Confessions of a reluctant runner, a DL 1/2 & PHM PTR. 7/5 race recaps and final thoughts

[KatMark]

I know nothing about running, but your numbers look very impressive and I love the views as you run.

 

[franandaj]

Thats a very impressive plan that you have. Runs mapped out to the day and all. Thats something like I would do for my dinners!

The certificates are so cute!

Good luck on keeping up. Im sure you'll do just fine.

 

[eandesmom]

Great update! That is a lot of "technical" language about running, but I'm still learning so I tried to absorb it all.

I don't really have a clue what I am talking about so be careful Generally speaking my method has been to just go out there and run, slowly building up distance, and that worked out fine. Overthinking, which I do in all aspects of my life, has its drawbacks for sure.

I may need to try a new lacing technique for my running shoes. I hate the way shoes feel on the top of my feet, but thankfully I'm not having any other issues.

No issues are good! I think the lacing is a great thing to try, it's kind of like, what do you have to lose?

Congrats on your great race! I think your placing is fantastic, especially for that being your 1st half.

Thanks!

Great update Cynthia! Love all your tech talk and your impressive finish. That certificate is pretty darn cool and I think its actually cooler to be 101 then 100!

LOL. Nah, 100 would be cooler. Or 99.

At the end of the day though I really was happy not to die, ultimately that was the goal. Not die and have fun.

It's overly techie I know, but I know if I don't attempt something...I definitely will not improve. Which is ok but I do feel I should at least try.

Your training schedule is pretty daunting. I know what you mean about getting the runs in. It's got to be really hard with traveling. I am pretty much resigned to having to do one run a week on the dread mill. In a way I don't mind because its only once a week and some times its just so hard to get out there after a day at work when its cold, dark, and damp outside.

I don't know, you are putting in quite a few more miles than I am right now! There are a couple of weeks that look ugly and the concept of 8 mile tempo runs do freak me out a bit. We will see how long I can stick with it. I hope I can. It's also a bit misleading. Times are faster when it is cooler out. So even if I can pull this off, it's winter here and is likely to be warmer at the actual race so it all might not mean a darn thing.

I would rather run in the rain and the dark than do the treadmill. It gives me shin splints! And I am going to fall off and kill myself. Or whack my head or something!

We had wonderful running weather here this weekend. I wish I had felt up to a run today, but I did last weeks long run on Sunday and this weeks on Saturday plus two mid weeks runs. On the other days I did weight training. I was pretty much done by today.

Wasn't it hard to wear those pretty yellow shoes in the rain?

I am not a fan of running 2 days in a row, my body is too old to take beating up repeatedly like that, I need a day in between. Honestly, no it really wasn't. It's kind of funny to see how my feeling have changed on it. Last year I wouldn't run in the rain unless I had full tights on, hated the splashing on the back of my legs. This year, could care less. Last year I wouldn't run in the rain unless I had a long sleeve wicking shirt on, this year will do a tank under a light jacket or a short sleeve shirt and just get wet. Last year I'd skip a run if it was too nasty out. I'm not saying that won't happen this year, but so far it hasn't.

I almost bought my old shoes in yellow last spring and didn't as I did like the idea that they would get filthy and the black hides stuff so much better. Now it's like...whatever, as long as they work. LOL! They are sopping wet right now, and yes, dirty. Another soggy run today.

I know nothing about running, but your numbers look very impressive and I love the views as you run.

Thanks Kathy!

I think it's like being a veranda junkie. I am a running view junkie (outdoor view junkie) and will go out of my way to make the run pretty, versus just running on city streets or sidewalks.

 

[eandesmom]

Thats a very impressive plan that you have. Runs mapped out to the day and all. Thats something like I would do for my dinners!

The certificates are so cute!

Good luck on keeping up. Im sure you'll do just fine.

Aren't those fun? Official Mousecot

I overplan EVERYTHING. Drives my kids nuts. Or actually my lack of flexiblity is apparently driving them nuts. Sigh.

 

[Poolrat]

Caught up and WOW a great plan and sounds like a wonderful First HM run.

I know what you mean about goal and being disappointed. I finished mine and not nearly as fast or as well as yours but my goal was to finish. It was very hot for me and I did WAY more walking than what I wanted to do so I was disappointed in the performance but not the experience.

Love the BFP and looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out.

 

[CarolynK]

ummm..there are other words for it

My toes were going numb so rather than start over with a new shoe, I tried a lacing strategy instead, there are all kinds of tricks to try and lots of folks swear by it.

Wow, I have toe numbness on the elliptical, I need to try this! Thanks.

I'd have a hard time running around here if i did that. Looks to be another soggy one tonight. The poor folks who did Wine and Dine Half at WDW last night got drenched. I never really thought about it till last night but should that happen (and in Feb is pretty unlikely I think), Ann and I might have an advantage

Yuck for the soggy weather, but if it helps then that's a good thing!

 

[eandesmom]

Caught up and WOW a great plan and sounds like a wonderful First HM run.

thanks!

I know what you mean about goal and being disappointed. I finished mine and not nearly as fast or as well as yours but my goal was to finish. It was very hot for me and I did WAY more walking than what I wanted to do so I was disappointed in the performance but not the experience.

Love the BFP and looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out.

You finished! And you did it in the first place. At the end of the day that is what matters. As they say, you lapped everyone on the couch. I think it is rare for most runners not to be a little critical of performance, no matter how well or poorly it goes. Then again, it's not dissimilar to a planned trip. Reality often doesn't exactly deliver the visions we have going in, do they?

I am actually contemplating half here in January. In a million years I didn't think I'd do that. Not so much for the training or PR aspect but to ensure I stay on track with all the runs between now and PHM.

Wow, I have toe numbness on the elliptical, I need to try this! Thanks.

NO kidding. Funny how just tying your shoes can now be overly complicated!

I have it on the elliptical too. I think it's for different reasons though as I googled it once wanting to see what I was doing wrong. Apparently it is relatively common and has to do with pressure points on the foot. Changing the incline can impact it for me but I do wonder if a different lace would as well.

Yuck for the soggy weather, but if it helps then that's a good thing!

Well hopefully it won't rain at PHM so any rain training advantage is moot! Kind of funny though, I found a local race in January that I am actually seriously considering doing. It's a half marathon called....

The Rain Run.

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh they mean I over think everything. LOL! But it is a plan that will hopefully help me push myself as without it, I'll just keep doing the same and getting the same results. Which are fine results but then i will never know if I was capable of more.

It is good to have a plan!

You are doing GREAT, that is so exciting! I actually can't do a lot of the equipment weight wise inside and get bored on the cardio machines so this does help mix it up.

Thank you so much! I'm really excited about the results. I've done it before so I know it can be done, but I've got to make sure this is the last time. I've had to change my relationship with food which was hard.

It is nice and flexible so it's helping me stay on track with travel when in the past I would not. That said, yeah, it can be soggy! Tonight looks like another wet one. The real question is, will Eric come out with us, or wimp out?

Did he go with you? Fun that he's found an activity he enjoys and can enjoy with you too.

 

[eandesmom]

It is good to have a plan!

Thank you so much! I'm really excited about the results. I've done it before so I know it can be done, but I've got to make sure this is the last time. I've had to change my relationship with food which was hard.

I hear you there, I've backslid in that area for sure.

Did he go with you? Fun that he's found an activity he enjoys and can enjoy with you too.

No, he got a better offer hung out with his cousin all afternoon. And..it was pouring so it's likely he'd have wimped out anyway. Allegedly he is going to run Wednesday night with me. We will see!

 

[afwdwfan]

Wow... one less selfie and you could have cracked the top 100 mark.

I've got to give you credit though, that is quite an accomplishment. You definitely have plenty to be proud of. I'm still having a hard time even wrapping my mind around the idea of potentially running 800 miles in a year. You might not be happy with your work in October, but that's pretty phenomenal. I know I'd have a hard time finding the time and motivation to even come close to that.

 

[CarolynK]

Well hopefully it won't rain at PHM so any rain training advantage is moot! Kind of funny though, I found a local race in January that I am actually seriously considering doing. It's a half marathon called....

The Rain Run.

 

[eandesmom]

Wow... one less selfie and you could have cracked the top 100 mark.

One less selfie and I'd have cracked 100.



You are so right!

I've got to give you credit though, that is quite an accomplishment. You definitely have plenty to be proud of. I'm still having a hard time even wrapping my mind around the idea of potentially running 800 miles in a year. You might not be happy with your work in October, but that's pretty phenomenal. I know I'd have a hard time finding the time and motivation to even come close to that.

Well it is over the course of a year mind you! Apparently that means I could have run to Stockton, CA. Or really, to San Francisco as I am not sure why anyone would want to run to Stockton.

Or better yet, all the way to Billings, Montana

If I had a year to do it in that is.

 

[Poolrat]

I am actually contemplating half here in January. In a million years I didn't think I'd do that. Not so much for the training or PR aspect but to ensure I stay on track with all the runs between now and PHM.

Yup I need kind of kick in the....- sign up for a race, so I train...... I am almost there. I just know with my schedule I would feel more stressed.
i just need to get out of tornado mode and at least into straight line wind mode. At least then I would feel like I am making progress instead of a bigger mess.

 

[eandesmom]

Yup I need kind of kick in the....- sign up for a race, so I train...... I am almost there. I just know with my schedule I would feel more stressed.
i just need to get out of tornado mode and at least into straight line wind mode. At least then I would feel like I am making progress instead of a bigger mess.

Ah it's tough. For me, it's one of those things where I have come to realize it's almost always tornado mode and I just had to buckle down, make a schedule and then literally work around it on a weekly basis to make it work.

Poor Jeff, I have to send him "week at a glance" updates on Monday that has our runs and workouts plotted around kid and work and other family or whatever things.

Right now it's 36 degrees out. I really do not want to go out there in the dark and run. I really really really don't!

But...this is what it's going to be for the foreseeable future so I know I need to suck it up. I will likely hate it in the moment but feel better later and feel worse if I don't.

I am likely to sign up for a race in Dec and Jan just so I am not lured by the comfort of my own fireplace...

 

[Woth2982]

I am here and I am caught up! So much going on for me lately!

Anyway, you did amazing on the DLH! I am so insanely jealous of how well you run! That was not a pleasant day to run a marathon either. I was hot just watching it!

I hope your blister is doing ok. That looks like a really tough one! I am going to get fitted for shoes this weekend. I think my foot issues are related to my shoes. I have started the Marathon.....yes full not half.....training and I want to make sure everything stays as healed as possible! trying different things to keep my feet from blistering.

 

[eandesmom]

I am here and I am caught up! So much going on for me lately!

Anyway, you did amazing on the DLH! I am so insanely jealous of how well you run! That was not a pleasant day to run a marathon either. I was hot just watching it!

Hi Katie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sad we didn't get to see you again over the weekend. It wasn't so much that it was hot, it was wicked humid. BLEH! Probably didn't help that I over hydrated the day before but...on the plus side, no swelling at all during the race lol.

You are very sweet, thank you. I think we all are our own worst critics for sure.

I hope your blister is doing ok. That looks like a really tough one! I am going to get fitted for shoes this weekend. I think my foot issues are related to my shoes. I have started the Marathon.....yes full not half.....training and I want to make sure everything stays as healed as possible! trying different things to keep my feet from blistering.

What's going on with your feet? Blister issues are no fun for sure and while it's a giant pita to figure out why they are happening I do think it can be mitigated. I can't say if my current combo is the real ticket until I get my miles up higher but it feels good at the moment. I may still need to go up a half size.

Thankfully that blister is long gone now, and I've been able to keep one from forming since September. Of course I've not run farther than 7 miles so it may be just that and not anything else

UGH marathon. You go girl! I have zero desire to run that far (or really to run for that many hours at a time). I really admire those who do! That is a serious commitment.

 

[Chilly]

Massive congratulations on your placing, and great purchase on the new shoes.

 

[eandesmom]

Massive congratulations on your placing, and great purchase on the new shoes.

Thanks Claire!

 

[eandesmom]

Finally, as of Sunday evening I am SLOWLY starting to feel caught up in life. I really needed a break from travel and some more normal routine! It has seriously taken me three weekends to find all my fall clothes, put summer stuff largely away, just in time for cold winter ish running!

Training update. I am now up to a whopping 27 miles this month, which is more on track with what a normal month should be before I get into the longer training runs as my actual training plan kicks in next month. Sadly I was looking at my projected total miles for all cardio with that 800 number....(it included walks) it’s more likely I will be around 650. Not quite double what I ran in 2013, and that was only 8 months but still, it is a lot more than I ever thought I’d do! I do track the walks if in the running shoes as it wears them down too. Here is how the last few runs have gone.

Last Sunday. 4.83 @ 9:20 pace
Wednesday. 4.67 @9:11 pace
Friday. 2.21 @9:12 pace
Yesterday (Sunday) 5.18 @9:33 pace.

Average pace for the month 9:17. If I can keep the average there or get it down even 1 second, it could be my fastest month. I did have this average for last April but only ran 37 miles that month. If I can keep the average there but end where I think I will on miles (50+) that will be a win of sorts even if it isn't faster. I did spend a little time looking at last years performance and the reality is that cooler weather is simply faster. Meaning these runs aren't really any better than in the past, I need to get them all just a bit faster, consistently. But that's what the new plan is for, right?

It was an interesting mix of runs for sure.

Last Sunday's was wet. A year ago at this time I didn’t actually own a rain jacket to run in. Well, I had one, but the waterproofing was all gone. I’d wear it occasionally but generally it made things worse as it didn’t breathe. Fast forward a year and I have 2. One I got for free as apparently the old one that didn't work, had a lifetime warranty. The new one is awesome and very water proof. I also have a much lighter one that is more for wind and light rain. It is interesting to explore which works best in what conditions. Wet runs do make you focus on your footing for sure and try to avoid puddles and wet slimy leaves!

Wednesday was a night run. Longest since daylight savings time and running in the dark. Not that it was a long run, it is our normal Weds distance but it was the first time in the dark, fully, since last year. I had an AHA moment on this run. Right now, my PHM plan calls for me to do tempo runs on Weds and intervals on Fridays. Virtually ALL of these will be in the dark.

I can't see my watch in the dark.



It's going to be hard to know how fast I am going! DOH!

I do have runkeeper but have found it to be wildly inaccurate (as well as any other app), largely due to poor gps signal. Admittedly I have not tried it since upgrading my phone and it’s possible the new phone has better reception but I’m used to the watch now.

There are also spots on the trail that frankly are too dark, I can't see the trail. I actually went off into the grass at one point. Ooops! Much of it gets a lot of ambient light from the street or other houses but there are dark pockets. That slows me down. Last year I ended up doing loops out and back in the lighted areas and skipped the darker spots most of the time. Practically speaking I don't think that’s the answer for the training I hope to do either for total miles on the tempo runs or for those dreaded intervals!

So, I bought a headlamp! It shipped uber fast (love that REI is based here lol) and it seems really cool. It will be good for cold runs as it will go over the warmer headband I wear. Not as sure if it’s not cold enough for that but will cross that bridge when I get there. It’s rechargeable, dimmable, all kinds of things. I also bought a new running vest that is pretty obnoxious. It has pockets! Which, since my favorite running knickers with the amazing side pockets do not come in a capri or full length tight, I want and need! I've been spoiled with all the pockets and going back to just one in the rear to hold my phone isn't quite enough for the longer runs if I want fuel. It's not as reflective as I'd like but it is neon green. That will let me allow Eric to use the reflective vest I do have, as well as my blinking light, while I use the new headlamp (which has another light on the back side as well). One cool thing about the disastrous 10K from last month is in the packets, we actually got cheapo lights to wear while running. It’s nice to have a few backups!

Yeah. I will NOT be wearing it with shorts like that. I do not own shorts like that (ok, anymore lol, there may have been a brief delusional period of my life). My thighs are chafed just looking at those!

It was a COLD run. Coldest we've had so far. 28 when we headed out. We lived. However, Jeff, in a wardrobe adjustment move while running, landed just a little wrong on the calf he has ongoing issues with. Grr. He took the rest of the week off.

Friday. Was also a night run. It was also Eric’s first night run, and cold weather run! We had originally planned to do 3 or 4 miles, to get him used to it. However we had a bit of a weird encounter. We parked, were busy getting lights and vests etc on. I’d pulled up behind a parked, dark car, so didn’t think a thing about the fact that my headlights were blaxing into the back window.

All of a sudden there is a knock on my window and some guy is there, wanting to know what time it is. I tell him and then then goes back into the dark car. And it stays dark.

I decided I wasn't really comfortable parking there and heading out with my 14 year old! It was upsetting as I have NEVER had an issue there at night before. Granted, Jeff is usually with me, but not always. So we drove down to the brewpub that is on the trail (the "beer on a stump" place some of you may recall), parked there and ran a loop that stayed within the well-lighted areas. Eric was funny. There had been a bit of drama leading up to the run. In discussions with him about what to wear for a cold run, he was pretty adamant about shorts and a short sleeved tech shirt. I really wanted him to at least wear a long sleeve shirt. He was resistant. However, not necessarily resistant for the reasons I originally thought. That morning, I went into his room to try and make sure that shirt was there. HOLY disaster on the clothing front. I literally purged 2 full bags of clothes that were too small. And found his 2 longs sleeve tech shirts, and warm hats. He chose the lighter of the 2 to wear (the other being more of a camping/hiking/skiing base layer) and a hat. And then shockingly, chose to wear sweats. He complained of the cold at first, his hands were frozen etc but about half way into it admitted he was ok but now his head was itchy from the hat. LOL! He thought it was fun so that is a good thing but the encounter with the driver did creep us out a little. Jeff should be with us most of the time but it was unfortunate.

Sunday dawned crisp and absolutely stunning. With Jeff out of commission I headed out from our house. Something I have not done since July! We have a hill from our house down to the trail that is a little over a mile long. Great on the way down, not so fun on the way back. It is great training and I suspect my lack of doing it most of the summer is part of the reason for slower summer pace. Of course so is the higher summer temperatures which makes me NOT want to do that hill in the summer lol! It was an absolutely beautiful day, about 36, crisp, and gorgeous! I wanted to take pictures on the run but didn't really want to stop. I was honestly a little nervous about the hill. It wasn't my fastest pace ever for runs that include the hill, but it was my 3rd fastest. Which honestly I will take especially given how long it had been.

I did take a picture of my warm up/cool down spot!



Most of the time I run because I have to. It is like going to the gym, or doing the dishes. I have to do something. Occasionally I actually hate it. Sometimes I truly enjoy it. Sometimes, like this run, it is absolute perfection and fills my soul with joy. That kind of zen happiness does not happen often to me but OH it was beautiful out, just perfect perfect perfect. It's not that the running itself was exceptionally great, just that the overall experience was.

That's my church on Sundays when it is at it's best.

However...before and after the hill I noticed something that is a little concerning.

I was having my coffee, sitting by the fire, reading the DIS and FB that morning with my feet up on an ottoman. Every time I'd get up, my left ankle would be SO stiff, I'd limp till it loosened up. I did almost kind of roll it a couple of weeks ago, I think it was the first night in the new shoes. At the time it concerned me but really hasn't bothered me so I forgot about it beyond just being extra careful when I run. I haven't noticed it at all when I run. However, after Sundays run I did notice it. It was sore. Not in a hurt I can't walk kind of way but, sore.

It was still sore yesterday morning but it’s mostly noticeable when I am not moving. Walking isn't an issue. I did ice it Sunday and it seems a bit less sore today. I've actually never had this issue before so am not at all sure what I should do running wise this week. I need to decide because….we have a race on Sunday. I spent some time last week looking at races to keep me on track between now and the PHM. I do think not having any races last July or August before the DL half did allow me to slow down a little. Which was fine but isn't what I want to aim for this time. Here is what I am looking at.

This Sunday. 10K race. Jeff, Eric and I are all signed up. As is another family we know. That makes me happy, more eyes to look out for Eric. It will be his first 10K. Jeff may bow out or change to the 5k depending on his calf, we will know on Wednesday when tries to run. Should be a decent sized race, looks like over 800 for the 5K and over 400 for the 10 based on last years numbers. PLUS we get a long sleeve t with a turkey on it. LOL. I hope it’s a tech tee, I’ve seen the logo design and it is SO cute, I really want a long sleeve tech turkey tee! LOL. Plus Eric really needs one and then I wouldn't have to buy one! They have a mashed potato eating contest and I bought Jeff 6 raffle tickets so he can hopefully get in on it (they choose 8). I sure hope he attends, would be kind of awful if he doesn’t attend and then gets chosen. Right now it looks like it could rain but it’s a lower %. Too far out to really tell though. My plan for the race is the following. Eric either needs to stay with me, or Jeff, for the first 5K. I don’t want him to miss the the turn for the 2nd loop, the 5K will turn and end and the 10 keeps going but he needs to not miss that. I figure once he makes that connection he is golden as it’s just a path around the lake and he can’t miss the finish. This actually could help my pace for the first half as well, we will see. He ran at the 9:13 pace with me the other night (which feels a lot safer in the dark then going all out) but I could tell it was awkward for him. He’s much faster than that, for short distances but…he may burn himself out too. If Jeff is at full speed, he’ll want to be up with him. We shall see!

I am also considering the following upcoming races.

12/6. 5K run…in Hawaii! I have to go to Hawaii for work and land at midnight on the 5th. It does give me an extra day there for once but the reality is that the late arrival flight was a ton cheaper and landing that late on Sunday and seeing clients at 8am, sounded brutal. Not to mention the Saturday flight was cheaper. It gives me Sunday afternoon to get everything ready for the crazy Santa work week which will help a lot. Last years trip almost killed me. I am scheduled to run on the 6th anyway. I actually found a 5k, near my hotel, that next morning. The question is...do I want to get up that early (though race start is at 7am, it should feel like 10am to me) given how late I will land? It does sound kind of fun though! Small race, maybe 150 people. It is the last "long run" day before my plan actually starts so a 5K would be ok even if I don't run more later that day.

12/21. 12K run. This is a nice training distance so would just take the place of the 6 mile run scheduled for that day. I am hoping to con Jeff into doing this with me, Eric may want to as well. We will see how this weekend goes as far as Eric is concerned. I would prefer not to go alone but probably will if need be.

1/24. ½ marathon. While I hadn't planned on doing a half, before the PHM, this one may well be too tempting to pass up. It is RIGHT by my house, on "my" trail, or at least on my very long run training parts of the trail. It’s called the "rain run" and the medals are a giant raindrop! You get an umbrella instead of a tee (though you can buy the tee). This would take the place of the 6 mile on Friday and 8 mile on Sunday I am scheduled for that weekend. I am really really seriously considering it. I think my coworker and his wife may do it and he and I are close in pace so that could be super fun! there was a point in time not all that long ago that would have freaked me out a bit (the co worker aspect). His wife is FAST. Like possible BQ fast. This fall though I've now run with my boss, apparently past another company owner twice (and didn't even notice him) and have run with clients and potential clients. Amazing.

2/7. 10K in Henderson, NV. I will probably not do this. But...am considering it in a very small way. Right now I am scheduled to be in Vegas the 4th-6th. I am supposed to run the 4th (intervals), 6th (3 mile tempo) and 8th (12 miles). It is possible I can do the run for the 3rd before I get on a plane. The 6th will be tough, and honestly not possible I think unless I do treadmill at the hotel gym before checkout. On the 8th though I am supposed to do 12 miles. My co worker is extending her stay through sat to hang with clients. There is a possibility that I should as well. But I don't have to. It is my birthday and might make my family cranky if I am not home on the 6th. then again, it is my birthday and I can do whatever I want. However...if I am supposed to do 12 the next day....probably doesn't make sense. Still though, a race in warmer weather before PHM could be a good thing and if I've done the half in Jan...really don't "need" to run 12 this day but...then I am diverting from the plan maybe more than I should?



yep. I think too much.

In other super exciting news, I am meeting Ann for coffee on Friday. I hope to do some of the following:

• Sign us up as a "team" for the PHM, along with Mary Ellen. We've been brainstorming names.
• Figure out costume stuff for our team
• Figure out our missing/remaining/additional ADR’s

Speaking of Ann, she ran the Avengers ½ on Sunday. I am sure she will update on her TR, if you aren't following it you should! She had QUITE the adventure of a run and still managed a PR! (Personal Record) so her fastest half ever. Very very exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations Ann!!!

​

 

[Chilly]

You will not be missed in that outfit.