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!)
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
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
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
Thursday, June 14, 2012
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
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
Monday, June 11, 2012
Day 108-111: 1.7 weeks until race
Yesterday (Day 111) was a rest/fishing day. Fishing can require quite a bit of energy, but mostly if you are actually catching fish and reeling them in. My rest/fishing day was more like this: I was in a boat on a river and the fish weren't biting, so I decided to rest and relax on the gently rocking boat. Worked for me!
Day 110: Ran the Alaska Run for Women Five Miler in under 45 minutes (44:30-something). That's a few seconds faster than a nine minute mile! I couldn't believe my time when I ran around that corner and saw the finish line!!
Mile 1 was pretty tough, especially when my mind starting telling me things like, Well, you walked it last year, so who cares if you walk it again, as long as you beat last year's time. However, I was determined to keep a good pace for the entire run, which I did! I passed mile 2 at about 18 minutes and some odd seconds and wondered if I could run the last three miles at the same speed. I hit mile 3 at roughly 27 minutes and then mile 4 at 36. I kept doing the math in my head, which was a great distraction, because I didn't really think I was capable of what I was doing. Just that morning, I had been thinking about sleeping in instead of waking up early to go to the run--mostly because I was afraid that I would do badly. It sounds like my body knows what it's doing; it's my mind that I need to get into better shape!
During the first half of my run, lots of people were passing me, but as I neared the end, I realized that I was now the one passing people. I always tell myself that I will speed up when I can see the finish, which is exactly what I did. I had saved just enough energy to push through at the very end. What another great victory! Now if I can just keep up this pattern for the real run!!
Day 109: Rest day; was feeling sluggish today due to laying around. I'm realizing how much getting outside and running really makes me feel better in every way.
Day 108: Rest day and suprisingly wasn't too sore from my nine mile run on the previous day. That is a good sign!
Quote of the day: "All runners are not created equal. We do not start with the same genes or have the same time or resources for training. For better or worse, we are all unique. Put things in perspective: Have you ever noticed that faster runners rarely seem satisfied with their performances, while many slower runners wear a perpetual grin on their faces?" -John Bingham, famous running author
Day 110: Ran the Alaska Run for Women Five Miler in under 45 minutes (44:30-something). That's a few seconds faster than a nine minute mile! I couldn't believe my time when I ran around that corner and saw the finish line!!
Mile 1 was pretty tough, especially when my mind starting telling me things like, Well, you walked it last year, so who cares if you walk it again, as long as you beat last year's time. However, I was determined to keep a good pace for the entire run, which I did! I passed mile 2 at about 18 minutes and some odd seconds and wondered if I could run the last three miles at the same speed. I hit mile 3 at roughly 27 minutes and then mile 4 at 36. I kept doing the math in my head, which was a great distraction, because I didn't really think I was capable of what I was doing. Just that morning, I had been thinking about sleeping in instead of waking up early to go to the run--mostly because I was afraid that I would do badly. It sounds like my body knows what it's doing; it's my mind that I need to get into better shape!
During the first half of my run, lots of people were passing me, but as I neared the end, I realized that I was now the one passing people. I always tell myself that I will speed up when I can see the finish, which is exactly what I did. I had saved just enough energy to push through at the very end. What another great victory! Now if I can just keep up this pattern for the real run!!
Day 109: Rest day; was feeling sluggish today due to laying around. I'm realizing how much getting outside and running really makes me feel better in every way.
Day 108: Rest day and suprisingly wasn't too sore from my nine mile run on the previous day. That is a good sign!
Quote of the day: "All runners are not created equal. We do not start with the same genes or have the same time or resources for training. For better or worse, we are all unique. Put things in perspective: Have you ever noticed that faster runners rarely seem satisfied with their performances, while many slower runners wear a perpetual grin on their faces?" -John Bingham, famous running author
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Days 104-107: 2.5 weeks until race
Today was a great day! I ran my longest distance yet, 9 miles. It took me almost 90 minutes, and I ate two bugs along the way (and one went in my eye). The reason it took me a while longer than expected was because I did some walking along the way when my knee started to hurt. Giving it a break every now and then helped (which is a new lesson to me). Apparently, walking breaks help your running muscles recharge and also help you conserve energy so you can work out longer and build endurance. I have mixed feelings about this, mostly because there are times when I have slowed down to walk and then regretted it when I tried to run again--oh, the pain!
The last few miles of my run today were pretty tough, but I pulled through and even sprinted the last 400 meters. The people at the part probably thought I was insane because I ran by them so many times-twice with a friend when we ran two miles (out one mile and then back), two more times when I went out and back seven miles to make nine miles, and another two times when I did my final sprint and cool down. I may look crazy, but it's worth it!
Yesterday was a rest day :)
Day 105: Ran five miles around the neighborhood. My ipod battery beeped low right as I was heading out, so I couldn't track my mileage/time, but at least I was able to listen to music.
Day 104: Rest day
Quote of the day: "The will to run means nothing without the will to prepare" -Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner
The last few miles of my run today were pretty tough, but I pulled through and even sprinted the last 400 meters. The people at the part probably thought I was insane because I ran by them so many times-twice with a friend when we ran two miles (out one mile and then back), two more times when I went out and back seven miles to make nine miles, and another two times when I did my final sprint and cool down. I may look crazy, but it's worth it!
Yesterday was a rest day :)
Day 105: Ran five miles around the neighborhood. My ipod battery beeped low right as I was heading out, so I couldn't track my mileage/time, but at least I was able to listen to music.
Day 104: Rest day
Quote of the day: "The will to run means nothing without the will to prepare" -Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Days 101-103: three weeks until race
Today: Rest day after a great run yesterday! Read on...
Day 102: Victory!!! After flying from Seattle to Anchorage and running around like a crazy chicken with my head cut off, I actually made it downtown with plenty of time to pick up my bib for the Skinny Raven 12k (7.46 miles). A small part of me was considering following the 6k course (because all runners started together). The good news is I never even saw the signs for the 6k/12k fork, so the temptation wasn't even a possibility. The first few miles were rough, but the course was interesting enough to keep me going. We ran over a big freeway bridge twice, around a lake, up one too many hills, and ended at a park in downtown Anchorage. Once I saw signed for miles 4 and 5, it really sunk in: "I am actually doing this." Not only did I complete the race, but I did well for myself! My time according to my ipod (which I started as I crossed the start line) was about 1:08. The time on the race sign was the same, either 1:06 or 1:08 (I instantly forgot). When I checked my time online, it showed 1:12. I'm thinking the discreptancy is the fact that it might've taken me a minute or two to cross the starting line from being way in the back. Either way, I'm happy to call it an even 1:10 (even though I secretly know I did at least a 1:08). That means I ran about 6.5 miles per hour and averaged a 9:30 mile. I did that for 7.5 miles!!!
Day 101: Went out and about in Seattle, which included some walking and site seeing. I was mentally getting ready for a big day!
Quote of the day: "I run because it's my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a consistent reward for victory!" -Sasha Azevedo
Day 102: Victory!!! After flying from Seattle to Anchorage and running around like a crazy chicken with my head cut off, I actually made it downtown with plenty of time to pick up my bib for the Skinny Raven 12k (7.46 miles). A small part of me was considering following the 6k course (because all runners started together). The good news is I never even saw the signs for the 6k/12k fork, so the temptation wasn't even a possibility. The first few miles were rough, but the course was interesting enough to keep me going. We ran over a big freeway bridge twice, around a lake, up one too many hills, and ended at a park in downtown Anchorage. Once I saw signed for miles 4 and 5, it really sunk in: "I am actually doing this." Not only did I complete the race, but I did well for myself! My time according to my ipod (which I started as I crossed the start line) was about 1:08. The time on the race sign was the same, either 1:06 or 1:08 (I instantly forgot). When I checked my time online, it showed 1:12. I'm thinking the discreptancy is the fact that it might've taken me a minute or two to cross the starting line from being way in the back. Either way, I'm happy to call it an even 1:10 (even though I secretly know I did at least a 1:08). That means I ran about 6.5 miles per hour and averaged a 9:30 mile. I did that for 7.5 miles!!!
Day 101: Went out and about in Seattle, which included some walking and site seeing. I was mentally getting ready for a big day!
Quote of the day: "I run because it's my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a consistent reward for victory!" -Sasha Azevedo
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