The Old Bones

Went for my first post-race run on Wednesday. I felt so creaky, like the tin man. I felt like my gait was similar to Terry Fox. I felt awkward and like I had gone back to square one. I had to walk one lap, but then I kicked my butt to make the whole two miles.

Went again today, but my head wasn't in the game, and I could only squeak out one mile. I still felt creaky, and distracted. Gotta get my act together, because in one month it will be train-for-real time. January 1st also marks the day I can register for the Steamboat Springs Half-Marathon.

Turkey Trot 2007

before mile three

Race Day: I did not get a good nights sleep. Miles was up a lot, and there was a chill in the air. The high was supposed to be 31F. All I could think was, I don't want to do this. What was I thinking? But I ate a bowl of Cheerios, and a sandwich for breakfast. Got all dressed in my running clothes, threw on my parka and we packed up the kids and went. Once we got there, and I stepped out of the car, I was thinking, no way. I'm going to freeze in my running tights. Geoff kept assuring me I'd warm up once I started running.

We had 45 minutes before the race, so we walked around, picked up my bib and timing chip. Walking was not warming me up at all. I jogged a little, but was certain I'd want to keep my parka on for the race. At 10am I had to go line up. I found a spot in the crowd and tried to keep warm. I had given up my parka, but there were a lot of people wearing more than me, and a lot of people wearing less. The announcer was filling the time with a list of people who were there. The woman next to me was annoyed her "nemesis" was there. I chuckled at the idea you could have a running nemesis. Her friends were chuckling too, while she bemoaned that this woman was going to move into her age group next year, making it harder for her to win anything.

Once the race started I waited until everyone around me was jogging, and we started. I waved to my boys as I was off. I listened to the chatter of people, the mundane conversations about work, tv, and dinner plans. I swear the 11 laps at the gym don't feel as long as these miles felt. Before mile one, there was a house with a big group outside cheering people on. They even had a bagpiper! Another house around the corner from them also had a cheering party. If I had a place at Washington Park, I'd do likewise.

Before mile two is a water station. I partook of some water and continued running. Saw Geoff and the boys and heard Elijah ringing his bell. Saw them again before mile three, where there was another water station. I didn't stop for this one, just wanted to finish. It felt so long, but I wasn't overly tired. I got very excited once I finally saw the finish line. I pulled out a little more gas and was able to cross under the banner at 49:59.

I eventually found my fans, which had now grown to six. Kevin, Ali, & Kevin's mom Cindy arrived to applaud my effort. I was sweaty and thirsty, and had to hunt down a bottle of water. I did manage to grab a yogurt for Elijah, but did not want to wander around collecting what little swag there was. I was feeling discomfort in my back and feet, I just wanted to go home and have a shower.

So, would I do it again? Why not. It's doable. But next year, I want a running buddy. And it's for a good cause, the United Way. And it justifies the Thanksgiving feast.

My goal was to run the whole thing, and I did. I believe this half-marathon isn't so crazy. I just need to train properly. And that will start sooner than I think.

Cramp

No, not a physical one. The boys both have nasty coughs, so this has put a cramp on going to the gym during the day. Funny thing about childcare, they don't want you to bring in sick kids. So after a week away from the gym, I ran 2.5 miles last night.

Very nervous about the race on Thursday. Not so much an issue of "will I finish?", but rather "will I freeze?" The temp predicted by my trusty weatherman keeps dropping each day. Now a 10am race start looks like I'll be lucky if it's above freezing! Geoff took me shopping for warm running clothes, but now I just want to wear all the clothes I own!

Yes yes I'll warm up once I start running, and I'm hoping the crowd will keep me warm too. Go Melissa Go!

I Can Do It!

Yesterday I ran 3 miles! Even with feeling sick, I was able to do it. It was hard for me to force myself to run slow, because I didn't want to run out of steam. But I could feel after 2 miles, that it was going to happen, so I notched my speed up a little.

My goal this week will be to try and replicate 3 miles, so pray that this cold (or whatever) doesn't kill my buzz and I can get out there. I may try to go running on Saturday, as Geoff says a cooler run will better prepare me for the race temperatures.

Workout Buddy

Friday, instead of my run, I went on the elliptical for 25 minutes. I burned like 277 calories. Ali met me there, so it was neat to have a workout buddy. I hope to do my run today at the gym.

I can totally see my endurance has improved since I began running in August. And that's pretty cool.

I have signed up to run the Turkey Trot. My only goal is to run the whole 4 miles, to not have to stop and walk. Who cares how long it takes me!

Afternoon Delight?

Did my 22 laps at the gym yesterday afternoon. At least there weren't as many annoying people as on Monday. It seemed that a rock was lifted up that day and people who have no idea about respect for other runners on the track were out in full force.

I'm feeling excited and nervous about running in the Turkey Trot. I had the data wrong, it's only 4 miles, which is longer than I have run before. But I think if I pace myself I can do it.

Still Going

I've been running, I just haven't had the time to blog it. Let's say I'm still going three days a week or so, and I'm consistently finishing my 22 laps in 20 minutes or so. Depending on my mood, I'm either faster or slower.

I'm trying not to think about running 13 miles, because that thought overwhelms me. Right now, I'm focussing on being able to run in the Turkey Trot (5K) on Thanksgiving. Geoff has offered to run with me, but I worry he'll find it boring to go so slow.