This Week's Running -- 5.2, 5.3, and 6.1 of Bridge to 10K

For those of you who know me well, you know I'm afraid of goats.  You might wonder why I have goats as my picture.  I suppose you will have to read on...

5.2 re-run --As you read, I did not have a good 5.2.  It was so defeating.  Monday I was leery to run again, but I had to try.  I wondered if I had reached my limit, unable to push myself further.  As I ran, I was thrilled at how well it was going.  I was waiting to crumble, and it never came.  HOORAY!  As I ran, I was able to enjoy something pretty fun.  As you know from previous blog posts, the park I run around has a separate section devoted to a dog park.  Because of this, plenty of people bring their dogs to the not-dog park.  (And pretend it's the dog park, which I will complain about until my face turns blue.  haha) 

This day, it was like the scene from 101 Dalmations where Pongo is watching the dogs and owners walk by, the owners looking exactly like human versions of their dogs.  Today was like that!  I almost laughed at the first man, with his Pug.  Then the athletic girl and her Boxer... The portly fellow with his Chow.  And finally the white, largely poofy haired lady with her large Poodle, hair cut the same as her own.  It was awesome.  Truly. 


5.3 - The Stomach Cramp of Death  --This run started out amazingly well.  I felt like I was on an upward trend in my running.  It felt so good.  I ran and ran.  During one of my laps, I saw a little black mouse cruising around the parking lot, so I ran over toward it, only to discover it was an ENORMOUS black spider.  *willies*  I am not afraid of spiders, but this one was alarming large.  Literally the size of a small mouse.  *shiver* 

Over the course of the run, I weakened, but then a second wind kicked in.  I had a smile on my face.  I was nearing the end of my last lap.  I knew I was going to have an amazing finish.  Then suddenly a side ache kicked in.  HARD.  It was a terrible surprise!  I couldn't believe how bad it felt.  I tried the tricks I've learned to rid myself of side aches.  I lifted my arms up, stretching out my sides, I slowed to a walk, the pain increasing, and finally, stopped.  I doubled over in pain, not wanting it to show, but unable to keep the pain from showing outwardly.  I finally understand the term "side-splitting", and understand the photos of marathoners who have crumbled from a stomach cramp.  It was hideous.  (And, while lessened, lasted through the whole next day.)  I walked home, sad about the end of my run. 

6.1 - Nearly Graduated -- I woke up this morning, and set out for my run about a half an hour before the sun came up.  It was SO COLD at 51 degrees.  My brother in law, a super duper marathoner, has told me that you are only cold for the first mile.  This day I put it to the test.  My hands were chilled, and I was COLD.  But he was right.  After the first mile, I was fine.  I didn't notice.  Is that a good thing? 

I was supposed to run 60 minutes straight today, which is the length of the final run of Bridge to 10K.  It is amazing to already be here, even with the two weeks I had off from my hip injury.  I was thrilled at how well I ran.  The first lap, I noticed a man with two dogs.  We were the only ones in the park, and it made me nervous.  Slowly people started to trickle in, and I felt better.  Safety in numbers, right? 

By lap three, the sun was coming up, and I was able to see better.  I discovered that the man, with the two dogs, also had about 100 goats.  I noticed that the trailer he had hauled also had goats in it, and when I ran by, the goats would crane their heads out to watch me.  It totally made me laugh!  Why had I not noticed them before?  It was hilarious!  And I'm afraid of goats!  I was happy to make my fifth and final lap, where I asked the man (while running) what the goats were for.  I learned that it was Goat Days.  There is a farmer (or a few farmers?) who bring their goats to my town to clean out the brush in the parks once per year.  The kids love to watch the... kids (haha), and this year, they are giving out samples of goat products, which makes me happy since my wee one can't have cow dairy, but CAN have goat dairy.  Ending my lap, I was glad to be exiting the park as all of the soccer teams were arriving.  I ran home, thrilled to have successfully ran for 60 minutes without breaks.  I felt amazing.  I had increased my speed gradually throughout the run, and knew I must have ran at least 5 miles.

I was bummed to discover I "only" ran 4.6 miles, but really, it's an accomplishment.  I know it is. (I just have to increase my running 1.5 miles an hour to truly graduate.  That stinks.)  Over the next two (three) runs, I am excited to see if I can increase that distance.  Genuinely, I am really amazed that I can run for so long without wanting someone to shoot me.  I actually like it, and look forward to Monday.

In the mean time, I'm going to see a man about a goat. 

Ode to Soccer Moms -- Week 5 Day 2

Okay, it's not really an "ode", but it sounds good.

I set my alarm to get up early, knowing that our temps were supposed to be up to 100, or at least high 90's today.  I slept in instead.  I was having a gripping dream about thermally unstable hot springs.  I know. 

By the time I set out for my run, it was 58.  Jeff Galloway has said that once you run in over 60 degree temps, your core heats up faster.  I think I believe him.  Within 15 minutes it was 62.  By the end of my run it was 68.  But let me tell you about my run. 

I actually started out pretty nervous.  My last run didn't go well, and I had my self-doubts.  I really wanted to make this work.  I actually left my home feeling dehydrated, so drank a little, but didn't want to be sloshy.  I started running like normal, all was well.  Then I entered the park.

It was like hitting a brick wall. 

There were HUNDREDS of people.  I had gotten used to my quiet Saturday mornings in the park.  I would wave at my "usual" park maintenance guy.  By the third lap, The Captain's church tennis friends start playing and I wave at them.  Sometimes you get the weekend warrior doing a quick trial run through the park, and that's it.  It's so lovely, and peaceful.

There were people EVERYWHERE.  And it was still pretty early in the day!  There were 3-5 kids soccer games being played.  It was incredible.  For every child playing, there were 1-5 other people watching them.  I ran my first lap (of the projected four) dodging, literally, cars that were trying to drive up the trail.  I actually noticed people watching me.  Like really, really turn their heads and look watching me.  I pressed on.  After one lap, I was very dehydrated (note, temp check).  There was a drinking fountain just off the trail, so I tried to hydrate the best I could without losing time.  And hopped back on the path. 

Again, I dodged cars, trucks, people walking laps who possibly don't know courtesy of moving to a side of the trail (I sincerely don't mean to sound bitter - it was like the Twilight Zone.  I was invisible. -except to the staring onlookers.).  Twice I had to literally stop and wait for full sized SUV's to do a three-point turn.  Is there not a way for them to just pause and let me run by???  So strange.  This is how soccer moms get their reputation, I'm afraid.  Sigh...  Although many of my friends are soccer moms and quite lovely people...  It was a fight trying to run like a "normal person", but I was willing to give it a go.

I completed lap two, started on the third, ahead of schedule and saw stars.  I pondered whether these were dehydration stars or an anxiety attack from being around hundreds of people, stars. 

Dehydration. 

I walked home.  I was pleased that I went 2.25 miles in my time.  I believe, had I continued on pace, despite the ridiculous increase in temperature, I may have made at least 4.5 miles.  I wish it were more, but it was okay considering. 

Monday I will run 5.2 again, with a lot less people, and a lot less heat.  And I will hope beyond hope that it's a good run.  I need a good run.

And to the soccer moms reading this:  I envy you... I have one child not coordinated enough to play, and the one who is coordinated enough is not interested.  It looked like a lot of fun out there. 

After all, I've always wanted to make someone a human speed bump. *snicker*  Okay, just kidding. 

Game on.

The Dead Calm -- Week 5 Day 1 of Bridge to 10K

I don't even know where to begin.  We all have bad running days, right?  It's days like today that I wonder what business I have signing up for a half marathon.  I started out motivated enough.  It wasn't a lack of motivation. 

I started running at the running point just fine.  By the half mile point, I was tired.  I was literally wishing for a second wind, when the first hadn't even kicked in yet.  I noticed everything.  I couldn't focus.  I even noticed that the trail was warmer near the trees.  Seriously.  I did two laps before the halfway point, but it was a fight the whole way.  I did a third lap, and decided to head out to the cul-de-sacs.  I ran them all, stopping for an additional 1 minute walk when I had 10 minutes left (5.1 is 2, 22 minute runs with a 1 minute walk break in between, and a warm up and cool down. 55 minutes total.  Should be easy.).  I felt like I had been running for an eternity.  I hated every single moment of it.  Every one.  It was hard and frustrating.  Where was my power?  Where was my wind?

Toward the end I passed a jogger moving slower than I was, tears pouring down her face, sorrow emanating from her.  Perhaps my first and second wind were given to her.  I surely hope so.  I didn't need today as much as she did. 

I will try again another day.  Today I will be glad for my 3.2 miles.  Another day the wind will fill my sails.

Running Faster and Jumping Higher -- 4.3 of Bridge to 10K

Today I was presented with a lovely surprise.  It was Auntie Outings day where my sister, ES, takes my kids for the morning, and they do whatever they feel.  Usually breakfast, sometimes video games.  Sometimes shopping.  ES asked me if I would go too.  This of course would mean giving up "me" time, but I confess I've always been curious about what the heck they do while they're out.  Lambie was pretty upset to learn I was going, and told me I was grounded from being her mom.  Except I could give her hugs.  I just couldn't tell her what to do.  That was Auntie's job.  Fine by me.

After a lovely breakfast, ES took me to a surprise shop.  I thought she needed to pick up a running item for herself, since she has taken up running as well.  You can imagine my surprise when she told me to pick out some shoes.  :)  The salesperson was very helpful, and we found a pair of Nike Pegasus that were perfect for me.  They are a little too raspberry pink for my tastes, but I don't care.  I have running shoes!  Real-live running shoes!  I put them on and ran around the store.  I was so excited.  I had already run that day (the 6.06 mile day), so I would have to wait until Monday. 

When I was a kid, I would always think new shoes made you run faster and jump higher.  I would go around my home running and jumping.  My poor mother.  And siblings.  I was so excited when Monday came and I could run in them.  I ran and ran and ran.  I paid attention to my ankles, ooooh'd over how straight my feet lined up with each step, how my pinky toes didn't fall asleep any more when I ran...  wonderful wonderful wonderful.  I would like to thank my sponsor. 

I did notice my bum hurting more.  Oh well.  I could always use a little more definition there.  And then the backs of my thighs.  Again, oh well.  And then my calves....  This is all good for me.  I am going to be a better, stronger runner.  I love that my feet are nestled in the shoes.  I love that my running was not so labored.  Hard still, yes, but I wasn't fighting with my feet and legs so much.  So thankful...

4.77 miles.  I am a happy runner. 

She's a Maneater -- Week 4 Day 2 of Bridge to 10K

(Pretend I wrote this Saturday the 3rd.)

I *should* have run yesterday. It was only Peach and I, but I was having a hard day. The day prior was horrible. There is no other way to describe it, and it is not an exaggeration.

I hate days like that. I think of when I worked at a bistro, as a young adult, and a coworker, T, said, "You have to make sure that the lipstick marks come off of the mugs. We don't need men to have another reason to hate us." Oh, what care we take in make sure men don't hate us... Yet, and this is my bitter self talking, what do men do to make sure we don't hate them? I fear I do not have a good track record with men. I have been in abusive relationships. Cheating (no, I don't mean kiss another girl while we're dating. But that's happened too.) relationships. Lies, pain, etc etc. I have seen good men fall. I have thought the line from Star Wars III many times in regards to previously good men, "You were supposed to be the chosen one!" Why oh why can't men live up to themselves? Forget expectations! Be the man you said you'd be. Be the person you are.

Two days ago, I had THREE men close to me do negative things of different severity that greatly impacted my being. Friday my mom encouraged me to go running, knowing how cathartic it is for me, and how healing. I didn't. Sorry Mom. Usually I listen to my mom. I swear I do.

I ran Saturday instead. I ran and I ran. I thought and I thought. I ran and ran and ran. And at one point my thoughts turned to my running, and I realized I was booking it! I mean, really, I was hauling booty down the trail! I wasn't feeling bad, so I kept it up. And I thought. I was mad. I was hurt. I was done. I wondered why men wonder why there are "angry chicks" in the world. I will tell you sometimes it takes a conscious effort to forgive the few good for all of the wrong doings of the used-to-be-good and the always-bad men.

I don't want to be a "maneater". I really know some wonderful men in the world. As I ran I thought of those wonderful men, and wondered if they had secret problems, obsessions, selfish behaviors. I wondered if there are really any good men left. I know there are. I know there must be. At least 85...

I ran all of my frustration out. I don't even know how many laps I did around the park. But I think five??? I remember passing by the soccer goals wondering if anyone ever used them. The next loop, I saw a man out there, pulling them to the field. (!) Then the next loop I saw him talking to a buddy. Another loop the buddy was drawing chalk lines on the field. Another loop they both were measuring the chalk lines. That's five right? I'm not even sure. I went ahead and ran out of the park, and onto the street. I had to be near done. I wasn't even paying attention. I ran down a cul-de-sac, something I hadn't done in a while, then another, another, another. I got a prompt I had 10 minutes left. I ran toward home, breezing by. I ran down the street of the homes of the river, and back. And THEN it said to cool down. WOW.

My distance was 6.06 miles.

I've decided when it's time for the Half Marathon, I need someone to be really awful to me the day prior, so I can run out the nasty. haha.

P.S. Don't worry about my man-rant. My trust may have weakened, but I know that so much of the good in the world has been from the hands of good men. I just need to rebuild trust... And forgive them when they leave lipstick on coffee mugs.

Four Months In! Reporting for August!

Oh that I were around during the Marilyn Monroe days where curvy was amazing. But I'm not. And that's okay! I'm becoming healthier and happier!

I wasn't looking forward to this month's report because taking two weeks off of running to heal from my injury could not fare well, right?

I was nicely surprised! First, I put on my big size 10 pants the other day, and they FIT. WELL. No muffin tops. I didn't try on my regular size 10's because I didn't want to destroy my happiness. ;)

I was happy to see I have lost almost 4 lbs this month, making a 20 pound TOTAL LOSS! TWENTY!!! That's so awesome. I could get forlorn that 20 lbs in 4 months is so slow and steady, but honestly, if I lose another 20 by Christmas, I'll feel like a new woman. I feel like a new woman now! So incredible!

As far as measurements, I have lost this month:
1/4" on each upper arm totalling 1 1/4" each
1/2" on each thigh, totalling 1 3/4" each
1/2" from my waist totalling 2"
and 3/4" from my hips totalling 2 1/2" loss.

Also, I wanted to start totalling what I'm running per month, how many miles. I decided I'm going to head two directions at once: Disneyland, and Disneyworld. (I'm an amazing multi-tasker.) I don't know what will happen when I reach those virtual distance goals, but we'll see. I have some time to come up with something.

In May I ran 23.5 miles
June (total including May) 50.4 miles
Couch to 5K completion 70.2 miles
July total 81 miles
August total to date 107 miles.
I have essentially run from Wilsonville to Cottage Grove! (Heading East, I think I'm around Warm Springs???) And I'm going to keep going! I have a long way to go... but it's fun to track.

I'm so pleased. I am excited that this is working. I'm excited that I enjoy it! I'm coming to terms with how long it's taking because it's becoming predictable and I'm realizing it's constant. There was a saying I read a few months ago that your body keeps an accurate journal. Yes, it does......

Bring on September!

Racking Up the Miles -- 4.1 of Bridge to 10K

It is HARD recovering from an injury. I have had a hard time getting my "groove" back, and finding my pace, and then maintaining it. I have felt remarkably (miraculously) well, and have enjoyed running again!

Upon entering the park, I decided I would run the other direction. It completely messed with my head. This makes me absolutely certain of two things: 1) I should probably change my route more often, and 2) I am never changing my route again. I suppose that means I will try it now and then, when I need some changes.

It was really a non-eventful run. No sprinklers to avoid, most dogs were on their leashes, etc etc. I have found that the park maintenance fellas have come to recognize me. They wave and say hello now when they didn't before. I could pick them out of a crowd. I suppose that's a good thing. It means I'm out a lot!

On my return run I started thinking of the changes of my body. This is really hard for me to talk about. I feel like I wasted my "beautiful" years (no, not searching for compliments, just expressing feelings) doing random nonsense. My eyes aren't as big and beautiful as they used to be, and bags have made permanent residence... My skin is more tired and less fresh. My hair is scraggly and has more greys than I can count (this is new). I feel... old. I want to talk to my mom about what is going on with my body because frankly, I've never gone through this sort of aging before. I seem to hold onto illness longer than I used to. My metabolism is a pathetic mess. I used to be athletic. I used to look like happiness. I am just getting old I think.

Which made me wonder if I was trying to re-find my youth through running. I'm not sure if I am, but I do want to have energy, and spunk, and look like happiness. We'll see where it takes me.

I was feeling pretty pathetic about the distance of today's run, regardless of coming out of a hip injury. So I decided to add up my approximations (I only just hooked up GPS) of my runs thus far. I will be adding my amounts to my month end reports!

I decided I would run "to Disneyland" and also "to Disneyworld". I know, I'm so flexible and great at multi-tasking. I want to see how long it would take me to get there, and who knows, maybe I'll reward myself with something grand when I reach my goals. Considering it's a great distance off, I have time to think of it.

The best thing about adding up my miles and seeing them on a map? Being amazed at how very very far I've run, already!

And many more........

P.S. My month end, tomorrow, will have the stats for how many miles per month, through August.