food is fuel

I had an interesting revelation over the weekend. Drinking lots of water makes me feel good. I don't drink enough - I've always really struggled with getting my daily intake in. You would be shocked and alarmed if you knew how much diet soda I drank. It was late Saturday morning and I began to feel really weak and lethargic - it occurred to me that I needed to hydrate for the Sunday long run so I began chugging water and I felt amazingly better. Yes, I know. I'm an idiot. A 32 year old idiot who is just realizing all the virtues of water.

I've also been thinking a lot about food as fuel. How am I going to get through these long runs without bonking? I do seem to get a little farther each week before I start feeling like crap. I guess that is the point of a training program. I bought 4 new Clif bar flavors today - so far, "Blueberry Crisp" is a winner. I don't know if I can do "Gu" again. I don't think I have the stomach for it anymore, but we shall see.

two a days?

The weather gods were playing with me again today. Wednesday is my normal work from home day - the opportune day for my mid-week medium length run. I had heard "flurries" in the forecast, but the flurries continued pretty steadily all morning. I also quickly realized that my winter running apparel is severely lacking. So... the treadmill. again. For some reason, treadmill runs take me longer. I suppose I take more breaks because I get bored pretty quickly. I ended up having to cut my 6 miler down to about 4 when the phone rang. Not happy. I decided to get in a few more miles after Liam went to bed. So in total, I ran almost 8 miles today, but in 2 shorter segments. I realize that working out like that is probably not going to help me run long distance any better, but still good to get the miles in - that's my story anyway. I figure at this early stage of training, it is not going to have a huge impact.

But it does bring up the challenge of the mid-week longer run - what to do? The most I can get in during my lunchtime run without too many eyebrows being raised at work is 4, maybe 5. So I guess I'll keep them on Wednesdays and hope for the best.

the weather waits for no one

After last week's unfortunate long run, I spent the weekend hydrating and making sure I was eating right in preparation for this week's long run. Yes, it would be cold but armed with my trusty new running tights, I knew all would be fine. That is until I looked out the window and saw this:

I'd even proposed to Nathan earlier that I would get up and run before church... but the pull of my cozy bed was too much to fight so early on a cold January morning. Such are the pitfalls of training for a spring marathon I suppose. Onward to the treadmill for an 8+ miler. At least Liam had fun breaking in his new snow boots:

Ok, I'll admit that I'm using this blog to shamelessy post pics of my kid. Enjoy!

aches and pains

A blog about running and marathoning would not be complete without some griping about aches and pains. I'm a little bit down because I have some nagging pains that don't seem to be going away - shin splint, neck pain, little tweaks here and there. As of today, I decided to focus on the Beginner training program because frankly it is about half as much mileage as the Intermediate program. The good thing about this is that it will allow me more time to cross-train and strengthen up the weak areas. I should also have more rest and recovery time. My work schedule has been quite heavy lately, which means fewer lunchtime workouts. I mean, do they not understand that I NEED to work out?! Priorities, people!

I read an interesting article today about women and why most shouldn't run:
http://www.coreperformance.com/article.php?p=3&s=1&id=273

After my demoralizing gimpy shortened lunchtime run, I almost agreed with this jerk. But then I just realized he had probably been passed by one too many women and needed some type of "outlet". I will say that he does have some points, but his attitude and delivery suck. Anyway, just thought this was interesting.

swirl, tap, and buff - NRR

On a whim, I picked up the bare minerals starter kit from Ulta cosmetics store. I'd seen the infomercials a million times and was pretty impressed with all of the results on TV (hmmm, is this the beginning of my testimonial?). My daily makeup routine consists of applying makeup at the stoplights on the way to work. in the dark. so you can imagine how GOOD I look every morning! I put some on tonight before heading over to Mom's for a family dinner and miracle of miracles, Mom commented on how good my makeup looked! Without prompting! While I'm probably still a girl looking for mom's approval, I have to say this is the best money I've spent in a while.

long runs - what NOT to do

I had a long run scheduled for today - 7 to 10 miles for week 2 of 18. I decided to do two 4.3 mile loops which would put me right in between 7 and 10. Armed with my new nike elite running socks, I headed out the door. Another beautiful Sunday afternoon in mid-January! As the run quickly degenerated into a shuffle, I began compiling a list of things I am doing wrong:

1. indulging in chips, salsa, and margaritas the night before a long run
2. counting coffee alternaing with diet coke as "hydration"
3. finishing Liam's half eaten cheese dog for lunch does not equal "fueling up for my long run"

As you can see, there are some holes in my nutritional plan. Gotta work on that. It wasn't all bad. It was really a nice day for a run, there were lots of people out, my much discussed playlist was spot on and I ended up completing 7.5 miles. Week 2 - check!

random liam pic

shoutout to lisa vidonic

Lisa is running the Houston Marathon this morning - just started about 45 minutes ago. This is Lisa's first marathon, but she has a good shot at qualifying for Boston. Go Lisa!! You are truly inspirational.

what was number 1?

More on the music theme. I found this neat website - put in the date you turned 18 and see what was the number 1 song. Kinda fun - for me it was End of the Road by Boyz II Men.

forgettable runs and music

The last few days have been filled with good but forgettable runs on the treadmill. I am very much a wuss about running outside when it's cold and windy. This weekend's long run is 7-10 miles and I think it is going to be rainy by warm-ish.

Having dinner with some girlfriends last night, the discussion turned to best running songs. The runnersworld forums have a whole thread dedicated to this. Last year's anthem was Move Along by The All American Rejects. Here are some other songs on my playlist:

Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Lose Yourself - Eminem
We Are the Champions, We Will Rock You - Queen
SOS - Rihanna
Everlong, One by One - Foo Fighters
Life Wasted, Worldwide Suicide - Pearl Jam
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley

What are your favorites?

best post workout snack

My recent favorite has been taking some low fat organic vanilla yogurt and then mixing that up with a sliced up banana. Mmmmmmmm. Filling and fulfills that sweet tooth of mine.

What's yours?

it has been done

Well, I'm officially registered for the Charlottesville Marathon on 4/21/07. First thought, am I nuts? Second thought, what have i done? Third and final thought, I can and will do this!

I took a rest day from running today and lifted weights at the gym. Tomorrow will be 4-6 miles, likely on the treadmill. Sounds boring, but I gotta catch up on my Tivo!

RIP ipod

So, my big ipod is officially dead. This is one of the best gifts Nathan ever gave me - a surprise after I spent many months studying for the PE exam.

I ran 4.3 outside in the cold and wind today. I wore running tights for the first time ever and was pretty comfortable. I'm pretty tired tonight. I did not have my normal lounge time during Liam's nap today - Nathan and I spent a fair bit of time trying to figure out which of our many smoke/CO detectors had a low battery.

Week 1 of 18 training weeks is now complete. I'm doing a cross between a beginner and intermediate training program I found on runnersworld.com. Now I just need to officially register for that marathon...

random pics

Not from today, but a recent playground visit...

random thoughts - nrr

nrr = not running related

It's Saturday night. Liam's asleep after a great day - don't get many like these. Nathan's been pretty sick for the last few days so he is in bed too. Tina unwinding with a glass of wine.

We went to CLEMYJONTRI Park today. What an amazing place. Sure, it was insane since the rest of Fairfax County was out to play, but it was very worth it. Nathan, Sharon, and I vs. Liam, Jake and Henry. The boys were pretty well behaved and fun was to be had by all. We will definitely be returning.

This is SRR (somewhat running related). Nathan got me an ipod shuffle for Christmas. I already have an ipod, but complain a lot about how bulky it is to run with. I loooooove my new shuffle - running with it is great. I've been putting together a new playlist and spending some time thinking about what the ultimate running songs are. Before the (unfortunate) Peach Bowl last weekend, Nathan downloaded Metallica's "Enter Sandman" so we could all rock out to it before kickoff. Highlight of the evening was when Liam starts headbanging and jumping up and down - quite a visual. Anyway, I'd forgotten about that song and promptly added it to shuff.

After our park foray, Liam took one of his epic 4 hour naps and I went running. He was in a great mood afterward and we took him to get his hair cut. This is normally a very not fun experience for anyone. But, we (Liam, Dad and I) discussed it beforehand and Liam seemed to understand what was going on and what the expectations were. The end result was the best haircut Liam's had to date. Perhaps it was because of the lollipop he held in his hand the entire time or Daddy's promise of post-cut ice cream, but Liam sat still and didn't flinch the entire time. He even said 'thank you' to his barber.

have found the one for me?

I posted earlier about some of the marathon options, but I think I have found the one that's right for me at this time - the Charlottesville Marathon. I'm a little concerned about the "rolling hill" terrain, but everything I've read makes me want to do it. It's on 4/21 which is a much more desireable date. I'd really gotten into doing the Cleveland race and I still hope to someday, but I just don't want to wait until late May.

I did 6.4 miles this beautiful Saturday afternoon. It was almost 70 degrees in mid-January and if that doesn't inspire one to get out and run, I don't know what would. The run went well, but wow was I tired a few hours later. My recent runs have been on the shorter side - 3-5 miles and sometimes 3 mi. twice in one day, but it's not the same.

All I need to do is sign up...

how 800 became 830

So as I mentioned in a previous post, I had set a goal of running 800 miles by the end of 2006... in mid-December. Not being my normally forward-thinking self, I did not factor in all of the holiday season activities I would need to take part in such as shopping, eating, decorating, etc. that all cut into my precious running time.

On December 27, I decided to double check my math. Would it not suck to fall short of my goal and run out of time? So, I got out the ol' spreadsheet and started adding. But wait! I noticed some empty cells in late November when I knew I was putting in a lot of time on the treadmill. Could it be? I forgot to enter almost an entire week of running into my spreadsheet. Duh! I had surpassed 800 and not even known it. Wah, oh well. No pomp and circumstance there. With that knowledge, I declared myself done for the rest of the year.

which marathon?

After doing a little research on Marathonguide, I have 4 marathons on my list. Really, these are part of the larger list of races I'd like to complete at some point in my life:

Umstead Marathon (Raleigh, NC) - 3/10/07
Cleveland/Rite Aid Marathon (Cleveland, OH) - 5/20/07
Adirondack Marathon (Schroon Lake, NY) - 9/16/07
Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, DC) - 10/28/07

Ideally, I was hoping to do a mid-April marathon. My mileage is in the 25-30 mpw range right now, such that I could add in some moderate and long runs and be good to go. Umstead in March would be fun and nostalgic for our days in Raleigh, but it is a little early. Cleveland in May is a definite possibility, but May seems a tad far off. I know, I'm being picky. Adirondack just looks fun, but hard - I'm not waiting until September, though. MCM would be nice again, but not this year.

Others I'd like to do - NYC, Chicago, Disney, something in Vancouver or Hawaii?

Cleveland is looking like the best option right now, plus I'd have local support from my in-laws. Maybe I can even convince them to take part in the race day festivities - in addition to the marathon, there is a half and a 10K. My father-in-law Randy reached his goal of 1000+ in 2006 - talk about inspiring!

starting out

I did it - started a blog, that is. I need something to write about. Hey, maybe I'll run a marathon in 2007.

I set a late year goal in 2006 to run 800 miles. If you do the math, that comes out to only approximately 2.2 mi./day, which does not seem like a lot. It was mid-December (yes, I did say late year) and my total mileage for the year was somewhere in the 700 range. I calculated that I needed to run 3 mi./day every day for the rest of the year to reach 800. That doesn't sound too hard, but I don't run every day and it was the middle of the holiday season. I cursed myself each day at lunch - my normal workout time - for publicizing this goal as I dragged myself over to the gym. In the end, I ended up reaching 800 and then some (another story on that forthcoming).

So, after reaching 800 and 2007 upon us, it is time to set another goal. 1000? Perhaps. Marathon? I will try. I may not make it there, but I look forward to the journey. Along with me, I will be bringing my son Liam and husband Nathan. Liam will literally join me for a lot of the ride as he will be forced to sit in a jogging stroller. No really, he likes it. I promise.