We have had a change of plans. My family has been planning a spring break cruise vacation. We decided to try one out in hopes that it works for us and I can cruise with the boys over Christmas next year. So, Friday night Pete comes home and says, "hey, how about we go back to Virginia Beach and run the Shamrock Marathon again?" Huh?
Ian wants to visit Virginia Tech before deciding on schools. That makes sense. They have a sleep over program for interested ROTC Cadets. We could visit VA Tech, let Ian spend the night and then drive out to VA Beach with a few days to visit old haunts before running the marathon and flying home.
I started getting so excited. It is an interesting reaction for me. We have lived a lot of places and I have loved many of them; however, the thought of going back to VA Beach feels like I am "going home." Could that mean it is a viable retirement location?
A friend of mine remarked that only I would be excited about canceling a cruise and running a marathon instead. Ha! Maybe she's right.
So, I registered for both of us today and went out to do 18 miles. It really sucks to do the miles alone, but I went off post to Scenic Drive, which is a steady climb up a mountain with a gorgeous view. If I run up the mountain, down the other side, turn around and go back up and over, and home again, it equals 10 miles. It is a hard run,but it will give me more confidence that I can handle the windy flat course in VA. The decrease in altitude should be in my favor as well. Then, I did 8 miles flat around post.
So, now I am sore and shuffling around like an 80 year old woman, but I am glad I did it and I feel confident that I can finish strong. I won't be breaking any records, but I am guessing about a 3:40 or so. A 3:50 qualifies me for Boston. I have never been able to go, but your time is good for 2 years, so it is nice to have just in case. Maybe 2010.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Pain in my ...abs
So I went to the doctor this week. I am not sure I told you guys, so forgive me if I bore you.
While training for the marathon in VA Beach, I had some pain in my lower right abdomen. Well, everything and anything hurts those last few weeks so who would know if something hurt or was injured?
I did see a doc before we moved, but things were inconclusive. It feels like I think a hernia would feel...burn, sting, hot, but I never found a protrusion. Now, I only feel pain when doing lower abs, long runs at about 9 miles or shorter runs if fast.
So, I finally went to a doc here. You know, this process is just painful and maybe worse than the pain in my belly. First I make an appointment with a general doc. Yep, I have an issue, maybe this, maybe that. Must be referred. See doc #2. He determines I have strained my illiosoas and the bursa sac is irritated or burst (in other words, I have bursitis). Now, I must see doc #3 for physical therapy. The prescription calls for 3x per week! How inconvenient!
Now what? I am not sure I told you guys that after my great running vacation I was just sure I should suck it up and do the El Paso marathon March 1. (but you knew that was coming didn't you?) It won't be my best time; in fact, it is likely to be my worst, but I think I can do it. Now, this is interfering. I know that I am not causing permanent damage, just pain. I could do the marathon and then do the therapy.
I can't do a race this fall since Pete deploys, Ian graduates and I need to take him to college on the East Coast. That would be a good time to take a break and try to heal.
So, the truth is I hate to give up a chance to do another marathon. It is calling me in my sleep. That said, I feel foolish for not taking care of an injury. Of course, I was assured no permanent damage, just pain. I have done 3 marathons with each one netting a better time. It sucks to know I will have to slow down.
If this were not enough, I also struggle with long run routes. Off post is not very appealing for a woman running alone. It's not risky, but I wouldn't call it the safest area. Lower income, big fences, even in the front yard, with big fighting dogs jumping, barking and growling. Scary! what's left is running in circles on post for miles and miles.
I know I am whining. Why is this so hard? I cannot seem to make a decision. My plan today is to run 18 this weekend. I will do 10 off post alone. I am fairly confident about one route through a few neighborhoods and then up Scenic Drive, which is a hell of a hill, but a gorgeous view. Then, back to post for my normal 8 miles. If I can do that and feel fairly good, I should be able to gut out the marathon. Of course, I will have to schedule a 20 and a 23 sometime before March 1, but at that point it's all perspective.
One option is to try to do a perfect 4 hour. Solid 9 minute miles with perfect splits. Then, I could be a pacer! That would be cool!
Aren't you glad you don't live in my head?!
While training for the marathon in VA Beach, I had some pain in my lower right abdomen. Well, everything and anything hurts those last few weeks so who would know if something hurt or was injured?
I did see a doc before we moved, but things were inconclusive. It feels like I think a hernia would feel...burn, sting, hot, but I never found a protrusion. Now, I only feel pain when doing lower abs, long runs at about 9 miles or shorter runs if fast.
So, I finally went to a doc here. You know, this process is just painful and maybe worse than the pain in my belly. First I make an appointment with a general doc. Yep, I have an issue, maybe this, maybe that. Must be referred. See doc #2. He determines I have strained my illiosoas and the bursa sac is irritated or burst (in other words, I have bursitis). Now, I must see doc #3 for physical therapy. The prescription calls for 3x per week! How inconvenient!
Now what? I am not sure I told you guys that after my great running vacation I was just sure I should suck it up and do the El Paso marathon March 1. (but you knew that was coming didn't you?) It won't be my best time; in fact, it is likely to be my worst, but I think I can do it. Now, this is interfering. I know that I am not causing permanent damage, just pain. I could do the marathon and then do the therapy.
I can't do a race this fall since Pete deploys, Ian graduates and I need to take him to college on the East Coast. That would be a good time to take a break and try to heal.
So, the truth is I hate to give up a chance to do another marathon. It is calling me in my sleep. That said, I feel foolish for not taking care of an injury. Of course, I was assured no permanent damage, just pain. I have done 3 marathons with each one netting a better time. It sucks to know I will have to slow down.
If this were not enough, I also struggle with long run routes. Off post is not very appealing for a woman running alone. It's not risky, but I wouldn't call it the safest area. Lower income, big fences, even in the front yard, with big fighting dogs jumping, barking and growling. Scary! what's left is running in circles on post for miles and miles.
I know I am whining. Why is this so hard? I cannot seem to make a decision. My plan today is to run 18 this weekend. I will do 10 off post alone. I am fairly confident about one route through a few neighborhoods and then up Scenic Drive, which is a hell of a hill, but a gorgeous view. Then, back to post for my normal 8 miles. If I can do that and feel fairly good, I should be able to gut out the marathon. Of course, I will have to schedule a 20 and a 23 sometime before March 1, but at that point it's all perspective.
One option is to try to do a perfect 4 hour. Solid 9 minute miles with perfect splits. Then, I could be a pacer! That would be cool!
Aren't you glad you don't live in my head?!
Friday, January 2, 2009
I needed a little retail therapy today and found out that Nike has a coupon for 20% off clearance items! I got 4 shirts for a total of more than 50% off, plus their shipping is really cheap (at least it is for Alaska). The code is DECCLEAR and is only good through 1/6. Happy shopping!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Hello from 6,600 miles away!
Hi Ladies!!! It's your long-lost buddy - Cathy! I have been in Baghdad for about a month now. Lots of new experiences in just that short period of time! I'm very proud to be here.
Here's the thing I really wanted to share though!!! I ran my first race here a couple weeks back. Boy I wish I had a picture to post for you guys!! It was a short one - 5k - but it felt amazing.
First of all, it was the last race on the Palace grounds (we gave it back to the Iraqi's today) - so, it was my sole opportunity to experience the palace as a racer.
The race started at 7am - and, fyi? It's cold in Iraq in December... No race chips. No bib numbers. Just a refresher of the bunkers along the route and a "go!" and we were off.
We ran the perimeter of the grounds twice. It was a little awkward running with all of my badges swinging around my neck - but you got used to it. Once I settled into my pace, I just soaked it all in. The guards cheering me on, the soldiers running past me, everyone else running past me, figuring out my steps in order to jump over the speed bumps without a) falling and b) screwing up my breathing etc... thinking how cold I was, thinking about my nose running faster than I was... it was a great experience and a pretty wonderful way to spend a morning.
It's humbling running these small races, though. There's no crowd to get lost in. I beat maybe ten people that morning. About 80 beat me. Doesn't matter - but it's something you just don't "feel" in these other huge races, you know? It has to really just be about running when it's something this small, because there's no anonymity - everyone knows if you come in last (or tenth from the bottom, as the case may be). But, I'll tell you one good thing about coming in near the bottom. You have all those people waiting at the finish line (a speed bump) cheering for you! I loved it.
I have been running - but not a lot. I've been biking more (in the gym, of course) and really focusing on weights. I've had to be vigilant with food - which is good, free and everywhere. Thankfully I have Fred here - who, when I told him my first week... "I'm being good. A healthy breakfast, a decent lunch, an okay dinner and just one dessert a day" he screamed "NOOOOO! That's how it happens!!" Apparently it's like college - very easy to gain 15 pounds.... I've gone down a couple - thanks to Fred's guidance and my new workout plan. I've got to just stay the course now!
That's it for now. But, I hope you guys are well and please keep my posted on your races. Sometimes we have sister races here - so we can finally have the chance to run together!
Happy new year!!! Cathy
Here's the thing I really wanted to share though!!! I ran my first race here a couple weeks back. Boy I wish I had a picture to post for you guys!! It was a short one - 5k - but it felt amazing.
First of all, it was the last race on the Palace grounds (we gave it back to the Iraqi's today) - so, it was my sole opportunity to experience the palace as a racer.
The race started at 7am - and, fyi? It's cold in Iraq in December... No race chips. No bib numbers. Just a refresher of the bunkers along the route and a "go!" and we were off.
We ran the perimeter of the grounds twice. It was a little awkward running with all of my badges swinging around my neck - but you got used to it. Once I settled into my pace, I just soaked it all in. The guards cheering me on, the soldiers running past me, everyone else running past me, figuring out my steps in order to jump over the speed bumps without a) falling and b) screwing up my breathing etc... thinking how cold I was, thinking about my nose running faster than I was... it was a great experience and a pretty wonderful way to spend a morning.
It's humbling running these small races, though. There's no crowd to get lost in. I beat maybe ten people that morning. About 80 beat me. Doesn't matter - but it's something you just don't "feel" in these other huge races, you know? It has to really just be about running when it's something this small, because there's no anonymity - everyone knows if you come in last (or tenth from the bottom, as the case may be). But, I'll tell you one good thing about coming in near the bottom. You have all those people waiting at the finish line (a speed bump) cheering for you! I loved it.
I have been running - but not a lot. I've been biking more (in the gym, of course) and really focusing on weights. I've had to be vigilant with food - which is good, free and everywhere. Thankfully I have Fred here - who, when I told him my first week... "I'm being good. A healthy breakfast, a decent lunch, an okay dinner and just one dessert a day" he screamed "NOOOOO! That's how it happens!!" Apparently it's like college - very easy to gain 15 pounds.... I've gone down a couple - thanks to Fred's guidance and my new workout plan. I've got to just stay the course now!
That's it for now. But, I hope you guys are well and please keep my posted on your races. Sometimes we have sister races here - so we can finally have the chance to run together!
Happy new year!!! Cathy
My Christmas Gift
I trust everyone had a great holiday. I got a fabulous gift and it wasn't planned by anyone. I have a neighbor who is a geo bachelor. His wife came to visit for the holidays and she is a runner. Her husband introduced us and we planned a 10 mile run on the 21st. At first I was concerned that we wouldn't have anything to talk about. She is younger than me, no children, not married very long and so focused on career that she doesn't live with her husband. I was so pleasantly surprised to find that we are so compatible in our running pace and distance and we never had any trouble with conversation. That was the easiest 10 miles I've run in ages. So we planned a second run for the following day. I feel like I'm dating.
Other than Christmas day and our quick trip to San Antonio, Mindy and I have run every day for not less than 8 miles. What a difference a partner makes! I am running consistently, logging mega miles, and feeling great. Just this week we will log 44 miles! If Mindy lived here, I would be registering for a marathon without a second thought. Unfortunately, she has to go back to her job on Monday. I might cry. No, for real, I didn't realize how much I miss running with a partner at least occasionally. Not only do I get my runs done and they are enjoyable, but I get girl time and an opportunity to talk out all those stupid things that occupy your head.
What do I do now? Run an ad in the paper? Pay Mindy to stay? Like I said, I got the greatest gift for Christmas...a running partner for two weeks.
Other than Christmas day and our quick trip to San Antonio, Mindy and I have run every day for not less than 8 miles. What a difference a partner makes! I am running consistently, logging mega miles, and feeling great. Just this week we will log 44 miles! If Mindy lived here, I would be registering for a marathon without a second thought. Unfortunately, she has to go back to her job on Monday. I might cry. No, for real, I didn't realize how much I miss running with a partner at least occasionally. Not only do I get my runs done and they are enjoyable, but I get girl time and an opportunity to talk out all those stupid things that occupy your head.
What do I do now? Run an ad in the paper? Pay Mindy to stay? Like I said, I got the greatest gift for Christmas...a running partner for two weeks.
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