Running - be it on the road or hitting the trails

I have just realized that it has been over a month since I last posted; shortly after I completed my first 50k in Lancaster on my mountain bike.

Currently, I am training for the Baltimore Running Festival, where I will be running my first half marathon. For this reason, I will be running 10 miles this weekend. It will be the 2nd time ever having done so and the 1st time since I ran the Baltimore 10 Miler in June. I ran 9 miles yesterday morning and having skipped my 5 mile run on Thursday, it was not easy, to say the least. I have 3 more long runs, including this weekend, to slowly increase my mileage from 10, 11, and then 12. I’ll run 13 for the first time the day of the race. Less than a month to go!

To help aid me in my training, I decided to once again try those energy packets you squeeze down while running. My first experience with the energy pack was a different brand and I didn’t think I as going to be able to keep it down. It was like warm strawberry/banana yogurt. This time I tried an apple cinnamon gel flavor by “Boom” and damn, was that good. Imagine running along and opening up a packet of apple pie filling and squeezing it into your mouth. All that was missing was the crust! Not sure it gave me the energy it promised, but who cares when you’ve got squeezy apple pie on the run! Next up this weekend will be the “Gu” brand. Lets up it’s just as good as “Boom”!

Before the big race, I have the Race for the Cure 5k, the first weekend in October. Nothing like a good 5k to get the adrenaline going. Can’t wait to run with the Team – Go Anytime Fitness in White Marsh!

Once I complete the half-marathon and my official training is over, I’ve decided I might look into some trail running. For the locals, no, the NCR trail does not count. While visiting a friend in NC back in July, I got to experience trailing running for the first time in the beautiful Umstead Park. I probably ran about 4 miles but due to the uneven path, rocks, tree roots and all sorts of other natural obstacles I had to avoid, it felt like 6 miles. I would prefer to forget that I failed to avoid those natural obstacles a couple of times, but given my clumsy history, I expected nothing less and I believe my friends would be disappointed if I hadn't fallen at least once, haha.

In addition to the try trail running, I need to decide where I’ll be completing my full marathon in 2011. If I am going to make it 26 miles, I would prefer it to be flat. Baltimore, I have learned, is not flat. What's better than going on vacation to run 26 miles! Nada! Therefore, I will be scheduling next years vacation around running my first marathon. Right now, Little Rock Arkansas is on the table. Disney’s marathon sounds awesome but I won't be ready by January 2011, and I work the first few Saturdays in January anyway, so that one is out.

Anyone have any suggestions?

An athlete?

We did it! Katie and I completed our first ever Covered Bridge Metric Century bike ride in Lancaster, PA. The ride included three possible distances for us to choose from; 25k (17 miles), 50K (31 miles) or a 100K (62 miles). It took us 5 hours to complete it and it rained for probably the last 10 miles, I mean, really rained, but we finished the 50K; 32 miles (the route ended up being 32 miles, instead of 31)… This was quite an accomplishment for both of us, as the most either one of us has over done before was 20 miles.

We were greeted at the finish line by Katie’s mom and two little girls that joined us for the weekend. Also joining us were two other lady riders, who completed the 100k; that’s 62 miles. Should I mention that they completed it in less time than it took us to complete the 50K? Nah….haha. I have to admit I find that a bit embarrassing, but at the same time, I’m still amazed that I did it at all!

I’d like to say that I lost a couple of pounds riding a bike for 5 hours, but not so. I was so hungry FROM riding a bike for 5 hours that I think I consumed enough food to make up for every calorie burned during the ride. The sugar cookies, pretzel sticks and turkey hill ice cream they provided after the ride were damn good and well earned!

The volunteers working the water/snack stops were friendly and helpful. The riders were supportive and friendly. If they found you resting along the side of the rode, they’d ask if you were OK as they whizzed by. I assume if you were to say no, they’d send some help but not sure I believe they would have actually stopped. There was the sac wagon that cruised by every once in a while making sure that we were all safe and feeling well.

It was pretty clear from the beginning that I didn’t really fit in with these riders. First off, I wasn’t wearing the right clothes. I had on my ¾ length exercise pants that are really yoga pants apparently and a yoga tank top, belonging to another exercise outfit of mine. Apparently I find yoga gear to be very comfortable to wear when running. All the other riders had their spandex shorts and spandex shirts with cute little pockets on the back to hold stuff. I’ve decided while I can do without the spandex, I need one of these shirts!

Not only were my clothes all wrong, but apparently my bike was too. I believe it was at the first rest stop when a rider noticed that I was sporting a mountain bike and I was then told that I was “ambitious”. I am pretty certain it was a nice way of saying “stupid”. Most riders had what I am told is called a “road bike”. It’s a much thinner, lighter bike; the frame is smaller and the tires are probably half as thick as mine. However, considering the rainy weather, I’d like to think I had the advantage of having the safer tires. *smile*

I am trying to convince Katie that next year, we will be ready to ride the 100k – 62 miles. Guess I will be adding that on to my goals for 2011, right along side my goal to run a full marathon.
Next up, is the half-marathon scheduled for October 16th, 2010. I began my 12 week training for it this past Tuesday. Unfortunately, I wasn’t thinking clearly and miscalculated just how much time I had to train. This means that it will actually be only 9 weeks instead of 12. Considering all the runs I missed and the multiple injuries I endured, including the concussion, while training for the 10 miler in June, I can’t say that I’m all that concerned. I say lets get it on!

There are also a few smaller races before then. There is the Race for the Cure (5k) on October 3rd I’ll be participating in. I also received a notification in the mail about a “Run to Remember – 5k” on 09/11/2010 to begin at 8:46 am. Having been living in NY and working at Morgan Stanley when the Twin Towers went down, I found myself registering for this run as well.

During a conversation this week I mentioned that because I had plans after work, I had to be up at 6 am to run my 4 miles on Tuesday. It was then said that I didn’t “have” to but that I “chose” to. I replied with, “No, if I want to run a half marathon, I HAVE to run. If I want to stay healthy and keep the weight off, I HAVE to run”. This isn’t a choice. It’s something I HAVE to do to, to maintain my health, both mentally and physically.

So, here I am; having run a 10 mile race, going to run a half marathon in less then 9 weeks, having biked 32 miles along with having run various 5k’s, even a 10k and doing some hiking. Who’d have ever thought it? Certainly, not me.

Within the last week I’ve had three separate people call me an athlete. This word seems foreign to me and all I think is, really? You think I’m an athlete? Nah….

I suppose in the back of my head I secretly want to complete a triathlon – maybe then I’d consider myself an athlete. In fact, I’d be a tri-athlete, haha. But that thought also terrifies me at the same time and I think might just be a goal for 2012.

Right now, I am just someone who is trying to be healthy and fit. Does that make me an athlete? Nah….but it’s nice to think about. *smile*

California Tortilla - Good but Bad!

Back from my weekend trip to NC and pretty much healed from my recent knee injuries. All that’s left is a bit of scratch, definitely some bright pink scaring and some lingering pain in my right hand which the Good Dr. said is probably a strained tendon from the repeated falls. I chose to call them battle scars. *smile*

Despite skipping my Tuesday evening run this week, I have actually been pretty good about sticking to my exercising. My eating habits however, have seen better days. Lot’s of candy, maybe even a mint chocolate chip and pistachio ice cream waffle cone and well….two trips to California Tortilla in two days. Not such a good thing...my stomach and my weight seconds that notion.

I have not been on a scale in several days, but the last I checked, I was at 138. That was pre California Tortilla, of course. I’ve decided I’m going to wait until Monday to weigh in again. Give myself several days of eating right, a run and even a 32 mile bike ride. I hope to be back to 135 sooner rather than later.

Besides the fact that my numbers are creeping above 140, which is not an option for me, I have a wedding that my boyfriend has invited me too, in just over a week’s time. I need to make sure I fit into the dress I plan to wear at the wedding! It’s good incentive to pass on the candy bar, or the late night snacks. He and I even did some P90X last night before our dip in the pool. It was my first time doing P90X since the concussion/neck injury from the pool show in June and his first time seeing P90X. Felt great afterwards and I am hoping to get back to my 6 am workouts again.

Might be back to running without my running buddy. Unfortunately, changes in our lives often screw up our schedules and interfere with our day to day stuff. Hopefully we’ll be able to work out a new routine to keep us both running.

I was yet again at the Doctors office this past Monday and with all of the recent bodily injuries, the staph and so forth, I commented to him that I feel as if I’m at the doctors office more now that I’m “healthy”, than I ever was when I was 209 lbs. This thought has been bothering me for sometime, but does no longer. The Good Doctor pointed out to me that one doesn’t get staph or various injuries from sitting on the sofa watching TV, unless perhaps he stubs his toe on the way to the bathroom to pee. I like the way he thinks! LOL *smile*

Thankfully, the Fibromyalgia has been my friend lately and has been treating me well.

This weekend – The Covered Bridge Metric Century in which Katie and I will be completing a 50K (31 miles) on our bicycles in Lancaster, PA. This past Sunday, I rode 20 miles for the first time EVER, and it was great. The Monday after, my legs were definitely feeling it and I was wobbling a bit but still loved it. I can’t wait for this weekends challenge. Keep an eye out for pictures folks!

Long road ahead...

I finally have some reprieve from the constant pain of the Fibromyalgia. I am no longer laying in bed near tears because my body hurts all over and there is nothing I can do. I am finally getting some much needed rest that allows me to function and get my arse to work and on the treadmill or outside to run. My knees were just about healed from my recent falls. The first while hiking with K&K and the second when falling on concrete while simply walking to my car. The first was mostly bumps and bruises and the second involved a bit of blood and a handy gentlemen nearby that as kind enough to patch me up. However, during a weekend trip to Raleigh, NC to see long time friend of mine, I took a couple of stumbles while doing some trail running. Loved the train, loved the run, didn't love the fall so much, lol. Unfortunately, this time I didn't have my handy gentlemen to patch me up and I had to do it all on my own. My right knee is now covered in a bandage the size of a tennis ball. Oh well, such is life of a runner, I suppose. Or at least, a clumsy one like myself.

While I've continued to run since my 10 mile race I have certainly cut back on the mileage. No more 8-10 mile runs. In fact, not even any 6 mile runs. It seems my body has limited itself to 4 miles per run for the moment. However, it seems to be working as certain womanly functions have returned and the pain from not having it, has subsided. This is good news as it means no return trip to the doctor for an ultrasound to look for cysts. Woohoo! I've heard its "normal" for women athletes to get to a point where certain functions cease to continue. However, I wouldn't have considered myself an athlete. At least I'll know what to expect this time when I begin training for my half marathon in October.

Yes folks, I did officially sign up for the Baltimore Runners Half-Marathon in October 2010. It appears I am right on track as far as my goals go. This year, half-marathon; next year, full on Marathon. That'll be 26.2 miles. Damn, the thought of it just exhausts me but excites the hell out of me at the same time.

Anyway, back on track….

I am currently training for a 31 mile bike ride through Lancaster, PA , to take place on August 15^th. The bike riding has been a nice change from my usual Sunday run but will be coming to an end. The half-marathon is in mid-October and I need at least 12 weeks to train. Come the 1^st of September, I'll be back on a training schedule running 3 days a week working my way back up to running 13.1 miles. I completed the 10 mile race in June and can't wait to do 13. In fact I think I'll start a tradition and the first time I will run 13 miles will be the day of the race. It worked out so well for the 10 mile race, why not try it again.

And so folks, I have a long road ahead of biking riding and running. Can't think of anything better.

Discombobulated

It's been a week now and still, I am hurting all over. Not only am I hurting all over but I apparently have a lack of coordination this morning.

By noon, I had walked into the "tower" on my desk, bumped my elbow into the wall, spilled hot tea in my lap and tripped over my own shoes, at least twice. During lunch, I spilled tea on the book that I was reading. What the heck?! I feel completely and totally discombobulated. My brain and my body just aren't conversing the way that I'd like.

I'm not sure that I'm tired as I went to sleep last night at 10 pm and slept wonderfully until 7 am this morning. Though, I did nod off during lunch today while reading a book that I am really enjoying, so perhaps that is an issue. I don't believe I have over exercised - I ran 4 miles last Tuesday, skipped my Thursday run and rested until Saturday, when I enjoyed a strenuous 4 mile hike (if that) and a had fantastic 16 mile bike ride on Sunday. Obviously, I am not lacking of exercise either. So why is the Fibromyalgia still acting up!?!?!?!?

Today I rest. Tomorrow, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be up to a 4-6 mile run. Same on Thursday. Saturday will be spin, come hell or high water and another long bike ride on Sunday. I am still skipping my strength training to give myself proper rest days and as of today, doubling up on my meds. I will not let this slow me down, even if the pain is taking it's toll. Unfortunately, what worries me the most is the extreme exhaustion which is bound to set in soon, if I can't get this under control.

If ever there were a time I were to pick up faith and pray, now would be the time, haha.

To run or not to run?

This is one of those rare days, when no amount of medication can stop the pain.

When I woke up yesterday I noticed I was feeling a little achy but nothing too horrible. I have a mystery bruise on my right knee that is extremely tender, as is the skin around it. I have a long bruise on my left thigh that is also inflamed and painful. At least I know where that one came from (biking accident with the mentee on Sunday). Bruises, injuries, these can cause some flair ups, but are not usually too much of an issue.

Given the bit of pain I was feeling tired so I went to bed at 10:30 pm last night, thinking I'd be rested and get up at 6 am this morning to do my CardioX routine. Boy was I wrong.

I don't think it was the pain that kept me up initially, but the constant chatter in my brain. Of course, the storm that hit pretty hard last night around 11:30 pm, didn't help either. By midnight, I was on my laptop uploading photos for a girlfriend, something I was suppose to have done a week or so ago. By 3 am I was on the laptop again, googling scenes from "Reality Bites", don't ask why. By 5:30 am I realized that hey, I am actually up and could get out of bed to exercise at 6 am but by this point, due to the lack of sleep, it seemed as though every muscle and joint in my body was just down right pissed off and was not going to exercise, even if I did ask nicely.

When my alarm went off at 7 am, I got out of bed, slowly got dressed and made my way to work. I am moving like an 80 year old woman this morning and am wishing I could cover my entire body in bio freeze or soak in a hot tub or at the very least, need to pick up some Epsom salt for a hot bath this evening.

Thankfully, I don't have these days too often but wish I had the key to figure out what triggers them. The lack of sleep doesn't help. Stress doesn't help. Too much or not enough exercise doesn't help. Which brings me to the dilemma of the day. It's Tuesday, my day to run. Do I feel like I could physically run 6 miles right now? Hell no! But, will running help exhaust me enough to get a decent night sleep? Maybe. Or will I wake up tomorrow morning in worse shape than I am now?

It's days like these that I understand why there are people out there who say the pain is debilitating. But, I find strength in knowing that for me, this usually passes in a day or so. I hope that is something I will always be able to count on.

Thank you for giving me my wings...

My first race was the Baltimore Women's Classic 5k and it took place on June 28,2009. I had just started my interval training earlier that year and had only started "running" a short time before this race. There were two other runners with me that day. One, my good friend Wendy and the other, her good friend Chuck. Thanks to Wendy, we had become Team Bug. I was the lady bug, Wendy the butterfly and Chuck, the dragon fly. We were an awesome team.

I started running in part, because of Wendy. She and another friend of ours would meet up in the wee hours of the morning before the week day started, but the two of them would go about their 3 mile run and I would do my 2 mile walk. My hope was to eventually be able to join them. By the time I got good enough to join them, they weren't running in the mornings anymore, if at all.

So here we are, the day of the race, the three of us happily dressed as bugs, ready to get our flight on and I had conflicting feelings about this race and up until the moment the race started, I wasn't sure what my plan was. Wendy had asked me to run the race with her and Chuck and because of that, I felt I should keep pace with her. However, by then my pace had picked up a bit and running with her meant not running at my best. I have never been a competative person. I always hated sports and how you'd be put down if you weren't as fast as the other kids or didn't do as well and so, it wasn't in my nature to want to "beat" anyone. However, if I was going to run a race, I wanted to have the best possible time I could manage. As the race started, the adreneline kicked in and it was that moment that I decided I was going to run this race for me. I finished in 32 minutes and 02 seconds with a 10:47 min per mile average pace. That was the fastest I'd ever run a 5k. I felt great crossing that finish line and knew it was the first of many races to come.

So here we are, a year later and although I've run a 10k and even a 10 miler since, I was back to once again run the Baltimore Women's Classk 5k on June 27, 2010. My goal this time was to set a PR, a personal record. My goal was to beat my time from my first race. This time it was just me running the race and because I had no help, I didn't wear my wings. Instead, I wore a lady bug t-shirt that I'd worn for my 10 mile race. It wasn't the same without Team Bug and the official costume but the race day fun and excitment from all the other runners had me all a buzz. I started out with the the 10 min pace group, knowing I'd at least hit my 10 min mile goal but was hoping for better and I got it. As soon as the gun went off, I took off, giving it every once of energy I had. Not only did I beat my time, but I blew it out of the water - 27 minutes and 57 seconds. I had a 9 minute pace, my best ever. I look forward to trying to beat my time again next year.

As for the butterfly in my first race, I had just enough energy to run my way through the incoming crowd and search her out. I may not have ran the race with her, but I was delighted to join her as she crossed the finish line.

Thank you, Wendy, for giving my wings.