14 days to go...

This past week was the start of our three week "taper." I did two 5 mile runs, a one hour spin class, a two mile run and then today I ran 14 miles. I felt good all week although I have that nagging feeling that many runners get during the taper, that they aren't running enough.

I checked the athens classic marathon website and read that there are 14 days until the race. What?! Yes, just two weeks away - hard to believe! The temperature in Athens is highs in the low 60s and Istanbul seems to be a tad bit cooler than that...hopefully this week I can actually start to do the girly, wardrobe-planning thing.

Today a funny thing happened though - I ate a normal pre-race meal of toast with peanut butter, banana and honey, with some coffee. But then realized that with all the Halloween and School Fall Festival prep last week, I still had no GUs. So, McGyver style, I used what I could find to pull off a running replenishment miracle. I filled my fanny pack with two fig newton cookies, four candy corns I found in the bottom of my tea canister (they were from last year...eww!), and for good measure, two sugar packets. Then I filled a water bottle with Gatorade, grabbed my hyper dog, and went for a run.

It was one of the best runs I have had in a while! I am seriously considering ditching the Gu/Cliff Gel thing altogether, because I know they upset my tummy. I just thought of them as miracle food, and thought maybe they could run the last 8 miles of the marathon for me. I'm not even kidding there. However, in order to take in enough of the icky sugar gels to help me, it ends up tying my stomach in knots so I can't even stand straight. The cookies and candy and gatorade seemed to do the trick just fine and I felt strong for the entire run.

Of course, 14 miles feels like small potatoes after running 19, but it was nice all the same. Also I am happy to report that my hyper dog turned into a pokie little puppy by about mile 10 and I had to drag his butt down the mountain that we ran up today (in the sun!). Sometimes it seems like he can never get worn down and even though now he seems fully recovered and hyper again, 12 hours later, at least for a few miles today I felt like I actually tired him out.

So, with 14 days to go I am still learning and tweaking my training plan. I understand why people swear to never run another marathon after they run their first marathon. The time, the running and the training are brutal (and all those porta potties!!). But I also understand why people run their first, and then start to plan their second marathon. Learning is a process and until you run those 26.2 miles, I don't think you will ever be fully prepared to run 26.2 miles. We'll see after the race which camp I fall into - maybe both!

Confession

Well, I am officially a wimp.

Last week I was a working mom and spent five nights up till midnight working on a catering job I had on Friday night. I also ran my 6 mile run, did some plyometrics, did sprints, and did a nice tempo run plus hills for 8.5 miles. Then the Friday of my event, I ran a quick 5 miles. My running was on schedule, my chocolate mousse was made, my key lime components, frostings and cake pops were ready to go. By the time I finished my 5 mile run on Friday morning I felt on schedule, and good to go. I had even been a good mom all week, staying up late so that the boys didn't have to see me working too much.

All I had left to do was finish the final components of my dessert, attend the wedding (who happened to be of close family friends), set up the dessert buffet, and after the wedding head on home to crash in bed.

Oh, and then run 20 miles.

If I were catholic, this would be my confession. I did not run my 20 miles this weekend. I have run 18 miles twice and 19 miles once. I have run hundreds and hundreds of miles over the past year to first prepare for my half marathon last May, and then to prepare for this upcoming Marathon. But I did not run my 20 miles this weekend. I started to question my discipline right after my five miler on Friday morning. In the shower at the YMCA, by some weird freak accident, my razor sliced three long scratches into each of my shins while shaving. It stung. A lot. And when I run, I sweat out salt. A lot. So much, in fact, that I have to basically scrape off the salt crust from my body when I am done. The thought of pouring salted sweat all over the cuts in my legs was not sounding too good. Who ever even CONSIDERS the pain one might feel when salt is poured over a freak shaving accident induced wound on ones legs? I have not read one thing in Runners World about that.

Then at the wedding, they had the most amazing food ever. It was chips (greasy) and salsa (spicy) and beans (fiber) and chicken enchiladas (protein). Hmm....I savored every non-carbohydrated bite of it. And the thought crossed my mind again, that perhaps running 20 miles in the morning on the most unsuitable pre-race meal ever might be a bad idea...or at least a really bad experience in the making.

The thought also occurred to me, that I was out of Gus. And then the other thought occurred to me that I had stayed up past midnight (for me this is WAY past bedtime) and on my feet for five nights in a row.

And on Saturday morning, I stayed in bed until 9 am. I drank lots of lots of coffee. And I sat around the house all day basically doing nothing.

Now I have a decision to make, as we are now about three weeks out from the Marathon. Do I do the 20 miler next weekend? Do I do four, 5-mile runs and say I ran 20 miles only in increments? This is the start of the taper, but sadly I have the 20 miler hanging over my head now. My plan as of this writing is to run four good, hard runs this week and then on Saturday, I will see how I feel. This is my first marathon and my goal is to finish, not to get an amazing time or a PR (although technically no matter what it will be my best ever marathon time!).

I think in marathon training as with any distance race training it is important for us recreational runners to be easy on ourselves. We run and we run and we follow our plans but there will be great running days and then days we just aren't feeling up to it. Some days we don't want any more rice and oatmeal, or sticky carb gel-type food. Some days our feet hurt, or we get the flu, or we have to get up early to take our kids to school. That's okay. Obviously the hope is that there are more good days than bad. I feel like most of the posts are about the days that are hard, but there are some really fast, fun running days in the mix too. I plan on seeing a lot of good days in the weeks ahead!

Easy Effort Days (aka Piece of Cake)

The human body is so fascinating in how it can adapt and grow stronger. There was a time, when my heart would race and my lungs would feel like bursting at 2 miles. Yesterday, it took 12 miles of hills to get me to that point! Another thing I notice, is that after running hills for a few days in a row, I can run on a flat surface much easier. It is an easier effort.

Similarly, when I run errands with my four year old, things tend to be more difficult and tiring (gotta get stickers and a sucker from trader joes...got to get the car seat situated, got to stop for potty breaks, got to say "no, because you dont NEED another matchbox airplane!!" ) So when I run errands without my four year old, things just go quickly and smoothly and again, my effort level seems much lower.

Today was a day that, a few months ago, I would have described as a really, really busy day. I would have been tired by now. But marathon training has changed my perspective some.

Yesterday, I ran 18 miles, 12 of which were uphill. The Gu's upset my stomach and I was tired and grouchy by the end of the run. Poor hubby went along on his bike for the first time (and possibly now the last!) to hand me water and Gu's on request. Unfortunately I was not a happy camper for the latter half of the run. We had driven to the beach, went our 18 miles, spent about 30 minutes back at the beach - Ryan, watching the surfers ride the waves...me, laying in the grass waiting to die (only a slight exaggeration, I assure you). Then to the grocery store to get chocolate milk. By the time we got home, and I had showered, iced my legs, taken my ibuprofen, slept and then found enough leg strength to get downstairs for dinner, the day was done. And THAT was a typical long run day for me.

Which brings me to today. After a long run day, just as after a hill run, or a toddler errand run, a non-run day feels like a piece of cake. Here is a glimpse of what my easy day consisted of: waking up and teaching my 11 year old how to make french toast for the family. Playing with my 4 year old. Going to the produce store for leeks and stopping at Trader Joes for this weeks groceries plus the inevitable impulse buys. Doing all the laundry and scrubbing the house from top to bottom (that one took a while!). Making a homemade apple pie and also some mini apple crisps for friends who have been under the weather. Going out on a "bagel date" with my oldest son to catch up on life. Cutting up a butternut squash while talking to a friend who has been in the hospital all week. Then making homemade butternut squash soup with cider cream for dinner with some fresh baked ciabatta bread and tomato - lentil bruschetta. Entertaining the 4 year old neighbor girl for a bit. Going for a walk around the neighborhood after dinner with hubby, boys and dog. Watching the Disney channel with the older boys and tucking in the little guy.

Such an easy, fun, NON-RUN sort of day! Doing the laundry alone is usually a drudgery for me. But today I felt almost lazy in that I had so much leisure time. Granted, running is supposed to feel like a leisure activity too. But trust me, by the last few weeks of marathon training, running feels like anything but leisure!

I enjoyed my day today but tomorrow it is back to training again. Five days of the next seven I will be running. I am also catering 300 desserts for a wedding on Friday, but hopefully after the running days, that will indeed feel like a (okay and look like one too I hope!) piece of cake!

Ramblin' On

One month from today, I will be a "former marathoner". I have to admit, the "former" part is what keeps me going during those painful long runs. I just imagine my friends-especially those who are my age (57.5 years)-saying "I could never do that", "Wow-a marathon, I'm impressed!"- you get the idea. Then I quickly ask the Lord to forgive me for my lack of humility..... I also ask Him to help me do this, to be a blessing to my girls, and to enjoy the experience.

I love to travel. I have been extraordinarily blessed to have had some fabulous experiences with my children- Pro Bowls in Hawaii when my Seahawks quarterback played, Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, getting lost in Stanley Park. I've also seen giraffes in the African wild with my son-in-law, New Year's Eve in London as Big Ben struck midnight.... This trip to Athens will be added to my list. Somehow, I think that this one will be a little different. Yes, I will be reading the "things to do in Athens" forum on Trip Advisor, yes, I will write lists of "what to pack" and yes, I will plan fun activities for the trip. But-knowing the pain, sacrifice, and commitment that has characterized the road to Athens somehow elevates this trip to another level. Imagining entering the stadium in Athens and joining my two little girls in celebrating this feat surpasses all other vacation planning for me...

I read in Runner's World a term for chubby runners, but I can't remember what it was. Whatever it is, it would describe me. Sometimes when I tell people that I am training for a marathon-because my training book says be sure and tell everyone-they look at me like I am at least delusional and at most a (big fat) liar. Can I help it if the Menopause Fairy has bestowed upon me a zero metabolism? For the most part it doesn't bother me because I know I am fit, but I do kinda wonder when I am at the starting line in Athens if people will think I'm an imposter....

"It's a marathon, not a sprint". People always say that when they're giving you permission to take your time or to not worry about immediate results. I've always thought that those words are intended to decrease anxiety, to relax... Really?

So these are a few of my running ramblings.... 18 miles this weekend-I'm sure I'll have some more to share...

The Importance of the Cross-train

As I last noted, this week I am taking time off from running. And not just running, but from wearing shoes altogether! Sometimes I tend to vent the hardships of marathon training without mentioning the positives. So, because I am wearing sandals this week, it forced me to rethink my training and as a result, reminded me of a very, very valuable tool. The cross-train.

When I trained for my first 10 K race, I did it without running a single step for the three months leading up to race day. I had started off training, and then right away had started feeling sharp pains in my bum knee (I have a bum knee, back and hip flexor...why I am a runner I have no idea). I spent the next three months in spin class, swimming laps in the pool, and weight training. Spin class taught me to get my heart rate up high and improved my cardiovascular ability and endurance. Laps in the pool strengthened my core, my shoulders and again my lung capacity. Weight training strengthened the muscles around my knee so that it was better supported as well as improving all over strength and muscle tone.

On race day, I ran every inch of the 6 miler (10 K) and did it feeling strong and pain free.

Many race training plans include different types of running, but no true cross training days. My plan for the marathon doesn't include cross training at all. It includes hill running, sprinting, long runs, tempo runs and rest days. All of those things help to work out different muscles and improve different aspects of my running. However, I have noticed the last month that I am losing muscle tone as I increase mileage and run longer and slower. Plus I am starting to get bored with running even though I trust I will never truly lose my love of the sport. There is a greater pressure now as the race draws near to take care of my body and to avoid injury and fatigue, and I believe now is a great time to reinstate some different workouts into my week.

In particular, this week I am doing yoga, pilates and barefoot plyometrics, as well as a whole lot of lunges. My heart rate is getting up there, I am sweating, but also improving my muscle tone, core and flexibility - things I know I under-emphasize. If my ankle is healed enough by Saturday, I am planning to do my 19 mile run again - this time with my hubby on his bike beside me (I will just call him my Gu and Water-boy). :) I actually think I will be able to do it, and will probably enjoy the run more.

I find myself seeing the bright side of my heel injury this week. The three of us have also been collaborating on cute "Girls on the Run" T-shirts this week which has reminded us of one of the fun perks of running a marathon with a group. I am glad for those reminders!

Sidelined

****Warning...this post talks about blood...eww!

So, I didn't mention that after my 18 mile run the other day, I had a gaping hole in the back of my heel from my new, unbroken-in shoes. The first pair of shoes I bought back in May also needed to be broken in, but I was only running an hour or so at a time. This time around, I am running more than 3 hours at a time!

My body had gone into it's Novocaine-induced numbness at some point in the run and I didn't realize that my shoe was rubbing a larger and larger wound into my foot the longer I went. When I got home and pulled off my shoes, I found a large amount of blood in my shoes and socks and again, the hole.

The problem with a hole in the back of your ankle that has been created by the shape of your running shoe, is that when you put that running shoe back on, it perfectly fits over that hole again. I am kicking myself because I have been so good to protect my muscles while training that I completely overlooked my flesh (except for occasional chaffing issues). On Monday I ran 5 miles with tears streaming down my face I was in so much pain, all the while annoyed at myself for being such a baby. Unfortunately, the injury is not healing as quickly as I would like and isn't scabbing over, as it is too deep still.

That said, I am not making a huge dent in my 169 miles this week which is frustrating to me. My friend made a good point today though. She asked me "would you rather keep opening up this wound and run the marathon injured? Or would you rather take a few days off and heal and start again?"

I got some socks that cover my ankles and some good pads to put around the cut (if you can call it a cut...it really is more of a hole).

Please, please don't make the same mistake as me and run 18 miles in new shoes with no-show socks. There are just so many details to keep in mind when running a long race like this. It's hard to remember it all!

So I will keep you updated. For now I am frustrated to be sitting out the next couple days. However it is giving me time to think through my running outfit and my travel wardrobe which has been a decent consolation.

In fact, I will post soon about the fashion side of this trip. And hopefully Mom and Sis can add their two cents as well!

Long Road to Marathon

I don't remember reading anywhere that a Marathon is really, really long. Okay, I am sure I did read something like that somewhere, but I think my brain didn't want to register it so that I would start the journey.

Here is what I mean. The thought of finishing a 26.2 mile run sounds so great. It is an amazing accomplishment, worthy of the bucket list, all bragging rights and back-patting. We make it our goal, looking forward to the end and the great feeling you will have when it is all done. But somehow the reality of training doesn't register - not completely, anyway.

I remember my first half marathon, where the last 2 miles was very difficult for me. I refused to walk, but therefore dragged my feet in a little shuffle-run, while the speed walkers passed me by. I finished at a jog and then promised myself I would NEVER run 13.1 miles again because it is just plain stupid. At the time, my protective (or in-denial) brain forgot to remind me that if I was going to run a marathon one day, I would indeed have to run 13.1 miles again. In fact many, many times.

I calculated the number of miles my training schedule has me running in the 16-week plan. A total of approximately 489 miles, give or take. To get to the starting line at the Athens Marathon, I first need to RUN nearly 500 miles. That is even farther than Phidippides, the first ever marathon runner. He ran 100 miles to Marathon and then ran 25 plus miles from there to Athens to announce victory against the Persians, and then he died.

Granted he probably didn't spread that first 100 miles out over several weeks, and he may have not properly hydrated or had a sufficient number of Gu's in his little runner's fanny pack. But I can't pretend I am not a bit worried, because 500 miles is a long road to Marathon, Greece. And that doesn't even include that last little bit, the 26.2 mile finish!

For those of you contemplating a marathon, be warned. You will have to run a lot to prepare for the race. The 26 miles will start to feel like a small blip on the radar when you consider the number of miles you will run to get there. The accomplishment is in the journey to the start-line, the finish is really just where you get to pick up your finisher's medal. Yesterday I ran 18 miles in a little more than 3 hours. I spent 3 hours of my life running around my town and there were no water stations, no cheering bystanders, no beer garden and free goodie bags waiting at the end. It was just my house, dinner waiting to be made, kids to be picked up at school, errands to run. There is so little fanfare for those first 500 miles, it just seems wrong. 18 miles is HUGE.

I counted up and I now have 169 miles left to go of my 500. And less than 5 weeks to run them (in fact most of it happens in the next three weeks!). I have always been a destination gal more than a journey gal. I don't stop and smell the roses, I just want to get to where I am going and say "been there, done that." But in training for this Marathon I am gaining appreciation for the journey, mostly because it is not a quick one. Not a short one. Yes, I am excited to cross the finish line and get my finishers medal and free bagel. I will most likely immediately pull out my to-do list for the day and make a big point of crossing "Marathon" off the list. But I think on November 13, 2011, it will be the journey that I will be most proud of. I am not there yet, however, and still have to get moving on my 169...wish me luck!

Tough

Some days, running is just plain tough. Last week was my easy week where I felt like I barely ran at all. Today, I was supposed to run 13 miles but I didn't realize it until I woke up this morning and checked my run schedule. I worked all weekend on a catering job and usually after I cater I wake up the next day feeling like I was hit by a truck. And this morning was no exception!

So, by the time I got to the YMCA and checked in the four year old, it was already warm and sunny out. I had forgotten Gu or gatorade. I had forgotten my sunscreen. I didn't feel like running indoors on the treadmill for 13 miles.

So I went out on the trail, lamenting the sun exposure and freckles/sun spots appearing on my upper arms. I figured I would just run until I didn't feel like it anymore. Unfortunately, at about 200 yards I didn't feel like it anymore. So I scratched that idea and instead decided to run until I felt I had done a respectable distance. Which is very relative.

At about four miles, I looked up and saw three hawks flying in circles overhead. I wondered what they might be circling...and then the thought hit me..."maybe they are circling me!" After all, at that point I was sweating profusely, dragging my feet, panting and probably looking like a dying animal of some sort. At four miles!

I found a bit of shade and ran in it for as long as I could. It was uphill for about a mile. Ran by some crows sitting on a fence...watching me. I think they had gotten word from the hawks that I would be passing by. I gave them a steely stare as if to say, go find your breakfast somewhere else, punks!

The nice part of the uphill was that I turned around and went downhill for that same mile. Got to the Y again at 7 miles and called it a day. I ate a sugar packet from the coffee cart in the lobby and stretched. Last week I ran the same time but ran 9 miles instead of 7. I don't remember seeing the hawks last week either.

Some days are tough. That is the reality of training for a race as long as 26.2 miles. You just have to shake it off and start again tomorrow, but there is no option to give up. The goal is set and I can't ask Greece to reschedule for another day, or year...(ok well there is always another year but our plane tickets are bought!). Hopefully tomorrow there will be a bit more pep in my step!