Half Marathon #5 - Georgetown to Idaho Springs - Idaho Springs, CO (Saturday, August 14)

It's all downhill from here...

Originally when we started the plan of 50 half marathons in 50 states, we were going to leave Colorado for last. Then W (crazy sister who is doing Ironman Wisconsin in September) added the Georgetown to Idaho Springs half marathon to her training schedule, so we decided to join her.

We live less than an hour from where the race was taking place, but it's one of those races that you get shuttled to the start line. So, even though the race did not start until 8:00, we had to get up at the un-godly hour of 4:32 am (I don't like my alarm to go off in 5 minute increments, don't ask why) to have enough time to get ready and out the door by 5:00. Which, by the way, we managed to do... out one minute early! Amazing how fast I can move (even at that hour) when I don't have a small child to get ready. I was pretty tired, I have not been sleeping well. I really don't get "nervous" before a race, but even when I try to go to bed early, I just find myself tossing and turning. I probably got 2 hours of quality sleep. At best.

The plan was to meet W and her friend Liz in Golden and then carpool the 20 or so miles to the start line. It's still pretty dark at 5:20 am.

Liz had to park in a different lot, the one we were supposed to meet up in was full, but we met up with no problems - still running on our schedule. The shuttle busses to the start line were to be running from 5:30 to 6:30 and we still had plenty of time. We got to Idaho Springs and we were able to get a pretty close spot to the shuttle busses. Still dark.

The shuttle busses were right around the corner and there were some port-o-potties with not much of a line so we decided to stop and use those before getting on the bus. I was glad to have brought my sweatshirt, even though it was supposedly low 60s, it was pretty chilly (what a change from last week!) The bus took about 15 minutes to get to the start line, and when we got dropped it was about 6:45 - more than an hour to start.

Lake Georgetown

There was a tent with free coffee so I got a cup and then we huddled in a small building to try and stay warm. About 7:00 we decided to get back in line for the bathroom. Took about 20 minutes to cycle through so we decided we might as well jump right back in line (I'm glad I don't have to explain this process further to other runners, haha). The line was already much longer and we were thinking we might not have enough time to get through again before the race was going to start so we did our pre-race pictures while waiting.

Me and L

It's hard to get a good self-portrait through the iPhone without cutting someone out so we got the guy behind us to get the full team Bee Rad (with excellent backdrop of the port-o-potties)

W, L, Me

We barely made it through the line before start time. I managed to lose both my sisters but headed up to what I thought was the middle of the pack. There were no pacers and no corrals, so everyone was just lining up willy nilly without any regard to pace or finishing time. I somehow managed to run into W in the pack (which is pretty irrelevent since I knew she would be off within a few seconds) but never did see L again before the race started.

The course was a loop through the town of Georgetown with the 2 mile marker being roughly at the start line before starting the descent to Idaho Springs. What a ridiculous first mile or so. I say "or so" because none of the odd numbered miles were marked - by the time I looked down at my watch it was already almost a tenth of a mile over. Anyway, since there was no organization to the start, I spent much of the first mile weaving in and out of super slow joggers or walkers - a lot of the time 2 or 3 people across. That just drives me NUTS!! If you know you are walking - get to the back of the pack! You have NO business being so close to the front! Anyway, it was as pretty chilly first couple of miles, but I knew that would mean it would be pretty close to ideal running conditions once we got out of the shade of the canyon. Water/Powerade stations were at every even numbered mile, so I stopped at mile 2, got a quick drink and within another half mile we were out of the canyon and into the real course.

Mile 2.5

Sun coming up - mile 2.5

There wasn't much shade on the course and not a cloud in the sky. I could tell that it was going to be warmer than I anticipated. The course is supposedly all downhill, so I was trying to pace myself even though it felt like I could literally fall down the mountain.

Mile 4

A woman offered to take my picture - I should have let her. I was keeping pretty good pace and for a fleeting mile or two thought I might actually have a shot of coming close to a PR. I finished the first 10K in under an hour... and it was all downhill from there. The course did not FEEL how I imagined it should. The downhill was REALLY downhill, on the "flat" parts of the course, the road was slanted and there were some pretty brutal uphills. I took my gel right before mile 6 and when I realized how dejected I was that the water station was placed a quarter of a mile further because I was THAT thirsty, I knew that a PR was out of reach. But, I still had a goal in mind of beating last week's time (duh, that shouldn't even be an issue) or beating my second best time - Deadwood. Miles 7 and 8 took us off the nice, paved street and onto some trail. THAT was tough. It was downhill and I spent most of the time looking at my feet to make sure that I wasn't going to twist my ankle by stepping on a loose rock or in a hole/crack. My pace FELT slow, and looking down... it was.

Mile 10.5

By about mile 10, my legs were SHOT. My quads were burning from the downhill and the uphills were sudden and steep and the switch in muscles I was using was tough. I was regretting the long(ish) run I had done the day before and my legs were just tired. Don't get me wrong, it was a thousand times better than last week - I never once considered dying on the side of the road :D

 

The aid station at mile 12 was actually a quarter mile early, and I needed it. Bad. I took a powerade AND water and then headed into the home stretch of the race. Based on my time, I still had a shot of getting my second best time, if I could just keep moving. I knew the final half mile or so of the race was through "downtown" Idaho Springs, so I had mixed emotions about the ridiculous hill going into town. Even though it so near the end, I walked up it, and then moved as fast as I could - still managing to sprint the last .1 to the finish. No official times have been posted but according to the Garmin, I finished in 2:11:08 - which makes my second best time, beating Deadwood by less than a minute.

It was a decently long walk to the finish line extravaganza, but L found me almost immediately and we found my dad and my daughter - who had driven up to watch us finish. We got this nice post-race picture:

L, A, Me, W

Nice re-useable bag with some freebies in it:

And a HIDEOUS race shirt:

Picking up my drop bag was a total nightmare. I had to climb up some stadium seating and got a major charlie horse in my right calf. Knocked me (literally) on my ass. My muscles were super tight from the race and I sure felt it. The bag drop was totally disorganized. They had provided white plastic bags and they were just in a huge pile with no rhyme or reason to the bib numbers. Took me a good ten minutes to find my bag, considering most of the 3500 runners had left one. Blah.

With five half marathons complete, I'm now 10% done with my goal. The next two weekends are "fun" races, my next half will be in three weeks in Kaua'i!

Of note:

1. The wristband under my watch seems to have done the trick. I did not have any trouble with it at all. We will see if it still works in Kaua'i with all the humidty.

2. L actually beat W across the line, but without official results, we have no idea by how much, OR if she met her goal of finishing in under 2 hours.

3. I'm never doing this race again :D

It's a Sunshine Day

Outdoor Run - West Big Dry Creek Trail - Friday... the 13th (of August)

So... today was the day that I planned on trying wearing compression socks for the first time. All the other cool kids are doing it. Plus, I have another half marathon to run in the morning and I wanted my legs to be rested. My outfit? As a lady in my building said "Don't you look summery?"

Even though it was only 81 went I went to lunch, it was much hotter by the time I headed out:

It. Was. Hot. Blazing hot.

My initial goal was to take it slow and easy. So imagine my surprise when I looked down after about 10 minutes and I was going sub 10 minute mile pace. Huh. Weird. I was testing out my new "race belt" today and I had forgotten my water bottle (!!!) so I was carrying a wide mouth vitamin water bottle. Only about 1/3 full. I stupidly thought that would be enough water. It wasn't. I was so freaking hot!! The good news is that the belt was awesome. I had to keep checking to be sure my phone was still in the pouch because I didn't feel the weight of it at all.

I did pretty good on the way out, finishing the 5K+ in just over a half hour. But the way back was rough. I was hot, out of water, and trying to NOT over-exert myself while still trying to get back to the car in a reasonable time to pick up A. The curious/gross part of the run was the sighting of new animals... mice. I saw two, about a mile apart. Both dead. Hope that doesn't mean we are due for a new outbreak of plague or something. ::shudder::

Ewww.

I also tested out the wrist band under the Garmin and it seemed to work fine. No problems with the watch at all. Though usually it seems to wait until race days to give me trouble anyway. 6.5 miles done.

Running Skirts are HOT!!!

Treadmill - Wednesday, August 11

Bonus picture for my outfit Tuesday. It was an off day for running, I was just at the gym to do a BodyPump class and 20 minutes on the elliptical. Could you believe that I did NOT buy this outfit together? Every piece was actually purchased separately... over the course of probably a year. Could it BE more obnoxious? LOL

With awesome sweaty band:

Anyway, back to my treadmill run. I was wearing my newest running skirt. There had been a problem with my order and I somehow had ordered a different style... the ones that came ran smaller so I had to exchange. Anyway. I was a bit worried because all my running skirts have the little compression shorts in them. These? Just briefs. I felt like a cheerleader in them... but I LOOKED HOT.

I am absolutely in love with this one!!! Looking adorable naturally put me in a good mood, and maybe THAT is all that needs to happen to have a good treadmill run? It really was a pretty good run overall, and I kept a decent pace.

Other random items...

1. I got a shout out!! Check it out here.
2. I cannot say enough good things about my Zensah leg sleeves. I just LOVE them. I wear them every night after I run and I have not felt the soreness/tired feeling in my legs. Maybe it's all in my head, but I think they are fabulous.
3. The Newtons feel GREAT. I love them too. And they are so fun!!
4. I remembered to buy some wrist bands so I will test them out during my race on Saturday to see if that fixes the problem I seem to have with the Bezel and start/stop & lap buttons not working on my Garmin.
5. I picked up one of these so I don't have to keep poking holes in my shirts. My phone IS big enough to fit in the pouch but I'm concerned it will be too heavy. I'll test it out during my easy Friday run. Anyone have this? Do you wear it around your chest or waist?
6. I pick up A from daycare at the gym last night and the lady at the desk says "Why are you losing so much weight?" Um. I'm not. Seriously. I promise. My weight has been within one pound for the last... month at least. But, that must mean I'm toning up or something. I love a complement!! Made my night.
7. Still raising money for Greece... I'm in my last month of fundraising. How did THAT happen? That means the race is getting close... Anyway, the money I am raising is for the AHEPA - and I will be representing them when I run in October. All donations are tax deductible. I'm less than 5% from my goal. Anything at all helps :D Here is my donation link: http://www.active.com/donate/athensmarathon/RWALKER539

Distance Dreamers Wednesday

Bonus Blog!

Thanks to Abbi we have this cool group of people that are all in training for their first marathon. As some of you know, my first marathon was supposed to be in Kaua'i (in less than a month!). But after seeing the elevation chart (d'oh, I should have looked at that FIRST) and signing up for a full in Greece, I changed my "training" and opted to make Greece my first. Greece is coming up... October 31 is right around the corner!

Anyway, the weekly questions posted by Abbi:

What is your best running memory/experience?
If we are simply talking about running in general, wow, that's hard to pinpoint. I definitely remember the first time I ever ran a mile without stopping. I ran it on the treadmill, and as soon as I was done I got off and called my family and friends to brag. Even when I was a gymnast I never had the stamina to run a full mile. It was a big day for me! As far as racing? Well, so many! My first BolderBoulder 10K that I ran with my sister... that's what pretty much set the everything in motion for my running as it is today. I LOVE RACING. Best race in general? Well, so far I'd put that as my Foot Traffic Flat half marathon in Oregon. I had pretty much the fastest racing pace (of any distance) and set a PR. What more can you ask for?

What is your worst running memory/experience?
BolderBoulder 2009 was one for sure! I had my first experience with chafing AND it was the first race I ever ran with both my sisters and I did NOT like that they beat me by so much :D Since then I have come to terms with being slower ;) Also, the race I ran last week, the River City Ramble in Red Wing, MN was pretty miserable too. I have of course had my share of awful treadmill runs, runs where I got hailed on, or forgot water. Races are easier to remember though.

Monday Madness

Treadmill - Monday, August 9

Curse my insane and busy life that does not allow for me to take the day off after running that horrible half marathon. Hill programs wait for no one. I had received my shipment of running skirts in the mail. PSYCHED! Then I realized I order the running skirts (brief) vs. the athletic skirts (shorts) and they don't freaking fit. Too small. Some of the ones I ordered aren't available in the athletic style in my size so I'm totally bummed.

Threw on my orange flowery skirt (no pic today, I forgot) and we headed out to the gym. Hot, crowded, etc.

Back to my Aerobic program #6 - seemed the least heinous option for post-race training:

Actually wasn't totally horrible until I was getting close to the end. But, finished, and with (in my opinion) pretty decent pace (all things considered).

Had some time so did another 15 minute jog. After a hill program jogging with no incline seems like cheating it's so easy.

Random "fitness" related... Remember that a lot of what makes my gym time better is fun, bright things? Here something I picked up years ago that I get to use every day. Cute, awesome AND practical :)

Half Marathon #4 - River City Ramble - Red Wing, MN (Sunday, August 8)

Runnin' Down a Dream and Being Prepared

It had been five weeks since my last half marathon, and in that time I had only logged one double digit training run. It felt like FOREVER since my last race, but I was ready for half marathon #4 - the River City Ramble Half Marathon in Red Wing, MN! We had an early afternoon flight out of Denver, and everything went very smoothly. I was pleasantly surprised to find out the flight was only 83 minutes long. Awesome! I haven't been to MSP since I was a kid, but it was certainly nicer and less crowded than I remember. A week or so ago I had been chatting with a fellow 50-stater (I'll call her Jo-Z) and she had expressed interest in joining us and asked if she could share our rental car. Our only real problem was meeting up with her... we didn't know there was more than one terminal (DUH). Welcome to Minneapolis!

We got the rental car with no problems at all and headed out of the city to Red Wing, MN. The drive out took us over the river on the Wisconsin side. About an hour later we are in the lovely city of Red Wing and found the YMCA with no trouble. The volunteers at packet pick-up were very friendly, and I was pretty impressed with the non-ugly race shirt.

We learned that there were going to be pacers in this race... wow! I have never run with a pacer before, it sounded like a pretty good idea at the time. They even had bracelets with the pace times on them. I boldly grabbed one for the 2:00 and 2:05 finishes, and after a few pictures with the pacer, we headed out. There was a "grocery" store across the street and we tried to go over there to get some food for breakfast but we didn't find anything of use, so we gave up. Jo-Z was not able to get a room at the hotel we were booked at, so we drove her to her hotel (only a few miles away) and she checked in, then we decided to all go out and get some dinner. We were walking around the downtown area... boots everywhere. Red Wing is the location of the manufacturing of Red Wing shoes - there was a museum housing the "World's Biggest Boot" but we didn't have time to go see it.

It was getting late and we were getting hungry so we decided to stop at a restaurant right down the street. Took some patio seating and waited. And waited. GUH!!! 20 minutes (probably not much of an exaggeration) before we saw our server, ordered everything all at once. Including a $6.75 "side salad" for me and my sister to share that we asked to be brought out first. Not even kidding that it took probably 30 minutes to get the salad (which, by the way, was nothing more than some lettuce, shredded carrots, 1/8 of a tomato, a slice of cucumber, and 2 onions... for $6.75?!?!) and almost an HOUR for our pasta. About 45 minutes after ordering Jo-Z asked if our food was almost ready and the server says "I don't know I'll have to ask." Um. You do that... and then Jo-Z says, "It's been 45 minutes, that's a really long time for pasta!" They honestly weren't even that busy, it was almost 8:00! Server says "Do you want the check?" We stare at her blankly. "Well, do you still want it?" Oy. Worst server ever. The food was... ok. I got some penne pasta with italian sausage and roasted red pepper sauce:

And of course my pre-race beer:

After dinner we decided to do a quick drive by the start line to make sure we knew where we were going in the morning. The volunteer at pick-up had said there were about 400 pre-registered for the half, a few hundred for the 5K and seemed to think the hour we wanted to allow was plenty of time. There was a festival going on at the park/marina so we couldn't get too close, but we were confident we knew where we were going so we dropped Jo-Z off at her hotel and then headed to ours on the other side of town.... where we find a Target and Wal-Mart. Score!! We try again at the W to get some breakfast food... but ultimate fail there too. Bah. Maybe since the race was starting so late we would be able to grab something from the hotel before heading out. Checked in at the hotel and... RAD!! Best place I've picked in ages. We each had our own King size beds... so comfortable! Lights out around 10 and I actually had a good night sleep - not even waking up until the alarm went off. Got dressed, and yes, I had decided to wear my new Newtons. I felt fine after the training run I did on Friday, and I figured, what's the worst that could happen? Then I confidently put on the 2:00 pace bracelet, grabbed my Blueberry Luna Protein bar and we headed out to pick up Jo-Z. Psyched that even though the hotel said breakfast wasn't until 7, it was already out so I grabbed a bagel and some peanut butter. Phew!

We got to the start a little over an hour before gun time, and we were able to park literally just a block or two away. Another positive for a small town race! Easy to get to everything! Everyone was super friendly and nice, and seemed flabbergasted at why we had picked THIS race as our Minnesota race. Well... I don't even remember, I booked back in March, but it must have just fit with my schedule. Port-o-potty lines were so short, we were able to cycle through twice before heading to the start line. It was starting to feel REALLY hot already, and checking my phone I knew it was going to get miserable pretty fast...

94% humidity???

Big TeePee right behind the finish line

We decided to line up with the 2:00 pacer:

At the start line... just a few minutes to go!

Wearing my new Sweaty Band!!!!

The gun went off, and off we went... within a few minutes I was already regretting my decision to start out so fast, but since one of the girls we lined up with claimed the course was "flat and fast" I figured I'd hang out with the fast people for a bit and start to pull back when I couldn't handle it anymore. The first water station was less than a mile out, but I didn't stop, it seemed too early. All the runners started to break up and it wasn't nearly as crowded. I was never able to run next to L, there were too many people staying right with the pacer, but I got this shot:

We had these shirts made for our team in our first half marathon and wear them to almost every race

The course was more hilly than I had anticipated. And it was FREAKING HOT AND HUMID. I started feeling light headed a bit and even though most people from my pace group did not stop at the water station, I did. I grabbed a gatorade and a water (the cups were SUPER tiny), walked a bit, and spent about a half mile "chasing" the pacer. I looked down and noticed my heart rate was hovering in the mid 180s... uh oh. I had to slow down and walk a bit. I was working way too hard, way too early. Shortly after hitting the 5K mark, I heard the 2:05 pacer (who we had talked with at pick-up) yelling "You can do it Becka!!" - But... I really couldn't. I was really really REALLY struggling and having a hard time. Physically, as in getting my legs to move, I felt ok. But the heat and humidity were really getting to me and I was mentally crashing pretty hard. I had to take my first unscheduled walk break about 4 miles in and took this shot:

My damn Garmin wasn't working again. It's keeping time, but the bezel doesn't work at all, and the start/stop and lap buttons don't work either. I don't know if it's because of moisture, but my solution (hopefully) will to be wearing a wristband under the watch to keep the back from getting wet? That better work or Garmin is gonna hear a piece of my mind.

The sun was beating down. I was sweating so much and it was so humid I couldn't even wear my sunglasses because they were fogging up too badly. I was feeling dehydrated and totally drained. Somewhere between the five and six mile marker I took my GU (I was really glad I had brought that, there were no gels on the course). I literally was ready to cry by the time we hit the halfway point - there were a lot of people there because there was also a half marathon relay option. I got another gatorade and water and then started the second half. I was shortly passed by the 2:10 pacer... Luckily I had already mentally changed that part of my strategy, and my two new goals were 1. To not be as slow as my Canyonlands time (roughly 2:21) and 2. Just to cross the damn finish line.  The second half (thankfully) was way more shaded:

It was a beautiful course but I really could not enjoy it. I was struggling so much with the heat and humidity. The miles 7-8 seemed mostly downhill, which helped a bit. I was chasing half naked man and he was struggling just as much as I was. He would run for a minute and then have to walk, then he would pass me... and so on. For miles. He finally said to me "Don't worry, I'm not chasing you, I just can't pace for shit!!" I know what you mean, half naked man. By about the 9 mile marker I was seriously ready to give up. I was seriously wondering what would happen if I fainted (good thing I was wearing my Road ID) or fainted, or threw up... or just gave up and sat on the side of the trail. There were bicyclists patrolling the course and I was tempted to yell at them to send someone to come get me because I was so thirsty and so exhausted from the heat.

I have no idea how I kept going. I really don't. Maybe it was because I kept telling myself... "I don't want to do this again" and "I came all the way out here, just freaking finish." Water station around mile 9, took 2 waters again. Struggled all the way to what I knew was the second to last water station with around 10.75 miles. I took a gatorade and water AND grabbed a full bottle of water. That full bottle was gone in less than a mile, even WITH trying to ration. I still felt dehydrated but that definitely helped to keep going. I actually started to pass a few people (how??? I don't even know how my legs were still working, and my brain had pretty much shut down). Get to the last water station (less than a mile to go!!!) and I realized that somehow I was actually going to finish. I heard a guy yell "Way to go Becka! Nice jogging pace!" - EFF YOU!!! I'm working my ass off here. Jogging pace??? GRRRRR!!! Somehow, I don't know how, I managed to keep going that last mile without walking. I have never in my life been so happy to see a finish line. I clicked the Garmin at the 13 mile marker and sprinted... passing 2 or 3 people in the chute. (haha :D ) Crossed the mat, got my medal (boy, did I earn this one!) and grabbed a water - slammed it. Grabbed a Powerade and took a few swigs. Finally I was done. This was by far the hardest race I've ever done, and overall, probably the worst RUN ever. I have no idea how people train to run in humidIty, but between starting out too fast, and not having enough fluid, I completely failed at this.

Things I learned from this:
1. Even though I would LOVE to break the 2:00 mark, even under IDEAL conditions, I simply cannot start out at that pace. It is too fast, and I'm working WAY too hard. **NEVER EVER EVER RUN WITH A PACER, RUN MY OWN RACE**
2. I have got to start wearing my belt. I train wearing it anyway. Having a 20-40 oz of water on me probably would have helped a lot - both physically and mentally.
3. I need to continue to bring my own GU - just in case.

Of note:
1. The sweaty band was awesome! It did not move at all - even with all the sweat (I could actually wring out my clothes when I was done, and my paper bib was starting to dissolve it was so wet). The sweaty band does NOT actually keep sweat off my face, so I will continue to wear a visor in the future. Worth the money though.
2. My Newton shoes are freaking awesome. My feet/calves/legs did not hurt at all. Score!!
3. I will bring my leg sleeves again - I wore them all day after the race, and even though I had tons of people staring at me - my legs feel great a day later.

Apparently the timing chips failed (HUH??), so all official times are gun time. I was about 15 seconds "faster" but I'll take it. There was also a LOT more elevation gain than I realized (I was so miserable with that heat I honestly never really noticed). If nothing else, this is all good training for Hawaii!

We met up with Jo-Z, checked our results, and headed to the car. She wasn't able to get a flight out of MSP until Monday, and we had to shower to and head out to catch a 2:30 flight. She met another 50 stater who offered to take her to the airport. Here is all of us leaving the race:

L, Jo-Z, 50 stater guy (I'm sorry, didn't catch your name), Me

I may have suffered through the race, but I had a great trip to Minnesota, met an awesome (crazy) runner friend that I will hopefully see at other races. Most importantly, I think I learned a few things ;)

Fabulous Friday! (and five things...)

Outdoor Run - West Big Dry Trail and Treadmill - Friday, August 6

Last run before my next half marathon in Red Wing, MN on Sunday. All day long it was looking pretty nice out. Literally I get off work and it starts drizzling. Hmmm... well, it wasn't THAT bad, and it seemed to get better the further south I went. Pulled into my usual spot, inconspicuously (I hope) changed into my running clothes, stretched... and right when I started heading out, I noticed the really dark clouds and that it was lightning and thundering. I figured I wasn't going to be out that long so it would be fine.

Anyway... I had just earlier in the week bought the new running shoes. I always test new shoes out on the treadmill for a few days to make sure they aren't going to give me blisters or feel weird, etc. I had talked to my sister (the genius) about my shoes, and she suggested I go to the Newton Lab and try a pair of those. SHUT.UP. I had no IDEA there was a Newton store in Boulder, much less the LAB??? Very next day, I drive in... the store is magical. And the guy helping me - totally not stupid!! I am instantly in love. And not just because they are super neon and bright (additional props to them for making FUN shoes) but they were immediately comfortable.

Back to run. So according to their return policy, you can return them in 30 days, even IF you were them outside. They are SO.FREAKING.PRETTY.

Yet another running skirt (and a super attractive pic of me - blah....)!

Notice - no rain. No moisture. I start out. Yes, I hear the thunder. Yes, I see the lightning. I'm still not worried. About a half mile in, small drops of rain start falling. I'm still not worried. Then I get to the bridge at approximately one mile, and it really starts coming down. For a minute or so I'm torn. I really had wanted to run a 10K(ish) but the rain was pretty intense. I turned around at 1.09 miles and the entire way back to the car I felt like I was running through a monsoon. Wind and hard rain. Damn. Get back to the car and I am completely drenched. It's like I jumped in a swimming pool with my clothes on. Good thing the shoes appear to be awesome, because they were also totally soaked. But it seemed like in my short run that the shoes were pretty darn fabulous. I had forgotten to put glide on my feet and they didn't hurt at all. 2.19 miles in just over 21 minutes - FAST for me :)

Literally two minutes after I get in the car - this is how bad the rain is:

Yeah. Bad enough the streets were flooding. So I had to go to the gym to finish my run (BOOOOO) and I didn't have another change of clothes but I don't want to waste the time going home to change. So I go drenched and start running... and the shoes feel really awesome. Like I started at my usual pace and it felt like I was barely moving. And I just kept increasing, and increasing, and I didn't feel as hot and overworked, and I didn't feel out of shape like I had never run before. I was actually... dare I say it? Enjoying. My. Run. WOW. Best run in ages!!

Five fabulous Friday random things:

1. Do any of you use whey protein? I usually buy a dutch chocolate mix from Whole Foods. Then they stopped being on sale, so I got suckered in by the glitz and glamor and tried the "Biggest Loser" brand... ewww. It's vile.

2. Does anyone run for charity? I have emailed a few local chapters of various charities... maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree, but I figure if I'm running so much anyway, I might as well run for a good cause. Any suggestions?

3. I keep trying to find a sponsor. Any ideas on how to get one? Or if I'm even qualified? I've applied for a few and was turned down both times. Does anyone here have one?

4. Race schedule is almost completely full for the next... ten months? I have a TON of races soon, so I'm just hoping to stay healthy!

5. I promise I'll stop begging for donations soon... But until I hit goal (and I'm so so so SO close) I'll keep posting the link:

http://www.active.com/donate/athensmarathon/RWALKER539

Distance Dreamers

Bonus Post

What made you decide you wanted to run a long distance race?

As for exercising in general? I spent most of my late teens and early 20s very unhealthy. I was a pack a day smoker, drank more beer than I should, and didn’t exercise. In 2002 I injured my knee dancing (at the bar) and had to have reconstructive knee surgery. I still didn’t change how I was living, and by the time 2004 rolled around, I was 25 years old and 40 pounds overweight. All of a sudden things started to… click. I pulled out an old $80 stairclimber and started using it 30 minutes every.single.day. I also bought some Winsor Pilates DVDs and did them as often as I could. By April I had lost 30 pounds, but I was getting bored with my workouts so I joined a local gym. I was amazed at all the people RUNNING on the treadmill. Even when I was in the best shape of my life (I was a gymnast for over 10 years), I couldn’t run more than a half mile without having to walk. I gradually started building a base, and the first time I ran a full mile without stopping I was on the phone telling people about my accomplishment. Me? Running??

I was diagnosed with MS in December, 2004 and it was “recommended” that I not do anything strenuous or overwork myself. Bah!! I felt better when I was exercising, and figured that being healthier was a lifestyle I didn’t want to give up. Soon after, I ended up pregnant with my daughter - RIGHT.AFTER.LOSING.ALL.THAT.WEIGHT. The exercise didn’t stop, and within 6 weeks after she was born, I was down to the weight pre-baby. I still had never run more than a couple miles at a time, had never done a race. All that changed a few years later.

I had been running regularly (30-45 minutes before work every morning - at 5am!!) after I quit smoking in December, 2007. I chose running mainly to prevent the weight gain that inevitably happen after all the changes your body goes through after quitting. I signed up for my first race to be the BolderBoulder 10K road race, and it was was WAY different than I expected. 99% of my training had been on a treadmill and I had not prepared properly. I wasn’t ready for the crowds of people, running without an iPod, or all the HILLS. I finished in a respectable time and from then on, I saw running in a totally different way. I now had a PURPOSE. Not just running for “fitness” – but running to compete. I just LOVE the competition of running.

Why the full marathon or half as your distance of choice?

I honestly never really had any specific distance in my head when I started racing more regularly. For me, a lot of it is just getting out there and doing it! Always aiming for PRs, but enjoying the excitement of a race was enough for me. Then after a race last winter, my sister and I started talking about running a half. We registered for the Canyonlands Half Marathon (a lottery only race in Moab, UT) and a few months later received the email that we had been picked! Almost immediately after being selected, I suffered a quad injury that prevented most running for almost 2 months! Luckily the injury healed and I traveled to Utah with both of my sisters for my first half marathon. I was excited, nervous, scared, but… determined. It was the hardest thing I’ve physically ever done, and when I crossed that line I was pretty certain I’d never walk again, lol. But by the time we were driving back to Colorado, we were already researching more races. Within a few days, I already had my goal of completing a half marathon in all 50 states. As for a marathon… I had signed up for my first marathon before ever running my half! I was initially supposed to run the full marathon in Kaua’i, but after looking at the elevation profile, I chickened out and changed to the half. I love the distance of the half, but still have the nagging challenge of a full marathon – my first is coming up on October 31, in Athens, Greece! Due to my current race schedule, I’m really not getting in my longer runs (anything over 13.1) so I’m getting pretty nervous.

Finally, why was this the year to go for it?

I ran my first half marathon in March, 2010. My first full marathon will be on October 31, 2010. Not sure if I will stop there or where my training will take me after that.

I just love new shoes!!

Treadmill - Wednesday, August 4

Who am I kidding? I get super psyched for ANY new running gear - whether it be shoes, skirt, even socks! I haven't decided yet if I'm going to stick with my old shoes for the half this weekend, but a good starting point for breaking in new shoes is my long(ish) treadmill run on Wednesdays. A took a pic of me before heading out to the gym:

If nothing else, my daughter thinks I'm a super hero and that's enough to put me in good mood anyway. The skirt I'm wearing here I absolutely love from skirt sports, but it's too loose in the waist to wear for racing (my pouch would pull it way down). Anyway, I'm always happier wearing a skirt, and I was actually (gasp) looking forward to my run.

Two goals for the night. Make my new shoes be awesome (no blisters, no pain) - and pace faster than usual since it's my last "real" run before my next race.

Check and Check!!

This was actually one of the best treadmill runs I have had in ages. The first 30 minutes I felt REALLY good. If I hadn't had to stop to use the bathroom, I bet the whole run would have been great. It's hard for me to stop and get started again, even if it is only for a minute or two.

Gym fascination of the night. Random guy (different than the other one) who stretches... FOREVER. At my gym the treadmills are almost always full and it doesn't help that there are usually at least a few totally out of order. This guy actually sits on a treadmill (with his stupid huge gallon of water) forever stretching. How long is forever? Last night... 28 minutes. That's ridiculous. Especially ON a treadmill when there are people waiting to use it!! And then he gets on the treadmill and walks like 2.8 mph for 10-15 minutes. His only redemption is that he actually DOES run (eventually) at a decent pace (faster than me, grrr) 8.0+ Top it off with his long slouchy socks and super tight spandex-y shorts... OY.

And just like that

it sucked just a little less.

Treadmill - Impromptu Run - Tuesday, August 3

I don't normally run on Tuesday nights. Normally I do a SET class and then other random cardio. However, the Vibram project (for now) is a failure. My feet are too wimpy to go the distance (for now) and I'm not yet ready to race in them (or run a distance farther than 7ish miles). With that in mind, I have about 500 running miles (plus hundreds of class and other cardio hours) invested in my New Balance shoes. I figured I should probably get a new pair until I master the Vibrams. I left a bit early from work to head over to the Boulder Running Company. I have trained with Nike, Pearl Izumi, and most recently New Balance. While there wasn't anything wrong with my last pair of shoes, I wanted something different. I tried Asics, Brooks, Saucony... but I ended up with Mizunos!

So anyway, with my schedule the way it is, I wanted to do a shorter treadmill run to be sure that they fit and were comfortable before wearing them for a longer run or race.

They felt pretty good, and I paced faster than I have in ages.

Also, this is my last month of my fundraising! I'm so close to my goal - less than $300 to go!! Anything at all helps!

http://www.active.com/donate/athensmarathon/RWALKER539

Worst Workout Ever (or What was I thinking????)

Treadmill Training Run (Random Hill Program #17) - Monday, August 2

Ugh. UGH!!!

Yes, I know everyone has their good days and their bad days. I was cranky all day yesterday pretty much from the time I got out of bed. I've been super tired lately. I do not have enough time in the day to get everything done that needs to be done. Which often means I am still up after midnight and then up in the morning to go to work by 5:45. It's draining and exhausting. So after a few weeks of not being caught up I had a blah rest day on Sunday. Slept in, went to a water park with the family, then took a nap, then gorged myself at a buffet. I hate that!!! Which leads me back yesterday.

I was still feeling tired and blah from the overeating and too much "catch up" sleep. My job is ridiculous and boring and draining. I got home late, had to make dinner, then rush to the gym. Best part (like usual) is that with a treadmill day I get to wear a skirt (yes, I just wore this. yes, I washed it first):

It's hot and crowded at the gym. Random guy stops and talks to me and L on our way to the locker room (I love conversations like this):

Random Guy: Are you guys sisters?
L: Is it that obvious?
RG: I get here and I see you on the treadmill. Then I go do something and come back and you're still on the treadmill. Then I go do something else and you're still on the treadmill. You girls are always on the treadmill.

Yep. Sounds about right.

Somehow I decided it would be a good idea to do a random hill workout instead of my usual (safe) program. The one I did ended up looking like this:

Max incline 4.0. I don't know if any of you run at 4.0, but to ME, it feels like I'm actually running up the side of Mt. Everest or something. The program was actually supposed to end with 4 of the last 5 bars also being at 4.0 but I was literally exhausted and dripping sweat and wimped out and lowered it to 2.0. So there.

Barely made it through the workout, had to walk a few times within it (WHO DOES THAT ON THE TREADMILL???)

Why on earth does it feel like I have never ever run before SO OFTEN??? I should be getting more in shape, not feeling like I haven't ever exercised before?

My next half is this weekend, and I have an extremely packed race schedule through October. I am feeling really dejected after this workout. I hate that. I'm really really dreading the full in Greece. Dreading.