Sometimes life gets in the way of racing. We found out in November that my husband’s brother needed a kidney and I learned that giving one takes a long time. So we went on with our busy lives while he was being tested and part of that was my training for the San Francisco Marathon in July. There was no way of really knowing if I would get there, but I chose to train anyway ( having also signed up for the Chicago Marathon in October). The transplant, which ended up being in Seattle the weekend of the race, was very successful and truly an amazing thing. My admiration for my husband (aka Bold Pace Music) and his brave generosity overflows. Race interrupted for great cause, time to move on in another direction.
After consulting a few sources about adjusting my training schedule for a later marathon, I decided to take a few weeks off with minimal running. It was good advice. I did discover the beautiful Burke-Gilman Trail that passes the front door of the University of Washington Medical Center on my morning walks to Starbucks (I walk for lattes too). I shared the road on a few beautiful sunny 70 degree days with many runners and bikers. Seattle is dense with healthy looking citizens. I think the break mentally was more important than the physical rest. Motivation is hard to keep up over an extended period of time training. I am happy to have returned to the road, but it has not been a seamless transition. We spend months working on our conditioning and it seems to take no time to lose it…I did an 18 mile long run this weekend and felt like I was crawling home. There is some work to be done. Today it was the track for mile repeats (why does the third mile always seem longer?)–ouch.
I was excited to hear that they changed the date of the Boston Marathon registration to October 18, 2010 which gives all those running an early marathon a chance to qualify for this year. I thought I would miss that window so this will add fuel to the training fire. Eight more weeks to fine tune the running…bring it on.
After two days of strength training, a 9 mile tempo run and a fall the other day I am so sore! I decided my goal for 2010 will be to focus not only on trying to run injury free (and stay vertical:), but to GETFIT! I am back out there a few days a week since being sidelined for most of 2009 with a foot injury. I love running. This year I have resolved to drop a few pounds (6-12) and plan a consistent strength workout of my core (to help keep me fit for racing). I would also like to add yoga into my routine. I am going to be a sore loser in 2010!
I have my eyes on The Chicago Marathon this year. It was sold out in 2008 and I was injured in 2009 so I am hopeful this third attempt will be a charm. I have some old friends there from my past life in Rome that I need to visit. I am also considering a summer marathon but have not yet decided on which one to take on. I am entertaining Vermont or San Francisco depending on where my son gets into law school because yes, we plan our marathons around our lives.
I look forward to all the new running gadgets and products (need to try the new Code Blue recovery drink) , shoes to consider (still loving my Newtons!), and races to obsess over. But mostly I am excited just to be out there on the road! Happy New Year Runners!
A little fun first…this video is for all you fall marathoners out there. I was out for a run with my long distance friends yesterday, some of them had run the Chicago Marathon and they were back on the road. They are experienced marathoners and each have their own recovery methods. It’s amazing how great they looked. Here are five tips for recovery:
1–Keep moving after the race: walk as much as you can right after the race. A walk back to the hotel is great. A nap or at least a rest before hitting the town is also good. I am usually so excited it’s over that the adrenaline keeps me going until I collapse happily into bed. I feel like the more I move around (slowly) after any race, the better I feel the following week.
2–Re-hydrate immediately and eat as soon as you can: after all that goo/liquid during the race, it is sometimes hard to get it down but it is important for recovery. I usually eat a half of protein bar with a bottle of water/or a recovery drink (chocolate milk is good) until I can stomach dinner. A meal high in carbs with a little protein is perfect. A goat cheese, artichoke and roasted red pepper pizza with a glass of wine comes to mind…
3–Relieve muscle soreness/pain (right after): I always take an Advil right after a marathon. It takes away some of the muscle soreness. If I am really hurting in one area, I follow the RICE ( Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation) routine. I am not one to jump into an ice bath, but I know runners that say it helps. I prefer a warm shower and some cozy clothes.
4-Rest: Take the next few days (or a week) off from running. Handle yourself with care. Your resistance will be down as your body recovers from the race. Eat good food and continue to hydrate. A massage feels great once the initial soreness goes. I like to stretch everyday (slowly-ouch!) to loosen muscles. [click to continue…]
The last time I ran a marathon, I took the Boltbus. This time, I am flying to Chicago…with some trepidation. The week before the race finds me frantically combing through my running log and training plans with that sinking feeling. It finally dawns on me that, thanks to my so called life (and sore knee), I have completed fewer long runs and less total mileage than ever before. Some of my long runs were dire. I worry, is a dark running cloud following me?
Chicago is my kind of town. A stroll through Millennium Park reveals flowered landscapes reminiscent of London’s Green Park, Grant Park (the setting of Obama’s election night speech) and the Jay Pritzker pavilion, an outdoor concert site designed by Frank Gehry. Its steel ribbons adorn the cityscape (once referred to as the City of the Big Shoulders.) We pass the Cloud Gate, an elliptical sculpture reflecting the skyline and the Crown Fountain, glass block towers that project video images of Chicagoans amidst jets of water. The Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern building is airy, light filled and uncrowded. We contemplate the mastery of a Magritte sunset. While passing the Gold Coast (Oprahland), overlooking Lake Michigan, we glimpse a beach with palm trees! We recall The Spirit of the Marathon documentary, wondering, “is this where they trained?”
The food is terrific. At Mercat a La Planxa, we savor Barcelona tapas and pineapple mojitos. The flavors are bold and vivid. Andrea discovers a night-before-the- race gem, Fianco-a neighborhood trattoria; new wave, yet hearty Italian fare. Jane and Ralph, married, veteran marathoners (and doctors!) bring a lighthearted air to dinner, reminding us to enjoy the ride.
We taunt the marathon gods by running in customary but new sneakers (Andrea), a brand new Chicago Marathon shirt (Jean) and a 2007 Vermont Marathon shirt (my own brand of lunacy.)
The race is huge, yet every detail is impeccably orchestrated (lightening quick check in at the expo, plentiful porta potties, Gatorade and water.) Waiting for the race, it is so very cold. By mid race, the temperature reaches the 50’s and it is sunny. [click to continue…]
The initial buzz: I thrive on the planning. Which marathon? It’s all about the destination these days. With my penchant for lakes and cities, the 10/11 Chicago Marathon is a lock. We debate over which NY Roadrunners Marathon Training Plan to use. And vow to stick to weekly track and hill repeat sessions. The summer starts [...]
Obsession takes hold – I am out of my boot cast and into the grocery store health food aisle. The Chicago Marathon is imminent. I noticed the new Clif Quench Sport Drink on the shelf from Clif Bar. I get genuinely excited about new electrolyte drinks (I know…scary thought). It is 88% organic (and yes, wondering about that other 12%…), [...]
If you have registered to run the sold out Chicago Marathon this year on October 11, you may be interested in the newly posted training schedules on the Nike Running Blog. There are three levels available and they give you a clear idea of which one may suit your training. It starts on June 15 [...]
I just recently registered for the Chicago Marathon and noticed this question on the website. Can I run with an iPod/headphones? Yes. USATF, the governing body of the sport, recently amended the ban on headphones, ipods, etc. Only athletes competing in Championship races for awards, medals or prize money may not use electronic devices such as headphones. I have [...]
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