I'm half way!!! What a thrill it is receiving all this support. I am in awe of the power of relationships far and wide to come together to support this great cause! My favorite thing about my blog is when the firstgiving therometer loads up each time. It reads 51%!!!!!! Thank you so much everyone!
Shin Splints - A quick definition for any confused reader from the Mayo Clinic.
The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the shinbone (tibia) — the large bone in the front of your lower leg. The pain is caused by an overload on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone.
The risk of shin splints is no reason to give up your morning jog or afternoon aerobics class. Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and other self-care measures — and wearing proper footwear and modifying your exercise routine can help prevent shin splints from recurring.
Great, I don't have to give up my morning jog, although, I have!
I thought I was on track for avoiding injuries. I'm rotating sneakers, only running three days a week, managing my miles, and stretching. My weak ankles might be to blame... I'm icing now and resting with cross training, but how many minutes of eliptical or biking equals the miles that I need to run. My coach mentioned 10miles of running is equal to 30 miles of biking. Hmmm...
Anyway, with my new amazing gym schedule, I was a little bummed that I'm missing my running activity. I received a little pick me up on the way home. My favorite song blared over the radio waves for my ride home from work. Life is a Highway is my running inspirational theme song. When I ran the Boston Run to Remember Half Marathon in May 2008 - my first big race ever, Life is a Highway played as I ran across the finish line. It always brings me back to the great feeling of accomplishment and joy.
Okay time for bed so I can get to the gym early in the morn! Nothing will stop me. Not even these little shin pains!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
14 miles and $72.50 of donations!
Wow, I am tired but I feel good!
It's pleasant outside now, but this morning since I am a slave to the schedule of other runners, I started running at 7:15am in 6 degree weather with the GFRC runners. I had frost on my face, in my hair, and my butt was numb for the first 10 miles. My fuel belt drinks even became slushy!!! The other runners adviced me to put the belt under my layers to keep from freezing.
It was a nice run though, a beautiful morning with the sun shining through the trees. I ran with six other club members. We all started out in a pack and then slowly broke apart. For the first few miles, I had a conversation with Karen Oleski about training. Karen is sixty years old and running Boston for the 2nd time. She's run numerous marathons, but decided Boston would be her treat this year. To proceed her advice, Karen mentioned our age, experience and goal differences, but our goals are not all that much different. It's almost as if she read my blog last night, she assured me that training is very individual and to not worry about other one else with their speed workouts. Listening to your own body, and adding workouts, or missing a workout as needed is best. It was great to hear this advice from a vetran runner like Karen!
As she mentioned that training is an individual thing, I took off to catch up with the faster runners. I spent a few miles running on my own, enjoying the scenary, and concentrating on my form.
Then I finally caught up with Mike, Paul and Rosanna. We enjoyed a steady 9 minute mile pace together. Rosanna and I ran together for about 10 miles. For that amount of distance, it's a little over an hour of conversation, which I love. It's a great way to make a connection and I always get great advice.
Rosanna - my 14 mile running buddy
Rosanna mentioned that it's a MUST to wear a Hat during a hot sunny race. It never dawned on me, and over the months of advice, I had not heard that one yet. Personally, I had plans to wear braids and look adorable as I ran down the street... hats are useful, but I'm sure I will look ridiculous. Rosanna made in no uncertain terms that a hat is a must so I will pick one up for the occasion! She also sparked an excitement for a future running mission. Rosanna ran the Great Wall Marathon and spent two weeks on vacation with friends. I thought a destination marathon would be tricky, but running a marathon in another country sounds like the perfect addition to a vacation. So much to look forward to!
This was a critical run in my training. Each long weekend run is a victory now until the marathon since each run is the longest that I EVER done.
Overall, I'm happy that I joined the GFRC vs the Bottom Line charity group for this run. The charity was running along the Charles again today... and it's nice, but the hills of Holliston are more exciting! And, it's nice to check in with all the GFRC runners. They're all very supportive and excited about my marathon journey. They all have so much experience, advice and the meetings always cause me to laugh a lot... For instance, Maureen and Bruce's reaction of "Yes. - You should take one." to Barry's declaration of"Showers after the Marathon." I guess you had to be there, but it cracks me up still!
Well here is the Nike Plus result... I really ran 14 miles at a 9 minute pace. The MapMyRun says 14 miles. With the nice weather tomorrow, I'm going to run 1 mile around the track to calibrate my pod. Also a funny thing that needs to be clarified. I am always using my Nike iPod, but I never use any music!
Thanks to everyone for their donations!
It's pleasant outside now, but this morning since I am a slave to the schedule of other runners, I started running at 7:15am in 6 degree weather with the GFRC runners. I had frost on my face, in my hair, and my butt was numb for the first 10 miles. My fuel belt drinks even became slushy!!! The other runners adviced me to put the belt under my layers to keep from freezing.
It was a nice run though, a beautiful morning with the sun shining through the trees. I ran with six other club members. We all started out in a pack and then slowly broke apart. For the first few miles, I had a conversation with Karen Oleski about training. Karen is sixty years old and running Boston for the 2nd time. She's run numerous marathons, but decided Boston would be her treat this year. To proceed her advice, Karen mentioned our age, experience and goal differences, but our goals are not all that much different. It's almost as if she read my blog last night, she assured me that training is very individual and to not worry about other one else with their speed workouts. Listening to your own body, and adding workouts, or missing a workout as needed is best. It was great to hear this advice from a vetran runner like Karen!
As she mentioned that training is an individual thing, I took off to catch up with the faster runners. I spent a few miles running on my own, enjoying the scenary, and concentrating on my form.
Then I finally caught up with Mike, Paul and Rosanna. We enjoyed a steady 9 minute mile pace together. Rosanna and I ran together for about 10 miles. For that amount of distance, it's a little over an hour of conversation, which I love. It's a great way to make a connection and I always get great advice.
Rosanna - my 14 mile running buddy
Rosanna mentioned that it's a MUST to wear a Hat during a hot sunny race. It never dawned on me, and over the months of advice, I had not heard that one yet. Personally, I had plans to wear braids and look adorable as I ran down the street... hats are useful, but I'm sure I will look ridiculous. Rosanna made in no uncertain terms that a hat is a must so I will pick one up for the occasion! She also sparked an excitement for a future running mission. Rosanna ran the Great Wall Marathon and spent two weeks on vacation with friends. I thought a destination marathon would be tricky, but running a marathon in another country sounds like the perfect addition to a vacation. So much to look forward to!
This was a critical run in my training. Each long weekend run is a victory now until the marathon since each run is the longest that I EVER done.
Overall, I'm happy that I joined the GFRC vs the Bottom Line charity group for this run. The charity was running along the Charles again today... and it's nice, but the hills of Holliston are more exciting! And, it's nice to check in with all the GFRC runners. They're all very supportive and excited about my marathon journey. They all have so much experience, advice and the meetings always cause me to laugh a lot... For instance, Maureen and Bruce's reaction of "Yes. - You should take one." to Barry's declaration of"Showers after the Marathon." I guess you had to be there, but it cracks me up still!
Well here is the Nike Plus result... I really ran 14 miles at a 9 minute pace. The MapMyRun says 14 miles. With the nice weather tomorrow, I'm going to run 1 mile around the track to calibrate my pod. Also a funny thing that needs to be clarified. I am always using my Nike iPod, but I never use any music!
Thanks to everyone for their donations!
Friday, February 6, 2009
I am so nervous.
14 miles tomorrow morning. I am so nervous, almost painfully. I've never run this far before and perhaps all the emails flying around from the GFRC about speed workouts are overwhelming me too. I haven't done nearly enough speed workouts, but there's still time, right?
My legs are also tired with little random pains in the shins. I always wish that my rest days could actually be complete rest. I wish I could use a wheelchair around the office, because an entire day of walking is far from restful.
It's a low point folks! I'm scared!
Hmmm Okay I skip the show tonight, grab a burrito, a book, and go to sleep super early. I will also try to schedule speed workouts at the GFRC meeting tomorrow. All will be fine say my Mom... Thanks Mom! You're the best!
My legs are also tired with little random pains in the shins. I always wish that my rest days could actually be complete rest. I wish I could use a wheelchair around the office, because an entire day of walking is far from restful.
It's a low point folks! I'm scared!
Hmmm Okay I skip the show tonight, grab a burrito, a book, and go to sleep super early. I will also try to schedule speed workouts at the GFRC meeting tomorrow. All will be fine say my Mom... Thanks Mom! You're the best!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wow! I'm faster than Nike!
Today, I had the pleasure of running with Dan Wood during my lunch break. He is the fastest man to hang his hat from 8-5 at Gyrus ACMI. Dan is also running the Marathon and has been a big help with my ongoing questions. He offered to run with me a few months back and our schedules have finally lined up for the frigid February afternoon run.
It's nice to run during work - it's actually glorious! The sun is shining and it's very nice to stretch my legs. A midwork run is basically recess, which we all can look back on very fondly, right? I played tag during recess with no safe zone. It was straight up running/sprinting for 25 minutes and it was the game that we loved. Anyway, I love the work run, but I look like a mess for the rest of the day! I'm on the fence if the pleasures out weigh the my disaster state. It's just that a morning run is too early for me and my sensitive body. I love my 5pm run, but it's too dangerous. And on top of it, Dan is fast runner.
Dan has an amazing little gadget that ACCURATELY displays mileage, and pace per mile. His device said, we traveled a little over 6 miles and averaged a 7:50 mile pace! It felt great! My little Nike device says I ran just under 6 miles and ran at a 8:53 mile pace! Have I been running at a sub 8 minute pace all along? I think so! I apologize for the amount of exclamation points, but a one minute is a big deal and I'm faster than I thought. I might want to calibrate the Nike device... All the might be my own fault? Comments? Suggestions? Discussion?
It's nice to run during work - it's actually glorious! The sun is shining and it's very nice to stretch my legs. A midwork run is basically recess, which we all can look back on very fondly, right? I played tag during recess with no safe zone. It was straight up running/sprinting for 25 minutes and it was the game that we loved. Anyway, I love the work run, but I look like a mess for the rest of the day! I'm on the fence if the pleasures out weigh the my disaster state. It's just that a morning run is too early for me and my sensitive body. I love my 5pm run, but it's too dangerous. And on top of it, Dan is fast runner.
Dan has an amazing little gadget that ACCURATELY displays mileage, and pace per mile. His device said, we traveled a little over 6 miles and averaged a 7:50 mile pace! It felt great! My little Nike device says I ran just under 6 miles and ran at a 8:53 mile pace! Have I been running at a sub 8 minute pace all along? I think so! I apologize for the amount of exclamation points, but a one minute is a big deal and I'm faster than I thought. I might want to calibrate the Nike device... All the might be my own fault? Comments? Suggestions? Discussion?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
This is The Coolest Ever!
I have been trying desperately to be in bed by 9pm and asleep by 10pm. I am committed to training, but the bedtime schedule is still a challenge. I know that I need more rest, I am training harder which requires more rest of my muscles, but things always come up... like blogging, cooking, reading, cleaning... oh well.
I'm never wasting time. Tonight, while making my 2nd Marathon lasagna, I created something that you will be enjoyable for you!
My Shutterfly Photo Album PLUS SO MUCH MORE! You can see the updated Guess My Time 50/50 Excel Sheet. Check out more videos. AND tons of pictures!
It's simple amazing. Enjoy! I must be off to bed!
I'm never wasting time. Tonight, while making my 2nd Marathon lasagna, I created something that you will be enjoyable for you!
My Shutterfly Photo Album PLUS SO MUCH MORE! You can see the updated Guess My Time 50/50 Excel Sheet. Check out more videos. AND tons of pictures!
It's simple amazing. Enjoy! I must be off to bed!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The results - Super Sunday 5K
The results have been posted. For fun blogging, I will quote Nick LaPete, "OMG you placed seventh out of all those women! You are a friggen celebrity!"
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/09/ma/Feb1_2ndAnn_set3.shtml
Oh and Joe registered me for the race so it slightly explains the misspelling of my name and age discrepancy. I am not 25! That day is far far away!
I ran faster than my last 5K race on December 14th. Life is good folks!
Super Sunday 5K
It was pretty super and nasty cold. I did not dress appropriately, but I had my gloves and Bottom Line hat so I felt like a champ.
I had no intention of running fast, but with a number safety pinnned to my shirt, Champion chip beeping as I cross the starting line, my running competitive instict kicked in. It was an okay race, but the company and adventures pre and post race made the day complete. For instance, you can see that Joe, Nick and I all have consecutive numbers. I tried my best to stay 2 intervals from Nick at all time, but the forms looked a litte off with only three members...
Nick LaPete met Joe and me in Somerville this morning. We traveled into South Station and met up with Mike. The party began as we boarded the taxi bus. The "taxi bus" was actually an 80s Dance Party Bus!!! AND we had the BACK OF THE BUS RULES! It was only about a 5 minute ride, but it was Sunday morning and the groove was perfect. Nick, Joe and I switched gears quickly from intimating runners to dancing fools. Everyone on the bus chanted our names for a solid 20 seconds. That is a lie, but it almost happened.
Another solid point for the Marathon Sports Super Sunday 5K is your name is clearly printed across your number bib. It was a first for me. I love having someone cheer for me in the last seconds of a race so I finished and cheered for hundreds of runners. I definitely startled a few people.
Following our triumph, we all grabbed the free clam chowder and Harpoon brew to celebrate our personal victories. Joe finished his first 5K. Nick ran fast in a time that he knows. I ran and finished in a time around 22 minutes. I've never raced with a free beer being the reward. It's better than a trophy!
I had no intention of running fast, but with a number safety pinnned to my shirt, Champion chip beeping as I cross the starting line, my running competitive instict kicked in. It was an okay race, but the company and adventures pre and post race made the day complete. For instance, you can see that Joe, Nick and I all have consecutive numbers. I tried my best to stay 2 intervals from Nick at all time, but the forms looked a litte off with only three members...
Nick LaPete met Joe and me in Somerville this morning. We traveled into South Station and met up with Mike. The party began as we boarded the taxi bus. The "taxi bus" was actually an 80s Dance Party Bus!!! AND we had the BACK OF THE BUS RULES! It was only about a 5 minute ride, but it was Sunday morning and the groove was perfect. Nick, Joe and I switched gears quickly from intimating runners to dancing fools. Everyone on the bus chanted our names for a solid 20 seconds. That is a lie, but it almost happened.
Another solid point for the Marathon Sports Super Sunday 5K is your name is clearly printed across your number bib. It was a first for me. I love having someone cheer for me in the last seconds of a race so I finished and cheered for hundreds of runners. I definitely startled a few people.
Following our triumph, we all grabbed the free clam chowder and Harpoon brew to celebrate our personal victories. Joe finished his first 5K. Nick ran fast in a time that he knows. I ran and finished in a time around 22 minutes. I've never raced with a free beer being the reward. It's better than a trophy!
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