Post Race Interview

Some Post-Race thoughts...

I enjoyed running the 30k at Salem Lake. The scenery was beautiful and the trail was fair. There were uphills and downhills and several inclines of death. The weather was yucky but cold rain is always better than blazing heat. My pre-race prep (meal and routine) was the same that I had practiced dozens of times throughout my training but it was not sufficient for this race, which I will discuss later.

I am a little agitated at the fact that I lost steam at mile 14 and was not able to speed up on the last 4.6 miles. I did maintain a steady pace and would not allow myself to drop but it could have been better. No negative split, no positive split...just a neutral split. (Runners like negative splits. It is a psychological thing.) I plan to fuel differently for future races over half marathon distance. I saw several runners sucking down sugar after mid-range and it seemed to help their stamina. When I say I lost steam at mile 14, I mean I lost all nutrition. My stomach lining was rubbing together, my head was spinning, my legs were cramping and a throw up ball was stuck in my throat. I felt completely nauseated and Gatorade was not helping. I did not have my normal problem of needing to pee mid-race so I was happy about that and believe me, I was using all the liquid I put in my body.

My dad and son stood at mile 15 to cheer me on and that helped. (Ben felt the need to remind me how FAR back I was from the front...thanks son!) I had one girl/lady/runner pass me after mile 15 but she so deserved a closer spot...she was shouting hallelujah and all I could do was grunt a little.

I went out strong and finished at the same pace. My feet hurt like crazy and my body will not hold down food. My mind is racing with several "should haves/what ifs" and I can't seem to shake the feeling that I did not do my personal best but I finished and I beat my goal. We always criticise ourselves harder than anyone else and that is exactly what I am doing. Am I happy with my time of 2:31 and some change? Darn skippy! Am I proud of the group I ran with and how we all encouraged each other to keep pushing? Beautiful! Am I proud of myself for doing what one year ago was impossible? Yes! Is it awesome to see your kids in shirts that say "RunningFever" when you cross the finish line? Absolutely! Am I thankful that God has allowed me to experience this beautiful journey in running? Priceless!

Most people find no joy in mud splattered legs, drenched socks, dripping wet hair, sweat stained eyes...I see things differently. My mother sees no point in running unless you are being chased by a dog...I see things differently. I love the quickness, the strength, the sweat, the sounds, the breathing, the sights and the constant mind-games but, most of all, I like the finish.

Mid-week post? Had to.

I continually fight with my schedule to allow me time to run at the distances I need to prepare for long distance races. I typically wake up at 5am just to run. I don't like interrupting the family schedule at night so I make this sacrifice...happily. When I read about other runners enjoying far greater mileage per week or see them mid-run, it makes me want to put on my running shoes and head out the door. I am very competitive and I cannot shake my desire to out do others; however...

I was reminded every so gently tonight that my true heart's desire is to nurture and grow my three children. Kids grow fast and, if you blink, you might miss something. If I was out running tonight, I would have missed my five year old cheer for the dancers on "So You Think You Can Dance?" (and give them advice on how they could improve their performance). Or I would have missed my three year old's new hula dance and my ten year old's debate that his math worksheet was wrong and there was no possible right answer!

See, although running is a passion, it cannot be my life. So...if you are out running or lifting weights or stretching or sprinting...enjoy. I'm gonna sit this one out and enjoy the view.

Final Round

Last long run. Bittersweet...mostly sweet.

Yesterday I ran 19 miles in preparation for my upcoming race. I decided to exceed the race length by a few tenths of a mile partly by choice but mostly by design. (I did try to wiggle my nose and get back home right at 18.6 but it didn't work.) I decided to pace my race time and get back in 2:40. My actual time was 2:42:37 but I forgave myself the extra 2:37 due to overage in mileage...so I was pleased with my effort.

My body went through clear stages on this run. At first, the pace felt good and the air was brisk. I turned on some tunes and got in my groove. I decided to hold off on my water bottle until mile eight in hopes of remedying previously mentioned issues. I felt good and then I started doubting myself on mile ten. Since I started with a steady pace, my legs were getting tired, my feet were starting to ache and I knew I had nine more miles to go. I decided to focus and slow my breathing to relax in my run. I pushed through the next three miles and then something beautiful happened...my "second wind." At this point, I had five miles to go and I knew my legs weren't going to fall off so I picked up speed. My next two miles were steady and the following two were painful. I could hear my feet hitting the pavement and my breathe was so deep it echoed in my head. My eyes started squinting and my sweat turned to salt. I felt my body drying out. The last mile was completely up hill, something I dreaded from the time I mapped my route but it turned out to be a confidence builder and my legs proved faithful. I remember reading an article one time that said, "Every time you come to a hill, think 'I love hills!'" (This is one of those annoying things that stick in your head and you actually find yourself repeating it!)

As soon as I finished, I jumped in a cold shower and smiled. Another beautiful run.

As for the stage my body is currently in...sore, painful, stiff and ready to do it all again.

Flowing River

I tried something new this past week. I took three days off of running in one week. I also decided to split my long run into two ten-milers. I was able to complete my first one this morning with an improved time of 1:13. I plan to do my second one tomorrow evening with a group of runners from the local running club. I only run in groups during races but thought this would be a good change of pace to start the week.

I am signed up for the Salem Lake 30k, which is in two weeks and I am starting to get nervous, to say the least. I wanted to refresh my legs and give myself some time to think about my goals for this race. Ultimately, it is to finish. I would also like to finish under 2:40. My long runs have gotten easier and I feel more confident in my speed but I am still struggling with the water intake and the need to release this fluid during my run. I am also a little worried about the fact that it is a trail race and I train mostly on roads. I may take a hit at the course next Sunday but we will see.

One thing I wasn't expecting this week is some untimely stress and how it effected my running schedule. Life has a way of kicking you down at just the right moment and you have to chose what to do...

When it gets hard, can you fight?
When it seems impossible, can you find a way?
When it hurts, can you find strength?
When it isn't popular, can you be real?
When no one is looking, can you act with integrity?
And, when it comes down to it, can you be who you were created to be?

I can and I will.

Run On

I know, I know...writer's block.

Just in case you care:
Rest on Monday
Medium run in am on Tuesday with cross-training/speed work in pm
Medium run in am on Wednesday with core/strength building in pm
Tempo run in am on Thursday
Speed work and strength training on Friday
Long run on Saturday
Easy run in am on Sunday
Rest on Monday

Also, this week, I am packing in the protein, veggies and fruits. I am carbed out! I must also concentrate on hydrating appropriately. I need to make sure a "pee attack" doesn't happen in the middle of a race and that is becoming more of an issue now that I am carrying water bottles on my hips. I plan to hold off on bottle two on my next long run and see if this helps.

Oh, and I did have one exciting thing happen to me on my last long run...a dog chased me. I have never been interested in hurdling but I definitely think I may have a future in it!

I will update my blog more eloquently next time but, for now, run on.

New and Refreshed

Well, as in all things in life, this morning's run was crafted ahead of time and all I had to do was show up.

It all started yesterday when I was fully prepared to run 17 miles on my normal loop. I was called back to the YMCA for an "emergency" in the kids' room, which is where my kids hang out while I run. When I got back, I discovered that there was, in fact, no emergency at all. Now, normally, this interruption would have shattered my ever so scheduled life, but I took it in stride and decided to push my long run back one day and do some speed drills at the gym. Little did I know...

I woke up this morning ready and excited for my run. I started my pre-run routine at 7am with a planned start time of 8am. Everything seemed to run smoothly...the kids got up, ate breakfast, got dressed and started playing before I left. Everyone planned to wait on me to get back to go to the late service at church. I started running and there was a calm peace that fell over me. I felt good. I felt strong. I felt excited. Still, little did I know...

Someone met me there. Someone planned for me to be there. Someone waited on me this morning. This morning's run had nothing to do with running...it had everything to do with an intimate love affair that I have had for years. I have fallen in love with my Maker and He romances me like no other. The sun was bright but not hot, the wind was subtle but not overpowering...but that wasn't the key...it was the silence that was breathtaking.

Often, I find myself caught up in life and the busyness that it brings. This morning, my Lover brought me to Him...just to be alone. From the start, I wasn't in control of my path...I had a guide...a Trustworthy, Loving, Fair guide. Looking down, I saw blades of grass standing up straight...looking up, I saw trees with all their fortitude reaching to the sky. I heard crickets and bees buzzing around me. I saw a bull with strength in its horns. Everything around me was worshiping...and I was invited to this party. My focus, my breathe and my strength all depended on where He wanted me to be at that particular moment. Sometimes those moments brought chills, sometimes tears...but all of them brought renewed strength. It was a breathtaking reunion.

Yesterday I had a close friend tell me that, when I am around, I light up the room. Now you must understand, this light has nothing to do with me...it is all about the God that lives inside of me. I am honored that God chose to chase after me...and there is no compliment greater than someone recognizing His love for me. If you ask if I am bragging...I am. I wear my Light prouder than any pair of running shoes I own.

Sometimes, in life, little do we know that Someone is orchestrating an intimate date that requires nothing more than for you to simply show up.

Prepare and Attack

Went for my long-run yesterday after a full week of heavy mileage...this time I was ready. Preparation was the key. A wise runner learns from his/her mistakes; therefore, I mapquested my route this time and made sure I had plenty of water strapped around my waist (see blog below).

My goal: 15 miles.

I started my run with a steady slow pace. As the miles passed, I felt strong. I actually felt like I was holding something back...don't worry, I gave the crowd what it wanted at the end. I think the best way to describe this run is to give you "Mile Markers"...

One hour after eating- Gun time
Mile 1- Slow pace, nothing too fast, no burn out planned
Mile 3- Typically when I actually have my breathing down to silent and controlled
Mile 7- First water bottle (Executed perfectly...I was warned this might take some practice to perfect...naw)
Mile 10- Turn around point...Picked up my pace...Felt good (This is called a negative split to any of you non-runners, which is not a lifestyle I comprehend)
Mile 10- Spit out old gum, Put in new gum (Yes, I actually have this planned in my runs...mile 10 is when the old piece starts to dissolve...a new piece of Orbit Mist Peppermint Spray to the rescue...running + chewing gum=multi-talented)
Mile 12- Second water bottle
Mile 13- Pumped my fist in the air in response to a "Newspaper Guy" cheering me on...It is always great to have spectators
Mile 15- More energy?? Good. There are always more streets. Took a detour and sprinted the last 1.5 miles.

Beautiful run. Confident mind. Strong legs. Steady feet. 16.5 miles...complete. Today was supposed to be a rest day so I took some time to work on my speed. Warmed up with a tempo mile and then sprinted 100s on out. Nike really is going to regret not sponsoring me...I was crushing the Berlin times today.

For this week of running, I think Danny Green sums it up perfectly, "Yeah, (I) did it, but did you see how (I) did it?"