Back at the Beginning

MW: 131.8
Days to Race: 146
Distance/Time: 2.05 mi/38 min

Found a couch to half-marathon running plan and since I'm starting over (again) I figured I'd shoot right for the big leagues.

Retreat a mile, Advance an inch

MW: 133.2
Days to Race: 151
Distance/Time: 1.5 mi/ 23 min

Don't mistake me. I'm back, but I'm not better and to be honest, I don't know that I'll be better for a long time. Still, while my health issues aren't going away, neither is the half-marathon, nor is the fact that the only time I feel strong and good about myself is when I'm running. Even if I can barely do a minimum.

. I tried running yesterday and only made it about 11 minutes before I had to stop. Today, my goal was two 10 minute runs. I made one 10 minute run and one 5 minute run. I'm trying not to look back at how awesome I was just a week and a half ago (4 miles! a 5K!) but instead focus on how strong I'll be at some point. So no, today was not a good day, but it was also not a day when I gave up.

I might be more like Pickett trying to make it up that hill at Gettysburg than a conquering Alexander the Great, but the fight still continues.

Going crazy

You know that setback I was talking about? Clearly I've succumbed to it. After my 5K, things did not go so well and so I grounded myself until I see improvement. One week later and I feel like I'm going insane. I even had I nightmare last night about the half marathon. The plus side, in my nightmare it wasn't that I wasn't ready for it, but everything kept getting in my way. The trail was not well marked, so I kept getting lost in the park, I had to ride a ride, my running companions wanted to stop for breakfast right in the middle! Hence the reason why I'm awake at 6AM and not strapping on my shoes like I want to be doing.

Run4Shelter 5K

MW: 132.4
Days to Race: 162
Distance/Time: 3.1 mi/41.30

The first rule of racing is to Run Your Own Race. It's easy to keep in mind when you're alone on the road, but come race day, it's something that you have to constantly keep in mind.

Today was the Run4Shelter's event. I decided to run the 5K as it seemed to be within my abilities at the moment and a good test of my distance running. More importantly, however, I am currently fighting another setback and I was running because I was afraid. I was afraid that I couldn't do it and I was afraid that if I didn't, then I wasn't just giving up for the day, I was just plain giving up. I needed to prove to myself that I'm still strong enough to keep going and even if I passed out on the track in the attempt, I was doing it.

Luckily, there was no need for the paramedics. the trail was beautiful and even as the faster runners blew past me in the first few minutes, I'm still pleased with my results. The last 5K I ran was in about 47 minutes. There was some walking involved. Today, I ran the full course. My strategy was to mimic Secretariat. Yep, I was going to take strategy advice from a horse. It's sort of ridiculous. Here is what ESPN considers one of the greatest athletes in history, a creature bred to run and to run beyond fast and me, a dumpling who is descended from sturdy German peasant stock. Truly there is no comparison. But here is what wikipedia says about when Secretariat ran the Kentucky Derby in 1973:

"On his way to a still-standing track record (1:592⁄5), Secretariat ran each quarter-mile segment faster than the one before it. The successive quarter-mile times were 251⁄5, 24, 234⁄5, 232⁄5, and 23. This means he was still accelerating as of the final quarter-mile of the race. No other horse had won the Derby in less than 2 minutes before, and it would not be accomplished again until Monarchos in 2001."

I took the first mile nice and easy. Pressed the gas pedal a little harder in the second and then with Zac Brown Band's "Natural Disaster" humming along, I stepped it up until I could hardly breathe. And believe me, no matter what your time is, the feeling when you cross that finish line is indescribable. I might be the mouth-breather bringing up the rear, but my time is an improvement over my last 5K and I am looking forward to the next.

B210K 3.2 + Flip Belt

MW: 133.4
Days to Race: 164
Distance/Time: 4 miles/56 min

Yay 4 miles! Okay true confession: I really only did 3.96 miles of running, but I swear I covered the distance! I got to try out my new flip belt today. It felt nice running with supplies just in case something were to happen. Also, the belt will be helpful during any actual races that I run as I have no other place to store my car keys (aside from my hair). The belt only rode up once, but that's actually better than I was anticipating because I have a small waist and round hips so anything that's slung low on my hips is bound to ride up at some point. I even erred on the size of smallness when choosing my size. All in all, I think it will be a useful addition to the team.

B210K 3.1

MW: 134
Days to Race: 166
Distance/Time: 3.73/ 53 min

Another early morning. I need to get used to this. It's now over an hour for my runs including warm up and cool down. Of course this also means early to bed, so I've been working on getting between the covers early and then reading. It's a good chance to unwind, thing about the day ahead and psych myself up for the next run.

Today, I completed my first day of week three. That's 3 17 minute runs with a 1 minute walk between them. Without a copilot telling me when to stop and start again, that meant I had to do some simple math on the fly. I like doing math when I'm running. Figuring out how long I've been running and how much further I have to go. It keeps my mind off the aches and pains, the hunger and the bodily necessities that seem to crop up right when I'm furthest from home. But man, I am terrible with my sevens. It took me counting on my fingers to get the right minutes for when I should walk. Another reason I'm really enjoying running in the dark.

B210K 2.3

MW: 134
Days to Race: 168
Distance/Time: 3.56 mi/ 47 min

Isn't it funny how you can start something thinking it won't be good. Definitely not your best, and then you surprise yourself? That is something that I've been learning over the past few months. Just how strong and fast my body can be and that I continually underestimate myself. I did not want to get up today. It was one of those days when the bed felt too good, my legs too creaky and dammit I just wanted to enjoy a cup of coffee. I figured it would be one of those days that you get up and you struggle through the run, it might not be the fastest, but it would be done and another building block to the foundation that will get me through 13.1 miles.

Even while I was running, I didn't think I was doing my best. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Run the 15 minutes, walk 1 minute and repeat. But, then I got home and mapped my course (while icing my feet) and see that it is one of the farthest distances I've gone and I've just about cleared the 13 minute/mile pace (13.12 to be exact). I can't wait to get into the 12 minute mile pace.

Well this is the last run of week 2 of the Bridge to 10K program. I'm still running without a copilot and enjoying the quiet. It makes me enjoy the road that much more. Next week, I'll be stepping it up a notch. 3 17 minute runs punctuated by 1 minute walks.

B210K 2.2

MW: 134.2
Days to Race: 170
Distance/Time: 3.3 mi/47.06

I was up and out the door before I even knew what I was doing. 5:15 is not my idea of a good time to be up and about. Even the cats were a little shocked (though still pleased at the early breakfast). It was a little chilly outside, a hint of the cold I could expect in later days. But then I looked up at the sky and damn, the stars were beautiful this morning.

There is something magical about that pre-dawn hour. The cool, free air and the silent streets. I think I talked about it in my last entry too, but it bears repeating, if it wasn't for the whole waking up early thing, then I could see myself doing it regularly. But, I also love my sleep and with the vampiric toddler running around and screaming at midnight, I don't see this happening regularly. Still, this morning, I conquered my usual reservations and went for it.

When I'm running, I have all these great ideas about what to write about. How the field I often pass reminds me of one of those Dutch masterpieces, about the little dogs that like to chase me (and the big dogs who could really care less). There are also the cats for whom I break into the fake French that I use on my own kitties. Sometimes it's good that I'm running alone. That said, I do want to get one of those reflective vests for night running. I usually stick to the sidewalks, but still running at night without something to alert drivers to my presence does not pass the Obituary Test.

Happy Friday!

B210K 2.1

MW: 134
Days to Race: 172
Distance/Time: 3.44 mi/48.11

Well my Inner Trainer is pleased, but Dr. Me is a bit miffed. I really did intend to continue with the first week of the bridge to 10K program. Once I got started though, my plans changed. Instead of doing the 4 10 minute runs, I ended up doing 3 15 minute runs. I also did most of it before the sun came up. I have to say, running in the dark, before the rest of the world is awake, is an incredible experience. The air is quiet and cool, but also somehow charged for the coming day. Stepping outside into that chill, breathing deeply, I relaxed and knew it was time to get to work. This is good, because with the coming fall and winter, running in the dark is going to become more standard.

B210K 1.4: redux

MW: 134
Days to Race: 174
Distance/Time: 3.6 mi/1 hour

After last week, I decided to take a small step back and redo the first week of bridge to 10K. I've also decided to do it without a co-pilot. I like running with the quiet, which surprises me. It gives me a chance to think and to plan or even just to let my mind roam where it may.

I also decided to make today a running field trip. There is a small park just outside of town with trails, so I decided to give it a try. I liked that it was quiet and flat, though the trails were rather short and more about loops, so I had to do laps instead. All in all, though, the run went well. The end wasn't pretty, but I made it and I'm feeling good about the finish too. Ready to do it all again on Wednesday!