Category: Slacker

Letting My Feet Do the Talking

It’s almost Friday!

I was kind of disappointed with my showing at the race on Saturday. I was so irritated that I contemplated taking a week off from running. I always treat the day after a half as a rest day, so I used that as a testing ground. I spent the day shopping and even with my lower back being sore from the race, I felt kind of lazy having a rest day on a Sunday. This was the first time I’ve run a half marathon on a Saturday. I kind of splurged and treated myself to a new laptop on Sunday- my old one is a 6 year old beast that has had issues from day one. And it weighs like 25 pounds. I had Monday off from work and thought about running but trying to get things moved over gave me a great excuse to not run. And even now, I am still having troubles moving iTunes. Ugh.

I packed my gear for Tuesday after work but I was still feeling very anti-run. The horror! But I was a good little runner and changed after work before heading to meet my mom at the path we have been running. I think I will call it the river path from now on just for ease of typing. We started like usual with a walk and I was still fussy. I still had my slow pace alert on my Garmin from the race and it kept buzzing. I tried to turn it off but all I succeeded in doing was pushing the lap button multiple times so my splits look a little funny. I gave up worrying about it because I figured I was going to be a little sluggish. I walked with my mom until the concrete ends and then run ahead. My first mile came in under 13. Hmmm, that’s odd. Usually walking the first .6-.75 of it makes it pretty slow. I decided to let my feet do whatever they wanted to do and not over think it and just kept running. I hit the turn around and once again, there was a headwind going down, where does that come from?! If it hadn’t been for a horrible stomach cramp at mile 2.6ish that stopped me dead in my tracks for a moment, this probably would have been a nice little progression run. 🙂 Instead I will call it a nice little, unexpected tempo. 12:42-9:41-9:55-8:50-4:12 (1/2 mile)- then another 1/2 mile cool down walk.

Wednesday I tried out my new Barre dvd. The instructors are a little interesting. At first, I was thinking that there is no way this will count as a work out. 10 minutes later, my legs were shaking. It felt like I was getting a good workout during but I recovered really quickly after, so I am not sure how well it worked. I will have to try it a few more times before I really decide.

Tonight my running plans fell through. I had planned on catching up with an old friend from out of town, but we weren’t able to make it work. 😦 I was torn about where to run. Work town looked amazing outside and it had been awhile, so I decided to run there. The route that I run there is around 4 miles, part of it in a state park on a narrow road with no shoulder. I had been told there was a little dirt path near the road but I was never able to see it. I decided to look for it on the way back this time. I made it through the sketchy part on the way down and stopped for some pics.

Once by the water I was able to find the path and I was followed it back out of the park. I had to walk part of it because I almost fell on my ass twice. There was a section of super loose dirt, covered in fallen Eucalyptus leaves- it was like a giant slip and slide. 🙂 The route is downhill for the first 2 miles and uphill back. I always go out too fast and slow down on the way back. But once again, I decided to let my feet do whatever they wanted to do. It was a great run actually, other than it was hot!!! Work town is not supposed to be in the high 70’s at 6:00PM!

Both runs this week went better than I had anticipated. I needed that to get over my crankiness. My left shin is a little sore, so I will probably only run once more this week and take it easy before getting back into training for the Ventura half. That’s ok it gives me more time to figure out this computer thing. And hopefully not want to punch it thanks to iTunes. I’m only missing around 3000 songs, no big deal right? Ugh.

In other news, the fair is here! I live fairly close so I last night I was able to hear the Zac Brown Band cover Metallica. Ummm, what? Tonight, it’s Kid Rock. I am looking forward to spending Saturday bumming around the fair and eating some yummy fair food. It only comes once a year right? Plus I walk there, so there’s a little calorie burn. 🙂

Anyone taken time off after a disappointing race?

Who’s racing this weekend?

What’s your favorite fair food?

Rock’n Around the Pier 13.1- Recap

The one where I went into damage control at mile 3. 😦

If 2013 was the year of the PR, then 2014 is shaping up to be the year of the bonk. At least as far as half marathons are concerned. But I have to say that this is first race I ever seriously considered quitting. Even when I ran out steam at mile 7.5 at SLO, I still knew I was going to finish, it was just going to be slow.

For once, I felt like I slept really well the night before this race. I woke up on time and made it to pick up NikeC by 5:30. My stomach was being its usual self, so I did not eat prior to the race. This is typical though, so I don’t think it affected me too much. Parking was easy but time-consuming, the race was smaller than last year, it had about 200 for the half marathon and just under 1000 for the 10K, but parking was limited. Once parked, we geared up, met up with NikeC’s friend and headed to the bathroom. Which was where we were when the starting gun went off. Last year I was still running to the chute when the gun went off, oops. Thank goodness for chip timing. We made our way to the chute and were off.

Slowly as there were 100 yards of softer sand to get through at the beginning. Once on the hard pack, it was easier to run. I lost both of them fairly quickly. One moment they were to my left and then they were gone. Last year’s race was overcast, this year the sun was shining and the ocean was gorgeous. Last years 10K went so well (easy) that I had minor hopes for a birthday PR but I knew my speed was iffy thanks to my month of stomach issues. Realistically, though, I was aiming for under 2:10. So all I had to do was stay under a 10 minute mile- I got that right? Ummm…

Mile 1- 9:45 -ok, slower than I’d like but there was soft sand
Mile 2-9:45– hmmm felt way faster than that, but consistent at least. If only this stomach cramp would go away.
Mile 3- 9:51 felt like I had already run the full 13, shifted to a run/ walk method
Mile 4– 10:02 I just choked on air, walk break, take a few pictures. Now the cramp is on the other side.
Mile 5– 10:09 Wheezing, need air, where’s my inhaler? Yes nice man in front of me I see the dolphins (which now I think was awesome but then, not so much.)
Mile 6- 9:47 I refuse to hit the turnaround (10K) past the hour mark, pick it up!
6.2 mark– Turn around 59:08-Man, I wish I was doing the 10K.
Mile 7-10:18 oh, my god, why is this so hard
Mile 8– 10:24– my run .9/ walk .1 is falling apart, walking more often and longer
Mile 9– 11:09 another sudden need for my inhaler. Man the water is so much closer now.
Mile 10– 11:25 oh hell, I could take my shoes and socks off and just walk leisurely back to the finish. I’m mostly walking anyways. Oh fisherman, please don’t cast your reel at me, that would hurt.
Mile 11– 12:15 Oh, what hell is this? To make 13.1, we had to go up through the dunes to run a mile on a paved path. I could have crawled faster through the sand. Is it hot? Why am I so hot?
Mile 12- 11:57 Made it to a 9:20 pace on the pavement, soft sand on the way back to the beach brought me back down.
Mile 13– 11:15 Why is this mile so long!! I feel like I have been staring at the finish line in the distance forever. Ugh, just keep running.

Finish- 2:20:21 Ouch. Literally and figuratively. My calves were on fire. Even with running in compression socks, I was so sore by the time I crossed the finish line. My chip was cut off as I was handed my medal. It’s freakin’ awesome! That helped alleviate some of my irritation. I drank some water and chatted with my family while waiting for NikeC to finish.

Running a race with a friend was awesome. It was great at the starting line, and we passed each other twice on the course which was a great little pick-me-up. The finish line was fun too. I am looking forward to our next race. 🙂

The race course itself was amazing. Blue skies and blue ocean, and the beach, come on. Seagulls and dolphins, too. Given how close the water was on the way back, I understood the early start time more. There was plenty of water stops. They had volunteers directing where to turn around and when to turn off the beach. My only 2 slight negatives were- no on course bathrooms, and I never saw a mile marker. Now I was pretty much head down in misery from mile 3 on but I still think I would have seen at least one. As for bathrooms, I realize that it was on the beach and I have never used a bathroom during a race but it’s nice to know they are there if you need one.

For the cost of this race, 50 bucks!, the swag was amazing and I think the medal may be my new favorite. Plus there was live music and an amazing breakfast buffet at the finish line, eggs, sausage, orange juice, etc. I only wish I felt like trying some of it.

We headed out shortly after that. I was having a little shindig that evening for my birthday that I had to get ready for. Yesterday I was oddly sore in weird places. My butt and my lower back hurt, guess I ran differently on the sand this time than previous races.

Overall, this race was part of a great day. Yes, I was seriously disappointed in my performance but hey, I didn’t quit! I need to figure out what is going with my stomach so I can get back to speed work. Right now I have no idea how ever ran a 2:05 let alone trying to fathom breaking 2:00. My next half is in 8 weeks, and it’s flat and paved, so fingers crossed, my time will start heading in the right direction.

Anyone else race this weekend?

Ever run on the beach?

Cake’s a Carb, Right?

Short and sweet tonight!

So, I learned today that glass scales are made of tempered glass. They still shatter into hundreds of pieces when dropped on a tile floor; but there way fewer sharp edges. My big toe still found a sharp one. 😦

Today was fairly calm for a Friday- woo- hoo!

My coworkers bought me these beautiful flowers-As well as pizza for lunch, they know me so well.

Then there was this cake. Tomorrow’s race may just be fueled by cake. Cake’s a carb, right?I managed to sneak out for a break around 4 to pick up the race packet. That was also the first time I saw tomorrow’s new age in print, yikes! However, the swag was kind of awesome.Then it was back to work before heading home. This is when I had a wardrobe conundrum-Now, my gear is packed. A new playlist is ready (no Wrecking Ball), my Garmin is charged, and it’s off to bed for me. I have a 4:30 am wake up call. Ouch.

How was your Friday?

Anyone else racing this weekend?

Rising Moon and a Windy Run

After Friday’s race I was pumped to keep running. In fact I had hoped to run another 7 miles that day, before dinner and fireworks, to round out to 10 total. I wanted this to be my last long run before my half in 3 days. An unplanned 2 hour nap changed that, I didn’t even make it to the fireworks. 😦 While waiting for the awards to start after the race, there was very little shade and I think it affected me more than usual. When Saturday rolled around; after getting in the shopping trip that was postponed last week, I just did not want to run. Same for Sunday. So, I didn’t. I chose to treat the weekend as some needed rest. I haven’t decided if that violates the whole #noexcuses thing or if a little rest is a good thing. Instead of running, I read 4 books. That counts for something right?

After that restful few days, I was ready to run on Monday. Work wasn’t too busy, so I was able to get out of there fairly quickly. I then headed back to home town to run the path I have been running lately. My mom decided to join me, so I met up with her at the trail head. I kind of like when she does that, it forces me to take the first mile a little slower, which is a good thing because I rarely ever warm up enough. Especially on race days- bad runner! Slower is also better when it’s 90+ outside. 🙂

When I broke away from her, I felt like I settled into a good pace. At least on the way up. Coming down, I was looking forward to thelittle bit of help that a downhill brings but then there was the wind. Every single time I run this newer path the wind is ridiculous coming back down. Last week it was so bad and so loud, I could barely hear the music coming from my headphones. It wasn’t as bad on Monday, but I felt like I was running through sludge. Once I made it off the hill and around the corner, it eased up a bit. And I was rushed by 2 dogs on the trail portion again. Seriously?! Why am I dog bait? Overall, though at the end, my pace was pretty good.

The gym didn’t work out tonight so I hit the lake path to get in some miles. My left foot was a little sore the first lap around, so I wasn’t sure how many I was going to finish. I seem to have split personality feet. My right foot has a higher arch and loves heels but hates flats. My left foot has a lower arch, hates heels and loves flats. How does that work out? I haven’t found an insert that would help my left foot yet. Those things are pricey!

Luckily my foot loosened up around 2 miles in. I finished a few more laps to hit 5 miles before turning of my Garmin. I then alternated walking withbutt kicks and high knees for the mile back to my car. I felt a little silly. I was also staring at the serious lack of water in the lake. I’m kind of afraid to ask where the geese went.

Tomorrow I want to get in a few quick miles before a rest day on Friday. Then Saturday is race day!! 13 miles on sand, I can do this right? There are 5 stretches of soft sand that have me concerned. One, it slows me down, two, it weighs me down. But I get to run it with NikeC, so I am sure that it will be a blast. Plus, I am kind of excited about running a race on my actual birthday.

How has your week gone so far? We’re more than halfway through!

Anyone use inserts? Either in running shoes or regular shoes?

Wild Run 5K recap

I hope everyone had a good 4^th of July!

Wild Run 5K brought a couple of firsts for me. One was a rare opportunity due to the race size and something I never thought would happen. What I am most proud of was that I ran a smart race from start to finish-negative splits and all.

Choosing the Wild Run 5k, I knew it was going to be a smaller race and I was a little leery considering the past experiences that I had with races put on by this gym. However, I was pleasantly surprised-for the most part. Packet pick up was a breeze on Thursday. Parking was in the zoo parking lot so super simple. Previous races by this gym had a spray painted starting line, a megaphone start, and an orange cone finish line. So I was impressed to see tents set up, an emcee leading a warm up and a designated start. Granted it was pop-up tent but still a huge improvement. There were about 100 runners for the 10k and 5K combined. A little smaller than even I was previously thinking. The only glitch I saw prior to the race was the start time. I had confirmed that the start time for the 5K was 8:10 but the schedule on the board said 8:30. Umm? Turns out 8:10 was correct.

It was go time and we were off. After looking at the map the previous night, I saw that the first ½ mile of the race had a hill and the last ¾ of a mile were on the lake path that I run. Everything in between was a mystery but for the most part was pretty flat. I started off in the middle of the pack like I always do. We ran through the parking lot to the lot of the baseball field nearby and then up the street. We were still running in a pack when we hit the hill. It wasn’t the elevation, less 100 ft., but it was short and vertical. I walked near the top. .3 miles in and I was walking, waah. It was short, about 20 seconds and then I was running again. I pulled away from the pack and there were only a couple people in front of me. I figured that wouldn’t last long so I may as well enjoy it. After that small hill, it was flat, yay! My watch buzzed at mile 1 -9:37. Ouch, I knew I wasn’t in top shape speed wise, but I was hoping for better than that. I knew I could pick it up so I that is what I tried to do. I kept a guy pushing stroller in my sights. He seemed super comfortable at that pace so I knew I probably couldn’t catch him so I tried to always be able to see him.

I heard someone coming up behind me and that gave me the incentive to run faster. They fell back and I kept going. Rounding a corner I found the only water station but I didn’t need it. I managed to pass a guy in blue shirt here. I just kept watching stroller guy. We went right and there were some rolling hills. The elevation was almost negligible it was just that there was like 6 of them in a row. Stroller guy got farther away. No! So I picked it up again. Mile 2-9:00. A little more street and we were back to the lake path. I knew the path well so I was hoping to pick it up but I wasn’t going to look at my watch again. This was also where I started to realize that no one had passed me yet, I also hadn’t seen another woman since the start of the race. As I was coming up on one of the bridges on the trail, a biker rode past me and then the 10K leader thundered past. I got hung up right before the bridge, 2 women and 4 dogs were in the path. I had to walk the little bridge until I got around them. Then I had like .3 of a mile to go. My goal was to finish strong and not let anyone pass me. Usually I am dragging and breathing hard by the end of a 5K but I felt like I had the energy for a final kick, so I kicked. Mile 3- 8:30.

Finish time -27:48

Hot damn, that’s a new PR! Not by much, but it still counts. Here’s where it got really interesting. I was the first female 5K finisher. What?! Seriously? How is that possible? Another woman finished about a minute behind me. She looked hardcore, how did I pull this off? I was super excited and a little bit in shock. I realize that it’s because it was such a small race but it’s still a huge pick me up after I had a few rough races.

Post finish- not sure what I am doing here

While waiting for the awards ceremony, we got to cheer on the other runners coming in. There were people finishing for the 10K, 5K and 1 mile. The kids running were so adorable. But hands down the coolest finisher was an 85 year old woman with a walker. She completed the 1 mile course. Talk about awesome.

This is also where they kind of fell apart. They were having computer issues so the awards were delayed; so delayed that quite a few people went home. When they finally started announcing, there were so few people there. The awards were for 1-3 male and female for each race. When they announced my name they also announced my time as 24:48. Ha! I wish!

Even with it’s little issues, it was a good race and a fun morning. Well outside of one thing. For whatever reasons, my iPhone had a little glitch. I ran the entire 5K with one song playing repeatedly. 27 minutes of Wrecking Ball over and over and over. I deserve props for not chucking my phone. I came pretty close. 🙂

How was your weekend?

Did you have good 4th?