Why My Feet Hurt

   I ran 9 miles for the first time Saturday.  The run was rough. We do an out and back run. All the way out is on an incline. Usually the first half of our run is terrible for me. The incline is really rough on my calves, and I usually have to walk a little bit each half mile just to regain leg strength. Well, for that and to get a drink. I still can't drink and run. But this run wasn't like that. I was making pretty good time and my legs felt great. Then the physical wall hit.
   I was at about 4 miles and was almost to Mark and out of nowhere I started dry heaving and seriously thought I was going to throw up. Then I got stomach cramps, which makes running easier. I met up with Mark and ate some fruit roll up for the return trip. I felt a little better, but I wasn't back to comfortable running until around mile 6. That really was a time suck because I was forced to walk way more than I would have liked.
   Then I hit about mile 6 and was able to run for the next 1 1/2 miles. It was pretty much amazing. I also learned some things about my body. For instance, my toes go numb when running that far. I have to flex them every .25 miles. I also learned that I shrug my shoulders to my ears when the going gets tough. The problem is, the going is all rough when you are running that far for me. So I had to keep telling myself to relax the top half of my body. And when I would, my running was easier. So those are all good lessons to have learned.
   Then I hit my worst mental wall I have ever hit as I completed 7.5 miles. I was tired. My feet were KILLING me (thank you plantar fasciitis, a recently sprained ankle, and running that far). My back started cramping. My stomach problems came back. And then I was mentally exhausted. I wanted to cry. I wanted to call Mark to come get me (he was finished running by then), but didn't have my phone to do it. All I could do was continue on or I couldn't go home. I could no longer run. I was miserable. I started really regretting paying for the half marathon that is now less than 3 weeks away. How could I ever run 13.1? I hate running! I never want to do it ever again.
   This was the lowest I have ever been when running. I have hit mental walls before. It has always just been about that run, meaning mad I couldn't keep going or that I wasn't faster or that I was tired before I even began running. I have never thought that I should quite running before or that the next run wouldn't be better. That was all new to me. I totally understand what the running world means by running being a mental game now. With only a half mile left and after Mark caught up to me, I decided this was the end of my pity party. I ran again. I ran past the hip pain, past the sore and tired feet and legs. I ran past the stomach cramps. I ran past the pulsing in my lower body making me want to faint and throw up. I just ran. And I finished in 2:15. Was it a good time? No. Am I happy with the time? No. Did I learn anything during this run? YES!
   I pretty much was in pain all weekend. It turns out my hip was out, thus the hip pain. My feet still hurt. Still, I am determined to do better this weekend on my 10 mile run. I really would like to finish at about 2 hours, so I am going to learn the lesson of this run to help make that happen, I hope.

Race #2: The Salt Lake City Marathon

   There was a lot of talk last week, post Boston Marathon, about the Salt Lake City Marathon. Could Salt Lake keep the runners safe? How can the race honor Boston on such short notice? How can the racers honor Boston? Thanks to social media, racers organized to wear green for the race. The race organizers got a large banner that all the racers could sign that was sent to Boston. And the race was as secure as could be. In fact, the race was so awesome, even BuzzFeed had to cover it. Seriously, the article is so worth the read. Even Josh got a picture mention.

   The race was amazing, even in the cold and pouring rain. Mark, Addison, and I were decked out in green and ready to race, but wasn't as ready for the weather. However, by the time we stared lining up for the race (5k again for us), the excitement from all the other racers and the general feeling of running this one for Boston took over. The race started for us 5k runners with the opening to the song "Sweet Caroline," a race opener for Boston. We were running by the end of the first verse and, despite the race promising we would all sing along, I was the only one singing. I am sure I cheered up all the old ladies watching the race. I got several thumbs up for knowing the words. 

  As soon as I was out of earshot of the music, I put in my earphones and began dodging and weaving all the slower racers. Although they told us to line up based on speed, some people didn't get the memo. And because we ran with Addison in tow, us parents with strollers had to start in the back. It took Mark and I almost a mile to pass all the people that SHOULD have been behind us. Of course, Mark took off like a shot from a gun, so by the half mile mark, I couldn't see him anymore. Either he was way ahead of me by then OR the pouring rain, that I was now running right into, blocked my view of him. By the mile mark, the clock said I was 12:25 into the race. This was not a good pace if I wanted to break the 35 minute 5k (I was really hoping for a sub-30 race, but knew that wasn't going to happen), so I picked up the pace. Just then Isabel's song came on and I knew she was there with me, pushing me on. Which worked really well. The clock read 22:31 when I ran past it at the 2 mile mark. And I knew I wasn't going to make it under the 30 minute mark, but I could be close, so I speed up a little heading to the long stretch back to Liberty park. Then, it happened. The last mile was all uphill! Half way up I started feeling that pulsing throughout my lower body that means I am going to quit whether I want to or not. I kept pushing and I talking to Isabel telling her how I want to finish this strong for her and for Boston. Just as I was pleading my hardest, two things happened. First, a great song came on that makes you forget how hard running can be. Then I was passed by a woman that was cheering everyone on she encountered. We ran with each other a bit, cheering and screaming. By the time we entered the park I knew I was going to finish this strong, maybe even before the 35 minute mark as I had hoped. The last turn came and I focused as hard as I could on the finish line and clock running faster and faster. Still, despite all my efforts, I came in at just over 36 minutes. Yes, I took 5 minutes off my first race, but didn't hit the mark I wanted. Still, I wasn't disappointed. I just ran as hard as I could in the pouring rain and cold. I was drenched and cold. And I did it with ALL of my family. How could you not be happy with that?

  After getting our pictures taken and collecting all the food we could possibly take, we headed for our car to dry off and get warm. Remember how we ran with Addison? She was cold and started to let us know about it. But after stripping her down to her dry clothes and giving her a banana and bag of pretzels, she cheered right back up to her normal self, excited about her morning adventures. Mark said she had a great time during their run. 

  When fueled up and dried off, we headed back out to get a massage and watch Josh finish the half. However, our awesome massage therapist took extra time on us because, in her words, we needed a lot of attention, and we missed Josh completely. But while Mark was getting his massage, I was watching all the half runners, completely green with envy. I never thought I would think this, but we were ready for a half. We probably should have ran it, but May 18th is marching up pretty fast. 

   Despite the weather, the race was awesome. And, by the way, my official race time was 34:55! I forgot to take off the minute whatever off my finish time because, being the last of the pack, we didn't cross the start line as soon as the clocks all started. Mark finished in 29:23. How could you not be happy with that?

The Race in Pictures

 Staying warm before heading out to the start line.

Addison decked out in green with her green piggy ribbons. 

 Waiting for the starting gun.

 The crowd filling in to start running

The 5k start and all the races finish line. 

My handsome man ready to run. 

Let's GO! 

 Running through the streets of SLC.

 Running in the rain.

 The last uphill until the park finish. It was almost a mile.

Drying off and refueling post race. 

 My first race bib.

 Addison had a great time going from the back seat to the front seat. Which is good. IT took us an hour to warm back up and dry off our jackets. She is such a ham.

   Cuddle Time!

Running For Boston

  Since the events in Boston on Monday, the running world has been going crazy.  First of all, the next big marathon in the US will be held in Salt Lake City, and I happen to be running the 5k. So of course, everyone is trying to figure out a way to honor Boston AND step up security for the race. Enter my friend Josh who happened to mention that we runners should wear green to show support for the whole town of Boston. His suggestion not only inspired all the runners who like the Salt Lake City Marathon on Facebook, but got national attention from Huffington Post yesterday. This article then got him mass attention here in Utah and he then got interviewed for the 10 PM news by 2 local channels, KSL and KUTV. At least I get to say that I knew this thoughtful guy before he made it big.

If you are going to be at or run in this race, please wear green to show your support of Boston.

 Then, nationally speaking, runners were asked to run a run for Boston yesterday. I did my 3 mile training run thinking about the guy that fell down when the blast went off by the finish line. Every time I see that, I feel horrible for him. For some reason, that image of him falling epitomizes what happened in Boston has a whole. So I ran with him, and the whole town in mind.  I hope all of you either ran yesterday, or will go out and run for Bean Town.

  Then, there was this last night... http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show/vp/51564543/#51564543 Please take the time to watch Rachel Maddow completely describe the running culture and talk about how marathons can be safer. As a runner, I loved every moment of this segment. Oh, and if you haven't read the article she discusses with Amby Burfoot, you should. It is amazing.
 

Praying For Boston

   I watched the Boston Marathon today in utter dismay at how FAST they all are. The winners ran the full marathon in a goal time of mine for a half marathon. And I cried, because that is what I do when I see such superior athleticism in any sport. Then, just a couple of hours later, the 2 explosions happened. I watched in dismay all over again. I think the only thing I can really say about it is summed up in this picture.

What Happens When People Don't Pick Up Their Mess...

   I am officially 1 month and 3 days from my half marathon and 5 days from the Salt Lake 5k, making every run even more important. So you can  imagine my frustration when on Friday I tripped over the shop vac Mark left out and twisted my ankle. While the injury wasn't that bad it did make me unable to run my 8 mile run on Saturday. And last week was a terrible running week already. We missed a run and the other run went horribly. After rectifying some of my problems, such as always being tired due to a vitamin D and B12 deficiency which was fixed with a new supplement increase, the real problem was that I just needed a good run to make me forget the bad one. And the twisted ankle hasn't helped anything. But I also know that I can't have a lifetime of running if I don't take care of myself now. So, for this run at least, I am trading a wrapped up foot, ice, and a good movie for my running shoes. I will be back next week.

Scenes From The Running Trail

The view of a trail needing conquered (well, at least 7 miles of it, this time anyway).

   Last week was not a great week in running for Mark and I. The difference between last week and every other week in running was that we started level 3 of Ripped in 30. AND IT IS HARD. Jillian pounds your legs, specifically your calves. And while eventually this will be really great for our running, sore calves+running= ouch! OUCH! OUCH! I was forced to walk during our shorter weekday runs because of the searing pain. But surely Saturday's run would be better because we would have Friday off from both Jillian AND running, allowing our legs a much needed rest. Right?

Addison getting strapped in for a great run in her new jogging stroller.

 Dressed for success with friends in tow.

   And it was a better run, sort of. The first half is mostly on an incline, some parts steeper than others. And already sore legs+incline= more ouch! By the time I met Mark coming near the half way mark, I was seriously thinking about asking him to go get the car and come get me because I couldn't imagine making the 3.5 mile journey back. And because I had walked probably a half a mile already, I knew this wasn't going to be a pretty running time. I started wishing I had gone to support Josh in his half marathon instead of trying to run today. But, I knew I would be mad at myself if I didn't try, so I kept going. The return trip is, of course, downhill, so I decided to run for just a song then I would walk for a song all the way back. But because it was downhill, my legs were doing much better. Sure, they were still tired, but they weren't screaming with pain anymore. So At the end of the first song, I decided to make it to the next road. Then when I made it there, I decided to shoot for the next road. Somewhere in that section I crossed paths with a woman who said "Yay! Running! Keep it up!" So I did.
   Minus a small amount of walking to get a drink (not even going to try to learn to run and drink. It has always been a disaster for me), I ran the whole way back. I ran even when my side started hurting with just over a half a mile to go. I made it back to the finish in 1 hr. 38 min., just 8 minutes over my target time. And that was with all that walking in the first half! I must have been hauling on the way back.
  You know what makes running great. The other runners. I get encouragement to keep going with every smile, nod, good morning, or even, in this case, the words of one very inspired runner. And when running got easier, I was able to think about things and I had so many ah ha! moments, I couldn't count them all. Running teaches you so much about yourself you never could learn any other way. I can't wait to go again.

Running, the best drug ever.

A Few of MY Favorite (Running) Things Spring 2013

  Yesterday was a terrible, not so good, painful run. It was my last 2 mile run I will do while training for my half marathon and I really wanted to rock it out. But, that just wasn't the way it went.  We started level 3 of Ripped in 30 yesterday, and as Jillian says, she isn't mean, she is just creative. By mid-afternoon yesterday, I knew it wasn't going to be an epic run. My back cramped, my legs hurt, and I was tired. By the time Mark go home, I was still holding on to the last shred of hope that I would run those 2 miles with some dignity and no cussing. It didn't happen.
   By the end of mile 1, I knew I would have to walk. My calf cramped, my thighs were killing me. I walked a little, then ran only to have more cramping and pain. My back, not to be outdone by my feet, started cramping also. I ended up running about 1.75 miles. After such a terrible run, I started lamenting to Mark how we should just quit Jillian. She is nuts, I said. She is out to kill me. I hate her! Then we went home to more charely horses and tired legs. Not my best run or run day.
   Today, I partook in round 2 of Jillian. She still killed me. But, I also must admit, she is making me stronger and more ripped. I guess I can't fault her for delivering on her promise. Then, as I sat on my sore bum to Facebook before Addison awoke, I stumbled on Josh's blog entry about his favorite things about running. After reading his impressive list, I knew right then and there I needed to focus on what I love about running. So here in no particular order is my favorite things about running so far this spring.

• Time away from Addison. I love her, but every mom needs to miss their child a little to love them more.
• Being able to just focus on me and my thoughts for a while. There are no dishes or laundry during your run.
• Spending time thinking of Isabel. I honestly feel like she is closest to me while I run.
• Being outside.
  
• Old running shoes (left) that show every mile you ran.
• New running shoes (well, newer, on the right) so full of running promise.
• That feeling you get when you hit your pace and feel like you can go for miles and miles.
• Going miles and miles.
• When your new favorite running song comes on just as you hit the half way mark in your run.
• Saturday runs when all the other runners are out nodding that knowing nod at you. Makes me run longer and happier every time.
• Being in the beginning of a half marathon training schedule.
• Being in the middle of a half marathon training schedule.
• Realizing that you too can run 13.1 miles if you had too. And, trust me, I want too.
• Counting down the days until your running season starts (17 until the SLC 5k!).
• Running with your sweetheart. I love every moment of watching him run faster, further, and happier than I do. Seriously.
• A new running playlist. I still get surprised by the best songs we picked.
• Personal pep talks during hard runs. I still learn so much about myself every mile I run.
• Finding new people who want to join in my running journey. I wish everyone I knew ran!

   I am sure I could list 100 more things, but this is the best of the best, for right now. Sure, it isn't always easy running, but I love it. What keeps you running? What do you love best?

10K In The Books

   Saturday was officially the longest length I have ever ran. I ran a 10K, or 6.2 miles. Because my short runs have been so bad that week, I was terrified what Saturday's run would look like. And my parents were here, so we had to hurry so we could go to Salt Lake for a Jazz game and a day of fun. I tried warning them I might take a while to run it. And I was worried. But I don't think I needed to worry.
   I ran a 10K in 1 hr. 15 min., which is about 12 minute miles. YAY!!! To a fast runner, this is a terrible time. Some people can almost run a 5K in my mile time. But to me, this is great! And according to the race predictor, this shows my half marathon time to be around 2 hr. 50 min., which means I can stay under 3 hours like I want. And I am figuring out the right way to fuel before a run and during, which makes running easier and more enjoyable.