Slowly but surely

I'm happy to report that after 5 weeks of Physical Therapy, I finally was able to run 4 miles yesterday PAIN FREE!  As you running mom's know, being sidelined by an injury (or anything else) can make us VERY grumpy so my family is also thrilled I am slowly making my way back.  In an ambitious move, I've registered for the upcoming Irongirl race here in AZ.  It's in my hometown this year, which it has never been before, so I felt it was a sign and I needed to do it.  There is a 5K and a 10 miler so I went for the 10 miler.  The Irongirl holds a special place in my heart since it was my very first race of any distance.  I ran the 5K in December, 2004 and got hooked on racing immediately.  I'm sure you other mom's have the same experience in one way or another.  Something or someone got us hooked on running.  No matter what or who it was, we can thank goodness we ever started because we can't imagine our lives without it.  Someone was interviewing a celebrity on TV recently who was a runner.  When the interviewer asked this person why they ran, they responded "I run for sanity, not for vanity."  I couldn't agree more.  While I was disappointed I put on 5 lbs. during my hiatus, I can honestly say I missed the therapeutic aspect of running more than what it does for my physique.  All in all, it's been a slow recovery and I'm still making my way back but my sanity was at stake more than my vanity.  How do you recover from a running hiatus (whether from injury or something else)?  How do you maintain your sanity?  I went to spin, worked out on the elliptical machines, practiced yoga and Pilates, but those didn't come close to what running gives me.  Simply put, I missed running and am glad I'm back.

The results are in!

I received the results of my MRI yesterday and the news is good.  No stress fracture, no real damage.  The pain is from my IT band and I will need some physical therapy along with Ibuprofen - and more rest.  The last part was probably the hardest for me to hear.  I told the doctor I have been resting for months now (and have the 4 extra pounds to prove it!) but he said until I am PAIN FREE I must not run.  Being the neurotic person and running mom I am, I had to test it out today knowing I didn't have any major injuries gave me some courage.  I ran a little under two miles and now I'm hobbling around like an idiot.  Okay Doc, you win.  Next step, physical therapy!  I should only have to do it for 4 weeks so I'll let you all know how it works.  Until then, PLEASE stay healthy and injury-free.  Sitting on the sidelines while hearing stories about my friends running is a real bummer...

I read my previous post and realized how ridiculous this "recovery" or NON-recovery has been.  To give you an update, the hip is no better, it's worse actually.  I actually attempted a little run a couple weeks ago which lasted 5 whole minutes and ended with me hobbling home.  Needless to say, the new orthotics and shoes have not done the trick.  I'll be the first to admit, I barely iced this injury and only took a few Advil.  When they didn't provide any relief whatsoever, I decided it was time to buck up and see a specialist.  My breaking point was last weekend when my husband and I took a trip with friends to Napa and I couldn't run AT ALL.  Normally, my suitcase ALWAYS has my running gear packed when I take a trip so it broke my heart not to run, especially since the weather was spectacular there.  Every morning, we would go down to the hotel for breakfast and would see our friends coming in from a brisk run.  It was too much for me to bear, and I ended up taking my breakfast in my room.  I saw a specialist last week and had an MRI yesterday.  I will keep you posted on my progress.  Say a prayer that it's nothing serious and an easy fix!

Still injured and it's getting old

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post.  Most of you know I work two part time jobs and do volunteer work so to say I'm busy is an understatement.  Unfortunately, I haven't posted also because I haven't been doing much running.  That marathon in February really hurt my body.  I'm actually amazed at how badly my Achilles has been.  I've taken about a month off running entirely.  I've replaced it with swimming, spin and the elliptical.  I've also been doing some stretches and icing when it gets really sore.  I'm only doing about 3 miles at a time right now.  My husband and I did the Pat Tillman race a couple weeks ago which is only 4.2 miles and I finished in 36:25 which is no PR for that race (this was my 4th time running it) but it wasn't my worst time either.  Considering I've been hurt it wasn't bad!  Now my right hip is bothering me.  I think it's because I've put a heel lift in my right shoe to compensate for the Achilles strain.  I can't seem to catch a break!  Next stop is new orthotics.  They are expensive and mine are old so I'm hoping this does the trick.  I'll keep you all updated as to my progress.  In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful weather and keep running for me since I cant.

Still recovering...

Did my last post really say "recovery is bliss"?  It's actually really slow and pathetic!  Now that I'm nearly 5 weeks into my recovery (can you still call it recovery after 5 weeks?) I can honestly say I haven't been able to go more than 6 miles comfortably.  I am nursing my Achilles in my right foot and the pain kicks in around 4 miles.  Actually, it's immediately after I start running, but becomes bad enough to alter my stride and pace around 4 miles.  I know, I know, I need to rest and properly recover so that's what I have decided to do.  My husband and I have signed up for a local race next month to honor Pat Tillman which is only 4.2 miles (his number when he played football was 42, hence the unique distance) so I'm trying to run just enough to get through that race.  After that, who knows?  I'm hoping to get back to my 10 mile runs on the weekend soon because I sure miss running with Tina.  She is training for the PF Chang Rock n' Roll Marathon in San Diego June 3rd so the last thing she needs is me slowing her down since she is trying to smash her qualifying time for Boston so she doesn't miss out by mere seconds like last time.  In the meantime, stay healthy, stay strong, stay sane you Running Moms!

Recovery is bliss

It's been two weeks since completing the IMS Arizona Marathon and I'm feeling good.  The first two days after the race were agony.  I have to say I have NEVER been that sore after a marathon.  I guess it's the fact I shaved 15 minutes off my previous PR so my feet and quads were feeling it!  I'm following a 6 week recovery program where I run only about 30-40 minutes at a time and cross train with spin or swimming.  I've been doing some Pilates and yoga as well and honestly feel like I'm 100% recovered.  I am on the fence about my next race since I'm currently juggling two part-time jobs and can hardly find time to train.  I'm still managing my 3 runs per week, but the spin and swimming is sporadic to say the least.  It's really nice to be in recovery mode instead of training mode though!  Not having to log those long miles is quite nice.  I think I may stick with half marathons for a little while though.  I'm tired of the black toenails and grueling training schedule.  The half is a perfect distance for me.  It's just challenging enough without all the intense training and they are actually FUN!  Attached is a photo of my friend, Chris and I after the marathon.  What fun is a marathon if you don't have the hardware to show off right?!

Mission accomplished!

I ran the Arizona Marathon today AKA the IMS Marathon in Glendale.  My goal was to beat 4:30 and my time was 4:29:14.  I barely beat it,  but I had a PR by 15 minutes so I was thrilled!  I followed Mike, the wonderful 4:30 pacer who was supportive without being obnoxious and made me feel like he really wanted me to achieve my goal.  THANK YOU, MIKE!  My other friend, Chris ran it as well in 3:40 which is AMAZING to say the least.  The weather was perfect and there were just under 300 racers so it was nice and small.  I'm sitting here typing with minimal soreness and haven't had to take my usual post-marathon nap believe it or not.  If anything, I'm oddly energized.  I've done 2 loads of laundry, painted my toenails, and even managed to do some work (I do part time bookkeeping on the side).  Oh yeah, did I mention my husband and I also filed our taxes?  Jeez, typing this really makes me realize I'm going to crash and burn soon so I'm going to sign off.  I'm going to sleep with a HUGE smile on my face tonight!

2 weeks and counting...

I completed my 2nd 20 miler last Saturday with my friend Chris and boy, I am welcoming the taper.  It was a little rough at the end and I have to admit it kind of dented my confidence.  How I'm going to get through another marathon and set a PR?  I know I can break 4:30, I just have to believe in myself on race day.  My BRB, Tina ran Carlsbad two weeks ago and set a PR!  She did it in 3:40:44 which is AMAZING considering how hilly that course is.  I am so impressed with that girl.  She is truly an inspiration.  She works nearly 40 hours a week, has two young girls and still manages to get in every training run, every week.  I've just recently started a part time job working 20 hours a week and can barely manage 3 runs a week.  Us moms are truly amazing when we set our minds on something ~ we won't let anything get in our way.  Laundry gets done at 9:00 pm and we have to get up at 5:00 am to get a run in, but we manage to get everything done.  Never underestimate the power of a mom with an unstoppable attitude!

Peak marathon training

I'm now at the peak of my marathon training, completing my first 20 miler yesterday.  Thankfully, I didn't have to go it alone.  My friend, Chris (who is doing the IMS Marathon with me in 5 weeks) joined me.  He wasn't sure he could go the distance since he has been sick and not running too much, but he did great.  Tina (my BRB - best running buddy) is doing Carlsbad marathon next Sunday so she is tapering and couldn't join us.  She was missed!  I ran the 20 miles at exactly my race pace - even running the last 3 miles in a strong headwind - so I was relieved to get through it.  When I got home I took 2 Advil and rested a bit.  Today I feel fine - no soreness at all!  My friend, John (of Javelina Jundred fame) has been giving me some wonderful advice on hydration/nutrition.  He turned me on to Succeed SCaps! which are a little capsule you swallow whole with water every time you take a GU.  It's to replace electrolytes and works wonders!  Chris took some yesterday for the first time and said he felt great.  Now that I seem to have my system down, I just have to stay strong and injury-free the next 5 weeks till marathon day.  Wish me luck!

One word...pacers!

I finally chose the marathon I want to run Feb. 19th and the winner is...the IMS Marathon in Goodyear, AZ!  It came down to one thing they had the other race didn't...PACERS.  Let me be clear, I have never used pacers before.  I try to do my own thing and it hasn't served me well in the past.  I make the classic mistake of going out too fast only to hit the wall at mile 20 in every marathon.  My goal is to beat 4:30 and with the help of a pacer I'm sure I can meet that goal.  The Lost Dutchman race is more scenic and a little more expensive, but they do not offer pacers (I even emailed the race director to be sure).  Since I have a running buddy doing the IMS with me, I won't have to go it alone.  Even though he is WAY faster than me, I like to ride down to the race with someone to get through the pre-race jitters and then have someone waiting for me at the finish to rehash our experiences.  It should be noted I'm not one of those people who can go to movies alone either ~ I hate being alone ~ I am a social creature and like the sense of community running provides.  At any rate, I am in week 9 of my training and all is going well.  My pace seems on track so I just need to play with hydration and nutrition as I mentioned in previous posts.  Wish me luck!

Merry Christmas Running Moms!

It's that time of year again.  Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or nothing at all there's a feeling in the air.  New season, new running gear ~ YAY!  I'm still training for my "non" marathon since I yet to sign up for either race I am contemplating.  I have until December 30th and am taking my time.  The training has been going well ~ no injuries.  This is a new approach for me, waiting until the last minute to sign up for a marathon but I'm glad I've waited.  It's given me a whole new mindset which is what I'd hoped would be the case.  I'm not putting any unnecessary pressure on myself and am in week 8 of my 16 week training program.  I did my first 17 miler a couple days ago and the first 12 miles was fine but I'm trying new hydration/nutrition methods and needless to say I had some tummy troubles the last 5 miles!  My buddy, John Vaupel (mentioned in previous posts) has given me some wonderful advice on how to play with the science of my own body and figure out what I need when I need it.  Not an easy feat let me tell ya.  On top of everything going on with the holidays, I've just been offered a part time job!  I'm thrilled because I've been a stay-at-home mom for nearly 12 years and feel completely out of touch with the work force.  This will not only enable me to earn a little extra income, but to get out of the house and mingle with grown-ups too.  The downside, of course is how much more difficult that makes it to find time to run.  Plenty of you moms find the time with FULL time jobs so I am not complaining :-)  Either way, I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my life and actually using my brain during the day instead of attempting to reason with my 3 year old since that's pointless!  Have a wonderful and safe holiday season and we'll catch you in 2012!

Marathon season is here!

I'm still on the fence about which marathon to do.  Both are on Feb. 19th, are very small, are local but the courses are VERY different.  One is scenic and hilly the other is flat and boring.  Basically, since these races are small and don't fill up quickly I am taking my time to see how my training goes.  If I find I'm plagued with injuries and struggling, I plan to do the flat, boring race.  If I feel strong and remain injury-free, I plan to do the other race.  Tina and I have managed to continue to do our long runs together even though her race (Carlsbad Marathon - Jan.22nd) is a month earlier than mine.  Most of the time, her runs are about 3 miles longer than mine at this point so she will run 3 then meet up with me to do the rest.  I'm running faster and stronger lately so I hope it continues.  I'm working with John Vaupel (my 100 miler buddy mentioned in my previous posts) on my hydration and nutrition.  We agree my problem in past marathons when I hit the wall at mile 20 is from my lack of proper nutrition.  I was religiously taking in one GU every 45 minutes and drinking water only.  This time around, I may take a GU every 30 minutes and supplement my regular water with NUUN tablets.  This will hopefully keep my electrolytes where they need to be to help me finish stronger.  I'll keep you posted on how it's going.  Until then, enjoy marathon season (or just racing season ~ no matter the distance)!

John's 100 mile quest a success!

My friend, John Vaupel officially completed his first 100 mile race yesterday!  I went out to cheer him on and couldn't believe the atmosphere at the race.  You must understand the only races I've ever done are marathons and shorter.  This 100 mile crowd is a whole different animal...they have so much more stuff they need it's amazing.  I was with John's wonderful wife, Laura and their darling kids Sam and Grace.  This was their 3rd trip out to see him so they knew what to expect unlike myself.  Once John came around the corner, he was all smiles - see the photos I've attached - and seemed really happy to see us.  Keep in mind this is after he completed 45 miles so to say I was impressed is an understatement.  His wife turned immediately into "pit crew" mode and began to get him whatever he needed.  He gobbled up half a sandwich, grabbed some sports drink, Ibuprofin, Sudafed, gum, and his head lamp because the next time he came around it would be dark then he was off.  I have to say watching him take off was heartbreakingly difficult.  I can only imagine how Laura felt.  To think of how much further he had to go and the punishment he was about to take was unfathomable.  I remembered preparing to take on our first marathon nearly 4 years ago and to see how far he's come (pun intended) was such an inspiration.  He completed his race in 23:46 with his goal being under 24 hours!  I am beyond proud of him.  Please read his blog http://www.johnvaupel.com/ as it really puts you in the mindset of what he and his family had to sacrifice to run this great distance.  Until next time, stay happy, healthy, safe and running.

Fall racing!

Hello moms! 
I ran my first race in months last Sunday and had a BLAST!  A buddy and I did the Phoenix 10K doubleheader which is a 5K timed race followed by a timed 10K.  The weather was spectacular, the planets aligned and I PR'd by over a minute in the 5K!  I was 5th in my age division, but was happy nonetheless.  The 10K went well too even though I didn't PR I felt strong and quick which is a welcome change from my summer blues.  I'm still on the fence about my next marathon.  With Tina doing Carlsbad, I was contemplating running the Lost Dutchman full on Feb. 19th but my other running buddy told me he knows a fast, flat marathon the same day.  I've officially started a training program (I'm a huge believer in the FIRST program where you get in 3 quality runs a week and crosstrain 2 other days) but haven't signed up for either marathon.  I'm trying something new where I'm going to train and sign up at the last minute.  You can't do that for the larger marathons, but these small ones you can so I'm going to see if that clears my head.  I tend to sign up, get stressed out and train too hard.  I'm hoping by delaying signing up and just taking the training one week at a time I won't put too much pressure on myself. 
On another note, in regards to my previous post about my friend John Vaupel, he will be doing the "Javelina Jundred" tomorrow!  I bumped into him at the gym yesterday and we had a good talk.  He seems ready and his biggest fear is not going out too fast.  I reminded him of the Tortoise and the Hare - slow and steady wins the race!  Especially when you are running 100 miles...I can't even wrap my brain around it.  He is such an inspiration.  I can't wait to let you all know how he pulls through!  He's promised to help me figure out my nutrition (my biggest marathon obstacle) for my next race and if there's anyone who knows his stuff it's John.  Until next time, take care, stay safe, be healthy and keep running!

Javelina Hundred!

A running buddy of mine, John Vaupel is training for the upcoming "Javelina Jundred" on Saturday, November 12th.  We used to run a lot together (even doing our first full marathon together in January 2009) but he's been going WAY too far for the likes of me :-)  Please check out his fascinating blog.  It's an up close and personal account of what he's gone through to train for this grueling 100 mile race.  I wish him the best of luck for a great race and speedy recovery!

http://www.johnvaupel.com/

Have any of you moms ever done a 100 mile race?  If so, how in the world did you find the time and stamina to train for it?  You're my hero if you pulled it off!

Feelin' Alive!

For the first time in months, I feel alive running again!  With the cooler temperatures, I've been steadily increasing my mileage and speed with relative ease.  Being born and raised in Arizona does NOT make me immune to the higher temperatures.  Many of the people I run with say it affects them too, but I can see not as badly as it affects me.  Once the morning temps dropped into the 60's (my ideal running temperature) I was shocked at how much better I ran!  I'm still tossing around the idea of doing the Lost Dutchman marathon on Feb. 19, 2012 but can't seem to commit quite yet.  For now, I'm doing some solid 10 mile runs on the weekend with my usual speed work and 5 mile tempo runs.  Life is good!

No visit to Beantown

Poor Tina didn't get into the Boston Marathon.  She's pretty bummed, but turned right around and signed up for the Carlsbad Marathon to be held January 22, 2012.  She's going with her whole family and has invited me and my husband and two girls to go along.  We're not sure financially if we can make it work or if my 6th grader can miss two days of school since that will be the end of the grading period but we'll see.  If I don't run Carlsbad with her, I have my sights set on the Lost Dutchman Marathon to be held February 19, 2012.  I have run the half marathon there before and really enjoyed it.  Plus, it's local and cheap - only $80 registration! - with a cap of 600 runners (my kind of crowd).  I'm torn because I want to train with my BRB (best running buddy) but am not sure if I can go to Carlsbad with her.  After looking at what the training schedule would be for her and I if we ran two separate races a month apart there are quite a few runs we could do together.  Even one of our 20 milers would fall on the same weekend so I think I'll be okay going it alone the last month.  I'll let you all know what I decide but it's gotta be soon because October 9th marks 16 weeks to Carlsbad so we would need to officially start training then.  We'll see!  Until next time, keep your sanity by staying in the moment and running!

Boston anyone?

Hey running moms!  My BRB (Best Running Buddy), Tina has qualified for Boston and now has to find a way to get in.  I say "find a way" because registration is extremely difficult this year more than previous years - it will be on a "rolling admission".  For the first time, registration opens today to those who have qualified by 20 minutes or more, on Sept. 14th it opens up for those who qualified by 10 minutes or more, and on Sept. 16th to those who qualified by 5 minutes or more.  If (and that's a BIG "if") space allows, they will open it up to the rest on Monday, September 19th.  This is where Tina falls...
It will be a huge deal for her to get in.  She only qualified by one minute and if she doesn't get in this year, she has to qualify again and by 5 minutes FASTER next time since they are increasing the times again.  What does all this say about the running community?  To me, it says we have become faster and more efficient.  Runners today are more educated and are taking running more seriously.  We read up on nutrition, training, injury prevention, etc. and it's paying off with faster times and more marathoners than ever before.  For those of us who don't have the dream (or, let's face it, ability) to qualify for Boston it's a non-issue.  For the rest of you, keep up the hard work and you'll get there!  I'll keep you posted on September 19th to let you know if Tina was one of the lucky ones.  If not, she and I will run another local marathon early next year.  Keep your fingers crossed for her!

Different Breed

Yikes!  Has it really been nearly 3 weeks since I last posted?  Sorry about that...it's been hotter than hell here in Arizona with temps topping out at 116 degrees so it's hard to blog about running when I can barely run!  As I mentioned in a previous post, the treadmill calls to me this time of year.  I feel like a lab rat on that thing, but my water stays cold, the A/C blows cold and I can usually watch a movie so the good outweighs the bad.  The girls just went back to school, my oldest started 6th grade and my 3 year old is going to preschool 3 mornings a week so I get some freedom again!  You moms know what I'm talking about :-)  With the new school year comes the crowds at the gym.  It reminds me of New Year's because all the moms who couldn't get to the gym during the summer find they now have the time to get a workout in.  I hate to say it, but just like New Year's, the crowds die down after a couple weeks.  I know these women start out with the best intentions, but just can't stick with it.  Why is that?  It's because we runners are a different breed.  I work out 4 or 5 times per week.  My ideal schedule is:  Long run on Sunday, swim Monday, speed intervals, weights and Pilates on Tuesday, Wednesdays off, spin and weights on Thursday, tempo run and yoga on Friday and Saturdays off.  My friends (including my husband) who aren't runners think I'm nuts.  When I run a marathon they say, "Your knees are gonna give out."  To which I respond, "Who cares?  I'm enjoying myself while I can!"  I don't think of them as "haters" they just aren't runners.  They can't get into my mind set.  I agree we running moms are a little nuts but the exercise we do keeps us sane.  Imagine how "nuts" we would be if we DIDN'T work out?  If that makes us a different breed, then thank God for that.

What makes a good running buddy?

If you're anything like me, you need to do your long runs with someone.  Don't get me wrong, I appreciate my alone time just as much as any other mom, but when it comes to the long weekend run I feel going it alone makes it much more difficult.  Yes, it's harder when you have to keep up with someone faster and yes, it's harder to run when you're trying to carry on any sort of coherent conversation but it's more than that.  Meeting up with someone whether it's a large group or just a buddy makes you accountable.  It's hard to sleep in knowing people are waiting for you!  I'm one of those people who never met a stranger she didn't know.  This is to say, if I strike up a conversation with someone (man or woman - I'm an equal opportunity social butterfly!) I will inevitably ask if they are a runner.  If I'm lucky and they are, I always ask them along for our Sunday run.  It's a great ice breaker and immediately makes people feel welcome.  Sometimes I get lucky and find someone fun!  At any rate, my dear friend Tina has been my running buddy for 3 years now.  I have and will run with others in my life, but for now I am honored she has chosen to spend nearly every Sunday morning with me.  We call running on Sunday mornings our "church" and it feels that way to us.  We do it religiously.  What makes her a great running buddy is that she is always strong and up for anything.  Even when she is sick or run down or just plain tired, she is strong.  When I feel weak, her strength inspires me and this keeps me going.  I don't want to let her down.  She is also VERY easy going.  Nothing riles this chick up!  I've seen her upset, but nothing near the red line I can reach.  She is my travel buddy for races and is quite the minimalist.  She barely packs anything and whenever I ask where she wants to go or what she wants to do she usually leaves it up to me to make the plans.  Some people would be bothered by making all the plans, but I love this about her! She must get something out of our Sunday runs as well because she keeps showing up!  Those are the qualities I look for in a running buddy.  Someone who makes me want to be not just a better runner, but a better ME.  What do you think makes a good running buddy?