Finishing 2012 Strong

2012 was a year of ups and downs in my running life.  I started the year with hopes of running the Chicago marathon and ended the year just being glad to run without pain.  As March 2012 started, I was just completing my first 12 mile run and thought I was well on my way to the marathon.  Then life got in the way.  I went to Alabama to visit my elderly Aunt Marie and took a few extra days off from running.  When I started up again, I didn’t take account of the time I was off and went out the shoot with “too far” and ended up with a stress fracture.  I didn’t give the injury enough time to heal and tried again coming to a dead stop on Easter weekend.  My poor husband watched me hobble to the house shaking his head thinking “she’s done it again.”  I was completely sidelined from running until late summer.  

Not willing to risk yet another injury (in 2011 I had knee problems) I decided to engage a running coach.  The best running decision I’ve made.  Caroline has been putting together a training schedule for me that has taken it slow and steady and I have consistently followed her plan.  She’s kept me at a slow pace (11:30 to 11:50) and has very slowly been increasing my running intervals and decreasing my walking time.  As the New Year approaches, I’m just about to do my first 30 minute straight runs without any walk break.  Given my previous injuries, my age and the fact that I take a beta blocker (which affects my ability to increase my heart rate), I never thought I would run 30 minutes straight. 

I considered letting Caroline go and trying it on my own.  It is a great luxury to be able to spend the money, it’s not like I’ll ever be a competitive athlete.  Caroline, however, offered me a lower priced, less frills option and I’ve decided to stick with her.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?  We’ve discussed my 2013 goals and she’s confident (so am I) that I will meet them. 

What else was on the upswing in 2012?  My shoes!  My injuries all occurred while running in a pair of Asics.  I’m sure they are fine shoes, but they just were not right for me.  I have a very high arch.  I think my orthopedist’s comment was “my god, how do you walk on those things?”  I did a bunch of research and am now swapping runs between a pair of Mizuno Precision 13’s and a pair of Brooks Ghost 5’s.  Besides a committed focus on my running form, I believe the shoes have made a HUGE difference. 

And lastly, my husband gift to me of a Nike+ GPS watch also has helped me close the year on an upswing.  My friend, Sherry, tried to convince me that a gadget was a good motivator.  Of course, I argued with her and truly believed, at the time, that none of that was necessary and going minimalist (with regards to gadgets) was the way to go.  I was wrong.  I love tracking my progress on www.nike.com and seeing my post run routes come alive with pace and elevation.  I’ve had it three months now and seriously love it.

Life is good when running is good. 



Blow Up Monstrosities

The Midwest is desperately in need of moisture but all of this dryness has allowed me to keep running outside.  I have discovered that I really like running in the cold.  Not only is it just easier to run in the cold, but at least time of year, it is such a pleasure on a night run to see everyone's home lit up with Christmas lights.  I must compliment all my neighbors on tasteful holiday displays.  Only a couple houses with blow up monstrosities.  When did they become popular in the first place?  Kind of like having a car dealer "King Kong" in front of one's house.  Although, that might be more fun that a blow up Snoopy on his doghouse.

Back to running in the cold.  It is so easy to dress for temperatures in the 20's when it is dry.  I'm finding that tights, a long sleeve tech tee, a very thin fleece jacket and a baseball cap is all I need.  I wore a fleece cap today and found it to be way too hot.  I also started with fleece gloves but had them off after the first mile.   Only covered 3.5 miles today and did a bunch of 3 min run/1 min walk intervals.  I just didn't feel like running 15 minutes straight (as called for in my training plan) with a one minute walk repeated a couple times.  I'm finding running longer than about 10 mins straight is just boring.  The walk breaks are, for me, just a change in what I'm doing.  I will continue to train for longer running periods (I'm supposed to hit a 30 min run within the next 2 weeks) but I enjoy those days when I just run/walk as I please.  I know for the serious runners that these are just junk days but I'm not serious.

Rocket Elf Enjoying His Holiday Wear

In honor of not being serious, when I got back today my husband made fabulous buttermilk pancakes.  No better way to finish a run :-)  Don't think I would want them on a 70 degree day but on a cold day absolutely.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas.  Here's one of my reluctant elves to wish you Happy Holidays.

So Many Possibilities

How do you decide which races to run? Living in a big city area, I have so many choices and not enough time, talent or money to enter all of them. As a result, I find that I sometimes I enter races that I don't run and sometimes wish I was in a race that I didn't enter. Neither of those scenarios makes me happy.

Next week I am signed up for the Naperville Running Company's three mile bad Christmas sweater pub run. I'm going to have to dig through my closet to find an old Christmas sweater. It seems like they're back in vogue. I wish I hadn't trashed most of them!

I'm currently on my way to an overnight in Atlanta and pondering next year's races. Will I be up to a half marathon or two or even a full marathon? I definitely want to accomplish both before this old body of mine says stop but not sure what I should strive for in 2013. A half marathon definitely, a whole marathon...maybe. Which half marathon should I start with? When should do it? These are the questions circling in my head. I don't want to answer them too quickly as the contemplation is half the fun

I am so glad to have spent the week after Thanksgiving in Oregon. It was a nice break from work and the hiking was great. I did not run that week but maintained my fitness with all the hiking. Another question to answer , should we buy property in Oregon? And if so, where and when? Way too many questions, perhaps I will go for a run.

Keeping With The Plan

I’m just about to finish Week 14 of the Running Plan being laid out by my running coach, Caroline Yasuda. This is the first time I’ve run for over 3 months straight without an injury and I feel stronger each day. Caroline’s plan, which was different from the others that I’ve done, has more frequent runs with shorter duration. Sticking with it, I’ve noticed the gradual improvement in my running. The runs no longer feel like incredible slogs. Instead, I feel good through the whole run and just wish my legs were up to a bit more at the end. Although I have pushed it a few times, I’ve been good about stopping realizing that Caroline has set this plan up for a reason. I even stuck with the plan on vacation and enjoyed running in the new environment. I truly enjoyed the track running that I did and wish I had a similar facility near home.

Caroline, at my request, embedded four Fall 5K’s into the plan. It has been wonderful to get out there with people and be part of the running scene. I hope to do even more as time progresses. I’ve signed up for a local pub run on Dec. 18th and hope to meet a few folks there. It should be a blast. Run three miles, end at a pub and wear bad Christmas sweaters. I couldn’t have designed a better run. While we were on vacation, I learned about the Wine Country Half Marathon in Carlton, OR over Labor Day weekend. I’m thinking that might be just the right thing for me. I’ve already been invited to an after run party at Kristen and Patty’s house. What nice folks.

Winter weather is beginning to arrive in Chicagoland. Nothing major yet but temperatures are colder and night starts earlier. This week I did my first truly after dark run. Someone gave me a battery operated blinking running vest. I think I’m visible from about ½ mile away as cars flashed their brights at me to figure out what I was. The bright lights were annoying but I was pretty sure no one was going to hit me. I couldn’t help but think that I look like a moving Christmas tree as I ran by houses decorated more modestly than I was. The temperature was about 35 degrees with a light wind. I wore running tights, a long sleeved tech tee, light windbreaker, the vest, a fleece hat and fleece gloves. I was quickly very warm around my core but noticed that my feet were a little chilly --- got to look for longer winter running socks. My head was pretty sweaty when I got back but that’s the norm for me.
By the way …. I still haven’t given up hopes of doing the Chicago Marathon. I will assess my chances for success as Spring approaches!

Another 5K In The Books and Stupid People

Saturday was a perfect day for a run and Cantigny provided the perfect setting. The Cantigny 5K run/walk supporting the Midwest Homeless Veteran’s Shelter started at 9 AM. Since Cantigny is about 16 miles from home, I had not taken advantage of the pre-run packet pick-up. I got up around 6 and did my normal pre-run routine of coffee, water and a granola bar and left the house about 7 AM. Peter was sound asleep when I left, a couple of the cats had even gone back in to join him. As I drove to Cantigny, the temperature dropped steadily until it plateaued at 37 degrees. An excellent running temperature!

I went into the Visitor’s Center to pick up my running packet and the people manning the packet pickup were perky and friendly. Nice way to start the morning. The Visitor’s Center was toasty warm and had plenty of room and restrooms to accommodate all of us waiting for the start of the run. The race shirts were super nice. Because Cantigny runs the event, there weren’t all the sponsors like there are at most races. So no Goodie bag full of junk but a great long sleeve technical shirt with the race logo on front and back and no sponsors! This year’s color is a dark blue and the shirt is very nice. Way to go Cantigny! I spent a little time waiting in the car as well. I’ve finally figured this out – bring a blanket and a jacket and just snuggle in. About 20 minutes before race start, I got out of the car and slow skipped about half a mile to warm up. I like skipping. It warms me up quickly and I get to pretend I’m a little kid again.

Cantigny is a great spot to hold a run. It was the estate of Robert McCormick, the man who started the Chicago Tribune. It has a huge parking lot, beautiful grounds, a military museum and a nice golf course. The race route was all on black top and traversed the grounds and the golf course. There were no huge hills but nice undulating ground. The race was capped at 900 participants and that is about max for the facility. The cart paths on the golf course are fairly narrow and it is a little difficult to pass slower runners. The race started with a bang. Literally. Instead of a starting gun, they used a canon to start the race. I started off in the back of the running pack ahead of the strollers and walkers. I really don’t mind the walkers but the dual child strollers are a royal pain in the ass. They are just too big for most runs and create trouble even when the runner behind the stroller is considerate and the course wide. I’m not anti-children but I really don’t understand what place they have in a run. If you want to be out on the course, walk with the walkers. The strollers are just too dangerous.

While I’m griping, here’s my gripe about stupid people. I’m a run/walker. I get it. I run about 9 minutes and then walk one minute. Here’s the thing, when I’m going to transition to walking, I take a quick look over my shoulder to make sure there is no one behind me. Then I quickly mover to the right and get off the course (if possible) and then walk as far to the right as possible. The idea being to stay out of the other runners’ way. What is it with some people? Are they stupid or insensitive or what? There was one woman who each time she stopped she just stopped dead where she was and then went wandering down the middle of the course with her headset plugged into her ears. Runners were dodging all over the place to get around her. It wasn’t pretty. I really wonder how that woman drives. Totally clueless.

Final results for me. Middle of the packer! I finished 16th out of 41 in my age group with a pace of 11:38 per mile and 478 out of 900 (but of course that includes the walkers too). I’m just happy to be back out there.

Still Chugging

I'm now in week 9 of my comeback program and progressing steadily without pain. It is almost too good to be true. I am totally shocked at how fast I'm recovering after runs, shocked that I often run two days back to back, shocked that running on the road doesn't hurt and just, well... Shocked

I'm now up to running 3 repeats of 8 min running with one min of walking and 6 additional minutes of running. I'm suppose to keep the pace around 11:45 but find that I'm a bit faster. So far, I've been able to complete all the prescribed runs and feel good afterwards.

Two weeks ago I came in second in my age group in a local 5K. It wasn't a competitive field but it still felt great to be called to the front to get my medal. As a completely unathletic kid, it made my day. Running another 5K this coming weekend at Cantigny and excited to be able to do so. No matter where I finish.

I'm just so grateful to be back on the road. What is it about running that makes it so irresistible? It hurts, it is hard and yet, it pulls me like no other sport

Still On Schedule

There's obviously something about paying for a plan.  I am finishing up week 6 of the plan Caroline is laying out for me and I'm still on schedule.  I am not totally diligent about the strength training or prevention exercises, but there's no way I would miss a scheduled run!   So far so good and I'm counting on more.

Plans and Gadgets

Week 4 of the training plan put together by my coach has ended and I’m now running intervals of 5 min running and 3 minutes of walking, repeated 4 times. My pace is slow around 11:00 per mile but the coach would like me to go even slower, more like 11:35 per mile. Looks like by the end of next week I should be running 7 min straight with 2 minute walk breaks. Who knew? Caroline, my coach, hasn’t really told me anything I didn’t know except I actually DO what she says. On my own, I tend to do too much too fast. Following Caroline’s directions, each run has been enjoyable and nothing hurts. My recovery periods are less than 24 hours and I really want to run each time I’m supposed to.

The full body strength training and stretching that she has included in the plan really do help. I’m not as diligent in completing those activities, but I do see the benefit.

I turned 55 this weekend, and the Chicago Marathon is next weekend. I’m totally bummed that I’m not going to be running it but with Caroline’s help, I’m starting to dream about 2013.

For my Birthday, Peter bought me a Nike+ GPS watch. It really is quite stylish and I’m enjoying the ability to more closely match the pace that Caroline has prescribed in my running plan. I love coming in after a run, plugging the watch into the PC and watching it draw at my route and give me different statistics. I’m really surprised that the watch makes such a big difference in my running but it does. Thank you Peter!

Running allows me to see the sights of my neighborhood. Like geese and an egret in the neighborhood pond. I bet I’ve been to this pond 5 times in the last 24 years and I saw it twice this weekend on my runs. Good to be outside and running like a child. OK, maybe not that fast, but carefree.

It’s a Long Slow Road from Scorched Earth and TEAM PAWS

As anybody who reads this blog is aware, this will not be the marathon year for me. With the downtime from the Easter stress fracture, I’m coming back from ground zero or as we economists like to say, from scorched earth. I’m just starting the third week of a training program under the guidance of a running coach and I have to say, although none of this is something I couldn’t have figured out on my own, having a coach has been good for me. When I start to do more than Caroline has prescribed, I say “no, there’s a reason she only wants you to do…. Fill in the blank” and I behave. I guess this says something about my personality. I always did my homework in school and still like following rules. With the start of the third week, my aspirations are starting to be bigger than my current capability – I want to run that marathon, dash that half marathon, etc. These things may come but not now.

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. So, I can’t run the Chicago marathon but I paid for the bib. Even though I cannot run, I planned to attend the health and fitness expo on Friday, October 5th. Why not check out all the vendors, charities, etc.? Then it occurred to me, maybe they need volunteers and maybe TEAM PAWS my charity group needs help? Sure enough, I am now working the health and fitness expo on Friday morning and will be able to look around in the afternoon. Then on marathon day, I will help them dismantle the TEAM PAWS charity block party and be there to cheer runners at mile 14. I hope to be there early enough to help them set up too but 6:30 am from the western suburbs might be a push. I’m almost as excited to be volunteering as to be running. OK, well maybe not that much but it is exciting.

My TEAM PAWS donation page is still active at http://pawschicago.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1006413&supId=352351163 I would be very grateful for your donations. I’m a suburbanite and have adopted all my best friends from ADOPT or the Naperville Humane Society but Chicago is full of unwanted animals and PAWS does a great job. If you got your best friend from an adoption agency, won’t you please consider donating.

More about PAWS Chicago below:

“In 2007, PAWS Chicago opened the Midwest's only cageless, state-of-the-art, No Kill shelter. With proactive adoption and spay/neuter programs, more than 5,000 dedicated volunteers, and a nationally renowned shelter medicine program, PAWS Chicago is transforming animal welfare and saving lives.

In 2011, PAWS Chicago found homes for more than 4,300 homeless pets and performed more than 18,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, the majority for families who could not otherwise afford the procedure. These two efforts are reducing the number of unwanted pets entering shelters and increases the number of lives saved.”

Thank you all!!!

Coming Back Slowly....

I am now making my third attempt at a comeback after a stress fracture laid me down in April.  Hoping that the third time is a charm.  Time to start the blog up again.  A few weeks ago, I started a comeback program that I found in a spring copy of Runners World.  It is clearly a not too much, not too soon program starting with 20 sec intervals of running followed by 40 sec intervals of walking ramping up over 4 weeks to 45 minutes of 30 sec run/30 sec walk intervals.  Then, however, it just leaves you cold.   Although the program was working, it just didn't seem like it was going to get me to where I need to be.   So, I started Googling "running coaches" in my hometown.  After a little research, I called Caroline Yashuda and boy am I glad I did.  Just meeting her is inspirational.  Caroline has run many marathons and ultra marathons, paces for other runners and is just an all around upbeat lady.  I have to say her fitness level is a bit intimidating but heck, shouldn't a running coach be fit?

267 hmmmm there were only 209 runners

Her plan for me is different than what I was doing with longer running intervals followed by even longer walking intervals for now.  She also has worked strength training and cross training into my plan.  I am just finishing up my first week working with Caroline (it is mostly via email although we did run together on Thursday morning) and I'm pleased.   Today, I ran my first 5K since last year's Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.  Ok, I only partially ran it, but I was out there.  Caroline worked the 5K into my program and I mostly stuck to the run walk intervals that she suggested.  I got a little carried away and ran a bit more than she had mapped out but I was pretty careful.  It was a miracle that I even got there!  Last night, Peter was baking bread in Chicago and got home late.  Although he was very quiet, I woke up a little when he came in, disrupting my sleep.  Then, this morning, it was so cool and comfy in bed that I could have easily convinced myself not to go.  But, the run was for DuPage PADS (public action to deliver shelter) and I had checked runners in last night and it looked like a bunch of good people.  I forced myself out of bed, ran the run and was home before 9:30 AM.

DuPage PADS Race Shirt

It took me 38 minutes to finish and I was 170 out of 209 runners.  Not exactly a PR but it was a lot of fun.  It was 55 degrees at race time with a crystal clear sky.  Perfect running weather.  By the end of the run it was actually hot -- 61 degrees.  If you're feeling cold, get out there and run.  It is like a free furnace.

I still want to run longer runs and eventually get to the Chicago marathon.  But first, I'm hoping with a bit more care I can become a daily runner. 

Running The Plan

I have to run. My husband has been taking a Bread and Pastry baking class at the local community college. The treats he brings home have been amazing. There's no way I can eat all of them and not up my activity level. This week he made and shared chocolate filled croissants, almond filled croissants, banquettes and cherry turnovers. And yes, I had them all. They were all fabulous So I have to run.

Today I stuck with the plan. 30 min of intervals- 20 sec running, 40 sec walking. To make it interesting, I increased my speed a little for each successive interval. I really wasn't into it when I arrived at the gym but it felt great as I got into it. After the running, I did a 20 min elliptical workout and weights. All good.

Tomorrow we are going to a wedding so post workout I had a pedicure. My feet feel great and look good. Thank you Ethel. Peter and I will be in dancing shoes tomorrow night. Does not mean we will dance but we will be in dancing shoes.

Moderation Ain't My Style

I'm in the middle of week two of my comeback. I was so excited to run yesterday I KNOW that this is suppose to take time. I KNOW that I should stick to the plan. I KNOW that I should keep the running intervals short and the overall time low. BUT no, I had to run a few minutes straight rather than the predetermined 20 sec intervals, run the intervals at an 8:10 pace instead of a 10 min or greater pace and run an hour instead of 30 min. Today, I am a bit sore (I followed the run with weight training) and feel a few twinges in my leg but I think I survived my indiscretion. However, I think I was lucky. Tomorrow I go back on plan. But man it felt good to go a little faster and a little farther. Patience is not my strong point.

Week One

The restart is going well. Today I finished week one of the program with 30 min of 15 sec run/ 45 sec walk intervals. Some of those run segments were more like 20 sec as I couldn't get the touch pad on the treadmill to respond quickly. I'm trying to keep the run segments at or around a 9:13 pace. I have a little tightness in my leg after sitting for awhile but other than that, it's going well. Followed up the treadmill with weights

Temperatures are at inferno levels here in the Midwest. Having grown up in NY weather like this is unknown to me. I've lived in Chicagoland for nearly 25 years and although we've seen 100 before never multiple days of it. I find this really scary as I think this is how it will be for the rest of my life. Sure we will have a few cool summers but overall it will be warmer and warmer.

At least someone is enjoying the summer ...

Hot, Hot, Hot

The come back is going really well (fingers crossed.)  It seems mighty slow, so little actual running but nothing hurts and I can see that the slow progression is the right thing to do.  The 15 seconds running intervals I'm doing at about a 9:40 pace, not too fast, not too slow (remember my age here.)  For those 15 minutes, I feel absolute joy!

The Midwest is unbearably hot at the moment.  Chicagoland is looking at three days in a row with 100+ temperatures.  This was taken at 2:00 PM in the shade...

Way too hot to run outside.  So I did my 25 minutes of 15 sec run/45 sec walk intervals on the treadmill at the gym.  It felt great and nothing hurts at the moment.  Part of my return is to be much more diligent about weight training.  I pretty much had forsaken weight training for running - probably part of the reason I got injured.  This time out, weight training at least 3 times a week.  This afternoon I did 25 minutes of weight training following my run.

I had a funny experience at the gym today.  I'm such a creature of habit. I like to use a particular treadmill at the gym because it handles intervals very well.  The path I take to the treadmill is the short route.  Today, there was a woman coming through from the other direction (there's only room for one) and it really threw me.  The irony of the situation did not escape me.  I'm at the gym to get exercise but I take the short cut to the treadmill!  I do park at the opposite end of the parking lot, even today in the oppressive heat.

Happy Independence Day!

Walking Counts Too

Day 2 of the Runners World come back program is a 30 to 60 min walk. Walking seems like such a let down after a little running but I am not going to push this. My nature is to go full steam ahead and ignore the signs that I am over doing it. Not this time. The 3 months off has been too difficult. So walk it was.

To give the walk a purpose, I headed out to the local Walgreen's to return a movie at the Redbox. It was very humid and close to 90 degrees. That 3.5 mile walk felt like a 5 mile run. I was totally drenched when I walked back in the house. I'm looking forward to a little more running tomorrow on the treadmill. I read somewhere ( probably Runners World) that people coming off stress fractures should run for about 6 weeks on a treadmill before heading outside. Makes sense to me and frankly until the weather cools off, I'm ok with going to the gym and using the treadmill. After running, I can get a few pool laps in

As an aside, if you've never used Redbox, what a great concept. $1 per movie if you return them overnight. I watched J Edgar with Leonardo Dicaprio. The bad makeup job in aging the characters was very distracting but a good movie nonetheless.

I'm Back (Or Trying to Come Back)

Wow, it's been almost 3 months and I'm still struggling with the stress fracture.  It has been really difficult sitting on the sidelines while others are out there doing it.  I salivate when I see people enjoying their daily run.   Yes, I could have done more at the gym but frankly, I'm not that interested in biking and swimming is just ok. The orthopedic guy said no elliptical.   As a result, I'm starting pretty much back at square one.

The Chicago Marathon is out.  There just isn't enough to come back and train properly for 26.2 in early October.  Kind of irritates me that there isn't a way to get a refund for an injury or "legally" sell your number.  Oh well.  I may still go down and run/walk as much of it as I can and enjoy the experience.  I will consider it a trial run.  I WILL do the Chicago Marathon before I die.  It just won't be this year.

So my comeback has started.  The past 2 weeks I've returned to the gym and I've been doing elliptical workouts and weights.  Today I added in 15 minutes of treadmill doing 15 sec run/45 sec walk intervals.  This month's runners world has a "Back on Your Feet" training schedule for coming back after a 60 or more day break.  It seems conservative for 4 weeks with no greater  running interval during that time than 30 sec.   I think it will be something I can do and not get reinjured.   I felt amazingly good just getting 15 sec running intervals in on a treadmill.  There's something about running but I feel better right now than I have in weeks.

It feels great to be back (or at least, on my way)

Back on the Road

They say "fall off a horse, get back in the saddle"... guess that applies to me.  For the past 4 weeks or so, I've been nursing on injury or another.  First tendonitis around my knee, then a wrenched back, blah, blah, blah.  I cross trained a little (read "not enough") and have been doing 3 mile walks at lunch time.  For the past couple of days, I've felt almost normal, maybe about 95% better.  I can't stand it anymore and I won't make my goals if I don't get back out there.  With that said, I'm going to head back out the door this afternoon.  I will, however, be taking it very, very easy.  My plan is to do 1 min/1min run/walk intervals and go 30 to 40 mins, or less if things start to bother me.  It's a beautiful spring day in Chicagoland and my hopes are high.

Wish me luck, please.

Move Mississippi

Heading home after 5 days in Alabama. Sleeping on the sofa is not something that 54 year olds do well. I had ever intention of getting up early and running on the bay shore but man, I had a terrible night's sleep. Just as well. It was very foggy this morning and part of the path is right on the roadway. I would not have felt safe. I've also been feeling a bit gimpy in my left knee. Thinking the extra day off will actually be a good thing. The key will be to get to the gym tomorrow and run. I am scheduled to complete a long run of 10.5 miles this weekend. Trying to decide whether to go for it tomorrow or on Sunday.

Having spent the past few days with my Aunt, I really can appreciate the value of movement. Although she is almost 91 years old, Aunt Marie is spry. She was never a runner but she was always active. My mother, her sister, on the other hand is 11 years younger and has not been active for years. My mother looks younger but moves like she is 101. Even my Aunt's cardiologist's last words, as we headed out the door, were "keep moving". Ain't that the truth! I really want someone to be writing articles about me running or walking marathons when I am in my 90's. Life is about living it not sitting in a chair watching TV.

I know I've been blessed with good genes but it takes work too. Sadly, I stopped at a McDonalds in Mississippi, I have never seen so many huge people both as customers and employees. It was really disturbing as everyone was so out of breath and yet moving so slow. I wish I could gently talk to these folks and convince them of how much better they would feel if they ate a little healthier and moves a bit more. I don't mean to be critical, and they don't need to start running, but they would feel so much better with just small changes.

Home is Home

As my Aunt improves, I feel more comfortable slipping out for longer periods of time. Today I got out for a run along the Mobile Bay in Fairhope, AL. I had not run since Friday, way too long! It felt good to get those legs moving. I ended up doing mostly 1 min walk, 1 min run intervals for 70 min. The heat and humidity really slowed me down. I got hot and sweaty running at 38 degrees. At 75 degrees, I was drenched. Fun running along seeing new places and saying good morning to other runners and walkers

But it will be good to get back to Chicago on Thursday. Home is home

Obstacles

Made it out for a good 6.5 mile run yesterday and had the next week all planned out when ....obstacle! My Aunt Marie in Fairhope, AL is in the hospital and I am unexpectedly going there tomorrow. She is a fabulous woman but she's now 90 years old and has no one nearby. My Uncle died a number of years ago and they did not have children. My Aunt Irma called last night pretty upset about her sister's situation. I didn't commit to going last night but I spoke to Aunt Marie this morning and realized how frail she is. Anyway, my running schedule is all in flux now. Trying to have a zen attitude about this and just go with it. At least it will be warmer down there and there are hills to try.

Beta Blockers and Lights, Oh My!

It occurred to me, while out on a 5 mile lunch time run, why I can go forever but not at a high intensity. It's the beta blocker stupid! About 5 years ago, I started taking a beta blocker for high blood pressure and an arrhythmia and I have pretty much forgotten all about it. It does its job and doesn't cause me any grief. But, and this is a big but, it doesn't allow my heart to go above a certain rate and as such, at some level of intensity I don't get enough oxygen for what I'm asking my body to do. With an excuse in hand, I am now more comfortable about my walking intervals and the slow pace at which I run. So, I still call it running

It has been really nice to get back outside. Running on a treadmill is great (yes, I like the dreaded treadmill) but the only way to harden up those joints and ligaments is to hit the pavement. The marathon will not be run on a treadmill. I was pretty sore after Saturday's 9 miles on the road but am barely feeling today's quick 5. There really is something to be said for consistency. We all know it but I am currently proving it to myself

Do you run with lights even during the day? I do. I have a flashing vest that I wear at dusk but even at midday, I always wear a flashing light. I wouldn't think of biking without one and now I feel the same about running. I know it has caught the attention of a few drivers...as they were about to hit me when they rounded a corner. Stay safe out there and wear light color, flashing lights, etc. Drivers are NOT looking for you unless they're runners

9 Miles

Saturday I completed my first 9 mile run. It was quite cold, 35 degrees, but clear and sunny. I plotted out a 3 mile loop from my house with plans to run it three times, perhaps stopping home to warm up. As always, the first 3 miles felt ok but took a fair amount of mental effort. As I passed the house, the first time around, I started to feel really into it, and decided there was no reason to stop. The 4th through 6 mile was great. I was warmed up, enjoying the run, and feeling good. For most of the run, I was doing 2 min run, 1 min walk intervals. At 54, and a newbie runner, I'm finding run walk intervals are the only way to do these long runs. I'm hoping that after this year's marathon, I will have enough of a base to start doing more runs without walk intervals. But for now, that's what I do. As I passed the house the 2nd time, I checked my Gatorade and saw that I didn't need to stop so on I went. Other than getting a bit cold and knowing it was mile 7, 8 and 9, it went well. Doing 3 mile loops gave me a sense is security (I was never too far from home) and I liked knowing just how far I had to go at each point.

It is now 2 days later and my legs are still a little sore but now too much. I opted for a 50 minute elliptical workout today and will run tomorrow. The 9 mile run has given me a great sense of accomplishment. Still a long way to a marathon, but I am pretty sure I can do it

Races….er, Runs

I have filled out my racing (running) card for 2012. It is so tempting to run every 5K that is out there. Getting together with a couple hundred to many thousands of people to run for a charity is so much fun. There are all kinds of people – young, old, fast, slow, big, little, tall, short – you name it, they run. Plus there is always a t-shirt or a technical shirt commemorating the run. These are fun to collect and make good shirts to wear while working out. On top of that, there’s often food, pancakes, corned beef sandwiches, apples, bananas, and I’ll always run for food. But this year, I am limiting myself to a running schedule that supports my Chicago marathon goal. I’ve had to be thoughtful about which races I’m signing up for and whether they meet my training schedule. As it stands now, these are the races that I’m doing in 2012

April 15th,10K, NCO Spring Ahead run in Naperville, IL
May 26, Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile in Chicago, IL
Sept 9th, Ashleycan Pediatric Foundation Half Marathon in Bourbonnais, IL
Oct 7th, Bank of America Chicago Marathon in Chicago

There is a small chance that I will also run the RAGNAR relay from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL on June 8th and 9th. A work friend is putting teams together and if there is still an opening, I might just do it. That would be about 15 or 16 miles broken up into 3 segments over the 2 days and one night. It sounds like a hoot and if I don’t do it this year, it will be a goal for next year.

I will likely add a few organized bike rides to that schedule but no back to back Century rides this year.
I’m planning on using the bike rides and bike riding purely as a cross training tool this year. Unlike most people, I find bike riding BORING; too many hours in the saddle concentrating on the road. With running, you can talk to people, take in the scene and get it done without taking up an entire day.

With that, my race card is full. I’m surprised at how much I am enjoying having a specific training schedule, specific runs/races, etc. It is a lot easier to stick to a plan than to try to maintain fitness in a haphazard manner.

Diet Pepsi update. I’ve not been able to stay on the wagon. I was good for about 2 weeks but it has slipped back in again. I’m not even sure I’m going to try to stop, it just frustrates me!

Going to the Dogs and the Cats

Happy Valentine’s Day. Get out there and make your heart pump with a run! It seems that every new research study supports exercise and particularly running. I’ve yet to see a study that says don’t do it. http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-fitness-mind-20120213,0,7344477.story

Last week’s bad behavior has had its consequences. For one, getting up at 4:30 AM seems like a chore again. I know this will soon pass but at the moment it is a real pain in the butt. Going to bed at 11 PM and getting up at 7 AM or 8 AM seems so much more civilized. But that schedule doesn’t allow for a decent workout at any time. Back to bed at 9 PM with a 4:30 AM wake up call. Secondly, my diet of finger food and alcohol at various receptions made me sluggish and weird. Getting back to salads, greek yogurt, almonds and other good foods makes a big difference in my energy level and in dealing with stress. Third, and this one is obvious, my lack of running last week has set me back (just a little) in my training schedule, create additional stress that I don’t need and made me difficult to be around. Getting in a 5.5 mile run this morning has made me happier today and I see the world from a different perspective. It is good to be back into my routine.

I just signed up to run the Chicago marathon for PAWS Chicago. PAWS is a huge, city of Chicago, no kill shelter. Just running for myself seemed somewhat selfish, but running for a charity makes this all the better. Within a few days I will post a link to my donation page and more about PAWS Chicago.

3.5 Miles

Finally back on track today. I was exhausted following my conference and slept in on Thursday, then out late Thursday night at a lecture at Elmhurst College. Friday morning it just didn't happen. But today, back on track. This past week was suppose to be light anyway as next week is a mileage increase week. Today's run felt great all the way around. I was feeling sluggish and stressed, normal life challenges were throwing me for a loop. Today's run took all that away!

Getting Back to Normal

No running, bad diet and excess alcohol. Keep this up for a long time and it wouldn't be good. The conference has ended and I am heading back to Chicago and a healthier existence. I've never looked forward so much to vegetables and running.

Too Much Food and Fun

Doesn't look like I will get in a run today although I certainly had time. Out a bit too late last night enjoying a dark IPA by http://www.starrhill.com/ This was a great beer but didn't help my motivation this morning. I really don't mind taking two days off after my long run but it wasn't a very mindful off day.

Tonight is the opening reception of the NARUC conference, more food and alcohol, and then a SuperBowl party. Yikes! Plus, I am heading out for pizza in 30 minutes.

With that said, I am just going to enjoy it. Why not?

900 Miles

Flying today ... No running. It is amazing how quickly I am now recovering from the longer runs. If I didn't know that I had run yesterday, I couldn't tell by the way I feel today. I am sure that will change as I take more of the runs to the road. The pavement is brutal. Enjoy Saturday.

8 Miles and a Pedicure

This morning was my long slow run for the week. The plan was for a 7.5 mile run and I finished it in 98 minutes (13:07 pace) I think that is just about right as I can’t imagine doing the full marathon faster than an 11:00 min pace. As I’m using the Jeff Galloway walk run method and plan (with very slight modifications), I ran for 4 minutes and walked 1 min for the full time. When I was finished, I still felt great and ran .6 miles further. I so wanted to go further but know that injuries are going to crop up if I push it. So for me, this morning was a success!

Then it got better. I had previously scheduled a pedicure appointment for this morning. Right after my run, I went to the Edward Health Club at 7 Bridges spa and Ethel pampered my feet. I learned that until the marathon, I will schedule all future pedicures to follow the long run. Wow, did that feel good. The massage, the exfoliation and the hot towels felt better than they ever did. I left with shiny Wacca Wacca (OPI color) toes and a spring in my step. If you men out there are not getting pedicures and you run, you’re making a big mistake – paint your toes bright green and set a trend.

Groundhog’s Day and Why I Run

I’ve always been a “bit” active, belonging to a gym for 25 years, going through phases where I would get into pretty good shape and then something would happen and I would let it go.  It seemed like was always trying to “get back into it”   In 2007, I had my first real injury when I stepped in a Groundhog’s hole (apropos for today) and snapped my Achilles tendon.  Needless to say, that was a game changer.  I spent months recovering from the surgery and rehabbing.   It was horrible.  I felt sorry for myself and just didn’t take care of my diet or exercise (I could have gotten some but chose to just do nothing)  Finally, in 2009, I had had enough and started on a serious effort to get back in shape.  The first thing that I did was changed my exercise time from post work to pre work.  My boss at the time, Heather, had been prodding me to go early in the morning.  She swore by it.  I swore by my coffee and the New York Times.  I don’t remember why I finally decided to try the morning routine but she was right, there is no better time.  It definitely requires adjustments including going to bed by 9:30 PM and having all my clothing, work items and lunch in the car the night before but, it is worth the adjustments.   I started in with weight training and elliptical workouts and dropped the 20 lbs I had picked up.   Boredom, however, was starting to set in.

Around that same time mid 2010, I took a seat on the Board of Directors of Youth Outlook http://youth-outlook.org   At my first meeting there was a lot of discussion about Team Youth Outlook and the Ride for AIDS Chicago 2010.  I knew it was a big bike ride and there was fundraising but I didn’t pay too much attention.   The RFAC ended and I went to a thank you BBQ for Team Youth Outlook.  As I talked to the team members, I got excited about maybe riding my bike 200 miles over two days (a double century) and being part of Team Youth Outlook and the RFAC 2011.   So, I signed on.  The team trained throughout the cold, rainy spring of 2011 and I discovered that I had it in me to do the ride.  I was actually one of the speedier ones on the team riding my old, 1985, Nishiki road bike.  Heck, the thing was almost brand new as I had never used it.   In July 2011, the RFAC took place and I completed most of it.  It was very, very hot and humid and I misjudged my electrolyte intake and cramped up the first day 70 miles into it.  The second day, which was actually hotter, I did the whole thing.  Never knew I had it in me.

So this year starts to come into view and I needed a new goal.  I find that a solid goal really keeps me in line.  I had been running a little, getting knee injuries, and then running a little more.  That does NOT work.  Consistent, focused, planned training seems to be the only way to really escape injuries.  Focus on form, not time.  Focus on the body, not speed or distance.   Running is strangely addictive and I love it.  Bike riding is nice but you have to concentrate so hard on the traffic that it is hard to take a moment and look around.  Running allows for more observation and is more meditative.    I had run 5K’s and wanted more.  So with all that said, 26.2 seemed like an obvious goal.

Punxsutawney Phil says 6  weeks of winter.   I say 6 more weeks of training without heat!

It is Official

I’m seriously going to do this. Today was the first day to register for the Chicago Marathon and I registered right at noon. No more “I think I’m going to run the Chicago Marathon” now it is “I AM going to run the Chicago Marathon”. I’m also registered for a 10 miler on Memorial Day weekend and a half-marathon in early September. Those will be my 3 races for 2012 and I will be ecstatic if I complete them all. The running bug has hit me hard. I just wish I had started this 10 or 20 years ago. And right now, I hope I can do it 20 or 30 more years.

This morning was another interval workout. This time I kept my running speed between 6.5 and 7.0 mph but mostly only ran 1 min intervals with a full minute of walking in between. I covered 6 miles in a little over an hour. I feel like I should be able to do so much more, but really it has only been 4 weeks since I’ve been consistent about running. Trying not to be pressured by the women and men, next to me at the gym, who can keep up a 7 min pace for an hour. I try to remember that they’ve probably been doing this for years. Having a competitive personality isn’t always a good thing. I think it will “feel” better when I get back outside. Then I will only be competing against myself and not others around me.

Diet Pepsi update. I have not had a Diet Pepsi since I posted, last week, about my addiction. Clearly public declarations work for me. Hoping this public blog works the same for sticking with the marathon goal.

Every morning I receive a quote from Runners World www.runnersworld.com this morning’s quote, and I sure hope it is ok to repeat it here, was “Distance is one of the only things in life you truly earn. Anyone can give you nine pies, but no one can give you nine miles. Nine miles you have to take.” Marc Parent. Ain’t that the truth! Let’s go take nine!

The Challenge of Losing Weight

Although I am not heavy by many standards, by running standards I am on the bigger side. It makes sense; the lighter you are the less you have to carry down the road. If you told me to go out and run with a 15 lb sack of potatoes, I would tell you that I couldn’t do it. So losing extra weight, the right way, can only be a good thing. By the Chicago Marathon in October, I would like to be 14 lbs lighter. That would place me at a weight that is still heavier than my High School weight but much lighter than I’ve been in years. I have found, however, that losing weight in my mid 50’s is akin to being able to do a 7’ pole vault. In other words, it is nearly impossible.

I am currently tracking everything that I eat. I’ve done this in the past and found that I actually lie to myself neglecting to enter foods that I know I shouldn’t have eaten. This time, I’m being honest with myself and can clearly see an emerging pattern. During the day, I am very good about what I eat breakfast and lunch are the right size and usually good things. At dinner time, however, I tend to eat huge portions, have alcohol and then something sweet. I’m not gaining weight and have actually lost a smidgen but to get the weight dropping off, I am definitely going to have to improve my evening habits. It doesn’t help that I’m married to an excellent cook that bakes fabulous bread! Not complaining here. Just sayin’ - it makes it difficult.

What motivates you to eat better? How have you lost weight? Tell me your story.

Monday, Monday

Yowza!!!  The 4:30 AM alarm was a shocker this morning.   Having a pre planned workout really helps lift me out of bed.  I was working on all the reasons not to get up when it dawned on me that I would have to rework this week’s whole training plan if I skipped today.  That was enough to kick me in gear.   Having pets also helps.  As I was about to close the bathroom door, Eddie and Ozzie, the two youngest male cats in the house, wandered in looking for a pat and a bite of breakfast.  They are such good company in the early morning, purring and softly talking to me.  I’m sure they wonder why the crazy lady gets up so early and leaves in shorts.  
 
The treadmill is still my running buddy.  5AM is still very dark here and the roads are slick in spots. At this age, I don’t want to risk a fall that I could have prevented.  I like the treadmill for intervals anyway.  The quick keys make it very easy to change pace.   The gym is still full of resolutionaries, at least on Monday mornings.   I’ve noticed they drop off during the week.   All of the treadmills and elliptical machines were buzzing by 5:10am. I ran for 75 minutes this morning and feel great now.  
During my run, I worked on the things that I learned in the Good Form Running clinic.  Posture, cadence, lean and midfoot strike.  I think the hardest thing for me is posture, keeping my hips forward – not sticking my butt out.  I can tell when my posture is right, things feel very good but it is easy to slip into bad form.  
 
Registration for the Chicago Marathon is now less than 48 hours away.   I will register and I will do it!
Why not?   Me and 45,000 of my closest friends.  
 
 
 

Good Form Running Clinic

Just back from the Good Form Running clinic at the Naperville Running Store. It was well worth the time and ten dollars. About a dozen people attended and each of us was video taped running in our shoes and running barefoot. Then we focused on the four points of GFR, posture, lean, cadence and midfoot strike. Lots of very valuable information. At the end, we reviewed everyone's video. Surprise, my form was pretty good. Probably need to to shorten my stride a little, but otherwise ok. When the group viewed my barefoot run there was amazement about my super high arches. They are a royal PITA!

Today is a rest day. Time to hang with the fur babies. No football :-(

Simple Pleasures

 T.G.I.F.

  

  

Its the simple things that make us happy.  Like finding the perfect pair of running shorts!  I think Ive found them.  I have been wearing a pair of Brooks running shorts.  Very lightweight , quick drying material with a built in liner.  But, I find that they twist and creep up while Im running such that Im constantly tugging at the legs.   To stop that, I wanted a pair of compression shorts, but didnt want super short shorts.  I find it kind of creepy to see women in their 50s in very short running shorts, even if theyve got great legs.  I looked everywhere and they all had 5 or shorter inseams.  Too short.  Finally, I found the perfect shorts by Moving Comfort  http://www.movingcomfort.com  7.5" inseam, compression shorts.  These babies are perfect!  They are low rise and dont bind at the waist, have a nice cotton liner and are just the right length.  Wow baby, I am ecstatic!

OK, so I can ride 200 miles.  Can I run a marathon?

This mornings run was more interval work.  Today I ran at a faster pace (6 to 6.7 mph) for 1min, followed by 3 min (the 1st min at 5mph, 2nd at 5.1 mph and the 3rd at 5.2 mph) then walked a minute.  Did this for an hour and it feels really good.  trying not to care about distance, only time.  This week my LSR (long slow run) is only 2.5 miles.  Guess will do that on Sunday.  Having a training plan and a real goal has been great.  After 4 weeks, I am still into it and cannot wait to do more.   

  

  

P.A.D.S.

No Diet Pepsi yesterday! Yay! Maybe making a public commitment to not drink it will be the key to success.

No workout this morning. Today was a P.A.D.S. morning. That’s Public Action to Deliver Shelter a mobile overnight shelter for homeless people in DuPage County, Illinois. My church, the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church (DUUC), is responsible for running P.A.D.S the fourth Wednesday night/Thursday morning of each month. DUUC is not equipped to host 40 people overnight, so we do this at the First Congregational Church in downtown Naperville. P.A.D.S involves preparing and serving a hot dinner for 40 people, providing overnight accommodations, preparing and serving a hot breakfast and preparing and handing out bagged lunches. We also have to provide people to monitor the overnight shifts while guests sleep. With 40 people in a rather small space, it is possible that things might go wrong. It is usually uneventful, but monitoring is still important. Being the early bird that I am, I prefer to go in for the breakfast and/or clean up on Thursday mornings. At 6:00 am, the lights are turned on and breakfast is served. As the guests wake up, we strip their sleeping pads and wipe all the pads down with a weak bleach solution. Most of the pillows are also encased in plastic and those are wiped down too. All tables and chairs are put away, the floor is swept and the bathrooms and showers are cleaned. My husband is our church coordinator and he and another man clean the bathrooms. I appreciate that.

What surprises me is that I find that I’m more tired from doing P.A.D.S cleanup than my workouts. What is up with that? I sleep a little longer and do less work but I feel exhausted all day. I’m starting to think it is bleach fumes… just kidding.

It is a shame that P.A.D.S has to operate. There really is no place else for someone in suburbia, who is homeless, to go. I don’t mind helping out and it reminds me of how much I’ve been given. I was born into a family that had means, valued education and taught me responsibility. When you think about it, not too many people on this planet are that lucky.

So tomorrow is another running day. I really look forward to my running days now. They are no longer torture but a joy. I have a long way to go, but I am getting there.
What are you joyful about?

Addiction

Today was a training day and it felt good to move.  It is still too dark for me to comfortably run outside at 5:00 AM so I am still doing my runs on the treadmill at the gym.  Additionally, I’m working on building a base so need to be careful not to overdo it on my shorter weekday runs.   My plan today was to do longer, sustained periods of running at a slightly faster pace.  But I changed that when I got into the gym. I worked on intervals today running 1/1/1 intervals – 1 min over 6 mph, 1 min between 5 and 6 mph and 1 mi walking.  I ended up covering 4 miles.  I topped out at 6.5 mph This is a pretty good workout for me at this stage of the game.  I have to keep remembering that I’m not in it for speed (which I clearly don’t have anyway) but in it for the duration.   It is also important for me to remember that I don’t want to get injured and that I’ve never been a runner!!!    I feel great.
 
On Saturday morning, I am going to a www.GoodFormRunning.com clinic at the Naperville Running Company.   I’ve been pretty cognizant of my running form; it makes a HUGE difference in the stress I put on my knees and lower back.  I’m sure, however, that I will get some pointers and new ideas.  One of the reasons that I registered is to just get out there with other runners.  Catch their excitement.  Right now, I’m doing this alone but it would be great to find some other, older, slower runners to train with.  
 
On to addictions.  Why can’t I give up Diet Pepsi?  I have one or two a day and for the life of me can’t give those suckers up.  I know they are not good for me, there are lots of substitutes and I will feel better with them banished from my life.   But I can’t do it.  I can get up at 4:30 most days of the week to run, I can pack my lunch daily, eat healthy, etc but the Diet Pepsi’s they pull me in.   I suppose there are worse addictions but it bothers me that I have little or no control over this product.    Having written this, I am going to try again and drive this evil out of my life.  I’ll be reporting in on my progress.  I think this is going to be harder than training for the marathon.   I am so weak.
 
Hope you’re all having a great day.  Remember to show up for your life, no one else is going to do it for you.
 
 

The Key is Organization

Today was a planned rest day.  I knew I would get to bed too late last night to make the early morning gym call so I decided not to get overly stressed and take a rest day.
 
The key to going to the gym or running early in the morning is organization.  Each night I lay out my workout clothes, decide what I’m going to wear to work and iron if necessary, pack up underwear, jewelry, and other accessories, pack a lunch and put it all out in the car.  In the morning, I roll out of bed, wash my face, brush my teeth change into workout clothes and drive off.  NOT today.  What a disaster!  I didn’t do any of my night time planning and this morning was a free for all.  I must have gone up and down the stairs a dozen times because I kept forgetting things; I’m dressed in some really weird clothing today; and my lunch is an odd concoction of food.  My rest day has actually been a bit stressful.
 
Another reason to run from today’s New York Times.  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/how-exercise-may-keep-alzheimers-at-bay/
“But a cautiously encouraging new study from The Archives of Neurology suggests that for some people, a daily walk or jog could alter the risk of developing Alzheimer's or change the course of the disease if it begins.”   We are all looking for the fountain of youth.  I think it is found in exercise.  It doesn’t have to be running but running is less complex than other sports.  Grab a pair of running shoes, put on a pair of shorts and go.  Is it easy, no, but the benefits both long and short term are unbelievable.   Try it.  You will like it!  Bad knees, don’t run but get out there and move.
 
Next Wednesday, February 1st is the first day to register for the Chicago Marathon.  Now THAT I have planned.   No reason to put it off, I’ll be registering on the 1st.  
 

Week 4 Starts With A Bang

Thunderstorms at 3 AM!!!  Ah, the lovely sound of rain on the roof at 4:30 AM.   I so wanted to turn over, snuggle under the covers and skip the gym.  But, a little voice kept prodding me…. “Kristin, wake up.  Kristin, you will feel better later today if you get your workout in.  Kristin, you’ve stuck to the training schedule for 3 weeks, don’t blow it.”    I got out of bed.   As soon as I shut the bathroom door, Ozzie, my ever faithful tabby cat,  was twisting at the door knob asking to come in.  His beautiful deep green eyes looked at me softly asking for his morning food.   As I filled his bowl, he stretched deeply and gave me a good morning chirp.  I’m already glad that I got up.

I walk into the gym just a couple minutes past 5:00 AM.  Wendy, behind the front desk, already has locker key #82 in her hand.  I don’t know how she remembers, but she does, it is a nice welcoming gesture.  What the heck?  The place is already busy with people running on the treadmills, stepping on the ellipticals and lifting weights.  They must sleep outside the gym and if Wendy opens the doors a few minutes early, they’re in!  

Today was a running day for me.  I’m into an every other day training routine sometimes taking 2 days off after a long, slow run.  I’m not going to get hurt this time out.  I’m sticking to the training schedule and not trying to do more than this old body is capable of.  It dawned on me the other day that I’ve never really run.  I didn’t run as a kid.  I didn’t have to, I had a pony.  I certainly didn’t run in college.  How unseemly to run.  Didn’t know people actually made a sport of it.  So with that lack of a running past, I’m trying to systematically train for a marathon in October.   Today’s session was interval work.  I ran intervals of 3 to 5 min of running with 1 min walking recover in between.  With each interval, I progressively increased my mph by .1 mph ending up at 6.7 mph.   I covered 6.2 miles, a little further than I intended but it felt so good.  A few weeks ago, I read a comment by a long distance runner that the first 3 to 4 miles are the most difficult and after that everything feels good.   And, that most runners never do more than 3 or 4 miles so it all feels bad.  I have to agree.  After the first 3 miles, I feel great and feel like I can do most anything.  Those first miles though, awful!    I’m getting tired of all the treadmill running.  We were so spoiled in Chicagoland by such a late winter arrival.  But now, the roads are icy (although things are melting rapidly today) and I’m too old to take the risk of a fall.  I cannot wait to get back to running outdoors.

The little voice was right.  I feel better having done the work out.  The extra sleep is nice but the feeling of satisfaction from a workout can’t be beat.  

The Playoffs - No Running

One thing I'm learning about training for a marathon at this age, rest is really important.  On Friday, I ran 6.5 miles.  My current long, slow run.  Could I have run today?  Sure.  But another day of rest will be really helpful and it IS NFL playoff weekend.   That with 8 inches of snow on the ground makes for a perfect recovery day. 

My training time is 5 AM each weekday morning.  I started exercising at this hour a couple of years ago and have never looked back.  I fought the early morning workout for years but once I tried it, I was hooked.  I've belonged to the same gym for over 20 years but really didn't know anyone.  Start going in the morning, however, and these people become friends.  You see them each morning, they're always there.  You change clothing with them, put on makeup together, etc.  We know each others' names and notice when someone misses a few days.  There is nothing better than the 5 AM gym crowd.   I've started noticing people that start running even earlier than that and finish their runs at the gym for the sauna, steam room and showers.  Hmmmm.... not sure about running at 4 AM, but thinking about it.

As I type this, the Ravens have just gone ahead of the Patriots.  I'm pulling for the Ravens and the 49ers.  The Harbaugh brothers in the SuperBowl.  How cool would that be?!