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!