I cannot believe that the climax of almost 6 months of training is just around the corner. I've had a pretty tough taper so far...last week, after cutting mileage down, my body started to feel sluggish, and achy. My left knee started to bother me. My coaches kept reminding us that it's a normal part of the taper to feel this way, so I really tried to not let it get to me. But it was hard. I decided that I needed to get the blood moving, and went to the gym Wednesday for some running and lifting. I only ran 3 miles, and did some easy ab and leg work (and relaxed in the sauna.) Imagine my surprise - and relief - when the aches seemed to vanish the next day! One of the best lessons I've learned this season is to really listen to my body...and do what it says!
I've been glued to October's issue of Runners World like white on rice...all about preparation for a marathon. My favorite article: using a tennis ball for a foot and butt massage. AHHH.... :)
This past Saturday, my team headed out in PV for our last team run before the race - a mere 6 miles. Naturally, summer officially ended the day before, and we set out in a crisp cool breeze. Once we reached the coast, the breeze turned into gales. As we cruised down a hill with the wind at our backs, the sore realization that we would have to turn and run up the same hill with the wind against us weighed down. The run up that hill was rediculous. The wind was pushing so hard that it felt like I was running in place. The howling in my ears, and the burning of cold air in my lungs. At the top of the hill I felt light headed. Definitely wasn't breathing right. But I ran it in strong, and got through it. It's a struggle not to let days like that get to me.
Sunday morning, Eric was getting up early for his Hermosa Beach Triathlon. I committed to my team fully, and went to Long Beach to watch some of my teammates take off the the Long Beach Half and Full Marathon. I parked kind of far, and walked for about 30 minutes to the start. I was worried about going, thinking maybe it might mess with my mentally. But I'd supported a lot of my teammates racing that day, why stop short? I was excited to see them geared up for the fight...and I think it surprised a few of them to see me too!
I hung out with my coaches for a few hours...we walked with two of our full marathon walkers, and cheered for other TNT participants.
I was really excited once I started seeing my teammates running somewhere around the 7 mile marker. I felt full of pride and just cheered my heart out for them. All the emotions I felt I was just trying to internalize, so I can harness it for my race next weekend. My legs made me go home before the end of the marathon, but not before I could cheer on ALL my teammates.
In between the athletic stuff, my weekend consisted of the USC game against ASU (a slaughter) with my mom, boyfriend and friends, the Dodger Game against Philly (a slaughter) with the boy, and making a tee shirt for Eric to wear at my race. :) It was a good weekend, and I am looking forward to the next with an open heart.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Half the Battle
T minus 17 days! Let the countdown begin.
After the amazing 19 miler, I was on cloud nine. Our next run was a brief 12 miles, however, I was in Monterey for my boyfriend's TNT triathlon. I should mention how incredibly in awe and proud I am of him. He swam like a fish, kranked on his bike, and ran...well, maybe a little like I do. Needless to say he was humbled by the experience, but he has definitely caught the race bug! After watching the race (and spending the afternoon at happy hour with his parents) I was determined to get my run in. I scoped out a bike path earlier in the day, and set out for a late afternoon run. Unfortunately I wasn't fully prepared. I forgot my handheld bottle, and had to tote a huge gatorade bottle (it definitely slowed me down...hee-hee) but it was nice to be running in a different location. My route stretched for about 5 miles north of Monterey to Sand City. Only downside, pretty lonely. It started to get dark and cold, so I headed back to finish 9.5 miles. Still a pretty good run!
Last weekend we ran 18 miles, and the Nike marathoners on my team departed from the Long Beach Marathoners that are racing the weekend before us. We had different distances and turnarounds, and naturally I ended up passing the Nike turn around. Luckily I had only gone maybe a quarter of a mile past before someone alerted me. That was when I became painfully aware of the mental struggle. Just going a tiny bit further than I needed to almost completely defeated me. It wasn't one of my better runs, that is for sure. I even ran the first three miles with burning shins. I clearly recall the relief I felt (and cry I shouted out) when the pain finally subsided. Just another reminder that I am not living up to my promise of stretching more. I'm glad that run is behind me now.
But this won't end on a sad note. I made it through our 20+ mile run. I revisited the beloved Library Hill again. Man, I love that thing (crazy, right?) I calculated that it's about half a mile long and I think ascends some 250 feet. Something about getting to the top after a steady climb is SO rewarding.
I started my run with the early group, and ended up leading the way. It was a lot different knowing I was out front. I almost felt fear the whole time thinking about when our fastest runner would catch up to me. I definitely missed seeing people coming back from the turnaround exclaiming the helpful and encouraging, "you're almost there!" The turnaround was a sign in Portugese Bend that states "Constant Land Movement" and felt a LOT farther than it actually was! When I reached it, I had to run all the way up and touch the darn thing. About a mile in on the way back (somewhere around 13 miles) I passed by the fast one! It was amusing seeing the faster runners faces as my tortise pace cruised by them. From then on, I awaited the front to catch up to me...and it pushed me along pretty well. She caught up to me at the aid station around 17 miles or so (a LOT later than I expected, maybe I'm not TOO slow) and she jogged with me for about a millisecond before darting off. She is FAST. I chased her for as long as I could. Just so you know, long legs do not mean a faster runner, that is for sure. I read in triathlete magazine, that shorter, faster turnovers (the amount of time it takes for your front leg to move back, and then forward again) are much more efficient than longer strides. It's something I've been working on. :)
It's nice to say that my body felt great postrun, aside from the expected tight quads and calves. But it almost makes me feel as if I did not push hard enough. Unfortunately, that will remain to be seen come race day.
Up next, the lovely taper runs. 12 miles this weekend, then a refreshing 6 miles the weekend after. It's hard to relax and rest. Inside I am jumbled with anxiety about the race. But one less weight on my mind: I've done the seemingly impossible, with your help, and have raised my goal of $3200 for blood cancer research. Actually, I've even raised a little more, which speaks volumes to me, that you continue to give in hopes of finding a cure.
I'm staring down the last few weeks of my training, which entails less running and more resting (THANK GOODNESS!) It won't be long before I will be waking rediculously early to pound the pavement and tackle the hills in San Francisco. I don't feel ready yet. I know a HUGE mental struggle still awaits me. It's funny to think that physically, I know I am capable, and the only thing holding me back will be my brain. A salute to all of you who have succeeded in endurance running. I know that the wall I have to get over still exists on my race route (probably somewhere around mile 17... :)
Wish me luck!
After the amazing 19 miler, I was on cloud nine. Our next run was a brief 12 miles, however, I was in Monterey for my boyfriend's TNT triathlon. I should mention how incredibly in awe and proud I am of him. He swam like a fish, kranked on his bike, and ran...well, maybe a little like I do. Needless to say he was humbled by the experience, but he has definitely caught the race bug! After watching the race (and spending the afternoon at happy hour with his parents) I was determined to get my run in. I scoped out a bike path earlier in the day, and set out for a late afternoon run. Unfortunately I wasn't fully prepared. I forgot my handheld bottle, and had to tote a huge gatorade bottle (it definitely slowed me down...hee-hee) but it was nice to be running in a different location. My route stretched for about 5 miles north of Monterey to Sand City. Only downside, pretty lonely. It started to get dark and cold, so I headed back to finish 9.5 miles. Still a pretty good run!
Last weekend we ran 18 miles, and the Nike marathoners on my team departed from the Long Beach Marathoners that are racing the weekend before us. We had different distances and turnarounds, and naturally I ended up passing the Nike turn around. Luckily I had only gone maybe a quarter of a mile past before someone alerted me. That was when I became painfully aware of the mental struggle. Just going a tiny bit further than I needed to almost completely defeated me. It wasn't one of my better runs, that is for sure. I even ran the first three miles with burning shins. I clearly recall the relief I felt (and cry I shouted out) when the pain finally subsided. Just another reminder that I am not living up to my promise of stretching more. I'm glad that run is behind me now.
But this won't end on a sad note. I made it through our 20+ mile run. I revisited the beloved Library Hill again. Man, I love that thing (crazy, right?) I calculated that it's about half a mile long and I think ascends some 250 feet. Something about getting to the top after a steady climb is SO rewarding.
I started my run with the early group, and ended up leading the way. It was a lot different knowing I was out front. I almost felt fear the whole time thinking about when our fastest runner would catch up to me. I definitely missed seeing people coming back from the turnaround exclaiming the helpful and encouraging, "you're almost there!" The turnaround was a sign in Portugese Bend that states "Constant Land Movement" and felt a LOT farther than it actually was! When I reached it, I had to run all the way up and touch the darn thing. About a mile in on the way back (somewhere around 13 miles) I passed by the fast one! It was amusing seeing the faster runners faces as my tortise pace cruised by them. From then on, I awaited the front to catch up to me...and it pushed me along pretty well. She caught up to me at the aid station around 17 miles or so (a LOT later than I expected, maybe I'm not TOO slow) and she jogged with me for about a millisecond before darting off. She is FAST. I chased her for as long as I could. Just so you know, long legs do not mean a faster runner, that is for sure. I read in triathlete magazine, that shorter, faster turnovers (the amount of time it takes for your front leg to move back, and then forward again) are much more efficient than longer strides. It's something I've been working on. :)
It's nice to say that my body felt great postrun, aside from the expected tight quads and calves. But it almost makes me feel as if I did not push hard enough. Unfortunately, that will remain to be seen come race day.
Up next, the lovely taper runs. 12 miles this weekend, then a refreshing 6 miles the weekend after. It's hard to relax and rest. Inside I am jumbled with anxiety about the race. But one less weight on my mind: I've done the seemingly impossible, with your help, and have raised my goal of $3200 for blood cancer research. Actually, I've even raised a little more, which speaks volumes to me, that you continue to give in hopes of finding a cure.
I'm staring down the last few weeks of my training, which entails less running and more resting (THANK GOODNESS!) It won't be long before I will be waking rediculously early to pound the pavement and tackle the hills in San Francisco. I don't feel ready yet. I know a HUGE mental struggle still awaits me. It's funny to think that physically, I know I am capable, and the only thing holding me back will be my brain. A salute to all of you who have succeeded in endurance running. I know that the wall I have to get over still exists on my race route (probably somewhere around mile 17... :)
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Running On Empty
WHAT a weekend! Who knew that in just one day my whole life could change! It all started on Friday night, while heading home after a carb loaded dinner at Benihana, I received a donation notification of $500! A colleague of the Dean totally made my night. I actually yelled out in delight...so generous, and so appreciated. I went to sleep feeling more confident about my 19 mile run in the morning, simply because I could worry less about my fundraising. I was sleeping very good when my mother woke me up to tell me my brother and sister in law were heading to the hospital, my niece was finally going to make her debut! I jumped out of bed and got dressed. It took me a few minutes to contemplate exactly how I was going to pull this off. It was 1 a.m., I had been asleep for 2 hours and I needed to be awake by 5:30 to get ready for my 7 a.m. run. I decided I was going anyway, and would figure it out later. Of course, she wouldn't be born during those few hours I was at the hospital, but I felt it was important that I was there for a little bit anyway. Reluctantly, come 5 a.m. I left the hospital, telling Carrie that by the time I was done with 19 miles, she would be here!
I drove home to change and get my gear feeling totally insane for even thinking about running our furthest distance yet on two hours of sleep. As the sun started coming up, I started to feel tired, but headed to Palos Verdes with an open mind and a belly full of butterflies. I could not wait to be done running and meet my niece! A good friend I have been going through this whole experience with told me after warm up that because of some pain and injury she decided to switch from the full marathon to the half. I was bummed. We have a lot in common and could really relate in our experiences so far. In the end, I don't know the pain she is feeling, so I hope she made the right decision for her. I wish her the best of luck, but will definitely miss bonding with her after the long runs.
I ended up running the whole 19 miles alongside a Long Beach marathoner, Allison. We chatted when we had the breath, and paced our selves for the distance. There were times when I felt disconnected from my body, and I experienced some lightheadeness after 10 miles or so. I felt crazy for being out there...I kept telling myself it was okay to slow down and walk a bit, I was basically running on empty, aside from a bowl of cereal, liquid fuel and gel packs. Somehow, everytime I thought about how tired I was, my mind raced over to the hospital...and thoughts of the baby being born pushed me along. I thought about her, I thought about my coach, racing in an Ironman, and I thought about me. I did a lot of self motivating when the going got tough...I think I even chanted "FIGHT ON!" in USC tribute. I even managed to pick up my speed after 16 miles. In the last mile, coach Gail sprinted by us, the gazelle that she is, asking how we felt. For the first time in a long time, my answer was "GREAT!" We wrapped up the 19 miles, got in a good stretch (and pats on the back) and I zipped home for my ice bath just as Carrie started pushing. By the time I had rounded up my Oma (soon-to-be GREAT grandma) and boyfriend, the baby had arrived. I wasn't expecting the large crowd at the hospital, but it sure warmed my heart to see baby Pacheco get such a big welcome reception.
I should mention that on my drive home, I cried my eyes out. I was becoming an aunt, a HUGE role that I have been waiting to take, and I pushed myself hard under adverse circumstances. I felt strong. For the first time during my training, I felt like I could run a marathon....and getting to hold my niece Zoey has been the icing on the cake. 
I drove home to change and get my gear feeling totally insane for even thinking about running our furthest distance yet on two hours of sleep. As the sun started coming up, I started to feel tired, but headed to Palos Verdes with an open mind and a belly full of butterflies. I could not wait to be done running and meet my niece! A good friend I have been going through this whole experience with told me after warm up that because of some pain and injury she decided to switch from the full marathon to the half. I was bummed. We have a lot in common and could really relate in our experiences so far. In the end, I don't know the pain she is feeling, so I hope she made the right decision for her. I wish her the best of luck, but will definitely miss bonding with her after the long runs.
I ended up running the whole 19 miles alongside a Long Beach marathoner, Allison. We chatted when we had the breath, and paced our selves for the distance. There were times when I felt disconnected from my body, and I experienced some lightheadeness after 10 miles or so. I felt crazy for being out there...I kept telling myself it was okay to slow down and walk a bit, I was basically running on empty, aside from a bowl of cereal, liquid fuel and gel packs. Somehow, everytime I thought about how tired I was, my mind raced over to the hospital...and thoughts of the baby being born pushed me along. I thought about her, I thought about my coach, racing in an Ironman, and I thought about me. I did a lot of self motivating when the going got tough...I think I even chanted "FIGHT ON!" in USC tribute. I even managed to pick up my speed after 16 miles. In the last mile, coach Gail sprinted by us, the gazelle that she is, asking how we felt. For the first time in a long time, my answer was "GREAT!" We wrapped up the 19 miles, got in a good stretch (and pats on the back) and I zipped home for my ice bath just as Carrie started pushing. By the time I had rounded up my Oma (soon-to-be GREAT grandma) and boyfriend, the baby had arrived. I wasn't expecting the large crowd at the hospital, but it sure warmed my heart to see baby Pacheco get such a big welcome reception.
I should mention that on my drive home, I cried my eyes out. I was becoming an aunt, a HUGE role that I have been waiting to take, and I pushed myself hard under adverse circumstances. I felt strong. For the first time during my training, I felt like I could run a marathon....and getting to hold my niece Zoey has been the icing on the cake.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Week 14 of Training...just WOW.
My sneakers, a hundred miles shy of retirementFlights getting booked...hotel rooms reserved...race entries submitted. Now there is nothing else to do but run (and raise money.) We had a well deserved Recovery Week...ONLY had to run 8 miles last saturday...I can't believe I just said that like it's not a long distance. Even though the distance wasn't much compared to the weeks before (12, 14, 15 miles) my body sure felt like I had run a lot more. Maybe is was the route...more hills....or maybe my body just remembered what it's getting used to feeling like after more than an hour of running. Either way, it was a good run...and a nice break.
The weekend before that, we did 15 miles around Palos Verdes. The first 6 miles were on a new route...I do love not having expectations for a route...I get butterflies when I turn a corner and see a HUGE hill I've never tackled before. And I got just that. Behind Malaga Cove there is a beautiful neighborhood...amazing coastal views, ocean breezes, gorgeous homes. Of course, the price of an amazing panoramic view was a monstrosity of a hill. I didn't get to enjoy much of the view, because i spent a lot of time staring at the pavement in front of me, which seemed to get closer to my face with every step. Once I reached the top, it was an immediate relatively steep downhill wind to PV Drive. A lot of teammates took advantage of gravity and flew down the hill...top speed. I know the saying "Uphill hurts, downhill kills" so I took it easy going down, which is harder than you'd think! I noticed some stiffness in my ankle, which I attribute to running on the far right of the street where it is sloped for rain drainage. What a blessing it would be to be able to run down the middle of the street! :) (I look forward to that on raceday.)
I find the last mile or two the hardest for me...particularly on this day. I was experiencing pain in my midfoot arch area. Everytime I pushed off with the right foot it screamed at me. I found the strength to get through it once it dulled a bit, but even then, when I was less than a half mile from home base, I slowed to a walk. There was a teammate behind me. She said "I'm gonna catch you!" when she noticed me walking...i laughed it off and hoped she would pass. Instead she pulled up next to me and said, "Com'on, lets run it in." I sucked it up and felt good about getting the nudge from her. I realized I was mistaken before when I said I didn't need anyone to run with. I can get through the stronger times alone...but when I'm hitting the wall...and giving up on myself, having someone to run with is SUCH necessity. I suppose finding someone to run with when the going gets tough won't be too difficult, with the 20,000 participants at Nike this year. Let's hope!
The weekend before that, we did 15 miles around Palos Verdes. The first 6 miles were on a new route...I do love not having expectations for a route...I get butterflies when I turn a corner and see a HUGE hill I've never tackled before. And I got just that. Behind Malaga Cove there is a beautiful neighborhood...amazing coastal views, ocean breezes, gorgeous homes. Of course, the price of an amazing panoramic view was a monstrosity of a hill. I didn't get to enjoy much of the view, because i spent a lot of time staring at the pavement in front of me, which seemed to get closer to my face with every step. Once I reached the top, it was an immediate relatively steep downhill wind to PV Drive. A lot of teammates took advantage of gravity and flew down the hill...top speed. I know the saying "Uphill hurts, downhill kills" so I took it easy going down, which is harder than you'd think! I noticed some stiffness in my ankle, which I attribute to running on the far right of the street where it is sloped for rain drainage. What a blessing it would be to be able to run down the middle of the street! :) (I look forward to that on raceday.)
I find the last mile or two the hardest for me...particularly on this day. I was experiencing pain in my midfoot arch area. Everytime I pushed off with the right foot it screamed at me. I found the strength to get through it once it dulled a bit, but even then, when I was less than a half mile from home base, I slowed to a walk. There was a teammate behind me. She said "I'm gonna catch you!" when she noticed me walking...i laughed it off and hoped she would pass. Instead she pulled up next to me and said, "Com'on, lets run it in." I sucked it up and felt good about getting the nudge from her. I realized I was mistaken before when I said I didn't need anyone to run with. I can get through the stronger times alone...but when I'm hitting the wall...and giving up on myself, having someone to run with is SUCH necessity. I suppose finding someone to run with when the going gets tough won't be too difficult, with the 20,000 participants at Nike this year. Let's hope!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Commitment
The time has come...I have to complete paperwork to recommit to running this marathon AND raising $3200 for the Society by Monday, August 11. I would like to say I am confident recommitting, because training has been going good, GREAT actually...but it's hard to focus on training when the weight of the monetary obligation is constantly on my mind. I am so grateful for the contributions I have received...I know I wouldn't be able to get out there each week without the support. I have ideas for some fundraisers I want to put into action, but it is unreal the time, not to mention energy commitment training requires. DEDICATION. It's something i've never felt so intensely as I have this summer. Sticking to my training schedules everyday, meeting my coaches at optional track meets during the week, pushing myself on the long distance meets Saturday mornings, and my determination to find a fueling strategy that works for my body. Nine weeks left until the big day...
The 10 miler after my birthday went really well. We ran out all the way to Hawthorne Blvd on Palos Verdes Drive. It was a real milestone in our training, hitting double digits. I'm not gonna lie...I did cry a little...:) One of my (faster) teammates was on her way back on the course and yelled "Go Rena!" when she passed me and I couldn't hold it in. I was full of love. I felt completely proud of myself. I ran it straight through, pain free, and I felt great!
I ran by myself until just past the halfway point a girl named Laura joined me. Running about five steps ahead of me, she pulled back and said,"We're running the same pace, I figured instead of running right in front of you I'd run next to you instead!" Along the way, Laura told me about her history of running, and when I asked her why she had signed up again, I got the familiar response. "I'm out of shape and need to lose weight." I just don't relate to this and hear it all the time. Of COURSE, they are great side effects, but I definitely am not looking at it as the reason why I'm putting myself through the stress and exhaustion of training for a marathon. No one has really asked me why I signed up, but my answer is definitely not body conscious. I just got an itch. I was reading somewhere in Women's Health Magazine that although very taxing on the body, marathon running is a mind over matter battle. Sometimes I feel like...I talk myself into failing before I even give myself the opportunity to try. If marathon running could test my cognizance, then maybe it would help push my limits in other areas of my life. It's a fact that your body can do more work than you think you can, your mind stops you from pushing farther as a sort of defense mechanism...you can't fail if you don't try, somewhat sums it up.
The past two weeks were very difficult. We are only building mileage higher and higher, long gone are the days of 4 mile runs. The 12 miler we ran a week ago was hard for me, the weather didn't cooperate with my request for cool misty overcast, and I made a few mistakes. I had a very mental struggle, particularly after my coworker (who did Nike with TNT last year) told me that she suffered her season injury during the 12 mile run. Naturally, it scared the crap out of me. I feel like everyone I talk to now only discusses their injuries. Its hard not to let that get to you.
The heat really burns up energy, and when you are hot, you want to drink...with some hopes of it reviving your energy (don't get me wrong, it's very important to hydrate.) I managed to guzzle down so much water and gatorade, that the last 4 miles of my run were painful. I had a belly swollen and sloshing with every step...and heat still beating down on me...but knew I couldn't fit another drop of electrolyte ridden water down my throat. In my pitiful attempt to finish the run, I stepped wrong and began to feel some pain along the edge of my foot and my ankle. I had to slow to a walk to see if it was something serious or would fade. After a few attempts to keep running, it finally subsided...probably stepped on a pebble and rolled my ankle just enough for it to scream out at me. I was able to run it in. I rewarded myself at home with a cold bath.
This past Saturday, another big run, 14 miles. During the announcements before we head out, a girl asked me how I run by myself...I didn't know what to say because it never dawned on me that running was not a solo activity! I guess i don't want to feel like I NEED anyone next to me to run, because I don't. So I don't really commit to running with anyone. She said she was going to run with me straight through this time, to which I said, "ok..." She ended up quitting at the first aid station four miles in, something about knee pain. I have to be careful not to let stuff like that psyche me out. A lot of people are out there trying to run with injuries and I just don't know how they do it. I feel so blessed that I have made it this far with little more than sore legs. I really hope my good fortune continues to come as we get closer to 20 miles.
I began participating in speed training during the week at Mira Costa High...our coaches develop new interval routines each week to test our speed and push our limits. Last week I felt really good, and pulled off my first 8:15 minute mile. There is no way that I could maintain that for a marathon, (or even for a couple miles for that matter) but it's actually going to make the biggest difference when I run the hills in San Francisco.
There is this whole computation of so many variables...I just hope I dial it all in right on race day and make you all proud.
The 10 miler after my birthday went really well. We ran out all the way to Hawthorne Blvd on Palos Verdes Drive. It was a real milestone in our training, hitting double digits. I'm not gonna lie...I did cry a little...:) One of my (faster) teammates was on her way back on the course and yelled "Go Rena!" when she passed me and I couldn't hold it in. I was full of love. I felt completely proud of myself. I ran it straight through, pain free, and I felt great!
I ran by myself until just past the halfway point a girl named Laura joined me. Running about five steps ahead of me, she pulled back and said,"We're running the same pace, I figured instead of running right in front of you I'd run next to you instead!" Along the way, Laura told me about her history of running, and when I asked her why she had signed up again, I got the familiar response. "I'm out of shape and need to lose weight." I just don't relate to this and hear it all the time. Of COURSE, they are great side effects, but I definitely am not looking at it as the reason why I'm putting myself through the stress and exhaustion of training for a marathon. No one has really asked me why I signed up, but my answer is definitely not body conscious. I just got an itch. I was reading somewhere in Women's Health Magazine that although very taxing on the body, marathon running is a mind over matter battle. Sometimes I feel like...I talk myself into failing before I even give myself the opportunity to try. If marathon running could test my cognizance, then maybe it would help push my limits in other areas of my life. It's a fact that your body can do more work than you think you can, your mind stops you from pushing farther as a sort of defense mechanism...you can't fail if you don't try, somewhat sums it up.
The past two weeks were very difficult. We are only building mileage higher and higher, long gone are the days of 4 mile runs. The 12 miler we ran a week ago was hard for me, the weather didn't cooperate with my request for cool misty overcast, and I made a few mistakes. I had a very mental struggle, particularly after my coworker (who did Nike with TNT last year) told me that she suffered her season injury during the 12 mile run. Naturally, it scared the crap out of me. I feel like everyone I talk to now only discusses their injuries. Its hard not to let that get to you.
The heat really burns up energy, and when you are hot, you want to drink...with some hopes of it reviving your energy (don't get me wrong, it's very important to hydrate.) I managed to guzzle down so much water and gatorade, that the last 4 miles of my run were painful. I had a belly swollen and sloshing with every step...and heat still beating down on me...but knew I couldn't fit another drop of electrolyte ridden water down my throat. In my pitiful attempt to finish the run, I stepped wrong and began to feel some pain along the edge of my foot and my ankle. I had to slow to a walk to see if it was something serious or would fade. After a few attempts to keep running, it finally subsided...probably stepped on a pebble and rolled my ankle just enough for it to scream out at me. I was able to run it in. I rewarded myself at home with a cold bath.
This past Saturday, another big run, 14 miles. During the announcements before we head out, a girl asked me how I run by myself...I didn't know what to say because it never dawned on me that running was not a solo activity! I guess i don't want to feel like I NEED anyone next to me to run, because I don't. So I don't really commit to running with anyone. She said she was going to run with me straight through this time, to which I said, "ok..." She ended up quitting at the first aid station four miles in, something about knee pain. I have to be careful not to let stuff like that psyche me out. A lot of people are out there trying to run with injuries and I just don't know how they do it. I feel so blessed that I have made it this far with little more than sore legs. I really hope my good fortune continues to come as we get closer to 20 miles.
I began participating in speed training during the week at Mira Costa High...our coaches develop new interval routines each week to test our speed and push our limits. Last week I felt really good, and pulled off my first 8:15 minute mile. There is no way that I could maintain that for a marathon, (or even for a couple miles for that matter) but it's actually going to make the biggest difference when I run the hills in San Francisco.
There is this whole computation of so many variables...I just hope I dial it all in right on race day and make you all proud.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
