So yes, I'm finally back. I should back up though and recap some of the past month. I'll pick up where I last wrote, almost a month ago. I'm very sad it's been so long, but I just haven't felt up to it.
The week after my 12 mile run went well. My Dad and step-mother, whom I was visiting in CO, and I went for a "float" trip down the Colorado River. We put in the water around 8am and took out around 7pm. Of that time, we figured we paddled for almost 9 hours!!!! So much for floating! I have to say though, the trip was beautiful and when it ended, we were thankful that it was over, but we are all very happy that we went, even if it turned out to be a terribly long day. The views from the river up at all the canyon walls was ah inspiring! You just don't get those views and the wilderness anywhere else; not to mention we were alone on the river for almost the entire trip. It was simply spectacular. As the hours wore on and the sun was dropping, we weren't sure if we were going to make it off the river and so we started discussing what we would do if we had to spend the night somewhere along the way. We didn't, but it sure crossed our minds.
I'm writing about my amazing paddle trip to take into account all the activity of the week leading up to my 14 mile run. My week began with 6 miles on Monday and 4 on Tuesday morning before packing up for our trip. Wednesday we paddled ALL day. Thursday we headed back to Lake City on a scenic drive. It was beautiful. We were looking for a good place to run, but after such a long day paddling, I wanted to run only on something flat and we could never find a stretch of road that was flat. So I didn't run until we returned to Lake City at almost 9 pm. We had picnicked along the way and had eaten a few snacks on the drive home, but I was still hungry. However, I went and completed my 4 miles that night around 10 pm.
It was actually the best run I had the entire time I was in CO. It was chilly, but not freezing and there are NO lights in Lake City and thankfully very few cars. So that night, I set out, in the dark. Before walking out the door however, I was asked 2 things: 1) Where's your flashlight? and 2) Where's your bear spray? Neither of which I had or intended to carry. So I left. I ran on the only paved road in town and because it was so dark, I couldn't even see my feet; to avoid tripping, I ran in the middle of the road. Yep, right in the center of oncoming traffic. Traffic is such a relative term. I think maybe 2-3 cars moved the entire time I was on the road. I made 2 laps through town and was finished. I spotted lots of deer and enjoyed my quiet run under the stars. My time wasn't great compared to that of FL, but none the less, I ran a 10:30 pace (quite a bit faster than most of my runs at almost 9000 ft).
Following the run, we had a nice pasta dinner and then hit the bed. I was up early, knowing I had a long run ahead of me. I walked to their house from my cosy cabin and had a quick snack before setting out to my starting point. That morning we decided the best route for me was not the one we had mapped out previously and so we set out, driving south of town clocking the miles.
At last we were 12 miles past the lake and this was a good starting point; besides, the road became more of a steep trail past this point. I got out and started running. The miles seemed to pass very slowly on this day. I'm not sure why. The scenery was great and I was quite relaxed. The sun was out, so it was warm for a change. Luckily I had put on tons of sunblock because I knew this was going to be a long run. Then, like I had begun in recent times, applied my body glide. I think it was around mile 6 that I realized sunblock and body glide don't mix! My arms began chafing and I was not happy. I continued running, feeling great except for my arms :(
I was nearing the lake with the mountains surrounding and all was well. I had just passed 9 miles and was feeling great. As the next few miles came and went, I grew more and more tired and by mile 12, my legs hurt, my knees hurt and I was no longer "feeling good". I pushed on, but by 12.5, I had to walk. No big deal (although this was the first time I walked). I walked for another 0.15 miles and then gathered myself up and ran to mile 13.
Then it hit with a force I have never felt before. As I passed mile 13, I felt like I had been stone walled. I walked, but was in so much pain, walking seemed impossible. I kept moving, but very slowly. I rounded the corner where my step mother wast waiting for me. She thought surely I must be finished, but I told her I stilled has almost a mile to walk. She had already walked several miles while I was running so she was relaxing in the shade, just waiting for me finish.
I walked around the bend in the lake and turned back. How does this happen. I just ran 13 miles and now I can barely walk 10 feet! I pushed on, inching back towards the car. I couldn't go on. I couldn't even walk the last mile. I was finished. Joanne, being the strong supporter, leapt eagerly from the car and helped motivate me by walking with me. At last, there was just 0.1 miles to go. We walked in a large circle in front of the car. As my gps turned to 14.00, I was finished! I fell into the car having taken not 1 step more than 14 miles, but now I could say, "I finished!"
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Dedication
It has snowed almost every day that I’ve been here, some days more than others. Saturday there was around 2 inches of snow! The forecast, not that I really believe in them, said the highs would be in the upper 40s-50s the whole week I’m here in Lake City. Saturday’s high though was only in the 30s. It didn’t matter, because I didn’t have my long run until Sunday.
Unfortunately it was all of 32 deg as I set out on my run Sunday too. I started at the “far” end of town and headed out towards Lake San Cristobal. It’s really beautiful out there. I had selected this route yesterday because of all the hills. I thought that finally running some hills would be good for me. As I started out of town I had a small uphill climb, but it quickly turned into a nice long downhill; as I enjoyed the descent I was cursing to myself thinking about having to run up it at the end of my 12 miles. But for now I thought things were going to go really well.
At around 1.5 miles or so, I started my first real uphill climb. It lasted for what seemed like forever, but I was in high spirits. It got steeper as I trekked up. It’s like most mountain roads, curvy. I would round a bend only to find the crest of the hill was not yet in site. I trudged along finally reaching the top where I could enjoy a half mile downhill to recover from the 1 mile up.
Finally I reached the lake. The snow was still covering the mountains, and the air was crisp. I made the turn onto the dirt road that traces the lake and trudged along. I had just passed the 3 mile mark. 9 more miles I said to myself and I ran, or at least attempted to.
The first 3 miles weren’t easy, but the next 3 were even worse. The snow came down, sometimes heavy. Fortunately I wore my hat today and put an extra layer on both my top and bottom. I even left my hair down to help keep me warm. As I would ascend a hill, I would heat up and could feel my inner most layer collecting moisture; then as I started the descent, I would be cold. The cycle was endless. As long as there were hills, I was wet, then cold, never warm.
The scenery was amazing as you can see below! But who could enjoy it.
Unfortunately it was all of 32 deg as I set out on my run Sunday too. I started at the “far” end of town and headed out towards Lake San Cristobal. It’s really beautiful out there. I had selected this route yesterday because of all the hills. I thought that finally running some hills would be good for me. As I started out of town I had a small uphill climb, but it quickly turned into a nice long downhill; as I enjoyed the descent I was cursing to myself thinking about having to run up it at the end of my 12 miles. But for now I thought things were going to go really well.
At around 1.5 miles or so, I started my first real uphill climb. It lasted for what seemed like forever, but I was in high spirits. It got steeper as I trekked up. It’s like most mountain roads, curvy. I would round a bend only to find the crest of the hill was not yet in site. I trudged along finally reaching the top where I could enjoy a half mile downhill to recover from the 1 mile up.
Finally I reached the lake. The snow was still covering the mountains, and the air was crisp. I made the turn onto the dirt road that traces the lake and trudged along. I had just passed the 3 mile mark. 9 more miles I said to myself and I ran, or at least attempted to.
The first 3 miles weren’t easy, but the next 3 were even worse. The snow came down, sometimes heavy. Fortunately I wore my hat today and put an extra layer on both my top and bottom. I even left my hair down to help keep me warm. As I would ascend a hill, I would heat up and could feel my inner most layer collecting moisture; then as I started the descent, I would be cold. The cycle was endless. As long as there were hills, I was wet, then cold, never warm.
The scenery was amazing as you can see below! But who could enjoy it.
I have never been challenged so much at one time (except maybe when I was sleep deprived in undergrad just trying to survive). I’ve never wanted to quit something so much in my life. I was in pain. I thought I was going to break down, but I ran. I focused on breathing from my stomach and not from my chest. Oddly it seemed to be much easier to run that way. I cheered for my self and tried to count down the miles, but they were passing so slowly. I had to constantly fight myself to keep going because I felt so badly. It wasn’t even the miles that had me feeling this way, it was the cold, the snow and those wicked hills, which I must learn to embrace.
I had 3 miles to go and I pushed forward knowing it was less than a 5k to the end. I chanted in my head and it was amazing. My pace quickened slightly and I knew that all my mental training from my book I faithfully read from each week was really paying off. The 2 climbs I was dreading most in the last 3 miles seem to be “easy”. They weren’t those wicked hills I encountered between miles 3 and 6. They were long, slow, steady climbs and those I could do.
At last the run was over, 2 hours and 40 minutes later my 12 miles were complete. I kept walking, only I couldn’t feel my legs. I knew my feet were there, but my legs were cold and exhausted. I’ve never felt worse after a run, but so proud to have finished.
I caught a ride back to the house and stretched and refueled only to laze around and enjoy the rest of the day.
You may wonder why I continued on when I wanted to stop so badly. There was nothing, no one, making me run, but I never stopped. Running is now life. I run because I can. I run because I want to be strong, mentally and physically. I run for fitness, I run for life. I run to enjoy my surroundings. I run to remember how lucky I am that I can run. I run to celebrate all things great that we can achieve if we just set a goal. I run because I am a marathoner!
A special note of thanks for those who have supported me this far. Especially to Joanne who follows me on my runs here in Lake City to be sure no animal tries to snag me, whether it be a grizzly bear or a grizzly man. She gives up her time to help me train for what will be the greatest race of my life and for her, I am very greatful.
I had 3 miles to go and I pushed forward knowing it was less than a 5k to the end. I chanted in my head and it was amazing. My pace quickened slightly and I knew that all my mental training from my book I faithfully read from each week was really paying off. The 2 climbs I was dreading most in the last 3 miles seem to be “easy”. They weren’t those wicked hills I encountered between miles 3 and 6. They were long, slow, steady climbs and those I could do.
At last the run was over, 2 hours and 40 minutes later my 12 miles were complete. I kept walking, only I couldn’t feel my legs. I knew my feet were there, but my legs were cold and exhausted. I’ve never felt worse after a run, but so proud to have finished.
I caught a ride back to the house and stretched and refueled only to laze around and enjoy the rest of the day.
You may wonder why I continued on when I wanted to stop so badly. There was nothing, no one, making me run, but I never stopped. Running is now life. I run because I can. I run because I want to be strong, mentally and physically. I run for fitness, I run for life. I run to enjoy my surroundings. I run to remember how lucky I am that I can run. I run to celebrate all things great that we can achieve if we just set a goal. I run because I am a marathoner!
A special note of thanks for those who have supported me this far. Especially to Joanne who follows me on my runs here in Lake City to be sure no animal tries to snag me, whether it be a grizzly bear or a grizzly man. She gives up her time to help me train for what will be the greatest race of my life and for her, I am very greatful.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Running High
I'm sure most people think I fell off the Earth in the last week or so. I've been VERY busy with final exams and projects as I just finished the semester officially Thursday around 12:15 am. Then I slept for 4 hours, a typical nights sleep this past week (when I'm lucky) and headed to catch a plane to Lake City, Colorado. Needless to say, I've been exhausted and haven't had any time to post lately, so I'll give some of the highlights.
Last week's runs were really great. Despite being very very tired, I still got up and ran and was very happy I did so. On my runs I started off with the thought of just finish. It doesn't matter about the time, it just matters that I finish my miles for the day. On one day, as I was approaching the halfway point, I passed a runner I had met the previous week or so. I was a bit behind, so I picked up the pace and tried to catch him on my return leg. After about a mile I passed him going up the bridge. He was cheering me on and gave me a nice little push to help me climb the hill. As I neared the top of the bridge, there were 2 ladies who I've since decided they are official cheerleaders. They are always cheering for me when I pass them. They are complete strangers who don't know I'm training, but are there many days cheering me on. These few people along my trek make it a delight to run and I look forward to seeing them and enjoy that quick boost of energy that seems to come with it.
Now for a more literal "running high". I stated that I flew to Lake City, Colorado; if you google it you'll quickly find that it sits at an altitude of 8658 ft. Yes, quite a bit higher than the mile high city. Usually I plan to take it easy the first few days I'm here as I live at a mere 6 ft above sea level. But on this trip, there was no time to sit and wait. I missed my Wednesday run because I had an early final exam and I have been sleeping so little I couldn't give any up that night having gotten under 4 hours . Then I didn't run Thursday morning because I got up at 4am after sleeping less than 4 hours again, and I barely had time to catch my flight.
So after spending all day running necessary errands here, I got to Lake City and continued the fight to stay awake. As the afternoon was winding up and sun was winding down, a couple of us were going to go for a 1 mile walk, but I just couldn't stand to think that I'm going to be walking only 1-mile so instead, I got into my new cool weather running clothes and slipped out for my 4-mile run at 8658 ft. I ran up in the canyon with it's walls towering above me and the swift moving creek running beside me. I took it nice and easy, but was surprised at how easy the run was, even in my exhausted state, when surrounded by the beauty of nature. It was truly a running high, however you want to view it :)
Last week's runs were really great. Despite being very very tired, I still got up and ran and was very happy I did so. On my runs I started off with the thought of just finish. It doesn't matter about the time, it just matters that I finish my miles for the day. On one day, as I was approaching the halfway point, I passed a runner I had met the previous week or so. I was a bit behind, so I picked up the pace and tried to catch him on my return leg. After about a mile I passed him going up the bridge. He was cheering me on and gave me a nice little push to help me climb the hill. As I neared the top of the bridge, there were 2 ladies who I've since decided they are official cheerleaders. They are always cheering for me when I pass them. They are complete strangers who don't know I'm training, but are there many days cheering me on. These few people along my trek make it a delight to run and I look forward to seeing them and enjoy that quick boost of energy that seems to come with it.
Now for a more literal "running high". I stated that I flew to Lake City, Colorado; if you google it you'll quickly find that it sits at an altitude of 8658 ft. Yes, quite a bit higher than the mile high city. Usually I plan to take it easy the first few days I'm here as I live at a mere 6 ft above sea level. But on this trip, there was no time to sit and wait. I missed my Wednesday run because I had an early final exam and I have been sleeping so little I couldn't give any up that night having gotten under 4 hours . Then I didn't run Thursday morning because I got up at 4am after sleeping less than 4 hours again, and I barely had time to catch my flight.
So after spending all day running necessary errands here, I got to Lake City and continued the fight to stay awake. As the afternoon was winding up and sun was winding down, a couple of us were going to go for a 1 mile walk, but I just couldn't stand to think that I'm going to be walking only 1-mile so instead, I got into my new cool weather running clothes and slipped out for my 4-mile run at 8658 ft. I ran up in the canyon with it's walls towering above me and the swift moving creek running beside me. I took it nice and easy, but was surprised at how easy the run was, even in my exhausted state, when surrounded by the beauty of nature. It was truly a running high, however you want to view it :)
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Wahoo! 10 Miles Behind Me!
TODAY, in an effort to burn more fat, I slowed up a bit and ran an 11:07 pace for 10 miles. Yes! Today, I ran (no walking) 10 miles!!!! I am very excited and can't wait for 11 next week!
Also this week I started a running folder. I took time and printed out all the information I will need about the San Francisco Marathon that's July 29 (in case you have forgotten). Yes, I still have months, but that means I have months to collect all kinds of great running information and put it in one place so that night before when I can't sleep, I'll have plenty of reading material to make me laugh and perhaps give me some tips too. So if you have some great information that you have come across, feel free to post a link in the comments.
If you didn't take the time to read a little from the link I posted earlier this week, I'll highlight a few of my favorites:
22: If you take your cell phone with you on the race, people like me will be laughing at you. If you actually answer it, expect more of those sharp and heavy but weakly thrown object to come flying in your direction. (One exception: if you happen to be the race director of the race in which you’re currently running. Otherwise, you’re just an uber-dork who needs to have a cellphoneectomy).
30: Even if you walked and jogged the whole way, sprint the last 100 yards. Why? Cuz it’s fun. And your race picture (assuming somebody takes one) will be much cooler. Then it can become a nice avatar to impress your online friends.
31: If the event is big enough for spectators, wear something with your name on your shirt, in very big letters. It gets you personalized cheers. No kidding. Remember this for your first marathon. Hearing “Go, Jake, you sexy stud!” is way, way better than “you can do it, unknown dude …” (I plan on doing this one!)
and my very favorite one:
the coolest of all possible things, at the start of the race, is to line up at the very start, and then when you hear the gun – sprint forward as fast as you can, and scream “I’m winning!” at the top of your lungs. It’s a classic. People love that.
If you enjoyed these, there are plenty of good and funny tips in the post. Maybe I'll post another of my favorites in the next week or so, but I need to go eat now :)
Also this week I started a running folder. I took time and printed out all the information I will need about the San Francisco Marathon that's July 29 (in case you have forgotten). Yes, I still have months, but that means I have months to collect all kinds of great running information and put it in one place so that night before when I can't sleep, I'll have plenty of reading material to make me laugh and perhaps give me some tips too. So if you have some great information that you have come across, feel free to post a link in the comments.
If you didn't take the time to read a little from the link I posted earlier this week, I'll highlight a few of my favorites:
22: If you take your cell phone with you on the race, people like me will be laughing at you. If you actually answer it, expect more of those sharp and heavy but weakly thrown object to come flying in your direction. (One exception: if you happen to be the race director of the race in which you’re currently running. Otherwise, you’re just an uber-dork who needs to have a cellphoneectomy).
30: Even if you walked and jogged the whole way, sprint the last 100 yards. Why? Cuz it’s fun. And your race picture (assuming somebody takes one) will be much cooler. Then it can become a nice avatar to impress your online friends.
31: If the event is big enough for spectators, wear something with your name on your shirt, in very big letters. It gets you personalized cheers. No kidding. Remember this for your first marathon. Hearing “Go, Jake, you sexy stud!” is way, way better than “you can do it, unknown dude …” (I plan on doing this one!)
and my very favorite one:
the coolest of all possible things, at the start of the race, is to line up at the very start, and then when you hear the gun – sprint forward as fast as you can, and scream “I’m winning!” at the top of your lungs. It’s a classic. People love that.
If you enjoyed these, there are plenty of good and funny tips in the post. Maybe I'll post another of my favorites in the next week or so, but I need to go eat now :)
Understanding the Long Run
It's taken me a while but I finally understand the long runs a little more. One would think that the longs runs are for building mileage slowly and you should just get out and run them and do the best that you can. If you are slow on one, no big deal, you can always try and go a little faster next time. But, now I know there's actually a lot of science involved in these long runs and proper execution can really make a difference in the end.
The science and advice varies depending on who you listen to, but that's the same with everything in life. The weather men who are standing at the same spot at the same moment tell you two different predictions every day. It's all in what/who you believe will prepare you the best. So the philosophy I will be following comes from McMillian Running University.
McMillian proposes 2 types of long runs. One trains your body to burn more fat, leaving more carbohydrates stored for longer, therefore pushing back "The Wall". It should be run slow and easy. Also, because you are training your body to use more fat instead of carbs, then you should not supply additional carbs during this run. This means, no breakfast in the morning if you're a morning runner and no Gatorade (or other fuel replacement drinks) during your run. You may even want to limit the amount of carbs you have for dinner the night before.
The second type of long run prepares you for marathon day (if there is such a thing as being "prepared"). The long run should start off slower than race pace, but near the half-way point, you should increase to your race pace and continue for the remainder of your run; however, with about 400 meters remaining you should sprint for the finish line! To prepare for this run, you should prepare exactly the way you will prepare for the actual marathon. You should wear the same clothes and shoes. You should eat the way you will eat on race day and the night before. You should drink the same things you will drink during the run. This should be a trial run of your big day.
You should alternate between these two types of runs each of the 8-10 weeks prior to the marathon, but not before as you don't want to overtire your body and the second type of run is definitely going to wear you out, at least it will me :)
Now I have shared with you a little more about these longs runs. I was so confused because all the pace calculators, like the one shown in my links list, show a "marathon training pace" of 11-12.5 min/mile;. I was thinking, if I run that slow every week, how will I ever be able to run the 10:15 pace they predict I can run on race day. But now, I understand.
The science and advice varies depending on who you listen to, but that's the same with everything in life. The weather men who are standing at the same spot at the same moment tell you two different predictions every day. It's all in what/who you believe will prepare you the best. So the philosophy I will be following comes from McMillian Running University.
McMillian proposes 2 types of long runs. One trains your body to burn more fat, leaving more carbohydrates stored for longer, therefore pushing back "The Wall". It should be run slow and easy. Also, because you are training your body to use more fat instead of carbs, then you should not supply additional carbs during this run. This means, no breakfast in the morning if you're a morning runner and no Gatorade (or other fuel replacement drinks) during your run. You may even want to limit the amount of carbs you have for dinner the night before.
The second type of long run prepares you for marathon day (if there is such a thing as being "prepared"). The long run should start off slower than race pace, but near the half-way point, you should increase to your race pace and continue for the remainder of your run; however, with about 400 meters remaining you should sprint for the finish line! To prepare for this run, you should prepare exactly the way you will prepare for the actual marathon. You should wear the same clothes and shoes. You should eat the way you will eat on race day and the night before. You should drink the same things you will drink during the run. This should be a trial run of your big day.
You should alternate between these two types of runs each of the 8-10 weeks prior to the marathon, but not before as you don't want to overtire your body and the second type of run is definitely going to wear you out, at least it will me :)
Now I have shared with you a little more about these longs runs. I was so confused because all the pace calculators, like the one shown in my links list, show a "marathon training pace" of 11-12.5 min/mile;. I was thinking, if I run that slow every week, how will I ever be able to run the 10:15 pace they predict I can run on race day. But now, I understand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)