Adventures in Running

Number 12 down...Number 13 Registration Complete

2010-06-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

In April of this year, I ran the Boston Marathon - I can officially say I've run a dozen of the 26.2 mile adventures. It was one of my best marathons yet and what's interesting...I trained completely differently!

In 2010 - my finish time was a 3:46:59
In 2008 - my finish time was 3:48:47
In 2007 - my finish time was 3:46:43

So in 3 Boston Marathon adventures, I've finished within the same 2 minutes. Although I will say in 2007 I ended up in the medical tent with 4 cups of chicken bullion - need some sodium can we say - I trained the least amount on the road running for 2010. Due to my back injury in 2009, I only ran 3 days a week but I made sure to do my core exercises including Pilate's and weights. What does all this mean?? At the end of the day, marathon Monday varies based off of many things, but there is no reason to go extreme on the training.

I'm signed up for the 2010 Chicago Marathon so I plan to still run 3 days a week; however, I might add a few more tempo runs to see where my times land me. My marathon PR was on the Chicago course a few years back...3:34...let's see if I can beat that!!

Training so far has been hot and humid...but that's also training in Texas!

Loop the Lake, 2009!

2009-12-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

How about the 6th Annual Loop-the-Lake Run? Don Hunter and I are ready for our 6th year!!

Our fun, unofficial event is really an example of a grass roots organization. In 2004, we had about 7 runners come out and brave the cold on New Year's Eve. Last year we had over 120 courageous participants hitting White Rock Lake.

Through this event, over the last three years, participants have donated more than $7,000 to benefit local children who are fighting childhood obesity. More specifically, we donate to Marathon Kids - They work with local schools in the Dallas metro community to offer a free, innovative, celebratory fitness and nutrition program. http://www.marathonkids.org

What's new this year?

Don and I have taken this grass roots event to the next level by creating a foundation. Dallas Loop-the-Lake Foundation, Inc. is a Texas non-profit organization!
We can now accept donations online at www.active.com/donate/DallasLoopTheLake
Don was invited by Marathon Kids to join their Board of Directors (way to go, Don!)

This is truly an exciting time and I am delighted to have so many of you ready to support us. Here are details for our run.

Date: Thursday, December 31, 2009

Time: 7:00 AM (It's New Year's Eve - You can be a little late for work)

Location: White Rock Lake - Bath House

Distance: That's totally up to you. Some will do a loop (9.5 miles) and others will do less.

3 Ways to Donate: 1. Bring cash to the event, 2. Bring a check payable to Dallas Loop-the-Lake Foundation, or 3. Donate on-line at www.active.com/donate/DallasLoopTheLake

Our Goal: $6,000 We're really stretching our goal this year. Proceeds will go to Marathon Kids.

For any donation of $30 or more, you'll receive a souvenir commemorating the event. Please sign-up at http://www.loopthelake.org Please indicate your t-shirt size in the Name field.

As always, you don't have to donate to run and you don't have to run to donate. Just join us and have fun.

December - time for a new year!

2009-12-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's already December!! Where has the year gone?!

I'm actually glad it's almost over. This year has not been the best for running, although it was nice to sleep in many summer Saturday mornings and to go out late(r) on Friday nights due to not training!! I think that because of my back injury, I have a new found appreciation for not only my back but for my entire body! It's the only one you have...so take care of it!

The past few weeks, I was able to train enough to run the White Rock Half Marathon this past Sunday. The great news is that my back didn't hurt during the run...and I ran a 1:50! That was my goal, so I'm happy with that time. I have also decided to run the 2010 Boston Marathon. This will more than likely be my last marathon (assuming I can get through training) but I felt like I needed to do it one more time...and it's BOSTON! I'm excited to train differently - running 2-3 days a week, incorporating more Pilate's and spin classes and weights.

One sad note from the past year is that my sister died in October - actually, the two month mark is today, December 16th, 2009. She always gave me a hard time for running marathons and thought I was crazy (which most of us marathoners are), but she was proud of me. I was always proud of how well she kept herself in shape in the midst of having two kids. I can only hope I will do the same one day! I gave Clark, my nephew, a t-shirt last year for Christmas that said "one day I will run like my Auntie". I hope that's true! Now I have two nephews to train in the future!!

Back on track

2009-10-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly 4 months since injury day...and...I can proudly say I'm back to running! It IS safe to run again and actually recommended since movement is good. I have been trying to build up to 3 days a week and feel pretty good! The only time my back starts hurting is when I sit for long periods of time - which is usually at work. When my back "hurts" I go in to my favorite "press-ups" (picture the yoga pose "cobra" here). The reason this feels better is because of where my disc was injured - the stretch helps move the disc which alleviates any pain.

In any event...I've signed up for the DRC Half Marathon (November 1) and then am considering Boston again in April 2010. I re-qualified for Boston when I ran San Antonio last fall and because I'm not sure I'll always be a marathoner, I figured I should enjoy one last "hurrah" at the big B.

Thanks for everyone's support during my injury stage! I'm so glad I'm back to normal, well, modified normal.

More progress

2009-08-03T19:46:00.001-07:00

It's been almost a month since my last post. I'm happy to say that I have started run/walking...kindive.

My PT gave me the "Green Light" after we ensured the pain in my leg (triggered by the herniation) was gone for at least a few weeks. I think I had improved due to the fact I religiously did my exercises and stretches for the past few weeks.

With the"Green Light," last week at my PT I ran for 4 minutes at a speed of 5.4 (...slower for me, my running pace was around 7.2 pre-herniation) with a 1 minute walk following each 4 minute run. I did the run/walk cycle for 20 minutes total and felt OK! I was really encouraged by this! The only "gray cloud" I have is that over the past week, I have worn heels, been on my feet all day, traveled to another city, drug a suitcase around Chicago and have done little exercise. That said, the back is feeling a little twinge and the pain down my leg is coming back. Bad sign. More to come soon...hopefully good stuff! Stay tuned!

The newest addition to my training...a herniated disc.

2009-07-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, I thought it would be a good idea to start golf lessons. Not only have I always thought of golf as a good "business sport" to know how to play, I figured the "cross-training" function of hitting balls might strengthen my core...perhaps even my arms. I signed up with several friends at a local pro-golf store and began the journey.

Week 1...great.
Week 2...better.
Week 3...awesome...until my back / hip / leg started hurting shortly after leaving the lesson.

This was on a Sunday. Monday, went to work, dealt with pain in my back, made an appointment Tuesday for a chiropractor visit and massage, and took a lot of Advil. Tuesday morning could barely walk, went to the chiropractor, had a massage, and left feeling no better. Finally left work early Tuesday in the worst pain EVER and called upon my loving friend, Don, to drive me to an appointment with a spinal surgeon. After 2 hours of waiting, and a round of x-rays, the verdict was in...I had a "compressed" disc in between L5 and S1. Apparently this is one of the most common disc problems in the lower back. The doc sent me off with a prescription for a steroid, pain meds and hydrocodiene. Awesome. At this point I was desperate for anything!

I then spent the next week on the floor drugged up. It was the only place I could get somewhat comfortable. I did manage to make it for an MRI during that week. The result...I had a degenerative disc herniation. I'm not 110% positive the golf cause the herniated disc, but I have a VERY strong it led to the problem since it was the one thing I did out of the norm that could have caused it. What happens when you get a disc herniation you ask? Well, according to about.com:

What happens with a 'herniated disc'?
As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary--this is called a herniated disc. When a herniated disc bulges out from between the vertebrae, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become pinched. There is normally a little extra space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, but if enough of the herniated disc is pushed out of place, then these structures may be compressed.

So, my friends, I have a new friend to deal with - a disc herniation. I have to hang up the running shoes for the next few months (6-9 approx.), but the doctors say I will run again, just not now. I am not able to do any "impact" sports and running absolutely falls in to that category. As I start with physical therapy, swimming, the recumbent bike, etc., I feel that this is going to be a great new chapter of life!

The Canyon Trek

2009-06-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

The trek is complete. Rim to Rim in one day. Saturday, May 17 was a day I will never forget. Ever thought of doing the Rim to Rim challenge but wasn't sure? Well, here is my experience and I'm already excited for next year!

We started our journey from Phoenix on Friday morning and drove to the North Rim. See photo to the right. The North Rim was breathtaking! I learned that not as many people journey to this rim because a.) it's only open for certain months of the year and b.) it's off the beaten path. At the Rim, there was a beautiful lodge and cabins that we enjoyed. After watching the sunset over the Canyon with a glass of wine in hand, we slept comfy in our cabins - complete with a fireplace and NO television. It was one of the most romantic places I have ever been (and plan to go back to someday)!

The morning of the hike started at 4:30 a.m. SHARP. Below is one of the first photos of the day. We dropped several thousand feet very quickly and I was glad no one injured themselves. In many places, there were very steep drop-offs next to our path and the gravel below us was not stable. I wore hiking shoes (not boots) and had a few slips, but nothing major. The one thing I didn't bring that might have helped prevent that were walking sticks. Who knew.

Along the way down (and really, the whole time), the key was to drink a lot even if you weren't thirsty. Not only water, but a drink like Gatorade that had sodium and calories in it as well. We stopped every few miles at water fountains / bathrooms along the way. In terms of eating, we snacked on PowerBar chews, pretzels, beef jerky and tail mix (salted). I did wear my Garmin watch to calculate our mileage, and as a rule of thumb, tried to make sure we were all drinking every 15 minutes and snacking every 45 (even if it was a small snack). We were also trying to make sure everyone was going "potty" - a sign of being hydrated if you had to go - as long as the urine was "light lemonade" and not clear or too dark (according to my marathon training knowledge, clear = over hydration; dark = dehydration).

One of the major milestones of the hike was Phantom Ranch. This "milestone" was slightly over half way (I believe about 15 miles in) and was one of the nicer rest stops. If we had would have wanted to, there were places to stay the night (very small cabins - not quite "roughin'" it, but almost), there was a place to get some food / drinks and it's actually where the mules stayed that brought people down from the South Rim. (FYI - I can't imagine riding a mule down from the top - swaing for that many miles would surely leave your "seat" a little sore the next day!) We had to watch our rest time at Phantom Ranch because the second half of the hike was extreme. It was hot and intense. The "Devil's Corkscrew" was after Phantom Ranch and that part of the trek involves A LOT of switchbacks and is in direct sun! Little did we know at this point that the temperatures were reaching 118 in the base of the Canyon. It was hot.

We started to head towards Devils Corkscrew and one of our hikers had to turn around. They were all of a sudden not feeling well so they returned back to Phantom Ranch. (Where, later, we learned, they were helicoptered out of the Canyon. After an overnight at the hospital and approx. 6 liters of sailene, they were good to go!). One of the other hikers went with me and we ventured up Devil's Corkscrew.

Up, up, up we went. We had to take a lot of rests because the other hiker that was with me was feeling the effects of the sun, dehydration, and altitude. We stopped at the remaining rest stops on the trail (there seemed to be one every 3-5 miles and at this point, our pace was 40-55 minutes / mile). At the 3-mile house (we had 3 miles to go), I learned we had roughly 4,000 feet to gain before we actually "summitted" out of the Canyon on the South Rim. Seriously?! I was used to a marathon where 3 miles could take 20 minutes. Now it was going to take several hours. None the less, we kept going. Step after step, sip after sip of Gatorade (and all of the other electrolyte drinks we were indulging in); we got closer.

When I trained for this, I did some StairMaster because I heard that would be ideal for the South Rim. Not until I got there did I realize that it was literally like stepping up for miles. There are rocks, logs, twigs, switchbacks, etc. majority of the second half that you are hurdling the whole way up.

After almost 14 hours and approx. 28 miles (my Garmin watch died after 11 hours); we finished! Below is a photo of the "Balloon Arch" of the Rim to Rim Hike. The reason I call it this is because in a marathon, you go and go and go and feel like you are completely out of fuel until see you see the finish line - a destination frequently marked with a balloon arch. When we see that Arch, you know you're almost done and you dig deep to find the energy to finish stronger than you ever have before. Below is The Arch of the Rim to Rim!People have asked me if I will do the Rim to Rim challenge again next year and I absolutely would! It was the most incredible experience I have ever been a part of. Although my running, hill work, speed work, weight lifting, yoga, Pilate's and diet all helped my legs and body complete the Challenge, my feet were not prepared for it. For next year, I will do a handful of long WALKS. I had forgotten that you use completely different muscles for walking!! Otherwise, who is with me for next year??

Quick Race & Slow Hills

2009-03-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

Quick Beat is 7 weeks underway. We've finished the section of the training that focuses on tempo runs -- thank goodness!! Unfortunately, 2 weeks ago, the last week of tempo runs, my leg started hurting (hamstring). After taking a few runs off, going to the chiropractor, taking Advil, icing and massage after massage...I decided to go to the physical therapist. After a quick 20 minute evaluation, we found out that my leg wasn't injured, it was my back. I now have a few stretches to do and it's amazing how much better it makes my leg feel!! How exciting I am NOT injured!!

With this incredible news, I was off to Vegas this last week for work. I got approximately 1 hill workout in (on the treadmill...the strip is not a good place for a workout)...and then was hit with the flu. Nasty little sickness. Despite taking the rest of the week off from any exercise, I landed in Dallas Friday afternoon and felt much better. This morning (Saturday) was the Trinity River Levee Run - a 10K - and I placed 2nd in my age group! I was thrilled!! Now with that win, the flu, and a lack of injuries behind me, I'm ready to start the week of fresh.

This week, the program starts to place a lot of emphasis on hills, which is good for my Canyon crossing training (all of which I have completed about 3 stairmaster workouts in preparation for). Assuming I can get some good hill work in and start more frequent stairmaster training...the Canyons in May might not be so bad! My mom has me thinking it will be the hardest physical event EVER, but I'm convinced it's not as hard as a marathon - especially when you've hit the wall at mile 13 (Chicago marathon in 2005)...more to come.....hills and thrills!

A bump on in the road

2009-01-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

Have I told you what I'm going to do?! Cross the Grand Canyon! I can't wait! It was time to take some marathon time off, so I have decided to do something VERY different...hiking across the Grand Canyon. 14 miles down one side, cross the Colorado River, up 12 miles the other side. All in ONE day. This is scheduled to happen in May! Exciting!

Until then, despite many day off (weeks, rather) from running, I have started getting back in the swing of weekly workouts with the group. This morning, probably because it had been so long since I had run, I tripped and fell towards the end of my workout! Couldn't believe it! It's a good thing its cold outside - without the coverage of tights and a jacket with some gloves, I would have done some serious damage. I now know that if I'm not a bit more consistent with mileage and workouts, I will be slipping all over the Canyon! I have also been told that I need to work up to 2 hours + on the Stair master. Seriously?! 2 hours?! I'm sure my next post will be about how much fun that is!

A great loop...finally!

2008-12-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

I met my running group Saturday at 7 a.m. (later than our normal 6:00 or even 5:45 time) to run a loop...9 miles. The run was great! Finally! I have been so frustrated with running lately (post marathon). I've been exhausted during runs, felt winded and slow, etc. FINALLY...a good loop! It was nice to take it slower than usual and to enjoy company. I'm looking forward to running more through the holidays and with my friends!!

Dallas White Rock 1/2 Marathon

2008-12-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

There was nothing easy about the 1/2 marathon today. It started with warmer weather (I live in Dallas, did I expect it to be anything less than warm?!) and a windy sky. Miles 1-8 were good - I ran with my fellow running group, but at mile 9, things got hard. We turned to head back to the finish line area (American Airlines) and when we hit McCommas, it was uphill. My legs started feeling like tree trunks and no matter what song I decided to play on my Shuffle, it didn't make me feel better. I took a Power Gel, but even that didn't help. My saving grace was the fact the rest of the course was downhill after mile 10. My friend was running with me and even though he tried to tell stories since he knew I was hurting, it didn't seem to make a difference...I just kept pounding the pavement! Mile 13 came and went...and then I was finished. Finally! What I now know for next time is that if you want to run a 1/2 marathon after a full (or after your training season)....make sure you get more than 5 or so runs in within the 5 weeks post marathon...that extra training would have helped me make it through without feeling so bad!! Now...time to rest, start shorter distance runs and get ready for the Quick Beat program!! 5K's and 10K's, here I come!! The half and full marathons are on the shelf for a few months!!

First Workout - Post Marathon

2008-11-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

It wasn't strong or long, but I had my first workout, post San Antonio marathon tonight. Despite the low intensity on the elliptical for 30 minutes, I am SORE!! Guess I need to take a bit more time off before heading back out to the running group again!!