I had the weirdest dream.early this am. I was debating on weather or not to run on the BART trail early.........still dark early, It runs to Richmond, a less savory part of the trail..next I'm on the trail and it's creeping me out......up ahead I spot a figure staggering with arms outstretched (note: I watched "Sean of the Dead" recently) yikes! Zombies up ahead.....and then I wake up. Spooked and irritated, I decide NOT to run On the BART in the dark. I log on and check out a new Blog. On it the a link to Endurance Radio.........very cool indeed, with audio tracks to inspire as I get my shit together .....this leads me to an interview w/ Gillian ? a gal who runs 100 miles for fun. she's super down to earth and and has a website called Zombierunners.com!!!!
A site totally devoted to trail and Ultra running.....Gillian spoke of why she runs and how she trains, the hi's and lows. Just what this 42 y.o wannnabe needed to hear right about now.....yay!
Maybe all this fear and doubt I've been having is related, somehow my subconscious led me to this new blog ( Susie I draft off your site all the time, thanks for being so technically fabulous!)
I think it's all related somehow. I'm in a rush and should credit DMZ for leading me toEndurance Radio.
Now, I need to drop M off and run while the rain appears to be taking a break.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Flaws and Imperfections
Sure, I have my share of them. On the physical front, I try de-emphasize the negative and accentuate the positive. However, appearances are easier to shape than character. On the inside, I'm full of doubt and fear about my limits, my age, my ability to stick with it when it gets too hard.
While I'm willing to work hard, I'm not so commited to working REAL HARD for the LONG HALL. My drive comes and goes in spurts. This race coming up has certainly motivated me to up the ante and to base build. But as soon as I introduced NEW HARD THINGS ie speed work and strength training, my commitment waivered seriously. If I'm not having fun, I tend to bail. This certainly will affect my ability to take my running to the next level, whatever that may be.
Yeah, I play my "edges" now and again, but I don't hang outside my comfort zone for too long and well I'll just admit it here and now, I have a wicked ass temper and a low frustration tolerance threshold.
Not exactly the stuff TRUE champions are made of.
"But, your a 42 y.o mid-packer w/no guts for cripes sake, what are you trying to prove, who do you think you are anyways?"
whispers that annoying little imp buzzing in my ear.
At this moment, I'm trying to muster up the courage to get my tail out the door in whipping wind and go long.......if I don't get swept up into oblivion, I'll return with a post run/windsurfing report.
Not the best place for my head to be one week before the race.
I headed over to Strawberry and after a few minutes adjusting the camelbak and then shedding of layers, I did my usual out and back. Seems like I'm moving slower these days. Except on the downhill, I really charged 'em today. NO FEAR and neatly trimmed toenails are the way to go. The wind wasn't so bad and it was a little warmer than I expected it to be. Best of all no rain! I slept well lastnight but didn't carbo-load like I usually do before a long run.
My kitchen is in limbo, with half of the counter top in place and until just an hour ago no water. Needless to say I'm not cooking much these days and had to settle for turkey potpie lastnight.
On the way back, a runner passed me on the right and scared the crap out of me. That's always happening. The getting passed isn't so bad it's when they sneak up on me that is annoying, as I startle easily. Isn't it proper etiquette to make your presence known when passing? A clearing of the throat, shuffling of the feet, something!!
Afterwards, I headed over to the downtown Y. I set up a one month membership to see if logistically, this gym will work for me. The hours are good and now that I've established an exercise routine, it shouldn't be too difficult to trek the 2 miles from home to there. We'll see.
I headed upstairs to the womens stretching area and went hog wild with all the space and cleanliness I could possibly ask for.
I'm not sure what the hell kind of point I was trying to make earlier, I think though that I do have a tendency to avoid challenging myself too much. A fear of fatigue if you will, like I'm afraid of finishing badly, I want to feel good when I run. I never want to feel like I did after that first 5K, it was AWFUL. But I learned alot as result, so WTF is the deal. I think I need some guidance when it comes to taking on new running challenges, my half-assed approach is not working. Is this when folks start to consider a coach? I read alot and learn stuff from the internet but I think a more hands-on approach is called for.
I AM looking forward to my race though, I hope the weather cooperates. I'm not too worried about running in the rain, but mud waffles will suck! I wonder if they make something like yak trax for muddy trails?
While I'm willing to work hard, I'm not so commited to working REAL HARD for the LONG HALL. My drive comes and goes in spurts. This race coming up has certainly motivated me to up the ante and to base build. But as soon as I introduced NEW HARD THINGS ie speed work and strength training, my commitment waivered seriously. If I'm not having fun, I tend to bail. This certainly will affect my ability to take my running to the next level, whatever that may be.
Yeah, I play my "edges" now and again, but I don't hang outside my comfort zone for too long and well I'll just admit it here and now, I have a wicked ass temper and a low frustration tolerance threshold.
Not exactly the stuff TRUE champions are made of.
"But, your a 42 y.o mid-packer w/no guts for cripes sake, what are you trying to prove, who do you think you are anyways?"
whispers that annoying little imp buzzing in my ear.
At this moment, I'm trying to muster up the courage to get my tail out the door in whipping wind and go long.......if I don't get swept up into oblivion, I'll return with a post run/windsurfing report.
Not the best place for my head to be one week before the race.
I headed over to Strawberry and after a few minutes adjusting the camelbak and then shedding of layers, I did my usual out and back. Seems like I'm moving slower these days. Except on the downhill, I really charged 'em today. NO FEAR and neatly trimmed toenails are the way to go. The wind wasn't so bad and it was a little warmer than I expected it to be. Best of all no rain! I slept well lastnight but didn't carbo-load like I usually do before a long run.
My kitchen is in limbo, with half of the counter top in place and until just an hour ago no water. Needless to say I'm not cooking much these days and had to settle for turkey potpie lastnight.
On the way back, a runner passed me on the right and scared the crap out of me. That's always happening. The getting passed isn't so bad it's when they sneak up on me that is annoying, as I startle easily. Isn't it proper etiquette to make your presence known when passing? A clearing of the throat, shuffling of the feet, something!!
Afterwards, I headed over to the downtown Y. I set up a one month membership to see if logistically, this gym will work for me. The hours are good and now that I've established an exercise routine, it shouldn't be too difficult to trek the 2 miles from home to there. We'll see.
I headed upstairs to the womens stretching area and went hog wild with all the space and cleanliness I could possibly ask for.
I'm not sure what the hell kind of point I was trying to make earlier, I think though that I do have a tendency to avoid challenging myself too much. A fear of fatigue if you will, like I'm afraid of finishing badly, I want to feel good when I run. I never want to feel like I did after that first 5K, it was AWFUL. But I learned alot as result, so WTF is the deal. I think I need some guidance when it comes to taking on new running challenges, my half-assed approach is not working. Is this when folks start to consider a coach? I read alot and learn stuff from the internet but I think a more hands-on approach is called for.
I AM looking forward to my race though, I hope the weather cooperates. I'm not too worried about running in the rain, but mud waffles will suck! I wonder if they make something like yak trax for muddy trails?
Friday, March 03, 2006
It's been 6 pounds since my last confession
Something about Lent is dredging up my twisted catholic humour........
I now weight 151 lbs....thats down six since my public disclosure awhile back. I guess the wts., long runs and better eating are paying off. I'm still battling a sore left hip, appears to my chronic condition. The massage helped and I'm stretching like mad. While the weather is completely unpridictable there are windows of opportunity to get outside runs in. Yesterday I switched it up a bit, did one 1.5 loop at the dog park then headed over to the marina, which turned out to another 1.5 out and back. Today, my first appearance at the gym in 2 wks! A 20 minute stairmaster session, followed by alot of streching, 2 x 15 crunches, girlie push-ups and leg presses.
I now weight 151 lbs....thats down six since my public disclosure awhile back. I guess the wts., long runs and better eating are paying off. I'm still battling a sore left hip, appears to my chronic condition. The massage helped and I'm stretching like mad. While the weather is completely unpridictable there are windows of opportunity to get outside runs in. Yesterday I switched it up a bit, did one 1.5 loop at the dog park then headed over to the marina, which turned out to another 1.5 out and back. Today, my first appearance at the gym in 2 wks! A 20 minute stairmaster session, followed by alot of streching, 2 x 15 crunches, girlie push-ups and leg presses.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Got my Mojo working
Got lucky again today and was able to run outside. The weather is totally messing with my BIG PLANS to check out my race route tomorrow. Oh well, when I woke up this morning it was cloudy and dry, then a little later it started to pour and then a little more later the sun starts shining. Cripes make up your mind already!
By this time I'm hussling M along to get her to school on time and me on the roads. I was thinking of going 5 miles but the idea of doing it on the "dreadmill" (i ripped that off from some blog somewhere) was not appealing cuz i don't have my little pink radio anymore and the music at the gym sucks.
The weather is still holding out, so I take a chance and get a good 30 minute run in, then made a very brief appearance at the gym:squats and leg press.
My left hip is really bugging me, as I write this my frozen bag of edamame is draped nicely around it. I guess that extra 8 minutes on sunday is taking it's toll and my left butt cheeck is sore too. Just as well I cut my run short. Tomorrow I'm getting a massage. Yeah!
By this time I'm hussling M along to get her to school on time and me on the roads. I was thinking of going 5 miles but the idea of doing it on the "dreadmill" (i ripped that off from some blog somewhere) was not appealing cuz i don't have my little pink radio anymore and the music at the gym sucks.
The weather is still holding out, so I take a chance and get a good 30 minute run in, then made a very brief appearance at the gym:squats and leg press.
My left hip is really bugging me, as I write this my frozen bag of edamame is draped nicely around it. I guess that extra 8 minutes on sunday is taking it's toll and my left butt cheeck is sore too. Just as well I cut my run short. Tomorrow I'm getting a massage. Yeah!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Preparation
Yesterday, Brandy, M and I headed over to China Camp where my race will take place in 2 weeks. It is exactly 20 miles from my house to the trailhead. Sweet. We headed over there around 2pm and the traffic was not bad at all, so I expect early Sunday will be a cake walk.(the drive over that is!) Unfortunately, with Brandy in tow and the Search and Rescue drill in progress I wasn't able to scope it out like I had hoped. Still, I wasn't sure how the hell to get to China Camp and was delightfully surprised by how easy it was to find. I'll definitely check it out again on my own before race day.
The race is at 9am, so today I geared up and hit Wildcat at 9am on the dot. I just love my camelbak. I filled it with lemon-lime gatorade and was off for a long run. Today I started at Little Farm and went allllllllllllll the way to Alverado Park.
Total distance/time 8 miles in 1:48:11
Alverado Park is just amazing. Single track canopied trails for days. It was soooooo hard not to explore, but I knew I had to my butt back to Little farm before the rain kicked in.
I feel good about this run, especially after being reminded by Runner Susan's post on the benefits of longer/slower runs.
I found my picnic table, which sits convienently under a great old oak, stretched, not nearly as tired as I was on that first run. Perhaps due to the much cooler temps and occasional drizzle. I rested for a minute and as I headed for my car the rain started to pick-up.
How's that for lucky?
The race is at 9am, so today I geared up and hit Wildcat at 9am on the dot. I just love my camelbak. I filled it with lemon-lime gatorade and was off for a long run. Today I started at Little Farm and went allllllllllllll the way to Alverado Park.
Total distance/time 8 miles in 1:48:11
Alverado Park is just amazing. Single track canopied trails for days. It was soooooo hard not to explore, but I knew I had to my butt back to Little farm before the rain kicked in.
I feel good about this run, especially after being reminded by Runner Susan's post on the benefits of longer/slower runs.
I found my picnic table, which sits convienently under a great old oak, stretched, not nearly as tired as I was on that first run. Perhaps due to the much cooler temps and occasional drizzle. I rested for a minute and as I headed for my car the rain started to pick-up.
How's that for lucky?
Friday, February 24, 2006
Whew! I'm back on-line!
Shit hit the fan on thursday night and my computer has been in the shop. My computer guy had to wipe the slate clean and I've got to reinstall everything.
Wow 9 comments while I was away!!
Glad to report the running is going smoothly, though I've been slacking off in the weight lifting department (I'd like to think that all the people I lift, move or transfer from point A to point B qualifies as some form of weight lifting!) and I finally found the access trail for dogs off leash at wildcat canyon. Brandy is a very happy pooch these days.
So, I've got to reaccqauinted with this computer. I'm still trying to access my e-mail!
Wow 9 comments while I was away!!
Glad to report the running is going smoothly, though I've been slacking off in the weight lifting department (I'd like to think that all the people I lift, move or transfer from point A to point B qualifies as some form of weight lifting!) and I finally found the access trail for dogs off leash at wildcat canyon. Brandy is a very happy pooch these days.
So, I've got to reaccqauinted with this computer. I'm still trying to access my e-mail!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
100 minutes
Today I ran 100 minutes non-stop. Not sure how far I got but that's not as important as the fact that I ran 100 minutes without stopping!
I was going to run the Nimitz but at the last minute decided to check-out Wildcat Canyon.
I didn't hit the trail until 10:35 am, I was moving extra slow from the having taken a night time cold med lastnight, I just couldn't get going. The sluggish feeling had me hemming and hawing about where to run, how hard I was willing to work, which shoes to wear....
Wildcat is off road and the dirt was hard packed, I wore my Keyano's instead of my Montrails and felt the difference right away. My feet felt lighter but my footing wasn't as sure, so I avoided rough spots.
I also tried a new hydration system today, my camelbak dream. It's intended for cycling but I gave it a try on the trail, it worked out well after a few tweaks here and there, I like it much better than my hand-held system and will most likely use it on race day.
This trail is a lot flatter than Strawberry, but without distance markers I can't say for sure how long it is but it felt further. I turned around after about 45 minutes. At 90 minutes my legs grew tired but I felt like I could keep going, a voice in my head kept whispering something about a 10% rule, (up till now the longest I've run is 85 minutes) so,15 extra minutes didn't feel like I was overdoing it.
I was sure to walk a good while afterwards, I thought about what David said(Adventures in the thin trade David) when he couldn't get his stride back after stopping during the marathon, I really understand that after today, my legs felt wobbly and I couldn't of run again if I had wanted to. I found a picnic table and stretched for a good long time, then layed back and closed my eyes feeling the sun on my face and for a little while basked in the utter contentedness of it all.
I was going to run the Nimitz but at the last minute decided to check-out Wildcat Canyon.
I didn't hit the trail until 10:35 am, I was moving extra slow from the having taken a night time cold med lastnight, I just couldn't get going. The sluggish feeling had me hemming and hawing about where to run, how hard I was willing to work, which shoes to wear....
Wildcat is off road and the dirt was hard packed, I wore my Keyano's instead of my Montrails and felt the difference right away. My feet felt lighter but my footing wasn't as sure, so I avoided rough spots.
I also tried a new hydration system today, my camelbak dream. It's intended for cycling but I gave it a try on the trail, it worked out well after a few tweaks here and there, I like it much better than my hand-held system and will most likely use it on race day.
This trail is a lot flatter than Strawberry, but without distance markers I can't say for sure how long it is but it felt further. I turned around after about 45 minutes. At 90 minutes my legs grew tired but I felt like I could keep going, a voice in my head kept whispering something about a 10% rule, (up till now the longest I've run is 85 minutes) so,15 extra minutes didn't feel like I was overdoing it.
I was sure to walk a good while afterwards, I thought about what David said(Adventures in the thin trade David) when he couldn't get his stride back after stopping during the marathon, I really understand that after today, my legs felt wobbly and I couldn't of run again if I had wanted to. I found a picnic table and stretched for a good long time, then layed back and closed my eyes feeling the sun on my face and for a little while basked in the utter contentedness of it all.
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