Training

In past posts I have mentioned that for me, running is a pretty personal thing so I don’t often feel like sharing too much about it.  When I run, it’s like a battle within myself, it’s like I’m racing only me, even when I am surrounded by people.  So the highs and lows of a run, what I have to do to finish (some quick one minute walks breaks here and there)  it is all usually really hard.  Even the “good” runs are hard because it’s those times that I really push myself. 

But over the past few weeks, with so many generous donations to RMHC, I’ve been feeling compelled to share more about my training.  I’m humbled by all of the support from old friends, new friends, family and strangers.

I’ve mentioned before about some joint pain that I began struggling with after (during, actually) my half marathon in June.  I became very discouraged.  Even though I know I could keep running and even keep training for Chicago, it was a blow to my ego to become sooooo slooooow, basically overnight.  Before the half marathon I was averaging 10-11 min miles.  Not awesomely “Boston” worthy or anything, but respectable.  But with my new joint issues I was down to a 13 min average.  Still plenty "fast" enough to finish the marathon in the allotted time but I was crushed.  I felt old, heavy, tired and broken.  After ruling out any injury the doctor suspected Rheumatiod Arthritis because it runs in my family.  I was prescribed a mild NSAID and I started running again.  (For the first few weeks after the half I only ran a few short runs.  I already planned to take that break before I started having pain but I didn’t anticipate spending that break just praying that I didn’t have an injury- Thank God I didn’t!)

So anyway, I got back to training and I was feeling good, but not great, but I stuck to it anyway.  Then a friend suggested a try using a foam roller.  Amazing.  It helped a LOT!  I guess I just wasn’t getting a deep enough stretch.  THEN I started using KT tape.  I feel like I have new legs.  I feel stronger, faster, lighter and ABLE again.   Since I didn’t start using it until later in the training, it’s unlikely that my finishing time will get back to where I thought it would be back at the beginning but I am getting much faster.  Conservatively, I’m estimating that I will finish around 5:30 (hopefully!)  But truthfully, I’ll be pleased with anything under 6. 

I have a 20 miles run this weekend and then it's Taper Time!  (ugg!  That means I will have to stop eating so much....)

Here are some fun (?) facts about my training.

I am SO thankful for Josh, my parents and my inlaws.  They have all logged many hours watching Leah so I could go running.  THANK YOU.

KT tape and a foam roller (thank you Nancy!) have changed my life.

I often feel great at the beginning of a run but have a tough time right before the halfway point.  I try to break it up into segments (25% done, 50% done, etc) so once I am halfway done it feels like it's all downhill from there.  But right before the halfway point I usually hit a little wall.

NOTHING feels better than using my handheld bottle to pour a little bit of ice water onto my head while running on a hot day.

In races, I always walk through aid stations.  I walk to drink and to eat so that always slows down my finishing times a bit.  But I don’t mind, I’m just racing Me!  (I also wait in the lines for the bathrooms, I’ll keep some dignity.)

For me, the best music to keep a good pace is anything I can “sing” along to.  (yes, I silently mouth the words to all the songs I listen to when I run- it’s not weird.  Ok, it probably looks really weird but whatever-it keeps my mind occupied!)  Some of my favorite upbeat tunes are Luke Bryan, anything Justin Timberlake and SHOWTUNES!  Yup.  I’m letting you in on some of my embarrassing little running secrets.  I also like to listen to songs from TV shows and movies I like- good memories!

I love Lululemon Speed shorts and will no longer run in anything else.  I hope they hold up well being washed a lot because they cost a small fortune and I will not be buying another pair.

Yurbuds are amazing.  Thanks to Gene for sending me his extra pair of rubber attachments so I could stick them on my Apple earbuds to mimic the Yurbud on the cheap.  (I have since purchased a pair of womens Yurbuds and I LOVE them)

I got tired of GU gels REAL quick and now I’m loving Sport Beans and Stinger Vanilla Waffles (actually, I’m planning to try a PBJ during my 20 miler this weekend to see if that helps fill me up better.  Probably around mile 13)

I hate running belts so I’m using some narrow (cute!) duct tape to attach my “fuel” to my small SPI belt.  After a few experimental runs, this is the method I’ve found that works.

Oakley Warm Up polarized sunglasses save my eyes from the rays and prevent headaches from too much sun.  They are so comfortable I don’t even know they’re there. 

During the summer I ran with a handheld water bottle.  I had two different bottle inserts so one could stay frozen in the freezer and I could keep swapping them out.

During the summer (esp in FL) I also used to completely wet my hair and twist it up into a bun before leaving to run.  It was SO HOT outside!

I could not do this without my Garmin watch or iPod shuffle.

The Body Shop’s cooling peppermint leg gel is heavenly.

I used to tuck one of leah's baby wash cloths into my handheld bottle on extra hot and sweaty days.  

When I’m running outside I always carry pepper spray.  I attached it to one of those ID leash things that some people use for work and then clip that to my shorts.

I love to see my shoes covered in names.  I feel loved and supported and I'm so happy that those names represent much needed donations to RMH.  Go Team ADPi!

I miss Caroline and I wish we were doing this together but I am SO overjoyed for her and little baby "swiftwick".  Thank you for encouraging me to sign up for this race (AND Disney in January! lol)  We will "yog" together in a race one day!

I am excited for Chicago!