Bump in the Training Road

We interrupt reflections of world traveling to bring you a hard dose of reality. (Cue the breaking news sound byte)

While away, I wrote a few posts that I'm in the process of finalizing, but honestly, they're fluffy in relation to my current training, which makes sense. I ran while I was away, but it was a bit fluffy, and that's completely fine. I wanted to run while I was away, but I didn't want it to in any way impede my trip. So the posts I'm working on are meaningful to me and true to my experiences, but in terms of running, it would be dishonest of me to skip over today's run. I honestly just need to process it.

I had a long run of 7 miles planned for this morning, and I did it. I can't feel worse about a run than I would feel if I hadn't run at all, but it's not easy. This has happened before- I've struggled through a long run, just to go on and have a super successful long run the next week. I know it's not necessarily indicative of how the next 6 weeks are going to go, unless I let it be. I do think it is important for me to reflect nevertheless, as I don't want to continue to feel this way, both physically and mentally.

When I trained for my first half, I was super disciplined, finding what worked for me and sticking to it. Since then, I've found myself rediscovering things I already know and that were once routine for me, and that's okay. I need to continue to view this as a process, a journey, because when I look at it like that, today is a piece of the puzzle. It's hard to differentiate between what really impacts my performance, and what is just a head game, what is just me psyching myself out. 

A friend recently made me think about the differences between reasons and excuses. Today's run is behind me and I have no one but myself to "answer" to, so there are no excuses to be made. Instead,  I seek to identify reasons that may have caused today be challenging, so I can adjust accordingly for upcoming long runs. Here are my take aways:

-Choose flat over variety. I like weaving my way through town and mixing up my routes, but I need to forgo creative runs and minimize any additional challenges when mapping out longer runs. I don't usually blanket avoid hills/route challenges, and I won't, but I need to create long runs that are as gentle as possible. The course in September is flat and if my goal is to hit a mileage marker on my long runs, that needs to be my top priority.

-Cross train. This is something I was planning to start sprinkling in this weekend anyway, but I'm reminded that it's a super important part of my plan. Runs need to be my top priority, but some other form of working out needs to be up there too. I want to protect my long runs, in that I never want to go into them sore for a day of cross training, but doing so between shorter runs will definitely do me some good. It's a good reminder that I can, and should, push beyond what is comfortable and easy. 

-Revamp the play list. I typically create and wear out the same playlist, so I've become a huge fan of Songza as a way to mix it up. I think for shorter runs, it works, but for longer runs, I need songs that I know will energize me. My music could definitely use a makeover, but I like knowing what's coming, knowing that every song will push me.

Next Stop: Detroit Half!

Yesterday was our final long run before the Detroit Half on October 21. It was the longest training run I have ever done (11 miles!) prior to a half and it feels really great to have such a long distance under my belt. My knees have been a little testy towards the end of these longer runs, so naturally, I have started to question if I had 2 more miles in me at the end of yesterday's run. The good news is that in the past, I've needed to go 3 more miles over that final run and was able to pull it off. 2 more? No problem!

Talking out some of the logistics during our run for the morning of the half was really exciting (minus the idea of it being any colder than it was today at 10AM...a brisk 40 degrees - what?!).  I miss running with friends and training with Ryan has been great. While we haven't discussed the logistics of how we plan to "attack" the race, even starting/running the first few miles together will be such a treat! 

Running for a Cause

As the Detroit Half inches closer and closer, I'm working hard to attempt to balance work/personal time that includes adequately preparing myself for this race. Mentally, I'm committed and want to put in the time and work (usually...), but it's hard to find the hours to do it all on some days and that extra hour of sleep vs. an extra workout is a tough sell for me at this point. After skipping a mid-week run, I was a little nervous about yesterday's long run. In addition to it being 9 miles, it was the first long run I was going to be doing alone this time around, since Ryan is back home this weekend. On repeat, I reminded myself that every time before now, I had done these long runs on my own. Nevertheless, I've gotten used to running with someone for them and it can be daunting to think of covering the same milage solo.

Despite my worries though, the run went great! The weather was perfect and I even squeezed out an extra quarter-of-a-mile at the end to get myself all the way home. I definitely still see a big need to cross train, and so yet again, I will see if/where I can squeeze it in when I'm not eat/sleep/breathing school work. It's hard that naturally I have the most time on the weekends, but I like to give myself the day after the long run off. I don't want to make impulsive decisions and pushing myself in the wrong way and regretting it. 

Even running alone though, I had A LOT to think about and keep me going. In the next two months, FIVE of my close friends are running for 3 different worthwhile causes - the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. I know the commitment it takes to train and fundraise for a half (forget even thinking about the FULL!), and it overwhelms me with good feelings to think of how many of friends are willing to put others before themselves to make this commitment. Of course, I also thought a lot about my first half in Philly (which Beckerman is running today!!!) and how it felt to run for a cause I cared so much about. I remember so many of the little details of the day and I'm THRILLED Beckerman is experiencing it all RIGHT NOW! I'm eager to hear how her morning went and while I wish I were there cheering her on, I'm sending all kinds of love and good thoughts back to the place where it all started for me!

Oh yeah...Half Marathon Training

I appreciate the fact that I feel entitled to write about whatever I want here as long as I connect it to running...which I think I genuinely do. Nevertheless, I realized that my related-to-running rants have caused me to neglect actually writing about my running. This isn't to say I haven't been. On the contrary, I realized today that despite my lack of posting, I am in full-out half-marathon training (full-out is still relative, of course). 

A hectic few weeks of traveling proved to make increasing mileage very challenging. While I was excited to be able to keep up a basic routine, a lack of routine made getting over the 6-mile hump incredibly challenging. A wacky sleep schedule, lots of driving, and not upholding past pre-long run routines gave me 3 weeks of 6-milers. While the first one rocked (bff run in Chi-town!), the next two messed with my head and got under my skin. It was frustrating, but at the same time, an important reminder. The things I do differently on long runs - eating a pb&j sandwich, body gliding, drinking water the night before - have an impact, as they should. They say if it an't broke, don't fix it. It's taken too long this time around to remember that it's important to stick with what works. 

Since returning to Michigan, I've felt a lot better about long runs...and with good reason! Last week and this morning, Ryan and I ran 7 and 8 miles respectively, and both runs went GREAT! Ryan has officially ran his longest distance ever (re: ROCKSTAR!) and aside from a  tight knee, we both felt great on both runs. For me, the biggest part of this is that I feel like I'm in a good place mentally for the next few weeks. When I ran my last half in April, I was dreading it because I knew I hadn't prepared the way I needed to. Leading up to race day, I was filled with regret, instead of excitement. Being part of big races can be motivating, exhilarating, and a lot of fun, but not when you're busy thinking about all the things you should've or could've done differently. This time around, I feel great about how things are going, knowing I'm doing all I can to enjoy the run when it gets here. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't have small goals, but with the craziness of the summer and the craziness of the back-to-school season, I want to be realistic about what I can do, instead of ruining race day with feelings of regret. 

Summer Reds and Oranges.... and Blues

If the summer were done, I'd be able to talk about how amazing it was and all that jazz. I still have a few more days of glory, so I'm reluctant to summarize it all and wrap it in a pretty bow. I am feeling grateful for such a special summer, yet I am nearly ready to head back to my work and become a productive member of society. I am a creature of habit, so especially where running is concerned, my regular routine has certainly suffered. It's been a struggle to enjoy all the freedom of summer has to offer without feeling the impact of it. On Tuesday, Ryan and I were able to finally squeeze in a delayed long run and I felt the difference. It was roughhhh. Usually I am an "out of sight, out of mind" kind of  girl and I am complain for miles, yet forget it as soon as I return to the comfort of my couch... but definitely not in this case. THAT'S how rough it was! So you live and you learn. Fingers crossed the next long one goes a little more smoothly...with less complaints and more high fives! Rah rah! 

FOUR DAYS!

I cannot believe that in JUST FOUR DAYS (and really...almost three at this point!!) I'll be getting ready to run from Hershey to State College for the kids. I think of all the reasons I want to run, all the things that have motivated me these past weeks and months - the daily struggles of these children whose lives have been flipped upside down. I am so incredibly excited!

I ran my last long run today and it went so great! It was exactly what I "needed" heading into this week to feel worthy for having this honor. I needed to know I could do it, based on cold-hard evidence, rather than just a gut feeling. Again, remember, I'm not a runner, so it's difficult to see myself in this group of amazing, committed, passionate RUNNERS!

Let a week of complete and utter amazing start :O)

big picture

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of."

-PattiSue Plumer

When I decided run a half-marathon, back in April, a large factor in my decision was the need to prove to myself I could have a goal and work hard, over an extended period of time, to reach it. Aside from this being something I have wanted to do for a while, it was a lot about the "chase," about trying my persistence.

Today was my LAST LONG RUN before race day! I ran ten miles - TWO DIGITS?! - and wow! I have thought about race day so much, but the idea of actually running that much...I can't believe I did it? It doesn't even make sense?! About two miles before the end, I was thinking about what finishing the half-marathon in two weeks will feel like. I have imagined this moment before, but never in such a realistic way...in that it could really happen? And I have no idea where it came from, but mid-run, I actually got a little chocked up! People who know me know I am very in touch with my emotions (let's not get crazy and call me EMOTIONAL or anything), so this isn't totally out of character for me...but I was surprised with what a strong reaction I had at the thought of being so far from where I started. Especially with the start of school inching closer and closer, I can't help but use this as a reminder of what's possible, and how badly we short ourselves when we don't keep our head up, skip ahead to a song that makes us push on, and just imagine the reality of crossing the finish line.

MANY steps in the right direction!

This morning's run was EIGHT miles, and, the more important fact, is that I RAN IT! More than was made obvious in my recent posts, these past few weeks have been the lowest point of my training. As I admitted, I think much of it has been mental, but not being able to hack it on "easy" runs can certain take its toll on you. I was counting on today to make me feel GOOD..and it did! It's the first time in a while that I have really felt like I can do this!

Because of the ridiculous heat, I went super early to try to minimize exterior factors messing this up for me. I had my new hand-held water bottle (which considering it was the first time I used it, didn't bother me too much until the end) and an arm band for my ipod (thanks LB!), as well as a new-and-improved running mix of all the songs I have that I would run to....I was starting to feel like I was on the show NEXT with all the clicking past songs I was doing. It was getting out of control, so the make-over definitely helped!

Drum roll pleaseeee.....I have now officially run the entire half-marathon course!

Last week I "ran" the loop in Center City, starting and ending at Love Park (more like cried while quickly moving my legs...it was bad. My apologies to Ryan for having to be seen with me, and to the innocent bystanders who witnessed what went down) . Today's run was from just past Boathouse Row, down Kelly Drive, back MLK, looped in front of the Art Museum, and back to the start of Boathouse Row.

Wayyyy back when, I ran the connection between those two runs. Wow! That easy, huh?

As Monica Geller would say...

SEVEN!!! This morning I ran seven miles! My originally scheduled Friday long-run didn't go as well as planned. An uneasy stomach, most likely thanks to an unpredicted late night, most likely thanks to everyone's favorite cover band, told me to cut it way short. So I moved it to today, after a long weekend of eating, eating, some drinking, and more eating during BC beach weekend. My always-encouraging roommate ran the first part with me, which was very much appreciated! We each listened to our music, but it was still nice to be running along with someone. I was just telling her yesterday how I'm surprised at how I've adjusting to running solo. I appreciate running alone, but I enjoy when schedules match up and I can run along with a friend. A win-win situation!

It was definitely a harder run. Not the entire time, but the last mile was a push, so I used it as mental practice...to remind myself that one mile in the "big picture" was something I could easily handle. The weather was really good; it got a little warm, but it didn't feel too sticky (only when I had gu, and then my hands were sticky...). Overall, I feel SO GOOD about crossing over the half-way mark in my distance...! A great way to start the week!

SIX MILES!!!!!

Quick post before I head out to spend the weekend in New York for the annual Glasser gathering of sorts and Marisa and Patrick's wedding....

This morning, I ran my longest distance yet, SIX MILES!! It went SUPER well and I was thrilled afterward....especially considering how nervous I was (like couldn't sleep...THAT nervous). I woke up before my alarm and talked to Alana for a little before she left for class. I had breakfast and a gu and then left at about 8:00AM. My total run was just over an hour. I ran through Manayunk to East Falls, crossed the East Falls Bridge (running over a bridge - a first!), and ran on that side of the river just past the Strawberry Mansion Bridge (which I originally wanted to use to loop for today's run, but because the bridge connects over the road, doing so would have added almost a whole extra mile....save it for later!), and then came back. I also had my first gu during my run...I'm not sure I really needed it, but I decided to go with it. Any advice/suggestions are welcome, as I work to figure out what works best for me!

It's probably the best run I've had all of training. I felt really good and it was an extra bonus that I was able to walk for a few minutes afterward..instead of feeling so badly like I needed to collapse :O). THANK YOU to all those people who encourage me, who support me, and who cheer me on. I appreciate it and am so grateful for your support!!

big day!!!

On this day, June 12, 11 years ago (barf), I had my bat mitzvah, and, in the eyes of the Jewish community, became a woman.

Today, June 12, 2010, two new milestones in my running have occurred (all before noon!). After a grueling long run last weekend with Alyssa Jill Glasser, world-famous tri-athlete, which featured good conversation, running up a terrible hill, and walking down the Manayunk wall (which was very difficult following all she had put me through!), I was dead. Despite her encouragement, I was unable to finish my intended distance. This whole elevation thing is definitely something I need to work on, but I'm fairly certain it'll be a small issue regarding my race (I will confirm a knowledgeable source before I get too pumped about that).

All that being said, today I ran 5 miles, officially the longest distance I have ever run! Overall, it was good, but no surprise that any slopes up in the road made me very angry. I was able to recover though, and luckily the last 3/4 mile was flat, so I was able to get my pace back to where it was, and then finish contently.

The other big news of the day is that following my run, I registered for the half-marathon I will be running in September!!! I had originally wanted to wait until I hit 6 miles to check out the website in detail, hoping that I'd feel less like I wanted to throw up, but a $$off code expiring this weekend was thrown my way...and who can deny a good coupon? Last night, I spent time exploring the website and I took a look at the course (which is actually still listed as last year's, but I'll assume it will be relatively similar?) and, surprisingly, managed to hold down the chips/salsa/guac/margs that were consumed (in excess) at dinner. Another milestone, I'd say!

AND....Relay for Life today! Go Lime Kiln LS!

Weekend Run

In making my running routine, I have decided that Sundays will be used for my long run of the week. This weekend, I decided to run on Saturday instead, before friends from out of town came in. My goal was to push myself just a little, to set a time goal and stick with it. I decided to ran for 40 minutes, and I was proud that I was able to complete it! I had to really slow down at one point, but I ran the whole thing - woo! The next challenge: Tackling a morning run.