Tag: Running

Week 5- Oops

And here it is. This past week did not go according to plan, not even close. After a good day and race on Sunday I was optimistic for this week. Or I was trying to be. In reality I was in a funk. No real reason for it, but I was feeling very woe is me this week. Like I said, not sure why. But let’s get to the training- or lack there of.

Monday- Rest

I was feeling a little sore post race so I figured a rest day was in order. Monday was also a vacation day for me and I usually love running on vacation days but thought rest was best.

Tuesday- Rest

I woke up feeling pretty rough but managed to drag myself out to the high school. My mother had a morning tennis practice and asked for my help. All I wanted to do was sleep but I lasted for a little over an hour. I never really felt better so I wasted another vacation day by resting. I told myself I still had Wednesday and Thursday after work. I did get further on my craft swap project though. And I had a few helpers even if they were breaking the rules-

Wednesday- And…rest

Last week I was smart and made sure that the day I had blood work done was a rest day. This week that common sense escaped me. I had a CT scheduled for the morning but other than the fasting I had to do on Tuesday I didn’t think anything of it. I went to work right after and felt fine. It wasn’t until3ish that things went south. I suddenly felt the opposite of fine, I thought I was going to pass out. I spent the next hour sitting in the break room feeling very off. I don’t know what caused it but it meant no running that day. On the upside- my boss got me a great birthday gift-

Thursday- 3.5 miles

I was looking forward to this run. After 3 days off, I really needed to run. I changed after work and headed for the lake path. My warm up walk ran a little longer as I missed a call from my dad. It’s odd for him to call, so I made sure to call him back. I didn’t want to wait so I just walked while I called. Once that was done, I started running. My goal was to keep an easy pace so I was obsessively watching my watch to make sure I stayed around 10:30. I’d really like to get back to running without so many walk breaks so I know I need to slow things down. However that wasn’t my biggest problem. I hurt. Specifically, my left knee, calf and ankle. My calf was so tight, it hurt so badly. I stopped after the first running mile and just tried to stretch it out. I then attempted to run another mile. More pain. Both miles I ran were at a 10:30 pace but after completing the second running mile I decided I was done. I spent more time stretching before walking back to the car. Grr.

Friday- Rest

Started work early and since we weren’t open I wore my Sayonaras until we were. I don’t run in them since they are too big but I may start wearing them more to and from work and on the weekends. I need to figure out what is up with my leg. I put them back on after work to run errands. I was looking stylish. 🙂

Saturday- Rest- sense a pattern here?

My mother was throwing a little dinner party for my birthday that evening so I knew I had to run early. Except I woke up feeling poorly and my leg ached. We had hoped to go on an 8 mile hike on Sunday, so I skipped another run. 😦 The party ended up being super small but fun. My birthday is pretty much the only time I drink alcohol and I admit I was looking forward to sleeping really well that night. Life of the party right? It’s one of the reasons I rarely drink, I get super mellow and sleepy. Mother Nature had other ideas.

We had the mother of all thunder storms roll through in the last 24 hours. I don’t think I have ever seen so much lightning before. The house rattled all night long. So much for sleep. The power was going and coming back making that lovely surge sound every time. Kimi somehow knew each time a really big batch of thunder was going to roll through and would start crying in warning.

Sunday- Rest

Running or hiking in the rain I can do. Lightning? Not so much. There were reports of it hitting cars. Power was out all over the place, lines were down and the flood damage was all over town. And more rain was coming. We received more rain in the last day than the last few years. Which is amazing and needed but the land was too dry to absorb all that water. The town is kind of v-shaped so the water flooded down to the river bed but so much mud and gunk are strewn across town now. There’s still a flood warning in effect as I type this. Grrr.

Weekly miles- 3.5

So yeah, that was less than stellar. Luckily my goal race is in October so I have some time to figure things out. I’ve also rethought my next few races but more about that in another post. More rain is expected for tomorrow but hopefully I can get back on track this week. Fingers crossed.

How was your weekend?

Do you like thunder and lightning? There are very rare here.

Best thing you did this weekend?

A New Role?

I volunteered for a race years before I ever thought of running one. I worked a water table 3 years before I started running. Back then this race was USATF certified and sanctioned so I can say I have actually seen elite runners up close. They had no need of the water we were providing. But it was fun watching them fly while we froze. Seriously, for being September, I remember freezing the first 2 years. Year 3, my station was at a different mile marker and was in complete sun. So much nicer. It was also in front of a grocery store. I went in and bought all of us volunteers donuts. So yes, the runners had to see us eating donuts. 🙂

Then I started running. So now I was the person grabbing a cup of water from someone with cold hands. After a year of not volunteering, I shifted to working the registration/ packet pick up table the day before the race. I gained a new found respect for anyone who works one of those. Particularly when it comes to t-shirt sizes. Now I think it’s funny but that first year I thought I was going to lose my mind. I’ve done that for 3 years now and I look forward to it every year.

But I haven’t given up water tables. The last 2 years I worked a water table with my mom and her tennis team at another local race. This race hosts a marathon, half marathon and 5K and our station was on the marathon course. So it was a very dark and cold early morning. Then, I was lucky enough to be a SLO ambassador for 2 years so I was given the chance to work on my social media skills. It was fun but let’s be honest- Twitter still confuses me- I just can’t keep up! Which makes this new role a little nerve wracking.Say hello to the Harvest Marathon, owner of those early morning marathon water stations. It’s a scenic race through winding back roads with vineyards lining the way. There are some hills but what better way to train for Heartbreak Hill, right? The proceeds of the race benefit local youth athletic programs. I took these shots at last year’s water station-

What am I doing? Social media, of course. But not as Slacker Runner. As the Harvest Marathon. Eeek!!! I am torn between “muahaha” and “holy crap”. That’s a lot of responsibility. And I feel slightly odd when I (Slacker Runner) shares my (Harvest Marathon) posts. 🙂 Right now I am trying to grow their following but not post excessively. So, I am posting twice a week right now. I would like to step up to 3 but I want it to be natural. I have some plans for future posts, I just need the time to make it happen. I am trying to work on an Instagram as well.

So here are my questions. Do you follow races on social media? What types of posts do you like to see from them? What would catch your attention as a runner? Any suggestions on managing media? I now have 3 Facebook feeds and 2 Twitter feeds. Hootsuite isn’t letting me integrate the 2 profiles. Grrr. Any thoughts?

Help!

Have you ever volunteered for a race before? How?

Shoreline Half- Recap

Going into this race, I knew not to expect too much. Partly because I had such an off May and June and I haven’t caught back up yet. Also, the course description was flat and I don’t do so well on flat courses. Then there was the humidity factor. Humidity is a big trigger for my asthma and I haven’t had the best showing at races with high humidity levels. Case in point-

Rock’n Around the Pier– 2:20:something and the first race I considered DNF’ing
Ventura- 2:34:something Granted there were other issues too, but I walked from mile 6.5 on. I also felt broken at the end- I almost couldn’t walk back to the hotel.
Surf City– 2:19- 95% humidity? Seriously?

So of course, I head back to Ventura for more ~~pain~~ fun. Different course but 85% humidity at the start. I tried not to look but have finally learned I need to be prepared. I was aiming to run a comfortable race and finish around 2:15. I don’t know about you but humidity is never comfortable. So here we go.

Race morning-

After 4 hours of sleep I was up at 3. I had limited my carb intake since Friday and eaten less than normal pre-race on Saturday. I did this for Wine Country and it worked well so I tried it again. We were on the road by 4:15. My mom drove so I dozed off and on along the way. We arrived 30 minutes before packet pickup so headed to a nearby McDonald’s to use the restrooms and she and S had breakfast. That place was sketchy. Parking was easy and we headed out to the start. Packet pickup was actually easy. I think I had birthday luck and got everywhere before lines formed. I had good port-a-potty luck too. 🙂 Exited one to find about 60 people in line. They had a map of the course up and announcer going over it. There were pacers for every 15 minutes starting at 1:30. The start was self seeded with 4 waves- Sub 8, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00+. In keeping with my plan to run a 2:15, I lined up with that last group. Here’s where I had to contain my inner fan girl. Earlier while hanging in the grassy area with my mom and S, a man walked past up wearing a McFarland singlet. I pointed him out to my mom and wondered if it was real or just something they sold in association with the movie. I then forgot about it as we headed to the start line. The corral at the start was very tightly spaced and I looked right then snapped my head back. The flippin’ McFarland running team was standing there! At least part of it. Say what!? They soon squeezed their way through to the sub 8 group. Then the gun sounded and we were off.

Miles 1-3- 9:14, 9:23, 9:34

So much for lining up with the 10:00+ pace group. I went out too fast!! The race has 3 or so miles on the boardwalk- at the start and end. This meant amazing scenic ocean views, but it also meant running on concrete. My left leg was pissed early on. Nothing alarming, I just knew I needed to shake it out. We switched to black top by the end of mile 1. I shook off the pain by mile 3. The next miles alternated between a black top bike path and busy roadside. I was feeling pretty good but I also realized I was going to positive split this race in a big way.

Miles 4-6- 9:36, 9:50, 9:47

There was a tiny incline for miles 5 and 6 and I loved it. It made my legs happy. 🙂 Nasty looking dumpster aside, the course scenery was still awesome. It was a clear, sunny day and the ocean looked amazing. It was high 60’s, low 70’s which normally I would love but I could tell the humidity was getting to me. It was no longer a question of if but when. We hit the turn around for this section a little past mile 5. Now I knew what I was getting on the way back so I was ready. The course leaders had also flown by when I was around mile 4- they were flying! I was pacing myself by following a tall man in front of me. I did that for about 4 miles before I passed him.

Miles 7-9- 10:32, 10:47, 10:07

I took my first walk break during mile 7. And another. Grrr. I was trying to make up my time in mile 8 when I had a breathing issue. I had used my inhaler 3x leading up to race start but it wasn’t enough. I haven’t mastered using my inhaler while running so that meant slowing to a walk, taking out the inhaler, using it and giving my lungs a minute or 2 to calm down. I need to work on that but I don’t train in humidity. Mile 8 is usually my favorite mile but I feel like I missed most of it. I did find someone new to ~~chase~~ pace though. Up ahead, I saw someone I thought I recognized but have never seen in real life- Hilary @ Embrace the Neon! I chased her for the next 5 miles. Running- the only acceptable way to chase people. 🙂 I promise I’m not creepy, I just find someone to pace off of. Miles 10-11- 11:13, 10:57

I had graduated to walking all the water stops. I would drink half the water and dump the rest on my head or down my back. I was so sweaty, it was hard to tell the difference. Heading back to the boardwalk something funny happened- the arms at the train crossing came down! I saw everyone ahead stopped but I didn’t want to stand still and wait so I slowed to a walk hoping the train would come through before I got there. They lifted without a train ever coming through- what? Then we were back on the board walk. This is where things got dicey.

The boardwalk wasn’t closed so we were dodging walkers, non-racing runners, bikers, surfers, dogs, etc. That took so much more energy, mental and physical, than I had. One woman got off of her bike and parked it horizontal across the path. I swear she looked at us racers like “deal with it” but that could have been the fatigue making things up in my head. Another hard part of mile 11? Running past the finish line. We had to run past the finish/ start area to head the other direction for a 2+ mile loop before the finish. Grrr.

Miles 12-13.1- 11:32, 11:00, 8:17 pace

And my lungs protested again. Once more I slowed to use my inhaler. I had troubles getting started after that. I knew I was so close to the finish but I was hot and tired. I was so sweaty, the shorties under my skirt started sliding- they have never done that. I took more than a few walk breaks those last 2 miles. Then it was back on the board walk for the final push to the finish- dodging people all the while. Somehow I mustered up energy for a final kick to the finish.

A thumbs up?

Finish- 2:14:39

We were given our medals and herded into the grassy registration area. This is where my only real race gripe came about. The race promised tacos and beer at the finish line. Which were there but all I wanted was water. I could not find a freakin’ water table! I looked everywhere, even my mom and S couldn’t find one when they met up with me. I had read about other bloggers having this issue at races but had never experienced it.

I was so hot and sweaty and I just wanted to cool down. I took off my shoes and belt and passed them to my mom. I went down the beach, climbed over the rocks and walked right into the ocean. I heard her yell that I had paid a lot of money for the socks I was now walking the beach in. 🙂 It was seriously amazing. If I didn’t have my bib or my Garmin on I may have just sat down in the water. I hung out there for a bit before heading down the beach to the stairs back to the boardwalk. I didn’t trust myself negotiating the rocks the a second time.

All in all, I really liked the race. Even with falling apart at the end (thanks humidity) I managed to come in under my goal time for the race. Granted it wasn’t comfortable but it was fun and a great way to start a birthday. 🙂 After changing at a nearby In n Out (fries- Diet Coke!) we headed up the freeway to Santa Barbara for some birthday shopping. S’s birthday was the day before. My legs were feeling pretty good after the race but I kept popping my toes out of joint, grrr. Sorry if you’re squeamish. This isn’t something that’s new, I’ve had the issue for years it just seemed to happen multiple times yesterday. I managed to restrain myself shopping wise but did come away with a new skirt and pair of shorts from Lululemon. Oh and a purse from Macy’s. A great but tiring day. I was in bed by 10pm. 🙂

How do you celebrate your birthday? I’ve yet to have any cake!

Ever had to dodge the public while running a race?

Week 4- A Little Early

I am kind of liking these weekly recaps. I feel like they are helping keep me on track. Particularly this week, I ran the gamut of craving a run to feeling like doing nothing but stuffing food in my face. Yes, I am a stress eater. There were donuts involved this week. And those Sweet Potato Food Should Taste Good chips. Both so yummy but so not on the approved list of foods. 😦

I alternated between heels and flats all week but my legs are still pissed. I rarely get to sit while training and I am feeling it. I don’t think my legs ached this bad after my first half marathon. Then I just couldn’t sit down…or get up without help. 🙂 I normally stand the good majority of the day but would usually sit for about 2 hours through out the day. Now I just fall into the comfy chair exhausted on my lunch. Trainee #3 starts on Monday so I need to figure something out. Unfortunately running shoes are not an option.

Monday– Actual- 3.5 miles -12:13, 10:39, 10:13 and change

I had to do some rearranging this week, which meant a Monday run. Oof, that was hard. Monday running just seems harder. Plus I don’t think my legs appreciated running the day after my long run. I usually rest the following day. I tried to treat it like a recovery run and keep the pace easy but I was all over the place. I even wore compression socks since I knew I was sore. Truthfully, I wore them all day. I might have to do that more often until things calm down.

Tuesday- Rest

I had blood work planned for the morning. This was part of why I switched up my running days. I didn’t think they were going take a lot but I figured I better err on the side of caution. Ugh, I hate needles. I got to the lab at 7:04, they opened at 7. I was the 15th person in line. Seriously?! I was actually late to work.

Wednesday- Speed work- sort of

The plan called for a 25 min warm up followed by 3 minutes at HMP, 1 minute easy jog x5, then 16 min cool down. Sounds easy enough but I just wasn’t feeling it. As I drove north, I was trying to decide what to run and where to run it. My mom called and she wondered if I would head out with her. No speedwork-yay! So we headed out for a short 3 mile jaunt. That turned into 4+ for me with some random intervals. I was planning on taking it easy but then I decided to just run whatever I felt like. So I ended up up with really random speed intervals while I looped around and occasionally met back up with my mom but it was fun. 🙂

Thursday- Rest

Hmmm, I am sure I did something interesting this day but I can’t remember anything so I guess not? I know I posted this.

Friday- Rest

I was at work by 7:30. I am on vacation Monday and Tuesday so I wanted to make sure I did everything I needed to do before leaving. I was out a little after 5:30 and I though about running a few miles but I did all my weekend errands instead. One less stress this weekend right?

Saturday- Rest – more than likely.

I am torn between running or walking a couple miles as a shakeout for tomorrow or resting. My legs are still super sore and I can’t decide which one would be the smarter choice. I also need to decide exactly what shirt I am running in tomorrow. And I am procrastinating packing my change of clothes while I type this. For some reason, I am can’t decide what I am going to want to put on after tomorrow’s race. #decisionsdecisions Whatever it is, it needs to be comfy enough to get me through a day of walking and shopping. Ok, maybe hobbling and shopping. 🙂 I had helping making a new playlist though-

Sunday- Shoreline Half..and my birthday 🙂

To be continued…

Happy Saturday!!!

What do you like to do after a race?

How was your week?

Do you stand or sit at work?

Suddenly Shoreline

You know you’re a runner when you find out that a local race you’ve run the last 2 years on your birthday weekend is a week later this year and you’re bummed out. 2 years ago I ran the Rock to the Pier 10K the day before my birthday. Last year, I stepped up to the half marathon that was now on my birthday. The 10K rocked, the half marathon kicked my ass. Both were still awesome. There’s something about running a race on/near your birthday that is kind of awesome. Well except for seeing the new age on your bib, that usually stings a bit. 🙂

I was still planning on running Rock’n Around the Pier this year but I just wasn’t feeling very into it. The race has 12+ miles on the beach. Add the sand and the inevitable humidity and I was preparing for a rough time. Throw in a lazier than planned June and I was starting to dread it. Plus, last year I ran it with NikeC, that’s not in the cards this year. So I decided to do the smart thing, I figured I would run the 10K instead. It would mean the loss of bling, but it’s not all about the medals. Right?

2 weeks ago, I got an email. California has a half marathon series every year, and you can earn an extra medal at the end of the year at one of the Series end races for a variety of challenge. Pretty cool but the odds of me running any of the end races are kind of small. The emails let you know of upcoming halfs in the series though. The race at the top of this email was Shoreline Half. In Ventura. On my actual birthday. Could I, should I? Nah, no, that would be crazy.

Call me crazy. I registered. I found a sweet discount online and committed. I also adjusted my training. I had been aiming to hit 4 days a week and up my mileage but I stuck with 3 days and upped my long runs. So my last 3 weeks looked like this-

14 miles overall- 5+ long
16 miles overall- 8 long
18 miles overall- 10 long

Dang, that looks sad. But after 2 Slacker months, I wasn’t trying to break myself by being in a hurry. Plus this race is strictly for fun. For more reasons than just not hurting myself. I am not getting a hotel, I am driving down on race morning with my mom and S (one of her tennis players- she tends to adopt them). So hello to my first ever 3AM wake up call for a race. And hello to packet pickup on race morning. Cuz that won’t be stressful at all. 🙂 The race is flat, which most people would love but I find flat to be my nemesis. Oh and it’s on the boardwalk…along the beach. Hello humidity. #sorrylungs

You know you're a runner when... you are looking forward to a girls weekend that includes a half-marathon!

So am I crazy? Well, that remains to be seen. 🙂 I am hoping for a fun, pretty race. Some shiny new bling and then a day spent shopping and eating around Santa Barbara. Hello Lululemon and Lorna Jane- please take my money. 🙂

So, seriously, am I crazy?

Ever registered for a race at the last minute? I have but not this late for a half.

Do you run on your birthday?