I almost forgot! Be sure to check out "Marathon Challenge" on your local PBS station tonight at 8pm (ET) or at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/.
I've been watching it for 13 minutes and have already learned more about VO2 max than I ever thought I would be able to comprehend.
Be sure to check it out -and if you would like to order a copy of the program, contact:
WGBH
(800) 255-9424
P.O. Box 2284
South Burlington, VT 05407
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Rejuvinated
After two great workouts yesterday and today, I feel like myself again. I think I was in a post-marathon funk last week. The post-marathon days were a strange transition time for me. Monday morning - as I rolled stiffly out of bed and walked like a pigeon-toed caveman to the bathroom. I felt like the feat to which I had devoted 10 months of my life had been conquered. So...what next?
I didn't work out any last week - except for my daily walks with Emma. I felt terrible - sluggish, overweight, lazy, etc. But I was too sore to do much activity and I wanted to save myself from any injuries I might incur from starting back too soon.
But alas, there was light at the end of the tunnel. As the week went by, my post-marathon blues lifted. I mapped out a training plan for the Fall/Winter, and also found a Hal Higdon plan that I am going to use for the Derby Festival Mini-Marathon in April 2008. My goal is to get a little faster through the Fall/Winter/Spring - and be in top form for my 2nd marathon debut in November 2008.
I've already decided that I am going to do the Marshall University Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia. Huntington is only about two hours from Lexington, and I've heard that it is a great marathon that is well-directed and has plenty of aid stations! I've also heard that it has one of the best post-race parties around with pizza, hamburgers, etc. Sure sounds better than the one stale Hy-Top sugar cookie I was able to get from the table at the post-race "party" at the Louisville Marathon...but I digress.
However - the main reason I have chosen the Marshall U. Marathon is because of this notice I found on the race website:
This really impressed me. Also, the marathon falls under the umbrella of HealthyHuntington.org - an organization that is striving to increase health and wellness in the tri-state area of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. The group also organizes a triathlon each year.
I'm really excited to have another goal set before me. Next fall, I know I will run a 4:30 marathon.
Marathon pictures to come soon - I promise!
I didn't work out any last week - except for my daily walks with Emma. I felt terrible - sluggish, overweight, lazy, etc. But I was too sore to do much activity and I wanted to save myself from any injuries I might incur from starting back too soon.
But alas, there was light at the end of the tunnel. As the week went by, my post-marathon blues lifted. I mapped out a training plan for the Fall/Winter, and also found a Hal Higdon plan that I am going to use for the Derby Festival Mini-Marathon in April 2008. My goal is to get a little faster through the Fall/Winter/Spring - and be in top form for my 2nd marathon debut in November 2008.
I've already decided that I am going to do the Marshall University Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia. Huntington is only about two hours from Lexington, and I've heard that it is a great marathon that is well-directed and has plenty of aid stations! I've also heard that it has one of the best post-race parties around with pizza, hamburgers, etc. Sure sounds better than the one stale Hy-Top sugar cookie I was able to get from the table at the post-race "party" at the Louisville Marathon...but I digress.
However - the main reason I have chosen the Marshall U. Marathon is because of this notice I found on the race website:
Worship Services Available
This really impressed me. Also, the marathon falls under the umbrella of HealthyHuntington.org - an organization that is striving to increase health and wellness in the tri-state area of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. The group also organizes a triathlon each year.
I'm really excited to have another goal set before me. Next fall, I know I will run a 4:30 marathon.
Marathon pictures to come soon - I promise!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Marathon Weekend
I am very proud of the race that I ran from miles 1-23 in the Louisville Marathon. At mile 23 I puked and then absolutely fell apart. I walked miles 23-25.5, but was able to run the last .7 miles. My chip time was 5:05:22. My goal was 4:30 - but I am not disappointed in my performance. I set a half marathon PR of 2:13 in the race. My goal for Spring 2008 is to run a half marathon in under 2:00 hours. I think I will attempt another full marathon in Fall 2008...and this time I will do it in 4:30!
I think many factors led to my demise towards the end of the race. For one, I don't think that I utilized my training as best as I possibly could have. I didn't do any speed work or tempo runs - and I was pretty burned out and fatigued about 5 weeks out from the marathon. I am going to use a Hal Higdon training plan for my spring half, and see how that works for me. If I see improvements, I'll stick with Hal for a full training plan as well. Secondly, I was really really dehydrated. I stopped sweating at mile 18, and I knew that was a bad sign. The race website promised water and Gatorade every two miles - but this was not the case. There were four 4 mile stretches with no aid stations. I was literally picking up half-drunk bottles of water off the course and drinking them. I also went off the course twice to find water fountains in the parks we were running through. It was humid and in the 70's towards the end of my race and I was just zapped. The Louisville Marathon is a very, very small race - and I don't think I will do it again because of the aid stations. They didn't serve Gatorade, but a Heed mix - the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted. I don't want to rant - but in a post-Chicago world, I would think that race directors would make every effort to keep their runners hydrated. At mile 22 I overcompensated and drank a lot of Heed and water - and then it all came up at about mile 23.
I want to thank my wonderful husband and friends Dru and Amberly for coming out to support me on Sunday! It was an amazing sight to see you at mile 25! Amberly even ran with me for about mile. A special thanks to my family as well - I know yall were with me in spirit! And Megan, the next time I put myself through something like this - you better be with me!
Pictures from the weekend:
more pictures to come soon...
I think many factors led to my demise towards the end of the race. For one, I don't think that I utilized my training as best as I possibly could have. I didn't do any speed work or tempo runs - and I was pretty burned out and fatigued about 5 weeks out from the marathon. I am going to use a Hal Higdon training plan for my spring half, and see how that works for me. If I see improvements, I'll stick with Hal for a full training plan as well. Secondly, I was really really dehydrated. I stopped sweating at mile 18, and I knew that was a bad sign. The race website promised water and Gatorade every two miles - but this was not the case. There were four 4 mile stretches with no aid stations. I was literally picking up half-drunk bottles of water off the course and drinking them. I also went off the course twice to find water fountains in the parks we were running through. It was humid and in the 70's towards the end of my race and I was just zapped. The Louisville Marathon is a very, very small race - and I don't think I will do it again because of the aid stations. They didn't serve Gatorade, but a Heed mix - the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted. I don't want to rant - but in a post-Chicago world, I would think that race directors would make every effort to keep their runners hydrated. At mile 22 I overcompensated and drank a lot of Heed and water - and then it all came up at about mile 23.
I want to thank my wonderful husband and friends Dru and Amberly for coming out to support me on Sunday! It was an amazing sight to see you at mile 25! Amberly even ran with me for about mile. A special thanks to my family as well - I know yall were with me in spirit! And Megan, the next time I put myself through something like this - you better be with me!
Pictures from the weekend:
more pictures to come soon...
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Marathon? Check
I am a marathoner.
But I am too tired to tell you about it right now.
Race report (and a "photographic journey") coming soon.
And I really want chicken fried steak right now.
But I am too tired to tell you about it right now.
Race report (and a "photographic journey") coming soon.
And I really want chicken fried steak right now.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Congratulations
A special blog shout out to our dear friends Sarah and Alan who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl yesterday morning.
Welcome to the world little Lucy!
Welcome to the world little Lucy!
Monday, October 15, 2007
iMarathon Playlist
I'm wrapping up the final details for the marathon this weekend. I can't decide if I am really nervous, or really excited. I think it is a healthy mixture of the two. While I've never run a race with my iPod, I plan on bringing it to the marathon. I've done all of my training with the iPod, but usually the crowds on race day keep me entertained enough to lose the ear buds. But since this will be such a long race, I'm going to bring my iPod as a crutch to lean on in the later miles. So, without further ado, I present you with my coveted marathon playlist. This list is 10 months in the making, and I think it has the necessary vim and vigor to keep me going for 26.2 miles. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
1. Right Now - Van Halen
-This song makes me feel like I am in a Rocky movie!
2. Jesus Walks - Kanye West
3. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
-Good beat to run along with
4. The Day The King Was Killed - The Common Ground Band
-Moving and inspiring
5. Intergalactic - Beastie Boys
-To really get the party started
6. Shake It Off - Wilco
7. Bleed It Out - Linkin Park
-Best. Running. Song. Ever. Thanks for the tip, Megan!
8. Stronger - Kanye West
-Can't hurt to add a little more Kanye
9. Boyfriend - Ashlee Simpson
10. Intro - The Common Ground Band
11. Holy - The Common Ground Band
12. Mony Mony - Billy Idol
-This songs makes me think of my sister's wedding reception. I was only 12, but boy was I shaking it when I heard this song.
13. My Love - Justin Timberlake
-What's a playlist without some Justin?
14. If You're Reading This - Tim McGraw
-This song is so tragic. I love it.
15. Numb/Encore - Jay-Z & Linkin Park
16. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
-Reminds me of my hubby and makes me smile
17. Crash Into Me - Dave Matthews Band
18. Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor
-Again, to help with my dreams of grandeur (ie Rocky)
19. Spiders (Kidsmoke) - Wilco
-Good 10 minute song from Wilco - off of Kicking Television
20. Lovestoned - Justin Timberlake
21. My Hero - Foo Fighters
-Who can forget the scene in Varsity Blues when this song is played?
22. Boston - Augustana
-It is highly unlikely that I will qualify for Boston, but here's to that lofty goal.
23. Damn Girl - Justin Timberlake
24. Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
25. You Are My Face - Wilco
My favorite song off of Sky Blue Sky
26. Over My Head (Cable Car) - The Fray
At some point during the race, I'm pretty sure I'll feel like I'm in over my head.
27. Clothes Off!! - Gym Class Heroes
I might feel like taking my clothes off at some point during the race, as well.
28. Love in an Elevator - Aerosmith
-"Whooaa...whooaa yeahh!" I love this song.
29. One (Feat U2) - Mary J. Blige
30. L.O.V.E. - Ashlee Simpson
31. Shot in the Arm - Wilco
32. Take Me to the Other Side - Aerosmith
33. Sexyback - Justin Timberlake
34. Superstition - Emily's Mix
-I think this bass line will keep me moving through the later miles.
35. Side With The Seeds - Wilco
36. Bleed It Out - Linkin Park
37. Stand - Rascal Flatts
38. Fix You - Coldplay
-I love the cymbals in this song.
39. Highway to Hell - AC/DC
-I remember hearing this song play as I was walking along the White Rock marathon course after running mile 22-23 with my sister during her first marathon.
40. The Shape I'm In - The Band
41. Right Now - Van Halen
1. Right Now - Van Halen
-This song makes me feel like I am in a Rocky movie!
2. Jesus Walks - Kanye West
3. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
-Good beat to run along with
4. The Day The King Was Killed - The Common Ground Band
-Moving and inspiring
5. Intergalactic - Beastie Boys
-To really get the party started
6. Shake It Off - Wilco
7. Bleed It Out - Linkin Park
-Best. Running. Song. Ever. Thanks for the tip, Megan!
8. Stronger - Kanye West
-Can't hurt to add a little more Kanye
9. Boyfriend - Ashlee Simpson
10. Intro - The Common Ground Band
11. Holy - The Common Ground Band
12. Mony Mony - Billy Idol
-This songs makes me think of my sister's wedding reception. I was only 12, but boy was I shaking it when I heard this song.
13. My Love - Justin Timberlake
-What's a playlist without some Justin?
14. If You're Reading This - Tim McGraw
-This song is so tragic. I love it.
15. Numb/Encore - Jay-Z & Linkin Park
16. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
-Reminds me of my hubby and makes me smile
17. Crash Into Me - Dave Matthews Band
18. Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor
-Again, to help with my dreams of grandeur (ie Rocky)
19. Spiders (Kidsmoke) - Wilco
-Good 10 minute song from Wilco - off of Kicking Television
20. Lovestoned - Justin Timberlake
21. My Hero - Foo Fighters
-Who can forget the scene in Varsity Blues when this song is played?
22. Boston - Augustana
-It is highly unlikely that I will qualify for Boston, but here's to that lofty goal.
23. Damn Girl - Justin Timberlake
24. Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
25. You Are My Face - Wilco
My favorite song off of Sky Blue Sky
26. Over My Head (Cable Car) - The Fray
At some point during the race, I'm pretty sure I'll feel like I'm in over my head.
27. Clothes Off!! - Gym Class Heroes
I might feel like taking my clothes off at some point during the race, as well.
28. Love in an Elevator - Aerosmith
-"Whooaa...whooaa yeahh!" I love this song.
29. One (Feat U2) - Mary J. Blige
30. L.O.V.E. - Ashlee Simpson
31. Shot in the Arm - Wilco
32. Take Me to the Other Side - Aerosmith
33. Sexyback - Justin Timberlake
34. Superstition - Emily's Mix
-I think this bass line will keep me moving through the later miles.
35. Side With The Seeds - Wilco
36. Bleed It Out - Linkin Park
37. Stand - Rascal Flatts
38. Fix You - Coldplay
-I love the cymbals in this song.
39. Highway to Hell - AC/DC
-I remember hearing this song play as I was walking along the White Rock marathon course after running mile 22-23 with my sister during her first marathon.
40. The Shape I'm In - The Band
41. Right Now - Van Halen
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
24 Going on 60
When I created this blog I didn't factor in the issue of getting older each year. While my blog is titled 23 Going on 60, I am now officially 24 Going on 60! But don't worry, the URL will stay the same.
I've had a wonderful birthday week - starting off with a surprise party at my favorite place ever, El Potrillo Mexican Restaurant. There is nothing better than having cheese enchiladas and good friends in the same place.
I also want to give a birthday shout out to my twin sister Megan, who is also pretty much 24 going on 60.
More updates to come soon on marathon training and the dreaded taper.
I've had a wonderful birthday week - starting off with a surprise party at my favorite place ever, El Potrillo Mexican Restaurant. There is nothing better than having cheese enchiladas and good friends in the same place.
I also want to give a birthday shout out to my twin sister Megan, who is also pretty much 24 going on 60.
More updates to come soon on marathon training and the dreaded taper.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)