fireinthebelly

new POSTING SITE

2008-04-27T19:44:00.001-05:00

i have switched to

afuntanilla.wordpress.com - i am just getting started with the site. hope to see you there!

the Flip side

2008-04-26T14:27:00.004-05:00

I am disappointed to report this last week has not been a good one for my running. and it's upsetting. I hired a coach about 2 weeks ago and I have a schedule now. I hired the coach because i feel like i need the coaching of someone who is experienced, especially with ultra running. My goal is to finish a 50 Miler, strong. I have other goals too, but this is the main one right now. Starting off with my coach and having a crappy running week does not feel good. Last saturday I ran the trail half-marathon and felt happy! I was giddy-like afterwards. Then the running week started on tuesday:

4/21/08: 5 miles/48:30/9:42 pace - treadmill
4/22/08: 4.5 miles/43:14/9:36 pace - outside, hills
4/26/08: 6 miles/59:44/9:57 pace - outside, hills

I was also to run on Thursday, but i missed it. I had no time unless i wanted to get up and run at 5:30am and I am just not real comfortable doing that right now...in the morning darkness

Wednesday's run and todays felt like crap. I felt incredibly sluggish. Legs felt very tight and heavy. I EVEN GOT A MASSAGE LAST NIGHT. A mild one > not very deep at all. Of course, I wish i felt differently. But, all this really messes with my mind...these were some of my thoughts today during the run:"my coach is gonna think i suck", "what is wrong with me?", "what if i am not able to run 50 miler?" "what does that mean for me?" "maybe i should take a break?" and on and on...even the music on my iPOD could not drone out my pounding thoughts. and even my rising anger could not make it any better (which is often times does)

I hope some of ya'll out there can relate??

Race Report: Granite Grinder Trail Half-Marathon

2008-04-20T09:08:00.003-05:00

Awesome. Fun. Challenging.
Yesterday, I ran the Granite GrinderLooking at the course map and profile and having run some of these trails before, i knew i was in for a challenge. Also, I ran 3 days during the week so I was curious to see how my legs would do. I wasn't concerned with time. My focus was to enjoy it and practice. My longer goal is to finish a 50 miler this year.
With just a 1-2-3 GO for the race start, we were off and running. The course was a mix of grassy meadow crossings, narrow, single-track technical trails, granite slab sections and lots of up and downs. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I found myself smiling a lot and going as fast as i could on the downhill sections. It was so fun and free-ing! The uphills were tough and i just took my time. It was gorgeous scenery all around. It had rained the night and early morning prior, leaving some sections good and muddy. At one point, i just directly went into a big muddle puddle rather than shift around it as some of the folks in front of me had done. Heck...it isn't a trail run if you aren't gonna get muddy, right! I also took 2 wrong turns on the course and this probably cost me about 3-5 minutes off my time. Again, this is bound to happen in a trail race. The first 6 miles were the toughest but they did throw in a good steep section at mile 11.5! Soon enough I was headed for the finish line clock. 2:31 (not counting for lost time)
Great post-race. Lots of bagels, peanut butter, donuts, bananas, water, Vitamin Water (which i tried for 1st time and really like it) and a great Brooks TECHNICAL race shirt.
I will definitely do this race again and I hope these folks put on more! A great job. Most fun I have had in a race in quite some time!!

April 19: 2:31/13.1 miles/11:31 pace - trails
April 17: 39:03/4 miles/9:46 pace - road
April 16: 58:52/6 miles/9:48 pace - road
April 15: 30:23/3.25 miles/9:20 pace - treadmill

2008-04-17T05:30:00.003-05:00

"those who say that i will lose and am finished will have to run over my body to beat me."

-Said Aouita

the back nine

2008-04-13T07:26:00.004-05:00

4/13/08: 6.15 mile run/1:00/9:46 pace
4/12/08: 4 miles trail/42:31/10:37 pace - again at Chattahoochee. Different trail. Good 'n' muddy!
4/11/08: 20 minutes Swim
4/9/08: 3 mile run
4/8/08: 2 miles/17:45/8:44 pace

I was glad to get out on the trail again on Saturday. The more I go to that location, I will be more familiar with it and able to go longer distances without getting lost. Good running weather this weekend although it was a bit windy today. I feel like I am getting sick of running in some of the same areas so going to trail yesterday was great and then today I went into an area I had not been in a while. A different scene is good!
I'm just about committed to getting a coach. I feel like I am at a point where I could use valuable advice and coaching if I am to 1) finish a 50 miler strong and 2) improve my speed overall.

I will keep you posted. I feel like it is worth the investment.

Watched a lot of the MASTERS this weekend. Awesome! Can't play golf, but sure love watching the majors!!

2008-04-07T19:38:00.003-05:00

4/6/08 -AM workout = 43:23 trail run @ chattahoochee trailsPM workout = 36:35/8.69 mile bike ride

I went trail running for the first time in a looong time. It was not easy. Part of the trail i was on was steep and technical. a good thing though since I signed up for the Granite Grinder coming up in 2 weeks. It was pretty muddy out there since we have had some rain...got my new Solomons all dirty....aw shucks....

I need a good challenge.

yeah, c'mon!!

what's inside?

2008-04-05T16:12:00.004-05:00

4/5/08: 20 min swim, 20:35 run - 2.25 miles/9:08 pace
4/3/08: 30 minutes basketball
4/1/08: 2 miles/20:35

Took the week easy after the half-marathon last weekend. Mixed it up with some basketball at the gym and the then got into the pool for the first time in about 2 years. I am not a good swimmer. I barely know how to swim..so when i do get in, I am definitely going beyond my comfort zones. But, isn't that what brings meaning to our lives...going beyond what is comfortable so that we can grow? If we always stick to the same things, how we will ever learn more about ourselves? You can apply this to anything, of course. Today just happened to be swimming. I was uncomfortable. I even waited for an open lane cause i didn't want to share with someone else. I am self-conscious in the pool. I feel like I stand out as someone who isn't very skilled(i realize of course that no one is probably paying any attention to me)
The swimming itself was hard. I felt like i labored for 20 minutes. I guess that i shouldn't expect anything different since I have not swam for 2 years, at least. I went in today to do something different and mix it up a bit. I will go back and I will still feel uncomfortable...but that's ok. My life isn't about feeling good all the time. I need the experience of that which is uncomfortable. It allows me reflection and contemplation...crucial things for living my life.

ING Half-Marathon: Race Report

2008-04-01T19:32:00.003-05:00

Let's start with the weather since it played such a huge part in last years race when I ran (suffered through) the marathon. Last year, temperatures got into the 80's. It was just a flukey weather day! All I wanted this year was cooler temperatures for my first race of 2008. AND BOY, DID I GET IT!!!
Saturday arrived and it was another warm day but forecast for Sunday was much cooler and some rain. Well, it rained throughout the night and into the wee hours of Sunday morning. I was not at all opposed to possibly having to run in the rain, just please weather gods/goddesses, NO WIND. Please. I hate running in wind.

As soon as I woke up and did my morning routine of coffee and powerbar...i knew I would have a good day. it's just a feeling i get. This is in direct contrast to last year when i woke up and i did not have this feeling at all. And i had a crappy race that day.
Anyways...my friend who was not running agreed to pick me up at 6am and come with me for support. WHAT A GAL!! The temperatures were about 40 degrees with a little wind. We arrived at the start and I somehow found my starting area. It was pretty chaotic, actually....a bit of a congested area with no real clear signs or anything. The start was smack in front of Centennial Olympic Park.
Diana DiGarmo who won American Idol a while ago (she is a local girl) sang the national anthem, which was pretty neat. I love those moments. The singing of the anthem when all else is quiet and everyone is within themselves with their own thoughts. I love watching people's faces during these moments.
Soon enough, at the stroke of 7am!! the race began. I wore nylon adidas pants and jacket and a cap. I did not have gloves. I figured i could toss my pants if i got to hot, but that moment never came. Actually, it even felt much colder toward the end around mile 11. I started out fast with mile 1 about 8:41 and I knew i had to sloooow down. Little by little I did and was on a good pace for current level of training. This was my longest run since JFK last November. I took 2 gels and a bunch of water. I got a little tired around mile 9-11 miles, but I just remained focused. The last 1.5 miles was pretty rough actually...a long, drawn out hilly area by Georgia Tech and then a finish line that seemed very elusive...a lot of zig zags through the park..you couldn't even really sprint at the end because of this layout..but I wasn't gonna be sprinting anyway. :)
All in all, I am satisfied with the race and result. I finished in line with my expectations.

Next up is a TRAIL HALF-MARATHON in about 3 weeks. Yes!!

ING Half-Marathon// 2:08:41

2008-03-30T17:13:00.001-05:00

Details to follow..

13233

2008-03-29T15:31:00.003-05:00

13233: This is my BIB for the race tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the challenge. this will be my first race of 2008 and my first half-marathon since February of 2007. Before I began the training for this event, I had a goal of beating 2 hours, which would be a 1st for me. The best I have done at this distance was back in 1999 during my FIRST ever half-marathon in San Francisco. I finished 2:01. The closest I have come to this is in back to back years at Mercedes Half-Marathon in Birmingham in 2006, 2007 at 2:03 each -- and that is a hilly course.
So, we does that leave me now...? Well, bases on my training times and mileage, I think I finish between 2:05-2:10. If I finish more than 2:10, i will be disappointed; if before 2:05, very happy! I simply have not put in enough mileage or better training to go under 2 hours so for the foreseeable future, that will remain a goal.

Went to the expo and picked up my stuff. Cool, yet very overwhelming. Major Stimuli!! Forecast for tomorrow morning is between 45-50 degrees and rain. Sounds great to me. Much better than last year when it was in the 70's.

I have a few colleagues running in the race and I wish us all and all the other troopers tomorrow a fun and fulfilling race day!!

Cheers!

Stoking the Fire

2008-03-23T18:57:00.004-05:00

FIRE IN THE BELLY - "an unquenchable thirst for power or glory; the burning drive to win a race or achieve a goal. As a political phrase, the expression is usually used to indicate a Presidential candidates' desire to win, particularly the willingness to endure the long contest.

March 23: 10 miles/1:39:39/9:59 pace
March 22: 4 miles/39:00/9:47 pace
march 20: 2 miles/17:14/8:37 pace
March 18: 2.3 miles/20:35/8:57 pace

Ankle isn't feeling better or worse. Been icing and stretching. I woke up Sunday morning feeling edgy/cranky. I was going to put on some mellow/meditative music, but then I realized I didn't want to...I wanted to keep the edginess cause I knew it would help me have a better run....and it did! 10 good miles w/ hills mixed in. I am still not where I want to be in terms of weekly mileage, but inching my way there. Next Sunday is ING HALF. Should be a good/fun day.

New Shoes

2008-03-21T09:21:00.003-05:00

See my latest shoes HERE
(give it a few seconds to load...it's the RED ones)

Now, I just gotta get myself to a TRAIL!! Oh yeah!

C'mon! Step it up!

weekend wrap

2008-03-17T19:45:00.002-05:00

March 16: 8 miles/1:19:33/9:56 pace
March 15: 5.35 miles/51:50/9:41 pace

Saturday, we uh..had a uh...tornado watch! Yep, if you have not already heard, last friday night, a tornado made its way through Atlanta and Saturday, we were still on watch. Thankfully, the damage is not all too widespread, but pretty unnerving, nonetheless.

So..i was on treadmill on Saturday. Sunday was gorgeous and I was happy to be outside. I did, however, run by some of the damaged areas and it was sad and scary. A loft I lived in about 3 years ago was badly damaged. WHEW! Glad I am not there anymore.

It was great to be outside and running along with no iPOD. I listened to my breath and to the world around me. I thought about those people who have Lupus and who may not be able to run. I thought about how lucky I am. To live in a free land and to be healthy. What more is there?

Train Smart!

ice & om...

2008-03-13T20:44:00.002-05:00

March 13: yoga lesson
March 11: 3 miles/25:15/8:25 pace

I've been having some strange aches and pains with my ankles & heels, especially on my left foot. What's strange is that the lateral area of my left ankle is not swollen, but is tender. It doesn't even bother me when i run, but it will hurt when i grab my foot/ankle area to do a quad stretch. And my heel areas are bugging me -- maybe my achilles is just real tight, which could definitely be it...or perhaps something else. Anyway, I have been icing my ankle just as a preventative measure and it does feel better afterwards. I also have been using a massage tool. I've work my Gastrocnemius and Flexor Digitorum Longus muscles. Damn, those muscles gets TIGHT!!

Tonight, I was fortunate to receive a free yoga lesson from a client/friend. It was strenuous, peaceful, and very balancing to an incredibly stressful yet exciting week. I hope this gets me started on some kind of consistent yoga path as it is something I have wanted to do for a while.

I have intentionally laid low this week from the miles in hopes my ankle will be less worrisome and hope to get in longer runs this weekend. ING is just 3 weeks away!!

Cheers and STRETCH

sdrawkcab mA I

2008-03-09T12:36:00.005-05:00

"You're better than you think you are and you can do more than you think you can!"
- Ken Chlouber at Leadville

March 9 Sunday: 7.15 miles/1:10:00/9:47 pace
March 8 Saturday: 6 miles/1:00:33/10:06 pace
March 5 Wednesday: 3.35 miles/30 min
March 4 Tuesday: 2.6 miles/23:08

I am so backwards. Why? ok...here is what I mean: Saturday weather: cold, windy, approx 35 degrees w/ snow flurries. Ugly outside.
Where did I run? OUTSIDE!
Sunday weather: about 45 degrees at running time of about 1pm. blue skies. sunny. Where did I run? INSIDE on TREADMILL

?? Go Figure

I don’t really have an intelligent reason here. However, I did feel like I went out in some very unfavorable conditions yesterday and that can only be to my benefit, mentally and physically. 7+ miles on treadmill today sure seemed long, but I was happy listening to my iPOD and watching NCAA Men’s Basketball on the tube. I’m ready for some March Madness and hopefully, I will have some good picks and even more luck.
Feeling ok about the running....I have not been running as many miles as I "should" for upcoming ING, but I am getting there...

Train Smart
Have Fun

A little wrap

2008-02-29T21:01:00.002-05:00

I got dressed, went outside and said aloud, "well, hello gorgeous!"

March 2: 6 miles/59:04/9:51 pace
March 1: 4.3 miles/42:43/9:56 pace
Feb 29: 2.5 miles/21:35/8:38 pace
Feb 26: 2.5 miles/20:18/8:07 pace

I need to get a massage! Slept horrible last night so was glad to get in 6 miles today. Toyed around with going for a bike ride as well, but I will save it.
I read in my new running magazine that Lance Armstrong will be running in Boston next month, with an aim at 2:45. He was just over 2:46 in NY last fall. Go Lance! (He'll be running to collect donations for his foundation LIVESTRONG.ORG, which as done a lot of good things.)

On personal note, I have become involved with the Lupus Foundation and am collecting donations for the Georgia Chapter of the Foundation. I'm excited to be a part of this and hope to raise money and awareness through my participation in the ING Half-Marathon on March 30th. The link is on the right side of page if you are interested.

Cheers and Train Smart!

2008-02-25T06:41:00.001-05:00

"Security is mostly a superstition; it does not exist in nature. Life
is either a daring adventure or nothing."
- Helen Keller

Feb 24: 5 miles/49:10/9:50 pace
Feb 23: 4 miles/36:36/9:09 pace
Feb 20: 3.1 miles/30:10/9:43 pace
Feb 18: 3.5 miles/33:07/9:27 pace

Gotta do better...

2008-02-14T21:58:00.001-05:00

Feb 17 - 10.27 mile BIKE RIDE - streets of Atlanta
Feb 16 - 34 min run-streets of NYC
Feb 15 - 22 min run
Feb 12 - 2.25 miles/19:30

Glad to be back home after the trip to NJ. Was able to sneak in a brief stint in NYC. I met up with fellow blogger pal, JOSH. It was great to finally meet. His level of fitness and excitement for training are inspiring and I was psyched to sit with him over coffee. Selfishly, I want him to meet me up at JFK 50 Miler this year, but I also want him to get into KONA TRIATHLON!!

As previously mentioned, I was able to run outside on the streets of NJ. And before I left town on Saturday, I was able to run through the streets of Manhattan.
2 more states to add to my growing list of states I have run in for racing and/or training purposes.

Cheers and stay healthy!

catching up

2008-02-10T09:53:00.000-05:00

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”

Feb 10 - 50:35 minutes
Feb 9 - 4.27 miles/40 min/9:22 pace
Feb 7 - 3 miles/26:20/8:46 pace
Feb 5 - 4 miles/36 min/9:00 pace
Feb 3 - 3.5 miles

I am currently in the middle of a 2 week work trip in New Jersey. Most of my runs in the week have been on treadmill since by the time I get done with work, it is cold and dark outside. Thankfully, I got to run outside today. It was cold and windy, but I just had to get some fresh air and feel the wind on my face. Tough, but also very refreshing.

All I can say about what I've seen of New Jersey is you can mark it off of your must-see places. Absolutely nothing here!

Stay Strong and Fit.

2008-02-02T20:52:00.000-05:00

FEB 2: 4 miles/37:31/9:22 pace

All I have to say is I'm glad the 1/2 marathon isn't until march 30th!!

2008-01-29T17:48:00.000-05:00

Jan 24: 3 miles/26:20/8:46 pace
jan 26: 4.1 miles/36:48/8:58 pace
Jan 27: 4 miles/36:28/9:07 pace

Last week, I finished watching "RUNNING ON THE SUN" and here are some words I would use to describe it: amazing, inspiring, unbelievable, AWE-some, sometimes scary(when some folks got really sick) and sometimes disgusting (all the coverage of the nasty, blistery toes/feet)
If you have not seen this movie and you are in any way an athlete, I think you want to watch this film. Some amazing people participated AND finished the grueling run. WOW. WOW. WOW. I couldn't help but feel emotional as I watched some of them cross the finish line. I felt like I was there with them on their journey...that's how much the movie pulled me in.
If anyone wants to borrow it, I am happy to lend it out. Just let me know.

Happy Trails!!

Here i am

2008-01-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I was not able to watch RUNNING ON THE SUN on my recent plan ride because, I FORGOT MY LAPTOP. Not good. Especially since we spent 4.5 hours ON THE PLANE ON THE GROUND TO DE-ICE!! A nightmare.

Jan 23: 2 miles/17:20
Jan 21: 2.3 miles/20:13
Jan 18: 3 miles/25:30

I have watched about 1/2 of the movie this week and it's awesome. More later.

2008-01-15T20:45:00.000-05:00

Jan 13: 5 miles/48:10/9:38 pace
Jan 15: 2.1 miles/17:30/8:20 pace

Just got "RUNNING ON THE SUN" DVD from Amazon yesterday. Documentary about the BADWATER ULTRA. Looking forward to watching it on my plane ride to the west coast tomorrow night. YAHOO!!!

2008-01-12T18:13:00.000-05:00

Jan 11: 36:00/4 miles/9:00 pace/HR 150
Jan 12 41:00/4.25 miles/9:38 pace/HR 144

Friday's run was an after work run. i definitely ran with some anger that helped propel me up some good hills. anger and frustration and just plan stress from a trying week at work. it’s interesting because the anger didn’t really kick in until i WAS going up the hills. the additional pain & challenge the hills cause got me all fired up and it allowed me to use the anger to keep propelling my body forward. a good thing. anger as a good thing.

Today's run was sans anger. Went mid afternoon after doing some studying for an exam I have to take soon for work. Was a very beautiful, clear day here in the ATL. I purposely went slower. I'm trying to be very specific about what I want to do for each run and what pace I want to run and so far so good. Today was the slowest pace I have run in a while and I could definitely feel the difference.(and I didn't like it) But, if I want to accomplish my goals, i need to follow some sort of program and that is what i am doing. For my shorter runs, I have been wearing NIKEIDs (mine are navy/lime) and they are sooo light, it just MAKES ME WANT to go faster. A good thing. I WANT TO BE FASTER. I know I will get there will the consistent, correct training.

Cheers!

2008-01-11T06:32:00.000-05:00

Jan 8: 27:10/3.1 miles/8:45 pace - treadmill
Jan 9: 26:57/3 miles w/ steep hills/9:00 pace

2008-01-07T06:57:00.000-05:00

Jan 5: 34 min run w/ Trinity
Jan 6: 26:57/3 miles/9:00 pace

Good run on Saturday through Avondale w/ T2. She made us go up some good hills! Nice to run somewhere different from my own neighborhood. Sunday, I wanted to go much further but mid-day saturday, came down with some kind of a cold. Did not have much energy. Feeling better after taking some Dayquil...but not totally out of the woods yet. Hopefully, I can still hit the gym tonite.

the most recent

2008-01-04T18:18:00.000-05:00

jan 1: 4.3 miles/40:10/9:20 pace

jan 3: 8x400 @ 2:01 pace per 400

the last of 2007

2008-01-01T09:05:00.000-05:00

from Sat. 12/29/07

28:26/3.10 miles/9:16 pace
outside w/ hills.

my right side/hip area is bugging me. It's all out of whack. I know its maybe because of my bed and/or the way I sleep. I hate when this happens...

In other news, I bit the bullet and signed up for my first race of 2008:
ING Half-Marathon
If you signed up by year end, it was $60 and THEN, a co-worker came by my desk right before I was about to leave and game me a link to a code for an additional discount. BONUS! So, it only ended up costing $48 & change. Cheapest Half I have ever signed up for!! :)

In 2007, I did about 5-6 races, but in all honesty, it was not a very satisfying year in terms of how I felt afterwards regarding my performance. And I know what I need to do to change that and I am looking forward to the challenge presented to me.

I hope 2008 is full of fun races, solid training, and marvelous insights along the way for all!!

GO GET 'EM

the last 2

2007-12-29T15:40:00.000-05:00

friday nite:

2.25 miles/18:46/8:20 pace

treadmill, weights

saturday am:

2 miles/17:22/8:41 pace
outside with some hills

3 minute rest

1x400 - 1:49
recovery
1x400 - 1:52
recovery

cool down

2007-12-27T06:49:00.000-05:00

"It is true that speed kills. In distance running, it kills anyone who doesn't have it."
-brooks johnson

wednesday

2007-12-26T19:28:00.002-05:00

went to the gym after a sloooow day at the office

3.15 miles/28:15/8:57 pace

felt good.

weights

I am thinking of signing up for ING Half Marathon in Atlanta late march. stay tuned..

christmas morning

2007-12-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

gray skies, about 45 degrees. no wind. my goal was to run 4 miles at about 9 min/mile pace...but i had a faster pace and didn't want to slow down. so, i cut the run short and went faster.

2.5 miles/20:10/8:04 pace

walked a little bit afterwards through quiet streets. no place else i would have rather been!

came back home and ate some breakfast. a swell morning.

2007-12-23T18:04:00.000-05:00

2 miles/8:30 pace
outside

followed by:

5 sprints up a short, steep hill
13-15 seconds per sprint.
felt awesome!

saturday

2007-12-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

28:10 - 3.1 miles/9:05 pace
treadmill
hr = 156

weights

2007-12-20T20:32:00.000-05:00

the days have felt quite long and today i was weary. however, at one point i just had a laughing spell at work...just because i was sooo tired. tired from just everything...as i am sure lots of people are right about now. the year is quickly coming to an end and it's crunch time in lots of places. i felt "out of it" most of the day today...i feel like so many of my hours are spent at work or on work that i feel in some weird kind of daze. i'm not complaning, just commenting and noticing more for myself than anything else.
before leaving the office today, i was pretty certain i would NOT go to the gym. however, when i left and got into my vehicle...i drove in the direction of the club, so there i was. i was on the treadmill listening to ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" (those 2 guys are funny!!) and soon enough, i was all wrapped up in my workout. And I was so HAPPY. And as I continued to run and then lift some weights, I realized part of myh happy feelings came from feeling like something was back in order...something was back on track..if even for just a little bit. My workout is a place just for me...away from work, people, all the current craziness of the holidays...away from everything except my own heartbeat, my own sweat and my own level of exertion and satisfaction. i'm so gratfeul.

no warmup
3 mile run/27:10/9:03 pace

weights

6am

2007-12-20T11:51:00.000-05:00

wednesday

1/4 mile warmup
2 miles/17:10/8:35 pace
1/4 mile cool down

fast, for me - especially since it was right out of bed, no food, couple sips of coffee...burning the fat, baby!

2007-12-17T21:44:00.000-05:00

Saturday

run
3k/16:00 minutes/8:35 pace
-outside, cold, hilly...fun!

Sunday

run
1/4 mile warmup
2.25 miles; 8:49 pace
1/4 mile cool down

bike
16:30
6 miles

JFK 50 Mile PHOTOS!!

2007-12-16T10:20:00.001-05:00

This was on a downhill portion of the Applachian Trail. Downhill! Notice how I am smiling!!

This was on the towpath, next to the Potomac River. I still had my trail shoes on so it was somewhere between 15-26 miles approximately.

another 6AMer

2007-12-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

(from thursday)

1/4 mile warmup
2 miles/17:10/8:35 pace/mile
1/4 mile cool down

weights

--feeling good....

6am workout

2007-12-12T18:40:00.000-05:00

woke at 5:30am and decided it was a good idea to head to the gym. long days this week and any time i can find to get a workout in has got to be taken advantage of!

1/4 mile warmup
2.25 miles /19:32 / 8:41 pace
1/4 mile cool down

weights

as i was getting dressed in the locker room and about to head on in to the office, i realized i forgot my bra and my blazer. oops! not too happy i had to drive back home to get those items. oh well, at least i got a quick workout in!

from sunday

2007-12-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

3.25 km (2.01 miles)
16:44 minutes (8:17 min/mile pace)

followed by

sprints up a short, steep grassy hill at park

5 sprints = 2 minutes
1 minute recovery
5 sprints = 2 minutes

A good little workout. Short, more intensity.

2007-12-08T18:33:00.000-05:00

"There is no finish line"
-Nike advertising slogan

Incredible weather here in Atlanta. high 60's-low 70's

BIKE - outside, hilly
33:34 minutes
7.75 miles

2007-12-07T19:06:00.000-05:00

"one morning in boston, it was snowing so hard that i didn't think anybody would be going training, but i went down to the track anyway. billy smith was there, though. he opened the door and said, "the road to mexico is out there."
-David Hemery - won 400 meter hurdles in Mexico City 1968

this is absolutely one of my all time favorite quotes. it says so much...about both athlete and coach. it always gets me fired up!

TREADMILL
.25 mile warm-up
2.30 mile run - 20 min/8:41 pace
.25 mile cool down

BIKE
6 miles
16 minutes

Enjoyed a smoothie afterwards. great way to end a hectic friday. looks to be superb weather this weekend. hope to get out on my bike!

feeling better

2007-12-03T20:49:00.000-05:00

"why should i practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. i want to learn to run fast."
-Emil Zatopek

.25 mile warmup
2.2 miles in 19 minutes/pace 8:38
.25 mile cool down

weights-upper body

a vent

2007-12-02T10:17:00.000-05:00

Not much has been going on with exercising. The past week, I did 3 very short runs; 2 outside and 1 on treadmill. It felt good to move my body and then afterwards, it didn’t feel so good. I felt like I labored way too much each time. Clearly, my body it trying to tell me something. I just don’t like what it is saying. I have had a ton going on these past 2-3 weeks. Here is a short re-cap: stressed out about making my first ever offer on a house (did not go through..for the better) flew to Baltimore and ran 34.4 freaking miles, got sick with food poisoning afterwards for 3 days (made worse by my vulnerable, comprised body); on the last day of being sick, hopped on a plane to LAS VEGAS for “thanksgiving/vacation”, spent 3.5 days having a blast gambling and such, but all in smoky environments. came back home and started my new position at work and have been working a ton.

When I look at this schedule, it makes sense my body would be tired and giving me signals. Sometimes, travel alone can do that to one’s body. Mixed in with all of it is being in contact or around so many people and you never know what happens in situations as such. BUT, I FREAKING HATE NOT FEELING 100%.
I HATE IT.
On my way outside today and over to a coffeeshop, i saw how quiet the Sunday streets were and the perfect running temperatures. I just wanted to run...

OK! Enough of all that. I’m gonna be using some of this “down” time to think and do some research on how I can improve my speed...especially leg stride/turnover. I already found a good source last night while checking out a book at Borders. I’m also checking out 2008 race schedules and looking to see what I want to do, especially during the first quarter of 2008.

Final thoughts and a bit more...

2007-11-27T21:19:00.000-05:00

Trinity, BP & I went to Outback Steakouse for dinner. As you can imagined, I was FAMISHED. We are were...especially after waiting about 75 minutes for a table. Sheesh. But, when the food came, man was it ever good!! It was about the best meal i have ever had. We soon returned to our hotel rooms and as I lay in bed, I had numerous thoughts of the day and what I could do differently next time. My mind automatically went to “how can I improve?” “what can i do better?” Even though i was and still am disappointment, I did not wallow in any of that...i was already looking ahead. And I now know I can finish the 50 mile race. I’ve seen it. I’ve been there. I have the experience. I just need to tweak a few things in my training and I know I will be set.
Sure, I am proud of what I was able to accomplish on November 17th. But, I am far from satisfied. I will be back on that trail or some other 50 miler. The best is yet to come.
I gotta give more shout outs to trinity and bp. They were rock supporters and crew. I am a very self-sufficient and independent woman, however, I cannot imagine doing a race like this without some support. Seeing them at the aid stations helped get me as far as I did. THANKS!!!!!

We ate at BWI airport prior to take-off back to Atlanta. I had fish and chips & i believe that was the culprit to some food poisoning I experienced later that night when I returned home and extended the next 2 days. ICK! NOT FUN!
My quads were so extremely sore and I was barely able to make it to the bathroom so I could vomit. UUGGHH. Anyways, that knocked me out for 2-3 days. It was even worse because I couldn’t stretch or move my body. I couldn’t try to work out any soreness because I was sleeping so much. It was not pleasant.

Ok. Now on to better things. I recovered and Trinity, BP, and I hopped on our planned flight to Vegas over the Thanksgiving Holiday. We spent 3 nights and 3.5 days in the desert city. It was a fun-filled trip...in fact, the most fun I have ever had in Vegas and I didn’t even win! We gambled a lot, laughed a lot, ate and just took it all in. It was so needed for me. A great break from work and a major “treat” after the race. I found myself just dancing at random times and being silly and goofy and I needed it. My oh-so-serious self took a break!!

I’m still not feeling 100% physically and that was evidenced by last night. I went to the gym and ran a measely 2+ miles on treadmill. I could feel myself laboring even for that short mileage. This was my first time running since the race (except for the 1 mile I ran to my hotel in Vegas because I didn’t want to take a taxi)

My promotion at worked has now kicked in so my work days will be longer. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to making time for some workouts, some cross-training and some longer runs on the weekends. Maybe even take a class or 2 at the gym.

What’s next, friends? What’s next?

Cheers!

JFK 50 Mile report: part 3

2007-11-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

The next mile marker/aid station was around 27 miles. It seemed and felt like a long haul between the 15.5 marker and this next one. I passed some folks, some folks passed me, walking, running, shuffling..most people were very nice, offering "hellos" or encouraging words or other comments like, "what ARE we doing out here"

Other than my quads which were tired as hell, I felt great. No stomach issues, no feet problems and aerobically, I felt strong. It was surreal to be on the path for so long...the colors of the leaves kept changing...one section would be bright red, then next, a section of bright orange and green...I kept powering along as much as i could while chugging down another gel and snacks at an in beetween aid station. I knew there were time cut-offs for the mile markers, but I didn't recall what they were exactly.

As I pulled into 27 mile aid station, I took off my long bottoms and grabbed some grub. I told BP and Trinity I wasn't sure I would make it pass the next marker at approx 38 miles. They were encouraging and supportive and I gave them hugs and headed on out.

The next few miles did me in. My legs were tiring more and more. I was only running about 5 minutes and walking 3 minutes, etc...At a low point, SCOTT, flew by...he was smokin'. We exchanged hellos and he was gone. How the heck was he running so fast? My mind kept changing from thoughts of, "i should stop at 38" to "no way...i'll be so close, i will finish"
Basically these were my only thoughts for the next 7 miles when an inpromptu decision was made for me. There was an aid station at 34.4 miles and the race official said I could not go on. I had missed the time cut-off by 15 minutes. I was so shocked because I thought the next cut-off was at 38 miles. (there was one at 38, but this was also one I had somehow misread)
There were people right behind me who had to stop as well and like me, they had been surpised.

After my initial shock, I was really disappointed because I wanted to make it to 38, at least. That is where BP and Trinity were waiting for me. I knew the possibility of finishing 50 was becoming unlikely, but to have someone tell you that you have to stop is even more deflating. I understand why the cut-offs are necessary, but my feelings are the same. On a race of this sort, I WANT to be able to call it a day. Not a clock or a human. I want to be able to decide my body and mind are done. I didn't get that chance.

More runners came in to the aid station and we waited in the growing cold for a van to take us to the mile 38 or the finish line. As I looked at the faces of my comrades, I could see they were disappointed also for not getting the chance to make their own choice as to when to stop or even finish. Our day was done.

The van came and about 15 of us piled in. I got off at the next aid station and met up with BP and Trinity.

JFK 50 Mile report: part 2

2007-11-24T23:20:00.000-05:00

The gun went off and some clapping from the crowd accompanied hoots and hollers from us
runners. The adventure had finally begun!! We made a climb of nearly 3 miles on paved
road. To my left was a sea of orange and red leaved trees in the distance. I
felt a sense of peace and excitement; a welcome change from the previous days' anxiety. The
climb was steep with a majority of us walking most of the climb. Wow.
What a way to start a 50 miler. No joke of a climb. Finally, the
applachian trail. First time for me. Gorgeous, but very demanding of mental
energy. I kept my eyes on my feet most of the first 9.3 miles until the first
aid station. Rocky at some sections and then leaf covered and deceptively
tricky in other parts. I was quite glad at this point that it was not
raining!! With excitement, I finished the first section and met Trinity and BP and 9.3 mile mark.
They were my troppers all day. I grabbed a few bites of a clif bar, more water and headed off to
next section. Trinity came with me on this section and I was happy to
have her there and to share more of this experience with her!
9.3 to 15.5 miles were more of the same trail/terrain. Some parts not even runnable
due to the heavy rocky terrain, but I still tried to pass as many people
as possible. It was a tricky and wild descent
off the trail and down to the next aid station.
I was definitely ready to get off trail and onto towpath.
I made the mistake of not changing shoes at 15.5 mark. I didn't
realize we were gonna go right to the towpath. At aid station, I had Trinity
strecth my left hamstring as it felt sooo tight. I stayed at rest stop more
than I wanted. I ate a banana, fractional pbj and got more water. Grabbed small
handful of pretzels and headed on. Again, BP and Trinity were awesome as my crew/handlers.
I was stunned by the C & O Canal Towpath. All I could see straight ahead
was the flat path completely covered
with various colored leaves. On the left, was the Potamac River. There was such a peacefulness out there...
A beautiful quiet...

JFK 50 Mile report: part 1

2007-11-20T13:08:00.000-05:00

It all starts with what you bring to a race. Here are a couple of pictures taken by Trinity (T2) the night before we left for Maryland. All my gels, bars, and clothing. Shoes: for trail portion: ADIDAS Response Trail and for Non-Trail portion: ASICS 2120

T2 and I left our hotel in the saturday morning darkness so we could arrive at Boonsboro High School Gymnasium by 6:20am for a pre-race meeting. We arrived and went into the gym. I was so freaking happy to be there, I can't even tell you. There I was, surrounded by about 1400 other really crazy people. Everyone was pretty bundled up as it was below 30 degrees outside. People were sitting, standing, stretching...and then the race director greeted us and gave us some info and details about the course. I loved the quiet, the seriousness of the crowd. Not to belittle any other distance, but hey, this wasn't some 5k or 10k crowd out there. I looked around and just felt happy. Happy to finally get to race day. I had been very anxious the past 2 days and it was great to finally get to the big event and go!!

We exited the gym and had to walk .6 of a mile to starting line. Here is a photo of me: all smiles.

Falling Short

2007-11-18T22:32:00.000-05:00

JFK 50 Mile Race:

With disappointment, I report I did not finish the race.

I completed 34.4 miles in 8 hours, 15 minutes.

Much more later...

Last Post before JFK 50 Miler

2007-11-15T20:49:00.000-05:00

"Seeing a great performance, whether by a human, or another animal, still inspires me to no end. I'm moved by others' dreams and by their devotion and courage in the pursuit of excellence. I get choked up when I see a kid, or anyone else, fighting hopeless odds - someone who goes out there to run the lonely roads with a dream in the heart, a gleam in the eye, and a goal in mind. I admire those who have the courage to step up to the line of a great race to run their heart out for a dream. "

-Bernd Heinrich in "Why We Run - A Natural History

There are so many things I could comment on or reflect on, but at this point, I'm only reminded of words written by the late George Sheehan. Some of you may have seen these words written before...but they are the words that have sunk into my skull and my soul...

"the long distance race is a struggle that results in self-discovery. it is an adventure into the limits of the self, representing for runners what has been called the moral equivalent of war - a theater for heroism, where the runner can do deeds of daring and greatness.....an opportunity to be your own hero."

CHEERS!

2007-11-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 3.33 miles treadmill

Followed by hot tub and a strawberry-banana smoothie. Then went to REI and bought 3 clif bars, 2 power gels, 2 gus, and 1 clif shot blok. Also picked up another pair of awesome socks.

ok..also bought another pullover Columbia Fleece (i already have 2) I just love 'em. They are actually men's size small. I bought a burnt orange color. Perfect in time for the upcoming BROWNS vs RAVENS game we are going to on Sunday after race day.

getting ready, getting ready....

the weekend

2007-11-11T20:34:00.000-05:00

Saturday: 3 miles, 28:05 - outside
Sunday: 3 miles, 28:34 - outside

Both days I wanted to run longer, but I was not feeling well physically. I think a combination of (lots of) stress and fatigue. Felt better today than yesterday, but still not 100%. Felt good to rest. I have a full plate right now and really need to do a lot of very basic things: EAT ENOUGH! SLEEP! TRY TO RELAX!

I'm not worried about JFK. I am really looking forward to it...to the adventure, to the challenge and to the opportunity to get away and do something I love: run a race! It will be so neat to just get there, get all the info and BIB # and meet people. And then, it will be awesome to get to the starting line. Regardless of anything else, it is awesome just to be able to be a part of it all.

I've got 2 buddies coming along for support and I'll be happy to have them there. T2 will come out and run either once or twice with me and we'll have to figure out where. I'm sure no matter where it is along the 50 miles, I will be pretty damn happy when I see her.

Cheers to all and have a good week.

2007-11-08T20:25:00.000-05:00

Time: 29:17
Distance: 3.25 miles, treadmill

"the pleasure and pain is only yours. it's personal."

-cut out from a magazine & on a collage i made

2007-11-08T07:01:00.001-05:00

I go online, look at my blog, check the "countdown clock" and see the race is in 8 days.....

YIKES!! WHO-HOO!!!!!!!!

a fellow race report:

2007-11-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

Christian's race report on his attempt to do the Mt Masochist 50M MMTR

2007-11-05T21:15:00.000-05:00

Time: 42:10
Distance: 4.5 miles - treadmill

I took a vacation day from work today and although it was gorgeous outside, I elected to go to gym because I didn't want any more hills! A good run and legs felt pretty good after 1/2 mile or so..

Got a much needed massage and enjoyed every second of it!

During the JFK Race weekend, I will be going to see (my team) Cleveland Browns play Baltimore!! I'm sooo excited. This is the best season( thus far) Cleveland has had in years. I have been a fan forever and it's been a long time since browns fans had anything to get excited about. They just finished a nail-biter on Sunday in OT vs Seahawks. GO BROWNS!!!

2007-11-04T20:07:00.000-05:00

Time: 3:45
Distance: 21:50 miles - all over the city!

When I began the run, my thoughts were heavy with the news of Ryan Shay, who died yesterday while pursuing his Olympic Dream. The news shook me up much more than I would think it would. People die every day. People I don't know die all the time. Why the heaviness with this? I'm still not sure, but I guess it is just because of the enormity of the event this young man was participating in....the U.S. Men's Olympic Trials. Unbelievable. Apparently, he had a heart condition...that decided to take him from earth on the day he was going to burn through the streets of NY toward a dream.
As I made my way from my house and into the early miles through the PONCE DE LEON corridor, I thought of him and his family and just how enormously shocked and saddened they must be....
My thoughts started to shift as I passed through the OAKHURST & KIRKWOOD nieghborhoods; the mid 50's temperature felt perfect and I was focused. I sucked down a power gel and soon made my way back to my house for a pit stop to re-fuel on water, grab a bit of gatorade & change shirts. It was my own little aid station at mile 9. I ditched my iPod & headed back out through VIRGINIA-HIGHLANDS, a bit of MIDTOWN and into DOWNTOWN. Passed though GA STATE campus, CNN CENTER. There were lots of folks out around there cause of the FALCON-49ER game about to start. Ingested a GU, some RED LICORICE along through rest of downtown & by GA TECH campus. About this time, my left outer upper thigh area started hurting. This typically happens on long runs that are not on a trail. At this point, I could not wait to get my butt over to PIEDMONT PARK and do a few laps around a "track" that is all crushed rock. After 1-2 miles at the park, I went in the direction of my house. I was between mile 20-21, when I saw a car gently honk and someone wave at me from inside. It was a colleague from work who I really dig. He is a cyclist, mostly, and has done several 100 mile rides for juvenile diabetes. (I will definitely hope to train with him when I go for my goal of a 100 mile ride sometime next year.)
As I was zig-zagging my way though my hilly neighborhood, I decided to call it at 21 and 1/2 miles.
Overall, a very solid run and I'm pleased with it. However, I do wish i had one more weekend to go longer.

This afternoon, I was able to watch some coverage of the NYC Marathon and watch PAULA RADCLIFFE!! She is amazing. She pulled away in the last 1/2 mile or so and finished so freaking strong. It was inspiring and it made my eyes tear....to see an athlete, a female athlete, pushing and being so determined....how amazing it must be to be the front runner, especially at the NYC Marathon. She has never come in 2nd in ANY MARATHON SHE HAS RUN. UNBELIEVABLE.

I really noticed today how running for hours is so very calming to me. I feel like my head is so busy much of the time and being out there with myself for a long time brings some peace and quiet.

Cheers to all. Be well, friends

2007-11-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

On one of the most exciting days for the men's running Olympic hopefuls, there was also an incredible trajedy.
You can read about both here: men's trials

Obviously, I didn't know R. Shay, but I have followed his racing some and actually thought of him as a big longshot to do well in the race. Incredibly sad. 28 years old.

I feel pretty deflated even mentioning my training, but here it is:

Friday: 2 miles -- hills around neighborhood - just to loosen up
Saturday: 5 miles, 57:29 @ Sweetwater
I did the Yellow Trail twice as it has the most climbing and I wanted to get in as much as I could since the start of JFK 50 will be climbing. A good, solid run, with very steep ascents and descents.
Tomorrow will be long.

2007-11-01T19:44:00.000-05:00

Wednesday

Time: 46:03
Distance: 5 miles, outside

"Run hard, be strong, think big"
-Percy Cerutty

ASICS

2007-10-30T20:09:00.000-05:00

What a company!!

In 1998, as I was just beginning to take this running thing seriously, I found out about the PEACHTREE ROAD RACE. I got a prized number even though I lived in CALIFORNIA at the time. On a whim, I mailed a letter to ASICS, explaining a little about me and my drive for running and that i was ABOUT TO RUN IN THE LARGEST 10K IN THE COUNTRY.
They wrote me back and said all I had to do was call a phone number with my name and shoe size and i'd get a free pair of shoes.

WAY COOL!!!!!!!

Fast forward to 2005 and I am training for the SF MARATHON and running in honor of my mom and raising money. Again, i mailed ASICS another in depth letter asking for any kind of donation. They sent me a very nice letter back along with a gift certificate for NEW SHOES AND NEW SHORTS at any place that sold their products!!

Double fast forward to current time: I mailed them a letter a month or so ago and explained that 2 times in the past they have been gracious enough to support me and how I'd be so honored if they would again as I attempt my FIRST ULTRAMARATHON -- THE JFK 50 MILER

I got home today, not feeling all that great physically, and went to my mailbox thinking I could hear back from them at any time. AND THERE IT WAS...a SIMPLE ENVELOPE AND NOTE from my contact at ASICS: I HAVE A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW PAIR OF SHOES. I have to redeem it by sending it back to the company.

IS THIS GREAT OR WHAT?? I will have you know that in my closest and other floor space, i have 13 pairs of ASICS. 2 of which were given to me by the company and the rest, I have purchased.

I am grateful and PSYCHED. They have come though once again. AMAZING.

Sometime, you just have to tell your story...and ask!

2007-10-29T19:31:00.001-05:00

Time: ? but faster than usual
Distance: approx 3.2 miles, outside

Ran a faster than usual 3+ miles with buddy DC today on a spectacular fall day. Monday's are usually an off day, but it actually felt really good to push the pace and feel my lungs stretch. know what i mean?

18 days til blast off............

2007-10-28T18:37:00.000-05:00

"All pressure is self-inflicted. It's what you make of it or how you let it rub off on you."
Sebastian Coe

Time: 1:57:54
Distance: 12 Miles, outside

2 good runs this weekend. I guess more to the point was I felt strong on both days and I was surprised. Both saturday and sunday, when I woke, I felt tired still and not too motivated at all. And then shortly into the runs, I felt really good and my pace was good. Maybe some of my feelings are related to the distances being shorter...but I just felt refreshed in a sense. The temperatures were just about 50 degrees at the start both days. I definitely was having fun out there. On the route today, I deliberately went into an area that I had not been in a while and new I could see some changes in construction etc..
I saw a corner that had been re-vamped as a little sitting area with a bench and some new grass. On the wall nearby, there was some graffiti. The words were: HUG LIFE

I LOVE IT!

Soon, my feet with touch down on the trails of Maryland.

"I loved the feeling of freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I'm competing with is me."
Wilma Rudolph"

2007-10-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

Time: 57:45
Distance: 6 mile, outside - brookhaven neighborhood, small hills

9:27, 9:31, 9:50, 9:59, 9:44, 9:05

Awesome run. Didn't quite start out that way, but soon after I felt pretty good. Beautiful area to run in...wide streets, lots of trees, people walking, running, cycling...

Had fun and felt strong. Nice Feelings to have!

Thursday

2007-10-26T05:56:00.000-05:00

Time: 43:00
Distance: 4.5 miles, treadmill w/ various intermittent inclines

Weights, hot tub

“Work as though you would live forever, and live as though you would die today. Go another mile!"

-Og Mandino

2007-10-24T18:50:00.000-05:00

"Spirit...has fifty times the strength and staying power of brawn & muscle."
-Unknown

Tim: 26:41
Distance: 3 miles, treadmill

weights, hot tub, smoothie...

Tonite: will sit back and root for the sure bet UNDERDOGS: Colorado Rockies!

Today's Inspiration

2007-10-24T05:56:00.000-05:00

check it out:
Scott Rigsby

Running, Running, Running

2007-10-21T20:23:00.001-05:00

LATE MORNING: I know what got me out the door, but I have no idea how I didn't stop after about 500 yds. My legs were so freakin' heavy. WOW.

Time: 45:45
Distance: 4.7 miles, outside

LATE AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING:

Time: 47 minutes
Distance: 5 miles, treadmill

As oppossed to the "runners high", I have been in a "runners trance" this weekend. It's been a trip, really. I think today's runs were more satisfying than yesterday's....simply because I ran on some tired legs and felt pretty decent after I got going. In fact, tonight at the gym, I was just in some kind of zone. Yesterday was painful, as I would expect it to be.

Nevertheless, I am nervous about JFK race. Is is really a race? or an Adventure?

I have no idea...I have no idea.

To a non-runner or even someone who runs occassionally, i think the thought is, "you must really love running.."
you know...I don't know if i would say exactly those words. What I love is the challenge I am presented with each and every time I put on my shoes and get out the door. That's the love. That's the juice.

Saturday: road, trail, road....treadmill

2007-10-21T09:53:00.000-05:00

Morning:
Time: 3 hours, 11 minutes
Distance: 16.62 miles

Went out to Stone Mountain again. Gorgeous morning.
1-7 road miles
7-13 trail miles
14-16.62 road miles

For the transitions, I changed shoes and used my car as my own little "aid station", replenshing on water, powergels, mini-peanut butter sandwiches, banana. I started chafing on one leg in the later miles...not fun!

Late Afternoon:
Time: 33:11
Distance: 3.50 miles, treadmill

Hot Tub afterwards. AAAHHHHH

2007-10-18T19:49:00.000-05:00

So often I have tried to write about what running means to me. And I have felt my words cannot quite capture what it is that I FEEL inside. So often when people ask me why I run, I try to give an answer...and many times I feel i was not accurate in my answer..that i have somehow fallen short.

I guess it was about in 2000 when i started reading George Sheehan's writings. He was a runner, doctor, writer, philsopher, etc..
His books, namely, PERSONAL BEST, became and remains my "bible." He was able to so very eloquently put into words what I struggle to do and I am so grateful.

Here is a short except on his words on "a runners high":

"my days run becomes my retreat..my mind is free to disassociate, to wander on its own. One some days, this brings on another type of high - a creative one. My mind is a cascade of thoughts. The sights and sounds, the touches and tastes, the pains and pleasures of my entire life become available to me. I am able to read a journal i never knew i'd kept."

--------------------------------

Treated my body to a much needed massage tonite. We are body, mind and spirit.

Balance.

2007-10-18T05:35:00.000-05:00

Time: 33:45
Distance: 3.27, trail

Went to a place called Yellow River to run yesterday. A bit out of the way, butI had an appointment out that direction, so it made sense. It was good to get on a trail mid-week. So refreshing! Hardly anyone out there. More of a mountain biking place, but I only saw 2 riders. Weekends are packed though.
Came across some deer. Actually, almost ran right into one! When they move, run?, trot?....the movement is delicate and graceful.

Legs were heavy. Looking to get a massage tonite. The air felt good on my face.

2007-10-16T19:37:00.000-05:00

Time: 27:39
Distance: 3 miles, outside rolling hills

Ran after work in the beautiful Brookhaven neighborhood. Basically did a large loop on the outskirts of a golf course. I was feeling kinda down beforehand, and of course, my spirits were lifted afterwards. Temps in the 70's.

Afterwards, went across the street to The Big Peach and picked up the shoes I checked out on Saturday, ASICS 2120. Nice! Can't wait to wear 'em tomorrow. Maybe they will give me some extra speed....

2007-10-14T19:12:00.000-05:00

Time: 3:01:38
Distance: 17.34 miles

All throught the streets of atlanta today. Felt pretty good except for last 2 miles were a bit tough. Walked another mile and a half home. Awesome weather this weekend. Mid 40's at the start of the runs and clear/sunny. Yesterday afternoon, i stopped in a local running store called THE BIG PEACH. I went in to check out what new ASICS were in and what new apparel. I bumped into the owner who I have gotten to know some since his store opened a few years ago. He is a ultrarunner and excited to hear about my upcoming quest. Just talking with him gave me a nice boost and some comraderie. It was good to talk with someone who has been there....I didn't get any shoes, but I might. I gotta check out another place and see if the colors are any different..... :)

I didn't wear my iPod today, but I had it one yesterday. I had it on shuffle and 2 of the songs that came on were recent downloads.. 1) Let's Go Crazy and 2) Baby, I'm a Star, both by Prince. I tell you what, those songs completely GET ME GOING! Not only do i want to run faster, i also want to sing out loud and DANCE!! FUN MUSIC...

Cheers.

2007-10-13T17:57:00.000-05:00

"When people ask me why I run, I tell them, there's not really a reason, it's just the adrenalin when you start, and the feeling when you cross that finish line, and know that you are a winner no matter what place you got."
-Courtney Parsons

Time: 1:31
Distance: 9.35 miles

9:33, 10:10, 10:06, 9:24, 9:36, 9:45, 10:34, 9:33, 9:39

When I woke this morning, the darkness still existed. I pulled out my journal to write something down and caught a few words from last weekends entry, "I only ran 16 today..." and I thought to myself, wow, I rememeber when I FIRST ran 10 miles back in 1998. During those days, I had never run past 6-7 miles at any one time. I made a goal to run 10 miles for a Kinesiology class I was taking in college. I'll tell you, I was soooo excited when I finished that run....the furthest I had ever run. It was awesome. And now, years later, I am going for 50. Wow. Hell, I remember when I ran 3 miles as part of my plan to stay in shape for soccer. i thought 3 was a lot. and it was. for me. back then. We are all at different stages, aren't we? And everyone's stage is special. Whether you are a 5 minute miler, someone just trying to finish a 5k or someone going for 100 miles. It's all special because we all have the ability and privelege to look back in time and see how far we have come. 1 mile is a big deal. Shaving 10 seconds off a PR is a big deal. Running a 10k under 50 minutes is a big deal.
Hopefully we can all give ourselves credit and kudos for our achivements, our "milestones."

Cheers.
Have Fun >> Train hard >> Train Smart

2007-10-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

"Everyone is an athlete. The only difference is that some of us are in training and some are not."
-George Sheehan

Time: 28:35
Distance: 3 miles, outside

9:11, 8:44, 8:38

Ran at a trail area along side with Chattahochee River. Very popular place. Weather was awesome; cooler than yesterday with a little breeze. Felt very good out there.

2007-10-10T19:18:00.000-05:00

Time: 28:29
Distance: 5K, w/ hills, outside

9:37, 9:01, 8:53

A gorgeous day here in Atlanta. GORGEOUS. I couldn't wait to get home, change clothes and move my body!

early morning

2007-10-10T06:07:00.000-05:00

I am enticed and lured by the dream. I am beckoned to be brave, to be daring.

2007-10-09T20:12:00.000-05:00

Time: 39:14
Distance: 4.25 miles, treadmill

Flight is booked for JFK 50. HOLY COW!

Double Duty

2007-10-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

AM WORKOUT

Time: 1 hour, 11 minutes
Distance: 7.1 miles

Run was more fun today. Legs felt much better. Ran through streets of atlanta and hit the park 2 times. that was some of the only shade. 90 % humidity again. What the hell? Ankle felt good and I elected not to wear the brace. Iced afterwards.

While I was having coffee this morning, I re-visited my hand written journal entries from my training days for the San Francisco marathon in July 2005. It was humorous, revitalizing and reaffirming to read!

PM WORKOUT

Time: 41:17
Distance: 4.25 miles, treadmill

Felt pretty good doing the double workout. I hope everyone had satisfying workouts or whatever this weekend.

Sad news about the 2 runners who died today while running The Army 10 Miler and Chicago Marathon. My prayers are with their families.

2007-10-06T16:44:00.000-05:00

Time: 3 hours
Distance: 16 miles

it was difficult out there today. i didn’t have enough fuel beforehand or during the run. i ran 8 out and back on the Silver Comet Trail. It was 90% humidity with low 70’s temperature. not ideal conditions. it’s been quite some time since i ran this many miles on what is a relatively flat course. the aches and pains are different and more noticeable DURING the run. The repetitive surface doesn’t allow for changes in stride and it does wear on the legs differently. My hamstrings and quads were tight from start to finish.
I bought a nifty ankle brace last night to wear as more of a protective mechanism than anything else. it worked well. i iced afterwards since the ankle is still not 100%.

the most positive thing i will take away from today’s training was that i was out there for 3 hours. Mentally, a good thing.

Plans for tomorrow are not solid, yet; except that I will be home at 1pm EST watching Browns vs Patriots. GO BROWNS!!

Just to get the Blood Moving

2007-10-05T19:44:00.000-05:00

Time: 17:15
Distance: 2 miles, outside

An incredibly busy day at office; glad to just get outside afterwards and move with the elements. I'm so grateful to be able to move my body. Simple as that. May I take nothing for granted. Even the wiggle of my toes.

Train Hard, Train Smart, Have Fun

2007-10-03T19:43:00.000-05:00

"Desire is the most important factor in the success of any athlete"
-Willie Shoemaker

Time: 37:15
Distance: 4 miles, treadmill

Iced my ankle afterwards...from beating it up over the weekend.

2007-10-02T19:44:00.000-05:00

"To keep from decaying, to be a winner, the athlete must accept pain - not only accept it, but look for it, live with it, learn not to fear it"
-George Sheehan

Time: 27 minutes
Distannce: 3 miles, treadmill

rest day ramblings

2007-10-01T19:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while i was out shuffling on the trails at kennesaw, a world record was being broken: Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie shattered a marathon world record on Sunday in Berlin. Time: 2:04:26. This equates to 4:44 pace per mile. JUST LET THAT SOAK IN FOR A SECOND OR 2. 4 minutes and forty-four second pace per mile for 26.2 miles. THAT IS UTTERLY INCOMPREHENSIBLE to me. At my best, I can maybe run ONE 7-min mile. WOW. WOW. WOW.

As I sip on this Late Harvest Autumn Ale from RED HOOK, the light sounds of the TBS commentators are in the backgroud. They are broadcasting the rockies/padres baseball game. (i am rooting for rockies in this game) Overall in the MLB playoffs though, I am rooting for Arizona. Why? Because they were solid all season and have a good young team, are exciting, and most importantly, The GIANTS are long done. GO DIAMONDBACKS! (sorry to the AL's...I just cannot root for an AL team...)

I am already thinking of where to go for my long runs this weekend. I am thinking North Georgia, North Carolina, The GULF COAST...as you can see, i am all over the map. We'll see how the week goes and what the mood feels like.

it seems like i see more and more folks out running. hmmm. maybe this running thing is catching on....

cheers!

2007-09-30T21:01:00.000-05:00

Time: 1:47
Distance: 9 miles estimate (forgot the GARMIN!)

Kennesaw trails; not easy, but another gorgeous day in the ATL. How I love a good breeze!!

2007-09-29T12:58:00.000-05:00

Time: 2 hours, 20 min
Distance: 11.66 miles

I really wanted to run somewhere different today so yesterday, a colleague mentioned the trails at Stone Mountain I didn't even KNOW they had trails. I had only been there once and ran a 5 mile loop on a paved road. Well, little did i know!

I had coffee and woke up some and headed out. I stopped at BELLY and got my usual: Rosemary bagel w/ egg & cheese. This place is about 3 blokcks from my house and I usually go AFTER a run, but today, i wanted to get my calories in my system before hitting the trail. I woofed it down in the car and soon was at the park and ready to ~~roll~~ run! There are 3 trails and I was on the RED trail. None of the trails have much elevation change, but the red trail was longest. Trail was very narrow and at many parts, HEAVILY rooted and then a few parts with boulders. I rolled my left ankle 3 times, but I think it is actually fine. (i iced when i got home & will continue). The best part was that many parts of the trail were basically alongside a couple of the lakes there. i DIDN'T even KNOW there were lakes at Stone Mountain! Man, where have i been?? It was awesome to be near water, of course. Added bonus was the morning was absolutely beautiful; cool and clear and every so often, a gentle beeze would cross my face. AHHHH. YUM.

Some parts of trail are not well marked and i got lost for a bit. I was actually on part of the STONE of STONE Mountain. Not fun. Walking and running at a severe angle. Not fun. I crossed over some train tracks and was trying to get down onto the trail again and I slipped and FELL! (does this make me an ULTRARUNNER now?) I slipped on a bunch of pine needles and fell on my butt and the right side of my back, just below my shoulder blade, hit a flat rock. Lucky me, seriously..it could have been jagged or something. I heard myself make a sound, though now I don't know what it was. It was actually kinda cool to fall, ya know. We don't fall too much as adults....I even cut my pinky finger somehow on the fall. A nice little cut that caused me to suck the blood for a while. COOL! I almost fell a few other times when my feet would hit a stump or root or something and I caught my balance before flying and falling on my face. Needless to say, I learned this trail was one where I seriously had to pay attention. It does get mentally tiring after a while though. I finished the last mile on a paved portion and felt good afterwards.

I'm having dinner tonight at ECCO A cool place with excellent food.

Cheers and TRAIN HARD and Enjoy! THIS IS LIFE!

2007-09-26T16:30:00.000-05:00

Time: 1:13
Distance: 7.5 miles

hilly, warm. had a bar & banana prior & a gel during. felt very good. best i have felt in a while. such a nice feeling!! i would even call it fun and enjoyable, which is not an all too frequent feeling. legs felt alive again and i was very thankful.

some songs that played on the iPod were:

The Heart Remains a Child - Everything But The Girl
It's not right, but it's OK - Whitney Houston
Boadicea - ENYA
Who's that Girl - Eurythmics
Not ready to make nice - Dixie Chicks
Crush - Dave Matthews Band
The Story - Brandi Carlile
Brand New Lover (mix) - Dead or Alive
Narrow Daylight - Diana Krall
Ain't 2 proud to beg - TLC
Plastic Dreams - Jaydee
I don't know anybody else - Black Box

In other news, I booked my hotel for the JFK RACE. YIKES! YIPPEE!!

What's on your iPOD?

Woodminster

2007-09-25T06:06:00.000-05:00

Back in 2002, I participated in the Woodminster Trail Race. This is a 9 mile trail run in the redwood hills aread of Oakland CA. It's the kind of race that is very simple. Not many folks participate and those that do, you just know by looking at them that they are loyal runners and live in the area. The start gathering area is in a sunken grassy area, surrounded by beautiful redwoods towering above.
The BIB number is just that: a number. No race sponsors. Nothing else on it. CLEAN.
The race is TOUGH. One of the toughest I have ever done. Somewhere along the way prior to mile 5, there is a long stretch of steep, narrow single track, where you are humbled to walk a large portion of it....and what i recall was the sound of birds, the smell of the woods, and the sounds of heavy breathing and panting from the fellow racers..

When you are done, there are a few tables set up with gallons of water and juice to pour for yourself. There is no t-shirt.

Why am i even writing about this? A race from 2002?

Because what you DO get is a coffee mug. I am drinking out of it now.

"37th annual Woodminster X-Country Race" -- it has a neat little drawing of some figures running in the woods. This was our "trophy". I love it.

Have a blazing week!

2007-09-24T21:01:00.000-05:00

Time: 28:30
Distance: 3 miles

Outside, warm, hilly

2007-09-23T19:32:00.000-05:00

"True sport is always a duel: a duel with nature, with one's own fear, with one's own fatigue, a duel in which body and mind are stregthened."
-Yevgeny Yevtushenko - Russian poet

Time: 1:17
Distance: 8.25 miles - Treadmill

The Long and Winding Road...

2007-09-22T14:36:00.000-05:00

Time: 1:56
Distance: 10 miles, Trails

Details: 10 miles of tough trails at Kennesaw Battlefield. Chocolate Chip CLIFBAR prior, 1/2 banana during.

Reflections: cool temps in the morning, but some humidity. felt good at starts, but as soon as i started hitting the ascents, i knew I was in for a tough one. My legs felt void of much energy/power on the ascents and felt like I was laboring hard even though i was going slow. Took many quick walk breaks, but i had to not care...what mattered is that i was out there and i stayed out there! It's always easy to quit. It's always easy to turn around and go back. Not today. I probably felt the best miles 5-7...not sure why...maybe my body was just finally awakening...maybe i'm not 100% back to normal.

2 guys who looked they could be from Kenya flew by me as i was headed back to the finish. man, they were fast...

Last weekend, after sunday's run, i was watching football and during commercial i flipped channels and found live coverage of TEMPE ARIZONA IRONMAN TRIATHALON. I was immediately glued to the TV. It was so inspiring watching these athletes do their thing. A woman who had been ahead on the run the ENTIRE time actually had to stop with about 1 mile to go...looked like she was suffering from cramps or something....and then she was passed by another woman who had surged on the run. The woman who had to stop ended up coming in 2nd on the women's side. How amazing is that...to have a lead and get passed so late!! Listening and watching her be interviewed was neat. She was such a professional. Disappointed, of course, but completely gracious.

Ahhhh.....COMPETITION!! I love it.

2007-09-21T06:19:00.001-05:00

"The primary reason to have a coach is to have somebody who can look at you and say, "Man, you're looking good today."

-Jack Daniels, exercise physiologist

2007-09-20T19:47:00.000-05:00

"Running in a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, "Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?"
-Peter Maher, Olympian, sub 2:12 marathoner

Has not been good the last couple of days. Body has been very fatigued. Ironically, i think my not feeling well was perpetuated by getting a massage on monday night. sometimes, i know that can happen....everything just gets sort of rattled. As of tonite, thursday nite, am feeling better and hopeful for some good long runs this weekend.

I did get in 2 short runs outside this week as weather has been awesome and beautiful:

Tuesday: 2.65 miles, 24:58

Wednesday: 3.14 miles, 30:00

Daily Dose of Inspiration

2007-09-17T19:20:00.000-05:00

2007-09-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

Time: 1:42
Distance: 10 miles

Details: chocolate POWERBAR, prior; very cool temps. awesome

Refections: had a great run this morning. felt strong the whole way. through many streets of atlanta. stopped in to a gast station at approximately 7 miles to grab a GREEN SQUALL POWERADE (my favorite flavor) and mixed it with my remaining water. nice to feel strong after the 8 yesterday. had yummy dinner last night prepared by my friend, Ms. Kitchen, who always feeds me well.

I am really noticing how much it helps to recover properly. I've been drinking those EAS drinks after running and icing. It all helps.

Hope all have strong, satisfying workouts this weekend.

Cheers

2007-09-15T16:41:00.000-05:00

Time: 1:25
Distance: 8.5 miles

Details: choc chip peanut butter clif bar, prior; Silver Comet Trail (flat, paved)

Reflections: Running at the Silver Comet is like visiting a dear old friend. I always feel welcome and it's always a pleasure to return to a site that knows me so well. As I traversed along the paved path, I wondererd just how many steps i have taken on this old railroad track that was transformed into a path where so many could exercise their body, their soul. It first welcomed me as I began my first marathon training back in 2000. It carried me, it supported me, it pushed and challenged me. With it's help, I completed my first marathon in Chicago in 2000. So, needless to say, it's a place i know well and am grateful for.
Today's run was a simple out and back along the trail. So beautiful out there with the trees still forming canopies and hiding a bulk of the rising sun. Lots of folks out there, as usual, but i noticed a lot of folks wearing fuel belts and such. Of course, i wondered what THEY were training for....Lots of cyclists out there too and i was a bit bummed i had not brought my bike so i could ride afterwards. oh well. I've got a longer run planned for tomorrow. Not sure where...either Kennesaw Trail or through the city.

TRAIN HARD, TRAIN SMART

Mid Week

2007-09-14T16:53:00.000-05:00

Tuesday

Time: 26:43
Distance: 3 miles, treadmill

Wednesday:

Time: 31:46
Distance: 3.5 miles, treadmill

Reflections: both days at the club were accompanied by a friend who might join. it was so fun having her there...a buddy to workout with. much more fun than i would have imagined. we ran side by side on treadmill and did weights and did some ab exercises together. she is not all into the weights, so i have been able to help and motivate her...a good feeling!
Sat in hot tub afterwards......ahhhhh

Eating much better this week: other night, had trout, new potatoes, asparagus/carrots. yummy. clean. healthy.

Sunday

2007-09-11T17:03:00.000-05:00

Time: 1:44
Distance: 8.43 miles

Details: late am start. a bit warm. chocolate chip clif bar prior, strawberry/banana gel during

Reflections: well, i didn't quite make the 2 hour mark; but i still feel good about the run. I went back to Sweetwater instead of Kennesaw. Running Sweetwater trails back to back days is NO WALK IN THE PARK, PEOPLE. Mile 5.5 to 6.5 was nearly entirely all a steep uphill climb. So, uh, no, I did not run up this monster.
I felt kinda out of it the whole time. Not sure why. My sleep has been off as well as my eating which i'm sure would explain a lot. I iced my quads and hamstrings afterwards which felt great. I NEED TO EAT BETTER.

"Pressure is nothing more than the shadow of great opportunity"
-Michael Johnson

2007-09-08T13:36:00.000-05:00

Time: 1:07:30
Distance: 6 miles

Details: trail run at sweetwater creek park. 70's, almost perfect weather! yeah!. Peanut Butter POWERBAR, prior

Reflections: had a pretty good run on the tough trail. much better than 2 weeks ago when it was so freaking humid. I forgot my gel which irritated me. and then, after the run was over, i felt irritated....like i didn't go hard enough or long enough, blah, blah, blah. I gotta get over those thoughts but they kept me irratated this afternoon. I am planning too go 2+hours tomorrow at Kennesaw, regardless.

Looking forward to watching Federer Semifinal shortly....

2007-09-07T10:35:00.000-05:00

Wednesday/Thursday

2 runs on treadmill

3.39 miles
3.54 miles

----------------

How about that FEDERER fella! Inspiring!

I'd love to go to US Open sometime...