I haven't had a lot to say in the last few weeks. It has all come to a stand still for me though.
After the Tacoma City Marathon I was feeling fine except for a tight Adductor/hamstring. I had planned to take a full week's rest.
My husband was going to be out of town for 8 days on a golf trip with friends and then taking his golfer to the Washington State High School Boys Golf Championships. So it would be a good time to just relax and hang out with the kids.
Last Monday, the 21st, I tried to run at the Y on the indoor track. After about a mile and a half, I noticed a twinge in my right lateral knee. That, along with being sick of running on the indoor track on beautiful days, sent me downstairs to ride a bike for a change.
I took the next few days of and ran again on Thursday night at the high school track. I went early to try to get in some extra miles before others showed up. What happened was, again after about a mile and a half, I had stabbing knee pain in my right lateral knee. It freaked me out. It was the same type of pain, in the same place that I experienced two years earlier in my left knee that led to arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus.
So, I ended up walking three miles with Wendy who had run earlier in the day and was happy to walk.
I came home totally bummed. I had my husband make an appointment with our Chiropractic sports physician for Wed. the 30th. She is a great Dr. who combines Active Release Therapy, chiropractic, kinesio taping and whatever else magical she can whip up. I am praying for it to only be my IT.
So I spent Thursday night and Friday massaging and kinesio taping it up to try and help it along.
Saturday I planned a short run from the Y to the lake and back for not more than two miles, just in case I needed to walk. I went slow and took it easy. It began to bother me after 15 minutes, but subsided after a couple of minutes. It was not the stabbing pain I had earlier in the week either. This cheered me some, but it began to bother me again by the time I arrived back at the Y. I went inside and rode a bike for another 20 minutes.
I have a relay next weekend, June 2nd and I signed up for the Lake Youngs Ultra the next week on June 9th. Here's the kicker. Sunday, as I was walking across a parking lot with my son, over a grassy knoll to a crosswalk, I somehow miss-stepped alongside a man-hole cover and sprained my right ankle. Luckily there was a pole there for me to catch myself from falling and for me to catch my breathe. I frightened my son as I held on to that pole for dear life saying "Oh, my God, Oh my God Oh, my God." over and over. He didn't really understand that I had hurt myself. I didn't know if I could walk, or if I should try to get help from someone. I sucked it up and found that I could walk, barely. An hour later I was home after finishing the errand mind you. I had my husband get ice and 4 Advil and put it up for and hour. It was already quite swollen and I could see the bruising beginning.
Later in the evening I got out a pair of crutches just to be able to keep off of my foot. I didn't know what was going to happen. I felt horrible that I might have to give up the relay and the ultra. I still might have to. I haven't had an injury like this since high school, playing soccer.
Luckily, Monday Morning I was able to bear weight and walk with a limp. It is still very swollen and bruised around the outside of my ankle. I have been and will continue RICE.
I will try to run on Thursday and make a decision then about the relay. I think we had discussed if someone had to drop, the team would not pick up an alternate, but just others would run more legs. I would still like to go and cheer on my team if I cannot run. Then see what the ankle is like the next week to try for the ultra, or a portion of it. That would make almost 4 weeks without significant running before the ultra. But hey, if Rob can do it, so can I.
So, patience is my lesson, patience to get back on the right track and to heal. To seek God's wisdom in which and how many events I should take on. I have been doing what I felt I could, perhaps too much so close together. But it is so difficult when you see that others can do it. I should be able to as well. But there are different plans for different people. I need to go by what is right for me. I will draw upon the strength of others gone before who have persevered in trying times and will rely on my faith to pull me through this rough spot. There are many examples out there of people who have endured much worse only to come out of it stronger and more determined. This is just a minor setback and a reminder to me to rest, to take it easy. To focus on my family for a while and to heal. God works in mysterious ways. I am reminded of his power and his shepherd's crook at times like this. I am being hooked prodded to go in a different direction, through a route I am seemingly reluctant to go. To get back on the path in which I am meant to be. Now I must give in and go, patiently healing, planning, praying and getting to where I need to be.
Grace and Peace to you.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Tacoma (Extremely Hilly) City Marathon
Wow. I hurt all over. I just got out of a 25 minute cold bath, then a hot shower.
Let's just say that I knew this was a hilly marathon, but, man was it hilly! My hamstrings are killing me!
I had no goal in mind for this race due to the hills. I lined up wit the 4:00 pace group and decided I'd stay there as long as I felt comfortable. The pacer started out FAST! I started my watch as I crossed the start area and my watch read 7:38 at mile 1. Holy Moly! I just let them go ahead and eventually caught( she slowed down) up to the group around mile 5. I stayed with them till the first big hill inside Point Defiance park and knew I wanted to take it easy as this would be 5 miles of hills. It was mile 11-15.5 ish
Not soon after passing the 16 mile marker I caught up to Michelle, Rick and Melissa who had taken an hour early start. I didn't really think I'd see them. It was a pleasant surprise. At about mile 18, I passed Michelle S. ( also took early start) She said her knee was beginning to bother her. I kept plodding along, waiting for the hills to stop.
I think the last real hill was coming up alongside Cheney Stadium where the Tacoma Rainiers AAA team plays. There were a few other rollers, but I think that was the last. about 19.5, I think. Anyway, I started to fell fine on the flats and downs, but even a slight incline bothered my abductors and left hamstring. My uphill muscles were shot. I was able to comfortably hold a just under 10 minute pace so I was happy. I was very happy to start seeing the 23 and 24 mile markers. The last bit had no up hills and I was really looking forward to those downhill and flat miles to the finish.
I realized that the last .2 of a mile was not quite as evil as the Eugene Marathon, so I tried again to pick it up. I finished this tough course in 4:07:00 on my watch and 4:07:13 by the clock. Very satisfied with the time.
I headed straight to the medical tent for ice for my hamstring/abductor. I had them stretch me a bit, which caused my hamstring to cramp. Luckily the guy pushed on it and it didn't get too bad. I got Ice and went to find warm clothes.
Overall, it was a good race. Great people and nice weather, a bit too much wind, but the temp. was good. I am sure there will be some improvements for next year, but it will be a good event again.
Grace and Peace to you.
Let's just say that I knew this was a hilly marathon, but, man was it hilly! My hamstrings are killing me!
I had no goal in mind for this race due to the hills. I lined up wit the 4:00 pace group and decided I'd stay there as long as I felt comfortable. The pacer started out FAST! I started my watch as I crossed the start area and my watch read 7:38 at mile 1. Holy Moly! I just let them go ahead and eventually caught( she slowed down) up to the group around mile 5. I stayed with them till the first big hill inside Point Defiance park and knew I wanted to take it easy as this would be 5 miles of hills. It was mile 11-15.5 ish
Not soon after passing the 16 mile marker I caught up to Michelle, Rick and Melissa who had taken an hour early start. I didn't really think I'd see them. It was a pleasant surprise. At about mile 18, I passed Michelle S. ( also took early start) She said her knee was beginning to bother her. I kept plodding along, waiting for the hills to stop.
I think the last real hill was coming up alongside Cheney Stadium where the Tacoma Rainiers AAA team plays. There were a few other rollers, but I think that was the last. about 19.5, I think. Anyway, I started to fell fine on the flats and downs, but even a slight incline bothered my abductors and left hamstring. My uphill muscles were shot. I was able to comfortably hold a just under 10 minute pace so I was happy. I was very happy to start seeing the 23 and 24 mile markers. The last bit had no up hills and I was really looking forward to those downhill and flat miles to the finish.
I realized that the last .2 of a mile was not quite as evil as the Eugene Marathon, so I tried again to pick it up. I finished this tough course in 4:07:00 on my watch and 4:07:13 by the clock. Very satisfied with the time.
I headed straight to the medical tent for ice for my hamstring/abductor. I had them stretch me a bit, which caused my hamstring to cramp. Luckily the guy pushed on it and it didn't get too bad. I got Ice and went to find warm clothes.
Overall, it was a good race. Great people and nice weather, a bit too much wind, but the temp. was good. I am sure there will be some improvements for next year, but it will be a good event again.
Grace and Peace to you.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Eugene Marathon
I had a goal to run this marathon in 4 hours or under.
My time was 4:04:13. I am very happy and it is a PR. I was on my way to that goal until about mile 17.
More of the story to come, I should start at the beginning!
Michelle carpooled to Eugene with me as her husband Eric was running a 50 miler on Saturday. Needless to say, she didn't really want to hang out all day then get to Eugene at 9pm. So probably way back in January we decided to ride down together. I took my 4 year old daughter with us and dropped her off in Tualatin (Just south of Portland about 10 minutes) at my parents so she could visit. My husband and son stayed home to go to my son's baseball game.
The weather was perfect and good company made the 5 hour drive a fast one. We stopped only twice at rest stops besides the 15 minute rest and drop off in Tualatin.
Once in Eugene, we headed right to the Hilton for the Expo. We picked up our own packets as well as Rob's, Eric's and George's. Then we met right up with everyone else form the Y group. Linda and her husband Rich, Monica and Mike, Amy, Lesa, Michelle S. and her husband Frank, Patch and Sonja. We wandered around, looked at all the cool stuff, sampled some goodies, and I bought another Marathon shirt, but a light green one this time with a different design.
Then it was time to get back to My hotel, The Campus Inn and check-in. I had a Margaret B. and Lesa staying with me and I wanted them to be able to get their stuff in and organized. Then it was off to get Michelle checked in at her hotel (which was kinda far away) and get back to order dinner. Albeit far away, Michelle and Eric were staying at a much fancier hotel than the rest of us. And as long as they were comfortable, that's all that matters.
We were back at the Campus in and basking in the beautiful sun in the courtyard deck area and were joined by a man named Dan. He asked if anyone could join our group and we of course said "Yes!" Dan and his wife had come all the way from Philadelphia,PA. Dan sat down and joined right in. Soon, we were joined by Darrel and Sarah from the blogoshere. It was a down right marathon party! We had great conversation.
Eventually the food c
ame and we had a great pre-race meal.
Great people, great food and great weather! It was a perfect evening!
After dinner was over and cleaned up, most people wanted to drive over to Hayward field where the start was and walk back to see how far it was and how long it would take. This was to aid in deciding to either walk or drive to the start in the morning. I didn't go, but took Michelle back to her hotel to make her pre-race preparations and came back.
As usual, everyone got sidetracked by Starbucks and they never really figured out how long it would take to walk there!
So I went off to my room to get all of my things ready too.
My roommates came back and we had some great chatting before bed.
The alarm went off at 5am and we did all our morning preparations and decided to walk to the start. Most people drove or took the shuttle. I had one of the ladies take this photo for my dad, he received his doctorate from U of O and I grew up attending Ducks games at Autzen Stadium and rooting for the Ducks in all their endeavors. I had always wanted a U of O sweatshirt and I purchased one on my way home at the Nike store in downtown Eugene.
We met everyone outside of Hayward Field and took some group photos before heading off to the porta-potty lines.
I then left everyone and headed to my 4:00 pace group. Then the race began. I found myself running with Lesa and Rob. It was a nice first few miles and Lesa left around the 2.5 mile mark. Rob and I were together till about mile 6. He was doing well for having run 34 miles the day before!
He stopped for water at the 6 mile mark and didn't catch back up to me. I was ahead of the 4 hour pace group and feeling good. I had no idea how far behind me they were. I was enjoying the beautiful course and just reminding myself to relax.
At about mile 14 or a bit after I started to feel like I had really heavy legs. I wanted to lose my fuel belt. We were supposed to have our crew of Mike and Frank at mile 17. I could hang on till then, but I wanted to get rid of the belt and be able to breathe easier. I could tell I was slowing down. I walked through a water station. At about 16.5 Amy caught up, looking all fresh and said the pace group was about 300 yards back. I was a bit disappointed. really disappointed when they caught up to us at mile 17.5. I stayed with them for about a half mile, still trying to find our crew guys. At mile 18, I realized they probably hadn't gotten there yet. I couldn't keep up with the group. They seemed to be sprinting. I stopped to walk for 30 seconds to just relax. True relief came at somewhere near mile 19 or so. When you finally turn around, or so it seems you cross a bridge to begin to go back towards Autzen stadium and the finish. Maybe it was mile 20. Anyway, I spotted Rich, Linda's husband crouch up by the bridge. I asked him if he would be at the finish and could I please give him the belt. I took out another gel and e-caps and my chapstick, stuck them in my pocket and was gone.
I could finally breathe! Those last 6 miles were tough as they always are, but I got my second wind. I felt so much better. I could breather, and my legs felt like they could move. I tried to pick my pace back up. My new goal became under 4:05. Since I knew that was the next pace group still behind me.
Somewhere, around mile 23 I think, I saw George and seeing someone you know is always a pick me up. I ate some orange slices at the next aide station and tried to pick it up some more. I was a bit bummed at the 24 mile marker as the 4:05 pacer came up beside me. He did say he was about 45 seconds ahead of his pace and as long as I stayed with or ahead of him I would be fine. I had no problems staying with him. At mile 25 he pushed me on ahead. This reminded me of our friend Rick who often does the same thing. Gives you just the boost you need to get yourself in.
We were just entering the fields at Autzen stadium and had to go all the way around to the finish area. That last mile was run on the road next to all the traffic on one side and people walking on the other. I began to see people who had finished already wearing their medals so I knew I was close. Then the 26 mile marker. I hate that mile marker because the next 300 yards seems like it goes on forever! I wish they wouldn't mark it! Although, once you got within about 150 yards of the finish there were SO many people there cheering you in. It was great. I would have missed Sonja if she wasn't screaming at me. I just missed her high five.
So, again, I crossed the line in 4:04:13 by my watch. I was very happy and tired and as soon as i stopped, I got a cramp in my upper glute. I found Amy, Lesa and Eric still in the recovery area and we all went out to find Sonja, stretch and cheer the others in. Eric and I went back in for ice. Me for my cramping glute and my sore hamstring and he for his IT and ankle.
We watched the rest of our group come in, cheered for lots of other maniacs and had a great time.
I met up with Michelle, Rob, Eric, and George to have lunch with Darrell and his wife before heading to my parent's house in Tualatin. It was fun to be able to get together and talk in person and relive our marathons. Again, great people, good food and good times. Very fortunate to have the opportunity to run and to be able to run with such fantastic people.
I decided to only drive the 1 1/2 hours back to my parents house and spend the night there and drive the last 3 hours home today. My hamstring was really bothering me sitting in the car.It was nice to get to rest before that last bit of driving. Today the muscles are a bit sore, but the drive home was fine and sitting wasn't a problem.
Overall the weekend was amazing. The course was beautiful. Except for the valley miles of 14-19, everything was perfect.
Overall the weekend was amazing. The course was beautiful. Except for the valley miles of 14-19, everything was perfect.My next marathon will be in two weeks, The Tacoma City marathon. I'll run this with no particular goal except to finish and have fun. It's a hilly course. It too, will be a great run with great people.
What a blessing the weekend was, truly a blessing.
Grace and peace to you.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Feeling Better
Well, it's Wednesday and I am feeling "much better. "
Like the Very Hungry Caterpillar after he ate the "Nice, big green leaf" on Sunday, ready not to spin my cocoon, but to run.
I was pretty iffy on Tuesday. Still felt like I was kicked in the stomach and had to be careful what I ate. Today, I can eat whatever.
I knew I needed to try to run on Tuesday, so I took the kids to the Y and headed to the indoor track. It was busy. I decided to run three laps for a half a mile, then walk one lap and repeat. It seemed to have worked. I ran three miles this way and walked a mile and a half. With a couple extra walking laps at the end. I felt tired at the end, but my legs felt pretty good. I did notice my nagging left hamstring/abductor but I was finishing by that time. I think I'll tape up the area with Kinesio tape for extra support for the marathon Sunday.
Today is my crazy day. My daughter has swim lessons from 4:55pm to 5:25 and my son has baseball at 5:30pm. I drop Annika off and head up to the track. So I get to run from about 4:58pm to 5:15pm when I have to go get Michael from the games room, run him outside to the fields and drop him off 10 minutes early for baseball, run back inside to pick up Annika from swim at 5:25 and get her showered and changed and get changed myself after my amazing 2+ mile 18 minute run and head back out to baseball practice. Annika runs and I walk the outdoor track around the field during practice.
After practice, I decide I can actually eat meat today besides the bread and pasta I've survived on for the past 3 days. Because it is now almost 7pm, I opt for the evil fast food joint. The kids get their favorite, chicken nugget kids meal things and I got an angus burger. It was really good. I think I needed protein. Hopefully it won't still be sitting there like a gut bomb tomorrow. We rarely do fast food, so the kids are really excited.
I am getting pumped up for the marathon. I am still pondering my nonexistent "plan" for this marathon. I have never really been one for being good at pacing myself or keeping track of my pace. I vividly recall being in 8th grade at Hayward Field at University of oregon for the Junior Olympics and running in the 800m. I remember the girls talking before the race about pace and PR's. I had no idea what they were talking about. I always just ran and liked to be in the front. If someone got close I just went fast enough to stay in front. This strategy didn't work in the Junior Olympics. It did work until the last 200m when about 5 people passed me and I came in 5th out of 8. Apparently I didn't have much competition in the regular meets! I learned quickly what pace and PR meant. Still, I've never been good at it. I can't seem to judge whether or not I need to speed up or slow down to last the long haul. Maybe Mr. Garmin needs to find his way to my house to help me out? Alas, I still think my "plan" is to stick with the pace group and go from there. I guess I really need help and more advice in this arena. And practice.
So, an under 4 hour marathon is my goal, my "plan" is to finish and have fun!
Grace and peace to you.
Like the Very Hungry Caterpillar after he ate the "Nice, big green leaf" on Sunday, ready not to spin my cocoon, but to run.
I was pretty iffy on Tuesday. Still felt like I was kicked in the stomach and had to be careful what I ate. Today, I can eat whatever.
I knew I needed to try to run on Tuesday, so I took the kids to the Y and headed to the indoor track. It was busy. I decided to run three laps for a half a mile, then walk one lap and repeat. It seemed to have worked. I ran three miles this way and walked a mile and a half. With a couple extra walking laps at the end. I felt tired at the end, but my legs felt pretty good. I did notice my nagging left hamstring/abductor but I was finishing by that time. I think I'll tape up the area with Kinesio tape for extra support for the marathon Sunday.
Today is my crazy day. My daughter has swim lessons from 4:55pm to 5:25 and my son has baseball at 5:30pm. I drop Annika off and head up to the track. So I get to run from about 4:58pm to 5:15pm when I have to go get Michael from the games room, run him outside to the fields and drop him off 10 minutes early for baseball, run back inside to pick up Annika from swim at 5:25 and get her showered and changed and get changed myself after my amazing 2+ mile 18 minute run and head back out to baseball practice. Annika runs and I walk the outdoor track around the field during practice.
After practice, I decide I can actually eat meat today besides the bread and pasta I've survived on for the past 3 days. Because it is now almost 7pm, I opt for the evil fast food joint. The kids get their favorite, chicken nugget kids meal things and I got an angus burger. It was really good. I think I needed protein. Hopefully it won't still be sitting there like a gut bomb tomorrow. We rarely do fast food, so the kids are really excited.
I am getting pumped up for the marathon. I am still pondering my nonexistent "plan" for this marathon. I have never really been one for being good at pacing myself or keeping track of my pace. I vividly recall being in 8th grade at Hayward Field at University of oregon for the Junior Olympics and running in the 800m. I remember the girls talking before the race about pace and PR's. I had no idea what they were talking about. I always just ran and liked to be in the front. If someone got close I just went fast enough to stay in front. This strategy didn't work in the Junior Olympics. It did work until the last 200m when about 5 people passed me and I came in 5th out of 8. Apparently I didn't have much competition in the regular meets! I learned quickly what pace and PR meant. Still, I've never been good at it. I can't seem to judge whether or not I need to speed up or slow down to last the long haul. Maybe Mr. Garmin needs to find his way to my house to help me out? Alas, I still think my "plan" is to stick with the pace group and go from there. I guess I really need help and more advice in this arena. And practice.
So, an under 4 hour marathon is my goal, my "plan" is to finish and have fun!
Grace and peace to you.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Update on Life and Countdown to Eugene
This past week has been one of sickness and low mileage.
It started out last Sunday when my 4 year old daughter woke up at 5am throwing up. She spent the day resting as much as a 4 year old can. She stayed in her pajamas and played quietly. She was upset when we wouldn't let her outside to play with her friends down the street.
By Sunday evening she seemed okay, and alright for preschool and daycare the next day. She indeed made it through school and swim lessons Monday.
I received an email Monday from an dear old friend, Ang. She lives in Blacksburg, VA and her husband is doing his Doctoral work at Virginia Tech. She wanted us to know she and her husband were okay and that they and the community really needed our prayers. This event has caused us, and the nation to stop, pray, wonder, and most importantly, cherish our loved ones and let them know how much we care and love them. Please take a moment to reach out to those around you and make a difference in someones life. It could make all the difference.
Tuesday we woke up to rain. My daughter was happy about this as her preschool class had been trying to go puddle jumping for the past few days. SO we packed her up with extra clothes and her rubber boots. But, in the middle of puddle jumping, she was throwing up again.
My husband went to pick her up, and took a half day substitute. He emailed me asking if I could be home by 2:20pm as he had an away baseball game to get to. Unfortunately, I was not, as my school day ends at 2:20 and I couldn't get someone to cover my class. So I left at about 2:25 and got stuck in the parking lot with all the students for about 10 minutes. No wonder we are supposed to stay for 30 minutes after classes end. It takes that long to clear out the lot!
So, no running Tuesday as planned due to taking care of a sick child.
Wednesday, It was my turn to stay home with my daughter. And my son had baseball practice at 5:30. my husband is one of the coaches, but I fill in when he can't be there. So, I was trying to help with practice, watch/hold my daughter and stay warm. I was able to get 17 minutes of running in while my daughter tried to go to swim lessons. She had felt fine, no throwing up, no fever and was very active during the day so I decided she could go. It was difficult to maneuver swim, running and baseball as the swim lessons ended at 5:25 and baseball begins at 5:30. Luckily everything is at the Y. I dropped Michael off early with the coach and went back to get Annika from swimming and get her showered and dressed before we went back to baseball practice. It was busy.
That night, my son Michael decided he needed some water and went downstairs. He set off the alarm by triggering the motion detectors at 2:10am. Needless to say, there wasn't much sleep after that.
Thursday, I was able to meet the Y runners on the trail after taking my cat, Texas, to the vet. On Wednesday, I noticed he wasn't putting his rear left leg down when he walked. Luckily, it was just muscle damage, and was prescribed some antibiotics and anti inflammatory medicine. He is doing fine now.
The Thursday trail/track run was an easy 4 miles, plus a few 100 repeats at the end.
Saturday, I met with a few Y runners, Rob, Linda and Emily for about a 9 mile easy run. Then we met Rick who was resting up for his first 50k for coffee at Starbucks. It was a nice morning and the end to an unintended low mileage week. Early taper.
Sunday I woke up I the middle of the night not feeling well. By 6am, I couldn't lay in bed any longer and went to lay on the couch downstairs. By 7am I was throwing up and feeling even more horrible. I didn't make it off the couch much all day. I managed to drink some 7 up and eat 3 pieces of bread and a bagel all day. I knew I would need to stay home sick so I emailed some lesson plans to my secretary and called in for a sub. So that's where I am today. Finally feeling like I can sit up for a while and have the energy to type.
I am looking forward to the Eugene Marathon this weekend. Rob had asked on Saturday if I had a plan. A plan for what? he replied with did I know what pace I would go out at for the first 8 or so miles, then the next 8? Did I have back up plans? Oh my gosh. No. I just figured I'd run. Stick with the pace group. I jokingly asked for a "plan" graphic organizer to help me set up this plan I needed to met my goal. Maybe he'll make one for me. Then I could feel organized, prepared and have something to measure my progress officially. :) If not, I'll just go with, sticking with the pace group.
My first marathon (Portland 2006) I finished in 4:29. The rest I have run with Michelle at a slower pace and had tons of fun. Recently I have pushed myself during training races and finished a 15 miler in 2:09 and a 20 miler in 2:57. Really, I'd like to finish in better than 4:29, but I'd be happiest with 4 hours or under. So I am hoping that this illness goes away, strength comes back and I feel great on Sunday in Eugene. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers for a safe trip and a great race.
Grace and peace to you.
Go Hokies!
It started out last Sunday when my 4 year old daughter woke up at 5am throwing up. She spent the day resting as much as a 4 year old can. She stayed in her pajamas and played quietly. She was upset when we wouldn't let her outside to play with her friends down the street.
By Sunday evening she seemed okay, and alright for preschool and daycare the next day. She indeed made it through school and swim lessons Monday.
I received an email Monday from an dear old friend, Ang. She lives in Blacksburg, VA and her husband is doing his Doctoral work at Virginia Tech. She wanted us to know she and her husband were okay and that they and the community really needed our prayers. This event has caused us, and the nation to stop, pray, wonder, and most importantly, cherish our loved ones and let them know how much we care and love them. Please take a moment to reach out to those around you and make a difference in someones life. It could make all the difference.
Tuesday we woke up to rain. My daughter was happy about this as her preschool class had been trying to go puddle jumping for the past few days. SO we packed her up with extra clothes and her rubber boots. But, in the middle of puddle jumping, she was throwing up again.
My husband went to pick her up, and took a half day substitute. He emailed me asking if I could be home by 2:20pm as he had an away baseball game to get to. Unfortunately, I was not, as my school day ends at 2:20 and I couldn't get someone to cover my class. So I left at about 2:25 and got stuck in the parking lot with all the students for about 10 minutes. No wonder we are supposed to stay for 30 minutes after classes end. It takes that long to clear out the lot!
So, no running Tuesday as planned due to taking care of a sick child.
Wednesday, It was my turn to stay home with my daughter. And my son had baseball practice at 5:30. my husband is one of the coaches, but I fill in when he can't be there. So, I was trying to help with practice, watch/hold my daughter and stay warm. I was able to get 17 minutes of running in while my daughter tried to go to swim lessons. She had felt fine, no throwing up, no fever and was very active during the day so I decided she could go. It was difficult to maneuver swim, running and baseball as the swim lessons ended at 5:25 and baseball begins at 5:30. Luckily everything is at the Y. I dropped Michael off early with the coach and went back to get Annika from swimming and get her showered and dressed before we went back to baseball practice. It was busy.
That night, my son Michael decided he needed some water and went downstairs. He set off the alarm by triggering the motion detectors at 2:10am. Needless to say, there wasn't much sleep after that.
Thursday, I was able to meet the Y runners on the trail after taking my cat, Texas, to the vet. On Wednesday, I noticed he wasn't putting his rear left leg down when he walked. Luckily, it was just muscle damage, and was prescribed some antibiotics and anti inflammatory medicine. He is doing fine now.
The Thursday trail/track run was an easy 4 miles, plus a few 100 repeats at the end.
Saturday, I met with a few Y runners, Rob, Linda and Emily for about a 9 mile easy run. Then we met Rick who was resting up for his first 50k for coffee at Starbucks. It was a nice morning and the end to an unintended low mileage week. Early taper.
Sunday I woke up I the middle of the night not feeling well. By 6am, I couldn't lay in bed any longer and went to lay on the couch downstairs. By 7am I was throwing up and feeling even more horrible. I didn't make it off the couch much all day. I managed to drink some 7 up and eat 3 pieces of bread and a bagel all day. I knew I would need to stay home sick so I emailed some lesson plans to my secretary and called in for a sub. So that's where I am today. Finally feeling like I can sit up for a while and have the energy to type.
I am looking forward to the Eugene Marathon this weekend. Rob had asked on Saturday if I had a plan. A plan for what? he replied with did I know what pace I would go out at for the first 8 or so miles, then the next 8? Did I have back up plans? Oh my gosh. No. I just figured I'd run. Stick with the pace group. I jokingly asked for a "plan" graphic organizer to help me set up this plan I needed to met my goal. Maybe he'll make one for me. Then I could feel organized, prepared and have something to measure my progress officially. :) If not, I'll just go with, sticking with the pace group.
My first marathon (Portland 2006) I finished in 4:29. The rest I have run with Michelle at a slower pace and had tons of fun. Recently I have pushed myself during training races and finished a 15 miler in 2:09 and a 20 miler in 2:57. Really, I'd like to finish in better than 4:29, but I'd be happiest with 4 hours or under. So I am hoping that this illness goes away, strength comes back and I feel great on Sunday in Eugene. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers for a safe trip and a great race.
Grace and peace to you.
Go Hokies!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Happy Trails
My week ended with an adventure with Rob, running on Tiger Mountain. Last Saturday, both he and Eric had invited me to run the "twelve Peaks" run with them for 34 miles. I thought they were joking at first, but I replied that if I could do half, I would join them.
Eric said there was a way to do half, so I was in. Later, Rob decided to just do half as well, and chose this alternate route for us. A route he had run before in the Western Washington Fat Ass.
It didn't really matter to me where we went. I guess, i had told them I just didn't want to hurt all week recovering from the run. They described the run as somewhat like Mt. Peak, but not just straight up and straight down like Mt. Peak. Okay, so I'll hurt a little, that's okay.
I'll send you over to Rob's blog to read his recounting of the day. He describes it so well.
It really was a great run, despite not always knowing if you are heading in your intended direction. We got back, had a hard workout, and spent the morning on the trails and that was what mattered. Besides, I had never run there before, so how was I supposed to know if we were heading in the correct direction? I just followed Rob!
Once we got to the point in the trail to actually head to the summit of West Tiger Mountain, I dubbed the trail the "elevator shaft." If I didn't have a water bottle in each hand, i would have probably been using them to help me climb up!
We didn't stay too long at the top. It was overcast and there were several people there. It was cold too. So we headed down a different, direct route down the mountain. It was comical how steep it was. This too was an "elevator shaft" down. It must have been washed out or something. Rob said there was another trail that was less direct somewhere. At one point I felt like a runaway train. I called out" I'm a runaway train" and decided to lean uphill and kind of sit down to stop myself! So I was muddy down my left leg and bottom. My left hand and water bottle were covered in mud too. Rob turned around and laughed. It was funny. I said I'd rather stop that way than fall and roll, or run into a tree and get really hurt. At least it was controlled that way! No injuries. I slipped earlier in the run too on a wooden bridge-type pathway. It was wet and slimy and on a slanted curve. My foot just slipped out from under me. No injuries there either.
Once we were down and finished we changed and headed back to my car that I left at Eric and Michelle's house. I had rode up with Eric, who was running 34 miles on the Twelve Peaks route with two other Maniacs. We stopped for a short visit and I headed home.
Later in the evening, my husband and kids and I went out to dinner with my parents and niece and nephew. My parents are babysitting this weekend while my twin brother and his wife spent the weekend in Seattle for the end of their spring break. It was a fun dinner. My parents had gone to all the Tacoma Museums on Friday while the kids were at school/daycare. They went to the Washington State history museum, Museum of glass and back here in Puyallup, the Meeker Mansion. They bought me a t-shirt that says "History is not for wimps." I love it!
We left dinner at about 7pm. I was exhausted. I wasn't feeling any pain, but I was extremely tired. That's pretty much how I felt today too. Not too sore, just a bit. I can tell I had a hard workout, but I am extremely tired! Hopefully, I can get to sleep early tonight and survive school tomorrow!
The rest of my running week looked like this:
Monday: rest
Tuesday: 4 miles at Y track
Wednesday: 4 miles at Y track
Thursday: 6 miles at and around Rogers HS track
Friday : Rest
Saturday: 14ish miles on Tiger Mountain
Sunday: rest and garden (and take care of my throwing up daughter)
My taper towards the Eugene marathon has begun. This week my running will look similar to this week, but no more mountains. Next weekend I want to run about 10 miles, but when and with whom I do not know. There is tons going on, The YMCA Daffodil Dash 5k and the Mt.Si ultra. I would like to go and be crew for some folks doing the ultra and run with them a bit. We'll see how it all pans out!
Have a great week!
Grace and Peace to you.
Eric said there was a way to do half, so I was in. Later, Rob decided to just do half as well, and chose this alternate route for us. A route he had run before in the Western Washington Fat Ass.
It didn't really matter to me where we went. I guess, i had told them I just didn't want to hurt all week recovering from the run. They described the run as somewhat like Mt. Peak, but not just straight up and straight down like Mt. Peak. Okay, so I'll hurt a little, that's okay.
I'll send you over to Rob's blog to read his recounting of the day. He describes it so well.
It really was a great run, despite not always knowing if you are heading in your intended direction. We got back, had a hard workout, and spent the morning on the trails and that was what mattered. Besides, I had never run there before, so how was I supposed to know if we were heading in the correct direction? I just followed Rob!
Once we got to the point in the trail to actually head to the summit of West Tiger Mountain, I dubbed the trail the "elevator shaft." If I didn't have a water bottle in each hand, i would have probably been using them to help me climb up!
We didn't stay too long at the top. It was overcast and there were several people there. It was cold too. So we headed down a different, direct route down the mountain. It was comical how steep it was. This too was an "elevator shaft" down. It must have been washed out or something. Rob said there was another trail that was less direct somewhere. At one point I felt like a runaway train. I called out" I'm a runaway train" and decided to lean uphill and kind of sit down to stop myself! So I was muddy down my left leg and bottom. My left hand and water bottle were covered in mud too. Rob turned around and laughed. It was funny. I said I'd rather stop that way than fall and roll, or run into a tree and get really hurt. At least it was controlled that way! No injuries. I slipped earlier in the run too on a wooden bridge-type pathway. It was wet and slimy and on a slanted curve. My foot just slipped out from under me. No injuries there either.
Once we were down and finished we changed and headed back to my car that I left at Eric and Michelle's house. I had rode up with Eric, who was running 34 miles on the Twelve Peaks route with two other Maniacs. We stopped for a short visit and I headed home.
Later in the evening, my husband and kids and I went out to dinner with my parents and niece and nephew. My parents are babysitting this weekend while my twin brother and his wife spent the weekend in Seattle for the end of their spring break. It was a fun dinner. My parents had gone to all the Tacoma Museums on Friday while the kids were at school/daycare. They went to the Washington State history museum, Museum of glass and back here in Puyallup, the Meeker Mansion. They bought me a t-shirt that says "History is not for wimps." I love it!
We left dinner at about 7pm. I was exhausted. I wasn't feeling any pain, but I was extremely tired. That's pretty much how I felt today too. Not too sore, just a bit. I can tell I had a hard workout, but I am extremely tired! Hopefully, I can get to sleep early tonight and survive school tomorrow!
The rest of my running week looked like this:
Monday: rest
Tuesday: 4 miles at Y track
Wednesday: 4 miles at Y track
Thursday: 6 miles at and around Rogers HS track
Friday : Rest
Saturday: 14ish miles on Tiger Mountain
Sunday: rest and garden (and take care of my throwing up daughter)
My taper towards the Eugene marathon has begun. This week my running will look similar to this week, but no more mountains. Next weekend I want to run about 10 miles, but when and with whom I do not know. There is tons going on, The YMCA Daffodil Dash 5k and the Mt.Si ultra. I would like to go and be crew for some folks doing the ultra and run with them a bit. We'll see how it all pans out!
Have a great week!
Grace and Peace to you.
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