Missed Workout

I did not do my long run today. It feels weird... I rarely miss a workout. But since our Thursday workout, I have been sneezing and wheezing. Finally last night I had to resort to sleeping most of the night in a chair, pumped full of Benedryl and Pepcid (it is an anti-histamine too!) Around 3am I was finally able to lay down and keep breathing at the same time. The alarm rang at 4:15 (a reminder that I was going to miss my time with my friends) and I shut it off so I could sleep for another few hours. Already this morning I am sneezing so I am wondering if it is headed back into my lungs. I am getting really tired of this! Never have I had such allergy problems! Certainly, I have never had the whole lung shut down symptoms until the last couple of years. Maybe I have finally just become allergic to Texas... Guess I better start a savings account for a visit to the Allergist...

Flying!

No, I am not talking about how I felt after taking on the hills yesterday...and I am not talking about HOW I took on those hills either (although it wasn't half bad!!) I am talking about my little animal neighbor friend... a squirrel.

Now, I like squirrels (and I know that Ken does too!!) I enjoy watching them and how acobatic they are. BUT...they do steal food from the birds. Bad, bad! I put food out for them of course AND I put different food out for the birds in a little feeder. I have hung the feeder in trees at all heights and angles and have found nowhere that the squirrels can't raid it. I hung it on the house, under the eaves so they couldn't just slide down the roof (yes, they've done that too.) After much trial and error I finally found a spot that worked for a week, until they figured out that they could hand on to the window screen with 2 toes and reach just far enough out to grab the hanging chain with their little hand. Ok, now I was losing patience.

So I hung the feeder next to the glass part of the window...voila, no more climbing. Then today, a few weeks later, I was sitting on my couch (studying PHYSICS!) and suddenly, "BLAM!!!" the spinning feeder with a squirrel securely attached to it rammed into my window! I yelled at him to get off of it and he gulped down a couple mouthfuls of BIRD seed and jumped off. Stupid squirrel. Soon, "BLAM, BLAM, BLAM!!!" It was happening over and over! The cardinals were pissed. I was getting a little perturbed. My window was vibrating from the repeated impact and yet the squirrel pressed on. (He should be on our team!!) So, I put my books down, got up, and went outside to survey. This is what the little thief was doing:




He was jumping from the chair back onto the feeder... a good 4 feet. I moved the chair. The cardinals jumped on the feeder. And, the squirrel is in the tree screaming obscenities at me...just waiting for Ken to run by...

Team Work

Mike, Claire and I did 7 easy miles from Barton Springs this morning. We missed Katie and Brenda, who are under the weather. It was chilly - not as much as last week but my car temp read 34 when we got back - and my face kinda froze on that last stretch of Barton Springs. I didn't wear my thick gloves this morning and I should have. I think it is a bit colder around the springs. Regardless, I really love meeting up for runs on Wednesdays. Here it is... 7:20am and I am at the coffee shop, I've already sucked down one Americano, and I am working on my homework (...or blog...) I am glad my team mates meet on Wednesdays!

Went to Happy Office Hours last night to clear up my schedule some. I fully expected Steve to tell me that I was nuts to be trying for 70 weeks. Instead, he has me doing two 75 mile weeks! Oh boy! I feel like I graduated or something. Steve is still very pumped about our team training and well...it is inspiring. Then, I asked about how to run ATT since it is just a training run. I was surprised (again) that he told me to go for 3:45 - 3:50ish and to go ahead and run hard at the end. Just when I think I know what he is gonna have me do, he up and changes things. Like I said, I feel like I have made one step forward (instead of my gung-ho way of heading "two steps back")

It is also nice to have such a wealth of knowledge from my team mates at Happy Office Hours. Steve told me that I was an idiot to be doing the breast stroke in my sad attempt to cross train by swimming. Jon (Mr. Swim Pro) just looked on and said "oh yeah, kills the knees..." Wow, how did they know my knees have been hurting since I started??? Then we talked about nutrition some. I am always curious to hear Mike's input on this because I know that he studies and practises sound nutrition ideas. (Nutrition is SO hard to figure out and it is SO particular to each person. It is interesting to hear about others trials and errors.) Finally, when I mentioned that my first Physics class nearly melted my brain (for REAL!!!) everyone at the table proceeded to tell me that I was CRAZY to be taking that class and they all gave me suggestions on what other subjects I should take instead.

Several of my team mates have started working in the gym this season. So...I joined along (not to be left out) and I am already feeling the difference (including the knee thing!!) Steve told me not to only concentrate on core and upper body but to also add weigh training for the legs too. I was surprised because I thought that running was enough leg work but apparently not. So out with the breast stroke and in with kicking with the floaty board thingy and using the leg machines. I did get the thumbs up on my warm up (the rowing machine) and I am glad because it has a little fish game that makes you row faster so your fish does not get eaten. Very cool.

So, as unusual as this may seem, I only have one thing to say... Go Team!!

14 today

In my build toward my 60+ week. My legs feel a little tired today but not trashed. It is nice to just be tired. I have pretty tight hamstrings and I think that is what is causing a little pain in the back of my left knee. All of these things feel like normal aches and hassles so hopefully they will just keep traveling around and being little nuisances.

Showered after the workout and hung at Progress to study before class. Think I may need to sit outside next time. It is sure easy to fall asleep while reading Physics!! This semester stinks. All math and physics courses...YUK!!!! Why didn't I do these when I was younger???? I managed to avoid anything math like until now. Here I am a junior and I have these nagging little classes that I HAVE to do. Ugh. I haven't done math since the 70s (no, I am not kidding...)

Anyway, looking forward to my soak in the hot tub (oh yeah, and my weights and swimming) at the gym this afternoon. Then it is Happy Office Hours for me... got some plans for Boston!!!

Old Times, New Times

Yesterday I had a nice run...almost like old times... We had started off for a 16/18 mile run from Rogue and as we chatted along I mentioned how I felt like I was a better runner these days despite being a slower runner. Most of our group was feeling more confident about their skills as well. Our team training is doing what it is supposed to do I guess!

Spring of 2007 was the last time I could remember having any good runs and yet... my running feels better lately and suddenly more controlled than ever. I am still slower but feeling like running is more like home and less of a fight. Yesterday I accidently ended up with 20.5 miles (I took an alternate route) and did the last 10 from a 7:45 to a 7:35 pace. It was comfortably hard, probably faster than I should have pushed it, but it felt more right. I was pleased with that. My friends are all running like champs too and it makes me proud of all of us. Like I said, kinda like old times...

So today I did my recovery run with John out on the greenbelt. I have to say...the cedar pollen was HIDEOUS!!!!!!!!! There were CLOUDS of pollen blowing everywhere and we ended up sneezing and wheezing! Hopefully this disgusting stuff will blow out of here soon! But...other than that, I got what I wanted...some running time that is not on the road.

This is my plan for the new times ahead...hit the trail once a week. It is awhile since I've run the trails much and I feel very dorky picking my way around out there. I can feel the different muscles working and stretching. I believe that I need that. So, NEW purple Vasques in hand (or actually, on foot) this is my new addition to training. I think we shall plan a breakfast club on Sundays... early morning trail run with breakfast after... We've done this the last 3 weekends (I do count Bandera) and I am enjoying it. Hope some of my buddies will join us??!!

I love coffee.

Especially really good coffee! I drank so much Pete's coffee in California I think I burned an ulcer in my stomach! But...it was worth it.

So... I am trying to cut down on this favorite vice of mine. You see, the average woman (let's hope I am not too average!) loses 10% of her bone mass during menopause. Great. And, coffee does leech some of your calcium...damn. Also, caffeine causes a huge low blood sugar problem (which, of course, I am already cursed with as well) because it makes one resistant to insulin so you get a blood sugar rise and then CRASH! (This one is particularly important now that I have to be awake after my coffee break so I can go to school) This being thoughtful about one's health is a pain in the butt...

On the upside... I actually am having less blood sugar spikes, I am eatinga few less sugar cookies, and I have lost a little of the 10 pounds that I need to shed.

Also...did I mention that I LOVE this weather???!!! Winter! Real winter!! A chilly run this morning on those St. Ed's loop hills! Day off tomorrow and ready for it. I have been doing the FOMO thing and I have joined the gym like so many others have. I have gone 4 times this week... Just a little core and upper body, a little swimming (floating while moving my arms and legs,) and some good ol' hot tub soaking...ahhh.... getting closer to that 70 mile week...at 55+ this week. Cool!

PS. Saw Cindy Schlandt at the gym and she was as lovely and sweet as ever. Says she will be back to the team in a few weeks!!

It was 26...

Yes, 26 degrees when I got back to my car after our run this morning! I had lost my head band and my ears were cold!! But boy...do I love this weather compared to the sweltering heat we had this summer! And, I am not alone. Lots of runners were out and about this morning! I really like adding in the "group" Wednesdays. Great idea Mike!! It is so natural to get up at 4am now anyway. I might as well get out the door... much easier to do with my running "peeps." Just another great benefit of our team! It is sometimes kinda scary for a woman to go out alone in the dark...so this group run makes Wednesdays SO much nicer!

I am aiming for a 55 mile week this week. Carefully moving up 5 miles per week (after my initial 19 to 45 jump.) The 50 last week went ok and I am certain that the 55 will be ok to get through. I am a little sore this week but I think it is from the Bandera 25K I did over the weekend. There were LOTS of hills and rocks. My left thigh was bothering me again but I rolled and rolled and rolled it out on Monday (yes, I like to do ALL my rolling at one time instead of spreading it out over days!!) and today it feels better. I am still planning to run my Sunday runs on the trail so I continue to work on ankle and core strength and just more flexibility. It was very evident to me at Bandera that my road running has made me less flexible and adjustable. Besides, I really want that pair of purple Vasque trail shoes...

NEWSFLASH: Boyfriend John won his age group at Bandera as well!!!! In the 50K no less!!! I better get on the trails again or he is really gonna leave me in the dust!!!

I have extended my running to six days a week this session. I did 5 days a week last session and still had recovery issues. I think we are all stronger now however...including me...finally!! I was talking to Bruce about this the other day (since we are both older classics) and he said that he did 6 days a week during base building and went to 5 days a week when the speed work started. Seemed the speed work required a little more recoup time. Sounds like a good plan to me.

I start school next week so I am really tightening my schedule up. I had to move all my riding lessons around and thank God our runs are all early. I am a little stressed over affording Boston (otherwise I would cut some lessons out!!) but more stressed about ALGEBRA!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not have a very mathmatical brain. Give me an English or History class any day!!

Anyway, I am trying to stay commited to my New Year's Resolution of learning to SLEEP as much as possible. I got a new LOVELY and WARM and SOFT blanket for xmas that is my sleep blankie to encourage some peaceful slumbers. (Everyone that saw it at Bandera was SO jealous!) So, I have added this to my training regimen...in bed by 9 at the latest!! Any ideas on how to teach your body to go to sleep are certainly welcome!

Hope everyone has a neato peachy day! I love chilly weather! Woo Hoo!!!

Great Idea!

Well the FOMO (fear of missing out) got the better of me this morning and I got with my girlfriends, Claire and Katie, for a run from Barton Springs! This is a great idea! We did 6 easy miles...meeting at the standard 5:30AM...and were done and on our way by 6:30.

It is pretty easy (relatively speaking) to get up at 4am again since you've just done it the day before. And, since the mileage is short, I do believe I can do this and get back up north to teach at 7:30. I will just keep dry clothes in the car. The horses don't care if you stink.

We are planning to meet at BS on Wednesdays (like the train dudes and dudettes) and start running by 5:30am. Some may also want to meet on Mondays...gotta get this mileage in somehow.

My thigh hurt so much yesterday that I made an ART appointment for today. Of course, it didn't bother me today for the first time in a month!! So...I did not go. I rescheduled for next week in case it comes up again during the Bandera Trail Race this weekend. Maybe the thought of spending money on more pain has cured me!!

Thanks to Claire and Katie for a fun run this morning!! 3 good ones in a row!! woo hoo! That is enough perk for at least the next month of training!!

Just try...

...to love the little things in life; like running in the rain. (Hinder)

Wet and wonderful run this morning with the team! Temps were in the 40s. Plenty of water stops. New team members!

I ran 12 miles this morning in my build toward 60/70. Trying for 50 this week after a 45 last week. Tempo is much steadier as I start this training and I stayed between 8:15 and 8:45 this morning with an easy effort. This makes a couple good runs so far... that hasn't been the case in a LONG time!

I have a weird little ache in my left thigh which does bug me some but I dunno what it is so I will just run with it. Ruth thought I should visit with Carmen about my biomechanics and Steve thought I should get some massage/PT work done. I think those are both great ideas!! I try not to worry/think about it since I do NOT plan on being sidelined AGAIN this year!! Guess I better think about it enough to take care of it!

Many of the team are doing "outside" runs as small groups on Mondays and/or Wednesdays. I kinda like that idea. Brenda and I were talking this morning about how it would be easier to just stay on a schedule of getting up and running early during the week. I agree. Of course, I actually work (sorta) on my "off" days but I still think I may try to get in to town for an early run regardless. Sure makes it nice to have company and to get it done first thing!

On that note... think I may hit the team forum later and come up with a Wednesday plan! Lovin' life today... after running in the rain!!!

2009: Be your own inspiration!

"Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it" Charles Swindoll

Often times my reaction to my road bumps (or mountains!) in my running training in the last 18 months has been to be mopey or detached. Luckily, my determination to maintain my friendships and "Rogue Athlete" status has kept me getting out of bed at 4am to get to my workouts...no matter how crappy they were. And, luckily again, my coaches AND my friends have supported (or cast eyes away!) as needed.

As we enter 2009, I am feeling pretty good about my upcoming training. Steve told me to come up with a generalized 3 year plan for my running goals. Cool. Long term goals. I have actually "graduated" from idiot runner status to someone who may be able to make "real" long term goals. With these long term goals in mind (especially the one about hoping to PR a little bit at a time) I hope to eek my way along in my training. And, I am formulating a plan for 2009.

My plan for 2009 leaves room for any further road bumps that I may encounter...and I really am unconcerned about them...they are just 10% of life, right?

• My plan is to continue to build up my mileage. (It sure works doesn't it team mates???)
• My plan is to get a stronger core by hitting the gym or pool again.
• My plan is to sleep more...bed earlier...less coffee!!!
• My plan is to convince all my older girlfriends (and myself) to take CALCIUM to ward off those brittle bones we all get as we age.

And my plan is to not half ass these things (I swear it Ruth!!) no matter what road blocks jump up.

So I drove up to Rogue for the long run yesterday morning... what a crowd of runners!! I ran with new friends and old friends. I ran alone. I ran toward my 45 mile week as I build up to a 60 or 70... I got done and met John and my fellow trail running buddies for breakfast. I thought about all the energy I had around me all morning... the road runners, the trail runners, and my own. I thought about our training group starting up again this week and how happy I was that some old friends are joining us again. I thought about the Bandera trail race coming up, Boston, Oregon, new shoes...!!! And amongst all of this activity I was reminded that it is not really so hard for "one to be one's own inspiration" when there are so many inspired people around you...just look around.