Corvallis Half Marathon

It was a week to go until my first half marathon of the year. I was excited because I felt like I have been really training hard, and in better shape for this half marathon, than any other one I’ve done. I did a great 11.5 miles on Sunday, and was ready for my weekly training. Monday I was still tired from my long run on Sunday, so I decided to give myself the day off. Went to bed Monday night and looked forward to my Tuesday run. Woke up on Tuesday and could barely breathe! My back hurt when I woke up and figured I had just slept funny, but by the time I got to work I could barely breathe. It was like my ribs were bruised. It was the weirdest thing. I already had plans to go out on Tuesday, so I figured another night of sleep would make them all better. Nope! Those damn things hurt until Friday. I almost went to the gym on Wednesday, but I didn’t want to hurt them more than they already did, so I opted to stay home. It was a smart choice I think. I’m pretty sure my body is sending me every possible signal that I shouldn’t be a runner, and I am doing as best as I can to avoid each and every one of them.

On Friday my stomach/ribs felt good enough to try a short run, in preparation for the race on Sunday. I went to the gym, ready to get a good run in. My breathing was ok, not too much pain, but then, around mile 2 I could feel my ITB's starting to act up. Talk about f'ing frustrating! I've been training for months with my knees cooperating and not bothering me, but noooooo, they have to act up the run before a race. Again, frustrating!

Race day finally came and it was a beautiful day in Corvallis! Minor per-race mishap when I lost my license but thankfully one of the volunteers picked it up and had it safe for me to pick up at the end of the race. Once that worry was gone I could focus on how to run the race. It was at last years race where I ran my personal best half marathon time, at 2 hours 47 min 20 seconds. This year I had trained harder and was in better shape, so I was really hoping to better my time. After a few more anxious per-race moments it was time to run!

The race started and I felt really good. I was paying attention to my watch to make sure I wasn't starting out to fast, kept to my pace and just enjoyed the run. I remembered that last year I stopped to walk a bit around the 4 mile mark, this year I didn't take a short walk break until 8 miles in. Also, from miles 4-6 there is one long gradual hill followed by small rolling hills for a while. Last year, because of my knees, I walked all the hills, just didn't think my knees would be able to withstand the  incline. This year I pushed myself through the hills though, which was a mini victory in itself. :)

My brother lives along the course route and he was going to cheer me on by his house, between mile 8-9. I was crushing along and I have to admit, I thought he was going to miss me. I had passed where I expected to see him and he wasn't there, so I figured he overslept for was there and had already gone. Next thing I knew, I turned the corner, and there he was! He smiled and waved and I weren't over for a quick second to say hi, I mean I was running a race, no long hellos allowed :). One of his roommates, whom I had never met, came with him which I though was really nice of him. I told Geoffrey I would see him in about an hour at the finish, and waved goodbye.

This is where the last few miles got hard. There were 4 miles to go, and by this time the sun was out and it was hot! I know, hot in April in Corvallis, but it really was! the last four miles were tough, but I just kept remembering how tough they were last year too, and that in comparison it was easy.

Since it was such a beautiful day out, lots of people were out cheering the runners on, which is always nice. It was fun to run down 26th street (fraternity row) and remember all the good times (and let's face it, bad times) I had there. I was getting closer, only about two miles to go and you pass the Memorial Union which was literally my home away from home for 4 years. And just when you can see the stadium and you think the finish is so close you can taste it, you take a right turn and you still have another mile to go. Possibly the cruelest mile on the course, just because you think you are so close to the finish but realize you still have another mile to go.

The whole course is beautiful, it has to be, it's in Corvallis, there's no other choice. It like a 3 hour run through memory lane for me, and it's wonderful. But the best part of the race is the finish line. As you finish the last mile you run through Reser stadium parking lot and run down the players tunnel onto the football field, you race to the 50 yard line where your name is called, you are on the jumbo ton, and most importantly...you are finished!

Unfortunately my brother had a bit of trouble getting to the finish on time, so I finished about 10 min before he could get there. But once he was there I gave Nima good ole sweaty hug, and thanked him for cheering me on.

I was a bit disappointed when I finished because according to the time I was keeping on my watch I though I was about a minute behind my time from last year. Which had me fairly down for a little bit confiding how much better prepared I was this year. But when I came home and checked the official times I was happy to see that I was actually faster this year...by a whole 4 seconds!! :)

I'm happy I ran the Corvallis half again this year, and I'll probably sign up for it again next year. It's out of the way, and takes some time to get there, but it really is gorgeous and I just love that place. When I left Corvallis, a little piece of my heart stayed there. :)

The good: I felt fine the next day! I tiny bit sore, but not at all what I expected. My training really worked!
The bad: Good grief did I get burnt! I didn't even think to put on sunscreen and my back got scorched!
The funny: my favorite sign: "Awesome job random dude that I don't know"

Total training miles: 153.4

April Update

Last week I felt like I was able to get back into more of a groove with my running and training. Felt good to be back in the habit! Had to get my serious training hat back on since I half a half marathon on April 15th!

Wednesday, April 4th: 4 miles
Saturday, April 7th: 3 miles
Sunday, April 8th: 11.5 miles

My long run was really good this week! Ran at about a 13:30 pace, but ran the whole thing and felt mostly good the whole way too. I stopped only to refill my water bottle, but I figure that's about the same length I would stop at a water station on a race path so I'm not beating myself up about it. :)

A few thoughts:
A) I joke about how slow I am, and I know its all about getting the mileage in, not how fast I'm doing it, but good grief I think a snail could be at me. In a perfect world I would be happy with 10 min miles, but realistically I would at least like to get to 12. Hope it happens one day...at this pace the freaking walkers can beat me.
B) I have my first half marathon of the year coming up on Sunday, the 2nd annual Corvallis half marathon. I ran it last year and ran my PR time on that course. M in better shape this year and with better training, so I hope I can get a new PR, if even only by a few seconds.
C) I use Nike+ to keep track of my running. Since I started running again in the summer of 09, I have run over 650 miles. With my most recent long run, I finally hit the blue stage! Silly things,I know, but I'm excited about it. Only purple and black stages after this. Just a short 900+ miles to purple group. :)
D)Apparently I have caught half marathon fever. I have the Corvallis half this weekend, then Portland Rock n Roll on May 20th, and I think I am going to sign up for two more this week. I think I am going to sign up for the Vancouver USA half on June 17th and the Lackamas Half on July 22. I figure it's good motivation to really keep me to my training plan. Plus it means more shiny medals :). And the best part, gives me something else to be mad at Mirranda about, this is totally her fault.

Two more training runs this week, then half marathon on Sunday! Wish me luck!

Days till marathon: 181
Total training miles: 140.3

April 2

Todays training plan was to run 5 miles at a 13:32 pace. Since I had a little falling off the wagon lately with my training, I've made a decision. Until the half marathon in May, the one I origionally set this plan up for, I'm just going to focus on the mileage and not the pace. I'd rather make sure I get the miles in than do it in a certain time.

Since I just did my long run yesterday I was worried about tired legs and getting through the 5 miles. Around mile 3 I could really feel the fatigue setting in, but I powered through and finished the 5 miles in about 1 hour and 10 min. :)

I'm taking tomorrow off, but I'll be back at it on Wednesday.

Days till marathon: 188
Total training miles: 121.8 miles

Running out of a funk

Well, I've been in quite a funk lately...work wise and running wise. Late February through March I just couldn't seem to get in a groove with keeping my training schedule up. Between dog-sitting, being sick and having way too much going on at work, I just couldn't get in a rhythm. Part of me is mad at myself for not following my training plan exactly, and another part of me knows that I needed a bit of the mental rest. So there is nothing I can do to change it now, just have to move on and move forward. I promise myself to be better at posting updates too. Even if no one else reads this, the point was for me to have a history of my marathon training and it doesn't do any good if I only post once a week. So even if they are short, there will be more frequent posts!

Here's an recap on my most recent runs:

March 18th: Shamrock Run, 9.3 miles
After last years miserable Shamrock Run I told myself I wouldn't sign up for it again. It was freezing, crowded, pouring rain, etc. Mirranda had said the same thing after last year, but apparently we both forgot about that and proceeded to sign up for the 15k again this year. This year it was much better! Mirranda and I went with a friend we work with, Joe and it was a really good time. The race was supposed to begin at 745 but was delayed because of an Amtrak train, they didn't want us to have to stop for it during the run. So I think we finally got started around 815. And let me just say, I HATE the start of races. Even though I always start at the back I swear the first mile is just people plowing past me, fast as hell. I know I'm slow, but that first mile of a race is torture. So the race is going along well...the at about mile 2 we had to stop for the Amtrak! After all that waiting all us slow people still had to wait. I did laugh at the guy who had to stop for the train first who turned to everyone and said "I just want you all to remember I was ahead of you" :-). Things were going well till about mile 3.5 when the hills started. Oh Terwilliger. An evil, evil person made those hills. So I walked up most of the VERY steep hills. And of course, during the hills is when we got wind, rain, sleet and a bit of snow. The good part about the hills, is that once they are done, the last 3 miles are all down hill. Downhill can be just as bad on the knees as uphill, but overall it is easier. I finished the race in 1 hour 59 min and 30 seconds. I was hoping for under 2 hours and 5 mil, so I was happy about my time. The huge shiny medal was worth it, it always is :-).

March 27
Regular training: 4 miles

March 29
Regular training: 4.25

April 1
Regular training: 10 miles
My training schedule had me scheduled to run 12 miles, but since I have been slacking I am good with the 10 miles. It was a hard 10 miles. I felt good through about 5 miles, but had a couple struggles to fight through on the last 5. It's really interesting, and I can't quite figure it out, but I run on the treadmill and when I run at 4.3 I am usually fine, no matter how long I am running for. When I go up just one notch to 4.4 I will be ok for a mile or so, then I feel really fatigued. It is literally a difference of like 20 seconds per mile...why my body thinks this is such a big difference I can't understand. Oh well, I'll keep working on it. Overall I fell good about the run today and hope I can use it to propel me back into staying on top of my training...only 2 weeks till the Corvallis Half Marathon!

Days till marathon: 189
Total training miles: 116.8 miles

Quick Update

Long week, so not much to write about, but just a quick update on the last few training runs.

Thursday, March 8: 4.5
Saturday, March 10: 7 miles
Tuesday, March 13: 4.5 miles

Days till marathon: 203
Total training miles: 89.25

Feeling better and back at it!

Well, I am finally starting to feel better...FINALLY! That cold really wiped me out. Today was my first day back running after feeling better. I was a bit worried about going back because, even though it was only a week, you can lose all that running endurance quick. I did my first run in over a week tonight, 3 miles, and felt pretty good. A little tired still, but I think that's just because I am not quite 100% yet. It felt good to be back at the gym running though!

I need to be focused in my runs over the next two weeks. I signed up for the Shamrock 15k and will need all the training I can get in these next two weeks. I'm not concerned at the distance much, but it's a pretty hilly course, so need to prepare for that.

Here's to finishing the rest of this weeks runs, and hopefully feeling 100% health wise too!

Days till marathon: 215
Total training miles: 73.25

Sick Week

After my run last Sunday I could feel a little tickle in my throat and stuffiness in my nose. I knew I was getting sick but I was hoping that it would just be a quick cold, maybe a day or two. I woke up Monday morning and felt like shit. I ended up working half days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. This cold kicked the crap out of me. Very stuffy nose, then to my head, then back down to my throat, where it is finishing its stay currently.

It was really frustrating to be sick for a few different reasons:
1) I didn't have the energy to go running all week. It was all I could do to get to work a few times. I wanted to run, but I knew if I spent energy doing that it would be taking away energy I should be using to get better.
2) I was dog sitting my favorite little doggy, Gabbi, this week. I knew I was going to dog sit for about a month, so I had rearranged my training schedule to accommodate watching her, so I wouldn't have to leave her alone more than when I was at work. So to rearrange all the training and then not be able to train was frustrating.
3) I was sick for a week in October with strep throat. It took me out. Missed a whole week of work. Knowing how sick I was then, not that long ago, it just seemed silly to me to feel so out of it with just a cold. Seemed absolutely ridiculous, but it was true, this thing took every ounce of energy I had this week.
4) I'm a pretty healthy person. I hardly ever get sick. Between the strep throat and this damn cold, plus a few other sickness here and there in the past year, can't ever remember being this sick this often. I hope I've used all my sickness up for a while. That's either the case or I'm getting old, and I'm not ready to del with that so it has to be that I've gotten all my sickness in for a while.

As I told Mirranda, you can tell I felt like crap because I didn't even car how I looked at work this week. Didn't do my hair nice once. Even wore what I call my work pajamas one day (basically chino pants, t-shirt and cardigan). For those that know me, that is not an outfit I wear to work when I feel ok. :)

So the basic message of this post is that I missed a whole friggin week of training. Even today I'm not feeling great yet. Hoping that I'll be all better on Monday and can start the training again. Also hoping taking a week off won't eliminate all the hard work and training I had done before.

Days till marathon: 218
Total training miles: 70.25

Sunday, February 26

Normally I have Sundays off but I moved some trainings around this upcoming week since I am dog sitting. So I ran on Sunday. Did 4 miles at 13:42.

Total training miles: 70.25

Feb 20-25

This week was a low mileage week, in order to rest the legs. Here's what I did...

Monday
I was supposed to run 5 miles at 13:53, but ended up only running 3 at a pace of 12:30 per mile.

Tuesday
Was a day off...yea!

Wednesday
Was an extremely long day! Had a huge event on Thursday to prep for, plus meetings all afternoon, one of which was across town. Got back to the office around 5 in time to go to the board meeting and listen to one of my students speak about her experiences at Clark. She was wonderful and I am so proud of her! I finally left work and headed to the gym around 7pm. I'll be honest I was so tired I didn't know if I was going to make the whole 5 miles I was supposed to run, but I did! All 5 miles at 13:53 pace

Thursday
Another very long day, with a major event in the morning, then meetings all afternoon. I'm not happy about it, but I decided to skip my training run that night. I know I shouldn't have, but I needed the night off to lax and recoup from the week

Friday
My normal day off

Saturday
Did 5 miles at 13:53, just like the training plan said!

No funny tales from the gym this week. I have to figure out how to post here better. It's too much to post after every run, but I feel like I miss stuff if I only post once a week. I need to find a compromise. Next week I lower my mile pace in the training plan, so that should be interesting.

Days till marathon: 233
Training runs left: 139
Total training miles: 66.25

Gettin in the groove

Saturday was long run day and there are two exciting developments...

1) I was able to do the whole run! 10 miles at 13:53 pace, only stopping at each hour mark to let the treadmill rest and refill my water bottle. Yeah me!

2) I was able to do the whole run, in my new 5 toed socks, and I didn't have any new blisters when I finished! Wahooooo!!! My feet were a little sore, but nothing like normal after a run of that long. I think my new socks are going to work! I can't tell you how excited I am about this.

Another great thing about yesterdays long run, I was a bit sore after the run, and definitely felt tiredness in my legs, but I figured the real test would be how I felt when I woke up this morning. I was even pensive when I first woke up, figuring I would be in pain as soon as I moved, but NO! I felt like normal today, only the tiniest bit of soreness. I was shocked, but so happy that my training is working.

Tales from the gym:
-'Beats by Dre' guy is often at the gym when I am there. He is always dressed hysterically, always has his headphones on, and always on the elliptical going AS FAST as he possibly can. His face is always super intense too. This kid cracks me up. I saw him yesterday and had to stop myself from laughing out loud, it's just hilarious.
-As I settled onto the treadmill yesterday, two guys got on the elliptical about 3 or 4 machines down from me. I was just starting my workout, and didn't look over to see who they were. After a grand total of 1 min on the elliptical one of the guys started being very loud and obnoxious. Making tons of groaning, screaming noises. It was beyond obnoxious. By the way they were acting I figured they were in high school. At one point, one said "I should stop soon, I'm starting to stink. That's how you know when to stop, when you start to stink". Real workout gurus they were. Anyhoo, the loud one kept this up for about 20 min, then they decided to go to a different machine. I thought "great" because this would be my time to see what they looked like. To my shock these dudes were probably about 25 or 26. Really dudes, really???

Days till marathon: 231
Training runs left: 143
Total training miles: 49.25