Long Runs and What I've Learned

This marathon training has been tough. I knew it would be challenging. I knew I would be training in the heat of summer (not a big fan of running in temps over 75 degrees especially with humidity).

I have realized I am stronger than I thought. Some days (and some miles) I wanted to throw in the towel and go home. At times I walked more than I ran -- for example on my 16-mile training run this past Saturday, I started bonking by mile 10. I walked more of the last 6 miles than I ran. I felt terrible. My feet hurt, my legs hurt, I was very warm and miserable. After the fact, I realized I needed more electrolyte drink.

So, yesterday I did my 17-mile training run (I wanted to run on the coolest morning of the week). It was about 57 degrees when I started. I took two bottles of Nuun (my fuel belt holds 2 bottles). I carried three gels. I had eaten some toast and drank a little coffee beforehand. I planned my route to stop at home two times to refill the bottles and use the bathroom if needed. I also circled the park where there were water fountains and restrooms. It took 3 hours and 32 minutes of moving forward (I use the run/walk method), but I did it -- last week's 16 miles took me 3 hours and 39 minutes, so I was pleased. Sure I hurt, sure I was tired, and sure I didn't want to think about having to run 9.2 more miles on marathon day.

I know I still need to work on pre-run and during run nutrition. I need to do more stretching and core work. I need to do some runs with compression sleeves and/or socks to see how that feels. But I am strong! I can overcome the mental aspect of this "hobby."

Earned the Giant Penny!

On April 4, I completed the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon in Springfield, IL. My husband, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and good friend participated with me. This was the second year I have done this event. In 2014, the medal looked like a $5 bill (50th anniversary of the race). But this year, the medal was the usual giant penny. It's well run with good support, and the weather is cool but comfortable.

As for location, it's great. We stayed at the downtown Hilton, where the expo is located, and they have a Starbucks (gotta have my pre-race mocha)! Dinner was at Obed & Isaac's -- yummy burgers and other dishes. Our post-race lunch was a little splurge at Cooper's Hawk Restaurant & Winery.

To prepare for this race, I followed the same half marathon training plan I have used before (from Women's Running). The big difference is I really followed it -- about 95% of the time (that's good for me). In addition, I have been working hard to improve my nutrition and try to lose a few pounds.

The result: on Race Day I was 8 pounds lighter than I was in January. The best part: I PR'd!!! My official time was 2:29:46, even though at mile 7.5 I tripped over my own stupid feet and fell. I spent about 4 minutes being cleaned up and bandaged.

What also helped, I believe, was a couple weeks into the training plan, I started doing most of my runs as run/walk. Allowing myself to walk periodically gave my body and mind the needed break to get my heart rate down, my legs a little rest and my breathing under control. I could run faster during my short runs, the recover with a quick walk. I was able to increase my overall pace and show myself I could run 10:30 to 11:30 miles (not all were that fast, but I could do it). Even my husband decided to give it a try and he has had a good training cycle and has been happy with his race times.

I am now between training plans, so I am focusing on my nutrition, hoping to lose a few more pounds as well as keeping up the running. I will be going back to the gym this week to start strength training again.

Call Me Crazy -- Am I Really Going to Do a Marathon??!!

In April 2012, I decided to sign up for a 5K race in which I planned to run/walk. Before that I had not been what anyone would call a runner. I walked. I worked on the elliptical machine. I occasionally did weights. But I did not run.

I saw 50 looming in my near future and wanted to become more fit and to challenge myself. After watching my husband get in Ironman shape, run marathons and half marathons and complete many triathlons, I wanted to be more than a spectator. With his support and guidance, I did the 5K at the Mini Marathon in Indy in May and signed up for the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in St. Louis to be held October 2012.

Today I have completed 6 half marathons, a handful of 5Ks, a 6K, a 15K plus a couple other shorter runs. I will do my 7th half in April in Springfield, IL. And last weekend, with a little arm-twisting from my husband, I signed up for a full marathon. Me! The person who a few years ago asked why people PAY to run, is going to run 26.2 miles!

The journey will be challenging, will required commitment, will be painful at times, and will make me a stronger person. Advice? Tips? Training buddies? I need all that!

I will post my journey to the marathon...and see what happens.

The Fed Up Challenge -- I'm in!

Day 1 of the Fed Up Challenge, and I have faced my sugar demon head on. I made my morning latte without any chocolate syrup. Usually I am a morning mocha person, but in the last few weeks I have been reducing the amount of chocolate syrup in my morning mocha. I have been using either Torani Dark Chocolate Syrup or Trader Joe's Midnight Moo Organic Chocolate Syrup. Neither have High Fructose Corn Syrup, but do have substantial amounts of sugar (organic or not, sugar is sugar).

When I learned that 4 grams of sugar equal 1 teaspoon of sugar, I could clearly visualize how much of the "white stuff" I am putting in my drink, in my body. I do like chocolate, but over the years have cut back to where it flavors my foods, not IS my food (ex. I like mint chocolate chip ice cream better than straight chocolate ice cream and a couple years ago cut my Starbucks' Grande Mochas from 4 pumps of syrup to 2 and recently to 1).

In April, I learned of Eve Schaub's book A Year With No Sugar (based on her blog) and read it, gleaning some insight from her family's experience cutting out added sugars for a year. I watched Dr. Robert Lustig's video on You Tube "Sugar: The Bitter Truth," which enlightened me on the medical and physiological side of sugar and how it affects our bodies. Finally, I saw the documentary Fed Up yesterday. And I am on board with the movie's challenge to go Sugar Free (no added sugars) for 10 days.

I know I can do it. We have been slowly cutting back on sugars anyway, trying to weed out products with lots of added sugars and using sweeteners more sparingly. We cook a lot from scratch and eat out infrequently (and when we do, we choose wisely). I am looking forward to seeing how I feel and what I eat, if I have any cravings, and how my moods are.

I will keep you posted.

Fed Up Challenge

Back in Training!

Since my last blog (in May), I have completed two half marathons. The goal was to run my first half marathon in late October -- The St. Louis Rock N Roll event. I began running (more like walk/jog/walk/jog) in April 2012. A challenging experience for a 49-year-old who had not run more than a 5k since college. With my husband Steve's support and coaching (he is a triathlete and seasoned runner), I started the journey toward my first half marathon race. It was tough training during the hot summer (I have determined I am a fair weather runner), but I stuck to the training plan the best I could. I got up early most mornings and ran before I even had my coffee!

Steve convinced me to sign up for a half marathon "training" run (Hero Run for Wounded Warrior project in Mascoutah) which was held two weeks before the Rock N Roll event. Reluctantly, I agreed. There was a 5K along with the half, so when I took off, lots of runners passed me (but I told myself they are only doing the 5k) and tried to stay slow and steady. The course went out on a country road, so I could see how far I had to run (a little intimidating). At times the water stops were few and far between, but I persevered. I was not the last one to cross the finish line -- at least 8 or 10 people behind me. It turns out the course was a little long -- 13.4 miles instead of 13.1. I was tired, sore, but felt proud. However, I was also not wanting to repeat that distance in two weeks!

The Rock N Roll event day arrived. Up early to drive into the city. Participating in the half were Steve, his sisters Sharon and Sandy, their husbands (one was doing the full marathon), friends Daryl, Kelly, and Nan. My goal was to meet or beat my time from the Hero run (2 hours 46 minutes) and to finish upright! Everyone starts in an assigned corral (group) based on the time you estimate you will finish. No one else in our group was in my corral. I started and tried to stay focused, not going too fast too soon. The race support was very good, loved going by the cheering crowds and bands. I tried to enjoy the scenery and avoid thinking about how much farther I had to go! I ran except when I walked to get water/Gatorade or take a gel. And I had only one bathroom stop (I had to stop at least twice on the other run). A highlight was when I saw my sister-in-law Sharon (she had started a couple corrals ahead of me). I caught up to her, we ran together for a mile or so, then she had to walk. I continued on and finished in 2:39:26.

I ran very little over the next month, but Steve and I, along with some friends, signed up for the Frostbite Series (St. Louis Track Club races), five races during the winter. I braved the cold and sometimes icy roads to run enough to do these shorter races (1.8 miles, 2 miles, 5K, 4 miles, and 3 miles). I did all but the 4 miles race and had respectable times (for me).

Now I am finishing week 3 of my official training for my next half marathon -- in Champaign on April 27 -- part of the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon/half/10k/5k events. My goal is to improve my time (would love to go 2 hrs 30 min., but we will see). The cold weather and icy/snowy conditions have made some outside runs challenging. I have run once on the treadmill, but know I can run on that if needed. I prefer to run outdoors.

Dream Believe Achieve

Over the weekend I was in Indianapolis for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon and Finish Line 5K. I did the 5K along with my sister-in-law Sandy. Doing the Mini (it's a 1/2 marathon or 13.1 mile race) was my husband Steve, our friend Daryl, my sister-in-law Sharon (her first 1/2 marathon), her husband Jeff, and Sandy's husband Ruben.

We had so much fun trying new restaurants, competing in the events, and just spending time together. Steve and I had a suite in the downtown Hilton--he received an upgrade because he is "gold card" member. What fun--15 floors with a great view, large living/dining area, 2 bathrooms and a bedroom.

I bought a shirt that has "Dream Believe Achieve" on it. It's inspiring me along my journey training for a half marathon in October (the Rock 'N' Roll St. Louis). I finished the 5K in a little over 42 minutes. Not bad, but I know I can achieve more. Since I am approaching a milestone birthday in November, I feel compelled to challenge myself more and live life more fully.

Everyone--you too can Dream, Believe, and Achieve!!

Going a Little Crazy!

Why can't life slow down just a little? It seems so much needs to be done right now! I am trying to work out more so I can get in shape and prepare for a half marathon in October. The first "step" is a 5K in Indy this weekend. Am I looking forward to it? Yes, I am. I will not be racing it, but am doing it with friends. Just for fun, but we must also complete it in less than 55 minutes. I can and will do that!

What else is going on? We are nearing the end of the school semester. Since I teach composition classes, that means lots of papers to grade. Time and energy must be applied. The last day of school for me is May 15 and grades due by the following Monday.

We want to get our garden planted soon, but need to finish preparing the soil and buying the plants. I also need to transplant some herbs (buy  potting soil, new pots, and then buy the basil).  Gardening is something I have come to look forward to each spring.

Eric (our younger son) is graduating  from SIU on May 12! We will be attending his graduation on that day, then going back on the 13th to move him out of his residence hall room.

Also on May 12, Kelly (our older son's fiancee) is having a bridal shower at our house. No need to explain all that needs to be done for that.

The weekend after that Steve (husband) is doing an Olympic distance triathlon at Carlyle Lake. That day will be spent getting up super early, hanging out at the lake (always warm and humid).

After that will be the final prep for Andrew and Kelly's wedding (June 2). We have family coming in, so all house projects and cleaning need to be done by Memorial Day.

The final "big" event of June is Steve's Ironman in Idaho in late June. We are flying out and renting a house. Lots of fun touristy activities before and after the event.After that, I will collapse for a few days!