I am attempting my first 20 mile training run in the morning. I am really excited about it - I love running these really long distances. I enjoy 6, 8, 10, etc milers - but they are not nearly as fun as the 15+ mile runs. This is actually something that really surprised me in my training - I thought I would hate my really long runs. But, I've found that I enjoy them the most.
Maybe it's the feeling of excitement that I get when I go to bed before a long run, making sure that at least 2 alarms are set, carefully laying out my clothes and shoes, and double checking to see if I put my water bottles/powerade bottles in the freezer. I try to get started on these really long runs by 7:00am, so that means getting up at 5:45 to eat, get ready, drive to my location, drop off water bottles, make a bathroom stop, and get going at 7:00am. It is finally starting to cool down in Kentucky (it was in the 60's this morning!) so I have a feeling that tomorrow will be beautiful as I set out. I am running in Wilmore, KY - the most picturesque little town you've ever imagined. I planned a 9.99 mile route, and I will run it twice. I am very excited about this run because I will run past three of our friends houses (Dru and Adam have been very kind to offer me open use of their bathroom!) I'll first pass by Alan and Sarah's , then Ryan and Amberly's, and then Adam and Dru's - be on the lookout for me - I will probably be staggering past your house at some point tomorrow morning! But I know Chad and my parents worry about me running by myself out in Lexington or even in Nicholasville, so it will be nice to have the added safety factor in Wilmore. Plus, it is very, very hilly and I love running hills.
I'm going to be running on some of the routes that I did with the Nashville half-marathon training group last December-April. I hope the same group gets together again this year - I had such a blast running with a group, and it really helped me with my training. My goal after the Louisville Marathon in October is to rest a few weeks, and then get back into training mode for the Kentucky Derby Marathon in April 08.
My husband just called and asked if I wanted to get dinner at a New York Style deli in Lexington with some friends tonight - I'm sure I'll be able to do some good carbo loading (just keep me away from the cheesecake!)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Ashamed
I have to say that I think I've sunk to new lows in my entertainment standards. Last night I watched Disney's High School Musical 2. It was horribly cheesy and stupid, yet oddly captivating. Chad was out of town - so I was free to dance around the living room shamelessly with Emma during the musical numbers.From USA Today:
"Disney nation. The premiere of High School Musical 2 shattered records for biggest cable telecast as the sequel scored 17.2 million viewers for Disney Channel Friday, more than double the first movie in January 2006 (7.8 million). Though a huge magnet for kids, a third of the audience was adults 18 and older. Afterward, a preview of cartoon Phineas & Ferb averaged 10.8 million, and Hannah Montana had a series-record 10.7 million. HSM2 repeats scored Saturday (8.4 million) and Sunday (7.5 million)."
Well, it looks like I'm not alone in my overage viewing of the high school sing along.
Emma, trying to hide from me after our first attempt at dancing a "reverse turn."
Monday, August 20, 2007
17 Miler
I passed a milestone in my marathon training this past weekend. I completed 17 miles- the longest distance I have ever run. I was really excited/nervous about it all week. I work for a public television station, and I spent all of Friday in Louisville at the Kentucky State Fair, crouching down to take pictures of little kids with Clifford the Big Red Dog. By the end of the day, my back was killing me - but a few aspirins did the trick. I came home to a lovely barbecue at our house with some friends from back home who just moved up to Kentucky, and some of the good friends we've made in Kentucky. I tried to load up on carbs (...cheese grits, potato salad, ribs, texas toast, cake...) so it wasn't the perfect pre-run meal, but it was definitely tasty. After a good night's sleep, I woke up and headed into Lexington. I gathered my water bottles/Gatorade bottles and GoTarts - and drove
the route to stash the bottles.
(the fuel supply)
I planned this route strategically - I knew the only way that I would be able to do it is if it was an out and back course. So, I found a 6.5 mile stretch of road to run out and back on for a total of 13 miles, and then added in 4 miles by going up and down a couple of neighborhood streets. I made sure to get these four miles in on my way out, so that coming back I only had to focus on running in a straight line.
At about mile 9, I ate a Pop Tart "Go Tart" - I've read in Kristin Armstrong's blog that this is what she eats during runs, so I thought I would give it a try. While it tasted great and was smooth on my stomach, it was pretty dry and made me really thirsty. I am still trying to find the perfect long run fuel option. On my next long run (12 miles) I am going to try another go round with gels.
As a I approached Versailles Road (mile 10.5 aka the turn around point) I was on a caloric high from the Go Tart and momentarily thought about jumping up and pumping my fists over my head, in true Rocky form. I was so happy to reach the turn around point because I knew then that I had done it. I had completed the hardest part of the run, now I simply had to run back to my car. Mentally, I knew that every step I took would take me closer to the finish line. So, I turned around and started back. About an hour later I was stretched out in the cargo area of my Montero Sport, feeling both elated and exhausted from the distance I had just covered.
I finished the run in 2:55:19 - just shy of my 3:00 hour goal.
When I got home I took Emma for a walk and spent most of the afternoon relaxing with Chad, and then we went to the High Bridge Festival - a local festival that was pretty much a bust. I'm not sure what we were hoping to see, but we did see an old man fall off of a skateboard, a young man with a fierce mullet and camo overalls, and a singing skunk ape on top of a homeade ice cream shop in a travel trailer.
The route - as per mapmyrun.com
the route to stash the bottles.(the fuel supply)
I planned this route strategically - I knew the only way that I would be able to do it is if it was an out and back course. So, I found a 6.5 mile stretch of road to run out and back on for a total of 13 miles, and then added in 4 miles by going up and down a couple of neighborhood streets. I made sure to get these four miles in on my way out, so that coming back I only had to focus on running in a straight line.
At about mile 9, I ate a Pop Tart "Go Tart" - I've read in Kristin Armstrong's blog that this is what she eats during runs, so I thought I would give it a try. While it tasted great and was smooth on my stomach, it was pretty dry and made me really thirsty. I am still trying to find the perfect long run fuel option. On my next long run (12 miles) I am going to try another go round with gels.
As a I approached Versailles Road (mile 10.5 aka the turn around point) I was on a caloric high from the Go Tart and momentarily thought about jumping up and pumping my fists over my head, in true Rocky form. I was so happy to reach the turn around point because I knew then that I had done it. I had completed the hardest part of the run, now I simply had to run back to my car. Mentally, I knew that every step I took would take me closer to the finish line. So, I turned around and started back. About an hour later I was stretched out in the cargo area of my Montero Sport, feeling both elated and exhausted from the distance I had just covered.
I finished the run in 2:55:19 - just shy of my 3:00 hour goal.
When I got home I took Emma for a walk and spent most of the afternoon relaxing with Chad, and then we went to the High Bridge Festival - a local festival that was pretty much a bust. I'm not sure what we were hoping to see, but we did see an old man fall off of a skateboard, a young man with a fierce mullet and camo overalls, and a singing skunk ape on top of a homeade ice cream shop in a travel trailer.
The route - as per mapmyrun.com
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Home Sweet Home
It is good to be home. It's strange to think that our house in Kentucky has become our home - but it has over this past year. It was so great to see so many friends and family over the past few weeks, but it was really nice to get back to our friends here too.
On the training front, running is still going really well. I was able to get a lot of running in over the vacation - it was unbelievably nice to finish my sweltering runs in Alexandria by jumping in a pool. From Sunday-Thursday I spent about 4 hours each day on a raft in a pool. I cannot remember the last time I was able to relax that much. It really did wonders for me. And even when we got to Shreveport, Megan and I played in the hotel pool with my niece - it was so much fun playing with her, throwing her around and splashing each other. I went running with my sister on Saturday morning through some neighborhoods we were familiar with in Shreveport and I had such a great time. I also got to break in my new running shoes (thanks Mom!). I've been so relaxed since we got home Tuesday night - I think being with my sister and cousins on Friday and all day Saturday did wonders for my soul - we laughed all day long.
I've got my biggest run yet coming up this Saturday - 17 miles. I did 10 yesterday, and I am going to do 8 this evening - and then do some smaller runs through the week to prepare for the big 1-7.
Some more pictures from the wedding festivities:
On the training front, running is still going really well. I was able to get a lot of running in over the vacation - it was unbelievably nice to finish my sweltering runs in Alexandria by jumping in a pool. From Sunday-Thursday I spent about 4 hours each day on a raft in a pool. I cannot remember the last time I was able to relax that much. It really did wonders for me. And even when we got to Shreveport, Megan and I played in the hotel pool with my niece - it was so much fun playing with her, throwing her around and splashing each other. I went running with my sister on Saturday morning through some neighborhoods we were familiar with in Shreveport and I had such a great time. I also got to break in my new running shoes (thanks Mom!). I've been so relaxed since we got home Tuesday night - I think being with my sister and cousins on Friday and all day Saturday did wonders for my soul - we laughed all day long.
I've got my biggest run yet coming up this Saturday - 17 miles. I did 10 yesterday, and I am going to do 8 this evening - and then do some smaller runs through the week to prepare for the big 1-7.
Some more pictures from the wedding festivities:
Monday, August 6, 2007
Travel Update: Live from Jackson, Mississippi
Our vacation is slowly coming to a close, and tomorrow we will pack up and head out on our journey home. We have had an incredible time over the past week - we got to relax and spend time with family in Alexandria, LA and catch up with family and friends in Shreveport, LA. I was also very honored to be a bridesmaid in my cousin Amy's wedding over the past weekend. It was a fun weekend filled with manicures, showers, brunches, dinners, and a beautiful ceremony and reception. I had so much fun spending time with my sisters and my cousins and my parents.
After a 10 hour drive to Lexington - we will be home again! More updates on the trip, training, etc later!
A trio of bridesmaids:
Me, cousin Emily, twin sister Megan
After a 10 hour drive to Lexington - we will be home again! More updates on the trip, training, etc later!
A trio of bridesmaids:
Me, cousin Emily, twin sister Megan
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