Day 125 - July 10, 2010

1.2 miles

It was a big day for Sylvia! She completed her marathon. She was pretty anxious and excited before the race. I guess she takes after me:) I had so much fun covering the 1.2 miles with her. She did fabulous. I'm so proud of her for running/walking/hiking the full 26.2 (actually much more) since April 1st. What a great accomplishment for her!

Day 126 - July 11, 2010

Race Day...

26.2 Miles 5 hours 21 minutes 32 seconds

So, obviously not exactly the race we expected. Pete and I got up early, and headed out the race together. I can't tell you how nice it was to have him with me, and to know we would be going through everything in the next few hours together. Unfortunately, I had a headache, and I wasn't sure if it would go away, or if it would get worse. It wasn't an ideal way to feel right before the marathon. I tried to remain calm, and just do everything as normal.

The sky started to light up, and we were off! Luckily my headache melted away almost immediately. The first few miles were flat and we were surrounded by a lot of people. Many enjoying themselves, laughing and taking a lot of pictures. Pete and I were relaxed and comfortable. We stopped a few times to pee, and we spent time visiting with a 75 year old man we recognized from Bozeman, who said he has done over 200 marathons. We were also passed by Deidre, who was trying to catch back up with the 4 and a half hour pace group. We greeted her and ran a few minutes with her, before she headed off at a much faster pace than us. By about mile 8, it started to get warm, but we both felt good. Even with the stops, we were managing to maintain an even 11 minute pace, after passing the five hour pace group during the first mile, we could not see them behind us, and we hoped that would continue to be the case.

At about mile 12 we made one more stop, and also turned on our music. We were starting to get quiet, and the music gave us something to talk about. We hit the half way mark at 2 hours 25 minutes, just about exactly when we expected. Our plan was to do our best to bump up the pace after we got over the hill, and then just hold on.

When we got to the top of the hill, I could tell something was not right with Pete. All of a sudden he felt a sharp pain under his knee and a serious tightness. We were only at about mile fifteen, so obviously we hoped it would only be a transitory pain. As we headed down the hill, he had to stop and hobble, and I knew we were in trouble. It was the first time since the race started that I felt some serious doubt about us finishing.

At this point we still had eleven miles to go, and I had a feeling they were going to be very painful for Pete. I knew the family was waiting for us at mile 18, so I just tried to help Pete hold it together to get there, see them, maybe stretch out, and hopefully start to feel better. Our pace slowed considerably, and we took a few short walk breaks, but we covered the few miles to see the kids. As we headed over the greet them, the five hour pace group passed us. We wouldn't see them again.

It was hard to head out again after a quick break with the kids. I remember looking back at Sylvia feeding some horses along the course, and just being happy that they seemed to be having a good time. We couldn't have picked a better place for them to greet us. There just happened to be a couple friendly horses right there at mile 18.

I knew the next mile would be a bad one. I remembered that point in the course from the half marathon. It is a very hot mile, and it feels bad even when you are on mile 6 in the half. It feels worse when you are working on getting to 19. I just tried to keep Pete on my shoulder, and did my best to bring up some light topics to make him laugh.
As we headed into the center of town we found Deidre walking ahead of us. I was disappointed to see her, as I knew that meant the race was not going well for her either, but I was happy to see her smile and muster up the energy to jog along with us. We ran the next six miles with her. I have to admit here that I was feeling really good. The new nutrition plan we followed (with peanut butter and Powerbar bites) worked amazingly well. I felt strong, and in many ways like I was still on mile 5. It was hot, but luckily there were sprinklers on nearly every block. It really helped keep us cool. At mile 23 I was still thinking to myself that I didn't want to stop running anytime soon. I was feeling great and thinking to myself, maybe I could do a few miles here after the marathon and call it an ultra!
We took a final walk break at mile 25. When we started up again I finally began to feel a little sore. I knew the race was almost over. I called the family to alert them that we were getting close to the finish. We were going to do it!

A quick cheer from Tom and Spencer as we got within a mile of the finish, and all of sudden we were on the Higgins Bridge. Big cheers from Anthony and Michelle, and Pete and I are even able to give them a solid wave and a smile. As we near the finish line, Sylvia breaks out from the crowd and grabs Pete's hand to run with us. Owen follows. For some reason I pick him up and carry him over the finish. The announcer says, "That is Pete and Michelle Schultz from Bozeman. If I had to guess, I'd say that is there grandchildren there with them. Oh well, maybe three generations." At this point I don't know who is the grandparent in the situation, but we all got a good laugh out of it! (And many more while watching the finisher's cam at the Missoula Marathon website).

So, we did it! Thanks to everyone who supported us along the way, who helped us, and who babysat for us:) I'm really proud of Pete. It was not an easy race for him. I'm so glad we accomplished it together. It felt amazing to cross that finish line - all four of us!

It is a huge relief just to be done! For the week after the marathon I felt a sense of panic wondering what the next challenge would be. After a race like that there is a certain sense of emptiness, a tenseness about the future and my future fitness, and losing fitness. Now that it has been almost two weeks (and NO running) I'm feeling better. I dropped our registration for the John Colter Run in the mail today. It is a race we have always wanted to do, and it seems like the perfect time this year. We still have a week or two to recover, and then we have a month or so to get ready for a nice trail run. I also hope to the do the half marathon in September in Billings, but registration will have to wait on that until I actually start running again - which will be tomorrow morning. I'm so anxious to get back out there!!!

Day 123 - July 8, 2010

2 miles


Ten years ago, when Pete and I got married, he was waiting for heart surgery, and I was severely overweight and never dreamed of running more than 3.1 miles. I never expected to run a marathon to celebrate our ten year anniversary, but I think it proves the positive influence we've had on each other over the years. Here is to the future and continuing to facilitate a happy and healthy lifestyle for our entire family!

Day 122 - July 7, 2010

3 easy miles - felt hot and slow



We completed our play list tonight. Last year, for the Missoula Marathon, I decided it would be fun to sync our play lists, so even though we wouldn't be running together, we'd be listening to the same thing at the same time. So cute, I know! We were (obviously, I suppose) celebrating our ninth anniversary at the Missoula Marathon last year, so I wanted to feel like we were running together, even though Pete would be at least a few minutes ahead of me. We did the same thing in Las Vegas in December. For those two lists, we alternated picks. This time, it was just too much of a hassle. We just put a bunch of songs in the list, and then put them in random order. The other two felt like a science, starting slow and building to our favorite songs. We tried to time the list to end just when we expected to finish, although I ran out of music in Missoula with a mile to go! I can blame that on trying to concentrate to hard on making the list after way too many glasses of wine.

This new one resembles something I'd more likely be laughing or dancing to than running, but oh well. A good laugh on the route might be just what we need at mile 24.

I was going to post the list here, but if I spend a bunch of time looking at the list and re-writing everything here, it will ruin the surprise of what is coming next during the marathon. I'd prefer the anticipation of wondering what the next song will be during the race, so I don't plan to look at the list again.

Also, for the other two half marathons, we listened to music the entire race. Since we plan on running this one together from start to finish, we only plan to turn on the music at the half way point. Hopefully it will be enough to carry us to the finish with smiles on our faces!

One more official run before race day, although I plan to run the final 1.2 miles with Sylvia for her marathon on Saturday!

Day 121 - July 6, 2010

4 miles

I haven't been wearing a watch. I'll do that plenty next round when I am training to SHATTER the two hour mark in my next half marathon. I ran pretty easy for this four mile loop, except the portion around the ponds. It was buggy, so I went as fast as possible. At this point, I'm sure it wasn't very fast.

Pete and I are both feeling a bit antsy. He even misplaced his keys at the gas station today. I'm most concerned about Sylvia's recent fever. She is feeling back to normal, but an unexplained fever could be contagious. Of course, I'm feeling a tickle at the back of my throat, a little nauseous, slightly feverish etc. Well, not really, but I am fearful someone else in the house will get sick. I'm doing my best to rid the house of germs.

We are also still concerned about the weather. Yes, I'm still checking it every five minutes, and it will likely be much hotter than I my ideal running temperature of 50.

As far as getting sick, and the weather, I'm just doing my best not to worry too much about what I can't control. We are both feeling well-trained and injury free, and those are the most important things right now!

Day 119 - July 4, 2010

4 miles - my favorite distance:)

Happy 4th of July!

Continuing symptoms of taper madness...

Lost keys again at the Museum of the Rockies yesterday.

Have checked the weather at least 247 times.

Added a whole bunch of songs to the marathon play list that are going to make Pete furious, but, in my defense, I did give him some time to add his own songs the other day, and he didn't use it.

WAY too many Facebook status updates lately...

On a more positive note, I used my nervous and extra energy to clean the house this morning! (Thanks Sylvia and Owen for playing outside in the back yard for two full hours without a fight this morning!)

Day 117 - July 2, 2010

6 easy miles....

...and just four runs to go...

Day 115 - June 30, 2010

9 miles 1:45

It was great to run with Pete again. I can't believe we are finished with the long runs. Now we have ten days of easy runs and rest to prepare for the marathon. I'll need it. My legs were very heavy today after just doing 14 on Monday.

Current Symptoms of Taper Madness....

Lost camera on vacation (or was pick pocketed, although Pete is not buying that)

Lost keys at Farmer's Market (and at park, and in grocery store, each time someone finding them for me before Pete could know - guess the secret is out now....)

Already checking the weather for next Sunday - 11 days out. From past experience, I know this will be an ongoing compulsion, that will require many, many checks every day.

Day 113 - June 28, 2010

14 (about) Miles 2 hours 45 (about) minutes

Wow, I feel like I have been gone for a long time. We had a great family vacation, but I think we were all happy to be home last night. Pete and I have two weeks to get serious now. My run this morning was actually really great. It was really hot out there, but I can't complain as this was my first hot run. I never expected my first hot run would come at the end of June! I was so ready to run after such a long break. I'd planned to run while on vacation, but it just didn't happen. I had to settle for just doing my best to stay as was active as possible.

Pete and I plan to run our final long run (10 miles) before the marathon TOGETHER this Wednesday. We have not run together in a long time, so I am really looking forward to it.

I'd love to post a few family pictures from our trip here, but unfortunately, we were the victims of theft, so we don't have any family photos from our trip.

Day 107 - June 22, 2010

8 rough miles

Two days of puking and migraines forced me to postpone my 15 miler until early next week. I got a decent run in this morning. I did not feel great, but I think I am finally over the headaches. Pete is out doing his final 15 miler right now, so I hope it is going well.

Day 105 - June 20, 2010

2 bad miles

It has been a rough week since the 20 miler. Between Sylvia's birthday festivities, Paul's wedding, and now a lingering headache, getting in the runs has been very difficult. Next week we head to Idaho for Silverwood and the Hiawatha Trail. It is a busy time, so hopefully we have done enough....
Happy Father's Day, Pete!

Day 103 - June 18, 2010

8 miles 88 minutes

Taper Phase

Pete completed his 20 miler this morning, so we are officially in the taper phase. Now we get to experience taper madness together...our poor kids. I'm already wishing I could get in one more 20 miler before the race!!!

Day 100 - June 15,2010

6:11 a.m. Okay, getting ready to head out for the 20 miler....little procrastination going on here. I don't know why I am nervous....

And 20 miles later (in 3:59:12)...(with a few hours of "recovery." Recovery in this house means keeping two little children busy on summer vacation, working to get everything done to host a birthday party, and getting ready to go out of town for Paul's wedding this weekend.)

The Garmin picked a bad time to die (typical). I could not get it going this morning, and I was not able to drive the new route that was recommended to us. I didn't want to run it without seeing it, because I was afraid I would get lost. I opted to use the route Pete recommended for the first half (a 9 mile loop that included hospital hill) and then do my best to make an 11 mile loop out of our usual route, which meant doing some extra laps at the ponds. Two episodes of This American Life, one episode of All Songs Considered, and a bunch of music later, I got home feeling....well, just fine actually. The run was unbelievably smooth. No aches and pains, not a lot of boredom, and I never felt very tired. The weather was perfect. I tried out my new marathon outfit, in full, including the skirt, and was very, very comfortable (sorry again, Melinda)!

In all honesty, I'm not sure I made it 20 miles. Without the watch, I had to just do my best to calculate. I did not feel I needed to stop, but I was out there for four hours, and I'm pretty sure I went 20 (maybe even more). At this point it doesn't matter. It will go down as my longest run prior to the marathon. I think my knee actually feels better than it did a few months ago before we started. I NEVER would have expected that, and I am delighted!

Now, I am wishing Pete the best of luck tomorrow. I hope his run as a pleasant (in a 20 miler kind of way) as mine!

Day 98 - June 13, 2010

7 miles (including 2@8:15 and 10 short hill intervals)

This was about as close to a perfect day as possible. After a sunny run in the morning, we all headed to Pine Creek. This is one of my favorite places on the planet, and only partially because it is the place Pete and I fell in love. Pine Creek has a lot of new memories too, as we have now spent a lot of time up there with the kids.

It was a great hike up to the falls. All four of us (five if you count Tinsel) really enjoyed it. It is pretty much the perfect hike for kids. It is 2.5 miles round trip, and there are plenty of creek crossings to jump and boulders to climb along the way. After the hike, we headed to Chico for dinner and a soak.

Next up...a rest day, and then the 20 miler. Whew, we are getting close!

Day 97 - June 12, 2010

3 or so easy miles

Pete and I are both feeling a little dread about doing our 20 milers by ourselves next week. I'm sure we will both make it, and be fine, but it would be a lot nicer to do it together. It is a really long time to be out there by yourself, and in some ways it just seems like...I hesitate to write the word I really want to write here. I really don't like to run longer than two hours, and this will take double that amount of time. If we were out there together, at least it would feel like good quality time together, but in some ways it just feels a little indulgent.
Really though, I keep telling myself, to run the marathon we really only have to do about six runs over two hours. It is only a small sacrifice to reach our goal, and pushing yourself can be a really good thing. Also, in the back of my mind, I keep thinking how these long training runs make 13.1 seem short in comparison. Look out two hours, I will not miss you by 7 seconds next time!

Day 95 - June 10, 2010

14 miles 2hours 40min

This run was...not worth talking about. However, Pete and I have been using the same route for most of our long runs, so I thought it would be fun to include a couple of photos here. It is a seven mile loop, which we run one or two times, depending on the length of the run, and there are lots of opportunities to do an extra lap around a pond to add a mile or two here or there. It is a pretty good route with one major exception. This is a photo from the first section of trail. This trail runs right by our house, and it is almost a mile long. It reminds me of the opening credits from that show Weeds. It is certainly suburbia's version of a trail. It is not as nice as a real one, but a very welcome change from sidewalks and pavement. This is the regional park, where I spend a majority of my time running. It actually is a little nicer than it looks here. They are putting in trees tomorrow (the hole you can see), which should be a great improvement. It is almost a mile around this large pond here, and sometimes, if I'm lazy about finding new routes I just run around it a bunch of times to get in the miles.

So, behind that bush, is a poodle, dragging the picnic table it is tied to, with a smattering of broken pots and dirt surrounding it. Yes, the tied up poodle decided to try to chase me, dragging the entire picnic table (and spilling the pots piled up on it) behind it. This is the exception (to the nice route). It is a very brutal mile. This road is always bad. Cars whizzing past you, hot sun burning you up, or today, pelting rain and a strong headwind. No matter what, this road always seems more like ten miles than one mile.
Yay! On to another trail, around another pond, and through what we call the "Green Park". There were some American White Pelicans on the pond today. Unfortunately, my picture of them was very blurry. They are just beautiful. There were two on the water, and when four flew by over head the two took off to join them.

Here is the final pond on the route. This is a half mile loop just behind the mall. This really is not my favorite place to run. On a long run a few years ago, I put a bag down with water and snacks, and it was promptly stolen from me on the first lap.
I love this view. In the distance you can see the beautiful Bridger Mountains. You can also see this is a nice gentle downhill, on mostly trail, for the one mile home.

Day 93 - June 8, 2010

2 easy miles

Tomorrow will be a rest day. It is Sylvia's last day of kindergarten. I'm looking forward to the summer, and all of our fun plans, but I really hate to see kindergarten come to an end. She has a great teacher, great classmates, and has learned so much. On a positive note though, Pete will also be on vacation six of the next seven weeks as well. I feel so lucky that we will all be spending so much time together. Working nights is hard on Pete, and sometimes on the rest of us too, but the time we all get together is well worth it!

Day 92 - June 7, 2010

7.2 miles 73 minutes

So, at the peak of marathon training, I have to say, I am still enjoying every run! I am so surprised, but I feel great! I'm not dreading going out for a run. I don't feel burnt out. I do feel a little slow, as I felt I was pushing the pace on this run, and didn't even break 10 minute miles!!! I suppose that doesn't matter though. Enjoying it, and endurance are all that is important now!
Thanks again for talking me into this, dear!

Day 91 - June 6, 2010

6.5 easy miles

Great job Lewis and Clark, runners! Wish I could have joined you. The weather was great out there for a run, and I enjoyed my hour out there.

Day 89 - June 4, 2010

4 easy miles (plus strength training)

Well, two days of healthy eating left me struggling to complete a four miler. Ah, training and eating...such a hard balance.

Day 87 - June 2, 2010

6 miles and strength training

Today Pete completed his 18 miler with ease! Okay, I'm sure it wasn't easy, but he did it, and so the whole thing seems much more official now.

I am feeling great. The seven days off seems to have done a world of good for my body. I am ready to run! I also made it through day one of 30day/30point pact!

Train Gain

Okay - point counting starts officially today and will continue through July 2nd. Maybe if I write it here, I will stick to it! I'm going to attribute the 7 pounds I've put on since March 1st to train gain, but no more excuses!

Day 85 - May 31, 2010

18 miles 3 hours 19 minutes

This run could have been a disaster! I started out still nervous about my ankle, especially after just doing an 11 miler two days ago. I also got a tiny bit drunk yesterday afternoon with my Mom on our little outing to Sex and the City, and then came home and gorged on leftover pizza. Not the best pre-long run recipe. So, I did not anticipate surviving this one without being in complete agony, but it actually went surprisingly well. I was able to keep my (slow) pace steady and even, the entire way. When I was training for my first marathon in 2007, the 18 miler was the first time in my life I'd ever hit "the wall". I'd had to call Pete to pick me up, where he found me in an actual heap at a park only about a mile away from our house, unable to make it home. This time, I felt (hoped) the wall was still 8 miles away! Also, during my other two marathon training rounds in 2007/2008 I always felt horrible the last couple miles of the long runs, doing a lot of staggering, stopping, and very slow jogging. I think the slower pace is helping, and maybe the Powerbar bites?

I am not an early morning runner, and to walk in the door at 10 am (on a Monday morning, no less) with my 18 miler done for the week felt phenomenal. I spent the first nine mile loop on our regular course, listening to This American Life and Phedippedations. When I got home for a quick clothing change and Powerade pickup, the kids and Pete were just waking up and eating breakfast. The smell of pancakes after 9.5 miles....um, I pretty glad I made it back out the door, although I know Pete would not have let me quit.

I spend a lot of my time out there either cursing or thanking Pete for getting me into this mess. Today there was definitely a lot more thanking! I really am enjoying having the "big goal", although we decided we wouldn't be doing another marathon (at least until our twentieth anniversary!)

So, there is only one run longer than today's run, before the marathon. That is a thought both exhilarating - and terrifying!

Day 83 - May 29, 2010

11 miles (just under 2 hours)

I feel bad about missing the Frank Newman Marathon this morning, but we decided to skip it at the last minute for a bunch of reasons. The weather was bad (or supposed to be bad) and shuttling and standing out in the cold waiting for the race to start, did not sound like fun. Also, the best thing about this marathon (to us anyway) is that it finished at the park in Livingston, a great place to meet the kids for playtime. With snow, playtime at the park was not going to be an option. We also have an 18 miler looming in the early part of next week. I think we made the right decision to sleep in and do an easy 2 hour run. My ankle is feeling great, but Pete now has some sore spots. It was nice to run together, and the weather even cooperated for most of the run.

Day 82 - May 28, 2010

2 easy miles (plus core)

Day 81 - May 27, 2010

5 easy miles


Another pain free run (and not much wind either)!! I am now anxious and ready for the Frank Newman Half Marathon this weekend. It is a special race for me. It was my first half marathon, in 2007, and the only half I've ever run in under 2 hours. It is a downhill course, and that time is unofficial. Pete and I ran the race as two person marathon relay team. The second half is actually closer to 14 miles (which we will be running together on Saturday). I used my GPS watch to clock 13.1 miles at 1:55. In any case, our full marathon relay time was somewhere just over 4 hours (even though Pete got the short half, he had all of the uphill), and we won a trophy! Okay, there was only one other team in our division, but it sure it nice to win a trophy in your first half marathon!

Day 80 - May 26, 2010

5 easy miles

Wow, pain free miles rarely feel this good, especially when your head is nearly blown off by the wind!!!

"There is no trinket you can buy that will ever yield the memory of time and energy spent together," Kristin Armstrong.

Still waiting....oh, okay, I have a confession....I did run about a mile yesterday. The weather was beautiful, and I had the time. Ankle still feeling better and better. Just waiting for Wednesday.

The ankle is feeling so near 100%, I've decided to give it another day or two. I think a little extra rest, at this point, is going to help me much more than it could hurt me. Now, I am prolonging my own suspense as to how it will feel when I run on it. I am doing my best to resist the temptation to run up to get the mail...just to test it out...

Tibialis-Posterior-Tendonitis....

I should probably know better than to scour the Internet for a diagnosis. I found one very concerning article, linking ITB problems with tibialis-posterior-tendinitis. On a positive note, my ankle is feeling better, and I am going to give it a test run tomorrow. On a not so positive note...the prognosis does not look so great, especially since I am already wearing the correct shoes and an orthotic, the two easiest fixes. Also recommended...lots of rest (not the best option for me right now), ice (doing that), ibuprofen (currently loading up on that), and a bunch of complicated strength moves, that really don't make a lot of sense to me on paper.
At this point, I'm just going to hope for the best...right? Updates on run tomorrow.

Updates...

I am trying not to panic. The ankle is still quite sore today. I obviously skipped my scheduled two miler. In the two miler's place, I did some strength training, some stretching, foam roller, kicking in the pool, and thirty minutes on the elliptical. It was really an experiment to see what hurts and what helps. I'm thinking I'll ban myself to pool running, if anything, at least until Sunday. I felt okay on the elliptical trainer, but when I got off, it was very stiff. I don't want to do anything at all to aggravate it until I test it out in a few days. A sore spot (still refusing to call it an injury) at this point in marathon training is really terrifying. I'm at a critical point as far as mileage. I still need to get in the miles so I am able to complete the race, but I also need to baby it enough so it recovers and I am able to make it to the start line. I am trying to ease my mind my reminding myself, I've had many sore spots like this over the last three years, and with the exception of my IT Band, I was able to work them out in just a week or two. Patience. Patience. Patience.

Day 73 - May 19, 2010

16 miles 3 hours 40 seconds

Pete and I were both able to complete our 16 mile runs. It was the first really long run we had to do separately. It is a lot harder being out there by yourself, but at least we took turns being exhausted all afternoon, him yesterday, and me, today. It is not easy to give the kids a ton of extra energy and enthusiasm when you are both burnt out from a long run.
The weather was perfect today. It was not too hot, and there was a nice cool breeze. Pete mapped out a great eight mile loop that included a lot of "trails" (just flat gravel paths through parks). My knee felt great, and Pete did not complain of any major pain after his run either. I listened to two great episodes of This American Life. Both thoroughly entertained me, and one had me laughing out loud numerous times. I also checked out the new Band of Horses album, and liked it quite a bit. (Wow, three uninterrupted hours gives you a lot of listening time!) I did not hit the wall, and honestly, I did not feel too tired at the end of the run, but (yes, a big but coming) I developed a new pain! And, yes, I am calling it a "pain" not an injury.
This morning, even before leaving the house, my ankle was bothering me. It was sore yesterday too. I don't know if it was from the tough run on Monday, or the biking yesterday, but most likely it is a combination of both. In any case, I headed out, hoping for a sore muscle (and not tendinitis, or something worse)...The soreness continued through the entire run, but never got too bad until the last couple of miles. I finished the 16 miles, because it never got intolerable. I spent the last couple of miles just fantasizing about how lovely and ice bath was going to feel. I was happy to get home to an empty house (Pete and Owen got to spend a great afternoon together, ah, we are all so lucky to have Daddy around so much) where I gave my ankle a ton of extra attention, from an ice bath, to Aleve, to some very tight socks. It feels much better now (although it bothered me again this evening when I walked to the school with Sylvia and Owen for soccer practice). I'm planning a few rest extra rest days, and luckily we have a pretty easy week planned next week.
Don't worry training partner...I won't let you down...although I may slow you down....

Day 71 - May 17, 2010

8 miles (40 minutes out and 35 minutes back)

Thanks for inspiring me to use my "speed" again, Pete. I haven't done any "fast" running in a long time. I felt great racing myself home. I was not surprised it took me a full five minutes less to get back to the house. The knee is feeling pretty good. I also tried out the skirt for the first time today. I think the skirt encouraged me to run a little faster....full report on the skirt when I have more time.

Day 70 - May 16, 2010

2-3 easy miles

Day 68 - May 14, 2010

10 miles 1:43

I've noticed a new tan line this season, and I am not pleased about it. Right in between my eyebrows, I've got two lovely vertical white lines. I guess it means I am either grimacing a lot more when I run these days, or my wrinkles are a little more defined up there. In any case, it is probably a good time to start practicing smiling while I'm running or putting on my best serene and blissful face. I'm gonna work on that...and remembering my sunscreen.

Day 67 - May 13, 2010

4 lovely sunshine filled miles (although I shouldn't have shoveled in that piece of carrot cake just before leaving...major gut ache the first mile...)

Day 66 - May 12, 2010

6 miles 57:30

Happy Birthday, Pete! I thought about a bunch of stuff I wanted to write about today while I was out on my run this morning. Instead of going in to all of that though, all I really want to say is, I am so thankful for my happy healthy family. I'm so thankful that Pete and I are able to train for this marathon together, and that we still enjoy each other's company after all of these years.

Ouch...here are my Graston bruises. How strange...these bruises made me feel so much better!

Day 64 - May 10, 2010

7 miles (including 30 minutes of hill intervals)

The Running Skirt....

My new running skirt arrived in the mail today. I must admit, it is not my first one. A few years ago, I noticed them at the Missoula Marathon (2007, I suppose) and thought they were cute. I bought a cheap one to try it. I wore it a few times, and although I found it comfortable while running outdoors, I did not like running in it on the treadmill, and I especially did not like stretching out or lifting weights in it afterwards. After one or two uncomfortable weight lifting experiences, I shelved the skirt.
Honestly, I didn't think too much about it. Only afterwards, did I find out the running skirt was such a hot topic. Bring it up with any runner, and they will likely have an opinion, and a strong one. I tried to explain to Pete the other day, on our long run, that it is a topic as controversial as other popular running debate topics, like, taking walk breaks, barefoot running, or Dean Karnazes.
I must give you the background on my history with shorts, before I explain why I decided to buy it. With the exception of running shorts, I very, very, rarely wear shorts. Obviously, if you know me, I am not one to dress up, but I do usually wear skirts in the summer. I'm not talking fancy, I'm talking about cheap cotton knee length skirts with a t-shirt. I guess it goes back to when Pete and I went to Italy in 2002. I was very heavy. For those of you who did not know me at that time, I'm not talking about 20 pounds. I was close to 80 pounds overweight. We went in the middle of summer, and it was very hot. It is no secret that I am not a very fashion minded person. I try to blend in, and be comfortable. I like jeans and t-shirts, and at that time, if it was hot, I wore shorts. It only took me about fifteen minutes in Italy, to realize I was the only one, in the entire country, in shorts. Even the other tourists knew better. Let's just say, I did not feel very attractive, running around in my Yankee shorts, showing off chubby white legs, sweat dripping from everywhere. Ever since that trip, shorts have left me with a bad feeling.
Running shorts, on the other hand, are very practical, and who cares if you are attractive or not when you are running? You are supposed to be sweaty, smelly and working hard. The last thing I want to do is turn my favorite sport into a pageant. I've never showed up at a gym with makeup and perfume, even back when I was single. I actually went to a women's only gym when I was single (okay, so I might have fancied up a bit at that time, had men been in attendance), because when I am working out, that is usually what I am trying to escape. I don't want to worry about looking attractive; I want to get strong. That is one thing I really like about running. You can measure your success on how much faster you run, or how much further you made it, instead of how many pounds you lose. For me, a woman who has struggled with her weight her whole life, that is so empowering. It feels great to take time to use my body, instead wasting time worrying about what other people think when they see it.
So, if running shorts work for me, why would I bother with the skirt? Maybe I still can't get over the Italy incident, but really I just want to look cute for my husband on our anniversary. It is that simple. I understand I am going to be smelly, grimacing, and probably cursing as well, but, I must admit, when I tried on my new skirt tonight, I felt sort of feminine and cute. I thought, why not?
Well, I can come up with one really good reason why not...I'll definitely be doing some trial runs with it, but if I find it comfortable, I am going to go for it in July! Heartfelt apologies to Melinda, and all running skirt haters:)
I'll be sure to give the details after the first trial run!

Day 63 - May 9, 2010

Sylvia and I participated in our first ever Mother's Day run today. We had big plans for a full mile, but rain and hail cut the run short just a bit. We still had fun.

I'd been looking forward to this run all week. Sylvia told me she would like to go running with me on Mother's Day. I was so happy, and she explained it was because she had so much fun running over to Mamaw's house with me a few weeks ago. Nothing pleases me more than to hear her say she enjoys running with me. I'm so happy she wanted to participate in the kid's marathon this year.

I'm looking forward to next year, when hopefully Owen will be ready to join us!

Day 62 - May 8, 2010

7 miles 70 minutes

Day 61 - May 7, 2010

5 easy miles

Despite a decent amount of swelling and bruising, I was able to run an easy five miles today with minimal soreness. My knee is still pretty sore just walking around, but I'm hoping that is just from the treatment. I plan to get in another 7-8 miles tomorrow, so that I at least complete all of the miles on the schedule for this week. I don't plan on running any speed or tempos this week, or next week, but I really hope to keep up with the distance. I'm not looking forward to my next Graston appointment on Monday, but hopefully I won't have to do another one after that!

Graston Technique aka "The Torture"

When my IT Band started to bother me at the end of the run yesterday, I was pretty worried. It often gets stiff or sore, but since I received the Graston treatment last June, it has not really been painful. During the last mile yesterday, I felt a stabbing pain in the side of my knee. Not a good thing. If I focused on my form, engaging my core, I could get rid of most of the pain, but after we got home, it did not go away. Before bed, I was hobbling around depressed. My main worry was, "I can't let down my running partner!"

I'm happy I woke up with it feeling much better, but the pain did shake my confidence a bit. If it hurts at mile 13, what will it do at mile 16 next week, and what about mile 25 in July? With that in mind, I decided to go back to the torture chamber. If you are not familiar with the Graston Technique, it is where they rub an instrument (this one looks a bit like a butter knife) over a certain spot (my outer knee) very hard and quick. It is excruciating. Honestly, I think the 30 seconds in that chair was much more painful than the last few miles of the run yesterday, even suffering with exhaustion and everything else.

In any case, I'm going to be optimistic and expect the same results as I saw last summer. Most people receive the treatment 6-8 times before they feel results, but I was essentially cured after one treatment. That quick "cure" (I should call it relief, not cure) came after trying EVERYTHING. I tried it all...from doctors to yoga, new shoes to ice baths, the foam roller to physical therapists. It felt like a miracle when something finally worked.

I suppose I don't mind a few more sessions of torture, if it means I can cross that finish line with Pete!

***One side note...if you are curious about the treatment for an injury of your own, there is some great information at www.grastontechnique.com. I was quite pleased to see it say swelling and bruising are a good thing, as my leg is already showing quite a bit of that!

Day 59 - May 5, 2010

14 miles 14 hours

It certainly felt like 14 hours anyway. This was the first run that made me doubt my decision to run this marathon. I may soon be changing the title of this blog to 13.1 Miles to Celebrate 10 Years. All joking aside, it really was a tough run. I developed some pain that will hopefully be fine after a day of rest. I may be making a few trips to see Dr. Wilhelm and his torture chamber soon. If my knee problems show up, I can only hope the Graston Technique will have the same magical effect it did last year.
On a more positive note, this was Pete's longest run - EVER! Good job, Pete. I usually tend to have more endurance, but not today.

Day 58 - May 4, 2010

3 easy miles (plus strength training)

It feels good to be back in the routine. Next up...a fourteen miler. It will be Pete's longest run - ever!

Day 57 May 3, 2010

3 easy miles

Four days is certainly the longest I have gone without running in a long time, and without exercising, in years. After a couple of days, I was desperate for a run, but by today I felt never running again might be just fine (the 42 glasses of wine at Chico last night might have added to that feeling).

Day 52 - April 28, 2010

8 miles with strength training (3 warm, 4X1 mile @8:55, 1 cool)

The weather was horrible, so I was forced to the treadmill again. After spending an hour on the treadmill Monday, I was not excited about it. After three miles, I almost just gave up. I decided instead to spice up the treadmill portion by getting off every mile and doing 5-10 minutes of strength training. It was a very tough physical workout, although an easy paced 8 miler was probably more appropriate, this was second best, I suppose.

Now, after three tough workouts in four days, I'm headed to Omaha, where I will be lucky to get in a two miler in four days. My body needs some rest, but hopefully we will be able to sneak in one run.

Day 50 - April 26, 2010

5 miles 50 minutes (plus strength training)

Today I tackled my new favorite treadmill workout. Ten minute warm-up, 30 minutes of hills intervals (2 min hill 1 min recovery X10) and a ten minute cool-down (which I usually actually end up running fast instead). I also have a new guilty pleasure...I'm really liking the new Jason Castro cd. It is pretty poppy in comparison to my usual taste, but I can't help but enjoy it.

Day 49 - April 25, 2010

5 miles ??? (plus strength training)

I headed out today without a plan, and within blocks my watch died. This further complicated my motivation to do a tempo run, as a tempo run feels meaningless to me, without the reward of knowing the actual pace. I also had an expected visitor with me. When I dropped off the kids at my Mom's house, their dog gave me the look and the bark. I do NOT like running with dogs. I run to get away from scolding, bossing and carrying around poop (which I finally, after over five years of diapers, don't have to do anymore). I felt it fair, however, that I take Tosca, as my Mom and Ken were watching my kids, I could easily return the favor (just don't tell Tinsel).

I headed out with no watch and Tosca towards the park. Tosca is not like Tinsel. She is trained to stay with you off leash, and she is friendly with other dogs (as long as they don't bite first). I am usually in agreement with the leash law, however with a dog like Tosca, who will stay right next to you, I don't believe it is necessary, so I felt okay running with her. I do however, get VERY annoyed by dog owners with out of control dogs pooping all over the place and messing with our dog, who is on a leash. I am also just a little bothered when an off leash dog comes running up to one of my kids, and I hear the owner yell out from behind me "That dog isn't friendly." Are you kidding me? What is it doing running on a highly populated hiking trail without a leash? Anyway, I must admit, I LOVED having the running partner this morning. It sure was nice to have the company without the constant leash jerking and yelling. I didn't even mind the one poop pick-up. (And, sorry again Tinsel. We know you spent your first six months wild in the woods, and that wild animal side will not be tamed, and we love you and the leash for it).

Anyway, the run was a great one. After a nice warm-up with Tosca, I dropped her off back at her house, and headed back to the pond. I know the pond loop is half a mile, so I just did a bunch of laps at a medium pace, but mixed it up a bit, by stopping every lap to do some strength training. I might have looked a little silly doing squats along the trail, but it broke up the laps and made the run more challenging and interesting.

Just a few more days until we head to Omaha, where we will most likely not run. Better make these next couple of workouts count. There will be plenty of time for recovery later this week.

5-A-Day Kid's Race

Day 47 - April 23, 2010

3 miles 30 minutes (plus core)

Born to Run Like a Mother

So, I've been doing a lot of running reading lately. I do enjoy running books. I've read of few of them in the last three years.
Last week I read Born to Run. I'm not going to go in to a book review, summary, or even say much about it. I found it fascinating on every level, and I recommend it to everyone who runs at all. It did not inspire me to plan an ultra. I still have no desire to tackle that task. It did inspire me to rethink footwear and diet, and hopefully I will be doing some barefoot running here in the future, along with changing my diet (a little, at least...I hope). If I do, I will be sure to comment on it here. For now, I've made time to run with the kids in our yard in bare feet, and that was thrilling enough (along with ditching my running shoes and wearing flip flops while not running - ah, I lived in those clunky shoes for two years). Beyond that kind of inspiration, I loved the people in the book, and the message, and the theory that humans really evolved as THE distance runners on this planet. As runners, I think we all want to believe that we really were Born to Run (even when our damn IT Band trys to tell us something else).
Now, I am reading Run Like a Mother. I am enjoying it as well. Here is a nice quote, and a reminder as to why I decided to run this marathon with Pete. "Running is conducive to frank, sometimes soul-baring conversations in the same way road trips are: When you keep your eyes on the road, you can speak from your heart." Well said, Dimity.

Day 45 - April 21, 2010

12 miles 2:15


What a run! It started out terribly. We were running into a horrible headwind, and Pete was very grouchy and cursing at it (and me). By the last couple of miles, the wind was at our backs, and Pete was making me laugh so hard, I kept having to stop so I wouldn't pee my pants. I think we went through every emotion out there, but I'm glad we ended up on a good one.

I've always tried to do my long runs around a ten minute pace, regardless of if I was training for a half marathon or a marathon (with exception of the last round, where we were running our long runs between 8:45-9:00). After reading Born to Run, I'm going to just assume I was probably running the long runs too fast. I like these easy paced long runs. If I feel I have to run long and with a pace in mind, I end up dreading the run, and not enjoying it all. Really, what is the point of training for a marathon if you don't enjoy the long run?

Day 44 - April 20, 2010

4 plus miles No Watch



It felt really good to run without a watch. I'm reading Born to Run, so I was just trying to enjoy the run and work on my form. I'll finish the book in the next day or two, and give my report. What an excellent read. I'm looking forward to the twelve miler with Pete tomorrow morning. Hopefully the weather will be decent.

Day 42 - April 18, 2010

7.4 miles 1:08:30 Earth Race

This run was supposed to be a six mile tempo run. The race description said it would include "hospital hill", but I figured a nice big hill mid-race would be good for me.

The first shock came when they told us the 10k would be a two laps on the 5k course. The 5k course included Peet's Hill, so we would be doing it two times. Mentally, I adjusted my time goal, but still thought the race would be fun. When we rounded out the first loop and my GPS said 3.5 (with the finish for the 5k still blocks away) I knew we would actually end up running close to 7.5 miles for the 10k, including Peet's Hill two times. Not really a 6 mile tempo run. We'd already done the first lap about as fast as I could go, just trying to keep up with Pete, so I had no choice but just to just keep going! It turned out to be a much more challenging run than I anticipated, but it was still a lot of fun. The kids were waiting for us at the finish line, and it was a gorgeous morning (even though I was very overdressed) we all really enjoyed the sunshine.

Day 41 - April 17, 2010

Today we replaced our 3 mile easy runs with a family hike. It was a great one, and Sylvia even got to log 2 miles on her marathon chart!

Day 39 - April 15, 2010

2 miles 21 minutes (plus strength training, biking and walking)

I haven't had much time to write lately. We are looking forward to the race on Sunday.

Day 38 - April 14, 2010

10 miles 1:49

After waking up with a terrible, terrible headache, I was not sure if this run was going to happen. When my head felt better (but my body still felt like jelly, as it always does after a headache like that) I headed out into a very windy afternoon. I didn't know if I'd make it, but from the first step it was just one foot in front of the other to get it done. An eleven mile run was planned, but I did the minimum so as not to go off schedule. I got the 10 done, so now I will be able to do the twelve with Pete next week.

Day 36 - April 12, 2010

5 miles (warmup, 30 mins hill intervals, 1 mile 9:00 cooldown)

Well, if you are going to run on a treadmill, I suggest doing intervals. I've done this workout twice now, and both times, time passed quite quickly. The highlight of this run was Pearl Jam's song "Unthought Unknown". (Oh yes, I must admit I gave up on the alphabetical list at the Ls, and I am usually just listening on shuffle). Anyway, it was the first time I'd really listened to the lyrics. I won't go into my own interpretation, but I just wanted to share them. (I put my favorite line in bold).

All the thoughts you never see, you're always thinking
Brain is wired, brain is deep, oh are you sinking?
Feel the path of every day, which road you taking?
Breathing hard and making hay, yeh this is living
Look for love and evidence, that you're worth keeping
Swallowed whole in negatives, it's so sad and sickening
Feel the air up above, A pool of blue sky
Fill the air up with love, Black with starlight
Feel the sky blanket you, with gems and rhinestones,
See the path cut by the moon, for you to walk on,
For you to walk on,
Nothing left, Nothing left
Nothing there, Nothing left
See the path cut by the moon, for you to walk on,
See the waves of distant shores, awaiting your arrival,
Dream the dreams of other men, you'll be no one's rival,
Dream the dreams of others then, you'll be no one's rival,
You will be no one's rival
A distant time, a distant space, That's where we're living,
A distant time, a distant space, So what you giving?
What you giving?

And, while I am on the subject of quotes, I also wanted to share this one from The Power of One, by Byrce Courtenay.

"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete; the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further, or box better. Hoppie's dictum to me, "First with the head and then with the heart," was more than simply mixing brains with guts. It meant thinking well beyond the powers of normal concentration and then daring your courage to follow your thoughts."

I'm pretty sure I will finish The Power of One tonight, and tomorrow I start Born to Run, at Pete's constant urging!

Day 34 - April 10, 2010

Almost 5 miles (3@8:59)

Last week's tempo was a bit too fast, but this one was still too slow. Next week Pete and I will run our tempo together in a 10k race. I'm hoping for something right in the middle (8:40) even with hospital hill. Are you up for pushing me, Pete?

Day 32 - April 8, 2010

3 easy miles (plus strength training)


Once again, not the best run. I must be the exception to the "running will get your mind off your problems" rule. I often hear about people who are worried about something, they go out for a run, and feel better. Me, if I feel worried about something and go out for a run, I often end up going a few miles and then walking home. This morning I was a little distracted, mainly because my little Miss Sylvia was upset about things at school, and annoyed by plugged up ears. Not to mention a bunch of other things, which all added up at my having a hard time focusing on the run. Sometimes running just doesn't seem as important as fixing whatever is bothering my family or me.

The great irony is, the solution came to me while I was running! My idea to head over to Emily Dickinson for lunch with Sylvia to see how she was doing, was just too perfect. I go to the school to read with her and her classmates, and for special events, but I had never had lunch with her, or played on the playground with her and her friends. It was so much fun, and it put my mind to ease. She was feeling better and having a great day, just as I had hoped. You just never know what really happens after they give you the kiss good-bye and head into the school for the day. It was great to see her interact with her sweeter than sweet best friends, Aaron and Ruby. Today, pushing the kids on the swings and playing "A Night at the Museum", cured my worries, much more so than the run, although I still have to give the run credit for coming up with the solution:) In a few years, or maybe even next year, Sylvia won't be as excited to have us visit her for lunch. Now, as much as she has already started to shut us out of her "social life" she still wants us to be a part of it. I know that won't be the case much longer. Sometimes, as I'm sure all running moms do, I feel guilty for that time I spend by myself out there, but usually I do believe it makes me a more present and happy Mom when I get home. Like everything else in life, I suppose it is all about balance.

Day 31 - April 7, 2010

9 miles 1:39

Pete and I were able to do this run together, under a sunny sky and snowy mountains. Unfortunately, that was about the only positive thing I have to say about that run. Neither of us felt great, and it was not a great run. Sometimes you just have to do it to check it off your training schedule, and then you move on to the next run.

Day 29 - April 5, 2010

5 Miles 51:30 (with 30 minutes of hill intervals)

Not too much to say about this run. The treadmill does not inspire me to write much, but it was a tough run that felt great.

Day 28 - April 4, 2010

Me 4 miles (Oh. So. Slow. No watch)
Sylvia .25 miles (Helped Dad warm-up for his tempo run)
And a few hours later
Me 2.25 miles
Sylvia 1.125 miles 18:44

Before Sylvia started her marathon, I was worried she would not complete the 25 miles by July 9th, but now I am worried she is going to complete it by the end of April, and she will end up pestering me about the trophy for three months! Really, though, I could not be happier by how excited she is, and more just by how much she seems to be enjoying it. I certainly love having a training schedule, a goal, and being able to slowly work towards it. I guess it runs in the family.
Pete did a couple of laps around the block this morning with Sylvia to warm up before his tempo run. Later (after a few hours of swimming - can you believe the energy level of this five year old?) she decided she wanted to run over to Grandma's for Easter dinner. Owen wanted to run over there too, but I knew more than a mile would be much more than he could handle.
I thought Sylvia might like some music, so we put on our running shoes and Vampire Weekend and headed over to Grandma and Ken's house. We both enjoyed having a goal outside of just going around the block, and it felt amazing to me. Sylvia and I were really going for our first run together, and it was so much fun. After a few blocks, we decided to walk the shaded portions of the sidewalk and run in the sun. It was a great way for her to get some walk breaks, and making a game out of things never hurts.
After dropping Sylvia off at Grandma and Ken's house, I ran home to pick up Owen. (He insisted he wanted to ride his bike over there, but when I got back home, he was just fine with riding in the car). I must say, it took me about half as long to get home, but it sure felt a lot longer without my newest running companion.

Day 26 - April 2, 2010

Me 8 miles 1:18:30
Sylvia 1/4 mile


Wow, this run felt great. When I got to the turnaround, and saw that I was under a ten-minute mile pace, I was surprised, and then worried. I was worried I'd slow way down the second half. I was able to keep the pace easily. It wasn't that fast, but I was pleased with how easy it felt.
Now I need to tidy up this messy house, pack up the car for tomorrow's family funfest in Billings, and get ready for a night out with Pete. What am I doing on the computer?

Day 25 - April 1, 2010

Me - 2 easy miles (plus strength training)
Sylvia - .5 miles 5:45 (plus swim lessons)

Today is the first day of Sylvia's marathon! She now has 100 days to run 25 miles, and then she will run the final 1.2 miles at the Missoula Marathon kid's race. I'm really excited, and she is too. Okay, okay, it probably has something to do with the oversized trophy I promised her if she completes the miles, but we did have a good time out there today. We put on the GPS watch and took a lap around the block. We found that route is exactly .125 miles, so every time we go around the block two times, she gets to mark off another quarter mile from her mileage chart. After three laps, she started to get tired. I told her we could walk to final lap, so she took a few steps, and then she said, "No! Our time will be too slow!". I loved it! She also decided she would like to bring in her mileage chart for show and tell in a few weeks. Can you tell I'm a proud Momma? Now, if anyone has any suggestions for something worthy of a nice trophy for Owen this July, let me know. Something along the lines of "Best Little Brother Cheer-er"...

Day 24 - March 31, 2010

4 miles (including 4X800@4:15)

I suppose it is only fair to mention here that Pete kicked my butt in the speed workout this week.

Day 23 - March 30, 2010

3 miles 30 minutes (plus strength training)

Day 21 - March 28, 2010

4 miles 3@8:25


It is amazing how different you can feel about a run, based on just a few seconds. I feel great about this one. I mean, I ended up running my tempo faster than my speed intervals, and more importantly, I totally kicked Pete's butt (haha)!

Day 19 - March 26, 2010

4 quality miles - warm up, 1 mile @ 8:35, 8X15 second hill repeats, 1 mile @8:50, cool

This week, Pete and I add tempo runs and quality runs to the schedule. The "quality" runs should include hills or speed intervals, or both!

Looking here at my times, I can't help but be a little disappointed. I only compete with myself. A lot of people will always be faster than me, and there will always be people slower than me, but I really like to see my times improve. These times are certainly not an improvement. It seems the more I run, the slower I am...

Day 18 - March 25, 2010

3 miles 30 minutes (plus strength training)

Day 17 - March 24, 2010

7 miles 1 hour 18 minutes

Today Pete and I ran together for the first time since November. We shared a slow, pain-free, pleasant run. It was the kind of run I pictured when I decided to run the marathon with him. We had the most intellectual and amazing conversation we've had in a while, covering everything from politics to parenting, and history to philosophy. That kind of conversation is not often a part of the daily routine for me. It sometimes seems days go by when the only thing Pete and I talk about it is scheduling and what appears on the dry erase calendar.

I have never run with anyone except Pete (with the exception of one quick run with a girlfriend one time, and that is another story). When I first starting running, Pete and I did some 8-9 milers together, back when that distance was always excruciating. We didn't do a lot of talking, especially during the second half of the run. Recently, we tackled a lot of tempo runs (and some other long runs where we would run the second half at tempo - ah the torture) together, and that is not the time for talking either.

The run gave me hope I might actually finally experience the phenomenon I've heard so much about...running with someone will help you really get to know a person on a new level and bring you closer together. Other than getting to know myself better out there, it is something I've never really experienced. I'm really looking forward to all of the time we will have running together while training for this race, and in the years to come.

Day 15 - March 22, 2010

2 miles Very Slow (plus strength training)

Day 14 - March 21, 2010

8 miles 1 hour 24 minutes

I must admit, it felt quite good to put on my headphones and escape the filthy house this morning. I didn't just take two unplanned rest days from running, but also from my household chores. I spent 20 hours sleeping off strep throat on Friday, and spent most of the day yesterday on the mountain for the last ski day of the season. (Oh, I have to admit, I'm such a proud Mom watching Sylvia ski). The results of two days off around here were not pretty, for my body or the house.
I started out today a little dehydrated, probably low on iron, with a freshly bruised knee (the bad one) from banging it on the truck hitch yesterday. It didn't matter. It felt great to leave behind a dirty house and an annoyed husband (annoyed by my nagging, of course) and head out into the spring sunshine.
The run felt easy. As you can see from my pace, I was not pushing it. The pace is not even really accurate. I stopped my watch at red lights. I was worried if I didn't do that, I'd end up with an eleven-minute mile pace, so I guess I cheated a bit. In some ways I celebrate the easiness of this run, but, really, I know better than that. In a few weeks an 8 mile run will only be half a long run, and I doubt even stopping the watch at red lights will save me from an eleven-minute pace.

And...one quick unrelated question....Does anyone else suffer from motion sickness or vertigo while running with sunglasses? So wierd!

Day 11 - March 18, 2010

4.0 Miles 38:51 Minutes

Today's run felt okay. My knee feels much better, and I think I am finally over my cold. Pete, on the other hand, is very congested and not feeling well. We postponed our long run until Sunday. Hopefully he will be feeling better, and we will be able to run together.

Yesterday, Pete and I took an unplanned rest day. After one too many glasses of wine and very little sleep, 4 cups of coffee and a shower just sounded a lot nicer than a short run under Missoula's gray skies. We promised ourselves we would make up for it by the end of the week. I must admit, the Vampire Weekend show was certainly worth being a few miles behind for the week. In response to my last post's question regarding if dropping everything and going down to Missoula for the show in the middle of the week was going to be worth it....well, after that show, I think I might follow every great idea that comes to me while out on a run.

On the car ride over to Missoula, Pete and I talked about the high hopes we had for the show. I was really hoping they would do something unexpected and special. I wanted to see big personalities, a cover song with their own take or twist on it, some mid-show heart wrenching solo from Ezra, or, in other words, I wanted to see something from them that I've seen from one of my other favorite bands in the past. I'll never forget Eddie Vedder's solo version of Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down", and no one can entertain the crowd like Jeff Tweedy. I wanted something similar. I did not get it. Vampire Weekend simply came out and performed their songs. There were no covers, not really any improvisation, very little talk or interaction with the crowd, but I love those songs, and it turned out, all they had to do was play them for the show to be special for me. The sound was perfect. Ezra Koenig's voice was exactly the same as the album - soft, but strong. The crowd was engaged, and I was dancing and sweating and jumping like I haven't done in ten years. Really, what more can you ask for?

As Pete and I were walking out of the show, sweaty, exhausted and happy, the guy behind us yelled out, "I love this town. I'll never leave." I looked at Pete and said something like, "Did he really just say that?" Pete just rolled his eyes at me, but it almost felt like it the comment was directed at me. Missoula will never lose its' magic for me. I'm glad we will be running the marathon there. We may need to borrow a little of the town's magic on that Sunday morning in July.

Vampire Weekend

Okay, out running...a lot of crazy stuff goes through your mind, right? I'm constantly making plans out there, coming up with vacation ideas, plotting cross country ski dates with my mom friends, thinking of new ways to try to get my non-running friends running, not to mention a constant stream of Facebook updates, and now, topics for this blog....A lot of times, what seems like a perfectly simple and wonderful idea out there is really not such a good one when I get home and back to reality. And sometimes the ideas really are perfect.

So, the first time I listened to the Vampire Weekend Contra album, I decided to run the marathon with Pete. The second time I listened to Contra, (after dancing at stoplights...honestly) I came home with another big idea. Vampire Weekend was playing in Missoula, and I felt it necessary we see them. I woke Pete up a little early and made him call his co-worker, while still in a state of partial sleep, to try to get the time off work. Luckily, he got a hold of him right away, and he agreed - (hero!). We purchased tickets just hours before they sold out. Tomorrow night is the concert, and I have very high hopes for the evening and the show. We shall see which of these two impulsive running decisions was the best one...

Day 8 - March 15, 2010

2 miles 20:00 minutes (plus strength training)

Day 6 - March 13, 2010

3 miles - No Watch

Running before 8:00 a.m. is not for me. When Jackie Greene's Gone Wanderin' started to play half way through the run, it was so fitting. "And I should be home in bed, but the notion in my head, keeps telling me to ramble on....". I'm really glad it was just a three miler!

Comments

Rest Day

I love comments, and thanks to those of you who have made one. I'm still confused as to where I should respond...Should I respond with my own comment? Should I respond personally? For now, I've decided to respond personally, because I doubt anyone is checking this blog enough to look back at the comments to see if I made a response.
So, if you look at my last post, you will see a comment from Sarah Bowen Shea. For those of you who do not know who she is, Sarah and her friend Dimity are the inspiration for this blog, and my favorite running writers. You might recognize their names from numerous articles in Runner's World. They write an encouraging, insightful, and very witty blog at runlikeamotherbook.com. If you are a running mother like me, I highly recommend their site.

Good luck tomorrow Race to the Pub-ers!

Day 4 - March 11, 2010

2 miles 22:00 minutes (plus strength training)

Frying Pan, a song that showed up on my alphabetical list today, was the only significant thing that happened on today's run (other than my slower pace due to a possible cold coming and a bad night of sleep). I'd completely forgotten all about Evan Dando's Frying Pan from the Sweet Relief album. I hadn't heard it in years, and I don't even remember putting it into my MP3 player. I guess finding songs like that again, is part of the beauty of listening to every single song. I swear, when you put it on random, the same 20 songs come up again and again. Anyway, it is one of my all time favorites, in part because it just reminds me so much of our time in the Czech Republic. It seems just bizarre now, but when we went over there to teach for a year, we didn't bring any music with us. This was long before itunes, back in 1999. Once we arrived, we realized we had nothing to listen to, except German MTV. I think we purchased only one cassette the entire year we lived in Europe (although, we did borrow quite a few). It was the Sweet Relief album. It was a good one, and we ended up knowing every song quite well. My favorite was Frying Pan. Pete learned to play and sing it, and even now when I hear the original, it doesn't sound as good as his version. Anyway, it will certainly have to be included in the marathon play list!

Operation Jack

Here is a great opprotunity to support a good cause. Please check out the Operation Jack website. Runner Sam Felsenfeld is planning to race at least one marathon per week in 2010 to generate attention and raise money for Train 4 Austism. One of the marathons on the schedule is the Missoula Marathon. To donate to my "friend of a friend" who is joining Sam and will run in Missoula you can follow this link. http://www.facebook.com/l/d2f4c;operationjack.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=321414&supid=282613361"

Day 3 - March 10, 2010

5 miles 49:57 minutes

I was really looking forward to running with Pete this morning, but a few inches of wet snow forced us onto the treadmill (pretty wimpy actually). Even though we ran side by side, we didn’t really run together. Today's five-mile run, was the long run of the week. It didn't really feel like a long run, because we both completed an eight miler last week, but we are sticking to the schedule. We chose a beginner program from the Runner’s World website. It is a 16-week program. The first three weeks are very easy, followed by ten tough weeks, and a three week taper. Pete and I added two easy weeks to the ten hard weeks, to make 18 weeks total. We were tempted to run six or seven today, but, knowing what is ahead, we just decided to enjoy the five miles (as much as possible, while running on a treadmill, counting each tenth of a mile, and trying to be entertained by The Price is Right).

A word on music….

Music has always been an important part of my life. I spent most of my free time in high school driving around with my friend Angie, smoking cigarettes and listening to music. In college, I spent nearly every night at Jay’s Upstairs listening to live music. After college, Pete and I spent many hours listening to music together, and I even got a lot of opportunities to listen to him play music. Now, it is hard to find the time to listen to anything other than Owen’s favorite Mamma Mia, or Sylvia’s favorite John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmitt (although recently they have both been enjoying Vampire Weekend – much to my delight).
Now running is the time for me to listen to music. Luckily, Pete and I have a subscription to Napster, which means for a small fee each month, we can download anything into our MP3 player. Some months, 20 albums go in and out of mine. I only wish I had enough time to listen to all of the interesting and new music out there. Music is so accessible now. Remember the days when some older friend of one of your friends heard of some band and you saved up $9.99, so you could go buy the cassette, only to find it terrible (and you still pretended to like it)?
Anyway, I love talking good music, and good running music (which is different sometimes). I always love to receive music recommendations…I am picky, but I like a little of everything. Here are my current favorites….

Ryan Adams, Cold Roses – I can’t believe it took me so long to listen to him, but I’m sort of glad it did, otherwise Cold Roses would be old news to me, and I wouldn’t be enjoying it so much now. For those of you who don’t listen to him, he is usually called alt country. I’d say he is rock with a twang. My favorite is Cold Roses (second runner up is Easy Tiger). Cold Roses is perfect for a long run.

Vampire Weekend, Contra or Vampire Weekend – These guys are perfect for a tempo run. I love them. For those of you who haven’t heard them yet, Afropop is their main influence. I’ve never listened to Afropop myself, so that is probably why they sound so new and refreshing to me.

Day 2 - March 9, 2010

2 miles 20:00 minutes (plus strength training)

Day 1 - March 8, 2010

4.11 Miles 40:44 minutes

Today was the first day of our 18 week training cycle. On the schedule…a four mile run. On the upside, it was a beautiful spring morning, warm and sunny. In my dreaded alphabetical play list (I'm intent on listening to every song in my MP3 player in alphabetical order), three of my favorite running songs played (K’Naan’s Dreamer, Drummer by Davy, and Easy Plateau by Ryan Adams). Sounds nice, but honestly, my knee and entire leg felt tight. I could feel a slight throbbing in left temple (probably a little dehydrated from Saturday night’s wine fest), and my stomach felt horrible from a too recent breakfast. Sometimes I’m so anxious to get out there, I forget I need to let my food digest for a few minutes.

As you can see from my pace above, I am no speedster, and am really just barely a middle of the packer. I haven’t run with a watch or GPS for a few months, so I wasn’t really sure about my current "easy pace". I hoped it magically went from 10 minute miles to 9 minute miles, but…no. My comfortable pace is still right around 10 minute miles.

Pete and I both "conquered" the four mile easy run this sunny Monday morning. He works a seven on/seven off schedule, so during his off week, we get a lot of time to run, although on most days we take turns running and entertaining the kids.

Tonight we made it official by registering for the race, and creating this blog. No turning back now....

February 23, 2010

6 days to official training….

Darn Girl Scout Cookies – better eat them all before training starts!

February 21, 2010

8 days to official training….

This week, Pete and I celebrated a seventy-minute run. Both of us came home cheerful from a run (at a comfy pace) that lasted over an hour, happy and a bit tired from our "long run". It is hard to believe in just 19 weeks our bodies will be ready for 26.2 miles, but that is the plan. I know it works. I’ve done it two times. Follow the schedule, suffer through the long runs, and endurance is the result.

I don’t know how I let Pete talk me into this (or how I talked myself into it, really). I had no plans to run another marathon…ever! (Well, unless I got a lot faster and a 20 miler was only a two-hour investment, instead of a four-hour nightmare). He felt he just HAD to do one, and I recommended Missoula. It is just a three hour drive, he would have a lot of family and friends to cheer for him, and in some ways Missoula still feels a bit like home. A long time ago, Pete mentioned we should run it together to celebrate our ten-year anniversary. Our anniversary is the day before the July 11^th marathon, but I kind of brushed off the idea. I didn’t want to do it. I’d suffered quite acutely during my first marathon (bonking due to stupidity at mile 17, and doing a "walk/sit the curb" for nearly 10 miles). The second marathon was actually fun in comparison, but I paid for it. I felt great until about mile 24 when I developed a mysterious ache in my knee. I finished out the race, but the vague knee pain turned out to be (or turned into) the dreaded IT Band Syndrome. I suffered with it for a full year, only able to run slow and short, and even now, almost two years later (and every attempt to beat it), that leg is just not the same. Honestly, the more determination Pete showed to run the full, the more I hoped he would change his mind. I know myself what a huge time and emotional investment it is, and I guess I was thinking a tad selfishly.

Last fall we trained for the Vegas half together. The training was very hard, and it burnt me out completely. By the end of the 10 weeks with Ryan Hall’s training program (basically a variation on the famous Run Less, Run Faster, in which every run’s goal includes an ambitious pace), I was dreading every run. After the race, I decided to run only outside, with no real time or distance goals…just vague ideas about how long I wanted to be out there. The results were so amazing; they got me into this mess. I fell in love with running all over again. I ditched any schedule, and kept a journal only for shoe replacement purposes. I skipped the treadmill, did not worry about my pace, or run any hills. Basically I ran just what I wanted and when I wanted, for a couple of months. I LOVED it. So, how did I end up deciding to run the marathon with Pete? Keep in mind, it was during this lovely and euphoric, falling in love with running all over again phase… I’m out on a sunny day at the end of January, listening to Vampire Weekend Contra for the first time and I think to myself, this is so great – I love running, I’ve got to run that marathon with Pete. I want to do the long runs together, and I want to cross that finish line together. I want to share all of the pleasure and pain of training for, and running, a marathon, with my husband. All of sudden, running another marathon sounded….kind of….fun!