Tapering In Time For Hurricane Irma...

I sit and wait for Hurricane Irma to come (and go!). It's been a busy, and as you can imagine hectic, past few days trying to get ready for this storm. But, I've done all the preparation I can: shutters are up... extra water and food... flashlights (and batteries), candles (and matches) are ready... "go bag" in case I need to leave in a hurry... and now I wait...

I'm two weeks away from the Berlin Marathon so technically I'm supposed to be tapering. I did a 12 mile taper run yesterday with a few members of my running group. We actually did two 6 mile loops so some did 6 miles and others did 12...

And now that we are getting closer to the main event of my Fall running season, I'm getting both nervous and excited as each new email update comes out...

Blogging and running will go into "wait and see" mode until after the Hurricane passes. Until then I hope everyone that has been and will be impacted stays safe!

And Then There Were Three...

As the countdown to Chicago continues I, like the most of the other 45,000+ runners participating in the race, am getting more and more excited. We officially have three more days to go!!! I've been trying to do a lot to mentally prepare for the event, since physical preparation is as good as it's going to get at this point. The first step in mental preparation... Visualize the course...

I also spent a lot of time figuring out my "get to the race" strategy for Sunday. I have to go to the gate closest to my corral entrance so my goal is to get to Gate 4 or 5 with enough time to meet up with the Nike+ pace group and get settled for the start...

A lot of blog posts and articles from former Chicago finishers state that the first half of the race goes by pretty fast. Although "fast" is relative, apparently it has a lot to do with the fact that crowds tend to die down after miles 13-14 until around mile 21 when the route goes through Chinatown. I'm going to see how true that is on Sunday, but it's good to know how to mentally prepare for the different sections of the race.

My goal is to become friends with people in my pace group. Hopefully I'll meet someone that is super talkative and can distract me for the entire race; or someone who has done a bunch of marathons before and can give me mile-by-mile encouragement; or someone who is also running their first full marathon so we can encourage each other.

The Runner Tracking app is available (for all supporters and spectators that want to keep track of their runners), or you can sign up for runner tracking on the race website (HERE)...

You can also get live unofficial results HERE. 

Do you use the tracking apps to track yourself during your races?

How do you mentally prepare for your marathon?

Do you like to get to races really early or just in time to slip in before the corral closes?

The Year Of The Full: Chapter 10- THIS IS IT!!!!!!!!!

There are no more long countdowns to go. In fact, after today the # of days until Chicago drops into the single digits. The time has come and I'm in full celebration mode...

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(you can probably tell I'm going through a range of emotions by the number of exclamation points in the blog post title and the lack of any so far in this post...and by the .gif above ^^^). 

I'm getting excited it's just that my excitement also seems to be coming with a lot of nervousness ...and some nausea. But I'm going to do it, and I'm going to finish it, and I'm going to try and not die during the process...

Question Of The Day...

That moment when your Orthopedic Surgeon says "If I don't see you before your marathon Good Luck and have a wonderful trip!" (aka I'M CLEARED TO RUN!!!!)...

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So the big "Question Of The Day" was: Should I attempt 15 miles this weekend or should I stick with the 10 miles that I'm scheduled to run? (since technically this is supposed to be a taper week). Is it still considered a taper week if you're not tapering from a long mileage run? The last really long run I did was when I got injured (20 miles on August 2nd). Since then I've run 10 miles once (or was it twice?) but it has been almost two weeks since my last 10 mile run. And I only have two weeks (pretty much) until Chicago, i.e. only two more LR opportunities.

I was talking to one of my best friends today and got the "don't do anything that will put you at risk for another injury" lecture. But I was battling between the logic of that and the underlying fear that if I don't attempt a longer distance my legs won't be ready for 26.2 miles in 2 weeks. So I did some more research and came across THIS POST that challenges the "mandatory 20 miler" claim for marathon training. The article AND the comments provide an interesting perspective and actually made me feel better about not being able to get another 20 miler (or anything close to that) done recently. It is important to note that the post does mention running up to 3 hours (which on a good day would probably take me to 15 miles). That being said I'm not sure there is much benefit to doing that 2 weeks before my race (in light of how limited my training has been recently).

Trying something(s) new...

Today's run was hosted by my local Runner's Depot store...

It was my first time doing one of the group runs with Runner's Depot so I was kind of excited to check it out. Kai came with me and we met up with a friend of mine from work whose kids go to/went to the same school Kai attends now. 

When we got to the Runner's Depot a Saucony rep was there with different shoes for us to "test run"...

I've never done that before either so I decided to give it a try.

The Saucony and Brooks brands seem very similar in terms of their design/shoe shape...

(Saucony on the left; Brooks on the right)

Wait, What?!

I got an email from the lovely people at the Chicago Marathon with instructions on how to submit my application for guaranteed entry into this year's event {I was lucky enough to get chosen via the lottery for the 2014 event but had to defer due to an injury}. So I entered all the required info and then got this follow up...

Wait, What?! What does that mean??? Does that mean there is a possibility I won't get approved????

The "frenemy"...

Ahhhhh... Daylight Savings Time, a runner's "frenemy" (remember when that was a popular word?). The great thing about daylight savings for evening runners is they have more light for their running sessions, so it's much safer to run at that time. But, "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction". Daylight savings makes running in the morning more challenging because now we morning runners have to wait until there is at least a glimpse of light in the early morning sky. So I waited for that this morning while monitoring the precipitation situation...

Eventually (about 21 minutes later) there was enough light for me to head out safely for my run. I decided to do a neighborhood route this morning (instead of my usual boardwalk-by-the-beach route). I got a mile into my run before I felt (what I will politely refer to as) "abdominal discomfort". Fortunately I was running a 3 mile loop that circled back to my car so I decided to break up my run into two parts.

The First Friday...

Today started off great with a morning run! I did mile repeats :). It sounds impressive until I reveal I only did it for two miles ;) But it felt great and challenging and exhilarating. It wasn't as humid this morning (compared to Wednesday) and the sky was overcast so that helped to keep it cool...

The first mile consisted of four 30s walk breaks...

And the second mile was a non-stop run...

The Intentionality Quest & Mile Repeats

I was talking to a friend of mine today about "Intentional Parenting" and really just discussing the ways that we both want to be deliberate in raising our daughters to rise to the challenge of being strong, independent, respectful, kind, humble, sincere, [you can insert any appropriately positive adjective here].

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The conversation led me to think about my training and specifically what it means to be an Intentional Runner. Notice I didn't say "fast runner" because well, I'm not a miracle worker. But being an intentional runner (to me) means making a deliberate focused attempt to train properly and safely. Knowing my body. Understanding my performance baseline. Respecting my limitations but not limiting my performance expectations. Appreciating that improvement comes from hard work and not from chance...

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I have no illusions regarding my abilities. I've long given up the dream of being an elite runner and representing Brooks on the cover of a Runner's World magazine (although if that offer is ever extended I will definitely say yes!). I've also modified my Olympic marathon team dreams a bit because well, who was I kidding? I would never be able to get that much vacation time from work! Oh, and also I'm not that fast (maybe the fact that I'm not that fast has more to do with not making the Olympic team than the vacation time issue. Maybe)...

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Going To My Happy Place...

This summed up my mood this morning...

Runners are the nicest people!

Today I did my taper LR, in preparation for the Miami Beach half marathon next week, and I was able to spend some time a little time working on my form (which is an ongoing struggle for me). Even though I only completed 6 miles, and it wasn't at the pace I wanted, I still felt pretty good about my run (especially since I wanted to quit from mile 2)...

Runners are the nicest people! I really believe that there is something special about the members of the global running community, because (in general) runners are supportive of each other and willing to give encouragement and motivation, even to other runners that they don't know very well. Today I was able to get a couple of the runners on the Boardwalk to take short Slo-Mo videos of me running so that I could get a better assessment of my running gait. Since I can't run on the treadmill (because I get dizzy) using the iPhone camera features in this way is the closest thing I will get to a proper gait analysis. Plus, I strongly believe that you run differently on a treadmill than you do on the road, and since my events are not on treadmills doing a gait analysis on one in a running store is not my first choice.

The Countdown Begins!!!!!

Welcome to Race Week all my fellow #MiamiFamous runners!!!!

The Miami Half/Full Marathon Race Week Countdown begins today!!! I will be #MiamiFamous in...

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FIVE DAYS!!!!!!!

I'm not counting today (which is basically over), and I'm not counting race day.... so really it's only 5 days until the inaugural event of my 2015 race season!!!

I saw an article today that said there was an issue with the amount of half marathon finisher medals at the event in 2014... but the race sponsors said that was not going to be a problem this year. Yeah... it better not be <feel free to insert poker face emoji here>. Especially not after they did that big medal reveal on pretty much every social media site that exists. Plus, this race will be my third race in the Florida Storm Series, which means....I WILL ALSO GET MY CATEGORY 3 MEDAL!!!!

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I saw this quote the other day and posted it to my Instagram because it so accurately described me...

And then my amazing brother-in-law to-be tagged me in this picture (you can see my response below)

(it really does bother me by-the-way...seriously, who would intentionally do that???)

I'm keeping this blog post short today because I have a few a ton of assignments to grade for my online classes and I want to get that started so I'm not up all night (since that didn't work out too well for me last week). 

Hope you had a great Monday! 

What are your taper plans for this week (if you are racing this weekend)?

About last night (and this morning)....

It's been such a busy weekend for me. Not "hectic" busy, just "up & down traveling" busy. On Saturday I drove to Estero, FL with my mom, sister & daughter to visit my aunt. I wasn't aware that there was a place called Estero, FL until we started planning the (very last minute) trip. We had such a great time! Well... minus a small incident (it's a long story.... involving a speeding ticket... I don't want to talk about it). The beaches there are beautiful (perfect for running) so Mommy, Jule, Kai and I took an "at the beach but not really 'at the beach'" selfie...

Then we drove back and got ready for more birthday celebrations for my sister-in-law Gail, which involved dinner at Asia Bay in Ft. Lauderdale. After the drive to and from Estero, driving to Las Olas felt painstakingly far (it really isn't that far and it's mostly highway driving), but I would drive to Estero and back TWICE just to eat the food from Asia Bay again...

(fried rice with shrimp, lobster, cashews & pineapple chunks...served in a pineapple "bowl")

Running - Icing - Carbs - Excitement

I started my morning with my last taper run for this week. The next time my feet hit the ground running I will be at the starting line for the Palm Beach Half Marathon. My session this morning was almost identical to my run on Tuesday...

Pace per mile breakdown...

A sub-10 min/mile pace (even for only 1/2 a mile) felt like the most intense workout I've done in a while...

After my run I did an extra long yoga recovery "cool down" session...

Pre-race jitters started today. It's becoming routine now, but that doesn't make it any easier to handle (did I tell you I was close to tears before the Ft. Lauderdale half last month?). Anyway, I've been speaking with friends who are runners and friends who have friends who are runners to try and channel their positive energy. It was a transient fix but it made me happy in the moment. Nowadays anything related to running makes me happy (except injuries)...

My mid-day pre-lunch selfie on my way to having a (bun-less) double hamburger with sweet potato fries...

(I was feeling "artistic")

Lunch was pretty Paleo but I have had a few "starchy" carbs since yesterday. I read somewhere that eating small amounts of carbs spread out over the last few days before your race is better than "carb loading" the day before. I'll let you know if I see much of a difference on Sunday.

I spent the entire day icing my knees (yes both... it's more preventative for the right knee since only the left knee is really bothering me). But even after icing I still found climbing the stairs daunting...

(that's not a good sign)

PR or no PR I'm starting to get a little more excited about this race weekend (more nervous as well). This will be the last major event I participate in for this year. And it will be different from the Ft. Lauderdale half because my running group (the Memorial Milers) will be there (well most of us will be there either running or supporting). It's also the weekend hosting the Reggae marathon in Negril, Jamaica (which I was initially going to run before my injury...maybe next year). I hope everyone running this weekend does well and has a great half/full marathon experience!

Anyone else running a half/full marathon this weekend?

Wednesday's walk and wall sit & My shower singing sessions

No running for me today (I ran yesterday and will run again tomorrow), but I still wanted to be outside so I went for a walk around my complex this morning...

It was "Goldilocks weather" (not too hot...not too cold) and I really hope it stays just as nice throughout the weekend. My weather app is predicting sunny temperatures on Sunday in Palm Beach...

The latest email from the race sponsors have warned runners about "warm temperatures" and the importance of proper hydration in the days before and throughout the event (which is in 3 days... yay!!!)

Before my walk this morning I did a 2 min wall sit...

and after my walk (of about a mile or so) I did 40 sit ups (not much of a core workout...I'm struggling with laziness this week. I think I'm taking the concept of "tapering" way too seriously)...

Ever since Thanksgiving the amount of sweet potato casserole in my digestive system has gotten dangerously close to levels bordering on toxicity, so I'm taking a break for a few days. However, in keeping with my typical emotional & hormonal eating habits, I was craving carbs all day today. Thankfully I didn't go overboard (I just had a dinner roll), but it amazes me how easily a small piece of baked belched flour can put me in a better mood. Sadly, I've gained back all the weight I lost since starting my Paleo remix eating plan (too many "cheat" items I think)...

In other "non-running" related news, I've been preparing for a Christmas talent show for which I've decided to sing. In the interest of full disclosure I feel it's imperative to explain that singing is not really a talent that I currently possess (according to my younger sister...and anyone who has ever heard me sing). Apparently I only sound good in the shower...when the water is on full blast...and the music volume is at it's maximum...

Despite these vocal challenges I'm going to sing anyway. I did a "demo recording" of my talent show song selection the other day, but the voice memo app was clearly not working since the playback sounded nothing like how I sound in my head (yes I'm blaming technology). Maybe a safer and less painful alternative for my listening audience will be a lip-sync performance...if I can't get the technology to "work" then that will be "plan B".

I am T-minus 3 days from the Palm Beach half. I'm not nervous (yet) but feeling a bit resigned because I'm not sure how my knee is going to feel. I've already transitioned (somewhat) from the "I want to PR" mindset to the "I want to finish and not die" mindset. I think the latter is definitely achievable...the former not so much. Regardless of my performance on Sunday I will be proud to have another half marathon under my belt...

(I need volunteers to remind me of this next week...just in case I feel sad about whatever is going to happen on Sunday) 

Do you try to PR at every race? 
What's "worse"...not getting the race PR you wanted or not getting a course PR?

Tuesday's Taper Run & Three Facts...

I decided to do my mid-week running session today and will do my second one on Thursday so that I have 2 rest days prior to the Palm Beach half on Sunday. Yesterday I rested and iced my knee so this morning I felt pretty good. The weather was awesome...

And I was able to complete a 30 minute session...

My pace was not the best, but I was aiming for a slower run (which I clearly achieved). The pace per mile breakdown...

(is it "frowned upon" to get excited about negative splits when you only have 2.5 miles to compare?)

Post run selfie...

Even though the running session was just "ok" I was excited that I had a chance to use my new Metronome app to help me improve my cadence...

I'm at 175 right now...but only for short durations (2:1 intervals) so my future goal is to get to 180 and maintain that for longer and longer durations. 

It would be nice to get to 5:1 intervals by the end of the year (aka the next 4 weeks), and ultimately I'm shooting for 10:1 by the end of 2015...

Today ended up being a "I really need a hug" type of day...

It all started with the realization of these three facts...

Even my "Christmas" skittles didn't cheer me up...

Speaking of Christmas...I found the perfect website for Christmas shopping for all the runners in your life. I still have a lot of shopping to get done (and I hate shopping) so I'll be doing as much stuff online as I can. I have 3 LRs before I head home [so excited!] which means that I have 3 weeks to get all my shopping done....sigh....this year might be the "year of gift cards".

Also, don't forget that you still have a chance to enter the Holiday Giveaway! The deadline to enter is Dec 11th! The gift basket has a lot of cool stuff (shown in pic) and you can check out the link for more information on all the items...

Have you started/finished your Christmas/Holiday shopping (if you celebrate this time of year)?

What's at the top of your running "Christmas" list?