Race Day 2010

Nov 14, 2010

This was the reward today(and a warming sheet lol). 
Well, I completed the race. I had energy at the end(so now I know what to look for next time). 
I knocked out every turn I could. The course was tricky to me(it seemed like certain miles were just too long, like they did not know where to go). 
I met some really cool people today. 
I ate a ton of sports beans and the chomps lol. 
It was a nice feeling knowing that I was finishing the race. I clapped at every mile marker (literally). I didn’t really like the cytomax(why can’t we just drink gatorade?). 
So for the future: 
I will have a camel(I saw some cute ones) 
I will wear running tights 🙂 
Because my shorts were just not hitting it today 🙂 
and last but not least, my mileage is going to increase 🙂 
*Update-just found out I finished in 3:14 
This week is going to be spent in recovery. 
I encourage everyone to push themselves in some way regarding fitness. 
Today I met a guy who was doing his 97th marathon and another who was doing his 101st. 
I also started with a lady who was doing her 10th. 
So as of right now, I guess I am shooting for Austin in Feb… 
Love you guys! 

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Training Day 171 p.2/Notes From The Best

Nov 12, 2010

The session started off with John “The Penguin” Bingham, who is also starting the race this weekend(can’t think of that word at the moment). 
-If you are in a back corral, you have time(so don’t feel like you are in a rush). 
-The people with the most interesting life stories are in the back. 
-Runners round down when telling their times 🙂 
-Enjoy yourself! 
-Look good in your finish photo 🙂 
Someone asked a question about hydration. 
-If your urine is clear, all of the electrolytes are out of your system. 
-Drink when you are thirsty 
-At every aid station ask yourself “Am I thirsty?” 
Someone asked about their knee 
-everyone gets a little nicked up 
-The difference between injury vs. fatigue 
-Commit to walking through the water stops 
-No professional athlete is going to ris their health for one race 
-Be aware of your surroundings when you have an ipod 
Someone asked about hitting the ‘wall’ 
-With all the different replacements, you won’t hit the wall 
-Cramping=lack of sodium 
-Don’t wait to fuel 
-Layer(short sleeve, long sleeve, hat). 
I don’t have a hat oops… 
In the next session John and Frank spoke: 
-In NY, the hills are the bridges 
-The drugs work too well 
-EPO gives a 2% advantage(not fair) 
-You can’t promote a sport and police it at the same time. 
-There is a certain segment of the population that doesn’t care if they are actually winning on their own. 
-You lose more often than you win 
-When you train, you are just like the elites 
-It’s not all or nothing 
-Elites keep up the same intensity even after a race 
-Frank started running for stress relief(in school) 
-You have to enjoy the movement(itself) 
-Ask yourself “Do you like just being out there?” 
-When racing, you have to know when to turn the switch on and off(regarding competition) 
The next session involved Rod Dixon, Frank, and Meb: 
-Everyday is different, you just have to give it 110% 
-Do your scheduled workout even when you don’t feel good 
-Consistency is the key 
-Run to your best ability 
-Everyone who finishes is a winner 
-Finishing is winning and winning is finishing 
-Punch the turns! 
-You can convert your fibers(from fast to slow) 
-Running is like a game of chess 
-You have to be a few steps/moves ahead of the next person 
-Look at the corners(how can you save the distance?) 
-Its a game of pluses and minuses 
-If you are trying to win, it doesn’t matter who is next to you 
-Make sure you are initiating 
-We all run better in different conditions 
-Reframing, When you lose, figure out how you will win the next time 
-We all have to overcome something(MEB) 
-Always have a plan(A-Z if needed) 
-Run your own race(I wrote that twice) 
-Go to your inner coach 
-The marathon is a metaphor for life 
-Don’t go out too early(MEB) 
Talk(find someone to talk to around mile 7 or 8(John) 

Hope you all find some inspiration from these great people 🙂 

Training Day 171/Confessions of A Running Groupie

Nov 12, 2010 

So this morning I headed out to the Fitness expo. I got there early(it didn’t open until 11 on the dot), so I ended up with a good spot in line. I met some cool people from St. Louis. We get inside and I am a little surprised because the vendors don’t come out of their areas and greet us. It’s a little like pulling teeth(but I manage to get some cool things). I even won a cute pair of socks. 
It’s kind of surreal when I actual have my bib. I find the stage and go sit down, when who comes near, John “The Penguin” Bingham!! OMG, He totally signs my books, and makes fun of me for taking notes lol. 

Training Day 170/ 3 Days To Go

Nov 11, 2010

I went to a job fair today which was ho hum. All I could think about was getting my new arm warmers for the race. I had to get a white pair. I also got some GU Chomps(interesting). The people at the running store were so encouraging and they told me good luck and that I should do fine. There are going to be bands every so mile. So I am debating taking my ipod(maybe I will have the volume down a tad lol. 
Tomorrow I am so excited because I get to go to the Expo(I heard Meb is going to be there…idk.) So I am taking two of The Penguin’s books, a pen, and a notebook(plus my race packet to get my bib and stuff). 
So today has been great and so not blah 🙂 
Love you guys!! 

Running To Remember

     Today I ran my miles in silence(no headphones) to remember a local runner who was brutally murdered in a park a few days ago. As I ran, I took in my surroundings and I thought about the runner. I also thought about what I would do if someone tried to attack me on a run. I prayed. There are really depraved people in the world. That is one reason why it is so important to be safe and use your instincts when you are in a weird situation. 

     A few safety tips when running alone would be to have a phone or someone near by whose phone you could use(I will ask someone to use their phone in a heartbeat). Wear reflective clothing and shoes. Know your surroundings. If someone gives you a bad vibe, run away from them and change your route. Run in the daytime or in well lit areas. Know the people in your neighborhood(I may not know all of my neighbors by name, but I know them by face and they sure as rain know me). If you can run with a friend(I personally don’t like to run with others unless I’m in a race) but I understand that a lot of people like to run with friends, so do that. 

   As I ran I thought of every move I could use if someone tried to attack me. Then I felt sorry for the next person who attempted to attack me because they would be facing a world of pent up frustration and hurt due to not unleashing my self defense in the past. When or if someone is trying to hurt you, you always have the right to defend yourself. Your adrenaline should kick in and if it doesn’t scream, bite, kick, do whatever you have to do to save yourself. Because sadly you may not know when help will come. I also remembered that runners are a tough bunch. We know pain and we know how to push through. I hope to always remember why I run and that we all matter. The news reported that the attacker was arrested. I’m sure more news will be available leading up to his trial.  My prayers are with the runner’s family and friends. 

Shalom

Sweat Once A Day(2) Sweaty Is As Sweaty Does

Yay! I got my ten miles in. This is my last long run of the week until race day. I also plan to do some yoga later. When I was running I started with my jacket on and then I had to take it off because I was sweating so much. I had to later put my jacket back on because the sweat was cold lol. 

I spent a lot of time running and singing today. I was in a really good mood. Its like your own personal karoke when no one else is out(which happens often). I would love to go to the gym but it is such a trek. A few years ago, it was only a walk and a bus ride to get to the gym and my body thanked me for it. Now, its more like improvising(I have 5,8,10,12,15,20 lb weights). 

How are you sweating today?