Week 12 - Day 3 - Stats

Location: Oaks Park, River Loop

Distance: 12.02 Miles

Total Time: 2:25:58

Pace: 12:08

Sound Track : Chasing Fire by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 4.5

Book Rating: 4.5

Week 12 - Day 3 - 12 Miles

“Every morning in Africa, an antelope wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest antelope, or it will starve. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or an antelope – when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.” – African Proverb

It was another late start this week for the long run which meant finishing in the dark. It is a little bit thrilling to run in the dark, I find that I look at the road directly in front of me less when I can't see it. This provides me with a "long view" which means keeping my head up and gazing into the distance as I run. I enjoy this sensation, it almost feels like flying. I am not sure why I look at the ground so much, I assume it's instinct in order to prevent tripping. However, in the multitudes of dance classes I have taken over my lifetime, I have learned that I definitely favor looking at my feet.

I had a bad day, in fact there has been significantly more drama in my life in the last week that has caused a build up of negative thinking. I was hoping that I could run myself out of the funk but it doesn't seem to have worked. In fact just before we left for the trail I was mulling over the idea of quitting this running BS all together. It seems pointless, just like everything else in life, work/pay bills/work/pay bills/accrue debt etc. But I ran anyway because along with being a moody bitch I am also a tenacious bitch. I am finishing the damn race, point or no point.

Week 12 - Day 2 - Stats

Location: Oaks Park

Distance: 5.03 Miles

Total Time: 58:13

Pace: 11:35

Sound Track : Chasing Fire by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 4.5

Book Rating: 4

Week 12 - Day 2 - 5 Miles

"A comedian once claimed that all running does is allow you to die in good health. Okay, I'll buy that." - Hal Higdon, author and runner

We have family visiting so I had to squeeze in the run, always a challenging task. It is hard to have to step out of the fun to get the miles but it is getting a bit easier and everyone is supportive. Since we decided to attend the roller derby bout at Oaks Park, I was able to slip out to the trail behind the derby hangar and get my 5 miles. This run was wonderful because it is the first in a few weeks where I didn't have knee pain! The pain threatened but it never actually hit which is huge progress. I don't know if it was a fluke or that my knee is really getting better, I will find out in the next run.

Week 12 - Day 1 - Stats

Location: Jackson Middle School Track

Distance: 5.03 Miles

Total Time: 59:47

Pace: 11:54

Sound Track : Chasing Fire by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 3.5

Book Rating: 4

Week 12 - Day 1 - 5 Miles

"I love when an hour or two into the run something opens up and I feel divine energy flowing into me. I try to send the energy all over my body. I love the feeling of it - I'd love to be running right now. " - Flea (aka Michael Balzary), bassist in The Red Hot Chili Peppers

I've missed this blog. I took the week off because last week was one of my "extra" weeks in the schedule. I did NOT take the week off from running however. In fact, it was a pretty good week on that front, I logged 27 miles, 3 of those on an elliptical machine at a hotel. We spent the weekend on the coast, making our way from Florence to Astoria. Justin and I surprised ourselves by utilizing the workout rooms at two of our hotels. The very idea of this would have made us fall down laughing a year ago. Since the hotels had hot tubs, we couldn't resist the idea of being able to soak our sore muscles in hot bubbly water after a good run. It was a whole new experience and totally worth it.

We capped off the week with 10 miles around Portland at dusk. This was one of my more pleasurable runs due to the stunning views of the river as the sun set. My knee took hold at about 4 miles and it was all I could do to keep going. However I noticed how much better I am tolerating the pain. Another exercise in mind over matter.

Tonight I returned to the boring track, but the sun was setting and it was quite lovely. Pee-wee football was practicing which reminded me that we are heading towards Fall, my favorite time of year.

Week 11 - Day 2 - Stats

Location: NE - SE Loop

Distance: 20.01 Miles

Total Time: 4:08:33

Pace: 12:21

Sound Track : The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 4

Book Rating: 5

Week 11 - Day 2 - 20 Miles

"Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder." - William Sigei, Kenyan long-distance runner who in 1994 set a new world record over 10,000 meters in Oslo with 26:52.23 minutes.

This week I lost my super power.

Losing one's super power, even if only temporarily, causes one to evaluate the overall importance of having one. I learned it is QUITE important to me. After the painful reality of Tuesday, I went into a tailspin. I iced 3 times a day, took ibuprofen on the clock, elevated all day while working, heat padded before bed, took copious amounts of fish oil, had my gait and feet analyzed (supinator, high arch/right foot dominant) which led to spending a staggering sum on new Brooks running shoes, a knee brace, shoe inserts molded to my feet, a silly (but useful) product called "The Stick" to aid in muscle recovery and best of all, was informed by the running shoe queen that the shoes I have been running on for 1.5 years were ALL wrong for me. Yet after all that I discovered the hardest part of all was skipping two 4 mile runs.

I had long talks with Justin, of which I am sure he became quite familiar with, about all the possible causes for my distressed left knee, I also talked to my Dad and my best friend (and running inspiration), Maria. All reminded me that this is just my first marathon, that this is the first step on the road to becoming a seasoned runner. There is a reason nobody masters the marathon on the first go (unless you are truly talented), there is A LOT that can go wrong! Our body's are not meant for this stress, in fact we have evolved "out" of distance running.

After this challenging 4 day break, last night at 1:30 am Justin and I selected our 20 mile route. We decided on a route that traversed the East side of Portland. The route is almost completely on sidewalks broken up by stop lights and is quite level with only 1 nasty hill.

We spent last night going out for pasta then visiting with our very good friends enjoying cider, beer and nachos. The weather was slated in the low 70's so we didn't feel inclined to get an early start. We ate oatlmeal, drank protein shakes, digested, loaded up our belts with gooey energy crap, filled our canteens with goo-water, stopped at Fred Myer and picked up more goo-crap, went back a second time for snazzy Nike wrist and head bands and headed East. The run began at 11:45 am just around the corner from my yoga studio (which I miss desperately).

Within the first .5 mile the stabbing pain returned to my left knee-cap. I was deflated but determined to keep moving. It lingered through the 2nd mile and then disappeared completely for the remainder of the run. Happy day!!! The rest of the run was relatively easy and pleasant. As we approached the end I realized that I still had something in me. I felt that I could have run farther, perhaps even 6.2 miles farther. This thought really pumped me up but I did have the good sense to STOP, stretch and start recovering....

...which I am doing now;

heat padding the knee,

reflecting

and feeling like a superhero :)

Week 11 - Day 1 - Stats

Location: Oaks Park

Distance: 4.00 Miles

Total Time: 50:24

Pace: 12:35

Sound Track : The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : .5

Book Rating: 4.5

Week 11 - Day 1 - 4 Miles

"I started to cry. I’m remembering those years when I struggled with my weight, those times when I saw my reflection in a store window and didn’t know who that fat person was, years when it was a big accomplishment for me to exercise at two dots on the Stairmaster. And now, I’m finishing a 26 mile race. Damn! This is better than winning an Emmy!” - Oprah Winfrey

Knee pain can suck it. I am seriously pissed off. My stupid left knee hurt SO bad today that it almost completely ruined my run. I had to walk the last half mile or so. I don' t know what has happened. It started hurting on my long run Sunday so I took yesterday off and the minute I began to run today it was hurting. By almost 4 miles it was seriously excruciating. I don't know what to do! I bought more fish oil since I had run out last week and I also bought an herbal concoction. I am icing right now. All I can think to do is ice a lot, take ibuprofen and hope against all hopes that it doesn't hurt tomorrow. I have come too far to let this stop me but pain is pain so I am pretty upset and discouraged...

Week 10 - Day 4 - Stats

Location: Oaks Park to West bank Loop (Steel Bridge)

Distance: 12.00 Miles

Total Time: 2:23:05

Pace: 11:55

Sound Track : The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Run Rating : 1

Book Rating: 4.5

Week 10 - Day 4 - 12 Miles

"You're running on guts. On fumes. Your muscles twitch. You throw up. You're delirious. But you keep running because there's no way out of this hell you're in, because there's no way you're not crossing the finish line. It's a misery that non-runners don't understand."
 - Martine Costello

Back in the PDX! It's good to be home and back in familiar surroundings and lower temps. Today is my son Reeve's 15th birthday so I took him to the zoo (at his request) with a buddy and we had a really nice time. It was like being with 2 year olds with a vocabulary. These boys are a bit insane together but they sure know how to entertain themselves! Gwyneth and I did several eye rolls at their behavior but it was good to see my boy happy and having a great day.

We hit the trail at 3pm, not the best time of day to avoid the heat but at least this time we had sun block. The run was tough, really really tough. It felt like my body was just NOT into it today. At several points my left knee hurt so bad I thought I might have to stop but I just did some quick stretching and carried on. My pace was respectable which really surprised and encouraged me however. I truly hope that race-day does not feel like this. Every mile was an effort and I am sure I had a large grimace on my face most of the time. Runs like this do make me question why I am doing this at all but then I finish and feel super proud of myself and keep on going. I ran out of fish oil this past week which might explain the knee pain. I have been quite fortunate in my training to NOT really suffer from much pain and I would like to keep that going. Pain in any part of your body while you are running is terrifying because you don't know if you are doing more damage to keep going and yet you just CAN'T stop, you have come this far! After the run I ate/showered and iced quickly so that I could drive Reeve to Eugene where he is flying out to CA tomorrow to stay with my Dad for 10 days. I stayed for half an hour and drove all the way back (4 hours total). This is not the best way to recover from a long run but I am not just a runner afterall, I am a Mom, a Wife, a Homemaker, a Chauffeur and a Software Developer.

Week 10 - Day 3 - Stats

Location: San Diego Hilton Fitness Center

Distance: 5.00 Miles

Total Time: 54:00

Pace: 10:48

Sound Track : "The Office" and "Friends" on the treadmill TV :)

Run Rating : 4

TV Rating: 4.5

Week 10 - Day 3 - 5 Miles

"Pressure is nothing more than the shadow of great opportunity."
 - Michael Johnson

Today is my last day at the conference and I was rushed for time in between sessions so I decided to try out the treadmill. This was the first time I have ever run on one so it took me a few mins to figure out how it all works. Running on a treadmill feels very backwards. You set the pace with the computer and then just keep up with it until you are ready to bring it down. I started at 11:08 and ended the run at 10:00. It was interesting to note the minor difference in effort 10:00 took over 11:00. That was good to notice because I have imagined it to be much more difficult. This gives me hope that sub 10:00 is possible. Sean told me the other day that anything over 10:00 is "jogging" and this really pissed me off because I certainly do NOT feel like I am jogging! I want to be a runner not a jogger!

I did some initial investigation of the Napa Valley marathon and there is a strict 6 hour finish time. If you slip below the 6 hours they pull you off the track! I am really nervous about this even though I know I will most likely finish Portland under 6 hours. This is a good message for me to focus on the race at hand and not get too ahead of myself. Portland is the goal right now.

Week 10 - Day 2 - Stats

Location: San Diego Waterfront

Distance: 5.00 Miles

Total Time: 53:36

Pace: 10:43

Sound Track : Bossy Pants by Tina Fey

Run Rating : 4

Book Rating: 4

Week 10 - Day 2 - 5 Miles

“Frustration is the first step towards improvement. I have no incentive to improve if I’m content with what I can do and if I’m completely satisfied with my pace, distance and form as a runner. It’s only when I face frustration and use it to fuel my dedication that I feel myself moving forwards.” - John Bingham

New City! I am currently in San Diego at our annual developer's conference for work. This is one of the best weeks of the year for me, I get to see all my friends in the industry, eat well, drink well and perhaps learn a thing or two. I figured the Hilton would have a fitness center with treadmills but since we are right on the water I decided to run outside. This was a risk because it is pretty hot here and I don't have sunblock so I waited till later afternoon. The run was intense due to the heat but I pushed myself and sweated buckets while I ran past some really cool waterfront sites. They have a series of very original and fascinating art pieces lining the boardwalk. I took a few pictures of my favorites. My pace was strong and I really had to push towards the end to maintain it which always makes me feel great afterwards. I am happy I was able to get myself running at this place where I could be in the pool or eating desert or just lounging. This was a good test.

Week 10 - Day 1 - Stats

Location: Oaks Park

Distance: 5.09 Miles

Total Time: 55:16

Pace: 10:51

Sound Track : Bossy Pants by Tina Fey

Run Rating : 5

Book Rating: 4

Week 10 - Day 1 - 5 Miles

"We runners are all a little nutty, but we're good people who just want to enjoy our healthy, primitive challenge. Others may not understand running, but we do, and we cherish it. That's our only message." - John J. Kelley

I absolutely LOVE running after 8pm. I have noted this several times but for some reason I have not made a habit of it. I believe this is because the later in the day it gets, the more tempting it is to blow it off and I just can't risk that. Also, I do not feel comfortable running alone at night on the trail and unless Justin can come with me, it's probably not a great idea.

We took the dogs with us this time. I had Bilbo and Justin had Frodo. I refuse to run with Frodo because he is a total spaz and threatens to trip me. Bilbo was awesome! He ran his little heart out, what a trooper! I really need to do this more often, our dogs need more exercise and it warms my heart to see the happy looks on their faces when they are allowed to run. Hopefully Frodo will get the hang of it soon.

This run was just completely awesome. I felt fast, strong and totally in control. I finished in 55 minutes. I remember when I struggled to get 4 miles under and hour. I was talking with our friend Sean the other day about speed. He is the soon-to-be husband of my dear friend Margaret. He has run several marathons and Justin and I really look to him for guidance. As I bragged to him about my ever-improving time he told me that he believed I could be quite fast some day. He said I have the right body type for it. This filled me with glee! My short legs have never really been suited to anything useful in life and finally I have found something I am made for. I never would have known this! Sean has suggested we run the Napa Marathon in the Spring. I can only imagine how lovely that run will be. I feel no hesitation in signing up which is odd considering I haven't done my first yet. I will wait till after Portland to put down my money just to be safe, but I doubt there will be any reason not to do it. I love the idea of traveling for marathons, this could be a whole new way to see the country!

Week 9 - Day 4 - Stats

Location: Spring Water Corridor

Distance: 18.01 Miles

Total Time: 3:41:54

Pace: 11:46

Sound Track : Bossy Pants by Tina Fey

Run Rating : 3

Book Rating: 4

Week 9 - Day 4 - 16 Miles

“I’m never going to run this again.” - Grete Waitz, after winning her first of nine New York City marathons

We meant to head out at 7:30am but it turned into 9am. Last night I couldn't sleep and watched a "Say Yes to the Dress" marathon till 1:30am. I guess that explains the late start. This choice did not serve me well however. The brutal sun, at first buried behind a gorgeous Oregon cloud cover, could not be held back. By 10:30am he began his assault on my lilly white skin. Why not use sunscreen you ask?

I got nothing.

That being said, I ran my heart out, almost literally. We ran a new part of the Spring Water Corridor out to the small suburb of Gresham. It was quite beautiful and it was nice to see a new part of the trail. I just ran 15 miles a couple weeks ago, I can certainly add 1 more right? Well why not add 3 more and make it 18? I am not sure what propelled me to 18 miles but there you have it. As I completed the 15th mile my body started to get very confused. My skin was getting burned but I was still sweating and there was a nice gentle breeze so I had chills all over. This felt like the beginnings of a flu. Not a fun way to run another 3 miles, but I kept moving. At 17 I figured I could walk the last, but hey, I made it to 17, I could keep going. I found my eyes wanting to close at the end, this happens to me when I hit extreme fatigue, so I fought the urge, lest I pass out right on the trail. Those last 3 miles were completely a force of will, I had nothing left in my body. Even the energy gummies were no help at that point. But somehow I found myself at the end of the trail in one piece.

Runs like this are really good for me because they allow me to question my prep habits which look like this:

Night before long run:

Eat LOTS of carbs, pasta with bread

Get a good night's sleep

Morning of the long run:

Hot shower to loosen up the bod

A few sips of water (don't want to have to pee during the run)

An energy bar

An early start

During the long run:

Sip water ever few miles (I finally bought a water belt for this purpose)

An energy gummy every mile

This routine has served me well in the past however I believe that with runs over 15 miles I need to start eating more before I head out, which means giving the food time to digest, which means getting to bed earlier and NOT getting sucked into any sort of reality TV marathon the night before. Oatmeal has served me well in the past so I believe I will add it to my long run prep.

During the run I believe I will need more than the energy gummy's and will have to get over my aversion to gels. Let me tell you something about gels. They are disgusting. It's like swallowing an artificially flavored banana/strawberry slug. I need to try some new brands and hopefully find one I can tolerate.

In 2 weeks I will get the opportunity to try out my new plan, that's when I hit 20 miles.

Week 9 - Day 3 - Stats

Location: Jackson Middle School Track

Distance: 4.00 Miles

Total Time: 47:05

Pace: 11:46

Sound Track : Bossy Pants by Tina Fey

Run Rating : 4

Book Rating: 4.5

Week 9 - Day 3 - 4 Miles

"I was unable to walk for a whole week after that, so much did the race take out of me. But it was the most pleasant exhaustion I have ever known." - Emil Zatopek

Ok so today I really did take it easy. I am starting to worry about my upcoming 16 mile run on Saturday so I figured this was the day to let myself coast a bit. It was a nice run and I started a new book which is exciting. I decided on Tina Fey's new memoir called "Bossy Pants". She is definitely one of my heros and never fails to make me laugh. I figured this would give me an easy-breezy running experience. It delivered.

This week I have noticed my weight is really starting to drop fast. It is as if my metabolism just slid up a notch or 2. This is an entirely NEW experience for me. All of my life I have struggled with such a slow metabolism that I could gain weight with 1 piece of bread. I have always dreamed of being able to eat whatever I want and not gain weight. Looks like all it takes is running over 30 miles a week! Who knew? I am not quite ready to add a bag of Dorritos to my weekly shopping list though. I am now having to face certain realities about my love/hate relationship with food. Even though I am winning the battle of the calorie burn, I am very hesitant to stuff my face. I have worked so hard to clean up my diet over the past few years that I do not want to slip into unhealthy habits. There might come a day when I cannot run this much or I choose not to run this much and I do not want to have to dig myself out of a junk food haze. For me it is all or nothing, I am either a finely tuned health machine or I am a slug.

Week 9 - Day 2 - Stats

Location: Jackson Middle School Track

Distance: 4.12 Miles

Total Time: 44:48

Pace: 10:52

Sound Track : Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) by Gail Carriger, Leftover Salmon

Run Rating : 3

Book Rating: 3

Music Rating: 5

Week 9 - Day 2 - 4 Miles

"I definitely want to show how beautiful the marathon can be. I am the opponent of all those who find the marathon bad: the psychologists, the physiologists, the doubters. I make the marathon beatiful for myself and for others. That's why I'm here." - Uta Pippig

Another day, another 4 miles. Today I decided to ease my pace....no need to push myself too hard, this is just a maintenance run. This was my mantra until the last 2 laps. For some reason when I heard my runkeeper tell me my pace was over 11 minutes I felt like I was suddenly jet propelled. I pushed myself hard and finished under 11 again! I love it when that fire burns inside of me and I suddenly channel my inner super hero. Anyone who knows me well knows that I have an inner "achievement demon" that kicks in when the chips are down and I am pushed up against a wall. Getting this monster to kick in is not something I have mastered though. Currently it just shows up when all the stars align in some way that is unclear to me. I wish I knew exactly how to trigger it because I could use it in 9 weeks on the big day. I just have to trust that it will be there for me when I need it.

Week 9 - Day 1 - Stats

Location: Multnomah Village

Distance: 3.11 Miles

Total Time: 33:22

Pace: 10:43

Sound Track : Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) by Gail Carriger

Run Rating : 3

Book Rating: 3

Week 9 - Day 1 - 3 Miles

"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win." - Sir Roger Bannister

Back in the saddle after a week off!!! While I was enjoying the bluegrass festival last weekend I discovered the 1 single most exciting benefit of marathon training. I can now jump and dance to bluegrass music for 4 solid hours without getting tired. This is quite an achievement for me! Dancing at concerts is like going to church for me and the longer I can keep moving the better. Needless to say I feel pretty confident that I got plenty of cardio over the weekend and I certainly didn't feel any slowness in my pace today. In fact today was my fastest recorded pace since I started running. I finally broke 11 minutes a mile!