So Push ups are going great! Along wih the every other day trip to WSC to take advantage of their hand bike x1 hour. My upper body is gonna rock in 4-6 weeks!
As I was planning this week out, what do I see on the left panel of the 100 push up challenge, but the 200 sit up challenge! Hello....done! Adding that to my broken ankle regimen.
Monday/Thurs
x1 hour hand bike
push ups: 63 total, modified. x5 sets
sit-ups: 67 x5 sets ( along with oblique and lower ab work)
Tuesday/Friday
no hand bike
push ups: modified x 5 sets. 71
sit-ups: 81 ( oblique and lower ab work added)
Wednesday/Saturday
hand bikex1 hr
push ups: 81
sit ups:87 ( oblique and lower ab work added)
Sunday rest
Monday, October 4, 2010
2011
So I'm planning my 2011 season during this time that I am side lined from running. Planning is what is helping me get through the low/down moments. ( along with my many amazing friends:)
I do think this will get easier once marathon season is over (I see my fellow G2B ppl finish under 3:40 )and this cast is off!
Anyhow so far my 2011 looks as so: ( tentative)
St. Patty's 8k-March
National half-Match ( anticipating a slower time, but you never know)
Crystal City 5ks-April
GW Parkway-Late April
Pacer's half marathon or another local half marathon race. (aiming to break my PR 1:46:17) May
San Diego RnR marathon ( returning to where my love for the marathon began) June
2010 training plan was aimed to PR. It was adjusted to 3:40 training once I saw how my running was shaping out.
Next year, I'm upping my goal, or should I say downing it; I am training towards a 3:30 marathon. This injury is the drive, and it has certainly made my determination shoot up 1000%. Watch out 2011!!
A 4th July race
Philly half or Disneyland Half marathon( or where ever CAR goes for a team race)
Chicago marathon ( will just run and not worry so much about time, just have to do this one)
Of course this is all tentative, and more will be added/subtracted as I go. :)
I do think this will get easier once marathon season is over (I see my fellow G2B ppl finish under 3:40 )and this cast is off!
Anyhow so far my 2011 looks as so: ( tentative)
St. Patty's 8k-March
National half-Match ( anticipating a slower time, but you never know)
Crystal City 5ks-April
GW Parkway-Late April
Pacer's half marathon or another local half marathon race. (aiming to break my PR 1:46:17) May
San Diego RnR marathon ( returning to where my love for the marathon began) June
2010 training plan was aimed to PR. It was adjusted to 3:40 training once I saw how my running was shaping out.
Next year, I'm upping my goal, or should I say downing it; I am training towards a 3:30 marathon. This injury is the drive, and it has certainly made my determination shoot up 1000%. Watch out 2011!!
A 4th July race
Philly half or Disneyland Half marathon( or where ever CAR goes for a team race)
Chicago marathon ( will just run and not worry so much about time, just have to do this one)
Of course this is all tentative, and more will be added/subtracted as I go. :)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
At home work-out plan
Well, I def can't just sit around and let ALL my muscles atrophy....so I'm planning to maintain an upper body,(and as much as I can lower body) regimen, until I get into a walking cast. Then it's body pump time...but until then my plan is keep things toned, and strong.
(9/28) I did x1 hour toning exercises. I began with with 6 minutes of abs to warm-up. Followed by the '100 push up' regimen. I did 45 total, modified, with 60 second rest between each. During these 60 seconds, I did lower back 'sit-ups'.
Following the push-up/lower back work, I did more ab work. Followed by bicep and tricep work with my weights. Ending with inner/outer thigh work, and hamstrings on both leg. My goal, is to only have to rehab from the knee down on the affected leg.
I did note, however, this was probably too much time with the leg down. ( toes looked a bit swollen) So the new plan is to to do the exercises in pieces, allowing elevation foot time...plus, this will give me things to do throughout the day!
(9/29) I did a 6 minute ab warm-up, followed by the 100 push up challenge. Again, 5 sets, with 60 seconds lower back work between. Today's total was 50 modified push-ups total. I am hoping, that by the time I get the cast off, I can do real X amount push-ups daily, easily. :)
I plan to do more abs this afternoon. ( obliques, and lower)
As soon as I can find away to get myself places, I am getting myself to WSC to do the handle-cycle while I re-hab, to get my sweat on!
Like Beth said...I better start shopping for my sleeveless Christmas dress to show off my guns! :)
(9/28) I did x1 hour toning exercises. I began with with 6 minutes of abs to warm-up. Followed by the '100 push up' regimen. I did 45 total, modified, with 60 second rest between each. During these 60 seconds, I did lower back 'sit-ups'.
Following the push-up/lower back work, I did more ab work. Followed by bicep and tricep work with my weights. Ending with inner/outer thigh work, and hamstrings on both leg. My goal, is to only have to rehab from the knee down on the affected leg.
I did note, however, this was probably too much time with the leg down. ( toes looked a bit swollen) So the new plan is to to do the exercises in pieces, allowing elevation foot time...plus, this will give me things to do throughout the day!
(9/29) I did a 6 minute ab warm-up, followed by the 100 push up challenge. Again, 5 sets, with 60 seconds lower back work between. Today's total was 50 modified push-ups total. I am hoping, that by the time I get the cast off, I can do real X amount push-ups daily, easily. :)
I plan to do more abs this afternoon. ( obliques, and lower)
As soon as I can find away to get myself places, I am getting myself to WSC to do the handle-cycle while I re-hab, to get my sweat on!
Like Beth said...I better start shopping for my sleeveless Christmas dress to show off my guns! :)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Mad!!
For the first 24hours after my diagnosis I cried, and cried, and stayed up till 3 am and cried. I eventually fell asleep, and the next day I felt shocked, like 'did this really happen to me, now?' 'Really...2 weeks before Chicago?' I even second guessed myself saying I should have listened to my instincts, and the signs from the Gods to stay in Saturday morning.
Today, I'm pissed, so very angry. I am trying to be strong, but really I'm only 4 days post break, and I think it's ok to be angry! I have worked so hard for this 26.2, and was so excited. I am already missing running with CAR, and this is only day 4!!
This running and my training were my therapy to get over Matt, and how bad he broke my heart. Now, one on the major things that have helped me heal, and made me happy again, has been taken away from me, and for at least 2 months!!
Four- six weeks of a cast and crutches are enough to make me want to scream! I can't drive anywhere because it's my right foot that is casted. I can't do things in my apaprtment without working up a sweat, and it taking an hour..and taking a shower, don't get me started.
My family is 3000 miles away, and I am single. While I have THE MOST AMAZING friends, ( and I am so very grateful for you guys!!!) this would be much easier if I had someone, or family that could stay with me constantly.
So all the demons of being single, that I worked on all summer to get rid of is currently creeping back because I have no one close to me, that can constantly help me.
*sigh, I woke up today realizing the magnitude of healing time. I feel helpless, frustrated, overwhelemed, sad, and my butt hurts from sitting so much!!
I'm an active person, how am I going to do this!?
Wake me up, when October ends.
Today, I'm pissed, so very angry. I am trying to be strong, but really I'm only 4 days post break, and I think it's ok to be angry! I have worked so hard for this 26.2, and was so excited. I am already missing running with CAR, and this is only day 4!!
This running and my training were my therapy to get over Matt, and how bad he broke my heart. Now, one on the major things that have helped me heal, and made me happy again, has been taken away from me, and for at least 2 months!!
Four- six weeks of a cast and crutches are enough to make me want to scream! I can't drive anywhere because it's my right foot that is casted. I can't do things in my apaprtment without working up a sweat, and it taking an hour..and taking a shower, don't get me started.
My family is 3000 miles away, and I am single. While I have THE MOST AMAZING friends, ( and I am so very grateful for you guys!!!) this would be much easier if I had someone, or family that could stay with me constantly.
So all the demons of being single, that I worked on all summer to get rid of is currently creeping back because I have no one close to me, that can constantly help me.
*sigh, I woke up today realizing the magnitude of healing time. I feel helpless, frustrated, overwhelemed, sad, and my butt hurts from sitting so much!!
I'm an active person, how am I going to do this!?
Wake me up, when October ends.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The fall heard around the world...
Well, maybe only heard around Tara's world.
This is definitely something I never would have thought would happen to me. Knee injury, sure, strained muscles, yes, sprangs, possible....a broken ankle, never.( Car screeching sound....say again?!) Just 2 weeks from Chicago, I am going through such a wave of emotion. Why me, cry. Be strong, search for races...and repeat.
Going back to last Friday before the race, I was very excited at the fact that I had made it to taper, NOT injured! This would be my first marathon with out needing a taped or wrapped body part, or icy hot slathered on a certain area.( Thanks to George's training method/belief) I had made it and was dancing around my apartment to that Chicago Marathon rap that night. ( yes, I dance alone in my apartment) Not only had I made it to tapper without a lasting injury, but with a high possibility in running a 3:40 marathon. * Sigh
Saturday morning, I woke up, and my body ( or the universe) was telling me I should run Sunday; I really wasn't feeling it Saturday. ( I'm guessing still racing lingering fatigue)...But after 3o mins sitting on my sofa, I got myself up and dressed, and left.
I was set to run 14-16 miles Saturday morning, I decided to do 15. After meeting up with the group, we began our trek to the towpath. ( note: The towpath is actually one of my favorite paths to run. Yes, I've noticed the rocks, and slightly have rolled my ankles before, but NEVER would I ever expect this as a result.)
Heading out, I noticed a girl from another group take a fall. As we passed her, I noticed her bloody knees, and friends attending to her, as they stood her up, I remember thinking to myself, I hope she's OK, ans how scary that would be. ( Universe warning?)
Well, as we continued done the towpath, I actually rolled my right ankle twice, at two separate times. The rolls were good enough, to throw me off my stride, and have to shake out my ankle. Ironic, is after the second roll I joked, that maybe God was giving me a sign, I should not be running that day. ( Universe warning?)
To side track a bit, I'm not really a religious person. I do believe in a higher being ( God) and that the universe can indeed send you signs. Also, that intuition is a powerful thing, and is what I have been trying to listen to much more this year. So, in hind sight, I had several signs, I just chose to ignore them...*sigh. So, obviously, I'm still not listening to my instincts,and need to learn to do so more.
Back to the fall, according to the Garmin, it happened at 5.5 miles. All I can tell you, is on second I was running, the next, I was hard on the ground, and the ankle instantly hurt. Literally I fell, and instantly went to grab my ankle, that was very much hurting, I had no tears, just pure fear...fear that it was sprang, and there went Chicago. I didn't even feel my cuts, it was my friends whom pointed them out to me.
I had dirt everywhere! All over my legs, arms, hands, white tank top, blood was dripping down my leg...I was quite the sight.
My group that I run with are amazing by the way. ( if I knew how you guys linked other blogs to your blog, I would, but sorry, I'm technology challenged:) I don't remember much, but I believe it was Beth, and Steph that ran for help, while Amy, Liz and Skip stayed to assist. I probably had the group stopped for 10 minutes, and felt bad; they were running their 20 miler, and I had stopped them. Ughe.
Honestly, a lot of it was a blur. I think it was Liz that noted to go back to the lock where we just used the restroom. I hugged my friends, and they began their way to George, and I began my way to the closest lock.( which I though was 5)
I'll some this up, I actually had sat my ass at Lock 6 for quite some time. ( thinking it was 5) I was so fixated on my ankle,and what it meant for my season, that it actually took me awhile to realize this was not the lock that had the restrooms. So after sitting there for probably 30 minutes, I started my walk to lock 5, which took probably another 8-10 minutes.
At lock 5, a group of runners, came to my aid, and one was a doctor! They offered me a ride to a hospital, and help. But I had no cell, not wallet, no ID. If I left to a hospital, one my group would never know where I was, two, how would I get to my car after an ER visit. ( honestly, I still firmly believed it was a sprang, not a fracture, so I didn;t think the ER was needed.) So after a few minutes, they left...and I found a bench to lay down on, and elevate my foot on the table.
I sat here for, I'm guessing, 3o minutes, at which time, I started to think that I had missed George, when I was sitting at lock 6 for so long. I began to feel a little lost on what to do.I sat up, and limped my way to the little bridge at lock 5and stood there for another 10-15 minutes, and also saw Beth and the group run by. Which really made me think I missed George.
SO, I jogged/hobbled my way to Fletcher's, about 2 miles away. I knew Fletcher's was populated with people, and remembered seeing a Ragnar support table. Yes, it was uncomfortable, but painful, not so much.
I arrived at Fletcher, and the Ragnar volunteer saw I was in distress, and I basically yelled, " I need help".
The ladies of Ragnar were very sweet, and helpful to me. The sat me down, elevated my foot, and brought me ice from the boathouse to place on my ankle. They offered me a phone, but I have no numbers memorized to call...dam cell phones.
( i was thinking if worse comes to worse, and if I was not going to see any of my friends, or coach, I was going to call 911 as a last resort.)
Then I see Liz, Amy, and Skip!! What a relief. I don't remember much from this conversation, but I did remember they would come get me at Fletchers. Thank you guys! At least i knew, that I definitely had a ride coming, and two George would definitely be at the island.
Up until this point, I had no tears, just was in "survival" mode. Maybe it was the shock, or what, but it wasn't' until after my friends yelled bye to me, and I watched them run off to the distance, did I start crying.
Well, time passed, and there he was, George! It's like I could here music in my ears, " aaahhhhh". Same sounds you would hear if you just envisioned an angel. Rescue was here, and words, maybe encouraging or maybe truthful, but words from an expert is what I desperately needed to hear. (Sorry, George, seeing you was such a relief, the tears flowed more because of it. )
______________________
Fastforwad to Maggie taking me to urgent care: After a two and half hour wait, in a crowded undecorated waiting room, and bad patient care, I was told I fractured my distal end of my fibula. All I heard was "fracture" and "fibula"...then in my head " no Chicago or MCM". Maggie, who is basically my sister, knew it was time to get that PA to shut up and leave, and held me.
And now, I'm here. After a full 24 hours of tears, then another 24 of did this really happen, I'm heading to the doctor today to get a much better idea of it all. ( and hopefully a walking cast, because crutches SUCK!)
Thank you everyone for helping, and loving me during this time. Without all your support, I'd be a crumbled mess on the floor crying.
This is definitely something I never would have thought would happen to me. Knee injury, sure, strained muscles, yes, sprangs, possible....a broken ankle, never.( Car screeching sound....say again?!) Just 2 weeks from Chicago, I am going through such a wave of emotion. Why me, cry. Be strong, search for races...and repeat.
Going back to last Friday before the race, I was very excited at the fact that I had made it to taper, NOT injured! This would be my first marathon with out needing a taped or wrapped body part, or icy hot slathered on a certain area.( Thanks to George's training method/belief) I had made it and was dancing around my apartment to that Chicago Marathon rap that night. ( yes, I dance alone in my apartment) Not only had I made it to tapper without a lasting injury, but with a high possibility in running a 3:40 marathon. * Sigh
Saturday morning, I woke up, and my body ( or the universe) was telling me I should run Sunday; I really wasn't feeling it Saturday. ( I'm guessing still racing lingering fatigue)...But after 3o mins sitting on my sofa, I got myself up and dressed, and left.
I was set to run 14-16 miles Saturday morning, I decided to do 15. After meeting up with the group, we began our trek to the towpath. ( note: The towpath is actually one of my favorite paths to run. Yes, I've noticed the rocks, and slightly have rolled my ankles before, but NEVER would I ever expect this as a result.)
Heading out, I noticed a girl from another group take a fall. As we passed her, I noticed her bloody knees, and friends attending to her, as they stood her up, I remember thinking to myself, I hope she's OK, ans how scary that would be. ( Universe warning?)
Well, as we continued done the towpath, I actually rolled my right ankle twice, at two separate times. The rolls were good enough, to throw me off my stride, and have to shake out my ankle. Ironic, is after the second roll I joked, that maybe God was giving me a sign, I should not be running that day. ( Universe warning?)
To side track a bit, I'm not really a religious person. I do believe in a higher being ( God) and that the universe can indeed send you signs. Also, that intuition is a powerful thing, and is what I have been trying to listen to much more this year. So, in hind sight, I had several signs, I just chose to ignore them...*sigh. So, obviously, I'm still not listening to my instincts,and need to learn to do so more.
Back to the fall, according to the Garmin, it happened at 5.5 miles. All I can tell you, is on second I was running, the next, I was hard on the ground, and the ankle instantly hurt. Literally I fell, and instantly went to grab my ankle, that was very much hurting, I had no tears, just pure fear...fear that it was sprang, and there went Chicago. I didn't even feel my cuts, it was my friends whom pointed them out to me.
I had dirt everywhere! All over my legs, arms, hands, white tank top, blood was dripping down my leg...I was quite the sight.
My group that I run with are amazing by the way. ( if I knew how you guys linked other blogs to your blog, I would, but sorry, I'm technology challenged:) I don't remember much, but I believe it was Beth, and Steph that ran for help, while Amy, Liz and Skip stayed to assist. I probably had the group stopped for 10 minutes, and felt bad; they were running their 20 miler, and I had stopped them. Ughe.
Honestly, a lot of it was a blur. I think it was Liz that noted to go back to the lock where we just used the restroom. I hugged my friends, and they began their way to George, and I began my way to the closest lock.( which I though was 5)
I'll some this up, I actually had sat my ass at Lock 6 for quite some time. ( thinking it was 5) I was so fixated on my ankle,and what it meant for my season, that it actually took me awhile to realize this was not the lock that had the restrooms. So after sitting there for probably 30 minutes, I started my walk to lock 5, which took probably another 8-10 minutes.
At lock 5, a group of runners, came to my aid, and one was a doctor! They offered me a ride to a hospital, and help. But I had no cell, not wallet, no ID. If I left to a hospital, one my group would never know where I was, two, how would I get to my car after an ER visit. ( honestly, I still firmly believed it was a sprang, not a fracture, so I didn;t think the ER was needed.) So after a few minutes, they left...and I found a bench to lay down on, and elevate my foot on the table.
I sat here for, I'm guessing, 3o minutes, at which time, I started to think that I had missed George, when I was sitting at lock 6 for so long. I began to feel a little lost on what to do.I sat up, and limped my way to the little bridge at lock 5and stood there for another 10-15 minutes, and also saw Beth and the group run by. Which really made me think I missed George.
SO, I jogged/hobbled my way to Fletcher's, about 2 miles away. I knew Fletcher's was populated with people, and remembered seeing a Ragnar support table. Yes, it was uncomfortable, but painful, not so much.
I arrived at Fletcher, and the Ragnar volunteer saw I was in distress, and I basically yelled, " I need help".
The ladies of Ragnar were very sweet, and helpful to me. The sat me down, elevated my foot, and brought me ice from the boathouse to place on my ankle. They offered me a phone, but I have no numbers memorized to call...dam cell phones.
( i was thinking if worse comes to worse, and if I was not going to see any of my friends, or coach, I was going to call 911 as a last resort.)
Then I see Liz, Amy, and Skip!! What a relief. I don't remember much from this conversation, but I did remember they would come get me at Fletchers. Thank you guys! At least i knew, that I definitely had a ride coming, and two George would definitely be at the island.
Up until this point, I had no tears, just was in "survival" mode. Maybe it was the shock, or what, but it wasn't' until after my friends yelled bye to me, and I watched them run off to the distance, did I start crying.
Well, time passed, and there he was, George! It's like I could here music in my ears, " aaahhhhh". Same sounds you would hear if you just envisioned an angel. Rescue was here, and words, maybe encouraging or maybe truthful, but words from an expert is what I desperately needed to hear. (Sorry, George, seeing you was such a relief, the tears flowed more because of it. )
______________________
Fastforwad to Maggie taking me to urgent care: After a two and half hour wait, in a crowded undecorated waiting room, and bad patient care, I was told I fractured my distal end of my fibula. All I heard was "fracture" and "fibula"...then in my head " no Chicago or MCM". Maggie, who is basically my sister, knew it was time to get that PA to shut up and leave, and held me.
And now, I'm here. After a full 24 hours of tears, then another 24 of did this really happen, I'm heading to the doctor today to get a much better idea of it all. ( and hopefully a walking cast, because crutches SUCK!)
Thank you everyone for helping, and loving me during this time. Without all your support, I'd be a crumbled mess on the floor crying.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Me Vs. this Bug
It's war!!...and I think I am winning! :) With 17 days till Chicago, I had to take all measures to prevent this cold from progressing into something more. So I marched myself down to the pharmacy in our building, and had a talk with the Pharmacist!
I was in luck, not only did he know what to recommend, but he also advises his friend, who is a Ironman triathlete, on what supplements to intake to help prevent getting sick! I was thrilled to hear this!
So the 3000mg of Vitamin C I have been doing for the last 3 weeks. ( With Chicago around the corner, I didn't want to risk getting sick).
Today, I began the Echinacea/Zinc/Vit C supplements. ( What the pharmacist advised). I can say, I could feel worse, I think all of these measures are definitely helping in keeping this tame.
I was in luck, not only did he know what to recommend, but he also advises his friend, who is a Ironman triathlete, on what supplements to intake to help prevent getting sick! I was thrilled to hear this!
So the 3000mg of Vitamin C I have been doing for the last 3 weeks. ( With Chicago around the corner, I didn't want to risk getting sick).
Today, I began the Echinacea/Zinc/Vit C supplements. ( What the pharmacist advised). I can say, I could feel worse, I think all of these measures are definitely helping in keeping this tame.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Philadelphia RnR Half
The week heading into Philly was a great one, related to my running. (Really, starting a week and a half before, at a Thursday tempo run.) I produced a great 5 mile tempo ( W/Liz), a strong 20 miler with the G2B pace group, and Tuesday before Philly, our group also produced at 6:45 mile, totally unexpectantly! ( Hey guys, remember when we ran a 6:45 mile?:)
So,I think it was safe to think I would kill it in Philadelphia! I felt confident ( but nervous) about this.
My original goal was to hit 1:45,but after the week I had, I was playing around with the idea that I could produce a 1:42-1:44 half time. That being said, I was nervous, very nervous, despite my premature confidence.
I was planning, thinking, and even day dreaming of the race. I slowly became OCD about it ( as I have with planning Chicago)
(mistake #1)
The weekend was great. The day before legs were rested, Liz and I had found a great market in Philly, that had some delicious Amish pretzels. Yum! Later that night, we had a great dinner among great teammates, followed by an early bedtime. ( despite needing to drown the noise of a couple in the room above or next to us). We had to turn the clock radio on, and left it on, with the white noise of an AM station, to drown out "the" noise. LOL
As I laid into bed, and after I set my 3 alarms on my iPhone, I texted Amy to ask if she was also nervous about Sunday, and if she knew where the start was located exactly. She responded she was too (relief, I wasn't alone), and no I wasn't alone in also not knowing the exact start area. We passed about 1-2 more texts that we can do this with team work; then I began to settle into bed....Earlier, at dinner, I had also asked what pace the group planned to go out with; I had heard the 8-8:15 pace start,and was panicked about it. Yes, I can do that pace easily in a 5 mile tempo, but 13.1, could I?? So as I closed my eyes I started to plot my race, yet again.
In my dreams, it was great race! :)
I awoke well rested, excited, and super nervous. The first thing I did was look out the window, (as if I was a kid looking to see what Santa had brought on Christmas morning) I saw runners already on their way to the start at 6am! I immediately ran to my information sheet for the race and checked for the one millionth time what time the race started, lol. To my relief, it still said 8am!
As I settled to eat my pre-race banana and peanut butter with nuun ( and half diet coke...sorry George) I could feel my tummy get the nervous butterflies again.
At that time, my roomie, Liz, had awaken, and was helpful in distracting my thoughts from me, to her. :) Just some pre-race chit chat was enough to help me forget my nerves then. ( Good job on your run roomie!! It was hot, and you had a couple outside circumstances you couldn't control, that interfered with your run...you will rock MCM!!) I left the room at 7am, and Liz and I wished Good luck to each other!! I ran a 1.5 mile warm-up to the start, and around the start.
I had a game plan to meet with the girls by bag check at 7:30, but after the warm-up and nerves, I had to use the "powder room". The lines by this time we're long, so long story short, I didn't get to meet up with the group. ( figuring they have already lined up at 7:45, and probably would find them on the course)
So off to coral 5 I went. I was so nervous, I barely could eat my Cliff bar. ( I like to have a banana and PB 2 hours before a race and 1/2 of a cliff bar 1 hour before) I went to the front of the coral, and sat on the ground; I closed my eyes,began to try to calm my nerves. I began to repeat my running mantra to myself, "the body achieves what the mind believes", thinking about my uncle and taking in deep breaths. This helped a bit.
Then it was time. I stood up, and the 1st gun went off!! OK, nervous tummy back.Then the gun for coral 2 was fired, then 3, then 4....our coral was next, We were moved forward to the start line ( which btw, was way fun to be at the front of the coral.)
Then the gun went off; it was time to start! (Nerves!!) I did maintain a 8:20 pace first mile, wow, that was hard, not the pace, but the keeping it "slow", while everyone around you is taking off, and the crowds are cheering. The energy is electric!!
(Right away began to notice how warm it felt, and how strong the sun felt. It was great relief when the buildings would block the sun, and we made it to the shady part of the run.)
I was pretty OCD about checking my Gamin during this run. (mistake #2) First mile was exactly 8:20. (Yay me, I maintained a "slow" start.)...but when you can remember what your Garmin read at almost every mile, you've checked your Gamrin way too much.
Second mile was 16:39. ( 8:19 pace). I felt good physically, but still shaky mentally.
By mile 3 I dropped to 8:10ish pace, and maintained that just for a bit, before dropping to 7:57-8:02 pace. ( which became my comfort zone, unconsciously, and pretty quickly.)
I began to doubt myself ( mistake #3) "Could I maintain this?" "Should I be here now?" I was told to start at this pace, so it must be ok. (why was I doubting myself, when my coach believed I could deliver this?)
I felt great physically throughout the race; legs were fresh, and I felt strong...but mentally, I was not focused, I was everywhere.
Mile 5 I was stoked, Liz flagged me down, and there was my group!! YAY!! I yelled, "ya my group", and ran to them. Well, that was the only mile I stayed on their tale. I got nervous (they were running great and strong) but faster then my comfortable 7:57-8:02 pace. (according to my Garmin) The occasional 7:45 happened in the middle part of the race, each time, me slowing myself down, in fear I was starting my "fast" part too soon.
( BTW, Amy, I watched you for a bit...You're stride was relaxed, your focus strong. I knew when I saw you, this was YOUR race. Way to go girl!!)
I have to confess, I purposefully, dropped myself back, trying to conserve, and thinking I could never keep up with my G2B girls.
( Why I thought this, no clue, because track every week has proven that I could) Where did this self doubt come from?!?
Mile 8, sigh, wasn't a nerve problem, it was a real problem. I took in my 2nd GU, and choked on it!! WTF!! Luckily I run with water, so I could try to spit the GU out from the back of my throat. Choking threw my breathing way off. I couldn't catch my breath at all. Between running a 8 min pace, GU being stuck in the back of my throat, and the coughing, I was a mess! What a site. It took me a good couple minutes to recover, and get my breathing into rhythm again.(and my legs)
I dropped my pace at the 10 mile mark to 7:50 and maintain that till mile 12. During these faster 2 miles, I began to chant my mantra to myself. In attempt to drown out my self doubt with confidence.
The 12th-13th mile, legs were definitely tiring on me, big time, and the mind wanted to see that mile 13 mark. My mind began to play with my body, again, as it had done all 12.5 miles previously. *Sigh*
"Where is that 13 mile mark?" " Why aren't I seeing it yet?" ...it's almost like I am scared of really pushing my body. ( Reading Amy's post, I can relate...what is the worst that can happen?)
Finally, I saw mile 13,and I picked the pace up again; and once I saw the finish I did an all out sprint to the finish.
1:46:17 time. avg pace 8:03. Garmin read: 13.26 miles. PR'd by 50 seconds. W/U=1/5 miles, the run=13.26 and C/D=1 mile, I squeezed in 15.76 miles for the day.
Yes, I PR'd, and yes I should have been happy, but I was slightly disappointed. It wasn't my dreamed 1:42-1:45.
When I reunited my group, and heard their times, I became even more disappointed in myself. ( Though very happy for them! Congrats!) We have this talked about this before, at the Silver Diner...we're so happy to see our group do so well, but then feel poopy because you wanted to experience it too. (So I know you guys can relate:)
So yes, I had a pity party yesterday. Embarrassing yes, now that I look back...but I felt like Boston was out of my reach. My mind had abused me enough the last 13.1 miles, why stop now. :P
So, I did some thinking last night, while falling asleep and in between sleep. Chicago will be a whole different approach.
1. I plan to stop over analyzing everything about it.
2. I will not look at my Garmin every second, because it holds my pace back. (I will wear my Garmin, but flipped around, so I can't see it easily.)The races I have PR'd this year, were because I had no plan, and I just went with what I was feeling.
Chicago is less than 3 weeks away, so it's time to taper, both in miles, and with my OCD. ;)
I'm not saying I wont be nervous, I will be, I mean it's 26.2 miles, and the last 6 months of my life....but I will not be OCD about it; like how I became with Philly.
So,I think it was safe to think I would kill it in Philadelphia! I felt confident ( but nervous) about this.
My original goal was to hit 1:45,but after the week I had, I was playing around with the idea that I could produce a 1:42-1:44 half time. That being said, I was nervous, very nervous, despite my premature confidence.
I was planning, thinking, and even day dreaming of the race. I slowly became OCD about it ( as I have with planning Chicago)
(mistake #1)
The weekend was great. The day before legs were rested, Liz and I had found a great market in Philly, that had some delicious Amish pretzels. Yum! Later that night, we had a great dinner among great teammates, followed by an early bedtime. ( despite needing to drown the noise of a couple in the room above or next to us). We had to turn the clock radio on, and left it on, with the white noise of an AM station, to drown out "the" noise. LOL
As I laid into bed, and after I set my 3 alarms on my iPhone, I texted Amy to ask if she was also nervous about Sunday, and if she knew where the start was located exactly. She responded she was too (relief, I wasn't alone), and no I wasn't alone in also not knowing the exact start area. We passed about 1-2 more texts that we can do this with team work; then I began to settle into bed....Earlier, at dinner, I had also asked what pace the group planned to go out with; I had heard the 8-8:15 pace start,and was panicked about it. Yes, I can do that pace easily in a 5 mile tempo, but 13.1, could I?? So as I closed my eyes I started to plot my race, yet again.
In my dreams, it was great race! :)
I awoke well rested, excited, and super nervous. The first thing I did was look out the window, (as if I was a kid looking to see what Santa had brought on Christmas morning) I saw runners already on their way to the start at 6am! I immediately ran to my information sheet for the race and checked for the one millionth time what time the race started, lol. To my relief, it still said 8am!
As I settled to eat my pre-race banana and peanut butter with nuun ( and half diet coke...sorry George) I could feel my tummy get the nervous butterflies again.
At that time, my roomie, Liz, had awaken, and was helpful in distracting my thoughts from me, to her. :) Just some pre-race chit chat was enough to help me forget my nerves then. ( Good job on your run roomie!! It was hot, and you had a couple outside circumstances you couldn't control, that interfered with your run...you will rock MCM!!) I left the room at 7am, and Liz and I wished Good luck to each other!! I ran a 1.5 mile warm-up to the start, and around the start.
I had a game plan to meet with the girls by bag check at 7:30, but after the warm-up and nerves, I had to use the "powder room". The lines by this time we're long, so long story short, I didn't get to meet up with the group. ( figuring they have already lined up at 7:45, and probably would find them on the course)
So off to coral 5 I went. I was so nervous, I barely could eat my Cliff bar. ( I like to have a banana and PB 2 hours before a race and 1/2 of a cliff bar 1 hour before) I went to the front of the coral, and sat on the ground; I closed my eyes,began to try to calm my nerves. I began to repeat my running mantra to myself, "the body achieves what the mind believes", thinking about my uncle and taking in deep breaths. This helped a bit.
Then it was time. I stood up, and the 1st gun went off!! OK, nervous tummy back.Then the gun for coral 2 was fired, then 3, then 4....our coral was next, We were moved forward to the start line ( which btw, was way fun to be at the front of the coral.)
Then the gun went off; it was time to start! (Nerves!!) I did maintain a 8:20 pace first mile, wow, that was hard, not the pace, but the keeping it "slow", while everyone around you is taking off, and the crowds are cheering. The energy is electric!!
(Right away began to notice how warm it felt, and how strong the sun felt. It was great relief when the buildings would block the sun, and we made it to the shady part of the run.)
I was pretty OCD about checking my Gamin during this run. (mistake #2) First mile was exactly 8:20. (Yay me, I maintained a "slow" start.)...but when you can remember what your Garmin read at almost every mile, you've checked your Gamrin way too much.
Second mile was 16:39. ( 8:19 pace). I felt good physically, but still shaky mentally.
By mile 3 I dropped to 8:10ish pace, and maintained that just for a bit, before dropping to 7:57-8:02 pace. ( which became my comfort zone, unconsciously, and pretty quickly.)
I began to doubt myself ( mistake #3) "Could I maintain this?" "Should I be here now?" I was told to start at this pace, so it must be ok. (why was I doubting myself, when my coach believed I could deliver this?)
I felt great physically throughout the race; legs were fresh, and I felt strong...but mentally, I was not focused, I was everywhere.
Mile 5 I was stoked, Liz flagged me down, and there was my group!! YAY!! I yelled, "ya my group", and ran to them. Well, that was the only mile I stayed on their tale. I got nervous (they were running great and strong) but faster then my comfortable 7:57-8:02 pace. (according to my Garmin) The occasional 7:45 happened in the middle part of the race, each time, me slowing myself down, in fear I was starting my "fast" part too soon.
( BTW, Amy, I watched you for a bit...You're stride was relaxed, your focus strong. I knew when I saw you, this was YOUR race. Way to go girl!!)
I have to confess, I purposefully, dropped myself back, trying to conserve, and thinking I could never keep up with my G2B girls.
( Why I thought this, no clue, because track every week has proven that I could) Where did this self doubt come from?!?
Mile 8, sigh, wasn't a nerve problem, it was a real problem. I took in my 2nd GU, and choked on it!! WTF!! Luckily I run with water, so I could try to spit the GU out from the back of my throat. Choking threw my breathing way off. I couldn't catch my breath at all. Between running a 8 min pace, GU being stuck in the back of my throat, and the coughing, I was a mess! What a site. It took me a good couple minutes to recover, and get my breathing into rhythm again.(and my legs)
I dropped my pace at the 10 mile mark to 7:50 and maintain that till mile 12. During these faster 2 miles, I began to chant my mantra to myself. In attempt to drown out my self doubt with confidence.
The 12th-13th mile, legs were definitely tiring on me, big time, and the mind wanted to see that mile 13 mark. My mind began to play with my body, again, as it had done all 12.5 miles previously. *Sigh*
"Where is that 13 mile mark?" " Why aren't I seeing it yet?" ...it's almost like I am scared of really pushing my body. ( Reading Amy's post, I can relate...what is the worst that can happen?)
Finally, I saw mile 13,and I picked the pace up again; and once I saw the finish I did an all out sprint to the finish.
1:46:17 time. avg pace 8:03. Garmin read: 13.26 miles. PR'd by 50 seconds. W/U=1/5 miles, the run=13.26 and C/D=1 mile, I squeezed in 15.76 miles for the day.
Yes, I PR'd, and yes I should have been happy, but I was slightly disappointed. It wasn't my dreamed 1:42-1:45.
When I reunited my group, and heard their times, I became even more disappointed in myself. ( Though very happy for them! Congrats!) We have this talked about this before, at the Silver Diner...we're so happy to see our group do so well, but then feel poopy because you wanted to experience it too. (So I know you guys can relate:)
So yes, I had a pity party yesterday. Embarrassing yes, now that I look back...but I felt like Boston was out of my reach. My mind had abused me enough the last 13.1 miles, why stop now. :P
So, I did some thinking last night, while falling asleep and in between sleep. Chicago will be a whole different approach.
1. I plan to stop over analyzing everything about it.
2. I will not look at my Garmin every second, because it holds my pace back. (I will wear my Garmin, but flipped around, so I can't see it easily.)The races I have PR'd this year, were because I had no plan, and I just went with what I was feeling.
Chicago is less than 3 weeks away, so it's time to taper, both in miles, and with my OCD. ;)
I'm not saying I wont be nervous, I will be, I mean it's 26.2 miles, and the last 6 months of my life....but I will not be OCD about it; like how I became with Philly.
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