This morning started early for me (at least for a Sunday), I met my boss at Wal-Mart to finish up some Christmas preparations. Does it freak anyone else out how close it is getting to December 25? After lunch and running some errands, I was home and feeling very Slacker-like.
I knew I needed to get in some miles for the Pile on the Miles Challenge, but I wasn’t feeling it. I was sitting on the floor (surprisingly comfy) and getting ready to scrapbook the last 2 races. That could potentially take a while, so I could substitute that for running right? I was also checking Twitter, and I saw this tweet-
If this guy is flying from San Antonio to Las Vegas to run 2 marathons today, I can get off my ass and get in a few miles. So I changed and set out for a quick 3 miles. My calves were are really stiff and my stomach was not the happiest so they were not fast miles. I felt a little better at the first turn around point and added another mile. The up hills felt ok and the down hills were uncomfortable. Anyone remember before they started running and they naively thought down hills would be the best part? Ha! I made back the house at 4.4 miles. They were slow, they were stiff but they were better than sitting on my backside.
As I stumble down, haha!
After stretching and showering and trying to massage the stubborn knot out of my left calf, I did retreat to the Comfy Chair to put my feet up. I also checked out the Spooner’s Cove race website. Official times and photos are up from yesterday, 1:06:50. As I mentioned before, it was my mom’s first race. And what does she manage to do on her first race? She places 1st in her age group! Guess we should have stuck around a little longer after finishing, oops. Most people try for years to age group place and she does it right out of the gate!
Back to the Pile on the Miles challenge, I am on track for the month but was a little behind on last weeks goal. My goal is to hit the gym tomorrow and Tuesday after work. Fingers crossed, I follow through. 🙂 I have a late meeting on Wednesday, so that can be a rest day.
Congrats to everyone who raced this weekend! The posts are coming in, you all did amazing!!!
Thursday and Friday were crazy days at work. I don’t know why, but I think they made me stupid. By the end of Thursday, I could barely speak without stuttering. It was ridiculous, but my co-workers thought it was hilarious.
I packed my running gear of Friday, thinking optimistically that I would try to run on my lunch. Then I got a call inviting me out after work. One of my coworkers from my old location was moving and Friday was her last day, and they were going out to dinner to say goodbye. For some reason being slightly run worn at work was ok but being funky for going out- not so much. There was no time to get home and change in between work and dinner. So no run for me. The dinner was fun though, it was sad to see her go. Quite a few people went for drinks after but I had a race in the morning! I headed home like a good girl.
This morning was the Spooner’s Cove Trail Run. They offer a 5 mile, 7 mile, 25K and 50K. The races are small, only about 160 people overall. Which is good, because the majority of the race route is single track.
Black was the color in 2013
This was also my mother’s very first race. She could have chosen an easy one like the HOB 5K, but she chose a trail race. She’s crazy like that. 🙂 Sign in and shirt pick up was organized and super easy. No goody bag, but who needs random flyers anyway? All races started at the same time and on time. And we were off!
Along the bluff
First 100 yards was uphill (woo hoo), on a paved road, and then it was trail bound. The first 2 miles weaved along the bluff and it was the widest part of the trail. I said that this race would be run at my mom’s pace and that is what we did. We ran when she wanted and walked when she wanted. And, like I said before, she walks fast! As the trail narrowed into single track, it was amusing how frustrated she got when we got stuck behind someone who had slowed down. We eventually got passed her and we were running again.
We were heading into the real climb part of the trail when I felt something stab me in my shin. I was momentarily confused, the trail had widened and there weren’t any bushes with branches on the side. I tried to ignore but it just seemed sharper. So I looked down at my shin and there was a giant wasp/ yellow jacket on my sock. I had been stung by a freakin’ bee! I had to flick it off; luckily it seemed my knee socks took the worst of it. However it stung for the next couple of hours. For the next ½ mile, I was trying not to turn into a hypochondriac. I was just out of breath because of the incline, I was not allergic!
Going up, before it got hard
Miles 2-4 were pretty much all uphill. There was no running just walking, hard to feel bad though, most everyone else was walking too. We tried to pick up the pace on every slight downhill when switching hills but it was harder than we thought.
The area has had very little rain. The last time I did Valencia Peak, the mountain path was hard packed. Not so much this time. The sand was very loose; we were either sinking in it or sliding on it. That did not help our time. We finally hit the split, the 7 miles, 25k and 50K runners continue up the mountain another mile, and the 5 milers headed back down. At this point, we had about a mile to go.
We ran down as fast as we felt we could, at one point being overtaken by the speedy 50K’ers. They were hauling. We hit the road and walked for about 30 seconds. Another 50K’er ran passed and told us were so close. They had 23 miles to go and they were cheering us on.
We ran down the hill, and across the finish line. We crossed at 1:06:??. My phone was in my jacket pocket and by that time it was tied in knot around my jacket. I couldn’t get it to stop it, so I am unsure of what the exact time was. My mom is a bad ass and finished her very first race ahead of me. And it was a hard one. She just kept pushing. We got our medals and were stretching by the cove when she asked when the next one was!
Her first medal!!
It was a good race and I am proud of our time. We followed it up with a good lunch from Woodstock’s, a great salad and a slice of pizza. Now it’s time for bed for me, my legs are kind of sore!
Playing with apps 🙂
Anyone running Las Vegas this weekend?
Good luck to those bloggers (everyone else too!) running half-marathons, marathons and ultra’s this weekend.
Tuesday was ummm, interesting. I knew work was going to be busy like it always is after a 3 day weekend. This proved true but it was actually a good day. My boss and I are planning a big December for the rest of the team, so we made the first of many shopping trips. We hit the local dollar store to pick up some things. I know it’s the dollar store but they really need to work on their customer service! As we were leaving and trying not to get run over by a woman and her cart, this guy stops us and asks how do I not have a ring on my finger. He then kept walking. Awkward!!!!! I looked at my boss, she looked at me and we busted up laughing and ran the other direction. Both in our 30’s and we could not stop laughing. I never get hit on, probably due to the perpetual “bitch face” my mother says I have. 🙂
Tuesday was also the last volleyball games of the season and also this year. I will miss the girls but I am ready for a break. After the playoff games, we finished an impressive last. Woo hoo!!! We actually played really well last night but for whatever reasons, we can never close. Volleyball nights always end up being fun, but it gets frustrating losing all the time. I will miss the socialization aspect but maybe now I can get in a run on Tuesdays. 🙂
Can I just say, Daylight savings sucks. I didn’t even notice the extra hour of sleep. But then I set my clocks back the night before. I do it the spring too, which helps because I never really feel like I lose an hour either. The darkness bites big time. I have not been able to run after work. I need to get to the gym but am having trouble following through after work. Plus with volleyball and school, its hard fitting it in. Thursdays used to be awesome because I could run in between work and school. However my gym is almost 35 miles from school. There are other gyms in the towns where work and school are but not one from my chain. I just keep telling myself that I only have 4 actual weeks of class left with 2 off in between.
No, its getting out of bed! Photo-Pinterest.
I want need to become a morning runner. But it is so hard. My bed is so very comfy and warm. The cat is purring. See, hard? I pulled it off 2 years ago for about a month and a half before bailing out. That was also before I started to commute. I have set my alarm for 4:45 and 5 AM for the last 2 weeks. I have hit snooze every time. That whole theory about having your clothes laid out and ready to go? Doesn’t work for me. Where’s a drill sergeant when you need one?
Hasn’t changed 😦 Photo-Pinterest
Tonight I met a couple of people from class to work on a group project. Even at this age, group projects make me grit my teeth. I would have rather been running. Tomorrow I have class, and I have no idea what I am going to do to kill time before it. Probably homework. Maybe my next post will include some actual running!
Hopefully, everyone is having a good week!
Any tips for running in the morning? Cold mornings?
First off, thanks to everyone and the well wishes. It was a great way to go into a race!
Today I took part in the first annual Operation Run, an 8 mile run put on by Amazing Surf Adventures and their Operation Surf. I thought I had seen this run advertised last year, but I guess I made that up in my head, oops! First time races normally make me a little leery but there were no fears here. Check in was quick as no bibs were handed out. Turns out the county has restrictions on “races” that may not apply to “fun runs”. Who knew? The start finish line was in a Gymnastics center parking lot. There was also a huge American Flag on display-
The announcer was amusing with the right touch of snark. Love it! He was with Operation Surf and he handed the mike over to another man, wearing a Boston jacket from 2012! ( nerd moment). He described the course, basically an 8 mile rectangle, watch out for traffic as no roads were closed. He also mentioned that end of the race would involve zig-zagging though the parking lot? Why, because he knew that if us runners showed up for an 8 mile race, we would be very upset if it came in under 8. So true! There were 2 aid stations along the course and Grizzlies monitoring every intersection. Shirts and medals were handed out after crossing the finish line. Official race times are supposed be online soon. All in all, it was a very smoothly run race, especially considering it was the first year! And the race shirt was great, even if it ran a little small-
and the shirt…
It was 34 degrees when I left my house this morning so I dressed in capris and a long sleeve shirt. I also had my gloves and an ear warmer. I had a bottle with Gatorade and a few candy corns for fuel. This would be my first 8 mile race, so I was trying to be prepared. It never hurts to be a little extra prepared. I got Mr. Nike going and then paused it for the National Anthem and the short walk to the start line. And then we were off! The guy in front of me and I almost plowed right into a photographer who thought it would be a good idea to take pictures from inside the crowd. No!!!
Miles 1-2.5 were a long slow incline. I was hot about .5 miles in, oops. Coming up on mile 1, I was sucker punched by Mr. Nike. His voice comes and says “mile 1” ok good so far, then “20:32 minutes”. Umm what?! Guess when I thought I had paused it, I didn’t. WTF. Well that is not the way that you want to start off a race. I had no idea what my first mile was and my average pace was just a guess from then on, based on the overall time. Plus the distance was slightly off due to that little walk to the start line. Ugh, every time Nike would give a status update, I just became irritated. But I ran on.
Mile 1-3 seemed pretty good, warm but good. I was tired but thought I had a decent pace. Had to lose the over shirt by mile 3 and didn’t want to walk so I managed to get it off while running, very awkward. 🙂 After mile 2 we were off the main road and running the back roads in between wineries. It was very pretty today, I should be used to it, seeing as I live in wine country, but today seemed prettier. The first aid station was run by ROTC members, nice!
I rounded the corner for mile 3 and I was tired. I felt like my crappy week had caught up to me. Mile 4.5 was uphill and I caved. I had to take a walk break. I was frustrated because I had run 10 miles of my half before needing a break. I walked to the top and told myself I was running the rest, and I was going to do it faster. I think the slight downhill had affected my judgment. But I kept running.
At mile 6, I was bummed that this wasn’t a 10K. I had 2 miles to go. I was tired and cranky but just kept pushing. Ran passed the Grizzlies with their great signs and kept going. Mile 7-8 was the longest mile ever, I hit the parking lot and really wanted to say screw it to the zig zag, I’m ok with 7.7. But somehow, I had enough in me for an actually speedy finish. I managed to pass up one of the people I had been pacing for that last 5 miles. Woo hoo!!! Even though Nike was all jacked up, I feel fairly confident in saying that I ran a negative split!!! How unlike me.
yay, I’m done!
After filling out the finishing card, I finished 52 out of ?, and picking up my shirt and medal, I tracked down the woman I had passed. I didn’t want to wait for the times to go up, I wanted some idea of my time and I figured she finished nearest to me. She came in at 1:17:11. Seriously? Hell yeah! Now I just want to see the posted times to confirm it. Also the medal and race bag were awesome.
Great Medal!
It was a tiring race, not course wise, mostly just me, but I felt like I pushed through it. Plus it was a well-organized race for a good cause, our veterans. There were some amputee runners out there today and I was inspired by their perseverance and bravery.
Where’s the food?
I completed the day with a good lunch and a little shopping. I then headed home for a last bit of Slacker-ness before work tomorrow. Shout out to mom and her race photography skills- Thanks!
Friday was rough but I made it through most of the day at work. After leaving work, I decided since those 4 days off hadn’t helped me feel better so why not try a little walk? I walk/ crawled 3 miles with my mom. That way if my stupid idea backfired, I’d have help nearby. See? Not so stupid. I know I wasn’t feeling well but man she walks fast! I had troubles keeping up. At our race next Saturday, I said I would go her pace. At this rate, I may have to run just to keep up with her walking pace!
Saturday was work and not so bad. It was a little busier than usual but that just made the day go by quicker. After work, I wandered around a few antique stores before heading to the gym with my mom. I still wasn’t feeling the greatest so I was just putting along on the treadmill when I glanced over to mom. This was only her third time at the gym so I was checking how she was doing. I thought I read the damn thing wrong; she had the incline at level 15!! I looked at her and said what the hell?! Her response was that she was training for next weekend’s race. I was like, its Valencia Peak, not Everest and we’re not even going all the way up! See what I mean? She’s going to leave me in the dust!
Ugh
So with Fridays’ slow miles and then Saturdays, I managed to make my goal for Week 1 of Pile on the Miles. Granted it was a small goal to begin with but I did it!!!
One of the reasons that I put in a few miles on Friday, maybe when I shouldn’t have, is because I have a race tomorrow! And could I have signed up for a nice, quick 5K? Nope, instead it is an 8 mile run for Operation Run. Operation Run is a charity event that that Operation Surf puts on Veterans Day. I was interested in it last year but didn’t sign up, so I made sure to this year. After the past week, not sure how it will go, but it’s for an awesome cause. Check this out-
Directly from the race site
Today, I just relaxed (slept in!) and took care of some chores. I now have a clean car and freshly cleaned bathroom and closet. Though I maybe used a little too much bleach in the bathroom, I am feeling a little loopy. 🙂 I also helped my mother with a chair purchase. She now has a new “comfy chair”. Can’t wait to hear what the pops will say when he sees it.
My gear is ready for tomorrow and I am in my comfy chair, sadly or awesomely, watching Battleship for the umpteenth time. I have no idea why I like this movie so much, even I know it’s cheesy. But at least the soundtrack is helping pump me up for tomorrow!
Hope everyone had an amazing weekend!
For anyone lucky enough to run the Disney Wine & Dine, I’m jealous!
Slacker Runner 