Food, lately: Post marathon redux

You want to know something insane?

Don't answer that - I'm going to tell you anyway. Now that the racing season is over and I'm fully embracing the "relax, have fun" mentality, I'm not burning 1,000 calories a day and my body no longer needs endless bowls of oatmeal and bread. Insanity, I told you! It's easy (to want) to forget but the carb loading for Veterans left me feeling bloated and with a bit of an overhang - if you know what I mean.

As I mourned my disappointing race, I decided that the one thing I could fix was my diet. I wanted to rein in calories, cut back on the carbs, reduce sugar and build in some more protein. I am by no means perfect, especially yesterday when I had to take Miles to the doctor (wheezing = steroids + breathing treatments) and a photo shoot at work that necessitated red velvet cake.

It is better, though, and I'll take it.

Breakfast: Egg Beater veggie scramble with side of wheat toast
Snack 1: Fage 0% Greek yogurt + Red Velvet Munchkins (after the doctor)
Lunch: White Bean Chili with mixed green salad
Snack 2: Veggies with Eat Well Enjoy Life Edamame Hummus (my new obsession) + popcorn (unpictured) + 1/2 slice red velvet cake
Dinner: Chickpea burger on lettuce, microwave turnip chips and a couple tablespoons mac and cheese
Snack 3: Oatmeal with chia seeds and a handful of Cheez-Its while I read to Miles

What have you been eating lately?

Veterans Marathon. The end.

The pain of the marathon has all but disappeared.

But the pictures will last forever!

I am walking like a normal person, my legs are free from soreness. The chafe marks from my fuel belt that once resembled tummy tuck incisions no longer sting in the shower. The days of 3,000 calories have been replaced with more moderate, mindful eating.

And, the dark cloud hanging over the day, seems to be blowing over. Or, at least I'm no longer acting like a complete and utter sassy pants when I think about how the day played out. (Reading all of your comments on my recap post is a big part of that - THANK YOU! I may or may not have cried while reading them. See above comment about a sassy pants.)

I've even stopped researching spring marathons for a redemption race. Rather, I'm focusing my energy on recovering like a boss.

Sunday: Mostly rest save for raking leaves
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 45-minute walk on the treadmill while watching "The Walking Dead"
Wednesday: 30 minutes on the elliptical + Bodypump tonight (at the new gym)
Thursday (plan): Short run + teach class at the YMCA
Friday (plan): Heated yoga
Saturday (plan): Bodypump + short run
Sunday (plan): Try to rally troops for easy run in the afternoon

I'm loosely following Hal Higdon's zero week plan, coupled with the constraints of Miles' new 5:30 a.m. wakeup and the cold front. I might have picked a crap day to run a marathon but I picked the right week to take off from running!

How do you recover from a race?

Veterans Marathon: The recap

The morning of Nov. 9, the morning of Veterans Marathon, did not get off to the best start.

The quick version: I lost my key, left late, missed a turn, almost missed packet pickup, was peeing when the cannon went off and my Garmin was a jerk.

After a cup of coffee, bowl of oatmeal and decent (enough) poop, I was ready to head to Columbia City - about 40 minutes west of Fort Wayne. One problem: I couldn't find my keys. I searched the counters, my mail basket, freezer, bedroom - it was nowhere to be found. I looked for 10 minutes but knew I was pushing time as I was picking up my bib that morning so Mark gave me the spare and I was off.

I made the drive with one eye on the road and one on the clock, hoping that I would make the 7:30 a.m. cut-off for pickup. It was looking OK until I missed a turn and found myself 5 miles out of town, requiring m to pullover, check my phone and double back. But at 7:27 a.m., I found a parking space two blocks from the start and ran to the tent in a crazed frenzy, leaving all race day supplies in the car. It was my good fortune, maybe, that there was a line for pickup and I was going to get my bib.

With jacket, pins and bib in hand, I headed back to the car to get ready. I found a bench and pinned my gels to my Nathan Sports speed belt, got my flasks in the container and managed to see one of my training buddies. He was the only person I saw pre-race. He was encouraging and reminded me that I had trained hard. It was something I remembered, even held onto.

All my gear where it needed to be, I headed to the port-o-johns for a last minute and very necessary pee. At first glance, I thought they were empty but there was a long but semi-fast moving line. I waited anxiously, anticipation growing with every passing minute and prayer said. The lady in front of me, who was running the 5K (a later start), let me go in front of her. I was in the john when the canon start went off.  I shrugged it off, like I tried to do with most everything else that morning, and focused on what I could control.

I turned on my Garmin as I made my way to the start but it did not want to find satellites. I decided to hit start and get on with the race.

The quick version: My Garmin sucked, I ran into Kasey and the first loop was almost magic. Then my leg hurt.

Starting in the back of the race, I got the fun opportunity to pass people. And lots of them. I tried to find a good pace without wasting energy but it was tough. I felt good, strong. Ready to take it on.

As we wound our way through the first mile, I kept my eye on my current pace to keep it at 9:09 or slower. I didn't look at the rest of the watch, which was a problem. I hadn't zeroed out my last run so I was at 4 miles before I hit the one-mile marker and my overall time was all off. I didn't realize it until just after that first mile. I kept trying to reset it but it took me some time to realize that I had to stop it, hold down lap button and then re-start.

Around the second mile, I heard my name - it was Kasey! We met each other volunteering at the Huff and had followed each other via social media the past year. I was so excited to see her that I totally glued myself to her and enjoyed chatting with her in real life.

Those miles were almost magic. We moved at a good but reserved clip. The scenery was nice and the wind wasn't that bad. Yet. The conversation made the miles go by quickly, and it was a distraction from any pain or discomfort that we might have been feeling.

Somewhere around mile 11 or mile 12, I couldn't ignore my left leg. From the calf to the glute, it was cramping. It felt bad enough that I wanted to walk at times but felt much worse when I actually slowed down. It was tight and almost painful, and walking brought the pain to my knee. I tried to not think about it - I didn't want Kasey to know I was struggling so early - and I wanted to look OK when I saw Mark at the half.

The quick version: My leg effing hurt, I almost quit,, it was windy and I death marched it to the finish.

I saw Mark and Miles near the finish/start of the second loop and I ran over to get new flasks of Nuun. It was then that I admitted that it was not my day. As I told him this, I could feel the tears welling in my eyes and I had to fight the urge to walk off the course. Mark later said that he was worried that I would, in fact, not finish but didn't let me in on it.

I made my way on the second loop, slightly pleased that I passed in 2:05. It was a good pace for the first part, and it meant that a PR and sub 4:15 could be in reach if I could stay in it.

But staying in it would be the challenge.

I was OK-ish until mile 15, even though I was taking short walk breaks, but it was getting harder to restart. I could tell my gait was changing when I slowed down and it was harder to find a rhythm once I began running again. Each aid station I passed presented an opportunity to walk off the course, and I found myself weighing whether it was worth it to carry on. Why was I continuing on? What was I trying to prove? Was I putting myself at risk for injury?

I couldn't quit, though. I didn't carb load for nothing. I didn't train for nearly 5 months for nothing. I didn't want to teach Miles that it's OK not to do something just because it's not going your way. And so I soldiered on. I turned on my music early, ate my Picky Bar early. I tried to regulate the walk breaks to a 4:1 or better (better = more running, less walking). It was really just hunkering down.

I got a bit excited at mile 23 when I spotted my training buddy, Joe, up ahead. He was walking, though, and I knew that it was not a good sign as he's a strong, consistent runner. I caught up to him and asked how he was doing. It was not good, he said, adding that the wind had gotten his head. So yeah. The wind. It was wicked. The speeds were recorded at 28 mph and gusts were up to 43 mph. It was definitely a factor in the race - there were times when I felt like I wasn't moving at all or couldn't run in a straight line. Justin Gillette, the winner, said it definitely felt like it picked up on the second loop.

I told Joe that we trained together and we could finish together but he urged me on. I felt terrible - he was dry heaving on the side of the road when I left him - but I knew that I would have wanted the same.

The last 5K hurt but I knew it was just a 5K. I could do a 5K - it was just how much I walked. I managed to dig in and run the last mile through, which was saying a lot for the race.

I finished in 4:31:05. Not the time I trained for, not even close, but it was what the day and my body gave me. Considering I almost didn't get to the start, I'll take it. As best I can.

An anecdote: To put an exclamation point on the "this isn't my morning" day, I was trying to get a picture with Kasey (who got a 15 minute PR!!!!!!!) when Miles flipped over his stroller and introduced his face to the cement. He's screaming with a bloody lip in the photo of us because I'm mom of the year.

Veterans Marathon: The final countdown

24 hours. In 24 hours, if good training and the stars align, I will be wearing a marathon medal around my neck and eating my face off.

Until then ...

1. This morning, after Mark took Miles to Walmart and the bank, I leashed up Denali for my final run of marathon training. I was going to take a rest day, my usual MO for racing, but the four-time winner of the Veterans Marathon, Justin Gillette, kindly suggested that I head out for a 15- to 20-minute easy jog today to relax the mind and muscles. And so I did. I didn't take a watch and just went out for a short loop around the neighborhood. It was a bit brisk but nice, and Denali seemed to really like it.

Side note: I need to put D-boy through Couch to 5K this winter, and I might even start up a DailyMile account for him - to keep us both accountable.

Anyway, after the run, I came home and stretched with Chalene Johnson for 30 minutes. ProCompression sleeves on today, and I'm ready to go.

2. The weather forecast for the race could not be more perfect - high of 58 and the morning should be mid- to high 30s. I hadn't given much thought to what I'd wear but I pulled out my cheetah capris from Kohl's and Oiselle luxe layer from Hood to Coast. I think it's a pretty stellar combo - capris will help me run like that fast cat and Oiselle will remind me to fly. My HTC memories will remind me to dig deep. I also plan to take some throwaway gloves and hat to keep me warm pre-race.

3. If I don't PR this race, I can be rest assured that I've PR'd in carb loading. I amped it up yesterday with a bagel sandwich for my mid-day meal and today's lunch is a wrap and orzo salad from Fresh Market. Breakfasts have been cream of wheat and yogurt.

4. Veterans Marathon is a small race, less than 1,000 runners total and not even 300 doing the full. The marathon is two loops of the half marathon course, which means the last half might get pretty lonely. I am hoping, though, that by breaking up the race that I won't go crazy. I will see Mark at the half-way point, and he will give me fresh Nuun. I have a Picky Bar for mile 18, which will taste pretty rad at that point.

I also spent the morning downloading a sweet playlist that I can start at mile 20. I don't normally run, much less race, with music but thought it could help. 

5. Goals. Yeah. Those things. I have several. First and foremost, I want to run smart, run strong and run with heart. I want to focus on the things I can control, at that moment, and worry about nothing else. I want to smile and have fun. I want to stay in the race, mentally, for all 26.2 miles.

Timewise, several of those, as well.

D: Beat Pam Anderson's time (5:41) from the New York City Marathon. Actually, I'd like to beat most of the celebrity times from that race.
C: PR, aka finish in less than 4:26:25.
B: 4:15 or better
A: 4:05.

See you at the finish line!

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 17

Race week, it is here my friends.

With four days until the Veterans Marathon, the work is done. The miles logged. The toenails lost. There's not much to do except a few easy runs and the consumption of carbs (and not do anything stupid, like not paying attention to footing on the trail).

And, I'm ready to do this. Mentally, for sure. Physically, too - maybe for the first time in four months.

Highlight of the week: I had a gut-busting, confidence-building long run on Sunday. I ran with the group for the first 6.5 of my 8 miles and despite promising a 9:40 pace in my invitation post, we were closer to 9 flat. I blamed my speedy friend, and she blamed me. Our new member blamed us both.

Challenge of the week: I taught Ripped/Bodypump four days this week - three days back-to-back. I was mindful to go easy on the weights and track selection but my legs were toast by Thursday. I couldn't even run around the block to hit an even 4 miles that morning. Thankfully, some extra stretching and yoga helped immensely and I was in good form for the weekend.

Looking ahead: The race! Woo hoo!

The week, in training:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Piloxing + Ripped
Wednesday: 4.01 miles + Bodypump
Thursday: 3.75 miles + Ripped
Friday: Heated yoga
Saturday: 4.28 miles + Ripped
Sunday: 8.07 miles

*All group fitness classes are taught with the exception of yoga.

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 16

For all intents and purposes, this week should have began my taper. Emphasis on should have.

While I have never been one to dislike the taper - rather, I embrace it - this cycle, I've found myself channeling my inner toddler. "Just one more double." "Just one more mile." "Just one more long run." "Just one more M&M." "Just one more minute of TV."

I blame fear - fear that I didn't do enough, fear that my injury set me back too much, fear that I'll show up to the starting line thinking, "Coulda, woulda, shoulda." And I don't want to show up scared. I want to show up feeling like I put in the miles. I want to show up knowing I did the work.

I want to show up strong.

And, yes, that last one is probably why I should embrace the taper (rather than show up overtrained and risk injury). Starting today.

The week, in training:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Piloxing + Ripped
Wednesday: 6.02 miles + 3.16 miles
Thursday: 5.06 miles + Ripped
Friday: Heated yoga
Saturday: Ripped + 3.25-mile trail run
Sunday: 12.23 miles + River City Rat Race 5K

In good company

Sitting on the couch, tired from a weekend of running - the exercise kind and life kind - I realized that I not only logged 18 miles but each step was with others.

For someone who has been a proclaimed solo early-morning runner, it's a pretty big deal. A refreshing, exciting, invigorating big deal.

Saturday morning, I taught my regular class and with each track passing, I grew more and more excited about my impending run date. I was meeting Kim and her wee ones - Leo and soon-to-arrive baby girl - for a few miles and lunch.

We live close enough that there's no reason for us not to see each other but just far enough that a meet up requires some planning. I guess so much so that this was the first time we actually ran together!

It was a blustery day as we set off on the trail, which went from pavement to grass to single track through the woods within a half mile. I was the picture of a role model, tossing lollipops at Miles as we went and requesting picture breaks along the lake.

In all, we covered 3.25 miles at a 10:30 pace, pretty rad considering the terrain + strollers + a baby in tow for one of us. (Don't get excited. As I say, this year, I picked marathon No. 2 over baby No. 2.) We celebrated with Nutella + Jam sandwiches and Trader Joe's cookies.

***

The joy in sport and life the run date brought me would have been enough to carry me for weeks but I was lucky to meet up with a few run clubbers for my long run. I stepped outside my comfort zone last month when responding to a Facebook page post about a long run meet up and I am so glad I did. I've met some encouraging folks who are good at encouraging me and pushing me to be better.

This morning, we had 12 miles as two of us logged the last double digits before Veterans. The air was crisp, the leaves on fire and the fog hanging over the river. The path was familiar but seeing it all this morning was a great reminder of why I run - to go places, to see things I wouldn't otherwise.

The run felt good, and I had a great time chatting about my alma mater and the race, tactics to keep Miles from bopping me in the nose and the best mile for Twizzlers on Nov. 9. I vote 14.

***

And in all this running fun, there was still a 5K to be run. Sunday afternoon. Following the morning 12 miles and a trip to explore the new Costco.

It's the fall race around here but only the first time I ran it. Gorgeous course. Lots of people. And not the awesomest feeling after the day. But fun. Or something like that. Plus, I ran a 27:51 with absolutely stellar negative splits.

Bonus: I got to run it with Mark. In theory. As he ran a 20:54 and placed second in his age group. So proud.

***

How was your weekend running? Was it in good company?

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 15

The 20-miler, it is done.

I'm not sure there are ever sweeter words said during marathon training (emphasis on training) than having the longest long run in the books. The only thing that could put a sugar-coating on it is to say that the 20-miler is done and done well.

While I wouldn't go all large pumpkin milkshake on it, I am happy with how the run went. I took off Friday to get it in stress free as we were traveling for a wedding, and it allowed me to start a bit later (9 a.m.) and have my choice of routes. I had intended to preview the course but got lazy, instead choosing to start from my local park. It was a smart move, as it allowed me to do two out-and-backs and stop at my car around mile 12 to switch out Nathan flasks and replenish fuel.

The day was perfect. It was in the high 40s, sunny and crisp. The trees were afire with fall color and leaves crunched underneath my feet. There were a few folks out on the trail but, for the most part, it was just me. I tried to keep it slow and steady - the whole bank energy, not time thing - but my splits were consistently between 9:34 and 9:37. It's about 25 seconds per mile faster than my last 20 (which was 17.5 + 2.5) and about 30 seconds faster than where I was at last year.

Anyway, enough with numbers. I felt really good the first 12, had a mental struggle starting the second out and back but came back through 16. Mile 18 was hard, and I chose to walk up to steep inclines on the trail. I figured it was better to keep moving than to stop the watch and stand at the bottom trying to summon the energy to run up. Being on time for a lunch date kept me moving through the end. Success!

During said lunch date, my friend asked me how I eat when I run 20 miles. And then I let her in a secret - I eat all the food, in the most balanced way possible.

Mid-run. I had grand plans for fueling this cycle but abandoned them pretty quickly. Rather than taking gels every 4 miles as stated, it's been closer to every 6.  With both half marathons, I took just one gel half way through. I tried something different on Friday, though. I kept Salted Caramel Gu at every 6 but added some a chew at mile 3. I replaced one gel half-way through with half a Picky Bar to give myself a sugar break. Such a good idea.

Recovery. I have always been bad at this as I never really feel like eating right away and don't keep chocolate milk on hand. At the Fort4Fitness expo, there were reps from Core Power offering samples and I shamelessly pulled the blogger card seeking samples. They were kind enough to give me a bottle of every flavor to try, and I've been chugging them post long run since. I don't think I've met a flavor that I didn't like, even the light versions, but I love the banana. They are a direct competitor of Muscle Milk but unlike the popular brand, they actually have milk and a recognizable list of ingredients.

Indulgence. My friend was specifically interested in whether I just throw caution to the wind when I burn 2,000+ calories in a day or whether I try to stay reserved. For me, it's all about select treats. French fries are almost a must, as I crave the salt, and I usually try to plan a trip to Menchie's. When it comes to fro-yo, Menchie's is by far my favorite in the area (the others are local franchises). It might be the mochi or that the flavors taste less fake but it's the best. Friday, after lunch, I drove straight there for the insane-tasting pumpkin with Cinnamon Toast Crunch (among other things). It's easy to go crazy but I was happy that I kept the bowl around 6 ounces, and the pumpkin yogurt only has 120 calories per half cup.

Now, bring on the taper! (And more pumpkin yogurt!)

The week, in training:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3.14 miles + Piloxing + Ripped (taught both)
Wednesday: 6.53 miles + 3.01 miles
Thursday: Ripped (taught)
Friday: 20.28 miles
Saturday: Ripped (taught)
Sunday: 5 miles + 5-mile bike ride

Disclosure: I was provided with Core Power samples and a $20 gift card to Menchie's but all opinions and words and calories consumed are mine.

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 14

Some notes from the week ...

Double down. I brought back two-a-days. Woo hoo! After discovering it was very difficult for me to get in 8 miles before Mark had to get to school, I decided a double was just what I needed. I forgot how challenging and rewarding these runs can be both physically and mentally. I was happy, though, to see that I ran faster the second time without much more effort.

There's an app for that. I'm not sure if I ever really said it but my MOTOACTV died a quick death right before Hood to Coast. I'm thankful I had my Garmin 305 to fall back on but I've had a nagging suspicion that it's a bit slow and needs an update. But anyway, neither here nor there. I saw the Mother Runner + Saucony Run4Good contest and thought I'd try the app. It was fine, good, I don't know. I'm just curious how accurate such apps are and, more importantly, how much data they use.

Long run. I had the distinct pleasure of running my long run in Cincinnati this weekend. And by pleasure,  I mean I ran more hills than I have since Hood to Coast. Mark and Miles ran the first 4 with me before I headed off with a loose plan to do an out-and-back. The plan was thrown off course when the sidewalk ran out, and I turned left. I knew the road, by name at least, but was running blind in a sense. I had no idea where I would need to (or even could) turn to get the miles in. I just winged it and may or may not have checked my phone to make sure I wasn't going the wrong way.

The run itself, despite feeling hard, was great. I found myself running through some beautiful neighborhoods and along a scenic creek. I definitely didn't feel like I was in the middle of the city! Even better, despite running two of the hilliest roads I could (according to Grandma), I was two seconds over my old goal pace and negative split the run.

The week, in training:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Piloxing + Ripped

Wednesday: 6.14 miles + 3.4  miles

Thursday: 5.14 miles

Friday: Rest (Brain workout - ACE exam)

Saturday: 6.5 miles + Ripped

Sunday: 12.05 miles

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 13

The skin is missing on at least two of my toes and there are blisters on several others. I have open sores on my hip (medial, left iliac crest). I had to dig out the Desitin from Miles' baby basket but only after swallowing my pride and asking Mark if I needed it.

Even in the aftermath of Sunday's long run, I'm not sure whether my body or my pride sustained worse wounds from the difficult outing.

I've been running with a group lately for long runs and the plan was 12 miles at 7:30 a.m. Knowing I should get in 20 but at least 18 or 19, I drove to the meeting spot an hour early to get in 6 miles. Those early miles were dark and calm. While the rain fell, it didn't feel drowning. I reminded myself to start slow, slower than I'd like, to bank energy not time and so I could keep up with my speedier friends.

The sky was beginning to pick up some color when I returned to my car to switch out water bottles and eat a Bonk Breaker bite. I didn't see anyone outside so I checked my phone to see if the run was still on. In my head, I joked to myself that if they had canceled, I'd call it a day and drop down to the half at Veterans.

Funny joke, eh?

We were just a bit delayed starting but soon enough we were off. We headed out to a new-to-me section of trail and the first 6 miles with everyone seemed OK. I was managing to keep up (at a pace that shouldn't have been a problem), chatting and enjoying the new scenery. It was fun and I was thankful to have crashed the running group in time to get much needed support for the marathon.

Come the turnaround, though, the wheels came off. My Nuun tasted like soap. I could feel the blisters forming from the steady rain/wet conditions. I began to feel tired. And, worst of all, I checked out mentally. I started to take walk breaks in mile 15. At mile 16, I had myself dropping down for real. I dreamed of having a phone to call Mark to pick me up.

But the thing with running with a group - a good group - is that they don't let you do that. No matter how much I slowed, they stuck with me. Sometimes they would slow to my pace or get to a point and walk until I caught up. They encouraged me to stretch, walk backwards (works oddly enough) and to keep going. I felt guilty and unworthy but stingy, as well, taking all the support I could.

Even when I stopped at mile 17 and was ready to walk slowly back, they turned around to get me. I was certain my legs wouldn't move any faster but I was able to pick it up to a jog, and  I restarted my watch to hit 17.5.

Not quite the 20 miler I had hoped for.

I did some sulking and soaking at home but was inspired by the support of my new pals. I didn't want to quit something I had started - that day or 13 weeks ago. I was going to hit 20 miles that day. I waited for the rain to break and went out for another 2.75 miles. The run felt surprisingly good, and I felt renewed with each step.

I don't know how Veterans will go or how my body will perform but, as an encouraging commenter wrote on Daily Mile, I can remember those rainy, painful 17.5 miles and the people who believed in me. And the marathon might not feel so bad.

The week, in training:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) + Ripped (taught)
Wednesday: 6.5-mile run
Thursday: 5-mile run + Ripped (taught)
Friday: 5-mile bike ride + PT exercises
Saturday: 3.5-mile run + Ripped (taught)
Sunday: 17.5-mile run + 2.75-mile run

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 12

This week was the game changer.

After running for nearly a month with some sort of pain, my hip decided to get with the program. There was no nagging, no irritation, no tightness. I wasn't hobbling after a run or worrying that if I didn't stretch for 20 minutes that I was going to regret it an hour later. While still feeling decidedly out of shape, I hit some higher mid-week mileage and sub-9 miles. I'm feeling the urge (but resisting) to add some intensity and tackle my training plan as is.

It's a wonderful feeling and a relieving one, as well. I'm incredibly grateful that I wasn't sidelined long and have been able to run throughout this process.

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. My physical therapist is happy with my progress but there's still some things to work on. My glutes still aren't firing the way they should, and I have some mobility + strength issues to work on in my gluteus medius and hamstrings. She's switched up my exercises to hopefully improve the situation and recommended that I take a yoga class on my rest days.

If only I could a prescription for that!

The week, in training:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Piloxing + Ripped (taught both)
Wednesday: 7.85-mile run + 4-mile bike ride
Thursday: 5.13-mile run + Ripped (taught)
Friday: Stretching
Saturday: Fort4Fitness half
Sunday: 5-mile run

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 11

Motherhood cramps my running style.

There's just no other way I can put it. For good or bad, better or worse, having a child - and a young one at that - has changed me and the way I trained for distance races and the way I perceive others train for distance races. It's something I've known for some time but not a fact that I felt fair to admit.

After a second weekend of buddying up for the long run, though, I could no longer deny it.

"Who picked 7 o'clock?" a new running friend said from the parking lot as she stretched and savored the last few sips of her coffee.

A pang of guilt stung. It was me, me who picked 7 a.m. It was me who was responsible for the yawns, for getting everyone out of bed early to drive downtown.

I didn't select the start time because I wanted to avoid heat or humidity or had to work but because I didn't want to leave Miles all morning. The early I started, the earlier I could be done, the earlier I could be back to Miles. Maybe I shouldn't think this way. Maybe I shouldn't feel guilty about taking three hours on a Sunday to run 17 miles. Maybe I shouldn't feel like I'm thrusting my parental responsibilities onto Mark so I can seemingly destroy my body.

But I do.

As we ran, the unofficial leader of the group and active club member was encouraging in her invitations to run during the club runs. I feel sheepish having to turn down opportunities because I have to get home, make dinner and read stories. I feel silly, sort of, turning down invitations because I am tied to a 7 p.m. bed time routine.

But there's no other way. And no real point to this, either, except I want to feel sorry for myself a little bit.

The one good thing out all of this, though, is that I am breaking out of my shell, seeking out new people to run with and may have found a training partner in the same pace range for the marathon.

Scene from start of my Sunday long run.

The week, in training:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) + Bodypump (taught)
Wednesday: 5.36-mile run
Thursday: 6.25-mile run + Rip (taught)
Friday: 30-minute indoor cycle
Saturday: Bodypump + 2.25-mile run
Sunday: 16.65-mile run

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 10

Clarity comes in the strangest of places. For me, it came yesterday in Salvation Army.

I was being that annoying person, talking to my grandma as I wandered the aisles in the desperate pursuit for a pot big enough to hold a canning rack. I was giving her the details of my first physical therapy appointment - knots, scar tissue, old injury - when she asked what grandmas are supposed to ask.

"Did they tell you to stop running?"

I told her that, surprisingly, no. I was not told to stop running and, in fact, I was told to keep up my mileage as best I can and the only thing to avoid was hills and speed work.

But I also told her that maybe part of me was almost hoping for them to say no.

From the moment I decided to call the chiropractor two weeks ago to the appointment with the ortho to my session with the physical therapist, I've been waiting for the other Brooks Ravenna to drop on my Veterans training. It's as if I've been waiting for someone to rule out the marathon so that I wouldn't have to do it myself. I've been waiting for someone to tell me to drop down to the half. I've been hoping, maybe, for the OK to ease up on the training.

Even on Sunday, when I went out for the decision-making long run, I was almost anticipating a searing pain that was going to leave me stranded at the park and require an embarrassing pick up and admittance that the marathon was not for me. But nope. My long run was great, at a decent pace and my pain post-run was minimal and, only then, probably because of a lack of stretching. I felt empowered and strong.

If I were a believer in signs, I'd be certain that all of them were pointing me to do this marathon. And so I'm going with it. 100 percent. I'm going to stop doubting, stop worrying, stop letting the fear rule me - or run my heart out trying.

The week:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Piloxing + Bodypump
Wednesday: 3.16-mile run
Thursday: Rip
Friday: 5.02-mile run
Saturday: Bodypump
Sunday: 15.34-mile run

{camera} Roll with it

From the weekend ...

My co-worker brought in cantaloupes from her family' garden. With a show of puppy eyes, I snagged one and it was every bit as delicious as you would imagine.

Date night! My in-laws requested (no lie) to keep Miles overnight so Mark and I ate a meal in a restaurant without having to say "Bottom on the chair!" The new barbecue joint was not necessarily veg friendly but fried mac and cheese? Yes. Please.

And then Mark had the bright idea to go to DeBrand Chocolate for dessert. We split an epic one-scoop sundae with crispy peanut butter and raspberry sauces in a dark chocolate bowl.

Sunday morning, as Miles was still with Nana and Papa, I took advantage of guilt-free run time and met a member of the running club for a long run. He had 13 miles on schedule so I arrived early to get in 2 warm-up miles. As I headed out for that solo run, the sun was rising over the bridge in a spectacular show of color.

Success! 15.34 miles and obnoxious orange lululemon pants. I am happy to report that this run went far better than expected, and I am 157 percent sure that it was because I had some stellar company. I had never met him but we chatted the whole time as he gears up for his first half marathon and Weight Watchers. At one point, I looked down at my watch and was all, like, "Whoa! I'm at 10? No way!"

The hip was quiet during the run and has been fairly placid since. I think any crankiness was because I didn't stretch long enough post-run.

Note: Ignore that time - I forgot to stop the watch. My last lap of 0.34 mile, according to the Garmin, took 30 minutes.

My first pumpkin spice beverage of the year - tall light frappuccino from Starbucks. It was a great way to celebrate my run.

And then there's this ... my first road bike! The local bike shop was having its end of season sale and all 2013 models were on sale. I have made it known that the one and only thing I want for Christmas is a road bike so Mark and I decided to check it out. The sales rep, whom Mark knew from his cycling days, said this sale was as good as it was going to get and a good time to buy. I asked for a low-end road bike, as I'm just dabbling in this whole thing and bikes are friggin' expensive and my credit card sneered - it sneered - at some of the tags.

I got set up on the Giant, immediately regretted my choice in flip flops and felt intoxicated as I navigated the loop around the store. I compared the ride like going from driving a tank (my Trek hybrid) to a sports car (the Giant).  But I liked it enough and we ended up bringing her home. Her as in peaches.

I also got some sweet cycling shorts. Apparently you drive sports cars in diapers.

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 9

I've been thinking about the marathon a lot lately. More and more with each workout I miss.

Thinking about how the combination of Hood to Coast, recovery from HTC and this rest week has zapped the feeling that I'm training for something, anything. I'm floating along in this weird limbo where I want to run and hope to run but only for the run itself, not the race.

Thinking about where I need to be and where I'll have to be to just complete the dern thing, much less finish with a time goal. I've scoured training plans, beginner or otherwise, to see if I can hop down and still do what I need to do. When you are eight weeks out from a marathon, I've discovered, it's hard to just jump on something. My best shot is if I find myself running relatively pain free tomorrow and can run 15 miles this weekend. (A girl can dream!)

Trying to think about why I signed up for the thing in the first place. Wait. I know that one - free entry. I am such a sucker for free.

The thinking, at least, helps to divert my attention from the lazy, lethargic feeling that has taken over my body. I've felt more tired this past week with the sleeping in (till 6 or 6:30 a.m.) and the limited workouts. Although, calling them limited workouts is pretty funny since I still hit four hours a week (classes) - 90 minutes more than the recommendation that Americans complete, at minimum, 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.

Resting like a beauty - new Runner's World, fresh pedi and a bath with Aveda salts

The week, in training.

Monday: Included last week (Oak Brook Half Marathon)
Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) + Bodypump (taught)
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 3.75-mile run + Rip (taught)
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Bodypump (taught)
Sunday: 4-mile bike ride to the park. Very slow bike ride as Denali was running alongside me, and he maxes out at 7 mph.

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 8

I'm blaming the hills and roads of Oregon.

Blaming them for what, you might ask? I am pegging them for the reason I am experience soreness, tightness and/or pain in my left hip.

I am trying to remember when it began - whether it was after Wednesday's 7-miler or my 6 miles on Thursday - but I know that by that Thursday afternoon, I was grimacing as I walked through the office. It was more uncomfortable when I flexed the hip and abducted the leg, which helped me narrow it down. I didn't think it was the IT band, as I had that trouble before, and it was more medial.  As in my tensor fascia latae. 

Thank you, ACE studying. You are coming in handy for something.

I did some quick Googling and while many of the culprits weren't applicable (lack of resistance training, weak glutes), I had an "ah-ha" moment.

Extrinsic Factors/Causes of TFL-ITBS: Training errors (e.g. excessive mileage, sudden increase in mileage, sudden increase in intensity of training, too much hill work, running on crowned roads). 

I ate hills for breakfast, lunch and dinner during Hood to Coast, and my last leg had some pretty wicked road grades. The memory of running uphill with my left leg up higher than the right is fresh in my mind, and each time I wince I think of powering up the final incline.

Treatment, according to the article is ice, anti-inflammatories, activity modification (boo!), myofascial release (foam rolling) and stretching. I've been doing it all, sort of, and have had some relief. What's odd is that there's no rhyme or reason to when I feel good. I had hella pain Thursday but little to none after Saturday. I was a bit achy on Sunday but ran decent during a Monday half marathon (more on that to come). I walked around after the race just fine but limped after the 4-hour car ride.

This morning has been more of the same - feeling crappy at times and surprised when I feel good. I was wondering whether I'd ever run again when I got out of the car at the grocery and yet was mapping tomorrow's run as I walked around the office.

Of course, I'm still not sure if tomorrow's run will happen. I would probably tell everyone and their best running friend to take a day off but the Type A, "let's get in the miles" part of me doesn't want to lose ground on marathon training.

I know that to get through the training, though, I have to be healthy. And to that I'm committed 110 percent. I will weigh the situation mindfully) in the morning, and I have an appointment with the sports chiropractor on Thursday. She helped me get through Columbus Marathon, and I have faith she can help me now.

A lesson to all of you: Not everyone does the leap in mid-air gracefully and you don't have to use a photo in a post for the sake of using a photo.

The week, in training:

Monday: 11-mile bike ride
Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) + Bodypump (taught)
Wednesday: 7.07 miles
Thursday: 6.41 miles + Rip (taught)
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 7.25 miles, pace
Sunday: Rest/Walking around Brookfield Zoo
Monday: Oak Brook Half Marathon

Please share any tips or stories. Or feel free to commiserate with me.

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 6

There's one run each week that causes me to shake in my Ravennas. One run that causes me to toss and turn. One that makes me feel unsettled and resistant.

The pace run.

The run is the only semblance of speed work in Hal Higdon's Intermediate I marathon plan, and it is one of the longer runs of the week. As my Dream Big marathon goal is to go sub-4:00, my pace runs should come in at a 9:09 pace. It's a pace that isn't that difficult for me, right now, unless, say, I'm woken up at 2:30 a.m. to retrieve the "other paci" and spend the subsequent half-hour listening to the Laugh 'n' Learn Puppy tell me about his red heart.

But anyway.

Even though a 9:09 pace is manageable, the idea of having to do it freaks me the eff out as does having to hold it over my mid-week long distance. At 5 a.m. And before I teach Bodypump. I worry about burning out, not being able to hit targets. I worry about how hard it will feel. This week, the anxiety was especially high as the mileage went up to 7 miles, and 7 miles seems significantly longer than 6 miles. I think it's because it's an odd number and required a great deal of mapping to find a safe route.

Crap. I forgot how this post was going to go. I had it all mapped out in my head ... yesterday. Now, post-run and coffee, I feel garbled. Something's not right.

Also not right? My overthinking the pace runs. Want to know why? I have yet to come in at 9:09 - and not because I'm too slow. Even with warm-up and cool-down miles, my average pace is 8:55 or better. For Saturday's 7-miler - the long one - my pace was 8:44, and I negative split the pace miles ending with an 8:31.

I'm fairly certain I won't be running an 8:31 mile at any point Nov. 9, which probably means I should reign in these pace runs. And my ridiculous worrying.

The week, in training:

Monday: Spin class
Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) + Bodypump (taught)
Wednesday: 7.3 miles, hillish + 4 miles
Thursday: 4.1 miles + Rip (taught)
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 7.25 miles, pace + Bodypump (taught)
Sunday: 14 miles

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 5

"So what do you think about while you're out there running for hours?" Mark will ask me.

I look at him. And I look at him. I think. And I think some more. Then I look at him again.

"Uh, stuff," I reply in an obviously concise manner.

To tell you the truth, though, I don't think much on long runs. I don't usually listen to music. I don't talk ... because I'm by myself and that would be weird. And creepy.

This week, for entertainment purposes, I tried to hit Ctrl + S on my thoughts as I completed the first part of my long run (Mark + crew joined me for last 3 miles).

Slow then slower. I'm focusing on taking long runs easy, annoyingly so, to build the aerobic base I'll need to avoid bonking (ha!) in the marathon.

Slow and steady. Usually the first thought leads to this sort of mantra but it takes a mother runner twist. There's an episode of Elmo's World where the tale of the tortoise and the hare is re-created with Elmo as the tortoise and the hare. I can't help but have the scene replay in my head, with Elmo's annoying voice chanting, "Slow and steady."

Hold back. This one is not related to pace. It's more closely related to the urge I had to poop about 3 miles in as I ran over a foot bridge. Taking a crap on the side of the bridge didn't sound like a good plan or legal so I tried to hold back. Miracle of miracles, it went away.

Cock suckers. There was a giant spray-painted rendition of male genitalia on the path under a different bridge than the one where I nearly pooped. I thought about how inappropriate it was for a good quarter-mile.

Mathlete. OK, I've ran 5 miles and it took me this many minutes so my pace is probably around this. Wait, this. No. Crap. Who cares? I'm finishing with Mark, and he's going to make me run the last 3 miles as close to race pace as possible. It will change.

Yum. I love salted caramel Gu. I wonder if I should just buy a case. Oh, I wish they sold a mixed case of Chocolate Outrage + Salted Caramel. Wait. Better. Espresso Love + Salted Caramel. It would be like a caramel latte. I wonder if I can trick Mark into taking me to Starbucks this morning. I love Starbucks. 

The week, in training:

Monday: 1-hour spin class

Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) + Bodypump (taught)

Wednesday: 5 miles, hillish + 4 miles

Thursday: 3 miles + Rip (taught)

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 6 miles at pace + Bodypump (rehearse, in basement)

Sunday: 9 miles

Veterans Marathon Training: Week 4

It's going to be hard.

Mark has told me that it will be hard. My spin instructor has told me it will be hard. Mark has told me that it would be hard after thinking about it some more.

Breaking 4 hours in the marathon is not just a personal benchmark for me but one for many runners. A runner I interviewed for a story at work told of training for several cycles to get a 3:5X. I have heard of others pushing hard in training to get the time and ending up injured. Others can be on track and have to poop at mile 24.

So, yes, I know breaking 4 hours is hard - and hard for people who are fitter than me, more naturally gifted, can devote more time to training. It is one of the most ostentatious and demanding challenges I have ever taken on.

But listen to me when I tell you this: I'm not thinking about it. I wouldn't even be writing this post if Mark hadn't told me of a mental conversation he had with himself about the goal.

But also listen to you when I tell you this: I refuse to psych myself out so early in the cycle or get obsessed with 4 hours when I have a life to live. I am more concerned with putting my head down and getting the work done - run by run, week by week. I am logging the miles. I am taking the long runs slow. I am trying to do hills. I am hitting the numbers for my pace runs.

And that's it.

Come race day, I want to know I did my best to run a strong race. I hope it brings me a PR; I hope it brings me satisfaction; and, with the perfect day, maybe I will cross the line at 3:5X.

The week, in training:

Monday: Spin, including almost 10 minutes at max resistance
Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) + Bodypump (taught)
Wednesday: 6 miles, hillish + 3 miles
Thursday: 3 miles, with the stroller + Rip (taught)
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 6 miles + Bodypump (taught)
Sunday: 12 miles

Veterans Training: Week 3

I am one of the cool kids. At least according to Justin Gillette, a local elite runner who has WON 65 marathons. So yeah, I'm cool.

The "compliment" was sparked when I announced that I had tried the new Salted Caramel Gu and it was as every bit delicious as I had hoped. So delicious that for at least a mile I imagined myself drizzling it on ice cream.

The packet, which I took at mile 8 of Sunday's long run, was part of a new fueling strategy for this cycle. In years past, for fulls and halfs, I have found myself skimping on nutrition during the run. There was something in me, maybe the prior fat girl, who hated to log that I ate 400 calories in Gu as a morning "snack." Or, maybe I thought that I had enough "stores" that I wouldn't need more than 100 calories an hour.

However, I began to reconsider this strategy as I followed Dimity's training for her Ironmother. She mentioned on the Another Mother Runner Podcast a couple times that she took in 300 calories an hour (I think) on the bike. It seemed like a lot of calories to this skimpy girl.

But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. A triathlete is going to take more calories on the bike to makeup for the swim and prepare for the run but also to maintain energy on the bike. If it worked for triathletes, it could possibly work for me.

Don't get me wrong - I think three gels an hour might be a bit excessive (but it would still be half the calories you were burning, depending on the pace). I am aiming for three to four every two hours, more specifically one every four miles. I am hoping that it helps with consistent energy and pacing on the long runs, aided by the addition of nuun.

What's your fueling strategy?

The week, in training:

Monday: Spin class
Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) + Bodypump (taught)
Wednesday: 6 miles, hilish + 3.5 miles
Thursday: 3 miles + Rip (taught)
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 6.25 miles at pace + Bodypump (taught)
Sunday: 11.15 miles