Almost Able to Envision 26.2

So, I'm going to try to keep this blog more updated rather than just posting race reports. Not sure if I'll do a good job at keeping 2 blogs going - more than likely I'll just rehash my posts from EP.

I know you all want to make sure I survived a 14 mile long run. Yep, I sure did!! In fact, I felt so good afterward I decided to walk the 2 miles home.

It was a perfect day to run - nice and cool, low humidity. My run buddy Julie & I rocked the first 7 miles. We met the rest of the group and started the second half around 8:00 am. It always takes me a little bit to get started again because my right knee needs to be reawakened.

We finished the last 7.5 (what's another .5 when you're doing 14?) a little before 10, and I was still feeling pretty good, so decided to walk home. I knew from using Map My Run that home is about 2 miles from the Mass Ave. bridge. I figured a nice walk would be a good way to cool down and keep my leg muscles engaged. So, Garmin total for today is 16.38. Calories burnt - 2052!!

Which is where my title comes in. Yes, today is the first day that I can envision actually doing the whole 26.2 miles. I can envision it - but I can't say I would physically be able to do it. I'm still trying to work out my feet issues. I've been wearing toe protectors on a couple of toes on my right foot and I think they are doing more harm than good. Legwise I think I could go the distance, but my little feet just end up aching. I am sure though in another 9 weeks I. Will. Be. Ready!

I took an ice bath when I got home, had some lunch and then tried to take a little snooze. I think I slept for about 10 minutes and that was it! Those endorphins are just flowing too much for me to sleep. I did rest in bed for a couple of hours though, and am happy to say my legs aren't feeling achy at all.

So, 4 miles recovery tomorrow.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Race Report - Stowe 8 Miler - July 20, 2008

I can't remember where I first learned about this race - maybe on Coolrunning.com - I think it was one of their featured races. Since I had never been to Vermont before I figured this was a great opportunity to run and visit at the same time.

Jerel and I left on Saturday afternoon to drive up to Stowe (about 3.5 hrs from Boston) around 11:30. We stopped for lunch in Lebanon, NH at Panera Bread (Emily, our fine Nuvi GPS told us where it was). Next door to the Panera was a Birkenstock store - so I had to go in. I bought a great pair of Birks with a unique pattern - I'll have to take a picture and post it since I can't find them online. Just a little of my Birkenstock history - I bought my first pair in Florida way-y-y back in 1992 in Clearwater, Florida. I only had enough $$ for a tattoo or a pair of Birks, so I went with the Birks (the tattoo came later). I still have them - last year the cork on the side of the straps started to crack so I need to get them repaired. Of course, as with most things in my life other than exercise, I just haven't sent them out to be fixed yet. Anyway, the new pair are awesome. My feet love them.

We continued on toward Stowe, and as we were driving we hit a huge rainstorm. I hadn't driven through anything like it probably since I lived in Ohio. It was massive. Luckily Jerel had just replaced the windshield wipers with some new fancy ones. It lasted about 10 minutes until we drove out of it.

Had no trouble getting to Stowe and finding the Town Event Field for race packet pickup. I picked up my tshirt, # and the world's biggest Champion Chip - or at least the biggest I've ever seen!

We then headed over to the Topnotch Resort, checked in, unpacked and took a little snooze. We had dinner and went to sleep around 10:00. We got up around 6:00 and got ready - since it takes me about 10 minutes to tape up my feet and toes, and had breakfast at 7:00. I usually like to finish eating 2 hours before a race but the restaurant didn't open until 7. Luckily they were able to serve me my usual pre-race english muffin and peanut butter.

It was looking pretty cloudy and dreary, so when we got to the event field and parked I decided not to bring my iPod. I haven't run a race with it before, but thought I would try it out this time. I made a good decision not to bring it!

The lines for the portolets was quite long, so even though I didn't really need to go I figured by the time I got to one I would have to. I ended up chatting with a really nice lady and telling her all about the Nike marathon and Team in Training. She said she had a friend who was training for Nike with them too.

I had Jerel take a pre-race photo of me.

We gathered for the start of the race a little bit before 9 - I headed all the way to the back. They played the Star Spangled Banner and then let the wheelchair racer (I think there was just one) have a 2 minute head start. The announcer then yelled "GO" - I just thought it was funny, as did a couple of people in the back with me.

I started off slow and steady and actually passed a racewalker and her friend. I heard her say something about being happy with who she was - I think because she was the only one walking. It didn't matter because they ended up running at the end and passing right by me!
We passed by some cows right at the beginning and I snapped a quick photo:

That will be the end of photos during the race, because right after that it started raining. And raining. And raining. It rained the entire race. Not torrential, but fairly steady. It was actually pretty refreshing. I was glad I was wearing a hat because it kept the rain off of my face.

Even though it was raining this was still a great race and the scenery was lovely. It really reminded me of Norway - so lush and green. And of course, the fog hanging in the valleys!
I kept pretty good pace with a couple of people ahead of me. There was a woman I really wanted to catch and kept her in my sights pretty much the whole time until about the last 2 miles. There were some hills - I ran up most of them, but there was one that was on a curve up to the next street and it was steep, so I walked the second half of it. Of course, since there were hills up, there were some great downhill moments. I ran mile 3 in 12:24 because of the awesome downhill! I will have to post my splits - I don't have my Garmin on me right now. I was really happy because the mile markers up until the end were right with my Garmin.

I did end up passing an older gentleman who had started walking, and I passed an older couple were were walking - they weren't as friendly as most folks. I said hi as I was passing them and the woman looked like a drowned rat (it's all about the hat). Of course, they passed me during the last mile because they started running again.

A couple of miles were dirt road with stones embedded into the dirt (if that makes sense). Not loose gravel, but the stones were fairly good-sized. Since it was also muddy from the rain I had to slow down because I have a pretty big fear of falling. Now mind you, I haven't fallen for a couple of years, but I think the fear comes from being so heavy and unbalanced in the past. I have much better balance now especially with my core being so much stronger, but still. Anyway, the uneveness of the ground also caused my left ankle to tire out and I think the downhills were rough on my right knee, because it was seriously aching toward the end of the race. In fact, I remember passing Jerel as I ran toward the fnish line saying something about - "my knee, my knee, my knee is killing me".

So, as for my thoughts during the race - I really didn't feel like I was in the groove of things until 2.5 miles in. I guess I'm going to have to run a couple of miles before a race starts like everyone else I've seen and thought were crazy. Although, I'm sure for longer distances I won't need to be doing it!

I also don't think I'm very competitive toward the end of the race. By mile 7 I was plain tuckered out, and the first half of mile 7 was all uphill. Geesh! That's when the older couple who had been walking zipped right by me. Then as I was back to running toward the final turn to the finish line the race walker and her friend passed me. They ended up finishing about a minute ahead of me.
Luckily it was a nice downhill all the way to the finish line. I saw poor Jerel standing there in the rain snapping a couple of pictures.

As I was nearing the finish line I saw the clock click over to 1:49 and I was SO psyched that I was going to finish in less than 1:50. Really, I thought it was going to take me 2 hours. My chip time was 1:48:46 which is an average of a 13:36 mile. I know the last 2 miles took me over 14 minutes each. I am happy to say I wasn't last...I was second to last. The older man who I passed finished in 1:48:53. According to the race results he's 71, so really, I truly am a penguin. I take no pride in being faster than a 71 year old.

Anyway, after crossing the finish line I talked to the race walker and her friend a little and we congratulated each other on a great race. They said they had worked on catching me the entire race. I said I was glad I could help them out!

Since it was still pouring we didn't stay for the promised ice cream (I know Laura, that's just wrong) and we headed back to the hotel for a much needed shower. Then it was back to Boston.

I would definitely do this race again and hope for better weather. It was great to cross another state off of my list of states visited (I think I only have 9 left), and add another state that I've now run in.

Speaking of 9...this was my 9th race since my very first one in April!!

RR – Boston’s Run to Remember Half Marathon – Boston, MA

Hell yeah!! I ran a freakin’ half marathon yesterday, and I can still walk!! I think that’s the most impressive thing!



Woke up this morning at 4:58 am – had the clock set for 5:00 am. Wow – that seems like it was a lifetime ago! Started up the espresso maker so I could have a latte, and for breakfast I had 2 whole wheat English muffins with PB, a banana, and 2egg whites. Breakfast definitely kept me feeling full for most of the morning, unlike a couple of weeks ago when I was hungry before the M.O.M.’s 5K even started!

Got dressed and got everything together – I decided to wear my Nathan hydration pack since it was going to be on the warmer side today and I filled up the water bottle with ice. That worked out perfectly because I was able to have a little water if I needed it, and there was actually still some ice when I finished my run.

We left the house a little after 7 and took the train. We didn’t want to mess with trying to park near the Seaport where the race started and ended. We got to the Silver line (which is actually a bus) in record time, but after waiting for about 20 minutes I started to get antsy, so we left South Station and grabbed a taxi. We made it to the Seaport about 10 minutes before the start – enough time to get a before photo.




There were pace markers set up so I made sure to stay toward the back. Obviously a lot of people didn’t know they were there because I got passed a whole lot the first mile! Either that or people started late because they couldn’t get the Silver line bus!

Anyway, it was a picture perfect day to run. About 70 degrees, nice cool breeze. Nothing like Boston in the springtime. I felt fantastic for a majority of the race. I ran all the way to the first water station, which was about 1.5 miles into the race. Supposedly there were aid stations every 2 miles, but I think that was a crock. Seemed like forever between the first and second stations.

I remember walking up some of the Longfellow Bridge, but running down the other side and under the underpass onto Memorial Drive. I may have taken a walk break every once in awhile, but I really ran a lot of this race. I was averaging a 12:30 mile according to my Garmin. About halfway down Memorial Drive – 45:00 minutes or so into the race – the elite runners were on their way back. I think the winner finished in 1:14:24 – a 5:41 pace. Geesh!

The turnaround point was around Mile 7 and I was able to see that there were actually quite a few people behind me. Once again there were a guy and girl doing the walk, sprint past me, walk thing again…the whole time I’m just running my penguin pace, slow and steady. At some point I lost them – until the “mistake” happened.

All was going well, I was feeling great – albeit “knackered” along about Mile 10. By then I was back in the city and running down Charles Street. We got to run through the Back Bay which was really nice. I’m sure it will be much more crowded during the Corporate Challenge next month – not really excited about that. Anyway, at Mile 11 there was an aid station and someone was on a stretcher with EMT’s. I couldn’t see who it was. Oh, and within the first few miles on Memorial Drive there was a girl sitting on the curb who looked like she had rolled her ankle.

So, I get to Boylston Street – where they have already opened up the streets to traffic. Now let me tell you – that sucks, and don’t think I won’t be writing to the race organizers. Even more galling – Jerel tells me they stopped announcing the finisher’s names at 2:25. That’s ridiculous!!

Anyway, between trying not to get run over and keep moving, the “mistake” happened. Yes, I missed the turn onto Washington Street and went 2 blocks past it. I would still be wandering Chinatown if it hadn’t been for a bike cop who told me I was going the wrong way – along with another girl who was following me!! That totally threw me for a loop and really mentally crushed me. As I was headed back to where I was supposed to be I saw a bunch of people that I had passed earlier going down Washington and there was no way I could catch them. It was also about this time that my right foot started to hurt, and my left toes were feeling smooshed into the side of my shoe again. I also never saw the Mile 12 marker.

I kept on going though – I even got to run down Water Street which is next to my office and I waved! Too cool!!

It had been my personal goal to finish in 3:00, and I really pushed toward the end to make it happen. I felt like I ran down Seaport Blvd for hours though. If it weren’t for the people there cheering me on I don’t think I could have ever done it. Finally, finally, I got closer to the finish line and tears just started welling up in my eyes and falling down my cheeks. I had actually done it – run a half-marathon. Jerel ran up next to me and spurred me on to the finish. I crossed the finish line at 3:02:55 (chip time 3:01:34), which was a 13:51 minute mile average. According to my Garmin, I ran 13.55 – so I went quite a bit out of my way when I missed the turn.

Jerel was right there at the finish with some water for me, and a hug. I was so full of emotion that I had actually done this – and I was also thinking there is no way I’m going to be able to run a full marathon! Luckily I have 5 months to train!!

I headed inside to drop off my chip and pick up my finisher’s medal – my first!!

Jerel had done some recon and found out where the Silver Line was (we don’t spend a lot of time in the Seaport area), and while we were standing waiting for the bus Jerel asked me what was on the toebox of my right shoe. “Um…looks like blood”, I said. Oh yeah…I remembered that my foot was hurting.

We finally got home and the first thing I wanted to do was take an ice bath – but I was flipping out when I took my shoes and socks off. Talk about war wounds!! I had 2 huge blisters on the instep of my right foot, and on top of the toe next to my big toe. I mean – it is huge and purple. On my left foot, I have a blister at the bottom of my fourth toenail. It’s almost like the toenail has been rubbed out of the toebed. My manicurist is going to freak out when I see her on Friday.

So, I took my ice bath. I was going to stay in for 10 minutes, but I moved the wrong way and I suddenly had a weird spasm in my left oblique. I figured that was enough and took a shower. After I got ready we went over to Pops for our usual post-race brunch. Oh, my Garmin said I burned 1700 calories! After brunch we decided to take a little snooze, but my legs were, not really aching, but they felt like I was still running. Not sure if that makes sense. I did snooze for about 20 minutes, but then got up and surfed the net, did some laundry, etc.

I’m not in too much pain. My lower back and hips are a little sore right now, but my legs seem to be okay. We’re going to take Tigger for a walk in a few minutes – I want to stay loose. Of course – tomorrow and Tuesday might be an entirely different story!! I am supposed to see Tara Tuesday morning for training, but I have a massage booked for Tuesday night. Nice!

Penguin in the House

May 17, 2008

I know...it's about time I actually got around to making a post here!! I have officially begun training for the Nike Marathon (10.19.08) with Team in Training, so now is as good a time as any to start writing.

This morning we met at the crack of dawn - 8:00 am - over at MIT. My hubby drove me over and waited for me in the car for over 2 hours. What a guy! The first 1.25 hours was a shoe and clothing clinic with a rep from Marathon Sports. I've been fitted there and actually just bought another new pair of shoes the other day, and I have plenty of non-cotton running clothes. Finally, around 9:20 we headed outside to do our 2 mile run.

And, that's where the title of this post comes in. I am a serious penguin when I run, because I am damn slow. We took off, and almost eveyone passed Andrea within the first few minutes. You know what though - I don't care. I run for me and yes, I run slowly, but by golly I CAN run. It's hard to believe that 20 months ago I weighed 300 lbs and couldn't even walk up a flight of stairs. (Go here if you're interested in my weight loss story).


So, I ran. I ran over the Mass Ave bridge and down the ramp to the Esplanade, and I ran until I reached the spot where the TNT folks were there waiting for the turnaround. I turned and ran back to the ramp, ran up the ramp, back over the bridge all the way to the MIT building we started from. I RAN the whole thing. My Garmin said I actually ran 2.11 miles - without stopping!! Even better, I felt great. I am officially labeling myself a penguin though!

I plan on tracking my training over the next 5 months with this blog, so feel free to stop on by and see how I'm doing. I'm going to need all the help I can get!!