With marathon #11 coming up this weekend (VEGAS!) , I’ve been thinking of goals now that breaking 3:15 is out of the way. While doing my thinking, I’ve made a couple of realizations. And then had a huge headache.
I underestimate myself a lot of times and make my goals way too easy. Or don’t even set goals for many races.
So I am gonna get real about goals. No more pansy, wimpy 3 tiered goals (A is the real goal, B is the second place, and C being the loser consolation goal). I am going to make BOLD, DEFIANT, GUTSY goals. And I’m going to make them loud and public.
If I don’t make my goal, I fail. And you’re gonna see it. But that’s ok; that’s part of life. You can learn as much from your failures as your successes.
My goal for Rock N Roll Las Vegas is to finish sub-3:13 and be tougher mentally through the second half of the race. 3:12:59 will do fine (that would be a new PR and should land me top-25 among women).
So my next BIG marathon goal is to run a marathon sub 3:10. Again, 3:09:59 will do fine. I’m crapping my pants as I type this. It’s gonna be tough to run 26.2 sub- 7:15 min miles. I’m not gonna do it this Sunday, but I will do it. Eventually.
Not that I've got my mind on a sub 3:13 goal this weekend, I am conflicted how to approach it strategically. I like running with the pace group because they tend to run even splits and get you to the finish line right on schedule. For San Antonio, I ran with the 3:15 pace group and actually hated them - until I crossed the finish line and then absolutely LOVED them since they got me across the finish line in 3:13. The pace for a 3:15 marathon is 7:27, and the 3:15 pace group for San Antonio was consistently running at a faster pace than that...which ended up working out well for me because I was able to hang on, but I was terrified the whole time that we were starting out too fast and I would eventually crash and burn.
Which brings me to my next dilemma for the Vegas race. Which pace group do I run with? There is a 3:10 and a 3:15 pace group. Do I run with the 3:15 pace group for the first 2o miles and then try to pick it up the last 6 in order to make a 3:12 marathon? Or, do I attempt to run with the 3:10 pace group for as long as I can and allow myself that two minute cushion when I start to get tired (and just hope I don't crash and burn).
I've still yet to make up my mind as to how I will approach this race. I could always run with neither pace group and try to hit the necessary mile splits on my own, but that is always a difficult thing to do.
Nonetheless, my trip will be great because Brett Michaels is playing the post-race concert Sunday night and I love me some Brett Michaels!!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Interesting Article...
I came across the following article on being a Vegetarian at Thanksgiving, and found it very interesting (and very relatable).
Check it out HERE.
I have never been a big fan of Thanksgiving food - I don't eat Turkey or Ham - nor do I like pie, so I have never gotten super excited about gorging on Thanksgiving (unlike my husband who is happy to eat my portion). It's pretty likely that I will have a salad, whole grain rice & a peanut butter sandwich for Thanksgiving dinner....not exciting to most, but it works for me.
We'll be heading up the I-35 corridor to Dallas for two nights to visit the in-laws, and then back to Georgetown on Friday. We will be Turkey Trottin' in Dallas on Thanksgiving morning - participating in an 8-mile race which should be lots of fun. We'll also have two bassets in tow...should be an interesting trip.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Check it out HERE.
I have never been a big fan of Thanksgiving food - I don't eat Turkey or Ham - nor do I like pie, so I have never gotten super excited about gorging on Thanksgiving (unlike my husband who is happy to eat my portion). It's pretty likely that I will have a salad, whole grain rice & a peanut butter sandwich for Thanksgiving dinner....not exciting to most, but it works for me.
We'll be heading up the I-35 corridor to Dallas for two nights to visit the in-laws, and then back to Georgetown on Friday. We will be Turkey Trottin' in Dallas on Thanksgiving morning - participating in an 8-mile race which should be lots of fun. We'll also have two bassets in tow...should be an interesting trip.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 22, 2010
It's Back: The Office Luncheon
Some of you may remember my posts from this time last year regarding the ever-dreaded (to me) Office Holiday Luncheon.
During lunch time today I will be swimming, then afterwards I’ll sitting at my desk eating my packed lunch alone. Don’t feel sorry for me, though. The hardest part is over.
You see, I’m a faithful brown bagger. The majority of my colleagues go out to lunch every day, but I use my lunch hour to work out.
But today is the Office Holiday Thanksgiving Luncheon. I quit going to these for several reasons: 1) There is literally nothing I can eat. Just to give you an idea, the menu includes ham, deep fried turkey, frito pie, chocolate pie and other unhealthy items. While this probably sounds great to some, it just doesn't to me. 2) In the past, I would make an effort to bring something healthy, like a fruit or veggie tray. But I would be the only one who would eat it and then be the asshole who brought fruit to the Thanksgiving Lunch. 3) There are always several no-fail comments from one particular co-worker about how I never eat anything at so-called lunch or probably at all, which must be the reason I'm so skinny. 4) I prefer to use my lunch hour to workout. And, it is after all, my lunch hour.
Saying no to the holiday lunch is no easy feat. In addition to the email reminders I’ve received for the past few days, about 10 people stopped by my desk this morning to remind me. “It’s the office luncheon today! I know you normally bring a lunch, but you’re coming today, right?” I politely declined. “You’re not coming? Oh, come on, you can eat leftovers any day! It’s the office luncheon!” Through all the pressure, I stood my ground.
Many people just cannot fathom why I wouldn’t want to join them. They think that if they ask me several times with varying degrees of insistence, I might change my mind. Some people get downright pushy. While I appreciate the invitations, enough is enough.
Now before you label me an evil antisocial Thanksgiving hater, hear me out. I like (most of) my co-workers. But, to be perfectly honest, I have never been one to get excited about Thanksgiving cuisine. I don't eat turkey, nor do I like stuffing, cranberry sauce or pie. So, when Thanksgiving rolls around this Thursday, I will probably have a salad. And, today is the only day this week I'll be able to swim, so I am not going to skip that to sit in on a lunch where I wouldn't eat anything anyways.
So, No I Don't Want to Eat Your Thanksgiving Lunch, But I Still Like You!
During lunch time today I will be swimming, then afterwards I’ll sitting at my desk eating my packed lunch alone. Don’t feel sorry for me, though. The hardest part is over.
You see, I’m a faithful brown bagger. The majority of my colleagues go out to lunch every day, but I use my lunch hour to work out.
But today is the Office Holiday Thanksgiving Luncheon. I quit going to these for several reasons: 1) There is literally nothing I can eat. Just to give you an idea, the menu includes ham, deep fried turkey, frito pie, chocolate pie and other unhealthy items. While this probably sounds great to some, it just doesn't to me. 2) In the past, I would make an effort to bring something healthy, like a fruit or veggie tray. But I would be the only one who would eat it and then be the asshole who brought fruit to the Thanksgiving Lunch. 3) There are always several no-fail comments from one particular co-worker about how I never eat anything at so-called lunch or probably at all, which must be the reason I'm so skinny. 4) I prefer to use my lunch hour to workout. And, it is after all, my lunch hour.
Saying no to the holiday lunch is no easy feat. In addition to the email reminders I’ve received for the past few days, about 10 people stopped by my desk this morning to remind me. “It’s the office luncheon today! I know you normally bring a lunch, but you’re coming today, right?” I politely declined. “You’re not coming? Oh, come on, you can eat leftovers any day! It’s the office luncheon!” Through all the pressure, I stood my ground.
Many people just cannot fathom why I wouldn’t want to join them. They think that if they ask me several times with varying degrees of insistence, I might change my mind. Some people get downright pushy. While I appreciate the invitations, enough is enough.
Now before you label me an evil antisocial Thanksgiving hater, hear me out. I like (most of) my co-workers. But, to be perfectly honest, I have never been one to get excited about Thanksgiving cuisine. I don't eat turkey, nor do I like stuffing, cranberry sauce or pie. So, when Thanksgiving rolls around this Thursday, I will probably have a salad. And, today is the only day this week I'll be able to swim, so I am not going to skip that to sit in on a lunch where I wouldn't eat anything anyways.
So, No I Don't Want to Eat Your Thanksgiving Lunch, But I Still Like You!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Jean Rant
I'm taking a break today from training talk to discuss something that has been bothering me: Blue jeans fit lousy these days. I cannot for the life of me find a pair of blue jeans that fits my body properly.
I am fortunate enough to work in an office where it is acceptable to wear blue jeans on a daily basis; and everyone does. I, of course, would like to follow suit. The problem is that I only have three pairs of blue jeans that fit me well; and only two are appropriate for an office setting (don't think the ones with the 'fashionable' holes in the knees will make the cut). However, after discovering a hole in the crotch last week in one of the pairs I regularly wear, I know only have one pair if suitable blue jeans. And, I am getting tired of wearing the same blue jeans to work every day (and I am sure everyone is tired of seeing them).
It has always been difficult for me to find jeans that fit properly due to my curvy body type. It was gotten 10x worse with Ironman/Marathon training (lost weight in my waist but my legs are more muscular)and the new style of blue jeans in general. When I get jeans that will clear my thighs and butt, the waist is ridiculous! There is no amount of belt that makes it look okay.
First, I will start off by saying that I refuse to wear skinny jeans. No offense to those of you who wear them, but there is nothing skinny about my legs, hence I would look ridiculous in skinny jeans. I honestly think that skinny jeans only look good on only 1 in 100 people. But the damn things have taken over the stores!
So, the other day, I went in search of jeans. I can sometimes find jeans in one of two places: either Old Navy or Express. Those are my options, and not great ones at that. My former favorite hole-in-the-crotch pair were Stella BOOTCUTS (aka wide leg) from Express. I head there in search of the same pair. I am usually either a size 4 or sometimes a 2 so I make my first attempt with a size 4 pair of BOOTCUT jeans. I put them on and immediately we have a problem; they are like skinny jeans on me. Seriously, my thighs are bulging out of these jeans BUT they are way too big in the waist.
I know there is no way in hell my thighs are fitting in a size 2, although the waist would probably be perfect. *Le Sigh* (not to mention the jeans were $80, WTF!)
My other pair of jeans that fit were from Old Navy so I head over there. There are like 10 zillion different styles of jeans first of all, but like Express, the so-called Wide Leg jeans were no bueno for me.
I have this idea that the cut of jeans has become increasingly worse because everybody’s copying each other. People launching a denim line grab a pair of the best selling brand in the market and copy it line for line, errors and all. Dear Clothiers, I need lube to fit into the legs of your jeans and a safety pin to keep them from slipping down my waist.
Dan wonders why I wear sweat pants, athletic clothing or PJ pants on the weekends....
I am fortunate enough to work in an office where it is acceptable to wear blue jeans on a daily basis; and everyone does. I, of course, would like to follow suit. The problem is that I only have three pairs of blue jeans that fit me well; and only two are appropriate for an office setting (don't think the ones with the 'fashionable' holes in the knees will make the cut). However, after discovering a hole in the crotch last week in one of the pairs I regularly wear, I know only have one pair if suitable blue jeans. And, I am getting tired of wearing the same blue jeans to work every day (and I am sure everyone is tired of seeing them).
It has always been difficult for me to find jeans that fit properly due to my curvy body type. It was gotten 10x worse with Ironman/Marathon training (lost weight in my waist but my legs are more muscular)and the new style of blue jeans in general. When I get jeans that will clear my thighs and butt, the waist is ridiculous! There is no amount of belt that makes it look okay.
First, I will start off by saying that I refuse to wear skinny jeans. No offense to those of you who wear them, but there is nothing skinny about my legs, hence I would look ridiculous in skinny jeans. I honestly think that skinny jeans only look good on only 1 in 100 people. But the damn things have taken over the stores!
So, the other day, I went in search of jeans. I can sometimes find jeans in one of two places: either Old Navy or Express. Those are my options, and not great ones at that. My former favorite hole-in-the-crotch pair were Stella BOOTCUTS (aka wide leg) from Express. I head there in search of the same pair. I am usually either a size 4 or sometimes a 2 so I make my first attempt with a size 4 pair of BOOTCUT jeans. I put them on and immediately we have a problem; they are like skinny jeans on me. Seriously, my thighs are bulging out of these jeans BUT they are way too big in the waist.
I know there is no way in hell my thighs are fitting in a size 2, although the waist would probably be perfect. *Le Sigh* (not to mention the jeans were $80, WTF!)
My other pair of jeans that fit were from Old Navy so I head over there. There are like 10 zillion different styles of jeans first of all, but like Express, the so-called Wide Leg jeans were no bueno for me.
I have this idea that the cut of jeans has become increasingly worse because everybody’s copying each other. People launching a denim line grab a pair of the best selling brand in the market and copy it line for line, errors and all. Dear Clothiers, I need lube to fit into the legs of your jeans and a safety pin to keep them from slipping down my waist.
Dan wonders why I wear sweat pants, athletic clothing or PJ pants on the weekends....
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wordless Wednesday
(Photo from Sunday's marathon just after crossing the finish line. High fiving one of the guys I ran with. This is the only photo suitable to post, the rest look like I got hit by a mack truck.)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Why I love to run
Sometimes I am asked what it is about running that I love so much. I always pause, taken aback by the question, as if I am being asked why I love my husband, my family, my friends, or my dogs.
I just do.
But after probing more into my instinctual and immediate response, I start to realize that there are many reasons why I love to run. The answer I give you will depend on the day, the distance, the time, my mood, my body, my sleep, and various other factors.
This morning the reason I ran was for mental health.
I knew it was going to be a busy day at work as we are preparing for a workshop we're hosting on Friday. I knew that today’s run would serve the purpose of boosting my mental health and centering me, preparing for the work ahead. Today I just craved a run like nothing else.
I am still what most professional runners would consider a novice. I didn't run in high school or college. I don't have a running coach, nor am I part of an elite running team. But, I love to run.
Running to me, is a cathartic, euphoric experience. Everything is quiet, my mind can wander. I feel like when I am running, I am the best of who I am. I feel strong, confidant, and satisfied.
Running is like a drug for me and I am thankful every day that I get to go out and pound the pavement. Life is good when I can get in a good run.
I just do.
But after probing more into my instinctual and immediate response, I start to realize that there are many reasons why I love to run. The answer I give you will depend on the day, the distance, the time, my mood, my body, my sleep, and various other factors.
This morning the reason I ran was for mental health.
I knew it was going to be a busy day at work as we are preparing for a workshop we're hosting on Friday. I knew that today’s run would serve the purpose of boosting my mental health and centering me, preparing for the work ahead. Today I just craved a run like nothing else.
I am still what most professional runners would consider a novice. I didn't run in high school or college. I don't have a running coach, nor am I part of an elite running team. But, I love to run.
Running to me, is a cathartic, euphoric experience. Everything is quiet, my mind can wander. I feel like when I am running, I am the best of who I am. I feel strong, confidant, and satisfied.
Running is like a drug for me and I am thankful every day that I get to go out and pound the pavement. Life is good when I can get in a good run.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Lucky #10!
Sunday was the San Antonio Marathon - marathon #10 and marathon #1 of 4 in 4 months. I am going to call it Lucky #10 (which has always been my favorite # by the way and was my soccer # growing up).
I was pretty quiet about my goals going into this race. People would ask me what my goal was for San Antonio, and I said I didn't have one. Which was kind of a lie. Secretly I wanted to PR - okay, I always want to PR - which would mean besting my Houston Marathon time of 3:15:35. I didn't know if I could do it; I knew I had been training hard, but I didn't know if I had a sub-3:15 in me. It nearly killed me to run a 3:15 in Houston - and that was on a perfect course, in perfect conditions.
Apparently, I did have it in me. I crossed the finish line in 3:13:18, good for 9th place overall woman and first place in my age group.
Yesterday, I lied to my husband. He asked me if I was a little bit emotional when I crossed the finish line at the San Antonio Marathon and I told him I wasn’t. It wasn’t a total lie, however. Because by the time I crossed the line, I had pretty much gathered my shit together. Back at mile 25 when I finally KNEW that I was going to make a sub 3:15 marathon, that’s a different story–yes I was a little emotional. More than a little emotional. I got choked up when people cheered for me, when the little kids stretched out their hands for high 5′s, and when I made the final turn and headed for home. So Dan, sorry I lied, I was little bit emotional–but not at the finish line.
When I got to the finish line, I wasn’t feeling so hot either. I must have had this glassy eyed stare because some guy actually made me talk to him before he’d let me leave and get my medal. He asked me if I was OK and I ignored him. So he asked again, a little bit louder so that I knew it wasn’t an optional question. This time I snapped out of it and muttered something in the affirmative.
So, race report...I’ve been struggling with writing this section. How much information do you guys want? I could write every detail, or I could just keep the minutiae for myself. In the end, I decided to keep it short and simple (you're welcome).
The day was perfect for running—cool temperatures and slightly overcast. Dan and I got there in plenty of time to stow our gear, hit the bathrooms, line up for the national anthem and take off on our journey through the great town of San Antonio.
This marathon flew by for me. Literally, the miles ticked by with ease. I think, for me, with my last marathon having been at the end of my Ironman, following a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike - this seemed like a piece of cake. I would have never said this a few years ago. In fact, just to prove to you that anyone has the ability to improve tremendouly through hard work, my first marathon I ran just over 4 hours. My second marathon was even slower - 4:38 (and I think I swore NEVER AGAIN!).
Everything was great until Mile 23. Mile 23 was my wall. But this wall turned out to be pretty flimsy. Maybe it was made out of cardboard, I don’t know. I wasn’t feeling very chipper anymore, and my pace slowed a bit. I also was feeling some pain in the top of my left foot and outside of my ankle. It was at this point that I had a serious conversation about how little I had left to run. I told myself that there was no reason for me not to accomplish ALL of my goals for the day.
My mind bought into the pep talk and allowed my body to keep running. At mile 24, I was still coaxing my body along, but at mile 25 I could smell the finish. I picked up the pace to the best of my ability and headed for home. I crossed the finish line in 3 hours 13 minutes and 18 seconds. My pace for the day was 7:23 minutes per mile.
So now it’s been almost 24 hours since I finished the race. I have a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I’m walking around (a little stiffly) with a huge grin on my face, internally telling myself that I’m awesome. Maybe even saying out loud when I’m at home. I’m really happy that I was able to accomplish this goal.
So there you have it. I ran a sub-3:15 MARATHON! Why do I bring this up? Because if I can do it, then so can you! It doesn’t matter what your “marathon” is. If there’s something you want to do, then make it a priority and get it done. Don’t quit, don’t stop fighting. If you keep telling yourself you’re strong, then one day you’ll actually believe it. How do I know this, because that’s what happened to me.
Next up: VEGAS BABY on 12/5!
I was pretty quiet about my goals going into this race. People would ask me what my goal was for San Antonio, and I said I didn't have one. Which was kind of a lie. Secretly I wanted to PR - okay, I always want to PR - which would mean besting my Houston Marathon time of 3:15:35. I didn't know if I could do it; I knew I had been training hard, but I didn't know if I had a sub-3:15 in me. It nearly killed me to run a 3:15 in Houston - and that was on a perfect course, in perfect conditions.
Apparently, I did have it in me. I crossed the finish line in 3:13:18, good for 9th place overall woman and first place in my age group.
Yesterday, I lied to my husband. He asked me if I was a little bit emotional when I crossed the finish line at the San Antonio Marathon and I told him I wasn’t. It wasn’t a total lie, however. Because by the time I crossed the line, I had pretty much gathered my shit together. Back at mile 25 when I finally KNEW that I was going to make a sub 3:15 marathon, that’s a different story–yes I was a little emotional. More than a little emotional. I got choked up when people cheered for me, when the little kids stretched out their hands for high 5′s, and when I made the final turn and headed for home. So Dan, sorry I lied, I was little bit emotional–but not at the finish line.
When I got to the finish line, I wasn’t feeling so hot either. I must have had this glassy eyed stare because some guy actually made me talk to him before he’d let me leave and get my medal. He asked me if I was OK and I ignored him. So he asked again, a little bit louder so that I knew it wasn’t an optional question. This time I snapped out of it and muttered something in the affirmative.
So, race report...I’ve been struggling with writing this section. How much information do you guys want? I could write every detail, or I could just keep the minutiae for myself. In the end, I decided to keep it short and simple (you're welcome).
The day was perfect for running—cool temperatures and slightly overcast. Dan and I got there in plenty of time to stow our gear, hit the bathrooms, line up for the national anthem and take off on our journey through the great town of San Antonio.
This marathon flew by for me. Literally, the miles ticked by with ease. I think, for me, with my last marathon having been at the end of my Ironman, following a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike - this seemed like a piece of cake. I would have never said this a few years ago. In fact, just to prove to you that anyone has the ability to improve tremendouly through hard work, my first marathon I ran just over 4 hours. My second marathon was even slower - 4:38 (and I think I swore NEVER AGAIN!).
Everything was great until Mile 23. Mile 23 was my wall. But this wall turned out to be pretty flimsy. Maybe it was made out of cardboard, I don’t know. I wasn’t feeling very chipper anymore, and my pace slowed a bit. I also was feeling some pain in the top of my left foot and outside of my ankle. It was at this point that I had a serious conversation about how little I had left to run. I told myself that there was no reason for me not to accomplish ALL of my goals for the day.
My mind bought into the pep talk and allowed my body to keep running. At mile 24, I was still coaxing my body along, but at mile 25 I could smell the finish. I picked up the pace to the best of my ability and headed for home. I crossed the finish line in 3 hours 13 minutes and 18 seconds. My pace for the day was 7:23 minutes per mile.
So now it’s been almost 24 hours since I finished the race. I have a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I’m walking around (a little stiffly) with a huge grin on my face, internally telling myself that I’m awesome. Maybe even saying out loud when I’m at home. I’m really happy that I was able to accomplish this goal.
So there you have it. I ran a sub-3:15 MARATHON! Why do I bring this up? Because if I can do it, then so can you! It doesn’t matter what your “marathon” is. If there’s something you want to do, then make it a priority and get it done. Don’t quit, don’t stop fighting. If you keep telling yourself you’re strong, then one day you’ll actually believe it. How do I know this, because that’s what happened to me.
Next up: VEGAS BABY on 12/5!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Where I've Been...
Well friends, this may have been the longest hiatus I've taken from posting, even longer than the time I deliberately took a hiatus. I've had three of the busiest weeks imaginable, both on the work and personal fronts, so sharing updates took a backseat.
Here's what I've been up too: Work, work and more work. Last week turned into a not-so-magical week. I had a huge event Thursday that required a huge preparation and resulted in little sleep. I fought back by squeezing in as many workouts as possible, making me feel like I retained some level of control.
I've also been racing a lot, which has been a Catch 22 of sorts - I love it and it keeps me motivated, but it takes away on any sleeping in/catching up on sleep on the weekends.
I'm also in catch-up mode reporting on my races, post Longhorn 70.3. Here's the quick and dirty - the week after Longhorn, I ran the Doggy Dash 5k and finished in 19:51 (4th woman overall; top 3 women won money...go figure). Yesterday, I ran the Run for the Water 10 miler in 1:09:18, slightly bettering my time from last year (1:09:49). I was the 12th overall woman out of
569 women, and 4th in my age group.
This weekend - you guessed it - is more races! Just short ones. Both Dan and I are racing a 5k in Georgetown on Saturday, and a 4-miler on Sunday in Sugar Land (we'll be there for a wedding so figured why not...). The weekend after that is the San Antonio marathon.
Let the good times roll!
Here's what I've been up too: Work, work and more work. Last week turned into a not-so-magical week. I had a huge event Thursday that required a huge preparation and resulted in little sleep. I fought back by squeezing in as many workouts as possible, making me feel like I retained some level of control.
I've also been racing a lot, which has been a Catch 22 of sorts - I love it and it keeps me motivated, but it takes away on any sleeping in/catching up on sleep on the weekends.
I'm also in catch-up mode reporting on my races, post Longhorn 70.3. Here's the quick and dirty - the week after Longhorn, I ran the Doggy Dash 5k and finished in 19:51 (4th woman overall; top 3 women won money...go figure). Yesterday, I ran the Run for the Water 10 miler in 1:09:18, slightly bettering my time from last year (1:09:49). I was the 12th overall woman out of
569 women, and 4th in my age group.
This weekend - you guessed it - is more races! Just short ones. Both Dan and I are racing a 5k in Georgetown on Saturday, and a 4-miler on Sunday in Sugar Land (we'll be there for a wedding so figured why not...). The weekend after that is the San Antonio marathon.
Let the good times roll!
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