Oops....

I could've sworn my schedule included a 5 mile run this morning--but upon second look just now, it should've been 6. No biggie. Instead of the scheduled 4 tomorrow, I'll do another 5.

Still getting up early and hitting the gym before work....loving it.

Saturday's 7 mile run was good. My left hip started bothering me during the last mile--it has happened to me once before during soccer. It feels like I need to pop the joint, or it's slightly out of place. I'm planning a visit to the Doc after the first of the year, just to check in and talk about my training and make sure everything is kosher. My knees were a little sore after the long run, too--but nothing a day of rest didn't fix. A couple running sources say that ice baths are good after those long runs when your legs are sore. They probably are good for your muscles, but I'm not sure I could stand the ice for very long. Maybe in the heat of Summer, but for now it's not been a big deal.

Yesterday my legs felt really tired most of the day, and a little achy--that soreness in your muscles when it feels like a good long stretch would fix it. I finally did a little stretching at lunch and took a short walk to help warm up the muscles. It seemed to help some. A good night's sleep last night helped, too. No issues this morning. 5 miles this morning were great--it still amazes me I can run for 50 minutes and want to keep on going even longer. It's so freeing.

Looking forward to my first 8 miler on Saturday. Will have to do it first thing when we arrive in Wenatchee. Will get it out of the way so I can work up my appetite and not feel guilty about attacking the cookie bin! LOL! It's going to be a busy day--But I can't wait to be home! It's a much needed vacation!

Moving right along....

I've been slacking on the posts lately--here's the dish from the last couple weeks.

I've started running in the mornings. I made the switch in my schedule last week. It's surprised me how much I'm enjoying the change! It's a nice, positive start to my day. I get it out of the way first thing, and it keeps my evenings free which is great--especially this time of year with the holidays quickly approaching! It also is forcing me to go to bed earlier and focus more on getting enough sleep!

Last Saturday morning I did another 6 mile run along Alki. It was my first outdoor run in awhile. It was cold, but a beautiful and clear, sunny day. I had an amazing view of the snow-capped Olympics and downtown Seattle.

This week has been full of 4 and 5 mile runs. I have my 2nd 7 mile run on Saturday. I'm hoping I'll have similiar weather to last Saturday's run--I'm thinking I'll try a new outdoor route this weekend. There's a great website (I'll post a link to it) called MapMyRun.com where you can choose any starting point in the world, and map out where you want to go. It's a great tool. It shows mileage, elevation changes, etc. etc.

The runs this week have been good. I did notice a little bit of pain in my right foot Tuesday morning for the first mile, but it went away and hasn't bothered me since, so I'm not concerned. So far, I haven't suffered really any muscle soreness at all--I'm anticipating that might happen when I get into some serious distances. I'm finding that my body is feeling more used to 4 or 5 miles now as a standard run, rather than the 3 or 4 I was mostly doing before. It's a good feeling, and I have only had one run so far that I've felt really pooped afterwards. Most of the time I feel like I could keep going.

I was having some issues with getting sideaches over the last few weeks. This week it hasn't bothered me at all. I've been giving myself a little longer warm-up time which seems to be doing the trick.

My first 8 mile run will be a week from this Saturday, on the 22nd. Cory and I will be in Wenatchee for Christmas, so I'm already thinking about planning that into my time there. Christmas week, luckily, is a taper week...the 8 miles will be the hardest run all week....mostly 3 milers the rest of the time there. Luckily both my in-laws and my Dad have treadmills so it will be easy to get the mileage in. Though I do like Gold's Gym in Wenatch, which I'll probably hit up for the 8-miler. If there's no snow (hopefully there will be lots of it though), I'll probably venture outdoors.

I got lazy and stopped logging my diet for the last couple of weeks, but now that the mileage is starting to get up there, I think it's time to get back to it. I have experimented some the last couple weeks. I've been eating a little less fresh fruits and veggies to see if that helps with "the problem", and as suspected, it has. Though I hate the idea of cutting those things out. I'm going try adding more of them back in and see if I can pinpoint if there are certain things that are better or worse.

I feel like I repeat myself a lot on these posts, so if anyone has any questions or something they'd like me to address, let me know!

Rest day tomorrow.

Exercise Your Mind

Longest run yet yesterday. 7 miles. Felt really good. Each time I complete a longer run, I am amazed at how far my legs are able to carry me. Near the end I did have to stop for, *ahem*, a quick trip to the restroom, but I came back and finished my last 5 and a half minutes of the run, and then walked for about 5 minutes to cool-down. My legs felt fresh and strong. The challenge that I most faced this time around was a mental one: boredom.

There's a fantastic chapter in one of the marathon books I bought about playing mind tricks with yourself in order to fight the negative thoughts and boredom. It gives great games to play with your brain--like envisioning crazy contraptions that fling yourself far ahead of your fellow racers. Most of the ideas involve visualizing something silly and out of the ordinary, or down right "crazy".

Again, with the early sunsets and stormy weather yesterday afternoon, my run was on ye olde Treadmill. I did put my headphones on, but I found myself tuning it out some, and about 30 minutes in my mind was struggling to tell my legs to keep going. It's kind of a bizarre phenomenon really (to me anyways), that my body can feel perfectly capable--not even tired, but the mind tells me to stop. I fought it off, and eventually got in step with the music, which kept me going.

I'm grateful for my gym membership so that I can still get my exercise in. But I find that though you're sharing this space with other people--the same camaraderie and connectedness that you find out on the urban trails of Seattle is missing in the inner sanctum that is 24 hour fitness (okay, inner sanctum may be a bit of an exaggeration). Though sometimes the fact that they have a sauna makes up for it. ;-)

I miss running outdoors. There's so much to look at and absorb. Hopefully next weekend the weather will be a bit kinder and I can get an early afternoon workout in the daylight.

Oh, one more thing I want to address before I sign off: In recent conversations about running and deciding to take on a marathon, several people have expressed concern for my health and safety. And I greatly appreciate that concern, but I want to assure everyone that I have not taken this challenge on lightly. I have excellent resources--including highly trained and experienced runners; good books and internet sources; and my doctor's consent. I'm following the training schedule, which is of utmost importance. I'm also taking all the necessary rest days and listening to my body. The advice that trainers give before taking on a marathon is that you should have been running for at least a year, and logging at least 15-25 miles per week before you consider the challenge. I certainly meet those criteria. It's all about gradually building up mileage, and pacing yourself--the end goal simply being to finish the 26 miles.

Yes, people do get hurt, and yes, there have been people who have died during marathons or during training. But most of those people (there are exceptions) are extreme examples of people not following the necessary training, or pushing through in extreme heat when they should have slowed down or stopped. Please trust that I know what my body is and is not capable of. If I ever come to a point where I am conerned, I will most certainly listen to my body.

Also, I have some great reading materials if you're interested in learning more about the process. Our bodies do some pretty amazing things during such intense training--including an increase in growth of veins and arteries--or how about turning ourselves literally into fat burning machines! Plus--I'm all for a process that allows me to eat more! :-) Also, feel free to ask me questions. If I don't know the answer, I'll find out!

Happy Trails!

Gym-tastic!

10 minutes warm up on the stairmaster yesterday. I love the stairmaster!

35 minutes on the treadmill last night--started at an easy pace for 10 minutes, then alternated between 6 and 6.5 mph pace for 25 minutes. 5 minute walk to cool-down.

I was very tired when I got to the gym, but knew I needed the workout and would feel great once I started. I felt strong through the entire run. It was a good workout.

The Gym. I will never go again between the hours of 5pm and 8pm. (I knew there was a reason I am a late evening gym "rat".) It's insane in there! You can't get an open machine to save your life, and the front desk clerk makes an announcement over the intercom system to "remind you that there is a 20 minute limit on all cardio machines." 20 minute limit? I know you're busy, but I pay for my membership, and 20 minutes isn't enough time.

These days I definitely prefer running outside...though I will admit the last few days have me scared of running outdoors. One of the top stories on the news Monday night was of a woman who was out jogging in Lincoln Park in West Seattle (my neighborhood), who was attacked by a man in broad daylight. She is fine--just a few minor injuries, but how frightening. She managed to fight him off, and there were a couple of witnesses, but the man got away. They don't know what his intentions were. Whatever they were, they were not good.

I always feel I am careful when I'm out running alone. I never go alone in the dark. I always wear a safety flash, and stay on pretty public streets. But you just never know. I've decided it's time to find a group to run with outdoors. And on my weekend runs outdoors I will stick to very heavily populated areas like Greenlake or Alki, and I will continue to run on the treadmill through the Winter as daylight is scarce. Anyone looking for a running partner?

4 miles tonight, and 3 tomorrow. Perfect prep for my Thanksgiving meal at Cafe' Flora tomorrow night! I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving, whatever you are doing!

Sunday 6, Part Deux

Friday was a rest and "re-load" day. I was so tired after work Friday. I went home and crashed. Cory and I didn't do anything but lounge Friday night. It was fantastic.

Yesterday I struggled through my run. I started off feeling strong, but I think I started too fast, and my energy quickly dwindled. I also got a really bad sideache about 2 miles in, and had to stop and walk for a minute or two until it subsided. I was scheduled to only do 3 miles, but I did about 4. I think part of my struggle was my attitude. I was cranky, and tired, and couldn't seem to think about anything but getting the damn run over with! It was also raining, which actually felt great once I got moving, though my feet were a little uncomfortable by the end. They got pretty wet and cold.

Today I met up with my friend Kerry for lunch before my 6 mile run. It was so great to catch up with her. We ate at a new soup and sandwich place on Greenlake. It was good food and good company, and put me in a great mood before the run. I did 2 laps around the outer Greenlake path. I lost my gloves somewhere along the way, so by the end of the run my hands were numb. It took me a good hour to feel warm again and for my hands to function normally. I need to find a good place to stash my gloves while I'm running when I get a little overheated. Man, I can't wait for those warm spring nights again!

I felt great through my run--much better than yesterday. I skipped out on stretching afterwards, so I need to go home and do that (I'm at work getting a few things ready before the holiday. I'm wasting time while the time clocks are downloading), otherwise I'm afraid I'll be hurting in the morning. It was too cold to stretch outside! (What can I say, I'm a wuss!) My knees were also a tad sore an hour ago, but now I hardly notice any soreness.

This week's runs alternate between 3 and 4 miles. Next Sunday's run is just a 3 miler. Next week is another taper week, then the following week my long run will increase to 7 miles. My first 10 mile run will be here sooner than a blink of an eye!

Cory is going to help me with water and energy "stops" once I start getting above the 7 mile run. I am looking at different options for carrying water, too. I think I'm going to invest in a "water belt", rather than a camel pack or the handheld bottles. I hate carrying anything while I run, and I also don't really like running with a backpack--something that keeps me feeling as free as possible is best!

Okay, back to work I must go!

Sunday 6-miler

I mapped out a new route for my 6 miles yesterday afternoon. I started from my apartment in West Seattle, and ended down at Alki--where I met Cory in front of Tully's. I started out heading South and then joined up with Beach Drive SW which eventually connects with Alki Beach Drive. It was a fantastic route. A nice combo of a couple of long hills, mixed with a few smaller more gradual inclines, and fairly flat surfaces.

Running a new route always makes the run seem longer to me--my mind absorbing all the new sights, sounds--even smells. I love the scenery along this path. There are fantastic views of the sound and amazing homes, but the "sidewalk" along the first mile or so of Beach Drive is more like an uneven paved ditch completely filled with leaves. I had to be really careful to avoid injury. Despite that, I probably will run this route again.

I started with a nice easy pace--I feel like I kept a pretty even pace throughout. Perhaps I picked up the pace a tad near the end. Cory downloaded some more tunes onto the mp3--I've discovered The Chemical Brothers and Moby are fantastic for running. As I finished the last mile of my run it was turning dark as I rounded from Beach Drive to Alki Drive. It was kind of a surreal moment with the last song on the Moby album playing. (I wish I knew the name of the song off the top of my head.) I finished in about an hour. I thought I might take a bit longer, but it was practically an hour on the dot.

There were tons of bikers, runners, and dog-walkers along the way. One thing I've been noticing as I run more outdoors is the camraderie between runners. Most people I pass by give a wave or a shout out. I even got a high five last week! I like that. I like that a whole lot.

Running in the crisp Fall weather is fantastic, however within 10 minutes after the run I am always FREEZING. Anyone who knows me well, knows I'm always cold, and it's certainly intensified after I've started to cool down after a run. I'm already looking forward to Spring. I may be doing a lot of runs on the boring old treadmill during the upcoming Winter months. We'll see.

The rest of the week is filled with 3-milers and soccer on Wednesday. (Only 3 more games and then I'm taking a hiatus until next Fall). Next Sunday includes another 6-miler.

FRIDAY!

I love Fridays. For several reasons: 1) It's what I like to call my "indulgence day", where I can be a little more lenient with what I eat one day a week. I usually limit it to one item--maybe two if I'm feeling particularly "bad". 2) It's the end of the work week. 3) The office is usually much more relaxed on Fridays (not counting this week!) 4) I love the "possibilities of Fridays". It's the beginning of the weekend, and there's opportunity to do so many things. 5) It's a rest day--no running.

Don't get me wrong--I love the running, but coupled with reasons 1-4, having a rest day is a nice complement.

Last night I squeezed my 3 mile run in at 10:30 pm. Logistically, to get to the gym, it had to be a late workout. I was feeling pretty tired by that time, but I knew that 5 minutes in I'd feel great. For the most part I did--by the end of the run, I was ready to be done and on to Friday!
Tomorrow is another 3-miler, then Sunday back to building those miles again. Sunday kicks off the week with a 6 mile run, followed by 3 milers the rest of the week. I will continue to do a very small amount of speed work and hills with the 3 mile runs--not necessarily to build speed for the marathon, but because it's a "short" workout it boosts the calorie burning and intensifies the workout some.

I'm looking forward to the 6 miles on Sunday--that's about the longest I've run at one time so far. I'm thinking of trying a new running path at Lincoln Park in West Seattle for that run. Either that, or I may do two loops around the outer path of Greenlake. Though I'm ready for a change of scenery.

I think the biggest challenge I'm going to face as the runs get longer is fighting boredom. It's time to download some new songs onto the mp3 player, and probably time to change up my normal routes a bit.

Happy Weekend!

Training Schedule Posted!

Okay, I finally did it....I posted my training schedule through the end of December. It's listed under "Miriam's Training Schedule" under Links to your right.

This week has been an easy training week. 3 miles Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Back to soccer tonight--a late game (8:45). Monday was a rest day/cross-training day. I needed to burn off the sludge of work when I got home, and with little time in between work and meeting some friends, I got jiggy with it on the living room floor. I busted out the new Chemical Brothers album that Cory downloaded onto our mp3, and shook my booty like nothin' else--just to get in a bit of activity and get rid of the "bad work juju". It worked--I was in a fantastic mood.

I have a hard time with rest days. I know they are just as crucial to your progress as the workouts, but I feel lazy when I don't get some kind of activity in. Even when I know my body is really tired and needs a rest, I still mentally have to tell myself it's okay to take a break.

I felt a little tired all through Sunday's run--but got through it okay. I did a little leg workout with some free weights--bad idea. I've even read that when preparing for a long race, to do minimal weight lifting, that your body builds plenty of muscle through the training runs. I've been sore since Sunday. I didn't even do much--but it had just been long enough since I'd done any lifting focusing on the lower body, that it didn't take much to cause some discomfort.

Yesterday's run was good--I ran a bit faster than usual since the mileage is low. I did a bit of weights for my upper body (I've done upper body all along), and I feel good tonight. Good enough to run around the soccer field. 3 miles again tomorrow. It's all been on the treadmill this week. I'm not so keen on running outside alone in the dark, so the gym it is. Weekend runs will remain outdoors!

Thinking of seeing if there's a local "Turkey Trot" (usually a 5k race) on Thanksgiving Day since Cory and I will be staying in Seattle this year.

Gurgle, Slosh, Ploop

Okay, fair warning: I am going to very candid here--this post may not be for the squeamish, or those easily embarassed or grossed out by talk of bodily functions.

Ah, the Digestive System. Nature's janitorial system. Without it--well, we simply would not be able to survive.

My daily eating habits are healthy--I prescribe to a predominantly vegetarian diet--the exception being the occasional bit of fish. I love fresh fruit and veggies. In fact, I sometimes think I may overdo it in this department--you can imagine the impact on my digestive tract. It's a wonder Cory can stand being around me sometimes! :-)

Now, the above mentioned "problem" is one I am willing to live with (and hopefully Cory can manage, too). That's all fine and dandy--but throw running into the mix, and it becomes an entirely different problem. A fairly uncomfortable one at that. The first 5 - 10 minutes are generally okay. But soon the rumblings begin. Next, a beautiful flatulent symphony. Then it becomes--"where's the nearest bathroom?".

I don't want to adjust my diet. Now, I realize this might be the only solution, but I feel justified in being stubborn about this subject. It took me a good amount of time to get where I am now with my eating habits. Perhaps cutting back a bit on the fruits and veggies might help some. Perhaps my system is a bit more sensitive than others. Maybe I just need to suck it up and deal with it--but as my runs begin to increase in length I begin to worry about how often I'm going to have to make a run to the bathroom. It stinks (no pun intended) when I'm half way through a run, feeling strong, and I am forced to make a stop!

Several sources I've been reading say to experiment with your diet during your training to adjust for these sorts of problems--so I will begin to do so. I've been recording my diet in detail along with my training runs, though I have avoided making any adjustments to what I'm eating, or how long I wait after I eat to run, etc. It's time to start making some changes! Hopefully you can contain your excitement as you wait to hear how things progress!

I will be posting my training schedule very soon! I just need Cory's help to get everything to link properly. I'm afraid my computer skills seem more and more limited as things become more complicated. I feel old.

Saturday I ran 4 miles on the track, and walked 1/2 mile to cool down--then 10 minutes of stretching. The run took me 38 minutes, though I'm less concerned about time now that I'm training for endurance rather than a fast time. The goal really for the marathon is simply to finish. Although I only ran for 38 minutes, it seemed much longer. I was bored--even with my headphones. The track pretty much was empty which is unusual for a Saturday. The only other people there were a grandmother with her grandson. He came up and ran along side me a couple of times when I passed them--speaking in his 3 year old "babble" to me--it sounded very important.

Sunday was my "long" run. 5 miles. Had to do it on the treadmill since I couldn't get it in during daylight hours. I don't like running alone in the dark--though Alki is a good spot to run at night--I feel like I need to get to the gym at least once a week to make my membership worthwhile. I felt great on this run--very strong, and finished feeling I could run the same distance again. I think the treadmill is good for pace consistency, but you lose out on the natural terrain.

Monday was a rest day--was home sick--felt nauseous in the morning. I actually did end up doing about a 3 mile leisurely stroll. The crisp fall air felt good.

This week is full of 4-mile runs every other day (Tues/ Thurs/ Sat), one of them being a hill workout. No soccer this wednesday (Halloween)--it's a cross training day.

Next week is a taper week. The training alternates between about 3 weeks of mileage buildup, and then 1 week of tapering to give your legs a chance to recooperate. The week will be filled with easy 3-milers. This will give me a chance to get a little weight training in, too.

Back to work I must go!

Shoes

Shout out to my homie, Joe:

After my first post, he asks: "Do you have a good pair of shoes?"

In fact, I do! 3 weeks ago I took my first trip down to Super Jock'n'Jill-- a running specialty store down across from Greenlake in Seattle. Mission: to find a good shoe with good support that will be able to maintain that support with the high mileage I need to put in.

Fantastic experience. The guy who helped me (Ky) was great--not overbearing, just very knowledgeable about all the products. I went home with Nikes. (You can see the shoe here:)
http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml#l=nikestore,grid,_pdp,cid-1/gid-123027/pid-123027,_grid,f-10002+12001+26005+17002&re=US&co=US&la=EN

The only Nike I tried on turns out to be the perfect fit. I'm amazed at how great my feet feel in this shoe--and how there is a slightly noticeable difference in how my legs feel having the better support.

If you've never been fitted for a good running shoe (or any sport shoe for that matter), I highly reccomend it! Super Jock'n'Jill will have you test out as many shoes as you need--they even send you out the door, around the corner, and up the hill--to give them a test run. Not to mention they're totally 'schooled' in watching your feet (overpronation vs. underpronation vs. neutral runners). Oh, and the best part--if I don't like the durn things--even after 3 weeks--I can return them and try something new.

While I was in the store, there was a guy in buying a new pair of shoes--he had just come back from running the Chicago Marathon. Yes--that one, where sadly, 1 person died from heat disease. It was interesting to hear him talk about the experience--he finished the run, but I didn't hear his time (not that it's important). More interesting was hearing him talk about the number of runners who seemed under prepared, or those that were determined to run hard, despite the deadly heat.

It's 10 after 5pm. I have to drop of the deposits for work, then squeeze in my 4 miles before picking Cory up from work at 6:15! Then off to a 7pm meeting.

Looking forward to my rest day tomorrow.

Marathon

Running a marathon had never been a goal of mine.

Never.

If the thought ever came to mind, it was simply in some passing conversation. My body would react with disgusted shiver--pushing and shoving that thought right back out of my brain, sending it swirling up into the atmosphere where it would dwindle and disappear--repulsed by the mere suggestion.

Even as I began incorporating running into my workout routine, I don't remember even the slightest tinge of desire to put my body in motion for a whopping 26.2 miles. Until a year or so ago, the thought of running much more than a mile wasn't a concept in the realm of my cognitive thought. It was only after the need to increase the intensity of my workouts that an internal drive to go longer, further, and faster began to surface. That drive carried me from jogging slowly for 3 minutes at a time, to running several 5k events, and has kept me consistent with my workout schedule over the last year.

3 weeks ago at my friend Heidi's wedding, my friend Chelsea told me she was training for a marathon. She asked me to do it with her. Admittedly, my brain was screaming "NOOO". But at the end of the night I just blurted it out:

"I'm doing it--I want to run that marathon with you."

I'm still not sure my brain is ready to accept the possibility of taking on such a distance (Did I mention it's 26 miles 385 yards, to be exact). But, as I think more, read more and talk to people who've run the distance a time or two, I find my excitement growing exponentially. To accomplish something that less than 1% of the world's population has done (or so I read) is undoubtedly intriguing (and perhaps a bit of a narcissistic motivator). But more so, I look forward to pushing my body to new limits--to prove that I am not bound by the restrictions of my former self. I'm strong. I'm mobile. I'm free.

Looking over the training schedule last week (for the umpteenth time), I knew right in the center of my gut, I could finally say "I can do this".

Next goal: Marathon June 28, 2008 in Sun River, OR (followed by a week of camping on the Oregon Coast! ) Now begins the training. 18 weeks of mileage build-up, which starts with pretty much the workout schedule I've been doing consistently since Summer. (4 or 5 miles at a time to start, about 4 days a week) Then 18 weeks of the marathon training schedule. This is where the essential LONG RUNS begin--peaking with 23 miles about 5 weeks prior to the race. 23 miles is where my excitement turns to pure nervousness. HOWEVER--it will seem much less daunting when the time comes, since I will have many miles of preparation under my belt.

So here is where I currently sit. Waiting in anticipation to begin the training schedule. Nervous about the commitment it's going to take--scared of burnout and injury--anticipating the blisters, sore muscles, and burning lungs. But above all of the anxiety, I look forward to the hard work--the mental and physical preparation, the sense of accomplishment, and the ability to push my body to new limits.

I'll be using this blog to post my training and progress throughout the entire process! Please stop by to visit often, and thanks to all of you who continue to be a part of this story!