M: 56 min, 5.5? mi in the Mt. Diablo foothills. Beautiful day, good to get out and deflect the negative energy at home. Felt like I was running through the shire - meadows and hillsides so green and lush. R Ham is mostly fine - feel it a little when stretching tho.
W: 6? mi. Fenton's run with CHE! Complete with a brief tour of LBNL.
12.10-17 waiting for the end.
M: off. The end.
W: Yoga. Pigeon is probably my favorite; got up into a headstand today before rolling forward and then becoming too scared again.
Th: Tried kickBOXING. Quite fun - roundhouse-kicking and jabbing and crossing; but my knuckles got bruised-looking afterward - oops.
F: off, being a bum.
S: yoga solo bc j was too tired. Got my headstand on! Chattatonga is getting easier; the flow feels good. Balancing is easier on mg left let. Arms tired. Right groin feels pulled - pain walking ESP on stairs.
W: Yoga. Pigeon is probably my favorite; got up into a headstand today before rolling forward and then becoming too scared again.
Th: Tried kickBOXING. Quite fun - roundhouse-kicking and jabbing and crossing; but my knuckles got bruised-looking afterward - oops.
F: off, being a bum.
S: yoga solo bc j was too tired. Got my headstand on! Chattatonga is getting easier; the flow feels good. Balancing is easier on mg left let. Arms tired. Right groin feels pulled - pain walking ESP on stairs.
12.3-9
T: 10 = 4 in the AM + (~6 + 2 walking with jos in the PM). 39/70. In the 70s today! Canal runs. Knees getting sore towards middle of 2nd run.
Sa: Yoga in the AM! Hams were feeling iffy, but felt good to be a bit sore afterward - pecs, rotator cuffs, hams
Sa: Yoga in the AM! Hams were feeling iffy, but felt good to be a bit sore afterward - pecs, rotator cuffs, hams
11.26-12.3 Grad apps week!
Terrible sleep schedule while working on apps all T-Th.
T: 5 mi on the treadmill. Abs and light lifting.
F: 2.5 in the AM on the canal
Su: 4.5 = 2 on canal + (2.5 on the mall with jos)
T: 5 mi on the treadmill. Abs and light lifting.
F: 2.5 in the AM on the canal
Su: 4.5 = 2 on canal + (2.5 on the mall with jos)
Hurricane week
W: 5mi. post-hurricane jog with js along the cc. Tights weather! earmuffs and jacket in light rain. Felt good, r shoulder blade of back has been bothering, been antsy.
9 September, 2010: The Nations Triathlon
5:15 Awake. Check the facebooks! Official water temp... 82.5 degrees; wetsuit illegal swim.
5:30 Efficiency. Suit up, pre-race picture, eat the cereals, squeeze in a quick PRP, check the packed bags
5:50 Embark. Out the door to find a cab to race day!
5:52 Wait. My bib is still in the envelope. Run back to the house; return with bib.
5:53 Check. J, are you sure you have everything? Can't find his bib. No worries! Run back to the house; do not return with bib. So where is it?
5:55 Ah. Return to house for a thorough search. Unpack the bags, look through everything, think about where it could be.
6:07 Panic. Makeshift bib with a sharpie and the back of the bike number sticker. 6:09 Whew. JOS finds it under the couch.
6:12 Sketch. Hail a cab, 14th and Constitution please! The fare box is broken and the driver fiddles with it, swerving, stopping at green lights. Eh, fare should be about $6. That's fine - we just need to get there.
6:19 Excitement. Follow the gradient of athletes toward the transition area! Music setting the mood, the announcer appealing for a pair of goggles, extra water bottle, extra mid-race fuel. Offerings would surface within seconds. What a community! In the meantime, set up the towels and shoes, helmet, get body markings, and just soak in the excitement.
7:00 Spirit. "O'er the laaand of the freeeeeeee... and the home, of the brave." Following the cheers and moral, the first wave of elite athletes entered the water. And here we were. Slightly chilly with the air temperature, but warming with the rising sun. Chatting with J, chatting it up with fellow triathletes, some first timers, some experienced 6-time Nations Tri participants. The elite group finish their swim. Nerves and butterflies.
8:15 AH. Into the roped area, moving closer to the start of my chip timed-start.
And here we finally are!! Tri tri tri again :).
Swim: Open water swimming is disorienting. The Potomac was a warm, muddy brown. I swallowed some water every now and then. Just kick and pull toward the next buoy. Pass all the color caps I can, get kicked a few times in the sea of bodies. Had no idea how fast I was going, just kind of swimming along in the general direction of the buoys. And finally, the 1400 marker, and the end of the 1.5k happened. Jog to the transition area, dry off my feet a little, put on the shoes, stuff some gels into my pants, and off I run with my bike! Oh wait, half way through the transition area, I realize I forgot my helmet. Still a little disoriented in the post-swimming haze, I leave my bike against a pole and run back for my helmet. Ah, finally on at the start of the bike portion!
Bike: fantastic and felt really good! I didn't have a gage of how long I would be able to last pushing, since I hadn't really ever biked more than ~8 miles pushing at a time, on the way up to work from Georgetown. So.. 25 would be fun! But I pushed and passed, and averaged 18.6mph on the 40k! Drank some water now and then, had to slow down in the middle because of an accident - ambulance and blood and nasty head wound. Apparently the guy had been recklessly passing and was on the other side of the road, causing a head-on collision with a woman. She was mostly fine, though, fixed her bike, and continued onward. Saw my cheering squad, waved and said hi at the whitehurst intersection. Altogether quite fun :). Passing decked-out athletes with all their fancy gear was pretty fun. And then it was time to slow down and transition into the run. Racked my bike, and started out on the 10k.
Run: I suspected it would be a slow one. Had a bit of a stitch on my right side, but went at a steady pace. Not really racing.. just going for finishing strong now. Passed Jon (with a major cramping time) around the Washington monument and cheered him on. At mile 2? Really had to pee. Stopped at the portopotties for a bit of relief. And boy, it was fantastic! In that time though, I probably lost about 10 places. Mostly was holding on and finishing. Was quite tired by this point, and feeling quite warm. Quads starting to feel the cramping at some point, so I took some gatorade electrolytes and felt better (whewww). So yep, the run was nothing to write home about. This is the leg where I can improve the most, with training. I kicked it in, at the finish line. And that was it. Triathlon checked off my list of things to have done :).
Found J afterwards. Walked around, got our timing sheets. Bike/walked back home, showered, napped, and treated us three to a delicious Brazilian BBQ at Fogo de Chao. Excellence cannot not describe. Mmmm! Omnom.
A pretty fantastically awesome possum experience all in all. Will definitely do this again.
5:30 Efficiency. Suit up, pre-race picture, eat the cereals, squeeze in a quick PRP, check the packed bags
5:50 Embark. Out the door to find a cab to race day!
5:52 Wait. My bib is still in the envelope. Run back to the house; return with bib.
5:53 Check. J, are you sure you have everything? Can't find his bib. No worries! Run back to the house; do not return with bib. So where is it?
5:55 Ah. Return to house for a thorough search. Unpack the bags, look through everything, think about where it could be.
6:07 Panic. Makeshift bib with a sharpie and the back of the bike number sticker. 6:09 Whew. JOS finds it under the couch.
6:12 Sketch. Hail a cab, 14th and Constitution please! The fare box is broken and the driver fiddles with it, swerving, stopping at green lights. Eh, fare should be about $6. That's fine - we just need to get there.
6:19 Excitement. Follow the gradient of athletes toward the transition area! Music setting the mood, the announcer appealing for a pair of goggles, extra water bottle, extra mid-race fuel. Offerings would surface within seconds. What a community! In the meantime, set up the towels and shoes, helmet, get body markings, and just soak in the excitement.
7:00 Spirit. "O'er the laaand of the freeeeeeee... and the home, of the brave." Following the cheers and moral, the first wave of elite athletes entered the water. And here we were. Slightly chilly with the air temperature, but warming with the rising sun. Chatting with J, chatting it up with fellow triathletes, some first timers, some experienced 6-time Nations Tri participants. The elite group finish their swim. Nerves and butterflies.
8:15 AH. Into the roped area, moving closer to the start of my chip timed-start.
And here we finally are!! Tri tri tri again :).
Swim: Open water swimming is disorienting. The Potomac was a warm, muddy brown. I swallowed some water every now and then. Just kick and pull toward the next buoy. Pass all the color caps I can, get kicked a few times in the sea of bodies. Had no idea how fast I was going, just kind of swimming along in the general direction of the buoys. And finally, the 1400 marker, and the end of the 1.5k happened. Jog to the transition area, dry off my feet a little, put on the shoes, stuff some gels into my pants, and off I run with my bike! Oh wait, half way through the transition area, I realize I forgot my helmet. Still a little disoriented in the post-swimming haze, I leave my bike against a pole and run back for my helmet. Ah, finally on at the start of the bike portion!
Bike: fantastic and felt really good! I didn't have a gage of how long I would be able to last pushing, since I hadn't really ever biked more than ~8 miles pushing at a time, on the way up to work from Georgetown. So.. 25 would be fun! But I pushed and passed, and averaged 18.6mph on the 40k! Drank some water now and then, had to slow down in the middle because of an accident - ambulance and blood and nasty head wound. Apparently the guy had been recklessly passing and was on the other side of the road, causing a head-on collision with a woman. She was mostly fine, though, fixed her bike, and continued onward. Saw my cheering squad, waved and said hi at the whitehurst intersection. Altogether quite fun :). Passing decked-out athletes with all their fancy gear was pretty fun. And then it was time to slow down and transition into the run. Racked my bike, and started out on the 10k.
Run: I suspected it would be a slow one. Had a bit of a stitch on my right side, but went at a steady pace. Not really racing.. just going for finishing strong now. Passed Jon (with a major cramping time) around the Washington monument and cheered him on. At mile 2? Really had to pee. Stopped at the portopotties for a bit of relief. And boy, it was fantastic! In that time though, I probably lost about 10 places. Mostly was holding on and finishing. Was quite tired by this point, and feeling quite warm. Quads starting to feel the cramping at some point, so I took some gatorade electrolytes and felt better (whewww). So yep, the run was nothing to write home about. This is the leg where I can improve the most, with training. I kicked it in, at the finish line. And that was it. Triathlon checked off my list of things to have done :).
Found J afterwards. Walked around, got our timing sheets. Bike/walked back home, showered, napped, and treated us three to a delicious Brazilian BBQ at Fogo de Chao. Excellence cannot not describe. Mmmm! Omnom.
A pretty fantastically awesome possum experience all in all. Will definitely do this again.
9.3-10
M: Labor day! 28.8 mi bike on the Mt. Vernon trail with JOS. This is like a better version of the River Trail! Very exciting :).
Th: 3.4 mi, late night run on the national mall with JCC. Knees and shins getting a bit sore towards the end. Had a triathlon dream.
Th: 3.4 mi, late night run on the national mall with JCC. Knees and shins getting a bit sore towards the end. Had a triathlon dream.
8.25-9.2
Th: 14.8 mi bike = 9.4+5.4
F: 1500m swim, 14.8 mi bike = 5.4+9.4.
Su: 8.2 mi, Hains Point. Tried out the loop that I'll be doing next weekend. Legs were getting tired - lots of starting and stopping to ask for directions, trying to get water. Quite humid, but nice run overall. Hot Yoga in the PM was a miserable miserable experience - I do not like the 'forest-style' yoga.
F: 1500m swim, 14.8 mi bike = 5.4+9.4.
Su: 8.2 mi, Hains Point. Tried out the loop that I'll be doing next weekend. Legs were getting tired - lots of starting and stopping to ask for directions, trying to get water. Quite humid, but nice run overall. Hot Yoga in the PM was a miserable miserable experience - I do not like the 'forest-style' yoga.
8.13-19
T: 4mi run along the CC, in the early AM rain! Ramen for breakfast mmm!
W: 18.4 mi bike = 9.4 to and from (with JOS) work. Back feeling weird on the bike.
Th: 3mi run + 18.4 mi bike to and from (with JOS) work. 40 mins on the way up! Legs a little sore, but otherwise felt good.
---
8.6-12
W: 3 miles down the CC. Was planning to do 8, but got tired and then walked D:
Su: 1200 yd swim.
W: 18.4 mi bike = 9.4 to and from (with JOS) work. Back feeling weird on the bike.
Th: 3mi run + 18.4 mi bike to and from (with JOS) work. 40 mins on the way up! Legs a little sore, but otherwise felt good.
---
8.6-12
W: 3 miles down the CC. Was planning to do 8, but got tired and then walked D:
Su: 1200 yd swim.
7.23-28 Secrets
W: Swim 1000 yds. Crowded single lane with extreme slow pokes and kids randomly popping up is not conducive to a real workout.
Th: Bike to/from work (~11mi), with a 2.5 mile walk to/from the library around 11am: HOT. 97 degrees, "feels like 110." aye.
Su: 14.6 mi bike with JOS (who bought a 29er Surly today!)
Th: Bike to/from work (~11mi), with a 2.5 mile walk to/from the library around 11am: HOT. 97 degrees, "feels like 110." aye.
Su: 14.6 mi bike with JOS (who bought a 29er Surly today!)
5.28-6.3 Gettin in the groove again
M: 5 mi, echo mountain with SMW & CHE. what a miserable run/walk! Oof, too hot. And quite steep. Tired tired tired.
T: off, recovering from my newborn baby crying red eye.
W: 5.5 mi, exploratory from work. Set out to do the 9, but was too hot and then got hungry.
T: off, recovering from my newborn baby crying red eye.
W: 5.5 mi, exploratory from work. Set out to do the 9, but was too hot and then got hungry.
5.21-7, taking inventory
T: 9 mi, legs a little heavy but overall felt good. Had a snack before the run. Got a bit of a stitch but energy level was fantastic. Mosquito bites galore during stretch break at mile 5. Happy panda.
Th: 9 mi, got quite tired at mile 5. Also got hungry and stopped to walk for a bit.
F: off, transit to CA!
Sa: 7 mi, Brown mountain. With CHE, SMW, and JB!! Calves getting quite sore on the way up. But a very very lovely run.
Th: 9 mi, got quite tired at mile 5. Also got hungry and stopped to walk for a bit.
F: off, transit to CA!
Sa: 7 mi, Brown mountain. With CHE, SMW, and JB!! Calves getting quite sore on the way up. But a very very lovely run.
5.8-13 Can you hear my heart, hear it now?
Th: 9 mi from work, CC trail. SfN abstract submitted! Perfect running weather today - not too humid, not too hot. Became hungry towards the end, and LE R ham was a bit sad. Hurts walking around today (th). Strolled the last .3 mi with JOS.
F: Bothered ham, but walked 5.6 mi around the city with IBB.
F: Bothered ham, but walked 5.6 mi around the city with IBB.
4.23-5.7 chubs
4.30-5.7.2012: 9 mi
T: 2.5 mi, 3x around the block. Legs feeling tight. Humid humidity. 8h(s)+2h(n).
W: 2.5 mi, tight R ham. 8h(s)+2h(n).
Th,F,Sa: Off, didn't sleep enough, then slept in on S. Study study. Tripped on the sidewalk which annoyed the ham more.
Su: 4 mi, C&O trail. Lovely slow 6 in the AM run. Then napped. Legs a little heavy, R ham.
As an aside, blogger has changed its look. Entries are written in html now. Which is nice, but I was initially confused.
4.23-29.2012
F: 9 mi, down the CC trail. Felt pretty good at my 9 min/mi pace. I think I sped up during the last few miles.
T: 2.5 mi, 3x around the block. Legs feeling tight. Humid humidity. 8h(s)+2h(n).
W: 2.5 mi, tight R ham. 8h(s)+2h(n).
Th,F,Sa: Off, didn't sleep enough, then slept in on S. Study study. Tripped on the sidewalk which annoyed the ham more.
Su: 4 mi, C&O trail. Lovely slow 6 in the AM run. Then napped. Legs a little heavy, R ham.
As an aside, blogger has changed its look. Entries are written in html now. Which is nice, but I was initially confused.
4.23-29.2012
F: 9 mi, down the CC trail. Felt pretty good at my 9 min/mi pace. I think I sped up during the last few miles.
4.16-22 brighter than the sun
T: 5.3 mi run from work. Legs felt a little heavy, but all in all a nice run. light abs.
W: 15 mi bike = (5.6 + 9.4) to/from work. Drizzly day... think I made record time from work after getting on the CC trail bc not many people were out. Quads are a bit sore. A good feeling. Mr. bikebike is making funny squeaking noises though, and I might have to replace the front brake cable soon, bc it is fraying.
Th: 18.8 mi bike to/from work. 47? min there. I like watching the progress. It's easy to improve at things you're bad at... I am a terrible biker. Legs were le tired on the way back. Had a relatively productive day.
W: 15 mi bike = (5.6 + 9.4) to/from work. Drizzly day... think I made record time from work after getting on the CC trail bc not many people were out. Quads are a bit sore. A good feeling. Mr. bikebike is making funny squeaking noises though, and I might have to replace the front brake cable soon, bc it is fraying.
Th: 18.8 mi bike to/from work. 47? min there. I like watching the progress. It's easy to improve at things you're bad at... I am a terrible biker. Legs were le tired on the way back. Had a relatively productive day.
4.9-15. take my hand, im a stranger in paradise
week total: 52.6 mi biking
Monday: 18.8 mi biking = 9.4mi (51 min) +9.4mi (31 min), to and from work. Downhill is much faster :P. My big toes always get numb after a long bike. I also think that my seat is secretly shifting.
Tuesday: 9.4 (46 min) in the AM to work.
Wednesday: 9.4 mi from work.
Thursday: off.
Friday: 15 mi biking = 9.4mi + 5.6 mi, to and from work. Got tired at the tunnel, but until then didn't drop below 13mph.
Saturday: off, successful zipcar trip to Baltimore!
Monday: 18.8 mi biking = 9.4mi (51 min) +9.4mi (31 min), to and from work. Downhill is much faster :P. My big toes always get numb after a long bike. I also think that my seat is secretly shifting.
Tuesday: 9.4 (46 min) in the AM to work.
Wednesday: 9.4 mi from work.
Thursday: off.
Friday: 15 mi biking = 9.4mi + 5.6 mi, to and from work. Got tired at the tunnel, but until then didn't drop below 13mph.
Saturday: off, successful zipcar trip to Baltimore!
4.2-8. people get ready get ready, 'cuz here it comes
This week: 3mi/15mi (run/bike)
--
Monday: off.
Tuesday: ~3 mi. 4x(the block with the hill). short, but good workout.
Wednesday: 5.5 mi bike to work
Thursday: off. I might have a new favorite type of cheese: either manchego or lincolnshire. omnom! and rockfish is DElicious.
Friday: 9.5(~40 min) bike from work. Got my tires pumped up and acquired a patch kit. My nose always runs while I bike. all in time for a stroll, a salad, grilled steak, broccoli, and a baked potato.
Sat&Sun: off.
--
Monday: off.
Tuesday: ~3 mi. 4x(the block with the hill). short, but good workout.
Wednesday: 5.5 mi bike to work
Thursday: off. I might have a new favorite type of cheese: either manchego or lincolnshire. omnom! and rockfish is DElicious.
Friday: 9.5(~40 min) bike from work. Got my tires pumped up and acquired a patch kit. My nose always runs while I bike. all in time for a stroll, a salad, grilled steak, broccoli, and a baked potato.
Sat&Sun: off.
on the up side of a downward spiral, my love for you went viral.
Week of March 26- April 1, 2012.
good foot, fantastic friends, wonderful weather, and melting hearts. life is pretty okay.
Monday: ~2.5 miles, around the block a couple of times. I attribute feelings of unfocused restlessness to the lack of exercise. Foot felt pretty good! Felt the R ham a little. Light abs.
Tuesday: off. Long long day at work. I tried an fMRI today. It's... loud.
Wednesday: 30 mins out and back on the CC trail. R ham is there. Foot did not bother at all.
Thursday: 10x(the hill) with JOS. Felt good. I miss intervals and speed work. Light abs.
Fri-Sun: off, entertaining FTW and eating a lot.
----
Week of March 19-25: off, recovering.
good foot, fantastic friends, wonderful weather, and melting hearts. life is pretty okay.
Monday: ~2.5 miles, around the block a couple of times. I attribute feelings of unfocused restlessness to the lack of exercise. Foot felt pretty good! Felt the R ham a little. Light abs.
Tuesday: off. Long long day at work. I tried an fMRI today. It's... loud.
Wednesday: 30 mins out and back on the CC trail. R ham is there. Foot did not bother at all.
Thursday: 10x(the hill) with JOS. Felt good. I miss intervals and speed work. Light abs.
Fri-Sun: off, entertaining FTW and eating a lot.
----
Week of March 19-25: off, recovering.
The Big One: Rock N' Roll
17 March, 2012
Rock N' Roll Marathon Race Report
4:28.03
I don't actually have splits; I may try to chase them down at some point, but I was pretty much dead on doing leisurely 9min miles for the first 19 miles (was _watching_ (har har) my splits as I passed each mile mark.) And then after that was kind of a struggle to the finish.
So...
Went to sleep early, only to wake up too soon. Needless to say, did not get a great deal of sleep the night before. The nerves, the excitement, the anxiety. They say that the day when you no longer feel nervous when you toe the line is the day when your running career is over. I am glad I have not reached the end of my career yet.
4:45am Up, shower, breakfast, finish packing, put the loop on my shoes
5:30 leave the house
By 6:30 arrive at the Stadium. SET has a wardrobe dilemma... to green or not to green. Verdict: to green. Happy St. Patty's day!
After some pottying like a rock star, checking our bags, wandering around looking for some running lady, more pottying like a rock star. To the starting carrels.
8am: Countdown to the start. The temperature is already in the 60's. 10 minutes later, I found myself creeping up to the starting line, "Break your Heart" blaring and putting a smile on my face (hi CHE!) Bopping around a bit, getting PUMPED. Aaaaand off we go.. here goes nothing! Hm, my snacks are bouncing around in the bike jersey pockets, doh. Eh, whatever.. I can run in a way such that it dampens the resonant frequency of my snacks (great success!). The first mile is a little slow going, since the course is packed. Something close to 9:30. Mile 2 was fine, and the average pace was 9:00 again. And so here I was, just chilling. My goal? Just finish. Hm, I need to pee. Mile 4 had a toilet, but that seemed too soon. Mile 5 - ohhh shit, my foot is starting to hurt. Had a snack at Mile 7. Stopped for the facilities at mile 9. Things were SO much better after that - I felt like a new person. Except my foot. At this point, I decided that I needed to speed up and try to get in as many miles as possible before the foot became unbearable. I thought about stopping for the half marathon, but I'm kind of glad I didn't. That would have made me sad. I took advantage of all the water/gatorade stops. At each mile, they had music playing; most were live bands - pretty cool! Of course "Eye of the Tiger" played up one of the hills :). Still keeping my easy 9:00 pace effortlessly. Finally the half marathoners split off, and the crowd substantially thinned. I was feeling good at this point, so passed some people, and I passed the 13 mile mark at something like 1:56, so I'm fairly certain I was under 2 hours for the half - great! The temperature was really warming up, but I was still feeling pretty good, considering the foot. Shortly after crossing into Anacostia, they handed out ice - how wonderful. I felt re-energized and cooled down as I put some down the back of my shirt, and cradeled the cubes in my hands. They took photos at some point. I passed some more people; some were starting to walk; there was talk about how after mile 14 it was always tough. Things were going generally swimmingly. Just me and the road and some people. And then mile 19 happened. BAM quads just locked and cramped up. Had to stop to stretch :(. And then it was kind of downhill from there. The rest was a combination of walking/shuffling/stopping to stretch and have mini pity parties. Some parts were out and back, so it was just plain miserable to see people on their way back, and see how much further you had to go. Eventually, though, I was making it back towards the stadium on the final stretch. I still had to stop and stretch out the quads periodically, as they kept threatening to lock up and completely cramp up. The foot was quite hurting. Final hills kept coming up, only to be another long stretch. Mile 26 never seemed so far away. And then it finally arrived. I could see the finish line. And then I did a bit of a kick, passed some people, and garnished a "this girl's got a KICK!" from the announcer. And there it was. 26.2. Zing! Got mah bling, ate some bagel and yogurt, drank some chocolate milk, all provided. Then I met back up with SET and Madeleine. And then the rest of the weekend unfolded. Ice bath, shivering, hobbling, short ribs, snuggles, craziness.
Verdict: quite miserable for the last part of it, but overall pretty okay; I want to properly train for one sometime. Barring the injury leading up to race day, and the fact that I didn't quite train properly, I'm glad I finished. And soreness subsided much more quickly for this than it did the first time I did a half.
Rock N' Roll Marathon Race Report
4:28.03
I don't actually have splits; I may try to chase them down at some point, but I was pretty much dead on doing leisurely 9min miles for the first 19 miles (was _watching_ (har har) my splits as I passed each mile mark.) And then after that was kind of a struggle to the finish.
So...
Went to sleep early, only to wake up too soon. Needless to say, did not get a great deal of sleep the night before. The nerves, the excitement, the anxiety. They say that the day when you no longer feel nervous when you toe the line is the day when your running career is over. I am glad I have not reached the end of my career yet.
4:45am Up, shower, breakfast, finish packing, put the loop on my shoes
5:30 leave the house
By 6:30 arrive at the Stadium. SET has a wardrobe dilemma... to green or not to green. Verdict: to green. Happy St. Patty's day!
After some pottying like a rock star, checking our bags, wandering around looking for some running lady, more pottying like a rock star. To the starting carrels.
8am: Countdown to the start. The temperature is already in the 60's. 10 minutes later, I found myself creeping up to the starting line, "Break your Heart" blaring and putting a smile on my face (hi CHE!) Bopping around a bit, getting PUMPED. Aaaaand off we go.. here goes nothing! Hm, my snacks are bouncing around in the bike jersey pockets, doh. Eh, whatever.. I can run in a way such that it dampens the resonant frequency of my snacks (great success!). The first mile is a little slow going, since the course is packed. Something close to 9:30. Mile 2 was fine, and the average pace was 9:00 again. And so here I was, just chilling. My goal? Just finish. Hm, I need to pee. Mile 4 had a toilet, but that seemed too soon. Mile 5 - ohhh shit, my foot is starting to hurt. Had a snack at Mile 7. Stopped for the facilities at mile 9. Things were SO much better after that - I felt like a new person. Except my foot. At this point, I decided that I needed to speed up and try to get in as many miles as possible before the foot became unbearable. I thought about stopping for the half marathon, but I'm kind of glad I didn't. That would have made me sad. I took advantage of all the water/gatorade stops. At each mile, they had music playing; most were live bands - pretty cool! Of course "Eye of the Tiger" played up one of the hills :). Still keeping my easy 9:00 pace effortlessly. Finally the half marathoners split off, and the crowd substantially thinned. I was feeling good at this point, so passed some people, and I passed the 13 mile mark at something like 1:56, so I'm fairly certain I was under 2 hours for the half - great! The temperature was really warming up, but I was still feeling pretty good, considering the foot. Shortly after crossing into Anacostia, they handed out ice - how wonderful. I felt re-energized and cooled down as I put some down the back of my shirt, and cradeled the cubes in my hands. They took photos at some point. I passed some more people; some were starting to walk; there was talk about how after mile 14 it was always tough. Things were going generally swimmingly. Just me and the road and some people. And then mile 19 happened. BAM quads just locked and cramped up. Had to stop to stretch :(. And then it was kind of downhill from there. The rest was a combination of walking/shuffling/stopping to stretch and have mini pity parties. Some parts were out and back, so it was just plain miserable to see people on their way back, and see how much further you had to go. Eventually, though, I was making it back towards the stadium on the final stretch. I still had to stop and stretch out the quads periodically, as they kept threatening to lock up and completely cramp up. The foot was quite hurting. Final hills kept coming up, only to be another long stretch. Mile 26 never seemed so far away. And then it finally arrived. I could see the finish line. And then I did a bit of a kick, passed some people, and garnished a "this girl's got a KICK!" from the announcer. And there it was. 26.2. Zing! Got mah bling, ate some bagel and yogurt, drank some chocolate milk, all provided. Then I met back up with SET and Madeleine. And then the rest of the weekend unfolded. Ice bath, shivering, hobbling, short ribs, snuggles, craziness.
Verdict: quite miserable for the last part of it, but overall pretty okay; I want to properly train for one sometime. Barring the injury leading up to race day, and the fact that I didn't quite train properly, I'm glad I finished. And soreness subsided much more quickly for this than it did the first time I did a half.
a week of taunts
This is a sad sad panda week. Injured left foot (peroneal tendonitis) makes for difficulty walking and even standing on it. So running is out of the question at the moment. I'm kind of freaked out about my marathon in ONE WEEK.
Monday aggressively iced. Painful walking. I can't help wondering if by compensating for this pain I am secretly incurring some other injury.
Tuesday iced and heated. Being injured puts me in a foul mood - didn't get to work until very late today, because I was icing my foot in the morning. And then heated in a rather long shower. Walking home from metro was a struggle.
Wednesday it was feeling a bit better - could almost walk painlessly if I don't roll on the outside of my foot. Heat seems to feel better, and if I wore fuzzy boots, the pain is less pronounced than if I wear flats. LOVELY weather today.
Thursday I walked around campus too much, and ran a few paces to catch a bus that wasn't mine. Walking home from the bus was a bitch. The weather so amazingly gorgeous today - almost to 70's.
Friday - feeling a bit better, wore boots again. I've just been sitting around a lot. Awful foot aside, today was a very productive day at work - injections went well. And I did the RT step for my reaction.
Saturday - biked to the gym and elliptical'd for 40 mins. Foot is feeling much better, almost there maybe? Since last night it has been doing this weird twitch throb thing every once in a while. I like to think that is an indication of healing. And not a neurological disorder. Anyway, I am extremely pleased with the trajectory of foot healing. And I feel happy. Life intrigues me.
Sunday - Had a go at running. 1.5 miles, relatively pain free. I can definitely still feel it, but it's not as sharp of a pain. And it doesn't feel any worse than it did before I did the 1.5 miles.
Monday aggressively iced. Painful walking. I can't help wondering if by compensating for this pain I am secretly incurring some other injury.
Tuesday iced and heated. Being injured puts me in a foul mood - didn't get to work until very late today, because I was icing my foot in the morning. And then heated in a rather long shower. Walking home from metro was a struggle.
Wednesday it was feeling a bit better - could almost walk painlessly if I don't roll on the outside of my foot. Heat seems to feel better, and if I wore fuzzy boots, the pain is less pronounced than if I wear flats. LOVELY weather today.
Thursday I walked around campus too much, and ran a few paces to catch a bus that wasn't mine. Walking home from the bus was a bitch. The weather so amazingly gorgeous today - almost to 70's.
Friday - feeling a bit better, wore boots again. I've just been sitting around a lot. Awful foot aside, today was a very productive day at work - injections went well. And I did the RT step for my reaction.
Saturday - biked to the gym and elliptical'd for 40 mins. Foot is feeling much better, almost there maybe? Since last night it has been doing this weird twitch throb thing every once in a while. I like to think that is an indication of healing. And not a neurological disorder. Anyway, I am extremely pleased with the trajectory of foot healing. And I feel happy. Life intrigues me.
Sunday - Had a go at running. 1.5 miles, relatively pain free. I can definitely still feel it, but it's not as sharp of a pain. And it doesn't feel any worse than it did before I did the 1.5 miles.
Feb 27-Mar 3. bah bah bah bah na na na...
Week total: 23.5
Mostly off for the first part of this week - trying to let the R ham heal; it's been throbbing while I'm just sitting there. How unfortunate.
Friday, March 2
3.5 miles around the NIH. Started raining during the run - lovely! Running felt liberating. Felt the R Ham. Iced afterward.
Saturday
20 miles! Proof of concept run - T-2weeks for the marathon... shit guys!
Ran without music today. I think I prefer this. Am being extra cautious with the R. ham, felt pretty good at mile 8. Stopped to have snack#1, a goo gel type thing at mile 9.25. It didn't taste very good. Then I continued, past the CVS from last week, and I discovered a track that was open. I did a 400 (70); I contend it was a shorter distance than a 400. Then I continued, past the national cathedral. It was getting sunny! Stopped at a Giant to hydrate and pick up another snack (cliff bar). Then continued down Wisconsin to the water front, where I stopped at mile 14 for part of the blueberry bar. I checked out a dog, but the coincidence seemed too high. So I stayed there for a few minutes enjoying the view. Later, I find out it was actually JOS. Continued again, legs starting to get tired, but I made it to mile 17. Up the capital crescent.. cherry blossoms in bloom already! Stretched the hams, and then I kind of bonked before mile 20. And the outside of my L foot was hurting starting around mile 19. It now hurts when I walk around :(. ICE. So I had a McFlurry at mile 20, and then hobbled home. did some abs afterwards.
Mostly off for the first part of this week - trying to let the R ham heal; it's been throbbing while I'm just sitting there. How unfortunate.
Friday, March 2
3.5 miles around the NIH. Started raining during the run - lovely! Running felt liberating. Felt the R Ham. Iced afterward.
Saturday
20 miles! Proof of concept run - T-2weeks for the marathon... shit guys!
Ran without music today. I think I prefer this. Am being extra cautious with the R. ham, felt pretty good at mile 8. Stopped to have snack#1, a goo gel type thing at mile 9.25. It didn't taste very good. Then I continued, past the CVS from last week, and I discovered a track that was open. I did a 400 (70); I contend it was a shorter distance than a 400. Then I continued, past the national cathedral. It was getting sunny! Stopped at a Giant to hydrate and pick up another snack (cliff bar). Then continued down Wisconsin to the water front, where I stopped at mile 14 for part of the blueberry bar. I checked out a dog, but the coincidence seemed too high. So I stayed there for a few minutes enjoying the view. Later, I find out it was actually JOS. Continued again, legs starting to get tired, but I made it to mile 17. Up the capital crescent.. cherry blossoms in bloom already! Stretched the hams, and then I kind of bonked before mile 20. And the outside of my L foot was hurting starting around mile 19. It now hurts when I walk around :(. ICE. So I had a McFlurry at mile 20, and then hobbled home. did some abs afterwards.
oh?
Thursday, 23 Feb
4 miles outside, in shorts! Just around the apartment complex area. Such nice weather this week :).
Saturday, 25 Feb
12 miles. Loggish legs. Set out to do 22, but was deterred by the wind. And ham. So I took the bus the rest of the way to work... 'Twas WINDY and a bit chilly. The national cathedral looks nice from the outside, though.
4 miles outside, in shorts! Just around the apartment complex area. Such nice weather this week :).
Saturday, 25 Feb
12 miles. Loggish legs. Set out to do 22, but was deterred by the wind. And ham. So I took the bus the rest of the way to work... 'Twas WINDY and a bit chilly. The national cathedral looks nice from the outside, though.
Feb 13-19: poison
Week total: 27.5
Monday, 13 February
10.5, love to run to work on the Rock Creek trail. Hams a little sore from yesterday, but the first few miles were actually very pleasant. Layered up nicely, but started stripping down during the run. Am feeling the R. ham, right foot rubbing in blister spot - maybe I really do need thicker socks again, doh. Also only slept for 4 hours; silly mind. Other highlights: I tried Gu today. I think I'm a fan? I also made friends with a dog at the water fountain. The most fun part of the run was 800m from campus, when an older gentleman pulled up to ask me if I knew where a street was. I did not, but I figured Siri would, so I looked up directions for him. Making people's lives brighter makes me happy.
Tuesday, 14 Feb
Lovely day! Super easy 5 miles and light abs in the evening. Sore quads, R ham is hurting - cant tell whether it's just sore or slightly injured, has moved down a bit. So taking it easy.
Wednesday, 15 Feb
Off - Yoga.
Sunday, February 19
12 miles. Around Philly with CHE!! (and SKP on his bike) More of a city tour than anything :P. Up the Rocky steps in front of the art museum. Farmer's market detour. Saw the liberty bell (underwhelmingly small!) Then over the bridge into NJ. Rutgers Camden doesn't have a track - how sad! Then back into Pennsylvania.
Monday, 13 February
10.5, love to run to work on the Rock Creek trail. Hams a little sore from yesterday, but the first few miles were actually very pleasant. Layered up nicely, but started stripping down during the run. Am feeling the R. ham, right foot rubbing in blister spot - maybe I really do need thicker socks again, doh. Also only slept for 4 hours; silly mind. Other highlights: I tried Gu today. I think I'm a fan? I also made friends with a dog at the water fountain. The most fun part of the run was 800m from campus, when an older gentleman pulled up to ask me if I knew where a street was. I did not, but I figured Siri would, so I looked up directions for him. Making people's lives brighter makes me happy.
Tuesday, 14 Feb
Lovely day! Super easy 5 miles and light abs in the evening. Sore quads, R ham is hurting - cant tell whether it's just sore or slightly injured, has moved down a bit. So taking it easy.
Wednesday, 15 Feb
Off - Yoga.
Sunday, February 19
12 miles. Around Philly with CHE!! (and SKP on his bike) More of a city tour than anything :P. Up the Rocky steps in front of the art museum. Farmer's market detour. Saw the liberty bell (underwhelmingly small!) Then over the bridge into NJ. Rutgers Camden doesn't have a track - how sad! Then back into Pennsylvania.
i vow
to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness, and to have the patience that love demands. To speak when words are needed, and to share the silence when they're not. To agree to disagree on red velvet cake, and to live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home. -- "The Vow"
week total: 16.5 miles
Tuesday, 7 February
4.5 miles on the treadmill (1 mile warmup, 7:30/rest half mile/7:30/cool down). Light abs and lifting
Wednesday
Off. yoga
Th,Fr: off
Saturday, 11 February
2 miles? To TJ's. tight tight calves. Went to the national galleries in the PM and walked around a bunch.
Sunday, 12 February
10 miles
5k, 22:20. Quite cold outside (low 20's, with wind chill). I've never worn so many clothes while "racing" before! Was a solid tempo run - not much warmup, was afraid of pulling something more than anything. Running without feeling my toes is a strange sensation. But it felt good to try something speedy. I won a towel thing in the stupid cupid category -.-. Brunch afterwards and met some really nice people. Yay.
6miles along the rock creek trail with SET on the way home. Still trying to figure out the balance of clothes to wear for cold weather, haha. Got too warm this time while running.
week total: 16.5 miles
Tuesday, 7 February
4.5 miles on the treadmill (1 mile warmup, 7:30/rest half mile/7:30/cool down). Light abs and lifting
Wednesday
Off. yoga
Th,Fr: off
Saturday, 11 February
2 miles? To TJ's. tight tight calves. Went to the national galleries in the PM and walked around a bunch.
Sunday, 12 February
10 miles
5k, 22:20. Quite cold outside (low 20's, with wind chill). I've never worn so many clothes while "racing" before! Was a solid tempo run - not much warmup, was afraid of pulling something more than anything. Running without feeling my toes is a strange sensation. But it felt good to try something speedy. I won a towel thing in the stupid cupid category -.-. Brunch afterwards and met some really nice people. Yay.
6miles along the rock creek trail with SET on the way home. Still trying to figure out the balance of clothes to wear for cold weather, haha. Got too warm this time while running.
Saw my reflection in a snow covered hill.
Week total: 29.5 mi
22 Jan, 2012
3.98 mi, 38:48 min
Brr! Hello 28F and tights and layers! Set out to do a long run, but was deterred by snowy icy sections of sidewalks that hadn't been cleared. So I turned around and decided to go explore instead. I have a thing for exploring golf courses - I figured that not many people would be playing on the snow-covered holes, so I took full advantage. Turned around when that too was slippery.
25 Jan, 2012
5.58, 50:25
Life is currently driven by bouts of vicarious pleasure. Good news is always inspiring and hearing about victories from people I care about is nothing short of wonderful :). Went for a run around the neighborhood in short sleeves and capris! Lovely weather.
27 Jan, 2012
17 miles, 2.5 hours, 2 blisters, and 2 metro rides later, I am home. Tried a new run today! I think I've found me an arroyo substitute! A nice mix of trail and metropolitan. Nice leisurely pace, then blisters started becoming apparent at mile 6 :(. No stitches today, though! Blister was bothersome so walked back to FH metro at military nw. I also tried sweet green today - quite tasty! But I was also hungry. That was in the middle of my run oops :P. Am in that state of post-run euphoria at the moment, yay.
28 Jan, 2012
3 miles easy, 8:47 miles according up this thing. The last .5 mile was barefoot on grass! Not quite the north field, but it exists, about 400m around. Blister quite bothersome after I put the shoes back on so I hobbled home. Loggish legs, R ham very tight.
22 Jan, 2012
3.98 mi, 38:48 min
Brr! Hello 28F and tights and layers! Set out to do a long run, but was deterred by snowy icy sections of sidewalks that hadn't been cleared. So I turned around and decided to go explore instead. I have a thing for exploring golf courses - I figured that not many people would be playing on the snow-covered holes, so I took full advantage. Turned around when that too was slippery.
25 Jan, 2012
5.58, 50:25
Life is currently driven by bouts of vicarious pleasure. Good news is always inspiring and hearing about victories from people I care about is nothing short of wonderful :). Went for a run around the neighborhood in short sleeves and capris! Lovely weather.
27 Jan, 2012
17 miles, 2.5 hours, 2 blisters, and 2 metro rides later, I am home. Tried a new run today! I think I've found me an arroyo substitute! A nice mix of trail and metropolitan. Nice leisurely pace, then blisters started becoming apparent at mile 6 :(. No stitches today, though! Blister was bothersome so walked back to FH metro at military nw. I also tried sweet green today - quite tasty! But I was also hungry. That was in the middle of my run oops :P. Am in that state of post-run euphoria at the moment, yay.
28 Jan, 2012
3 miles easy, 8:47 miles according up this thing. The last .5 mile was barefoot on grass! Not quite the north field, but it exists, about 400m around. Blister quite bothersome after I put the shoes back on so I hobbled home. Loggish legs, R ham very tight.
Numb.
Tuesday, 11 January, 2012
~3.5 miles with SET.
Wednesday: off. the world is crying.
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Saturday, 7 January, 2012
12.6 miles with SW! Legs felt loggish.
~3.5 miles with SET.
Wednesday: off. the world is crying.
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Saturday, 7 January, 2012
12.6 miles with SW! Legs felt loggish.