Sunday, December 25, 2005

Merry Christmas!

Miracles do exist, as our little house is actually clean and sparkly and ready for company!!
I didn't make it to Oakland this morning, but I did squeeze in a 3 miler right after opening presents.
Mom has been rolling out empandias (the Puerto Rican version of a meat turnover - yummy!!) all morning and now I'm back to help.
This will serve as my upper body workout since mom only rolled out 20 and theres 40 more to go!!!

Peace and Love to all

Friday, December 23, 2005

I was able to maintain a 9.2 pace for the better part of 4 miles this morning,
followed by a good stretch and (drum roll please, this is hard for me people!)
(2) 15 x 15 lunges, biceps,
(2) 10 X 15 triceps and
(2) 30 X 15 squats.

I'm slowly getting to like wt. lifting.

I'm pretty solid and tend to think I don't need to lift wts., but I'm coming to appreciate the various benefits.
I usually don't have time in the morning and well I'm just not motivated to workout after work.
So, I've been trying to hit a few major muscle grps whenever I use the gym's treadmill.

Hi Ho Hi Ho Off to work I go.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Not long after my last post that nasty virus that both M and T suffered through caught up to me. Gads! I can deal with muscle pain, sleep deprivation, and even running w/a cold but the nausea and headache that accompanied this particular bug kicked my ass. Today was my first run in 3 days!! 30 minutes of nothing special on the treadmill. I did a decent circuit around the gym though covering all body parts and stretching along the way. My stomach is still on the mend, I'm Hungry but nothing taste right much less good.

Things are busy around here gearing up for Sunday. I'm thinking about heading over to Oakland Christmas morning to run w/the Lake Merrit gang. My hairdresser happens to the sister of one of the coordinators.....I may find some people to run with yet!!

So, Happy Holidays to all. Though I've only been blogging for a short while, I'm happy and grateful to have found such a cool and supportive community to share running with, to learn and be inspired from. Take care, and Happy New year in case I don't get around to blogging for a few days.

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Nice 70 plus minute run up at Wildcat Canyon this morning. I got a later than usual start, and was on the trail at 9:16. I noticed a couple of things, pulling on the tops of both quads and a little "twitching" in my rt. calf. No pain, breathing was fine.
I had a GU and half a plain bagel and some juice.

As it turned out my timing was good. I hadn't checked the weather report and was unaware of rain in the forecast. 35 mins out , I turned around and I noticed the first signs of drizzle, a mist really . It felt a little surreal, all grey and quiet, I was pretty much alone. Luckily it never amounted to much more than a drizzle that didn't pick until I returned to the parking lot.
No joke!!!

Brandy and I got busted by Mr. Ranger on this trail earlier this Spring. I didn't quite understand his directions when I asked him how to access that part of the trail that allows dogs. I'm sure he mentioned go Northeast up blah blah blah.
Theres another entrance to this trail that allows dogs. The one other female I saw was walking her dog and I asked her how she accessed the trail and she gave something more akin to a description rather than actual directions and I think I understood. Will go check it out.

So, now it's been raining quite steadily all day, and we just got back from spending pretty much all day at M's winter Showcase. The Tilden trails are gonna be a mess tomorrow.
I'm grateful for my typical oblivion when it comes to practical matters or I would've checked the weather report and talked myself out of going today.
I'm so resting tomorrow.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

This mornings run was harder than it should been....I took a sleeping aide lastnight and while I got some z's I was a bit groggy today. Walked over to bagel shop and consumed mass quantities di cafe and walked a little more before plodding my way along the BARTtrail.
For the first time EVER I stopped and stretched along the way, it felt good to stand in the direct sun as it was pretty chilly out.
There was no way I was going back to work today w/o running first...While I'm still a little keyed up about things, the run definitely took the edge off.

Today is going to be a good one!!!!

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Oh lordy.......Sleep is ever elusive. Monday night someone tried to enter T's truck sounding off the alarm at 12:30, and this morning around 1am M got sick ...Major mop up!!! All the linens and blankets had to be washed......uuugh!
I gave up trying to go back to sleep, caffeinated and waited until 6 for gym to open. Pulled off 3.25 in 29:00 flat had to hussle home for T to get to work.......Alas, what do I find upon my return?? Both of them sound asleep!!!!!!

I had a really shitty day at work yesterday and calling off today is sure to wag some tongues, I'm not even going to bother to offer to come in on Saturday!

Monday, December 12, 2005

Hmmm lets see, Susie "infected" me. So, the rules go like this list 5 random facts about yourself and list 5 names of folks you'd like to (know more about) infect.


1. I served in the california conservation corp after high school. I was seasonal firefighter.
2. I'm a certified massage therapist.
3. I served a mission in Italy for a year and half in the late 80s, however went inactive shortly
after my return to the states
4. I am ultra sensitive. I cry for any number of reasons, yet I'm not comfortable when others do,
weird I know!
5. I'm way too concerned about what other people think of me, I am prone to feeling guilty
when I put myself first.

People I'd like to know more about include:
Pink Lady, Noames, Brown Socks, It's a Beautiful Life and Running Red Sox fan.
I'm sorry I don't know your first names, but I've enjoyed reading your blogs.
And with the exception of a couple of you I doubt you'll even see this!

Sunday, December 11, 2005

Sweet Rewards II

You see the thing is, I had no intention of running today much less back up to Strawberry Canyon. Sleep has been an issue lately and I completely sabotaged any prospects of a run on Saturday cuz Friday, after staying up past 11pm, I got back up around 2am puttering around the house until 3:30. Took M to see the Narnia flick...The only exercise I (we) got was due to my parking several blocks away to avoid paying the ridiculous $5.00 per hr. parking lot fee! I did manage to unpack the x-mas box and get a few things ready for the party. T came home w/the Tree marking a close to his wretched holiday schedule...yay!!! I went to bed at 8pm and didn't wake up till 6 am...double yay!!!
I'm prone to guilt and today it came from the fact that Brandy has been short changed for the past couple of weeks and was in major need of a decent run.
I wasn't exactly in attack mode but I scaled Big Bertha. I got to the place where I left off last Sunday and tacked on another 10 mins.....for a total of 45 mins out (3.6 mi). I ran another 30 mins back and then walked , got Brandy back on the leash as we approached the parking lot, she was a mess having managed to find the one mud hole up there.
Holy crap, I ran 6.5 miles in 75 minutes!!

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Thank-You

As I drug my butt outta bed this morning, grumbling about the cold, with cup of coffee in hand I logged on for inspiration. Thanks to Finally Running and Pink Lady, the pics shamed me enough to get going. Does serious frost build-up on my car qualify as serious weather? I think not! T kept putzing around teeth chattering and i showed him Pinks report.....that shut him up!!!

Nice 40 minute run this am.

I must add today's is M's first basketball game. I have lamented in the past over her lack of physical activity....it's not entirely true, we're just different. Anyways she signed up for 4th grade team and is really enthusiastic.......I'm so proud of her!!!!!!

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Sweet Rewards

After three so so runs this week, things turned around today. I took a chance on Strawberry Canyon and was happy to find a relatively dry trail, no mud waffles today. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a couple women in the car next to me, they got started a few minutes before me as I fiddled w/my new water bottle, gloves and hat. They were fit and had the appearance of real runners......you know the type tall, thin unlike my short stocky stature. I hung back (way back) on purpose as not to embarrass myself.
The trailhead begins immediately with a gradual but steady climb that flattens out mercifully in spots, good thing cause it leads to one LONG steep ass hill, I'll refer to as Big Bertha.
Despite hanging back I caught up w/the women at the foot of Big Bertha....they walked
and as I passed them I said "call me crazy but I'm going for it!" I kept my head down and arms pumping and took Big Bertha Down!!!!!!!!
I got to the top and kept on running. The trail is pretty flat at this point but starts a gradual ascent after a 1/4 mile or so. The sky was so clear the sun warm on my face....I felt so happy
I started to cry. I turned around after 35 minutes and you know the rest......boing boing boing wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!
I never saw those women again and they were gone by the time I got back to parking lot an hour later.
Several years ago I attempted to run this trail, I got maybe a third of the way......nowhere near where I ended up today...that felt very very nice.
For the record I had penne pasta w/red sauce for dinner lastnight, got a good solid 8 hrs sleep. Pre-run I choked down an espresso GU (kind've gross), and filled my waterbottle w/gatorade.
Not sure I like the hand-held hydration system, it was fine while wearing the gloves, but after awhile I got too hot and took off the gloves which caused the bottle to get slippery. I kept having to switch hands.

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Going Through the Motions

Some runs are just this way. Despite a beautiful albeit chilly morning I had to force myself off the couch. Instead of running to the trailhead I caught a ride w/T (whom won't be home until midnight!) I ran for 31 minutes walked for 12 and ran for another 6 towards the gym where I planned to continue to go through the motions of an upperbody workout but when I got there, I remembered it isn't open until 10 on Saturday's (even more lame, it's closed on Sunday's.......but it's super close to our house and T did some signage for the owner and we have a free membership).
I stretched for a bit on the cold concrete out front of the gym then decided to check out a ceramics shop/gallery nearby.....ended up walking home (another 3 mins) parked myself back on the couch and proceeded to eat my favorite bagel:
the works w/sundried tomato cream cheese.

It's okay, I'll be sure to get good sleeps tonight and have a GREAT run tomorrow.

Sidenote, M and I had so much fun decorating a gingerbread house lastnight. COSTCO has the nifftiest little kit out right now.

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Let the holiday madness begin

I broke from tradition this year by NOT hosting Thanksgiving instead opting to volunteer at the turkey trot..No problem we had a good time, got home around 11 and made a nice smaller dinner which we ate with T when he got home.
Sometime between getting home and eating with T, I called the in-laws to say Happy Turkey Day and before I could stop myself I suggested that we have Christmas at our house. I hadn't even spoke with T about it, it just sort've slipped out. I can only attribute this to some latent guilt I had about doing exactly what I wanted to do on Thanksgiving.
The thing is, I come from a small not-so-close family with 2 sibs out of state and the only family I see on a regular basis is my mom. T on the other hand has a huge family (in my opinion) and when we host party's the list includes aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents....Oh jeez it just goes on...suffice it to say theres a lot of them.
There will be 22 people here on Christmas day.
Perhaps some may see this as a modest number to me it's a little freaky.
All I can say is thank God for Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale and the fact that I'm a runner now!!!!
Tuesdays run was sweet, a light drizzle that got a little heavier at the end of my 35 minute run. There's a man I've come to know on the BART trail.......I'll refer to him as the "Happy Runner" when I first spotted him in my early days, I could barely run a full minute, he'd be singing as he ran , his form was noticeable too he sort've floats at a steady clip, always shirtless and always grinning. Over time we'd make eye contact and after about a year we'd say hi. Occasionally, we'll chat while running in place for a minute , give a high 5 and continue running in opposite directions.
In a weird way I feel connected to this guy, and to some of the other runners I see on the trail (not to mention my favorite bloggers!), whether it's a smile or a nod, a considerate gesture like sidestepping to let another runner stay on the dirt trail vs the pavement. There's another woman I can't seem to make eye contact with but I always try, she's got some type of gait disturbance, but I see her all over the place, sometime I'll work up the nerve to say "Hi" Then there's another older man, a stroke survivor, he wears a running sandal and I always feel a little guilty when I pass him.
I know, I'm a freak!!

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Running on fumes is doable but I don't recommend it!

Didn't sleep well at all lastnight, maybe 5 hours tops, I did manage to pull off a 30 minute run.
It's easier to push through muscle fatigue than sleep deprivation.
So, no long runs this weekend. At least I got out there.
T's crazy schedule will continue for another two weeks then start tapering off, in time for M's winter break thank goodness.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

No excuses.......

Yesterday's run and the weather had a conflict of interest...By the time the sun was out the desire to run turned into going to the movies. This morning appears to be clear and I have a window of opportunity to run, T will sleep in another hour ........Was hoping to hit the trails but that requires driving to Tilden . I'll have to stick to the nearby bicycle trail.....Getting M out for a bike ride could be fun once past the initial resistance she usually has! It's such a struggle for me to engage her in physical activity. She'd prefer to play on the computer or do art stuff, which is fine but geez, get some fresh air once in awhile!!
This is my husbands really busy time of the year, M and I are on our own for a good 6-7 weeks before life is normal around here. The early years were spent hardly ever leaving the house, hence I quilt and she has her indoors activities........But the past year since returning to running I've been itching to get out more and have had to get really creative with including the family.
M doesn't like riding on the bicycle trails so that cancels out me running and her following on the bike.......She only wants to ride in the neighborhood which never really seems to be enough for me, she's 10 and I just have to get my real workouts when I can......I get frustrated about this at times and I compare her to me when I was a kid.....I was sooo physically active, not that I played any organized sports or had lessons of any kind I was just bouncing off the walls all
the time riding my bike w/friends all over creation, pretending to be Olga Korbet on the neighbors lawn, climbing the mountain the reads "South San Francisco The Industrial City".
Today's kids really don't get to roam like we did. They are signed up for lessons and dropped off and picked up.
My husband has horrible allergy's and is not much of an outdoorsy person and I'm a nature freak! Opposites do attract and our girl is somewhere in between.
Okay, let's see how this run goes!!

addendum:

At the last minute I decided to hit the trail.....sheer genius considering yesterday's rain!W/brandy in tow I ran about a mile before turning around and walking back, the 5 pound mud waffles on each foot kicked my butt..sweat was pouring down my face. Not a fun work-out but a work-out all the same.

t

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

post-race letdown?

I was bumbed a little to learn my name didn't appear on the results list.
In the post-race email everyone gets there was a link to settle concerns...

So, I typed in my plea for recognition and feel a bit whorish for needing it in the first place.
I really had a great day, a great run and I totally trust my watch.
Hell I practiced setting it like 10x's!!

I had a nice 30 minute run this morning, a bit stiff still though, by the time I felt warmed up
I had to head back home to get ready for work.

I'm looking forward to a longer run soon.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

King Oscar Presidio 11/20/05

The race description said some hills, a slight understatement if you ask me......Boy I was glad to have humped some hills is preparation for this one!!!
The upside however being:

Boing Boing Boing Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!!
My new Montrails and I had a blast bouncing down the trail after climbing the hills, all three of them!!
The weather was GORGEOUS in San Francisco. Cool not cold. Sunny not hot.

Blue sky for miles. Just perfect, if you didn't think about global warming.

The start was a gradual climb from the parking lot to the trail head where all 600 of us bottled necked (twice) and on the last hill, even with pacing myself and NOT charging up the hills, with head down and arms pumping, I had to walk the last 3rd of the 3rd hill. Fortunately what goes up must come down and I happily bounced down the otherside. My groin is a bit stiff as I write this.
When I say pacing myself.....It's very low tech.....I just felt like I was running pretty decent, my breathing was right. The hills had a lot to do with not shooting out too fast that's for sure!

Trail running might just be my thing! The buzz among the crowd was this was a "long" 5k as was the 10k. The hills made it feel long to me.
For a nano second the jitters crept up, but once we took off, I settled into my groove and just had fun, totally confident I would finish and not stressed about a thing!
At the end ...The final kick, I dug in. I saw Miranda and Tom near the finish waving me on...it was the best feeling. I was winded but not whooped and no dry heaves this time. I actually carried on a conversation with a couple that came in behind me.
My unofficial time was 34:50:09. I rehearsed setting my stopwatch like 10 x's this morning in hopes of remembering to do it at the start-up. Need to check back on the results as they are not up yet.
A woman was the overall winner of the 5k, I think her time was around 25:00 mins.

Swag Up The Wazoo!!!

Along with a very cool technical shirt, a gel bottle, toe socks and gym towel. The goodies were a plenty. Following the announcement of the winners, the director of the event started calling out random things like who's been in ironman?, who's run Dipsea?, who's run a 100 miles?, who wears Montrail trail shoes?..I looked down at my feet and jumped up yelling "me!!". I got a $75.00 dollar gift certificate from Feet Fleet. I couldn't believe it!
I may not of broken any records running today, but I'm sure I was fastest at collecting on my prize, we headed over to Feet Fleet (had to wait 10 mins for it to open!) in s.f right after the race and I got 4 pairs of socks, a cool long sleeve asics shirt and a handheld waterbottle with a holder.

So, this was a better race for me all around. I was secretly hoping to be under 35:00, but I didn't want to jinx myself by saying so outloud.
My main objective was to not freak and to find my place amongst my fellow footers running, bouncing, laughing and feeling pure happy!

The proceeds go towards maintaining the Presidio trails and King Oscar is a Sardine company that sponsored the race.
Afterwards we headed to Fishenman's Wharf and ate at the Rainforest Cafe.....very fun day indeed!

Saturday, November 19, 2005

I'm calm, cool and collected......so far!

This weeks workouts:

Sunday: 45 minute trail run, 45 minute bike ride
This was a good workout, new shoes felt fine. My glutes got a real workout, I've notice a mild soreness all week......I like it!

Wednesday: 4 miles in 40 minutes w/hills on treadmill
This was tougher than it sounds, I do hills on my runs in the neighborhood so I was prepared.

Friday: 3 miles in 28 minutes w/varied speeds on treadmill
This is the fastest I've run since bonking my toe, my singlet was soaked.

Current Reading:
The Competitivel Runner's Handbook, blogs, and Runner's world and the Lance Armstrong interview w/Oprah

Food Intake:
Eating has been not great just ok. I'm reading a chapter in my book on nutrition for runners. I tried a Gu for Sundays trail run, I had energy for the climb to Lake Anza but I was tired!!

Sleep:
So so....not great either though last night I slept very well.

Today Miranda and I will head into the city and try to scope out the race site.....the course is undisclosed and I've been hesitant to ask the event director for details, less I draw too much attention to myself (like he's gonna remember me!)

Things to pay attention to:
Start a bit slower than last time, but not too much slower
5ks are tricky like that too short to start slow too long to start fast

My book recommends segmenting the race into 4 parts:
Mile One
Mile Two
Mile Three
The final kick

So, it's not much of a strategy, but it's certainly more thought than I put into my last race. I could really use more practice on pacing I have no internal sense of it yet, I rely on the treadmill for tracking, at this stage i'll be too focused on just running and trying to avoid spraining my ankles on the trail to read info from a gadget.




Thursday, November 17, 2005

Is it a coincidence.........

that a bad day coincides with a non-running day. Phone ringing again!!!! Damn those telemarketers.....thank god for caller ID!!!!
Thursday's usually suck for me at work, I'm the only full time OT staff and I usually have to double up on treatments..........Which is fine when (sick/old/confused) people are cooperative! Catch my drift?
The trouble starts when you have a group and one starts belly aching that their too tired, don't feel like doing there therapy, whatever the f...And than they ALL start complaining and there I am having to "educate" them on the role of therapy in their recovery and that a little something is better than nothing. blah blah blah. Today I was less than convincing.
Don't get me wrong, I like my work most of the time, I like the staff I work with, were a pretty cohesive bunch......But anyone who provides occupational therapy services in a skilled nursing setting can tell you, burn out is high. I like helping people help themselves, I believe that irregardless of age they can benefit from services that will help them be stronger and more independent. At times it is very rewarding. Today however, it was very draining.
I need a vacation.
So, I've been reading a book "the competitive runner's handbook" by bob and shelly glover. I went straight to chapter 27 "Mental Training" the part on fear of failure and fear of success were of equal interest to me........I tend to "choke' when the pressure is on.
I've never done well on tests or drills of any kind. I always choked during typing class drills. I failed getting my drivers license 3 times before I eventually passed. For awhile I was a seasonal fire fighter for CDF in Butte county, I didn't pass the basic training the first time. I did the second time around and while I kicked ass and worked as hard as any guy on my unit, I sucked at timed drills especially knot tying. I did eventually get my oxygen tank on in under minute, my unit buddy practiced with me every night. I didn't pass the math portion of my entrance exam into OT school, but managed to get another chance and with some tutoring pass on the 2nd try. I did manage to pass my state boards on the first try, you could hear my shriek of disbelief for miles around!!!!!
So, how helpful is it to recap past failures a few days before the race? I guess it's good to get it out in writing and to reflect that despite my failures I'm not a quitter. I've got heart. What I lack in natural talent or ability is made up for with hardwork. I'm not afraid of hard work.

And that friends has gotten me this far.

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Sweeeeeeeeet!

The folks at Title 9 Rock! Back in June I got a pair of trail shoes, unfortunately a size too small. I tried them out a handful times with the same result: Jammed toes. At first I thought my toenails were too long or my laces weren't tight enough, or I wasn't wearing the right sock.......but the sad point was I spent a good chunk of change on the wrong shoes. Instead of returning them immediately I kept thinking they would "break in". They didn't and after awhile I bought another pair of road shoes and stayed off trails.

Next weeks event is a trail race and I wasn't even thinking about what shoes to wear since being so preoccupied with my sore toe, it finally occured to me that I needed trail shoes.....hang in there Title 9 to the rescue!!

I walked in explain my plight and also that I had no receipt! The clerk totally accomodated me, hooked me up with a better pair... Montrail Serendipity and me and my new shoes had a great run at Tilden this am.
In addition to the 3 mile loop I added a trip around Lake Anza ( excellent for narly roots and rocks galore!!) approx another mile. A few times I had to walk cuz it was steep and rocky in parts but I felt GREAT!!!!!! Total Time:45mins

I cooled down a bit wandered over to the Littel Farm and jogged back up the hill to the parking lot near the loop and stretched in sunshine. A perfect morning!

An added bonus Tom and Miranda have agreed to go on bike ride, yay!

Friday, November 11, 2005

Not Bad

Instead of punching in my usual 3.0 on the treadmill I entered 4.0 resulting in
4.0 miles in 40:53, not bad considering I walked most of the first mile. Two weeks till race day, I'm still excited. Read some good blog entries regarding times and how gadgets can really take the fun out of running. It's true, a well intended family member gave me a ped-o-meter and well let's just say I don't use it that much.
Don't get me wrong am Curious about my times and speed but perhaps not to the extent a "real runner" would be. I'm often inspired by the blogs but also a little put off at times......when reports get too technical it makes this thing (running) I love seem less accessible. I'm sure this has something to do with my hang-ups about competition......it's wack I know.
I'm considering my upcoming event my official debut since the first 5k wasn't planned. This is a trail race and I haven't run on trails since hurting my toe, this weekend will have to make room for a trip to Tilden or someplace with trails.....the foot is fine when I'm running on flat surfaces but it is still sore when I squat or roll onto my toes.......foot fall/cadence is different with trail running for sure.
I'm not going to lie and say I don't care about my time for this race, but I want to enjoy this event, be present and not have the thought "oh god just get me through this" so if it means a slower time so be it.
Have a good one!

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Testing the waters

I appear to be making a come back......slow but sure. I ran 3 miles in 30 mins yesterday on treadmill.......no sign of shin splints. The toe is still swollen and I'm avoiding cute shoes (wearing my ugly ass but oh-so comfy Birkenstocks) but for the most part it's on the mend.
The computer was in the shop for few days........and there I was left with no running and no blogs.....so what do I go and do? Bought a Kitchenaide standing mixer and baked bread! With yeast and everything.......... and it was edible! Today I volunteered to bake a cake for a co-workers birthday.....I'm outta control!
So with my 5k just around the corner I'm feeling excited (at this point) vs the dread I tend to feel with competition, maybe hurting my foot helped me realize how lucky I am to be able to run at all. The true test will be on race day (11/20). Will excitement give way to dread? I need to remember how I feel right now, just happy to be Up and Running.

Friday, October 28, 2005

WHAAAAAAAA!!!!

The run on tuesday had some ill effects later. I tend to over pronate anyways so with the sore right little toe I think I was even more so, cause I had a hell of a shin splint the next day. I thought maybe it had something to do with the 5% incline, but only my right leg was sore.

My friend who is a PT suggested I lay off running until it stops hurting. She said to do other things to maintain endurance and strength.

Okay fine, BUT IT'S NOT THE SAME!!!

Shit! Shit! Shit!

I'm signed up for a 5k 11/20. There is time to heal. This will be ok. Right?

I haven't run since tueday and while it's not as sore it's not healed. If it feels right I may go out sunday. Screw that, I am running on sunday.

Miranda, my daughter actually turn's 10 tomorrow and were having a house party with 9 other little friends. If I don't get to run this weekend I may have to be commited.



Wednesday, October 26, 2005

A slow return

Today was my first run since the painful toe incident. It hurt to put on running shoes and I skipped/limped to neighborhood gym. The first ten mins on the treadmill hurt. On a scale of 1-10 I'd rate it a 7.......Shortly after though it tapered off to a 4-5.
At a 4.5 -5.0 pace I started to feel confident that my running wasn't too impaired, got up to 5.3 for the final 5min stretch and the pain shot back up to 7-8. 2.25 miles in 30 minutes.
The living room is now off limits to Brandy and while inconvinient a, psuedo- permanent barricade is up so we have a clean place to stretch. My dtr. did not appreciate my vacuuming at 9 pm but it had to be done.
Have a great day

Monday, October 24, 2005

Appears I spoke too soon!

While straightening up around the house yesterday, a rather heavy object fell directly on my right baby toe! You know those wooden thingys with the magnetic strip used store knives. I unwittingly stashed it in a tube of wrapping paper and when rummaging around in the laundry room (barefooted) it slipped out and rammed my little toe. Yow!!!!!!!!!! The pain took my breath away, iced and took a Motrin and after what seemed to be an hour I was able to hobble around and continue straightening up.
This mornings run will have to wait though, I'm currently debating what sort of shoes I can wear to work.......Happy Moanday!

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Go get 'em ladies!!!!!!!

At the moment I'm covered in dog hair, so you know stretched. Ironically I wore all black today so I look like a real hairball. Started out w/Brandy for the first 10 mins, then looped around to drop her off back home and continued another 40 mins with a few hills.

Thinking about the Nike Women's Marathon and would love to check out the expo, no time today though. Maybe tomorrow, it would be cool to see the girls running.

High 5 to all the amazing women on the road tomorrow, your'e all AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Check out the website, so many cool stories.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Aches and Pains
Moans and Groans

While I've managed to avoid injury thus far, as I seldom run 2 days in a row,
I'm sore. A lot. In fact I've grown accustomed to some form of discomfort, mostly in the form of tight muscles needing to be stretched badly!! I'll get a massage every few of months (I'm ashamed to admit this, being a cmt myself), but I still haven't formed a good stretching routine.

Ok what then are the barriers to my just stretching?
Let's see:
1. The need to vacuum because of Brandy hair everywhere.
2. The need to create a barricade so Brandy doesn't thinks it's play time because
I'm on the floor.

Lame excuses when I see it in writing.

Still, having a clean private space to stretch would be nice.
I tend to get my best stretching done in the shower, but don't even get me started on the bathroom.

I must end on a more positive note. I'm blessed and lucky. I take way too much for granted. We're so lucky to have our little house. Today I got a great deal on some pots and pans. My first "nice set" that I paid cash for.





Thursday, October 20, 2005

Mind Over Matter........

I registered for a 5k, King Oscar Presidio Trails in San Francisco, 11/20/05. The event description reads "a rare chance to race on the beautiful trails of Presidio." I have a bit of performance anxiety. This race will be a test as it's a planned event vs the 5k I stumbled upon in Sept.....hence more time to worry blah blah blah.......I can run 3.11 miles, but I need to pace myself better and not get freaked out by the masses. Last 5k I got so worried that I wouldn't finish and I ran too hard the first half and well it wasn't pretty. I did place 3rd in my age range but I pushed too hard and felt icky nervous vs excited. Running is such a high for me and I want to enjoy racing. I need to prepare mentally as well as physically this time.

A trail race will certainly be different as I'm sure to be doing as much scrambling as running. And there are hills......which leads me to my 6:30 am run this morning...Hella Hills!!! I love living in Berkeley!!!
I purchased a pair of trail shoes (Trail Lizards by Timberland) back in June and I think I bought the wrong size or maybe my big toe nail was needing a trim....dunno? I like my gel-kayano's (the helpful salesperson at the shishy running gear shop suggested I go up a size ). I'll need to try/re-try both pair out on some trails this weekend.

Left Brandy home and just followed well lit streets in the surrounding neighborhood.......saw a couple of other women running together and a few mommies w/babies in strollers......I always dig seeing other runners/walkers up at the butt crack of dawn. Hats off to the mommies .......I could never get my dtr. to settle in a stroller!! OH yeah, My dtr. and I will be volunteering at a Turkey Trot at Oceans beach on Thanksgiving, hubby works and I usually host dinner and he comes home around 6 pm to eat and crash. My dtr. hasn't shown alot of interest in running but she is aware of the mental and physical plusses it's been for me, volunteering together at this event may just be another good influence I hope.

I'm slowly changing my ways and leaving time to stretch.
Todays effort: 30 minute run f/u w/15 mins of stretching.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

I FELT SO GOOD

Today I managed to get out the door at the not so freakishly early hour of 6:45am. With Brandy in tow we set out for the trail nearby as it was starting to get light. I felt strong and got to El Cerrito bart in 12 mins vs the usual 15. At a much slower pace on the turn-around I was going to stop after 30 minutes, but was spurred on by another runner headed down the path up ahead , this added another 10 mins resulting in a 40 minute run on a school day!!
Brandy is still prone to puppy silliness, chasing leaves and just about anything that blows in the wind, I usually run w/her tied around my waist (does this count as a "Core"workout), and if I'm not paying attention she's been known to wrench my back. Today however she was extra good........Thanks to Susie for turning me on to Ben Boyd toons......the one with the dog wearing the sign "will run for fun" is posted above Brandy's watering hole.

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Back Home

So there's a reason why elite runners train at altitude!!
I thought I'd check out the hotel amenites, nice pool, jacuzzi and decent treadmill. 10 minutes on the treadmill I was huffing, 20 minutes I was done walked for another 10.

Saturday I went out dancing with my "nieces" and was introduced as Aunt Chris....Much to my chagrin......Sunday we went for a not-too-strenous hike w/the the younger girls in tow (my girl isn't super outdoorsy so this is always a bit of a challenge) Monday I went with our friends to their gym and actually ran for 30 mins on the treadmill and then did a Pilates class (Sue, if you read this yes I was sore!!).

So I did acclimate some though my sinuses were killing me.
I've been home a week and have gotten back on track with my running. Today was an easy 3mi 27:14, I met up w/my family at the flea market. I'm getting good at blending the running with family time.

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Just Run!


In effort to avoid running tomorrow at 5am, I ran after work tonight instead. That makes it
2 days in a row of running. The diet coke I drank at the end of day at work was mostly responsible for the extra energy, but as I've said before I'm not fully commited to the 5am'ers.

There was a time when I would never even consider running after work, no way tooooooo tired. The past month has been crazy and I've had to squeeze runs in wherever I can. I'm proud to say despite the hectic schedule, I've been consistent in my inconsistency!!

Going to Gardnerville, NV on friday. It will be interesting to see if the change in altitude will affect my running.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

FALL IS COMING

I LOVE THE FALL. IT'S TRULY MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR FOR RUNNING. I ALSO PREFER RUNNING WHEN IT'S LIGHT OUT OTHERWISE YOU MISS THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON.......BESIDES I'M TOO DAMN LAZY TO COMMIT TO 5AM ON A REGULAR BASIS.

I DID HEAD OUT AT 7:30 AM TO EL CERRITTO BART AND BACK W/BRANDY. NOTHING NOTEWORTHY EXCEPTING THE WEIRD TWINGE IN MY LT. SHOULDER.

OFF TO WORK.

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Long Run


This morning I ran for 75 minutes and found some cool trails in back of the race track.
My route:
Gilman towards the race track.
Rt. behind the race track, nice view of the bay on the Lt. and you can get a wiff of stink if they happen to be mucking stall on the Rt.
Go up a decent hill then veer Lt. Towards beach and trails.
Nice trail led off rd. that looped into a single track that went straight back up,
I didn't feel like I had stopped running!
On the main trail again , go Lt. to Bay Trail.(BT)
BT towards COSTCO, then Rt. @ the overpass to the
Rt. at the BART TRAIL (el cerrito) back to Gilman St.

Moderate run, I felt good. Glad I added those hills this week.
I stretched for a minute when I got home then went for a 30 minute bike ride.

My mom came over and helped with the yard sale, which allowed me to read a good article in my copy of Runner's world about the need to *train your brain* Some athletes have two coaches one for the physical performance and one for the mental performance!
It would be nice to replace my feelings of dread into excitement when I:
play
run
lead
hmmm....

I'm gonna............
GET UP EARLY THIS WEEK TO RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only have to do it 2x's
T/Th
up at:
5:00am
run between:
5:45 - 6:30am
In the neighborhood mostly w/Brandy
I can probably stick with this thru the fall or until it gets too cold/dark?
OR
MWF
Run on the treadmill:
6:00 - 6:45

Okay, I've got a plan to this going.
No excuses!!



Thursday, September 29, 2005

Euclid or Bust

So, I did get up at 4:45 am but I didn't actually step foot outside until 6am.
I ran an easy 30 minutes in the surrounding well lit neighborhood. It (Cedar) was a gradual climb the first 15 minutes that got steeper......I decided to turn left at that point...primarily due to the time constraints I'm under today. Anyone who knows Berkeley, Ca knows about the Berkeley Hills.
This is so boring, I'm going to give up tonight and read my Chinese Medicine book.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Back to School

Today I wrapped up a 2 day pain management workshop I attended for work. I'm an occupational therapy assistant and I work in a skilled nursing facility. The workshop focused on alternative methods of treatment...Right up my alley, as I have a background in massage therapy and am a big advocate for holistic medicine. I've recently been feeling a bit burned out and struggling to really help the people on my caseload. This workshop was just what I needed to snap out of my slump.
At lunchtime, I chatted with the facilitator about opportunities available to assistants and she asked me if I had considered going for my degree as a full fledged OT. I cringed (inwardly) I'm sure I gave the impression that I didn't care to return to school, which isn't true I just wouldn't want to go back to be an OT. I would be interested in taking an aroma therapy
course or one on myofascial release.
And what does any of this have to do with running? Like the workshop I just finished , running has got me out of many a slump, it's caused me to see things differently and it's definitely pushed me torwards new aspirations.
I got up extra early this week to run because of the workshop. Not sure if I'm ready to commit to 5 am indefinitely, but I know Brandy oh so happy if I did......actually we'd both be really happy.





Tuesday, September 27, 2005

It is officially the butt crack of dawn........5:11 am.....it's dark out there.........think I'll take Brandy. I've downed a cup of joe, small 1/2 glass oj and 4 gummy bears. Read a hilarious post by mia goddess....a self-admitted control freak she's currently struggling with post baby weight loss and succumbing to weight watchers dogma. ok, quit stalling.
6:10 am
Ran for 37 minutes. Opted for the neighborhood streets vs the trail, seemed safer. Brandy seems to do better on early morning runs...less distractions I guess.
I felt good on this run too! Cool and calm, even on the hilly parts. Good thing I'm not creeped out by spiders, I ran through a few webs!

Monday, September 26, 2005

Fitting a couple of short run will be tricky this week. No excuses though!
I will be up at the butt crack of dawn tomorrow.
I'm going to bed now!
Goodnight and sweet dreams of running strong and painfree.

Sunday, September 25, 2005

My name is Christine. I'm 42 and started running (again) last fall. Quite by accident,
I celebrated my 1 year of running steady by entering my 1st 5k. It was even planned. It was 9/11/05 and the local UN chapter was hosting a "Run for Peace" 5 and 10 K's. I only happended upon the race during my ususal sunday run to the park. I noticed the starting line and a bunch of people (maybe 75-100). I asked if it was okay to run during their event and was quickly encouraged to enter.

So I did. My pace was all off and I shot out too fast, slowing down (unintentionally!!)at the end. I clocked in at 27:? I truly don't remember, but was pleased with it being under 30:00. I pushed too hard though and needed a few minutes to compose myself (heaving and light headed). Despite all that, I managed to place 3rd in my ranks (18-44). Not bad for a first timer!

I run alone or sometimes with my dog, Brandy, a 70 pound chow/boxer. Running w/others takes a different kind of discipline, so I'm learning. I did my run on the track today, trying to find my 5k pace. I'm not really sure what I'm doing but I had a good workout.