I have been a bad blogger..... I finally wrote a blog update - but this one went to Run Oregon - for my first ever Run Oregon published blog spot!!!
http://networkedblogs.com/QFDZa
Just finished Silver Falls Half today... 2 weeks post Nike. The hills were not exagerated. Muddy trails - check. Puddles and creeks to hop over - check. Stairs? Check. Both directions. But quite possibly the most beautiful 13.1 I have completed. My knees were achy and angry by the end since I didn't quite do many trail runs prior to today (like maybe 2?) - but we had fun. Stopped and took photos at each and every waterfall. Walked all the water stations and several of the hills - though uphill didn't hurt me as much as downhill did. I highly recommend Silver Falls.. and any one who runs the full marathon there is a total badass topped with badass sauce....and badass sprinkles.
More later.
I'm off to ice now.....
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
VUM 2013 Race Report
You would have thought I would have had no problem writing this blog post.. but post marathon I just embraced the rest and extra time with my family.. oh ya, and catching up on work and Ladybug Run stuff. So here goes...and hold tight, it's a long one!
Be careful to what you will say never to. I could have sworn less than a year a go I said I would NEVER run a marathon. I just 'couldn't' do it. That distance was too big for me, and that this injury prone runner would never be able to finish.
Never underestimate yourselves...
I got to the race pretty early thanks to Stephanie Backman, who so generously agreed to pick me up so I didn't have to drive myself and then drive home since my family was coming up to cheer me on and would be able to drive me back..We were able to park 3 blocks from the start line and wandered around for a bit. I hit the port a potty, and then hung out by the fountain for a few pre race photos.
I described myself as nervously excited, and excitedly nervous. I did my pre-race dynamic stretches, ran into a few friends, and then walked over to line up at the start.
I was surprised when we opened the race in prayer. I have not seen any of the larger races do this and it just made me so happy. I was in the third wave (10min+) and within 5 minutes we were off.. my marathon was starting...
I didn't know what this race would hold.. My knee had been so weird during the taper I didn't know if I would be able to run this race pain free... but I knew, I was determined I would finish, no matter what.
I began the race with the 4:45 pace group, but after the first 3 miles and trying to hold to a 10:45ish pace, I decided that was not in the cards for me today. Not on 3 hours of sleep and full of my first marathon doubt. I slowed my pace to a 11 min mile as planned.
The first few miles take you through parts of Vancouver I had never seen before. It was very pretty - though lonely if you need a lot of cheering. You get to see the faster folks on their return which is fun (and inspiring). By mile 8 I decided I would dedicate miles to things/people which was a nice distracting game. I expected to see my family somewhere between 10-13 miles and had my friend Marianne meeting me at mile 15, so I just needed to get through the first half is what I kept telling myself.
Around mile 9 I started talking with a lady who had flown out from NY to cross Washington off her 50 states list - we ran together for about 2 miles but then she pulled ahead of me for a little bit, but then I took her at the overpass/hill coming back into Vancouver and I never saw her again.. I am thankful for the distraction she provided for a while when I was struggling a little for no reason, except for the mental part.
I was beyond happy to see my cheering/support crew at mile 15..
Marianne jumped into the race and was so happy and offered to be chatty or quiet, so I opted for chatty on her part and told her not to expect much from me. We ran through Fort Vancouver - sort of a reverse Girlfriends Half Marathon route.. I was starting to fade, now I know it was because I wasn't eating enough. And I was running a marathon. It's not easy. By Mile 18 I really wanted to see my family, but they were having a hard time navigating the streets of Vancouver.. Marianne was texting and let me know my wish was going to be granted soon. She was also the most awesome race photographer, always running ahead or behind to capture the memories.
Just past Mile 19 I saw the happiest sight.. My girls and my husband.. Rowan ran right over to me and ran a little bit with me.
Be careful to what you will say never to. I could have sworn less than a year a go I said I would NEVER run a marathon. I just 'couldn't' do it. That distance was too big for me, and that this injury prone runner would never be able to finish.
Never underestimate yourselves...
I got to the race pretty early thanks to Stephanie Backman, who so generously agreed to pick me up so I didn't have to drive myself and then drive home since my family was coming up to cheer me on and would be able to drive me back..We were able to park 3 blocks from the start line and wandered around for a bit. I hit the port a potty, and then hung out by the fountain for a few pre race photos.
I described myself as nervously excited, and excitedly nervous. I did my pre-race dynamic stretches, ran into a few friends, and then walked over to line up at the start.
I was surprised when we opened the race in prayer. I have not seen any of the larger races do this and it just made me so happy. I was in the third wave (10min+) and within 5 minutes we were off.. my marathon was starting...
I didn't know what this race would hold.. My knee had been so weird during the taper I didn't know if I would be able to run this race pain free... but I knew, I was determined I would finish, no matter what.
I began the race with the 4:45 pace group, but after the first 3 miles and trying to hold to a 10:45ish pace, I decided that was not in the cards for me today. Not on 3 hours of sleep and full of my first marathon doubt. I slowed my pace to a 11 min mile as planned.
The first few miles take you through parts of Vancouver I had never seen before. It was very pretty - though lonely if you need a lot of cheering. You get to see the faster folks on their return which is fun (and inspiring). By mile 8 I decided I would dedicate miles to things/people which was a nice distracting game. I expected to see my family somewhere between 10-13 miles and had my friend Marianne meeting me at mile 15, so I just needed to get through the first half is what I kept telling myself.
Around mile 9 I started talking with a lady who had flown out from NY to cross Washington off her 50 states list - we ran together for about 2 miles but then she pulled ahead of me for a little bit, but then I took her at the overpass/hill coming back into Vancouver and I never saw her again.. I am thankful for the distraction she provided for a while when I was struggling a little for no reason, except for the mental part.
I was beyond happy to see my cheering/support crew at mile 15..
 |
| Don't know how I look so happy... |
Marianne jumped into the race and was so happy and offered to be chatty or quiet, so I opted for chatty on her part and told her not to expect much from me. We ran through Fort Vancouver - sort of a reverse Girlfriends Half Marathon route.. I was starting to fade, now I know it was because I wasn't eating enough. And I was running a marathon. It's not easy. By Mile 18 I really wanted to see my family, but they were having a hard time navigating the streets of Vancouver.. Marianne was texting and let me know my wish was going to be granted soon. She was also the most awesome race photographer, always running ahead or behind to capture the memories.
Just past Mile 19 I saw the happiest sight.. My girls and my husband.. Rowan ran right over to me and ran a little bit with me.
 |
| Probably one of my favorites.. ever. |
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| This is me going in for a hug from my hubby. Gotta love the facial expression.
Mile 20 is where Marianne tagged out and Melanie jumped in. I was struggling mentally. Miles 20-23 had some walking breaks, but I always tried to keep them to 30 seconds or under 1 minute. Honestly, these last 6 miles are sort of a blur now. I know I needed food, and didn't have anything on me. We started running with another girl who was coming off 2 weeks of rest from an IT Band injury.. She was a young mama runner and we told her to run with us.. At Mile 23 there was GU with the water and I said out loud, well I guess I will try this and hope for the best (GU and me don't get along) and she asks me if I want some of her Shot Blocks. I ask her if she is sure and I can say that those 3 blocks SAVED me. Mile 24 I picked up the pace again, and managed to run 24-26.2 strong.. we even kicked it up and managed a 9:30 pace for the last .26 to the finish line. I was able to share some Biofreeze with her to help her along, and it felt so nice supporting another mother runner to the finish.
   
It was amazing to finish strong. To finish feeling pretty good, all things considered. I think I even said I would do another one, minutes after finishing. That is not something I said immediately after childbirth. I think it took a year before I didn't want to smack someone for asking when I was going to have another. It is funny to say, but it wasn't that bad. I am so happy I did it. So happy to have finished not needing to be carried across the finish. Finley and all the other CDH babies were a huge motivator. There were times when it was hard, and I just had to think about how Finley struggled and it made me push harder. I ran for her. I ran for all the babies that didn't and don't make it home. I ran because I could. I ran today for everyone that can't. I am humbled and forever appreciative of this body that not only carried 2 babies but also ran a marathon. I am thankful. I know God gave me the strength I needed.
Another funny story- my IPOD died around mile 19. I was telling Melanie I really needed to hear Matt Redman's 10,000 reasons so she downloaded it for me and played it like 3 or 4 times. Now I can't hear this song on the radio without making me cry. I always loved that song, but now it will forever by burned into memory as the song that got me through my marathon.
I also can't say enough about how thankful and appreciative I am to my support crew; Marianne, Melanie and Stacy. The fact that they came out on Father's Day to support me, cheer me on, run with me, navigate around Vancouver - I am just so blessed with amazing friends.
On the race itself; beautiful course, excellent water station coverage, (seriously, like every mile at the end!), there are parts where there are not a lot of people cheering a long the course, so if that is something that matters to you.. it didn't to me. I brought my posse. Post race food- nothing exciting. They did have Jamba which is always appealing to me - but otherwise it was pretty much bagels, carbs and maybe some fruit. They did have Muscle Milk chocolate milk stuff, but I am not a fan. I think this is a well organized event and would recommend it highly. On the goals; I finished. One goal accomplished. Just a hair over 5 hours at 5:01 and some change. I am happy with that. Let's see what I can do at Vernonia in April... maybe 4:45?
Meb Keflezighi, U.S.
Oympic marathoner:
"Like
the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present
obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things
will turn out for the best."
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Less than 8 weeks...
Less than 8 weeks until my first Marathon.
And I only really just started believing I can finish about 11 days ago.
Between training for the Marathon, being a mom to my 2 girls, work, the non-profit and planning Ladybug Run I am not left with a lot of time for blogging... but since this is a memory I'd like to preserve and I am always on the computer and NEVER journal anymore - this is the best I am going to do.
I have the Eugene Half marathon this weekend. I am excited to be running in the town I grew up in. My first 'race' there. Though I am not going into this weekend with any real expectations except;
1. HAVE FUN.
2. Don't get injured.
Hmm... that looks about right. That's it. If I PR, that would be icing on the cake - and I'd even be thrilled with a 5 second PR. But my end game is the marathon in a few weeks - so this is truly just a training run at a faster pace than I am planning on running the marathon.
Even my Marathon goals are pretty realistic.
1. Finish it. Just cross the finish line.
2. Anything under 5 hours would be lovely.
The sun is shining... I tried to run today, but my knee decided it was going to be a cross training day, and I also got into my acupuncturist for a 'tune-up.'
Can't wait to post pictures from the race- I will definitely be running with my camera and enjoying this race!
And I only really just started believing I can finish about 11 days ago.
Between training for the Marathon, being a mom to my 2 girls, work, the non-profit and planning Ladybug Run I am not left with a lot of time for blogging... but since this is a memory I'd like to preserve and I am always on the computer and NEVER journal anymore - this is the best I am going to do.
I have the Eugene Half marathon this weekend. I am excited to be running in the town I grew up in. My first 'race' there. Though I am not going into this weekend with any real expectations except;
1. HAVE FUN.
2. Don't get injured.
Hmm... that looks about right. That's it. If I PR, that would be icing on the cake - and I'd even be thrilled with a 5 second PR. But my end game is the marathon in a few weeks - so this is truly just a training run at a faster pace than I am planning on running the marathon.
Even my Marathon goals are pretty realistic.
1. Finish it. Just cross the finish line.
2. Anything under 5 hours would be lovely.
The sun is shining... I tried to run today, but my knee decided it was going to be a cross training day, and I also got into my acupuncturist for a 'tune-up.'
Can't wait to post pictures from the race- I will definitely be running with my camera and enjoying this race!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Getting Back on the Wagon
Wow.. Forgive my LONG absence from the world of blogging. I think because I left this off my list of goals for 2013, I let it slide. But, I am getting back on the wagon. Let's get caught up with some random updates...
I began 2013 with a horrible cold that took me out of running for a whole week. When I came back, I began my marathon training plan. I decided I would make a plan by combining things I liked from the Train like a Mother, Hal Higdon, and a couple of others - starting from the mileage I was already doing. The problem with this, is even with only increasing my mileage 10% each week, I wasn't backing off every fourth week. Sooo, after my 15 mile run on Feb 16th (yes, what the heck was I thinking since my marathon is not until JUNE.) I experienced some knee pain that started in the middle of the night. I googled it the next morning and was pretty sure my pes anserine was inflamed I iced probably 5-6x right away. Took a week off, got acupuncture a few times, Chiro, and a Massage and cross trained and slowly began running again last week. I was able to run 8.5 on Saturday.. but by Monday I was still a little sore. I am having to foam roll and do dynamic stretches before each run and am doing my exercises each evening. I am nervous about Shamrock 15K next weekend. I am nervous about the Marathon already.. it suddenly seems close. I hate injuries. Or pre-injuries..
New plan is that I am going to follow Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan. I think I was being too aggressive. I just want to finish my first marathon without getting injured BEFORE actual race day. Plus I have LOTS of races after June that I want to be able to run.
Registration is open for www.ladybugrun.com.. We are busy getting everything planned to make this next years race even better than last year.. Some pretty awesome prizes are rolling in...
2013 Goals!!
I began 2013 with a horrible cold that took me out of running for a whole week. When I came back, I began my marathon training plan. I decided I would make a plan by combining things I liked from the Train like a Mother, Hal Higdon, and a couple of others - starting from the mileage I was already doing. The problem with this, is even with only increasing my mileage 10% each week, I wasn't backing off every fourth week. Sooo, after my 15 mile run on Feb 16th (yes, what the heck was I thinking since my marathon is not until JUNE.) I experienced some knee pain that started in the middle of the night. I googled it the next morning and was pretty sure my pes anserine was inflamed I iced probably 5-6x right away. Took a week off, got acupuncture a few times, Chiro, and a Massage and cross trained and slowly began running again last week. I was able to run 8.5 on Saturday.. but by Monday I was still a little sore. I am having to foam roll and do dynamic stretches before each run and am doing my exercises each evening. I am nervous about Shamrock 15K next weekend. I am nervous about the Marathon already.. it suddenly seems close. I hate injuries. Or pre-injuries..
New plan is that I am going to follow Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan. I think I was being too aggressive. I just want to finish my first marathon without getting injured BEFORE actual race day. Plus I have LOTS of races after June that I want to be able to run.
Registration is open for www.ladybugrun.com.. We are busy getting everything planned to make this next years race even better than last year.. Some pretty awesome prizes are rolling in...
2013 Goals!!
- Complete a Marathon (VancouverUSA) in under 5 hours.
- Complete the Shamrock 15K (last year I was DNF due to knee pain)
- Run Hood to Coast
- Beat 2012 times for 5K, 10K and Half
- Complete Napa to Sonoma Half
- Nike Women's Half in SF in October
- Foam Roll 5-6 days a week
- 400+ registrants for Ladybug Run
- Do Strength work at least 2x a week
On that note..better close so I can get my Kettlebell workout done...
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