Half #17 in Jeopardy

Half-marathon number 17 is Sunday and I woke up today feeling like my head was going to explode.  I don't know if I will make it.  I was so looking forward to this half.  The course if flat.  I had a super-fast time last year (even though I couldn't keep up with the kiddie run happening at the finish), and I am ten pounds lighter than I was for the half two weeks ago.  I was super curious to see how that would impact my finishing time.  I am resting lots, taking different meds, drinking fluids, and somehow managing to sit through class this weekend and hoping for the best.  If half-marathon #17 doesn't happen on Sunday at least there is always the Super Bowl!

Finished ALIVE Last!

I completed the Whole Foods Running School Half Marathon this weekend.  It is my 16th half marathon since October 2009 and I logged my fifth fastest time.   The best part was that I managed a first in all my running athletic history.  I finished in DEAD last!  Though since I'm still breathing, I prefer the term alive last if there is such a thing.  It's hard to believe that my fifth fastest time, or top third, would mean that I was the 143rd finisher out of 143 finishers.    The funny thing is that it was probably one of my best races in recent memory.   The course was beautiful and you couldn't ask for better weather in January.  The aid stations were well-stocked and most of them still had people at them when I brought up the rear.  Speaking of "bringing up the rear"  I didn't expect all the elevation on the course.  Lots of rolling hills that didn't feel that bad until it seemed that mile 6 and 7 were entirely uphill.  A slow, gradual climb that really took it's toll after a while.  The course had several out and back jaunts along different parts of the trail.  It was great especially for me being so far behind to see folks several times along the trail.  I have to say it say that it made for an encouraging race.  Participants cheering me on as the straggler.  I felt good and didn't think I looked too bad but I sure got a lot of encouragement!  The race was almost entirely run on trails so that meant I missed out on the experience of a police escort that usually accompanies the lonely runner at the end.  I did 2:1 intervals throughout and my running times remained pretty stable throughout which I found most surprising.  My last few halves I wanted to end at mile 10, but this one I was strong through the end.  Yeah!  Progress!   I think all my high intensity cross training and the incorporation of weights has helped tremendously.  It makes me look forward to my remaining running events in 2011.

My First 5K (of the Year) Race Report

I finished  My First 5K (of the Year) downtown at the Capitol.  It was a nicely organized race.  The kids race started before the adults and it was great to watch the little ones running alongside giant fruit.  The race is organized by the Wellness Task Force so the focus is on fitness.  It highly encourages first-timers and rewards them with a medal.  So it was great to see so many newcomers to the distance out on this dreary, rainy Sunday morning.  I managed to keep up my 3:1 run/walk ratio for most of the race and switched to 2:1 for the last mile as I felt myself slowing down.  My final time was 40:41 which is less than 10 seconds off my best 5K time in recent memory.   And, it was 9 minutes faster than my painful turkey trot experience just six weeks ago.  Yeah!!!  I was pushing myself but felt strong throughout.  I think a sub-40 5K will be in my future very soon if I keep up this pace.  It started raining hard right after I finished so I didn't stick around for the Resolution toast, but I did fill out a card at the resolution table.  The Wellness Task Force will mail it back to folks mid-year for extra encouragement.  I can't wait!  It will provide an opportunity for reflection, readjustment, and celebration of health and fitness goals mid-year.  Overall, a great race and one I would definitely recommend in future years.  

Enjoying Running Again

I have been fortunate enough to have the last two weeks off for vacation.  I've had plenty of projects to do to keep me out of trouble.   I am most grateful to have had the time to spend working out, going to the gym, and running along the trail the few times the sun was out.  The first couple days were pretty dreadful and it was difficult to get out of bed the next day because my body was screaming at me.  But now, even though it remains a challenge to actually start exercising, once I get moving I feel so much stronger.  


Today on the treadmill, I realized that I haven't really enjoyed working out since June last year.  I still managed to keep up my long runs and complete a number of races in the fall but the whole endeavor had lost its sparkle and enjoyment.  I had completely stopped working out mid-week with any kind of consistency.  My overall fitness suffered tremendously.  Now, after two weeks of consistent daily workouts focused on building up my fitness level, I feel pure joy when I am working out.  The body is amazing thing.  Its ability to recover and gain strength is remarkable.  I was on the treadmill for over an hour today.  The Rose Bowl was on and I was waiting for half time to hop off and do weights.  I had been doing an easy interval workout with lots of walking to recover from long run yesterday and prepare for race tomorrow.   But I threw in a number of intervals in to mix things up a bit.  With two minutes left on the timer, I ran at 6.0 for 1 minute.  I did this maybe 10 days ago and completed it but barely.  And I didn't do it at the END of my workout.   I set the treadmill at 6.0 and did 1 minute without a problem.  Probably could have completed an additional minute (but not much more).   If I was able to bare run a 10 min/mile pace for 1 minute less than two weeks ago and now can maintain that pace without a  problem,  I wonder what pace I will be able to maintain two weeks from now?!?  The possibilities are endless and I can think of no better way to start the new year.

Last Race of the Year

The last month has not been one my best for running.  My times have gotten slower and running and become less and less enjoyable.  My plantar fasciitis in my foot has been screaming.  I took some time off since my last half marathon and did a Thanksgiving 5K and ended up walking most of it.  At that point, I decided I needed to be super aggressive with my treatment.  I got some super heavy-duty arch supports and was wearing my shoes almost 24/7.  I slept in a splint but the moment I got out of bed it was into supportive shoes.  I also tried to do a lot of stretching my calves as well.  That has been going on for the last two weeks with absolutely no exercise what so ever.  


Today was my last race of the year.  I couldn't resist doing it since it was happening in my neighborhood and I could walk to the starting line.  I mean even I can't come up with an excuse to get out of that one.  Because of my injury though I signed up for the 1.2 miler.  I have never done a 1.2 mile race before so that's a race I can check off my race list.  I managed to do 3 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking.  I avoided looking at my watch for my pace and just listened to my body.  I was very pleased to finish the race in 14 minutes without any pain in my foot.  The great thing about this race, besides being outside my front door, is that the 5K, 10K, and 1.2 miler started all at the same time.  This meant my finish time allowed me to finish BEFORE all the speedy 5K people.  So I got a chance to watch them finish when usually I see those people walking to their cars while I am still on the course.  That was a nice change of pace.


Now with the last race race of the year under my belt, it's time to reflect on my accomplishments and set a vision for my running future in 2011.  Stay tuned...