What a great run! Bonus Christmas present - an hour of alone time in the sunshine and brisk wind. It gave me a chance to ruminate on the holidays. I have neglected myself and my training schedule. The coming week won't be much better. I will have to make sure to sneak in short runs and long walks with Sophie.
My mind is not on this blog right now. It was definitely there for the run. So, laundry time.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
cold night running
Well, I didn't think I would say that 4:45 was night running, but here in Sheboygan in early December it is. I had about an hour and a half between clients so I took a little run. It was brisk and dark; the moon had risen and was shimmering on the lake. It was really beautiful and I was so happy to have the moment to myself - or 45 minutes worth of moments. Just the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement, my breath lightly chuffing, and the swish of my windbreaker and windpants.
As I ran down Broughton Drive, there were 3 cars parked alongside the side of the road with their engines idling. There was no good reason for them to be there. There was someone in each driver's seat, but no other people. They did not appear to be gazing out at the moonlight. I really hate it when I'm in situations where there aren't many people around and there is something suspicious. The good thing about this area is that there is very little that gets my guard up. If the people sitting in these cars realized that their behavior is unsettling to female runners, would they continue doing it? Rather than continue running along the lakefront, I went up the hill into a residential neighborhood and continued my loop. It really was a lovely run and I'm glad I did it.
One thing I realized is that while running during the day there are more visual breaks, but, at night, the focus is more inner and on the moment. Perhaps a little bit of adrenaline from the night, some vestigial instinct to be aware of imminent danger keeps me more focused and slightly on edge.
I like and need these solitary runs from time to time. So much of my day is spent somewhat alone, but working one-on-one with someone. It is good to have the space clearing that a run provides. Just me, my breath, the road, my thoughts (or sometimes no thoughts). I'm not sure if people understand my need to be alone at times. If I don't have it, I get bitchy. A bit like food.
As I ran down Broughton Drive, there were 3 cars parked alongside the side of the road with their engines idling. There was no good reason for them to be there. There was someone in each driver's seat, but no other people. They did not appear to be gazing out at the moonlight. I really hate it when I'm in situations where there aren't many people around and there is something suspicious. The good thing about this area is that there is very little that gets my guard up. If the people sitting in these cars realized that their behavior is unsettling to female runners, would they continue doing it? Rather than continue running along the lakefront, I went up the hill into a residential neighborhood and continued my loop. It really was a lovely run and I'm glad I did it.
One thing I realized is that while running during the day there are more visual breaks, but, at night, the focus is more inner and on the moment. Perhaps a little bit of adrenaline from the night, some vestigial instinct to be aware of imminent danger keeps me more focused and slightly on edge.
I like and need these solitary runs from time to time. So much of my day is spent somewhat alone, but working one-on-one with someone. It is good to have the space clearing that a run provides. Just me, my breath, the road, my thoughts (or sometimes no thoughts). I'm not sure if people understand my need to be alone at times. If I don't have it, I get bitchy. A bit like food.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
strange sensation
The other day when I was running I had the strangest feeling. As I ran down Pine Street, it was as if I was in a video game. The street seemed as if it was on a GPS device. It swerved and moved into focus. Very strange. Very cool. I had never felt like I was in a moving 3D landscape.
Monday, November 28, 2011
hate being cold
I really hate being cold. I have to talk myself into running once it gets around 30. Once I get outside, it's not so bad, but the bartering with the clock to actually get myself out there is ridiculous. You would think I could just buck up and get out and run. I ordered a bunch of stuff from Lands End today that should help, such as lightweight polarfleece mittens (my fingertips were way too cold today), a polarfleece neck gaiter (neck was cold although my UnderArmour top has a mock turtle), some holiday presents, and an overstock bathing suit (for cross training since my old one is almost transparent).
I don't think I could ever be a stripper. I would want the pole to be coated with polarfleece and have the heat blasting to 100 or so. Then all the boozy old farts would probably pass out from the heat and I wouldn't get any tips. So, instead, I'll keep doing massage where I can crank the heat up in my room and wear silk long underwear under my clothes.
Last Monday, my 3-legged dog died. After I got over the inertia of not being able to decide if I was going to bury him (which entailed digging almost frozen ground) or take his body to the vet for cremation (I decided on the cremation - group not individual - because I have no faith that they would actually return my dog's ashes to me for an additional $100 instead of just throwing a bunch of miscellaneous ashes into a box), I went for a 6 mile run. I saw an animal leg - most likely a cat's leg. I thought how ironic that was. Really? How many people have 3-legged pets and see a missing leg the day their pet dies? Maybe it really wasn't ironic, but just weird.
One thing that always pisses me off when I run (or drive, or walk) is seeing someone drive a sedan with a kid under the age of 8 (or whatever legal age is) in the front seat. I saw a lady driving with a kid next to her in the front seat. Not only was he too small for that, but he was also sucking a sucker. "Great!" I thought, "Not only will your kid get smashed by the airbag, but that sucker is going to go straight down his throat or through the back of his head if you get in an accident." It's amazing what you have time to process when you only see someone for a split second. Enough time to create a chain of events or a story that you hope doesn't happen.
I don't think I could ever be a stripper. I would want the pole to be coated with polarfleece and have the heat blasting to 100 or so. Then all the boozy old farts would probably pass out from the heat and I wouldn't get any tips. So, instead, I'll keep doing massage where I can crank the heat up in my room and wear silk long underwear under my clothes.
Last Monday, my 3-legged dog died. After I got over the inertia of not being able to decide if I was going to bury him (which entailed digging almost frozen ground) or take his body to the vet for cremation (I decided on the cremation - group not individual - because I have no faith that they would actually return my dog's ashes to me for an additional $100 instead of just throwing a bunch of miscellaneous ashes into a box), I went for a 6 mile run. I saw an animal leg - most likely a cat's leg. I thought how ironic that was. Really? How many people have 3-legged pets and see a missing leg the day their pet dies? Maybe it really wasn't ironic, but just weird.
One thing that always pisses me off when I run (or drive, or walk) is seeing someone drive a sedan with a kid under the age of 8 (or whatever legal age is) in the front seat. I saw a lady driving with a kid next to her in the front seat. Not only was he too small for that, but he was also sucking a sucker. "Great!" I thought, "Not only will your kid get smashed by the airbag, but that sucker is going to go straight down his throat or through the back of his head if you get in an accident." It's amazing what you have time to process when you only see someone for a split second. Enough time to create a chain of events or a story that you hope doesn't happen.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
same run, two different feelings
Today, I ran the same run I did on Monday, yet faster. Or at least I felt like it was faster. It was colder. I was pressed for time. A shitload of cars and trucks were driving west on 28 into the setting sun. All of it lent to a sense of urgency that made my pace a little zippier. Although I like the heat, cool weather does have its advantages. It is a bit harder to breathe cold air. I look forward to running one of the country road loops on Sunday morning.
I have to get Debbie my 3-day diet diary. Not that I am on a diet - never! I like to eat and eat often. With my goofy schedule, it is hard to eat on a regular schedule. So, I had to time my run for one hour after my bagel & peanut butter. Find something that works pre-run and stick with it - some of the better advice I have received. I know she'll tell me to change things up. I need more grains and veggies, less white flour pasta. Perhaps more protein. More water. Less coffee. She is such a good trainer - always upbeat and positive and encouraging. Funny, too. That is important.
I'm not too concerned with wearing a sophisticated watch with a GPS and all the bells & whistles. Mainly, because then I'll have to wear my glasses. I kind of eyeball the hands of my old Timex that is falling apart and guesstimate how long time-wise I have run. If I start using a fancy watch, then I'll obsess about minutiae. I think what works for me is to find a pace that feels good and just keep doing it. At least it worked this summer in preparation for the Fox Cities 1/2 marathon. However, I wasn't trying to qualify for Boston. So, I suppose I better suck it up and get the fancy watch. Garmin has a purple version. :) Maybe Santa Claus likes purple, too.
I have to get Debbie my 3-day diet diary. Not that I am on a diet - never! I like to eat and eat often. With my goofy schedule, it is hard to eat on a regular schedule. So, I had to time my run for one hour after my bagel & peanut butter. Find something that works pre-run and stick with it - some of the better advice I have received. I know she'll tell me to change things up. I need more grains and veggies, less white flour pasta. Perhaps more protein. More water. Less coffee. She is such a good trainer - always upbeat and positive and encouraging. Funny, too. That is important.
I'm not too concerned with wearing a sophisticated watch with a GPS and all the bells & whistles. Mainly, because then I'll have to wear my glasses. I kind of eyeball the hands of my old Timex that is falling apart and guesstimate how long time-wise I have run. If I start using a fancy watch, then I'll obsess about minutiae. I think what works for me is to find a pace that feels good and just keep doing it. At least it worked this summer in preparation for the Fox Cities 1/2 marathon. However, I wasn't trying to qualify for Boston. So, I suppose I better suck it up and get the fancy watch. Garmin has a purple version. :) Maybe Santa Claus likes purple, too.
Monday, November 7, 2011
random ruminations
November has been treating us to some nice running weather. It will end soon, but I keep trying to convince myself that I will wake up some morning in California or some other temperate - and less expensive - climate where I can run year round with minimal rain and some other sort of moisture in the air so my skin doesn't shrivel up like some sort of sun-dried tomato. Since that is most likely not going to happen, I need to figure out how to keep myself motivated to get out there even when it is super crappy outside. But, for today, I was happy to be able to run in shorts, t-shirt, arm-warmers, and gloves. The gloves came off after a mile or so.
I was thinking at one point - the point where I was running on 28 facing the traffic (primarily trucks and soccer moms in SUVs and vans on their cell phones) - thinking that I needed to find some sort of focus for this blog, other than all about me. Which is not to say, that my personal blog shouldn't be all about me. But, if I just write about running and my creaking joints, that's not much fun to read - or write.
I asked myself why am I really running? Is it to prove something to myself? Yes and no. I know I can do whatever I put my mind to, so that's a given. But, the idea of qualifying for one of the premier marathons in the country is pretty good incentive. Am I running from anything? In a way. Maybe I'm running from actually sitting down to finish writing my novel. I can also use the running to distance myself from commitment. Not that there is any imminent danger of me being committed (ha!) or making a commitment to someone. But, a training regime - especially a daunting one - can certainly help create a bit of distance. It also ensures that I have plenty of alone time since I do most of my running alone.
Then, I thought (this was a short run - just 35 minutes - but lots of fast thoughts) about my parents and their health issues. None of which - knock wood - I have had or will have. My dad had a triple bypass when he was 44. I didn't really know him at all. We didn't communicate for 30 years, so I really don't know alot about his health. He eventually died a couple of months after a major stroke and heart attack a bit shy of turning 72. My mom's health has been dicey since her left lung collapsed in 1969 and she almost died. She is prone to pneumonia if she gets a cold - AND - she still smokes. So, in a way, I'm running against the gene pool clock.
I am sure the combination of yoga and running will help strengthen me. I'm not really so interested in a long life if it's not healthy. As long as I can be spry mentally and physically, then it is worth living. And, of course, if I have loving people in my life.
I was thinking at one point - the point where I was running on 28 facing the traffic (primarily trucks and soccer moms in SUVs and vans on their cell phones) - thinking that I needed to find some sort of focus for this blog, other than all about me. Which is not to say, that my personal blog shouldn't be all about me. But, if I just write about running and my creaking joints, that's not much fun to read - or write.
I asked myself why am I really running? Is it to prove something to myself? Yes and no. I know I can do whatever I put my mind to, so that's a given. But, the idea of qualifying for one of the premier marathons in the country is pretty good incentive. Am I running from anything? In a way. Maybe I'm running from actually sitting down to finish writing my novel. I can also use the running to distance myself from commitment. Not that there is any imminent danger of me being committed (ha!) or making a commitment to someone. But, a training regime - especially a daunting one - can certainly help create a bit of distance. It also ensures that I have plenty of alone time since I do most of my running alone.
Then, I thought (this was a short run - just 35 minutes - but lots of fast thoughts) about my parents and their health issues. None of which - knock wood - I have had or will have. My dad had a triple bypass when he was 44. I didn't really know him at all. We didn't communicate for 30 years, so I really don't know alot about his health. He eventually died a couple of months after a major stroke and heart attack a bit shy of turning 72. My mom's health has been dicey since her left lung collapsed in 1969 and she almost died. She is prone to pneumonia if she gets a cold - AND - she still smokes. So, in a way, I'm running against the gene pool clock.
I am sure the combination of yoga and running will help strengthen me. I'm not really so interested in a long life if it's not healthy. As long as I can be spry mentally and physically, then it is worth living. And, of course, if I have loving people in my life.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
eager for tomorrow morning
I will be running in the Kettles with my friend, Chuck, tomorrow morning. We will do the Parnell Tower loop twice and then up and down the tower 5 times. It's going to be in the mid 50s eventually, but the morning should be pretty cool still. Short sleeve shirt and arm warmers maybe? It worked last time. I will wear my gloves in case I wipe out again.
I went to see The Way with my friend, Sue, tonight. All in all, it was a pretty good movie. But, what I found myself wondering was: wouldn't it be cool to run this route. The Camino de Santiago - apparently a pretty famous pilgrimage trek. I hadn't heard of it, but I suppose this movie will help boost interest in it. Maybe I should wait a few years to think about running the Camino.
What I really need to think about is brushing my teeth and getting to bed so that I can enjoy my run tomorrow morning.
I went to see The Way with my friend, Sue, tonight. All in all, it was a pretty good movie. But, what I found myself wondering was: wouldn't it be cool to run this route. The Camino de Santiago - apparently a pretty famous pilgrimage trek. I hadn't heard of it, but I suppose this movie will help boost interest in it. Maybe I should wait a few years to think about running the Camino.
What I really need to think about is brushing my teeth and getting to bed so that I can enjoy my run tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
little lessons
Yesterday, when I started my run, I felt strong and fluid. A friend I had not seen in a while was at the co-op in Falls and said 'hey' - so I stopped to talk with him for a few minutes. That was mistake number 1, but actually it was mistake number 2. We talked for a about 10 minutes and when I started back up, my muscles were a little creaky again. Nothing like doing your first half mile twice in one run. From now on, a wave will have to suffice. Maybe a hug, but not 10 minutes of conversation.
The first mistake was not wearing my water belt. I thought the drinking fountain (bubbler in Wisconsin-ese) along the Plank Road trail would be still operating. NOT! Ugh. Never count on water. Bring your own.
I don't like listening to music while I run. Instead, I hash out old conversations, think up new ones, revisit recent events, try to map out my day, bring my thoughts back to my breath, notice the plants, focus on putting one foot in front of the other and ultimately just try to stay fluid. If I notice myself leaning or taking short, rapid steps - I get back on track with my breath and footwork and everything flows more easily. I must have been holding my left arm funny yesterday, because I was aware of the muscles at the sternum/clavicle joint. I massaged them during one of the walk phases. Much better. I think having the anatomy training from massage school has helped. I can pinpoint issues and work on them. Of course, all the yoga certainly helps too.
I mailed a training schedule and water belt to my sister-in-law, Julie. She wants to run the 1/2 marathon with me in Dallas at the end of March. I hope my brother, Pat, does it too. That would be fun. It would be great if Jake would train with me over the winter and also run it. He was going to go running with some of his friends today after school, but he has baseball. We'll get the whole dang family involved soon.
Out to rake and enjoy the sunshine before some hillwork!
The first mistake was not wearing my water belt. I thought the drinking fountain (bubbler in Wisconsin-ese) along the Plank Road trail would be still operating. NOT! Ugh. Never count on water. Bring your own.
I don't like listening to music while I run. Instead, I hash out old conversations, think up new ones, revisit recent events, try to map out my day, bring my thoughts back to my breath, notice the plants, focus on putting one foot in front of the other and ultimately just try to stay fluid. If I notice myself leaning or taking short, rapid steps - I get back on track with my breath and footwork and everything flows more easily. I must have been holding my left arm funny yesterday, because I was aware of the muscles at the sternum/clavicle joint. I massaged them during one of the walk phases. Much better. I think having the anatomy training from massage school has helped. I can pinpoint issues and work on them. Of course, all the yoga certainly helps too.
I mailed a training schedule and water belt to my sister-in-law, Julie. She wants to run the 1/2 marathon with me in Dallas at the end of March. I hope my brother, Pat, does it too. That would be fun. It would be great if Jake would train with me over the winter and also run it. He was going to go running with some of his friends today after school, but he has baseball. We'll get the whole dang family involved soon.
Out to rake and enjoy the sunshine before some hillwork!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Am I nuts?
I found myself wondering if I am totally out of my mind. I am not quite 50 and am devoting a hellacious amount of time to training for a marathon, or rather, a series of marathons to qualify for Boston. Granted, I love the way it feels to have a warmish sun and a coolish lake breeze on my face as I run along Lake Michigan. And, I love the challenge of doing hill work with Debbie and the other ladies. And, I have to admit, I am vain. I like the way my body is getting firmer. But, the time. I think once I settle into a new routine and minimize the amount of extra runs or exercise in one day, that will help.
My house is a mess. Not horrible, but definitely not company ready. I need to work on some major projects, but don't really have a block of time to do them. Next summer, I will need to figure something out, because I want to do some trim painting and overhaul the garage. This past summer, many projects were neglected because I was so intent on doing a decent job running the Fox Cities Half Marathon.
Balance. It's all about balance. I didn't have to juggle a spouse/boyfriend so that made it easier. Jake was fairly understanding. I think when he saw me run the race he was proud and understood what I had been working toward. I can be kind of single-minded when it comes to a goal, so I'll just need to keep life in perspective.
Debbie mentioned a relay race that she is thinking about doing - Hood to Coast from Mt. Hood to Seaside, Oregon - http://www.hoodtocoast.com/ - and she wanted to know if I wanted to be part of her team in 2013. Sounds pretty amazing! I think I'll do it. The 2012 race is near the end of August so that would be doable. Jake would probably want to come watch. I'd love it if he ran it with me. It's right before his senior year. The race is about 36 hours straight of running in relays. Sleep when you can, eat, run, poop, drink lots of water, repeat.
Yup, I'm nuts.
My house is a mess. Not horrible, but definitely not company ready. I need to work on some major projects, but don't really have a block of time to do them. Next summer, I will need to figure something out, because I want to do some trim painting and overhaul the garage. This past summer, many projects were neglected because I was so intent on doing a decent job running the Fox Cities Half Marathon.
Balance. It's all about balance. I didn't have to juggle a spouse/boyfriend so that made it easier. Jake was fairly understanding. I think when he saw me run the race he was proud and understood what I had been working toward. I can be kind of single-minded when it comes to a goal, so I'll just need to keep life in perspective.
Debbie mentioned a relay race that she is thinking about doing - Hood to Coast from Mt. Hood to Seaside, Oregon - http://www.hoodtocoast.com/ - and she wanted to know if I wanted to be part of her team in 2013. Sounds pretty amazing! I think I'll do it. The 2012 race is near the end of August so that would be doable. Jake would probably want to come watch. I'd love it if he ran it with me. It's right before his senior year. The race is about 36 hours straight of running in relays. Sleep when you can, eat, run, poop, drink lots of water, repeat.
Yup, I'm nuts.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
sleepy
The weather is not exactly frightful, but it certainly is demotivating. I only had a small window for running today. It could have been bigger if I had wanted to run in the rain before the sun came up. Once I got Jake to school and took the dogs for their walks, I had time for 30 minutes before I had to shower. So, I did the run that I first started out with a couple of years ago. Back then, it had taken me about a half hour. Today, I did it in 17 minutes. Of course, I didn't have Sophie to contend with or juggling her poop bags, which does make for more efficient running.
I had a Bodytalk session with Rosalynne yesterday. Maybe some of the 'clocks' she set are still working on me. Or maybe it is the fact that I read til midnight. I know I need more sleep. The weather is perfect nap weather: grey, dreary, damp. Since I cannot get a nap in before work, I will have to settle for sleep by 10.
I will start my research in earnest tomorrow, trying to figure out 3 qualifying races for Boston, spaced about 6 weeks apart, and as flat as possible.
I had a Bodytalk session with Rosalynne yesterday. Maybe some of the 'clocks' she set are still working on me. Or maybe it is the fact that I read til midnight. I know I need more sleep. The weather is perfect nap weather: grey, dreary, damp. Since I cannot get a nap in before work, I will have to settle for sleep by 10.
I will start my research in earnest tomorrow, trying to figure out 3 qualifying races for Boston, spaced about 6 weeks apart, and as flat as possible.
Monday, October 24, 2011
sun and wind
Well, I didn't think it would be such a good idea to start a running blog and then try to weasel out of a run just because I'm having my period. I would like to point out that I am 49 and am officially mentally finished with menstruating. I do not plan on having more kids. I think I have a greater chance of conceiving a Martian than a 'normal' child at this point, so if I could flip a switch and turn this thing off, I would. Okay. Enough bellyaching about that until next month.
I got into my running gear - and here is where I would like to sing the praises of arm warmers: they are incredible! I can wear a short sleeve shirt with some smack talk on it: I WANT IT BAD with the Nike swoosh under the word 'bad' and don my hot pink arm warmers that coordinates with I and BAD. So, even if I do not feel like a bad-ass runner during the first mile or so, my t-shirt propels me forward. It is a beautiful sunny day - about 58 degrees with winds about 24 mph (maybe I'm reading the national weather service wrong). It felt strong at times, mainly, of course, when I was heading into it. Today was just 30 minutes. I'm still running off my old training program until Debbie and I sit down and figure out the marathon plan. The first mile was creaky as usual. I just focused on my breath and landing my feet in a steady rhythm and it all evened out. My quads were a little cranky because they are still recovering from our 9 mile trail run along the Ice Age Trail on Saturday. http://www.icetrail.org/ Wow! I didn't realize it was a 1,000 mile trail - we did a section from Parnell Tower to Butler Lake and back. The section we did was very pretty and rugged - I'm not sure exactly how pretty because if I looked up, I wiped out. It only took once to learn that lesson. Hard to give massage with a torn hand. (In case you don't know me and what I do, I'm a massage therapist.)
Yoga this morning was like sleepwalking. I almost dozed off in every stance. Tree: swaying and falling. Sacral circles: almost snoring. Dang period (sorry)! Not even my dark chocolate and sea salt croissant could wake me up - but creating the blog and drinking copious amounts of coffee did.
Time to shower and get ready for work.
I got into my running gear - and here is where I would like to sing the praises of arm warmers: they are incredible! I can wear a short sleeve shirt with some smack talk on it: I WANT IT BAD with the Nike swoosh under the word 'bad' and don my hot pink arm warmers that coordinates with I and BAD. So, even if I do not feel like a bad-ass runner during the first mile or so, my t-shirt propels me forward. It is a beautiful sunny day - about 58 degrees with winds about 24 mph (maybe I'm reading the national weather service wrong). It felt strong at times, mainly, of course, when I was heading into it. Today was just 30 minutes. I'm still running off my old training program until Debbie and I sit down and figure out the marathon plan. The first mile was creaky as usual. I just focused on my breath and landing my feet in a steady rhythm and it all evened out. My quads were a little cranky because they are still recovering from our 9 mile trail run along the Ice Age Trail on Saturday. http://www.icetrail.org/ Wow! I didn't realize it was a 1,000 mile trail - we did a section from Parnell Tower to Butler Lake and back. The section we did was very pretty and rugged - I'm not sure exactly how pretty because if I looked up, I wiped out. It only took once to learn that lesson. Hard to give massage with a torn hand. (In case you don't know me and what I do, I'm a massage therapist.)
Yoga this morning was like sleepwalking. I almost dozed off in every stance. Tree: swaying and falling. Sacral circles: almost snoring. Dang period (sorry)! Not even my dark chocolate and sea salt croissant could wake me up - but creating the blog and drinking copious amounts of coffee did.
Time to shower and get ready for work.
baby steps
When I first started running again this past summer, it was with the goal of doing a half marathon and checking that off my bucket list. I did not count on getting hooked. I saw a flyer at Yogaloft (http://www.sheboyganyoga.com/) for an Enlightened Training program which would culminate in a half marathon or full marathon. I didn't think I would be able to do a full marathon, so I thought for sure I could do a half if I put my mind to it and followed a reasonable training program. Marci Tousey developed the yoga portion of the training and Debbie Posewitz developed the running program and provided each of us with a personalized training program. It was a hot, humid summer and I followed the schedule as closely as I could.
Each of our long runs (once we got past 6 miles) was longer than I had ever done, so I felt an ongoing sense of accomplishment all summer long. The 9 mile run in Elkhart Lake was a bit rough with the hills and the 8 mile and one of the 10 mile runs coincided with my period - oh joy! Men are so darn lucky they don't have to deal with that.
The Fox Cities on September 18 rolled around quite quickly. Race day! Good thing for chip timers, because I got to the race after the gun was fired and was trying to find my training buddy, Michelle, for 8 miles--trying to spy her black and white checkered arm warmers. When I finally caught her, she did not have them on. We ran together for a bit, but she was generous and told me to go ahead, so off I went. I finished in 2:04:26 and felt as if I could have kept going at that pace for many more miles.
A couple of weeks afterwards, I was giving Debbie a massage and she asked me if I had considered qualifying for Boston. I hadn't, so I joked that if we did, I have friends in Beacon Hill and could stay with them. After she left, I checked the Boston website and found out that it would be doable. Qualifying times for females aged 50-54 is 4:00:00. Now to find a few fast and flat marathons.
Each of our long runs (once we got past 6 miles) was longer than I had ever done, so I felt an ongoing sense of accomplishment all summer long. The 9 mile run in Elkhart Lake was a bit rough with the hills and the 8 mile and one of the 10 mile runs coincided with my period - oh joy! Men are so darn lucky they don't have to deal with that.
The Fox Cities on September 18 rolled around quite quickly. Race day! Good thing for chip timers, because I got to the race after the gun was fired and was trying to find my training buddy, Michelle, for 8 miles--trying to spy her black and white checkered arm warmers. When I finally caught her, she did not have them on. We ran together for a bit, but she was generous and told me to go ahead, so off I went. I finished in 2:04:26 and felt as if I could have kept going at that pace for many more miles.
A couple of weeks afterwards, I was giving Debbie a massage and she asked me if I had considered qualifying for Boston. I hadn't, so I joked that if we did, I have friends in Beacon Hill and could stay with them. After she left, I checked the Boston website and found out that it would be doable. Qualifying times for females aged 50-54 is 4:00:00. Now to find a few fast and flat marathons.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)