Sing, drive, run (in that order) [caution... L O N G blog]

It's no "Eat, Pray, Love," but it did feel like a labor of Love. My name is Sara Hanson, and I'm a runner. I have successfully completed my first half-marathon, and might even run another one.

My two goals this Fall were to be in a group to sing, that would fit into my crazy schedule, and run the girlfriends half-marathon in Vancouver, WA. Of course, they had to land within one day of each other. The concert Saturday night went well, and best of all, went short. It was so great to sing with a bunch of wonderful singers and do a quality performance. I had to time to chat with several people after the concert, and still get home before 10 PM, and in bed before 11 PM. I made sure to have everything ready to go by the door, so I could just wake, throw it all in the car, and be on my way to Vancouver, WA at 5:15 AM.

The early morning went according to plan, and my lovely friend MHB, who came with to help drive down so I could rest, headed out in the dark. It was nice to drive through downtown Seattle when there was no traffic at all along the highway. Just shortly after passing the Tacoma Mall, MHB told me that she brought me some socks to change into after the run, just in case I needed to get out of the ones I had run the 13.1 miles in. It was then I realized that I somehow managed to forget my running shoes at home. (The one thing that was not placed by the door.) Yelling out some explicative, I immediately pulled off the freeway and turned around to return home to get my shoes. We had seen several police cars out, and I owned no radar, so I new speeding was not an option.

Arriving BACK in Seattle, we left at 6:40. I knew that 2 hours would not be enough time to get to Vancouver for the start time. I turned over the wheel to MHB to try and sleep and rid myself of any negative inner voices to talk me out of it. I dozed through Olympia (purposely, since I didn't want to re-view the places that we had already driven by) and woke thinking I would run my own run no matter what. I would either start late for the "girlfriends" or just run the route without any bib or t-shirt. At 8 am I contacted my friend Sue McCurry who was already in Vancouver ready to run. I told her to tell the race officials I would be late, and I knew I would be lucky to start running before 9:30. Never did NOT running enter my mind, thanks to all the support and training I had in the last 10 weeks. (Here is where being a 3 on the Enneagram has its benefits!)


A quick pit stop at the rest area outside of Kelso, I changed into my running clothes and planned to be ready to jump out of the car and start running. We arrived in Vancouver at 7:25, I pulled right up to the start line in my car, adrenaline running, and ran into the registration to get going. No surprise that I was the last to check in to run. They pointed me in the direction, and I started to just bust out running. Obviously there were no runners or even walkers in view, and I was a bit confused where my route was to go. Luckily, the night before I was discussing with my sister, Lori, in Portland about meeting up along the run, so I was looking at the route online, and had a vague idea I had to get to the water, and had a good enough sense of direction of which way that would be. I might have added a block to the run, but I eventually found the signs for the race. It was then I felt at least I was on the right path, and would finish this race.



Mile marker 1 flew by, and I thought for a minute that I skipped a few extra blocks, but I couldn't worry about that and kept moving. There were people along the road to cheer, and they gave me a hard time about sleeping in (at least they didn't think I was actually that much slower than the rest of the group). Just before mile 2, I found the people who were designated to be the "last" people in the race. A little sigh of relief as I knew that I would not be the last person to cross the finish line.



The route along the water was actually very nice. The weather was overcast (the kind that burns off later) and chilly. To me, perfect running weather. I had my favorite running skirt and IPOD with me, so feeling strong, I kept the stride up. My podcast of choice was Phedippidations, and they had just celebrated a "Worldwide festival of races." The podcast had all these inspirational stories of people running their first race (5k, 10k or half marathon) and motivational moments. The perfect thing to listen as I forged.

Mile 3 flew by, and at mile 4 I saw coming back the other way (the course had 2 out and back treks) I saw my friend Sue. I calculated that she was 2 miles ahead of me, and I wondered if I would ever catch up with her. Mile 5 we turned out and ran along this little spit out to the edge of the water. There were constant positive motivating signs along the whole route, and all the volunteers handing out water and pointing out the route just happened to be men. (A nice bonus, I have to admit!) At mile 6 I knew how much further Sue was, and figured I probably wouldn't catch her, but I still felt good and kept my stride. It was then I reached for my first "shot block" to keep the electrolytes at a good level for the long race.



It was just after the 6 mile I found myself, again, running with no one else around me. I passed 2 women just after mile 7 and we were all excited knowing that we are over half way there. Mile 8 brought another water 'stop' (well, I walked through so I could drink the water and not just throw it all over my face). They handed out some Chocolate Power Gel, but remembering the cardinal rule of not trying anything new along the race, I shoved it in my pocket, and reached for another shot block. We were now heading into the 2nd out and back part of the route. There was a little elevation climb through the mile 9 marker, but after running some of the hills in Seattle, it was nothing... I pushed on, still feeling pretty good. Every time I passed women (and I passed quite a few), we all shouted out words of encouragement, just happy to be able to even be physically capable to be out on this event.




Just before mile 10, MHB found me and cheered me on, and offered me some water as well. She said I was ahead in my time, and since I was doing my best not to watch my girlie Iron Mas watch, I didn't really have any idea. I felt my stride was strong, and I still felt good. Mile 11 also had a little hill climb where the marker was posted, and I now knew that I have run farther in one time than I ever had. The goal of running the whole way seemed like it could be a reality. My podcast buddies kept cheering me on, and motivating me to push further, even though my legs were feeling a lot heavier. No real pain yet, just tired feet and my hands a little cold. Sister Lori called a couple of times to find out where I was on the route, and I kept up the pace, even though I was attempting to talk to her on the phone. She and Rob were hoping to meet somewhere either in the last mile or close to the finish line. She too, like MHB, was surprised that I was as far along as appeared to be.




Right after the mile 12 marker, we turned up a hill for a slow climb. Realizing I was so close to finishing I pushed, but my pace was that of a power walker (and if you have ever tried to keep up with a power walker, it's pretty intense). At the top of the hill, I knew it was only about 1/2 mile left to finish, and knew I could run in. A bit in awe that I was about to complete my first half Marathon running, I was emotionally overwhelmed. Crossing the freeway and into the Vancouver proper, I saw Lori and Rob and they said the finish line was in blocks. Lori ran with me, and I found tears springing to my eyes knowing I was there. We kicked it and I actually was almost at sprint to cross the finish line. The clock read 3:03, but I started at 9:32, so my time - 2 hours 31 minutes. A shock! I had expected to run between 2:45 - 2:55. That extra adrenaline of starting a race 30 minutes late and having the idea that I needed to play catch up knocked off at least 15 minutes of my race time!



They read my name out loud as I came across the line, and I raised my arms in triumph, not to mention crying as the handsome firefighter placed the silver bracelet on my arm (better than a medal, girls - I will actually wear this!). Afterwards, they had trainers to stretch you out, and I could shower there. You know that women were in charge of this race, since there was all these pampering opportunities.


I know now that I can achieve anything. And so can you. Despite conflict in schedules, arriving late (not to mention some chaffing issues that I learned a hard lesson from), sticking to your goals, you can achieve anything. Now I just have to figure out my next goal... I doubt I'll ever be up for a full marathon - but I'm content to be a Half-lete. There are more opportunities out there for all of us. What do you want to do - go for it. Anything is possible.

The word of the day is...

HYDRATE! I have been drinking so much liquids today, that I keep running to the bathroom. I want to make sure that I am fully hydrated before my run tomorrow. Today was a low key day, as I attempt to be fully rested for the concert tonight and the run tomorrow.

The rest of the week had short runs and walking, kind of a lull before the big push. I'm thankful for all the good thoughts I have received in the last couple days. It's great to feel so supported.

I'm ready to run... it just seems there is too many things to check off to get there. (Concert, sleep! packing and the drive down at 5:15 am... to name a few.)

My next post will be a "post" run. Wish me luck - here we go!!!

soon and very soon

The countdown continues. I'm a bit stressed and also a lot anxious for the race to begin. I have nothing to compare it to, and I have a few slight road blocks in the way...

I managed to run really well 5 miles yesterday (Tuesday), and just didn't get in the spare time to run today. Tomorrow, while it will be very rainy, I will attempt 3 to 4 miles, and then a brisk walk on Friday. (All according to Coach Seely) In the mean time, my schedule is heavy loaded at the last half of the week, so it always feels exhausting. Adding the Opus 7 concert and dress rehearsal adding to the craziness of the week, only adds to the lack of sleep.

I'm trying to think postive, so let's change the critic inside my head. My run on Tuesday was great. I felt as if I ran strong and swift. Of course, I was too wired to sleep that night, so Wednesday paid the toll.

Off to bed now, so I can apply that good sleep habit to my schedule. Keep up the good thoughts!

The Countdown has begun

Well, we are in the final week of my "10 week training." The proud reality that I have trained and followed the Runner's World training schedule for 9 weeks, alone is an accomplishment in itself. I am feeling stronger than I have in a long while. Weight loss - well, I don't own a scale, but my close feel a little different. So even if the half marathon is the most miserable thing I ever do (and I doubt that it will be the MOST miserable), I have the exercise - workout bug securely planted inside me.

Sunday was an almost 5 mile run. Tomorrow will be 4 or 5 miles. Wednesday or Thursday will be 3 and Friday will be 2. Saturday is rest (well, aside from the Concert in the evening), and Sunday morning - hopefully the drive down will have no drama, and I will get there in ample time to be ready for the run.

It's the final countdown. It's here and hardly seems real. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I CAN'T WAIT!! (Who is this person typing this message!)

Heading into the final two weeks...

This past Sunday brought about my last long distance run, until the half marathon itself. I'm happy to report the 8 and 1/2 miles felt pretty good! (I can't believe I am even saying that! Look how far I've come!!) Coach Seely ran with me yesterday afternoon from my house, down through U of W campus and around the bridges again. It was my best run yet. I can say "run" since I never once stopped to walk, and even though there were spots where the hills felt tough, I knew I could make it all the way, after my last serious climb to the foot bridge on 20th, that would lead me back home.

I do have to say that running the same "loop" helps out a lot. You know your landmarks that you can tick off the list as you run. I won't have those spots to chart along my run in Vancouver Washington, however. I have checked out the map of the run, and it looks like we double back a couple times, so in some ways, I will be able to chart a few things along the way.

My home "loop" run of about 8.5 miles I think may become a regular trip (well maybe like everyother week I run it once..). We shall see how regular the running stays once this goal is achieved. I doubt 13.2 miles will be come a regular running choice for me, but I can be talked into the 8-9 mile run as long as I have running buddies or my Podcast.

I am truly amazed and shocked at my perspective on running. The "OMG" tape is being replaced with "I can do this." Who would have thought??

Birthday run...

Yesterday was my birthday. (Whoo hoo) My day was pretty planned out for me, but I had intended to fit in a short 4 or 5 mile run. Running was the last thing I wanted to do. I needed to get the run out of the way in the morning, since I had shopping to do for my party in the evening where 30 of my closest friends were coming to my house to celebrate this momentous day.

One of the bad things about this running goal is the fact that my yard has suffered emensely and as I set out to run, I noticed all the weeds and overgrown plants that need some good pruning. I pulled a few weeds, but forced myself to run. (The sooner you start, the sooner you're done, right?)

I HATED the first mile more than usual. I have come to accept that no matter what, the first mile is always hard. I'm ready to quit any moment, but then my body gives in accepts the fact that we are doing this for awhile. This run, I felt slower than usual, but just kept at it... slow and steady. Running down 20th I decided to cross over the pedestrian bridge and than follow Ravena Park west, to run toward the freeway. I thought if I kept moving farther away from my house, I would make the run longer. I headed up along side the freeway up to 70th where I headed over to Roosevelt. I kept going all the way to 15th, pushing through the little hills knowing I was on my way home. My Phedippidations podcast kept me company, and the run was pushing over the 45 minute mark, I knew that the finish line was within reach, and I had a busy day ahead of me, I was glad to be almost done with this big part of my goal.

The run finished, and I came in to chart my mileage through www.mapmyrun.com and found I only went 4 miles. It just seemed so much farther than that, not to mention that I was running a lot slower than I have lately. (As I look back and read that paragraph, I realize that saying "only 4 miles" is kind of amazing in itself...)

The rest of the day was filled with activities of shopping, cooking and cleaning. The party started at 7 pm and was a great time. It's always interesting when my "worlds" collide. Friends from different circles we all got along. Of course there was heavy political discussions, and having everyone figure out their blues name made the learning of people's names even more fun.

Saturday, I spent the day cleaning and dealing with the carnage from the party. Yes, I am OCD, and couldn't stand looking at all the pieces of food, dirt, etc... that hung out on my rug and kitchen floor. No running today, but tomorrow some sort of run will happen. I should run 9 or more, but we shall see.

At least this birthday finds me healthier than last birthday, and as people like to remind me; getting older is better than the other alternative!

a little depressing setback...

As the week progressed, I find myself still overwhelmed attempting to fit my "part-time job" of training for this crazy run, into the schedule. Tuesday was to be a good run with the guys who run much faster than me. Unfortunately, my body was not co-operating. I found myself feeling exhausted on Tuesday, and the idea of running seemed something I couldn't even attempt. Speaking with coach Seely, he advised rest as the program, and I hastily embraced it.

Wednesday brought a 4 plus mile run with Coach Seely, and I was dying! He asked me when I had "ran" last, and despite my exercise on Monday that was NOT running, to not have actually RUN for 4 days was a critical error. Our run started out fine, but when the incline was working against me, I was sucking wind.

In the happy ending, I finished the run still "running." And learning my lesson that even though I have been running for 8 weeks (!), it can easily slide back by avoiding a day of running. In some ways, its a bit depressing as I think that I have to stay "running" to keep running.

Maybe I'm not long for the running world... hmmm....

The other side of 11

Saturday brought the "11 mile" run. The plan was to meet up with the big runners at 8:30 am (knowing full well we would start more like 8:45). I showed up feeling pretty good, but still a bit nervous of the goal that lay ahead for me. The group was trying to decide who was running for how long. Apparently not everyone was willing to run "slow" for Sara's big 11 mile feat (or is that feet?).


Finally, after several crazy conversations and no completion of desired answers, I just started running, knowing it would be only about 100 yards I would feel like I could hold my own. We rounded down the first mile, and I did my best to keep in sync with everyone, knowing full well i could never keep that pace up for the whole trip. Soon, I was lagging behind, but still attempting to stay in "running form." I kept reminding them all that I was the tortoise in the picture.


Well, the tortoise actually ran pretty well for 9 miles. There was no bridge going up to slow me down, and the run actually felt like it went by a lot faster. Maybe that would be because the road is familiar (it was quite similar to last weeks BIG 9 mile run).


After running through UW Campus, parking lot and seeing all the people readying for the tailgating to ensue for the UW/Stanford game, my thoughts kept wandering to beer and hot dogs (in a good way! - yum). We continued through the horticulture center and began the upgrade back home. At this point we were a little more than 2 miles out. I was beginning to tire, and knew that I should have never had that conversation in French with one of the runners back at mile 2 where I was running a little too fast for my long stretch. In the uphill climb, I wondered if I had pushed to much in the previous trek...


Obviously something was not right, when I began to have some breathing problems. It felt like Asthma, which helped aid to a panicky feeling. Coach Seely said that it is "exercised induced asthma." Whatever it was, I had to walk about a quarter mile just to get my breathing under control The last 2 miles were a challenge, but I had no choice but to finish. Thanks to the support from the other runners, especially Tim, who was prepping for his big run this coming weekend in Minnesota, I made it to the end, and only uttered a few choice words that I will not name here in my blog! :-p

The rest of the day was busy with work obligations (singing a wedding, and Mass that evening), and a great opportunity to see the ballet. Needless to say, I could not wait to go to bed. However, my body still felt as if it were running. I compare the feeling to something like being on a boat for a few hours and when you get off, if feels as if you are still on the water. Sadly, I did not get a good night sleep as I had hoped, but survived enough to be able to function on Sunday for work. Sleep continues to be a big struggle for me. I seem to be in the land of the Cat Nap


Sunday's was a day of rest, and I felt NO guilt for taking it. Today, I rode the bike at the gym on random setting and lifted weights. Tomorrow it's back running with the boys... wish me luck!


3 weeks left. It sure doesn't feel real.

it's just another day

Isn't that a Beatles's song? (Doot doot doot doo doo doo...). Today I ran all alone (the first time in awhile) and did a "short run" of 3 miles. I have to say, that this was the FIRST time, that 3 miles went by quickly. Usually the short runs feel just as long as the long runs. Of course, running for the first half was at a slight decline, but that meant that return was at a slight incline... Oddly enough, the time flew by relatively quick.

Ever since running (with a little walk) of the 10 miles 2 weeks ago, I have felt that I have turned a corner on my training. The distance is not so great. I think my biggest weakness is the elevation changes, my inclines have not been huge.

However - I do relish in the fact that 3 miles can fly by like nothing happened! It is possible to follow the unimaginable.... The fact that I look forward to a short 3 mile run is quite an amazing feat. You too can reassess those goals and realize that they are obtainable...

keeping up with the Joneses

Tuesday's run was with the "big boys." My running coach has a group of people (mostly men) that run Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as Saturday morning. Excited to have people to run with, I thought I was showing up for a "short" run (again, 3 miles) with the gang.

Not to play the sexist card, but I was the only woman to be running among 5 men, not to mention that most of the runners had been running for decades (and I have been running for months). Needless to say, my type A personality showed thru and I ran far faster than I ever have for a regular pace. Still, I was in last place, and when we hit the hills, I was more than left behind.

Unfortunately, the rapture didn't happen, and I continued running to keep up with the gang whom I had long lost view of, but knew, at least, that the end was in sight (well - withing 20 blocks or so). I was able to finish strong (in my mind) and still the heart rate of most of the people I began running with had resumed to a resting pulse. Did I care?? Well, maybe a little, but at the same time, I know I'm running stronger than ever before.

Went to dinner afterwards with a friend and had some wine. I do have to say that running is making me a cheap drunk! (One glass of wine, and I'm ready to head to bed).

Today - a day of rest. Tomorrow 3 miles or so (somehow squeezed into the crazy schedule). In view, Saturday's long run in the morning - I'm shooting for 11 miles!!! Wish me luck. (Some of the "boys" will be running with me, but they were told it would be a slow run.)

nine is just fine!

I have been remiss to not post yesterday after my big run yesterday. If I wait to long, it all fades to an "easy" memory. Easy is not the word I would use!

Thanks to two running partners yesterday, I was able to accomplish 9 miles with extremely little walking. Again, reminding you all that this incredible feat was not one of great speed. Even though I was "running" it was not the fastest pace. I was fortunate enough to have those running with me to let me run at the pace I was comfortable with. There was actually a moment about 30 minutes into the run that I felt "in the groove" (if that's possible), and one of my running buddies decided he needed to take a quick bathroom break and drink of water. We had hit the central part of UW campus and had been running from my house. There was no way I was willing to stop my pace, for fear that I would not be able to resume. I ran on, leaving my prime motivators behind me (a first! that is for sure). Our run had quickly turned into the reverse "beat the bridge" run, and I was heading toward the University bridge. As I jogged up the hill to the bridge, I heard the horn sound, and realized this time, I would NOT beat the bridge.

I had some choice words (feel free to fill in the blanks) as too forcing myself to stop running and wait for a very L O N G rising of the bridge for some tug boat slowly make its way through the cut. My heart rate went back to almost normal pace, and the bridge finally returned to its proper position so that we could continue to run. Someone also waiting for the bridge to return to its regular position commented that only in Seattle will you find runners waiting to cross the draw bridge. I have to agree with that, even though this was the first time I had to wait for the bridge.

My running partners had caught up with me by then, and we continued along Boyer and headed toward the Montlake bridge. Traveling through the park we hit a bit of rain, but not much. At this point, my running buddies were a bit ahead of me and I could hear none of their conversation. I did, however, feel some sort of triumph at this point, since I had reached over the half way mark, and we would be heading back and still getting in decent miles.

To reach the rise of the Montlake bridge, their was a slow upgrade. I felt compelled to walk, and my running coach said, "don't give in." I immediately replied "shut up," since I had run over 50 minutes without walking yet. Already a personal best had been achieved, and if I wanted to walk uphill, I could do so. At the top, we went back to the running pace, and I had a moment of geographical confusion as I thought I would be on the far side of the bridge and found myself on the closer side - the West Side. For awhile I felt that I was running the wrong direction to the destination, and didn't feel the need to put on extra miles, by running AWAY from the homeward destination.

We went through the lower end of UW behind the football field and IMA before returning to the Burke Gilman and following up through Ravenna Park. As we made the slow climb back up 20th, i couldn't help but think that it was uphill (although slight) all the way home. My body screamed to walk several times, and I gave in a couple times but only for a few yards or so.

As a side note, one of my running buddies would often run faster than me, but then slow to a walk. Not much after I would pass him, then he would start running again. I couldn't help but laugh thinking this was some man who couldn't stand the idea of getting past by a woman. I took it as a sign that I had to keep him running as well.

As we closed toward the finish line, i pushed into a fast run, not only to stretch my legs, but to push out everything I had. It was a surprise to find out how much energy I still had!

I didn't finish in half as much pain as I did the week before doing the 10 miles and not having run as far. Either I'm improving, or numbing to the pain! :)

Today was weights and some interval training on the elliptical trainer at the gym. I didn't bring my Ipod and was amazed how BORING the workout could be. (But I still completed the work)

Tomorrow? It will be a short run, 3 miles or so... Isn't funny I'm calling that short! We begin week 7 of the 10 week workout. Four weeks to go. Scary and exciting at the same time.

finding the middle ground

This week has been pretty good in getting in the training time. The success for me has been changing up the workouts. It's not much just running, but staying physically active. I actually think I have finally become someone who "needs" to exercise everyday. The day of "rest" I got in this week seemed to have me more stressed out. (Okay, so maybe it's because I had a Rosary and Funeral for a lovely woman in whose family I have been fortunate enough to have been included in most holiday events.)

Despite the extra events thrown into my regular week, I still have to fit in that 11 mile run sometime. Do I get up early tomorrow and attempt to run before the wedding I have to play for? OR - do I run Sunday morning, since I can be excused from my regular Sunday morning work schedule. I think I'm leaning more toward Sunday, we shall see.


This week included some interval trainings, and a hill workout that was actually on the elliptical trainer at the gym. It's been good to see the inside of the gym. I suspect that I will be visiting it more often as the weather begins to turn.

The one snafu in my half-marathon plan is the fact that the weekend of the run is double booked! One other goal for me this year, aside from the running, was to sing with a choral group that had a rehearsal schedule that fit into my plan and that sang high qualtiy music. The concert with Opus 7 at Blessed Sacrament (in the University District) is Saturday evening, and the half-marathon race is Sunday morning in Vancouver Washington. I'm looking into some creative plans to get me to the race on time. (Anyone want to drive my car at 5 am from Seattle to Vancouver, while I sleep, and then take the train home....?)

Wish me luck in both the 11 mile run in the next day or two, and the travel time to the race!

My new part time job

It is so amazing how busy our lives seem to be. Where does the time go??? For example, today is September 15th. Not only is September half way through, and I am looking at a birthday in 2 and half weeks, but I'm not even sure where is 2008 has gone. As we get older, time just goes by faster (except, of course, when I'm running).

But I digress, I'm realizing that to train for this half-marathon, I have to view it as a part-time job added to my already crazy schedule (since we all have crazy schedules). As my training picks up in the second half of the 10 week training plan, the revelation of the time I need to allow for my workouts is increasing. With a day that often runs from 7 am until 9:30 pm (the blessings of being a musician/teacher), I have to literally carve out time for my workouts. This takes a little forward thinking.

So, with trepidation, I look toward this week realizing every minute has to be accounted for. I have a couple events thrown in to the midst that are mandatory additives to my time constraints (more on that in another blog..), so I must make every minute count. I'm not drawn to that kind of lifestyle being the creative entity that I am. I can slot myself into 30 minutes for time to compose... and how absurd does that sound???

Check in to the workout progress: Sunday was a great 30 minute 'short' run (I can't even believe I"m saying short run), and today, I did a little cross training with weights and the recumbent bicycle at the gym - okay, I have to confess, I'm reading a book "The Shack" that I felt the need to make time to read as well as make time to work out.

Wish me luck, my friends, as I travel through the week, and staring at the 11 mile marker this weekend... For those who wonder the workout that I am basically using the "Runner's World" Magazine training plan. Here is the link: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-411--12450-0,00.html

Recovery

As I approach the end of the half way mark of my training, I was just grateful to wake up to my body responding in the normal way. Unfortunately with all the caffeine I had with the diet coke at the movies the previous night, I didn't sleep so well, and found myself getting some serious sleep around 7 am. When I did fall into a good REM sleep, I didn't wake up until 10:30 (which, I must say has not happened in decades!). Taking of just local household duties, I wasn't able to get out on the streets right away. I was grateful that I just felt like I could run normally. My guess is that the past day of 10 miles turned a corner.

I am now half way through my 10 week training program, and although I don't think I'm ready to approach 13.1 miles, I do think that I am happy to run regularly (who would have thought!!??)

We must back up to the fact that I have NEVER been a runner. In Jr. High, the PE class would have a 12 minute run from time to time. i just HATED those days, no matter how active I liked to be. In those Junior High 12 minutes, I would just barely complete 1 Mile. The good news in that is, I am running just as fast (if not faster) than I was in Jr. High! I'm no slower, that is for sure.

I did do a short run/walk with a hill after I went and sang at a wedding. Than came home and had plenty of energy to make fish/shrimp tacos for friends of mine who came to dinner. A very healthy meal thanks to the suggestions of Cooking Light - a link you can find on this website.

Today, I actually felt like a true runner - or someone in training for the big picture. Perhaps the half way point was a serious turning point, just like my half way point of my 10 mile run yesterday. Half way in on the mileage means you will complete the race.

Follow your goals my friends, it can happen!

If it's Friday - than it must be 10 miles!

Friday dawned sunny and warm, and I knew the 10 miles was looming ahead of me. First, I was fortunate enough to have breakfast with my dear friend Lila. Lila is "in my tribe" to quote her. Living in a town where my family is no where in sight, I have adopted family, and Lila is a main member. We met at the Varsity in Ravenna, my favorite breakfast place, where I ate Huevos Rancheros (but took half home for tomorrow's breakfast).


Leaving the Varsity, I headed to the Northgate, hoping to buy some cute running outfit to make the 10 miles more exciting. My goal was to start at noon, knowing full well it would take over 2 hours to complete the run. I was unsuccessful at purchasing the motivating shirt, but killed the appropriate amount of time, so I would have little time to talk myself out of heading out for 10 miles.


Came home, changed and jumped back in the car with my IPod before sanity could have a chance to kick in, and drove down to Gasworks to begin the trek. The IPod has become my main training partner. I have lost my best running buddies due to schedule conflicts and relocation, so I'm pretty much on my own. However, (and those of you who have heard me praise this before) I have discovered the amazing world of Podcasts. Steve "Runner" (really Steve Walker) was my training partner today, who has a Podcast called "Phedippidations." (A slight aside, that my first boyfriend in jr. high had the name Steve Walker - not the same guy....) Steve told me all about a lot of other running podcasts, as well as gave me good advice of what to eat for the whole week before my run, not to mention how to play mind games with yourself so that you keep running. (The last was KEY since I have HATED running for the last 2 weeks!!)


I began with the plan of running 22 minutes, than walking 2 minutes. After the 2nd rep of that, it became 20 minute run, 4 minute walk. I chose Gasworks to Magnuson Park, knowing that the last mile was a good downhill grade at the end. My girlie Ironman watch was set for the intervals, and I actually felt pretty good starting out. We passed the IMA at UW and I knew I was already 2 miles in. After that, the landmarks were Zoka, than Metropolotin Market, and then 65th street (which was the turn around spot). I swear that it was a slight upgrade the whole time, but I took comfort thinking that it would be all downhill on the way home. At the turn around point 65th street, I was so excited to know that even if I walked every step home, I was still completing the required 10 miles.


Looking forward to the downhill slope, I was a bit confused to see that it seemed to be a slight uphill slope on the trail. Immediately I was reminded of the story of walking to school in the snow, both ways, uphill, with bare feet. ) Some how I was able to get through, and was pleased to find my geographical markers returning faster than they had been approached on the way in. I found myself exhausted as I neared the U and ended up walking a bit more than the 4 minutes. I actually broke down and walked 10 minutes of my run, until, thankfully, there was someone walking in front of me that was QUITE annoying, so I picked it up one more time, just to pass him up. When I hit the 1 mile left marker, I was thrilled, but barely had enough steam to keep up the "high impact" training zone. The last 100 yards was killer, as I attempted to kick it into high gear, which in my physical ability, felt like a sprint, but was more likely the speed I started out with when I began running.

Finishing, I immediately grabbed my water bottle, kept walking around Gasworks, and was afraid to try and sit in my car, knowing that getting out of the low seat would be a challenge. A reward was heading to Jamba Juice in U Village for a smoothie, and I felt like the old woman attempting to not only get out of the car, but walking the little half flight of stairs from the parking garage to get my coveted prize. I was hobbling, and wondered if I would ever walk normal again, much less run.


The best reward was a massage from my good friend and massage therapist, Detta (who I am willing to admit, is becoming part of "my tribe"). Thank GOD, because I was actually able to function afterwards. The final reward was the movies that night, seeing "The Women." Nothing better than a good chick flick with good friends on a night that if I had more than one "adult beverage" I would be on my lips.


So, thanks for reading this far. I promise you won't have to tolerate a 10 mile read on the rest of the blog. On the schedule ahead... a 3 mile walk tomorrow, some minor runs during the week, and next Friday... 11 MILES!!! (OMG!!!)