the week after the no-post-race-soreness miracle run has been good. pretty much I've just been taking it easy.
monday: pete and I did a very short run to stretch out the legs. it was probably only one mile. it felt kinda good to get back out there. and it was perfect running weather. cool, grey and overcast with the threat of more rain in the air. perfect.
tuesday: yoga.
wednesday: just took it easy.
thursday: yoga.
friday: ran my errands on my bike. I rode up to steiner(which isn't that bad if you go up 17th south to 15th east and then over to guardsmen) to drop off some flyers, and then over to fairmont to drop off some more flyers. it was kinda fun!
I'm thinking riding my bike to work in the summer won't be too terribly bad. it took about twenty minutes to get up to steiner, and it's not far to campus after that. now I just need to get a bike lock...
Friday, May 25, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
potatoes!
marathon number seven/state number four: the famous potato marathon in boise, idaho.we drove up friday afternoon. we got to boise with plenty of time to pick up my race packet which included my race bib and timing chip(I was thrilled to see the prison style ankle bracelet of a timing chip--that thing was huge!), cheesy idaho potato pin, and various coupons and brochures for random things. you gotta love the race packet. we had a carbo-loading extravaganza at macaroni grill, I ordered the twice baked lasagna with meat balls. perfect blend of carbs and protein. afterwards we headed up to nampa to stay with my aunt and uncle.
we woke up early saturday morning to drop me off at the start line. the race started up at lucky peak state park, where we hopped on the green belt and ran our hearts out!
it was hard at first to adhere to this run/walk thing I had set my mind on. the first few miles I didn't really walk that much at all. then every eight minutes or so I'd walk for either a minute or a minute and a half. I was fairly diligent with that until the later miles.
my legs didn't feel tight at all for the first six or eight miles. it was like a dream! even in training they'd feel tight from mile one most of the time. I was still feeling pretty good through mile 13, then on through mile 20 or so. after mile 21 (and the short loop around the riverside elementary parking lot--they weren't kidding! you should've seen this thing! it was a few cones set out in a very small semi-circle that you just had to run around. it was barely past the entrance to the parking lot. it made me laugh.) I had a complete breakdown. imagine the whole lower half of your body cramping up. then imagine trying to run (or even walk!) like that. it was miserable. my legs were done. finished. dead.
I pushed past those remaining miles. I ended up doing a lot more walking after that. seriously, it hurt to run but it also hurt to walk. I couldn't decide which was the lesser of the two evils. the interesting thing was, though, I never once had the thought "why in the crap am I doing this? I'm never doing this again!" (I usually have that thought at least once during that last 10K) I knew I would finish eventually, and that it hurt, but it wasn't really that bad.
I did eventually finish. {thank you peter, for pushing me along.} and once I stopped running my legs completely seized up on me! they were so tight! I did go sit in the boise river for some 'ice bath' fun. I lasted about one minute. it was really cold.
I was also very pleasantly surprised with how pretty boise, idaho is. at least on the marathon route. the green belt along the river is beautiful. it reminds me of the jordan river parkway trail, but so much better! (I wasn't worried about finding any dead bodies or being attacked by a homeless person) it runs for a very long time too--I think someone said at least 25 miles.
and I had the best support crew out there. pete on the bike (and running along side me the last few miles) and my mom and dad with the flip-chart signs. all the other runners were jealous. if there had been an award for best spectators/cheerleaders these three would have gotten it, hands down. so many people appreciated it so much--mom, you were popular at this event!
I would definitely recommend this marathon. if you're not expecting a big race (thousands of people) and you're okay with running alone for half of it (after the half and the full marathon split, it's basically just you out there for miles.) and you don't mind really watered down gatorade, then I think you'd love this. it's a beautiful course with friendly volunteers. if I wasn't on the run for the fifty states, maybe I'd even consider doing it again one year.
my time was around 4:44. definitely not even close to my best time, but I'm okay with that. I didn't expect to PR or anything, just finish. and I did finish. plus there were potatoes at the end. so I'm happy.
ps: I'm not even all that sore! it's a potato miracle!!!
Friday, May 18, 2007
pre marathon friday roadtrip
we are hittin' the roads this morning in search of good times and potatoes. boise idaho here we come!
---
I think I laid low on tuesday, maybe had a waxing extravaganza. . .
wednesday peter and I had an early AM run before work. it was really nice outside. I started ranting about the inequality and unfairness of bcdc. he thought I was crazy.
thursday I just rode my bike to work. (I had to since I couldn't ride it today, national ride your bike to work day.)
friday is yet another rest day. maybe I'll walk the trail alongside the river tonight for a little bit to loosen up the legs. I'm excited to see the route. from the mile-by-mile online directions, it sounds like we could all get easily lost tomorrow! (my favorite part is when we take a small loop in the riverside elementary parking lot before heading back out onto the street at mile 21. are they just hurting for mileage or what?!)
---
ps I'm sorry, rachael, we didn't realize malad isn't on the way to boise. we might have to cancel lunch in efforts to get to boise in a reasonable time. we have to pick up my race packet, check out the course, carbo-load, and then get to nampa before it's super late. I hope you understand. and I hope you don't read this before I call you! [we plan on rescheduling. super fun road trip to malad idaho!]
---
I think I laid low on tuesday, maybe had a waxing extravaganza. . .
wednesday peter and I had an early AM run before work. it was really nice outside. I started ranting about the inequality and unfairness of bcdc. he thought I was crazy.
thursday I just rode my bike to work. (I had to since I couldn't ride it today, national ride your bike to work day.)
friday is yet another rest day. maybe I'll walk the trail alongside the river tonight for a little bit to loosen up the legs. I'm excited to see the route. from the mile-by-mile online directions, it sounds like we could all get easily lost tomorrow! (my favorite part is when we take a small loop in the riverside elementary parking lot before heading back out onto the street at mile 21. are they just hurting for mileage or what?!)
---
ps I'm sorry, rachael, we didn't realize malad isn't on the way to boise. we might have to cancel lunch in efforts to get to boise in a reasonable time. we have to pick up my race packet, check out the course, carbo-load, and then get to nampa before it's super late. I hope you understand. and I hope you don't read this before I call you! [we plan on rescheduling. super fun road trip to malad idaho!]
Monday, May 14, 2007
monday night swimteam
last year the big kid pool always felt so daunting. this year the transition has been so smooth. I just felt ready for it. it's really not that bad at all. especially since there's fewer flip turns.
(missed the warm up completely--whoops)
4 50's (I caught the last two), kick/pull drill
4 50's eyes out of water first 25, swim the rest
3 100's (I don't remember our intervals for the rest of the workout)
3 200's
2 300's
cool down
I had the veggie burrito from beto's today for lunch. if you know this burrito, you know it's bigger than your face. and of course I ate it all because it's too good to stop eating once you've started. it's a total fat bomb of pure goodness. I was a little worried it would affect my swimming.
when the work out started I didn't want to lead the lane. everyone else insisted, so I said yes... but that I might go pretty slow and we could re-evaluate later. it turns out the veggie burrito from beto's just might give you super human strength! I was kickin' trash tonight! it felt so good. I was swimming fast and not feeling tired. it was amazing.
mike, the monday coach gave our lane a little tip: as soon as your hand enters the water on your stroke, start the pull immediately to fully take advantage of it. it really worked; I felt so much faster.
seriously, everyone should swim.
(missed the warm up completely--whoops)
4 50's (I caught the last two), kick/pull drill
4 50's eyes out of water first 25, swim the rest
3 100's (I don't remember our intervals for the rest of the workout)
3 200's
2 300's
cool down
I had the veggie burrito from beto's today for lunch. if you know this burrito, you know it's bigger than your face. and of course I ate it all because it's too good to stop eating once you've started. it's a total fat bomb of pure goodness. I was a little worried it would affect my swimming.
when the work out started I didn't want to lead the lane. everyone else insisted, so I said yes... but that I might go pretty slow and we could re-evaluate later. it turns out the veggie burrito from beto's just might give you super human strength! I was kickin' trash tonight! it felt so good. I was swimming fast and not feeling tired. it was amazing.
mike, the monday coach gave our lane a little tip: as soon as your hand enters the water on your stroke, start the pull immediately to fully take advantage of it. it really worked; I felt so much faster.
seriously, everyone should swim.
the last long run
I love the last long run before the marathon for the simple fact that it's so short. six miles. that's nothin'! you get it done and you still have your whole day ahead of you!
the run was pretty nice. I got out pretty early because it was supposed to get pretty hot (and it did) on saturday. I did the baby pug tree run--I only had to go in three directions! I went south, west, then east. I didn't do the run/walk thing. I figured since I wasn't going that far it wouldn't kill me to just run the whole thing. my legs felt ok. hopefully they hold up this weekend.
it's kind of exciting, I feel like I haven't run a marathon in so long. this will be quite the adventure!
6 miles; baby pug tree run
the run was pretty nice. I got out pretty early because it was supposed to get pretty hot (and it did) on saturday. I did the baby pug tree run--I only had to go in three directions! I went south, west, then east. I didn't do the run/walk thing. I figured since I wasn't going that far it wouldn't kill me to just run the whole thing. my legs felt ok. hopefully they hold up this weekend.
it's kind of exciting, I feel like I haven't run a marathon in so long. this will be quite the adventure!
6 miles; baby pug tree run
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
run. bike. swim.
monday:
the usual quick monday evening run with my cutest husband. once around the park and then back. somewhere around three miles. it was funny because when we got home we were stretching on the grass in front of our apartment... the old lady that lives below us, mary, came out in all her blue sweatshirt glory to tell us to be careful where we sit because that's where all the dogs go potty! eek! don't worry, though. we didn't sit in anything.
tuesday:
I just rode my bike to work. it is national bike month, after all. okay, so I actually only rode it to trax, but I did ride all the way home! I took a new route. from the U I went over on Gaurdsmen and then to 1500 east all the way to 1700 south and down. it's a lot less scary than riding 800 south all the way down. so it worked out perfectly.
wednesday:
AM masters swimteam! oh my gosh, I woke up a little after 5:30 this morning to go swim. I could barely believe it myself. but I'm not going to be able to swim this evening, so I felt I just had to do it. it wasn't even that bad! except I don't think my body is used to sucking in that much pool water so early in the morning. during the summer I'm going to try and hit up the 6am swimteam at fairmont on mondays (I'm still going to do the wednesday evening workout at steiner--I love the coach and my lane buddies.) so this was some good practice at waking up so early. I can do it; there's nothin' to it!
the usual quick monday evening run with my cutest husband. once around the park and then back. somewhere around three miles. it was funny because when we got home we were stretching on the grass in front of our apartment... the old lady that lives below us, mary, came out in all her blue sweatshirt glory to tell us to be careful where we sit because that's where all the dogs go potty! eek! don't worry, though. we didn't sit in anything.
tuesday:
I just rode my bike to work. it is national bike month, after all. okay, so I actually only rode it to trax, but I did ride all the way home! I took a new route. from the U I went over on Gaurdsmen and then to 1500 east all the way to 1700 south and down. it's a lot less scary than riding 800 south all the way down. so it worked out perfectly.
wednesday:
AM masters swimteam! oh my gosh, I woke up a little after 5:30 this morning to go swim. I could barely believe it myself. but I'm not going to be able to swim this evening, so I felt I just had to do it. it wasn't even that bad! except I don't think my body is used to sucking in that much pool water so early in the morning. during the summer I'm going to try and hit up the 6am swimteam at fairmont on mondays (I'm still going to do the wednesday evening workout at steiner--I love the coach and my lane buddies.) so this was some good practice at waking up so early. I can do it; there's nothin' to it!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
the first long run/walk
I've been a little worried about my legs lately. they just never seem to loosen up. I'm having chronic problems with my right hamstring. the thought of running 26.2 miles is starting to scare me, especially after my longest long run of only 16 miles.
I decided a while ago that the best way to preserve my legs--and not kill myself completely--throughout the whole run was going to try the run/walk method. I'll be running eight minutes and then walking two. in the long run, I'll probably be able to finish quicker than if I were to just run this time around. we'll see if it works.
yesterday I tried it out for the first time. I was very diligent. I ran for eight. I walked for two. I ran for eight. I walked for two. my legs aren't sore at all today.
sure, it might take a little longer. but like I said, in the long run it will all pay off. I don't want to be caught at mile 18, with so many miles still to go, with nothing left in my legs. I don't want to have to walk the last ten miles because my muscles have cramped up so much I'm left limping along a deserted course.
we'll see how this all plays out on race day. I'm just practicing a little self preservation for now.
12 miles; baby pug tree run
I decided a while ago that the best way to preserve my legs--and not kill myself completely--throughout the whole run was going to try the run/walk method. I'll be running eight minutes and then walking two. in the long run, I'll probably be able to finish quicker than if I were to just run this time around. we'll see if it works.
yesterday I tried it out for the first time. I was very diligent. I ran for eight. I walked for two. I ran for eight. I walked for two. my legs aren't sore at all today.
sure, it might take a little longer. but like I said, in the long run it will all pay off. I don't want to be caught at mile 18, with so many miles still to go, with nothing left in my legs. I don't want to have to walk the last ten miles because my muscles have cramped up so much I'm left limping along a deserted course.
we'll see how this all plays out on race day. I'm just practicing a little self preservation for now.
12 miles; baby pug tree run
Thursday, May 03, 2007
these days
saturday|4.21.07
the salt lake city half marathon. it was a good run. I woke up super early, caught a train up to the start line with my friend lisa (and her friend lisa), and ran 13.1 miles. I started out slow and got into my groove. it was a fun surprise to see peter on his bike near our house--we live right on the half marathon route it turns out--he stayed with me pretty much the rest of the race. it was also fun because I was able to take a little pit stop at my house to go pee and change into my new running shoes. I'm pretty sure people thought I was either cheating or giving up when I took the little detour. I love living on the route. I totally pushed through the last 5k. it's fun passing people. I had enough in me at the end to sprint to the finish. I did it in two hours. not too bad for not even running at all the week before. my quads hurt the next day, I couldn't figure out why. I don't think I stretched very well after the race. it was a fun day, though. I'm super proud of the rest of my team: grandpa and dan d. -- bike tour; mom, dad, rachael, robert, michael, meghan, mary, v-lo, marta d. and the sole sisters -- 5K. you guys rock!
monday|4.23.07
run. I went up 1700 south to 1500 east and down to 2100 south and back. it was a good run. the downhill was slightly hard on the quads, but not bad.
wednesday|4.25.07
swimteam. I really like the pool. swimming is such a great workout. everyone should do it.
thursday|4.26.07
run.
saturday|4.28.07
long run. it was a tough 16 miles. not quite the twenty I had originally planned (or the 18 I was maybe going to do) but I'll take it. under the circumstances it was probably best. two weeks prior I didn't run at all, and last week I only ran 13.1; it's best not to increase the mileage too drastically. it was a hard run, though, and I don't think my legs would've let me do anymore anyway. they are just SO tight. my hamstring hates me. I need some yoga in my life and I need it now!
monday|4.30.07
ride! peter and I rode the frontage road out by saltaire. just a tip: don't ride there in the evening (or anytime of day?) because all you'll get is a face full of bugs. it was disgusting. but I guess that's what you get when you ride right next to a marshy body of water. it was fun being out on the bike, though.
tuesday|5.1.07
run. I just did the liberty park loop. nothing too exciting. I did run on the dirt trail (not the woodchip trail; I don't like to run on that because it feels too soft.) which adds in a little more length and it's not on concrete--always a plus.
wednesday|5.2.07
swimteam. the big kid pool opened. it's always a little daunting to stare out at the water after swimming the entire winter in the little indoor pool. fifty meters compared to 25 yards is a BIG difference. when I got in the pool the water felt so dense my arms couldn't push through. I think it was just because they were already a little tired and sore. at the end of the workout I felt like we should still be swimming for at least fifteen more minutes, so I guess the big pool hadn't beaten me like I always fear. it's just all in the mind.
thursday|5.3.07
run. I went up 6th east through the park and turned around and came back. it was probably only two miles.
yoga. pete and I got a yoga kit from costco today. it came in a little box with a handle. it felt like a little yoga suitcase. it came with a mat (though I already have a rad pink one that I got for my wedding), a dvd, and a book with poses. I did some of the dvd before the office came on. can I just say how inflexible I am? at least now I can start doing my homework before my real yoga class begins on may 17th. hurrah!
the salt lake city half marathon. it was a good run. I woke up super early, caught a train up to the start line with my friend lisa (and her friend lisa), and ran 13.1 miles. I started out slow and got into my groove. it was a fun surprise to see peter on his bike near our house--we live right on the half marathon route it turns out--he stayed with me pretty much the rest of the race. it was also fun because I was able to take a little pit stop at my house to go pee and change into my new running shoes. I'm pretty sure people thought I was either cheating or giving up when I took the little detour. I love living on the route. I totally pushed through the last 5k. it's fun passing people. I had enough in me at the end to sprint to the finish. I did it in two hours. not too bad for not even running at all the week before. my quads hurt the next day, I couldn't figure out why. I don't think I stretched very well after the race. it was a fun day, though. I'm super proud of the rest of my team: grandpa and dan d. -- bike tour; mom, dad, rachael, robert, michael, meghan, mary, v-lo, marta d. and the sole sisters -- 5K. you guys rock!
monday|4.23.07
run. I went up 1700 south to 1500 east and down to 2100 south and back. it was a good run. the downhill was slightly hard on the quads, but not bad.
wednesday|4.25.07
swimteam. I really like the pool. swimming is such a great workout. everyone should do it.
thursday|4.26.07
run.
saturday|4.28.07
long run. it was a tough 16 miles. not quite the twenty I had originally planned (or the 18 I was maybe going to do) but I'll take it. under the circumstances it was probably best. two weeks prior I didn't run at all, and last week I only ran 13.1; it's best not to increase the mileage too drastically. it was a hard run, though, and I don't think my legs would've let me do anymore anyway. they are just SO tight. my hamstring hates me. I need some yoga in my life and I need it now!
monday|4.30.07
ride! peter and I rode the frontage road out by saltaire. just a tip: don't ride there in the evening (or anytime of day?) because all you'll get is a face full of bugs. it was disgusting. but I guess that's what you get when you ride right next to a marshy body of water. it was fun being out on the bike, though.
tuesday|5.1.07
run. I just did the liberty park loop. nothing too exciting. I did run on the dirt trail (not the woodchip trail; I don't like to run on that because it feels too soft.) which adds in a little more length and it's not on concrete--always a plus.
wednesday|5.2.07
swimteam. the big kid pool opened. it's always a little daunting to stare out at the water after swimming the entire winter in the little indoor pool. fifty meters compared to 25 yards is a BIG difference. when I got in the pool the water felt so dense my arms couldn't push through. I think it was just because they were already a little tired and sore. at the end of the workout I felt like we should still be swimming for at least fifteen more minutes, so I guess the big pool hadn't beaten me like I always fear. it's just all in the mind.
thursday|5.3.07
run. I went up 6th east through the park and turned around and came back. it was probably only two miles.
yoga. pete and I got a yoga kit from costco today. it came in a little box with a handle. it felt like a little yoga suitcase. it came with a mat (though I already have a rad pink one that I got for my wedding), a dvd, and a book with poses. I did some of the dvd before the office came on. can I just say how inflexible I am? at least now I can start doing my homework before my real yoga class begins on may 17th. hurrah!
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