Burn Donut Burn

Where Has the Time Gone?

burndonutburn — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:43:36 +0000

Well, I did it. Goal number 1: finish the marathon. All 26.2 miles. Done! Goal number 2: not die. Done!

The Colorado Marathon took place on Sunday, May 9. As the day approached, I started to get nervous and wondered whether I was well-prepared. My taper period was three weeks and I really enjoyed dialing my running mileage back. As I eased into the week before the marathon, I started having too much energy and just wanted to cause trouble and play jokes on coworkers. That was definitely a sign that taper was working. My body was storing up the reserves it needed to carry me through that marathon.

Since it was my first marathon, I decided not to focus on a time goal but rather to finish and enjoy the day. I spent the evening before eating pasta and enjoying a glass of wine with fellow runners and crawled into bed by 9 PM. When the alarm went off at 3:30 AM on race day, I wondered, “WHY do I do this to myself?” and laughed out loud.

My friend Florence* had graciously offered to pace me, which typically means running with another racer to aid in meeting his or her time goal. I was just glad for her company. I was calm and collected as I looked around for Florence at the bus loading station. Florence and I climbed into the bus and got comfortable as we chatted about what the next several hours would entail. The buses took all of the racers to the start line as the course was a point to point route. After about 20 miles, I muttered “This is a long damn way” and laughed with my new friends sitting nearby.

We got to the start and I was still calm. I knew that stressing out was not going to help me to enjoy the race at all. The start time approached rapidly and I was thankful for that because it was quite chilly up in the Poudre Canyon. Just before the gun went off, I removed the $2.00 pair of sweats I’d purchased at a thrift store a few days earlier and tossed them by the side of the road, to be collected for a charitable organization after the race was over.

We started to run and Florence reminded me to hold back during the first half of the race as it was mostly downhill and runners typically start the race out too quickly, only to find themselves hitting “the wall” earlier than normal. I held back but knew I hadn’t trained for much downhill terrain. The first17 miles were downhill and that is where I first caught site of my family, who were cheering loudly and holding homemade signs, one of which read “You’re All Crazy!”. I loved it and laughed out loud.

I had fun for the first 20 miles and got to chat with Florence, who was also cheering me on the entire way. As Florence and I ran along, my friend Zac happened to catch us and started to run along with us. This was also Zac’s first marathon and he was doing well.

And then it happened. I started to feel tired at about mile 20 but I wasn’t feeling sore quite yet. The terrain was flattening out and there was even a short uphill segment. Mile 21. Sore quadriceps. I think I swore here as I announced to Florence and Zac, “I started this ******* thing; I’m going to finish it!” A cyclist rode by us in the opposite direction and said cheerfully, “You’re almost there!” and I heard myself mumble “Shut up”. Mile 22. I wondered where the next aid station was. That was my next chance to grab a drink of water and walk through for a short period. At this point, any tiny change in terrain caused me to wince as my quadriceps tightened up more. Mile 23. Just a 5k to go. Just?! Ha! Mile 24. I think that this is where the aid station manned by recovering addicts-turned-runners was. This reminded me that if they can overcome addition, I can deal with finishing a marathon. They were awesome. Finally, we got to mile 25 in Lee Martinez Park. Florence had organized a team at the aid station to cheer us on. Since they work for her, they knew my name and they cheered me on. They were so loud and rowdy and gave me that last burst of energy I needed to finish. I almost started crying because they were so awesome (ALMOST is the key word here). Next, I saw my friend Brad off the side of the trail snapping pictures and was so thankful for his support. A short time later, I was pleasantly surprised to see my friend Benjamin and his daughters cheering. With about 0.4 miles to go, I saw a group who were dressed and painted in green, as well as my family and my friend Baldwin cheering me on. I don’t really remember the last mile but was so happy and proud of what I’d done.

Florence and I crossed the finish in 4:48. I was a little slower than I thought but I was happy with my time. The average first time female marathoner finishes in 5:10. I found my family, Baldwin, and some other friends waiting at the end and was so happy to see them all and very thankful for their support. I still don’t think I’ve thanked them enough for being there. Just a few minutes after finishing, my sister asked, “Would you do it again?” and without blinking, thinking, or drinking, I responded “Yes”. No date is set yet… I’m just looking forward to my next half marathon now.

We are all crazy. Burn, donut burn.

*Names were changed to protect the innocent from any harm.

Week 13 Training Update

burndonutburn — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:52:13 +0000

This week concluded with the second and last of my longest runs, with a distance of 20 miles. It was faster and easier this time around and since I ran a loop instead of an out and back, I ended up going a little over 20 miles. I tried to run more of the distance this time but hit a wall around mile 16 and then I walked some. That is ok. I’ve learned that walking on long runs is acceptable because the goal of long runs is to gain endurance and to get your feet used to hours of work. I feel pretty good and am very excited to be entering into my 3-week taper phase now. I’m going to get some PT and massage work done before the big day and focus on resting up and proper nutrition.

Even though I’m sort of tired of all the running, I find myself looking forward to training more after the marathon. I’m also excited to reacquaint myself with my road bike! I’ve signed up for the Wild West Relay in early August and I’m very tempted to sign up for the inaugural Denver Rock-n-Roll Marathon (the half) in October. I think that my sister, my brother-in-law and I have all inspired my dad to start running as well as he’s getting out three times a week and he is increasing his pace and distance gradually. It’s so fun to see him enjoying it and it’s great to see his progress. I look forward to running the Father’s Day 5k with him and to training to increase my speed once the marathon is over. In the mean time, I have 26.2 miles to run and better be focused on finishing it!

As of April 17, 2010: I’ve run 300 miles so far. Burn, donut burn.

Coaching gig

burndonutburn — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:01:10 +0000

Something exciting happened today. I was wrapping my work day up when a coworker approached me and asked about my training. I gave her a quick update and told her the race is approaching quickly. She looked very interested but then I could see from her expression that she was discouraged about her own fitness goals. She told me that she and her husband are planning a week-long backpacking excursion in the Colorado mountains at the end of June. She knows that she needs to train for the trip in order to get through the excursion comfortably and injury-free.

I absolutely love to help people establish running training plans and I’m constantly asking them about their progress. The coach in me comes out and it’s so rewarding to see people meet their goals. After my coworker told me about her upcoming trip, she asked me if I would help her set up a training plan and then meet with her once a week to check her progress. Of course, I agreed. I suggested that we set some long-term goals and then based on those goals, we’ll set smaller weekly goals that will help her meet her long-term goals. I’m so excited for this coaching opportunity!

I’m still alive and training!

burndonutburn — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:53:46 +0000

Hello friends. Yep, I’ve been slacking on my blog but at least I’ve kept up on the marathon training. Last time I posted was week 7. Whoops!

It is now week 12 and on Saturday, I’ll run 20 miles for the second time during the course of this training plan. It was not easy to get 20 miles in the first time but I think that it will be a little easier this time around. Over the past few weeks, I’ve learned that I fare better on long runs if I consume some electrolytes before I even step out the door for a long run. In addition, I carry 20 oz. of water and 20 oz. of liquid electrolytes in my fuel belt water bottles.

I’m feeling pretty good yet slightly fatigued these days. My left foot is also consistently achy but ibuprofen (AKA vitamin I) and ice come in very handy for that issue. Next week my three week taper begins and I think that will help my energy level…. and hopefully the foot.

Sometimes I wonder if marathon training is similar to pregnancy and childbirth. One is full of energy at the beginning and as the big day nears, they wonder if that day is ever going to come. The big day comes and the “WHY did I do this?” question is answered as the end result is realized. The pain of the big day is soon forgotten and the athlete (or mother) wants to do it all over again. Train hard and keep pushing!

As of April 15, 2010: I’ve run 280 miles so far. Burn, donut burn.

Week 7 Training Update

burndonutburn — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:37:01 +0000

It was my birthday this week. I was shown “the love” by friends and coworkers with lunch and lots of sweets!! It was a fun birthday, rather birthweek, and I ran just one time. I decided not to beat myself up and to move on. My family went on a ski trip to Copper Mountain over the weekend so I opted to skip my usual long run on Saturday in lieu of skiing in the freshies. What does week 8 entail? Better get back on track!!

As of February 20, 2010: I’ve run 105.4 miles so far. Burn, donut burn.

Week 6 Training Update

burndonutburn — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:16:51 +0000

Week six went well. I was feeling a little bit bored with the whole running thing but the week entailed easing back on mileage so that gave me a chance to relax and take it easier. Tuesday called for a speed workout and I struggled with the workout. I was still feeling soreness in my left ankle, which I sprained playing Nintendo many years ago. OK it didn’t really happen while playing Nintendo but my foot fell asleep while I was playing and the phone rang so you know the rest of the story…. Admittedly, I also struggled through the workout in part because I enjoyed some martinis two days earlier during the Superbowl. Note to self: martinis and training do NOT play well together. Until further notice, I’m taking a break from enjoying any liquids that may cause intoxication. Chocolate is definitely still permissible though. Back to the topic of the Tuesday speed workout, I hobbled through it slowly.

Thursday’s tempo workout was a slightly better one as the ankle was about 90% and I had recovered from the martinis. Saturday came around and despite having a new roommate moving into my house that day, I stayed true to the plan and took the time to complete my 10-mile long run. It was cool out but it was sunny and I got out there before the afternoon gusty winds came blowing through. With the music cranking and the water bottles in my fuel belt sloshing, I made it through the 10 miles with relative ease, stopping to check my phone only one time. Hey, I had a roommate moving in and I needed to make sure she hadn’t called me! I even saw an elephant during the run. Next time I see the elephant, I will snap the pachyderm’s picture and post it on my blog.

I did end up changing plans as far as running shoes go. My research led me to decide on sticking with the typical cushy running shoe so I’m not running my first full marathon in the barefoot style of shoe. I do still plan to use them for some of my training and eventually in some shorter races. However, I did go purchase a new pair of Asics. They even have some pink on them. They are sort of girly… Sweet!!

As far week seven, the miles will increase again although I have a three-day ski weekend planned. My plan calls for a 14-mile run on Saturday and I’m not sure whether I’ll run all of those miles and ski Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I’m guessing I will ski more than run. At least I’ll be active and not sitting on my badunkadunka drinking martinis.

As of February 13, 2010: I’ve run 101.4 miles and burned 65.46 donuts so far. Burn, donut burn.

You’re All Crazy!

burndonutburn — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:51:59 +0000

I recently watched the movie “Spirit of the Marathon” which tells the story of several runners who are training to run the 2007 Chicago Marathon. The documentary covers the story of six runners including the famous Deena Kastor and Daniel Njenga, as well as four everyday runners who are not so famous. I highly recommend the movie to runners and non-runners as it shows how perseverance can pay off in meeting big goals.

The movie also had some humor in it. I got a good laugh at one spectator they showed how held up a sign that read “You’re All Crazy!” Yes, that is a true and funny statement. I hope to see some great signs like that at the Colorado Marathon. Friends and family, show me what you got!

Week 5 Training Update

burndonutburn — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:34:26 +0000

I finished my fifth week of training on Saturday. It was my second week using the FIRST training program. My assessment so far is that the plan is a good one. The runs are pretty intense and they are quality, rather than “junk” runs that exist simply to rack up mileage. This week, I completed a 4 mile speed interval run, a 7 mile tempo run, and a 13 mile long run. After running a long 12 miles alone the week before, and getting so bored that I started singing out loud, I decided I needed some company for the 13-miler. I rounded a group of runner friends up so we could keep each other company. We ran hard and talked the entire time, stopping midway for a pack of runners who were not up for the punishment of running the entire distance.

What’s with the chafing we deal with as runners? I thought that I was prepared to avoid chafing during that 13-miler but apparently I missed a spot and I need to dive into a vat of vaseline before embarking on these long runs. Also, I notice I’m gaining an appetite that’s similar to one of a growing teenage boy or perhaps a garbage disposal. The challenge is eating enough but not filling up on junk like chocolate or beer. Good thing I’m really not a big donut fan!

Motivation was a bit of an issue last week but I did meet (or exceed) my mileage requirements for every run. It’s hard to imagine running a whole 26.2 miles but like any big goal, it can be done by breaking the seemingly unimaginable task into bite-size pieces.

I’m enjoying my new lizard-like Vibram 5 Finger shoes. It is hard not to wear them for the entire duration of my training but I’m erring on the side of caution and slowly getting my body used to them. I wore them for a total of 0.75 miles last week and they are super light and quite comfortable. I’ll keep gradually increasing that distance as a means to get my feet, ankles and calves strong enough to run in them.

As of February 6, 2010: I’ve run 84.2 miles and burned 53.84 donuts so far. Burn, donut burn.

Barefoot Running

burndonutburn — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:03:10 +0000

Two days ago, I stepped into the world of barefoot running. I’m not truly running barefoot but I did purchase some Vibram Five Fingers (VFFs) shoes to replace my cushy ones. The lizard-like shoes with individual toes are goofy looking but they are surprisingly comfortable and very lightweight. They simulate barefoot running while protecting the sole of the runner’s foot from glass or other debris one may encounter while running on a road or trail. Barefoot running is supposed to greatly reduce impact as compared to running in typical cushioned running shoes. Additionally, barefoot running is supposed to strengthen the runner’s foot, ankle, and calf muscles. When you put all those benefits together, the result is reduced risk of injury. The trick is to ease into barefoot running slowly to properly strengthen the muscles. I’ve used my VFFs twice this week for a total of just 0.75 miles. So far, I love them and was not too pleased to change back into my old shoes partway through each training run. I plan to use them again soon for a longer distance. More updates about the VFFs to follow!

Dreaming of Running

burndonutburn — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:01:48 +0000

It happened. I had a dream about running. Does that mean I’m sick or obsessed or just plain excited? Not sure!

The dream was strange and funny. The Colorado Marathon starts in Poudre Canyon, in the mountains, and in my dream I thought I was running that marathon. Apparently, my friend and I were a little lost because we were surrounded by the hotels, casinos, and neon lights of Las Vegas. As I ran alongside my friend, I kept asking her “Aren’t we supposed to be in the Poudre Canyon?” as throngs of drunken gamblers cheered us on. We eventually realized we weren’t in Colorado but rather in Vegas. I hope that this doesn’t indicate what’s really going to happen on race day!