The Snake Man

I took my boys to the Wildlife Experience this week.  It is a small museum perfect for elementary aged kids and younger.  This month they have an exhibit on reptiles and amphibians.  While admiring a 5 foot long alligator, a museum volunteer starts talking to me and the boys about the different animals in the exhibit.  The conversation started innocent enough, "How old is that alligator?"  "How big will it grow in captivity?"  "What idiot thought that made a good pet?"  The usual.

"Well, sh*t honey.  He was so stinkin' cute, I just thought I'd bring him home and he could live in the pool.  Look how much he loves a good scratch!"

Suddenly, my son walks over to this flat screen TV playing a documentary on venomous snakes.  The 80 year old volunteer lights up, full of excitement.  "Oh, boy do I know a whole lot about snakes!  What would you like to know, son?"  Ethan stares at him a little bit and says, "Which ones will kill you?"

Before I knew it this story teller dives into his career as a Bureau of Land Management employee who conducted surveys in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona for over 20 years.  His fear of rattlesnakes has been long gone as he couldn't count the times he was struck on the boot from one of those "aggressive rat killers."  He explained to my 6-year-old that you kind of get used to being bitten and not dying, therefore they aren't scary anymore.  Thanks for that, sir.

I told him I run on the Backcountry trails and had a few rattlesnake encounters last summer.  I've read recently that they are supposed to be coming out of hibernation soon, therefore do I need to be more worried about running when they just awoke?  He looked at me blankly and said, "Well, they are hungry, but you know they aren't going to eat you, right?"  Yes I realize that, but are they going to be more territorial, more aggressive?  I don't want to startle one on the trail.

He told me you see more rattlers in the spring because they hibernate together in a giant clump in order to stay warm through the winter months.  While growing up on a farm in Montana he saw a picture of the snakes waking up from under his friend's barn.  They came out in a mass of over a thousand snakes at once and slowly spread out.  "You see them more in the spring until they find their own grounds again and thereafter you will only see them sunning themselves on the trails occasionally."

"Well, I run on the trails, sir.  That's my concern."

"Okay, here's is my advice to you young lady.  Don't do that."

12 Useful Things

I often see blog posts that ask, "What advice would you give to a novice runner?"  Well, to me that is always a simple answer.  "Love running and your feet will follow."

So instead, here are 12 useful things I've discovered along the way that make running much more fun:

1. Find the courage to pee while simultaneously wearing a running skirt or shorts and the ability to go anywhere. 
   
2. Learn how to properly clear mucous.  It is one thing to know how to clear out the mucous.  It is another to know how to aim it around hordes of people during a race or crowded trail.                

   

   Kid, you've got skills.
3. Be polite to other trail users.  Saying, "Hi," "Hey," "Good morning," whatever I can muster to fellow runners while sounding unaffected by the burning in my lungs is not only amiable but it looks cool.  This method is best utilized while waving to people that are heading down a huge hill you just ran up.   
   
4. Find pride in the runner's tan.  My legs are only tanned between my knee high compression sock line and below the shorts.  I call it my striping.  
   
5. Roll out exhausted muscles using a foam roller.  This intimate time with the floor really pays off.  

   

   The look on the teacher's face cracks me up! 

6. Know how many miles are in a marathon, half marathon, 15K, 10K, and 5K, and not just the numerical values, but what it truly means to cover those distances. 

   

   Or in Garfield's case, why you are running in the first place...

7. How to avoid chaffing.  I had my first bout of it at the Denver Half Marathon last fall right between my legs and I paid for that burn for over 2 weeks!  Now I bathe regularly in Body Glide.       
   
8. Making friends mid run.  I've met some of the coolest people on the trails and during races and I feel so grateful to be a part of this awesome community.                                                              
   
   
9. How to remove the nasty odor from running clothes.  Baking soda works great.  Add a couple tablespoons directly to your washer, you can also work it into a paste and let it soak into your pit stains.  Or if it is really nasty, soak the vile clothes in vinegar pre-wash.  I don't like this method as much because the next step includes removing the smell of sour coleslaw from my shirts.  
   
10. Learn how to walk.  It feels like defeat to stop running, but every runner has to come to terms with this at some point.  "I didn't give up! I was resting, eating, drinking, cursing, moaning, recovering, still moving..."   
    
11. Learn how to breathe properly.  I don't focus on the intake of breath, especially when I am desperate for air.  That only makes me gulp oxygen like a goldfish.  Instead, I focus on fully expelling the air OUT of my belly, then allowing the air to naturally return, which allows more oxygen to enter my system and calms my gait.   
    
12. Every race doesn't end in a PR.  Yeah, I thought this was a bummer too, but the sooner you come to terms with it the better.  Some races are about the experience, the people, the sense of community, and the courage or journey it took to approach the starting line. That being said, I will be upset if I don't rock my next marathon.  This speed work better have been worth something!   
    

What else have you learned along the way that makes it more fun?  
Is there something you are still working at to improve your experience? 
Anyone know how to cover up the runner's tan besides long pants? 

~Roadburner

Fitbit Review

My 30th birthday is one month away.  While my mom visited last week, she treated me to an early birthday present, a Fitbit Flex.  I have a couple friends who have them but I was apprehensive about how it could help manage my fitness levels as I don't need reminders about my exercise.  If anything, I need to back off a bit.

I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I like this simple arm band.  My mom and husband also have one and they compete all the way until bedtime on who gets the most steps for that day.  I have NEVER seen either of them walk or move so much in my life.  They were both active people to begin with but it has easily doubled their daily workout routines.   Randall, a software architect, stares at a computer all day or sits in and out of meetings, sapping his ability to get up and move.  This subtle competition with my mom, a teacher who walks all day, reminds him to get up earlier or run after work.

For someone who runs and walks all day long, here is what I like:

• My alarm goes off at 5:30 am.  Usually it is my phone playing an energizing song and I hear my husband groan as I leap out of bed.  (Yes, I am a morning person.)  The Flex vibrates softly on my wrist, and I even have it scheduled to not wake me on Wednesdays, my one day off.  Randall says he loves the silent alarm as I can now climb out of bed with stealth.

• I'm exhausted at night.  I thought that was par for the course with marathon training.  I didn't realize that I run 10 miles in the morning and then walk another 10 throughout my day with my boys.  I NEVER sit down.  This provides me a great tool to monitor my movement and at times helps me relax.

• I knew I burned 600-1,400 calories by running every day but I didn't realize there were days that I burned over 4,000 calories total.  There is no way I am eating enough to refill the tank.  Tracking how much I burn, reminds me to snack more often.

 

• The Flex tracks my sleep, letting me know how long it takes to fall asleep, how often I was restless, when I awoke, and exactly how long I slept.  This is insanely useful after a hard workout.  When I push too hard during speed work, that night I pay the price in my sleep and the Flex tells me just how badly.  

This was a great night of sleep.

Not such a great night.  Not sure how it calculates sleep efficiency because I was up a lot. 

• Finally, it vibrates when I accomplish my step or mile goal for the day.  I know I am healthy and active, but for some reason it is so satisfying when the thing buzzes!

Some of the things I don't care for:

• It is really comfortable, but it gets caught on long shirts or on the sheets at night and that's really annoying.  Running with it on the arm that holds my dogs' leash is also really uncomfortable.

• While it is water proof, I prefer to take it off before I shower because it leaks water on my wrist for 30 minutes afterwards.

 

• My Android phone is too old to sync directly to the Fitbit.  Therefore, I have to check my steps, calories, miles, etc... on the computer and I have to be within 20 feet of my computer for my stats to upload. 

• It doesn't work for biking or swimming, it is designed for walking, running, and cross training only. 

The Fitbit is useful for people wanting to move more and track their progress.  However, it is also very helpful to those who need to track their calories and movement for other reasons.  Some days, I do too much and don't eat enough.  I feel tired and defeated and now I know why.  It serves as a good reminder to look out for my health and training throughout my day and not just when my trainers are hitting the road.  Oh, and I can't wait to see what numbers I rack up during the Colfax Marathon in several weeks.  Beat that step count, Mom and Randall!  ;)

~Roadburner

Savory Running

While I was pregnant with each of my boys, I became so dedicated to eating that my life literally revolved around the dinner table.  I luckily didn't gain that much weight, as I prefer fresh foods, and I stayed healthy throughout, but when I got hungry, I needed to eat immediately.  I was utterly desperate for food.

My back hurts looking at this picture.  I was 36 weeks along.  Owen came 2.5 weeks later.

Yesterday a friend of mine asked if I were pregnant again.  She was stunned by how much I eat, while not gaining any weight.

Baby weight gone... ;)

 No way!  I am not pregnant.  I am training for another marathon and my body handles the training the same way I handled growing two baby boys in my belly, like a veracious dinosaur.

Don't mess with a hungry running Mama!

Here's yesterday's diet:

Pre-Run Snack - A banana and glass of orange juice.  This is my go to pre-run snack.  If I run anything longer than 7 miles, I may add a Cliff Bar to the mix.

Breakfast - I had white tea with whole grain flour crepes with fresh strawberries piled high.  I also had a small smoothie with strawberries, pineapple, a half a banana, apple juice, and one scoop of protein powder.

Morning snack - two small slices of whole grain bread made with sunflower and flax seeds with hummus and tomatoes. 

Lunch - a large spinach salad with toasted almonds, cranberries, feta, and honey vinaigrette.  I threw on a hard boiled egg for good measure.

Afternoon snack - chocolate mousse with almonds sprinkled on top.  I made it fresh the day before and therefore controlled the amount of sugar and I used only high quality dark chocolate.  An hour later I had an Asian pear with a very small handful of trail mix consisting of nuts, cranberries, and goji berries.  Sprouts Market had this mix on sale last week for $4.99lb!

Dinner - plank salmon with steamed fresh veggies, a glass of milk and an Easy Street. 

I don't know if I eat too much or too little.  I eat when I am hungry.  Yes, I indulge here and there.  I love cupcakes and cookies and chocolate mousse leaves me in a state of pure bliss.  Tofu stir fry, grilled salmon, protein smoothies, eggs, spiced quinoa with apples, pinhead oatmeal with cranberry compote, pork tenderloin, veggie laced lasagna, and open face sandwiches with roast beef, avocado, and hummus are ridiculously good.  How else should I feed a T-Rex in training? 


What are your favorite foods while training?
How do you stave off that hunger?
I'd love to hear your recipes!

~Roadburner

Mommy, You Stink!

I got back from a freezing cold run today and began making breakfast.  My contacts froze to my eyes the first few miles and I didn't mind one bit.  I figured it silently proved my dedication to the sport. My two kids were splayed out on the couch watching some TV show that must have been captivating because they didn't even notice when I got home.  I tried to tell them good morning, but they continued shunning me.  "Whatever," I thought, "I will win against that TV when I present food."

Meanwhile, my husband ran a quick 3 miles on the treadmill downstairs as the eggs boiled.  (For the record, I love hard boiled eggs, but they have to be cooked perfectly.  I boil them for 2 minutes uncovered, then cover and remove from the heat for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes exactly, I shock them with cold water and feast!) 

When Randall came back upstairs, I started peeling everyone's eggs.  He got in my way of the trash can for some reason so I bent down to peel my eggs more effectively.  That's when I noticed a horrifically foul stench.  Naturally, I looked at Randall who was standing above me and thought, "GROSS! Shower already!  I on the other hand don't stink, I froze my tail off this morning.  I couldn't have sweat much."  I politely asked my husband if he stunk, and after a thorough examination of his pits, he decided he didn't stink.  I smelled him and confirmed no, it wasn't him.  Damn.

I thrust my nose towards the trash can, thinking something must have died in it last night.  That was the only reasonable explanation at this point.  But the trash just smelled like wet paper towels and egg shells.

Suddenly, I grimaced.  Holy crap!  It's me!  I STINK!  As I was bent over the trash can peeling eggs, it pooled all of my sweaty scent into one small area and I finally had a whiff of what my boys were trying to avoid all along.  I was nasty.  I instantly stood, walked over to my chair and ate my egg and smoothie as fast as I could.

Owen, my youngest wanted a new TV show after breakfast.  I politely abliged, wanting to avoid conflict when all I needed was a shower.  But as I turned on the show, he looked at me and said, "Mommy, don't sit right there.  You stink too bad."  Yes baby, Mommy loves you too.

Randall was already in the shower upstairs.  When he got out he said, "Oh, Jen you are going to have to wait at least 30 minutes before you can get in.  The water is crazy cold."  Yeah, today is the one day that is just not going to happen.  "I will freeze."

The immediate effects of running are rarely pretty.  But after a freezing cold shower, the options are once again endless.  I'm not the girl who applies makeup for the gym.  I don't care if my outfit matches or if my hair looks beautiful before a run.  Typically, my hair sticks out in every direction before I throw a hat on that disaster.  But I don't mind.  I consider it a built in self-defense system from animals and bad people at 7:00 am. 

 

 

 

Definitely need this in a woman's scent!

 ~Roadburner

Compression. Again.

I wrote a blog a year ago, Compression Sucks, where I defaced the name of compression socks.  I was mad because I'd gone through three different brands of compression tubes and paid over $60 per pair.  They hurt my legs to the point that I couldn't run more than 3 miles while wearing them.  What's the point of wearing something that hurts?  I concluded that I would go back to a bare bones tactic and throw out compression for good.

However, if you look back through the majority of my pictures in the last year, you'll find me a liar...

Pre Race Throw Aways.  I invest good money at the Goodwill just to toss them out.  My compression, however, keep me warm and toasty all the way through!

My husband photo bombing me. Notice the socks?

Compression Socks in Vegas! Not sure why I'm showing a little leg...?

At the finish line of the Colfax Marathon.  Compression helped a lot!

Again, compression.  You get the idea.  Apparently I signal a "touchdown" every finish!

In my defense, I threw away my CEP compression socks.  They HURT!  I felt like a snake was sucking the life from my veins within minutes of running.  Yes, I was properly fitted for the sock, they just didn't work for me.

While training for my first marathon, I found my legs continued to become extremely sore after my long runs without compression, so I opened the flood gate once more and decided to branch off to less popular brands.  I finally found Vitalsox, which provided the right balance of compression and zero pain.  That sounds more like it!  (The company doesn't endorse me, I just really like their products.) 

Here is why I believe strongly in compression socks:

1. They provide ankle, calf, and knee support, which can be awfully handy on longer runs, during speed training, or if you average 20+ miles a week.  
2. My legs are rediculously sore when I don't wear compression, and hardly sore at all the next day when I do.  (That's a no brainer for me.)
3. People argue compression socks/tights increase performance.  I don't know if I agree or not, but if I am less sore from a previous day's run, I run better the following day.  
4. They keep my legs warmer in the winter.  Okay, this sucks in the summer. 
5. I wear 0-4mm drop shoes which puts a lot more strain on the calf muscles.  I feel that strain compounded when I don't wear them.   My incident for injury has been less since wearing them regularly.

Compression is a finicky thing and you have to find the brand that works best for you.  So far I've only found one brand that I really like and trust.  However, I wouldn't put a lot of faith in increasing performance.  They obviously are not a magical stocking that will make you the athlete you've always dreamed of being, but I believe in them enough to run in them 100% of the time.  I even wear them on my treadmill because I hate being sore.  I have 30 stairs in my house that I prefer to navigate on my feet, not my butt. 


What do you think of compression?
Is there a brand that works best for you?
Do you wear them during your run or afterwards?
Have you tried arm compression?

~Roadburner

I am strong

While I was training for the Colfax Marathon, I came up with a really simple mantra to get me over the hard spots during training.  It wasn't anything awesome, but it worked.  "1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3..."  Mind-blowing, eh?  Yeah, I tried more creative sayings like, "Run harder!" or "Keep Go-ing," or "Get it done."  I found those sayings downright distracting and they defeated their purposes entirely.  The reason I employed self-talk, was because I couldn't run harder.  I was desperately trying to get that 20 miler in the books, and I didn't know if I could physically run anymore.  Counting seemed basic.  I found myself getting from one step to the next and starting all over again.  My feeble mind couldn't think of much else. 

I've used my counting strategy often while running the trails behind my house this summer, but it lost its effectiveness.  Every time I try to count my way up a hill, I get distracted and find myself counting the actual steps, which only leads to me thinking of how many more steps I must have until I get to the top of that awful hill. 

My mom suggested a long time ago that I sing a song in my head instead of repeating a mantra.  She thought "Ants go Marching," would be relevant and slightly hilarious.  How many revolutions of that song could I get through when running 26.2 miles?  I tried it and it quickly changed to "The ants go marching 4 by 4, Harrah, Harrah.  The ants go marching 4 by 4, the little one stops to wretch on the floor...."  It didn't work. 

This morning I ran my 5 mile loop on the same trails behind my house that find me every morning.  This particular loop has a mean 2 mile long hill that feels relentless.  It's grade varies from 5% up to 12% inclines.  Halfway up the hill I desperately wanted to stop and walk, but I thought about all the goals I have for new PRs in the half marathon and full marathon distance.  I can't get there by walking.  I told myself, "I am strong."  Instead of counting, I repeated, "I am strong. I am strong. I am strong," with each step. 

It worked.  I got to the top of the hill, tired as all get out with another 2 miles of hills to go, but I made it and I wasn't slow.  I ran those 2 miles under an 8:30 pace.  I AM strong dammit! 


What is your running mantra?  When do you need it most?

~Roadburner

Runner's lows

If there really is a runner's high,  I have perfected the runner's low.  During the longest run before every major race, I get sick.  I am not sure if I push my training too hard, or if I just psych myself up too much a week beforehand, but there is definitely a level of consistency here.  Last year, I ran 5 major races all within 8 weeks of each other, covering over 50 miles total.  I knowingly didn't give myself proper recovery time and I paid the price in the final 2 races.  While running my 20 miler for the Colfax Marathon in May, I ungracefully pushed back vomit the last 8 miles or so until I crossed the 20 mile mark and killed the grass while young kids watched in horror.  This weekend, I ran 12 miles on an extremely flat trail.  It should have been an easy run and yet, I stopped 3 times, throwing my head between my knees as my running partner, and good friend, bantered, "Should I get out my camera?" 

Heck, why not get out the camera?  Maybe it will serve as a good reminder for future training runs. I take great care of myself just before a race.  I tell myself things like,

• "Start drinking loads of water 3-4 days before the race."
• "Load up on healthy carbohydrates."
• "Don't drink too much wine, beer, or other stuff." 
• "Taper properly.  Don't overwork your muscles."
• "Don't eat junk, it will taste awful tomorrow!"
• "Start slow, finish strong."
• "You love running and you love competition.  Have fun with it!"

Somehow all those ideas only apply to racing weekends and I find myself miserable on many long training runs. 

• "That pizza, wings, and beer tasted better the first time!"
• "Cross training makes me faster, so why not double up workouts?"
• "Run your training miles fast!  Forget LSD Runs (Long Slow Distance).  Go quickly and move on with your weekend!" 
• "Why am I up at 4:00 am?  This is not fun!"

Maybe I need to feel miserable sometimes to help refocus my priorities.  I love that racing is not a one day commitment.  It takes months to train and life happens along the way.  The Highlands Ranch Half Marathon is Labor Day, Monday.  Wish me luck, I promise not to vomit!



Do you ever feel horrible during training runs?  Is it something that you could have avoided but did it anyway?  How do you enjoy life without messing with your training?


~Roadburner

Marathon Training Miles 12-17

Amidst training for the Colfax Marathon, my husband and I decided to sell our house and move a whopping 2.1 miles away.  When we started this process, I thought it was great timing.  "Running would provide a release from all the stress and keep me centered."  Sure.  When I made that comment I had only reached 12 miles in my training regimen and things were going extremely well.

Keeping a clean house, caring for 2 very rambunctious boys, and running over 30 miles per week has provided a new lifestyle that I would call anything but stress free.  During our 13 mile run, I told my running partner, that I wasn't motivated to run anymore.  It wasn't that I didn't enjoy running, I just didn't think I could make the time.  The house wasn't selling and everyone seemed to be working against me in keeping it clean.  I was exhausted and running on fumes.

However, a week later Monica and I escaped our kids once more and ran a very hilly 14 miles.  I'd never run that far before and it felt like such an accomplishment.  Not only did I complete a new distance, but I ran the first 13.1 miles faster than I'd run it 6 times before.  Maybe this stress was the fuel I needed to center my training.

Since then, I haven't struggled lacing up my shoes.  It feels good to get out of the house.  We are under contract to sell our first house and are scheduled to move into our new home in less than 3 weeks.  My house is over 2/3s packed; an empty shell awaiting a new family.  It doesn't feel like ours any more and I am ready to move on. 

A week ago, we ran 17 miles.  Monica and I began at Chatfield Reservoir and ran the entire Platte River Trail to North Downtown Denver.  My mom was in town, so she and my husband drove to Denver with my boys and surprised us at mile 15.  I've worried throughout training for Colfax that I am putting my family aside too much on the weekends and early mornings.  It is a demanding schedule and my kids often ask, "Why do you have to run every morning?"  Seeing my family encourage my training confirmed this isn't only my goal.  Ethan ran with us for a hundred meters and his smile radiated pride.  Secondly, I am sure I am much more pleasant when I run.  Each weekend I get to spend 2-3 hours with a good friend talking, planning, and well, bitching.  We get it out of our system and return to our families better women.

Immediately after completing 18 miles.

The weekend I move, I will run 20 miles.  It is going to be a stretch, having the energy to make this work.  But I have found when you have strong priorities in life, you make it work. 

Scared of the Dark

As the Colfax Marathon looms closer, my weekly mileage continues to rise.  We are in the middle of trying to sell our house and the opportunities to run are becoming much more difficult to finagle.  This week I found myself running on pitch black trails without my dog at 5:30 am. 

I knew I needed a good hour to run on Wednesday morning and had to return in time to clean the house, shower, ready the kids and husband, and get out before 8:30 for our scheduled house showings.  That left no time to wait for the rising sun.  I layered my clothes in reflective gear and topped off the look with my ultra-stylish LED baseball cap.  It doesn't light the way very well, but I figured it would alert cars, or wild animals, of my existence. 

It was freaky quiet outside and every little crack of grass caused me to whip my head around in fear of some unknown creature, most likely Bigfoot.  I sprinted across the open space behind my house to escape the murkiness of night and safety of porch lights a few hundred yards ahead. 

Repeatedly telling myself to relax, I tried to settle into my stride.  By the time I crossed over into another open space that was surrounded by darkened houses, I thought I felt better.  "You are an adult.  Remember that book you read to Ethan a few months ago?  Sid the Science Kid says, 'Nothing changes in the dark.'  Nothing changes in the dark, Jen.  No, but wild animals come out in the dark, and you can't see them before they nip at your heals!  Highlands Ranch is known for coyote attacks on humans..."

As these ridiculous conversations distracted my brain from the stress of selling our first home, I came to a bridge.  On the near side of the bridge was a set of green glowing eyes.  They were crouched low to the ground and looked large enough to be a good sized animal.  As I moved closer, it held its ground.  I opened my pocket and fingered my mace.  I always carry mace with me, but because I usually run with my dog, I've never felt the urgency to hold it so close, or learn how to use it. 

With every step, the animal watched me and refused to back down.  I remember watching Duck Dynasty with my husband this weekend, where Willie and Jase hunt for frogs in the middle of the night.  Eyes glowing red mean alligator, green eyes mean it's a frog.  These eyes are green, I should be good, right? 

I figured the animal had to be more afraid of me than I was of it, so if I charged forward with all the speed I could muster, mace in hand, I would scare the crap out of whatever it was, coyote, fox, puma, Sasquatch, the usual.  In the last few inches before running into it, the homicidal bunny leaped out of my way.  A bunny.  I am a warrior.  I can face my fears and take on rabbits. 

Feeling like a wimp, I decided to stop freaking myself out and enjoy the rest of the run.  When I reached the farms at the furthest point south in Highlands Ranch, I saw two large coyote.  They smelled me before I caught any sight of them and ran off a safe distance away from me.  I stopped at the side of a dirt road and watched them run.  One coyote was bothered by his spectator.  He kept turning around looking at me like, "Go already!  Leave us alone!"  It was comforting to see this Bunny Warrior posed a real threat to two large pack animals with fangs.  I held my head a little higher and finished my run under the beautiful pink Rocky Mountain sunrise.

Colfax Marathon Training Week 3

Sometimes you have to indulge.  I've seen infinite signs, cups, posters, etc... that read, "I run so I can eat!"  I don't run to eat.  I just like food and running keeps my extravagance a secret. 

I ran with a friend yesterday, which is my favorite way to push through a long run.  It would have been a LONG 8 miles without her.  We were both a bit sluggish and I was so proud not to be alone in my lethargy.  My Yasso 800s left me sore from the day before, but it was really my new pilates routine that kicked my tush.  Anyway, I somehow picked an 8 mile route that was completely uphill.  I understand that doesn't seem possible, especially on a loop, but trust me it is!  Out of 8 miles, 5.5 of those were uphill, climbing between 3-6% grades. 

I also bought a new pair of barefoot trainers the day before and the store said they would let me try them out on trails instead of a treadmill if I returned them within 24 hours if they didn't work.  I knew this was a bad idea before I started, but I didn't listen to my inner wisdom.  Instead, I ended up with a beautiful blister that made residence next to my big toe. 

After our run, we sat on the sidewalk and rested for a few and while I know she returned home to do an Insanity workout, I did not.  First, I lazily watched my husband make lunch.  For those of you that are used to their husbands or wives cooking for them, this doesn't seem like a worthy treat, but I relish the opportunity to be served.  Next, I took a 20 minute nap, and when dinner rolled around, we headed to Red Lobster where I ate my weight in butter and arthropods. 

I ran 24 miles this week, completed 3 yoga/pilates workouts, and chased after two ridiculously energetic preschoolers.  When I see a good meal and the chance to relax, I'll take it.  Lord knows, I'll be dreaming of pizza, beer, and a long nap on my next 10 miler!

Yasso 800s

Seventeen weeks remain until the Colfax Marathon.  I've incorporated Yasso 800s into my Hal Higdon training plan, hoping to increase my strength, speed, and endurance.  Bart Yasso came up with the idea to run a series of 800 meter laps around the track in the same number of minutes as your marathon goal time.  For example, I aim to finish my first marathon between 4:00-4:20.  Therefore, two laps around the track should take about 4 minutes.  Starting small, your first workout should be around 2-3 miles total. After a few months of this, you build towards 5-6 miles at the rapid pace.  Today was my first set of Yasso's; 3 miles was a great workout!

I started out with a few laps to warm up.  Then the work began.  I had a hard time maintaining 2 minute laps, so my series of 800s varied between 3:30-3:58.  In between each 800, I took one lap at a 9:30 pace to cool down.  I ran this routine for 3 total miles.  Granted, it would be easier to maintain a consistent goal pace on a treadmill, but the track was more fun. 

Although, I am not extremely fast, I am very competitive.  It was a challenge to see if I could push just a little faster for each lap while maintaining my breathing.  Track workouts are usually my pit of despair.  I get bored easily and end up quitting early.  However, the competitive nature of the Yasso's kept me intrigued.  Could I maintain at that pace, or speed up with each progressive lap?  There was also something really peaceful about watching the sunrise over the track.  No one was around, and it was so quiet all I heard was my cadence matching my breath.  

For the next 15 weeks, I've scheduled one Yasso workout a week, adding 1-2 additional 800s each week until I reach 6 miles.  While I can't verify whether the workout will really train my legs to run at my goal pace for 26.2 miles, I can definitely appreciate the speed workout compared to my slow distance runs that I've become so attached to.  Varying the speed creates a balanced training diet.  It will also be interesting to see how this workout improves my 5K pace.

New Year, New Distances

My goals for 2013 are simple.  I want to run a marathon and feel good afterwards.  Last year, I ran 10 races.  I don't want to run so many races this year.  I want to pick my races for particular reasons and work really hard to accomplish specific speed or distance goals.  It isn't about quantity this year, it is about quality.

 For months, I've tossed around the idea of registering for a full marathon.  I haven't run one before and I wanted to make sure I had enough time to put in the proper training before I dedicated fully.  I signed up last night.  It is official, I will run the Colfax Marathon on May 19! 

I told my husband I was a bit nervous about all the early morning runs.  Running on snow and ice at 6:00 am, in below zero temperatures, isn't exactly motivating.  Ethan, my 4 year old son, overheard the conversation and said, "Don't worry, Mom!  I'll teach you to run on all surfaces.  I can teach you to run on rocks, grass, sand, snow, ice, whatever!  When I am done teaching you, it will be no problem!"

Ethan's simple understanding is exactly what I needed.  It is important to take it one day, one surface at a time, and not become overwhelmed.  I asked Ethan if he could teach me to run on all those surfaces for 26.2 miles and he said, "Absolutely!  You just do the same thing over and over again." 

Coaches and trainers most commonly post that you need to know your motivation for running endurance races.  If you don't know what your reasons are now, you will question your sanity halfway through the race.  So here is my reasoning: I love my boys.  I want to teach them no goal is ever too big.  I want them to think of me as a superhero.  Randall, my husband, told Ethan one time that his mom was Wonder Woman.  Ethan denied the claim, "No she isn't!  She can't fly!"  When he is grown, I want him to look back and think of his mother as a strong independent woman, one who accomplished her dreams.  I want to challenge my body because every time I do, I become more in tune with my essence.  I am not a remarkably fast runner, so I want to challenge myself and my training in longer distances.