12 weeks until Marathon

Haven't blogged in a while, but I'm always up for it after a good run.  A little over a month ago, I did a 12 mile run on the treadmill that was just torturous.  I wasn't happy with how it went, which always gets me a little down and unmotivated.

A few weeks later, Nathan and I went to the track to run in order to start preparing our bodies to actually move forward as we run (because unfortunately, the ground won't be moving under us on marathon day).  Nathan was able to run about seven miles until he got really bad blisters, which is pretty good considering he has not been training regularly because of his busy schedule.  I ran 14 miles but was delusional by the end.  I went around a quarter-mile track 56 times!  No wonder I was a little loopy by the end of it!  That night, we went out to dinner, and I treated myself to a nice, big steak :)

In the days following (my Spring Break), I could barely move.  When I could finally exercise again, it hurt to run after only a few miles.  I ended up walking most of the following week and wondered why it was taking my body so long to recover.

I since then have decided to take it a little bit easier.  The training plan I was following starts increasing by three miles each long run, too much in my opinion, especially considering I need to transition from a treadmill to a track to outside (once the weather permits).  Since Nathan is still on track on a different program, I'll be adjusting so that I run following the schedule he is using.  What's nice about the plan I found for him is that it only increases a mile or two each week.  It also doesn't require that we run more than marathon distance before the race (which I was nervous about).  Supposedly, once you run 18 miles, you are ready for marathon day.  

I did not want to go to the track today, so I ran 12 miles on the treadmill at home.  I figured I would race against myself (rather than a schedule) and try to beat my 12 mile time from last month.  I only shaved off a minute, but this run was much for enjoyable.  I feel like I'm back on track in such a way that I am finding pleasure in running again instead of feeling constantly overwhelmed and behind.  It also helped that I downloaded a new song called "Radioactive" by the band Imagine Dragons.  I actually listened to it four times during my run because it totally got me in the zone!

Quote of the day: "I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones, enough to make my systems blow" from the song "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons, of course 

19 weeks until Marathon

Since my last post (two weeks ago--the date of my last long run), our treadmill has been getting lots of action.  I didn't write about my last long run, but overall, it went really well.  I ran eight 9 minute miles and then finished my last mile in a little over eight minutes.  I've been learning that, just as Jeff Galloway states, "all of us have much more potential than we usually allow ourselves to explore" (out of his book Training Programs, pg. 67).  I feel almost guilty that I did not share this quote on my last post, since that was a tradition I had created for my blog--to share some food for thought that helped me focus through my runs.  I've adapted this quote and actually say it out loud as I run: "I am more capable than I think I am...I am more capable than I think I am!"  (By the way, my husband thinks I'm crazy for talking to myself out loud while I run on the treadmill.  Oh, the joy of not being that crazy person at the gym!  I have the luxury of doing it in my own home.)

After my nine mile run, I started pushing myself to run faster, focusing on speed instead of distance (because I have two weeks of short runs between long runs).  I became curious as to what my fastest mile could be.  It'll be hard to even know, but I'm getting closer.  I ran a 7:57 mile, and then beat that a few runs later...

Which brings me to today's run: 10.5 miles total, with the last mile completed in 7:45.  I almost started crying when I was done; In fact, I actually couldn't believe it when I had finished.  I kept checking the clock/mileage on the treadmill screen.  How could I have completed my third longest run with no pain, no problem?  I could've kept running!  Not one mile was a misery, which is weird because sometimes a three mile run can seem like the end of the world.  I was never bored.  (I've found great pleasure in looking out the window while I run and watching cars slide down the street!)  That's when I started thinking that maybe some running alien took over my body.

Another accomplishment of today's long run was that I found my perfect snack!  After trying and spitting out some of those bars that taste like poo or fall apart in your hands while you run, I tried an Odwalla Fiber Bar (Dark Chocolate Chip Walnut flavor).  It's kinda like having a bite of oatmeal while you run--it tastes like real food, and after you gulp down some water, you feel like you just had a pick-me-up meal.  It is close to the snack guidelines given by Galloway (220 calories, 60 from fat--he says to stay away from high fat calories, which is almost impossible).  While I always enjoy gummy bears or some expensive running chew near the end of a run, I believe I've found the snack to carry me through the marathon!  One step (or 10.5 miles) closer :)

Quote of the day: "Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can" -Lowell Thomas, American writer (I love how inspiration quotes apply to every aspect of life)

21 weeks until MARATHON!

Wow, it's been seven months since I last blogged (but only three days since I last ran).  The good news is I am still "running strong" with the whole running thing.  In fact, I am happy to also report that after the half marathon seven months ago, I've kept up my healthy-active lifestyle and decided to pursue a marathon, yes, 26.2 miles.  The beauty of it all is that it will be the same race as last year's half marathon (Mayor's Marathon in Anchorage in June).  I'm not sure how finishing a marathon will compare to finishing a half, but what an awesome feeling to double my distance and go for it!  I will be in the 0.5% of the US population that has run a marathon, God willing.

My other running update is that my husband caved and bought me a treadmill for Christmas!  Although I'm not using it as much as I should for walking (on non-running days), it is SUPER convenient to walk downstairs anytime I feel like a run, be it morning, noon or night.  I can eat and shower immediately after without having to "drive" home, and I can stare out the bedroom window and creep on the neighbors across the street (jk, kinda).  Either way, it was a great buy!

Along with running, life is good.  We're in our new condo (which we moved into after the half marathon seven months ago) with our half marathon pic hanging proudly :) Work/school is good, mostly because I can easily run off the stress from it all.  The next few months will be an interesting venture as I increase my mileage (to 20-26) miles while still teaching and going to school.  I will try to blog about it all!

Running shortly (9 miles today).  Will share my interesting running tales :)

AFTER THE HALF!

SO much to blog about...I tried to make it a point to blog a few days ago as I was doing my mental training, but things have been a little busy around the Staker house.  Yesterday afternoon (day before the race), I got the key to our brand new condo--which of course meant that we were moving last night until 9pm.  We finally had to stop ourselves so that we could get to bed at a reasonable hour.
We had most of our things ready the night before the race (clothes, sports drinks/snacks, bibs, etc.) so that our only job would be to get some rest.  Turned out to be somewhat challenging!  Nathan and I woke up in the middle of the night after each having nightmares!  Nathan was dreaming about someone breaking into our new house :( and my nightmare took place in a small Alaskan village where people were mourning the deaths of some of their village members--don't know where that one came from.  After Nathan shared his nightmare with me, I immediately became paranoid and my mind got the best of me.  Had to force myself to go back to sleep thinking happy thoughts!
The morning of the race went smoothly.  We had everything laid out and ready.  All we had to do was go with the flow (which was good because we were semi-asleep).  We got to the start line with plenty of time to use the restroom, warm up, chat, and get excited!  And off we were...
The first few miles were the roughest!  It took me a while to get past "the wall."  Madonna helped, but the hills didn't.  We stopped at each mile marker for 30 second walk break (best idea ever) and ran the rest of the way pain free (Hallelujah)!  We made mental notes of people as we slowed down to walk and found that we later passed them because we were less worn out.  We got halfway at 1:03, so I was anticipating a 2:06 finish if we kept the pace (which was a very slow start--about 9:45 miles so we wouldn't burn out).
After halfway, we started to pick up the pace!  Our slowest mile was 12 minutes but that included jogging by a water station (and trying to drink) and some hills.  I couldn't believe it when we hit miles 11 and 12.  The finish was around the corner--well, more like up a hill actually.  Our third largest incline was during mile 13, which was pretty brutal, but we started to see some finishers with metals and they cheered us on, reassuring us that the finish was not too far out of sight :)
One we got to the race track, I sped up and passed a few people.  I saw that the time on the clock was 2:04, and I smiled excitedly as I crossed the finish line.  What a victory!  Six minutes faster than my "vision" time.  My next vision will have to be 2:02 OR less than two hours.
Although we finished the race and I met my goal of "becoming a runner," I know that this is only the beginning.  Don't ask me about it yet (because I am very sore), but I DO plan on running another race this summer.  There is a full/half and 5k this summer that we are thinking about next.  Registration doesn't end until August 15th, so we have plenty of time to see how the next few weeks/months go.  As for now, I will soak in my sweat...I mean, victory, and pig out guilt-free!

Quote of the day: "If you want it, you already got it...If you thought it, it better be what you want!" -Madonna & JT, from the song "4 Minutes" (which is how much faster I need to run next time!)

New Chant!

Thanks to a dear friend, my new chant will be: "surprise, astound, and inspire!"  Love you KMD :)

Days 116-120: 3 days until race

I biked about 10 miles today (leisurely) and enjoyed a beautiful Alaskan summer day.  Most of my running training today was mental.  I've been reading a book called Marathon: You can do it by Jeff Galloway, a famous running author.  I read a few pointers about race day (start slow, drink at the water stops, eat an energy gel during the last few miles, etc.).   Galloway also suggests training on part of the course, if possible, which is what we have been doing.  This should take away some of the surprise/anxiety element of not knowing what to expect on the run.  There's even a schedule on what to eat the day before the race, and how to prepare during those last few days and hours.  Most of it was info I already am aware of, but better to know twice than never!
One of my favorite reads was regarding motivational chants.  Galloway suggested runners save thoughts about relaxation, gliding and power for those last few miles that can really be tough.  My plan is to mentally focus on relaxing during mile 11 (because I'm sure I'll be really tense), gliding during mile 12 (to decrease impact and to continue on, even though I probably won't want to), and power during that last 0.1 mile (sprint!).  I can't wait to put the chants into practice.  I've also been envisioning myself crossing that finish line...I'm SO going to cry!  What a journey this has been, but rather than being the end, it is only the beginning.
I have a few goals in mind as far as time is concerned.  My main time goal is to start slow and keep steady, so that I can really go until the end and still have energy to sprint.  I don't want to be miserable, burnt out or injured.  I also want to finish with enjoyment and the feeling that I can do better--next time.  This is my first (and definitely not last) half marathon.  I already know I will have many more to come :)
Back to time...a few notes.  My dream is to one day finish in under two hours.  I'm not there yet, but I will try.  If this doesn't happen this time around, good!  That means I still have some more running to do!  My vision is to finish in 2:10-2:15, which I know is doable.  I ran 12 miles in 2 hours, which means I can run 13 miles in 2:10 and 13.1 in 2:11.  The extra four minute pad is in case of pain/drawback.  It's also a nice round number (math dork alert)!  My back up goal that I made just so that I can meet a goal (just in case I suck on race day) is 2:30.  These would be 11:30 miles, which is 5.2 mph.  Even my worse run (10 miles in two hours) was faster than that.  So, worse case scenario, I at least meet this back up goal, hopefully.
These three tiered goals are based on the fact that I want a reasonable goal but I also want a dream goal and a back up goal.  If my dreams come true, more power to me, but if not, at least I'll still feel accomplish and not like a sore loser.  At least I am starting and finishing, right!?  (Oh, the irony if I twist my ankle or something and end up in the ER instead of crossing the finish line--extra little prayer).
With that, it's time to go to bed.  I read that it is not uncommon to be restless the night before the big day and stay up all night with excitement.  That being said, the 2-3 nights before the race are most important.  Time to hit the hay!

Yesterday, I went for a four mile hike and then hit the fancy Alaska Club for free as a potential future member.  I got some price quotes, a tour, a guided workout on the circuit, and a visit to the steam room and hot tub!  Still contemplating if I can happily fork out $100 bucks a month, but my "trial run" sure was enjoyable!  Can't beat my $15 Planet Fitness membership--what a steal!

Day 118: Physical rest day & errands

Day 117: Fishing day!  I think I am better at running...maybe I will start a fishing blog (the blogging worked)!

Day 116:  Best long run ever, especially after that torturous ten mile run earlier in the week!  A few days ago, we ran (more like fumbled our way through) 10 miles.  It was hard on me in every way (physically, mentally, etc.) and took two hours.  Well, for our next long run, we decided to break the run into 12 separate miles and take a 30 second walking break at each mile marker.  Supposedly, this helps give your muscles a break and actually helps you decrease your time (because then you have more energy to continue and finish the race strong).  I was hesitant at first because it seems kinda wimpy, but man, was it the best idea ever or what!  We actually ran two more miles in the same amount of time (12 miles in two hours).  The run was much more doable and enjoyable, especially since you can trick yourself into thinking, just keep going for one more mile (or 12)!

Quote of the day: "Running is a life long sport, a long journey into one's self" http://www.wildcats.rockriver.net/quotes.html

Days 112-115: 1.3 weeks until race

Today was a rest/catch up day.  After losing my consistency of going to the gym and then going again, I'm sore and feeling lazy.  Today is a good day to lay around, catch up, and blog about all the running I've been doing--it's hard to feel like blogging right after a run when all I want to do is lay down and do nothing!

Yesterday we did a three mile run around the neighborhood.  I would've liked to run a couple more miles (strange to admit), but we were pressed for time.  It worked out anyway because I went to the gym with a friend and ran two more miles on the elliptical.  It felt great, but the best part came after: we went for a dip in the pool and swam a few laps, laid in the steamer and sat in the jacuzzi.  Now that's what I call a fun "work-out!"

Day 113 was a rest from running day.  I was suprised by how mobile I was the day after a ten mile run (see below).  The night OF the ten mile run is what I dreaded.
I surprised myself today and hit the gym in the morning before I did anything else.  Yes, the free bagels and coffee on the second Tuesday of the month was very motivating (until I got there and they had no cups for coffee).  I worked my arms out with some weights and was pleasantly suprised that I still have arm muscles after neglecting them for a month!

Day 112 was a long run: 10 miles. Not only was it long distance-wise, but it took a looong time, unfortunately. I was hoping to be done in 1 hour and 40 minutes (10 minute miles), which is the pace I did on my nine mile run last week, but my knee wasn't having it. About halfway through the run, I had to stop to walk. The last half of the run was a battle between wanting/trying to run but knowing I shouldn't because of my knee pain. All in all, it took two hours, 30 minutes of which it was raining on us. The rain was actually good practice (in case it rains on race day)--and heck, I'm sure the miserable run was practice in some form or another!

Quote of the day: "Just remember  -  right, left, right left...repeat" -Jordan F (whoever that is), from this site: http://www.rebelrunners.com/quotes.php