Entrants Update. There are 23,737 runners registered for the 111th Boston marathon. Unfortunately, none of those entries are for Dick & Rick Hoyt of Team Hoyt. Rick had to have surgery on his hip and will not be recovered in time for the marathon (Boston Herald Article 3.28.07). They are such an inspiration. It will be sad to not be able to pass (or be passed by) them. I hope Rick gets well soon! You can see a great video of them on Sarah's blog.
My Feet. I bought new shoes and they fit great! I hadn't had any problems and all was well with my feet. Until the other day... . First, I took off my right sock - the foot with the already missing toe nail. I had a big blister on that same toe. How is that possible? Oh well... just a blister. I can barely feel pain in that toe anyway. Next I took off the left sock. My middle toe nail looked a funny pale yellowish color - not good. I thought maybe I had just left my polish on too long and maybe it was stained. Unfortunately, this was not the case. I looked a little closer at the nail and gave it a little wiggle. That's when I realized; my toe nail is ready to fall off. Goodbye toe nail number two. It's been fun. I promise my feet they'll be getting pedicured after this is all over. Until then, I ask that my toe nails please try to stay attached.
My Injuries. I'm still having a lot of hip pain on my shorter runs. This is really annoying because I get discouraged early and don't think I can finish. The massage guy told me to ice and foam roller it. I hope it works itself out with these methods. If it's not better by Monday, I'll be calling the massage guy back to see what we should do next.
12 miles tomorrow and only 16 days left! 6 more days until I can see the 10 day forecast on weather.com!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
My Number Pick Up Card Is Here!
I can't believe it's time already! My number pick up card arrived yesterday in the mail! Without this card, I have no number. We also got a little shopping booklet full of all the 111th Boston Marathon memorabilia I can buy - anyone got a spare $1 million laying around? There is also a booklet full of all the marathon information runners will need to know for the weekend.
I can't wait to go through the booklet to plan out the weekend. The BAA has everything listed in there: how to take the T, spectator information, expo information, medical precautions and much, much more. Hopefully with all that information I'll be able to get my family a place to watch the race and not get them lost.
I'm nervous about keeping my family entertained while I'm supposed to be resting, getting them comfortable with taking the "T" and finding their way around without me. I'm sure they'll be fine, but I'm a worrier. If anyone has any ideas on spectator areas or things for the family to do, please let me know!
After all, I only have 19 days to figure all this out!
I can't wait to go through the booklet to plan out the weekend. The BAA has everything listed in there: how to take the T, spectator information, expo information, medical precautions and much, much more. Hopefully with all that information I'll be able to get my family a place to watch the race and not get them lost.
I'm nervous about keeping my family entertained while I'm supposed to be resting, getting them comfortable with taking the "T" and finding their way around without me. I'm sure they'll be fine, but I'm a worrier. If anyone has any ideas on spectator areas or things for the family to do, please let me know!
After all, I only have 19 days to figure all this out!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Final Long Run: 20.5 Miles
Friday night I had a small (ok large) freak out session. I really had no idea how I was going to make it 20.5 miles from Framingham to Boston. Framingham - the T doesn't even go to Framingham. People I work with take the commuter rail from there and it takes forever! How in the world was I going to make it running? Thank God Dave is around to calm me down. He encouraged me that I would be able to make it and I was ready. I refused to believe him, which forced him to resort to reverse psychology. He told me I wouldn't make it and maybe I shouldn't have signed up for this and maybe I should just forget about all the other races I wanted to do. Yes, this sounds mean, but it's really what I needed because I woke up at 5:30 on Saturday morning set out to prove him wrong.
The buses were leaving Fitcorp at 7:10am and if I didn't make it then I didn't get to run so I was sure to leave on time. I arrived at Fitcorp still partially asleep and not knowing what the heck to wear. It was only 36 degrees out, but it would be warmer on the way back and very sunny. I'd like to thank the girl that helped Sarah, Stephanie and I out with what to wear. She recognized quickly this was our first 20 miler and told us to wear shorts and a light long sleeve so that's just what I did. It felt so good to head out in shorts!
I got a little motion sickness on the bus ride out to Framingham, but nothing some fresh air wouldn't take care of. Once we arrived and I got the Garmin going the three of us were off. The only bad thing was we headed out a little too fast for our own good so we had to slow it down, which wasn't too hard once we hit the hill going up over 128.
I like to think of these Saturday long runs as "Girls Morning Out" because all we do is talk. In fact the three of us talked for the entire run. Towards the end we were even singing '80's songs to each other! Maybe we were delirious from all the candy, GU and gatorade we had at each of the water stops, but hey we were having fun.
This was by far the most I've had on a long run. Coming up Beacon Hill at the end the three of us had the biggest smiles on our faces - it's sick, I know. Stephanie even looked right at one woman and said, "We just ran from Framingham!" The woman looked at us as if we were half crazy and she gave us a cheer.
We got back to Fitcorp in 3 hours, 16 minutes and 40 seconds. I was really happy with that especially considering we took leisurely stops for water and food and also talked a lot.
The three of us walked into Fitcorp and Team BMC gave us high fives and cheers of congratulations. We then cheered for each person who walked in after that. Everyone was so excited and full of energy. Some of the guys were even going out for beers after! I can't imagine being that depleted of calories and drinking a beer - I'd be drunk after two sips!
I decided it was best to skip out on the drinking and go home for some rest. I immediately showered and iced when I got home. The picture in this entry is my post-run icing: one pack on each knee and one on my hip. The icing really helps eliminate the pain, which I'm thankful for - even if I don't look very sexy!
I can't wait for Marathon Monday to run those extra 6 miles and actually run a full marathon. The taper is going to be difficult, but well worth it. In the meantime, I'll be keeping busy hopefully updating this blog, reading, cleaning - oh and doing my taxes. Ew!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
New Bedford Half Marathon 3.18.07
The New Bedford Half Marathon was my first half marathon and my longest race to date. Needless to say I was nervous; I am before all races. It was all good nerves and I think made the race more fun.
The Friday before the race we got a Nor'easter, which dumped about 6 inches of snow and sleet in Quincy (more up North and less down South). The wind was blowing so hard my windows were shaking and I could hear the ice pinging against the windows.
By Saturday morning when I woke up to shovel at 7:30am the snow/sleet had turned to rain, which made the snow on the ground heavier than ever. I shoveled out my car and headed back in for oatmeal, hot tea, pyjamas and more sleep.
With all this crazy weather I had no idea what Sunday was going to be like for the race so I decided I had definitely better drive down on Saturday to pick up my number and scope out the roads. New Bedford received significantly less snow fall than points north so I wasn't too worried. The roads were clear and would be ready to race on Sunday.
The race start was at 11am and I was nervous about getting there. I found a place to park, looked up and Sarah was walking by. Thank goodness! A familiar face and someone I could be lost with! We found our way to the gym, which smelled of the post-race meal - fish sandwiches and chowdah, ew! During the check in/bathroom process we managed to run into Kevin and Stephanie, more familiar faces from Team BMC.
Sarah and I headed down to the race start and were not excited about the excessive winds, but didn't really have any choice. We knew we had to keep a 8:30 - 9:00 pace so we could reach our goal of 2 hours. The start was very crowded and we weren't really able to break free of the crowd until around mile 3, but we did and got into a good groove.
Mile 3... ugh, it sends shivers up my spine. That hill was tall and long and awful! I don't want to see it again (until maybe next year). After that though we had a very nice fast downhill with a tailwind. This turned into a long stretch of flat right next to the ocean to enjoy the ocean breeze. In the summertime I love that nice ocean breeze, but Sunday was not the summertime and I hated that ocean breeze. It was cold and smacking me right in the side of the face. Not fun! We had met up with Kevin around the 6 mile mark so we joined him for this stretch of "ocean breeze" that lasted from about miles 8-11. Somewhere after that time we found Stephanie who was doing great - and thankfully had no ice in her ponytail for once! After that I was really just looking for the hill at mile 12. We headed up a hill, but it wasn't the monster of a hill that I had expected. It was more of a long steady incline, which led me to think that that wasn't really the hill I was waiting for. All of a sudden we turn a corner and this guy says, "less than 250 feet to go!" and I realize it's flat and I will be done soon. Sarah and I kicked it in for the last stretch and were so thankful we finished.
This was a great experience. I learned that I definitely cannot come out that fast for my first marathon. I also learned the importance of hydration because at one point I was feeling kind of out of it and then realized that I hadn't really drank that much. I did have one GU packet, but I don't think that was enough to help me.
I treated myself to lunch at my favorite sandwich place and then tried to relax. I couldn't really though because I was so excited about the performance. I talked Dave's ear off for the rest of the day until I crashed at about 10:15 when I went to bed. Then I woke up Monday to talk off Steve's (my manager's) ear for all of Monday. I can't even imagine what I'll be like on April 16th and after! I feel sorry for those around me and apologize in advance for not shutting up!
New Bedford Results
Date: 3.18.2007
Age: 24
Bib #: 69
Distance: 13.1 miles
Goal Time: 02:00:00
Actual Time: 01:49:34
Pace: 8:22
Place Overall: 876/1827
Age Group (19-24) Place: 27/73
Cool Running Results Page
The Friday before the race we got a Nor'easter, which dumped about 6 inches of snow and sleet in Quincy (more up North and less down South). The wind was blowing so hard my windows were shaking and I could hear the ice pinging against the windows.
By Saturday morning when I woke up to shovel at 7:30am the snow/sleet had turned to rain, which made the snow on the ground heavier than ever. I shoveled out my car and headed back in for oatmeal, hot tea, pyjamas and more sleep.
With all this crazy weather I had no idea what Sunday was going to be like for the race so I decided I had definitely better drive down on Saturday to pick up my number and scope out the roads. New Bedford received significantly less snow fall than points north so I wasn't too worried. The roads were clear and would be ready to race on Sunday.
The race start was at 11am and I was nervous about getting there. I found a place to park, looked up and Sarah was walking by. Thank goodness! A familiar face and someone I could be lost with! We found our way to the gym, which smelled of the post-race meal - fish sandwiches and chowdah, ew! During the check in/bathroom process we managed to run into Kevin and Stephanie, more familiar faces from Team BMC.
Sarah and I headed down to the race start and were not excited about the excessive winds, but didn't really have any choice. We knew we had to keep a 8:30 - 9:00 pace so we could reach our goal of 2 hours. The start was very crowded and we weren't really able to break free of the crowd until around mile 3, but we did and got into a good groove.
Mile 3... ugh, it sends shivers up my spine. That hill was tall and long and awful! I don't want to see it again (until maybe next year). After that though we had a very nice fast downhill with a tailwind. This turned into a long stretch of flat right next to the ocean to enjoy the ocean breeze. In the summertime I love that nice ocean breeze, but Sunday was not the summertime and I hated that ocean breeze. It was cold and smacking me right in the side of the face. Not fun! We had met up with Kevin around the 6 mile mark so we joined him for this stretch of "ocean breeze" that lasted from about miles 8-11. Somewhere after that time we found Stephanie who was doing great - and thankfully had no ice in her ponytail for once! After that I was really just looking for the hill at mile 12. We headed up a hill, but it wasn't the monster of a hill that I had expected. It was more of a long steady incline, which led me to think that that wasn't really the hill I was waiting for. All of a sudden we turn a corner and this guy says, "less than 250 feet to go!" and I realize it's flat and I will be done soon. Sarah and I kicked it in for the last stretch and were so thankful we finished.
This was a great experience. I learned that I definitely cannot come out that fast for my first marathon. I also learned the importance of hydration because at one point I was feeling kind of out of it and then realized that I hadn't really drank that much. I did have one GU packet, but I don't think that was enough to help me.
I treated myself to lunch at my favorite sandwich place and then tried to relax. I couldn't really though because I was so excited about the performance. I talked Dave's ear off for the rest of the day until I crashed at about 10:15 when I went to bed. Then I woke up Monday to talk off Steve's (my manager's) ear for all of Monday. I can't even imagine what I'll be like on April 16th and after! I feel sorry for those around me and apologize in advance for not shutting up!
New Bedford Results
Date: 3.18.2007
Age: 24
Bib #: 69
Distance: 13.1 miles
Goal Time: 02:00:00
Actual Time: 01:49:34
Pace: 8:22
Place Overall: 876/1827
Age Group (19-24) Place: 27/73
Cool Running Results Page
Friday, March 09, 2007
An Exerpt from Runner's World, Marathon Diary: Deena Kastor
The following entry appeared on Runner's World on March 8, 2007. I wanted to share it with you for three big reasons: (1) I find Deena Kastor to be very inspirational for not only women runners, but all runners and she also serves as the best elite runner we have in the US, (2) I swear the wind always changes direction to challenge me by blowing directly in my face, and (3) I think it's great that even someone as elite and well respected as Deena waits for it to get warm (above 40˚F). If I had waited for it to get above 40˚F this week, I would have waited 6 days! What can I expect, it is still winter after all.
Marathon Diary: Deena Kastor
March 8, 2007
39 days until Boston
I am in front of the thermometer trying to encourage it to reach 40 degrees before I set out on my second run of the day. The dog is anxious to go. She keeps tossing her “Hello Kitty” stuffed animal into the air.
“Hold on,” I tell her.
This week I’ve been suffering terribly from jet lag after my trip to Japan, where I competed in the Yokohama International Women’s Ekiden. Since then, I’ve been awake every night from 2:00 to 4:00. I lay there counting sheep, mindfully breathing, practicing relaxation techniques I learned from a sports psychologist 15 years ago, but to no avail. My body cannot rest.
As a result, my strength training hasn’t been great. I follow my teammates around the Snowcreek Athletic Club, where we train, and mimic whatever they do with the dumbbells, my feet dragging. So tired.
At practice on Thursday, however, I was able to use my weariness to my advantage. We were alternating 1 mile and 1 kilometer repeats in the wind. I hate the wind, especially in Round Valley, where we happened to be working out. The wind there is like some freakish scientific phenomenon that manages to get under my skin every time. It’s a strong, sporadic breeze that challenges you no matter which direction you run. In my zombie-like existence, however, the wind didn’t bother me. I was numb and immune to it. I don’t think this is the coping technique I have been searching for all these years, but it worked that day. I also wouldn’t recommend sleep deprivation as a means to overcoming your obstacles. I’m merely pointing out that my biggest struggle for the week was also my greatest asset.
I’m finding there are lessons to learn all the time. This week, the lesson was loud and clear: My biggest struggle for the week (exhaustion) helped me through the most annoying workout conditions (wind). Is it possible to get something positive out of every situation? I hope so!
There’s the 40 degrees I was waiting for. Gotta run.
Marathon Diary: Deena Kastor
March 8, 2007
39 days until Boston
I am in front of the thermometer trying to encourage it to reach 40 degrees before I set out on my second run of the day. The dog is anxious to go. She keeps tossing her “Hello Kitty” stuffed animal into the air.
“Hold on,” I tell her.
This week I’ve been suffering terribly from jet lag after my trip to Japan, where I competed in the Yokohama International Women’s Ekiden. Since then, I’ve been awake every night from 2:00 to 4:00. I lay there counting sheep, mindfully breathing, practicing relaxation techniques I learned from a sports psychologist 15 years ago, but to no avail. My body cannot rest.
As a result, my strength training hasn’t been great. I follow my teammates around the Snowcreek Athletic Club, where we train, and mimic whatever they do with the dumbbells, my feet dragging. So tired.
At practice on Thursday, however, I was able to use my weariness to my advantage. We were alternating 1 mile and 1 kilometer repeats in the wind. I hate the wind, especially in Round Valley, where we happened to be working out. The wind there is like some freakish scientific phenomenon that manages to get under my skin every time. It’s a strong, sporadic breeze that challenges you no matter which direction you run. In my zombie-like existence, however, the wind didn’t bother me. I was numb and immune to it. I don’t think this is the coping technique I have been searching for all these years, but it worked that day. I also wouldn’t recommend sleep deprivation as a means to overcoming your obstacles. I’m merely pointing out that my biggest struggle for the week was also my greatest asset.
I’m finding there are lessons to learn all the time. This week, the lesson was loud and clear: My biggest struggle for the week (exhaustion) helped me through the most annoying workout conditions (wind). Is it possible to get something positive out of every situation? I hope so!
There’s the 40 degrees I was waiting for. Gotta run.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Why I Run
After reading Ultramarathon Man, by Dean Karnazes, I started thinking, why do I run?
For the most part I run for myself. I run because I want to and because it makes me feel good. It gives me more energy, it lifts my spirits and it gives me more self confidence.
Every once in awhile I need an emotional run. I need to run because I have to get out of my apartment and just think. Alone. Just me and the road. I like to watch my pace along these runs. If I'm upset, I'm faster. When I'm even-keeled, I'm slower. These types of runs aren't bad and I don't do it because I'm crazy. I love them because I am able to be alone with my thoughts. Sometimes I finish with the same opinion or standpoint and other times I'm on the complete opposite side.
Sometimes I run because I feel like it's all I can do outside in good weather in the city. I don't have a dog or kids to take to the park. I don't particularly like to shop. There isn't enough room to play catch in my front yard (a.k.a. one square foot piece of sod). Where I grew up in the country you could do anything outside! It was great! The city is quite an adjustment in that way. On the brightside, I've picked up running as a way to fill up this time. I hate to waste a beautiful day inside!
And last, but not least... sometimes I run because I want to eat a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar ice cream! Yes, a whole pint - that's like a full day of calories! And boy is it good!!
_________________
Training note: It was 10.75 on Sunday after a bit of sickness on Saturday. Feeling better now! Hopefully any sickness is out of my system until after April 16th, which is just 42 days away! Ah!
For the most part I run for myself. I run because I want to and because it makes me feel good. It gives me more energy, it lifts my spirits and it gives me more self confidence.
Every once in awhile I need an emotional run. I need to run because I have to get out of my apartment and just think. Alone. Just me and the road. I like to watch my pace along these runs. If I'm upset, I'm faster. When I'm even-keeled, I'm slower. These types of runs aren't bad and I don't do it because I'm crazy. I love them because I am able to be alone with my thoughts. Sometimes I finish with the same opinion or standpoint and other times I'm on the complete opposite side.
Sometimes I run because I feel like it's all I can do outside in good weather in the city. I don't have a dog or kids to take to the park. I don't particularly like to shop. There isn't enough room to play catch in my front yard (a.k.a. one square foot piece of sod). Where I grew up in the country you could do anything outside! It was great! The city is quite an adjustment in that way. On the brightside, I've picked up running as a way to fill up this time. I hate to waste a beautiful day inside!
And last, but not least... sometimes I run because I want to eat a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar ice cream! Yes, a whole pint - that's like a full day of calories! And boy is it good!!
_________________
Training note: It was 10.75 on Sunday after a bit of sickness on Saturday. Feeling better now! Hopefully any sickness is out of my system until after April 16th, which is just 42 days away! Ah!
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