mixed in with cross training and yoga. Something had to keep to sane!

Finally, an update

2009-11-11T12:07:00.001-08:00

It's been a record time that I haven't updated my blog....that's for sure! The main reason is that I'm pregnant and was too sick to think about anything other then getting through my days. I'm super thrilled about being pregnant, but at the same time, I completely fell off the game of life. I'm currently 17 weeks and counting (Due April 22nd)!!

On the running front, I stayed a stable 50 miles per week until about Week 7. I was sick week 7 and thought I could grit it through, but I just couldn't stand running. I decided to take a couple weeks and do some cross training and very, very light running. My motto is "If you don't enjoy it, why do it?" So, after those 2 weeks, I got back up to 30 miles per week (5 days per week) along with cross training the other 2 days....usually biking. I take a nightly walk and do some sort of core type stuff to try and keep some strength up. I sustained this through week 14 until I noticed I pulled my groin. I tripped over my cat at home and noticed some pulling in my groin a couple weeks before that, but I didn't think anything of it and kept on running. It never bothered me unless I did some deep stretching, then BAM, one day I could hardly walk. That was almost 3 weeks ago and my groin is still not in running condition. I cross train every day just as much as running...and still do core and my walks, but no running at the moment. I would love to be out running, but I'm not freaked out about not running either. I'm happy to be working out and staying in shape. Maybe it's a good chance to condition other parts of my body. I am hoping to be out soon though. Nothing is like running. I'm thinking the pregnancy isn't helping the healing cause one bit though.

So that's the running front. On the pregnancy front....it's been anything other then stress free. From what happened last time, I've been a nervous wreck from the start. We had a couple good scares with some bleeding issues which was enough to want to have all my hair fall out. I don't think I'll ever really breathe a sigh of relieve except for the little moments when I know everything is okay at that moment. We have a big ultrasound on Dec.4th. I want to find out what gender the baby is, but Jason doesn't....so we'll see. I'm just a planner by nature....Jason loves surprises. Either way, I just hope we are all healthy in the end.

I can't complain too much right now. I'm feeling much better then I did. I was sick 24/7 from week 6-14, but now I feel decent. I still have my moments, particularly at night, but it's better then all day. No one really tells you about how terrible the nights are. It's almost impossible to get a good night sleep, I think. If it's not the night sweats, I have to pee, or I just can't sleep. I'd say every 2-3 days I'm up half the night. The other nights I sleep, but I wake up every few hours to go to the bathroom. Fun. I finally broke down and started wearing maternity pants...which are amazingly comfy. Unless you know I'm pregnant, people can't really tell. Yeah....give that another couple weeks. I think my belly is on a growth spurt lately. Yikes! It's not so bad though...yet. It's funny, I don't feel fat...just pregnant. It's a very different feeling. My body has definitely been taken over :) I'm very thankful for the chance to have this baby though.

So that is about the most summed up version of my life. There are a million other things that have been going on, but nothing as important as this....so that is it for this blog. I should be updating weekly again. Hopefully, I'll be running soon so I have some numbers to post. Otherwise, my butt in on the bike or elliptical....for now.

10 Year Reunion

2009-09-08T11:03:00.001-07:00

I know, it's been a while. Life has been a little crazy these days. Time sure goes fast.

Speaking of time, I spent this past weekend attending our MAC 10 Year Reunion. We were the first MAC Champs in Cross Country at the University in 1999. 3 of us met for dinner Friday night with our coach. It was fittingly at the Spaghetti Warehouse. We sat and chatted for a few hours over our meals. It really felt like I was zapped back in time.

The next day 4 of us "old timers" attended the Akron Home Meet and were part of a nice little recognition. Wow, it was nice to see some old teammates who live out of town. Everyone has kids and seemed to be doing well. Apparently, I'm the only one who is still on the running bandwagon as of now. I guess some of them just came off of having kids though. It was really heartwarming to be around everyone and hear the coaches kind words about us. It seems like it all just happened and all so long ago at the same time. Those years with the team were some of the best and craziest of my life. We were one big dysfunctional family....and it was great!

So anyway, I've been running and keeping steady. The past few weeks have all been 50+ so that is really a good thing. I felt really good that whole time. No great workouts or races, but just some nice runs and mileage. The core work has been excellent as well. I've been doing something every night. Just 10-15 minutes each evening makes a big difference in a short amount of time. I'm just enjoying my time and waiting for my favorite season to cast upon us....FALL!!! I can't wait for the cool temps and the crisp leaves under my feet. I especially can't wait for caramel apples and apple cider.

Happy running to all!!!!

August Time

2009-08-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's August. It has been a hot couple of days! I've heard so many people complaining about how this summer hasn't "felt like summer" because it's been so "cold." My response is, "YOU ARE ALL CRAZY!" I LOVE the weather we've been having. It's been mostly in the 70's and sometimes 80's. Nice running weather. Nice sleeping weather. Nice during the day. What more do you want? Well, it's been in the 90's with high humidity the past couple days...so there. I hope you are enjoying your sweaty butts off. Crazy I tell ya.

A couple weekends ago was the Burning River 100. It's a 100 mile endurance run in the area. I went up to the Boston store with some cookies for the 60+ mile rest stop. I made some very plain sour cream cookies with orange glaze. I couldn't even imagine what you'd want to eat at that point. I stuck around for about an hour or so catching up with some friends...enough to catch the first couple people run through. Jason and I were going to head down to the covered bridge aid station later in the night.

That night we went to the covered bride. It was a really neat rest stop. The bridge was all lit up. We met a woman and her parents while sitting around a fire. The woman's husband was running his 2nd 100 mile race. I guess he's completed a few Iron Man's as well as the one in Kona, Hawaii. How cool is that? That is a life goal of mine. I would love to be at the start line (and finish) of the Hawaii Iron Man someday. That is a later in life goal though. I need about that long to train for the swimming part. Anyway, I thought it was rather interesting to hear about her husbands accomplishments. One thing we were all discussing was how normal all these runners really are. They have families, jobs & friends like everyone else. The woman was telling me when she told her parents her husband was going to be running 100 miles...they immediately thought there was something wrong with him. Once they came out and watched, and got to know him, they realized it was just something he did. He wasn't abnormal. Most runners aren't any more abornmal then most other people. It's a novel thought to most people. What's normal anyway?

So, there we were stitting with our dog at the 80+ mile mark talking to these people watching the runners trek through. Jason apparently thought there'd be more action. I was like "what did you expect? The Indy 500 blazing through?" It was pretty funny. I have to say that I found each and every one of the runners to be an inspiriation. I am "only" a marathon runners so to run 100 miles seems amazing. It planted a seed of "maybe one day" in my head.

In other news, I have a wedding cake order this weekend to get done! Yikes! It's a real tiered wedding cake. It's for a good friend of mine. She hired another friend of ours to do the flowers since she owns a flower shop. I think that's pretty neat. It's quite a bit of work getting this done in my kitchen, but the prep work is coming along nicely. I hope it turns out as she and I envisioned...and I hope she loves it! I'll post some pics when the wedding is over. :)

On the running front, things are going well. I've been plugging away at 50 miles per week. Nice and relaxed. I mixed in a few relxed hard miles on one run to get the legs moving since I haven't raced. The pace for those were around 6:50's so that was nice. All in all, there are no complaints.

Weekly Rundown:

(Week of July 27th)

M- 40 minute Bike / Core
T- 8m
W- 8m
Th- 7m
F- 8.5 Fartlek (harder mile every 2....7:03, 6:55. 6:49)
Sat- 8m
Sun- 10.5m

Total: 50m

(Week of August 3)

M- 40 min bike / core
T- 8m
W- 8m
Th- 7m
F- 11m
Sat- 8m
Sun- 8m (HUMID!)

Total: 50m

Johnnycake Jog

2009-07-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at my desk kind of with a nervous twitch from the coffee overload, staring out at the rain, and a small kitten skiddishly making its way into the office for some cat food. Yes, we feed the strays. A couple of them come and nap on the chairs we have in the office. Sometimes it feels like a zoo with the dog (I bring my dog to work with me).

Anyway, business is still really sucky. Manufacturing for small business is in no hurry to pick up and we have come to terms with that. We are on 4 days a week and are tossing around ideas of who to lay off and what to do. Argh. It's such a depressing situation to be in. I have daily headaches which I'm sure work is contributing to. I look at our employees and can't bear to think of who to lay off before who. Sigh. Trying to make lemonade out of lemons or whatever.....trying to keep a positive spin on things.

So last weekend I ran the Johnneycake Jog which is a larger local race that brings out a lot of fast runners. I usually love it because of the competition....not because of the course, believe me. It can be fast, but it never really is for me (except for last year). I went into it to have fun since I'm not fast enough to be competitive at this point. My sister in law in newer to running and came along to run. Jason came along to watch and my parents and brother showed up...suprise!!! I was excited to have the family there.

I met up with a few of my running friends and we did a warm up. I felt a little tired and sluggish, but that can be normal. I did a little stretching and chatting and got to the start line. The gun went off and off we went. I felt like I was running fast.....but I had a feeling it wasn't all that fast. It just felt a little more forced then I would have liked. Went through the first mile in 6:29...booo. I thought I would either have felt better running a 6:29 or have felt the way I did running 6:15-19 or something. I didn't really know what to expect I guess. So I thought I kept up the pace pretty well the second mile. I was around 13:21 which sounds crappy but the second mile is so darn slow all the time. Not sure if it's long. I kept of trucking along and trying to catch people ahead of me. 3rd mile came around at 19:40's. We made the turn on the long, boring last stretch. I was feeling pretty tired but kept going. I knew I wasn't fast, but I didn't want to wuss out on giving it what I had. 4th mile was around 26 something. The last mile was a tough one, especially the last 800m. I usually have a good kick and have really good strength at the end of a race, but I just didn't have it today. A couple girls I went back and forth with during the race pulled ahead. I HATE that!!! I just couldn't go with them. I saw the clock and the finish. 32:53....15th overall. Actually, not bad....especially since I didn't feel so great at any point of the race. It was what I told myself I would be happy with at this point. Last year I was 3rd with 30:53 so you can't help but compare....but I got with reality, and over it and was happy.

I found my friends and ran a cooldown with them. I had a killer headache but it went well. No one sounded like they felt all that awesome either even though they had some speedy times. I have to admit, my 5K I ran on the 4th of July felt much much better then today. O well.

So, I wanted to mention how proud I was of my sister in law Michelle. She got out there and ran a good 5 miles. She was worried about finishing or being last...but she finished just fine and wasn't close to last! I love when people pick up running and keep at it. I can't wait to see her progress. I'm sure it's not easy with a toddler and baby.

So, that was my weekend. We had a delicious breakfast and called it a day and headed home. I am thinking about running a 5K this weekend just because it's 1 mile from my house. I'm not sure if I am really going to do it or not. It's going to be on a whim if I decide to do so. I guess I'm trying to squeeze in as much faster running as I can before I devote my body to another cause for a while :)

My runs have been going well for the most part. Right now I'm having odd issues with sleeping at night and headaches. I'm not sure if it's underlying stress (who me? stressed?) or just being tired. I eventaully fall asleep, but the headaches are annoying. They are the tension headache type...not the stabbing type. I'm not too worried...it's just annoying. Maybe I should lay off the coffee. I notice I'm more edgy and get into long rants about certain topics that set off my trigger.....don't even get me started with the medical arena....that was todays rant.

Hopefully, next week will be a good week at work (hoping...but not holding my breath) and running goes smoothly. Still planning on staying around 50 per week easy with maybe a little quick run thrown in if I don't run the race this weekend.

Weekly Rundown:

M- Bike 40 Min
T- 8m
W- 7m
Th- 8m
F- 8m
Sat- 6m
Sun- 10m (5m race)

Total: 47 Miles

Trail Running

2009-07-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

So, I forgot to post this from last week.......I will have another post later this week. I'm determined to keep up with this blog!!!!

Last weekend was a blast! I volunteered Saturday at Muddy Paws. The day started out early and humid. I ended up being at the water stop at 2.8 mile & 7.8 mile on the course. This was a 5 mile loop course with the option of people running 1 or 2 loops. There was a 2 mile race with your dog too. Awesome! There were 6 of us working the water stop. I didn't expect it to be so much fun....and so buggy. I was eaten alive, but it was well worth it.

It's nice to get a different perspective on racing as a volunteer. It's funny when people run by and you recognize them from something other then running. There were a couple people I saw from years ago...that were never runners...running!! I must get easy amused. I love when people "convert" to running.

So, after the race, we decided to get some miles in and run the course a couple times. I am not in the trail running "business" but I do love running on them from time to time. I tend not to venture out on them as much as I'd like to since I'm not sure where the heck I'm going. This run was tough! Kendall Hills, I remember from college, is very tough...but I forgot how tough! We were planning on 10, but the skies opened up and dumped a big storm on us. To make a very long (and lost) story short, we ended up with 9. I was wet, exhausted, and fine with that for the day. Nothing like running up the largest peak at the park in the middle of torrential rain , thunder, and lightening. At least I had my buddy E with me!!!

The next day I ran with the group of people I volunteered with. We started from Boston Store and went out and back on the Buckeye Trail. WOW! That was tough. It was 10 miles and I was trying not to die on the run. If we weren't running over fallen trees, roots, or river...we were hiking (literally) up hills and endless stairs. It was such a good time though. I was so exhausted when I got home. Oddly exhausted. I wasn't sure if it was just from the runs and/or lack of sleep...or other factors. All I know is I was BEAT!

Jason was out of town for the weekend so he wasn't around to witness my pathetic butt. I have lots of work to do I guess. So, the plan is to try and get on the trails once a week with a group. I hope it works out. There is something nice about being out in nature without all the cars....plus it's a killer of a workout.

Up next weekend is the Johnnycake Jog. We'll see what happens there. Looking forward to having fun with family and friends!!

Weekly Rundown:

M: 7.5 M
T: Off - Tired
W: 8m
Th: 8m
F: 8m
Sat: 9m (Trails)
Sun: 10m (Trails)

Total: 50.5 Miles

4th of July

2009-07-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

What a week! We decided to shut down our business for the week, last week, since A) there was a holiday B) we are slow C) the employees can use up some vacation time since we are slow. All in all, it was nice....but I have to admit I would much rather be working overtime because of having too much work rather then taking time off due to a weak backlog. What can you do though?

So, last week I was home. Had lots to do and the time flew by. One thing that really encompassed my week was our annual 4th of July BBQ. We do it every year on the day Hudson has their fabulous fireworks display. It really is amazing for a small suburb display....and our house has a front row seat. Great times. This year seemed more hectic leading up to the party and more crazy the day of. We had enough food to feed a poor country and enough pop and beer to fill Lake Erie.

The display was on the 3rd...which meant the annual Hudson Firecracker 5K was the morning after. Argh! I was iffy about running it due to the fact that our party was the night before...and I wouldn't be close to competitive. I got over the competitive part and told myself I just gotta go out and do what I can....but I wasn't sure how I would do based on the crazy week and lack of sleep.

Once our party was over, Jason and I stayed up until 2:30am cleaning up. My really good friend stayed the night with her twins....whom I'm the God mommy of one. Everyone was willing to wake up and go to the race if I decided to run.

That morning, I woke up and was totally beat, but decided to get out and enjoy the 4th. Jackie was up with the girls...and I peeled my husband out of bed. We all headed out to the race and it was a blast as usual. It was so nice to have my husband, friend, and twins at the finish line.

(Post Race with the twins...their first 5k experience!!! This was the best shot we could get with everything going on.)

As far as the race goes, I was really happy with the effort. It's a hilly course too. The one thing I was disappointed with was the mile markers were not marked so I wasn't quite sure where we were at. I decided to latch onto a group of high school aged girls most of the race. I felt pretty good and went with the flow. I told myself if I felt good enough, I could work the last big hill and work it in the last quarter mile or so downhill. I did just that. I passed up most of the girls on the hills, passed one more coming in...but didn't quite catch the first girl. That's okay though. I came through 2nd place overall and with a time of 19:29. Not bad. I felt really good too considering everything. My lungs definitely had the burn from running fast, but other then that, nothing felt too weird. I'm so glad I decided to get my groggy butt to the start line.

The next morning I felt really great and did my 10 miles. Good sign. I plan on running a few races and see what I can do for a little while. I'm not committing to anything or starting any great training...but I'll tell you, nothing beats getting out on race morning and doing your best and being competitive within your means. It's a fantastic feeling that is hard to describe to those who don't do it...or get it.

This weekend I'll be volunteering at the Muddy Paws Race and am excited about. There will be people racers and doggie racers....how great is that?!? I had plans on volunteering at a bunch of races when I found out I was expecting.....and I plan on still keeping up with that thought even though things changed. It's just good to be out in the scene.

Weekly Rundown:

M- 7m
T- 8.5m
W- 6.5m
Th- 7m
F- 8m
Sat- 5m (5K Race)
Sun- 10m

Total: 52m

Happy July

2009-07-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's a new month and I'm still alive! So the last few weeks have been crazy. It's one of those times in your life when things really do change. I'm not quite sure if it's just all the swirl of emotions and feelings, but I have a new perspective on a lot of things.

So, I'm ready to move on and am really trying hard to keep things in perspective and be logical about everything. It's sad not to be pregnant like I thought I was suppose to be at this point. You get used to the idea very quickly and start making plans....and get more attached then you'd ever think. I didn't think I was as attached to my pregnancy until it was gone. It's a very surreal feeling. I never thought I could miss something I never knew or really had. Very deep sense of loss. I thought I'd be more upset with losing 13 weeks and having a wrench thrown in the plans, then having a feeling of loss. Interesting.

With that said, this is so much more common then I had ever thought. I thought people get pregnant and have babies....and that's it. Every once in a while something happens....but not me. Yeah right. Seems like every other person I know has had something like this happen. People just don't talk about it. It's pretty creepy actually. According to my doctor, I'm pretty lucky in that my bad pregnancy was a random act of nature that doesn't happen to the same person twice very often. My body is very healthy so that is a good thing....I suppose. I never knew that your body could be pregnant for so long after "losing" a pregnancy so soon. Supposedly, my pregnancy was doomed from the very beginning. It just took this long to figure it out. I never had any symptoms or clues. Weird.

I was very sad with a great sense of loss.....then lonely. The waves of emotions came on strong and would quickly come and go. Thank goodness for Jason. He is an amazing husband and support. I know he had a very hard time with the situation as well. Most recently, I had this anger thing going on. It was surprising to me. This very, very strong sense of anger would come on....and I wasn't really angry at anyone or anything specifically. I'm thinking it had to do with my follow up visit....among other little things. I think I just didn't want to deal with the "old pregnancy" again. It kept me from moving on I guess. I was super annoyed with having my through the roof blood pressure checked that day....and having to step on the scale to see my rapid weight loss. I knew I lost quite a bit of weight in 2 weeks since my appetite was next to nothing. That was actually the worst part.

So, anyway, my doctor came in and we talked for like 15 minutes....mostly about running. Turns out she is a runner! Not overly competitive, but a runner nonetheless. It really made my day to have this conversation. I walked out feeling pretty good....but still different from the person who I was a few months before. I'm sure I'm much better in certain ways....mostly with my outlook and perspective.

It's funny how life can do funny thing to you and funny times. Just roll with the punches and you'll get to where to need to be.

On the running front....I'm back to about 50 miles per week and feeling pretty darn good. I've been running just about everyday. It's a great stress relief and keep me even keel. I plan on running a few races for fun to see where I am....maybe throw in a couple tempo/fartlek type runs for good measure. In the mean time....we'll see what the future brings.

I plan on getting back to my normal posts from now on.......

Not to be this time.....

2009-06-15T06:00:00.001-07:00

Just an update. Life is not always good news. We went in for an appointment Friday to hear the heart beat...and alas....no heart beat....then had an ultrasound.....no baby. I was 13 weeks. I had what was called a blighted ovum. I was able to get into surgery the next morning and everything went well. All the people were amazing that were involved. Now it is time for a little healing. Physically everything is great. We hope to move on quickly. This news is more devastating then I would have ever thought, but I know life could have always been worse. At least Jason and I are both healthy, and this is apparently a complete random, freak of nature that is common in bad pregnancies.

Just taking a couple days off from running and am anxious to get back to my normal routine which will help things even more. Hopefully, good news to come soon......

Week 12

2009-06-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Week 12. First trimester is almost over and I've been feeling great this week! Running hasn't been as tortuous and I think it has more to do with the weather then anything. I would seriously be okay with the weather being 55 all summer. I know I would get booed out of a party for saying that, but that's just me.

This past week, like I said, has been pretty good. I'm feeling more in my belly area and I'm thinking it's just things slowly expanding. Nothing really showing yet, but I may be on the verge.

Jason has taken a great part in wanting to drive me nuts. He is worse then my mother. He is always concerned about where I'm going, how much or how fast I'm running, how I'm feeling, if I made my doctors appointment, wants to take birthing classes, help deliver. Wow! I told him we really needed to change places. I'm just not really into anything other then getting this done. He definitely has daddy in his DNA. He's just a great guy (makes me tear up)....even though he's driving me nuts already.

Running wise, it had been a better week so far in terms of how I'm feeling. Last week was okay, but I had to struggle to get out the door and get my runs done. The weekend was cooler and I felt better. I'll take what I can get these days. Just happy to be out and about. I kind of miss racing though. I guess it never leaves your blood.

Weekly rundown:

M- Off
T- 6m
W- 6m (treadmill blah)
Th- 6m
F- 6m
Sat- 7.5m (decent run)
Sun- 8.5m (good run)

Total: 40 miles

O, by the way, my brain is completely useless. I can't remember anything anyone tells me, and I'm completely a scatter brain. That is so completely opposite of who I am on a normal basis and it's quite frustrating actually. It will be interesting to see all the other fun things that pop up along the way!

I'm back

2009-05-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while, and for good reason. I've been running and had things to talk about, but I waited to start blogging again until I felt comfortable to write about the fact that I'm having a baby!! O yeah....I've officially crossed over to the "dark" side and am going to be a pregnant runner for the time being.

We had out first appointment last week and it went well...mostly. Apparently, I pass out like a light if I don't lie down when having a blood draw. Other then that, things went well. We get to hear the heart beat in a couple weeks! Wow! Even though we have come to reality and realize we are pregnant, it still doesn't feel real because I haven't really gained any weight, nor has my belly done anything...yet. I know it's coming though!! Oh, at this point I'm just about 11 weeks and should be due December 18, 2009! My gosh, there are a million people we know that are having babies in November and December!

To make the first 11 weeks quick, I have my off and on nausea moments and tiredness, but overall I know it could be much worse, so I'm not complaining. I'm actually finding the whole process very interesting in what happens to your body. It's like I'm learning about a whole other side of myself. As of week 10, I have felt 100 time better then I did 6-10. I hope it lasts. It's one of those day by day things. The bummer side so far is I pretty much hate eating anything and I CAN NOT STAND COFFEE! What?!? I was a coffee hog and had a cup in my hand all day long. It's crazy. I don't like lunch meat, rare steak, pungent cheese, or anything artificial smelling. Everything is now unscented and all the candles are put away. Jason is a gem about taking the garbage and kitty litter out (maybe it's because I'm ready to heave at the slightest smell of it).

On the running front, I was keeping up my 50 mile weeks up until about week 7 or 8. I kind of crashed out after Mother's Day weekend and needed a couple days off and cut some mileage to recoup. That was a 31 mile week. Oh, these was the week before that I needed an extra day off which made it a 41 mile week. So once I felt like I got my grip on my body and how I was feeling, I ran 41 mile last week and hope to keep it around there for a while. Perhaps the occasional 30 mile week with lots of cross training. I've actually been craving doing some other activities. When you are training for a marathon, you just don't have the time. It's a good excuse for that. I think it would be a good mental break while working supporting running muscles. I'll see how I feel.

The only surprise to me thus far is how hard running became so quickly. I always though that while running pregnant, running got hard because you gained weight. Um no. Apparently, you get quite a bit of extra blood running through your system which is allocated to other organs and the fetus which pretty much sucks all the air out of you. I feel like an old lady breathing when I run. Most days I'm running, I'm guessing, a little slower then normal, but it feels much harder. It's hard to get motivated to go for runs when you're not feeling well, or tired, and you know you're going to be sucking air like a hose. Most of the time the runs make me feel good after though. I'm just taking it day by day. I'm hoping the feeling of it being more of a chore goes away, and my normal attitude of just loving to run takes back over. I mean, I still love running, it's just much harder at this point to be all excited about it. Perhaps it's the lack of impending races or something too.

So all in all, life is really good. I (we) are hoping this goes as smoothly as possible...and that December gets here as fast as possible...ha ha!

Last week rundown:

M- 6m (good run)
T- 40 minute bike
W- 7m (treadmill....too hot out)
Th- 6m (treadmill again...hot) very tired on this run
F- 6m
Sat- 6m
Sun- 10m (actually a good run)

Total: 41 Miles

Happy May

2009-05-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Is it May already? Time has flown by the past couple weeks. I'm still in March. The weather has let up, and everything is blooming. I love this time of year more and more each year.

Things are crazy hectic with various events going on, but I will find time to post a more detailed training blog in the next few days.

Congrats to all those that raced the marathons and other races the past couple weeks. Seems like the season has a good start to a lot of people. It's nice to see!

More to come soon....

I did it again...

2009-04-15T10:11:00.001-07:00

How did I miss a week of blogging again? It's like I get caught in some sort of time warp. I think in my last blog I mentioned something about no snow. Well, the little black cloud that follows my words was on me...and it snowed early last week. Yuck! Thankfully, my tulips are over it....and so am I. I am waaaaaaay over it.

Nothing too exciting going on in my non-running world to report on. Work it about the same. We went to a little ASME Industry Night to promote our business and hook up with some other engineers. It was actually a really, really good time. The best one yet. I'm really getting used to being home Fridays and working.

Jason is getting very busy at work....but REALLY needs to get to school and finish his darn thesis! He was suppose to defend and walk in May...but that is pushed back to August (I hope!!). I told him he ruined a big surprise party I planned for June. I was lying of course....terrible I know. I'm trying to guilt him into finishing his Ph.D. Take the motivation where you can get it right? Works with running....why not other areas? Ha ha :)

Speaking of running....it's okay....at best. Still super consistent with my mileage, which is a plus. My workouts are so/so....not the times I'm used to pumping out as easily as I do, but again, I'm not in training mode in any sort of way. I've just been feeling a little off though. I'm lucky if I feel good 2 times per week. Not that I feel horrible or anything, just not as chipper as usual. I'm still glad to get out and do my thing. Running is like breathing to me.

For quick rundown on the last 2 weeks.....I did a Tempo (which I think I ran a little too hard) and a long run 2 weeks ago...the last week I was too icky feeling to do any harder workout, so I combined my longer run with a workout to make a Dynamic run. Worked out great and I actually felt great.

As far as this week is going...not so great. My runs are okay...but my attempted 800 reps yesterday failed as I was struggling to hit times that should NOT have felt easy to hit for a workout. (I feel like a broken record). I stopped after 3 (of 5) and finished the rest as an easy run since I got really bad lower tummy cramps. Kind of freaky. Time to listen to my body a little better for a while. I gotta see what it's trying to tell me.

Weekly Rundown (Week of April 1st)

M- Off (pooped out)
T- 8m Morning (nice!)
W- 8m (2m w/u&c/d....4m Tempo (6:40, 6:43, 6:36, 6:35))
Th- 6m
F- 8m (rainy rainy)
Sat- 7m
Sun- 14m

Total: 51m

(Week of April 7th)

M- 7m
T- 40 min Bike
W- 8m
Th- 8m (nice run - Kirtland)
F- 7m
Sat- 12m Dynamic Run (8:22, 7:50, 6:56, 7:49, 6:54, 7:41 6:49, 7:34 6:44, 7:44, 6:44, 7:51 - Towpath....GREAT run overall, especially 2nd half)
Sun- 7m (Happy Easter)

Total: 49m

Hope everyone had a nice Easter. I had my family over and it was hectic, but worth it...as always.

Happy April

2009-04-01T12:07:00.001-07:00

It's April, which in my book means the brunt of any sort of major winter weather SHOULD be over! You know the saying, "April Showers....." it's not April Snow. My tulips are starting to bloom, the greenhouses are buzzing....I love it!

So, last week was another steady, consistent week. I feel rather boring with my mileage when I look back on each week. I think consistency is a very good thing though. Each day, I enjoy my runs, and enjoy 1 day off a week. My mileage keep averaging around 50 with 1 workout and 1 long run. Even though I don't have major plans, I'm hoping this will help my strength and stamina in the races I plan on running. I like to be a bit more dynamic with my training when I'm very specific on my racing goals. I like to work hard...and rest easy.

So last week, I was driving home on Tuesday and noticed the new neighbors across the street in the woods. It was the woman, and it looked to me like she started a small fire to burn something. I was thinking "Seriously? She could catch one of the trees on fire and all the woods could catch on fire in a minute." Who has a fire right in the woods, in the back yard, with houses lining the trees? Well, as I was getting ready to run, my dog was freaking out staring out the window. Then I hear TONS of sirens. The stupid-bug hit me or something, because I totally didn't think anything of it, nor did I notice the THICK BLACK SMOKE clouding the sky. I laced up my running shoes and headed out. As soon as I stepped out of my garage, I saw it all. You guessed it.... the woods were on fire! I think the whole fire department, EMS, and police department were in our cul-de-sac. Crazy. So one of the neighbors (the ones who live directly next to them....who have their shed in the woods), came and we spoke for a while. I guess when I saw the woman in the woods, she was actually trying to put OUT the fire with her garden hose. Good idea lady. I guess they had a bon fire the night before, which was apparently large, and it never quite went out. To make the rest of the story short, they got it out after battling it for a while...and who knows what kind of trouble those people got into. Geeze...think people! I don't even want to get into the dog they let roam all around the neighborhood without keeping an eye on him. I LOVE dogs....but not ones that come into my yard and freak my dog out. They seem like nice people....I guess they just didn't get a good start. Maybe they'll make a comeback.

In work news, we laid of our first person every today. Boooo. We are hoping that if things pick up to call him back VERY SOON! They don't teach you all these things in school...or anywhere else really, about running your own business. It can be brutal.
On an optimistic note, the first quarter is over, the fresh new second is starting. I have high hopes. Keep on trucking along and doing what you can I guess. Life could always be worse.

I'm thinking of perhaps running a race this weekend. If I do, it will probably be in Hudson, and I may treat it as more of a hard run then a race. It's at the park I run at sometimes and it's VERY hilly, on trails, and not conducive to any sort of fast times. It would probably be a fantastic workout though. We'll see.

Weekly Rundown:

M- 6m (morning)
T- 8m (evening)
W- 6m (morning)
Th- 8m workout (8x400 (approx) uphill, 400 down rec, all within 1:42-1:45...yeah, it was hard!)F- 8m (morning - later)
Sat- OFF (babysat the twins...I'll have to blog about that sometime!!!)
Sun- 14.5 miles

Total: 50.5

Hope everyone is having a good start to the month!!

Malachi

2009-03-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Looks like I somehow missed a week of blogging. Last week was pure insanity at work as I was running back and forth between work and Cleveland for a Manufacturing Conference. We are in high gear at our shop trying to keep our heads above water and ride this out. I have come to a realization that we have to completely revamp our business strategy for the long term future. This is a good time to do that. I think that a lot of people get down and depressed and forget that one day things will turn around and an opportunity to evaluate your business will be gone. In times of hardship, there is a lot of opportunity. Remember, the Chocolate Chip Cookie was invented during the Great depression! Now, if I can just find about $5 mil under a rock to do what we need to do at our business.

On the running front, things are moving along nicely. I'm in a great groove and have a consistant schedule. I'm finding a lot of solitude in this. The week of Malachi I ran 48 miles and last week I topped off at 50. On the Tuesday before Malachi, I did a workout so my legs wouldn't forget how to run faster. I did 3x1 mile with a 400 jog, 800 jog, & 400 jog. It was about as hard as I would have expected running around 6:20's. I went into the race at Malachi hoping not to die.

So onto Malachi. It was a chilly morning, but buzzing with energy, which I just LOVE! I registered and did a 2 mile warm up. I then proceeded to go to the Port-a-Poty which there was not a single soul. I got really worried thinking I somehow screwed up the start time. I went anyway, then realized everyone must have been running or watching the 2 mile race. Lucky me. That never happens....EVER.

Onto the start. I got over to a good spot at the start and ran into a couple running friends. It was so nice to converse with other running friends I haven't seen in a long while. It's really been a long winter for me! I was still groggy and stressed out from the previous week which carried into the start of the race...through about mile 2. The first mile started well, fast, and some icy spots. A tad under 6:10 was the reading at mile 1. I didn't think my legs could go that fast in a 5 miler at this time. I tried to get in a good groove for the 2nd mile. It was kind of odd, I felt very detached from the situation. It was like I was outside looking in. I wasn't really with it. I got to mile to in about 12:36 or so. At that point a light switch turned on and I got into my old running self. Mile 3 was hilly. I don't remember those hills. Got to mile 3 in about 19:XX (I'll have to look it up in my log). Mile 4 was a good one. Downhill and flat. Too bad for the pot holes and icy spots. I recovered from mile 3 nicely and cruised mile 4. I think I passed through 4 in about 25:50 or so. The last mile was quick. Perhaps it was the impending uphill at the end I was thinking about, but I wasn't letting it bother me. I was anxious and ready. I ran with a few guys and looked ahead and didn't see any women. The last hill came and I almost split an eyeball going all out to get to the finish line just for the shear bliss of being done. I crossed in 32:17. Not bad. The only disappointing thing I came to realize was the first 5 women (I was 6th I later found out) were about 20 or so second ahead all together. Darn. I wish I would have realized that so I could have competed better. Next time though.

So all in all, I was happy with the race. I felt decent the next day, but super sore the day after in odd places. Funny how that happens. It was a good time, and we skipped out on the awards at the Pub to hit up the West Side Market. We were suppose to have dinner guests coming that day. I love the West Side Market.....that is the best post race place. I would have liked to have made the awards at Malachi though.

The next week (last week) went well. A bit tired from the race, took Wednesday off due to exhaustion, and ran a workout at the Towpath (yippie!) on Friday. We are working Mon-Thurs at our shop so I decided to work from home on Friday which was nice...I guess. Anyway, the workout didn't go as well as I would have hoped for. I ran a 5 mile tempo and wanted to run around 6:50's with a faster last mile, but I was struggling to hold the 6:50's. I don't know if struggling is the right word, I guess it's just not as comfortable as I would have thought. That was a little disappointing, but I was happy with the effort. Maybe it was just an off day. It's not like I'm busting out a lot of workouts either. Sometimes I get a little ahead of myself.

Anyway, this week is off to a decent start. I'm getting more 5:30am runs in which is nice. I'm shooting for 1 tempo or hill workout this week and my long run. This weekend I'm babysitting for my best friend...yikes! She's got 2 twin girls that are 7 months old. I'm in for a treat huh? They are just precious though. I love them!

Hope everyone had a good week!!

Last week:

M- 6m (morning)
T- 7m (morning)
W- Off
Th- 7m (morning)
F- 9m (2m w/u & c/d 5m tempo (6:50, 6:50 6:50, 6:48, 6:58 34:19 total)
Sat- 7m (4 with Stewie!!)
Sun- 14m

Total: 50m

Keeping is Consistent

2009-03-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Last week was another pretty good running week. I took Monday off just because I came home and really didn't feel like doing anything other then cooking dinner and getting some work done. I told myself I'd get my butt out of bed the next morning to run. The cold is what really did me in. I had no desire to fight it, or run on the treadmill.
I had 2 successful morning stints on the treadmill before I headed outside to some much warmer weather. I hit up some trails at Hudson Springs Park which were super muddy, but super great! It felt so good to slosh around on the trails. I can't wait to spend some good quality time on the trails when it gets nice.
The only "workout" I did this week was a medium run on Friday. I wish I would have had the Garmin on me to check the pace, but I was pretty tired after so the effort was definitely there.
Long run went smoothly.

I'm looking to run the St. Malachi 5 Miler this Saturday. No goals for the race other then not to completely die. I'm looking for a fun time and some motivation. I'm kind of in limbo right now. I ran some mile repeats for the heck of it, a couple days ago, at the track which went pretty well, but proved to me I'm not in great racing shape....or any sort of racing shape. Gotta start somewhere though! It's always interesting for me to race after a bit of a hiatus from the racing scene. Sometimes your body responds better then you anticipate. It's always good, for me, to step into a couple races with no real goal or time in mind. JUST RUN!!
After that I have shopping at the West Side Market to look forward to...whohoo!! I love that place!

In other news, the economy super sucks and it has definitely trickeled down to our Manufacturing Company. We are cutting hours and days, but still trying to hold onto everyone we have. We are doing what we can, and looking into future opportunities, especially in the Green Mfg. Sector, but none of this is a short term fix. We can only hope and pray things come around sooner then later. We are all aware things will turn around, and we will still be here...just not sure how battered and torn. In the mean time, just going day by day and hoping not to go too crazy! Just part of the ups and downs in life.

Weekly Rundown:

M - OFF
T- 8m (morning!)
W - 6m (morning!)
Th- 8m (afternoon trails...warm finally)
F - 7m (5m medium/hard pace...super warm)
S - 6m
Sun - 14m

Total: 49 Miles

Wretched Monday

2009-03-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

I realized I saved my last blog as a draft all week instead of posting. I slept right through my alarm this morning. I forgot a CD that had my Quality Manual for work at home. I obviously didn't run this morning. I'm cold. Work is slow. I HATE daylight savings time....the beginning of it anyway. I burned bread pudding I made for a friend which I threw away (which I have made a million times and have NEVER had any problems with). Oh, and my husband spilled a large (Venti for all you purists) Starbucks coffee on my much loved, and relatively new, area rug....which I think is going to take a month of daily cleaning to get rid of...if I'm lucky.

OK...I got that out of my system. This week is going to be a good week even though this morning was a bit rough. I'm being optimistic. That is my mantra :) My dog is currently staring at me in an odd way. I think he's trying to figure out why we came to work an "hour early." I think it's funny that is his biggest concern in life. He's a very cool dog.

I'll write a blog a bit later that is a bit more detailed and running related. I need to get out of this Monday morning fog first. It may be a while though.

Anyone who is reading this....Have a great week!

Fridgid

2009-03-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

It's March...and it's so cold. I don't have an ounce of fight in me when it comes to battling the cold. I did up until last Sunday. I'm done with it. Last week was a really good week of running. I ran everyday due to the fact it was so warm on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, my alarm went off at 5:30am and I heard the wind whipping and the rain falling. I curled up in my happy, warm bed and figured it would be cooler, but calmer later in the day. I was thinking I'd opt for the colder, but less windy run in the evening. It's so easy to convince yourself to run later at that time of the morning.

Fast forward to Friday evening. The temps went from 55 to 35...and the wind didn't stop. No Sir. I dreaded the run, as last Sunday's brutal long run was still with me. I ran through a neighborhood I very much enjoying running through. The homes are so beautiful and the run seems to go quickly. Saturday I took the day off to attend the MAC Indoor Track Championships at Kent. Sunday I woke up and I guess I didn't realize how cold it was outside. I dressed well, but it was BRUTALLY cold and windy. The wind always seemed to be in my face. I seriously almost stopped to cry...or scream...or something of the sorts to vent my frustration. wear 2 pairs of gloves which for the 3rd time in 1 week didn't hold up to the wind. My fingers just couldn't take it, but I didn't really have a choice. I'm sitting here after 3 days of swollen fingers, barely typing. My right hand fingers are so, so swollen. It's insane. That is my sign to dump the cold. I give in. Mother Nature...you win.

I'm not really sure what to do about the swollen fingers. I have a couple doctors, that are friends, that have told me I may have Raynaud's. I have had a lot of trouble with the cold the past 3-4 years or so. It's not a big deal, but it's something I try and be careful about. I guess I'll just ride out the swollen fingers thing unless it get worse for some reason.

In other news, I had a GREAT weekend. One of the best in a long time. I met with a really good friend I haven't seen in ages and had lunch with her. We ran in college together. She was an awesome runner. I think her CC PR was under 16:20.....All-American. Pretty sweet. Anyway, we went to Kent for the MAC meet and had a blast. Nothing better then catching some good competition. Even better....Akron's Women won!! Go Zips! I was thrilled to see another good friend/ex teammate with her new baby. It was just an all around great day. Sunday, Jason and I met up with another one of my friends, whom I co-oped at Kimberly-Clark with and roomed with. He and his wife had a baby last year and we got to finally see her. It was a very nice Sunday morning late breakfast. Made up for the freezing long run. I thinks it's so crazy that they ended up loving so close to us. He went to Purdue, we met in Wisconsin, roomed in Seattle & Wisconsin...then I moved back home and he got married and got a job in Aurora. (Yes, I roomed with a boy....while I was dating Jason. This guy is a great friend and was probably one of the better roommates I have had. 2 people of the opposite sex CAN room together without drama in college!!)

Anyway, I'm keeping this week pretty uneventful. Last week I had a pretty good broken Tempo run and longer run. This week, probably looking at mileage in the mid 40's or maybe 50 again if it works out. My left foot have been bothering me in the beginning of my runs if I don't warm it up and stretch it out enough. It's like I have this tendon or something that slides around until it finds it's place to stay. The process of it finding its place it pretty painful. It doesn't stop me from running nor does it get worse...it's just annoying. I think my body is revolting against the weather at this point.

Weekly Rundown:

M - 7m
T - 2m w/u
4m Broken Tempo (6:35, 6:31 - 1 mile 7:52 - 6:35)
2 m c/d
W - 5m
Th - 8m
F - 8m
Sat - Off
Sun - 14m

Total: 50 (love round numbers!)

Moving Along

2009-02-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

I am entering Week #2 of being alone at work and trying to keep my sanity. Last week was not so great. I was just one grumpy witch half the time and I couldn't help it. Sometimes when you are surrounded by depressing news and other difficulties it tends to wear you a bit thin. I tried to stay quiet since I didn't want to be snappy or mean to anyone. I can't say the same for when I got home. This week will be better!!! I'm optimistic!

Wednesday was the day from the devil, I swear. The weather was the icing on the cake. I got in my car and made it 1 mile from my house in 30 minutes. I turned down a side street and went back home for a couple hours. The lake effect snow was just too much to handle that day. I went in a couple hours late...did my thing...then watched the weather and traffic report. They closed I-480 due to a 20 car accident or something. I took an alternate route, just to be welcomed by white out conditions and a 2.5 hour ride home. I am so over this freakin winter...it's not even funny.

On the upside, I made it through the week and got in all my runs and workouts...and then some. I've been a bit tired, but nothing too crazy. I did a long run on Sunday in what I think were the most brutal conditions I ventured out in in a while. The wind was so strong, the temp was below 20 without the windchill, and it was snowing and slippery. I just didn't want to run on the treadmill again for a long run. Yuck. My fingers almost froze off and my eyelashes were frozen, but I got it done. I ran up to the park at the end of my neighborhood and thought maybe I could get a loop in. No way....too much snow. I did stop for a minute and took in the view. The wind was whipping up the snow and it looked like a winter wonderland. Kind of pretty....if you weren't ready to freeze to death. Winter has it's own little joys if you know where to look for them, and take the time to appreciate them.

On a side note, the couple hour delay to work on Wednesday gave me a little time to watch some TV. I turned on a show and wondered what it was. Turns out it was the Baby Story. I have to stay, that show is the best birth control available to anyone out there. What the heck is that all about? Who wants to watch some poor woman, going through a difficult labor, just to get a C-Section and describe, painfully, each detail. No thanks. Do people really watch this show...and enjoy it? Maybe it's just me. Give me a show with little bouncy babies...or a family that is expecting. I don't need the gory details. I have friends I can call for that. My rationalization for why it is on during the day is that the women who are stay at home moms already gave birth, therefore, must find this show as a way to relate. Women, like myself, need to stay away. Wow.

Anywho, I'm thinking of perhaps running St. Malachi, which is sooner then I thought. I think it would be fun...though I can't imagine it would be pretty. I need to get a some more workouts so my legs and lungs don't freak the heck out.

Weekly Recap:

M- 7m
T- Medium Track Workout:
(2m w/u, 4x800 (3:09, 3:10, 3:06, 3:04), 2m c/d) 7m Total
W - 40 Min Bike & Lift
Th - 7m (treadmill....shoot me)
F - 6m (treadmill)
Sat - 5m
Sun - 13m (brutal winter weather)

Total: 45m

Fashionista...or not

2009-02-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

As I was making my way out for a run yesterday, I looked in the mirror and laughed at myself. I am such a "typical" runner. The funniest part is, I totally, never, ever match. My husband makes fun of me for this on a regular basis...but yesterday I really noticed it. Then, I thought about what I wore running the past few days, and yes, total mismatch. Something draws me to the blue spandex and black top.....the red shorts and pink shirt.....apparently I am subconsciously drawn to completely opposite patterns in one running outfit. I guess I never really think about it...nor do I care, but I did have to laugh at myself. I wonder what people think when they drive by me. I do have to say though, the colors I generally wear are darker in the winter. I don't try to draw attention to myself. I like to be unseen and off the radar when I'm on my runs. I can't understand why anyone would ever want to be famous. Maybe it's just me.

So that got me thinking to my college days of running. I remember one of my teammates would always give me a hard time (in a best friend kind of way) about the colors I put together when running. Heh....I guess things never change. Thank goodness for the Vertical Runner race uniforms!! There were a few times my husband was like "you're not wearing THAT together...are you?" as I was on my way out the door for a race. At that point, I do try and match a bit for races if I'm not wearing my VR gear....but I just about always stick with that.
In my defense...and I have been arguing this for a while....total opposite colors kind of go together. Right? Maybe not, but I'd like to think so. Good thing I don't dress like I run...I think. Heh.

So, last week was a good week in one way and terrible in another. I got in some good miles, but I felt like total crap on half the runs. Total poo. I'm guessing it was a hormonal thing. Dudes have no reason to complain. I'm feeling better this week thank goodness. There is nothing worse then walking out the door for a run, then realizing you feel like crap. Then you think it will pass, but it doesn't. It gets worse. Then you just want to crawl on the side of the road and plop over on someones lawn and call it a day. It was just one of those weeks I guess. On an up note, I did get a morning run in on Friday which was wonderful. That evening we had a lady come to our house for a massage. Jason and I each received one. It was a Christmas gift...and it was great. Massages make me feel sick though. Weird.

Yesterday I did my first little workout in a looooong while. I went up to the track and did 4x800 with a 400 jog. I didn't run then fast at all. Just cruised to get my legs moving. The first one was so weird. I felt like I was in slow motion....like in those dreams where you are trying to run and just can't. Really weird. The track seemed super small on the first lap. I'm not big on track workouts...as I like to ease into my workouts with some fartleks and tempos...but the clear track on a warmer February day just called my name. I'm glad I did it. I just have to remind myself to do a better job of throwing in a good workout from time to time on my off racing time so my body doesn't go into total shock when I try and get it going again.

In other news, the beginning of a stressful time has begun. Whohoo! My parents are in Florida for 2.5 weeks which leaves me in charge at work. I have to manage every last thing. I'm not complaining...I'm really not, but it causes much stress by the end of the day. What I am complaining about is that everything is so slow right now. We were slammed with work, then the new year came along...and bam....it's like everyone died or something. I hope things get better soon. I just keep working away and hope for the best. Thank goodness for running. I'd probably would have imploded by now.

Last week:

M- 7 (sucky, sucky, sucky run)
T- 7.5 (@ park!)
W - Off (walk in a rain storm)
Th - 7
F - 7 (massage in the evening)
Sat - 5
Sun - 12.5

Total: 46 Miles

Warmer Days

2009-02-11T06:48:00.000-08:00

Last week was a pretty good week running wise. It was a quick glimpse that spring may be around the corner? Yeah, it's Cleveland, not quite yet.
I had a very good run on Monday, and a decent on on Tuesday & Thursday. Friday was a crappy run which I contemplated cutting short, but I ran past a couple running in the opposite direction from me. I have noticed this particular girl over the past year. I was pretty positive it was an old teammate from high school. I kept telling myself I would try and talk to her if I ever happened to catch her going the same way, but it hasn't happened yet.

During the end of this run, I happened to catch up to them on a side road. Yes, it was an old Cross-Country teammate from high school! It was her and her husband running. How awesome. We ran together for about a 1/2 mile or so before I had to get home. I just was thinking about how crazy it was that she lives less then 1 mile from my house. We were pretty good friends on the team back in the day. It's so interesting to catch up with old friends that way. It's even better when you hear how well they are doing.

Needless to say, a run that started out a bit on the down side, ended up very well.
Sunday's longer run wasn't too hot while Monday's run was one of the worst ever! Going through a bit of a rough patch I guess. It happens. What is the saying...and bad run is better then no run right? (Most of the time at least!)

On a personal front, Jason is doing well at his new job. This company is very big into Green Energy. He's doing pretty well at waking up in the morning. He is so NOT a morning person. It's not even funny. I could post a whole blog about it. Everyone has their thing. If that's the worst thing I have to deal with....it's not so bad....I guess.

Another item I was pretty excited about was the advancement opportunity the US has to participate in Stem Cell Research.....FINALLY! I normally, wouldn't mention things like this, but my father in law has Parkensons Disease and this seems like such a hopeful thing for the family. It's one thing to voice opinions on subjects...it's another when you have a dire situation staring you in the face. Anyway, I'm so happy about it and wanted to mention it. I guess it's the scientist in me that gets excited!

Last week:

M- 8m
T- 7m
W- 30min Bike & Lift
Th- 7m (Treadmill)
F- 8.5m
S- Off
Sun- 12.5m

Total: 43 Miles

Snow Snow Snow

2009-02-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

Yes, we live in a snow globe. It's crazy actually. This winter seems far worse the the past few. Perhaps it's that they aren't salting the roads as well, or just that it snows at the worst time of day (overnight and before rush hour). I've about had it, especially with the driving. On a normal day, my commute takes about 50 minutes...you can only imagine what it takes on snow covered, accident filled roads. Joy.

As far as running, my treadmill and I have had to make peace. I've been meaning to buy a nice, shiny new treadmill with more power, belt space, and a screen that actually works, but I kind of have gotten used to this little guy. I don't know how much longer it will hold out though.

The roads have been clear enough last week that I was able to get out on what I like to call my snowbird route. It a route through my neighborhood that keeps me in my neighborhood running up and down the streets, sometimes twice. It actually keep the run moving along and isn't too bad. It's less cars, and give me a couple streets with street lights. I ran that Monday and Tuesday....then Wednesday came. So much snow, I didn't even bother to go to work. We got over a foot of snow. Yuck! The rest of the week was on the treadmill with a nice longer 12 miler on Sunday.

Been thinking of starting up some workouts, but I guess I'm just waiting for the weather to break a bit. There are a couple races this weekend I'm thinking about even though I'm in no sort of racing shape. We'll see.

In other news, Jason started his new job Monday. It seems like a great environment with good people. I think he likes it so far. It's a very innovative business. I'm so proud of him!
Another note, which I think it pretty cool, one of his older sisters got remarried last weekend to the man she divorced a couple years ago. They were going through some pretty rough times. They have 2 great kids. It was pretty awesome to have seen everything work out, and see the whole family together again. Everyone did their part and it worked out. It's even better because he is now a runner....yeah!!! Welcome to the "other" side my friend! It was a bit heart warming. I'm so happy for them.

Weekly Run Down:

M- 7m
T- 7m
W- 30 Minute Bike/Lift
Th- 8m
F- 7m
Sat- Off
Sun- 12m

Total: 41 Miles

Back from Paradise

2009-01-27T11:50:00.000-08:00

Jason and I went on a quick, little trip from Florida. It was a nice break. We went down to Naples and soaked in some sun and relaxation. I really love spending quality time with my husband. I guess I'm one of the few who is actually happy to be married...to whom I'm married to.

I was more thrilled to be able to run outside then anything else. When we arrived, they were in the midst of a cold spell....which was quite warm for us. It dipped to 32 degrees the first couple nights, but once the sun came out it warmed up nicely. I thoroughly enjoyed every step of my runs....even though I felt like crud on a couple of them. It just felt so nice to have sun beating on my skin...in shorts and a T-shirt. Once funny site...I was running through a ritzy, ditsy area of new homes, and I see this lady pull up in a fancy car and get out to check the status of her new home being built. She comes out wearing super fuzzy boots and a zebra print fur coat....and a handbag as big as my checked luggage. It was really funny watching her walk around the construction site. It was around 65 degrees that day. Wish I had a camera. Ahhh....back to reality.

So I figured out that my sore lower back and glutes had to have been from the treadmill running. Once I got outside, everything loosened up and I feel much better. I have a massage coming up on Friday which I received as a Christmas gift. The lady actually comes out to your house. Jason and I both are actually getting a massage. I'm excited about this new idea of a traveling masseuse.

Oh...I finally opened a Facebook account. I spent a while making fun of my hubby about it...until I got sucked in. I can't believe how many people you can hook up with that you forgot existed. It's so much easier to keep in touch. Great concept.

On this weeks running front, just planning on cruising along. I'm hoping to start up with a few more structured fartleks...to get me going a bit. I'm kind of lost without some real concrete running goals. We'll see how it all goes.

M-7 miles (Treadmill)
T- 30 Minute Bike/Lift
W-8 Mile Run (7:43 pace w/ Garmin....Naples)
Th- 8 .5 Mile Run (7:41 pace w/ Garmin....Naples)
F- 8 Mile Run....Naples
Sat- 12 Mile Run....Naples
Sun - 5.5 Mile Run (Treadmill....back home)

Total Miles: 49 Miles

Treadmill....Dreadmill

2009-01-19T13:22:00.001-08:00

I have been on the treadmill for 2 weeks! I think that is some kind of record for me. I thought last Monday I would have a chance to get out, but I got home too late. I have a rule, if I can't jump onto the curb or lawns to avoid cars in the dark, I won't run outside. I just won't risk it. The temps have just been down right obscene cold. Which make me ever so excited that I'm going to Florida tomorrow!!! I'm more excited to get out and run in my shorts then anything else. I'm going to run everyday I'm there...as much as I can. I'm so pumped about it.
We almost went to Florida this past week which would have put me into the Naples Half (which would have been more of a fun run per lack of training)....but we decided on this week due to it being much cheaper airfare. Nonetheless, I'm excited to get a little break from the cold weather.

As far as my running, I'm kind of getting used to my treadmill. I'll have to shoot a picture of it. It's kind of pathetic and funny, but it works. I can't believe this thing hasn't broken down yet. Last week I logged 41 miles. Most of them I felt pretty darn good. I start out a bit slower and take it down. I've gotten in the habit of speeding up during commercial breaks which makes for a little fartlek type run. Good times.

Everything is going fairly well. I have had major issues with doing morning runs and workouts. The last 2 weeks have been evening runs which fit into my schedule so it works. I really am more of a morning person, but something happened. Not sure if I'm just not sleeping as well, or if I just got used to sleeping an hour later. Whatever it is, I have to get out of this funk and wake my butt up. Just glad to be logging miles though.

In other news, I finally opened a Facebook account.....after much persuasion. It's actually pretty neat. It's like a whole new little world of networking. I just can't get too sucked in.

Weekly rundown (I'm going to try and post a quick weekly rundown from now on....hope it makes me a better blogger):

M-7 m
T-7.5 m
W-30 minute bike, lift
Th- 8 m
F- 7 m
S - Off
Sun - 11.5 m

All treadmill....blah. Off to Florida though!

Happy New Year

2009-01-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year....Merry Christmas...Happy Thanksgiving....etc...etc...etc.
I have some catching up to do. I need to be much better about posting.

To sum it all up....everything is just great. The holidays were hectic as usual, but really nice.
Many of our family and friends had babies, birthdays, and other special events. My birthday came and passed....which means I'm another year older. Haven't moved up to the next age group just yet. Next year. Heh.

The running is going well. No big plans as of now for this year. Seems like I'm on the treadmill more this winter then last. It's not so bad. I'm just glad to be running. I'm averaging about 40 miles per week. Nothing special, just enjoying my time while keeping in shape. I only missed a couple days just after Christmas because I caught a little cold from Jason. I wish I would have signed up for the Buckeye 50 though before it sold out. It would have been really fun I think. At least it would have gave me something to do in terms of getting out with running friends. I really wish this icing over would stop though. I'm not sure if it's the weather, or the fact the cities aren't cleaning the roads as well this year. Who knows.

In other news, Jason accepted a research position at a small company in Akron which means WE ARE STAYING!!! I think it all worked out for the best. He's got a job in an environment that I think suites him, and it gives him the chance to teach if the opportunity pops up. It all worked out and I'm so happy! Funny thing, NASA decided to contact him after he decided on this job. Go figure. We think this was the best for him anyway. I'm just happy, happy happy :)

So, it looks like I'll still be hitting the streets and the starting lines in Northeast Ohio...for a while at least.

Winter is Here

2008-11-18T11:35:00.001-08:00

I think Winter time is here for the most part in Northeast Ohio. I think we may have an occasional nice day, but for the most part, old man winter is here. It was 60 degrees on Friday and I did my run in shorts, this morning it snowed so much overnight, I had to run on the treadmill. Joy. I must admit though, I catch up all kinds of news when I run on the good old mill.

I noticed this year, I have a much better appreciation of cold weather running. I dreaded it in the past. I mean I absolutely could not stand the thought of running in the cold. This summer I noticed myself longing for cold, winter runs. WHAT?!? There is some sort of peace and solitude with the chill in the air, light snowflakes kissing your skin (I'm saying LIGHT snow...not LAKE effect!), and the serenity of the quiet before the world makes up for their day. I feel like the only person in the world, just running along checking things out. On almost every run, I keep tabs on what I would take pictures of. I really am going to get a cheap, small camera and snap some pics. I think it would make a nice reflection at the end of the year.

Anyway, my runs are going really well. I'm getting most of them in in the morning. I'm just under 40 miles per week at the moment. Working on lots of core and starting some light lifting. I take 1 day off and 1 day cross training too. I'm working on getting more of a butt. My butt is flat and pathetic. I need a little more there, so I'm working on that too.

On other fronts, Jason had an interview with one of the large local companies for a research position....and.....he just got a phone call saying they decided to go with another candidate. Sigh. He's sad....I know he is. No matter what, I know it a blow to your ego. Even though you know it's kind of a crap shoot, it still sucks to know you didn't get picked. We've all been through that. My only question it...what OTHER candidate? Seriously? His area of research is highly specialized and only a hand full of people in the country work in similar areas. This particular position was an exact match for him. Who knows. Their loss. He's extremely smart & talented....especially in the mathematics department (I'm allowed to toot his horn :)) I just tell him he'll find the right match, and it will be where he needs to be. It may take a little while, and searching, but it will work out. It always does. I just hope we don't have to move anywhere. O well.....move on with your head confidently up high. He has an interview is another local (smaller start up) research company Monday. Updates to follow.

The Philly marathon is this upcoming weekend. That was the marathon I thought about doing. I'm just fine with not doing it. A cheese steak would be great though! Man o man, the Richmond people had a heck of a run. It was hot, windy, and plain old crappy. I read up on E-Speeds blog and it sounded brutal! Sucks when that happens for a marathon.

Thanksgiving is next week...which means....TURKEY TROT!!!!! and turkey....and pie.....It' my favorite holiday of the year!

Anniversary

2008-11-03T17:58:00.000-08:00

It was Jason and my 5th Wedding Anniversary (October 25th)!!! Whohoo!! Can't believe it's been 5 years already. These are the beautiful flowers they delivered to our house. They were from a flower shop in downtown Hudson called Stems. I was really impressed with these.
We had a lovely dinner at Ken Stewart's. Calamari, Ahi Tuna, & Port. Great way to celebrate. My husband rocks!

Speaking of the Port. I'm such a lightweight, that the TINY glass of Port after dinner caused a massive headache for the run the following morning. What is wrong with me? This thing was like 5 ounces or something. I have to say though, it ended up being a very nice run. Heh!

So in the running life.....well, it's pretty low key. I'm loving it though. I already am getting excited about training and racing in the spring. That is a very good sign. I noticed that there are so many BEAUTIFUL things I see when I run that I wish I could capture on camera. That got me thinking....perhaps I could find a mini camera to take with me on my runs and take some pics. That would give me lots to talk about. I think it would be kind of cool. Just a thought.

I also decided I'm going to start posting a few more pictures. Pictures are fun....yeah? Let's start off our lovely pets (our kids for the moment)....Stewie (dog) and Einstein (cat). They got a little bored during the New York Marathon and took a snooze.
I thought it was exciting anyway. What a motivation. It made me want to lace up and go run.....

Columbus Half

2008-10-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

The Columbus Half Marathon was this past Sunday. Overall, it was what I would have expected...but nothing I would have hoped for. It was the type of race that would describe my year.....just okay. Kind of Blah. I'm not upset or overly disappointed, but I hoped maybe I could pull off something I wasn't expecting. Overall results were 1:27:57....16th overall Female.

Jason and I left for Columbus Saturday afternoon. We stopped by his sisters home to drop off the sugar cookies for a party they were having....then we dropped off our dog at my In-Laws. All this took a while as we can never just seem to stop somewhere quickly. I figured we were fine. I kept saying, "As long as I get to the expo by 6:50pm" (it closed at 7:00pm with no race day pick up).
So we make the hike down to Columbus. We stopped for a late lunch and found our hotel. We stayed at a Hyatt about 20 minutes north of Downtown since everything was booked. I must say, it was a very nice hotel, with a kick butt TV. My parents met us down there....but had to stay at the Motel 6 across the street since my dad never believes in planning ahead. Our hotel was booked up. My mom had some choice words in describing their room. It was hilarious!
I looked at my watch and it was 6:00pm. Uh-oh. We better get to the expo. Jason and I made our way down. I had direction on how to get to the start line. If I recall from 2005, the start line was near the expo. I was so wrong. I don't know if they changed it, or I was mistaken. We found the start....no expo. We drove around, got turned around, went down one way street. Not good. My watch read 6:30. I wasn't saying much....Jason wasn't waying much. The second I opened my mouth....we got in an instant argument. It was my fault I didn't get directions and made a stupid assumption.....but I guess I was making him nervous by not yelling about it...so I think we wanted me to yell or something. Just as we were yelling...we came across runner people with bags. Whohoo. Everything was okay. 6:40pm. We found parking. 6:45pm. We got inside the expo 6:50. I grabbed my stuff.....6:55pm. I can't believe we cut it that close. I'm a crazy planner in travel race circumstances...but perhaps since I've been to Columbus a million times, I was too laxed about it.
So in a nut shell, I got my stuff. #3013.

That night we ate dinner, watched knocked up, and went to bed. I made a wake up call, set the alarm, and set my phone alarm. I have a triple alarm system going when I travel too.

Race morning, I was up 1 minute before any of the alarms went off. Felt pretty decent. We drove up, found parking, and I warmed up. All was good.

Got to the start line 2 minutes before the race (geeze...what was my problem with cutting everything so close!!). It was cold...but perfect for a longer race. I had gloves and shorts on with a long sleeve under my race shirt. The gun went off and off we went.

The first mile was a 6:44. I had a feeling I would pretty much keep up this pace. No faster. I just had a feeling with how I felt. It wasn't hard...but it wasn't effortless (if that makes any sense). The first 2 miles I couldn't feel my legs from the cold...but they warmed up after that. I hummed along with a group of people and kept my eye on certain women to keep me motivated. I came through 5 miles around 33:25. Again, it was fine...but I felt kind of worn out. I actually picked it up for mile 6 and ran a 6:30.....and maintained upper 6:30's for a while. Mile 10 was 1:06:55 or so.....which put me pretty darn even from 5. I kind of really wanted to be done then. The last 3 miles actually seemed to come quickly though. My hands were getting pretty cold from the couple liquids I took. They spilled on my gloves and got them freezing cold. Mile 12 had a hill going toward the finish...which was a downhill finish. I picked up the last mile...but missed the split since my hands were too frozen and must not have hit down on my watch hard enough to get the split. I saw mile 13 was 1:27:02. I was like "lets move it and get under 1:28 at least." I did both. 1:27:57. I felt fine when I finished. I was happy to be done. Ran a 2 mile cooldown immediately and called it a day....and a "racing season."

Overall, I felt pretty complacent about the race. This year was just off. It wasn't terrible...just not great. There isn't any one thing I can pinpoint. I was injured in the spring and sick a couple times...but that shouldn't have killed my whole year. I noticed many of the paces seemed a bit harder that I thought for workouts....and I was much more worn out then normal. I had too many days I was just totally beat up and needed to chill out. I changed up my training a bit, and tried not to take much time off in the winter, keep up my mileage, and start off with some interval training and work into the longer stuff. Something just didn't jive. I had a good 5 miler with a 30:54 PR.....and a bunch of 18:40/18:50's 5k's....but that was about it for me. Crim sucked....and the Columbus Half was okay. I thought my training was going pretty well and I could turn it around leading up to the Akron Half....but I got sick....and the rest was history I guess. I didn't get my mojo back after that. I didn't really look forward to my runs leading to Columbus...and didn't get all that excited about the Half either. I know when it's time for a break...and I needed to pull the plug now. If I'm not excited to race....it's time.

I also realize that I wasn't quite ready to get back into all the training as soon as I did. I forced it a little too much. Just because I thought I should be ready to race and train, didn't mean I really was. I probably took on a little too much at one time. With work, my baking venture, and other business stuff I work on...it probably took a little too much of a toll. I notice I get canker sores after the longer races too. I'm wondering if it may be a vitamin thing as well. I'm not making excuses....just thinking about things on paper so I can try and fix whatever was off kelter.

So, I'm taking this week off and already looking forward to some nice runs. I'm going to try and get my system back to normal...and work from there. Perhaps this winter, really work on strength, tempos, and making sure I stay healthy (rest and nutrition).

It's interesting how we as runners know our bodies better then anyone, but always seem to ignore signs. We know they are there...but we find various excuses to ignore them. In the end, the body wins out....every freakin time.

Time for some good old, freezing cold winter running. Some of the nicest, peaceful, prettiest runs take place in the winter....even through the darkness, snow, & sludge. I'm really looking forward to that....along with the post run pancakes. Yum.

Until then, see everyone at the start line next year. I'll be writing about anything interesting that comes up in my runs....there's always something.
Up next is the Akron Thanksgiving Day Race with my brother....who runs once a year on Thanksgiving....with me....or rather, I run with him. It's my favorite "race" of the year.

Weekly Recap

2008-10-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Columbus Half is on Sunday. It seemed to come rather quickly from the time I decided to do it. Time just flies!

So the question is, am I ready? I guess so. I feel like this year has been a bit off overall, but I feel like I can go out there and do something decent. It would be nice to PR. My PR is 1:25:07...but I'd be happy with a good, strong race. I haven't raced in a while, so we'll see.
I'm kind of stressed out about what to do with my dog since everyone is going to be out of town this weekend. It's always something...isn't it?

This past week has been decent. I can't say wonderful or great, but decent. Ran a mile repeat workout on Friday at the Towpath.
2m w/u
6:22, 6:19, 6:18, 6:19, 6:17, 6:07 (I might be a second off or so from what I put in my log...can't remember exactly)
2m c/d
I ran to each mile marker and jogged around for what I called 400m. I adjusted the longer and shorter mile times. The times were a bit faster then I planned on, but it was a good workout. My legs want to run fast....it has it in them...but I have to watch my HR . It's not like I'm running a mile race or something. I really am curious at what I can run in a longer distance.

Anyway, Saturday was an early slog run. I was tired, but had to get it in early. Sunday was a crappy long run of 16 miles. I felt like I wanted to shoot myself in the foot the entire time so I had a reason to stop. Ha ha. I was just tired and crappy feeling, but I pushed through.
Monday was an easy run...still felt tired and heavy.
Tuesday (yesterday) workout was:
2m w/u
4x1600 (1600 easy)......6:24, 6:25, 6:26, 6:33
1m c/d
I ran on the Pen Glen trails with the 400 meter hill at the end. I intended to run this workout to get me going, without running me into the ground. This is what I came up with. Last mile was a slightly different route...and I got held up for a tiny bit by some people. Felt really good and smooth until the last 400 meters which was to be expected. I felt better then I have, but, I could still feel a little heaviness in the legs going up the hill.
This is a good endurance, strength workout. When I run this particular workout on this course, I can really run it well if I'm fresh. I tend to compare myself to that...but I'm not so chipper right now. I've been eaten up and thrown out on this workout when I've been tired. I was happy with the overall result.
Oh...and a little tidbit on annoying people. I ran past this guy, who I passed like 4 times (since I was running the same loop over and over), insisted on saying something "funny" every time I ran by. "Smile", "You should be more happy", "You'd live longer if you smiled."
I was getting really annoyed. REALLY annoyed. What wrong with "Hello" or"Nice Job?"

So, that was the week. I ran 2 straight weeks of 66 miles. Not bad. The workouts are getting a bit mundane. I'm getting a strong urge to go trail exploring around town. Nice long runs to get lost in. It's that time of the year. I was looking back and realized I have been running since April...workouts and racing...without any real downtime. I need some of that now. I probably won't jump into a marathon this fall. I just want to chill and not worry about splits and mileage. I just love to put on my fall running clothes and get lost int he fall foliage. The smells and chill in the air.....oh I just LOVE it.

I'll have to do my yearly analysis and plan for this winter and next racing year. I do that every year so I can carry it over and keep on learning from myself.

So, in other news, Jason really moving on with his Ph.D. On Monday (the day after the half) he is giving his big presentation to his committee. They will give him some critiques and allow him to keep working on this Thesis...which is coming along nicely. I'm a proud wife :) There are a few good job leads, so we'll see what end up workout out. I don't want to jinx anything.

Until next time....everyone enjoy their fall running...no matter what comes your way!

Bottomless Pit

2008-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

There is a very interesting phenomena going on with me these days. I get so hungry on my runs. This has happened to me every once in a while during my hormonal time of the month, but for the past week, I've been starving on my runs. I happens about half way through. It doesn't help that I run past a Your's Truly, Perkins, McDonald's, & Italian Restaurant. I could just feel all the energy drain. I could seriously sit on the side of the road and chow down with a box of cereal, throw in some raisins, and cold soymilk. These thoughts to me are odd as I'm used to never even thinking about food until an hour after my runs. Who knows what's going on. I'm just trying to shovel in the food so I keep on truckin along. Maybe I have a hole in my stomach.

In my weekly update....I had a great long run this weekend. I ran 18 miles. At mile 9 I busted out a 6:21, then I stopped at home for a half a banana and Gatorade. I then ran another 9 with mile 18 at 6:22. Everything felt really nice and smooth. The faster miles felt really good too.

Yesterday planned on a Tempo workout, but decided to perhaps do some faster miles. The plan was to run:
2m w/u
8m run (7,7,6:35, 6:30, 6:30, sub 6:30, 7,7)
2m c/d

What actually happened was:
6:54, 6:47. 6:21, 6:22, 6:40, 6:42, 6:46

The first 2 miles were pretty good, but the 2nd was a little too fast. I felt good so it was fine. Then I went into mile 3 where was waaaayyyy too fast. Thought I slowed down mile 4 but it was still too fast. I was going through 800m in 3:07. I stopped after 4 to drop the HR and catch my breath, for about a minute or so, then I thought I would run the 7:00 miles. Those ended up being too fast as well. Stopped after 6 for a minute then ran one more mile at long tempo pace. I don't know what the hell my body was doing. I was so off pace and I tried so hard to keep it right. I guess the good thing was I was running faster then I thought, but I was running too fast to do this workout correctly. I hate when that happens. My body is whacked out with pacing I guess. It's kind of funny to be to be complaining about running too fast, but that is the death of a lot of runners in training and racing. O well, I was pleased overall with the effort. I tried to make up for the fast paces but taking the couple breathers and cutting off the last mile. I just added a mile onto my cooldown.

Hope the Half Marathon pacing goes better. I'm anxious to see how that race pans out. It's been a long while since I've raced. I haven't raced a half in over a year, so I'm exited about it.

The rest of the week I'm planning on some easy runs, a long run with a few harder miles thrown in, and another workout type run.

As far as how I'm feeling these days. Better, but not perfect. I have a very lingering light cough that seems rather random and fake sounding, but it's there. Like a tickle in the back of my throat. My ears have unclogged, my nose has opened up, and my equilibrium is better in tune. I get tired very easily, but that is something I can control with resting well. The only odd thing I still have is if I get really tired, I get nauseous as well. That's getting better to each day. Maybe I should have went to the doctor last week, but since I'm stubborn and a doctor hater, I figured since I'm getting much better, I'm okay. This was a nasty, stubborn bug. That, or my immune system sucks to no end. I know tons of people who are pretty sick, so something is going around. Rest, rest, rest.

Last week, after my death of a Tempo run, I got a massage the next day which was glorious, but I had to skip my run as I thought I was getting sick again....and had a terrible cough. The next day I had a vitamin enriched, immune system boosting smoothie which made me feel much better. I think having some extra calories in my system, with the vitamins, along with the 10 hours of sleep I got Friday night, helped a lot. So anyway, I think I kicked this thing for the most part.

Speaking of vitamins, I used to take them religiously. Regular vitamins made me REALLY sick, so I had to take the old people vitamins. I know it sound odd, but my mom has the same problem. Last year, I took some Woman's One a Day, thinking maybe I was over the whole getting sick from vitamin thing. That proved to be a bad idea. I almost passed out and was sick for 2 days after 2 weeks of taking that stuff. From then on, I haven't taken anything. It's been a whole year. I wonder if I should be taking something. I try and eat well, and eat lots of fortified foods, fruits, veggies, & enhanced drinks, but I'm not sure if I'm getting everything that I need. I just wonder what other long distance runners do. I've been sick 4 times in the past year, and go through periods of getting really exhausted, but I attribute that to having much more going on and not enough sleep. So, I don't know. Just a thought I have from time to time.

Anyway, anyone running the Towpath Marathon Chicago Marathon, or any other race, good luck, have fun, & stay healthy!!!

It's Falltime

2008-10-03T07:06:00.001-07:00

This is my FAVORITE time of year!!! I don't know any runners who don't just love fall. Too bad it doesn't last long. Take what you can get.

This past week started out good, but got a little hairy. I was feeling good Monday, then Tuesday I just felt okay, then Wednesday, I proceeded to try and do my normal 8 mile tempo run at the park. I told myself if I didn't feel okay, then I'd cut it short at 6 or something. Well, the warm up went really good...I kind of wanted to keep on running on the trails and explore. I should have went on my instinct.

I started my tempo pace and ran a 6:47 feeling pretty decent considering everything the past week. The 2nd mile was a 6:44 and was okay too. I noticed the 3rd mile my legs were starting to feel heavy and my HR was starting to shoot up pretty good. I told myself I would run 4 miles at this pace then do an easy 1 mile, then run the other 3 at tempo pace. 3rd mile was 6:44 which surprised me a bit. The 4th mile is when it all came apart. I felt like death, my ears were getting clogged, my head hurt, & I got dizzy. I can get past a lot of things, but getting dizzy always freaks me out. That is not a good thing. I decided to finished that mile and call it a day. By the way, that mile was 6:49. When I finished, I was going to run my cool down right away, but I felt like I was going to pass out. Seriously. I got scared and sat down on the side of the trail. Maybe I was stupid for trying to do this workout. I figured I'd be okay. It's always easier to see how things should be in hind site. I've been sick before, but this thing I have just doesn't seem to want to leave my system.

Anyway, I got my act together and ran 2 easy miles and plopped down on a bench and watch and whole slew of deer eating from a large field. It was rather nice. They looked at me and didn't seem to mind. It was kind of a neat moment.

So Thursday I felt just awful. I was worried I did something to myself from the run the day before. My cough started up again and I felt pukey all day. I was starving too. After lunch, I just kept on eating throughout the afternoon...and I felt much better. I made my way home and on the way stopped at Vertical Runner and picked up my running shoes that were on order....along with a b-day gift for mom. I love that store.
I got home and decided to take the day off and go for my scheduled massage...which was wonderful. I felt much better.

This morning I went for a 6 mile run in the dark & rain and enjoyed every bit of it even though I was still a little tired. My cough just refuses to completely leave.

I feel like I'm seriously falling apart. I'm keeping everything in context and know that thing like this happen, but it's a bit annoying. Oh...and I was thinking about all those people that run through being sick. Seriously? How do you all do that? I don't consider myself overly weak when it comes to things like that, but I can't function much as a runner when I'm sick. The few times I tried to run when sick or injured just never, EVER, worked out. I guess we are all programmed different. Maybe my immune system sucks too. Who knows. I'm not trying to fight it though. I'm trying to work with it.

Anyway, yes, it is fall....and I am intending to enjoy every bit of it. I'm running the Columbus Half...but I'm not as worried about my mileage and paces and workouts as obsessively as I did....thought I am still working hard and what a really good race! I really need to not getting so worked up about everything and just enjoy my running. I was starting to cross that line of not enjoying it as much as I should lately...which happened once in College for a while which threw me into a 2 year hiatus. I never intend to allow that to happen to me again, no matter what the circumstances. I could start to feel that coming on all year and had a feeling that would happen if I tried to push another competitive marathon out of me this year. Call it instinct. I think I run better when I'm chilled out anyway. My PR's in the longer distances always came off a long winter of "fun" running and mileage of between 40-50 miles. Funny huh? I'm trying to listen to my need a little better then what my brain tells me to do. Like I always say though, we'll see what happens.

About 1 month until the Presidential Election. That God all this stuff will be over. We need to move on and fix this darn country so we and our kids aren't paying for it in every which way.
Go Obama!!!

A Brighter Week

2008-10-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

This week has started off much better then last. After a terrible Thursday-Saturday, everything started to feel better. I still have a little cough, but I'm up and running...and super happy about it. Sometimes, when you get forced to be down for a little bit, it makes you appreciate running more.

So I went to the Akron races on Saturday. It was kind of weird since I felt like I was dreaming the whole time. I was in a fuzzy state. Jason and I got there around 7:25am and watched the start of the Women's 8K. I was so excited to be able to watch this race. It made me not feel so bad about running. I'll tell you, the end of that race was so exciting.....watching Katie McGregor come up so close to Sara Slattery at the end of the race. I was cheering for Katie (not to take anything away from the winner though) as she was the hometown girl, which I remember running against in High School. It was a good time.

I stayed and watched the 1/2 Marathon finishers and ran into a few people I knew. I really wanted to drive over to the 22-24 mile mark and watch the marathoners and relay people, but we couldn't figure out how to get there...plus I was feeling really sick at that point. I was kind of bummed, but we headed home and I crashed for pretty much the rest of the day.

So Sunday morning I woke up and felt better and went for a 6 miler. Not too bad. Monday I had a fantastic 8 mile run. I felt like I was floating. It was a truly great run. Tuesday was a 9 miler which was okay...I'm just glad to be out. I'm planning on a 70 mile or so week with at least 1 workout and 1 long run. I just registered for the Columbus 1/2 Marathon on Oct. 19th. It should be fun. Too bad there are no hotels left open in downtown Columbus though. I'll keep up the training until then for certain.

I'm not really sure about a marathon this year. There is so much going on with Jason's thesis in the next 2 months, that for us to leave for a few days would be a pain in the butt. Plus, I'm not sure if I'm in the right mental frame to run a marathon. I've kind of felt this way all year. I've run 5 marathons in a row (1 per year) and perhaps need a little break from one. I'm really not sure though. I'm putting in good mileage and workouts so I feel like I should just find one not too far and just run it for the heck of it.....then do a more serious on in the spring? We'll see. Too bad the Towpath Marathon wasn't a few weeks later. If anyone knows of some driving distance marathons around...let me know. Hmmm.....now that I actually thought about it, that doesn't sounds half bad. No pressure....just fun...plus, I may surprise myself.

Anyway, congrats to all those who raced this weekend. It was really awesome to watch it all go down! Hope everyone enjoys their downtime!!

O Well.....

2008-09-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

So this little sore throat I got on Sunday night, turned into a nightmare this week. I really, honestly thought I would be better by now. I didn't think this was going to turn into a freak of a cold that would bump me on my ass. I even took days off in the beginning to make sure my body was using the energy to get well. No dice. Geeze o man. Today was the day I was suppose to feel all better, go for a short run, register for the Akron half, and toe the line in the morning. It's going to be a beautiful day for a race, nice course, lots of friends and family out. Bummer. Double bummer. My training has been great, seems like all the pieces were coming together too. Is this some type of cruel joke or something?
So in my down thoughts, I think to myself, what the heck am I doing? I mean, I pour so much heart and soul...and LOTS of time....into my training, and it seems like I just can't produce on the course lately. Training has been going well...but I just need a good race to show it is doing something. Don't get me wrong...I love being out and running...and training, but it's nice to get a reward on the race course from time to time. Especially when that's what your working for. I feel bad too because when I train this much, I'm usually tired quite and bit...and cranky from time to time, which is something Jason has to put up with. He carts me around to my races and deals with my foot rubs, getting ice for ice baths, and other strange running related things. I mean, I'm not getting any younger here either. I feel like people look at me and are like "Isn't it time for you to have kids or something?" I live in a neighborhood of stay at home moms and homes that have 3+ kids in each house. I can't help but feel like they look at me and think that...they even asked my husband when we were going to have kids. I digress. Not that I really care too much...but sometimes I think about that when I'm a bit down. You know how it all goes.
So, in a nutshell...it's been a really bad week. We all have them. This one happens to be on the last week I could have hoped for. Kinds of a mental bummer...along with the physical yuckiness going on. I guess now, I just have to try and get healthy and get back into the swing of things. Plan for another half in a few weeks. Hopefully, I can get it together.
Hopefully, I can make it out to the races tomorrow. There will be so many people participating in so many races, it would be nice to at least watch and cheer. It's just hard to get past the feeling that I should be out running with everyone. I feel like the little kid who didn't get picked for the team and has to sit the bench.
Don't mean to be a bummer today.....I know it's not the end of the world. Just a little release on my part. For everyone racing this weekend.......Good Luck!

Here's a little article to make you laugh...I just can't believe the things people come up with:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26892950/wid/11915773?GT1=31037

Grouchy Pants

2008-09-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

So, this is about what I feel like today...with added flu like symptoms. Why, why, why the week of my half marathon? Sigh.

Easy Come Easy Go

2008-09-23T07:17:00.001-07:00

So, the Texas decision has been made for us. It's a no go! I'm kind of happy, kind of disappointed for many reasons. Jason went to visit Texas, and came back to an email that the funding was cut about 1 week later. I really felt bad about the whole thing as we were preparing for him to leave for 1 year. The professor told him the funding was gone...which still makes him wonder if he did something wrong on his visit. I don't think that was the case, because in the adult world, I would think he would have just told him flat out. It just kind of stinks that we went through all this stress for nothing. So the journey continues for a good Post Doc or Research position. He decided if it's a temporary position, he wants it to be within 5 hours so he can come home on the weekends. Awwww. Life happens for a reason I think....I really do. We'll see what comes our way.

On to running news, last week was a really solid week. Easy runs of 7-9 miles, a couple 2 a days, tempo run, workout, & long run. Tuesdays Tempo was awesome for me. 8 miles all ranging from 6:32-6:50. Most miles were 6:44. Last mile was 6:32. I felt almost too good and pushed it a bit the last mile. That doesn't happen too often. That was a good confidence booster.
I took Wednesday off which was nice and much needed.
Friday's workout:
2m w/u
1x1600 (400 rec) (6:17)
5x1000 (200 rec) (3:49, 3:53, 3:51, 3:52, 3:51)
1x1600 (400 rec) (6:14)
2m c/d
This was harder then expected workout for me. The times I think should have felt a bit smoother then they did. I'm in more of a marathon mode training so nothing should feel too fast...but I have my days. I still finished the workout as planned. The last 6:14 mile actually felt better then anything else which I'm guessing is from the 600m recovery.

Ran a long run Sun of 18 miles with a few cut down miles in the middle. The faster mile was 6:49. I have this crazy sweet tooth which is a hormonal thing, so I was thinking of chocolate cake at various points of the run. Mmmmm. I did have a fantastic breakfast with Salty to look forward to after the run. It was such a good time. I don't do things like that enough.
So the total miles for the week was 70.
On top of that I had 2 cakes I was working on Wed-Fri with a baby shower to attend Sat morning. I think all that put me over the top of workload. These cakes are a lot of hard work, especially when you are doing them in your "spare" time. We had a fish fry at our house Sunday evening too. By the time Sunday night rolled around....I was EXHAUSTED. I know I was crossing the line with how tired I was.

So....I wake up Monday morning with a sore throat. I felt it late Sunday night. Go figure. I try and rest up and eat well, but I apparently don't do that well of a job. This was to be a down week for me anyway, so I took yesterday off and napped, baked banana bread, and went to bed early. I still feel like poo. I can't blame anyone else for this but me. Argh. I think I have some crazy hormones floating around too as I think I can cry at the drop of a hat right now. (I'm not a cryer either) It just a crappy start to the week...which happens to be the week of the Akron Half Marathon. Well, I have a few days to get my crap together. I still need to register....heh. I'm going through a slight mental phase too I think. Hopefully, it will all work out.

See you all at the races!!!

Miles and Miles

2008-09-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

The last week has been pretty smooth. I have upped my mileage successfully without breaking into pieces. I'm feeling strong for the most part and uninjured. I'll tell you though, for every 10 miles you add on per week, it seems like such a huge jump. At first it doesn't seem like a big deal, but the legs have been feeling it for a bit. You know, the heavy leg, feeling like you're shuffling, I want to go to bed feeling. I'm plugging along though.

So to recap, the past couple weeks, I ended up running 71 miles with 2 pretty solid workouts. This past week was a solid 75 mile week. I did 1 good Tempo run on Wednesday of 8 miles with all miles between 6:44-6:50....most of then seemed to sit at 6:46. Total time was around 54:13. Felt really good actually, even though I went in feeling a little tired with little sleep the night before. I was happy with the effort and how I felt for the most part. I'm really trying not to go too crazy on every run and workout. Sometime I get caught up in the moment though.

I ran a long run on Sunday which kind of was brutal for the last few miles. I ran all around Hudson and felt good for the first 10 or so miles, then stopped home for some drinks and a potty break, then finished of 8 miles for a total of 18. I didn't drink enough in the humidity and I was dying the last 3-4 miles. I hate when that happens. It kind of makes the whole run seem sucky even though most of it was pretty decent. I was so happy to see my Gatorade when I finished. I sat on the porch and drank all 64 ounces in glory.

Overall, I'm tired. I'm taking 1 day off this week and hope to hit around 70 miles. I thought maybe I'd do my long run of 16-18 miles on Saturday but I have a baby shower in the morning so it looks like Sunday is the day. Akron Half Marathon is on tap the following weekend. I'm hoping to do something good there.

In other news, I got my first real wedding cake order...whohoo!!! It's not until next August of 2009...but what the heck. I'm excited!

Also, Jason went and visited Texas A&M last week as well. He missed the hurricane by just a few hours and made it home safely. Thank goodness! We are still up in the air with what's going on. As of now, it seems if he goes, it will be for only 1 year...and he may just go and I stay. He's hoping he can work from home for a couple weeks at a time every other month or so. I don't know how those military people do it. They are gone for like 2 years without ever seeing each other. I guess you just cope with what your given, but it would be brutal. My husband means everything in the world to me...and we enjoy each others company, so I'm going to miss him if we go that route. Gush gush.

Until next time, I'm just going to enjoy today.....tired legs and all.

Building it up

2008-09-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm training for a marathon, I think. It's kind of funny, I haven't registered for one...yet....and don't really have a set training plan. In my mind, I think I'm running Philly Nov. 23rd. I want to see how the training goes through before I commit. If for some reason, things go sour, I'm not above pushing a marathon back to the spring. I just like having the few crappy winter months to chill out.

After the Crim, I switched to "Marathon Mode" training. This means, more (& longer) Tempo runs, increased mileage, & longer intervals on the track. Everything more so at marathon or half marathon pace. It seemed to work well last year when I PR'd at Akron. I'm hoping to be consistent as I think that it the key for me.

So....last week I ran 65 miles. Easy runs between 6-9 miles with a Tuesday 10 mile progression run (last mile was clocked at 6:23) and a Sat 6 Mile Tempo Run. (Avg 6:45 or so). This week I should be between 65-70 miles and I ran a good workout on Tuesday. 2x3200 w/ 400 rec. (6:31, 6:30 Total: 13:01) (6:21, 6:21 Total: 12:42)...then 1 Mile (6:01). Got it done early in the AM since I was having nightmares all night for some reason. I just couldn't sleep so I got up and decided to get the workout over with. I plan on doing a Tempo today or tomorrow of 6 miles again.

Hopefully, next week I can get the mileage around 75 and the Tempo to 7-8 miles. I'd like to build up to 10 or so eventually. Long runs I'd like to build to 22 with some marathon pace miles thrown in. The track workouts I'd like to get to something around 10x1000 (or something equivalent) with longer warm up and cooldowns. The point is the get in the mileage, get in a good workout...but not completely fry myself. I have started throwing in a couple second runs to loosen up and work on endurance as well. That is the plan....we shall see how it goes.

So far so good I guess. No major problems. Just a little tired here and there after workouts and a little stiffness. I'm hoping to build up and take a little breather around the Akron Half and see how it goes. I'd love to be running 100 mile weeks....but I don't think that is going to happen without me dying out.....darn Job & House & Hubby (just kidding!). I feel so lucky to be able to do what I'm doing. So until next time....I'm going with the flow :)

Grim Crim

2008-09-02T10:31:00.001-07:00

In a nutshell my race at the Crim 10 miler in Flint, MI sucked. It was one of the worst races I've run in my life. The only other one that can compare is 2004 Boston Marathon where it was 87 degrees and I walked a lot of it.

So Jason and I drove up Friday afternoon. I took the day off work....whoopie!! We got on the Turnpike and a semi decided to come into our lane and knock us into the shoulder. I almost had a heart attack. I guess another semi came up on a slow car and bolted into the left lane which caused the semi that almost hit us to come into our lane. I mean, we were doing 80+ and the thought of getting in a wreck that fast......arhhh. I guess it wasn't our time :)

So anyway, we got to La Blanc and headed to Flint to get my race packet. On the way back we found a little Mom and Pop Pizzeria and ate there. It was us and a 50th High School Reunion. It was a good time. The whole time I was thinking about how darn humid it was outside. I knew it would be a humid and hot race so I just braced myself.

So race morning, I woke up and got hubby out of bed. I don't usually sleep well at hotels and this was no exception. I put on my racing clothes, grabbed some nasty (like favored water) coffee and headed downstairs. Jason followed his nose to the breakfast bar and was in bliss. It was like the light shone down for him. Scrabbled eggs, sausage....waffles. O...we HAD to stop and eat. We were already running late....but I told him he had 5 minutes. That man scarfed down 2 waffles and a big meaty sausage muffin thing in like 3 seconds. I wanted to barf watching him. As long as he was happy.

So...fast forward to the start. Since we were running late, I only did 1.5 mile warm up instead of 2. I remember the weather guy saying it was between 75-80 with 90% humidity. When we walked to the start I was like "It's not so bad out here....what's all the fuss about?" As soon as I did the warm up I realized it was going to be a VERY long race. I was drenched from head to toe already. Plus I wasn't feeling as chipper as I had hoped anyway.

So, I just nearly get to the start position and the gun goes off. 15,000 or so people are off! My first mile was 6:34 which was okay. I was hoping to be running around 6:20-25 pace. That 6:34 felt like a 6:14. I missed the second mile. I was thinking I missed the 3rd and maybe even the 4th mile. Nope....mile 3 came up. O MY GOSH! I couldn't believe I was only at mile 3. I was laboring in my breathing....I wanted to die already. Are you kidding?

Honestly, the rest of the race was a total blur. I was struggling to finish. I made a conscious decision to slow down to the point that I could just try and hold on. I remember a few things though:
1) The frat boys who were offering Pizza, Donuts, and Beer (I remember thinking I wanted to barf all over them around mile 6 or 7)
2) The church choir singing some soprano song softly (I was not thinking nice thoughts....even though it was such a nice gesture on their behalf)
3) The never ending rolling hills which never quite made it on the second half of the elevation map which showed a substantial downhill from mile 6-10
4) The guy who passed out in someones front yard on top of their sprinkler at mile 7 or 8
5) The wheezing guy I ran with the WHOLE way
6) The lake I saw and seriously thought about jumping in
7) A pretty house with big round pillars (I love big homes with white pillars)]
8) The girl who pooped her pants....poor girl.....she kept on truckin along though
9) All the nice people with hoses
10) The blasted finish line

You could have rolled me down the hill to the finish for all I cared at that point. My calves were cramping like it was the end of a marathon. I came through my chip time in 1:09:48. I've ran tempo runs faster then that. Argh!
A nice man at the finish area was handing out Popsicles. I wanted to kiss him. I grabbed my metal, an ice cloth, & water. I waited in the finish area for Jason. I waited, and waited, and waited. It was 20 minutes of waiting. I figured he didn't see me, so I didn't want to leave. I finally saw him. He missed me finishing and was worried something happened. Heh....something happened all right.
I tried to be nice....but apparently I still came off kind of grumpy according to him. Um...SORRY. At least I TRIED to not be snippy. I decided to run a 2.5 mile cooldown. I did it....but it was awful. Totally pointless.

So we left to get back to the hotel....since they charge us a half a day if you leave 1 minute after 12. I was so pathetic I needed to sit down for a minute going back to the car. I felt so helpless with the feeling of nausea. Good times.

So, looking back.....I laugh. It was so horrid, it's funny. It's kind of a mental blow though. I'm worried about the Akron half. I don't want to blow up again. It's just such a horrible thing...and kind of embarrassing when people come out the watch you run.

On the plus side...Jason and I had fun. We got away for a little while...even if it was just Flint. Oh...and we got a great tour of 8 Mile. There was a detour which lead us through there. Once we got off on 8 Mile...there were no detour signs. We got lost, and had to stop and ask for directions. It was creepy.

If anything, it had to help my fitness in some way. It also made me tougher in some way I'm sure. Even bad races are fun in some way.

Once we got home....I was ready to chill out....and viola.....bees decided to hatch a nest in our attic and eat a small hole in our bedroom ceiling and die all over the floor. Good thing hubby shut the bedroom door before we left. More good times....that is for another blog entry.

And We Have Babies

2008-08-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Jackie had her Twin Baby Girls Keira & Kaelyn this morning at 6:01 and 6:25am!! What a champ she is. She went in yesterday to get induced at 10:00 am so it's been a very, very long day. Everyone is doing well...and I'm so happy for their family. I'll post some pics as soon as I have some. I'm not going to bug them for a while until they get a little rested and recovered and are at home.

I'll post an update on my death race at Crim. Needless to day it was just terrible...but interesting to say the least. Good Times were had though :)

On the Fly

2008-08-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

I usually have my whole "season" of running planned out, especially the races I'm going to run. Back in January, I had this lovely schedule all planned out and posted on my fridge. That ended up in the garbage as soon as my body was revolting on me most of the spring. I figured, "What the Heck!" I'll just go with the flow this year. It's been working well, but I'm so scattered on the races I'm going to run. I have to kick myself sometimes. I'm never sure if I'm going to run a particular race until about 3 days before. That's crazy to me. Look at me go....crazy me! Needless to say, I'm a typical type A, planner, high strung, "if you change the plans on me I freak" type of person. I just have to laugh when I think of my racing plans. My training is week by week as well. I keep telling myself, next week will be the down week....and it doesn't really ever happen. It's all just too much fun at the moment.

So anyway, I decided (after much flip flop between this, Crim, & the Perfect 10) to run the Canalway Classic 5K in Navarre on Sat. It was a great morning and a great course. Man, it's a small town though. It was a point to point course. I decided to run to the start line as a warm up. Jason brought his bike along and kept me company. Yippie!! I think he's trying to be nice on the running front for various reasons.
So, the registration went quickly, and I was off. I had a paper map so I wouldn't get lost. All of a sudden my sense of direction went funky on me. I think I got nervous knowing I would get to the start line about 5 minutes before the race (running 8 minute miles). This wasn't the best planning on my part...but o well.

I started asking Jason to look at the map and which way to go. Now, my husband has the WORST sense of direction EVER (God love him). You tell him "turn right" he'll go left. If you send him out and back....it's just out and around. I don't know what I was thinking. Well, the heavens opened up and one of the guys leading the race on the bike was there and I asked him which way to go. He lead me along and looked so surprised I was running the course for the warm up. I got a lot odd looks from the water crews like I was crazy. I mean...it wasn't THAT long!

So we got to the start and not 4 minutes later the race started. Ummm....I better allow more time next time if I plan on doing a longer warm up. I can't say I wasn't warmed up and ready to go through.

Race went off and it was a fast start. There was a lot of down hill and a small up hill leading onto the towpath. First mile was 5:43...yikes! I haven't ran a mile that fast in a long time. I felt great though and kept it rolling. I settled in with a group of guys and went through 2 miles in 11:52. I didn't look at my watch at the 2nd mile because I didn't want go mental. I think I got mental anyway because I kept thinking I was going to die or something. I told myself to chill a little and pick it up when I got off the towpath. I did just that. There was a small but steep hill right before mile 3....then I started to kick it in. I finished in 18:46....1st place. I was happy, but at the same time I think I setteled in too much and had more to give in this race. That is something I need to work on. Perhaps as I start incorporating tempo runs those will give me the mental strength and stamina I need.

So the definite plan for next weekend is the Crim 10 Miles in Flint, MI. I just registered a couple days ago and made hotel reservations. I'm excited about it. I'm up for a big race. It will be my first long race in a long time, but it's a real fitness test at the longer distance. Hopefully, it will go well. I tweeked my left foot tendon on my long run yesterday and don't walk well right now, but I ran without too much trouble this morning...so I'm not terribly worried. I've kind of been lazy about doing my foot strength stuff so...that's what you get when you run on the uneven trails. Gotta get the wobble board back out. It's always something isn't it? :)

Just moving along

2008-08-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

This post find me in much better spirits then the last post.
First off, we passed out ISO audit last Thursday which is a HUGE relief! As I said before, we were getting a new auditor as our scheduled auditor was sick. This ended up being a very, very good thing. This guys was local, which means less $ for us....and he was MUCH more laid back and practical about the whole thing then our previous auditor. Plus, he didn't make me sit with him all day long answering goofy questions.....nor did he write me up on anything. In a nutshell, it was a very good day that I'm glad is over.
The next good thing is I'm feeling much better. Man o man I felt like poo last week. It wasn't like a "lazy I don't feel like running" thing. It was like I feel like there is something seriously wrong with me, I'm not myself, my husband is getting worried sort of thing. I started the whole online doctor thing with Google...which is never a good thing. Ha ha. My husband cornered me at the end of the week and told me I have never seemed so out of it for so long and I really should just chill out or I'm going to die. Thanks. No seriously, I told him I was working on the chilling out thing. I do tend to listen to my body. Thus, I took a down week (sort of) and didn't do my planned workouts. I took naps after work....and went to bed earlier. I knew it was just stress and lots of running, working and minimal (as in 4-5 hours a night) or sleep. I was pretty certain there was nothing medically wrong. Well, as it turn out.....I'm feeling much better this week.
I did a nice long run this weekend (16 miles), easy run Monday, and a track workout yesterday. Track workout was 3 x (800, 400, 200) with 400, 200 400 rec. Times were all around 2:52-2:54, 80-81, 37-38. It was a hard workout because as you run faster with the shorter intervals, the lactic acid builds up in the legs....then you have to turn around and do the longer intervals again Arghhh. It went pretty well though. I was pleased. I wasn't pleased about the people who just don't really understand, or don't WANT to understand the rule about staying out of the first couple lanes if you're not running. Seriously, I squeeze by them in the inner lane, almost brushing their shoulders, breathing really loud so they get the point. It's a nice way of saying "MOVE OVER!!!!!" I don't even really mind the slower runners as much...but it's the people walking...letting their kids trail out into lanes 1-3. It never helps when they REEK of perfume either. Jeeze. I caught up with another running on my cooldown and we were having this discussion. Grrrr....people.
So, the plan for the rest of the week is getting some easy & steady miles in. I think I may run a race Sat. morning about an hour from my house (5K) which I hear is a very fast course. I'd like to get a fast 5K in....hopefully. I'd at least like to TRY and get a fast 5K in. Nonetheless, I'm pretty sure I'll be at this race. Wish it was closer....but o well.
I'm thinking next weekend I want to run the Crim 10 miler in Flint, MI. I planned on running it last year but it didn't' workout. I'd like to run a big race...plus I haven't don't a longer race in a really long time. I think it would be fun. It's about a 3.5 hour drove. Jason's not so thrilled it's in Flint, but I keep telling him they are going to let us loose in some shady area to get mugged or something. I'm on the fence on this one, but I'm kind of in the mind set I'm running it. So we'll see.
Lastly, on the moving front. Still don't know what's going on with that. I can actually talk about without freaking out so that's a step in the right direction. My mom is another story. She's afraid she'll never have grandkids or something. Or we'll forget about them. Remember, I work with my parents, so I see them everyday. Jason and I have been talking about a lot of different options so that makes me feel better. We'll see how it works out. One way or another, it will have to. Ahhh....life's journeys.
Oh yeah, my friend Jackie is going to have her Twins in the next week or so. She's not due until Sept, 9th....but she's going in the next week. That girl is lugging around almost 13 pounds in her belly...and she's still going to work. What a champ!!!

High Stress Area

2008-08-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have a good life. I really do. I'm happy and content with how everything has, and currently is, panning out. I'm a big believer if something isn't broke, don't fix it.
We'll, my wonderful husband has just thrown me a curve. He is finishing up his Ph.D as an Engineer this winter and had gotten a few offers for jobs. He intends to stay in academia and pretty much needs to do a Post Doc assignment. The offer he is thrilled to have received is located at Texas A&M in College Station, TX. Arhhhhhhhhhh.

I've never had a problem with the thought of moving in my earlier life. I bounced around to Wisconsin and Seattle during college for work assignments with no problems. I even thought we would move right out of college. It worked out we stayed. Our lives were slowly being build into what they are today. We have a home I am in love with, a good job at the family business, and all our family and friends nearby. I get to take my dog to work, stop by mom & dad's, help out the sister in law with the new baby, take dinner to my best friend who is having twins, play with nieces and nephews, have a really cool annual 4th of July Party....with all this, I also have all the freedom in the world with my job. I also run a couple small businesses on the side....for fun. There are countless wonderful parks nearby, 3 tracks within a 1 mile radius, and lots of runner friends. So, this is everything that makes me happy....other then my husband (obviously).

This Post Doc is for 2 years. We'd have to sell our home and everything and lug everything to Texas for 2 years without knowing where we are going next. I won't have a job, and post docs don't pay all that well. Talk about a downgrade in life....not to mention the confusion with our cat & dog. Plus it's hot as hell there.

I'm kind of avoiding the conversations with my husband. I get kind of crappy when he talks about it. I know that's bad...but let me have my moment, okay? It's not easy for him either. His dad is sick and he has a huge family and friends as well. I do have to say though, this is the next natural progression in his life. My life is set pretty much. I do understand that in the long term this can be a very good thing....especially for his goals. I would hate to see him 10-20-30 years from now mad for not making the best of himself. I'm not a selfish person, I try not to be, this just stresses me out...a lot. I hope it all works out. I hope it works out so we are all happy.

So on the running front....I've been doing pretty well. Running is my sanity keeper at the moment. Last week I did a really hot workout on the track which consisted of 6x800, 400 rec. All were 2:51-2:55...not bad for the muggy conditions. I then ran a race on Sunday which was okay. I won with an 18:55 but I just felt okay. I slept very little on Wed & Thurs due to a groomsmen cake I was working on and a late night Friday at a wedding. Saturday I did a nice run at the Towpath and saw some of the runners in the BR 100 race which was inspiring. Sunday I was just tired...but I was happy I toughed it out and didn't mentally give in. I think the course was a bit slow.....but that's all good. I broke the course record by like 40 seconds which is always a nice bonus. It was a good time all around.

This week is a little rough. Mondays easy 7 mile run went fine. Nothing special. I did my morning 4 mile easy run in preparation for a 400 rep workout yesterday...but around lunchtime my throat was starting to bother me...then I got achy. I decided with that and the humid conditions, it spelled trouble. I went home, took a nap, then went for a nice bike ride with my husband. Today, my throat still is bothersome and I feel like poo. I think I am just a little run down....maybe my body is trying to fight something off. I'll play it by ear.

I can't wait for tomorrow to be over. We are having our annual ISO Audit at work....and I do ALL the ISO stuff. Our scheduled auditor, whom I've worked with the past 2 years, had a medical emergency, so we get a new guy. That is another super stressor. I worked my butt off getting all this stuff in order...and I hope he's not a jerk. These auditors can make life very difficult if they want to. It's me, him and the manual...all day long. Him picking at every little thing we do, how we document, and grilling me on our procedures. Sounds fun huh?

So enough of my rambling, but it makes me feel better to vent out a little. I'm not one to complain too much (at least I try not to)...but sometimes we need a little vent.

Mileage Building

2008-07-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of raising my mileage in, what I believe, is a slow manner. I have this plan of trying to keep a stable higher, for me, mileage and try and maintain for a while so my body can adapt. I kind of train through the 5K's and 5 Milers, but still hope to run well at those races. The plan is for this to carry me into the fall and perhaps run a decent marathon in the late fall, early winter. We'll see how that plan goes.
For now, I'm kind of tired. I've been running around 60 miles and I can start to feel the mileage. I'm not complaining because that is pretty much the point of what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to walk the line correctly. I do everything I can do put really good efforts into my workouts. The only problem I have is that, for one, the heat just makes me melt, two, I don't get enough sleep.
I really try and go to bed at 10:00pm...that never happens though. I usually get to sleep around 11:00 or 11:30 and wake up at 5:30 to run. I end up having mini meltdown for a day during a busy week if I keep that schedule up. I got smart and tend to do a good job of listening to my body and adjust my schedule if I'm having one of those days. The heat just compounds everything though.
So anyway, this was another decent week of training. I hit 60 miles. Easy runs ranging from 6-9 miles with 1 workout and long run. The 12 miles workout was a bit of a challenge as I headed out to the trails for a dynamic run of roughly 6:00 miles with 7:45-8:00 miles alternating. It was POURING rain. I did the warm up, the did my first 2 miles of the workout. It was so bad that the ground was turning into mud and I was sinking and slipping on the bridges. Fun.
I decided to hitch a ride home with my mom, who was running with the dog, and finish on the treadmill. That was unbelievable torture. I did around 6:05 for the hard miles and it felt every bit as long. Booooring. I was so happy to have finished it. The treadmill killed me though.
The next day I had a deep tissue massage. I try and get one every 6-8 weeks if I can. The woman is great. She's this little, petite, young lady, but she packs a mean punch to the muscles. We usually talk to whole time as this is not a pleasant massage. In the end, it loosens everything up. She always warns me, that massages like this is like a hard workout and to take it easy the next day.
On to the next day. One of the worst runs of my life. Seriously. I wanted to curl up on the sidewalk and cry. I'm not really a baby when I don't feel well, but this was of another world. I don't know what was going on with that, but I think the workout and massage did me in.
I finished off the week with a splendid long run at the Towpath which was beautiful. It was 15 miles of bliss. I love runs like that.
So it was an on and off week with how I felt, but it was a good one. Monday was my exhausted day so I just biked a little. I'm planning on doing about 60 this week with the workout I did yesterday and a couple doubles. I'm thinking doing doubles after hard days may help. Less miles at once, but keeping up the mileage overall. I'll see if that works at all. I'm planning on running a race Sunday and doing my long run on Friday. I have a wedding Friday in which I'm making the groomsmen cake so we'll see how it all goes.
Life is never boring!!

Heat, Humidity & a PR

2008-07-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

So I broke down and ran the Johnnycake Jog 5 Mile Race in Painesville. This was the first race I ran when I was 14 years old. I ran a 39:02 (I think) and my mom ran 1 second faster then me that year. I've ran it more then any other road race. It's a big deal on the far east side of town. I also happen to hate the race due to the fact that I have NEVER raced well there. It's like a wicked step sister slapping me....and I keep coming back again and again.
So I had a couple people ask me if I was running it. I was thinking about it...kind of...but without too much persuasion, I decided to run it again. The thing I REALLY love about the race is I get to see all kinds of runner friends I only see once in a while. Plus the competition is really good there. I do have to give props to the organization as well. It's a great event.
So to make a long story short, me, Jason, and the dog headed to Painesville for the event. It was sooo blasted humid. The temp was lik 78 with some ungodly humiditiy. I wanted to run sub 31 as my PR was 31:54 (which isn't a strong PR in this distance for me as I don't really race the 5M/10K distnace often). I toed the line after a nice warm up with a few friends and also ran into an old male teamate from college....awesome! He wanted to run sub 30.....I wasn't going to set the bar that high just yet for myself.
Off the race went.....Mile 1 6:08. I felt decent. It was just humid. The 2nd mile was hilly compared to the rest of the pancake flat course and it was 6:31. Bummer. I thought I was running faster, especially since I was passing tons of people. 3rd mile was some downhill 6:10. I remember thinking sub 31 was probably not going to happen as I had a long 2 miles left and it was HOT and I was breathing in what felt like water. Okay...so mile 4 took FOREVER to come and it was a 6:05. Yikes...I didn't think I was running that good of a pace. I got into a good, comfortable (for a race) groove and went with it. I remember thinking the last half mile that I wanted to sit on the side of the road, kick my feet up, and have a cold, minty, mohito. This was a serious thought at this point...no joke. So anyway, I was told I was the 4th woman overall. I saw a woman in front of me and easily passed her. I could hear her labored breathing....not that mine probably sounded all that great. I passed plenty more people and saw the finish line. I saw 30:40 and kick it up a gear. I crossed the finish line in 30:53....3rd place overall. I was HAPPY! I looked at my watch and saw I ran a 5:57 last mile. That made me feel really good. I'm pretty excited about how the race panned out as it was my first good race at the "Jog"...and it was a big PR. More importantly, I felt really good...even considereing the hot & humid racing conditions.
I'm so glad I did this race. I needed something like this to boost me and make me feel like my training is working in some way. The last few workouts were pretty tough and I've been ramping up my mileage.
After the race, I did a nice cooldown with quite a variety of people...including my puppy dog. A good portion was with Salty.....who continues to inspire me with all the running she is doing while pregnant. It makes me be not so afraid to get pregnant. I'm such a chicken.
So I'm sitting here at work as our offices are being renovated, the smell of paint fumes overcoming me and reading the New Herald. It's really nice how they cover the race with all the pictures...but there is something so not glamourous about having a head shot taken of you right after a hot 5 Mile race. I swear, if people I haven't seen in a while, and see this picture... they are gonig to think "What the hell happend to her?!?" (Which bring me to the topic of how different runners look as normal, everyday people....that's another blog.)
O well...at least I ran a PR :)

Right Direction

2008-07-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the crazy Fourth of July is over!! It's one of the busiest weekends for us since we have an annual BBQ at our house. We have like 60 people over and I cook a lot of the food myself which just killed me this year. We rent a huge smoker and cook all kinds of meat, but that's not my job thank goodness. I was on my feet for 2 straight days not counting cleaning, shopping, & running around. It was a great success and lot of fun. We don't mind doing it for all our family and friends as long as they come and enjoy what we do. I must say though, it's so nice that it is over.

So on the running front, things are coming along. I did a workout last Tuesday which was long, but went really well and gave me some confidence in my training progression.
2m w/u & c/d
4x200
4x (800, 400) (400 rec jog between each)
4x200
The times were around 38 for the first batch of 200's to get the legs moving, 2:53-2:54 for the 800's, 80-84 for the 400's, and 34-35 for the last batch of 200's. It was a tough workout to do by myself, but it went really well. I was able to keep up the paces and never really felt like I was dying or fading. I gave it all I had on the last 4 200's. I need to get some speed in these legs! Total miles for that workout was 10.

Another key day was the Firecracker 5K in Hudson. It was a nice and cool morning to start, but warmed up a bit with the sun as the race started. I was kind of in a zone and rushed since I had the party to get ready for, but I had one goal in mind...I really wanted to run a sub 19. The start had about a 400 meter hill, with the rest of mile 1 and 2 flat. Mile 3 had a large 400-800 hill and incline with a downhill finish. There was a girl, who apparently runs for Dayton, who just blasted out mile 1. She must have been cooking around 5:30 or so, because I ran 5:57 and she was so far ahead I couldn't see her. I ran with my running friend Tracy (whom I ran with in college as well) and past her at mile 2. The last mile, I looked up and the girl in first place was now close. I kept a pretty constant pace, so she must have slowed waaaay down. I thought I could catch her, but the uphill was rough at the end, and I ran out of space to close in any more. All in all I felt great. I ran an 18:51 and was very happy with the effort. At least I'm heading in the right direction.

The rest of the weekend was hectic as we had our party and I managed to get in my Saturday run and long run on Sunday. We had a Sunday morning birthday party for my niece who turned 4 as well....sheesh! What a weekend!! I'm beat!

Good Week

2008-06-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

This week was a relatively good week for me. I don't toss that phrase around too lightly.....especially in the running department.
I decided after 3 weeks of building up some mileage, I needed a week of doing a little less to allow my body to adapt. It works for me. I thought about waiting until next week to do that since I'll be racing the annual 4th of July race but my body was telling me otherwise.
I was going to run a night race last Friday, but I had a crazy week that was way to over scheduled, and was just too tired. I'm glad I didn't since I got in a nice 8 miler Friday. Toward the end of the run, a girl pulled up next to me in a Jeep, and I though they were going to yell at me for something...but it was one of the girls I Coached. It was so great to see her! Nice surprise mid run. This led into a really good Saturday workout at the Towpath. It was a workout I HATED in College, but I thought I was ready to give it a go again. It was a 6 mile Dynamic run consisting of around 6:00 pace for the hard efforts and 7:00 for the medium efforts. This workout is so hard because it's not like you really get a recovery. 7:00 is a good clip after a 6:00 mile. I'm happy to report the workout went well. I really wanted to go 6:05 or sub 6:00 (if I was feeling it) on the last mile, but a guy on a bike struck up a conversation with me...the whole last mile. It was a nice conversation, with a really nice guy...but O MY GOSH...I was trying to run a sub 6:00. He couldn't have possibly thought this was a normal, easy run for me! Last mile ended up 6:15. O well. Next time.
Long run on Sunday...then I pooped out Monday and biked. I was beat up. Easy run Tuesday morning then a good workout on Wednesday. Mile reps on the trail. 6:20, 6:12, 6:08, 6:04, 6:05. Needless to say, I was really happy with this workout. As an added bonus, I felt awesome I never felt terribly strained. I hope this translates into faster race times....I really hope!!
Funny thing about that workout was there was a couple, in their 40's or 50's making out the whole time on the trail. Loop after loop after loop, they were there. They were my midpoint marker :) It was slightly annoying though since they were pretty much on the trail and I ran about 5 inches from them around a corner.
The last couple days were an easy 7 and 9 miler which I did this morning. I'll be really busy baking an order for a Bridal Shower so I wanted to get all my running done for the day today. Tomorrow is my hubby's birthday!!! I have to bake him a cake too while I'm at it.
I think I'll take the day off tomorrow and round out the week with a 12 miler.
Hopefully, I can kick it up a notch again the next few weeks and feel good.

Holy Hill

2008-06-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had my first workout with a group of people in a really long time. I honestly think it's been years. My schedule kind of stinks as I'm pressed for time all the time. Yes, I'm a Type A who tries to cram a weeks worth of things into 1 day. So anyway, it makes it hard to run with groups.

At the Flag Day Race, I came across a running friend who invited me to run with their group for a speed workout at Pen Glen on Tuesday. It was perfect because I usually head out that way on Tuesdays since my parents live there. My mom runs with the dog, I get my workout in....good times.

I met up with the group yesterday and it was 3 guys a 1 other girl. These people are seriously good. The girl is a consistent sub 17:00 5K runner...and the guys good too. I was the slower one in the group...but that's cool. I like having something to work for.

We did a 3 mile warm up, then the guys marked off 400 meters from the bottom of a huge hill, to the top with about 100 meters of flat at the end. The whole workout was to be 8x400 uphill with 400 meters down hill rec. The deal was to start out slower and pick up the pace...going almost all out the last 100. Heh. After the first one, it was more like survive through this workout. We all laughed. I wasn't actually too far behind. The guy in from of me was only a couple seconds ahead by the end, while the first people were about 10. Not bad. Time for me ranged from 1:38-1:41 with a 1:33 first one and 1:44 7th one. It went pretty fast thought it was really tough. The cool down was 2 miles and it was so nice to chat with the other girl....JK. My legs were Jello....but I was so happy with the day (other then the mean lady with the dog).

So, all in all, it was a great workout with a great group of runners. It's interesting to note how different it is to run with people who are more serious and competitive, rather then running just for fun. I guess we all do it for fun, but some are more competitive then others. It was nice. It kind of put me back into focus. It's like, everyone shows up and we are there to get a job done. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to workout with this group on Tuesdays more.
I think I'll really make an effort to take people up on offers to run with them. It's not that I don't want to, I just get so busy and find odd times to squeeze my runs in. I think it would be worth the extra effort though.

I'm not even really superstitious

2008-06-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to not post for a while because every time I would post something I would get hurt again. Seriously. Last post I was on a positive note, then the next day my right foot was on the DL. That was a bummer. I'm thinking it was from the overcompensation from the left foot injury. I decided I needed a break from writing about my running life and maybe get the stars aligned in my favor. I'm really not superstitious, but in desperate time.....you know how the saying goes.
Okay...so....dare I say.....I think my body is doing well. After being sketchy with my mileage and workouts to baby my broken body, I think I'm on my way down the path I intended to be down about 3 months ago. I'm getting into the 50 miles or so a week range and am able to handle it. Now, I need to start getting my butt in gear and start doing some good workouts.
To sum it all up, I ran 2 4 mile races. By the way, what's up with the 4 mile race? I've never ran one before, and then there were 2 in a row? Odd distance. Anyway, the first one was good, but tough for me since it was my first hard effort in a while. I ran 25:28 (I think) and was pretty happy with that. Second race a couple weeks later was 25:17 and I wasn't as happy because I felt I never really pushed myself. Life could be worse though. It gave me some motivation.
After that race I had to take a few days off because my foot swelled up like a baseball which freaked me out to no end!! Those few days did a world of good and suddenly everything started to heal for good. Thank goodness!!
So after a few workouts which I probably ran too fast for me at this point, I was feeling pretty good and ran my favorite local race of the year. The Flag Day 5K. I got to see my running friends, which include Salty, who is pregnant and running like a champ. I really hope when I'm pregnant I can keep up like her. I also, saw some running friends I haven't seen in a long time...and I think I even may catch a workout with them on Tuesday. I'll probably be the slow one in the group, but that is good for me. I ran a 19:13 and was pretty happy with it. Not thrilled, but happy with my first 5K in a really long time. My legs feel so sloooow in a 5K. I know with a little speed work I can get into that groove where you are racing fast and feel fast....and good. I'd really like to break 18:00 this year. We'll see how things round up.
So in a nut shell, that is a quick update on my running. This past week was the Flag Day race, and a few easy runs all in the 7-8 mile range. I decided to switch up my mini workout today (Friday) with my recovery day tomorrow since the weather is suppose to be cooler. I don't fare too well in the heat...but who does right?
I'm just so happy to be running as a whole person again!!!

Oh yeah, so, I'm a baking freak right now. I started doing baby and wedding showers and somehow I'm booked for the next month. I guess my stuff tasted good enough for people to want more. What a relief that my food doesn't taste like dirt (which anyone who cooks for others worries about). Whohoo!!!!!!!

Where does the time go?

2008-04-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

I'm looking at my last, kind of pointless, post and realized it was 3 weeks ago! Seriously, where does the time go?
I'm going through the phase of everything being REALLY busy. I don't even know what it is, the days just fly by.
I actually have some running news to report...Whohoo!!
I've been slowly building up my mileage over the last4 weeks. 35, 40, 43, 46. It's been progressing nicely with minimal discomfort. I'm running 5 days a week with at least one day of cross training (2 if I'm feeling good). The weather has been just wonderful and I've been loving my runs. I'm just grateful that I wasn't injured while all this nice weather is going on!
I did my first workout in FOREVER last week (2 workouts actually).
Tuesday was 3 miles repeats on a really hilly, rocky trail I like to run for strength. It went pretty well, expect for the last loooong hill that made me want to vomit. I ran 6:32, 6:35, 6:28 with a good paced mile up in the opposite direction back. I thought about doing a 4th rep, but I figured this was my first effort back, and my heart rate was going pretty high, so 3 would be fine for the day. Total miles for the day was 8.
Fridays workout I actually got to do in the morning and it was pretty good. 4x miles reps on the track with a 400 jog (800 after the second just for a little mental break). Splits were 6:18, 6:17, 6:20, 6:16. I was really happy with this effort. Totals miles for the workout was 9.
I'm in the process of trying to figure out how to work my training at this point and what races I want to run. So far, I know I need to work on my stretch and stamina. Speed to follow after I develop those a bit first. We'll see how it all plays along.
I keep a parental eye on my foot since it can get sore. I have a finicky tendon on the top that gets sore along with the previous area that was hurt before. Ahhh, the joys. I'm a core work, stretching machine in order to try and avoid any other issues. I do what I can.
So, I'm just happy to be able to write about some running I've been doing. Hopefully, the times will come down, the body will cooperate, and I will have some good old fun this summer and fall. We will see what the cards will bring.

Duhhhhh

2008-04-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

"Fed chief Ben Bernanke now offers Congress a darker view of the economy" There may be a recession in our future.

Seriously, what planet are we on? There MAY be a recession? They must think people are stupid. Perhaps they are in there own little happy world or something. Call it what you want.
Anyway, that is my no running related 2 cents for the day while I kill some time.

Went for a run yesterday and it was wonderful even though it was some crazy winds and pelting rain. Being off from running for while sure makes me appreciate running so much. Foot is feeling good today after 3 straight days of running. Going to hop on the bike today for some cross training.
Racing is so far off my radar right now, but I'm hoping all that comes back quickly...especially as the weather gets nicer.

That's all for today. No real point...just a little bored.

Happy Spring

2008-04-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Easter and Opening Day have come and gone, and it's sort of is starting to feel like spring. It's windy as heck today, but warm....I'll take it I guess.

Speaking wind, that, out of all the elements, is my least favorite to run in. I can handle heat, cold, rain, snow...but I HATE wind. I wonder what most runners think about their last favorite element to run in. Just a thought.

Injury update. My foot is finally starting to heal itself back up. I'm starting to run a bit more. Oh the struggles of running again when being away from steady running, even for a short while. I have pretty much no range of motion in my hips. Last Friday I did a 6 miles and felt like an old creaky lady running down Main Street. My hips and quads were sore while I was still compensating a little too much for my foot for fear of re injury.

Sunday went much better. I went ahead a drove down to the Towpath and ran 7.5 miles and felt really good (relatively speaking) except for a really sore tendon on the top of my foot. That is normal when I start running so I wasn't worried. Seriously, I don't know what pace I'm running nor do I want to know or care. I know since I kept up with the cross training, core, & lifting, it will all come back pretty quickly. It just so hard and frustrating to get "started" again....wahhhh....enough crying already. I really am just so happy to be out and running again.
Hopefully my foot doesn't do anything stupid and I say injury free for a while at least.

Now my glutes are murderously sore like they were at the end of my marathon cycle. I have a massage scheduled for this Saturday that I'm looking very much forward too even though I think it will be more pain then anything. I leave feeling great though. It's the reward the counts. I'll have to remember that when I'm pregnant someday.

Speaking of pregnant, I made the stupid mistake telling everyone how I had this awful heartburn, nausea, and exhaustion last week, therefore allowing people to "diagnose" me as perhaps being pregnant. No one wanted to listen to the fact that I just came back from Vegas and got no sleep all last week, ate ham that was making me sick, and had a slightly runny nose. I think it's wishful thinking on some peoples part. Kind of funny if you think about it. I'm magically feeling better now that I got some sleep and stopped eating the Easter ham. HELLO PEOPLE. Note to self, keep issues to myself. It's always best to just keep the mouth shut.

Anyway, hopefully this will be a good week and I can keep up with the running. It's kind of a bummer that I won't be running the races I planned on , but maybe some good will come out of this in the long run. Hopefully, the weather will be a little nicer soon too!

Vegas & Heartburn

2008-03-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have this case of heartburn today and it really sucks. I get a random spout of heartburn like once a year for no apparent reason. I haven't eaten anything different and have no idea why this happens but it feel like someone is gutting me from the inside. Yum.
Hubby and I went on a trip to Vegas and it was great. Really great. We realized this was our first vacation alone since we got married. Every vacation involved being with either family or friend. Not that it's a bad thing, it's just nice to be alone.
We were there for 5 days. A bit too long for Vegas but what the heck...right? Typical day involved me waking up at 6:00am because I just couldn't sleep anymore. I went to workout in the dinky workout room. We went and ate an overpriced breakfast (walking about 3 miles to find what sounded good), got sucked into a casino which took my money because I get all hyped up over the flashing lights on the slots, then go shopping at stores that I would have to take a second mortgage on my house to buy anything at. By then it's somehow like 4:00 and we go take a break, go back to the casino and do something fun in the evening. I guess it sounds boring now that I write it down, but it wasn't at all. I swear we walked 10 miles a day. There were 2 big events I particularly enjoyed.
1) Dinner and Emeril's Delmonico Steakhouse. Nothing like having 5 servers per table with steak that melts in your mouth like butter. O my gosh...I recommend that place. It's not cheap, but it's worth the splurge.
2) Hiking at Valley of Fire National Park. We rented a car for the day and went hiking. It was very cool.
Next time we hope to do more of the hiking and a little less of the gambling. It was a good time. Now I'm back 10 times more tired then when I left....and with heartburn. O well.

As far as running goes, it has been minimal, but I work out quite a bit more when I'm not running so that usually ends up being a good thing. I finally got the the treadmill and ran 5 pain free miles yesterday which is a great start. I'm just taking my good old time so I'm not back at square one cursing the world out with my foot in a bucket. Ahhh...the joys.
It looks like the racing team on one is on the outs...boooo. I can't blame the person who is running it though. I can't believe they were able to keep it running (no pun intended) for so long with how busy there life is. The upside is I can run for Vertical Runner and wear their stuff (if they let me).
Did I mention the cupcake shop right by Vertical Runner??? Mmmmmm. I'm sure that would help this heartburn.

Wool.....Who Would Have Thought

2008-03-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

I went over to Vertical Runner a couple weeks ago to find some new insoles for my shoes. I was hoping that it would help my foot/achilles situation. I just so happened to walk in when they had this 60% off sale. Seriously, that is like giving a little kid free reign in a candy store, or toy store. Whoppie!!! This little store is just that, little, but it is the BEST running supply store I have ever been in. ...and I've been in a lot....all over the US.
Anyway, I came across this really skinny looking shirt, skinny like paper thin. The nice guy who works there proceeded to jump in and tell me it's wool. He also told me if I never ran in wool, I have to try it. I thought about it and held it in my hand while a walked around the rest of the store and sifted through pretty much every shred of clothing available. I wanted something different, and something more of a base layer so I decided to try it...along with a couple other things. This shirt cracks me up because, like I said, it's paper thin....with these little needle points that look almost like holes. I showed it to a couple people and every one had the same reaction....where the rest? It retailed for $88.00!!! Yikes!!! But, yes, 60% off....I'll take it.
So, one my foot got a little better I went out for a run. This guy was right. This is like the broken in sweatshirt you wear around all day. It was so super soft against my skin, and absolutely no itch. You wouldn't even believe it was cool. The great thing about it was, it didn't stink like a lot of the tech fabrics so after a sweaty run. Also, if you don't get a chance to shower immediately after a run, there is still no stick, and you don't get cold. This was work every penny, even at full price I think. This is my favorite new shirt. I don't say that very often.
So , for those of you that are looking for a new running shirt, go for wool. It sounds odd, but it's the best new thing I've tried in a long time.
Oh yeah...if you visit Vertical Runner....there is a cupcake shop just down the street within walking distance that is a MUST if you have a sweet tooth.

The Magic Bullet, GT Xpress, & Politics

2008-03-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

When I'm hurt, I pretty much get real with myself and know when to stop running and start cross training. As hard as it may be, I have matured and developed the self control to do this....even though I have to remind myself not to fall to pieces during the process.
My calve, heel, achilles area have been hurting for the past couple weeks, so I was forced to get in on the good old cross training equipment. The thing that cracks me up, it what's on TV....and how much of it I actually listen to. I have a tiny little TV in my basement, along with a REALLY old treadmill, and a simple stationary bike. I have some weights scattered around too. For an added accent, I have a lovely washing machine and dryer near the furnace and water tank. Great scenery.
Anyway, there are so many infomercials on TV, especially Saturday and Sunday morning...along with enough Politics to made you go numb. I only get 4 or 5 channels on my TV so I don't have many options. The funny thing is, I actually get really into whatever is on the TV. I noticed that lately. I got so into Fox's (yes FOX TV....ewww...no options here, remember?)) Chris Wallace politics on Sunday morning. I was spewing all the info on Hillary, Obama, McCain, and anything else to my hubby at breakfast. I was like the freakin AM news or something. I'm not normally a politics junkie. I'm the one who usually changes the channel. It almost feels kind of good to be in "the know" even it's all pretty goofy.
Also, the amount and type of product being sold on TV is hilarious to me. They still have the good old Magic Bullet on TV and the GT Xpress. I'm actually getting sold on that little thing. I think it has something to do with the fact that I sit on my bike for what seems like hours and watch the little lady make omelets, cinnamon rolls, and cake in 7 minutes....O my gosh, YES 7 MINUTES...WOW. If I act now, I get one payment cut from the price and get an extra one for free. Hmmm....maybe I'll get a free set of knives too. Who knows. This cross training thing can get expensive if it last a while....especially if I can tune into QVC or something. Maybe I should switch to my I Pod. Maybe I should get unhurt.
Actually, I did 8 miles straight at pretty much normal pace on the treadmill yesterday which was awesome. My foot had a small amount of ache and it didn't get worse which is a definite positive. My spirits were much better after my run yesterday. I was starting to get pretty down on everything after looking at my running log and seeing the history of the last 4 weeks. I know better then to do that, but I did anyway. I was thinking of taking a week or two off and starting over if things keep popping up to interrupt my running. Hopefully, I'm in the clear now and I can be off on my way of trying to rebuild again.
Maybe I can buy that cool little Pilate's Machine I saw on Saturday morning for only 4 payments if $49.95 to help me with that. Maybe not.

Seriously Mr. Snow Man

2008-02-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hello? It's almost March and it's been snowing for like 2 straight weeks! Please go away. I know it's winter in Cleveland, but I get more and more annoyed with the end of winter each year. Perhaps the hour commute I have to work and back doesn't help my feelings.

Things that annoy me:

I get snow in my shoes
My wind shield wipers get ice and won't wipe properly
My car slides
Other peoples cars slide
The jerk who thinks they can still drive 85 in a blizzard
My door freezes shut
I always have the chance of falling (which actually happened in a Starbucks parking lot a few weeks ago)
When I run:
My nose wants to freeze shut
I can't feel my fingers
I sound like I have a speech impediment after I run
My eyes want to fall out when ice is falling and it's windy

Yes, there are good points like, a beautiful, majestic snowfall, snowmen, the hot shower after a run, fires in the fireplace (LOVE IT), and a warm meal (especially breakfast) after being outside running, & hot cocoa with marshmallows.

I really not a negative person when it comes to the weather, but I swear I thought my life was ending a couple times with my drive to work a couple times in the past couple weeks. Plus, I'm sick of my treadmill. My fingers and toes have a terrible time when it gets frigid.

O well, I'm hoping this will help a little more time pass as spring makes it way around the corner. Oh, and I know I will have a post in a few months regarding how freaking hot and humid it is outside :)

Just Chill

2008-02-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Back in High School and College I was the super obsessed, running is everything king of person. My life revolved around running. I started running just for fun, then I realized I has something to work off of, then the goal obsessed individual in me came out. In high school, it was everything for me to run in College. I was recruited and ended up attending Akron just because it was a rebuilding year, not too far away from home, and other runners that were good were going as well. Anyway, in College, I started off great. Not to get into any major details and write a novel, I got really sick during track season (after a kick butt 3000 meter run in Indy) and it was all down hill from then. I ended up with mono and numerous knee injuries. My life was pretty much over (I thought at the time) as I knew it. I still ended up with a fairly decent college career, but I never made it to NCAA's....sigh. My ultimate goal was to be an NCAA All American....sigh. We can't always get what we want.
Soooo....I got over all that and got a real life outside of running. O my gosh...there were real people, real food, and freedom from coaches, rules, miles, and no more crying over injuries. My life was not defined by my times anymore. I loved it. I swore I'd never get caught up in the miles and times ever again.....EVER. I never planned on racing competitively again. Actually, that thought of doing a workout or running a race made me want to puke.
Fast forward. I decided to run a marathon just for fun. I ran like 4 days (maybe 5) a week and 35-40 miles and entered Cleveland. I did a couple long runs and was ready to go. I ran a 3:34 and qualified for Boston. O what the hell....I decided to run Boston. Who knows what would happen in the future. So I did the whole winter training thing on the treadmill and was ready to run Boston off of 45 miles a week this time. It was 87 degrees that race and I ran like 3:54 or something. Barely finished because of the heat. Yuck....that was my last marathon for sure.
Fast forward again. About a year and a half later....I got bored and decided to train for a fall marathon. Columbus. Ran all summer and bumped up the miles to about 50-55. Toed the line and was ready to go. 3:09!!!! What?!? Well, we may have something here. That is where is all started again.
Somehow I ran a 3:09, then trained for Chicago (3:14), and Akron (3:06). I joined a local team and peaked out at almost 90 miles last summer. The year of Chicago was a tough one. I was injured all of Jan, Feb, & July, then sick for a week in August. This past year was a miracle. Not sick or injured and ran more miles then I thought my body could ever run. I thought I could keep it rolling.
NOT.
I broke my own rules. If I'm not training for a marathon I run 5 days a week. Period. 2 Days cross training. Maybe the occasional 6 days training week. 40-45 Miles per week. Maybe the occasional 50. In December I decided since I had some time off to run more. Then I just kept on going and going. I kept telling myself I would take an easy week next week.
I've been sick like 3 times in the last 6 months, and this last time was pretty bad. I started running on the verge of a 50 miles week back then I did something to my heel. I can see where this path is going and I'm afraid to tread down it. I've been down this path over and over and over the past 10 years. I need to wake up and follow my own rules again.
Sometimes I get a bit caught up in the numbers, but I should know that my body works well with lower miles and higher intensity. Lots of cross training, maintenance, and the proper training cycles. It just felt good to run so much. I really love it. I don't really think it's the best training method for me, but I just loved the feeling. I mean, in college we ran no more then 50 miles per week...and we produced a couple All Americans off of that. Plus, I ran my best Half Marathon off of 45 miles per week. Though, my marathon PR was off the mega high mileage for me...so who knows. I'll need to find that happy medium....the optimal point on the curve.
I'm not the crazy, obsessed, running is life person I used to be....but I care very much for bettering myself in my sport. It does give me a feeling of value....but doesn't define me. I do need to remind myself of this from time to time....especially when things are not going how I planned.
I'm just in a deep thought process at the moment and just spelling it all out on paper.
I just want to be the runner I know I can be, but without all the stupid crap from doing stupid stuff. I'm just waiting for THAT moment to come (that magical" I accomplished everything possible and can quit running" moment). But...like my wise hubby said...that moment will probably never come if I don't think it came yet, because I'll always think I could do better no matter what I accomplish. Plus, I just love this sport. Everything will be a stepping stone to the next great thing.
Yeah....he's probably right. Shhh...don't tell him I said that.

New Blog

2008-02-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

I started a NEW CAKE BLOG.
I just have so much to spew about my stuff I figured I'd jam it into another blog.
Yippie!!

Funny thing, I think I keep jinxing myself. I suddenly have this lower calf into my heel thing going on. I HOPE it goes away.....please go away annoying things that get in the way of my running. How come nothing seems to happen to fat, lazy people? You know what I mean. I love having a place to say things like that. Love it.

Man, I'm wired tonight, even after working out. Slap happy is more like it.

A New Week

2008-02-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

I'm running again....finally!!! I still have the tail end of whatever I caught, but I'm running and all is okay. It's funny, when I really get into a groove, I forget how much 8-12 miles really is. Sometimes I think it's a good thing when you are forced to sit on the side lines for a little while. It kind of helps put everything back into perspective....for a little while at least.
I'm waiting for spring to come as I'm sure all the other snow dwelling folks are doing at the moment. Just waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Please come soon!!
Nothing too exciting on the running front because it's just a build up . Hope to do a tempo type run toward the end of he week. I'm hoping the phlegm and the bit of left over congestion will be gone by then, It's amazing what a tiny little germ can do.

In non running fronts, I spent the whole weekend making cake. There are a couple small parties I am going to, sooooo, I'm bringing cake of course. I think I was a bit ambitious in a cake I'm almost finished with for a Jewelery Party, but it was good learning . I sculpted a purse, a small shoe box, and a shopping bag. Strawberry with Strawberry Buttercream, and Chocolate Fudge with Peanutbutter Buttercream where the flavors. It was my first go at these sorts of shapes so I spent a lot of time, fixing, patching, tearing fondant off, and swearing. Oh yeah, and tasting. I have to stop the tasting thing because if I ever get into making lots of cakes for lots of people, I'm going to be a fatty. A little here and a little there adds up. O well....I'm good for now.

My parents are coming back from Florida in a few days...yippie!!!! That means I don't have to be the "Big Boss" at work. Whenever they leave, I have to run our shop. I like doing it, but it's just really hard for one person to do everything by themselves...especially with 10 employees. Someone just asked me for a raise this morning....ha ha ha ha ha....I just have to laugh. I'll see what I can do. Thank God for running.

Twice as Nice

2008-02-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to report that my BEST FRIEND is having TWINS!!!!!
She just found out today and I'm so darn happy for her.
The funny thing here is, she was my saving grace when it came to people
nagging me about when I was having kids. I'd always say....J doesn't have any
yet either! She tried to call her husband, who is in classes, to tell him the news, but she ended up leaving him a message. I thought that was kind of funny. Congratulations!!!!!

In running news....there is none. Still sick...BUT...today is the first day I'm honestly
starting to feel better. I'm taking one more day off, then plan on starting again tomorrow.
I'll chalk this up to some down time. I've been running a lot, for me, this winter.
Hopefully, something good will come out of all this.
Doesn't it always one way or another though?

Spoke Too Soon

2008-02-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I spoke too soon. I said the only bump in my running road was a little cold...well I'm sick again. This time, it's more like the flu. I swear I've been sick a million times since my marathon. No really, it's been a solid 3 times since October. I never usually get sick more then 1 time a year. I'm not sure if I'm just around more germy people, or if perhaps since I'm not taking any multi vitamins or something. Those made be so sick so I just stopped on those cold turkey around September. This is so frustrating. I really tried to run through this one, but that lasted one day. Man, it really puts a damper on my running mood. It's hard enough to get going in this weather and this time of year, but throw in a virus and it really kills me. I get pretty bummed about it. I must be seriously addicted.
So, on a better note, before I got sick, I did my first actual timed workout in a whle. It was a mini tempo run type workout. I did 2 miles at a faster tempo pace (6:35, 6:37), 1 mile easy (7:56), 2 miles faster tempo pace (6:37, 6:33). I was really happy with the effort although I know it's a long way before I get some speed and smoothness into these workouts again. I was planning on doing some faster miles during my long run...but alas, no long run this weekend. Booooo. Such is life.
Hopefully, if I can kick this thing sometime soon, I'd like to get out and do a few more workouts like I did last week, then start doing some faster stuff. I really would like to dip under 18:00 in the 5K. To do that, I need to dust off some of my old college workouts and get my butt going. I really need to be consistent with my core, strength, & flexibility because I think it's the little things like that that make all the difference with me.
If anything, I'm spending some time pondering some goals and planning some workouts. It's not all bad...I guess.
Weird factoid with me, whenever I get sick, all I crave is cereal and cake. I can't stomach anything else. Yesterday I had like 10 cups of tea and 3 pieces of cake (I try to keep it as small as possible...I try). My husband thinks I'm such a weirdo...probably because I am.
Yeah, so my parents are in Naples, Florida for 2 weeks and I get a phone call everyday about how it's 70-80 Degrees and Sunny.
Punks.

Redo

2008-02-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, so in my last post (like 2 months ago) I thought I was a crappy blogger because it took me 3 weeks....well this is waaaaay worse. So I decided I'm going to make sure I post at least once a week from now on. Things just have to get more exciting right? Actually, a lot has been going on, I've just plain been too lazy to blog about it.
In a nut shell, my Christmas and New Years were very nice. I have a complex about making everything really nice for everyone. I try and do the super cute Christmas wrapping, the cookie tins, and anything else that good old Martha would do. I just love doing all that stuff, it's just a bit stressful when your into it. Well, it came and went, and a New Year started.
So on the running front, I had a nasty cold for a few days and that was about the only bump in my training (except for the couple snow/ice/sub zero days). I got into a groove the past few weeks and have been hovering just under 50 miles a week. There was a Cut Down run which I started at 7:30 and ended at 6:40 or so which made me really happy since it was one of the first sort of effort in a looooong time. I just need to get into a better workout groove. The time has come. I'm just happy to get my runs in the the dark and ice on the roads lately. Can't wait for Spring.
There was a random incident. I apparently was in the top 3 in the Run Ohio Grand Prix. I didn't realize like 4 of my races were part of that. So when I got the letter in the mail it was quite a surprise. The funny thing is, they ask you for an interview and a picture. I thought I would have a ton of pictures of me running and realized I pretty much had none that were noteworthy. Looks like I should put my pennies together and maybe actually purchase one, for the record, from a race, or have my hubby work on his photo skills. I'm not very photogenic, nor do I particularly like reviewing photos of myself, so I'm really bad about that.
My new venture that has been consuming my spare time is my Cake Decorating. After my wedding in 2003, the talented lady who designed and made my cake taught me the basics for a year. She is older and told me her hands are starting to bother her, so she wanted to pass along her knowledge to a couple people who were interested. This only went for a year, because I got so darn busy at work and we moved an hour away. I always put her techniques to use but never had a chance to really evolve (or to really, really thank her for everything for that matter). After the New Year, I decided I was going to really get into the Cake Decorating thing. I really love it. I'll have to post some pictures as I progress. My best friend hired me to do her sister's wedding shower and the groomsmen cake at the wedding...YIKES!!! I'm going to be sculpting a Football Helmet out of cake. I'll keep the progression on that one posted. Perhaps one day I can be as cool as Duff on The Food Network. I don't plan on being the stuffy, snobby cake decorator....I want to be the ultra-cool, I can carve anything out of cake lady. I can put my engineering skills to great use and build sky high creations of Buttercream, Fondant, & Cake. Yum.

Opps

2007-11-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

3 Weeks goes by so fast. I took a look at my blog and realized it's been a while. I guess not much has been going on, especially with my running. I should have started this this before my marathon training and I would have had something to day on almost a daily basis.
This is always a crazy time of year for me. I'm usually not training for anything but trying to keep my fitness level up without overdoing anything. I'm kind of steady right now between 40-50 miles per week. I liked to cross train 2 times per week during this time to give my body a break, but for some reason I'm having a hard time winding down. I think because I had a good year, I don't want to let myself go too much for next year, but I don't want to burn myself out either. I know how my body works and I know what will happen. But, I feel if I don't push myself I'll be in this comfort place that won't allow me to progress to my potential.
So I have this pain in my butt (literally) that is so annoying. I found a new massotherapist who is amazing. She spent an hour digging and prodding spots on my hamstring, glutes, and lower back. Oh yes, she found "The Spot." I had tears coming out of my eyes inherently. I guess I have a very tight hip flexor and lower back, which in turn, tightens up my glutes and hammys. I seriously stretch all the time so I'm not sure what to do but stretch more? Who knows.
Daylight is at a prime and the warm weather flew south so it's definitely just about wintertime in northeast Ohio. This year, I have figured out a new path which includes lit sidewalks most of the way so I can run in the dark. I got over the spookiness and have come to appreciate the serenity. It's so peaceful on a dark morning run with the stars and moon keeping you company. The hot, steaming showers after a cold morning run are the absolute BEST! What going to really stink is when the sidewalks get too snow covered to run on. Then it's me and the trusty treadmill. Yuck.
The only issue is my lack of sleep time. Because I'm not busy enough with my day job, running, wife/house things, I run my own Ebay Store. I've been doing it for 2 years and enjoy it, but this time of year gets a little hairy. I'm not complaining, but I do this pretty much myself, so on busy nights I'm sorting through mounds of merchandise (literally mounds) that's overtaking my house, trying to appease customer questions, and packaging. Somehow my cat seems to find the packing tape and get it caught on his paw on a regular basis. You think he's learn! Anyway, the time just flies and before I know it, it's midnight.
O well, no one said life is easy. Sleep is for the birds...right? Yeah right.
Thank God for Starbucks.

Everyone Knows....

2007-11-07T10:29:00.001-08:00

I love how people love to tell me "How it is." Like I'm a 5 year old idiot with not a shred of life experience. It happens quite often and I wonder if this is a phenomena that is common amongst most people or young people. I actually has to stand in front of my employees at work and tell them "I may be young and blond, but I'm not STUPID!" I'm not going to get into the details of this ridiculous meeting, but the fact that those words needed to be said is just crazy to me.
I know I don't know everything, or half of everything, or sometimes anything....but I do choose the words that I stand behind carefully and my opinions based on what I believe.

The point of this comes because I had a man ask me when I'm retiring from running. Seriously, I'm 27 years old. Retire? Like I'm some super athlete with millions of stockpiled dollars who should retire at the top of my game....my amazingly record breaking illustrious career. Like I do this for a living....I wish. I proceeded to laugh like he was joking...but no...somber stare. I told him...ummm...never. I plan on doing this running gig for pretty much as long as my body will let me. Hopefully forever. Then....I got the "this is how it is" speech.

Runners Die Young
Runners Age Faster then Normal People
Anyone Over the Age of 50 Should Never Run (It's bad for their health)

(Yes I kept a straight face)

First of all....I know runners die....yeah...so does everyone else. I know Ryan Shay was young and died...but it's not a common thing. (Which by the way was a tragic event that really touched me due to the nature of his death and age etc...)
As far as runners aging faster...what? He told me they look all wrinkly and skinny. Well, let's see here, a lot of runners don't wear sunscreen and it happens that when we age and are thin, yeah, the wrinkles set in. Perhaps it would be better to pile on the pounds and have some extra cushion for our hearts. Sure, that is much better then running. Our hearts would love that. Plus I'm sure it would help with the not dying young thing. Right? I'm sure.
As far as running over the age of 50? Check out the Master runners...and Grand Masters for that matter. I think I'm a pretty decent runner...but I've had some serious butt kicking from these "old" folks.
During this "conversation" I was getting the "I know how it is because I'm older" tone. I love it. I really love when people think I'm just a naive little daisy that will get blown away with the next big storm.
I do have to say, this person is a very nice man so I'm not saying anything about that...it's just...how can you make such comments when you've never been a runner...ever? Uhhh...people.
So I concluded the conversation with this:
"If running will kill me then I don't have to worry about aging prematurely...right?"
That got a laugh at least.
I think I'll take my chances.

Lovin' It

2007-11-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

I love this fall weather. The crisp leaves under each step, the cool air, the long sleeves, and the lovely scenery on the trails. It's a great time of year, especially for a runner who is running just to enjoy herself....myself. The only thing that I dread is that this leads quickly into...yuck....snow.
I did a Tempo type workout with 2 miles at a medium pace for the first time since the marathon and it was okay. This was the workout:
1 Mile easy
2 Mile medium (6:49, 6:48)
1 Mile easy
2 Mile medium (6:53, 6:43)
1 Mile easy
I thought maybe I was running a little faster then that, but it was a good effort. Especially since I took a little time off, been sick, and have been running easy for a few weeks. I always hope that my body will somehow stay stuck on the way I felt before the marathon, where I would run 10 miles at sub 6:50 and be fine with it. Ahhh...it's always good to fall back a little...but it's hard to do. I really think I want to start running fast for shorter distances for a little while. Maybe I got that bug from Coaching high school this year and being around 5k's all season.
Last year, I was pretty disgruntled after Chicago and putzed around for 3 months before I did any sort of harder effort or mileage. This year went much, much better, so I'm trying to keep up a little better through the "off" season. I want to stay on that up swing into next year. I love this game. It's my own personal game that I control. What fun.

Speaking of Coaching....we sadly did not quality as a team to the State Meet but that was expected. We were 8th and the top 4 went. We should have an awesome team next year. On a high note, we did get one girl out. I'm excited for her...but she is one of those girls that is naturally good and doesn't really care too much for running. Sometimes I wonder if she says that just so she doesn't disappoint herself if she doesn't do well. We are all guilty of that at times. She's only a Sophomore. I'm going down to the meet and I'm so excited. I'm dragging my hubby down with me....bless his little non running soul for doing that for me. I haven't been to the State Cross Country Meet since I ran in it my Senior Year!!! It should be exciting!

On an interesting note, I think, I received a letter in the mail from the woman who finished the place behind me at Akron. It was such a nice gesture. I guess she lives nearby and wanted to get together for some runs. I spoke with her for a while when we were waiting for our awards. She seems like a cool person and I'm excited she took the time to contact me. This brings me to my main thought....
Runners really are like little children. If you throw one child in with a sandbox of other kids, they will start playing with them. It doesn't matter if they are male, female, black, white, or foreign. Kids understand there own language and they figure out how to communicate. I really think runners are like this. It doesn't matter what age, sex, or anything....you put one runner with another, they can speak their own language of running and get along just fine without knowing one shred about the other person. It's such a pure thing if you're truly into the sport.

Anyway, this week has been wacky. Lots going on. I planned on talking about work from time to time, but I think I live it so much that I don't really feel like writing about it too. I'll have to devote a post to some of the dysfunctional things that go one here at some point....I don't know if I have that much time though...ha ha.

Have my Cake and Eat it too

2007-10-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

Finally after 2 weeks of being sick I'm getting better. I had to take almost a week off of running which was rough. It was great to start again, but it's always that terrible feeling like you've never run in your life. I can understand why people new to running think we are crazy. After a couple runs it got better....which is what I try and tell new runners after their first laboring experience.
It was kind of disappointing because out girls were down to just varsity and I was looking forward to running with the smaller group. This week I got back on my feet and ran with them and it was a lot of fun. We made it to Regionals which is this weekend so it should be exciting to see how we do. Too bad it's all the way in Tiffin though.
The past couple days I ran with the head coach and it was great because we talked all about next year, running, and the impending Men's Olympic Trials. I'm rooting for Brian Sell to make the team by the way!! I'm pretty excited about it. It would be really cool to watch it in person.
I'm in the process of trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my running. I have this desire to get back out on the track and see if I can hammer a sub 5:00 mile but I'm petrified of the track. It's been 6 years since I've raced short distance and I have this vision of my first track race...it goes a little like this....
....gun goes off
....I start running what I think is really fast
....I go through the 400 in about 10 seconds slower then I though I was running
....I fade miserably from the lactic acid build up and stumble in with a time I ran in 9th grade. .....That or I pull a muscle
These legs have been marathon legs for 5 years. I know I'm being a little negative about the whole track thing, but that is my fear for now. I'm also thinking of maybe running a spring marathon. Hmmm...I don't know how those 2 would go together. We'll see what happens. I'm just really enjoying getting in miles during this lovely fall season.

So I had to make a chocolate cake for 100 people. The biggest cake I made was for 30 people previously. This was a whole adventure in itself. After 7 hours of baking and tasting I was going into a sugar shock. Then, my hubby brought home a milk shake for me. I just couldn't. I woke up this morning feeling like I ate a sheet cake for dinner. I probably did....but it was o so good...and o so fun.

Yesterday (Oct. 25th) was our 4 year Anniversary. I can't believe it's been 4 years already....4 wonderful years. I have the best husband in the world. I can honestly say that.

Oh, by the way, Congrats to my running friend LG for a great marathon in Columbus. She fought through a terrible stitch to run an 8 minute PR. Even though it wasn't the time was hoped for....it was still very, very awesome.

Knocked Down But Not Out

2007-10-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I was getting in the groove of running again I got knocked down hard. It started with a achy throat...which in turn turned into an achy body.....watery eyes, running nose, fever...etc...etc...etc. The marathon (along with other stresses in life) left my immune system open for business and it took its biggest customer. Missed 2 days of work and just layed around. Boxes of tissues, NyQuil, sweats....it's a very sad site. I just hate missing work, practice (it's the week of districts for the girls), and not being able to be a busy bee like I usually am. Yes, I am a Type A personality.
Anyway, I look at this as perhaps God's way of telling me to take a break silly girl. Okay...I listened.....can I PLEASE start to feel better now??
On the plus side, I got to watch TONS of Food TV and talk shows I never even knew existed. I finally learned why exactly we use Baking Powder and Baking Soda in baking and when to use what.
FYI....Baking powder is made up of usually 3 items....an acid, base, & filler (usually Baking Soda (Base), Cream of Tarter (Acid), and Cornstarch (Filler)). It is used to help baked goods rise. It's like yeast but much quicker. Whenever Baking Soda is called for in a recipe, there is usually an acid (ie buttermilk, yogurt...) in the recipe to allow it to react. Careful, if you add too much it will rise and fall because there will be too many bubble going on...plus it will taste like dirt.
I working on some new recipes so it's helpful to know what the stuff you add into your concoctions do. We'll see if anything good comes out of anything I throw together. Maybe this down time will result in something good.

Significance

2007-10-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day at practice with the girls team. The head coach decided to split the JV and Varsity girls since we have sooooo many girls. This is the last week for the JV girls so they were doing different workouts. I was lucky enough to work with the JV girls while he took over Varsity. I sincerely mean I was lucky to work with these girls. For the first time all season, I got to work directly with the group and be the one who they had to solely listen to. I usually come to practice and run off to do whatever head coach needs me to do....this doesn't allow me to have much interaction with them during down time at practice.
Anyway, I started at the back of the pack and worked my way up and tried to talk to everyone. One of the girls started telling me about her college choices, another girls was telling me about some muscle issues, another one about her family....then I had a girl tell me about her last race and how I missed her being in the lead for the team during the open race. She said the heat on Saturday killed her which in turn had her walking at the half way. She was concerned she "peaked" last year (she is a junior). She was telling me how hard she trains for this and how this is basically her life during the season and she cried after the race because of what happened. (I couldn't make our meet this past Saturday because of a class I had to take for CPR).
I proceeded to tell her that sometimes things just don't work out, but you have to move on and keep on working. I also had to laugh when she told me she though she hit her peak. I said "Come on...you only 16 years old!" Just keep at it....your time will come.
So the main point of this, is I really felt significant that day to these girls. For the first time I REALLY felt like I had a real purpose as a coach. During the last part of our practice I had them asking me if I would coach track (which is impossible for me)....or if I could at least come and run with them sometime during the season. I was flattered that they asked. Of Course!!!
This was one of those days that nothing really special happened, but it was a special day for me. I truly love working with the girls that run because they just really like to. Most of these girls will never win a huge championship or get a headline in the newspaper...but they come everyday and work hard to find that personal glory I talk about. The day they get a medal at a race will be an Olympic type moment for them...which is so very awesome.....and I would be so lucky to witness that.
As I stated, I ran with these girls which means I'm running again!!! Yippie!!! Ran a mile on Friday which was terrible...felt like poo. Then I ran on Sunday which was better, but my body was creeky. Yesterday's run was much better so I feel like I'm getting my routine back although it will be much much less volume for a little while. That mixed in with some cross training will be a good balance I think. Oh, and I think this pulled muscle in my upper hammy will take a long while to heal although it doesn't bother me when I run. I'm just happy to be out and running...even if it is a million degrees (what's up with this weather?!?)
Anyway, kudos to those who ran crazy hot marathons this past weekend. Hope everyone survived and felt okay. If not....just keep at it and your time will come.

Ducky....Lucky

2007-10-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

My husband has been calling my Ducky because of the way I walk. The other Coaches I coach with tease me....plus all the guys at work are giving me a hard time (in a nice way). The marathon just demolished my Quads....especially the left one. I'm starting to feel better, but I'm still toasted. My left side always is more sore then my right which if kind of an odd thing. This was all to be expected and not a surprise at all to me. After running the Boston Marathon I was in need of a walker for a few days too. I had sooooo many people ask me Why I Do This To Myself. Really......being sore for a week is annoying and uncomfortable, but if that is the only real "horrible" thing I have to deal with, I'll take it. I have two healthy legs, a strong ticker, and a life that allows me a little time to run. I'll take having some sore legs in the name of my own personal glory I get to experience. The thing I don't think people understand is in the sport of running, especially the Marathon, you get to toe the line with Olympians, the CEO next door, and the Woman who is running in the name of a passed loved one all at one time....and all with the same level of respect. You get to experience the thrill of accomplishment and self journey. You form relationships with complete strangers because of this common bond. It really is a beautiful thing.

The girls I coach got a kick out of my marathon. I wasn't ready for the millions of questions they were shooting at me. Some of the questions really made me have to think. The common question was "What the heck do you think about for 26.2 Miles?" (Followed by "How did you NOT have to go to the bathroom that whole time?!?") It's hard to put into words what you think about when you actually have to. After the fact, a lot of its a blur. Try explaining to someone who doesn't really run what you think about while racing 26.2 Miles. My answer was really...."I think about right now and my next step." There's more to it then that...and it's more exciting then it sounds, but that is the only way I could describe it without going into Mile by Mile detail. Actually, it kind of sounds like life...huh. I hope I may have inspired at least 1 of those girls to keep running after high school and perhaps venture into the waters of a marathon one day. It would be nice to know I made a small impact in some way.

As I waddled into the kitchen the past few days I have discovered all the wonderful things you can do with apples. My schedule (or legs) didn't allow for me to go Apple Picking so my family was kind enough to bring back a bushel.
For a quick little snack/dessert/recovery treat:
Take apple slices
Smear with Crunchy Peanut Butter (I like to leave a nice bump full)
Carefully Dip into Melted Milk Chocolate.
Allow to Dry and Enjoy!!! Double Dipping or a Sprinkle of Cinnamon is Always a Good Thing Too.

Akron Marathon

2007-10-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday I ran the Akron Marathon. My Marathon #5. It was just a beautiful day. The only thing I would have wanted different was some clouds...but I'll take it. There is something so special about marathon morning. I love waking up and saying "I'm running a marathon today"....it's like "I'm getting married today"....or "I'm having a baby today" (that is yet to come).

So the night of the race I had sketchy sleep. My glutes were tight and were uncomfortable to lay on...plus once I woke up I had a hard time sleeping. I kept thinking of the race and my stupid hamstring. The last long run before my Taper I kind of had this pulling sensation in my lower hammy and calves around mile 18 (it was a 23 mile long run). From then on it was tight and sore, but manageable. The week before my race, I pulled something right under my glutes while running up onto a curb to avoid a car. It never really put me out of anything, but it was a MAJOR cause of stress before my marathon because I was worried it would bother me late in the race.

Anyway, on to race morning. I woke up around 4:45 and had a half of a banana and a couple bites of toast. I wanted to get more down...but that is really all I could handle at that time. Got dressed and was headed out the door. I really have to say my husband, JM, is so awesome. He is not a runner by any means, but is so supportive of what I do. He's not a morning person either which makes him even more of a trooper with how early these races are. Plus he has to listen to my pre race minute by minute schedule and commentary. I LOVE YOU JM!!!

Okay, fast forward to the start. Found the Invited Runners tent which was a nice little perk. Did some light jogging, used the Port O Potty and before I knew it there I was standing on the start with 10 seconds to the start. The race started and off everyone went.
The First Mile was comfortable but a little too fast. It was 6:43. I told myself to keep a 7:00 for the first half. I decided this because of the difficulty of the course....especially later in the race. I really wanted to have a consistent, strong race. My last marathon in Chicago was a very, very rough finish. I told myself not to worry about the Sub 3:00 hour marathon today. If it happened....great....if not, I would be happy with a strong finish and PR.

The Second Mile I slowed down a bit to make sure my pace was correct. My calves and shins were tight which was weird. I was hoping they would loosen up really quick. Oh, the second mile was really cool because we ran back over the other side of the bride we crossed on the first mile and the sun was rising while the moon was setting. The 2 mile time was almost 14:00 so I was on pace. Mile 3 was good because I got to see my family cheering for me. It was nice to see. Then we ventured out for a while. I got in a zone and kept on running around 7:00 pace and after about 4 miles it settled in and felt like a cake walk. "Stay Controlled" was my motto the whole way. 10K was around 43:00. I think I heard some of the girls I coach cheering.....cool. The next few miles were on cruise control and I noticed a woman in pink that looked familiar from the reception we had the night before. I kept my eye on her as a target. We were running on my old college stomping ground. Memories.... Made myself take a GU before mile 9...yuck. Before I knew it, we were running down the middle of the University and arriving to mile 10. I head my family cheering for me which was just great. It's nice to hear familiar voices. 10 mile was around 1:09:40. Mile 11 the good old hamstring got a twinge...o no!!! I caught the woman in pink just before the Towpath and another woman too. I got worried and took the big down hill into the valley slower.....which made me fall behind the 2 women. O well. Plenty of time in the race yet.

Got to the towpath. I knew it would be a nice and flat 4 miles. It was really beautiful. A little foggy and lush woods. I loved it. I kept my eye on the two women about 10-15 second ahead of me. About mile 12 I caught the woman in pink and she pulled over to the side and stopped briefly. Now I had a woman in purple to keep me rolling. Half marathon came quickly....1:31:17. So I figured....not bad....3:02-3:03 pace. Felt pretty awesome. I knew some hills were coming...big time hills. So the end of the Towpath quickly came and the hills started. Made myself take another GU at mile 16 or so since I knew my body would need it. My friend LG was there which I knew she would be for her relay. It was nice to have a cheering friend at that point. Kept consistent on the hills and caught a few people. I made sure the steeper parts were a little slower. I made that conscious effort. I was fearing the last 10K. 16-20 was a long incline pretty much but I felt just fine. I lost some time though but that was okay.

Mile 20....2:21. Did a reality check. On a scale of bad to terrible...how did I feel? I felt on the better side of bad...which is great at 20 miles into a marathon. I was pretty pumped. Kept around the 7:00 pace....even below for a few. I think I picked off a 6:49 on one mile. Heard some people cheering and even saw some people I knew. Someone told me I was in 6th place. About mile 21 I caught the woman in purple. Had glasses on my head in anticipation of the sun, but they were foggy, plus I got used to not having the glasses on this whole time so I kept them put on my head. This part on was quite sunny....but the temps were still nice. Mile 22 we were at Stan Hewitt Gardens. Around 2:35. I was thinking about 4 miles in 30 minutes would set me around 3:05...not bad. This came after a steep hill. Uhhh....this was hard. My calves were cramping...O NO!!! I got worried but shook it off and took another Half of a GU at 23. That is all I could handle. I felt like barfing. I started to get antsy about the finish.

Turned a corner and my friend LG was there!!! I was so happy to see someone I knew out there. Then....bless her little heart....she ran the rest of the way with me. She stayed on the side walk and kept me going. So awesome!! I needed it. Mile 23 was good....Mile 24 had a stupid hill that made my calves cramp up like crazy. I yelped pretty loud a couple times. It's a crazy feeling really. Okay, so I was really waiting for mile 25. It came (2:57 something)...and it came with one last hill going onto the main street. Ughhhh!!! I passed another woman and a few people even though I felt like I was running slower. I felt bad for a guy I saw on the side cramped up (only a half mile more!!!). I got up the last hill but my legs were just really pissed at this point. LG kept me going, but I had one speed for a while and it wasn't very quick. Where the HELL is the stadium was pretty much the only though at this point. Finally there is was...the heavens shone their light down...the stadium was there. LG stopped just before the entrance and I ran in and saw the finish. I saw 3:05 something and got my legs back under me and kicked it in. This is an awesome feeling. 3:06:17....new PR.....3rd place....I'll take it.

Overall, I was very pleased with this race and experience. I was so thrilled to have so much of my family & friends there with me. I ran smart, strong, felt good almost the whole way, came in 3rd (with a money prize...yippie!!!), and got a new PR. My muscles all behaved too. No, it wasn't the Sub 3:00 I REALLY want...but that will have to be done on another day. I changed my training so much and have learned a lot about what works for me. I'm so excited to take this into my next training phase.

So today, I'm super sore from the hills. It's funny to watch me walk I guess. Ha ha. But that is all okay. It's all worth it. It's these thing that make me really realize how good life is to me.
Now it's time for a little rest and relaxation....for a little while at least.

Getting Started.....Sort Of

2007-09-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

So this is my first Blog entry....WOW. I feel so behind in the times. Though this is the start of the insight to me...my life has been going on for the past 27 years. That's a lot to talk about, and I like to talk....so....this is going to concentrate on my running, kitchen activities, and random events.
1) Running. I have been classified as crazy by many people because of my running. I ran in high school because we had no soccer team. Ends up I was pretty good at it. Got a scholarship to a Div. 1 program (Akron....Go ZIPS!). There was good and bad...but the experience was something I cherish forever. Took a couple years off after swearing off competing forever. Spent time working in Wisconsin and Seattle, met my husband, got married, got a cat and dog, bought a house, found myself in the process. Picked up running again for fun. Ran 1 marathon for fun, then 2....now I'm about to run my 5th. Somewhere my competitive spark I thought was lost forever came back. I was never much of a high mileage runner....but I would run around 40-50 miles which the occasional 60-65 during marathon training. The numbers keep going up with the number of marathons. This year I was running 70-80 for a while with a high of 86....YIKES! Ran 2 times a day for a while too. That was a big deal for me. So that is my running in a VERY, VERY brief nutshell. I have highs and lows....lots of both. But that is the fun of it. Running has developed who I am, how I think, and how I perceive things. It has taught me to be an extremely passionate person about life. It has taught be that Life is Good.
2) "Kitchen Activities"....so I LOVE to cook and bake. My dream is to own a bakery someday for fun. I work on all kinds of recipes in the kitchen and plan on posting some for all to try. This is my creative outlet.
3)....and Such....life is filled with so much. Try working with your family. I'm convinced we can make millions with a reality show on our place. Me, Mom, & Dad all crammed into one office with my dog too! Throw in the occasional brother or husband....interesting times to say the least. That along with all the interesting people in the world sometimes make for insightful, interesting stories.
Well, if anyone comes across this blog into my world....WELCOME....hope you enjoy Runnin' Along as much as I hope to.