peach cobbler loaf
2 days ago
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Nike Race Recap
Aka the day a race made me cry in a good way
One More Mile has a great sticker that says "Running is a Mental Sport and We Are All Insane". This definitely holds true for me - every time I lace up my shoes the mental game begins. How far am I going? How much will I push myself? The competitive type A personality wonders if the mile splits will be faster than the last, can I push myself around the track for one more set of 800s... To know me is to have a mental image of all of this and be smiling in recognition. No one is harder on me than well, me.
To commit to running Nike I had to also commit to the realization that I wasn’t going to achieve a new faster, personal best on a course where mile 6 starts a steady climb that doesn’t end until about mile 7.2. In a somewhat genius move, the race organizers cleverly place photographers at mile 7.3 to capture the grins that come with being on a downhill stretch. Nike also meant learning how to run hill repeats - I spent many a Thursday night this summer running up and down Independence Ave from the front of the Capitol building to the back. Even it wasn’t going to be fast, after my experience in May I didn’t want it to HURT, because after that first downhill and its glorious views of the Golden Gate Bridge, comes another uphill.
Running Nike was also about something bigger than me – 5,000 people from all over the country wore the same purple Team in Training singlet that I did to tackle 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Together we raised over $18 million for leukemia and lymphoma research. I knew that every time I thought I couldn’t hurt any more I had only to think about my honored teammate Rhonda, whose chemotherapy regime has put her blood test levels in a state of remission but sapped her daily energy.
About that crying thing – after the second hill between mile 8 and 9 I crested the hill and was rewarded with a panorama of the Pacific Ocean. All of a sudden there were tears of joy as I thought about my honored teammate, what I had accomplished, what I knew I could finish if I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I had achieved that moment that John “The Penguin” Bingham described the night before – knowing that I could do this. The self-doubt made a brief return at mile 11 where I made my first Team in Training coach run a stretch of Golden Gate Park with me while I mentally pulled myself back together. As I came out of the park and onto Great Highway with the finish line in sight, I realized that I had mentally won in a way I never have at any other race. I crossed the finish line and made the time goal I had set for myself (you didn’t think I went without a goal now, did you?!?). The reward for all this?
A tuxedoed man handing me a Tiffany blue box with a finisher’s necklace.
 |
| From Kate Runs |
I’d show you a picture of the necklace, but that would mean I’d have to take it off. ;-)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Where I have been and where I am going
At last posting I was recovering from a head cold, a pity party and a half marathon. Since then I have run a 10 mile race (new personal best thank you very much) and another half marathon. At the half marathon I made the acquaintance of something I will become closer friends with this summer- a hill - at mile 10. Now part of me would like to leave ole Mr Hill in the past but I can't ... because I have committed to running the Nike Women's Half Marathon in October. Mr Hill has lots of friends on the Nike course which winds through San Francisco, which isn't exactly known for being flat. ;-)
Why exactly am I torturing myself this way? The first answer is well because I am crazy about running at this point. But the second, more important reason is that I will be running Nike with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. This race is a double win for the society - all proceeds go to the society, regardless of whether participants train with the Team. 2008 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Team in Training program and I have a very special reason to run - to celebrate my friend and mentor Rhonda Radliff's courageous boxing match (her words!) with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). My little battle with a hilly race course is nothing compared to what she goes through every day.
Rhonda's CML was diagnosed a little over 6 months ago and fittingly I found out when I was on my way to another race. Doing another season with the team in her honor was the second thing that popped into my head after the first "it's not fair". Cliche as it may sound Rhonda has a heart bigger than her home state of Texas, an amazingly generous spirit that welcomed her daughter Lili into her life three years ago and impact felt round the world (literally as she has worked for two multi-national investment banks in her career). Even though she was my client, Rhonda became a professional mentor and friend to me as I was learning my way through the institutional equities business. We share a love of dark chocolate, champagne, and have been known to pick out the same pair of shoes in a store. She gives of herself every day - to her daughter, family, friends and faith community - and I can think of nothing more that I would like to do but give back. Some of the drugs she takes are second generation versions of drugs whose clinical trials where funded by the society. When I feel like a run has gone bad - I think it's nothing compared to chemotherapy. So crazy as it may sound - I plan to train for and run 13.1 miles up and down the hills of San Francisco to celebrate life of my friend.
Why exactly am I torturing myself this way? The first answer is well because I am crazy about running at this point. But the second, more important reason is that I will be running Nike with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. This race is a double win for the society - all proceeds go to the society, regardless of whether participants train with the Team. 2008 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Team in Training program and I have a very special reason to run - to celebrate my friend and mentor Rhonda Radliff's courageous boxing match (her words!) with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). My little battle with a hilly race course is nothing compared to what she goes through every day.
Rhonda's CML was diagnosed a little over 6 months ago and fittingly I found out when I was on my way to another race. Doing another season with the team in her honor was the second thing that popped into my head after the first "it's not fair". Cliche as it may sound Rhonda has a heart bigger than her home state of Texas, an amazingly generous spirit that welcomed her daughter Lili into her life three years ago and impact felt round the world (literally as she has worked for two multi-national investment banks in her career). Even though she was my client, Rhonda became a professional mentor and friend to me as I was learning my way through the institutional equities business. We share a love of dark chocolate, champagne, and have been known to pick out the same pair of shoes in a store. She gives of herself every day - to her daughter, family, friends and faith community - and I can think of nothing more that I would like to do but give back. Some of the drugs she takes are second generation versions of drugs whose clinical trials where funded by the society. When I feel like a run has gone bad - I think it's nothing compared to chemotherapy. So crazy as it may sound - I plan to train for and run 13.1 miles up and down the hills of San Francisco to celebrate life of my friend.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
National Marathon
Unlike my friend Sarah, I haven't been dutifully posting much about my training (other than complaining about my boredom with the Capital Crescent Trail in my last post). Leading up to the National Half Marathon, I dutifully ran hills (not enough, more on that later), sprints on the treadmill (the running clubs at the track scare me), and pushed a fairly aggressive pace for long runs. (Sub-10's... which still shocks the shite out of me). So I thought I was ready for Saturday and I planned to PR.
Well pride (and planning) goeth before the fall. A cute almost two year old gifted me with some really nice cold germs on Easter Sunday. I woke Wednesday morning and thought this is.not.happening. I took allergy meds/decongestants until Thursday night, while mentally trying to will the crud to clear up before Saturday. Since ephedrine and distance running can be a bad combination I boldly chose to keep up the good fight drug free. Sheer determination (read my stubborn disposition) made me decide to run the race even though 24 hours without decongestants had moved the gunk into my chest. (Yum, I know. Trust me, I was living with it).
Saturday dawned clear (Thursday's rain went away) and cold. Um, isn't it spring? The race was also EARLY... 0700 start and we left the house at 0515.. As previously reported we test ran the middle part of the course and its series of hills from miles 4 to 8. I don't what we did that day but they were much harder than I remembered. Plus, every time we came to a new one (especially the one on Michigan Ave), I thought "I don't remember this hill, I thought we were done with hills." I was buoyed by the crowd near mile 8 though... the students of Howard University gave us a loud welcome, in a spot on the course I would have predicted would have been desolate. A fellow TNT alum had jumped in with my partner and I just past mile 6 and paced us when we needed it most. (While we were climbing the hill leading up to her, the thought of her presence was neck and neck with the next water stop as our leading motivating factor). When my spirits (and lung capacity) began to flag at mile 11 she lured me to the finish line with the promise of alcohol. (What can I say? It worked - I made it across the finish line.)
But as I crossed the line, I knew I hadn't met my (aggressive) goal. But a foundation of good training and the support of my friends had gotten me across the line about 19 seconds faster than in Philadelphia. After much reflection (ok and a little pity party), I will take that. There is always next time...
Well pride (and planning) goeth before the fall. A cute almost two year old gifted me with some really nice cold germs on Easter Sunday. I woke Wednesday morning and thought this is.not.happening. I took allergy meds/decongestants until Thursday night, while mentally trying to will the crud to clear up before Saturday. Since ephedrine and distance running can be a bad combination I boldly chose to keep up the good fight drug free. Sheer determination (read my stubborn disposition) made me decide to run the race even though 24 hours without decongestants had moved the gunk into my chest. (Yum, I know. Trust me, I was living with it).
Saturday dawned clear (Thursday's rain went away) and cold. Um, isn't it spring? The race was also EARLY... 0700 start and we left the house at 0515.
But as I crossed the line, I knew I hadn't met my (aggressive) goal. But a foundation of good training and the support of my friends had gotten me across the line about 19 seconds faster than in Philadelphia. After much reflection (ok and a little pity party), I will take that. There is always next time...
Friday, March 14, 2008
Time Flies
When you find something new to train for. I've had a registrations for May's Historic Half since November (the field was capped at 5,000 entrants and I had to make up my mind quickly) and Cherry Blossom 10 Miler since December. (What's with all this having to make up your mind so early about races?!?) I went and signed myself up for the National Half Marathon again and suckered, er convinced some fellow TNT'ers to join me. At this point we're: sick of the Capital Crescent Trail (though we got smart and run uphill first), ready for spring and close to being ready for the race. We've done a test run of the hills and have 13 miles planned for tomorrow. I am pondering another TNT season in honor of my friend Rhonda, who is battling CML. If I were to sign up it would be the Nike Women's Marathon (half only please) because first and foremost 100% of the proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Tiffany finisher necklace is just icing on the cake. ;-)
Friday, January 25, 2008
The rest of last year
As April turned to May I gleefully returned all of my TNT training captain gear, got a new job, and started final preparations for the Cleveland Half Marathon. I made the decision to run with the Clif Bar Pace team -- in hopes that I wouldn't come off the starting line too fast and to shave another few minutes off my time. Both things happened along with an unexpected third thing -- I barely used my run:walk ratio. When I look at the finish line photos I remember the elation I felt at the sight of the clock and the realization that I had run almost the whole way.
I then coasted into summer without another race in site until October and faced up to the challenge of training on my own. No coach telling me what to do, just my own self-discipline. (If only I could apply that to housekeeping!) I worked on increasing my run to walk ratio, conquered my pacing issues on the dreadmill/treadmill and discovered the joys of solitary running. (Though on the most painfully humid Saturday mornings I missed my buddies). I trained all summer with the Army Ten Miler and 100 minutes in mind. The race holds a special place in my heart for all it represents... the alternative to Washington's other premiere fall running event, the faces of the young soldiers who call me ma'am, the monuments, and 20 years of being an Army "brat." When the five-day forecast rolled around and it looked an average August day I was forced to reevaluate the whole darn plan. (I won't deny I was a little heartsick about it). I added 5 minutes to desired finish time and focused on finishing safely. I was lucky... many that day experienced heat stroke or worse in DC and Chicago. The final stretch of the 10 miler takes you down an off-ramp and under an overpass, rather like going through the final "chute." It still gives me chills to think I stood in the relative shade of that overpass, waiting and watching for friends to finish and saw the medics rush by on a golf cart. I would later find out that a young man, who probably ran right past where I stood collapsed near the finish line. All of sudden times didn't matter so much.
I ran Philly again in November... an excellent way to burn a few calories the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I gave thanks to my pacer from Clif Bar on turkey day and headed into the blur that is the holiday season. I avoided seasonal stress by setting a mileage goal for December and exceeding it by two miles... but still I busted the goal, in part by being one of those crazy people who exercises on Christmas Day. (For the record I was not alone out there). 2008 looks ok so far but it's a story for another day.
I then coasted into summer without another race in site until October and faced up to the challenge of training on my own. No coach telling me what to do, just my own self-discipline. (If only I could apply that to housekeeping!) I worked on increasing my run to walk ratio, conquered my pacing issues on the dreadmill/treadmill and discovered the joys of solitary running. (Though on the most painfully humid Saturday mornings I missed my buddies). I trained all summer with the Army Ten Miler and 100 minutes in mind. The race holds a special place in my heart for all it represents... the alternative to Washington's other premiere fall running event, the faces of the young soldiers who call me ma'am, the monuments, and 20 years of being an Army "brat." When the five-day forecast rolled around and it looked an average August day I was forced to reevaluate the whole darn plan. (I won't deny I was a little heartsick about it). I added 5 minutes to desired finish time and focused on finishing safely. I was lucky... many that day experienced heat stroke or worse in DC and Chicago. The final stretch of the 10 miler takes you down an off-ramp and under an overpass, rather like going through the final "chute." It still gives me chills to think I stood in the relative shade of that overpass, waiting and watching for friends to finish and saw the medics rush by on a golf cart. I would later find out that a young man, who probably ran right past where I stood collapsed near the finish line. All of sudden times didn't matter so much.
I ran Philly again in November... an excellent way to burn a few calories the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I gave thanks to my pacer from Clif Bar on turkey day and headed into the blur that is the holiday season. I avoided seasonal stress by setting a mileage goal for December and exceeding it by two miles... but still I busted the goal, in part by being one of those crazy people who exercises on Christmas Day. (For the record I was not alone out there). 2008 looks ok so far but it's a story for another day.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
April 2007 - Catch up Post 1
April was about two things -- 10 mile races and job searching. Preparing for the former was a pleasant salve for the unpleasantness that comes with the latter. The worst thing about job searching is the best stuff has a tendency to come to you, through networking or a recruiter seeking you out. This was true for me as well.
The first race of the month was the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler, an annual DC tradition that I was so eager to be a part of that I spent two days attempting to register. (Thanks marathonguide). Only after I had shelled out my money did I put two and two together and realize that April 1 was a week after National Half. In my head I was giving myself a week between races -- given that other runners have told me they did the same thing, clearly it makes perfect sense. Just nod your heads and smile at my inability to read a calendar properly. Race day dawned (too early, but thanks to our early start on daylight saving time not as early as it could have) and I schlepped on the Metro to Metro Center, road a school bus to West Potomac Park, and frankly six plus months later I still remember how flippin' cranky I was. Thoughts such as running 10 miles a week after a half marathon was the dumbest idea I'd ever had, it was too early... you get the picture. I dutifully waited to start with my group and found myself in the front of the corral because it was the only place with room. By the time we started I was at least calm, the weather was decent (no rain like the week before) and I just started running. When we ran across the Memorial Bridge I saw a sign for another runner exhorting her to run in 100 minutes or bust. I have on the fly math calculation issues in the best of circumstances, plus my ability to do "splits" math while running is bad so I thought that's too fast for me. As we rounded the circle at the end of the bridge I realized the split math was painfully easy and 100 minutes wasn't as far out of range as it had been in 2006. I busted 100 minutes, but only went over by 2 minutes. Not bad for cranky pants way I had started the morning.
The other 10 miler was the GW Parkway Classic. A few weeks had passed, I was tuning up for Cleveland Half Marathon, but I still thought I'd see if I could repeat Cherry Blossom. I also grappled with the idea that not every day can be a PR day; a humbling thought for a newbie where every race so far had been a better showing than the last. I finished about a minute slower than earlier in the month and enjoyed a hearty post-race breakfast at The Royal Restaurant with my running buddies. My other enduring memory of the day was the sheepish look on another runner's face when she was the only one dropped off at the 5K start (both races are point to point). Someone assured her that she was probably the sane one.
The first race of the month was the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler, an annual DC tradition that I was so eager to be a part of that I spent two days attempting to register. (Thanks marathonguide). Only after I had shelled out my money did I put two and two together and realize that April 1 was a week after National Half. In my head I was giving myself a week between races -- given that other runners have told me they did the same thing, clearly it makes perfect sense. Just nod your heads and smile at my inability to read a calendar properly. Race day dawned (too early, but thanks to our early start on daylight saving time not as early as it could have) and I schlepped on the Metro to Metro Center, road a school bus to West Potomac Park, and frankly six plus months later I still remember how flippin' cranky I was. Thoughts such as running 10 miles a week after a half marathon was the dumbest idea I'd ever had, it was too early... you get the picture. I dutifully waited to start with my group and found myself in the front of the corral because it was the only place with room. By the time we started I was at least calm, the weather was decent (no rain like the week before) and I just started running. When we ran across the Memorial Bridge I saw a sign for another runner exhorting her to run in 100 minutes or bust. I have on the fly math calculation issues in the best of circumstances, plus my ability to do "splits" math while running is bad so I thought that's too fast for me. As we rounded the circle at the end of the bridge I realized the split math was painfully easy and 100 minutes wasn't as far out of range as it had been in 2006. I busted 100 minutes, but only went over by 2 minutes. Not bad for cranky pants way I had started the morning.
The other 10 miler was the GW Parkway Classic. A few weeks had passed, I was tuning up for Cleveland Half Marathon, but I still thought I'd see if I could repeat Cherry Blossom. I also grappled with the idea that not every day can be a PR day; a humbling thought for a newbie where every race so far had been a better showing than the last. I finished about a minute slower than earlier in the month and enjoyed a hearty post-race breakfast at The Royal Restaurant with my running buddies. My other enduring memory of the day was the sheepish look on another runner's face when she was the only one dropped off at the 5K start (both races are point to point). Someone assured her that she was probably the sane one.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Oops I did it again...
... and unlike Britney it didn't involve shaving my head but shaving some time off my personal best for a half marathon. I have gone from 2:58 (Virginia Beach) to 2:23 (Philadelphia) to 2:20. Whoo hoo! It was a great day -- good course, lots of friends and family to cheer me on, cool weather (though I couldn't done without the soaking at about 6:15 before the race start) and a good run. The marathon course ran through all four quadrants of DC and the half marathoners hit three of the four quadrants. I believe we were a bit a sight to behold on Minnesota Ave SE for miles 10-11as I am not sure the neighbors quite understood why we were running. The small crowd was fun -- Minnesota Ave has some rolling hills -- there were some pre-teen girls telling us "no walking up the hill!" which I thought was sweet. I followed their "instructions", ran a piece of mile 11 with Coach John and trudged on to East Capitol Street to run back to RFK. Coach Anita was there for the last tenth of a mile (up another darn hill) lightly jogging beside me and goading me... you can't pass me ... to which I am thinking "you had hip surgery three weeks ago - damn straight I better pass you!" and I chugged on in to the finish line. A post run omelet at the Royal Restaurant and a chocolate donut... it doesn't get any better than this!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Ready to run
Hmm, maybe a subject line about running away from the altar isn't the best choice?!? If there is a country song about everything I can't think of the one that says I am ready to pound my joints for 13.1 miles through the streets of Washington DC because I think it's a fun challenge.
It has been an eventful season... I trained for most of February on my own, endured cold mornings, icy sidewalks and a nose that wanted to run too. HA. We discovered the second most popular thing at water stops was the box of tissues!
Saturday marks 1/2 marathon number 3. The first time I was worried about finishing, the second time about running alone, and this time, well I am worried that I am not worried. (aka overconfidence). Every time gets easier but because it's me the worrying never stops. I have a time goal in mind, but all I will say here is that I'd like for it to be the same as Philly (2:23). Wish me luck!
It has been an eventful season... I trained for most of February on my own, endured cold mornings, icy sidewalks and a nose that wanted to run too. HA. We discovered the second most popular thing at water stops was the box of tissues!
Saturday marks 1/2 marathon number 3. The first time I was worried about finishing, the second time about running alone, and this time, well I am worried that I am not worried. (aka overconfidence). Every time gets easier but because it's me the worrying never stops. I have a time goal in mind, but all I will say here is that I'd like for it to be the same as Philly (2:23). Wish me luck!
Monday, March 19, 2007
In the groove
Yesterday I found myself in a nice sweet spot as a runner... I ran the St Patrick's Day 8K -- as I am tapering for National 1/2 Marathon I told myself I'd run to put the miles on my legs, not for time. I even had a running partner with a slightly shorter stride and some lingering knee problems to try to take it easy. And all of you who know me well are shaking your heads and saying "Yeah right Kate..."
And you would be correct -- I went out and found myself a new personal best at 8K - I shaved a minute off my splits from the Fair Lakes 8K back in September 2006 and felt great afterwards. I did not however beat his honor Mayor Adrian Fenty. The new mayor of DC is a force to be reckoned with on the race course -- Fenty ran 6:47 splits and finished 9th in his age bracket. Not too shabby...
A fellow runner from Fall season mailed me this article about running and writing. As a tardy blogger I thought it was kind of fun.
The link between Running and Writing
And you would be correct -- I went out and found myself a new personal best at 8K - I shaved a minute off my splits from the Fair Lakes 8K back in September 2006 and felt great afterwards. I did not however beat his honor Mayor Adrian Fenty. The new mayor of DC is a force to be reckoned with on the race course -- Fenty ran 6:47 splits and finished 9th in his age bracket. Not too shabby...
A fellow runner from Fall season mailed me this article about running and writing. As a tardy blogger I thought it was kind of fun.
The link between Running and Writing
Monday, February 12, 2007
I've been AWOL
Well a month has gone by and I haven't managed to post anything but I have certainly been on the trails and keeping busy.
TNT managed to convince me I'd be a great "training" captain in addition to my team captain duties. One of the primary things I do is coordinate volunteers for our water stops along the route. Now getting someone to be out on a trail at 0800 on a Saturday is challenging enough but add in our several week spell of 20 degree mornings and some days it feels impossible. Our runners have the benefit of motion to keep them warm (they say that after you get moving it will feel 20 degrees warmer) but our volunteers must don the long johns and extra layers to keep us hydrated. Our normal operating procedure is to pour water into cups for runners to grab -- but it's starting to freeze on the surface! Because of the sugar/salt combination Powerade doesn't freeze as quickly!
Running in this weather has been a challenge - two Saturdays ago I ran 8 miles for the first time in about 3 months into a "refreshing" head wind for the first 4 miles. I couldn't wait to turn around and have the wind at my back. Family matters called me away this past Saturday but I did sneak a run in -- however I wasn't so lucky with the wind this time. I ran the route below twice -- first time clockwise and the second time counter clockwise. I was secretly hoping that the second loop would put the wind in my favor on Ocean Avenue -- but mother nature was having fun with me and shifted the wind.
Run at the Shore
Proving that TNT participation is a contagious thing my friend Sarah has started her own TNT journey -- to complete her first ever triathalon. Her blog is linked to the right... it's a fun read.
TNT managed to convince me I'd be a great "training" captain in addition to my team captain duties. One of the primary things I do is coordinate volunteers for our water stops along the route. Now getting someone to be out on a trail at 0800 on a Saturday is challenging enough but add in our several week spell of 20 degree mornings and some days it feels impossible. Our runners have the benefit of motion to keep them warm (they say that after you get moving it will feel 20 degrees warmer) but our volunteers must don the long johns and extra layers to keep us hydrated. Our normal operating procedure is to pour water into cups for runners to grab -- but it's starting to freeze on the surface! Because of the sugar/salt combination Powerade doesn't freeze as quickly!
Running in this weather has been a challenge - two Saturdays ago I ran 8 miles for the first time in about 3 months into a "refreshing" head wind for the first 4 miles. I couldn't wait to turn around and have the wind at my back. Family matters called me away this past Saturday but I did sneak a run in -- however I wasn't so lucky with the wind this time. I ran the route below twice -- first time clockwise and the second time counter clockwise. I was secretly hoping that the second loop would put the wind in my favor on Ocean Avenue -- but mother nature was having fun with me and shifted the wind.
Run at the Shore
Proving that TNT participation is a contagious thing my friend Sarah has started her own TNT journey -- to complete her first ever triathalon. Her blog is linked to the right... it's a fun read.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year
Well I made it through the holidays with a minimum of skipped runs, no added pounds and all of my sanity.
So far the spring season TNT'ers have had the welcome breakfast (Dec 2nd), a group run in Bethesda (Dec 9th) and a pace run (Dec 16th). December 9th presented a special treat because the Jolly Fat Man run was sharing the Capital Crescent Trail. You know that parking in Bethesda (which shouldn't be an issue at 0800 on a Saturday morning) is going to be fun when the first thing you see rounding the corner is the DC-101 promotional vehicle parked. I parked a block away and nearly croaked when I heard the race announcer say they had 700 runners. Did I mention the Crescent Trail isn't that wide? Oh and that it was 25 degrees that morning?!? Hello only crazy TNT fools should be on the trail in those conditions. No harm no foul, the race went off and we waited about half an hour and were able to run with no problem.
On the random front, over a decade in Maryland seems to have seeped in.
Now I don't know about shrines to Ray Lewis but rooting for the Ravens is usually a less sad exercise than being a Redskins fan. But when it comes to lacrosse I bleed black and blue not red. And it you are a Marylander you know what I mean.
So far the spring season TNT'ers have had the welcome breakfast (Dec 2nd), a group run in Bethesda (Dec 9th) and a pace run (Dec 16th). December 9th presented a special treat because the Jolly Fat Man run was sharing the Capital Crescent Trail. You know that parking in Bethesda (which shouldn't be an issue at 0800 on a Saturday morning) is going to be fun when the first thing you see rounding the corner is the DC-101 promotional vehicle parked. I parked a block away and nearly croaked when I heard the race announcer say they had 700 runners. Did I mention the Crescent Trail isn't that wide? Oh and that it was 25 degrees that morning?!? Hello only crazy TNT fools should be on the trail in those conditions. No harm no foul, the race went off and we waited about half an hour and were able to run with no problem.
On the random front, over a decade in Maryland seems to have seeped in.
| How Maryland Are You? Your Result: You're 100% Maryland You have erected a shrine to Ray Lewis in your living room, complete with a "BELIVE 'HON" bumper sticker on your car. You can name every county in the state and refer to Howard County as "Ho Co." The second you step over the stae line, you feel weird, and need a Natty Bo. | |
| You're 80% Maryland | |
| You're 60% Maryland | |
| You're 20% Maryland | |
| You're 40% Maryland | |
| How Maryland Are You? | |
Now I don't know about shrines to Ray Lewis but rooting for the Ravens is usually a less sad exercise than being a Redskins fan. But when it comes to lacrosse I bleed black and blue not red. And it you are a Marylander you know what I mean.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
I have been tagged...
I am avid reader of other blogs and apparently my habit got me tagged.
1. Explain what ended your last relationship? We grew up and apart...
2. When was the last time you shaved? I will take the 5th -- it's almost December!
3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.? Checking my e-mail.
4.What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Typing a project plan
5. Are you any good at math? I prefer spreadsheets and the calculator (but my mom's 10-key skills are better than mine.)
6. Your prom night? Scary hair-do. I only recently threw out the box with the jillion hair pins that kept it in place along with the quart of hairspray.
7. Do you have any famous ancestors? Not that I know of.
8. Have you had to take a loan out for school? Nope. My parents did...
9. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile? No my space profile.
10. Last thing received in the mail? Netflix discs.
11. How many different beverages have you had today? Three - a glass of milk, coffee and water
12. Do you ever leave messages on people’s answering machine? Why not?
13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? Sometimes.
15. What is out your back door? The deck which is littered with leaves and needs to be resealed.
16. Any plans for Friday night? Yes, but they involve home improvement.
17. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? It gives me the wavy look.
18. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns? I don't think so.
19. Have you ever been to a planetarium? Probably? Some field trip?
20. Do you re-use towels after you shower? Yes.
21. Some things you are excited about? Running, knitting, baking when I get the chance
22. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO? Raspberry
23. Describe your keychain(s)? It's a cheap carabiner from Target
24. Where do you keep your change? In my wallet and in my car's center console (for parking).
25. What kind of winter coat do you own? Which one? I like coats for some reason. Currently I have one PETA would hate, a long brown wool one I bought in Italy, and pretty blue green one from last season.
26. What was the weather like on your graduation day? Sunny for high school and college.
27. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed? Depends
28. Did you read this far? If you did - TAG! You're it!
1. Explain what ended your last relationship? We grew up and apart...
2. When was the last time you shaved? I will take the 5th -- it's almost December!
3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.? Checking my e-mail.
4.What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Typing a project plan
5. Are you any good at math? I prefer spreadsheets and the calculator (but my mom's 10-key skills are better than mine.)
6. Your prom night? Scary hair-do. I only recently threw out the box with the jillion hair pins that kept it in place along with the quart of hairspray.
7. Do you have any famous ancestors? Not that I know of.
8. Have you had to take a loan out for school? Nope. My parents did...
9. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile? No my space profile.
10. Last thing received in the mail? Netflix discs.
11. How many different beverages have you had today? Three - a glass of milk, coffee and water
12. Do you ever leave messages on people’s answering machine? Why not?
13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? Sometimes.
15. What is out your back door? The deck which is littered with leaves and needs to be resealed.
16. Any plans for Friday night? Yes, but they involve home improvement.
17. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? It gives me the wavy look.
18. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns? I don't think so.
19. Have you ever been to a planetarium? Probably? Some field trip?
20. Do you re-use towels after you shower? Yes.
21. Some things you are excited about? Running, knitting, baking when I get the chance
22. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO? Raspberry
23. Describe your keychain(s)? It's a cheap carabiner from Target
24. Where do you keep your change? In my wallet and in my car's center console (for parking).
25. What kind of winter coat do you own? Which one? I like coats for some reason. Currently I have one PETA would hate, a long brown wool one I bought in Italy, and pretty blue green one from last season.
26. What was the weather like on your graduation day? Sunny for high school and college.
27. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed? Depends
28. Did you read this far? If you did - TAG! You're it!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Releasing my inner Rocky or my inner Kenyan?!?
I closed out the fall running season by running the Philadelphia Half Marathon. The course began and ended at the Eakins Oval in front of the set of steps that Rocky Balboa made famous. Thankfully the course didn't involve any stair work.
My training partner was injured so I was on my own for this one. Nervous?!? A little... but better weather makes for better running, the course was reasonably flat and I knew I was ready. The first 5.5 miles of the course allowed for muliple chances for spectators to catch their runners and between mile 7 and 8 we ran through the Drexel University campus -- including up Fraternity and Sorority Row. Sigma Phi Episilon and Delta Zeta (my mom's sorority) were out in force on their side by side front porches drinking and whooping it up.
Around mile 1 I spotted was has to be the best sign for a runner ever - it read "Go [some runner's name] Go -- release your inner Kenyan!" My inner Kenyan must have been released as well -- I finished in 2:23:46 -- and more importantly I didn't feel like I was going to pass out!
My training partner was injured so I was on my own for this one. Nervous?!? A little... but better weather makes for better running, the course was reasonably flat and I knew I was ready. The first 5.5 miles of the course allowed for muliple chances for spectators to catch their runners and between mile 7 and 8 we ran through the Drexel University campus -- including up Fraternity and Sorority Row. Sigma Phi Episilon and Delta Zeta (my mom's sorority) were out in force on their side by side front porches drinking and whooping it up.
Around mile 1 I spotted was has to be the best sign for a runner ever - it read "Go [some runner's name] Go -- release your inner Kenyan!" My inner Kenyan must have been released as well -- I finished in 2:23:46 -- and more importantly I didn't feel like I was going to pass out!
Monday, October 30, 2006
The tortoise becomes a hare?!?
Ever since I ran the Army 10 miler I have been moderately enamored (ok slightly obesssed) with the idea of running a half marathon in Washington DC. It was truly amazing to run down Independence Ave at the 10 miler, run past the monuments that are so familiar and ok I admit it have friends and family come watch me run. But there was a small hurdle to overcome -- in order to participate in the second annual National Half Marathon I needed to qualify. I am known for being stubborn but I have to say I was hoping to only have to try once because the racing opportunities are thinning out as the weather gets colder. I am pleased to report at yesterday's Marine Marathon 10K time proved to be a winner!
To put this in perspective you only need to look back at my timed run in May. I was happy just to finish (at a 14 minute per mile pace). Yesterday I went out and ran 6.2 miles as if it were second nature. That must be some sort of minor miracle. (Or as Coach Rich said while we watched the Marine Corps Marathoners finish, some really good coaching - I am inclined to agree).
To put this in perspective you only need to look back at my timed run in May. I was happy just to finish (at a 14 minute per mile pace). Yesterday I went out and ran 6.2 miles as if it were second nature. That must be some sort of minor miracle. (Or as Coach Rich said while we watched the Marine Corps Marathoners finish, some really good coaching - I am inclined to agree).
Friday, October 27, 2006
Count down to the big event
This weekend a little thing called the Marine Corps Marathon takes over your nation's capitol. Now I have the running fever but not the patience to run the approximately 6 hours it would take me to finish a marathon. But my fellow teammates have been training all season long for the big day and I thought I'd share their thoughts as the day approached.
I will be running the 10K companion race and then will be on the course cheering people on. Run Strong and GO TEAM!
Twas three sleepnights before the race
And throughout metropolitan D.C.,
Carb-loading marathoners dreamt apace
Of the fans semper fidelis they might see.
The season, training since May, had been long . . .
And their legs/knees/feet were oft sore.
But they planned to finish strong!
(The effects of pilates on their core?)
With determination on their faces,
They remembered their mission: a CURE!
As they tied and re-tied their laces,
Victory, one step at a time, was sure.
The weather forecast for run/walking was ideal --
The better to attract a supportive crowd.
These TNT athletes imagined the zeal
Of friends and family cheering, cowbelling loud.
The course offered numerous chances, it seemed
For enterprising spectators, travelers among them,
To shout, "Run strong!" and "GO TEAM!"
Spectator Information
To read Daphne's take on all of this
It's Three Days Away
Spectator Information
So when, where, how to find (or text) Stro?
Averaging 12.5 minutes per mile . . .
Singlet purple, visor green (day-glo) . . .
Mostly, thanks to your support, by her smile
To read Daphne's take on all of this
It's Three Days Away
I will be running the 10K companion race and then will be on the course cheering people on. Run Strong and GO TEAM!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
I'm back
After all of my training I thought it would be a shame to waste the newly developed muscles, endurance, etc. Here's what I have been doing since my last post:
- Fair Lakes 8K -- 1 week after VA Beach - how motivated is that?!? Although I was greatly humbled by a significantly older gentleman who ran the last leg neck and neck with me. It turns out he is 74! The finish line commenter was calling out names as we approached the line. Even though he beat me by 2 seconds all I could think was I want to be that strong at 74!
- Navy 5 Miler on September 24th -- Humbled by the young this time - a coworker's 10 year old beat me by 6 minutes!
- The Army 10 Miler on October 8th -- an awesome run through DC and the monuments with a great crowd on Independence Avenue.
Monday, September 04, 2006
A journey of a lot of miles...
... began with a single step and ridiculous amount of stubborn determination.
I rocked Virginia Beach (my finisher's medal even says so!). Final time of 2:58:26, which meant I averaged 13:36 per mile over the course distance. Yesterday was humid and sunny -- the ideal race conditions were present the day before (about 5 degrees cooler and what felt like half as much humidity). The excitement of the race and a faster than average runner in our little group meant we came out stronger than we meant to (my 5K splits were 12:18 per mile). I lost a lot of speed between mile 9 and 10 -- just after I saw my support crew and just before I saw my sailing friend Janessa, whose boyfriend's band was playing on the course. (One of the selling features of the Rock and Roll Half Marathon is live music on the course. I have to say what sold me was the "fast and flat" race course!)
As I was training for this event people said "will you do it again?" and "is there a marathon in your future?" My answers before race day were "I will tell you after race day" and "definitely not." My answers now "yes I would do a half marathon again... I have a couple of races in mind." I have about five witnesses to my statement of no more summer endurance events though! -- it was TOO HOT . Running a full marathon remains out of the question. I think 3 hours is long enough to run. I would run with Team in Training again in a heartbeat -- there were people there every step of the way when I thought what in the hell am I doing and I just want to stop running now. To the Maryland TNT staff member who walked alongside of me at mile 10 and gave me sport beans, the Northern New Jersey Coach who ran most of mile 12 beside me and to Coach Rich who took me into the finish, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It was simply an amazing journey...
I rocked Virginia Beach (my finisher's medal even says so!). Final time of 2:58:26, which meant I averaged 13:36 per mile over the course distance. Yesterday was humid and sunny -- the ideal race conditions were present the day before (about 5 degrees cooler and what felt like half as much humidity). The excitement of the race and a faster than average runner in our little group meant we came out stronger than we meant to (my 5K splits were 12:18 per mile). I lost a lot of speed between mile 9 and 10 -- just after I saw my support crew and just before I saw my sailing friend Janessa, whose boyfriend's band was playing on the course. (One of the selling features of the Rock and Roll Half Marathon is live music on the course. I have to say what sold me was the "fast and flat" race course!)
As I was training for this event people said "will you do it again?" and "is there a marathon in your future?" My answers before race day were "I will tell you after race day" and "definitely not." My answers now "yes I would do a half marathon again... I have a couple of races in mind." I have about five witnesses to my statement of no more summer endurance events though! -- it was TOO HOT . Running a full marathon remains out of the question. I think 3 hours is long enough to run. I would run with Team in Training again in a heartbeat -- there were people there every step of the way when I thought what in the hell am I doing and I just want to stop running now. To the Maryland TNT staff member who walked alongside of me at mile 10 and gave me sport beans, the Northern New Jersey Coach who ran most of mile 12 beside me and to Coach Rich who took me into the finish, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It was simply an amazing journey...
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Approaching Race Day
On Sunday my 16 week journey from 0 miles per week to 12-15 miles per week will be tested in my first ever half-marathon. I have done the physical preparation -- every Saturday group run, Tuesday/Thursday solo and buddy runs as well as Wednesday cross-training (ok you all know that involved sailing and beer!). Now I just need to run so I can stop wondering "what will the race be like?" and does it really matter if this is a non-Gatorade race?!? (Because I can't see carrying little packets of Gatorade to mix while I run, the answer is no. I have my favorite energy source - Clif Bloks, so that's all that matters to me!)
So what have I learned in 16 weeks?
1. Running is fun... if you find your groove, awesome running partners and a good trail. Good trails = Capital Crescent, Custis Trail and the National Mall. Bad trails = Pierce Mill at Rock Creek Park.
2. Every future marathoner or half-marathoner needs an awesome group of runners and non-runners alike to encourage, cajole (recognize yourself?!?), and generally keep them honest.
3. Being speedy gets you to the finish line first, but the back of the pack has more fun.
4. Running is a worse cult than rowing, my former temple of pain
5. I couldn't have asked for a better training program than Team in Training. If you're thinking about joining them - to run a marathon, cycle 100 miles, or complete a triathalon - do it! It's a great cause to be associated with and a wonderful group of people.
So what have I learned in 16 weeks?
1. Running is fun... if you find your groove, awesome running partners and a good trail. Good trails = Capital Crescent, Custis Trail and the National Mall. Bad trails = Pierce Mill at Rock Creek Park.
2. Every future marathoner or half-marathoner needs an awesome group of runners and non-runners alike to encourage, cajole (recognize yourself?!?), and generally keep them honest.
3. Being speedy gets you to the finish line first, but the back of the pack has more fun.
4. Running is a worse cult than rowing, my former temple of pain
5. I couldn't have asked for a better training program than Team in Training. If you're thinking about joining them - to run a marathon, cycle 100 miles, or complete a triathalon - do it! It's a great cause to be associated with and a wonderful group of people.
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