Marathon Training

I'm in the midst of training for my second marathon and it feels completely different than my first go around.  The biggest change was my commitment to resistance cross training. I started with a reformer pilates class once a week and hitting the gym intermittently. My run plan is similar to what I have done in the past.  Much of my initiation to change was watching my friend, Kim transform not only physically but performance wise through the Metabolic Effect.  I couldn't find any time to get a weight work out in until, she told me she was only doing 30 minute strength workout.  I bought the book, read it from cover to cover and not only started doing resistance training but changed some eating patterns.  I dropped 8 lbs and noticed not only a change in my appearance, increased energy, increased speed and strength.

I bought a package of reformer sessions so I have been doing more reformer than weights recently.  My most recent training run was a 20 miler.  The day before I ran 5 in the morning and that evening did Pilates.  20.13 mile run - total time 3 hours 42 minutes and 49 seconds with only one major stop for the bathroom.  I felt stronger than ever.  I did have a foot cramp on mile 17 and felt like I was on fumes on mile 19, in part due to losing a gu.  My last nutrition was at mile 12....all things considered, I was rocked it.  I know that I will perform well at the marathon as I will have rest, appropriate nutrition and support on the course.

A & I before our 20 miler!

The day after our 20 miler I was worried as I had planned on going to Pilates.  I wasn't sure if my legs and abs would hold me, but I felt great throughout and after the class.  In some ways this is a true test of how ready I really am.   I have two more long runs before the marathon, a 12 and 8 miler.  As I taper,  my focus will be to continue my resistance training, stretching and rest, rest, rest and more rest.

Whirlwind April

April Recap

April was an amazing month. I had so many experiences.  My intent was to write about them but I came down with a cold.    Besides being in the height of marathon training, it knocked me down literally for a week so my good intentions went by the wayside.

Riverboat Series

The Mississippi behind us.

KY was rough - 1/2 of the loop was a trail and there were 10 loops.  Who's bad idea was this anyway? I had tweaked my ankle and so the trail aggravated it even more.  I took it easy and completed it.  The view of the Mississippi was breathtaking.  The southern hospitality had me mesmerized and the I was indulging in everything fried or in butter (rolls with strawberry butter, fried catfish with crawfish on top, fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and pickles....so much for ME).  I also got to meet some of Kim's fellow blog/racer friends.  MCMAMMARUNS was super awesome and was another friendly face on the course!  After the race we headed back to Memphis and we went to the National Civil Rights Museum which is part of Hotel Lorraine, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr spent his last hours.  The museum just re-opened and if it is not on your highlights of visits around the country, it should be.  Moving, interactive and informative.

Tennessee

TN - a much better race but still took it easy as I knew 7 am would roll around the next morning with another race in Arkansas.  I felt good and other runners commented on how smiley I was.  I also found that my favorite race food at the aid station was the spanish olives.  Just the right amount of fat and salt to keep me going.  I loved them so much I bought a jar and plan on having them on the marathon later this month.  We hit Sun Studios before heading out to Memphis and it was pretty amazing to hear all the stories. Our guide was fantastic.  

Sun Studios

AR - Hmmmm Thunder, lightening and torrential downpour.  Not to mention that in the first 4 miles I had to run to the bathroom and my calves cramped up so I headed to the car around mile 5 tore off my compressions socks, slathered my calves and ankle in Voltaren (best product ever available in Canada for $16, here you need a prescription, which is not covered and they charge you $70) and had a small pep talk and major attitude adjustment.  I decided for a negative split which I had 17 minute difference. Around mile 10ish the rains came and lightening was striking.  Runners were advised that they could stay in their cars.  Seriously...I'm over it.   My shoes were so waterlogged they felt like 10 lb weights on each foot.  I borrowed Kim's hat because there was so much water it was like a semi came and splashed water everywhere I couldn't see.  For fun, I stomped in three puddles like a 5 year old and ran the rest of my race.  One of my personal worsts, but strong finish and felt happy that the last half was unlike the second half.

Soaked in Arkansas

Brings back childhood memories

Other tourist highlights - The birthplace of Kermit the Frog (it's free and the size of one room) in Leland, MS - Beale Street and Graceland.

Kim and Trisha flew home and I headed to NOLA.

NOLA

I met Hannah, Sean and Lauren in New Orleans.  The food is amazing, the people watching is even better and there is live music and partying everywhere. I also loved the architecture of the city. Food highlights are Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait and BBQ shrimp...they are both must haves.   

On our way to the swamp tour I saw a sign for Crescent City Classic 10K.  I searched for information and the next day hit the expo and signed up on the spot.  I had just run 39.3 miles in 3 days.  It was the best race experience ever - they had a Marine Corp and Navy jazz band, neighbors came out with music, beer/sausage and mimosa stops.  Plus I fared well 101 out of 1083 women in my age group.  I can deal with that.  After the race we walked through the Besthoff Sculpture Garden and Botanical Gardens.

Hannah, Lauren, Sean, Dad & me - Cafe du Monde

Jackson Square

Architecture - Spanish and French balconies

Cornstalk fence

Las minute sign up!

Jazz at Fritzzels

Besthoff Sculpture Garden

10% :) <3

Taste of the Nation

Taste of the Nation is part of Share our Strength and No Kid Hungry which started 27 years ago in a collaborative effort to help hungry children.  The impact has made a difference by offering food and meals to children not only during the school year but in the summer.  Some of the beneficiaries are Partners for Hunger-free Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank, St Vincent de Paul Society and Klamath/Lake Counties Food Bank.  Kim and I were able to taste the best of the best in food and drink.  Tickets were sold out and it showed there were so many people.  If you attend in the future, I recommend sharing food with someone so you can have more tastes.  For an attendee paying for a ticket you get more than what you paid for and everything goes towards a great cause.

Taste of the Nation

Crystal Ballroom

Kim and I should be on their ad!?!

 It's been a whirlwind of a month.  But it is not the place, the food or the race.  It's the experiences I have had with the people in my life.  That is what makes my life so rich.

Taste of the Taste

I was invited to a PR event for Taste of the Taste - an effort to get the word out about Taste of the Nation.  Taste of the Nation is part of Share our Strength and No Kid Hungry which started 27 years ago in a collaborative effort to help hungry children.  The impact has made a difference by offering food and meals to children not only during the school year but in the summer.  Some of the beneficiaries are Partners for Hunger-free Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank, St Vincent de Paul Society and Klamath/Lake Counties Food Bank.

The focus of the event was to give social media enthusiasts and bloggers a chance to have a taste and to inspire others reading our social media outlets to purchase tickets to the event at McMenamins Crystal Hotel & Ballroom on April 29th.  Tickets are $85 ($150 for  VIP admission).  I reviewed the line up and it looks pretty amazing.  Here are more details: http://ce.strength.org/events/taste-nation-portland-or

Tonight I was able to sample food, wine and spirits, which will be present at Taste of the Nation.

Kim & I starting with a toast of Moet & Chandon 

Even the Chefs were posting

Chapter 24 Wines - Fire & Flood

Irving Street Kitchen 

Lardo

Bull Run Distillery - American Whiskey

Pamplin Family Winery

Renata - Rabbit Terrine

Boke Bowl

Potato Latkes with Lox, Dill

(Other beverages served were Newton Wines & Volcanic Mineral Refresher)

Best drink of the night was the American Whiskey by Bull Run Distillery - smooth and refreshing.  Just to note I don't usually drink whiskey ever but I have to say I was impressed.  Delish dish was Boke Bowl's Crawfish & Pork in Spicy Black Bean Sauce over Rice Tots.  The flavor with added spice and texture was wonderful.  My next favorite food served was Irving Street Kitchen's Green Garlic with Parmesan and Smoked Halibut Soup.  The color of the soup was appealing which only was exponential in taste.

I had a great time, talking food and wine with bloggers.  Met some really great people and was given some great restaurant recommendations.  Brunch - Sweedeedee and Broder, best bakery - Mt Tabor Bakery.  I will have to add these to the list of places to go.  The best part was spending time with Kim (outside of running and in normal clothes with make-up...who knew we could clean up so good).  We even have something in the works for a tasting and tour of Bull Run Distillery.

The concept was a great way to get the word out about the event and to help raise not only awareness but funds to support those in need in our community.  I look forward to seeing you at the event!

Upcoming Races

My good friend K is completing a half marathon in every state.  I admire her goal and think it is a great way to travel the US.  (I wonder after she has completed the States if she will try to run a half marathon in every continent???)  I have only run a race in 4 States (AZ, CA, OR & WA).

Anyhow, she has asked me on a number of times to go on a trip for a race.  The first was for a back to back race in Hartford, CT and Providence RI in the fall.  I excitedly told her to take Hwy 2 to see the changing fall colors and gave her a list of places to eat in Boston.  I declined the invite.  Next was Kansas and I had been to Witchita.....and have no desire to ever go back.  Then she mentioned the Riverboat series.  5 races in 5 days (either half or full marathons) in KY, TN, AR, MI & LA.  She only needed to do the first three states and when she said Memphis....I responded with "I will go on the following condition we go to Graceland, Sun Records, hit Beale St for some Blues and eat BBQ!"  She agreed and in the next month I will be running 3 half marathons in a row.  Then I was informed about the walking of the ducks at the Peabody hotel.  So that has been added to the list.

If you haven't noticed by the first two references I am HUGE Elvis fan.  I would make my mother buy tapes (yes tapes) from Columbia Record Club (I would tear out the stickers, lick and affix them to the page).  In the car, we played Elvis until the tapes became warped and the sound was off.  This will be a momentous event for me.   Post races I'm meeting up with friends in New Orleans.  I have never been to this area of the country so everything will be a first and an adventure.  I'm so excited!!!

Needless to say with all this excitement, running 3 half marathons is a whole new game for me.  (What did I sign up for???) The first thing I did was pick my PT's brain.  His suggestion was ~ build up to three long runs in a row, starting with lower mileage.  The only caveat is I'm also training for a marathon.  So I started running 5-5-6 (plus a 4 miler and track) and worked my way up to 10 - 17 - 10 last weekend.  And I survived.  I have a week and a half until we leave and my goal is to keep training for the marathon and taper back.  I have 18 miler planned next weekend, but I will only do two runs instead of three.

I am looking forward to this adventure and if anything it has prepared me for my upcoming marathon.

Inspired???

I have been through a hiatus from blogging. In part, I lost the spark and really something to write about.  How was I to top 39+ things in one year?

Well I guess in some ways I'm renewed the spark to write...maybe zero in on an area.  My running for example, it is something I'm doing weekly and I've got some great things coming up.  Blog worthy to write about!

I'm back, healthy and more ready than ever for the upcoming spring/summer races and just running with my community. I think in part that is why I enjoy running so much....my community of runners who are friends and some are like family.

So be on the look out for a blog here and there.

Looking for Silver Linings

Craptastic

How else can I describe something horrible and look for the possible good out of it....

I have a tendency to make poor choices when I'm tired.  This also occurs when I'm coming down with something.  Case and point, prior to my marathon last year, I was so tired I put my pants on inside out and then promptly was sick for a week.  

So I was tired....I have been tired for a couple days, maybe even longer.  I skipped my Tuesday night track work out and went straight home.  I was in bed by 8:30.  As I was falling asleep, I thought to myself - I'm pretty sure I locked my vehicle.

So the next day I wake up, get my day started and head out the door.  My hatch is completed lifted.  My heart sinks into my stomach.  I already know what has happened.  I race to the back of the car to find my Northface and Columbia coaching jackets, but no silver Adidas bag with my skates.  I see my passenger front door is wide open everything rifled through and an extra spare house keys on the ground in front of my vehicle.  They also pulled out my running shoes and left a perfectly good Nike bag with gym clothes in it.

After filing a police report, the officer informed me that the thieves did not close the doors because it would make a sound which could alert (my dog).  I notice the drivers side door and back passenger door are not closed all the way.  The bag was not visible as the cover over the trunk area was still intact.  It was possibly a random check of vehicles and mine happened to be unlocked.

So what was in the bag - nothing of value to anyone but me.

• Custom baby blue suede skates with a silver star inset (how rock star is that??)
• 8 champion cords for my kiddos to use
• Powertwist
• A test book
• A cd
• 2 pairs of mittens
• 2 hats
• Thermal leggings
• Custom thermal zip up pants
• Thermal long sleeve top
• Ripped up silver Adidas gym bag
• iPhone car charger

I filed a claim and spent the day filling out paperwork and bringing in quotes for everything.  I checked with pawn shops and am checking on Craigslist.  A sergeant from the pd called and asked me to check on Craiglist as SP Teri skates were listed.  

What can't be replaced is the violation I felt.  And the disappointment in making such a costly mistake.

The negatives

I had personal items of value and sentiment stolen from me.

I had a personal melt down and am emotionally exhausted.

I have a $1000 deductible.

I have been informed that I will take a hit and my insurance premiums will go up.

My poor body will be freezing at the rink.
My old pair of skates are really too small and after 10 minutes of wearing them, I sat on the boards in my socks.

Even if I replace things it will cost me and I do not want to accrue any debt.

I probably will not get these items back, more than likely they have been tossed aside.

The silver lining

Everything is replaceable and I'm ok.

I still have my coaching jackets and can make do to stay warm.

The kids complain about the champion cords triple hooks being difficult to use - I can get the S hooks which are easier for them.

I called United States Figure Skating as they do not sell a stand alone test book, they sent me a replacement.

I paid $190 for Powertwist and it is now priced at $160 with shipping.  SAVINGS!!!

I have lost weight and my custom thermal pants were falling down like a gangsta - time to size down and get a new pair.
When I sprained my ankle I taught in my Uggs for 5 weeks...I took and passed both of my Master ratings exams in shoes, dress shoes at that.  Maybe Jimmy can strap on some blades to my Uggs - total comfort, right?

My silver Adidas bag was ripping and with my no spending policy I had planned on not replacing it unless it completely broke - it was close and I was bound to have to replace it at some point anyhow.

I am headed to conference later this month where they often give discounts to coaches for the most expensive item on the list which are the boots.

Who doesn't need a new pair of skates....now what color should I get????

One of my skaters wrote this to me  -

":( well at least they didn't steal you :) then we would have bigger problems? :)"  Wisdom from a 17 year old!

The positives outweigh the negatives.  It still stings but in the end, everything will be ok.  

Hello ~ Your absence has been noticed

Where did you go???

Blogging bi-weekly

A recent reader asked when I was going to write again.  I have not one good reason as to why I haven't written....maybe a combination of excuses to being busy, having the flu, shifting from having 39 things to complete has left little to write or just being plain lazy.  Will my writing be on a more consistent basis than a quarterly financial report, lets hope so.  I can't promise anything but I would like to get back to blogging on a more regular basis....

Updates

Ankle

I'm mostly recovered from my sprain in November and am running again.  It has been a long recovery...my family (biological, skating and running), friends and co-workers has probably had enough of my grumpiness. Running really is a fantastic stress release, besides the other health benefits.  I'm just following everything my PT says.  At this point if he told me to stand on my head for an hour I would.

Sadly I will not be running the BMO Vancouver marathon in BC this coming weekend.  I will be there in support, cheering my fellow marathoners, half marathoners and running Kari in at the end.  I guess I can say at least I'm enjoying possibly the best part of the course running through Stanley park.  I will still have the fresh look at the end....rather than haggard...seeking salt and sustenance.  

I will run another marathon.  I have missed my run buddies and it feels like I'm starting to return to my old self.

Paying off my Debt

One of my goals was to pay off my credit card debt, which I can officially say I have done as of today. The extra funds that went to paying off my debt will be split into savings and extra payments to a car I just recently bought.  I was in need of a newer vehicle and bought wisely.  It feels good to not have that hanging over my head.

Tapping into my creative side

I just took another glass blowing class.....I won't give away too many details (this will be a future blog so stay tuned).

Japanese

I took Japanese II but the flu took me down and I dropped the class.  My mom and I still talk half in Japanese and English.  She just recently brought me some flash cards....so Learning Palace like of her.  My mom was notorious while I was growing up for creating homework if I did not have any.  This occurred all through grade school and even in the summers.  She and my aunt were well known in Learning Palace.  I remember summers prior to the school year learning math.  I would get in trouble for not paying attention because I already knew how to do it.  Thanks mom! Domo arigato gozaimasu.

That is the general update....more to come.