Quit Marathon Training.....almost

I am training for a marathon.  Surprise!  The bad news is that I haven't felt very good about it.  The ultra left me feeling pretty down and super bloated.  Luckily I have some great pals that have given me the "you can do it!" and I have continued to train.  

Last week I didn't feel good.  My body couldn't commit to the flu but my stomach hurt and I felt dizzy.  SO I missed a couple of runs and the run I did do was FAN-CRAPPY!  

Then I did my long run on Monday.  The thing about my long runs is that the entire time I'm planning them, laying out my clothes, charging my gear and getting my fuel I am in total denial of going on the actual run.  On my 18 miler 2 weeks ago I was pretty sure I wasn't going to do it up to about mile 15.  Some sort of trickery so I don't give it any REAL thought.  I can't deny my fear of the marathon and up until Sunday I was sure I wasn't going to be able to finish it.  

Let's get to the down and dirty.  

My long run Monday was fan-effing-tastic! 

I planned a course that included some uphill at the beginning then downhill for most of the rest.  I'm running the Ogden marathon and the course is mostly downhill.  

Ogden marathon elevation charts.  The top one is from the website.  Pretty lame.  The bottom one is from my MapMyRun route that I added, hoping it's pretty close to the real route.  Mile 17-22 looks a little sketchy with all those little bumps.  

Long run

Recap or picture share.

The first 7 miles of hills was a little tough.  Some of the hills are really steep.  

Here is the route.  I had my son meet me at where mile 13 would be and I left my car there with fuel and more water.  Then he drove me to the other side of the mountain to start by Mountain Dell golf course.  

Thanks Daniel!!

I started out pretty smooth.  Realized I didn't have my HR monitor.  After a brief panic attack I decided I was actually enjoying the freedom of not having a double chest squeeze.

Sweet Jebus!  It's a miracle.  A clean bathroom that was OPEN at mile 3.5.  Fact:  In Utah a lot of bathrooms are closed from Labor day to Memorial day because of the winter, I would guess.  I'm finding that more of them are opening earlier.  I almost peed my pants.  I guess I hydrated well.    Yes those are shoes in the picture.  Someone lost their slides.

It was a shoe-a-palooza for the first 4 miles.  The poor lone shoe at the start.  Then in the same parking lot 2 pairs.  Abandoned.  Shoe abuse I tell you.  

The miracle bathroom was here.  In Bear country.  Awesome.  I then proceeded to run down the road that was gated off to cars and I was alone.  Thank goodness it was only about a mile and then I turned around.  Great running area....scary to be so remote.  I didn't even think about bears until I saw the sign!

At the very top of the hill is some great views!!!  I fueled a little here and used the bathroom there.  I do love this view.  I always get a kick out of the historical marker that says "The Road to Zion".  I have no idea why it amuses me but I don't question a giggle.

From a little over mile 7 to mile 13 it was a nice downhill.  It wasn't so steep that I felt out of control but just felt NICE.  I ran according to effort and tried to keep it easy so I'd have enough energy to finish the run.  

Sitting on my car snacking.  I drank an electrolyte drink and ate part of a Picky Bar and one of those blended fruit baby foods.  (perfect fuel!)  I also refilled my water bottles and took off!

At miles 14.5 my friend Missy pulled over and I got a hug and a little run with her!!!  It meant so much to me.  She had been texted me good vibes and it really helped!  Thanks Missy!  Your teaching me to be a good runner friend!

Didn't get a pic.  Bummer.

Bathroom again at mile 15

Rotary Park.  Just east of the zoo.  I love this park.  Clean bathroom and a little hand wash station.  

Oops.  Heehee.

I didn't read the sign.

From mile 15 to 20 I zigzagged my way downhill to Liberty Park.  I planned a stop at my favorite gas station that I use for long runs.  I don't always stop but I like to run past places I can get water or use the bathroom.  I stopped a few times to take pictures of houses.  I'm looking for paint ideas that goes with red brick.  

The last 5 miles were pretty good but I was tired.  At mile 17 I was starving.  I'm not sure how I'm going to fix that during the marathon.  It wasn't like I felt that I needed energy I was just HUNGRY.  I could have stopped and had a full meal.  By mile 18 I was pretty much on the down hill homestretch.  Mile 19 my knee started to twinge and my feet were sore.  I was so happy to be done that I didn't take any more pics.  

My son picked me up at the park and took me back to my car.  

Cool, I wasted almost a full 45 minutes with picture stops, food and bathrooms.

Overall I was thrilled with the run!  I wasn't watching my pace too much but running by effort. I was also running on tired legs.  I had done speed work with heavy weights on Saturday.   When I saw that it was just over 11 min/miles and I still felt ok it FINALLY gave me hope that I can finish a Marathon without walking half of it or dying.  

I refuse to back out of this Marathon.  I'm still nervous about it and that's OK.  I remember my first race - a 10K - I was almost in tears I was so nervous.  A couple of things I need to work through.  

Fuel.  I took some Clif GU because that is what they are offering on the course.  I didn't even use it.  I was too nervous that I would get sick.  Yeah, brilliant I know.  I know I can't carry the usual fuel so I've got to figure that out.  

Bathroom.  I usually don't need to use the potty during a race.  I'm assuming I'll need to use it at least once but hoping that not more then that.  

Outfit.  Well duh.  

Any and all recommendations and advice is wanted.   

Hill work and going long.

Two great runs this week.  A hill run up East Canyon and a long run.

I've ran East Canyon before. HERE, HERE and a race HERE

I love trail running, but my next two relays are not in the mountains and taking it to the streets really helps when racing on the streets.  I decided to go back to the hill that I really like running.  It's quite a challenge and I can see my progress. 

Well, I am much slower then I was a year ago but still happy with my progress in running in general.  I was able to maintain a slow pace without my heart rate shooting up for 5 minutes and then walk for one minute.  

It was a learning run with a summary of the "Road to Zion" at the top.  The view was great too!  

Top of Utah shirt and top of the hill. 

Can I plan my wardrobe or what?

I sure can't wait to get some new prescription sunglasses.  Those are so old and they are difficult to run in.  I just wasn't in the mood to put in my contacts.  How lazy is that?

Very beautiful run, nice and cool and I missed the rain storms.  

The hill run was on the 7th and on the 9th I ran a long slow run.

True, it's taken me three days to put together this blog post.  The only reason I'm writing it now is because my 2nd job put me on call.

Good?  Bad?  I can't tell yet.  I like to work.

Long Slow Run

I usually include my cool down walk on my Garmin so that I can suck as many calories out of my run as possible.  I know you do that too!  The average pace for the 10 miles was 11 min/miles.  A perfect long slow run for me.

I left my house and ran through the neighborhoods up and down many streets like this one.  Quiet, shaded and beautiful.

I chose to put in my contacts for the long run and wear my Oakley's.  I'm not a big fan of them either.  I liked them when I first bought them but now, not so much.  I should quit whining...I mean, I have a pair of Oakley's. 

This run was AMAZING!  I felt great.  It was one of those runs that you feel you are just going along at an easy pace and could maintain it for miles and miles!  It was nice and cool.  Perfect.  I'm feeling very good about my foot and the way my running is coming along.  

The only problem I had on the long run was my left hip. It started to get sore.  It didn't last long and after my ice bath it had resolved.  I know it's because I haven't been doing my physical therapy exercises like I should be.  I also haven't been able to go to Pilates either.  So I have re-committed myself to my PT exercises and keeping my core strong.  I would hate to hurt myself after such a long, complicated and ongoing recovery.

I did wear my favorite Saucony's.

I forget how much I LOVE them until it's their turn in the rotation and I put them on and POW! Over 120 miles on them so far.  

Fall is amazing!

What is your favorite time of year to run?

Anyone running any relays soon?

Blog on......................

It's my blog and I'll swear if I want to...

Not really, I don't have anything to swear about.  I'm not talking about the big ones, just the easy slips....

I have so many great ideas for blogging and I'm a little sad that I'll never post them.  OK, I may post some, but this is my journal of sorts and this summer has proved I'm not in the mood to write in my journal.  For a little bit I thought that maybe I was a little depressed (Low in spirits, dejected).  Then I thought I was just apathetic (Feeling or showing a lack of interest or concern; indifferent).  I think it's a combination of being lazy and just not caring too much.  

Exactly.

Not sure where it comes from but probably a mix of picking up another job, the divorce, more responsibilities and i love being able to spend time just doing nothing.  

But I have been running.  I ran 10 miles on the trail last week and 8 miles today.  

Why I run in the mountains.  This was my turnaround point.

Great trails and nice and cool.

I love taking pictures of awesome trails.  Especially going downhill.

My camelbak is smaller so I threw on my RooSport so I would have more storage for the longer run.

I've also FINALLY set aside time to work on my office.  I gave up trying to cut in the entire room so I taped.  But then I forgot to prime over the ceiling paint that got on the walls.  Let's just say I had some touching up to do around the top.

Getting stuff together.

Taping, taping, taping.  Prepping takes FOREVER!

Three walls done.

 The accent wall.

It was left over from my son's room.  I really love the colors.

It doesn't have primer in it like the tan color.  I wish I would have noticed that before I did two coats. 

This mornings run.

It has been very humid for Utah.  I'm getting use to the insane sweating I do when I run. I need to put together a better training schedule but I'm sure enjoying the runs I get done.

Other things that have happened.

My parents came over for dinner.  It was Austins birthday and he was going to go out of town.  So nice to have the parents over.  I don't think I have ever seen my dad without his calendar and pen in his pocket.  Ever.

Ran the Epic Relay.

Met some great people.

Had a really good time!

Took my first ice bath with an entire bag of ice.

It was after my 10 mile trail run.

Check out the ankle tan lines and the dirty feet.  Bad ass huh?

Work, work, work.

This was on my way for team pictures.  

Just so you know, my flight suit is really black.  Even with minimal clothing underneath I think I lose a little bit of my soul every time I have to be outside in it during this oppressive humid heat.

OR..I could be exaggerating.

It's just hot!

So that's whats happening.  

Hoping to get back in the groove but not certain I will.  

I do Instagram every day and sometimes it's even entertaining!

Buddahkat on Instagram

Buddahkat is a nickname/username from about 15 years ago.  It is derived from Saturday Night Live and "Coffee Talk".....Mike Myers.  When he says, "Like buddah" meaning smooth, like butter.  It has nothing to do with Buddha.  

When you feel like doing nothing, do you feel depressed, lazy or just unmotivated?

Trail running, love it? hate it?

Blog on................ 

East Canyon part deux

Do you remember when I ran this?

We ran it again this morning.  This time Tera came along and Jason was able to run at his own pace.  Matt came along and rode his bike up and down the canyon a couple of times.  It certainly felt better then last week!  Tera and I stuck together and we hit the top faster then last week, but we ran slower downhill.

Team Rydman matching shirts.  We were also wearing black shorts.  (I hate this picture of me...but I didn't want to skip showing my hubby)

Gosh, I hope we can be seen on the side of the road!  Bright and we all have our compression sleeves on!  Jason, Tera and me.  I'm trying to pretend that I'm short - but really it looks like I'm farting.

Interrupt today's run recap with update on my Devil Dash injury.  It's mostly scrape but there is two big bruises.  The picture does not do it justice, of course.  

Today's Stats:

Total time to top: 40:34  - 3.58 miles 11:19 min/mile -  I didn't hit the lap button, so there is a little guessing involved.
Miles:  Last week - This week
1 - 10:31 - 10:35
2 - 12:05 - 11:40
3 - 11:03 - 11:29
The rest is a guide, not a promise.  Last week I hit lap and then it started lapping every .67 miles.  This week I didn't hit it and I have an average for every mile.

THIS WEEK

4 - 10:57

5 - 9:08

6 - 9:42

7 - 11:33 (Included part of our walk/cool down)

Last .28 mile - 18:04

LAST WEEK4.67 - 8:52
5.67 - 9:09
6.67 - 8:28
Last 405 feet - 8:30

Obviously slower at times, but going up was faster and the total run was 6.7 miles with a 10:24 min/mile pace.  

Burned 815 calories.

After we are done and feeling pretty darn good!

Modeling my new shorts and shoes.  I loved them both, my feet felt great.  I was nervous my new MPG shorts would ride up and my thighs would light on fire.  I used Body Glide, just in case.  No fire, no rubbing and no ridding up. Thinking that this may be my Top of Utah half marathon outfit. 

Running with Tera was great.  She is a little faster in that she doesn't stop and walk as much.  I'm a little faster on the downhill, but we had a great rhythm and we were even able to talk a little.  I love this run.  Gets me ready to run up hills AND down hills.  

My foot was sore and I iced it twice.  I have a good feeling about these shoes, but I know it will take time.  I also plan on buying the Hurricane 14's as soon as the next model comes out and I can get them for cheaper.  Cheap skate?  Maybe.. OK, yes!  

Tomorrow I am going to throw in an extra shift in the ICU!  Yeah!  Shoes shoes shoes!!  Long run of 14 miles planned for Wednesday in Rock Springs.  If I don't get it done that day because of flights then I'm going to do it Friday morning before we leave to go fishing.  

I still have 2 spots left for the NAPA Ragnar!  If anyone is interested in joining us then email me.  We always have a blast and welcome runners of all levels. Minimal speed average is 11 min/miles.  

Blog on............

up uP UP!!

Hill run planned! 


Last night I curled up with the last two editions of Runners World.  I found some great tips and dreamed of new shoes and exotic races.  I even snacked on a little dark chocolate.  Great Saturday night!

Here is today's hill run:

This is the site of the Salt Lake Half Marathon Relay.  I'm running it with my friends Tera and Nicole.  Tera's husband Jason is running the entire Half Marathon.  I have the first leg which takes me over 3 1/2 miles up up up!  So Jason and I met up at the bottom and gave it a good try.  Of course Jason smoked me, but I was pleased with my first time results.  I want to do it a couple of times before the relay in a month.  I feel like I found a rhythm that I haven't had on hills before.  It was slow, around 12 min/miles but you have to start somewhere.  It's a wonderful place to get that long uphill training.  Plus running down it will help me train for my Top of Utah Marathon in three weeks.  It's a mostly downhill course but flattens our the last few miles.  


Today's Stats:



Total time to top: 41:56 - 3.66 miles 11:27 min/mile


Miles:
1 - 10:31
2 - 12:05
3 - 11:03
last hill .67 mile - 12:28
I hit the lap button so I would know how long and what pace I did the entire hill.  I didn't realize it reset my pace and now was counting my miles from 3.67.  So here is the run downhill.  I stopped only once to take a swig of water and catch my breath but for the most part ran steadily the whole way down.
4.67 - 8:52
5.67 - 9:09
6.67 - 8:28
Last 405 feet - 8:30

I didn't take these pictures while I was running, I rarely take my phone.  I drove the course after and took them.  It is a beautiful day and still nice and cool.  Ton's of bikers to watch out for though!

Not a bad view!

Total Run: 6.74 miles at an average 10:15 pace

Walked .63  miles for a cool off and leg warm down.  I do this quite often and try to do a quarter to a half mile cool down walk, but this one was a little longer.

Super thrilled to be done and actually feeling pretty excited to tackle it again next week.

Assuming the position.  Foot did not hurt at all during the run. I was even too lazy to put it on a pillow.  Drinking coffee, NUUN and eating banana pancakes.  

Best Saturday ever.  

Later I'm making stuffed bell peppers with our fresh garden loot.  We planted little "fairy" eggplants that I am anxious to try.  Just mix some Anaheim pepper, eggplant and local grass fed beef.  Should be delicious!!

Have a great Saturday!  Keep running!

Blog on.............