After giving it some serious consideration, I have decided to not do a full marathon in April. After everything that has happened this month I would need to do too much too fast in order to get back on track for the Derby Festival Marathon. Instead I'm going to do the Derby Festival Half-Marathon. I've also decided to shelve the sprint triathlon that I was going to do in April, and hopefully complete one this August.
I searched around for a few half-marathon training plans and finally settled on one from the Runner's World Smart Coach training plan application. It is a pretty simple plan, but I am looking forward to incorporating swimming and cycling into my weekly workout schedule to help improve my endurance and to get some base training for the triathlon.
I ran 3.1 miles this morning and felt pretty good. I got a little dizzy around mile 3, but felt better after walking a few steps and then starting back. I am so excited that it is finally starting to warm up here in Central Kentucky. It is about 60 degrees today and the warm front is supposed to hold through the week. I've got my fingers crossed that it will hold through the next fews weeks and March, and April and May too...
Showing posts with label half marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label half marathon. Show all posts
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Training Updates
I apologize for the lack of posting around here - things have been very hectic lately. Work has been crazy, I've had small bouts with a stomach bug, and we had an unexpected death in my family. But...marathon training has been going really well - if only it would warm up a little bit! I ran an 8 miler yesterday with the local weatherman reporting a 4 degree wind chill...it was so cold! I cannot wait for the warm sunny days of April, May and beyond. Call me crazy, but I would much rather run in extreme heat over extreme cold.
In a recent episode of my favorite running podcast (Steve Runner's Phedippidations) - Steve encouraged his fellow runners to introduce at least one person to the sport of running in 2008. I talked to one of my friends about possibly running a half-marathon in the spring with me, and she said that she would. Then, I asked another friend if she would like to join us, and she did. And then she asked two friends if they would like to join us - and they did, and now we have a group of 5! It is so great to run with these girls and watch their confidence grow with each mile. Before beginning training for the half- marathon, I think the furthest any of them had run was about 3 miles. We do our long runs together on Saturdays and it is so much fun. I remember how much having a group to train with last Spring helped me out - and I am so happy that these girls have that as well. I'm convinced that it makes all the difference in new runners.
The half-marathon that we are all training for is one week before the full marathon (Cincinnati Flying Pig) that I am going to run with my sister. I do the half-marathon long runs on Saturday mornings with the group, and then my marathon long runs on Sunday mornings. This has actually worked out really well - I've been able to add some mileage to my weekly totals and the Saturday runs help me get stretched out and loosened up for my Sunday morning runs.
As for my diet - things have been going ok. I've been really trying to watch what I eat, but I totally fall off the wagon on the weekends. Hopefully I'll be able to keep a more consistent, disciplined approach with my eating habits. I am pretty sure that I am an emotional eater - so maybe that's why I've been eating everything in sight lately. Chad and I went to see Cloverfield (which I highly recommend!) this weekend with some friends and I found myself absolutely stuffing my face with popcorn. It is very suspenseful, terrifying, stressful, etc - and I pretty much ate everything within a 5 foot radius of me during the movie. I also discovered that Miller Chill can be both my best friend and my worst enemy...it is so good! Almost too good. I rarely ever drink, but this beer is amazing and tastes like Sprite. I drank half of one last week with some amazing steak tacos and was practically three sheets to the wind.
In a recent episode of my favorite running podcast (Steve Runner's Phedippidations) - Steve encouraged his fellow runners to introduce at least one person to the sport of running in 2008. I talked to one of my friends about possibly running a half-marathon in the spring with me, and she said that she would. Then, I asked another friend if she would like to join us, and she did. And then she asked two friends if they would like to join us - and they did, and now we have a group of 5! It is so great to run with these girls and watch their confidence grow with each mile. Before beginning training for the half- marathon, I think the furthest any of them had run was about 3 miles. We do our long runs together on Saturdays and it is so much fun. I remember how much having a group to train with last Spring helped me out - and I am so happy that these girls have that as well. I'm convinced that it makes all the difference in new runners.
The half-marathon that we are all training for is one week before the full marathon (Cincinnati Flying Pig) that I am going to run with my sister. I do the half-marathon long runs on Saturday mornings with the group, and then my marathon long runs on Sunday mornings. This has actually worked out really well - I've been able to add some mileage to my weekly totals and the Saturday runs help me get stretched out and loosened up for my Sunday morning runs.
As for my diet - things have been going ok. I've been really trying to watch what I eat, but I totally fall off the wagon on the weekends. Hopefully I'll be able to keep a more consistent, disciplined approach with my eating habits. I am pretty sure that I am an emotional eater - so maybe that's why I've been eating everything in sight lately. Chad and I went to see Cloverfield (which I highly recommend!) this weekend with some friends and I found myself absolutely stuffing my face with popcorn. It is very suspenseful, terrifying, stressful, etc - and I pretty much ate everything within a 5 foot radius of me during the movie. I also discovered that Miller Chill can be both my best friend and my worst enemy...it is so good! Almost too good. I rarely ever drink, but this beer is amazing and tastes like Sprite. I drank half of one last week with some amazing steak tacos and was practically three sheets to the wind.
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
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Post Race Post Script
I did it! I ran 13.1 miles in a reasonable time. My goal was to finish in under 2:30. My hope was to finish around 2:15. I came in right in the middle of my two goals at 2:22:17.
On Friday afternoon, I got home from work to find some surprises waiting for me on the back porch. Our friend Sarah had left 2 packs of Sportz Beanz and an encouraging note. Our friends Amberly and Ryan brought me some McDonalds gift certificates (double cheeseburgers!!!) and an equally encouraging note. I looked at my gifts with tears in my eyes - thankful for such wonderful and generous friends!
Race Day Run Down:
3:20am - Rolled out of bed and started making my breakfast, double checking my bag, and getting dressed
3:30am - Woke Chad up with surprising ease
3:55am - Dragged Emma out of bed to go to the bathroom, then tucked her back under the covers
4:00am - Hit the road! Our journey to Louisville had begun.
4:20am - Stopped at Doughdaddy's donuts for a pre-race treat!
5:40am - Arrived in Louisville at the convention center (picked up my race packet, hit the bathrooms, and caught a bus to the starting line)
6:40am - Arrived at the starting line (hit the bathrooms once again!)
7:00am - Started stretching, applying band-aids, then I found my spot in the crowd near the 10 minute mile pacer group. I talked with a man who was near me about the marathon course and about Wilmore - he went to Asbury College back in the day.
7:30am - And we're off! The race started right on time.
Mile 1-8: These miles felt like I was floating on clouds. I was sticking close to my 10 minute mile pace and everything felt good. My breathing was fine, and my legs felt like I could keep running all day. We went through Iroquis Park - and I felt great as I breezed through the hills that had previously crippled me during the Papa Johns 10 Miler.
Mile 8: Reality set in and I started to hurt when I realized I still had 5 miles to go. Between miles 8-9, we ran through a section of Churchill Downs. This was probably my favorite part of the course - we ran through a long tunnel and everyone was hooting and hollering. I know it sounds cheesy, but I got goosebumps! It was one of many times throughout the day where I was like - "Ok, I am really doing this!"
Mile 10: This is where things started to turn for the worse. My hamstrings were cramping, and I decided to walk through one of the water stops. I decided to eat 3 of my Sportz Beanz, and take in a lot of water. Not a good idea. About a 1/2 mile later, I felt like the Sportz Beanz and water were about to come back with a vengeance. I was reduced to a run/walk shuffle for about 2 miles for fear of getting violently ill on the course. I also was thinking...how in the world am I ever going to do 26.2 miles in October!
Mile 12: The best mile of the day! The thing that kept me going through miles 10-12 was knowing that Chad would be waiting for me between miles 12-13. I knew that I had to keep going to get to him, and that I had to be running and looking good when I passed him! Just as I thought I could not go on any longer without finding a bathroom of some sort, a White Castle emerged on the horizon. And who was standing in front? Chad! It was the happiest moment of the race for me. He let out a strange yell/cheer, and I hugged him and told him that my stomach was killing me. He said that he'd seen people using the White Castle restroom, so we went in and I got things taken care of. I felt like a new person when I came out, so I said my goodbyes and headed out to finish the last 1.1 miles.
Mile 13: The course was lined heavily with spectators and I held my head high and lengthened my stride as I made way to the finish line. As I passed under the finish line, I slowed to a walk and tried to get my bearings.
Post Race: I got my finisher's medal, turned in my timing chip, and made my way to the food (my favorite part!) There were all kinds of things, but sadly no donuts like my friends got in Nashville at the Country Music Marathon. There were the obligatory bananas and bagels, but I opted for pretzels, Doritoes, and Take 5 candy bars. And while the thought of eating another Sportz Bean made me want to puke, I grabbed a handful of the fruit punch samples the Jelly Belly vendor had available. I've searched all over for the fruit punch flavor to no avail, and plus - those things are $1 pack so I stocked up on all the freebies I could get. I didn't really go overboard though, I just got three packs. I grabbed some water and PowerAde and made my way to the "Runners Re-Unite" area to find Chad. I was stumbling along, not sure of where I was going, and then all of a sudden Chad was beside me! I was glad we were able to find each other so quickly. We made our way back to the car, where I saw that I had some voicemails and text messages. After listening to some voicemails and reading a text message from my sister - I burst into tears! I was so happy and relieved with what I had just accomplished, and then to see that my friends and family had been thinking about me - it was just too much! I gathered myself together and we headed towards home, stopping at McDonalds for a double cheeseburger, of course!
On Friday afternoon, I got home from work to find some surprises waiting for me on the back porch. Our friend Sarah had left 2 packs of Sportz Beanz and an encouraging note. Our friends Amberly and Ryan brought me some McDonalds gift certificates (double cheeseburgers!!!) and an equally encouraging note. I looked at my gifts with tears in my eyes - thankful for such wonderful and generous friends!
Race Day Run Down:
3:20am - Rolled out of bed and started making my breakfast, double checking my bag, and getting dressed
3:30am - Woke Chad up with surprising ease
3:55am - Dragged Emma out of bed to go to the bathroom, then tucked her back under the covers
4:00am - Hit the road! Our journey to Louisville had begun.
4:20am - Stopped at Doughdaddy's donuts for a pre-race treat!
5:40am - Arrived in Louisville at the convention center (picked up my race packet, hit the bathrooms, and caught a bus to the starting line)
6:40am - Arrived at the starting line (hit the bathrooms once again!)
7:00am - Started stretching, applying band-aids, then I found my spot in the crowd near the 10 minute mile pacer group. I talked with a man who was near me about the marathon course and about Wilmore - he went to Asbury College back in the day.
7:30am - And we're off! The race started right on time.
Mile 1-8: These miles felt like I was floating on clouds. I was sticking close to my 10 minute mile pace and everything felt good. My breathing was fine, and my legs felt like I could keep running all day. We went through Iroquis Park - and I felt great as I breezed through the hills that had previously crippled me during the Papa Johns 10 Miler.
Mile 8: Reality set in and I started to hurt when I realized I still had 5 miles to go. Between miles 8-9, we ran through a section of Churchill Downs. This was probably my favorite part of the course - we ran through a long tunnel and everyone was hooting and hollering. I know it sounds cheesy, but I got goosebumps! It was one of many times throughout the day where I was like - "Ok, I am really doing this!"
Mile 10: This is where things started to turn for the worse. My hamstrings were cramping, and I decided to walk through one of the water stops. I decided to eat 3 of my Sportz Beanz, and take in a lot of water. Not a good idea. About a 1/2 mile later, I felt like the Sportz Beanz and water were about to come back with a vengeance. I was reduced to a run/walk shuffle for about 2 miles for fear of getting violently ill on the course. I also was thinking...how in the world am I ever going to do 26.2 miles in October!
Mile 12: The best mile of the day! The thing that kept me going through miles 10-12 was knowing that Chad would be waiting for me between miles 12-13. I knew that I had to keep going to get to him, and that I had to be running and looking good when I passed him! Just as I thought I could not go on any longer without finding a bathroom of some sort, a White Castle emerged on the horizon. And who was standing in front? Chad! It was the happiest moment of the race for me. He let out a strange yell/cheer, and I hugged him and told him that my stomach was killing me. He said that he'd seen people using the White Castle restroom, so we went in and I got things taken care of. I felt like a new person when I came out, so I said my goodbyes and headed out to finish the last 1.1 miles.
Mile 13: The course was lined heavily with spectators and I held my head high and lengthened my stride as I made way to the finish line. As I passed under the finish line, I slowed to a walk and tried to get my bearings.
Post Race: I got my finisher's medal, turned in my timing chip, and made my way to the food (my favorite part!) There were all kinds of things, but sadly no donuts like my friends got in Nashville at the Country Music Marathon. There were the obligatory bananas and bagels, but I opted for pretzels, Doritoes, and Take 5 candy bars. And while the thought of eating another Sportz Bean made me want to puke, I grabbed a handful of the fruit punch samples the Jelly Belly vendor had available. I've searched all over for the fruit punch flavor to no avail, and plus - those things are $1 pack so I stocked up on all the freebies I could get. I didn't really go overboard though, I just got three packs. I grabbed some water and PowerAde and made my way to the "Runners Re-Unite" area to find Chad. I was stumbling along, not sure of where I was going, and then all of a sudden Chad was beside me! I was glad we were able to find each other so quickly. We made our way back to the car, where I saw that I had some voicemails and text messages. After listening to some voicemails and reading a text message from my sister - I burst into tears! I was so happy and relieved with what I had just accomplished, and then to see that my friends and family had been thinking about me - it was just too much! I gathered myself together and we headed towards home, stopping at McDonalds for a double cheeseburger, of course!
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