Running While the World is in a Pandemic (AKA Virtual Races and 100-Day Challenge)

After my last post (in February!) I said I was going to try to post more often, especially after races. We had no idea what was about to transpire in the world and how it would affect races! The Great Scott 25K was my last in-person race until the Olander 24-hour race in September (more on that will be coming in another post).

This was going to be my running year. I had decided to participate in as many relatively local races as I could in 2020 (meaning no overnight stays), and then for 2021 I was going to do only a few. Late last year (2019) I planned it all out. I signed up for more races than usual. For the first time ever, I signed up for the Toledo Run the 419 - Grand Prix Series, which involves running specific races in different parts of the 419 area code. I signed up for several races that were new to me.  What a year it was going to be!  

…

And then the pandemic arrived.

At first races were postponed, and then postponed again. Race directors tried to figure out the best options while everyone was waiting to see how this pandemic would pan out. It is important to note that when we sign up for a race, most of the time there is a very clear notification that there are no refunds. This means that not only are there no refunds if we cannot run the race, but if there are circumstances that the race is cancelled (most often it is weather related) there are also no refunds. This means race directors could have just cancelled the races and been done with it.

But, racers and race directors are a determined group. Race directors knew that runners want to run no matter what the circumstances. After all, we run in rain, snow, sleet, and unbearably hot weather. So, in the beginning, they started offering virtual options. This meant we could run the race on our own, in our own area, and still get the shirts and bling. After a while, there were so many virtual races that they began offering deferments to next year. For some races, it was either take the deferment or run the virtual option. It can be difficult to decide, because none of us know what the next year will be like (even without the pandemic). Some, like the Glass City Marathon, offered the virtual option AND did the deferment. Some organizations increased awareness of their already virtual options. I ran a Disney 5K series that I didn't even know existed before this year. Other organizations started offering special virtual races for this year only.  Two I particularly liked were the  the FaceMask 10K and the Social Distance Run. 

Running Safely

Without in-person races, it can be hard to stay motivated. I signed up for some interesting virtual races like the ones previously mentioned, but that alone wasn't enough. On so many days, I found myself on choosing not to run  because I was too busy, too tired, just didn't feel like it, etc. I noticed I was running less and less. So, I decided to officially challenge myself with a running streak.  It started with a Runners World challenge to run at least a mile a day, every day, from Memorial Day to July 4th. Once July 4th hit, I decided to continue as I could.  It kept me motivated and was a fun challenge. I sometimes ran a quick mile during lunch, late in the evening, even early in the morning at the local school under the lights. I ran in the rain and extreme heat, and a few times in between thunderstorms, barely making it home before the storm hit.

Very Hot Run

Social Distancing

  

Along the way I ran over 15 virtual races, ranging from 5K's to marathons. I picked up some cool bling and ran races I would not normally run. I always wanted to run Gasparilla (in Florida), but the timing has not aligned with vacation time. They offered a "flashback 1/2" so I finally got to get  my pirate medal!  One of the more unique race medals was the Social Distancing Run - it is a coronavirus. Let's hope that race was one-year only!

Gasparilla Pirate Medal

Social Distancing Run Medal

Once fall hit and I started teaching evenings again (I work full time during the day), running every day became more of a chore than a fun challenge. So I decided I would end the streak at 100 days, which was just a few days before the Olander 24-hour race over Labor Day weekend. The timing was perfect. I was able to keep motivated and prepare myself for the September race. It helped with all the stress and anxiety from the uncertainty in the world right now.  And it was something I did just for myself.

I'm still out there running, just not every day. Now that the weather is getting cooler and I'm working both jobs, there isn't time to fit in a run every day. My goal is three days a week.  But, I'm not done with challenges.  I have an exercise/spin bike and just started a 100 day challenge for that!  More on that in a later blog.

Gotta run/ride  No Excuses!

Great Scott 25K

I am going to try to post more often. I might not post most training runs, but I'll try to post after races!

I will admit I'm a little behind in my training for the Glass City Marathon (coming up in April!).  My training plans usually involve on my own training, plus a a few races. Races are a good way to tune up and figure out what to wear, nutrition, how early to get there, etc.

Yesterday, I went for a shortish run with a friend. Both of us are signed up for Glass City, and neither of us has been running like we should. I managed 5.5 miles. Unfortunately, she had to work and was unable to attend the Great Scott 25K run/race today.

The Great Scott 25K is put on by Toledo Roadrunners It's not so much a race as an organized run. The course is at Oak Openings. You can choose one time around, which is 7.7 miles, or two loops, which is 25K. Even though you sign up for either distance, you are free to either run the second loop if you feeling really good, or stop after one time around, even if you signed up for two. That can be good or bad!

I made a few mistakes before and during this race (remember, the purpose of these races is to learn!).

First of all, I should not have run 5.5 miles yesterday (and I also went on the elliptical last night . . .).

Secondly, I found a great runner to talk to during the first time around. That's good - it made that first loop go quickly!  But, she was doing only one time around (her longest distance to date) and was younger and faster. She was doing intervals, too, but she was doing 90 second run/30 second walk, while I do 90 second run/45 second walk. But we were having such an interesting conversation that I wanted to stay with her. So, even though I KNOW the 90 second run/45 second walk works best for me, I ran with her the entire first loop.

We got to the end of the first time around, and I was feeling sore and tired. I debated ending there and being satisfied with 7.7 miles. This is where running has made me stronger mentally I believe (and running is at least 90% mental). The debate with myself lasted about 30 seconds, and then I decided I would at least START the second loop. I knew there was a turn about a mile after the start, and I could always turn back. I got to that point, and told myself I would try a little further. There is another point where the course crosses on itself - if you go to the right, it's  about 3 miles back to that crossing point. I got to that point and the decision was to either turn right and go the distance, or turn left and end up with about 12 miles (still a decent run). I turned right!  I have learned to persevere through running.

At this point, I thought I was the last person in the race - I didn't see anyone ahead of me nor behind me.  Finally I came upon another runner. I don't mind being last (a few years ago at this very same race, I tried to be last. Another runner and Ikept slowing down because we each wanted to be last!).  It turns out there were actually 3 people behind me - the others were so far back I couldn't see them.

I was struggling a bit and walked through a few of my running intervals.  Finally, I could see the finish line!  It seems like it took a long time to get there, though, once I saw it.

I ended up finishing the 25K!  I was (and still am) very sore and tired, but I made it. And, for signing up (it was only  $10), I got a nice, new, soft sweatshirt.

My running motto has always been "no excuses".  Maybe it should be "perseverance"!

Gotta run/No Excuses

Also, I have an instagram account - it's mostly my animals, but I post running/race pictures there sometimes:  https://www.instagram.com/catdrich/

Long Time, No Post (Again!)

It's been a long time since I posted. This is just a brief post to say I will be back!  Even though I accomplished some running goals last year, life got busy and I didn't write much.  I have a busy, fun, race schedule planned this year, and I hope to write about my training and my race experiences.

Gotta Run!

Trash and Drivers

This was another week of weather ups and downs in the Midwest.  My Tuesday and Thursday training runs were on the treadmill.  I think once the time changes (on March 10), the weekday runs may be a little more doable outside. The sun won't be going down, along with the temperature, as I get toward the end of the runs.

My Saturday and Sunday runs were outside. Hurray! It was a little cold, and even worse when running into the wind, but it was tolerable. Due to construction in our town that will last all through this training cycle, I'm cut off from my favorite route. I could take a detour to get to some of my favorite places, but the traffic is heavier than usual on those roads, and local drivers apparently have forgotten how to drive safely. There has been a significant increase in accidents, and as a runner I don't want to take a chance! So, on Saturday during my longish run, I meandered around some different roads. I have come up with some decent routes for the long runs coming up soon.

I noticed two things this weekend that bothered me - trash and drivers.

As I run, I look ahead a little bit, at the ground though because I don't want to trip and fall again. I don't know if it's the time of year or if people are just getting worse, but this weekend I noticed a lot of trash as I was running. There were diapers (yuck!), garbage bags, fast food remnants, and so much more. One of the worst things I saw were those plastic holders for bottles/cans. Those are so dangerous to wildlife. They can get all tangled up in them or get stuck. This is what I'm talking about:



I try to pick them up whenever I can. I found that when I am wearing my pack that holds water bottles, I can hang these on the strap. When I get home, I cut them up before discarding them in the recycling. I may need to start carrying a garbage bag, but that  might slow me down a bit :)

Another thing I noticed were the drivers and how much worse they have been lately. As I mentioned above, with the major detour in our town, there has been a significant increase in the number of accidents. I guess people are in so much of a hurry that they forget to pay attention?  I am always so cautious when crossing a road. Drivers ignore the fact that I have the walk light, especially when they are turning left onto the road I am crossing. If it's the least bit dark (even on a cloudy day), I wear all sorts of  things that light up, so I'm very visible. It doesn't matter. At one intersection I counted five cars that turned left, ignoring the sign that "pedestrians have the right of way", while I was trying to cross at crosswalk, with the walk sign.

The other time I was almost hit (this weekend) was at the driveway of a YMCA. People were leaving a church service that is held at the local facility. One car was driving slowly to the exit, I was in the crosswalk, and I knew I had plenty of time to get across, even if they didn't stop at the crosswalk like they should.Well, this car actually SPEEDED UP and blazed through the end of the driveway onto the road. The driver did not even look to their left, which is the direction I was coming from. If a car had been on the road, they would have been hit. I yelled to get her attention, and as she hurried by she mouthed "sorry".

When I run, it's always facing traffic and as far off the road as I can get - never over the white line into the roadway. I can't tell you how many times vehicles cross over the white line on the side of the road, almost as if they are trying to hit me intentionally. It's becoming unsafe to run due to drivers. Are they distracted, bad drivers, or actually trying to hit runners? It's hard to tell anymore.I've become much more vigilant lately.

When the weather improves, my Saturday runs will hopefully be on some trails. I have to drive to get there, but I think that will be safer than dealing with the local drivers. I'm hoping people get out of their winter funk and start paying attention when driving!



No excuses/Gotta Run

Why Run?

Finally outside
Following my training plan, I run four days a week. It was great to be able to do three of those outside this last week!

The two runs during the week are after work. This time of the year they may start out with the  temperature fairly decent (for the Midwest anyway), but as soon as the sun starts to dip, the temperature rapidly cools and the wind seems to pick up. It can get unpleasant, especially at the point in the run when I'm sweating! It was wonderful to sip on some nice warm tea after these runs this week.

Saturday's run was 16 miles. It was the first run at that distance in quite a while, as it's early in the current training cycle. I thought it was warm out, but the wind picked up towards the middle part of the run. To keep myself going, I try to do an out and back run as much as possible.This means that when I was starting to get tired and a little chilled, I was 1/2 way through my run. I HAD to finish one way or another, since I was 8 miles from home. Running seemed to be the quickest way home!

Unfortunately, today it was just too windy to run outside. I didn't feel like getting blown off the road! The treadmill workout kept me on track. Soon I will be running exclusively outside (I hope). I want to start running some more trails, but the ones in the area have been flooded, or just extremely muddy. I don't want to take a chance on getting injured. There will be plenty of time to get more trail running before August.

Why?
During one of my weekday runs, I ran into a non-running friend. She asked me what race I was training for. I hesitated a bit before answering. Yes, I'm following a training plan with the intention on finishing my first ultra marathon in August. And, I have signed up for a few other races along the way (and a few after the August race). But, I'm not running because I'm in training. A training plan keeps me motivated, but I would be running even if I didn't have a race coming up. The only difference might be I wouldn't run the same distance or outside during less that optimal weather. I answered with "I'm always training for a race because I love to run". I enjoy the wildlife I see on my runs. It's fun to see other people out running, walking, riding their bicycles - whatever gets people outside. 

Races are fun, because there I can talk with other crazy runners like me. If they have an expo, I enjoy seeing new products. It's a fun way to add to my shirt collection, too! I rarely buy new running shirts, because I run in the race shirts. Most races also benefit a worthwhile charity. But, races are just the extra bonus I get from being a runner.

No excuses/Gotta Run

Training is hard!

Another week has gone by. Unfortunately, this week was not a good weather week. We had ice, wind, whatever. I don't mind cold weather and have plenty of cold-weather gear, but I just can't handle the cold wind anymore. As far as ice, I'm not taking any chances on a fall. At my age, it would take too long to recover from a broken bone. I plan to keep running until I can't anymore, and I want that "I can't" to be decades away!

With the ice and the accompanying road emergencies, I did not make it to the fitness club for the planned strength training. However, I have a DVD with specific yoga programs for runners. Some are for off days and are more intense, and some are for recovering after a run. I started with these again this week since I was a little more housebound than usual. Even one of my cats likes to do yoga! It is already helping - I don't feel as sore, and I think I stand a little taller :)

I managed every scheduled run this week, albeit on the treadmill. I was able to break in the Altra shoes a little more. They have a different heel drop than I am used to, and all the time on the treadmill was the perfect time to try them. I didn't have any issues, but if I had and I was running outside, it would have been a little difficult to stop and change shoes!

One thing I have noticed since I have been sticking to my 4-runs a week schedule is that I am constantly hungry - and I do mean constantly! At this point my goal is to maintain my weight while building strength and endurance. I certainly don't want to gain weight though. I started back on MyFitnessPal this week to track my food. I want to make sure that not only am I eating the correct amount of calories, but the right kind of food.

Even though I've been running for a little over twelve years (I was a late starter), I find that actually sticking to an all around training program is a lot of work; more than I expected. With a long trail race planned in August, I am taking training more seriously than ever before. Also, last year was a bad year for me in terms of running, so I'm trying to make this a much better year. In addition to actually running, there is strength training, nutrition, and recovery. With two jobs and lots of other things that make up this thing we call life, it can be daunting at times. I am trying, for a change, to put these training needs at a high priority. It makes the rest of life work a little more smoothly.

Here is hoping for better weather soon. Running 13+ miles on the treadmill is not fun, but it's better than no run at all.

Gotta run/No Excuses

One of my favorite yoga poses

Silly Cally!

Training and Treadmill Thoughts

Another week is in the books. It was a crazy Midwest weather week, including a temperature change from 60 one evening to a windchill of 0 the next morning. Due to this crazy weather,  training this week included a mixture of indoor and outdoor runs.

Tuesday and Thursday I rushed home from work for my week-day long runs. On Tuesday I was set to run indoors, then realized it was actually warm (for the Midwest in February) and the wind was tolerable. Toward the end of the run the temperature started to drop, the wind picked up, so my cheeks were a little red by the end! Thursday's outdoor run was much better, with a little rain but warm temperatures. Two days of outside running felt wonderful.

I'm not anti-treadmill; in fact I'm just the opposite. I think it's a great tool when circumstances make an outdoor run not possible, for whatever reason. It can be weather related, health related, time related, or anything else. My advice to anyone is to not think of using a treadmill as a failure, or not a "real" run. It's a good way to stick to a training plan and keep on going. I believe a run is a run, and better than no run at all.

One thing I have realized as I have matured is that running doesn't have to be something to suffer about. I don't mean that training should be easy. In order to get better, I need to push myself. What I mean is that if I feel the weather is too cold for me, I should not feel it's a training failure to use the treadmill. Some runners may look down on others as "fair weather" runners or even not a "real" runner, but I am my own self and will do what works for me. A few years ago I had a cold virus and continued to run outside (because isn't that what "real" runners do?) during an spate of unusually cold, windy spring weather. These were the types of runs where the cold/wind takes your breath away and can make your chest hurt. As I was at the peak of marathon training, these were 18-20 mile runs. I ended up with bronchitis and lost three weeks of training. It wasn't worth it just to prove I was a "real" runner. Not so coincidentally, my running partner also ended up with bronchitis.

Another use of a treadmill is for hanging wet running clothes :) Since it was wet on Thursday, I used my treadmill as a running clothes drying rack!

This weekend I had to run Saturday morning, instead of the warmer afternoon, because of family obligations. I felt it was too cold and windy in the morning, so I put on a good movie and got my miles in on the treadmill. Sunday was a shorter, on tired legs run, and again I ran on the treadmill. And I don't feel like it was a failed training weekend. I was able to break in some new, different brand and heel drop shoes on Saturday without the worry that I'd have no way to stop and change them if I had issues. And I accomplished my scheduled miles.

So far, the running plan is working. I have completed every training run I have scheduled. I know circumstances in the future might cause me to make adjustments, but it's a great beginning. Also, by running four days a week, I'm not feeling any unusual muscle strain. I'm taking my non-running days more seriously this time!

I haven't been as faithful to the strength training. Sometimes life just gets in the way. My goal over the next few weeks is to find a strength training schedule that works for me, and add it in a more concrete way to my training schedule. I find if it's written down and I can cross it off as I accomplish the goal, it keeps me motivated.

On to another week!

No excuses/Gotta Run

Training Plan and execution - the beginning

Plan

From the reading I've done about training for an ultra trail marathon, learning to run on tired legs is important.  Many of us are busy with life and cannot always spend an entire Saturday executing a long run. One way to gain the experience of running on tired legs is to run a medium to long run on Saturday, and then a shorter run on Sunday. As a more "mature" runner, this works well and gives me the rest days I need.

Execution

This was the first week of concentrated training on tired legs. Due to the weather (hello Polar Vortex), I've been running on the treadmill this week. Sticking to the plan, I ran on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, each a medium run (7-11 miles). Saturday was a little over 11 miles. It's hard to keep it going on the treadmill, but a few good movies help! As a side note, that's why Saturday's run was a little over 11 miles. I was engrossed in a movie and didn't keep track of my mileage.  Oops!

Today was a beautiful day in the Midwest. I headed out the door, eager for a nice outdoor run. I met up with a running friend, and the plan was to run 5 miles. I figured it would be an easy run - 5 miles isn't much for us long distance, crazy runners, right? I was wrong! First of all, it was rough getting started. I could definitely feel that my legs were not fresh. In fact, for the first mile I had doubts I could even do 3 miles, let alone 5. Luckily for me, as the run continued, my legs warmed up and I was able to enjoy the run. In fact, it felt so good to be out and about, I ended up going a bit extra, and my friend went even further.

Takeaway

I honestly thought that doing back to back runs on the weekends wouldn't be as difficult as it turned out to be. I'm used to doing two to three 20-mile runs when preparing for a marathon. So, I figured I would need to do two or three 35-mile runs in order to be prepared for the 50-mile run. After today's first experience, I think these back-to-back runs will accomplish the goal of conditioning my body to run on tired legs. 

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I hope to keep up this blog with (mostly) weekly updates. Even if it's not read by many people, it is a way of keeping myself accountable.This is going to be a fun journey, and I hope some readers come along for the ride!

No excuses/Gotta run

And So It Begins - Again

It's amazing how time flies.  It's now February and that ultra marathon is even closer!  Since the last post listed steps one through five, I'll start here with the next steps.

Step Six - Make a plan (and stick to it)
After buying a book and reading some of it (I'll get to more of it, I promise), I created a plan.  This plan was a combination of a few I looked at and some I have used over the years. The plan includes training runs, a few races, and strength training. I have learned a lot (I hope) over the years about training and training plans. For example, I know that I need more recovery days than a younger runner.  I know what days of the week work better with my work schedule for long training runs. I built the plan around those parameters.

The number one thing I have learned is to be flexible. I was aware of a few events I have between now and the race, so I incorporated those. For example, I took a trip to Austin, Texas in January. I knew that running was not a top priority on the trip.  So, I planned training runs before and after the trip, and didn't feel like I was failing when I didn't do any Texas runs. I did a LOT of walking though! If something unexpected comes up during the rest of the training, I will adjust as needed. I have learned that missing a training run here or there makes no difference in the grand scheme of things.

I have a few favorite races during the year, so I adjusted my plan to accommodate those distances. So far I have managed to stick to the training, even through the bitterly cold weather. That's something else I have learned - it doesn't matter if I have to run on the treadmill; a run inside is better than no run at all. The important thing is getting running time on my feet.

One thing I have been inconsistent with is the strength training. I included that in the plan, but I have skipped many sessions during the first month. I am going to make that more consistent starting now!  I know that strength training, especially core, helps me run better. That is particularly important as I age and it takes longer to build those muscles.

One part of the plan is lacking, and that is nutrition. My training runs will gradually increase in miles/time, so this will be very important. I have noticed that as I mature, I run out of fuel during long races. I will feel great the first several miles, then suddenly feel like I have no energy. With a 50-mile trail race, fueling my body will be critical. I have stomach issues if I eat much at all the day before and day of the race and that is also detrimental. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Step Seven - Enjoy the Process
I believe this is the most important step. Training for any race, but a long race in particular, takes significant time and dedication. If I didn't like the process, it would be very difficult to pull myself out of a bad run, and to keep going when there are so many other things happening in my life. It's not about the goal, it's about the journey.  So, here are a few stories of the journey so far. I technically started on New Year's Eve!

New Year's Eve Midnight Special 5K
This year the weather was warm, almost too warm. The wind began to pick up, but it didn't feel cold at all.  I enjoyed running in the dark and seeing the different ways people lit up their clothes.

Hangover Classic 5K
This race was exactly 12 hours after the Midnight Special. The weather was cooler, and wind made it feel even colder.  Since I rarely drink, I wasn't hung over :)  It was so much fun seeing some of the costumes people wore. I think the people wearing fuzzy bathrobes over their running clothes were the smartest!

Dave's Ten Miler
This race was in mid January, the week before the big freeze.  Even then, the weather was so bad, there was some doubt the race would be held. They lifted the road emergency just in time for the race.  It was very cold and the wind was brutal. We ran in a pattern that was a series of rectangles. Running against the wind was very cold and I felt under dressed. When the wind was to my back, I was too warm and felt over dressed. It was back and forth - too warm and perspiring, then turn into the wind and my wet gear would freeze and I'd be too cold. Nevertheless, I finished. I was surprised at how many people were able to make it to the race. There was even a Yeti :)

I hope to keep posting my jouirney.  Until  next time . . .

No Excuses / Gotta Run

What?

Step One
Spend the year after turning 60 feeling defeated

Step Two
Also spend that year running races, struggling, and not running a single marathon

Step Three
A few days before turning 61, decide to sign up for a an ultra marathon

Step Four
Buy a book

Step Five
Begin to panic even though the race is not until the end of Summer 2019

Further steps - TBD
Stay tuned for more!  Hopefully I'll be able to keep up the blog as I go through this journey.  Actually, the next step along the way is a marathon in April, so we'll see how that goes!

No Excuses :)

Really, Well Maybe

I was planning to start posting again, and I see my last post was in August! 

This summer has been a struggle.  This is the first year in a long time that I have not run a single marathon.  I've moved them all to half marathons, and finished, so I see that as a good thing.  I struggled both physically and mentally.  After I took a tumble, I was afraid of falling again, and it took a while for me to feel comfortable running again. I think I'm on my way back now.

I'm working on a new plan (I'm always trying to find a way that works).  I joined a local fitness club, and I'm going to concentrate on strength training. No matter how hard I try, I just can't keep motivated enough to do this at home.  I figure if I'm paying for something, I'll do my best to get my money's worth!  I'm also changing my diet.  I'm gravitating towards a vegetarian diet.  I still include chicken, for now, and I'll see how it goes.

This was short, but it's just the beginning.  Stay tuned for a new type of running adventure!

No Excuses

Long Time, No Post

I need to get this started again.  Maybe in another month or so :)

Stay tuned!

Indianapolis Marathon

This was one of my worst best marathon experiences.  Let me explain :)

On Saturday, November 4, 2017, I ran my 12th marathon.  It also happened to be my 60th birthday.

I'd been sick for a few days before (cold virus) and woke up marathon morning feeling dehydrated.  That, coupled with a few days of very little sleep, meant I started the race feeling run down with little energy. I didn't feel my normal pre-race excitement. The weather was not too bad, so I figured I would feel better as the day progressed.  It wasn't too hot like some race days have been.  However, there was a slightly damp chill in the air and a little wind.  For most runners it might be considered nearly ideal conditions. But, many years ago I had an issue with hypothermia while snorkeling in a spring fed river (in Florida, of all places).  Ever since then, my body has been more sensitive to cold, especially in my legs. I believe this contributed to the issues I had during the race.

The first 16 miles of the marathon went well.  My pace was good, perhaps even slightly faster than planned, but not by much. Since waking, I had worked on hydrating with some electrolyte replenishing drinks and water, so I thought things were good and I was going to meet my marathon finish time goal. I should have know better.  Shortly after mile 16,  my legs started cramping.  I believed that it was the issue mentioned previously.  Whenever it's cold and damp, even if it's not freezing, a wind can send a chill through my legs and cause them to cramp.  I figured I would warm up again soon, so I started walking, and I would stop every once in a while and try to ease the cramps. After attempting to run several times with no success, I noticed my arms starting cramping and feeling a little tingly. Thus, in addition to the cold sensitivity issues, I believe I was still experiencing dehydration. 

Under different circumstances, I likely would have pulled out of the race and experienced my first DNF.  However, to repeat, this marathon was on my 60th birthday. I ran NYC Marathon on my 50th birthday, so I couldn't stop the tradition.  Additionally, for the first time ever, I had more than one family member waiting at the end.  My husband is at every marathon, but this time two of my children came to town to see me finish.  Also, my nephew ran the same race, so I knew he'd be at the end too.  I couldn't let anyone down.  It was a painful race.  There was one point I broke down in tears, but I still had miles to go.  At mile 23, my headphones stopped, so I could not listen to any motivating music or podcasts.  I was so grateful to see the finish line.  As I was hobbling to the end, I saw my family.  The first thing I said was "I'm sorry it took me so long".  At that point I felt it was one of the, if not the worst marathons for me ever, even though it was not my slowest marathon finish time.  I barely got my medal and marathon hat, and then headed back to the hotel. I didn't visit any of the post marathon activity booths.  I just wanted to take a warm shower. As a side note, as I was taking a post-race shower, I noticed my palms had a slightly bluish tint. It quickly went away in the warmth.

Why did I change from thinking it was one of my worst to thinking it was one of my best? The more I thought about it, the better I felt about my experience.  I am grateful that my family was there and they were proud of me for finishing it, and even for just starting this running path I'm on. I didn't start running until my late 40's, and I finished my 12th marathon!  At 60 years old!  Before I started running,  I would never have foreseen myself accomplishing even one marathon.

But, the most important reason I consider it one of my best marathons, is because I persevered in spite of the pain.  No matter how much I wanted to stop at one of the aid stations and have them take me to the finish, I kept going. It's a good life lesson, too.  I'm considering buying the marathon photo of me crossing the finish line as it shows how much pain I was in.  It is a reminder that I have more strength than I give myself credit for.  On to the next race!

No Excuses; gotta run

Resurrecting this Blog

This is just a quick note.  I haven't written in this blog in over a year!  No, I haven't stopped running.  In fact, I've run two more marathons since my last posting. I hope to write more in the future.

I will be turning 60 in a few weeks.  60!  I certainly don't feel that old. To celebrate, of course I am running a marathon (my 12th).  I ran my second marathon on  my 50th birthday, so I figured it is only appropriate. 

While my times have slowed, my enjoyment of running has not.  I continue to work on making my running something I do to enjoy, not work.  I may work hard at it (sometimes), but when it starts to feel like work, then I know I need to back off.  I've gotten better about not stressing about missing or altering workouts.  When it comes to long runs in my training,  it's so much better to decide to "go for a run" and see how far I feel like going.  I may be a few miles short (or over) of a planned run, but a run is a run is a run!

When I hit 60, I'm personally resetting all of my PR's.  After all, I'll say it again, I'll be 60! 

That's it for now.  I hope to write more later, and maybe be a little more consistent this time!

No Excuses!

And The End Has Come - For Now

Training is over!  Well, training for this marathon is over.  I have some 5K's and half marathons scheduled later this year.  So that just means training is not as intense.  I think a week break is in order, however.

I ran the Cleveland River Run Half Marathon on Sunday, September 11.  It was a beautiful day, perfect for a race.  It was supposed to be a "just for fun" run, but with the weather I couldn't help but push it a little bit.  I ran a 10 minute per mile pace, and I ran the entire race for a change with no walk breaks. I pushed it a bit at the end as I felt like I could run another 13.1 miles :)

This continues to be one of my favorite half marathons.  I've run it four years in a row, and it never disappoints.  The medal is nice too :)

Overall it was a great experience. This race doesn't have an expo, but I don't mind because they mail my packet, saving me an extra trip or an overnight stay!

Now, about the marathon . . .

It was a busy few days.  On Friday we drove to Dayton, picked up my packet, then made a quick trip to Oxford to drop things off to our son, then back home.  The expo was average but there were some nice vendors.  One issue for me was the way it was arranged.  We entered the building and walked around, visiting vendors.  I saw a few I wanted to re-visit.  Then the path took us downstairs and there we picked up my packet.  There were more vendors on that main floor.  The exit only went one way however, and to get back to the other vendors would have required re-entering the building, and it just wasn't worth the effort.

Saturday morning we left around 2:30 a.m. to head for the race. It rained and stormed on the way there.  Once we got there, I got on one of the buses to head to the race start.  About that time they decided to delay the race for 1/2 hour.  Even though the start time was a few hours away, they made us stay on the bus (safety first).  Finally we left for the start.  

It was still overcast, but the storm had passed.  People gradually started filling the start area.  We had been incorrectly told that no one was allowed to enter/park near the starting area, so Curt was not there at the start of my race.  This is me waiting for the start!

As it was getting closer to the new start time, it got more humid and warmer.  They didn't have race corrals, just flags with finishing times.  I lined up at a slower finishing time.  I prefer to be in a slower group than my normal pace so I don't go out too fast.  The 10K and marathon start at the same time, and the half marathon starts 30 minutes later. So, at the start area there were all sorts of people milling around, making it difficult to find the proper pace time.  As the start approached, the groups surged ahead, and I assumed I was still in the slower group.

Finally we started.  By now it was quite warm and humid.  There were two hills at the beginning of the course.  I didn't look at my Garmin to see my pace - I probably should have!  After the two hills I started to feel a little ill.  I almost pulled out at mile six after spending some time in the porta-potty (I won't give too much information!).  I decided to slow down and walk a bit - and I was passed by more than one pace group - I had definitely somehow gotten into the wrong one during the beginning race surge!

By the time I could take in any nutrition, it was too late for my muscles.  I was cramping any time I ran for more than 1/4 mile.  I walked a lot the rest of the race, but I was determined to finish.  I saw several runners stopping and some likely didn't finish.  One person dropped almost right in front of me - we were just past a water break, so we passed the message back, runner to runner, that medical help was needed.  One runner stayed with him - he had some severe muscle cramps.  A mile later I saw another runner almost drop and she limped to the aid station.  

All in all, I am glad I finished!  The medal is really nice.  This was the 20th Air Force Marathon so it was extra special (and quite heavy). The course was not too bad; again not one of the best but not one of the worst I've run either.  Some things they did right - there were water stops at just about every mile, and they had bananas at some of them.  I discovered I can eat them during a race without issues!  At one point they were handing out wet sponges and it was great to cool down!  However, I think the delay contributed to my nutrition issues and I'm not sure it was necessary.  We spend quite a bit of time at the starting area waiting. 

I learned some things from this marathon and this training session (that's the point, right?). I learned that the training plan is working.  I didn't have any problems that were caused by not being properly trained physically.  As far as mentally, this marathon was a test of my willpower and stubbornness and I know I can push through adversity.  The Cleveland half marathon was my best half since I returned to running!  I also learned that I need try to be more rested on race day, or at least not to run a half so close to a full as I'm not QUITE as young as I used to be.  I also need to work on my nutritional issues.  I plan to keep training, after a short break (and by break I mean I won't push training this week).  I want to run a long distance (20 or so miles) at least once a month and experiment with nutrition.  I can stay close to home while running so it's easier to experiment.  

Marathon Number Nine is in the books!

No Excuses/Gotta Run (later)

Winding Down

I haven't updated this blog lately. Life has been busy!

We successfully moved the two kids to their respective schools.  As predicted, I got a lot of natural strength training during the moves.  We carried many boxes, pieces of furniture, etc.  Also I cleaned the house thoroughly after the moves, and that involved some stretching and lifting.

Another factor is that school has started.  Since I am teaching 12 credit hours, I'm basically working two full time jobs!  It's good that I enjoy both jobs.  As busy as I am, I try to keep my running as a priority.

Training has been going very well.  I made it through my third and final 20-mile run with no issues, no injuries :)  I think this is the first time I have completed all my 20-miles runs (and the other training runs) without injury.  I'm happy to report I have not missed a single run in this training cycle. I have rearranged a few, but not missed any.  My knee does hurt a bit after the longer runs, but it's not "clicking" and it's not causing me to change my stride, and I'm not experiencing any other unusual muscle pain.

I have missed some strength training.  At this point in the training cycle, I feel with the limited time I have, running is the priority.  I do a few push-ups, sit-ups, etc. as I have time, so I haven't completely abandoned the strength training.

I'm in taper mode now, having run my last longish run yesterday (8 scheduled miles turned into 10).  I added a half marathon into my training cycle, and that is coming up soon.  I will try to post an update afterwards.  I'm going to try to not race it, but use it as a tune up.  It's difficult to not compete, though! The marathon is six days after the half.  My main focus for these last two weeks is nutrition and keeping healthy.

No Excuses/Gotta Run

Week Twelve, Thirteen Finished and Now Week Fourteen Begins

I didn't write anything last week like I usually do.  These last few weeks have tested my ability to "go with the flow" when it comes to training.  All in all, I'm pleased with my progress. The hot, humid weather has been difficult to deal with, but I've been able to do my running, even though it might be at a slower pace than I prefer.  When it's hot, I slow down.  The important thing to me is to get the training in, even if it's slow.

At the end of week twelve, I ran the "Runaway Bride Women's Distance Festival" 5K.  It is always a fun race, and as the title implies it is mainly for women. This year they added the bride.  We chased a bride (a local fast male runner in a wedding dress complete with a veil) and had the option of wearing a bridesmaid dress.  I wore one (lucky for me it was shorter) and I won my age group.  It was so fun to see the bride and runners in various dresses.  I laughed when I first saw the bride :)  My total time was about a minute slower than last year, but I haven't been training for speed.  But wow, the age group just above me - those 60+ year old women can run fast!  I'll have my work cut out for me in a few years.  I really liked the prize this year; it was a small glass.  Because I was a little sore from the 5K and I raced rather than ran a training run, I decided to forgo the 14-mile run scheduled on Sunday.  My goal is to not end up injured, so I have learned to adjust, as hard as it is sometimes.

Week thirteen went fairly well.  I was able to do all my runs, with some ingenuity.  On Wednesday, a seven mile run was on the schedule.  About two miles in, the lightening started.  I'm crazy, but not stupid!  I was running in my neighborhood instead of my usual route, so I came back home and, as much as I prefer outside running, I finished on the treadmill.  I put on a rather difficult program, so I pushed myself. 

Friday was the first day of my "vacation" - I'm off work, but will be busy moving kids and cleaning, etc.  As it was the end of week thirteen, a 20-mile run was on the schedule.  It was a very hot, humid day.  I started out around 5:45 a.m.  I wore a head lamp and stayed in my neighborhood.  Once the sun started to come up, I left the neighborhood and headed toward town.  It didn't take long for it to heat up.  I was out of water by the time I got to about 10 miles, so I stopped at a local Walmart and re-filled my water bottles.  What a sight I must have been - I was dripping wet and probably a little flushed from the heat.  I refilled my water again at DCTV (thanks to my husband).  With a lot of slow running and walking, I was able to finish my 20 miles.  It was tough, I was dehydrated, but I finished.  This is the first time in several years  I've gotten two 20-mile training runs in; one more is scheduled in a few weeks.  I usually end up being injured and having to take time off, and never seem to get to those long, long runs.  I can't say the run was without injury, however.  Because it was hot and humid, my feet swelled.  I felt a little pain, but did not notice a blister forming and opening, until I got home and looked down at my shoe to see what the little bit of pain was about.

But, the key thing is that I finished the run and was still able to walk (as long as I wasn't wearing shoes) the rest of the day!

Today is the unofficial start of week fourteen.  I will have to really adjust my schedule due to the moving activities going on this week.  I was scheduled for an 8-mile run on Tuesday; I ran that this morning.  Of course it was a little too soon perhaps; with no runs scheduled until Wednesday, hopefully my heel will heal.  At least now both pairs of shoes match!

Where I am missing out is my strength training.  For weeks twelve and thirteen, I have only been able to get one session in each week.  But, it is a tougher session, and it is better than nothing.  I hope to get both sessions in this week.  However, we will be moving kids to two different colleges, so I may be getting some informal strength training during those moves!  Time has been limited these last few weeks, so if I have to choose, I will do the running. 

That's it for now!  The next few weeks will test my resolve to get my training in and to adjust as life dictates.  I can do this!  There is only one more 20-mile run, and then it will be basically taper time (which can be the worst part of any training plan).  I will try to write each week.  This is mainly for my benefit so I can look back and see how this training went and how it well it worked.  I won't know that until Marathon day!

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Eleven - Getting closer

Good or bad, the weeks are flying by this summer.  As I write this, it's hard to believe it's the last day of July.  My fall marathon is seven weeks away.  There is still plenty of time to train and to work on NOT getting injured.

This was a good week.  I was able to get my runs accomplished and my strength training, all on schedule, even though my daughter was visiting. The strength program continues to step it up with more difficult workouts, and I like the way it's causing me to work different areas.  I don't like doing evening runs because of the heat, but during the week I have no choice.  It was very hot when I did my nine mile run this week, and I was wearing new shoes.  Even though they are the exact same except in color as the other pair I started breaking in last week, they felt tight on one foot and I ended up with a blister on the bottom of my little toe.  Ouch!  I know sometimes different colors of the same shoe are slightly different, but this felt much tighter.  I believe, however, my feet were very swollen because of the heat or other issues.  I wore those shoes for my other runs this week, and by Saturday morning's run they felt fine.

That's it for this week. 


No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Ten - Tough Week

I'm amazed I've made it this far without any injuries or major training detours.  I've been following my schedule, making adjustments as necessary.  I was able to get my strength training in, too.  That program stepped it up a bit and I can feel it, especially in my abdominal muscles. 

This week was supposed to be a "cut-back" week as far as mileage.  Every few weeks, this schedule has a week with much less mileage.  I suppose it's to keep one from burning out.  I switched and moved the lower mileage week to next week.  My daughter is visiting at the end of the week, and I didn't want to try to squeeze in my runs or skip any high mileage while she is here.

The hot, sometimes stormy weather made this a tough week.  Tuesday's scheduled 10-mile run became an 8-mile run on the treadmill.  I didn't feel like taking a chance with the lightening that was happening, but after 8 miles I could do no more on the treadmill.  I used to do a higher percentage of my runs on it, because of weather and family obligations.  I can't imagine that now!  Wednesday we ventured to the big city and I was able to finally purchase some new running shoes.  Mine were well over their prime, and I could feel it in my hips and knee.  Of course I had to try them out, so I made up the 2 miles from Tuesday as soon as we got home.  Well, I MAY have gone 3 miles, but the new shoes felt so good! 

The toughest day by far this week was today.  I ran (technically I ran and walked) 20 miles!  I slept in a bit and started later than I planned.  Originally I wanted to be out by 4:30/5:00 a.m., but I ended up out the door at 5:50 a.m.  I wore my headlamp for part of the run, then looped back home to drop it off once it was light enough outside.  We are under a heat advisory, so I wanted to finish before it got too hot.  I didn't quite accomplish that goal, but the point is that I finished 20 miles.  Last year when I was training for my October marathon, I didn't end up with any 20-mile runs due to schedules, injuries, etc.  I have two more planned before this marathon.

Since today's run was so long, I altered my route.  Instead of keeping it in the country, I ran into town, by the library, a park (both of those twice - going out and coming back), some major parking lots, and so forth.  I did a country loop at the end.  I stopped home at 17.5 miles because all of my water was gone, and I was very thirsty.  I was tempted to stay in the nice air-conditioned house, but I couldn't since I was so close to my goal.  I saw some interesting things on my run.  At the library, I saw a group of people sitting on and around the cannon.  There is a Pokestop there, and I imagine someone set up a lure.  I saw quite a few runners; I assume they were like me and wanted to get their runs finished before the heat of the day set in.  I saw the usual deer and other wildlife. I'm glad I stuck it out and finished.  I didn't have my usual stomach issues, so I'm getting better at know what to eat and what not to eat the day before.  Now it's time for a little rest!

No Excuses  / Gotta run

Week Nine - Keeping it going

Week nine - wow.  I've come this far without an injury, and I hope to keep it that way.  I accomplished all my scheduled runs this week, along with my cross-training/strength training. I seem to be running at a significantly slower pace, but that may be key to keeping injury-free.  Slow and steady finishes the race!

I have adjusted my schedule and I will see how it works.  Most weekends I prefer to do the long run on Saturday, and I had those scheduled for Sunday.  The change allows me to enjoy Saturday evenings without the the worry of what I'm eating and how that will affect the next day's run.  Also, usually the day after a long run (not the day of) I'm starving, and when I do my long runs on Sunday, I end up at work without enough to eat. Monday's are difficult enough without being continuously hungry! There may be a few Saturday's I'm unable to do that, but I'll adjust.  I've also added an occasional extra run in - it depends on how I feel.  I want to keep the enjoyment of running going, so if I feel like going for a run, I will.  And again, flexibility with my schedule is a key part of continued success.  I may have to switch up a few weeks due to family obligations, and that's OK.

This is a rather boring entry, but when things are going well, there's not much to say.  I did have one interesting run this week.  I knew the rain was coming, and I enjoy running in the rain.  The thunder was OK, too.  I was smart and, after my 3-mile loop, instead of doing a second one (I was aiming for 6 miles), I stayed in my neighborhood, running on every side street.  I was a block or so past my street and planning to run to the stop sign at the entrance to my subdivision.  As I said, thunder is OK.  Pouring rain is OK too, and it actually felt quite refreshing.  Then, there was lightening.  I don't do lightening!  I turned around and quickly ran back home.  I cut my run short by .4 of a mile, but safety is paramount!

No Excuses  / Gotta run