Friday, January 2, 2009
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.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Jingle Bell Jog 2008
We had a great morning today. All of us participated in a local Jingle Bell Jog 5K. We signed up for Tanner. After running a few 2 mile fun runs, he was frustrated with placing in the top few kids and not walking away with a trophy. He was ready to run a 5K.
He ran a 23:50 and placed 2nd in boys 14 and under. Ian beat us both with a sub 21, but his age group is competitive at 17 minutes. I ran with Beast to pace him and still placed 2nd in my age group. Pete is the only smart one among us who runs at a pace to enjoy himself. He was just minutes behind us.
This may not be the best photo of all of us, but I tell you I am thrilled to have it. With Ian off to college next year (and he really doesn't enjoy racing), this may be the only family race photo we get. BTW, Santa hats were encouraged. Tanner and I plan to run this race again next year by ourselves.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Back on the treadmill
I'm not back on the road like Christy, but I am on the treadmill. There won't be any road running for me for another 4 months. I could bundle up and get out there, but the risk of injury on the snow/ice isn't worth it. So it's the hamster wheel for me. There are two indoor tracks, one of which requires 177 laps to make a mile! The other one is better, but it's still 30+ laps. I decided I can't count that high.
Today was my first day on the treadmill in a month. Between my vertigo and sprained ankle, I couldn't exercise. 30 minutes, 12-minute miles and boring as hell--nothing fabulous, but at least I was moving. I'll ditch the air cast next time. That thing is like wearing a heater and I couldn't stretch properly. I'll just have to be careful.
I need a goal. I would love to run the Equinox Marathon they hold locally in September. It was mentioned in this month's Runner's World as one of the toughest! Problem is, I think I'd need to hire a nanny to get the training in, especially once summer hits and there's no school. They also do it as a relay, so that might be a fallback option.
Until then, I'm going to focus on the Midnight Sun Run they hold around June 21 (the solstice). It's a 10K that starts at 10 pm. It will feel weird running at that time, but at least it'll still be broad daylight. If anybody wants to join me, I'm offering free room and board!
Today was my first day on the treadmill in a month. Between my vertigo and sprained ankle, I couldn't exercise. 30 minutes, 12-minute miles and boring as hell--nothing fabulous, but at least I was moving. I'll ditch the air cast next time. That thing is like wearing a heater and I couldn't stretch properly. I'll just have to be careful.
I need a goal. I would love to run the Equinox Marathon they hold locally in September. It was mentioned in this month's Runner's World as one of the toughest! Problem is, I think I'd need to hire a nanny to get the training in, especially once summer hits and there's no school. They also do it as a relay, so that might be a fallback option.
Until then, I'm going to focus on the Midnight Sun Run they hold around June 21 (the solstice). It's a 10K that starts at 10 pm. It will feel weird running at that time, but at least it'll still be broad daylight. If anybody wants to join me, I'm offering free room and board!
Monday, November 17, 2008
I'm Back on the Road
This will be short and sweet since dinner is on the grill and Baby will be up soon. I just had to post because I am very happy to report that I had the opportunity to run this morning. Granted, 5 1/2 weeks post partum it was only a little over 2 miles with only the first of those miles being non-stop and at about a 15 minute pace, but I got to run!!! And, I was able to run with very little pain. My right glute hurt for about 4 blocks then tapered off, after that I was fine, just rusty and slow. The biggest annoyance was my leaky bladder that no one seems to ever talk about when they talk about pregnancy...Keegles, Keegles, Keegles.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
2 Dogs and a Kid
What a beautiful day for a run! Usually, I meet my running partner at 7AM on Sunday for 10 miles. This week he is in the field, so I am on my own. The good news is I don't have to get up early and it is cooler now, so I can run later in the day. The bad news is I have to run 10 miles alone. I procrastinated all morning. I finally got fed up with myself and got ready to go.
That's when I decided to talk Tanner into running with me for the first 3. We had a great time together and we had a chance to talk about some things that we have been putting off, like dad and Ian leaving soon. Funny how you can say things while running that you might not at home. Maybe it is just the lack of distractions. Anyway, he had no problem with 3 miles and his pace was easily compatible. I think we will do this more often.
I dropped Tanner at the house and ran down to my running partner's house to pick up his dog, Gracie. She is a Border Collie and she loves to run. I promised my partner that I would run her when he deploys, so since he is in the field I thought we might as well give it a shot now. His wife was thrilled that I could take her. Gracie gets frustrated when she doesn't get to go and her dad has been gone for a while now. She was very easy to run with so we did 5 miles before I took her home.
Finally, I picked up Piper, my Jack Russell (female) for a final 3 miles. Obie (male) really wants to go, but the truth is he doesn't run well, gets distracted and gives up about 2 miles in. Tanner took him for a walk instead. Piper loves to run. She kept looking up at me with this silly dog grin, ears flying and feet prancing. It was such a pretty day and the temperature was perfect. I understood exactly how she felt. I did 11.5 miles instead of 10.
Got anyone you need me to run?
That's when I decided to talk Tanner into running with me for the first 3. We had a great time together and we had a chance to talk about some things that we have been putting off, like dad and Ian leaving soon. Funny how you can say things while running that you might not at home. Maybe it is just the lack of distractions. Anyway, he had no problem with 3 miles and his pace was easily compatible. I think we will do this more often.
I dropped Tanner at the house and ran down to my running partner's house to pick up his dog, Gracie. She is a Border Collie and she loves to run. I promised my partner that I would run her when he deploys, so since he is in the field I thought we might as well give it a shot now. His wife was thrilled that I could take her. Gracie gets frustrated when she doesn't get to go and her dad has been gone for a while now. She was very easy to run with so we did 5 miles before I took her home.
Finally, I picked up Piper, my Jack Russell (female) for a final 3 miles. Obie (male) really wants to go, but the truth is he doesn't run well, gets distracted and gives up about 2 miles in. Tanner took him for a walk instead. Piper loves to run. She kept looking up at me with this silly dog grin, ears flying and feet prancing. It was such a pretty day and the temperature was perfect. I understood exactly how she felt. I did 11.5 miles instead of 10.
Got anyone you need me to run?
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Advice Needed
I am experiencing runner's knee, I am sure some of your have dealt with this issue. What's the best medicine?
I researched it online, the medical sites say I need to rest/ice them until the pain goes away, but the running sites say to make sure to ice after your runs...does this mean I can still run?
Oh, I hate to take it easy but better now than late winter/early spring when I will be vamping up for tri-training.
Running doesn't make them hurt while I run, the only thing that is painful is sitting with bent knees and stairs (especially going down).
What do you recommend or do for yourself when this happens?
I researched it online, the medical sites say I need to rest/ice them until the pain goes away, but the running sites say to make sure to ice after your runs...does this mean I can still run?
Oh, I hate to take it easy but better now than late winter/early spring when I will be vamping up for tri-training.
Running doesn't make them hurt while I run, the only thing that is painful is sitting with bent knees and stairs (especially going down).
What do you recommend or do for yourself when this happens?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Hands Free Running
V -congrats on anther great race, maybe some day I will be up to running a 10K or longer. As for now I am happy with my 3 mile runs (will be trying for 5 on Saturday when the kid is in daycare).
I have been running more, of course with a kid since hubby is deployed. I must share my new love. Stroll Smart, a hands free running devise that attaches to the stroller and you push with your stomach.
From what I read you either will love it or hate it, I just got mine and love it and once I get used to it I think I will like it even more. It takes a little getting used to steering with your mid-section, but having my hands free is worth it. I thought that maybe the dirt trails would be too bumpy for it, but it works just fine. My only complaint is that the belt's hot, not a problem this time of year, but not sure about mid July.
It is currently cheapest on HappyMothers.com, with S&H it comes to $48... well worth the money.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Grape Race
Before I tell you about last night's race, I must admit that I posted that last entry a bit too early to realize how sore I was going to get. The day after the Fastest 10K in the World Race, I got our of bed intending on a nice slow run to stretch eveything out. Well, I got out of bed and them stopped cold. I didn't know if I was going to be able to move. I spent 3 days hobbling around. I have not been that sore after any of my marathons.
Last night I ran the Grape Race through the vineyards. The area is really beautiful. The winery has a nice big yard with huge porches for tasting while lounging. The race itself was
difficult. It was still quite warm at 5PM and extrordinarily dry. We ran on several dirt roads, so the dust was an issue. I can't remember the last time it rained here.
The organizers put on a nice party. There was live music, dinner which was catered by PF Chang's and a nice glass of red wine from the winery. The long sleeve race shirt came in handy as the sun set. Pete is TDY and Tanner ran the 2 mile again so I didn't stay for the after dinner dancing, but maybe next year I will go with a girlfriend and a change of clothes and stay longer.
Tanner finished 1st in the 2 mile, but they didn't award that run. It is time for me to find him a 5K so he can race for time and in a category. I finished 3rd overall and 2nd in my age group with a 43:50 (7:03 mile). I won a medal and a bottle of red Zinfandle from the winery.
I still did my 10 miles this morning. I coughed a lot last night with a rattling chest. I thought I might be getting sick, but now I think it is just the dry air. Tonight I intend on tasting that bottle of red with a big steak.
Last night I ran the Grape Race through the vineyards. The area is really beautiful. The winery has a nice big yard with huge porches for tasting while lounging. The race itself was
difficult. It was still quite warm at 5PM and extrordinarily dry. We ran on several dirt roads, so the dust was an issue. I can't remember the last time it rained here.
The organizers put on a nice party. There was live music, dinner which was catered by PF Chang's and a nice glass of red wine from the winery. The long sleeve race shirt came in handy as the sun set. Pete is TDY and Tanner ran the 2 mile again so I didn't stay for the after dinner dancing, but maybe next year I will go with a girlfriend and a change of clothes and stay longer.
Tanner finished 1st in the 2 mile, but they didn't award that run. It is time for me to find him a 5K so he can race for time and in a category. I finished 3rd overall and 2nd in my age group with a 43:50 (7:03 mile). I won a medal and a bottle of red Zinfandle from the winery.
I still did my 10 miles this morning. I coughed a lot last night with a rattling chest. I thought I might be getting sick, but now I think it is just the dry air. Tonight I intend on tasting that bottle of red with a big steak.
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