2-0

The number 20 can represent any number of things.  A birthday.  The number of years you’ve been married.  The number of pounds you needed to lose when you started running again two and half years ago.  At that time it certainly wasn’t the number of miles I ever considered being capable of (or wanting to) run.  But here I sit, sore, yet proud, of accomplishing that goal this morning.

I left the house around 7:30, a bit later than I wanted, but at least the sun was up.  The weather was perfect.  Crisp, but sunny.  I ran two miles around the neighborhood and headed over to Butler.  As my long runs have gotten longer, I try to add my distance into the middle of the run, as opposed to just running farther north on the Monon (mainly because I hate running north of 96th Street).  I turned around at the 38th Street bridge, hoping that I wouldn’t have to go much farther north than 91st Street.

I’ve been testing out various types of gels over the last few weeks, and have decided that I prefer Chomps and Sport Beans to the actual gels.  Last week I took something every 5 miles, but felt like I ran out of energy long before it was time to take the next dose.  And it seemed to take longer to feel the boost (also 4 Chomps is a lot to stuff in your face at one time).  I decided I would try eating a couple of Chomps every two and a half miles.  It seemed to work out OK.

I felt pretty good, but at mile 8 my legs started to feel tired.  I wasn’t expecting that until mile 12 or so.  I hit the Monon around mile 9.5, and immediately got behind this guy that did not want me to pass him.  I did anyway, but at 10 miles stopped for some Chomps.  He passed me, I started back up, caught up to him, and again he kept pushing over to the middle of the path while looking over his shoulder.  Seriously?  That continued all the way to 96th.  I met my husband just south of 91st, he turned around, and we continued to the turnaround point, took a bathroom break, and headed towards home with about 6.5 miles to go.

At mile 16, with only 4 miles to go, I started wondering what my mental state would be at mile 16 in the race, knowing that I had 1o more miles to go.  Then I realized I (hopefully) wouldn’t be thinking in those terms at only 16 miles.  I have always managed to make it through long runs by not focusing on how many miles down/how many miles to go.  Since it has to be done, the best thing is to focus only on putting one foot in front of the other.  But I felt pretty good at 16 miles, and the thought of another ten miles wasn’t that daunting.

But then I hit mile 18, and I wasn’t sure I would even be able to finish the last two miles without walking.  I felt like I’d hit a wall, and my legs felt like lead.  I was certain I was running over a 10 minute pace.  I felt slow.  But when I looked at my watch, I was under 9 minutes.    Then I started to feel stronger.  So on we pushed.  When I heard the alert at 19 miles, all I could think about was mentally ticking off tenth of a mile increments.  I knew I would hit twenty miles before we made it back home, and I wasn’t sure yet if I would run the rest of the way home or walk.

When I hit twenty, I decided it best to walk home.  I was surprised at how much every part of my body hurt when I stopped.  Everything was sore, and I wondered how I would ever keep going for another six miles (I’m still not sure, to be quite honest).  I thought the finish would be a bit more emotional.  I would not have been surprised if I had shed a tear or two.  But I didn’t.  I just felt amazing.  Exhausted and in pain, but amazing.  And still able to smile (as Pete jumped at me to photobomb with his paws).

I stretched and thought about the run, and what I need to do to keep things more consistent.  I was happy that my pace was faster than last week, but was hoping for closer to 9:15.  I am concerned about starting out too fast during the race, and I have allowed myself to go as slow as I want at the beginning of the long runs.  I need to work on gradually increasing my pace each mile.  Good thing I have another 20 mile run in two weeks.

I topped off the run with some chocolate milk and donuts.  It was the perfect reward.  And I am so ready to sleep soundly tonight.

Running with Dogs | How Maggie & I Saved a Bulldog

Yesterday was day two of running with the dogs.  I was a little nervous about how it would go because it was fairly warm.  Maggie, like her mama, doesn’t do well in heat.  But I am determined to get them exercising on a regular basis, so off we went.

We started out the same as Sunday.  Pete and Maggie were both weaving back and forth.  It took them a while to get into the swing of it.  Of course, the boys pulled ahead in no time.  I could tell that Maggie was taking it a little slower.  She also had a lot more slobber this time.  I mean, to the point that she shook her head and the slimy foam went flying everywhere ala Hooch. (You know, as in Turner and Hooch.  Please tell me you know Turner and Hooch.)

We were a couple of blocks from home and there was a barking dog in its back yard.  Maggie started flipping around and yipping at it.  Just as we made it past that house, I heard some shouting.  “No!”  “Moses, no!” “MOSES!” I did not know who Moses was, but I recognized the tone in the voice.  Panic rising to the level of hysteria.  Moses was a dog, he was loose, and he was heading for the busy street.

I slowed my pace and shouted at my husband to stop.  I looked behind me in the direction of the yells, and sure enough, here was this big, white bulldog barreling straight towards us.  Of course, we were on the opposite side of the street.  Luckily there were no cars close by, but two were approaching.

I got a tight grip on Maggie’s leash and ran out into the street, waving my arms like a crazy person to make sure that the drivers saw us.  The one time I’m not wearing bright, reflective clothing is obviously the one time I’m going to have to run into the middle of the street.  Moses ran to us to say hello.  All I could do was hope that Maggie didn’t freak out on him.  She’s so squirrely around other dogs, and you never know how she might react.  She does not take kindly to other dogs’ noses near her butt.  At a very minimum, I expected barking.

As Moses greeted Maggie, I grabbed his collar.  That was my first priority – stop him from going anywhere else.  My second priority was to try to keep them separated, or at least avoid a fight.  Man, was he strong and solid.  He really wanted to sniff her, and there wasn’t much I could do to keep them apart.  I tried walking them over to the sidewalk, but we didn’t get very far.  I can just imagine what we looked like!  Me bent halfway over with my right hand on his collar, while I had my left hand raised up to tighten the leash and keep Maggie away from him.

All of this took place in a matter of seconds.  I doubt we were even standing there for thirty seconds.  His owner ran over, thanked us, put a leash on him, and we all made it safely to the other sidewalk.  As Moses walked off, I looked down at Maggie, amazed.  She was still just sitting there quietly.  I don’t know if it was the exercise, or whether she could tell another canine was in trouble and needed help, but I was very proud of how she responded.  We waited for the cars to pass and took off to catch up with the boys.

Pete was in top form again, running way too fast for me to stay up with them.  Maggie and I just took our time.  We even got to the point where there was some slack in the leash.  That never happens.  We made it the rest of the way without incident…well, except for Pete slamming on the brakes to take a pee right on the sidewalk.  We even made it past a very crowded Waffle Cone Wednesday with no crazy barks from Maggie.  There was even a small dog that started barking at us, but she just looked in that direction for a split second and paid no mind.

We went back out tonight, and it was totally uneventful.  That is, except for Pete unexpectedly lunging for a squirrel and nearly flying head over heels.  I looked up just as his butt was coming back down out of the air.

In case you’re keeping track, that’s three successful runs, and one successful bulldog rescue.  I’d say that’s a pretty good record so far.

Why I Run

Some days by the time I get home from work I just don’t want to go back out and run.  Especially when it’s cold or windy, or I’m tired.  Most days I still begrudgingly put on my running clothes, tie my shoes, shuffle to the end of the driveway, and start running.  Inevitably, about two miles in I am always glad that I made myself go.  I would love to be able to get up in the morning and run.  I find that running in the morning makes the dark circles under my eyes go away – increased blood flow and all.  But there’s something about an afternoon run that helps to clear my mind of all the stresses of the day.

Some of my best ideas come while I’m running, although many times by the time I’ve made it home I’ve forgotten them!  I suppose I could try running with a notepad.  While I run, I think about why I run.  Mainly, I run because I love to eat.  I love to eat more than I love to run, although running allows me to eat pretty much anything I want, so maybe it’s a draw.  I find dieting impossible.  I can’t resist cookies, cakes, ice cream or any other tasty treats.  I also love pasta and bread.  Running is the only exercise that keeps me from getting to be the size of a house.  Running has helped get me through some difficult times.  I have often taken solace in the sound of my feet pounding the pavement, my thoughts rattling around in my head.

Last week I ran 35 miles in seven days.  That was the highest number of miles I have ever run in a given week.  While I was proud of myself, at the end of the week, I was tired, run down, and feeling burned out.  And it’s still eight more weeks to the half-marathon.  I took three days off, and had a great run yesterday.  However, there is no way that I will be able to get in all of this week’s miles.  As I took off this afternoon, I was wondering what my coach would say about my slacking off this week.

I was thinking of what my explanation would be, when I realized that I run for me.  I run because I enjoy it (most days).  I run to stay fit and healthy.  I run because of how it makes me feel.  Yes, I enjoy training for races and pushing myself to beat my previous times.  But that’s not the main reason I run.  I do it because I want to.  And if that means I need to take a few days off for my own mental and physical health, that’s OK.  The world won’t end if I don’t run 36 miles in 6 days this week.  I will still have a good race time if I take a few days off.

I’m not going to worry about what my coach thinks about this week’s training.  Life will go on.  And I will continue to run because I like to, because it is exhilarating, and because I want to – not because someone tells me that I have to.  Why do I run?  I run for me.

The Deceptive Sun

I hate this time of year in the midwest.  Half the time it is cloudy, snowy, or blah, and the other half the sun is out, but it is still bitterly cold!  That’s what it was like today.  I woke up this morning and I could see the sunlight streaming through the blinds.  It could have been a summer day from where I was in bed.  Then I got up.  The snow was still on the ground and none of it had melted overnight.

I had already decided that I was going to run first thing – before I even made the coffee.  I have to start getting into the mindset of running 5-6 days a week – no matter what is going on outside.  Unfortunately, I had to check the temperature in order to know the appropriate clothing to layer on.  Too much or too little could make for an unpleasant run.  I should have just gone with my instinct, because it was only 10 degrees!  At least it was in the double digits…

I did not let that deter me.  I layered up, and put on all my accessories: hat, tube-scarf-thing that I hate, and convertible mittens/gloves that I love.  I thought the scarf thing was going to be a great investment.  Some of the women in my running group had them last year, and I was determined to get one for this winter.  I saw them at Dick’s but ended up buying one from Eddie Bauer because it was a bright color instead of black.  (I am concerned with visibility when running at dusk).  I think it would be great if I wasn’t running, but it isn’t tight enough to stay around my face, then my chin gets cold.

As anticipated, it was cold!  There was no point in the sun even being out as little warmth as it was giving off.  I went four miles and my time was a little slow, partially due to the snow on the ground and partially due to the cold and wind.  But I did it, and after I got home I wondered why it is so hard for me to make myself run first thing in the morning when I feel so much better for the rest of the day.  And even though the sun deceived me, it was still nice to be in the bright outdoors.

After being out and about this afternoon I had again talked myself out of running first thing tomorrow morning.  Then one of my running coaches stopped by to give me a belated gift of super warm tights.  They are actually made for rowers and I have heard that they are unbelievable in cold weather.  Now I have no excuse not to go.  If they are really as warm as I’ve been told, I will never have that excuse again.  Wait, maybe that’s the reason not to go…just kidding.

Gearing Up

I am about two weeks away from the next half-marathon training program, and I figured now would be an appropriate time to write my first official post about running.  I think it’s also particularly timely because many people make New Year’s resolutions to get in shape, lose weight, be healthier, etc.  People are still motivated right now, but I know how difficult it can become to stay motivated as we move farther away from the excitement and promise of the new year and meet up with cold wintry weather (at least if you live in the midwest like me).

When I started the half-marathon training program a year ago (unbelievable that it’s only been a year), I had no intentions of running the race.  I just wanted a fun group exercise program that would keep my interest.  I figured getting involved in a program that I had to pay for was a good start.  (This seems totally ridiculous to me now since I have paid for gym memberships in the past that were much more expensive and then sat on the couch eating ice cream out of the container instead of going to the gym).  Plus, the group met right around the corner from my house, and was all women.  This was really the most important factor.

I was definitely nervous that first night.  I had just moved to the neighborhood and did not know anyone in the group.  I hadn’t run on any type of consistent basis for probably 2.5 years, and I had gained about 25 pounds in the last 2 years.  I have never been a fast runner, and I had no illusions about my abilities that January night.  The brochure touted the program as one for all levels, ages and abilities, so I swallowed my nerves and opened the door.  It was more than I could have hoped for.  There really were people of all levels, and even better, someone at my level/pace!  After a couple of weeks, I was hooked, and began scrambling around to find a race entry so I could share in the excitement of running 13.1 miles with my new friends.

If you are looking to get back into running, start running, or are looking for a form of exercise that burns a lot of calories (100 calories per 10 minutes!), look around your community for a running group.  Check with your local running stores or do an internet search.  Check Facebook (my group is on there).  You will be surprised by what’s out there.  I know I was.  I am someone who generally likes to run alone, but knowing I have friends to run with twice a week who encourage me and hold me accountable helps keep me going through the rest of the week.

As I get ready to start this next program one year and two half-marathons after I started, I have lost those 25 pounds, shaved about 2.5 minutes off my average mile time, and have gained the mentality of a runner.  I don’t want to lead anyone to believe that developing a running habit is easy, because it’s not, even with a training group.  But if I can do it – a self-admitted procrastinator and someone who can come up with many creative excuses to avoid exercise – anyone can do it.

This blog is not just about running, but if you are thinking about starting a running journey, check back.  I have other related topics floating around in my head, including what to wear, where to buy it, what to eat and why have I only lost 3 pounds in 4 weeks?  Maybe some of what I learned will be helpful to you too.  And good luck!  Remember, it’s just one foot in front of the other.