Jenica Szymanski Running Blog

New Race to run: US Half in San Francisco

2010-11-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

I am not so trained for tomorrow's 1/2 marathon. I didn't have a running workout schedule, in fact I didn't have any running routine at all these past few weeks. I ran here and there when I could. I did get one 10 miler in a few weeks ago, and I ran a 4 mile DSE Run on Halloween so I guess that counts for something?

We'll see tomorrow morning :) I am very excited to be running with my coworkers at JustAnswer, and Sarah. It's supposed to rain and that always adds to the excitement!

Oyster Point 5 Mile Race

2010-09-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

This morning Sarah and I ran the Oyster Point 5 mile race sponsored by the San Francisco Dolphin South End Running club. This was my third time running their races, and Sarah's fourth time. They are very cheap to enter and very fun. All ages run and you see a lot of the same faces.

Sarah was the 2nd woman to finish! Go Sarah! I finished in 52 minutes, which was respectable given that it was hot, I ran 8 miles the day before, and I only wanted to not come in last! It was a great place to run and I know we'll go back. We had brunch at JoAnn's cafe. Was delux!

Saturday Long Run is back!

2010-09-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall! That means amazing weather in San Francisco and some hot running weather. The last few weeks my foot has been hurting pretty bad for some reason (first real running "injury" I would say) so I've been pretty lazy - but today, I couldn't help but push it a little bit and try for a long run. Me and my new running buddy Rebecca ran through the Presidio on trails that I don't normally run on (through the new campground!) and over the Golden Gate bridge and back to Sports Basement. Was very hot but it felt nice to get a long run in.

I have some new running buddies from my new job so that's given me some extra motivation when my foot is feeling ok (but I miss Sarah!). Tomorrow we are doing a 5 mile race so hopefully I won't be last!
I really hot to get back in shape over the next few weeks. I miss it.

No New York, Yes San Franicsco

2010-09-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

For better or worse, I decided to put off the NYC Marathon until next year. Sadness. There are a lot of contributing factors/excuses about why I'm not running it, but I mostly decided that this is not the year. I have now registered for the US Half which is sponsored by my work. I'm looking forward to training with my fun running coworkers and hopefully Sarah and Dan. It's not the same as New York, but I won't have far to travel and it will be warm.

Next week officially starts 1/2 marathon training! Looking forward to getting into a running routine once again :) Have enjoyed some time off from it, but I do miss it.

Update

2010-08-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't really had much of a routine for the last few months. It all started in April, when I left the company I had worked at for almost five years. All of a sudden I went from getting up early to run, driving 42 miles to work, working all day, driving home, wedding planning, going to bed, repeat. Then I looked for a job, finished wedding planning, started a new job, took off to get married, went on a honeymoon and then returned to my great new job. Now I am back, and my running hasn't quite gotten back to being part of the schedule. It should certainly be - I don't have a drive anymore, I have a gym with a shower at work - I could even run to work if I wanted! Still, hasn't quite happened. I am supposed to run the NYC Marathon, but I'm not really sure if that can happen right now. I'm going to NY for Thanksgiving, so that's a lot of traveling in one month. And, everyone at work is running the US Half in San Francisco that same day, so decisions, decisions.

The cool thing is that there are women at work who run doing the day and I ran with them last week - it was great to run during the work day! I even ran with Sarah this weekend. Things are starting to feel back on schedule.

Married, well traveled, back for the attack!

2010-07-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Well, I've been back in California for over a week, but I went on a Green Tortoise trip the weekend I came back (sans husband!).

I'm going to catch up on blogging soon - just wanted to say hi!

Jenica Szymanski Currie :)

Melting in the east coast, about to be married!

2010-06-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast the last year has flown by. Since I got engaged last July, I ran two marathons, a 1/2 marathon, left my job, started a new job and planned a wedding. I had all of these grand work out plans for the time leading up to the wedding including a 25 pound weight lost plan. I only got about 10 pounds off for good (5 went before the marathon but has since come back) but I feel good about it. I've been working out since the last marathon but not as much as I'd like. My running plans are up in the air a bit. Hoped to run this week but it's been 95 plus for the last few days in Philadelphia, and that's too hot for me. I walked the dog down the street but we both gave up - it was that hot.

After the wedding, I plan on hoping back on the running wagon - still planning on running the NYC marathon this fall, and my new job has a gym!

First 5k!

2010-06-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

My best running buddy Sarah now has a running coach! She's been trying new workouts and using a heart rate monitor to find the right pace. I am excited to watch her progress and to learn a thing or two from her as well! She was instructed to run a 5K and motivated me to join her. So last Saturday we did our second Dolphin Runners race - they have a few each month at different distances and locations around the city. This one started at the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park.

Since this was my first 5k race, I can say that I did PR! I didn't really give myself a goal except to be under 30 minutes. The race started at a steepish downhill with almost a mile of uphill. It was very fun! Sarah rocked it and was the 6th woman to cross the finish line. I had an overall pace of 9:27 which isn't bad considering the downhill and my finish was 29:23. I could have kicked it maybe a little sooner, but I felt like it was a good workout.

I hope to run another one before the wedding!

I'm back

2010-05-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

This month has flown by in a whirl. To sum things up, I've been working from home, traveling to the east coast, planning my wedding and had a wonderful girls weekend in Stinson Beach. What I haven't been doing is running. I did run once or twice in the last few weeks, and I have been walking a ton, but I really dropped the ball on my running. This seems to happen to me after a marathon.

Today I went out for an easy 5 mile run down Presidio to Chrissy Field and back. This is one of my favorite routes so it was a good way to say hello to running again.

I am getting married (!) in 5 weeks so I will be running and doing other fat shredding things in the next few weeks. Will keep you posted!

First weekend after a marathon - now what?

2010-05-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning without a plan - a running plan that is. This is the first weekend after the marathon, the first weekend in a very long time that I don't have a long run planned with Sarah or anyone. I woke up feeling a bit lost and tried to come up with a plan.

My favorite Saturday long run substitute is for some crazy reason, heading to the farmers market. Most Farmer's Markets take place on Saturday mornings when I'm usually out running. My favorites are the Oakland and the Mountain View farmer's markets. But now that I live back in San Francisco, I really haven't been going. The Ferry Building Farmer's Market is beautiful but crowded and overpriced so I decided to go to the Filmore Farmer's Market - they had cherries! They had cheese with sage! I spent about $40 mostly on the cheese, fruit, one or two veggies and salmon for Dan. Of course I saw lots of runners about and about and felt like a slacker. I think I'm going to head out for a run a little bit later with Dan, but for now, I'm going to go snack on some sage cheddar.

I was reading through my blog and saw my New Year's resolutions (running ones that is). And it looks like I've achieved two of them so far! I pr'ed in a 1/2 and a full marathon! Still haven't added any weight training to my workout schedule yet but I think I must this week. I'm down to less than two months before my wedding and I have a few pounds I want to shed. Sarah and I are going to do the sit up challenge and I want to get back into doing the 30 Day Shred. I'll give a report in a few days - hopefully I'll be inspired to do it.

Running Buns

2010-05-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

I couple of weeks ago I bought these:

Sarah and I have been obsessed with buns ever since we read the Runner's World issue with Kara Goucher preparing for the Olympics. She was wearing buns in those pictures and for some reason, we thought it was a good idea. We'll never be trained Olympians, but we can dress like them!

What are "buns" you may ask? They are very short running shorts, sometimes called compression shorts or boy shorts - they cover your "buns" and not much else. If you google buns, you'll find some interesting results. Some buns look like bikini bottoms but we didn't want to go that far.

So for the Avenue of the Giants marathon, we got buns to wear. I also thought I'd be in excellent, getting ready to get married shape. Which is sort of the case, although I am still eating loads of cheese and not quite doing any other type of exercise besides run. But still, I was determined.

Here's what buns look like on an 130ish pound, 5 foot 2 runner, at the beginning of a race:

Here's the end of the race:

My overall thoughts on these particular buns:

I found them to be pretty comfortable and somewhat flattering from most angles. They did ride up pretty quickly and by the end of the marathon I was far too tired to pick the wedgie, and they looked like bikini bottoms (it's good to know these things, right?). As Sarah said, "If I had a treadmill I'd run in them again." They are probably good for yoga, but not for running long distances. I may wear them for shorter runs or to the gym.

When I looked back at the product description, it doesn't say good for running, but all of the other ones I tried on that are supposedly good for running, rode up in the fitting room when I jogged in place. This one at least made it to the road test.

I think I may try and wear a running skirt at my next marathon.

Running Keen for Green

2010-05-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

As runners, we make an impact on the environment (let's face it). Whether it's buying running gear made of bad things (or even just buying too much), participating in marathons that leave a trace, or leaving lots of old gear in our closets (when we could be donating them), we are making a difference, and it's not always good. I just wrote an article on Keen For Green, an informational/community site of bloggers writing about environmental issues, technologies, people and political issues.

Check it out and run green.

Avenue of the Giants Racing Report!

2010-05-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

Last year, Runner's World featured the Avenue of the Giants Marathon, a series of events that features a marathon, half marathon and a 10K in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park in northern California. I read the article, saw the photos and was hooked! Sarah, of course, was quickly on board as well!

On May 1st, we drove up to Weott with Dan (he ran the half) and stayed at the Best Western Humbolt House Inn and carbo loaded at Sicilittos (a combination Mexican and Italian Restaurant). The hotel was great and the restaurant was slow to serve but the food was pretty good.

Sunday morning we woke up and headed up to the park - we made sure we went extra early because the closest parking fills up quickly and the last thing you want to do is walk a long distance after a marathon. Then at 8am we were on our way!

First 5 miles

The starting line was a little bit hectic. It's located on a narrow road and cars were trying to use the road even a few minutes before the start. The first half of the marathon is an out and back (this is also the course for the 1/2 marathon, which starts an hour later). I lined up with Sarah and once the race started we both went on our own pace. I had planned on trying to start out at around 10:15. But, the course had a bit of a downhill in the beginning and many people passed me, so I ended up finishing faster at 9:58. The next 4 miles were between 10 and 10:30. There were more hills than I thought so I was slower with the uphills of course and faster with the downs. I felt some pressure in my lungs maybe due to the slight elevation or the cold but that went away after the 5th mile. The trees were lovely and I enjoyed seeing all the different types of runners in the race. Also, I got to see the faster runners whiz by as they were heading back for the second half - I'll admit, it charged me up to see them and I quickened my pace for a bit.

Miles 6 - 13 1/2
At this point I was finally warmed up and the during the breaks in shade, it really started to fell hot. I saw Sarah coming back from the first turn around point and it was great to see her during the race. I still kept up running under 10:30. Luckily the way back had more downhills so it was like a little break. At this point, I saw all of the half marathoners on their first half coming out. It was great to see Dan heading out and also gave me a kick in my pace.

Miles 14 - 20
I was pretty much cruising at this point, keeping up my pace. I even ran a few miles with one woman who'd run over 35 marathons. She was great and kept me on pace. I saw Sarah before the turn around when she was coming back (mile 21 for her) and she said to dump water on my head. It was indeed hot out. This portion of the race was really pretty as well and a little more flat. I didn't hit a mental wall at all and made sure I ate orange slices. Normally at this point, I'm starting to feel really out if it, and wondering if a nap should be in order. I never got to that point.

Miles 20-26.2
Ok, so mile 20 I did not hit a mental wall but I did start to feel like it was hard to keep up a good pace. My legs just didn't want to keep going that fast. I did the math, and figured that if I kept up under 12:00 I could still PR. Sad, but true. Looking back, I guess it was like hitting a wall, and I was ok with letting the wall slow me down. Many people say that a marathon doesn't really start until mile 20, and it feels true. That's when you have to dig deep and see what you are made of. I knew if I ran 10 minute miles I could PR at the time I planned (4:34), but I just decided that I only had 11:30 ish in me for the rest of the run.

Right before I hit 26, I saw Dan walking toward me. He had finished the 1/2 at a great time and was coming to cheer me to the finish. I ran fast the last .2 to finish at 4:48, 3 minutes faster than before. I wish I had that kick in me a little bit sooner in the race - somehow my legs felt fine knowing the finish line was just a little bit away.

When I finished, I felt like I hardly stopped during the race, so I laid down once I got my cool Bigfoot metal. The sun felt great and I was sooo glad to be done.

It was probably the prettiest marathon I've done and I'm glad I PR'ed. It was also the toughest training plan. I think the extra miles helped ward off hitting a wall, but I think I still need to maintain a faster pace on most runs and maybe even see a running coach about my posture. Weight training would also help. I'm also thinking that if I run the NYC marathon next year (which I won the lottery for), I will try and run with a pace group.

All in all, it was a great marathon and I'd do it again!

Oh Ave of the Giants - see you in two days!

2010-04-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Oh so looking forward to this weekend. Marathons are such a crazy challenge. First few miles you are flying and trying to pace yourself (literally). Then you just kind of go with it and are in a zone. Miles 14ish to 20 - it gets serious and stays serious. Your legs start to feel like all the weight of the world is bringing them to a halt, yet this is when you have to just ignore that feeling and thoughts in your head and charge on. This is where I usually "hit the wall" my own special way - meaning, I usually think I could curl up and take a nap on the sidelines and it would be ok. I have to reach deep to find the sane part of me. Last few miles, I just have to do it and know that I'm almost done and I'll really be able to stop running once I hit 26.2. I also look forward to friends and family that meet me at the end and sometimes along the way.

Personal Records

2010-04-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

With 4 days to go until the Marathon, I'm having a terrible time focusing. Recently I left my company after 5 exciting and sometimes challenging years. I am also getting married in 2 months. Those are my confessions. What does this have to do with running? It has more to do with not running. I long for a long run - the head clearing, mile upon mile kind with a great running buddy. When I started training for my first marathon 5 years ago, I was single, just finishing up grad school, and still in the process of, well, processing. While I'll always be processing in some way, now I am a seasoned worker, runner, and about to be married. I've come a longer way than 26 miles, but I find myself at another crossroad and it's a bit scary. Life is all about PRing - I'm looking for my next PR.

Week before my 7th Marathon!

2010-04-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Is it too crazy to say that I've almost lost count?

This training was the hardest yet easiest. It went by really quickly even though at its peak, we were running 50 plus miles a week! Now I have extra time on my hands and no big workouts until after the marathon, but I am trying not to get too nervous for next Sunday.

This week it's just a 40 minute, 3x400's, two days rest, 30 minute, drive up to the Redwoods and then the marathon. I will fill the week with rest, carbo loading, stretching, hydrating and some positive PR thoughts.

Running is for the birds.

2010-04-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

I usually run in the mornings or after work, but yesterday I had the opportunity to run midday. I started out in the drizzle and by the end the sun was shining. I actually ran in capri tights and my old navy rain jacket because for once, I was in the mood to be overdressed. Well, overdressed for me. I'd normally rather be too cold than warm while running.

I didn't see many other runners out there - but I did see this bird.

Is it a crane? Chrissy field has tons of interesting birds since it's marshy. I wanted to get close but it looked so regal that I didn't want to disturb it. Once I got a little closer, I could see it's feathers were a bit rumpled. I felt a little bit comforted by that. But I know we're both ok.

I ran 5 miles easy. Today I will run the last tempo before the marathon. My legs already are forgetting all of the miles they've done but they better not forget too much :)

Lazy Legs

2010-04-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Oh tired and lazy legs, you better rest up! I'm catching up on sleep, wedding planning, Survivor Watching and generally overworking and taking a rest from long week day runs. I am allowed to for this week and next week leading up to the marathon. I only have one tempo left (tomorrow) and some short runs. I'm hoping to head out today on a 5 miler, but other than that, we are in the home stretch.

After the marathon, I will follow Sarah's bootcamp schedule that she made for us. I want to get in shape for my wedding, and I think she just likes following a schedule :)

It may actually rain for the marathon which is kinda weird for California in May, but at least it won't be hot!

Starting the taper craziness

2010-04-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't been as good with updating this lately as I have been with other marathon training. Hopefully that means I'm spending more time running and less writing, but I also think that wedding planning, working and commuting also has something to do with it.

I did get back from the east coast and finish all of my workouts and miles last week, finishing with a great 22 on the Iron Horse Trail with Sarah on the weekend with two 4 mile intervals of pace thrown in! That felt good. I was on a runner's high and spent too much money on wedding shoes after. Lesson - never go shopping on a runner's high!

This week start the taper - but we aren't taking it too lightly. We had a 8 mile run, 6 mile run, track workout and a tempo ending with 12 miles this weekend (that's the nice part). I read a little bit of the taper chaper in Hal Higdon's book to refresh myself. I was reminded that I should still work hard on the speed workouts and only take the miles down a notch. Next week it's easier and the week after will be very easy on the running.

I am excited for the marathon. I intend on working hard to get a PR (hopefully) and just do my best. Then I may take a break from marathons for a little while. We'll see :)

Finally won the NYC Marathon lottery!

2010-04-07T14:44:00.001-07:00

After three years, I'm in! The NYC marathon will be on November 7th! I had a taste of what it will be like when I ran over the Brooklyn Bridge last week! So exciting.

Big trees are only weeks away!

2010-04-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I was on vacation, lazing away in New York and Philly. While visiting family, friends and partying at my Bridal Shower, I didn't find too much time to run. Actually only ran 14 miles over the Brooklyn bridge and three, three mile runs with Annie, the wonder dog. This week, I am going to make sure I get all of my workouts in so I don't undo the good training I have under my belt. Yesterday and today I ran and my legs felt very fresh. Hoping they will feel that way on May 2!

Towards the end of training, training report

2010-03-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Big mileage weeks are starting to seem like the norm (Sarah, don't go thinking you can add more miles to next week :) and that's a good thing since there is one more before the taper begins. My routine has been - get up way before the crack of dawn, run 12-14 miles (depending on the day) and go to work. That just happens twice a week. Other days we just run an easy 7 or 8 unless there is a pace or track workout. I'm feeling like I'm in the sweet spot of the training where it seems pretty easy and I'm feeling in pretty good shape. I wish this lasted longer. Pretty soon we will start our taper and feel like out of shape slackers.

On Saturday I celebrated my 36th birthday with a 20 mile pace run with Sarah in Golden Gate Park (a new workout that Sarah made up I think. You do 3 miles easy, 3 miles pace three times with a 2 mile cool down). She said to think of it as a 3 course meal and had a goal to run each pace segment faster than the last. I stayed slightly faster than my zone most of the time and felt pretty good - the last few pace miles I really felt like I was working, but it strangely made my legs feel good. Go figure. It was a nice birthday run. After, I hopped on a plane to NYC, where I am writing this.

This week is a lower mileage week before we ramp it up next week one more time.

Two other big developments!

I got an iphone and now I can easily take pics from the road!

I got a running skirt! I guess I can't make fun of them anymore!

Daylight savings

2010-03-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Started out the week an hour late - for some reason, the daylight savings change messed up my fragile schedule and it took me until Thursday to figure out when I should get my butt out of bed. I ended up doing two workouts in one on Thursday - ran 4 miles with Dan and then 5 800's along Chrissy field during another 8.5 miles. We got up very early so I was able to get this all done and still get to work at a respectable hour! Friday I ran the tempo and managed to still get all of the miles in at my pace zone. The track workouts are still a struggle for me though.

Right now I am getting ready for a 14 miler with 6 miles at pace. Sarah is away this week so I will be running solo. Can't wait until she come back - running buddies are a big motivator!

Running away

2010-03-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Sarah is away this week so for my long Saturday run, I headed out solo for 20 miles - out and back from Chrissy Field past Sausalito and into Mill Valley. It was beautiful out and I neglected to wear sunscreen so I have my first sunburn of the year. My pace was pretty good for running alone - I tried to keep it in a respectable range for most of the run except when I slowly headed up those long hills. Back over the bridge I decided to speed up a bit, although it was very crowded.

So, nothing too exciting to report except for a pretty run and that my legs felt great later that night and today.

Music is my boyfriend

2010-03-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

I used to always run with music and then at some point, I just wanted silence. I've been going back and forth recently between being bored with my own thoughts, or bored with my music. I think this happens when you run 40 plus miles a week and only run with a buddy one or two times week. Today, my ipod was charged and music motivated me during 12 miles - the sunny weather and scenery helped. I loved running over the bridge today and saying hi to the workers who were driving on the walkway in little cars. I didn't even mind the bikers who narrowly miss me (literally not emotionally) as they commute to work.

I have a 20 miler on Saturday and I'm hoping to download some new music. Sarah will be away so I will be chasing the miles by myself.

Halfway done

2010-03-08T15:25:00.000-08:00

At some point last week, it became the midway point in our training for the Ave of the Giants marathon! I didn't really notice it because my schedule was wonky. I had a three day training in San Francisco and I ran at night after work instead of in the morning. Also, on Tuesday I actually ran home from training and did a 14 mile route in the city ending around 8pm. That was the longest mid week run that I've done (that wasn't a weekend run rescheduled). 14 miles in the middle of the week was a killer. I was bitter about it most of the week, but then during our 14 miles on Saturday with 5 miles at marathon pace, I felt like it may have paid off somehow. Stamina!

This week is another monster - almost 60 miles! Today I ran 7 and I have a 12, 10, a tempo workout and a 20 miler on Saturday to top it off. I am concentrating this week on eating better, sleeping more, and being more organized.

50 plus miles!

2010-02-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hit 50.2 miles this week! Very exciting stuff since this is the first time I've run this much in a week. We are going to have several weeks of 50+ miles. We ran 20 miles yesterday, our first 20 miler of the training. I forgot how much harder it gets after 18 miles - I think I was starting to feel like it was no big deal. Oh it's a big deal :) Last night I was no fun and went to bed at 8:30. I feel bad for my soon to be husband and am glad that the marathon takes place two months before the wedding.

Next week I have training in San Francisco for work. We are planning a 14 mile, 7 mile, track workout and then a 14 mile run on Saturday that includes 5 miles of marathon pace. Should be a fun but intense week.

PS. If you want to go for a long run on a very flat trail, go to the Iron Horse Trail - part of it is in Walnut Creek. Then go refuel at Hubcabs.

Steady Stated Friday

2010-02-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

We are almost at the halfway part in the training. All of the "deep into training" symptoms are starting to kick in but the one I'm feeling the most right this second is sleepy. I think it's because of this morning's steady state. My average for the 35 minute steady state portion of the 80 minute run was in the low part of my pace zone, so that's good. The last 5 minutes I decided to run as fast as I felt like and that felt pretty darn good. My legs liked having off yesterday. Hopefully my pace in speedwork is getting better and that will translate to marathon PR. Heck, I hope all of this training translates into a marathon PR.

Tomorrow is a 20 mile run with Sarah and she is bringing girl scout cookies! That's a good reason to get up early on a Saturday and hit the trail!

Down swings

2010-02-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

Monday = great run. Tuesday = ok run. Wednesday = barely completed the miles. Guess that's what all of these miles do to your legs mid week. This morning I think it was because I didn't drink coffee or eat anything before I went running, but I was thinking since it was an easy short run (80 minutes), that I could do it. I don't have a lot of time in the morning before I go running, and I decided to stay in bed until the last possible moment (7am). Note to self: drink coffee or eat something before running!

PS. during the run, I day dreamed about being in the show Survivor and what my strategy would be. Maybe I distracted myself because I ran really slow. I secretly want to go on Survivor.

Bipolar Legs

2010-02-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

After I complained during the beginning of our long run on Saturday, Sarah made the comment that she thought I'd either be faster than my goal, or way over it for the pace part. I think she had a good point. My legs either seem to feel really great, hence surpassing my goals, or really bad, hence not coming too close to them. I'm sure my diet, sleep patterns, work life stress etc play a huge part in that. Maybe I over do it for some workouts and then don't feel up for others? I wish I could figure out the winning combination to always hit those pace targets and have my legs always feel great.

This morning was the upswing in my bipolar legs. Sarah and I decided to switch our medium long run to Tuesday but after I headed out, started running and the sun came out, I decided to run it today instead of the recovery run. This will probably result in tired legs for the rest of the week, but they felt great. It was one of those runs that just feels good - the air and scenery are sweet and I am glad I'm a runner. My pace was great even as I climbed up the hill from Baker Beach to the bridge and the the hill back up Presidio on the way home. Overdoing it? Probably. But I'm just going to pretend that ups and downs are just a sign that I'm getting in better shape. Who knew I could run 18 miles on a Saturday, and feel great on a 10 miler two days later?

This week is over 50 miles with a 35 minute steady state and a 20 mile run on Saturday.

40 plus weeks

2010-02-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

Heading up to this week I've felt pretty strong during the long runs but I think the miles are catching up with me a bit. This week my legs felt pretty heavy and I was a little concerned going into the 18 miles because I wasn't feeling good. We ran in Alameda and started out slow. At the end we had planned a 2 1/2 mile pace run to end fast and to test out or marathon pace. It was cloudy and really quiet when I started the pace part and I got my second wind and finished faster than my goal. We're doing a lot of long runs this training go around and I know they will be hard, but worth it. But I'll still whine about it sometimes :)

Warm and Foggy days

2010-02-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

I've lived in San Francisco for over 10 years, but I've never seen it as foggy as it's been the last two mornings. Yesterday there was a small plane crash (so sad) I think due to fog and this morning I saw a bad accident on 280. This reminds me that I need to slow down and calm down and enjoy life. I know that's cheesy, but it's hard sometimes to remember these things when work, life and hard workouts (poor me!) get in the way.

Due to the plane crash, there was no electricity in Palo Alto, so I got to drive back to San Francisco and work from home. I enjoyed the warm weather and my cat got to sit on the deck and bask in the sun. I did the hill workout just as the sun was setting which was nice. My legs are really feeling it right now. I think I need to drink water, ice them and stretch over the next few weeks.

Happy running and happy Thursday!

Monday 12!

2010-02-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

Misty fog welcomed me into Golden Gate Park during my 12 mile run this morning, and not much else. Many people have off today and MLK was closed in the park to cars so it made it a little spooky. Luckily on the way back, people were starting to get up and walk dogs, babies and themselves so that was good. My legs were very tired and didn't seem to wake up until right around 5 1/2 miles as I was heading down the great highway. They took naps on the way back a little bit too so I had to try and keep them awake. I think Saturday's 16 miles, and then two days later another 12 miles = fatigue in the gams. I am glad that we are building our weekly mileage and I know this will help me in the long run (literally) but for now I am a bit sleepy at work and can't wait for lunch.

Tomorrow is 7 miles, hill workout on Wed, and then a tempo on Friday leading up to 18 on Saturday!

Sun, oh sweet sun

2010-02-13T21:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry east coasters (and skin), but I have some sunburn and it feels good!

Running to Saulsalito was beautiful and sunny today. We parked at Sports Basement and ran over the Golden Gate Bridge past Saulsalito - it's downhill or flat most of the way there and the back is a climb, but the views are worth it. We kept a pretty good pace even up hill as bikers were whizzing by.

Steady Stating

2010-02-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

This is me and Sarah's marathon training process:

1. One of us gets the "bright idea" that we should run our next marathon. It's important to remember who thought of it because you can blame her during long runs and times of tired "crisis."

2. The other person thinks it over for a few seconds and agrees.

3. As it's been going, Sarah studies every marathon training plan under the sun and devises her own well thought out plan. It's around Kara Goucher's mileage per week when she's not in training, but that doesn't really say anything. It's a killer.

4. We take one week at a time and figure out cool places to do our long runs. Her husband and my soon to be husband have to put up with our tears, complaints, gloating (it's fun to show off how much you are running, at least for me), and strange eating habits.

5. I ponder if Sarah is really running what we are supposed to, or running twice as much as she puts down to secretly out train herself. She tells me "Only run 80 minutes if it says 80" and that it's a recovery run. But I know she doesn't follow that herself. She is that hardcore/crazy.

6. I wonder if the marathon goal I set out for myself is achievable or crazy. Then I think about how I've been running for 6 years now and I can do this. I wonder if I will fall over if I run too fast. I wonder how you ever know what your goal pace should be because you never really know until mile 20 if you've started too fast.

7. We plan our "outfits" for the race and sometimes even for long runs like we are 7th graders planning our outfits for the first day of school.

8. We freak out during taper week, "Did we train hard enough," "Are we lazy," etc etc

9. We get up way too early and do our best on the day of the marathon.

10. Even before that happens, we are planning the next one.

I am thinking of this as I sit here resting after a really good steady state workout where I was 2 seconds faster than my zone. Was that a good idea? Did I overdo it? Am I not doing enough? I had planned on running an extra mile or so so I could hit 40 miles this week but I was pretty tuckered out after the speedy part. I guess that's ok. I should stop freaking myself out about it and just be glad that I got out there :)

Pushing forty (miles)

2010-02-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

I've gone back to my running log from the San Francisco Marathon training and I think the most I did per week is 39 miles. We've already had one week where we ran 42 miles, which was a few weeks ago. I think that's what helped me feel great during the Kaiser 1/2: more miles = being in better shape.

This week I ran the first two days after the 1/2. On Monday I ran with Dan for a 50 minute recovery run that was a little faster than I should have done but it felt pretty good. Tuesday I did 6 miles at my target medium pace and felt like I am hitting a stride. Wednesday I was hoping to run but when I was driving home I realized that I am zonked and my legs need a break. So I took yesterday off and headed out early today for an 80 minute easy run. I think all the miles caught up with me because my legs felt fatigued, kind of how I imagined they should have felt Monday. Tomorrow is our steady state run (70 mins with 30 at that faster pace). I am looking forward to it but hope my legs are up for the challenge. Miles wise, I'll probably be at around 39.3 miles after this weekend's run so tomorrow I may sneak in an extra .7. Now that I've discovered that the miles are rounded down to the tenth when I upload my garmin, I'm making sure I can get every bit counted. This is heading into crazy.

It's really nice to be getting into better shape, and I feel like my pace is improving. I still HAVE TO start strength training but I still can't figure out how to fit that into my week.

Half Marathon PR!

2010-02-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

This morning Sarah and I got up early for our favorite yearly pre superbowl event, the Kaiser Half Marathon. She told me a few weeks ago that she'd "consider pacing me" for it. This means scrapping her own chances for a PR and slowing down her pace quite a bit. I thought it was a great idea, a challenge for me and a "fun run" for her! It was fantastic running weather, 50's and 60's with party cloudy skies opening up to sun at the finish. Thank you San Francisco! We truly are spoiled running brats. Sarah kept the pace at just below 10 minute miles the whole way and we had a negative split with an average of 9:50 for me - my new 1/2 PR is 2:10 (13 minutes faster than my last :)

It was a great confidence boast and a kick in the pants that I can and should up my pace more often. Sarah is quite convinced that I've been lying to her this whole time about what I can do, and she's not going to let me be lazy anymore. Fun times.

Mixing it up!

2010-02-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

This is a little bit of a taper week leading up to the Kaiser 1/2 marathon on Sunday. I am celebrating a Saturday with no long run planned by going shopping with my running buddy. She left me a message saying let's meet up at 10 and for a second I thought, "Isn't that late for a run?" Habits!

I'm celebrating a night that I don't have to go to bed early by working late, having fun with the Comic Life App (notice the new header on this blog) and drinking Limonata!

Fartlek Fun

2010-02-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

This week is a sort of taper week leading up to the Kaiser Half Marathon. Yesterday we ran 10 miles but the rest of the week is mellow. Today I did my first fartlek workout. I can't really get over that word, but it was pretty fun. I ran at 400 pace for a minute, jogged for two and repeated 6 times during a 50 minute run. I loved the sprints and felt fun flying by everyone for once (by everyone, I only mean people walking dogs or going to school).

Sunday Lazing About

2010-01-31T17:35:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to have a relaxing Sunday, and I can say that I got what I wished for. Yesterday I work up early and went running at the Iron Horse Trail with Sarah. She gave me a run for my money, literally. If I had money in my pockets, it would have flown out :) Her long run pace is almost 2 minutes faster than mine and I did my best to keep up. It was almost better than my 1/2 marathon PR when we got to the 13.1 mile marker (according to my Garmin). We are running the Kaiser Half next weekend so I am hoping that I am well trained for a good PR.

Tomorrow is a 10 miler but the rest of the week is fairly mellow so we can taper a bit. I know after the half the training is going to ramp up, so I am going to enjoy this week as best as I can.

All caught up (for now)

2010-01-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

I go through a cycle every week now that marathon training is in full swing. Friday is the best day, especially when I got through all of my weekday workouts and only Saturday is remaining. This week I was always a day behind the workouts but I am all caught up. I tried to take it easy today so tomorrow I can keep up with Sarah for 13 miles! We'll see.... Looking forward to a restful Sunday.

Falling behind

2010-01-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

That's the trend in my life right now. I was ahead of the game when it came to wedding planning, work, running and this blog (or at least keeping up with all those things) and now I feel a bit swamped. Some of it has to do with the weather and the rest has to do with the fact that I like to tackle many things at once. Ok, now that the venting is over, let me give an update on marathon training.

Last week was a hailing, raining, tornado warning, thundering beast but I managed to get all of my runs in and have an enjoyable long run with Sarah! This week I gave in to the weather (and my job) and didn't run yesterday. This morning I ran at 6am (not the norm for me) so I could get into work and prepare for a meeting. Now I'm a run behind and wondering if I should give up my rest day on Thursday, or run on Sunday?? I think I'll wing it. Tomorrow is the first track workout of training and I am so looking forward to the track and to Arizmendi!

In the groove

2010-01-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

At the end of last week, I seem to have hit my stride again (literally). The hill workout, tempo and then the Saturday long run went very well (always love running in Alameda) - my legs have lost their early training sludge and seem to know what it is they should be doing. I'm blaming the following things for this:

a.) I have a kick ass running buddy who motivates me (Sarah!) and a very supportive fiance (Dan) who puts up with my crazy running schemes.

b.) I have other things going on that make running seem like a stress less joy!

c.) I am eating eating pasta again

d.) I am getting in better shape?

I know I'll have weeks when I'll reread this in disbelief, but for now, I'm just enjoying it.

That leads me to this week. I ran 8 miles in the rain today, down Lake Street, down to Baker Beach, up the hill to Golden Gate Bridge, down to Chrissy Field and back up Presidio. It's a loop I've done on the weekends but always added more by going over the Bridge. This time I did the loop without the bridge and added about another half mile or so when I could. It's very hilly in the middle and at the end but I like the terrain changes. Since it was raining, I had to be extra careful of cars and of slipping - I noticed that people really can't see you even if they are stopped at a stop sign and you've already been crossing. I almost got run over twice. After that I was extra careful.

Anyway, the rest of the week is pretty similar to last week (switch out the tempo for a steady state) except for a 17 miler this weekend. I think we'll hit 40 miles this week!

Running up five hills

2010-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

I didn't really give a summary of how the first week of training went, but I would sum it up as good but tiring. This weekend I was pretty tuckered out, and then during the 8 miles on Monday and 6 on Tuesday I was also lumbering along. I think it's a combination of the increase in miles, and the fact that I'm trying to watch what I eat more than I normally would (getting married in July craziness). Yesterday my friend Rebecca convinced me to come over for some much needed pasta and wine and this morning I actually woke up with energy! I had a great hill workout and actually got to work at a decent time. Food is golden! I'm going to make sure I eat enough now that I'm really burning way more calories, especially with the long runs getting longer as the weeks go by. I've just always found it hard to lose weight while training but maybe this time will be different??!?

ps. Today was a 60 minute run with 5 hills.

Monday morning long runs are like a few glasses of wine

2010-01-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

Is it weird that here I am at work on a Monday morning and I am relaxed? I ran 8 miles this morning and now nothing really seems to be worth stressing over. Perhaps I am just too tired, but I feel pretty good post 8 miles :)

I ran along Chrissy Field - they are doing some construction on the roadway so it's not super peaceful but it was pretty good. Sarah would have "enjoyed" the huge waves that were splashing over beneath the bridge. At one point, the wave soaked the road but luckily I was far away when that happened. I ran down there via Presidio thinking that since I didn't use my "hill" muscles this weekend, they'd be well rested. My legs were a bit heavy from the 13 mile run this weekend and my pace was slow, but all in all, I think it went ok.

My other training this week includes a hill workout, tempo, about a 6 mile run and 15 this weekend with Sarah.

Hills again!

2010-01-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Today was my first hill workout of this training (4 hills during an hour run - 1 minute up the hill and 2 minute cool down) and boy did my legs have amnesia. I did the same hill I normally do, but I seem to have forgotten what pace to do. The first 3 hill repeats I sluggishly completed, and for the fourth I thought that I would just pick a pace at the bottom of the hill and maintain it all the way through. This was easy at the bottom and at the middle but I had to push it at the end. I think I actually got up higher for that one minute than I have before so that will be my new trick. I am happy to have gotten three workouts down so far with only two left for the week. I haven't gotten any strength training workouts in - I'm hoping tonight and tomorrow I'll be inspired.

Another day, another 5 miles

2010-01-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why, but I don't even feel like I'm training for a marathon right now. I think I may have a touch of the January blues. The weather isn't too bad though so that's good. I ran to Golden Gate Park which is something I don't usually do during the week. I was afraid it would be pretty empty that early in the morning but it was jumping with cars, bikers and runners.

I felt a little more energized during the run and I thought a lot about the upcoming year and wedding planning. It's almost like I've been in hibernation mode for the last few weeks and I need to shake myself out of it.

I'm looking forward to running with Sarah this weekend for our 13 mile long run. She is feeling a lot better!

First Week of Avenue of the Giants Marathon Training!

2010-01-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

Week one of Ave of the Giants Marathon training began this morning with a 6 mile run. It felt pretty normal since I've been running pretty regularly (if you forget the holidays). This week of training is about on par with what I've been doing, except for one more run day. After this week, it really ramps up. I'm looking forward to getting into better running shape and to long runs with Sarah. Speaking of my running buddy, Sarah has been taking care of her husband who had stomach flu, and this morning it really hit her. So she'll be taking this week off I hope! Send her healthy vibes.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

After a very relaxing and low key New Year's Eve (and maybe too much wine), I am ready for 2010! Wishing all runners (and non runners) a Happy New Year!!!! Let's bring it!

Last run of 2009!

2009-12-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

Back on the West Coast! Loved taking a break and discovering a new park to run in, but I am so excited for 2010! Hit Lake Street with Dan for a 5 mile run that included Mountain Lake Park. I took it easy, figuring this is the last week for any excuses. 2010 will be about NO EXCUSES.

My running related New Year's resolutions will be:

1. PR in a marathon (better than 4:51). Should be possible with Sarah's training schedule!
2. PR in a 1/2 marathon (better than 2:20)
3. Add 2 or 3 days of strength training a week.
4. Improve my pace. This one is a little abstract, but I just want to generally push myself to be faster. If I can keep up with Sarah on regular long runs, (non pace) that would be good.

Happy New Year!!!!!

On second thought...

2009-12-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining so I decided to get my butt outside for a run. We are staying at Dan's brother's house in the Bronx, right across the street from Pelham Bay Park so off I went this morning for an easy 4 mile run. There's a really nice track over there, so I did 2 miles on the track, and about 2 miles there and back. Today and tomorrow we will be somewhere in the Hamptons (!) so I will try and do my long week day run there to start the week off on a good note - Tuesday we fly back to San Francisco.

Winter Break

2009-12-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Can a blizzard, a few hoagies and serious family visiting stop this runner in her tracks? Oh yes. I have to admit I've taken a nice winter break from running this past week or so. I know I will pay the price next week and the first week or so of marathon training but I'm thinking of it as a nice deep breath before diving in to marathon training and serious bride boot camp!

Oh and Happy Holidays!!

Misty Tempo

2009-12-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving for the east coast on Thursday (whoohooo!!) so I'm trying to cram my runs in before I go. I suspect there will be much merriment and not much running in the 10 days I am home. My goal is to get three runs in next week at home, with no long run. Sarah and I start marathon training on Jan 4th so I'm thinking this will be a nice little break before the torture, I mean "fun" begins.

So yesterday I did my 75 minute run down Lake Street extra early and I must have been missing the track because i did a 800 in the middle, mostly because I was running so slowly and I had an early meeting I had to get to. That was pretty fun though. This morning I woke up to the sound of the rain but was determined to get my 60 minute tempo workout in (20 mins at tempo pace). I think my tempo pace needs a little work and I hope to improve in the New Year. I ran along Chrissy Field trail to the "Hoppers Hands" sign for a nice misty yet flat run. It was pretty quiet down there - just me, a cop car, a few runners and some birds.

The Great Highway

2009-12-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

Along Ocean Beach in San Francisco is a sometimes windy, foggy, sandy, soggy road that is called the Great Highway. Many marathons, races and training runs hit this road because it's flat, scenic and has a great paved trail along it. It's not very long, but it adds a few miles to a run through the Golden Gate Park. Sarah and I have a love hate relationship with this trail. I think we love it because it's a no brainer - you don't have to worry about traffic or hills. But we hate it because it can be cold and very boring. It's hard to avoid it though because San Francisco is notorious for a lack for flat roads to run.

You can get an idea that this area is historic by looking at the crumbling promenade even before you hike up the hill to the Cliff House and Sutro Baths. The historic Playland Amusement Park used to draw people here, but now surfers and people walking their dogs are typically who you see along the beach and in the water. But when it's really warm out it can get crowded with people who are flying kites, sun bathing and otherwise looking for a typical California beach experience.

So this takes me to yesterday's run - down Arguello Blvd through the Golden Gate Park (a mild down hill) and along the Great Highway for a bit and then back home.

The 13 mile run wasn't bad, even with the rain that was of course at its worse along the Great Highway. My toes got a cold soaking in a few puddles but the rain never really got bad until I was back home. Today, I'm going to tempt the rain again and head out for my last run of the week, an hour run down Presidio.

It's cold outside!

2009-12-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Ran in the new capris, gloves, long sleeved top this morning. Felt like I was on the east coast except for the lack of sarcasm in the air (I heart sarcasm). My legs never seemed to warm up and I don't think my brain did either because I was supposed to run 75 mins, but during the return trip back (from the out and back) I had thought that I had to run for 1 hour 25 mins which is 85 mins, so I thought that I must have ran back a lot quicker. Felt good about that and did a few extra hills, until my brain finally warmed up and I realized that I was supposed to run until 1 hour 15 mins. Duh. At least I got a little extra millage in.

The prognosis on the capris is that they are probably great for normal Bay Area weather, but not this east coast coldness we've been having. I took a very long hot shower to warm up and then overdressed for work.

Cold, windy, raining and a rainbow!

2009-12-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Weather was at its most interesting again today. I didn't know what to wear or expect but it kept me going during the tempo. Again, I put off my speed workout until the day after a long run - silly to do this I know, but I've been taking advantage of Sundays as run days more lately. The tempo went well. I'm hoping for a 2:10 or 2:15 1/2 marathon in Feb (Kaiser half) so that's what I'm using to figure out my tempo times.

Also ran again with Dan which was nice. After we went to Sports Basement and I finally broke down and bought running capris - I'm the type of person to run in shorts all year long in San Francisco, but it seems really cold lately and I think my legs deserve a warm up. Should be motivation for my next run, probably on Tuesday.

Saturday I ran in Oakland with Sarah. I've been doing all of my long runs alone, so it was nice to get lost in our chats and my pace was faster which was nice. I felt a little tired after but still managed to run today. I'm taking tomorrow off from running :)

7 months till I get married, 5 months till my next marathon

2009-12-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

I got three emails from wedding planning sites trying to freak me out about my wedding - my favorite is: "7 months to go - book your florist now or forever hold your peace!" Way scary. I'm wondering what running websites would send: "5 months until the marathon - get off the couch!" But I don't think they do that. It's funny to have two big events that seem way off in the future but right around the corner at the same time. I'm "training" for both by getting in shape, deep breathing, concentrating on one thing at a time.

And no, I didn't run on Monday to get my 100 miles for November. I went home and relaxed and ate cookies with Dan. I did get two runs in this week already, so I'm on schedule. I'm running with Sarah on Saturday in Oakland and we are going dress shopping. Fun times. I'm wondering how I fit a full time job into my wedding and marathon training?

Should I run tonight just to top 100 miles this month?

2009-11-30T15:56:00.000-08:00

So this month I've run more than I have since July when I was at the peak of marathon training. While not officially training for a marathon until January (although I am following a schedule called "tranica" that Sarah made me so I wouldn't be a sloth between now and then), I have been running regularly and have managed to log 99.6 miles this month. Was going to wait until tomorrow for my first run of the week, but this may tempt me tonight when I get home from work. Stay tuned :)

Sunday Steady State

2009-11-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

Today I did my first "Steady State" run - a speed that's slightly slower than a tempo, and was 25 mins long during the middle of a 60 minute run. I did my long run yesterday, so I didn't have high expectations of what my legs could handle. I feel like I did pretty good - it helped that Dan ran with me and that the weather was beautiful. It's not too ideal to do this run after a long run but I thought it wouldn't hurt (well not too much) to try and squeeze it in and close out the week. I feel pretty good and now I have an excuse to relax the rest of the day and drink mimosas, right??

Windy Post Thanksgiving Long Run

2009-11-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

November in San Francisco can be warm, rainy, cold, windy, foggy or all of the above. Mostly it's about 65 and sunny and that's pretty much what it was yesterday, except for the wind. I ran against it on my way to Marin over the Golden Gate Bridge, and it carried me back to San Francisco, almost lifting me off my feet at times. Tres gusty! That was the fun part. Then I ran the rest of the 13 miles, getting the mileage wrong and running an extra .5. I think anything over about 11 miles hurts. Or at least that's how I feel right now because it's the longest I've run in 4 months. In January when I start my marathon training again, I'm sure I'll be wishing for a Saturday with only 13 miles to run!!

It was really nice though and made me relax for the rest of the day, since I didn't have much energy for anything else.

Good luck Amber and all of the Philadelphia Marathoners

2009-11-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

My cousin Amber is running in the Philadelphia Marathon tomorrow and it's her first marathon. I am so proud of her. She has an hour commute to work each way everyday and a three year old, yet she managed to get all of her long runs in! I have a fiance, a commute and a cat and I can barely keep up with running.

Can't wait to hear how it goes! Send her your good running thoughts :)

Running on empty, with a full tank of stress

2009-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

The past month has been filled with work stress and I've been doing my best to run through it. Work has been stressful, as I'm sure it is for most people. I love my job, but sometimes working so hard just wears me down and I just want to have a power cry. Maybe this is all because I am not training for a marathon - that always proves as a good stress reliever and distraction. Luckily, after the holidays, the training will commence and all will be well again. I'll have sore legs to complain about :)

Running wise, I'm just taking the same routes over and over lately. I think this is something I have control over and it's comforting to know what I can expect. On the weekends, I usually head over the Golden Gate Bridge. Seeing all of the tourists, bikers and runners always makes me calm.

Power running

2009-11-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Becky, my BFF/Matron of Honor/wedding cake designer flew out from Philly last week to see me. After a busy week at work, we had a busy weekend getting some planning done. She even played around with cake design, since she has so sweetly offered to make my wedding cake. I decided to drag her along on my long run on Saturday, thinking she could bike beside me. I run much slower than she bikes, and she had to go on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, but it was pretty fun and the weather was great.

Congrats to Sarah!

2009-11-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

My running buddy Sarah ran the NYC Marathon in 4:07 yesterday. She did this after having run the SF marathon only 3 months ago!! She is a rock star.

I had some of my own victories last week, having gotten back into a running routine. I ran 4 times last week and ended with a 8 mile run through Golden Gate Park yesterday that was really nice. I ran with my ipod for the first time in awhile and I think that really helped my pace.

Happy November!

Monday early morning run

2009-10-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

I was out running with all of the other early birds this morning. The key is to wake up, put on running clothes and head out of the door before any other thoughts enter the mind. I've done this a million times before, but for some reason, lately it seems darker and colder out and I feel lazier and lazier. But I succeeded in ignoring the lazy devil on my shoulder and left the house in time for an hour long run. It was really nice - I got to see glimpses of the bay, the sun rise, and people setting off to start their days.

Intervention Successful! I have quit the couch (for now)

2009-10-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

Not that I've been a complete sloth - I have been running a few times a week and doing the 30 day shred a bit but I could see myself slipping into the couch more and more. Yesterday, Sarah staged an intervention. I think she was afraid she's lost her running buddy. She's got the NYC Marathon next week so she's maintained her running hardcore like while I've taken a bit of a break. So, over pizza and gelato, she created a plan to get me in shape for our marathon training which starts on Jan 2nd. I will be back to running 4 days a week and I'm hoping to keep doing the dvd to help with abs and arm stuff.

The intervention worked and I ran 9 miles today from my house down lake street to Baker Beach, halfway over the Golden Gate Bride and back through the Presidio. It was warm, sunny and great. Glad to be back, hope I don't fall off the wagon.

Shredding!

2009-10-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Normally I use the word "shredding" to apply to my snowboarding skills (or 12 year old snowboarder vocabulary) - in this case, I'm using it to apply to the 20 minute workout dvd, 30 day shred. I'm using this as a punishment for not running or as a way to tone muscles I've forgotten about. Also, it's something I can do when it's rainy or dark out. The first day I did it I felt like I released all of the lactic acid of the world into my blood stream and it made me loopy. Yesterday wasn't so bad. I have to remember to drink water after. Since I gave up the idea of training for any races this fall, I'm going to try and maintain some level of fitness, so the May Marathon won't break me. Running, I have not forgotten about you!

Go Phillies, Go Brad Lidge and just go

2009-10-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am a Phillies fan, turned also A's and Giants fan, and lately, I'm just back to being a good old Phillies fan. Sorry California teams, but my roots are strong. Watching the Phillies last week really made me nervous - I really wanted them to advance to the NLCS. But what really struck me, was the manager taking a chance on a relief pitcher named Brad Lidge. My Dad's face turned grey when the manager brought out Lidge in the 8th or 9th inning when the Phillies were finally ahead of the Rockies. He said "Here we go. I've seen this too many times - Lidge giving up the game." But Lidge actually saved the game, even though no one but the coach had faith in him. This happened again the next day when it was really important, and the Phillies went on to win that series. How the manager had faith in someone who showed him this season he should not have any faith, with everyone in Philadelphia against Lidge, really amazed me beyond words. I wonder if Lidge even had faith in himself?

Anyway, I found this really inspirational, especially as I have not been running at all and when I have, I am molasses slow. But I think I can bounce back if I keep going, especially with very supportive people around...

I'm still here

2009-10-12T10:55:00.001-07:00

Had more family visiting, took almost two weeks off running etc. I know it's bad but I just had to let it happen. I dropped my family off at the airport, so tomorrow morning, I'll have no excuses - I'll just have to get up and run. Actually, I am looking forward to it. Even I guess if it rains.

Ran through the Summer, and now it's Fall

2009-09-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

The past week and a half have been going well, running wise. I've managed to bring my running back to 4 times a week. It's a bit harder in the fall as the light sky appears later in the morning and sneaks out early at night - I'm also finding it harder to get out of bed even thought it hasn't gotten all that colder. I think this is mostly because it's been very foggy and misty most mornings.

Tomorrow I am running my first over 10 miler since July - 12.5 miles with 4 miles at half marathon pace. My pace has been back to a snails pace lately, so maybe this will snap be out of it. In fact, I'm not really feeling like I'm going to set a new PR, but I will set my sights on it...

Running up that hill

2009-09-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

This morning I did the first hill workout for my 1/2 Marathon Training. Since the 1/2 is in a month and a half, every workout counts! I ran up the hill 5 times (after a warm up) - the first few were slow but by the end I was doing ok. I just have to keep reminding myself to get my butt out there!

The smell of Fall in the air is helping. Can you believe we only have a few official last days of Summer left?

Back with a bang!

2009-09-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning at 5am I woke up with a bang - the loudest thunder I have ever heard caused me to wake up gasping for air with my heart pounding. Dan went out of the bedroom to see what it was because he said maybe it was a gun going off. Probably not the safest thing to do but very brave. He came back and said it was thunder and it was raining, very strange for September in San Francisco. The lightening storm continued as Sarah started her 19 mile run and I joined her at mile 12 so I could run 7 miles. It was hailing, rainy, foggy and humid. I staggered along still trying to get back into running shape. After our run, we saw that PG&E had closed off my street. I asked them what happened and they pointed me to the corner. The lightening hit a transformer and jumped to the two cars next to it and melted the fronts of both and set them on fire. Crazy.

This week has been slightly more uneventful. Dan and I did a 5 mile run to Mountain Lake on Monday and today I hope to do a hill workout after work. Friday is a tempo run and Sunday is 10 miles. Next week I will get back into 5 runs a week until I do a slight taper for the US Half Marathon on Nov 1st. I don't really have a time goal for that race, I just want to stay in shape and hopefully maintain it over the holidays because on Jan 1st I am going to start really getting in shape for the May 2 Avenue of the Giants Marathon and then for my wedding on July 3rd :)

Back on the Track!

2009-09-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have been slow, ever so slow in getting back into things since the marathon. I always forget that it's hard to get back into the swing of things sometimes after the big day. Sarah has the NYC marathon to run for, but I slowly realized I had to take a break from 26.2 to focus on some other thing. Oh my excuses, they are aplenty! But, but! This week looks good so far! Monday I ran 5 miles, today I did a track workout with Sarah (she kicked butt!) and I realized although I am slightly out of shape, I'm not that bad. I am also going to sign up for the US Half Marathon in SF in Nov, the same day as Sarah's Marathon so I can still run some of her long runs with her.

Friday is a 5 mile run and on Saturday I will do 7 - Sarah's last 7 miles of her 19 mile run!

PS I did 4 800's and a 400.

PSS Here's a pic from where I am getting married next July!

Bike to work!

2009-09-01T09:59:00.001-07:00

After two weeks of near slothdom (one run per week only), I decided to get off my lazy butt and do something. We had family staying with us for 10 days, so I was using that as an excuse, but now they are back on the east coast so my excuses are gone. Bummer.

I decided to bike to the train station - a 4.2 almost all downhill ride. I got there pretty fast and the route that the bike route planner chose had bike lanes so it was a pretty sweet ride. Tonight it will be mostly up hill so it won't be as sweet, but at least I'll get my workout in!

Wine Tasting is my new sport

2009-08-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Dan's brother and wife Jen were in town so we headed to Murphys for some wine tasting, my new favorite endurance sport. We started tasting at around 11am and went until about 3. You can drive to wineries outside of the downtown area, or choose to just visit tasting rooms on Main Street (mostly free). Everyone was friendly and helpful and there are plenty of restaurants around as well.

The next sport was swimming and lounging in the hot tub followed by eating lots of cheese. These new sports did not make me lose any weight for sure, but I did lose a lot of stress. I promise to get back on the running/swimming/biking wagon this week.

Family Visiting + Wedding Planning = excuses to not run

2009-08-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

I need motivation! I went on a great run Monday night but yesterday and today I am in vacation mode (while working) since family is in town and we are just plain old celebrating. I hope to get back into the groove of it after the weekend. We are heading up to Gold Country for some wine tasting and exploring. I may get a warm early morning run in if possible.

Excuses, excuses. I don't know why end of summer makes me lose motivation?

Running, swimming, biking, repeat

2009-08-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday, the end of a beautiful weekend and I'm left pondering the fall race season. Yes, I was (am?) planning on doing a Triathlon in September and the Philly Marathon in November. Mostly I am (was?) planning on running the Philly Marathon so I could train with Sarah who is doing the NYC marathon, and so I could run with Amber in Philly. What's changed since I came to this decision? The biggest thing is that I got engaged and now am spending some time planning the wedding. Since it will be on the east coast, I am planning it from across the country, and that will probably take up a bit of my time. Also, I started biking and swimming and this has turned out to be pretty fun and not as tiring as long runs (mostly because I am biking and swimming pretty slowly). After my 8 mile run I found myself to be really tired. I didn't really have energy to do all of the other things I should have been doing. It made me wonder if I was ready to get back into training for another marathon so soon. I look at my fall training schedule, and it looks a bit daunting - three of the weeks I will have family in town and since Sarah's marathon is sooner, we won't get to do all of our training runs together. So that's my confession - I am tired. I think I'm going to think about it for another week. If I don't do the marathon, I'll probably do the US Half, and shoot for a really good time, so I won't be sitting at home all fall eating bon bons...

Ps. Saturday's 8 mile run was really nice. I ran from my house to the Presidio and over the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Today I biked 15 miles with my friend Jessica through the Golden Gate Park and down to Ocean Beach and back. I'm loving the bike rides with Jess. It's a fun way to catch up with her and is cheaper than our normal pedicure dates :)

Bricks!

2009-08-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

This week is still sort of a rest week before training for the Philly Marathon, although I have also designated it as the first week of Tri Training. I don't know if any of this is a good idea, and during today's run I contemplated not doing one of those events (if not both of those events). I took my first crack at a Brick Workout this morning. After biking for 30 minutes my legs did feel heavy during a 30 minute run. It could be the fact that I haven't had enough water, or that biking just makes my legs heavy (need to get in shape). I also thought about Ironmans (not that I am training for one!) - in an Ironman people run a marathon after swimming a long distance and biking 100 miles so I should be able to get my butt in gear for a tri. I think it will be a challenge.

Back in the pool!

2009-08-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday I went for a 60 minute easy run along Chrissy field and I was not the only one out there enjoying the heat and sunshine. The See Jane Run runners were out there preparing for the triathlon in September. I plan on doing the triathlon the week before that one and have not really started training yet, so that was a good reminder that I have to get on it!

Sunday I went to the beach in Marin for some much needed relaxation (yeah, life is hard) and then I went for a 30 minute swim at the JCC. I slept so soundly last night. I forgot how wonderful swimming is...

Running up and down the Lyon Street Stairs and more!

2009-08-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Since I couldn't find parking the other night, I parked way up on Lyon street by the steps. I figured that was good motivation for coming back in the morning as part of an "easy run." I've felt a bit of inertia since the marathon, along with a hunger for pizza and other cheese products - running up the steps shook me out of that for sure...

No more fog in the sky

2009-08-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

The fog left San Francisco today! Blue Skies everywhere! Alert the presses. I went on an easy run that didn't feel as easy as it should have. It was a good reminder to take it easy these next few weeks. I planning on adding swimming and biking so I can do a tri for fun (well, a try for real but I am doing it for fun) and hopefully that will help out my muscles. Maybe I'm crazy for adding that into my fall plans, but I thought it would be a nice diversion from thinking about planning my wedding for next July. I'm sure friends will get sick of me talking about it, so at least I can talk about triathlon and marathon training too :)

Giving Lance Armstrong a run for his money, or a laugh...

2009-08-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd add some cross training into my life. My friend Jessica is loaning me her old hybrid bike with road tires since she upgraded to a sweeter ride. Yesterday we went on the Berkeley Bay Trail to Richmond, about a 16 mile ride. It was around 6pm - the fog and wind was kicking up a little bit. We chatted the whole time and enjoyed the view of the bay. I must say it was nice to be done a 16 mile workout and not feel any soreness - who knew low impact sports can be fun! I'm going to try biking to the train station instead of driving to work. I'm thinking about doing a triathlon in Fremont in September if I can add biking and swimming into my schedule.

As far as running goes, I plan on doing 3 or 4 easy runs this week and the next two before really beginning marathon training again. Crazy...

A Great Marathon Weekend

2009-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

This overdue race report will begin a few days before the marathon...

Here's a video that sums it up as well

Thursday July 23

I work up in the middle of the night and never went back to sleep. My mind was racing while I was thinking about racing. I read too much about getting a PR and I just froke out. Friday morning I decided to just go out and have a lovely time and forget about getting a huge PR.

Friday July 24

Friday I woke up pretty exhausted and worked from home. Sarah and I met up and went to the Marathon expo. We met Bart Yasso who gave us some tips about track workouts. It was really exciting, especially for two running nerds like me and Sarah. Afterwards we went to Goat Hill Pizza for some carbo loading.

In the afternoon, I finished up some work and hung out with Dan. He then headed out to go to happy hour with some friends. I told him to not wake me up when he came home. I implored him, "I need sleep for the marathon!"

At about 11:30 I heard Dan come in. He came into the bedroom and put a ring on my finger and left the room. I said "What did you just do." He thought I'd just wake up with the ring on my finger. It was like a dream, partially because I was still dreaming and partially because I was very happy. Of course since I had just gotten engaged, I could not fall asleep.

Saturday July 25

I woke up and had to call everyone I knew to tell them the news. I laid on the couch all day, talking on the phone and looking at magazines. It was nice to just relax the day before the race. We went to Ella's for pancakes and had pasta for dinner. I went to bed at 8 and fell asleep at 9. It was a pretty good night sleep considering.

THE DAY OF THE RACE!

Woke up at 4 feeling fairly well rested. I ate some wheat toast and had coffee, called a cab and got my stuff together and went downstairs to wait. The cab NEVER Came. They don't let you reserve it the night before, but when I called in the morning they said they'd be right there. Maybe I came down too late, I'll never know. Then I walked to the corner and looked for cabs. I saw a girl at the bus stop who was heading toward the marathon as well and she gave me $2 for the bus since I didn't think to bring cash. Then we saw a cab and decided to share it. Two other girls ran over and asked if they could join us. So the four of us got to the start at around 5:50. I knew Sarah would be nervous waiting but she was a trooper and was just glad that I got there.

We ate a gel and waited at the start. 6:06 and we were off!

Miles 1-5

This section takes you from the ferry building, along Fisherman's Wharf (with the smell of sourdough bread), up Fort Mason, down past Chrissy Field and then up a pretty decent size hill to the Golden Gate Bridge. I tried starting out slow and I felt pretty good.

Miles 6-10

I should look this up to be exact, but I think these miles take you over the Golden Gate Bridge and towards the park. I still felt good. The bridge was super hectic and misty, slippery a bit but ok. Running up and down the bridge (it's hilly) felt pretty good. At some point I realized I was behind by 3 minutes on my pace band. I'm not sure if my garmin just caught up with the satelittes or what, but I don't know how I got behind. I didn't worry about it that much, I think I was still excited from being engaged. I think it calmed me in some weird way.

Miles 11-15

Still feeling good. Running in Golden Gate Park felt like being in the Blair Witch Project - the route kept going in circles and I would have been lost had it not been for the other runners around me. I felt trapped in the park for hours. I still felt pretty good. Was about 7 minutes behind my time goal at that point but felt ok.

Miles 16-20

I felt pretty strong until around mile 19. I just felt faint all of a sudden and decided to walk for about 15 seconds. I drank some gateorade and felt better. That was the wall for me for a short time. I recovered but didn't push it as much as we left the park and headed down haight. Dan was supposed to meet me at mile 20 with coke and m&m's but we somehow missed each other. I just kept going and knew that I'd see him eventually. This was a good downhill portion too.

Miles 21- finish!

The hills never stop. I am getting tired but still ok. At around mile 24-25 I run into my friend Lora who runs with me for awhile. I must have seemed manic and cried, "I am sooo happy to see you! Don't make fun of my form." I had heard that you should use your upper body at the end so I was running weirdly. Right before I saw her I was picked up the pace a bit. We chatted for that mile and she let me take off. I was so thankful to see her.

I finished pretty strongly at 4:51. Congrats to Sarah who finished at 4:19!

I think I could have pushed harder for the last 4 miles or so but some kind of survival instinct kicked in after I felt faint and I didn't push it as hard. I felt better then I ever have at the end. Sarah's training plan worked wonders. I know now for the next marathon I just have to do more speedwork, more miles and maybe some cross training and I can get toward my goal of 4:30.

What's next?

I'm running the Philadelphia Marathon in November. Sarah is running NYC a few weeks before so I thought we could somewhat train together. My cousin is running the Philly marathon with me - it's her first marathon so it should be really fun.

Survived and PR'd Marathon #6!

2009-07-28T15:32:00.001-07:00

This is just a note to tell you I survived and had a new PR for the San Francisco Marathon 2009! Very stoked and will report soon.

Got engaged on Friday so that put a great spin on the marathon and the rest of the weekend :)

Off we go!

2009-07-26T04:49:00.000-07:00

Eating toast and drinking coffee. Everything is in my race bag and ready to go!

You can find me along the route by going here and typing in 7404.

See you in 26.2 miles!

Inspiration #2

2009-07-24T16:34:00.001-07:00

I got really lazy with posting inspirational thoughts. But here's a good one I found:

"The marathon's about being in contention over the last 10K. That's when it's about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what's left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon."

Rob de Castella

I’m just going to go out there and have a really lovely time

2009-07-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 4 am - perhaps I am trying to get used to waking up at that hour so on Sunday it will seem like a breeze? No, it's just nerves. I've been going over the run over and over in my head. Last night I started reading a marathon training book that I just bought (somehow thought I needed another one) and was reminded that even shaving off 10 minutes from a PR is a big deal and here I am trying to shave off 30! Crazy? Ambitious? I don't know. So I decided to not worry about it. I've run 5 marathons and they've all been around 5 hours, but so what? It's always a challenge to just finish them and I still always go back for more. Isn't that enough? Then I remembered all of the training I've been doing, how I've been running 5 times a week, tempo runs, hill workouts, track workouts, etc etc and maybe it will just give me the push I need to somehow do better. So now I'm just forgetting about all of it and going to do my best. F the PR - I'll see how I do and just try and push harder at the end with whatever I have. Now I just have to REST and eat and drink right, hope the nerves go away. I'm just going to channel Katie Holmes who last night apparently sang and danced on So you think you can dance. When interviewed about getting the job, she was asked "Are you not terrified? Are you not scared out of your mind?" she said "I’m just going to go out there and have a really lovely time." I think that sounds lovely. Of course, dancing and singing to a Judy Garland song is probably one of the furthest things from running a marathon, but oh wells. They both require a certain amount of grace and guts.

Bang your head

2009-07-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

People ask me if I am nervous about Sunday's "run" (MARATHON), I say it's nerves more than feeling nervous. To me, nervous is something that you are aware of, where nerves just kind of sneak in when you are doing other things. For example, I banged my head the last two days very stupidly. Luckily, I am combating the nerves by keeping busy working, watching Big Brother, and one trip to Kabuki with my friend Lora. She is a fellow runner who convinced me to go to Dosa last night (where I banged my head again). It was nice to get out. I feel like the last few weeks of marathon training makes you feel like a recluse.

Just a few more days to go until Sunday - water, carbs, potassium and protein are my best friends. And hopefully sleep...

Mini track workout

2009-07-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

Back to the track one last time before the marathon! We did 3 400's at a somewhat slower pace. We went on a different day so I didn't get to see the regulars - my favorites are three women runners with a former Olympian coach. The coach once gave me a tip that I literally keep with me every time I run (don't work so hard, relax your shoulders) and one of the women always tells me to "run her down" meaning to catch up with Sarah. Despite them not being there, it was a pretty good last track workout.

Week of the 2009 San Francisco Marathon!

2009-07-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

This time next week I'll be stumbling drunk up and down the stairs, not from booze but from post marathon side affects. Bring it on!

Sarah found a great website that allows you to plug your goal time to create a pace band. You can select the time of start you want (slow, slow/med) and it calculates what you need to do at each mile. Basically it has you starting slow for a few miles, running a little faster than your goal for most of the middle of the run, and then slower at the end giving you a cushion in case you slow down. I think it will help assure us in the beginning that it's ok to start slow.

This week we are running a 35 minute easy run, 3 400's at the track during a 45 minute easy run, and a 30 minute jog on Friday.

Two 1/2 marathons!

2009-07-16T16:59:00.001-07:00

Is there any way I can trick myself into thinking I am only doing a 1/2 marathon, then have amnesia and do it again? Both my brain and legs would feel fresh, yet I'm half done. I am going to try and trick myself into thinking that.

Faster than fog

2009-07-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

After last week's track workout I felt like I didn't need to bust my butt anymore until the day of the marathon. Sarah, my overachieving, perfectionist, hardcore runner, running buddy is relentless about making the marathon day seem "easy" so she made sure even this week our plan would include a real workout. So after work I picked up Dan and went to Chrissy Field for the last tempo workout of training. The bridge was yet again eaten by the fog monster, but the wind was at our backs during the 20 minute 1/2 marathon pace portion, so all went well. I split the 20 minutes into 5 minute segments so I could track each - I got faster for each segment and didn't feel exhausted at the end. I stopped cursing Sarah as I realized that this faster pace did indeed somehow (how?) feel, dare I say it? Easy!

Also, Sarah sent me this article about pre marathon tips. I plan on utilizing them figuring I need all the help I can get.

ps. We only have four runs this week - 50 easy, 45 tempo, 40 easy/med, and an easyish 8 miler on Saturday.

12 Mile run along the Crystal Springs/Sawyer Camp Trail

2009-07-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

It felt a little like vacation today on our 12 mile run on the Crystal Springs/Sawyer Camp Trail, the second to last weekend run before the San Francisco Marathon. We experienced beautiful views of the Crystal Springs Watershed, fog covering green hills, and deer crossing the trail. The paved 6 mile trail ends at the San Andreas Trail for a 12 mile out and back route. Bikers, groups of runners and walkers made the trail a little bit crowded, but it was nice to go somewhere we hadn't run before. Between mile 5 and 6 it's a pretty "nice" uphill (if started on the south side) with a nice downhill after we turned around. All in all, it was a very nice mellow run. Next week is mellow as well with an 8 mile run on Saturday. I am going to try and encourage myself to rest, hydrate, stretch and think positive thoughts over the next two weeks so I can do my best to do my best on July 26th. As cheesy as it sounds, I think all of that could only help. Cheese is good.

Running is a good cure for the post vacation blues

2009-07-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

It took me longer to put on my running shoes today. I've been feeling sluggish all week (except for the track workout) and I have diagnosed myself with post vacation stress disorder. The only known cures are drinking, going on another vacation, and I guess going for a run. It helped a little bit. I ran along Chrissy Field for a 50 minute tempo run which included 20 minutes at marathon pace. The 20 minute tempo part went pretty good - I was around 10:02, faster than marathon pace but I felt like I wasn't pushing it too hard.

Tomorrow is a 12 mile run with Sarah. We are running on a trail that is new to us so I am looking forward to it. Hopefully it will feel a little like vacation.

Inspiration #1

2009-07-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

With 18 days left to the marathon, thought I'd be a dork and start posting inspirational thoughts for myself.

Here's the first one from Mile Markers from Kristen Armstrong. She kind of rocks. I like it because it's about the times we think we fail ourselves and that we need these failures. Not that I plan on failing, but knowing that you just need to do your best can be very inspiring in itself.

Last track (800) workout!

2009-07-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sounds a little like "last chance workout," stolen from The Biggest Loser, but they are somehow related. This was the last 800 workout before the SF Marathon. I felt like this was a test to see if the vacation totally got me out of shape (and if I had no hope of a new PR for the marathon) but I am so happy to say that I passed. We ran 5 800's (two laps) and started out almost on fire. It was so hot out that I literally felt on fire. I was also scared to slow down and jinx myself. I was hoping to finish between 4:14-4:25 and finished 4:04 for the first one. The second was 4:10. The next two I did slower (the 4th was two seconds slower than should be) and for the last one I did 4:22. I started out too fast on the first one so I couldn't quite get that one again, but overall I think I did pretty good. I am hoping to finish in 4:30 for the marathon so according to McMillan.com, I "should" be able to at that 800 pace.

Yippeeeeee......

Less than three weeks to go!

2009-07-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

As I said in yesterday's post, I am nervous since my last long run. But I'm trying to put that aside and enjoy the last few weeks of training. This was on my mind today as I ran up the Presidio hill and down to the Golden Gate Bridge and back. I've been homesick since last week's vacation (saw lots of family) but who can be homesick while looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. I watched the surfers catching waves, tourists stopping to gaze, and other runners whizzing by. This was the last longish weekday run of the training. Tomorrow I have the last 800 track workout with Sarah. I will once again write my target numbers on my hand and do my best to reach them.

Philly for the last long run before SF Marathon

2009-07-06T21:01:00.001-07:00

Oh vacation, you are such a buzz kill to my marathon training plan. Every time! Too much fun, too much drinking, not enough sleep, no set schedule - you think I would learn by now not to have a vacation in the middle of training for a marathon, or marathon training in the middle of a vacation! Ok, I will stop my rant. Just wanted to set the tone of my "boo hoo is me" mood post vacation.

Over the ten days traveling I managed to only skip two runs, which was great. The only problem was planning my last 20 mile pace run. The intention was to run for 12 miles and then 7 miles at marathon pace, followed by 1 mile of cool down. I was thinking I could do this in Watertown NY where my brother lives. He had to work the day after we got there so I thought I could run then. He was able to get the morning off last minute so of course I wanted to spend time with him instead. This caused me to plan the run on Saturday when we'd be in Philadelphia. Friday night we stayed at a hotel and went out for dinner and drinks with family. I went to bed at midnight after carbo loading on beer and pizza. I woke up at 6am and started running at 6:30. It was already hot and I didn't have coffee or toast like I normally do. Instead I ran past a 7-11 and bought some Smart Water (has electrolytes!) and string cheese. I ran along Penn's Landing, down to the Art Museum, along Kelly Drive, to Manayunk and back.

There was a rowing race going on so it started to get crowded on the path along boathouse row and slightly beyond. I did the 12 miles without a problem and managed to get a mile or so in at pace before it got really hot and my legs got really tired. I opted to just finish the run at long run pace. At the time, it seemed like my only option. I also didn't plan it right, and got back to the hotel at 17.5 miles instead of 20. Now I feel like I failed myself in some way. I am hoping this didn't mess up my training and I can still get a really good finishing time on marathon day.

I did an easy run on Sunday and today and have a few quality runs scheduled for this week. I am going to try and do the best I can.

ps. the next few weeks should be filled with sleep, good eating, lots of water drinking, and more rest.

Running in Franconia Notch State Park

2009-07-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend and the beginning of this week I was in New England, pretty, cozy and sophisticated New England. Me and Dan spent a weekend in Maine with his brothers and their wives and kid before heading to New Hampshire. Sarah recommended staying in Franconia because it was pretty and had spectacular pancakes. Dan and I stayed at the Sugar Hill Inn for two nights. For the first night, his brother and sister in law also stayed at the inn, but the second day Dan and I toured the park on our own. Since I had a hill workout in my schedule, we found a place to run. The recreational trail in Franconia Notch State Park is a multiuse trail and had some very gradual rolling hills. We found a couple of hills to alternate between. It was very warm and I kept looking around for bears, but other than that, it was a great place for a run.

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Running in Vacationland

2009-06-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

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We're getting so close to the end of our training plan - one more long run left next week. I am in Maine right now on vacation. Yesterday two Mai Tais caused a little run in between my foot and some kind of sharp object and I woke up with a gash on the bottom of my foot. This mixed with the fact that on Thursday's long run my hamstring was irritated with me and I felt that for sure I wouldn't be able to resist hanging out on the deck instead of running. But, for some reason I ran anyway, from Orrs Island to Bailey Island down rolling hills and over a bridge that didn't have room for pedestrians. Not so safe but very fun.

This was the first week that I didn't manage to run 5 times. I may go for an easy run tomorrow if I am super inspired and wake up early. Next week will involve a lot of traveling so I would like to have the option of skipping a workout without the guilt.