Jeremy's Run 10k

The bib says 5k, but all the bibs did. I actually ran the 10k.

The 10k: Today, Annie and I ran my first 10k. Well it was a run/walk. I finished in under 1 hour and 40 minutes. About 8 minutes longer than what I anticipated. We were the last to finish, no fault of Annie's. I am just slow. I am thankful that she punted her own time to keep me company. Friends make running just that more enjoyable.  But if you have been a diligent reader of this blog, then you are already know I am not the most hare-like individual. 

The run was supposed to start at 8am and it didn't. It was probably about 10 to 15 minutes later that we started the 10k. Everything went well for the first 3 miles, and then I started to get hot. There is a reason why a lot of races do not take  place during the summer months of June and July. Spring and Fall tend to be the best racing seasons because of their more amicable temperatures.

Long story short. I got hot and I wore the wrong running gear.  In the summer months, take a water bottle with you. I will not make this mistake again. If I am planning on running over 3 miles, a water bottle will come with me from now on. I also am going to invest in a pair of compression shorts. I knew it was going to be warm so I wore a pair of regular athletic shorts. Not a good idea because chaffage occurred. I also haven't been able to get my new race shoes so I wore my old Asics. Until earlier this week, my Mizunos were the shoe of choice, but they are completely devoid of padding and have been run bare on the bottom. Apparently, 3 half marathons, multiple 5ks, and 100s of miles in training will do that. I like my Asics, they are comfortable, but they have one major flaw. After about 3 miles, they start to rub my heel bone and leave blisters. I wish I could run longer distances in them, but its just not possible.

What I Learned: 

1. Don't ignore heat advisories. The heat advisory was slated from 9 to 12pm. It was like someone opened up an oven door and it got hot quick. Adequately prepare for your run by knowing the problems that could take place with the weather.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! I didn't do this as well as I should have and I paid for it later. It ended with me having to walk some because I was losing too much fluid. For more dehydration information click here: 10 Signs of Dehydration
3. Eat breakfast. I will admit that sometimes when running at 5k, I skip breakfast and don't drink anything until right before I run. This has worked for me, but a 10k is a slightly different animal. I learned this today, and I spent the last two miles listening my stomach rumble in anger at me for my negligence.
4. Don't deviate from your race routines. I wanted to wear cloth shorts even though it was against my better judgement. I am now paying for this. I should have never deviated from what I am used to. It probably would have made the experience a little less painful.

Will I ever do a 10k again??? I am going to say this is a soft commit. I think 10ks will be run on a desire basis. Meaning that if I really want to do that particular race then I will sign up.  For example, I will probably do the Marine Corp Marathon 10k. I want to do that race because it is something different and a race that I haven't run before. I like 5ks, even though I am slow at them. Although, I am pretty confident that I can run a 5k at least 2 to 3 minutes quicker than I previously could. I also like half marathons. I like half marathons because there is no shame in walking. Not that there is shame in walking a 10k in parts, but I feel like 10ks are for a particular gifted type of runner. That isn't me. As my husband very astutely said after the Frederick Half, "a half marathon isn't about time, it's about finishing." I actually feel the least amount of pressure when running a half marathon and that is perhaps why I do best at that race. I know I can run a half in under 3:30 and I know that I will walk. Therefore, I am happy punishing my body in such a manner :-)

Side note: Saw the best t-shirt ever today! A woman was wearing a shirt that said on the back "Tell me again why this is fun?"  I lol'ed and so did Annie. I enjoy shirts that remind me that while I like to run, I don't necessarily always like doing it when I am in the middle of a race. I guess you have to be a runner to understand that logic.  

Continuing with training tomorrow. A couple of weeks until the Baltimore 10 miler!!! I am excited for that race and, yes, I will bring a water bottle with me ;-)

Until next time, happy running!

Night Running

This week I did a little bit of running, it was kind of hard to keep to the schedule I set. Honestly, I am not too worried about it because once my job is over for the summer time, there will be no excuses for not following a more regimented exercise program.I work with high school kids and right now we are all pitching in to get grades done and to chaperone their last high school events. Doesn't leave a lot of down time for me. So I ran when I could and I am looking forward to their graduation so my life can return to its somewhat sane routine.

This week I did some night running and it really got me thinking about the importance of safety.  I have lived in my neighborhood for over 6 years now and honestly I am not too scared to go running at night. Now when I say night, I mean like 7 or 8 o'clockish and I never am out past 9. It seems as though 9 is the witching hour in my neighborhood and everyone goes inside by then. I also never hit any of the trails by my house unless it is during the day. I do follow a lot of safety precautions, but I am always wondering if I do enough.

So where did all of this come from??? Well, earlier this week I was running on one of the sidewalks and it was about 8:45. I was almost home, but this pick up truck with two men slowed up as I was running by. They both stared at me and then drove very very very slowly around the corner. Then, they stopped and got out. My spidey senses were a tingling. I turned off the music in my headphones, but kept running. I also went out of my way to run past them and closer to the sidewalk of a house where someone was home. Thankfully. they were just having car trouble (note: this sounds more callous then intended), and it was nothing more than that. But, you can see my concern. I know I have a flair for the dramatic, and that I also think worse case scenario. But being a young woman, you can never be too careful. I like to the see good in people, but I know not to be naive because there are a lot of bad people.  I believe firmly in keeping my guard up when out by myself.

So what can you do to practice safe running???

1. Run with a Buddy if you can. I am more likely to run when its dark if I have a friend with me. Given where I live, I feel as though two people would deter any potential bad guy from singling my friend and I out as potential targets.

2. Take a Cell Phone with you. If you get in to trouble, whether your hurt or having an emergency, etc. This can help you in a pinch.

3. Bright Colored Clothes or Reflectors. If running early in the morning or at night, this will help you be seen by cars. As a general rule of thumb, I run only on sidewalks when it is dark because I don't want to take the chance of someone not paying attention and hitting me.  This comes after several close calls during the twilight/dusk hours.

Road ID example. Cost $15-$30.

4. Get Yourself a Road ID. Most likely if you have been to a race, one of them has been sponsored by Road ID.  Look on your race bib, you probably have a $2 off coupon. They are inexpensive identification tags  you can wear on your wrist or your ankle. It contains emergency contact lists, medications, and allergies. If something happens to you and you are incapacitated, you have something to speak for you. Road ID Website   

5. Change up your run route. I never run the same way twice and I always vary what days I run and  the times. Not that I think someone is stalking me, but if there were then being inconsistent doesn't give them a lot to work with. This is especially important when running at night and in an area that is questionable.

6. Avoid trails when alone. Perhaps it is growing up on really bad B movie Horror movies from the 80s, but wooded trails = Creepers to me. I don't typically frequent a heavily wooded trail, even though the dirt is much better for my joints. I feel as though woods need a buddy or two, especially if they are not heavily traveled.

So there you have it. My paranoid advice! These are just some things you can do to protect yourself, but most importantly don't stop being hyper-vigilant. I am not saying you need to think every single person you pass on the street is going to hurt you, but just to keep your guard up and be on the look out for suspicious behavior. It is better to breathe a sigh of relief because you were overly suspicious of a harmless person, then to find yourself in a difficult situation. Remember the best defense is a good offense!

Until Monday my friends...Happy Running!

1st Week of Marathon Training Part Deux

So my grand plans for beginning marathon training didn't work out so well.  The desire was there, but so was the flu effecting my immune system. Sadly, I missed out on Warrior Dash this weekend because I was bed ridden. If you aren't in the Maryland area right now, then you aren't privy to this nasty little bug that seems to be going around. One by one it has been taking down so many of my co-workers, and we all have been drained of energy.  The good news is that I am on the mend, and I anticipate doing a short 3 miler tomorrow. 

I am planning on sticking to the same training plan that I committed to last week. I decided to go Novice 2 because it does provide a little bit more of a challenge.  My goals for this period of training is to work on lowering my mile time. I want to knock 1 to 2 minutes off of my mile time.  In order to do this, I need to drop some weight and I also need to weight train.  My goal is to finish the marathon between 4 and 5 hours and to not exceed 6 hours.

So my workout schedule looks something like this: (I am following the mileage of Novice 2, but adding more strength training)
Monday- 30 min. Cross Train and upper body weight training
Tuesday- short run
Wednesday- mid distance run and upper/lower body weight train
Thursday-short run
Friday- rest
Saturday- long distance run
Sunday- 60 min cross train and lower body weight train

All weight training reps are no more than 3 sets of 10. Note: If you are a beginning lifter, then you might want to do a lighter weight and only do 1 set. This is until you get acclimated to the weights, and once you feel more comfortable then up the reps, I have been lifting for about 12 years now and I know how to lift and how much.  So, I follow a  more difficult routine and I lift a lot of weight. Also, if you notice my lifting schedule takes off every other day.  You can rest in a variety of ways when it comes to lifting:
1. If doing a total body weight train- you need to rest 48 hours in between weight training sessions
2. If you only do upper or lower, then you can rotate every other day. For example, Monday-Upper body, Tuesday- lower body

Next race- Jeremy's Run to benefit the Komac Foundation
Jeremy's Run- 10k

Well here's to hitting the pavement tomorrow, weather permitting! Happy running.

1st Marathon Training Run

Yesterday I declared that I would start the training program for the Baltimore Marathon.  Then I looked at the training program and realized Monday was a rest day. Something just seemed wrong about declaring I began training for a marathon and not doing anything.  I decided that since I took off Sunday that I would just do some light cross training and some weight lifting.

Today I went for a short run. I left before 8 o'clock and ran for over an hour so, I think I ran longer than the 3 miles I was supposed to.  My husband went with me, so I didn't bother to run with my run tracker.  So I can only guesstimate how far it was. It was a fairly easy run and I ran the entire time. 

The Training Program:
I haven't completely decided which training program I am going to do. I know it is one of the Hal Higdon programs, but I can't decide between Novice 1 and Novice 2. I am leaning more towards Novice 2 because it provides a little bit more of a challenge and I want to be as prepared as possible in October.   Below is a brief description and a link to each of the different beginner's programs.

Novice Supreme:
Novice Supreme- 30 week program 

This program is designed for someone who has never really run before. It is a 30 week program that starts off very slow and builds up to run a longer distance. If you have the time and haven't run before or at least haven't trained for longer distance then  this might be the program for you.

Novice 1:
Novice 1- 18 week program 

This program is designed for someone who has run before, but is new to marathon training. Its an 18 week program that starts off slow with easier runs to build up for a longer distance running. This program works best for someone who has run longer distances before, but wants a slightly easier training program than the Novice 2.

Novice 2:
Novice 2- 18 week program 

This program is designed for a beginning runner who isn't quite at the intermediate level.  It, too, is also an 18 week program. The Wednesday runs are a little longer and there are pace runs every other week. 

Total Miles: 3

Until next time, Happy Running!

Down the Stretch 5k @ Pimilico

The starting gates the runners, run out of

 Down the Stretch 5k for Susan G. Komen Foundation!!!

Round 2 at Pimilico yesterday. The Down the Stretch 5k is one of my repeat races. Interestingly enough, last year I hated the 5k. It was rainy and the track was really difficult to run. It was nothing against the race organizers, it was just that the track was made of sand and it was very difficult to run. I made less than a quarter of the way around the track last year.

So why did I decide to run this year since I wasn't as fond of it last year? A couple of reasons, first, it benefits the Susan G. Komen foundation. One of my good friends is a breast cancer survivor and supporting finding a cure for breast cancer is something very important to me. Second, last year I really wanted the race blanket and I signed up hoping to get one instead of the race shirt. It wasn't until after I registered that I realized it was a beer mug, but not worries, I still got to purchase last year's blanket for $5.  Finally, I wanted to see if after the months of countless hours of training and miles run if I had actually improved.

How did it go? (Don't you love how I ask myself rhetorical questions? Lol...see I did it again!) Well, I picked up my race bib at 10am and spent 30 minutes or so milling around and taking pictures of the Pimilico Track. I actually got to hear the trainer for the Kentucky Derby winner, I'll Have Another, speak. Needless to say that was pretty cool. Basically, I started out well and I made it about half way around the track before I walked. Running around that track is very difficult, I think it is actually over a mile and running in that sand tires your legs out pretty quick. But, a small victory did occur. I actually was able to finish running/walking around the track before the first runner made it to the infield. Last year I was still making my way around the track when the first three runners had actually made their way to the infield. It is the small victories that honestly make it the most exciting. Here is another interesting fact, I actually finished in 44 minutes with a 14:28/mile pace. I hit 1/2 miles and began passing a lot of people. I actually looked like I was running in photos, which very rarely happens.

See look...I actually look like I am running!

Meeting Heroes. While on my walk/run I did meet the Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior. She is actually from Carroll County and she is a single mom who has been a breast cancer survivor for 5 1/2 years. Despite anything that I could do, her ability to be in this race and be the face of breast cancer awareness for the week makes anything I could ever do pale in comparison. I talked to her for a few minutes, and like me, she agreed that the track was absolutely killer on your legs. She said she had been training and running at home, but still felt tired after running/walking around the track. I could commiserate. I ran two half marathons in a week and I struggled to run half way around the track. Clearly it isn't easy.

Much better than last year's name-Unhealthy
Amber! The design all the bibs to look like jockey silks

Bested by Jagged Jewels. One of the pithy little things that the Down the Stretch 5k does is give everyone a fun little horse name. Names included Shrill Nacho, Teeny Tiny Poverty, and Jagged Jewels. Now Jagged Jewels cracked my up because he was a short skinny little curly gray haired man. He looked like a pint sized Groucho Marx, and when I saw his race bib I couldn't help but laugh.  Well, Jagged  was in front of me and then I was in front of him, and somewhere around the track he managed to out power walk with me. Well, in true racing style, I came from behind and almost caught him down the stretch, but alas I never caught Jagged Jewels and he finished slightly before me! Perhaps next year...

A very enthusiastic little kid gave me the bar after mile 1 and I held onto it all the way through the race.

I clearly have gotten better at running because I finished the race in my average time and I walked the first portion of it. So, I have concluded that I am faster! I also learned 3 miles is just a drop in the bucket in comparison to running 13.1.

If you are wondering, and I know you are, I am planning on doing the Preakness 5k next year. My goal is to eventually master that track and I think I can do better next year.  

Tomorrow I start the marathon training and I am hoping my knees will hold out for the next couple of months. To aid in my strength and endurance training I am starting P90x as well.


Well, happy running :-)

Self Discovery...

Today something really cool happened. I had a co-worker come up to me and tell me that they really enjoyed reading my posts about running. It was nice to know someone is reading what I do and that they offered me kudos. Sometimes I wish I got that support from my own family. My husband is supportive, despite making fun of me channeling my inner tortoise when running. But, I don't think my other family gets me. They know I run and they know I complete half marathons, but never once have they actually given me a real acknowledgement to what I do. Most people think its cool, or inspiring, or incredible. My family seems to be very cold about what I do. I don't understand this, but I suppose it has been that way all along. But despite what they think or don't think about my hobby, I am still proud of what I have accomplished. No one can take away from what I was able to train myself to do.

Today I also had a talk with another close friend and co-worker of mine. This woman is an inspiration, she too, used to be obsessed with her job. She is also a breast cancer survivor. It wasn't until she beat cancer that she began to realize what she was missing in life. While I have not had nearly the struggle in life that she has, I understand how she is feeling at this point. We both have managed to find ourselves in the past couple of years. She has morphed into a bad ass biker chick, who could still kick your butt in jeopardy. She has now realized she needs to take time for herself and to enjoy life. I, too, have stopped emphasizing my work life and focused more on the personal. That is where running comes in.  While my family may not get it, those like my co-worker do. Its not because I am a glutton for punishment or because I feel some need to see just how far I can run for the hell of it. I honestly run because I want to and I have made it part of my identity.

I do think what I am doing is cool. I love looking at my medals. I also like thinking that I helped to inspire others of my friends and my husband to take up pounding the pavement. I don't run for those reasons. I run because deep down I want to and deep down its who I am. As John Bingham would say, I am a "penguin."  I may not be the fastest and I will never be the best, but I like what I do. Now that I have started running half marathons, I can't imagine not running them. I enjoy the 3+ hours of solitude where I travel from point A to point B. I need it because it allows me that escape from all of the daily grind that I used to solely identify with.  I am much happier now that I have started running, and so is my health. It may not be perfect but it is getting there. Why do I run? I run for me and only me. Many people have reasons for why they do things, but to give up running now would be giving up a part of myself and I don't think I can do that.

My hope is that even if running is not your thing that you find something you are passionate about and pursue it. It isn't until you pursue something fully that you realize how important it is to you.

Until later...happy running.

7 days, 3 Races, 4 medals, and a lot of memories...

As I posted yesterday, I did it. I sucked it up, I ran through the pain and the struggles and I finished the 2nd of two half marathons in one week. It's pretty cool to think I did that. But sadly I am no where near finished. I am currently planning my next couple of races and then looking at when is the best time to start training for the Baltimore Marathon. Despite how I was feeling yesterday, I was not too sore today. Actually, aside from a limp on my left side and the obvious lack of my ability to use my knees, I was fine.

So let me recap my Saturday and Sunday...

Saturday- Expo and Twilight 5k
Amanda, my father-in-law and I "ran" the Twilight 5k. For my father-in-law he was going all out. In fact, its always cute how he underestimates how well he can do in a race. He said he thought he would do 35 minutes and he ran under 30. He's in his 60s and I hope that one day I can be as fast as him! It's awesome how he pushes himself. Go Papa O!

Back to Amanda and I, we decided to run/walk the 5k because we didn't want to overdo it before the race. We actually had a lot of fun. Overall, it went well. We speed walked and even had time to pose for some Jazz Hands on the course. I know we are real serious runners, but honestly we weren't doing the 5k for anything other than fun and to earn the Nut Job medal. When we were finished, we cashed in one of our beer coupons and celebrated with a refreshing Bud Light Lime. I normally don't drink beer, but if it's free...well... when in Rome!

Brandon and I decided to go out with his parents and do some carb loading. We chose CiCi's because it was all you can eat pizza. Pizza = Carbs, Carbs = Good. I figured I should switch up my game plan since last Sunday during the Iron Girl I was starving after mile 4. 

Sunday- Half Marathon & the Revenge of CiCi's

This was not my best half marathon, but I did okay. Annie and Carlo met Amanda and I. Brandon ran off on his own and our friend Martin was no where to be seen because he is so ridiculously fast! Anyway, I broke my cardinal rule of no porta pots, I offer this piece of advice. Don't switch up what's working. I should have never switched to pizza and should have eaten a salad like I have always done. Not doing this led to a miserable experience. I finished, but I suffered the revenge of CiCi's and it was not cool. In fact, I don't think I can ever look at Cici's the same way again. But I do contribute me getting over my irrational fear of porta pots.

On the plus side, I did find a GU that I actually liked. Mint Chocolate was quite delightful! So, if you eat GU go with that one, it isn't nearly as disgusting as the others. In fact, its tolerable and dare I say a little tasty.

We ran all around Frederick and Annie, Carlo and I ran together. Amanda, while she will never admit she is a Chipper Jenn, was her usual perky self and made a friend. She asked if she could leave me and go off with her new friend and honestly I didn't see the point in dragging down both of our times when it was clear my poor dietary decisions were going to slow me down. I too made some friends. I even got cheered on by passers by as I slowly and deliberately made my way to the fair grounds.

So the time: 3 hours 24 minutes and 19 seconds. Still 8 minutes under my time in Baltimore and not so bad considering I ran a total of 35 miles last week.

What's In Store???
 This week I will just do some cardio cross training, stretching, and some weight training. Next week, I will begin the marathon training. This weekend, I will run the Preakness 5k, which is run around the Pimlico Track.

Titanium Nut

Pictures and more details to follow, but for right now I finished in the time allotted and I am very tired. I got my medals and I feel very proud and accomplished. I ran upwards of 35 miles this week and I m exhausted. More to come on the blog tomorrow once I get my computer up and running!