Last post of 2013!

Let's just keep this simple, shall we?

12/15-12/20: Rest-aroni!
12/21: 7 Miles, outside. 1:03 (9:05 pace)
12/22: Rest

12/23: Rest
12/24: 7 Miles, TM. 58:24 (8:20 pace) - pm run.
12/25: MERRY CHRISTMAS. Woken up at 4 am by a little girl with excited morning breath. Guh
12/26: 7 Miles, TM. 59:14 (8:27 pace)
12/27: 10 Miles, outside. 1:32 (9:14 pace)
*12/28: Rest
*12/29: 6 Miles, TM. 50:15 min (8:22 pace)
**12/30: 7 Miles, TM. 58:09 (8:18 pace)
***12/31: 7 Miles, Outside. 1:02+ (8:59 pace)

***

Something new learned today - I have "crook of elbow" sweat.

A little wonky, isn't it?  I just.. couldn't get it together last week to get a run in, AM or PM. However, in my defense, the work week was pretty busy and we had a few after work/evening activities to fill up our nights.

Past month summary: Infrequent activity leads to (small but significant) loss of fitness. While I am still able to run the miles and (mostly) hit the paces, it's really difficult. and I'm really tired when I'm done. Like, "get back into pj's and take a nap" tired.

Saturday's 7 miles was my first outdoor run since Dec 1st! Crazy. It felt nice to be breathing real, outside air and to be using my Garmin instead of slogging away staring at the computer screen. The miles didn't hurt as much as I thought they would, but running outdoors is much more work for me than the treadmill. Also, another thing I've come to realize in my training is that, even on the colder days, I really need to take some water with me on my runs. When I'm on the treadmill, I end up guzzling an entire bottle of water. I prefer to run without anything on me but I'm just going to have to get used to the waist belt w/ the water bottle, especially since the city turns off the water fountains during the winter months. I found this out the hard way.

Today's 10 miles were tough to get through. The first four miles seems to take EONS. Also, I am definitely bored of this neighborhood but too lazy to actually drive somewhere and run. Also (two times!), I am nervous to run alone in a new area. I would be much more inclined to explore if I had a running buddy (JB) who could make me feel less.. attackable? I do not think I possess UNAGI. Perhaps some salmon skill roll...

Anyways, it is fine. I got the miles in, and my run done. I almost pushed it to 11 miles but I just couldn't kick it up a notch for the last few miles like I normally do. I wanted to stop about a MILLION times but I didn't. But Oh how I wanted to.

Tried the Peppermint GU that came in the StrideBox. It wasn't bad but my GU conclusion is that they all basically taste the same. I will also disregard the fact that my GU packet says 2012....

Slightly Suspect....

10 Miles. WHY YOU SO HARD?!

Good ole' Garmin Splits.
Mile 3. Mile 8. What da...

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	1:32:08.0	10.00	9:14
1	9:21.9	1.00	9:22
2	9:07.7	1.00	9:08
3	9:28.4	1.00	9:28
4	9:12.6	1.00	9:13
5	9:16.0	1.00	9:16
6	9:16.6	1.00	9:17
7	9:12.1	1.00	9:12
8	9:30.9	1.00	9:31
9	8:50.9	1.00	8:51
10	8:50.9	1.00	8:52

***

2013 has been a crazy fast year. Two half marathons under my belt, along with a few other random races. I'm excited to see what 2014 has in store and how much more I can challenge and push myself.

Embracing the lessons learned from running, the relationships forged by its awesomeness, and all of the friendship and support that comes along with all of it.

Happy New Year, my friends!

*added on Sunday
**added on Monday
*** added on Tuesday

I just like to rest, resting's my favorite

12/2: Rest!
12/3: Rest!
12/4: Rest!
12/5: Rest!
12/6: Rest!
12/7: 5 Miles, TM.  44:03 (8:48 pace)
12/8: 5 Miles, TM. 42:22 (8:28 pace)
____

12/9: Rest
12/10: 5 Miles, TM. 42:52 (8:34 pace) - Evening run
12/10: Rest
12/11: Rest
12/12: Rest
12/13: 6 Miles, TM. 51:27  (8:34 pace)
12/14: 5 Miles or Rest ?

***

Look at all the Rests!

***

So.. what's everyone been doing?

Nothing?

Guess what?

ME TOO!

After the half, my body I decided it was high time for a break.So that is exactly what I took. I thought I would struggle with not running, after months and months of consistent weeks of 25 miles +/-. I thought I'd gain a zillion pounds and lose all of my hard earned fitness and muscle. I thought I would be depressed and extra crazy from not being able to sweat out my anxieties and stress.

But I LOVED IT.

I got to sleep in until 5, which felt ridiculously luxurious after weeks of 4 a.m. wake ups in my frigid garage. My muscles felt rested, I felt lighter, slight less stressed and just... happy. Happy to be done training for a while. While I did have concerns that I would lose some fitness and motivation, I hopped on the treadmill on the first weekend post half, and felt great. My legs, they still work! Plus, I finally got to catch up on my shows.

I figured I"d start back with some morning workouts this week, but the temps have been so, so cold lately that I was easily able to talk myself into sleeping in. I did manage to squeeze an after work run into the week. but just once.

Weekends are the most ideal time for me to run, without the rush of trying to prepare for work, make lunches and run around like a crazy person. I had grand plans to run outside today but woke up late and did not feel like bundling up, so I jumped on the treadmill for 6 easy miles. I do miss running outside, so I'm going to try and hit the streets next week, at least once. I owe it to my lungs, and to my Garmin.

The last couple of weeks have been a very good lesson in appreciating and embracing the rest days. I am going to just enjoy what is left of 2013, and run/exercise to simply maintain fitness and sanity. I will reassess when we hit 2014, which is coming up faster than my burps after a gulp of sparkling water.

Besides, my body, much like my writing, is getting a little tired...

***

Off to watch ELF with the kids. They still laugh hysterically at all of the same parts, despite having seen this movie one million times.The best scene is where he drinks the 2 liter of coke and burps forever. I am actually slightly envious of that righteous burp.

Seattle Half Marathon Recap. I paid a lot of money to run up that huge hill.

Half marathon #2 has come and gone

13.1 miles

2 hr 4 min

4 minutes off my goal time of 2 hours. I'm a little disappointed I didn't hit goal but still proud of my effort. I was seriously deflated at miles 8,9 but lit a mental fire under my ass for the last miles. I'm pretty sure that's what salvaged the race for me. If this training did anything for me, it was to help me finish strong. At least I can say I did that.

Race outfit. I probably should have closed the toilet lid.

Pre-race outfit. Fat boy sweats and an old Gap sweatshirt. Was planning on using those clothes as throw away clothes but at the last second, couldn’t bear to part with the sweats so I left them in the car.

The sweatshirt twas left on a table in the Seattle Center House and they were there when we went back after the race so we wore them home!  It all worked out in the end.

Who loves them some ugly Garmin splits?! I don't do!

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	2:04:53.0	13.29	9:23
1	9:01.5	1.00	9:01
2	9:11.5	1.00	9:12
3	9:33.3	1.00	9:33
4	8:53.9	1.00	8:54
5	9:25.7	1.00	9:26
6	9:02.1	1.00	9:02
7	9:24.1	1.00	9:24
8	10:37.9	1.00	10:38
9	9:49.3	1.00	9:49
10	9:50.8	1.00	9:51
11	9:36.9	1.00	9:37
12	9:02.6	1.00	9:03
13	8:51.0	1.00	8:51
14	2:32.1	0.29	8:37

Apparently I ran a little further than 13.1? Hence the difference in overall pace - Garmin (9:23) Vs. Chip (9:32)

***

Thoughts/pace per mile:

Waiting for start: no corrals? Why are we behind the 2:30 pacer? I'm so cold. 

Mile 1:  9:01

Why are people walking? We've been running for 2 seconds. Everyone move pls.

Mile 2: 9:12

Hmm, two GU packets in my back shorts pocket means my pants feel like falling to my knees. Need to start sweating soon so my shorts can adhere to my body.

Also, missed water stop. Too small, only on one side of street. Eh...

Mile 3: 9:33. Stuck behind people. ANNOY!

I-90 express way entrance. Slight uphill. People. Do we need to walk in a horizontal line and block the people (me) who are trying to get away from the crowds?

Wow... This bridge is kind of long

Mile 4: 8:54

Tunnel! Much easier to run east on I-90 than west (RnR sea)

Another missed water stop. Too many people!

Another observation. So far I've seen plenty of Port O Potties, with long lines at all of them.

Mile 5: 9:26

Onto Lake Washington Blvd.

Smile at random cute old Asian couple. Feel like they are my kindred spirit grandparents cheering me on. And yes, it's only because they are Asian.

GU station at mile 5.5 but I take my own. Feel like it does nothing. Great.

See JB in my sights! He took off once we started. Run next to him in silence for a while.

Water at next station. Have to push through. Too crowded.

Mile 6: 9:02

Start to kind of feel in the groove, and simultaneous mild dread. We're starting to head uphill into the woods. 

Mile 7: 9:24

Slog slog. And then we're back out into LWBlvd.

Oh! And saw a group of oiselle ladies running in the opposite direction; gazelle like and sweat free. And smiling.

Sometimes life is not fair.

Mile 8: 10:38. UGH

Holy. Shit.

Mt Rainier... Aka Galer St.

At this rate my pace has slowed considerably. My legs.. They seem to not want to work. I see JB slowly but steadily motor his way up. Halfway up, I just decide I am pretty much running in place. So I do something I have NEVER done in any race.

I walk.

It is just enough to quell the feeling of wanting to die. 5, maybe 10 seconds? I see JB, smile weakly, shake my head, take a deep breath... And get going again.

After about 3 hours (exaggeration), we finally crest to the top of the hill.

Water station mile 8.5

And I see some of my favorite people!

Sam! Emily! Rachel! (Didn't see Rachel but couldn't leave her out. Actually, I've technically never met her). Girls are working feverishly to provide tiny cups of life, in water and Gatorade form. I scream in their faces, throw some water in the air (sorry to the girl next to me) and motor on.

Pretty much the best part of the race.

Mile 9: 9:49

I think we head into the arboretum?

After a slight downhill at the end of mile 8, it's back up through tree lined switchbacks which feel like we're on a never ending mountain road that leads to hell heaven. Exaggerating again. Feeling dramatic.

Take another GU out of desperation. Not sure if it does anything. At least my pockets are empty now. 

Please end, mile 9

Felt like I spent the majority of my race running miles 8,9. Makes no sense really and yet, totally does.

Miles 10: 9:51

When is this over? I'm never doing this again.

Mile 11: 9:37

The mile I had anticipated dreading but turns out to be almost enjoyable. It is a slight uphill that leads to the top of the I-5 overpass, which then is the downhill and beginning of the final mile point 1.

See cute old Asian couple again! Try to avoid eye contact, as I do not want to scare them with my seemingly stalkerish tendencies.

Mile 12: 9:03

I “fly” past a bunch of runners as I approach the bridge. Force my legs to speed up to motor down the ramp and onto republican. I see the straight shot down west to where the finish lies right around the corner.

Bonus, I smell someone’s crop dusting wonders during the last mile. It is not awesome but makes me run faster to escape the plume.

Play a game of "follow that lady" and am determined to keep up with, or pass, her. I slow slightly as I near the 13th mile and blond girl wearing stupid wings on her shoes passes me. At the corner of Mercer St, I see a lady sitting on the ground with a race volunteer. I found out later she had passed out with almost .2 left to go. Devastating, I'm sure.

FYI - Totally pass the "Follow that lady" lady.

Points for me.

Earlier, I also pass a lady wearing a sign that said "23 weeks pregnant"

Strangely, feel slightly less smug about this.

Also, When is this over? I'm never doing this again.

Mile 13! 8:51

Turn left onto Mercer. See Oiselle runner Sarah Chan and her cute doggie. Glide down mercer and then sloooog up as it inclined sharply at the end. So mean, Hate when races end that way.

Mile .1 (.29?): 8:37

Turn left into Memorial Stadium. Seriously, this race is NOT OVER YET?

Burst into the stadium and decide I can sprint at least the last. 005 if I have to. So I do.

Cross the finish line, get my medal and realize the sound I hear is a lady puking right next to me.

Seattle Half Marathon, I’m done with you.

Already planning for my next race....


(wrote most of this on my ghetto ass phone so sorry for typos and weird fonts etc... and for it being kind of extra boring)

One week from today

11/18: Rest
11/19: Rest (UGH)
11/20: 5 Miles, TM. 43:48 (8:45 pace)
11/21: 4 Miles, TM. 35:36 (8:53 pace)
11/22: Rest (UGH!)
11/23: 6 Miles, outside. 51:47 (8:34 pace)
11:24: 5 Miles, TM. 44:05 (8:48 pace)

***

Well...

This week sucked donkey balls was weird. I accidentally skipped Tuesday's workout and then it threw off all my mojo for the rest of the week. Also, I was incredibly sore ALL. WEEK. from Sunday's NTC workout. My thighs felt broken. Not working. Defunct.

ALL. WEEK.

It didn't help matters that I was just really tired all week long. I could barely make it until 9pm on most nights, and even with all the sleep, I could not face getting out of bed in the mornings. Also, Friday morning I woke up to a bedside  pant-less, gagging 5 yr old. Stomach bug, anyone? Not my idea of morning fun. I took the vomitous moment as a sign to just give in and sleep in the extra hour until 5am.

***

Woke up to a frozen tundra on Saturday and almost talked myself out of an outdoor run.

But.

It was to be most likely my last outdoor run before this Sunday's half, so I bundled up in tights, a half zip and a ridiculous head/ear band, and got myself motoring onto the streets, with the sun shining and the streets still shimmering with frost.

Look! My Fave!

Garmin Splits!

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	51:47.0	6.00	8:34
1	8:44.7	1.00	8:45
2	8:59.2	1.00	8:59
3	8:48.5	1.00	8:48
4	8:38.1	1.00	8:38
5	8:24.3	1.00	8:24
6	8:12.1	1.00	8:12

Look. To never be proven wrong, my 2nd/3rd mile theory of slow poke running continues to ring true. The first three miles were tough, as my legs just felt heavy. I didn't eat much beforehand, which I realize now was not a great idea. Lots of coffee, a couple sips of water and.... oh wait, that's it.

Whoops.

The entire run was a mental game, and I kept telling myself to push and run as briskly as I could. I mean, it's only 6 miles, right? Mile 6... I've never seen that number before as mile pace, and I didn't feel like I was even going as fast as the previous miles but I remember thinking, for just one more mile, I could burn rubber until I felt like exploding. Which is exactly what I did.

*KABOOM*

***

One week from today.

13.1.. I'm coming for you..



Someone hold me...