I Think I Am Ready To Run...

It has only been three days since my last run. Although I don't think I would call the horrific two mile treadmill torture a run. I have no plans to run tomorrow, so I am going on five days off.

I went to yoga tonight, and while my quads and hamstrings were still a little tired, especially during chair pose, they felt about a million times better than they did a the class on Tuesday night. I suspect the ankle and arch pain and swelling I had been experiencing are from poor form at the end of Sunday's race, and maybe the New Balance shoes I have been running in have a little less arch support that the Brooks Ravennas I had previously been running in.

At yoga on Tuesday it was hard to straighten my foot while I was on my mat for upward facing dog. Tonight there was much improvement. You might say that my body is feeling back to normal. I even got that nervous excited feeling when talking about the plan for Saturday morning.

I always feel nervous when I feel like I'm going to find out if my legs still work like they should. All of this sleeping in this week has been too nice I think. The cold weather has probably helped that, the thought of getting up to run next week just doesn't sound fun, but the thought of getting back with my favorite running friends for our early morning miles makes me realize how much I have missed all of them.

So what't up next? Who knows. There is a pretty big local race that is two months away. I happen to be registered for the full there, but it's probably more probable that I will be running 13.1 miles that day. We shall see what happens.

Most importantly right now is to get back to running in my beloved Brooks.

According to my banker I will be getting a pair of these lovelies in a week. I can't wait.

Until then I hope everyone has a runtastic Friday!

 

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This Is Yesterday's Post...

One of my goals for 2013 was to have a post a day. I did start working on this post last night, but I was very tired and couldn't think straight and had to call it a night. So, here's what it was all about.

When I was making dinner this happened. I could have taken a picture of the cut on my finger from the silverware drawer, but I had to put a band-aid on it so I wouldn't get blood in my leftover chili casserole.

I was mostly disappointed because I chipped my nail polish. Bummer.

I have been spending the last few days analyzing Sunday's race. You might remember when I ran the Route 66 half marathon before Thanksgiving, my main problem was inadequte fueling. Both prior to the race and during the race.

I really focused on fueling for this race, I was determined to not run out of gas during this race. I really think I did a much better job this time. We did a little carb loadig on Friday night with spaghetti, and before we headed out of town Saturday I made sure to have a good breakfast that included protein. I went with a breakfast burrito with a little salsa. I had wanted to have pasta Saturday night too, but we ended up ordering pizza and had it delivered to the hotel. I was again reminded why I we don't order Papa John's pizza anymore.

Before I left to catch the shuttle Sunday morning I had a banana, and then I ate most of a peanut butter and honey sandwich on the way to the race start. Just to make sure I had food in my stomach I had part of a Luna bar as we headed to our corral.

I knew it was going to warm up during the race, so I made sure to take water or Powerade at almost every water stop on the cource. During my training I discovered that for anything longer than a half marathon my stomach cannot handle GU. After about 16 miles my stomach becomes very unhappy if that is my choice for fueling. Because o this I had two pack of GU Chomps and I made sure to eat them throughout the race. I ate the first pack before the halfway point, and I had one chomp about every mile for the rest of the race. I even picked up some gummy lifesavers from some little kids along the route, and had a few pieces of banana and orange slices as they were available.

In all my fuel and hydration prior to and throughout the race went very well.

Even with that I feel like I need to work on being able to finish a race. I do know that I finished the race, but just like in Tulsa I didn't finish this race even close to how I wanted to finish it. The last four miles of the race were very hard, and I would have liked to have been a little stronger mentally at that point. How do you finish strong, not feel like you left anything out there and not have to crawl across the finish line? It's a fine line and I am not there yet.

The great thing about marathons and half marathons is that there is always another race. Always another chance to improve and learn a little more. If it ws easy everyone would do it, but I believe if you want to anyoe can do it.

So how is recovery going?

• My left ankle has been swollen and the arch of that foot has been sore.
• I went to yoga last night, and while it wasn't pretty I really think it has helped my legs feel less sore.
• I wore my compression socks all day today. I would like all my socks to be compression I think.
• I might be getting too used to sleeping in in the morning.
• I will be going to yoga again tomorrow night.

And with that I will say goodnight.

Penny says see you tomorrow.

 

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WIAW, Marathon Week...

I ran my second marathon on Sunday, so I had to talk about eating in relation the marathon for my WIAW post this week.

This is really just a photo dump of all the food I actually got pictures of this weekend, ad maybe a few pictures from not this weekend. Let's see what we've got.

We walked to Subway for lunch Saturday afternoon, veggie sandwich with garden salsa Sun Chips.

On the way home on Sunday we stopped at Which Wich, it is definitely better than Subway and will be our go to sandwich shop from now on. I was very impressed with their vegetarian options. I had an egg salad sandwich with pickles and lettuce. It was yummy.

We got home and I had leftover spaghetti from Friday night before I craled into bed at 6:30. Running a marathon will make you very tired.

Because I am nothig, if not predictable, I had the leftover roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts I made last week. With a little parmesean cheese, I know I say this every week, but seriously you Must. Eat. This. You won't be sorry, and if you don't love it call m and I will come over and take the leftovers off your hands. Just steam the Brussels sprouts in the microwave for a minute, then toss them with the broccoli, olive oil and salt and pepper and throw them under the broiler until just before the broccoli burns. You will thank me later.

For lunch on Tuesday I had the Cowtown chocolate cookies they gave us after the race. Little chocolate cow shaped cookies.

I picked up some new yogurt Monday when I went to the grocery store. Dark chocolate and raspberry yogurt, and I love the smaller size.

Finally, how about something I actually ate on Wednesday? Tomato soup with Italian grilled cheese. French bread with pesto, roma tomatoes and mozarella cheese, the perfect thing to go with tomato soup with a little parmesean cheese.

Someday I will have some more interesting eats. This is a reminder each week that I need to work on that. But just like if you wait to go to the gym until the end of the day, life always gets in the way. I always manaage to get the foods I love when I go to the store each week which is why I seem to eat the same things each week.

 

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Cowtown Marathon Recap...

After a horrible night's sleep Saturday night my alarm finally went off at 5 am. My weather app was even nice enough to notify me at 1:30 am about a winter storm warning back in Norman until Tuesday morning. So thankful they warned me.

I got up, got dressed and grabbed my breakfast and headed down to try to catch the shuttle. The first shuttle was full so I waited for the next one. You can meet some of the nicest people when you are headed to the start of a race at six in the morning. I talked to one girl that has run the Great Wall of China marathon. Seriously, how cool would that be? She said if she was going to do a marathon she wanted to make it a good one.

After a long line and a bathroom break, I met up with Anne and we headed over to the corrals.

The 3-Day shirt came off before the start, and the gloves and ear warmers came off very early. It was a fabulous day.

We hit the 5k mark at 27:45, I felt pretty comfortable at that point. At the 10k point we were at 56:03, still feeling good. We even made it to the stockyards and I tried to take a couple of pictures.

We were running down a hill, I even took one of us.

It is not easy to take pictures while you are running. Anne had a small scare when she almost tripped on the cobble stones. We didn't take any other self portraits after that. I did get to distract myself while chatting to a guy that had a Ragnar shirt on. He ran the Florida Keys race, and one other that I can't recall. We then headed over to the really big hill. We made it up that really big hill and took a short walk break. Anne saw her husband, Patrick, so we started running again. You can't be walking when there is a photo opportunity coming up.

I think that is a horrible picture of me. My white singlet makes me look even whiter I think, and those leg warmers on my arms were my homemade arm warmers. Those turned into kleenex later in the race. Then they turned into trash.

The split was not long after this picture and Anne headed off to finish her half marathon as I headed off on the lonely road with the other marathoners. I got to see my road crew then, which was a really nice pick me up. I still felt pretty good at this point.

I passed the 131 mark at 2:02:33, I was still on pace for a four hour marathon and I felt good. I was worried about hydration and fuel, so I made sure to drink at almost every water stop and I ate my first package of chomps throughout the first half of the race. The miles really did seem to just tick by at this point, there were quite a few hills, but lots of neighborhoods to run in. I got gummy life savers from some little kids, and pieces of banana and oranges at some other houses along the route. It got a little lonely at some points, but then there would be house after house of spectators.

I ran into a guy that works for one of our sister companies at about mile 18. It was so nice to see someone I knew and chat with him for a few minutes. I lost him at the next water stop and then saw Josh and the girls again. I cannot tell you what it does when you see someone out there cheering you on. I saw Anne and her husband before mile 20 when I was taking a short walk break.

At 20 miles I was at 3:11:52, I was glad to only have six miles left, but after that point the wheels sort of fell off. There were some hills that were quite defeating and as much as I wanted to keep running I just couldn't help the walk breaks. The course came out by a river and the trees and shade we enjoyed in the neighborhoods was gone. It's hard to complin about sunshine, and I was really thankful to not have rain (or thunder, lightening and hail) but I sure would have loved a few clouds.

I don't think I can put into words just how hard the last four miles of a marathon are, even now as I think about them it's just a blur. There is a point when all you can feel is pain. I was determined to be running when I made it to the finish line. I crossed at 4:21:25, and burst into tears. I was shocked to see Josh and the girls waiting for me between volunteers handing out medals. I got my medal, food, and finisher shirt and set off on the slow walk out to the car.

After an ice bath and hot shower at the hotel, I put on my compression socks and comfy clothes and we headed north. We stopped and grabbed lunch on the way and managed to make it back to Norman in time to pick the pups up at the kennel.

I was ready to call it a night by 6 pm, but managed to stay up until about 8:30. I really wanted to watch the Oscar's but had to set the DVR instead.

What an insane day. My legs are definitely feeling it today, but more on that later. I'm drinking a celebratory glass of wine and I'm gonna call it a night.

 

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Marathon #2

Well Cowtown is in the books. It wasn't easy, but as my friend Patti said, if it were easy everyone would do it.

Full recap to come, but for now just this.

 

 

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Blogging From Texas...

In 12 hours I will be running my second marathon.

I have survived the day. I got up and did a 2 mile shake out run at an average pace of about 8:50. I don't think it was worth the layers I had to put on for the 23 degree temps I ran in. It did feel good to shake out my legs though. It has felt like an eternity since our run on Tuesday morning.

We set the dogs to the kennel and were on the road at about 10 this morning.

Fun times in the car.

There were also a few snacks in the car.

We made it to the race expo after making it through some horrible Fort Worth traffic. I don't think I have ever driven through Fort Worth without being stuck in traffic on the interstate.

After I picked up my race packet, we walked around the expo for a little bit, and then we headed to the hotel.

Camy didn't want to have her picture taken with me.

We headed to the hotel, and went on a short walk to find lunch. We found it at Subway.

We headed down to the indoor pool for a little bit.

Now we are having pizza and watching The Big Bang Theory. We are wild and crazy when we travel.

I think I am ready to go tomorrow.

 

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Pack it Up...

They say that all you really need to be a runner is a pair of shoes, but if you have ever packed for an out of town race you know that just isn't true.

First things first, I headed to the chiropractor this morning to get adjusted and get my IT band taped up.

Yep, that is pink tape, I had to bring my own because I wanted something to match my new tank I will be wearing on Sunday. Those are a pair of Injinji socks that I wore today. Yes, I wear them when I am not running. They just make my toes very happy.

You know what else makes me very happy?

I cannot tell you how happy this makes me.

So I started packing tonight. We are planning to drop the dogs off at the doggie hotel, and hitting the road by about 10 tomorrow morning. What am I taking with me?

• Shorts. Yes, shorts! I can't remember the last time I ran in shorts. I am actually planning to wear the same shorts I wore for my first marathon. They will forever be known as my marathon shorts.
• Tank. I was super jealous of my friends that ran the Disney marathon last month in their cute OK Runner tanks, and I got mine today.
• Socks. My new Injinji compression toesocks.
• Shoes. I can't believe I am running a marathon in a pair of New Balance shoes. They have been good to my feet for the last two months. I do look forward to the Ravenna 4s I am getting soon, and I will work them into rotation with the New Balance shoes.
• Warm layer. Knee sock arm warmers, throw away shirt, gloves, ear warmer. I doubt I will need the ear warmers, but I will probably wear the gloves, the t-shirt is one I will leave behind, and the arm warmers are something I could live with not coming home with.
• Odds and ends. Rain jacket, wind jacket, capri running pants, cropped running pants, long sleeve shirt, visor, body glide, paper tape (to protect my toenails), extra socks, compression calf sleeves (you never know), compression socks for post race, Spi belt, GU chomps and my Garmin and charger.
• Then you have pajamas, Sunday post race clothes and all bathroom necessities.

There is alot to think about when you are packing for a destination race. I hope I don't forget anything.

I need to make sure I have a playlist ready to go in the morning.

I am sure I will check and double check everything that already made it into my suitcase tomorrow. I am glad that we aren't going to be in a big rush tomorrow. I am nervous enough as it is.

Race weeked here I come!

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Race Week is Stressing Me Out...

As we inch ever closer to marathon Sunday, my stress level seems to be going through the roof.

The back and forth over travel plans combined with my two week taper seem to be doing a number on me.  Add to that the fact that I managed to leave my phone at home today and it all just culminated with a mini breakdown.

I am attempting some of my yoga breathing, and as long as no one comes by my cubicle I think I'm going to be fine.

Marathons are stressful!  I went from not having a real training plan and just doing what my favorite running store owner told me to do on my long runs to freaking out because I was afraid that I hadn't done enough to prepare for this race.  I was assured that the 2-16 milers, 2-18 milers, and 2-20 mile runs I have done in the last three months have prepared me for what lies ahead.

Then the uncertainty of who was going to make the trip to Fort Worth with me.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am NOT a PIBE kinda girl.  I like to have a definite plan.  I want to know where we are going, when we are leaving and how we are going to get there.  The plan reduces my stress level.

Because I have only run 6 miles, and only gotten in two yoga classes this week, I just feel like one huge ball of stress.  My running keeps me sane, and there has not been alot of running going on the past couple of weeks.  So yes, I do feel a little insane today.

I think I have a plan now that will make these next couple of days manageable. 

First of all, we have a reservation for our favorite doggie hotel for these two crazy veggie eating pups.

I will be heading to Fort Worth with three of my favorite people ever.



I guess the good thing is that I won't have to listen to my children complaining about waiting around for me through a four hour race.  (In other much happier news, we have a working washing machine at home again so there will be no more trips to the laundromat.)

Surviving race week seems to be much harder than planning your Saturday long runs.  I am in the home stretch and now just the starting line lies ahead.

You've Got To Be Kidding...

I am not a big watcher of the local news. I figure if it's important Jon Stewart is going to tell me about it. I will withhold my commentary on the 24 hour news cycle.

Anyway, I had no idea that when I woke up this morning it would look like this outside.

Kinda weird how blue that picture turned out. Those streaks are big fat snow flakes falling. Rocky and Penny were as shocked as I was. Penny came back in speckled with white dots all over her black fur. Rocky was terrified about going out the rest of the day.

My weather app decided to tell me it was snowing on my way to work. My commute took almost an hour today thanks to the white stuff.

Scenes from my drive...

It was not sticking to the roads, but the roads were very wet. Thankfully it was above freezing so the roads didn't get bad. But just like any time there is the slightest hint of precipitation aroud here, traffic was backed up for miles.

I tried to capture the back up of traffic behind me. Not a bad shot really.

It did't take long for the snow to vanish, but it was a very dreary day. There is a chance that there could be more rain/sleet tonight so we will see what tomorrow looks like. My girls would probably be very excited about a snow day.

In other goings on around here, I made another batch of roasted Brussels sprouts and broccoli tonight. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? Anyway, Rocky and Penny get very excited when I am cutting up veggies. You have never seen two dogs that liked vegetables as much as these two do. I hope it's not bad for them to eat Brussels sprouts and broccoli because they had their fair share.

What an action shot! Rocky looks almost scary in that picture. They were inhaling those veggies. I sometimes wonder if Penny even chews when she eats. When Lucy was still with us, she would turn her nose up at these sorts of sacks. She preferred cans of tuna. I wonder if it's just my crazy dogs, or are there other veggie loving dogs out there?

Finally, it's still race week! I have been trying not to think about it because it is scaring the hell out of me. I do think I have my travel plans finalized, I have to to figure out what I am going to wear though. Our Thursday morning run has been moved to Friday, stupid weather.

 

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WIAW, In A Food Rut

For my WIAW post, I thought I would talk about being in a food rut. Are you like me? Do you feel like you eat the same boring food over and over again?  I suppose it could be worse, I could be eating lots and lots of junk food every day. In my pre-vegetarian days, we used to eat out ALOT. Now we usually don't eat out during the week and not near as often on the weekends.

I find myself purchasing the same ingredients week after week.

Last Friday night's carb loading, mac and cheese, fake chicken nuggets (I cant help it I do like them), roasted red and blue potatoes, and my favorite green veggies. I have been eating roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts like candy lately.

Here's how you make them. Cut your fresh Brussels sprouts in half (cut off any stem), throw them in a bowl with a little water and pop them in the microwave on high for 1 minute. This just gets the cooking process started. Then toss the Brussels sprouts and broccoli with some olive oil and salt and pepper. Place under the broiler until right before the broccoli starts to burn. Sometimes I toss a little parmasean cheese over it. It's the type of thing you can cook and then keep in the fridge and reheat during the week.

I used some leftovers with some mushrooms and spinach to make some individual fritattas on Sunday. I had to, I made a batch of English muffins.

Toast the English muffin and add a little Laughing Cow cheese and pair it with Friday night's leftover veggies and you have Sunday night dinner. The English muffin with the individual fritatta also showed up for breakfast on Monday and Tuesday. Just wait, the week isn't over yet.

I really need to find some new recipes to try.

I have not baked much in 2013. I just can't get myself in the kitchen to dirty up lots of bowls and measuring cups. I have managed to make three separate batches of Rice Krispy Treats. The latest batch had a layer of peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate on the top.

I melted two cups of peanut butter and spread it over the top of the regular Rice Krispy Treats. If you look closely you can see where the peanut butter seeped down into the treats. Hello yummy goodness. Then the layer of chocolate on top just holds it all together. I believe it was necessary to keep it from being too messy. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Check out my new nail polish in that picture. It was a Sephora for OPI color. I am too lazy to get up and see what the name of the color was but it's beautiful. It passes the runner's toes test; dark enough to cover up my bruised toenails.

So there you have it. Another week gone. I am hoping to have some good marathon eats for next week.

Adventures in Laundry...

If you remember, the new latch I ordered for our washing machine is set to be delivered tomorrow. Imagine my surprise when I got home from work today and the door was off the washing machine and there were pieces of the latch on top of the dryer. In an effort to prepare the door for the new latch, Josh managed to break something else.

That part will be here on Wednesday.

After four days of no laundry, we decided that we can't wait until Wednesday for clean clothes. We loaded up the girls and our dirty clothes and went to relive our college days. Seven loads of laundry in under two hours, but it cost about a million dollars. The price of doing a load of laundry has sure gone up in the last 15 or so years.

I have proof that my children know how to fold their clothes.

They are pretty good at compaining too.

You sure do see interesting people at the laundromat. I sure hope that by Wednesday evening our washer will be back in normal working order.

Josh got home last night from his fishing trip.

Sitting on a frozen lake fishing through a hole in the ice. So not my idea of a good time.

Josh with Ross and Brian, he looks so short next to those two.

Did I mention that it's officially race week? I am excited and terrified all at the same time. Still working on figuring out who is going with me, and almost more importantly what I am going to wear.

Looks like it could be absolutly fabulous. I am going to tryto not get too excited, but I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed.

 

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