Day 43: Don't you know I'm loco?

Today's task:  1 mile easy, 5 miles @7:40 min/mile, 1 mile easy

Today's weather:  27 degrees

Today's outcome:  1 mile @8:15, 5 miles @7:34, 1 mile @7:59

Taper, my ass!!!  This week has felt like one of the toughest yet, and I'm supposed to be winding down and resting up for the big day.  Monday's intervals were a fail (well, partial fail...the 6 out of 8 that I actually did were right on target), and today's tempo run was really challenging.  At first it didn't phase me to see 5 miles at mid-tempo...I've done lots of runs at that pace and felt great.  But after checking my training program when I got home, I realized it's been 5 weeks since I've had to run at that pace.  Every tempo run and long run since then have been at marathon pace or slower, so it makes sense that today's pace was tough for me.  My splits were all over the map (according to the Map My Run app I used for the first time ever to actually record a run) -  7:59, 7:20, 7:38, 7:36, 7:19.  I was totally distracted by the audible updates each mile, which just may have me convinced that feeling the pace and using my $10 Walmart watch is what works best for me.  

My blasted IT band started acting up about 1.5 miles in, and it would worsen and subside throughout the run.  It was a little cranky on Monday too, but I after I stopped running, I never heard from it again.  Not the case today...I'm still feeling it now, so another (or several) stretch/foam roll/ice session is on the docket for today.  During my last mile, I found myself talking to my IT band like a god damn crazy person.  "Just get me through 6 more workouts and a little race and you'll get all the rest you want, little buddy."  Little Buddy did not respond with words of love like those I gave him, but more so with a lovely little jab to the outside of my knee.  Jerkface.

Clearly this training has affected me mentally, as I have just personified a band of connective tissue in my leg and even called it a name.  To end on a less insane note, I have started consuming healthier calories over the past couple of days, with snacks like edamame or apple slices replacing the jellybeans.  Last night's dinner was turkey burgers and roasted broccoli, and today's breakfast was a hearty oatmeal with blueberries.  I'm drinking copious amounts of water, as evidenced by my countless trips to the loo every day.  I just need to work on getting to bed a little earlier and I'll be set.  Saturday's long run is a 13 miler, and I hope a certain someone can be less of a jerkface for the duration.  

Day 42: Ice, Ice Baby

Today's task:  10-15 minute warm up, 8 x 800m in 3:18 (90 second rest intervals), 10-15 minute cool down

Today's weather:  31 degrees, breezy

Today's outcome:  ~12 minute warm up, 3:16, 3:08, 3:17, 3:17, 3:20, 3:15, 11:22 cool down

I really want to complain about the cold right now.  The cold I thought was subsiding since I've worn shorts twice this week (just for running, but still!) and I've seen daffodils in bloom.  But I won't.  I can't.  I have too many friends in the northeast who are up to their eyeballs in snow and somehow manage to get their runs in.  I feel for you people, stay strong.  I'll only complain to southerners...deal?

Hopefully my non-rant about the cold made you forget that you only counted six 800s instead of the eight that were on my training plan today.  I wish I could say I simply forgot about two of them, but that would be false.  After the third 800, I really started noticing my left IT band and patellar tendon talking to me, so I decided I'd fight through six intervals and that would be it for the day.  Tendinitis...ain't nobody got time for that!

Today's was not a stellar workout whatsoever.  I have a tough time getting out of bed and putting forth the huge effort required to do intervals (especially 800s).  Get up and go long?  No problem.  But early morning intervals are tough on my lungs and I end up hacking and spitting throughout my recovery periods.  And I think I've mentioned before that 90 second rest intervals are just way too short for my taste.  Give me 2 minutes, or give me death!  I walked the first three rest periods, but ended up stretching for the last three.  My cool down was the same distance as my warm up, but I think I ran it a bit faster because I just wanted to be done running and have an ice pack on my knee.  

I had a draining day after this morning's draining run, so tonight I'm kicking back with some ice bags, chocolate milk, and a little Teen Mom 2.

A few fun facts to finish up today's post:

1.  Those ice bags are older than my children.  And my marriage.

2.  Wrapping those ice bags well is a skill I mastered in another life, and I'm pleased to find it's much like riding a bike.  Karen the Trainer's still got it!

3.  I love the Teen Mom series.  I'm not proud.  Judge if you must.

4.  There may or may not be booze in that chocolate milk.

Day 41: Rest = best

Today's task:  REST!!!

Typically I follow up a Sunday rest day with intervals on Monday, but I have made the executive decision to give my legs an extra day of rest before tackling the 8 x 800s on my training plan.  It's good to be the boss.  My quads and achilles were still a little more sore than I feel they should be when going into a tough workout, and it's way too late in the game to push through any discomfort.  



I'm already feeling so much better than I did when I first woke up this morning, so I think by tomorrow, my legs will be feeling fresh.  This is one of the things I love most about the Run Less, Run Faster program...the wiggle room.  Since I'm only running three days per week, I can easily adjust my schedule to accommodate aches, pains, or anything else that comes up and causes interference.  So instead of running Monday/Wednesday/Saturday, this week will most likely be Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday.  I get all my key runs in while still having my much needed rest days between them.  An added bonus to this week's adjusted schedule is that it looks like I'll avoid running in Wednesday's predicted wintery mix of precipitation.  Sweet!

I got my shoulders and arms workout in early this morning, and I plan to find time for some more stretching and foam rolling tonight.  Icing my knees while perusing Pinterest has also been part of my nightly routine since Saturday's 20 miles.  I'm pampering this little body for the next three weeks with rest, hydration, and by making my good, supportive Asics part of my every day attire.  And I'll start eating more nutritious calories tomorrow.

Maybe.

Day 40: Long, and strong, and down to get the friction on

This is the time of year when it seems as though Mother Nature has gone off her meds.  The only thing that's constant about the weather is that it's always changing.  40s one day, near 80 with thunderstorms the next, freezing and windy the day after that.  I can't help but laugh when I fold my laundry and have tank tops, fleeces, and everything in between.  And while I feel these ups and downs make winters here a little more tolerable than the four solid months of cold I experienced growing up in the northeast, it does make planning my running attire a little challenging.  

Today was the big one...my first 20 mile run, and the longest run I'll complete before race day.  I was nervous.  I had been steadily eating and drinking water throughout the day yesterday, and I even kicked my feet up and closed my eyes for 20 minutes after Brynn got home from school (hooray for no homework on Fridays!).  Tried to conserve as much energy as I could for the run.  Add the instability of the weather to my bundle of nerves, and I start to panic.  

What the heck do I wear when it's supposed to be in the 30s first thing in the morning, then climb into the 60s throughout the day???  

Typically, when we have weather that's sort of in between hot and cold, I'll opt for my cropped pants, which fall perfectly below my knees and have a little pouch for my gel at the hip.  However, because of the metamorphosis my body has gone through over the last several months of training, all three pair of those pants no longer fit well.  They're baggy in the knees and crotchular region, and they start to fall down the minute I go from walk to run.  A great problem to have, but shit!!!  I feared it will be too cold for my shorts, yet too warm for my long tights (which do not have a pocket for my gel, either).  See???  Panic mode.

Out of desperation, I took a trip to Lululemon to find some cropped pants that will be as magical as my shorts.  I scoped some out online first, and thought the Pace crop would be the ones for me:

I love the length, and the have the back zipper pocket as well as a little pouch at the hip.  But naturally, our Lululemon store did not have these in stock, so I tried on the Inspire Crop II:

 Basically the same pants, but notice the difference in length.  See how snug these pants are at the calf of this leggy model?  Yeah, they're a lot longer on my stumpy little legs, so they had a bit of a flare at the bottom on me, which just looked ridiculous.  When the sales associate asked if I needed another size, from behind the changing curtain, I asked if he had any longer legs in stock instead.  He told me the Inspire pants could be hemmed, but the thought of spending $90 on a pair of pants that still needed alterations just didn't sit well with me, even if the store hems your stuff free of charge.  

My Lulu experience just got more irritating from there.  Another clerk started suggesting other pants that had the shorter length, even though they were yoga pants and clearly not going to suit my needs.  I wonder if she is the same person who sold Ryan yoga bras when he said he wanted to buy me a running bra for Christmas.  I politely told her the material was all wrong for what I needed, and that I really like the shorter length crop for when the weather is in between hot and cold in the spring time.  Her response?  "What about shorts?"  This was my cue to leave.  I didn't want to be rude, but clearly she had no understanding of her customer's needs and was just trying to sell me something.  Anything.  But since I'm really pleased with my Lululemon shorts, I think I'll order the Pace crops online and see how they treat me.  Of course, I was still shit out of luck for today's long run, but at least I'll get these new pants in time for Shamrock in case I need them.  

As for today's 20 miler, at the encouragement of a friend, I signed up for a "competitive training run" at the Great Dismal Swamp in Chesapeake.  



It was the last race in a series geared toward people training for the Shamrock half and full.  Jennie is running the half, so she did the 12 miler, and was kind enough to stick around and wait for me to finish my 20.  I am so, so glad I did this run today, and I am incredibly thankful to Jennie for suggesting it.  The thought of running 20 miles all by myself made me sad, just plain sad, so I was excited about the opportunity to run with a group and simulate what it would be like for the Shamrock.  Having water stops and porta potties along the way were an added comfort.  

I figured surely there'd be people there who were running a similar pace to mine and I could stick with them.  I envisioned these people to be somewhat like me - women anywhere between 25 and 40, maybe some with little ones at home - but the people I ended up running most of the race with were not what I expected.  I enjoyed the first 4 miles or so with Jennie, but it was pushing her pace a little more than she was comfortable with and we ended up parting ways.  I started off with a group of people who I overheard were running an 8:30-8:45 min/mile pace, which was right where I wanted to be.  They took me in and we chatted for a mile or so until I realized they were doing the 12 miler.  Rats!  They pushed me ahead to some guys they knew right in front of us, who were running the 20 at my goal pace. 

 Jim and Gene immediately took me under their wing and pushed me right along.  I'm not sure how old Gene was, but Jim was 61 and had countless marathons under his belt.  He recently ran a 50k that we watched during a bike ride through First Landing State Park.  Bad ass.  He gave this marathon virgin some tips, such as start off slower than you think you should, and think of 20 miles being halfway done with the marathon (yikes!).  We pushed the pace a little by accident and were consistently under 8:30.  When we got to a turn around after the second 7 miles, Jim and Gene stopped for a water stop that I just did not see, so I just kept going, not realizing they were no longer with me.  I slowed down a little, but it wasn't enough for them to catch up, and I ended up doing the last 6 miles all alone.  

At around mile 16, I felt my IT band tightening up at my left knee, and my calves were on fire.  I  kept telling myself I felt great and loose and was almost there.  I got to the finish just as my throat started feeling like it was closing up, and felt like I was hit by a bus the second I stopped running.  I couldn't decide which muscle group to stretch first...they were all so tight!  A few cups of water and a Krispy Kreme later, Jennie and I were on our way back to the Beach, wiping the salt from our sweat off our legs and faces, dreaming of hot showers and long naps.  

Today's task:  20 miles in 2:50-2:55 (8:30-8:45 min/mile pace)
Today's weather:  47 degrees, sunny, breezy for half the race

Today's outcome:  20 miles in 2:49:39 (8:28 min/mile pace)

All in all, today's race was a fantastic experience.  I think I have a better idea of a realistic goal time for the marathon, and I can now envision just how beat I'll feel when I'm done.  The people running out there today were inspiring...so many of them over 50, and lots of less than fit women giving it all they've got.  Not to mention the shock on another runner's face when I told him I was 35...he thought for sure I was closer to 25 and was instantly my favorite person of the day.   I didn't leave until I saw my new buddy Jim cross the finish line because I wanted to thank him for his guidance.  He congratulated me on my finish, then told me I was tough.  He told me I was tough.  I could have cried.  I may never be the fastest, but being tough is something I aspire to be, so having someone like Jim tell me that was such a great feeling.  I've got the sound byte saved in my mind for March 16th.  

Day 39: Shorts! Shorts! Shorts! Shorts! Shorts!

Today's task: 10 minute warm up, 8 miles @8:14 min/mile, 10 minute cool down

Today's weather: 60 degrees, sunny, south winds @20-25 mph

Today's outcome:  1 mile warm up (7:51 - oops!), 8 miles in 1:04:38 (8:04 min/mile), 1 mile cool down (8:18)

After looking at the weather radar this morning, I fully anticipated running all of those miles in some pretty significant rain.  But it was supposed to be in the 50s, so I wasn't dreading it all that much.  However, by the time I got home from dropping Camryn off at school, we had blue skies and abundant sunshine.  Another quick radar check had me bounding upstairs to shed my windbreaker and swap my ill-fitting capris for my fancy new shorts.  It was only my second time wearing those shorts, and I can officially say I'm in love.  Hoping for warm enough weather on race day to be able to wear them!

As for the run, it was tougher than I thought it would be.  Monday's intervals gave me some false confidence that I was closer to 100% healthy than I actually am, and today reminded me that my legs and lungs have some catching up to do.  I'm a little bit out of sync with my body when it comes to pacing, as demonstrated by my first mile, which was supposed to be a nice easy warm up but instead was way faster than the actual tempo was supposed to be.  My second and third miles were also a bit too fast, but the wind got on me for miles 4-7 and forced me to slow my pace.  That wind was fierce!  At one point, my hat flew back and I caught it right before it slipped off my ponytail.  There were even a few times while running into the wind that I felt like I had no forward progress at all.  Normally this would irritate me, but I was actually thankful for the wind today.  More often than not, we have blustery winds during these Shamrock races...it's just the way it is in March in Virginia Beach.  The race course is a giant out and back loopy kinda thing, with the majority of it having you running north or south.  So basically, if the wind is blowing hard either north or south, half of your race is going to be very, very tough!  For today's run, I had the wind at my back for the last 1.5 miles, which has me hoping for anything other than a south wind on race day.

My legs were in rough shape when I finished this run.  My quads burned and felt really tight.  My butt is still pretty sore from Monday's legs and back workout, and my shins are still feeling the burn from Monday's 400s.  I made myself my favorite recovery smoothie...

...and put it in my favorite cup before heading out to Camryn's swim lessons.  I became hooked on a smoothie called the Chocolate Elvis when I was pregnant with Brynn and still working, and started making my own version at home once the absence of my income all but eradicated my smoothie budget.  Try it yourself!

~1 cup ice
1 cup skim milk
1 packet Carnation instant breakfast (milk chocolate)
2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (I use Jif Natural)
1 banana

Just blend until smooth.  Delish.

I made great use of the rec center again today while Camryn was swimming.  There was no one in the little room used for stretching and ab workouts, so I grabbed a jump rope and sprawled out on the mats.  

20 minutes later, I was feeling less sore and loosey goosey.  Should probably treat myself to another session before bed tonight.  

The final countdown is on (and now that song is in your head) - 25 days until I step up to the starting line.  I'm starting to review the race course and think about my goals and strategy for the race.  Since it's my first marathon, my #1 goal is to finish.  Not only do I want to finish, but I want to finish strong.  I do not want to hit the wall or bonk or do any of those dreadful things you hear about when runners start out too fast.  And since it's my first marathon, I hesitate to set a goal for time...but I'm gonna do it anyway.  My training plan's race predictor has told me what a realistic time is (based on my past performances and my current ability level) and it's hard to wrap my brain around it.  I think I can do it, but I may give myself a range instead of just one finish time to shoot for.  And of course, it can all go out the window if race day arrives and weather conditions are less than favorable.   I'm contemplating running with a pace group, at least for the first several miles, if for no other reason than to take some of the mental weight off my shoulders during the race.  I started with a pace group for my last half marathon, and once I felt like I handed the responsibility of my finish time over to them, I could relax and enjoy myself a lot more.  

I'm starting to get pretty emotional as this race draws near.  I'm excited to see what I'm made of, and I'm almost sad that this time of extreme anticipation is almost over.  I've been scouring Pinterest for motivational mantras I can carry with me through the final weeks of training, and I thought this particular quote was spot on:

My life has been changed, both physically and mentally, and I haven't even run the race yet.  It feels similar to when I was near the end of my pregnancies...I truly enjoyed being pregnant, loved the anticipation and didn't want to wish the time away, but I couldn't wait to meet my babies.  I have truly enjoyed the anticipation of this race and learning how tough I can be, but I can't wait to feel what it's like to cross the finish line.  

Day 38: Push it to the limit, gimme more

Today's task:  10 minute warm up, 10 x 400m in 1:32 (400m rest intervals), 10 minute cool down

Today's weather:  31 degrees, sunny, north winds @14 mph

Today's outcome:  1.42 mile warm up (11:45), 1:26, 1:26, 1:24, 1:23, 1:25, 1:25, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:25, 1.42 mile cool down (12:02)

And just like that, I'm 

When I looked at the training schedule for this week, I got really nervous.  There was no easing my way back into this thing, and I was worried that I'd start off the week with a struggle, which would totally mess with my mind.  It was cold and windy today, and for a brief second, I thought about completing my intervals on the treadmill.  After giving my legs and back workout about 80% effort this morning and still feeling queasy, I thought it better to hit Nimmo trail for the run instead...at least if I had to puke, I could do so in the bushes and not right there on the rec center floor.  

My first interval was a pleasant surprise.  I finished under pace without losing a lung or bladder control.  How do you like them apples?  In an act of self-preservation, I walked each of the 400m rest intervals.  Back and forth, back and forth, finishing each sprint in front of a construction site.  Doing this 10 times was dreadfully boring, but I think it's what got me through the workout with consistent times.  During one of my rest intervals back up Nimmo, I got a toot toot and a fist pump from the driver of a cement mixer.  It felt great to have someone acknowledge my all out effort!  

On another recovery walk, I saw the brightest bluebird I've ever seen, which reminded me of my mother-in-law, who is the definition of perseverance and can teach the rest of us a little something about fighting with all you've got.  It was game on from there.  Now, those intervals may have been ugly - my legs felt heavy and my feet felt flat - but they're done.  A solid, tough workout was just what my head needed at this stage in the game, and the 20 minute stretch session while Camryn was at swimming was just what my legs needed (and probably another round of stretching and foam rolling tonight!).  With that under my belt, I'm not quite as nervous about the rest of the week.  Except maybe that 20 miler on Saturday.  Yes, definitely still nervous about that.

Day 37: Virginia is for Pouters

Today's task:  run the Virginia is for Lovers 14K with my partner in crime

Today's weather:  28 degrees

Today's outcome:  no race, but great day!

Allow me to wallow for just a minute.  I've been torturing myself by looking at my Facebook newsfeed and seeing everything I missed out on today thanks to the mystery virus that brought 75% of my household to its knees last week.  I missed stuff like this:

I so wanted that white windbreaker for my windy runs in the dark!

Photo courtesy of J&A Racing

And this:

Photo courtesy of J&A Racing

And this:

Olivia Newton-John and Richard Simmons got physical on the race course today.  

Photo courtesy of J&A Racing

And this:

Sunday morning beers

Photo courtesy of J&A Racing

And this:

Tomato and cheese soup would have paired so nicely with some post-race brews.

Photo courtesy of J&A Racing

Can you see why I love these races???  I'm having a hard time believing it myself, but I'm still not back to 100% yet.  You can still hear it in my voice, and the nasal and chest congestion has yet to leave the building.  This crud has officially overstayed its welcome and needs to be gone.  So as hard as it was, I'm still convinced my decision to defer today's race entry was the right one for my body.  My weekend would have been very different had I run that race, and since I didn't, I got to do stuff like this:

We went out for pizza last night with some of our favorite people, whom we hadn't seen in far too long.  Going out for pizza the night before a race would have never ever happened, so this was a fantastic way to cheer me up!

I slept until 7:30 this morning.  Enough said.

The girls and I started our morning with the game of Life.  Camryn hands it to us every time we play.  As long as she finishes with a car full of babies, she's happy.

When it warmed up a bit, we all got dressed and went out for a family run.  Thanks to Mother Nature's shenanigans, Brynn is a bit behind on her mileage for the Shamrock Final Mile, so we tried to put a little dent in it today.  

I cannot even express how much I love running with this girl.  I hope we do it forever.

As of tomorrow, the crud of the past two weeks will be put way in the past, and I will restart my training plan with a clean slate.  I took a peek at what's in store this week, and it has me shaking in my slippers.  I'm sure I'll have to adjust my target paces until I find my lungs and legs again, but I'm really looking forward to getting back on track.  Only 4 weeks to go until race day, which means a taper is near.  Until then, I plan to hit it hard!  Hope you've enjoyed your weekend!

Day 36: Don't call it a comeback

Today's self-imposed task:  5 easy miles

Today's weather:  50 degrees, sunny, 15-20 mph southwest winds

Today's outcome:  5.1 miles in 41:54 (8:14 min/mile)

That's right.  I ran today.  I'll get to that in a minute.  First things first...I slept alllll night last night!!!  My Cheratussin did its thing, keeping my cough at bay and guiding me into a peaceful slumber.

I woke up with the alarm clock, hit my regular number of snoozes, and convinced myself that 30 minutes of yoga would do me better than 30 more minutes of sleep.  I donned the yoga pants and tank that haven't been worn in two weeks, and hit the mat with my biggest Valentine.  It looked nothing like this:

I don't know about Ryan, but I'd love to try some couples acro yoga sometime.  Could be good training for when we enter the tandem surf contest at ECSCs.  He just doesn't know it yet.

Back to the run.  The slow, easy, glorious run.  I wore my watch so I'd have a vague idea of my pace, but I never looked at it until I finished.  I loved every minute of that run.  The sunshine on my pale, lifeless skin, the wind whipping my ponytail, the mud on my shoes.  My decision to withdraw from this weekend's race was reaffirmed when before mile 2, I saw another runner turn from a side street onto the path I was on.  My natural tendency would be to reel her in and pass her, and I had to fight that urge with all of my being.  Knowing myself, I wouldn't fight so hard in a race setting, so I'm glad I'm not putting myself in that position.  

By mile 4, I could tell that my lung capacity just isn't up to snuff yet.  Taking in deep breaths invokes a coughing fit, and thanks to childbirth x 2, I can no longer run while coughing without peeing in my pants a little (or a lot, if we're being honest).  Less oxygen = more fatigue, and I could really feel myself laboring going into the wind.  I sounded terrible once I stopped running - hacking up a lung right there in my driveway - but I think the run was good for clearing out the cobwebs and getting me back on track.  I anticipate more miles in my weekend plans, though I don't know which day or how many.  I'm just so relieved to have that first run under my belt and that it wasn't absolutely dreadful.  Don't call it a comeback.

Day 35: You got it bad

Today's task:  10 miles @ 8:05 min/mile

Today's weather:  31 degrees, cloudy, windy

Today's outcome:  >0.5 miles @15 min/mile 

33.  That's how many miles I've missed due to the Yuck.  I'm having a hard time with that number.  

8.7.  That's how many miles I won't be racing this weekend because I deferred my Virginia is for Lovers entry to next year.  I'm having a hard time with that, as well.

Here's my pep talk to myself.  I set a goal for myself many months ago when I signed up for the Shamrock Marathon.  March 16th is the day with the big red circle around it on the calendar, everything else is just a bonus.  And while I plan to participate in the Virginia is for Lovers race every year, this year's race never had a goal tied to it (with the exception of a vague "I'd love to PR," naturally).  It was something fun to do in the middle of the Shamrock training schedule, nothing more.  We would have missed most of the after party because we'd have to cross the finish line and go right back out and run 5-10 more miles to accomplish what was on our training schedule.  With this race removed from my plate, I have no choice but to keep my eyes on the prize of March 16th.  

9.  That's how many days it's been since Camryn went to school.  

6.  That's how many of those 9 days Camryn had a fever.  

I feel like Camryn and I re-entered society today.  She went back to school for only the third time in the last four weeks, thanks to holidays, snow days, and sick days.  I thought I would feel joyful when I dropped her off, but I just didn't.  First of all, she's been my loyal companion and my main source of entertainment throughout this Yuckiness.  I was really going to miss this face:

Secondly, it is common practice for a lot of the other moms at Camryn's preschool to go straight to the gym after drop off.  Seeing them all in their workout gear this morning was bloody torture.  Here I am, going about my normal routine, yet I'm still not back in my normal routine.  Another runner friend of mine jokingly told me to think of this week as a mid-training taper.  Try as I may, but I find it incredibly irritating that with all of this time off of exercising (it's not just running I've had to skip...I haven't worked out at all in a week), I don't feel the slightest bit rested.  I feel atrophied and off balance, like the slightest push will send me toppling over.  Not a feeling I'm comfortable with.  I walked a few laps around Brynn's school during her Shamrock practice, and I can't say I wasn't relieved when Camryn needed a break.  What have I become???  However...

...today is the first day I can visualize myself running again soon.  It may not be until the weekend, but at least I can picture it now.  I imagine I'll feel much like a baby giraffe, fumbling to find a comfortable stride, but I don't care.  I just can't wait.  Until then, I'll be thinking of my running shoes while Usher's "You Got it Bad" plays in my head (what can I say?  I miss my little buddies).  

Day 34: This is the Yuck that doesn't end...

Today's task: 10 minute warm up, 3 x 1600s @6:45 min/mile , 10 minute cool down

Today's weather:  33 degrees and so freakin' windy

Today's outcome: TBD, yet again

It just goes on and on, my friend.  I thought for sure I'd be well enough by today to get in 3 or 4 easy little miles at the very least. 



WRONG!!!

Not sure why, but when I googled "Dana Carvey McLaughlin Group," pictures of boobies came up too.  But that's neither here nor there.

Anyway, we are still battling this ugly crud that has taken my training from a smooth, steady pace to a screeching, sneezing, coughing hault.  The only running I've done today is to the pediatrician and the pharmacy, which left me so wiped out that I'm typing this in my bed while Camryn naps beside me.  What's really depressing is that the miles I drove today are still fewer than the miles I have missed running thanks to this garbage.  With each passing day, anxiety builds over how long it'll take me to get back to where I was in every aspect of the fitness I had accumulated over the past 10 weeks.  Changing the sheets on my bed leaves me winded, and short conversations with people send me into coughing fits.  Luckily for me, with this Saturday being a snow make up day for VB schools, the Virginia is for Lovers 14k got pushed to Sunday, giving me a precious extra day to recover.  I shudder to think it could be my first run post-Yuck!

For now, I'm trying really hard not to dwell on what I'm missing and focus on getting everyone in this house better.  I've had ridiculous amounts of quality time with Camryn, who has kept me laughing through this whole debacle.  Another plus?  Sick abs.

 Not like "killer abs, man," but like the-ones-that-appear-because-you-haven't-eaten-in-days-because-you've-been-sick abs.  Hash tag that shit.  You heard it here first.  Hopefully being a few pounds lighter will come in handy when it's time to run this body again. Wishing for sooner rather than later.

Day 33: The best laid plans

Today's task: 18 miles @8:55 min/mile
Today's weather: 42 degrees and sunny

Today's outcome:  TBD

I had a great plan. To give me as much time and energy to Fancy up my brother for the Polar Plunge on Saturday, I'd do my long run on Friday while Camryn was at school. My predicted finish time for 18 miles would have cut it too close to pick Camryn up on time, so I arranged for her to go home with my friend. The mileage was intimidating, but I was looking forward to the challenge and my first ever 30 mile week.

And then...the Yuck hit my family, one by one. So far, Miss Brynn has evaded the fever, chills, body aches, and sore throat...perhaps she's got Turtle Power. Poor Camryn has had it since early Wednesday morning, and the Yuck came knocking on my door yesterday afternoon. I couldn't even muster up the energy to walk Brynn to the bus stop this morning (thanks, Michelle!), so needless to say, I won't be completing that run today or even tomorrow. I'm really disappointed, but I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude about it. The timing could be worse...we still have five weeks until race day, so I should have more than enough time to recover and get back on track. I don't know if I'll be able to make up those miles, but I can't imagine that missing one run will derail all the work I've put in thus far. And while the Virginia is for Lovers 14k next weekend isn't top priority, I still hope to perform well, so this Yuck needs to take a hike!

More than likely, I'll have to skip out on the Polar Plunge as well...don't think submerging myself in 39 degree water when it's supposed to be 40 degrees and raining tomorrow is the best idea right now. Wouldn't be prudent at this juncture.

So instead of pushing myself to the limits of my physical and mental capabilities this weekend, it appears as though I'll be doing a whole lot of lying around in my PJs. At least I have good company.

Day 32: Hump Day Tempo

Today's task:  1 mile easy, 5 miles @8:02 min/mile, 1 mile easy

Today's weather:  38 degrees, misty fog

Today's outcome:  1.2 miles (8:10), 5 miles @8:00 min/mile, 1.1 miles (8:22)

Since I was supposed to help out in Brynn's classroom after dropping Camryn off at school this morning, I decided to get my tempo run in first thing this morning.  I was expecting my nephew to be coming for a short time until my brother got off of work, which meant it would be a race against the clock to run, make Brynn's breakfast and pack her lunch, and shower before this little rascal arrived:

 Look up "shit-eating grin" in the dictionary and you'll find that picture.

So I pushed the pace a little faster during the "easy" miles and got home about 15 minutes before Brynn had to be up.  Great success!  However, the first pitter patter of little feet I heard as I poured myself a recovery glass of chocolate milk belonged to Camryn, who was running downstairs to tell me her belly hurt.  Poor kid...tummy ache and a fever on the second school day she's had in two weeks.  Brynn came down shortly thereafter, and she offered to eat her breakfast in the bathroom with us in an attempt to cheer her sister up.   After telling me she wanted a new family yesterday, I was glad to see Brynn was back to her sweet, compassionate self.  

I got Brynn off to school, disappointed I wouldn't be able to help out in her class today or attend practice for the Shamrock Final Mile, but this pathetic soul needed me by her side today:

Poor little nugget.  Looks like we'll be laying low on this soggy, foggy day, which should give me plenty of time to spend with my big, black boyfriend:

I'll be directing his attention to both achilles today, which are thankfully feeling less creaky than they did yesterday, but could still use some TLC before Friday's long haul.  Hammies, quads, and IT band lovin' will just be an added bonus.  If you plan on making running a part of your life for the foreseeable future, I highly recommend you invest in one of these bad boys.  They're really quite dreamy.  

Back to tending to my little patient.  I leave you with some hump day humor:

Day 31: Moronic Monday

Today's task:  10 minute warm up, 1000m, 2000m, 1000m, 1000m, 10 minute cool down (1000s in 4:05, 2000 in 8:30, 400m rest interval)

Today's weather:  52 degrees, breezy, rain showers

Today's outcome:  8:53 minute warm up, 4:08, 4:10, 4:04, 4:01, 10 minute cool down

Apparently my brain is still completely scattered from being out of our usual routine for a while.  When I was mapping out today's intervals, I forgot the second one was supposed to be 2000m and I wrote down the landmark for 1000m instead.  As soon as I started running that second interval, I realized my mistake.

So irritated with myself.  Not to mention I was 5 seconds over my target pace for that botched interval as well!!!  I'll chalk it up to not running fast in a while.  I was pleased to see the last 2 x 1000s were faster than the first, and my burning lungs should have been enough of an indication.  

I was rather amused by the weather on today's run.  There were some ominous clouds in the distance when I got home after dropping Camryn off at school, so I grabbed my hat, assuming I'd be rained on at some point.  What I didn't expect was the rain to be perfectly in sync with my intervals...when I sped up, it poured, and when I had a rest interval, the rain either slowed considerably or stopped altogether.  Weird.  

I've been thinking more about this week's long run...I was on the fence about running it on Friday, but now I think I have myself convinced that I should.  I can go while Camryn's in school (using up every last minute of her time there!), leaving me as much time as I need on Saturday morning to paint a Hawaiian shirt on my brother's body for the Polar Plunge.  Yes, you read that right.  As is tradition, I will be painting my brother's costume on him.  Check out some pictures from years past and you'll see why I'll need all the time I can get to complete the task:

If you'd like to support our cause, you can make a donation to Special Olympics Virginia by using my secure fundraising website:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/karenpsimas/2014polarplungeVA

THANK YOU!!!

Days 29 and 30: What a long, strange trip it's been

Wednesday's task: 4 x 1200m in 4:56 min
Thursday's outcome:  1 mile warm up, 3 x 1200m @8.5 mph, 400m rest intervals @7 mph, .5 mile cool down @7.5 mph

Confused? Yeah, me too. Between holidays, snow days, sick days, and vacation days, I'm having a hard time keeping up with what day it actually is. Long story short, we went on a ski trip this past week, and with the girls in ski school early Wednesday morning, we did our intervals on Thursday instead. 

I regret not getting any pictures of the adorable fitness room at the hotel, but it got the job done. Ryan and I ran side by side on treadmills for the first time ever, and the girls sat on a weight bench watching SpongeBob while we got our sweat on. My legs were really sore from six hours of snowboarding the day before, so I cut myself some slack and ran the intervals a bit slower than I was supposed to. To make myself feel like less of a slacker, I ran the recovery intervals much faster than I normally would. I'm just happy I was able to get some miles in on the trip. Here are a few highlights from the week:

Hampton Roads gets ready for Leon...awwww yeah.

Happy travelers

Our hotel room number = our wedding anniversary

Most adorable ice cream dessert ever

Worst part of the trip...forgot my electric toothbrush and had to brush my teeth like it's 2005.

Beautiful Harrisonburg sunrise

Checking out what there is to do in this town

A bit chilly on our first day on the slopes!

So we'd have toasty shoes to put our feet in at the end of the day

Babbling brook

Someone has one less tooth than she started ski school with

The pskiing Psimas psisters

Family shot

Pizza dough face

Smooches from Mommy

The salad so nice, I ate it twice (mixed greens, goat cheese, pears, candied walnuts, balsamic dressing...and some bacon stolen from Ryan's salad)

And now, the pswimming Psimas psisters

Hoping the Tooth Fairy finds us at the hotel...her ski instructor did quite a thorough job securing the tooth!

Sweet, sleepy girl

Someone took full advantage of the hotel's free breakfast

Favorite non-skiing, non-eating stop = Glen's Fair Price Market

"I didn't smile for that one."

This kid skied like a pro!

We left for our trip a day early to get out of Dodge before a Bohemoth snowstorm hit, and we came back to find our neighborhood covered in a blanket of white. My first thought? Where am I going to get 12 miles in tomorrow? Murphy's Law would have it that the year I decide to train for a marathon, we get hit with back to back snowfall that makes the roads a mess for my long runs. I decided to go with the strategy I used last week, which was to do a shorter loop twice instead of out and back. Like the saying goes, the hardest step for any runner is the first one out the door:

Literally. The snow was piled up so high outside my front door that I had to squeeze my way out. I walked cautiously down the driveway and onto my street...

...took a deep breath and got to work. What was supposed to be a slow, steady pace felt more like a dozen miles of intervals. Between high stepping it through a few inches of snow and tip-toeing over patches of black ice, I was having a hard time finding my stride. It wasn't until mile 3 that I hit a stretch of dry pavement and was able to look up and just run. This freedom was short lived, but felt great while it lasted. Before long, it was back to the fancy footwork I started out with.

The second half of the run was a little easier than the first. The sun and the temps were climbing, which helped melt a lot of the black ice I had to contend with the first time around. I felt my average pace being a little faster on the second lap, but every now and then I was reminded of the winter wonderland I was running through with a little slipping and sliding. But I channeled my inner Apollo Anton Ohno and was able to finish with an average pace of 8:25. Here are the specifics:

Saturday's task:  12 miles @8:30 min/mile pace
Saturday's weather: 30ish degrees, sunny, snow and ice everywhere!  

Saturday's outcome: 11.56 miles (oops) in 1:37:28 (8:25 min/mile pace)

Mother Nature has done a bang up job making my road to 26.2 a rocky one, but with each passing week (and apparently each passing snowstorm), I'm gaining the confidence I'll need to tackle whatever she throws my way on race day. Of course the physical aspect of training is crucial, but I'm starting to realize that the mental training is equally, if not more important. It's a bit cliche, but I'm reminded of this quote:



With our normal routine being completely thrown out of whack the past few weeks, I'm looking forward to finding our groove again this week. The weather forecast has me thinking the kids will have a full week of school for the first time in two weeks, which i think we're all looking forward to. A few things I'm not exactly looking forward to would be an 18 mile run, followed by jumping into the Atlantic Ocean for the Special Olympics Virginia Polar Plunge. I think I may be making the executive decision to run those miles on Friday instead of Saturday. We'll see how the week goes. Ready to get on with it!