Average pace is still under 12:00/mi ... even if just barely ... wonder how long I can keep this up?!?
Running Stats
Running Time: 41:54
Running Distance: 3.50 mi
Average Pace: 11:59/mi
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
On Timer
I only had an hour available this morning if we had any chance to make it to church ... the new church ... the church that is an hour drive away in the outskirts of New York City.
Anyhow ... notice the pace ... under 12:00/mi ... whoohoo!!!
Running Stats
Running Time: 55:35
Running Distance: 4.68 mi
Average Pace: 11:53/mi
Anyhow ... notice the pace ... under 12:00/mi ... whoohoo!!!
Running Stats
Running Time: 55:35
Running Distance: 4.68 mi
Average Pace: 11:53/mi
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Freezing Cold ...
... quite literally.
I went out for what was supposed to be a 3 mile run this morning. The timing was perfectly planned ... I left the house at 6:47 ... 3 miles takes me 38 minutes ... I get back home at 7:25 in time for Jason to run out the door.
What I didn't count on was stepping outside into the freezing cold ... actually I did plan on stepping out into the freezing cold and dressed accordingly. What I didn't plan on was the wind. It was fine in my established neighborhood with all the trees and little hills to block the brunt of it. When I hit the new ... read treeless ... subdivision and the straight stretch road where the wind was hitting me face on was when I really felt it. I was dressed appropriately for the cold ... but not for 'that' cold. My breath was literally being taken away from me. So I wimped out and headed back home. Actually as soon as I turned around it was bearable again ... but the decision had been made.
When I got back in I checked the temps ... 20 F but with wind chill felt like 11 F ... Brrr!!!
Oh the cool thing is I had an average pace of 11:11/mi ... AND it's not because I only ran a little over one mile. The first mile of yesterday's run was 12:16/mi. I'm hoping that I'm still on a downward spiral time wise.
Running Stats
Running Time: 13:31
Running Distance: 1.21 mi
Average Pace: 11:11/mi
I went out for what was supposed to be a 3 mile run this morning. The timing was perfectly planned ... I left the house at 6:47 ... 3 miles takes me 38 minutes ... I get back home at 7:25 in time for Jason to run out the door.
What I didn't count on was stepping outside into the freezing cold ... actually I did plan on stepping out into the freezing cold and dressed accordingly. What I didn't plan on was the wind. It was fine in my established neighborhood with all the trees and little hills to block the brunt of it. When I hit the new ... read treeless ... subdivision and the straight stretch road where the wind was hitting me face on was when I really felt it. I was dressed appropriately for the cold ... but not for 'that' cold. My breath was literally being taken away from me. So I wimped out and headed back home. Actually as soon as I turned around it was bearable again ... but the decision had been made.
When I got back in I checked the temps ... 20 F but with wind chill felt like 11 F ... Brrr!!!
Oh the cool thing is I had an average pace of 11:11/mi ... AND it's not because I only ran a little over one mile. The first mile of yesterday's run was 12:16/mi. I'm hoping that I'm still on a downward spiral time wise.
Running Stats
Running Time: 13:31
Running Distance: 1.21 mi
Average Pace: 11:11/mi
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Ho Hum Run
Today's run was like a been there done that nothing special type of run. Went out came back in. Oh ho hum ...
I had actually planned on running 5 miles but I somehow underestimated my route and ended up back at the house in 4 miles. I have horrible will power in circumstances where my route takes me close to home and I do try to plan accordingly. Interesting ... I know I have horrible will power ... but that is all in my perspective ... maybe I should just get a backbone instead of giving in next time. I'll think on it ...
Running Stats
Running Time: 48:00
Running Distance: 4.00 mi
Average Pace: 12:00/mi
I had actually planned on running 5 miles but I somehow underestimated my route and ended up back at the house in 4 miles. I have horrible will power in circumstances where my route takes me close to home and I do try to plan accordingly. Interesting ... I know I have horrible will power ... but that is all in my perspective ... maybe I should just get a backbone instead of giving in next time. I'll think on it ...
Running Stats
Running Time: 48:00
Running Distance: 4.00 mi
Average Pace: 12:00/mi
Saturday, January 21, 2006
7 Today 7 Back Then
I am loosely following 'The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide' training schedule, though I haven't decided what exactly I'm training for. This week's long run called for a 7 mile run. As luck would have it ... I live on an island and I'm 7 miles away from a public beach with a park. 
I find it rather exhilerating running to the ocean. There is nothing spectacular about the sights along the way, in fact I've ran in much more attractive settings ... but there is just something special about the act of running TO the OCEAN.
I had asked Jason if he would pick me up at the beach when I was done running.
They passed me on their way to the park when I had about a mile left to go. When I finally got there they were down at the shoreline throwing rocks into the water. It was a heart warming experience finishing my run and seeing my loved ones there having a good time while they were waiting for me. I love finishing my runs in sight of my loving family.
So after the run I sat reminiscing while Jason pushed Megan on the swings.
I was remembering the first time I ever ran 7 miles. It was late summer in Cedar Rapids, IA and I just walked out my door and went running. I didn't have a route planned it was an as you go type of run. It was hard! I remember walking in my door after the run knowing that I couldn't have ran two steps further. But as exhausted as I was I knew it was a great accomplishment. It doesn't change ... it was a great accomplishment back then ... and it was a great accomplishment today as well!!!
Back then ...
Running Stats (8/27/05)
Running Time: 1:44:26
Running Distance: 7.00 mi
Average Pace: 14:55/mi
Today ...
Running Stats (1/21/06)
Running Time: 1:26:20
Running Distance: 7.02 mi
Average Pace: 12:18/mi
I find it rather exhilerating running to the ocean. There is nothing spectacular about the sights along the way, in fact I've ran in much more attractive settings ... but there is just something special about the act of running TO the OCEAN.I had asked Jason if he would pick me up at the beach when I was done running.
They passed me on their way to the park when I had about a mile left to go. When I finally got there they were down at the shoreline throwing rocks into the water. It was a heart warming experience finishing my run and seeing my loved ones there having a good time while they were waiting for me. I love finishing my runs in sight of my loving family.So after the run I sat reminiscing while Jason pushed Megan on the swings.
I was remembering the first time I ever ran 7 miles. It was late summer in Cedar Rapids, IA and I just walked out my door and went running. I didn't have a route planned it was an as you go type of run. It was hard! I remember walking in my door after the run knowing that I couldn't have ran two steps further. But as exhausted as I was I knew it was a great accomplishment. It doesn't change ... it was a great accomplishment back then ... and it was a great accomplishment today as well!!!Back then ...
Running Stats (8/27/05)
Running Time: 1:44:26
Running Distance: 7.00 mi
Average Pace: 14:55/mi
Today ...
Running Stats (1/21/06)
Running Time: 1:26:20
Running Distance: 7.02 mi
Average Pace: 12:18/mi
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Running Companion
Do you realize that I have never ran with anyone. Well besides back in 2003 when I spent a month or two at the gym running with Christie ... but I think the most we ran was like a 1/2 a mile ... mile at the most. Anyhow, since I picked up this wonderful sport of running back in August it has just been me running all by my lonesome. Until today that is ...
Today I ran with a friend. She's really my sister-in-law, but I would still consider her a friend. She is a daughter of a runner ... and by default a runner herself. But from her own admission has never ran more then 3 miles. I really wanted to run at least 6 today but unfortunately she didn't think she could do more then 4.
Oh yeah ... we were in Pittsburgh ... the really hilly city. I knew a pretty decent running route from the last time I ran there ... three weeks prior to my first marathon. We headed out and ran up and down and up and down and up ... well you get my point.
We ran to a trail and hit a trail exit right at the 4 mile mark. We were going to call for a ride but needed to find out what cross-street we were on so had to walk a bit. Which turned into walking a bit more because we didn't think they would be able to find us on these small streets. When we finally found ourselves we realized we were close enough to home that we should keep going. We got home with 5.88 showing on the foreman so we ran around the block. I got my 6 miles in after all!!! You did good Lacey!!!
Running Stats
Running Time: 1:30:46
Running Distance: 6.00 mi
Average Pace: 15:08/mi*
* This was with 4 miles of running and 2 miles of walking ... not bad eh?!?
Today I ran with a friend. She's really my sister-in-law, but I would still consider her a friend. She is a daughter of a runner ... and by default a runner herself. But from her own admission has never ran more then 3 miles. I really wanted to run at least 6 today but unfortunately she didn't think she could do more then 4.
Oh yeah ... we were in Pittsburgh ... the really hilly city. I knew a pretty decent running route from the last time I ran there ... three weeks prior to my first marathon. We headed out and ran up and down and up and down and up ... well you get my point.
We ran to a trail and hit a trail exit right at the 4 mile mark. We were going to call for a ride but needed to find out what cross-street we were on so had to walk a bit. Which turned into walking a bit more because we didn't think they would be able to find us on these small streets. When we finally found ourselves we realized we were close enough to home that we should keep going. We got home with 5.88 showing on the foreman so we ran around the block. I got my 6 miles in after all!!! You did good Lacey!!!
Running Stats
Running Time: 1:30:46
Running Distance: 6.00 mi
Average Pace: 15:08/mi*
* This was with 4 miles of running and 2 miles of walking ... not bad eh?!?
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Make it Quick
My new shoes arrived yesterday. Of course it was after pre-school so I couldn't make use of them. I have felt the need to run and I just couln't wait until tomorrow. So I got up again this morning at 5:30, ate my oatmeal and waited for it to get light enough outside to head out.
I was out the door at 6:50 with a warning from Jason that I had to be back at the latest by 7:25 so that he could get to work at 7:30 ... I just love living so close to his work!!! Guess what time I got back?!? Yep ... 7:25 exactly ... just in time to meet him at the door as he was headed to work.
Running Stats
Running Time: 35:29
Running Distance: 2.89 mi
Average Pace: 12:17/mi
I was out the door at 6:50 with a warning from Jason that I had to be back at the latest by 7:25 so that he could get to work at 7:30 ... I just love living so close to his work!!! Guess what time I got back?!? Yep ... 7:25 exactly ... just in time to meet him at the door as he was headed to work.
Running Stats
Running Time: 35:29
Running Distance: 2.89 mi
Average Pace: 12:17/mi
Friday, January 06, 2006
Not Running Today ...
I woke up this morning at 5:30 ... as in morning ... to get a quick run in before Jason went to work. I dressed to my shoes and headed downstairs for a bowl of oatmeal. I was enjoying my morning cup of coffee and getting some things done around the house when I noticed that I was already having shin pains. I think I made the wise decision when I cancelled my run for the day. I didn't see any reason this early in my training schedule to push it. Besides, I still don't even know what I'm training for ...
I made use of the early morning hours to get a pilates workout in. That was hard, my abs were still sore from my last pilates workout. I look forward to the day when pilates is old hat and it no longer causes me to be sore.
On the Pain Front ... hip is sore, shins didn't get any sorer, neck is stiff ... knee is feeling funky going up and down the steps.
I made use of the early morning hours to get a pilates workout in. That was hard, my abs were still sore from my last pilates workout. I look forward to the day when pilates is old hat and it no longer causes me to be sore.
On the Pain Front ... hip is sore, shins didn't get any sorer, neck is stiff ... knee is feeling funky going up and down the steps.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
I Need New Shoes
I ran 4 miles today from Megan's school after I dropped her off. Lots of hills! About 3/4 of a mile into the run I got a wicked case of shin splints. I'm thinking I'm gonna have to spring for those new shoes sooner rather then later.
It didn't feel too good, but I kept at it and I'm glad I did. Another great average pace (for me) for today of 12:11 ... over 4 miles ... whoohoo!!! Now I just need to decide if I'm gonna make it out tomorrow morning or not?!?
Running Stats
Running Time: 48:48
Running Distance: 4.01 mi
Average Pace: 12:11/mi
On the Pain Front ... shin splints, sore hip and a sore core (pilates related). Buying new shoes tomorrow ... hope that helps!
Yearly Tally: 7.01 mi
It didn't feel too good, but I kept at it and I'm glad I did. Another great average pace (for me) for today of 12:11 ... over 4 miles ... whoohoo!!! Now I just need to decide if I'm gonna make it out tomorrow morning or not?!?
Running Stats
Running Time: 48:48
Running Distance: 4.01 mi
Average Pace: 12:11/mi
On the Pain Front ... shin splints, sore hip and a sore core (pilates related). Buying new shoes tomorrow ... hope that helps!
Yearly Tally: 7.01 mi
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Pilates
I was reminded that I had some Pilates videos stuck away in my video cabinet so I pulled them out today and did one. I did the Winsor Pilates instructional video and 20 minute workout today. It was good and my core is sore. Megan, My 3 year old daughter did it right along next to me ... so sweet!!!
I hope to start adding pilates and strength training to my off days. We'll see how long this lasts.
I hope to start adding pilates and strength training to my off days. We'll see how long this lasts.
Monday, January 02, 2006
First Run of the Year
We have had house guests for the last week and a half and they left this morning. I got used to the hustle and bustle and constant going-ons. I miss it, the house just feels empty now somehow.
I took my melancholy state with me on my run today. It didn't help that about a 1/2 mile into my 3 mile run my audiobook, At Home in Mitford, ended. It was good. I would recommend it. I love reading and I get excited about reading. I enjoy listening to my audiobooks and I look forward to listening to them and finding out what happens next. It works because it gets me back out on a run. I just don't seem to get as excited about the audiobooks as I do about book books. I don't know, maybe it's just because I haven't found a really super good audiobook yet. It makes it hard to recommend one over the other though.
So I'm running and watching my foreman, aka garmin forerunner. I am almost home and I have run 2.85 miles with a really good average pace ... hovering right around 12:00/mi or a lil less. I turn the corner and pick up my pace because I'm close enough to 3 miles to give it a good kick and I look down at my foreman only to see that it now says I have run 2.74 miles. It short changed me at least .11 miles. I know .11 miles is not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things, but if you figure I was running a 12:00 minute mile and one tenth of that is 1:20, divide that by 3 and that's adding about 30 seconds to my average pace. That sucked!!!
Running Stats:
Running Time: 37:41
Running Distance: 3.00 mi ... or was it?
Average Pace: 12:34/mi ... or was it?
On the Pain Front ... my left hip is still giving me some twinges. Not necessarily when I'm running ... but in just normal everyday moving.
Yearly Tally: 3.00 mi
I took my melancholy state with me on my run today. It didn't help that about a 1/2 mile into my 3 mile run my audiobook, At Home in Mitford, ended. It was good. I would recommend it. I love reading and I get excited about reading. I enjoy listening to my audiobooks and I look forward to listening to them and finding out what happens next. It works because it gets me back out on a run. I just don't seem to get as excited about the audiobooks as I do about book books. I don't know, maybe it's just because I haven't found a really super good audiobook yet. It makes it hard to recommend one over the other though.
So I'm running and watching my foreman, aka garmin forerunner. I am almost home and I have run 2.85 miles with a really good average pace ... hovering right around 12:00/mi or a lil less. I turn the corner and pick up my pace because I'm close enough to 3 miles to give it a good kick and I look down at my foreman only to see that it now says I have run 2.74 miles. It short changed me at least .11 miles. I know .11 miles is not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things, but if you figure I was running a 12:00 minute mile and one tenth of that is 1:20, divide that by 3 and that's adding about 30 seconds to my average pace. That sucked!!!
Running Stats:
Running Time: 37:41
Running Distance: 3.00 mi ... or was it?
Average Pace: 12:34/mi ... or was it?
On the Pain Front ... my left hip is still giving me some twinges. Not necessarily when I'm running ... but in just normal everyday moving.
Yearly Tally: 3.00 mi
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Running in the Snow
Running in the rain ... that can be fun if the temperature isn't hovering just above freezing. Running in the snow ... that is neat, magical, relaxing even. Oh, it was just exhilerating ... especially on New Year's Eve ... the last run of the year ... what a special gift from Above!!!
The temperature was at a nice 36ish degrees and it wasn't a wet snow ... it was a dry big flaked snow that started slowly and then came down faster and faster until it was all around me. But the ground was warm enough that it wasn't sticking so I didn't have to worry about falling because of it.
Oh ... and my pace ... averaged out over 5 miles ... was 12:15/mi. I know to some that would still be considered snails pace, but that's booking it for me.
I felt so uplifted after today's run!
Running Stats
Running Time: 1:01:16
Running Distance: 5.00 mi
Average Pace: 12:15/mi
On the Pain Front ... my left hip has been giving me some problems. Not bad, just enough to know that it is there.
The temperature was at a nice 36ish degrees and it wasn't a wet snow ... it was a dry big flaked snow that started slowly and then came down faster and faster until it was all around me. But the ground was warm enough that it wasn't sticking so I didn't have to worry about falling because of it.
Oh ... and my pace ... averaged out over 5 miles ... was 12:15/mi. I know to some that would still be considered snails pace, but that's booking it for me.
I felt so uplifted after today's run!
Running Stats
Running Time: 1:01:16
Running Distance: 5.00 mi
Average Pace: 12:15/mi
On the Pain Front ... my left hip has been giving me some problems. Not bad, just enough to know that it is there.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Feeling Excited
I was reading my friend KT's blog (mom on the run link ... cool blog) and she must be going into week 4 of her training schedule, following 'The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide'. I'm watching her mileage increase and I'm getting excited for her.
I'm reminded of my first few weeks of training where I was seriously taking it 'One Day at a Time' for fear of looking ahead and freaking myself out and wanting to quit.
I've decided that this should be week one of training, though I still haven't figured out for what. I can honestly say that I'm eagerly looking forward to my long runs, I know what's coming and I say BRING IT ON!!!
I'm reminded of my first few weeks of training where I was seriously taking it 'One Day at a Time' for fear of looking ahead and freaking myself out and wanting to quit.
I've decided that this should be week one of training, though I still haven't figured out for what. I can honestly say that I'm eagerly looking forward to my long runs, I know what's coming and I say BRING IT ON!!!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Ran Again
I hate to admit that I had my doubts that I would run again so soon without having a strict schedule or an end goal in sight. But I did it! This morning I woke up, said to myself I'm gonna go running, grabbed my running gear and got ready to go. I then waited for two hours while I waited for my house guests to be up and about ... they were kind enough to watch Megan for me!
I went out on a nice 4 mile run. It was nice to know that I do indeed have a four mile circular route from the house. Very helpful!
Still listening to "At Home in Mitford". So far so good ... it has my full attention and I'm anxious to get back out on the road so that I find out what happens next. Always a sign of a good book.
I still love my shuffle. I ran with it hanging from my neck again ... it's awesome!!! As far as I know it doesn't have a way to bookmark where I left off. I'm kind of worried that next time I listen to it that it will have lost my place and I'll have to start all over again. This morning I had the bright idea of 'rewinding' to see if I missed anything. It took me to the beginning of the audiobook and I had to spend my first three quarters of a mile 'fast forwarding' it to where I left off last time. Any grand idea's out there from you Shuffle users on a better way to listen to an audiobook? Maybe I should just read the instruction booklet that came with it. But seriously, that is one of the things I love about the shuffle ... I didn't need an instruction book to use it ... it was that easy!
Running Stats
Running Time: 52:31
Running Distance: 4.00 mi
Average Pace: 13:08/mi
I went out on a nice 4 mile run. It was nice to know that I do indeed have a four mile circular route from the house. Very helpful!
Still listening to "At Home in Mitford". So far so good ... it has my full attention and I'm anxious to get back out on the road so that I find out what happens next. Always a sign of a good book.
I still love my shuffle. I ran with it hanging from my neck again ... it's awesome!!! As far as I know it doesn't have a way to bookmark where I left off. I'm kind of worried that next time I listen to it that it will have lost my place and I'll have to start all over again. This morning I had the bright idea of 'rewinding' to see if I missed anything. It took me to the beginning of the audiobook and I had to spend my first three quarters of a mile 'fast forwarding' it to where I left off last time. Any grand idea's out there from you Shuffle users on a better way to listen to an audiobook? Maybe I should just read the instruction booklet that came with it. But seriously, that is one of the things I love about the shuffle ... I didn't need an instruction book to use it ... it was that easy!
Running Stats
Running Time: 52:31
Running Distance: 4.00 mi
Average Pace: 13:08/mi
Monday, December 26, 2005
On the Run Again
Today was my second run since the Marathon. The first one was on sore feet and I was only out for 2 miles. Today I felt great.
I had initially been planning on just waiting until after the first of the year when Megan started back up with preschool, but I woke wanting to run today. So I got up, got dressed ... then proceeded to spend the next two hours messing with my new toy ... an Ipod Shuffle. KT has got it right, this thing is awesome!!!
I am listening to "At Home in Mitford" by Jan Karon. So far so good. It is a multi-book series which I enjoy in general as I just can't stand it when a book ends. I'll review it after I'm done listening to it.
So my little shuffle that weighs next to nothing was on a necklace around my neck and tucked nicely between the two bras that I have to wear. About 2 miles into my run my chest just felt like it was on fire. I was starting to wonder if that was what it felt like to have a heart attack when I realized that it was the shuffle that was causing all that heat. Guess that's not a great place to run with it. I thought that if I ran with it just hanging on the necklace that it would bounce too much, but it was fine once it was released from it's confines.
I'm glad to be back on the road. I don't have a schedule that I'm following yet, which means I'll probably be pretty lackadaisical in getting my runs in. I need to sit down with a list of marathons and a calendar and get myself on a rigid schedule again!!!
Running Stats
Running Time: 38:46
Running Distance: 3.00 mi
Average Pace: 12:55/mi
I had initially been planning on just waiting until after the first of the year when Megan started back up with preschool, but I woke wanting to run today. So I got up, got dressed ... then proceeded to spend the next two hours messing with my new toy ... an Ipod Shuffle. KT has got it right, this thing is awesome!!!
I am listening to "At Home in Mitford" by Jan Karon. So far so good. It is a multi-book series which I enjoy in general as I just can't stand it when a book ends. I'll review it after I'm done listening to it.
So my little shuffle that weighs next to nothing was on a necklace around my neck and tucked nicely between the two bras that I have to wear. About 2 miles into my run my chest just felt like it was on fire. I was starting to wonder if that was what it felt like to have a heart attack when I realized that it was the shuffle that was causing all that heat. Guess that's not a great place to run with it. I thought that if I ran with it just hanging on the necklace that it would bounce too much, but it was fine once it was released from it's confines.
I'm glad to be back on the road. I don't have a schedule that I'm following yet, which means I'll probably be pretty lackadaisical in getting my runs in. I need to sit down with a list of marathons and a calendar and get myself on a rigid schedule again!!!
Running Stats
Running Time: 38:46
Running Distance: 3.00 mi
Average Pace: 12:55/mi
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Giving Thanks
I ran a marathon ... the training for and running of the marathon was a very momentous time in my life. A time that I would not have had, had it not been for the love and support offerings of others and for this I want to give thanks.
I am so grateful to have the Lord Jesus in my life, without Him as my Rock I know I would not have even attempted something of this magnitude. With Him, all things are possible. I have said before that I ran alone ... but in actuality that just isn't the case. The one true running companion I had was my Lord and Savior. I carried on many a conversation and shared in some truly spectacular sights with Him during the long hours of training and the seemingly longer hours of the marathon. Thank you Jesus!!!
I am thankful for Jason, without his support, I literally would not have been able to do this. Training for a marathon is a very time consuming process. Towards the end there I was running almost 8 hours a week. This was time that was spent away from my family and time that I had to schedule for Jason to be home with Megan. Which in and of itself is great ... but it does make it more difficult when I am on a strict 'schedule'. I needed that schedule to get me through! He was my main source of encouragement and the external drive that I needed. When he told me he was proud of me, it made it all worth while!
I am blessed by my beautiful daughter, Megan. She is a momma's girl, but she never complained about the long hours that I spent away from her. She would get excited for me when I put my running gear on and would always talk about "momma go runnin". Training for this marathon was as much for her as it was for me. I really want to be a positive influence for my daughter.
A big thanks to my dear friend Christie, who inspired me and gave me the tools that I needed to accomplish this momentous task. I wouldn't have even considered that I, a complete non-runner ... someone who actually disliked the very act of running, could have done this without her planting the seed and nurturing it and then giving me a bit of a push and shove on occasion.
A huge round of thanks to KT, Em and Sarah Elaine who followed my progress, kept tabs on my whereabouts and spurred me on. They were a huge source of encouragement and their support meant more then they will ever know.
I also want to thank everyone who has stopped by and read my blog. The more people who read it the more I felt like I needed to finish it ... the marathon that is ... so that I could finish that chapter on my blog.
THANK YOU!!!
I am so grateful to have the Lord Jesus in my life, without Him as my Rock I know I would not have even attempted something of this magnitude. With Him, all things are possible. I have said before that I ran alone ... but in actuality that just isn't the case. The one true running companion I had was my Lord and Savior. I carried on many a conversation and shared in some truly spectacular sights with Him during the long hours of training and the seemingly longer hours of the marathon. Thank you Jesus!!!
I am thankful for Jason, without his support, I literally would not have been able to do this. Training for a marathon is a very time consuming process. Towards the end there I was running almost 8 hours a week. This was time that was spent away from my family and time that I had to schedule for Jason to be home with Megan. Which in and of itself is great ... but it does make it more difficult when I am on a strict 'schedule'. I needed that schedule to get me through! He was my main source of encouragement and the external drive that I needed. When he told me he was proud of me, it made it all worth while!
I am blessed by my beautiful daughter, Megan. She is a momma's girl, but she never complained about the long hours that I spent away from her. She would get excited for me when I put my running gear on and would always talk about "momma go runnin". Training for this marathon was as much for her as it was for me. I really want to be a positive influence for my daughter.
A big thanks to my dear friend Christie, who inspired me and gave me the tools that I needed to accomplish this momentous task. I wouldn't have even considered that I, a complete non-runner ... someone who actually disliked the very act of running, could have done this without her planting the seed and nurturing it and then giving me a bit of a push and shove on occasion.
A huge round of thanks to KT, Em and Sarah Elaine who followed my progress, kept tabs on my whereabouts and spurred me on. They were a huge source of encouragement and their support meant more then they will ever know.
I also want to thank everyone who has stopped by and read my blog. The more people who read it the more I felt like I needed to finish it ... the marathon that is ... so that I could finish that chapter on my blog.
THANK YOU!!!
Marathon Recovery
Recovering from a marathon can be likened to childbirth. No, it's not as painful as childbirth. What I mean is with time you do tend to forget the pain and remember the joy. I am now two weeks post marathon, and though I do have some residual foot pain, I am considering myself recovered.
I do remember that my whole body was sore back at the hotel after the marathon. Jason ordered pizza and when it got to our room, I ate it laying down. What can I say, I was comfortable. My dear friend Christie once told me that she had some Thai food after her first marathon and it was the best she ever ate. A few weeks later when she went back for more because it was so good, she found out that it really wasn't. My pizza was awesome, canned mushrooms and all. Anyone who has ever eaten pizza with me knows that I will not eat canned mushrooms. But that was the bestest pizza with canned mushrooms ever!
I lubed myself up pretty well in an effort to avoid chafing, especially around the bra area. It worked, no chafing there. What I did not count on was that I had lost weight and that the sweats that I was wearing would try to fall off if the drawstring was not tightened enough. I ended up with several lines of chafing on my back from my sweats. I did not feel this when I was running, only afterwards when in the shower.
I know that I was sore on Monday only because I called Christie and told her about it. I have the memory of discussing it, not the memory of being it. She warned me that it would get worse on Tuesday before it got better. I called her back on Tuesday so that she could remind me that it would indeed get better. I remember at that point that the rest of me was fine and pain free (unless I was walking upstairs). It was my darned feet which had been cramping during the marathon that were giving me a hard time still and would continue to. It has gotten better, enough that I was able to transition from my slippers to my running shoes a few days ago. I'm not pain free, but I'm not pain ridden either.
I am ready to start training for #2!!!
I do remember that my whole body was sore back at the hotel after the marathon. Jason ordered pizza and when it got to our room, I ate it laying down. What can I say, I was comfortable. My dear friend Christie once told me that she had some Thai food after her first marathon and it was the best she ever ate. A few weeks later when she went back for more because it was so good, she found out that it really wasn't. My pizza was awesome, canned mushrooms and all. Anyone who has ever eaten pizza with me knows that I will not eat canned mushrooms. But that was the bestest pizza with canned mushrooms ever!
I lubed myself up pretty well in an effort to avoid chafing, especially around the bra area. It worked, no chafing there. What I did not count on was that I had lost weight and that the sweats that I was wearing would try to fall off if the drawstring was not tightened enough. I ended up with several lines of chafing on my back from my sweats. I did not feel this when I was running, only afterwards when in the shower.
I know that I was sore on Monday only because I called Christie and told her about it. I have the memory of discussing it, not the memory of being it. She warned me that it would get worse on Tuesday before it got better. I called her back on Tuesday so that she could remind me that it would indeed get better. I remember at that point that the rest of me was fine and pain free (unless I was walking upstairs). It was my darned feet which had been cramping during the marathon that were giving me a hard time still and would continue to. It has gotten better, enough that I was able to transition from my slippers to my running shoes a few days ago. I'm not pain free, but I'm not pain ridden either.
I am ready to start training for #2!!!
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Philly Marathon - Short Version
Well I did it ... I ... a non-runner ... someone who detests the very act of running ... ran a marathon. In fact I ran the whole thing. I didn't walk at all. I may have had to slow down to pick up a cup of water, but I ran while I drank it. I did have to wait in line for an eternal 6 minutes to use the loo ... but I really had no choice there.
It was a wonderful experience, loads of fun and something that I do plan on doing again and again!
Official Race Results
Distance: 26.2 miles
Final Time: 5:55:16
Chip Time: 5:53.03
Average Pace: 13:33
Overall Place: 5832 out of 5934
Race Results as per my Garmin Forerunner
Time: 5:53:58
Distance: 26.52 mi
Average Pace: 13:21/mi
Overall Place: #1
It was a wonderful experience, loads of fun and something that I do plan on doing again and again!
Official Race Results
Distance: 26.2 miles
Final Time: 5:55:16
Chip Time: 5:53.03
Average Pace: 13:33
Overall Place: 5832 out of 5934
Race Results as per my Garmin Forerunner
Time: 5:53:58
Distance: 26.52 mi
Average Pace: 13:21/mi
Overall Place: #1
The Philadelphia Marathon
If you are expecting to read a quick post letting you know how my marathon went, this is not it! I spent close to six hours running today and I actively tried to imprint it all to memory. I created this blog for this very reason, for a release of all things running and so that I can return later and remember what it was like. I'll post a separate short entry so that you don't have to read overly long post.
***
I did not spend a good deal of time last night in a deep relaxing sleep and it was easy to get up when the alarm ... and then my cell phone alarm went off. I already had all of my clothes laid out and I jumped in them quickly and was ready ... with about an hour to go before it was actually time to leave. I remember the exact same scenario for my first day of kindegarten, and then every first day of school from then on. Of course there was Jason and Megan to get ready and thankfully that was time consuming but not too difficult.
I had prepared the night before by pulling off directions from the hotel to the race site and back. It was much easier finding it today then it had been yesterday. Yesterday we spent about an hour driving around downtown Philadelphia looking for the expo so that I could check in and pick up my race number and shirt. Then we drove around about an hour afterwards, in some not very nice neighborhoods, just trying to find our way back to the interstate so that we could head to the hotel. I was so thankful today when we made it to the race site without trouble and actually even found parking close by, if not exactly legally.
It wasn't until we parked that I remembered that I should probably eat. Luckily I had thought ahead and had a couple of whole grain bagels stashed in the car. I had turned on my forerunner when we got into the car back at the hotel and it was fully charged, satelites found and ready to go. I definitely had my priorities straight there!!!
I picked at the bagel as we walked towards this huge mass of people who turned out to be waiting in line to use the port-o-potties. Going to the bathroom is considered a good idea before running a marathon so I got in line ... and waited ... and waited. I chatted with the nice ladies in line around me and it turns out this was their first marathon as well. I wonder how many people ran their first marathon today?!?
Of every runner that I talked to today I found that I was definitely the newest to the sport. In fact everybody that I talked to has been running for over a year. I have been running for 15 weeks, one week shy of the 16 week training schedule suggested by "The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide".
After my turn in the port-o-potty I met back up with Jason and Megan and they kept me company while I waited to make my way to the starting area. As we were waiting a school bus driver ran over a street lamp and knocked it down. Thank God there was no one in it's way as it fell hard.
I started noticing more and more people were headed towards the starting area and we decided it was about time to make our way in as well. Jason and Megan walked in with me and kept me company some more. We found the general area that I would be starting from, marked by a sign that read 12:30+ pace, emphasis on the +. As the start time approached we made our way over to the side gates and let them out so they wouldn't be trampled when the guns went off, little did we know that wouldn't have been a problem.
Finally, after waiting for ages, I heard "runners on your mark" ... the gunshot ... and then ... we stood there. After about a minute or two we started walking ... very slowly in a forward movement. My fears about not getting to the starting line were coming true?!? But then I saw it and we were still inching toward it and then I stepped over it ... and the race was on!!!
It was fun!!! If that's all I could say, that would be it. It was fun!!! There were people all around me crowding together, and there were spectators on both sides yelling and screaming for blocks and blocks. And It was Fun!!!
I looked down at one point shortly after we started and I was running a 10 minute mile and it was effortless. My initial plan had just been to run at a comfortable pace, but I had to slow myself down some or I was going to burn out too quickly. Before I knew it the one mile mark was upon us, and then it seemed I turned around a few corners and there was the second mile mark and I was still surrounded by people.
Somewhere between the second and third mile things started to slim down a bit but it was still so exciting. It was also about this time that I ran across the 5:30 pace group (that's hours not minutes). I was kind of in a quandary at this point though. My plan was to run at a comfortable pace and to not pay attention to how fast (or slow) I was running. Of course when you are in line of sight of a pace group, you know exactly how fast you are running. Should I follow because it was comfortable, or pass because it was comfortable or to slow down because I didn't really expect that I could run that fast for that long. In the end, I decided to just stick with them.
That was until I had to wait six minutes for the bathroom and they ran on without me. We had been told that we could expect a port-o-potty at each of the aid stations, but that was not the case. The first port-o-potty wasn't until 6 miles and by that time, I knew I couldn't hold it for the next two miles. I had no choice but to wait ... for six minutes I had to wait. I was going to say that was the longest six minutes of the entire race ... but in actuality it was the longest six minutes up until about mile 21.
While I was waiting people just kept running and in some cases walking by. By the time I finally left that aid station, I don't really think there was anybody left behind me in the race, well except for those that were in line behind me. But in a weird way that was cool because it was fun to pass them later.
The traffic was closed off during the marathon. There were police officers at each of the intersections holding cars off. That was fun!
The spectators along the course were great. There were a few times that I ran by someone who had the music from Rocky, which was filmed in Philadelphia, playing. The young kids wanted to give all the runners high fives. I was dubbed "blue" because I was wearing an all blue outfit. As I ran by people would yell "Go Blue!!!". I ran by a group of college students in front of a fraternity house banging on garbage can lids and yelling and screaming loudly. There were a few live bands and even someone playing bag pipes, which was my favorite because it brought me back to an 11 year old me on a camping trip.
There were runners from all walks and seasons of life. I passed an old man walking with a shirt that read this is his 100th marathon, he later passed me while I was waiting for the bathroom, but the good news is that I passed him again a little while later. There was a lady that I ran passed towards the end of the marathon that had a map on her shirt of all the marathons that she has ran. Hawaii is the last state she has left to run in and she said she is running that one in December. Batman ran the marathon, and so did a guy who jumped rope. Apparently when he crossed the finish line they said that he had been jumping rope the whole time, but he didn't. He was carrying that rope when I crossed paths with him when I was on mile 16ish and he was at mile 24ish. At mile 15 I was running behind a runner whose shirt read "83 and going strong" ... it's not as much fun to say that I passed him as well.
After I waited in line for the bathroom I came up behind a lady who was running slowly then all of a sudden stopped and started walking. When I reached her she said "Oh Lordy, you are an angel" as she started running with me. At this point I was feeling great, and still trying to catch back up with the 5:30 pace team. At first I tried asking her questions but she was out of breath and couldn't respond. So I was just talking to her. Then she just stopped running. I tried urging her on, but she told me to go on ahead without her, that she was just walking and wasn't quitting. I told her I would see her at the finish line, but I never did see her again.
Jason and Megan were going to meet me at mile 7. He called me about a block before I reached mile 7 to find out where I was. Apparently they were at 21st and Chestnut and I had just ran past 32nd and Chestnut. Unfortunately the next street I passed was 33rd, so I missed them. That was sad ... I was really bummed about that one.
The race route took us through downtown Philadelphia, along a river with some huge, huge ships in port, back downtown, next to a zoo, through a large park, back to the start/finish area, down a 7 mile scenic stretch next to a river and then back to the finish area.
I wasn't execting to be running next to the finish line at half way through the race. It was 3ish hours into the race at this point and there were folks finishing strong and I still had almost half a race left to finish. But the added excitement was a great push. Right at about mile 14 I turned a corner and there was Jason and Megan. Now that was a wonderful sight. Megan rushed to me and gave me a big big hug, Jason gave me a kiss and then I was off again, refreshed by my families love and support.
From then on it was a split course, those running out and those running back. The spectators were awesome, the view was great, the weather was spectatular ... it was fun!!!
Mile 18 came and went and I was still going strong. At this point I was averaging about 12:53/mi. From then on out each step was one step further then I had ever gone before. At this point I just wanted to get to mile 20ish where the turn around point was.
Mile 20 was extremely exciting. I had this grand plan of counting everybody who I passed going the opposite way and all those that I passed ahead of me. By the time I crossed the finished line I had counted 97 people. I was so bummed because as I got closer to 100 my goal changed from finishing the race to finishing it ahead of 100 people. The official race results have me coming in ahead of 101 people. I was number 102 ... how cool is that?!?
After mile 20 the aid stations were being disassembled and water was no longer available. Thankfully I had just passed a very nice man handing out little bottles of water. I took one from him so that I could consume my last gel of the race and it was a good thing I did. That little bottle of water handed out roadside by a spectator was probably the most important water that I had the whole race.
Up until about mile 21 I was feeling physically fine. Shortly after I hit mile 21 the sides of my feet started cramping. It was never an option for me to stop, but I was definitely running with pain and it did slow me down.
I think the hardest mile would have to be mile 24. It got harder and harder each mile after 21 ... but once I reached mile 25 it was almost over and there was an end in sight. I didn't think I had any kick left in me, but when the race volunteer told me that the finish line was just around the corner and that I should smile because they would take a picture everything changed, and I added speed. Which is so funny, because speed for me at that point was probably the 13:00/mi that I had averaged over the race. But it was speed then!!! I crossed the finish line just in front of the lady next to me ... now that was the real race!!!
Can you believe that I forgot to smile. I had just been advised to smile, but I forgot. I had only one thought in my head at that point and it was to pass the finish line so that I could sit down. Jason said that I had a look of serious determination on my face. He had our digital camera with him and it has a bit of a delay. So he has a picture of the finish line ... I had already passed through ...
We didn't stick around very long once I finished. I sat down long enough for Jason to take my championchip timing device off of my shoe and then we headed out, grabbing a banana on the way. I wanted to make it back to the hotel before I couldn't move anymore.
I am very happy to report that I ran my first marathon, without walking. And I will be back for more!!!
Official Race Results
Distance: 26.2 miles
Final Time: 5:55:16
Chip Time: 5:53.03
Average Pace: 13:33
Overall Place: 5832 out of 5934
Race Results as per my Garmin Forerunner
Time: 5:53:58
Distance: 26.52 mi
Average Pace: 13:21/mi
Overall Place: #1
***
I did not spend a good deal of time last night in a deep relaxing sleep and it was easy to get up when the alarm ... and then my cell phone alarm went off. I already had all of my clothes laid out and I jumped in them quickly and was ready ... with about an hour to go before it was actually time to leave. I remember the exact same scenario for my first day of kindegarten, and then every first day of school from then on. Of course there was Jason and Megan to get ready and thankfully that was time consuming but not too difficult.
I had prepared the night before by pulling off directions from the hotel to the race site and back. It was much easier finding it today then it had been yesterday. Yesterday we spent about an hour driving around downtown Philadelphia looking for the expo so that I could check in and pick up my race number and shirt. Then we drove around about an hour afterwards, in some not very nice neighborhoods, just trying to find our way back to the interstate so that we could head to the hotel. I was so thankful today when we made it to the race site without trouble and actually even found parking close by, if not exactly legally.
It wasn't until we parked that I remembered that I should probably eat. Luckily I had thought ahead and had a couple of whole grain bagels stashed in the car. I had turned on my forerunner when we got into the car back at the hotel and it was fully charged, satelites found and ready to go. I definitely had my priorities straight there!!!
I picked at the bagel as we walked towards this huge mass of people who turned out to be waiting in line to use the port-o-potties. Going to the bathroom is considered a good idea before running a marathon so I got in line ... and waited ... and waited. I chatted with the nice ladies in line around me and it turns out this was their first marathon as well. I wonder how many people ran their first marathon today?!?
Of every runner that I talked to today I found that I was definitely the newest to the sport. In fact everybody that I talked to has been running for over a year. I have been running for 15 weeks, one week shy of the 16 week training schedule suggested by "The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide".
After my turn in the port-o-potty I met back up with Jason and Megan and they kept me company while I waited to make my way to the starting area. As we were waiting a school bus driver ran over a street lamp and knocked it down. Thank God there was no one in it's way as it fell hard.
I started noticing more and more people were headed towards the starting area and we decided it was about time to make our way in as well. Jason and Megan walked in with me and kept me company some more. We found the general area that I would be starting from, marked by a sign that read 12:30+ pace, emphasis on the +. As the start time approached we made our way over to the side gates and let them out so they wouldn't be trampled when the guns went off, little did we know that wouldn't have been a problem.
Finally, after waiting for ages, I heard "runners on your mark" ... the gunshot ... and then ... we stood there. After about a minute or two we started walking ... very slowly in a forward movement. My fears about not getting to the starting line were coming true?!? But then I saw it and we were still inching toward it and then I stepped over it ... and the race was on!!!
It was fun!!! If that's all I could say, that would be it. It was fun!!! There were people all around me crowding together, and there were spectators on both sides yelling and screaming for blocks and blocks. And It was Fun!!!
I looked down at one point shortly after we started and I was running a 10 minute mile and it was effortless. My initial plan had just been to run at a comfortable pace, but I had to slow myself down some or I was going to burn out too quickly. Before I knew it the one mile mark was upon us, and then it seemed I turned around a few corners and there was the second mile mark and I was still surrounded by people.
Somewhere between the second and third mile things started to slim down a bit but it was still so exciting. It was also about this time that I ran across the 5:30 pace group (that's hours not minutes). I was kind of in a quandary at this point though. My plan was to run at a comfortable pace and to not pay attention to how fast (or slow) I was running. Of course when you are in line of sight of a pace group, you know exactly how fast you are running. Should I follow because it was comfortable, or pass because it was comfortable or to slow down because I didn't really expect that I could run that fast for that long. In the end, I decided to just stick with them.
That was until I had to wait six minutes for the bathroom and they ran on without me. We had been told that we could expect a port-o-potty at each of the aid stations, but that was not the case. The first port-o-potty wasn't until 6 miles and by that time, I knew I couldn't hold it for the next two miles. I had no choice but to wait ... for six minutes I had to wait. I was going to say that was the longest six minutes of the entire race ... but in actuality it was the longest six minutes up until about mile 21.
While I was waiting people just kept running and in some cases walking by. By the time I finally left that aid station, I don't really think there was anybody left behind me in the race, well except for those that were in line behind me. But in a weird way that was cool because it was fun to pass them later.
The traffic was closed off during the marathon. There were police officers at each of the intersections holding cars off. That was fun!
The spectators along the course were great. There were a few times that I ran by someone who had the music from Rocky, which was filmed in Philadelphia, playing. The young kids wanted to give all the runners high fives. I was dubbed "blue" because I was wearing an all blue outfit. As I ran by people would yell "Go Blue!!!". I ran by a group of college students in front of a fraternity house banging on garbage can lids and yelling and screaming loudly. There were a few live bands and even someone playing bag pipes, which was my favorite because it brought me back to an 11 year old me on a camping trip.
There were runners from all walks and seasons of life. I passed an old man walking with a shirt that read this is his 100th marathon, he later passed me while I was waiting for the bathroom, but the good news is that I passed him again a little while later. There was a lady that I ran passed towards the end of the marathon that had a map on her shirt of all the marathons that she has ran. Hawaii is the last state she has left to run in and she said she is running that one in December. Batman ran the marathon, and so did a guy who jumped rope. Apparently when he crossed the finish line they said that he had been jumping rope the whole time, but he didn't. He was carrying that rope when I crossed paths with him when I was on mile 16ish and he was at mile 24ish. At mile 15 I was running behind a runner whose shirt read "83 and going strong" ... it's not as much fun to say that I passed him as well.
After I waited in line for the bathroom I came up behind a lady who was running slowly then all of a sudden stopped and started walking. When I reached her she said "Oh Lordy, you are an angel" as she started running with me. At this point I was feeling great, and still trying to catch back up with the 5:30 pace team. At first I tried asking her questions but she was out of breath and couldn't respond. So I was just talking to her. Then she just stopped running. I tried urging her on, but she told me to go on ahead without her, that she was just walking and wasn't quitting. I told her I would see her at the finish line, but I never did see her again.
Jason and Megan were going to meet me at mile 7. He called me about a block before I reached mile 7 to find out where I was. Apparently they were at 21st and Chestnut and I had just ran past 32nd and Chestnut. Unfortunately the next street I passed was 33rd, so I missed them. That was sad ... I was really bummed about that one.
The race route took us through downtown Philadelphia, along a river with some huge, huge ships in port, back downtown, next to a zoo, through a large park, back to the start/finish area, down a 7 mile scenic stretch next to a river and then back to the finish area.
I wasn't execting to be running next to the finish line at half way through the race. It was 3ish hours into the race at this point and there were folks finishing strong and I still had almost half a race left to finish. But the added excitement was a great push. Right at about mile 14 I turned a corner and there was Jason and Megan. Now that was a wonderful sight. Megan rushed to me and gave me a big big hug, Jason gave me a kiss and then I was off again, refreshed by my families love and support.
From then on it was a split course, those running out and those running back. The spectators were awesome, the view was great, the weather was spectatular ... it was fun!!!
Mile 18 came and went and I was still going strong. At this point I was averaging about 12:53/mi. From then on out each step was one step further then I had ever gone before. At this point I just wanted to get to mile 20ish where the turn around point was.
Mile 20 was extremely exciting. I had this grand plan of counting everybody who I passed going the opposite way and all those that I passed ahead of me. By the time I crossed the finished line I had counted 97 people. I was so bummed because as I got closer to 100 my goal changed from finishing the race to finishing it ahead of 100 people. The official race results have me coming in ahead of 101 people. I was number 102 ... how cool is that?!?
After mile 20 the aid stations were being disassembled and water was no longer available. Thankfully I had just passed a very nice man handing out little bottles of water. I took one from him so that I could consume my last gel of the race and it was a good thing I did. That little bottle of water handed out roadside by a spectator was probably the most important water that I had the whole race.
Up until about mile 21 I was feeling physically fine. Shortly after I hit mile 21 the sides of my feet started cramping. It was never an option for me to stop, but I was definitely running with pain and it did slow me down.
I think the hardest mile would have to be mile 24. It got harder and harder each mile after 21 ... but once I reached mile 25 it was almost over and there was an end in sight. I didn't think I had any kick left in me, but when the race volunteer told me that the finish line was just around the corner and that I should smile because they would take a picture everything changed, and I added speed. Which is so funny, because speed for me at that point was probably the 13:00/mi that I had averaged over the race. But it was speed then!!! I crossed the finish line just in front of the lady next to me ... now that was the real race!!!
Can you believe that I forgot to smile. I had just been advised to smile, but I forgot. I had only one thought in my head at that point and it was to pass the finish line so that I could sit down. Jason said that I had a look of serious determination on my face. He had our digital camera with him and it has a bit of a delay. So he has a picture of the finish line ... I had already passed through ...
We didn't stick around very long once I finished. I sat down long enough for Jason to take my championchip timing device off of my shoe and then we headed out, grabbing a banana on the way. I wanted to make it back to the hotel before I couldn't move anymore.
I am very happy to report that I ran my first marathon, without walking. And I will be back for more!!!
Official Race Results
Distance: 26.2 miles
Final Time: 5:55:16
Chip Time: 5:53.03
Average Pace: 13:33
Overall Place: 5832 out of 5934
Race Results as per my Garmin Forerunner
Time: 5:53:58
Distance: 26.52 mi
Average Pace: 13:21/mi
Overall Place: #1
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