NOVA Marathon Challenge

I watched the NOVA Marathon Challenge on PBS on Tuesday night. The show documents 13 runners as they train for and run their first marathon - the Boston Marathon. One of their coaches was Uta Pippig. At one point, she is on Heartbreak Hill running up it with the NOVA runners. She gives them advice. All I could think was how crazy that would have been to have The Uta Pippig telling you "you can do it, stay relaxed, you've got it" - how incredible! You can read all about the challenge here.

I first thought, "Why would I need to watch that? I lived it.", but really I am glad I did watch it. I spent the last 15 minutes of it crying. I cry sometimes when I watch running and I'm OK with it. I cried watching Kara Goucher win the Great North Run on YouTube and I was out right sobbing watching the NOVA Marathon Challenge. I guess I cried - ok bawled - because I remember what it felt like to run all those miles in training and on race day with my training partners, Sarah & Steph, but also because I cannot run right now and I just want it back.

I want the feeling back. I want to see the sweat dripping on me. I want the cool fall air on my skin. I want to break out my tights. I want to put on my long sleeves. I want to experience those hot showers have long, cold runs. I want those endorphins. I'm like an addict in withdrawl. So here is my last shot before PT tomorrow morning...

Dear Goddess of Running,
Please, I need to get back on the road. I need these legs to be in motion again. I'll even take it slow... OK, I'll try my best to take it slow. Please, I'll give up ice cream for a month... OK, I'll only eat ice cream once a month. And I'll never litter the beautiful routes I run on or that others run on. I'll never curse running and say, "I'll just go tomorrow instead." I'll never take advantage of the fact that I have to able legs to run on. I'll cross train. I'll weight train. Please just listen. Listen to my prayer. I want to run again. I really need to run again. I'll do my best to be a smart runner.
In Running Spirit,
Janette

I hope she hears me. In the meantime... sweet dreams and here's to PT tomorrow morning.

Reunion Party

Friday night, Jeff and his wife, Sara, hosted a Team BMC reunion party for all of us who went to the Saturday morning runs. It was great to see everyone again - yeah, I know it had only beem a week, but still.

We all sat around in the kitchen and discussed our battle stories and talked of our future plans while we ate lasagna and dessert. We all had different stories to tell - some good, some bad - but in the end we all crossed the finish line and that's what really matters. No one seems 100% sure on what the future will bring for running. Some are signed up for Chicago 2007, others will wait for Chicago 2008, while the rest of us try to find a fall marathon to BQ. I still haven't decided on one, but it's good to know that when I do, I'll have a group of people to train with.

And I'm finally done being sick! Yes! So tonight I start running again and seriously getting ready for the Run to Remember Half Marathon on May 27th. I think my training schedule has me doing 4 miles tonight, which I'm sure will feel great, considering that since April 16th, I've only run 3.5 miles. Ah! I hate saying that.

Thank You...

As in any good book, I need to thank people that made my 2007 Boston Marathon possible...

Mom & Lou. Thank you for supporting this crazy endeavor and for your long trip out here. I really enjoyed the visit and I'm so happy you both could come out!

Amy. Thank you for taking an unpaid day off to watch me run the marathon. I really appreciate it. And thank you for everything else you've done for me over the past 6 months. I could never thank you enough.

Heather. Thanks for being my virtual training partner in the beginning. It was great getting those messages that you had ran and it motivated me to get out there and do the same or more than you. And thanks for joining me on that 10 mile run! It seemed so far...

Michael. Thanks for coming out to Boston to watch me run the marathon. I really appreciated you coming out and I hope you had fun. Massachusetts has a lot of good colleges so keep it in mind!

Dave. Thank you for always pushing me and never letting me give up even if it meant being a jerk. I need that sometimes. You motivated me to go the extra distance and for that I thank you. And I can't forget to thank you for all those Saturday's that I came home after the morning run and talked your ear off for hours on end. Even if you weren't listening - thank you!

Steve. I don't know that I ever would have run a marathon if you hadn't gotten me started with that first 5K last May. I can't believe I went from 5K to marathon in 11 months. Thanks for being my coach for this first marathon experience of many.

Sarah. I am so thankful that we have the same pace! Thank you for running with me all those Saturday mornings. I had so much fun chatting with you and I don't think I would have finished a lot of those runs without your support next to me. I hope we have many more runs and races in front of us!

Steph. Thanks for joining Sarah and I on the long runs! It was a pleasure to run with you and a great motivation to here about how you were running in your mom's memory. She was definitely out there watching you Monday and I'm sure she helped you through all those miles. Maybe that's why you could finish with a fracture in your foot!

The Boys: John, Jeff & Kevin. Thanks for being such a great group of guys to run with on Saturday! I had so much fun meeting you all and I hope that we will all get together in the future!

Tricia & Kathleen. Thank you for decorating my desk! I was so surprised when I got to work on Wednesday! It brought a huge smile to my face!

Boston Medical Center. I'd like to thank BMC because without them I never would have run a marathon. Thank you for accepting my application. Also, thank you for all the wonderful programs you have and all the great things you do for the community. Your motto, "exceptional care, without exception" should be adopted my everyone.

Boston Athletic Association. Thank you to the BAA for allowing charity runners to run in the Boston Marathon. I understand it is a highly debated topic amongst Boston Marathon runners - especially on the Runner's World message boards, but to allow us to run means millions of dollars for Boston charities.

All donors. Thank you to everyone who donated. This was an amazing experience for me and you all made it possible. You helped raise over $200,000 for Boston Medical Center!

My Legs, Brain & Heart. Thanks for getting me across the finish line.

If I didn't mention your name, I apologize and thank you!

I Finished!

It's been five days since I finished the 2007 Boston Marathon and I still can't believe it! I've looked up my results about a billion times, seen them printed in the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald, but I just still feel like I'm dreaming.

The weather predictions were not good, but by the end of the week most meteorologists were predicting a "break" in the Nor'easter. I think that break came just in time for my second wave start because it sure wasn't there as Team BMC was loading the buses! As we waited for the buses it was pouring rain. We were all dressed in many layers with our waterproof gear on the outside. I managed to stay fairly warm waiting for the bus, but the downside to dressing so warm was that the bus ride became very hot. I had to take off my bottom Under Armour layer on the bus so everyone got a little skin show! Hey, a girl has got to do what a girl has got to do.

We got to Hopkinton with just enough time to pee - thanks to the BAA for having a million plus port-a-johns, there was very little wait - head up to the tent, realize it was way too muddy and find the gym. It was great of Hopkinton to open the gymnasium for us. I honestly don't know how I would have kept my feet dry if they hadn't done that. We all changed quickly into our race shoes and clothes and headed out to drop off bags and get to the start. Because we arrived so late - we were the last people on the bus - we had little time to change and thus ended up not having to wait in the corrals. We basically just walked right up to the start line and started running.

For the first mile or so I just kept thinking, "I can't believe I am running the Boston Marathon!" It almost didn't seem real. Time and miles went by so fast. Before I knew it we were in Framingham running by the train station. The three of us girls (Sarah, Steph and myself) kept getting a little extra push from the crowd, but between the three of us we were able to keep each other paced very well.

I couldn't wait to see my family on Heartbreak Hill, but as it turns out I missed them! I was crushed! It definitely dampened my spirits not seeing them, but Sarah and Steph had lots of support that I fed off of and the crowd was always encouraging.

At the mile 23 water stop, Sarah and I lost Steph. We had no idea what to do because we didn't want to leave her, but as soon as I stopped my legs thought they were done and started cramping so I had to get going so Sarah and I had to push on without her. It was sad to be split up.

We hit the downhill going under the Mass Ave. overpass and my quads were screaming at me. At that point, I just kept saying outloud to myself, "mind over matter." I had read so much that "the wall" is a mental thing before it's physical so I had to push myself past that pain mentally. It worked and as Sarah and I turned onto Hereford I started to get choked up. I realized I couldn't do that because if I did I wouldn't be able to breathe! As we turned onto Boylston all the pain I felt in my legs disappeared! My legs felt fresh and new as if I had just started! Sarah and I sprinted - a.k.a. gave it our all - for the finish line. I could not believe what we were about to accomplish.

We crossed the mat together in 4:11:00. I had met two out of three of my goals. Goal #1: Finish. Goal #2: Finish in 4:15:00. Goal #3: Finish in 4:00:00. I was so happy! We hugged and congratulated one another as we headed off to get our medals, blankets and food.

I met my family at the family meeting area provided by the BAA. As soon as I saw my older sister, Amy, I just lost it and started crying! I don't even know why I was crying. I was not sad. I just had so much emotion and that's how it happened to come out. I hugged each of my family members as they held me and congrulated me. It felt so good to see them and they were all so happy.

Michael, my nephew, had to take off my shoes for me because I couldn't bend over. Dave had to put dry pants on me while I took off my wet shirts and put on a dry shirt and my Boston Marathon Jacket.

My family had to leave after the race so we had dinner and said our goodbyes. I was so happy they could come out for the weekend! There support really helped me get through those 26.2 miles.

Dave took me out for Dairy Freeze ice cream. I had a flurry with chocolate ice cream, cookie dough and heath bar. So good!

I went to bed that night at about 10:00pm. I woke up Tuesday at 7:00am, called my manager to tell him I couldn't walk and went back to sleep until noon.

Tuesday was the worst day for soreness. I couldn't walk. My knees, hips, quads and hamstrings all hurt really bad. I made out with only one blister on my right foot on the toe that the nail fell off of. By Wednesday I was back to work with only sore quads and hamstrings and by Thursday the soreness was virtually gone. I think it was the combination of meds/supplements I was taking: ibuprofen, glucosamine-chondroitin, protein, muscle cream and vitamin C.

I went out for my first run today of 3.5 miles. It felt good to be running again, but I am definitely not back to 100% yet. My inner thing/hip feels like it needs some WD-40. Do they make that for body parts?

I'm thinking of which fall marathon to sign up for, but I've got quite a few in mind. Hopefully I can take the 31 minutes off my time to qualify for the 2008 Boston Marathon.

Reasons to Run the 2007 Boston Marathon

It's Here... Race Day!

It's here! Race day!! OH MY GOODNESS!! I never really thought today would come. I dreamt last night that I didn't get my finishers medal. What a dream for the night before!! Ah! I'm a mess this morning. So many nerves... so many thoughts going through my head. I should not be watching the news that's for sure! All they say is bad day for runners... couldn't be a worse day for this event... flood warnings... wind gusts up to 60 mph... AAAAHHH!!!!

All I can say is... the hard work is done, right? Today I'm just going for a little jog. Time for me to go get body-glide'd, vaseline'd and sport waxed up! Here I go...

I Need to Freak Out Right Now

OH MY GOODNESS!! THE WEATHER IS GETTING CRAZY!! COMPLETE CRAZINESS & MADNESS AND WHAT IS GOING ON?!

Check out what WBZ TV reported today. Honestly. What... How... I mean... Can't... Ugh!

They won't cancel it. They just won't. I worked way to hard and trained way to long and stayed in on way to many Friday and Saturday nights to not do this! I will run. I will run this thing and I will run it well. I don't care if I get sick from the cold and wind and whatever else. I just don't care. Mother Nature is not going to ruin this for me!

5 days for the weather to completely change...

My Letter to Mother Nature

I should really be used to the weather in the Northeast by now. I grew up in Central New York and moved to Boston. The weather is crazy and unpredictable in both places! With that having said, I do have to make a complaint/wish/prayer... whatever you want to call it.

Dear Mother Nature,

I have checked weather.com and accuweather.com approximately 1,000 times in the past two days and I can't help but notice how very different these two forecasts are. Weather.com tells me a 30% chance of rain, east wind at 12 mph, cloudy and 50. Accuweather.com says 52, mainly cloudy and breezy. Just tell me, who am I supposed to believe?

If I may ask for any kind of weather for the rest of the year, I ask that April 16th be 50 and partly cloudy. Is there anything you can do?

Hoping for a little help,
Janette

Why do you run Boston?

WBZ TV has put a great blog on their site with some motivational stories in it. Check it out!

Last Long Run

Today was my last long run before the marathon. The training plan was to go to Boston & run 8 miles on an out and back from Fitcorp. Many people on the team weren't going in because it was only 8 miles and no one really wanted to wake up early to do just 8 miles. Sarah and I were still planning to head in. That is until last night when I decided it would be a good idea to stay up until 2:30am. I watched The Prestige with Dave and then I just couldn't fall asleep. So at 6:30am today I sent Sarah a text letter her know I wasn't going to Boston today. She didn't seem to mind - hopefully she got some extra sleep too!

So today I went out solo after the weather warmed up a bit. It was around 45 and very sunny, but with a cold breeze that came up every so often. I probably could have worn shorts, but I went for pants and a light long sleeve shirt. The run was pretty good all in all. It was weird to do a long run without someone to chat with, but it was nice because it gave me a chance to think about the marathon, my form and just mentally prepare a little bit. I am going to give this a shot on each of my upcoming runs.

The fun part of today's run was that I passed this couple and then ended up with them following me for the next 3 or so miles. All I could think about was fending them off! I swear I kept telling myself it was a training run not a race, but I just couldn't help it. I ended up doing 9.63 miles according to the Garmin.

So that's it. Now it's time to just mentally prepare. All the physical work is done. The next 9 days are going to be all about mental preparation, cleaning up my place for my family, working out last minute plans for marathon weekend and last, but certainly not least relaxing!

Just 9 days left! And 6 days until my family gets here! Yay!

Weather Forecast (Boston) As Of Today
weather.com: Partly Cloudy, High 49, Low 40
accuweather.com: Windy & Rainy w/Snow in PM, High 45, Low 37

Beginning of the Taper

It's that time of the training season. It's time to taper. Over the next two weeks mileage will significantly decrease. I've been told this will drive me into a time of craziness and irritability. It should be fun.

Saturday morning we took off for 12 miles. Just 12 miles. I must say, coming off 20 miles, 12 just seemed boring. It was a beautiful morning though. For the first time the birds were chirping and the sun was shining when I woke up. For some reason I sprung out of bed excited to run. On the way in though, I couldn't help thinking. This is just 12 miles. Do I really need to run this early in the morning? Yes, I do. Becuase I love training and I love running with my teammates.

You could tell Team BMC was quite relaxed this morning. Everyone was talking about how they really could have just rather stayed in bed this morning. Kevin even admitted to "going out for one drink" on Friday night and having that "one drink" turn into a few more than that. Around mile 5 he said, "I think I just smell like booze!" So I kidded with him telling him that that's all I could smell. Honestly, there was no smell, but he's such a good guy to joke with that I couldn't resist!

Sarah, Stephanie and I stayed pretty spread out with Stephanie setting the pace for us. She seemed to have the extra kick in her step that Sarah and I needed to follow. We were definitely quieter than our 20 mile run, but I think we were all still half asleep.

This run just felt really weird. I can't really describe it. It seemed almost unncessary, but long, but boring, but awakening. I know this doesn't make any sense. I can't imagine how I'll explain next week's 8 mile "long run." Some people said that won't be going to Fitcorp for it, but I really like waking up on Saturday's and going in to meet the team. Honestly, I'm really going to miss it and it makes me sad to know we just have two runs left together: 8 miles on Saturday and 26.2 miles on Marathon Monday.

Just 15 days to go... (and Sarah informed me that accuweather.com has a 15 day forecast so at least I'll have something to keep me busy during the taper.)

Latest News from the Training Front

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

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!!

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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!

Big Sacrifices and ... Longest Run Yet!

I made what I will call my first "real" sacrifice today. I went to Syracuse University, which is 5 hours from where I live now. Due to the fact that I have a Monday through Friday job and long runs on Saturday mornings, it's very difficult for me to get to Syracuse to watch any basketball games. Fortunately, Syracuse plays Providence today in Providence - yay! I could finally go to a game! Or so I thought. BMC had an 18.3 mile run scheduled and now I had a decision: attend 'cuse vs. friars or run 18.3 miles. Easy choice, right? Maybe to the non-runner, yes. However, I'm a runner now. I chose 18.3 miles and I am glad that I did. That's right, glad, happy... actually, ecstatic! (OK, maybe now I'm pushing it.)

Today's run was just like every Saturday long run - cold. Except today, we also got some wind. Fun stuff! It didn't feel that bad though because Sarah, Stephanie and I were talking so much (we're girls, that's what we do) that I didn't think much about the cold and wind. I had two GU packets, gatorade, water, gummy worms and pretzels to help me through. I really have to thank everyone who does the water/snack stops - you treat all of us so great, I really appreciate everything you do!

I felt really good through the entire run. Almost too good. I just get nervous that maybe I'm not pushing hard enough, but I also don't want to push too hard and get hurt.

I'm excited to have accomplished another PF. It's such a great accomplishment. I had a big smile on my face when we got back to Fitcorp. I felt a bit crazy at that point for smiling, but hey, I'm crazy for doing this and I'm OK with it.

I started to stretch when we got back to the gym. I did my usual quad stretch (lift your foot behind you to your butt and stretch), however it took me three attempts to get my foot up. My hamstring just kept stinging saying "Hey, put that foot down and stretch me first!" That has never happened before. It felt really odd. The right leg was better, but that left leg, well she was just being a b*$%&!

After the run, Maureen and BMC treated the team to bagels at Finagle. It was so great! I had a bagel with cream cheese and coffee (coffee in a cup, not on the bagel). Delicious! This also gave us a little opportunity to mingle with the rest of team. By rest of the team, I mean the fast people I normally can't talk to because they are too far ahead of me. :)

Next week we are scheduled to run 10.5 miles from the Woodland T station to Fitcorp at One Beacon. A few of us from the team are considering replacing this run with a trip out to Hopkinton to run the start and maybe increase the miles to 12. The downhill stretch at the beginning concerns me because I don't know what it looks like and everyone with Boston experience says to be careful and not go too fast in the beginning. I think it would be great if we can all get out there next Saturday for a run instead of doing our usual 10.5. I don't need to see Heartbreak again... I own it. Haha!

Oh and before I leave off today, I just want to say, "Hi, Kevin!"

And now I have to wach the last 7:43 of the 'cuse game. Let's go 'cuse!!
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Post game update...

Game tied at 65 with 30-ish seconds left to go. Nichols ('cuse) hits a three, I jump with excitement and smack my knee on the coffee table. Oops!
Syracuse wins!! 71 to 67. Good job, guys!! We're all winners today! (Ha! I'm so corny.)

Another 10.5 in the Books

On Saturday, I finished another 10.5 miles with Team BMC. The sun was shining, which created a nice "hot" winter day - if you exclude the sheets of ice that still blanketed the sidewalks.

I wasn't really looking forward to this run when I first woke up. I had new shoes - same brand, different style - that I was hesitant about and I was afraid they wouldn't work. I also just didn't feel in the mood to wake up. Even though I wasn't excited before hand, I couldn't have been happier when it was finished. I ran an 8:37 min./mi. pace. My fastest so far on a long run! It felt good to run fast (no knee, or foot pain!), but it got me thinking whether or not I could have lasted an entire marathon at that pace. Part of me really wants to see how fast I can run on April 16th, but the another part of me - and probably the one I should listen to - says to forget about time and pace and just run to finish. But then again... do I really want to just play it safe? Ah... decisions! I hate them! Help!


54 days!!

Quote

Identify your personal limits and then push past them.

Then set new barriers, and repeat the process, again and again and again.

-- Nicole Haislett, Swimmer, Olympic Gold Medalist
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62 days until Boston!