Slow Runnings

Oh, The Races You'll Miss!

2011-04-01T21:02:00.005-04:00

Husband: You want to know the best thing about your pregnancy? No races.

BB: :(

My husband is a trooper.

He's the best race spectator in the world (I like to call him "Crew Chief"), and I think he definitely earned a break from the 5:00 am wake-up calls, navigating difficult race parking and having to talk me off the cliff when the slightest thing goes wrong (shirt isn't clean, can't find ipod, can't go to the potty, etc.). True <3

Rage Against Maternity Clothes

2011-03-31T16:25:00.004-04:00

CONFESSION: Most maternity "fashion" options make. me. cringe. Behold:

FLOWERS EVERYWHERE. Because we need another reminder that YOU ARE IN FACT FERTILE. Get it? GET IT?!?! And criss-crossy tops! Because...because...WHY?! Pregnant ladies do not look good in criss-crossy tops.

Solution: I don't shop maternity anymore. I'm just buying oversized regular sized stuff.

Rant over. Thanks for listening.

Running partner

2011-03-22T13:37:00.004-04:00

This is Gracie Lou, mid-howl and rocking her new pink comfort-fit harness.

See, turns out Gracie's walking speed perfectly matches my pregnancy-wobble-run stride for stride. This keeps her from pulling the fire out of the leash (which is why I've always been so reluctant to walk her in the past).

Now when I say the word "WALK," Gracie starts into this horrible whimper-howl of excitement, all the while throwing herself at the garage door. It's pathetic. AND ADORABLE!

Grace does pretty well on our runs. She's hyper-focused and pays little attention to people or other dogs.

The only problem we have is with BIRDS. They send her into a complete frenzy.

Kind of like when the ice-cream truck rolls by (for me, at least). I start the whimper-howl and throw myself at the door until Hubs restrains me.

I have a perfectly good excuse for not updating this blog.

2011-03-20T19:37:00.006-04:00

Poor, poor pitiful blog. Nearly abandoned!

Nearly!

For the past year and a half, I've used law school as my "I'm too busy to do XYZ" excuse but BOY can I top that one:

I've been doing everything in my power to destroy my usually orderly bathroom? No, actually...

For the past six months, I've been growing a HUMAN. Hubs and I are expecting our first tiny slow-runner at the end of June.

Yes, we are excited! Yes, we planned this! And no, we don't know what we're having and we won't until we meet the critter!

Pregnancy is no excuse to stop exercising. Crippling morning sickness, however, is a different story.

But now I'm in my second trimester, feeling great and running 5 days a week again.

Don't call it a comeback!

Of course, pregnant running is extra, extra slow for me. And I can hardly do more than 3 miles. And there are lots of SUPER FUN pregnancy side effects that come into play (you'll never guess what happens every time I sneeze...unless you're a mom or mom-to-be...in which case WHY DIDN'T YOU WARN ME?).

But considering I didn't run more than 4 total miles for 12 weeks, I am pretty excited to be hitting the pavement again...even if I am forced to wear Hubs' work-out tees because mine don't fit no mo'.

It is my intention to a) run until I pop (or am advised otherwise); b) keep updating this blog; and c) not allow this blog to become a "mommy-blog" by keeping it running-centric.

What hurts today?
My knees. But only in the middle of the night. My doc told me not to worry-- pregnancy loosens your ligaments and "the extra weight doesn't help" (she tells me delicately).

Gracie!

2010-08-09T21:33:00.003-04:00

It's my puppy!

Sometimes when I'm feeling a little stressed out, I google "Brittany Spaniel" and scroll through the images.

Art imitating life.

Long tread

2010-08-06T15:20:00.003-04:00

The weather today was beautiful, but I opted to run at the gym instead.

It's my "long" run day (8 mi), and I don't know why I thought I could run for that long on a treadmill, but I thought "What the hey."

Well, I must have slipped into bizarro-running universe, because everything about my run today was the opposite of how I usually like to run:
a) I was on a treadmill
b) I was on a treadmill for more than 30 minutes
c) I was on a treadmill for more than 30 mintues in my running shoes (not my Vibrams)
d) I was on a treadmill for more than 30 minutes in my running shoes (not my Vibrams) while watching TV

And...it wasn't bad at all! Weird. Usually I get really bored on the t-mill, but today I was ok with it.

I know I'll be paying for it tomorrow, because my legs HATE my running shoes. Right now my hamstrings are scah-reeming.

In other news...school is COMING. Getting casebooks in the mail is like Opposite Christmas.

Broke(d)!

2010-08-02T16:31:00.003-04:00

Preeeeetty sure I broke my Garmin.

I accidentally left it on ALL NIGHT and the battery was completely drained. I plugged 'er in to charge and got nuffin. I did the "soft reset" and got her rolling again, but when it stopped working right before my run.

SO. Trying not to panic. Although, running 8 miles without it (just like the old days) felt really good. I finished in 1:15, which is a little slower than usual, but not too far off my goal pace.

Pfft, "goal pace." I mean "don't walk, survive, think of dessert."

Guess I'll be running for duration (40 mins., 1 hour, etc.) until I figure this out.

Oh, and school is about to start again. HIP HIP!

9 month recap!

2010-07-21T15:17:00.005-04:00

I've been a little distracted these past 9 months.

BUT I've kept running! And improving, sort of...I ran the KDF Mini in 2:06:26 (according to my Garmin). Thing is, I could have broke 2:00 hours if I had kept on the gas for the last three miles.

Instead, I was like, "eh."

And then I ran the Bluegrass 10K in 57:05. My chip time was 58:something, but I'm sticking with my Garmin time because...well, it's better. Very pumpkin-eater of me.

My goal was 55:00 and I would have been angry except for the fact that I had a CRITICAL ERROR in the um, digestive department around Mile 5 and had to limp towards the finish line.

And by "finish line" I mean "Dunkin Dounuts Bathroom that was on the Course."

And that story deserves its own post.

Sooooo, I'm gearing up for the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon in November. Oh, and more blog posts (for my husband, mom and mom-in-law who still read this blog).

RETURN OF THE BB!

2010-07-20T19:29:00.001-04:00

I'm going to update this blog. AND REALLY SOON.

Promises. Swearies.

But for now, I'm going to watch a movie with Hubs.

Ok, ok...

2009-12-04T08:45:00.004-05:00

It's freezing outside and I already pushed the ottoman out of the way to clear room for the exercise bike, but ENOUGH excuses...

It's time for a run.

So I'm strapping on my FiveFingers as I speak(type) and I'm heading out the door momentarily.

I'm halfway through my final exams, and when I'm finished I predict an epic comeback to the world of slow running.

Thanks to those of you who still read this (when I do update). I hope everyone is training strong and having great runs.

So a little 1L reflection that will only make sense to law students:
* Property: nicest professor until we saw our 9 page fact pattern for the final.
* Contracts: test is next week...it's hard not to like contracts. Everyone likes contracts!
* Civil Procedure: my favorite class...which means something is seriously wrong with me.
* Torts: worthless. WORTH. LESS.

Slim Down

2009-10-16T07:53:00.004-04:00

A lot of the blogs I read are diet/fitness related, and they always have really insightful tips about healthy eating and exercise.

Here? Not so much.

I say eat what you want and if you're not happy with your body...well, I can't help you. I'm not an expert in anything health related and I don't act like I am.

I am however an expert in Jurassic Park quotes, but that may not help you do anything. Ever.

But I have discovered a great way to lose weight quickly! Just follow these easy steps:

1) Take LSAT.
2) Apply to law school.
3) Get in to law school.
4) Go to class.
5) Take both research final + Torts midterm + turn in first memo (EVER) in span of five days.

AND CHA-CHING! You'll drop weight like a prize fighter.

Seriously, my mileage has dropped to below 10 miles a week (far below it...try like, 4 miles) and I've managed to lose weight by stressing out.

I know I'm just losing muscle that took me a year and hundreds of miles to accumulate, so I'm not exactly jazzed about it.

BUT I feel a comeback coming...

Epic (fail) Return

2009-10-12T18:43:00.002-04:00

HEY HEY!

Ok, so I haven't posted in two months...epic fail. But I have a good excuse! I'm a 1L! That's a totally legit excuse, right D.A.R.?!

Anyway, I didn't run that Downtown Doubler and I haven't trained for the L'Ville half. I haven't posted on Run the Ville and I haven't posted a +10 mile run since my marathon.

But the world keeps spinning!

But I have kept running, just not training. I'm running 100% in my Five-Fingers, even on the treadmill...which, I must say, is quite the audio-sensory experience with the THUDTHUDTHUD sound feet-with-no-padding-on-treadmill makes.

What can I say about being a 1L? Well, the most frustrating part of it all is the constant feeling of being one step behind. Even if I've read and briefed for class, there is always something else I could be doing.

For me, one day ahead is behind. There is no such thing as "being on top" of things.

I fully plan on diving back into training come Christmas Break. So I'll go retool the ol' race calendar and see how it goes.

Hope everyone's training is going well...I can't wait to cross (any) finish line again!

M.I.A.

2009-08-20T18:51:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posted...I just finished my first week of law school today.

Needless to say, it's been a bit time consuming.

However, I'm still running (or trying to) and I have a new race on the calendar: The Downtown Doubler!

It's a 15k/30k that starts and ends downtown.

Gonna try it "barefoot!"

The Downside

2009-08-06T14:42:00.007-04:00

I swear my KSOs are have some sort freaky hippie voodoo built in...

Shin splints? Gone.

Sore hips? Nope.

Runner's knee? VANQUISHED by the power of barefootin'!

They have also encouraged me to get as much trail running in as I can because running down a muddy, root riddled trail is a BLAST in the Fivefingers.

Today I came across three bunny rabbits on the trail and they didn't even bat a furry eyelash at me. It's like they could sense my good barefoot vibes! (Or they thought I was just a harmless vagrant wandering the forest...either way).

So...what is the downside?

I took off the nail polish from my toenails and they are straight up NASTY. They don't hurt, but they sure look like they should.

No pictures of the uggle toes, sorry folks. It's too soon after lunch for that.

In other news...I finished my first ever case brief for law school orientation! And when I reread my work I noticed I typed "TRAIL court" instead of "TRIAL court" at least 7 times.

The freaky hippie voodoo is seeping into mah brainz!

New Feet

2009-08-03T19:10:00.004-04:00

I took the plunge..

And bought a pair of Vibram Fivefingers KSOs.

Let's get the FAQs out of the way...

- Yes, I run in these.
- Yes, I can run on the road and gravel.
- Yes, I can run for "long" distances.
- No, they aren't water shoes (but they can be).
- No, they don't slow me down.

The Fivefingers replicate the sensation of barefoot running and allow the body to run as biomechanically "correct" as possible.

Ever since I started wearing my KSOs, my runner's knee pain has completely subsided. I also feel "lighter" without my Brooks weighing me down.

It takes a couple of runs to toughen up your feet (heels especially), but I'll take a couple of blisters over knee or hip pain any day.

Trail running is especially exciting in these babies...they let your toes grip on the roots and rocks as you hop through the woods.

I know that most runners I encounter think I'm nuts, but hey-- to each his own. I just call them Hybrids for my feet.

Muddy

2009-07-31T14:34:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I felt like punishing my legs, so I took my run off-road.

I followed a little XC trail around the park and then cut back through my new favorite trail. Running in grass really jacks up the cardio intensity, and I really (really) need to get my aerobic level back up to where it was before my little hiatus.

This time the trail was muddy and slick...I almost ate dirt a couple times, but managed to keep my balance.

So far I've stuck to my 3 Day Training Plan:

Sunday: 5 mile "long" run (still trying to get my mojo back)
Monday: Cross
Tuesday: 4x400 on the treadmill
Wednesday: 3 miles on the TM (torture)
Thursday: 3 mile tempo/trail run

On to the weekend and hopefully a 7 or 8 miler in the country.

Have a good one!

Barefootin'

2009-07-29T16:39:00.004-04:00

I really want a pair of these babies:

Barefoot running = less running related injuries.

Something to think about for all you runners out there suffering from ITBS and the like.

The ultimate question is: do I have the guts to wear these in public?

Wanted: New Training Plan

2009-07-24T09:44:00.003-04:00

With all this slacking and school prep, I keep forgetting about the half marathon in October.

I can't 100% commit to running the thing until I get a better handle on my school schedule (which is TBA at the moment).

I know that I will make time to run...there isn't a doubt in my mind about that. But if the past year has taught me anything, it's that running and training are two different monsters.

Running is fun and casual. Training is fun and...stressful.

Runner's World has a Three Day Half Marathon Training Plan that might work for me:

Tuesdays: Speed work
Wednesdays: Tempo runs (starts at 3 miles and tops out at 8 miles)
Saturday OR Sunday: Long runs (6-12 miles)

Seems pretty flexible...I'd add a couple days of crosstraining. Also I may convert Tuesdays into short distance tempos rather than gut-busting speed sessions, although a little speed work certainly wouldn't hurt.

But can three days a week get the job done?

Until I settle on a plan, I'm just keeping it steady as she goes as far as running. Hubs and I are running tomorrow, and I'd like to get 5 miles with some trail running thrown in for good measure.

Now I'm off to kayak with my coworkers (and I'm totally counting this as crosstraining).

My First Trail Run

2009-07-20T20:57:00.004-04:00

Knee still hurts, but not enough to stop me from getting out in this GREAT weather and running.

And today I tried my hand (and feet) at trail running...

And it. Was. AWESOME.

It was a "short" 1.25 mile loop, but I went the wrong way (a couple times) and ended up doing 3 miles on the trail.

It took a while to get used to that wobbley feeling in my ankles, but then I felt like I was absolutely FLYING down that trail.

It was certainly a different running experience-- now my calf and quads are more sore than they've been in a long time.

But it was rewarding enough that I will do it again...and soon.

Heck, I've even made a new blog tag for it-- that's commitment!

About that "100%"

2009-07-16T12:16:00.003-04:00

So...when I said I was "100% okay" after my week long hiatus, I may have lied a bit. I just didn't know it!

I did a brisk 3 miler on Tuesday and DANG did my knee object. I'm pretty confident it's good ol' runner's knee, I just don't know why it came on now.

After my run, I went shopping for some school clothes (ahh, back to school). And then my car wouldn't start. URGH.

And nothing says "Happy Birthday" like a busted knee and a car that won't start!

Yeah, yesterday was my 24th birthday.

The bright side? I'm getting faster. And isn't that what it's all about?

Pretty Lazy

2009-07-13T14:20:00.004-04:00

Obviously, I've been pretty lazy when it comes in blogging.

In fact, I took a brief hiatus from running and thus had nothing to talk about in this here runnin' blog.

I didn't run at all last week. I went to the gym everyday and did 45 - 60 minutes on the good ol' eliptical, but alas...no running.

I went from 5k to marathon in 13 months and I think I earned a low impact week. Also my knee freaked me out (I'm 100% fine now) and I wanted a little break.

But I'll be back at it again tomorrow!

Bluegrass 10,000 Race Report

2009-07-06T09:21:00.004-04:00

Let's play the "Good News / Bad News" game with the Bluegrass 10K:

WEATHER
Good News: Overcast, cool-ish at the start.

Bad News: It's still July in Kentucky...so I was still drenched in sweat. Also, not all runners want to be dosed with a fire hose during the race. I feel like I was dodging the spray every quarter mile.

COURSE
Good News: Flat and we passed Coach Cal's house!

Bad News: Surprise hill on Richmond road at mile 4-5.

PACE
Good News: NEGATIVE SPLITS! Wahoo! I'll post my Garmin times later, but I got faster each mile...Mile 0-1 was 10:09 and Mile 6-finish was 8:44.

Bad News: Way too much yo-yo-ing with my pace for the first 2 miles.

TIME
Good News: Technically, it was a 6.3 mile race...my time was 1:00:47.

Bad News: I stopped my Garmin at 6.2 miles (1:00:22), but either way I didn't PR.

INJURY
Good News: Starting a race with no injuries or pain was a great feeling...

Bad News: Until the knee pain kicks in at mile .5. Brand new, not IT-band related knee pain on my left leg (which I have always considered to be my "good knee")...going get it checked out because I think it may involve my meniscus.

Hubs reasoned that when I ran the Rodes 10k in March, I was in better "training shape" for the distance because of my marathon (then half marathon) training schedule.

I guess he's right...and considering I am coming off of marathon recovery I'm pretty proud of my time.

He's pretty sharp, that Hubs.

Some sort of trap

2009-07-02T10:46:00.003-04:00

The Bluegrass 10K is this weekend and it will be the furthest I've run since the marathon.

Although I'd LOVE to PR, I just don't know...I don't think I'm back in the grove quite yet. I've been consciously trying to run "faster," but the Garmin doesn't lie...sometimes I just feel completely exhausted.

I'm still optimistic, but I'm not exactly counting on setting a new PR.

In other news, I've been playing stay-at-home mom to my fur-baby, Gracie Lou.

She's an American Brittany (a spaniel) and she's a bird dog. She's also smart. Like, freaky human smart.

I woke up yesterday and found this:

It's her favorite pillow propped up by her favorite bone.

I texted Hubs and said it was funny, but he said he didn't do it. He thought I did it!

Then we realized...Gracie did it. She set it up like some sort of TRAP to catch a human. She probably was going to shove us in her crate.

It would have been more effective if Gracie slipped a bag of Cheetos under the pillow.

Weekend report...

2009-06-29T21:14:00.003-04:00

Days like Saturday make me wonder how I ever ran a marathon in the first place...(if you stepped outside on Saturday then you now what I'm talking about).

It was SWELTERING. The air was absolutely soupy...

There were several moments when I thought I was going to vomit or pass out. I told myself it was all in my head (it was) and kept chugging.

But when my Garmin chirped and let me know I hit 2 miles, I turned around. 4 miles, 42 minutes of misery.

Sunday's exercise was a lot more entertaining...I played my first lacrosse game in over a year. I woke up so so so sore this morning. That's the sign of a good game.

Box O' Nerd

2009-06-25T09:46:00.005-04:00

Wow, I've been slacking in the blogging arena.

I have a new schedule at work which affords me a couple days off here and there, so this week I've thrown myself headfirst into some projects around the house.

I've also been able to get my runs and workouts finished before noon! Oh, what a feeling.

Today the track at the park was really crowded, so I grabbed my stick and headed over to the lacrosse field to shoot on a goal for a while.

And then on the way home I kept giggling repeating the phrase "laCROSSe training."

Here's my week so far:
Sunday: Speed work, 5 x 400
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 4 mile tempo
Wednesday: 30 minutes elliptical

Thursday: 1 mile warm-up, 45 minutes lacrosse shooting

Oh, and there's also been a lot of this:

One of my coworkers (a former law student) gave me what I am affectionately referring to as a "Box o' Nerd."

It's a huge box filled with law school related materials.

I haven't touched most of it, but I am thumbing through all the articles on essay exams and general "how to not embarrass yourself as a 1L" stuff.

Speedy post

2009-06-22T11:05:00.004-04:00

Here's a quick post about SPEED WORKOUTS...

Here are my stats (these are 400m laps):

- 1:50 (7:23/mile)
- 1:58 (8:01/mile)
- 1:40 (6:42/mile)
- 1:50 (7:23/mile)
- 1:42 (6:44/mile)

Still getting a hang of speed work...after my first lap I realized I was going too fast, so I tried to keep it consistent at a 8:00/mile pace.

Whoopsie.

Dream Sheet

2009-06-19T09:39:00.010-04:00

The results from the Hatfield McCoy Marathon were posted and LO AND BEHOLD I came in 6th in my age group...out of 7 runners.

I said to Hubs, "I came in second to last in my age group."

To which he exuberantly replied, "YOU BEAT SOMEONE!"

Ah, the optimism of Hubs.

That's a good crew chief/grilled cheese maker/husband for ya.

Now that I've sufficiently buttered him up, moving on to my marathon dream sheet -- races on my "must-do" list (Hubs is shaking his head):

1) Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon
If this race were a tagline for an action movie, it would be "This time...it's about REDEMPTION." I ran the half this past April and it was the most unpleasant of my race experiences. It was hot, runners were grumpy...in fact I've yet to hear a positive race report from anyone I know. I'd like a chance to redeem myself (I think we all would).

2) Rock n' Roll Arizona Marathon
The Rock n' Roll marathons have a reputation of being fun and "runner friendly." Plus one of my BFFs lives in Phoenix now, so I love to work in a mini-vacation to see her too!

4) Kiawah Island Marathon
Sigh...I love Charleston, I love Kiawah. Why not? Trying to talk my Mom into doing this one with me in 2010.

5) Valley of Fire Marathon
This is a challenging, small-town race in the same vein as Hatfield McCoy. It's also a GORGEOUS course...it might not be a possibility for the next couple of years but it's definitely my ultimate "dream" marathon.

(Hubs is now furiously writing an email explaining why we can't spend any more money on marathons and traveling to marathons).

Don't worry, Hubs...I'm just daydreaming about blisters and GUs.

So, what now?

2009-06-18T08:02:00.002-04:00

I guess everyone goes through the post-marathon "NOW WHAT" phase.

I kind of love it...of course I want to do another marathon (probably KDF in April) but I also like the "no pressure" running I get to do now.

Well, for the most part.

My next race is the Bluegrass 10K on July 4th and I'd like to set a new PR. I guess that means tempos runs and track workouts, neither of which I really bothered with while marathon training.

Here's my tentative 10k training schedule:

Monday- 3 miles
Tuesday- Mid-distance runs (4-6 miles)
Wednesday- Tempo runs / Speed workouts
Thursday- 3 miles
Friday- Rest
Saturday- Long runs (6+)
Sunday- Cross training

You'll notice my "long" runs aren't really that long and that's simply because I don't need to run 12 miles to get ready for a 10k in July. But I probably will.

If the sun comes out I will try to run an easy 3 miles this afternoon.

As for the long term plan, I'd like to run the Louisville Half Marathon in October, KDF Marathon in April and return to West Virginia for the Hatfield McCoy Marathon next year.

I've got a fever...and the only cure...is more ~~cowbell~~ marathon!

Marathon Feet and other ailments

2009-06-16T13:01:00.004-04:00

Warning: this is sort of gross.

Before the marathon I taped up both of my big toes with blister pads...

So much for preventative measures.

I actually think the blister pads encouraged the blisters to form. That and when I accidentally dumped a cup of water on my shoes at mile 5.

Around mile 18 I was thinking, "Hmph...my toes are feeling a little sore."

By the time I finished I was afraid to take my shoes off...when I did, THERE THEY WERE. My big toes had alien blisters attached to them.

I don't know how you all are, but I prefer a direct and aggressive approach to dealing with blisters...as in...popping them as soon as I can get to a bathroom. Gross, I know.

So now I have this to deal with:

I know, I know...I should let them "breathe." But I'm afraid if I do that they will destroy Tokyo.

Also, three toenails are about to make a break for it. The big'uns for sure, but today I noticed one of the ancillary toenails was looking a little blueish.

I'm a lot more mobile today than I was yesterday...I still go back and forth between a low-impact shuffle to a weird little high-step when I try to force my legs to "walk normally."

My boss, who owns horses, said I looked like I had a "hitch in my giddy-up."

I said "Thanks!" and she said she meant I looked a little lame. Oh, right.

In other gross post-race news, I am happy to report that I chaffed like a real life marathon runner...a little around my neck from my sports bra, but the worst of it is under my arm pits.

Yeesh.

I'm back in the saddle (enough with the horse metaphors) tonight at the gym-- probably planted on the stationary bike.

Hatfield McCoy Marathon Race Report

2009-06-14T17:36:00.007-04:00

WOW.

Now THAT...was fun.

(And sorry in advance for any grammatical or spelling errors...even my fingers are sore today.)

The Hatfield McCoy Marathon was an incredible race. The volunteers were friendly, the course was beautiful and the overall experience was just plain FUN.

So let's start at the beginning...

Got to the hotel and laid all my gear out on the bed.

I overpacked, but better safe than sorry. I think I brought 12 GU's and 10 Shot Blox. I ended up carrying 12 Endurolyte tablets, 3 packs of GU and 6 Shot Blox in my SPI belt (it was filled to capacity).

The race started at the Food City in Goody, Kentucky. I was so nervous, but I tried to stay loose. It was a "small" race; someone mentioned maybe 500 participants (most of whom ran the half).

Each runner was put on a "team" to represent one of the feudin' families: I was a McCoy...

...but I still got a picture with Devil Hatfield.

Oh, we were in the MOUNTAINS. I mentioned this was my first marathon and one of the locals teased me about making it over Blackberry Mountain. I tried to mentally prepare for the worst.

After a literal shot-gun start we were off...I was running my first marathon!

We followed the blue "Hillbilly footprints" along the course. This race was very low-tech, and I loved it.

Miles 1-6:

I shook off the nerves early, and tried to focus on a slow starting pace. My Garmin told me I was chugging along at 10:30ish/mile, and I was happy with that. People were flying past me...but I didn't care. This was my first marathon and I wanted to FINISH it.

My hydration strategy was simple: walk through the water stops, take GUs/endurolytes every 5 miles.

The water-stops were themed...it was a contest amongst the volunteers. The first one had a group of elementary aged kids dressed as angels with the "Hallelujah Chorus" playing on a boom-box. Do you think you'd see that at big city marathon?

Feeling good...talking to some runners but mostly eavesdropping. I can spot most of the half-marathoners because they aren't carrying GU and they are pushing the pace.

Mile 7-13

The infamous Blackberry Mountain...it was steep and long; a mile climb actually. I tried to keep my strides short.

I could feel my pace slipping, but I didn't care.

The ride DOWN the mountain was pretty wild. I bid a fond farewell to my toenails and tried not to fall on my face as I zoomed down.

Hubs snapped some great pictures of the scenery while he waited for me at the half-way point.

The half-marathon ended in Matewan, West Virginia. I ran with two women for a while, Tracy and Christy, who were running the half and ecstatic to be finished. They wished me luck on the rest of the race.

I really wasn't bothered to pass the half-marathon finish and see everyone done and wearing their medals. I never had the urge to just quit at the half. I was too busy celebrating reaching my half-way point!

Only 13 more miles to go!

There I go! Bring it on!

Mile 14-19:

Things got a little wild after the half.

We abandoned the roads and started down a narrow street that became a gravel path that became a washed-out trail. It had rained the night before and the trail was covered in mud.

I had to slow down and watch where I was placing my foot...and dang, it was slippery!

The second half of the marathon was really unique because I felt like I was running by myself...usually there was a runner about 100 yards in front and behind me, but I'd lose sight of them on the country roads.

But the volunteers were amazing so I was never worried about hurting myself or needing help. One man even checked up on us via ATV on the trail.

At Mile 18 we popped back out onto a golf course and ran over a swinging wooden bridge. Again, you wouldn't see stuff like this at a big marathon.

They were handing out leis at the next water-stop, so I thought "Why not?" This is MY marathon...I can wear a lei if I want to!

As I came over the hill towards mile marker 19, I noticed Hubs and my parents were waiting for me! I hadn't seen a single spectator on the course and THERE THEY WERE!

It was a great boost...I gave some sweaty hugs and told them I'd see them at the finish!

Mile 20-26

Y'all want to hear about "the wall?"

Well, I never hit "the wall."

I decided before the race to implement scheduled walk breaks in the later miles to avoid bonking. Basically, I wanted to walk so I could run.

I never walked more than .2 a mile at a time, and I kept my pace above 14 min/mile when walking (and I pumped my arms like a power-walker too).

As a result, my legs felt as fresh as ever when I started to run. I was running 10:30 min/miles again! At mile 24!

I NEVER had a "I hate this" moment. I NEVER regretted signing up for the marathon. I NEVER wanted to quit.

Sure, everything hurt but I expected that...I didn't expect to enjoy myself the entire time.

Mile .2:

Another bonus of a small town race?

Running the last .2 by yourself, down the a city street with the entire town cheering for you. Talk about worth the effort!

I gave Devil Hatfield and Ranel McCoy a high-five and I was a marathoner.

5:25:07 clock time (my secret goal was sub 5:30!)

So there's the report...I will probably be posting more about this marathon because I just loved it to pieces.

My first marathon is in the books, and I must say...I may have set the bar too high. It will be hard to find a marathon that was as fun as this one.

And holy crap, I am sore.

24 hours...

2009-06-12T07:47:00.004-04:00

" Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. It's the aching in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and a little voice inside you that yells "can't". But you don't listen, you just push harder and then you hear a voice whisper "can" and you realize the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are."

-Unknown

"No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it."
- 1 Corinthians 10:13

Thanks again for all the encouragement and support!

Talk to you soon, have a GREAT weekend!

Convo with the Bestie about Cycling

2009-06-11T14:46:00.005-04:00

aaaaaaaaaaa

Another double-post! Egads!

Anyway...I was chatting with my BFF on instant messenger about volunteering at the Louisville Ironman.

She's a cycling junkie, so started asking her questions about cycling etiquette, rules of the road, etc.

The resulting conversation, in all its un-spell-checked glory:

Brittany says:
how fast are they going when they [cyclists] come down a hill?

Brittany says:
like a medium sized hill

Casey says:
top speeds on big hills are like 60-70

Casey says:
in races

Casey says:
so on a med hill

Casey says:
just riding for fun or whatever, probably 30ish

Brittany says:
ok

Brittany says:
so if someone [cyclist] hits me, say clips me in the leg

Brittany says:
at 30 mph

Casey says:
you would die

Brittany says:
in my leg?!

Casey says:
i dont make the rules.

Brittany says:
ok, but say they get tossed from the bike...head over handlebars straight up tossed

Casey says:
and then you get into a fight?

Brittany says:
...this is why we are friends

Brittany says:
yes, who wins in the resulting fight?

Casey says:
well you may have a broken leg

Casey says:
but they could have any number of broken things

Casey says:
and you could still lift up the bike to hit them

Casey says:
so.

Brittany says:
yeah, i would have position on the bike

Brittany says:
this is blog worthy

Casey says:
everything we say is blog worthy

Friends-4vr.

FYI-- I'm totally safe on the roads and respectful of cyclists. I've never had a problem with them and I don't expect I will.

My friends and I can (and often do) debate stuff like this for HOURS. Though typically the fictional match-ups involve T-1000, Batman and Predator.

POWER SONGS

2009-06-11T10:55:00.005-04:00

A critical step in race prep...polishing up the ol' playlist.

Chances are I won't listen to music for most of the race, but I wanted to have an hour or two of POWER SONGS just in case.

I'd like to think that I won't activate the POWER SONGS until mile 20, but I'll have them ready to roll.

Some of my favorite POWER SONGS:

"Diva"- Beyonce
"Gun Powder and Lead"- Miranda Lambert
"Head Bust"- Shark City Click
"Love Game"- Lady GaGa
"Rock Me In"- Brit Brit Spears
"Sweeeeeeeeeet Emooooootion" - Aerosmith
"How I Could Just Kill a Man"- Rage Against the Machine
"Bombtrack"- RATM
"Bulls on Parade"- RATM
"She's Country"- Jason Aldean
"Fortunate Son"- CCR
"Fuel"- Metallica (quite possibly the most POWERFUL of the POWER SONGS?)

These are the essentials. The rest of the playlist will likely consist of Pitbull, Rage Against the Machine and the Fast and Furious soundtrack (which is mostly Pitbull).

But what about that last mile, when I need to start my mental celebration?

Check out some of my LAST MILE SONGS:

"Big Time"- Big and Rich
"Down"- Chris Brown*
"Southern Cross"- Jimmy Buffett
"Piece of Work"- Jimmy Buffett

*I still listen to Chris Brown. Sue me.

There you have it, my POWER SONGS.

Not sure when I'll actually plug-in, but I'll have the iPod on standby.

Hey! You there!

2009-06-10T11:13:00.005-04:00

I hate double posting, but I had to share some beautiful artwork with the blog world today:

This is my APB to any "lurkers" out there who may be running the Hatfield McCoy Marathon...

If you see me at the start line, on the course, laying on the side of the road...please come say "HI!" to me!

I'm generally pleasant in person and would love to make some new runner friends.

Here's a composite sketch of BB on race day so you can find me:

I call my special marathon outfit "The Johnny Cash." I'll be rocking the visor with my 'fro tied up in double-buns. On a good day it's very Minnie-Mouse; bad day it's Princess Leia.

Anyway, shout me a holler if you see me...it would make my day!

Born to run?

2009-06-10T08:28:00.004-04:00

After watching the NOVA Marathon Challenge (thanks, Jake!) I'm taking away some interesting points:

Are humans born to run?

We have...

-Springy arch of the human foot
-Hairless skin
-Abundant sweat glands provide exceptional cooling
-Large muscular butts that prevent humans from tipping forward while running

We're not necessarily built for "speed"; sometimes squirrels can out-race us...but in a warm climate over distance, we can outrun dogs, antelope and even horses (which would all overheat).

This series also illustrates the devastation of injury during training. I'm happy to report that as of my afternoon run yesterday, all tightness and pain in my calf and shin are gone.

It's a marathon miracle...

Here's hoping my luck holds up!

Mind Boggle

2009-06-09T08:39:00.003-04:00

The Five Stages of Pre-Marathon Mind Boggle:

1) DENIAL:

"A marathon? No problem. That won't be hard at all."

2) ANGER:

"WHAT WAS I THINKING?!"

3) BARGAINING:

"I can always just run the half..."

4) DEPRESSION:

"Why bother running?"

5) ACCEPTANCE:

"I'm running a marathon on Saturday."

I'm definitely a Stage-Fiver at this point.

Right now I'm too caught up in the little details (Which pair of socks should I wear? What kind of bandaids should I pack? How many chicken nuggets can I fit into my mouth afterwards?) to worry about the race itself.

Speaking of mind boggling, my new Garmin is AMAZING. I always knew I was slow, but now I have a tool to tell me just how slow I am!

The heart rate data is especially interesting...after a run I can go back and see why my heart felt like it was about to explode at that hill at mile 2...

...oh, because it almost did! Technology is wonderful.

Happy 1 Year!

2009-06-08T08:22:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was our 1 year wedding anniversary!

At the church...

The Mellwood Art Center...(such a neat place)

Our cake was a little frozen, but still pretty good!

Hubs spoiled me with a new tote for law school and lunch out. We also got one of those single serving coffee makers from my parents, which is pretty awesome.

It was a great day!

New Toy

2009-06-05T13:09:00.004-04:00

I went a little crazy with the Running Times Calculator...

Potential marathon times based on previous races:

Race / Time = Equivalent Marathon Time / Pace
5k (28:18) = 4:36:41, 10:33/mile
10k (58:38) = 4:35:11, 10:30/mile
10 miler (January- 1:51:36) = 5:16:04, 12:03/mile
10 miler (April-1:40:18) = 4:44:05, 10:50/mile
Half marathon (2:28:07) = 5:10:07, 11:50/mile
20 miler (training run- 3:30:00**) = 4:42:48, 10:47/mile

**I added some extra time to account for the water stops on race day**

Another way to predict your time is to take your 10k and multiply it by 4.65:

58:38 x 4.65 = 4:54:38 marathon (272.6 minutes)

I like what I'm seeing...got some sub 5:00:00's in there! To set goals or not set goals, that is the question?

And now I have a way to keep track of my pace...

AHHHHHHHH!

My parent's gave me a brand, spankin' new Garmin Forerunner 305 as an early birthday present...they wanted me to have it for my marathon!

Thanks, Mom and Dad!

I'm going to give it a whirl this afternoon.

The Hills

2009-06-04T14:47:00.010-04:00

My half marathon experience still lingers in the back of my mind...I did so many things wrong at that race...no iPod, no gels or blox, cotton shirt (last minute wardrobe emergency).

Oh, and not to mention the intense and unexpected HEAT.

Since then I've been training in the heat and been smart about my race fueling.

I've also worked the hills like crazy!

Here's the elevation map for my 15 miler:

All of my "long" runs (8+) are based on this route. FLAT is not a term in my training repertoire.

Which is good, when you consider THIS:

Hatfield/McCoy Elevation

Kentucky Derby Festival Elevation

Behold, dear bloggies! The Hatfield/McCoy Marathon elevation map on top, KDF Marathon with the park hills on bottom for a little compare and contrast.

I didn't have the privilege of running the second set of park hills at the KDF (I was a left-turner)...and I'm glad I didn't have to do that.

But hey, let's focus on the race at hand...check out Blackberry Mountain at mile 4-7!

This is one of the staples of this race and I will treat it with the utmost respect. Not gonna mess around with that monster...it's like a seismic blip!

(But word on the street is the little roller at mile 23 is the real killer)

Goody, goody!

Thursday mish-mash

2009-06-04T08:16:00.005-04:00

I woke up this morning with about 5 different things I wanted to blog about swirling around in my noggin, so you'll get a little bit of everything this morning!

***

I hit the gym and ran 3.5 miles in honor of National Running Day. I still think I'm tapering "too much" but I don't want to take a chances with my wonky calf.

Has anyone ever gotten a sports massage after a race or hard run? Was there a lot of screaming involved?

***

I was in Target when I heard a mother and her two sons blabbering in the aisle next to me. The oldest son (about 10) held up a shirt and asked "THIS is an extra-small? It's huge!"

To which to mother replied, "Well, America's FAT."

I was absolutely incensed. For two reasons...

1) This woman is no brilliant social-scientist, making an original or groundbreaking assertion in the racks of target. No, no...she probably just watched a Dateline episode entitled "America is FAT." I half expected her to turn to me and shout "GO GREEN! ECONOMIC DOWNTURN! BRANGELINA!"

2) Now her son is going to go to school, find the chubby kid and execute the use of this phrase in the ugliest way possible.

That's all I've got...just a case for sterilization by the clearance rack.

***

Speaking of Brangelina, they didn't break up. The world can keep a'spinning!

***

I think I need this for law school:

***

Happy Thursday! (it's almost Friday)

National Running Day

2009-06-03T10:31:00.004-04:00

Whadda ya know, it's National Running Day!

So, get out and RUN!

Just a trip around the block, whatever works...you never know, it may be the start of a blog-inducing addiction to running :)

***

Unrelated: I joined Twitter...I don't Tweet, I just look at Tweets? Listen to Tweets?! Whatever...anyway, I'm now following Levar Burton and the entire cast of the Hills.

And I'm dumber for it.

Still talking about gels...

2009-06-02T08:59:00.004-04:00

I went to the Trail Store for the first time to pick up some Endurolytes and Recoverite for the big day...loved that place!

I'm still trying to get a handle on how many gels/blox I should put away during the marathon.

Here's a sampling of opinions on the matter:
- 1 per hour
- 1 at mile 6, 12, 18 and 24 (or 5, 10, 15, 20, 24)
- 1 every 12 minutes (the Lance Armstrong method)

I've got an iron stomach when it comes to gels, but I think that 1 every 12 minutes would make me throw up fo' sho'.

No matter what schedule I settle on, there's no way I can carry all of this stuff with me. My SPI belt is handy, but if you load it down too much it bounces (and looks like a fanny pack).

I guess I'll just have to rely on my pit crew (Hubs, Mom and Dad) to hook me up during the race.

Speaking of which, I'm still looking for an Official Hair Braider to join my crew. Must have experience with unruly hair. Let me know.

Tapering

2009-06-01T09:01:00.006-04:00

I ran 8 miles on Saturday and then 4 miles on Sunday.

I'm really starting to like this taper thing!

Now the nerves are starting to kick in...5+ hours is a long time to do anything, let alone run through the West Virginia mountains.

I'm planning on walking through each (and EVERY) water stop to give my legs a break. There will be 25 water stations (approx. 1 every mile) so when things get crazy I can tell myself: "Only 10-12 minutes of running and then a little break."

I have a feeling that will become my race mantra.

***

I'm still undecided on race fuel...I like Shot Blox (tasty, easy to carry) but I get a bigger "boost" from PowerBar Gels.

I also get disgusting jam hands after I eat one, which drives me crazy.

And what should I do about my salt intake/anti-cramping measures? Grab some packets from Wendy's for mile 20, or spring for the Endurolytes?

Here are some Endurolyte facts from the Hammer Nutrition website:

Application:
Use prior to, during, and after workouts to satisfy the body's electrolyte requirements with maximum precision.
Mixing / Usage:
Instructions: Use as needed but primarily when:

1. Exercise lasts for more than 2 hours, regardless of temperature or humidity.

2. Exercise lasts less than 2 hours and:
- Temperature is above 80 degrees and/or 70% humidityor
- Temperature and humidity is 10 degrees or more above what you are accustomed to
1-3 capsules 30-60 minutes prior to exercise
1-6 capsules each hour during exercise
1-3 capsules after exercise

Ugh. Running and math.

But considering I took the time to blog about it, I'm probably going to invest in some Endurolytes.

College Flashback (a boring one)

2009-05-29T09:08:00.007-04:00

Two weeks out...time to taper.

For tomorrow, I know I'll be running between 5-10 miles. I'd really like to run 12, but that all depends on when I wake up. Lazy, lazy.

***

In other news, I got my first Admitted Student newsletter from my law school and my first reaction to reading it was "Law school is hard already."

Apparently, some students have been hounding the dean for reading lists for the semester so they can get a "head start" on ~~driving me crazy~~ the required reading.

And you know all those gunners will totally be in my section.

I was an English major, so I have a tiny bit of experience with these types. A college literature classes is a true breeding ground for insufferable know-it-alls...

Now I'm having PTSD style flashbacks...the never-ending hand raising...the arguing with the professor...the frequent and incorrect use of the word "dichotomy"...the stench of pretension...

But thanks to those students (and years of practice) I can pull off a really impressive eye-roll. It can give you whiplash.

I remember sitting in my Gothic Literature class the day after the presidential election (in 2004) and listening to my professor and his minions (aka my peers) whine whine WHINE about the outcome of the election and I completely SNAPPED.

I wasn't making a political statement, I just didn't want to talk about the election in my literature class.

I don't remember my exact tirade, but I basically said that this "debate" was self-serving, inappropriate and idiotic. It was encroaching on class time. It had nothing to do with Poe or Billy Budd the Sailor. And it was making the rest of the class uncomfortable.

One girl spun around in her seat to make her appeal, saying "I just have a problem with--"

And I replied "I just have a problem with you cutting me off."

That pretty much squashed it. The professor apologized and class resumed.

Jokes on me though; he gave me B in the class.

Oh well, it was TOTALLY worth it.

Tiny Arms and the Return of Lacrosse

2009-05-28T09:07:00.007-04:00

My upper-body strength is hilarious.

I can do four push-ups. Period. In any amount of time...45 seconds, one hour...it doesn't matter. And Hubs says I'm probably not even doing them correctly.

Thanks to years of lacrosse, I have tiny forearms and awkwardly large biceps/triceps.

Like this:

Or this:

So last week I implemented an upper-body strength training routine into my cross- training days at the gym.

I focused on exercises that will increase my push-up total:
- Tricep Press: 3 sets of 10
- Shoulder Press: 5 sets of 10
- Fly: 3 sets of 10
- Back extensions: 5 sets of 10

I know that Hubs is probably shaking his head as he reads this, because I probably did too many or too little sets with too much or too little weight...

But I didn't hurt myself or get my hair caught in a machine, so I'm marking down this workout in the WIN column.

SPEAKING of lacrosse, I signed up for summer league! I'm pretty pumped, except I can't find my cleats and they probably smell like 4 years of use + 2 years of stagnancy if they ever turn up. Maybe they are better off lost.

Also my first game is two days after my marathon.

Yup. Take that, body!

AM Runner Envy

2009-05-27T09:31:00.005-04:00

Morning Routine:

- Wake up after Hubs
- Threaten to call in sick to work

- Shuffle into bathroom to take shower, get dressed

- Gracie Lou (aka The Destroyer) wakes up, comes into our room

- Hubs leaves for work

- Gracie steals socks from clean laundry, curls up in ball on bed to nap

- Breakfast

- Brush teeth; dog senses a threat to her comfort

- Chase Gracie around the bed as she tries to avoid going to her crate
- Dog escapes; curls up in ball on couch to nap

- Catch dog, who goes dead-weight as I try to carry her

- Crate Dog

- Go to work

"Go away, BB...I iz jus fine rite herr."

I read about people getting 4-5 miles runs in before they go to work and I really am jealous of those AM runners.

Not that my routine is especially tense or busy (it's not at all), I just can't make myself workout in the morning.

Ugh...but I really should. It's getting too hot to run in the afternoon.

4 miles yesterday at the park seriously felt like 20. I was tired the entire time.

And I would give my right leg to make my left leg stop hurting. Think about THAT for a while.

Is this training burn-out normal?

When am I supposed to get excited again?

Holiday Weekend Notes

2009-05-26T11:21:00.003-04:00

- Rule of thumb: if you want to complete a double-digit mileage run, you must start your run before the clock gets into the double digits...

- Terminator: Salvation is pretty good and VERY loud

- Star Trek is EPIC...even for non-trekkies

- Hubs and I still have 43 hot-dogs left over in the fridge

Clean up in aisle 5

2009-05-22T08:36:00.003-04:00

***Attention Wal-Mart Shoppers: Will the owner of the Swamp Beast wandering through the snack aisle please report to the customer service counter.***

My dinky 4 mile run yesterday was disgustingly hot...it was 80 degrees but the pavement felt SO MUCH HOTTER after baking in the sun all day.

I was a mess. Afterwards I changed out of my sweaty clothes and went to Wal-Mart to run some last minute errands.

I guess I hadn't sufficiently "cooled down" because I ended up sweating through my fresh t-shirt at Wal-Mart.

And I never thought I could embarrass myself at Wal-Mart.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend. I plan on eating my weight in hotdogs and maybe getting a double-digit run in tomorrow morning.

Have a good one!

Marathon Fuzzies

2009-05-21T09:56:00.007-04:00

Just when a tinge of burnout begins to set in, something happens to get my excited about running again.

In this case it was an email from the Hatfield/McCoy race director.

Nothing too exciting...he was just introducing participants to the new "Rooms for Runners" program. Basically, the Reunion Festival and Marathon draw HUGE numbers (compared to the size of the surrounding towns) and hotel rooms become scarce for the runners.

This year the locals are opening their doors and allowing runners to essentially bunk-up for the race.

Now I knew that this race had a reputation of having wonderful community support, but this...this is just awesome.

This is exactly what I want for my first marathon: warm and fuzzies.

Just check out some of the reviews on Marathon Guide here. It's a love-fest!

It's also good to know that if I can't get an extended check-out at the hotel, someone may let me use their bathroom to shower.

Gotta love small towns.

This is the Hatfield Posse, fixin to stir up some trouble.

Love/Hate: Technology

2009-05-20T08:04:00.006-04:00

aaaaaaaaa

Some e cards

Love: I work at a software development firm, so naturally I love technology. I love that I can blog. I love that I can download music on my computer. I love that I can whip out my Blackberry and google the name of the guy from "No Country for Old Men" (Javier Bardem) on a whim.

Hate: I work at a software development firm...in a non-technical capacity. So when technology goes wrong, I'm dead in the water. Take yesterday for example: it was supposed to be my peaceful work from home day...it quickly turned into telecommuting from HELL. I would lose my connection every three minutes or so, forcing me to sign BACK on over and over and over and over...

***

It took me two whole days to feel "recovered" from the 20 miler on Sunday. Monday night was dedicated to stretching only, and I think that helped quite a bit.

Leading up to my last big run I did more cross-training than actual running during the week. So it's back in the saddle for mid-week runs, I suppose...

In other news...

Some of you may know that Hubs and I are mega-Kentucky Basketball fans. Yes, the crazy ones. It's our alma mater, but during our tenure in Lexington the program suffered its biggest slump in recent memory.

But now...NOW MY FRIENDS we have the #1 recruiting class in the nation and then of course there's all the buzz about this.

It's a good day to be a Wildcat.

My spirit animal must be a Great Pyrenees

2009-05-18T08:06:00.008-04:00

I did it...20 miles...only one more distance PR to set.

It was a perfect day for a run. I ran down my usual country roads and did 2 out and backs and a loop to make it to 20.

The hills never stopped coming. I can think of two flat stretches at mile 4 and 15, but that was it. After 10 miles you just expect hills and get used to them.

Overall, it was an eventful run. The scenery was beautiful and very peaceful. I passed the Women's Prison, which is always interesting. And I saw one of these:

From a distance I thought it was a pony. When I got closer, I decided it was a domestic polar bear.

I thought I was delusional-- finally, the distance was getting to me.

And then I finally realized it was just the BIGGEST DOG I've ever encountered. Seriously, massive.

I incorporated walk/stretch breaks after mile 16, which (aside from marrying Hubs) was the best decision I've EVER MADE. I found myself running stronger and faster after each break, and the result was a faster-than-usual average pace for me.

Here's a look at my run by the numbers:

-Distance: 20 miles
- Time: approx. 3:15:00
- Pace: 9:45/mile (see what I mean!)
- Ounces of water consumed: 50 (1.5 liters)
- GU packs: 2
- Counties covered: 3
- Silent prayers: 12
- Audible prayers: 2

***

Two MAJOR things I noticed after hitting the 20 mark:

1) Complete exhaustion. I almost fell asleep in the shower and I'm still feeling it today.

2) Total body soreness. Not just my lower body-- my back and core hurt too.

The worst part of the run yesterday was when I was done, I was DONE. Nothing left in the tank.

This tells me that walk and stretch breaks must begin in the early miles of the marathon.

Now, excuse me while I rest my head on my desk for an hour or two.

20 miler done...nighty night

2009-05-17T18:48:00.003-04:00

Ouch.

OUCH!

I learned a lot, and I will expound upon these lessons when I'm not literally dosing off everytime I blink.

Over and OUT.

Birthday Month

2009-05-15T08:23:00.011-04:00

My birthday is in mid-July.

I'm also an only child, so I typically declare ALL of July "Birthday Month."

It's never too early to start up the WISH LIST!

-Garmin Forerunner 305: I've heard great, wonderful, magical things about the 305. I've also heard that the newer 405 version is hard to operate when sweaty. That would be a major problem for me. This bad boy is at the top of the list.

- Gracie Gear Long Tank: I really love the concept of Gracie Gear...you can never have too many pockets! And the tank doesn't ride up on you while you run, an issue I have with most tank tops.

- Nike Tempo Shorts: MORE! MOOOOOOOOOORE! I have the plain black and the blue/black pair...I love them. Love love love them. They were on "sale" a couple weeks ago and I agonized in the store for an hour on whether to buy another pair or wait to put them on the wish list. It took a great deal of self restraint...but here it is on the list.

***

I'm going to attempt my first 20-miler this weekend. The forecast looks rainy for Saturday, but Sunday is pretty clear.

I'm strangely calm about it. No sense getting all worked up. Just...run.

Run until I'm done, that's my plan.

Anyone out there done 20+? As always, I'm open to suggestions!

Let's talk about Lost, baby.

2009-05-14T08:24:00.007-04:00

Time to talk LOST season 5 finale...if you haven't seen it, I might spoil it for you-- so proceed with caution.

Ok, all you Losties out there--what did you think?

I kind of, sort of loved it.

Here's my list of favorite finale moments and random thoughts:

5) Rose and Bernard's island paradise: I think this was the best possible wrap-up to their story. I'm also assuming that they were the "Adam and Eve" skeletons that Kate and co. found in the cave in season one.

4) Is Juliet really dead? If Jules is dead so is Kate, Sawyer and Jack because that would mean the bomb just plain exploded instead of pulling a cosmic CTRL-ALT-Delete, right?

3) What lies in the shadow if the statue? Apparently "He who will save us" or "That which will protect us" or "That which will save us" or "He who will protect us." Or any combo thereof. And the statue is Sobek?

2) The Sawyer vs. Jack epic beat-down: Die-hard fans have been waiting for that since season 1... And the good doctor actually held his own!

1) The Jacob Reveal: Thank you, Lost producers, for a) letting Jacob be a real person, b) revealing him to the audience and c) making him kind of creepy. And his final "They're coming..." has to refer to the original losties, jettisoning into present day from the 1970's. Or at least I hope.

I won't address the big LOCKE question because I'm still reeling.

Oh, and if Sayid dies I'll need a new favorite character. This will not stand.

Random Wednesday

2009-05-13T09:03:00.005-04:00

I didn't have any caffeine this morning, so you get THIS CRAPTASTIC POST.

Just a mish-mash of random considerations:

- Just how important are the short/mid-distance runs in a marathon training schedule? I know that every run can't be a "long" run...I also know that I have to keep my overall fitness level up. But if I'm still feeling the proverbial burn from a long weekend run, should I push myself to crank out 5 miles?

- I'm wearing heels to work for the first time in MONTHS and they have somehow cured me of my shin splints...It's a miracle!

- I don't have a Garmin, so I have no idea how long it will take me to run 20 miles. I'm guessing several hours.

- I'm pretty forgiving when it comes to poor grammar, but there is one unforgivable grammar sin in my book: using "apart" vs. "a part" or vice versa. When you use one phrase incorrectly you are actually saying something that is the opposite of what you really mean....

It's like a SUPER HOMONYM but the meanings are OPPOSITES.

Is there a word for that?

Whoa, I had a nerd-blackout moment there. Sorry.

And since I ragged on bad grammar, there will undoubtedly be a hojillion spelling/grammatical errors in this very post.

Some Cruise Pictures...

2009-05-12T09:46:00.005-04:00

Some highlights from the cruise...

Capt. Tony's in Key West...it was originally called Sloppy Joe's and Hemingway hung out there a lot. Some of his writings were found in a back room after he died. When it became Capt. Tony's, a bar down Duval Street changed it's name to Sloppy Joe's to cash in on the legend.

Having a Land Shark at the original Margaritaville! Hoping Jimmy B would show up for an impromtu concert...

Big ol' boat...

Freeport in the Bahamas...very colorful!

The cruise served Corona's in plastic bottles with funnels on the end to make room for the limes. We kept them and packed them home with us.

I don't feel like fighting with the blogger picture uploader right now, so I'll throw in some more cruise pictures later.

I contemplating getting my 20 miler in this weekend. The cruise set me back a little, and I want ample time to taper.

I never realized how far 20 miles is until I tried to map out a 20 mile running route. Yikes.

And...

2009-05-11T08:01:00.005-04:00

I'm back.

I'll have a picture-post tomorrow with all the cruise highlights.

Things I learned from my cruise:
- The sun is hot
- The ocean is big
- Elderly people will do whatever they want, whenever they want...with little regard to your personal rights or maritime law
- Access to a 24 hour soft serve machine comes with great power and great responsibility

I ran twice while on vacation and got back on track yesterday by running 16 miles...I was supposed to run 18, but I got to my car and called it a day.

Rest night tonight...rest and laundry.

Rest, laundry and trying to get rid of my "sea legs" (I can't stop swaying back and forth).

One part land and one part sea...

2009-05-02T10:08:00.002-04:00

Well, folks...I'm outta here!

I'll be back in a next Saturday...hope you all have a great week!

Carb-o-licious

2009-05-01T09:43:00.005-04:00

The only thing that stands between me and my vacation is my 16 miler tomorrow morning.

Time to load up on the carbs!

BB's Pre-Training Run Meals:

Approved:
- Baked Spaghetti
-Fajitas

Banned:
- Quesadillas
- Pizza

I've got some serious decisions to make about dinner.

Also, I never realized how hard it was to incorporate more protein into my diet...goodness. But Hubs is a protein shake wizard, so he's helping me figure it all out.

Some e cards

You'll find me on Duval Street...protein shake in hand...

2009-04-30T08:06:00.008-04:00

As of 5pm tomorrow afternoon I will be on VACATION.

Hubs, Cuz, CuzHubs (I need to give them new nicknames) and myself booked a 5-day Carnival cruise that departs from Mobile on Monday.

We were supposed to stop in Cozumel and Calica. BUT that pesky SWINE FLU flared up and now we are being rerouted...

Key West and Freeport, here we come!

We are all pretty hyped for this...Hubs especially. This will be a Parrot Head pilgrimage for the Hubster.

I'm headin' South 'fore my dream shrinks!

Don't ask me how I plan to get my mileage in on the cruise...I have good intentions to get up early and get the runs in, but...

You know how it goes on vacation.

***

Last night I ran 8 sloggy, sweaty miles after work. When I got home I grabbed an EAS Protein Shakes and chugged away.

And for the first time in weeks, I had no post-work out pain in my shin/calf.

I stupidly asked Hubs if he thought a lack of post-run protein was making my shin splints worse...he said he thought so, and something about how he had been telling me that all along...

Additionally, he said I probably don't consume enough protein in general.

Sigh...and I thought I'd be one of those runners whose mileage would change while their diet stayed the same.

Chicken nuggets have a lot of protein in them, right?

The Bourbon Chase

2009-04-29T08:11:00.004-04:00

At the KDF Mini/Marathon Expo, I got a chance to chat with the Bourbon Chase organizers:

The Bourbon Chase is an overnight team relay along the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Teams of 6 (ultra) to 12 runners cover 200 miles by completing 3 legs per runner, with each leg varying from 3-7 miles.

The course takes runners through the heart of the Bluegrass...rolling hills, pristine thoroughbred farms and, naturally, historic bourbon distilleries.

The race begins on October 9th, 2009 near the Jim Beam facility and ends the following day in Lexington at the Mecca of College Basketball, Rupp Arena (I had to slip that in).

In Kentucky we take our horse-racing and our bourbon very seriously. The Bourbon Chase brings in the best of both!

So take a moment to check out their website: http://www.bourbonchase.com/

That's where you can find all the details on the course, FAQs and even info on putting a team together, even if you don't have 12 runners!

Running + horse country + Kentucky bourbon = what more do you want?

Snap out of it!

2009-04-28T08:30:00.003-04:00

My negative attitude funk is officially over.

All systems nominal.

After reading your comments and chatting with Hubs, I decided that walking the water stops is the best strategy for me at the Hatfield/McCoy Marathon in June.

The fact is while Galloway Method make sense for a lot of people, I haven't trained that way and I don't want to start now with the race only 6 weeks away.

Tonight I'm going to do 4 miles on the treadmill to give my shin/calf a little bit of a break from concrete sidewalks.

Kind of a boring Tuesday...that's all I have for now!

Marathon Zen

2009-04-27T09:22:00.008-04:00

aaaaaaa

My marathon strategy before Saturday was pretty typical: run until I can't run no' mo'. Crawl if I have to.

Now I'm trying to be smart about it.

You see, the KDF Mini put me in a crazy, negative headspace.

(And I HATE using psychobabble buzz words like "headspace"-- see how badly it's messing with me?!)

All of a sudden, I'm worried about running the full.

I literally just googled the phrase "Positive thinking for first time marathon runners"

And then: "Marathon zen"

And finally: "Galloway Method"

The Galloway Method is system that involves taking scheduled walk breaks during a marathon. You take your pace and then follow a run:walk ratio in order to conserve energy and avoid hitting the infamous "wall" in the final miles of the race.

On paper, the Galloway Method looks great! But you have to use the ratios throughout the race, meaning that I'd be taking a walk break after only three minutes of running in my first marathon.

And all you runners out there understand how hard that would be.

I'm going to give the Galloway Method a shot with my mid-distance runs this week. I want to see just how "fresh" I feel.

There will be 25 water stops at my marathon...perhaps the best plan for me is to walk at all water stops instead of sticking to a Galloway ratio?

That would be about one walk break every mile. Mentally, I like this scenario because I can compartmentalize the 26.2 instead of wrapping my brain around the whole thing and thus, freaking out.

I'd LOVE to hear opinions on this.

As for reaching non-running zen, I'll be on my way to Mexico* this time next week.

* Yes, I'm aware of the swine flu outbreak.

** And the drug cartels.

*** And Montezuma's Revenge.

KDF Mini Marathon Race Report

2009-04-26T09:59:00.007-04:00

If yesterday's race was an episode of "Friends" it would be called "The One that Was Really Hot."

Brutally hot, in fact.

Cuz, CuzHubs (her hubby was running the marathon) and myself went to the expo to pick-up or packets.

I have to say...I was impressed! The expo was fantastic!

I met some the cool folks from The Bourbon Chase, and I'll have a post dedicated exclusively to that relay later on in the week.

Me and Cuz striking a pose with the shirts.

I tried to get a free The Stick from these guys. They didn't give me one. They were good, honest salespeople. I really want one of these things. I've commissioned Hubs to make me one. It's a brilliant invention.

***

I slept surprisingly well and woke up at 5:00 am. I had several mini-breakdowns, refused to do the race at all....Hubs eventually coaxed me into the truck and off we went to pick up Cuz.

Hubs dropped us off right by the start line and after the porta-potty game we got in line.

And they're off!

Right from the get go, something was wonky. I just felt like I couldn't catch my breath. It was 7:30 and already pushing 70 degrees. I tried to suck it up-- still had 13 miles to go.

We got to the park and took on the hills full force. We pumped ourselves up to get through the uphills and kept ourselves in check on the downhills. We took water at every stop and dumped it on our heads. So far so good, right?

At mile 5-6 Cuz got hit with some serious stomach pains. We stopped and stretched, but she told me to keep running and she'd catch up. Our family was there around mile 6 to give us some support, but after that I was on my own.

Aaaaaaallll by myseeeeeeelf, don't wanna be...aaaaaaaalll by myseeeeeelf in the miniiiiiiii...

No iPod. No Cuz. 80 degrees. 7 miles to go.

Ran through Churchill Downs...this is where the heat started to really mess with me mentally. I was drenched in sweat. Sweat was in my eyes. My hair was soaked.

Hit mile 9 as I left the racetrack. I kept telling myself that 4 miles was all I had to do to be done with this mess.

I was looking for a boost here, but it never came.

Instead, I stared down a straight-away to the hazy city skyline in the distance where my finish line was buried. And I realized that four miles is FAR.

Mile 11 was the longest mile of my life. I walked on and off here. Mile 12 wasn't much better. I started thinking about my marathon...ugh, my MARATHON! IN JUNE!

Finally, finally finally I approached the finish line-- with the wind at my back! I almost cried when I saw it...

YES! YES! YES! Can you spot me? I'm in the pink shirt. What's that? Half of the women at the mini marathon were in pink shirts? Huh.

2:28:07...and I'M ALIVE!!!

I grabbed a bagel and shoved it in my mouth. I chugged and two cups of water and went to work on the Powerade. Then I filled my arms with whatever kind of food stuff I could get my grimy hands on .

Hubs found me trapped in the runner's "out-take."

Cuz crossed the finish line not long after me, still plagued with intense stomach pain. She still managed to set a new mini PR.

Toughness is hereditary.

Then we watched CuzHubs finish the marathon. It was amazing to watch the marathoners finish in those conditions. It gave me mixed emotions about my upcoming race in June.

More on my new approach to my marathon later...

I never made it to the beer tent to catch up with the Run the Ville crew-- the crowd of people trying to get in and out of that area was insane!

My shin/calf are pretty sore today, but other than that I'm great. Oh, and I have a monster blister on my toe...I really wish I could post a picture, but I'm afraid you all would throw-up at the sight of this thing. Bleeeeh.

Thanks for all the wonderful support! You guys are the best interweb friends a Slow Runner could have!

KDF Mini Race Prep

2009-04-24T08:32:00.003-04:00

Aaaaahhhh yeaaaaaaaaaah...

The 36th Annual Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon is tomorrow! At last!

For me it hasn't really sunk in that at this time tomorrow I will be running in my first half marathon. I've been training for this since December...I started this blog as a means to track my training...and now, it's here!

My goals for this race...

- Deal with my shin appropriately -

There is a 50/50 chance that my shin will go AWOL for the first 2 miles. I'm icing/elevating/resting yadda yadda yadda today and hoping for the best. The thing is, I know that if I just keep moving the pain will stop. I need to be ready mentally to keep on trucking.

- Keep my pacing even -

There's going to be a lot of excitement in the air, and I'm going to feel like I can really crank it out in those first miles...but...I want to finish strong. I'll save my incredible burst of speed (9:45 min/mile) for the end.

- Wait for it... -

Once I've slothed it out for the first several miles, I need to know when to start to push it. I think I've gotten better at this over the course of my training--- heck, I had negative splits in my ten miler!

Again, no real "time" goals. Cuz ran it in 2:45:something last year, and I think I promised her that we would "crush" that time (i.e. 2:44:something). We'll see.

Apparently there is runner tracking, so I'll try to remember to post my bib number and the link so you all can get up early on you Saturday morning to track my progress for a couple hours.

A valuable use of your time.

Good luck to all the runners out there who will be at the race tomorrow! Special shout-out to the Run the Ville Crew-- I'll be looking for you all at the beer tent!

LET'S DO THIS!!!

Energy Gels and Corporal Kosgei

2009-04-23T08:13:00.005-04:00

Ok, time for a three-way battle royale:

GU vs. Shot Bloks vs. Sports Beans

I've tried all three before and honestly-- I can't tell if any of the products gave me a legitimate boost.

Cuz said GU really helped her during the mini last year, so I'm leaning in that direction. Any flavor suggestions?

On an unrelated note...

If you watched the top female finishers cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon on Monday, you know that American Kara Goucher came in third while Kenyan Salina Kosgei won the whole she-bang.

You may also know that Kara Goucher is a professional distance runner who trains with her husband in Oregon. Running is her job.

As for Salina Kosgei? She's a prison guard in her home country. So is her husband (also a runner). I'm sure the $150,000 for her first place finish at Boston helps, but Salina Kosgei has a day job to pay her bills.

In a sport in which global dominance seems to be beyond our grasp, we still pay our athletes to train and compete.

I'm not ragging on professional sports in America...I just found this very interesting.

Also, I'd love to see any escaping prisoners in her ward try to out-run Salina.

Jokes on me!

2009-04-22T15:18:00.004-04:00

With a half marathon 3 days away, I should be in full "taper mode." Usually I totally abuse the taper and rest waaaaaay more than required.

But...there is that whole issue of marathon training, so I'll be packing in 8 miles tonight.

Somewhere Hal Higdon is all "Hahaha...sucka."

So, everyone with a race this weekend: Taper a little extra for me.

You know, pour out a little from your bottle of taper on the street corner for your homie BB.

This time last year...

2009-04-22T08:31:00.004-04:00

I want everyone to take a moment and reflect on where they were this time last year.

This exercise is good for the soul.

For me, I was in the final stages of wedding planning. We just bought our house. I had only briefly entertained the idea of taking the LSAT and applying to law schools. I was training for a 5K that I was sure would KILL ME.

Interesting...

Ok, enough of that serious talk...I'm off to LOL Dogs to giggle for an hour.

The Ice Bath Cometh

2009-04-21T08:18:00.004-04:00

I learned a couple things from my Saturday run...

First lesson: if you don't properly fuel yourself before, during and after your run, your body will stage a coup d'etat and try to bring you down with aggressive force.

Second lesson: 15 miles introduces your body to a whole new realm of pain.

It was time for the ice bath. I grabbed the tray from the fridge and threw it in the half-full tub. I gave myself a moment to collect my thoughts and then I hopped in.

I only stayed in for 3 minutes, but I am now a disciple of the Ice Bath. Not only did my muscles feel instantly better (probably because I was numb), also I experienced zero soreness the following day.

It is, by far, the best recovery technique I have tried.

According to this article, two things happen during an ice bath:

Constriction closes microscopic damage while numbing the pain
The "blood rush" flushes waste from your muscles

And TA-DA! You can walk the next day!

*** Remember, I'm not a doctor and I have no clue what I'm talking about. Want to talk movie quotes from Jurassic Park or my favorite Sherman Alexie novel? Those are things I know. But I know nothing about health, nutrition or exercise science so please don't sue me if you get hypothermia ***

So, the ice bath is on the agenda for post-marathon recovery, along with a sport's massage the day after.

Happy Tuesday!

Derby 101

2009-04-20T09:09:00.003-04:00

The Kentucky Derby Mini/Marathon is this only 5 days away!

Even though I've got the big 26.2 on the horizon now, this race will be anything but a training run...

Both Cuz and I have trained hard for this and I know we will have a great run.

This past Saturday was Thunder Over Louisville, or as I like to call it Complete and Utter Chaos With Fireworks and Planes in the Background. It's a big ol' fireworks show that serves as the official kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival.

For all your non-Louisvillians out there, here is a little Derby 101:

Big hats are a necessity for the ladies...therefore, they are horribly overpriced this time of year
Churchill Downs is located in a really dodgy part of the city-- you'd never guess that while watching the CBS/ABC/NBC coverage on TV
The Infield is as disgusting as you would imagine
Mint Juleps are more disgusting than you would imagine
We never seem to get any true A-list celebs, and Nick Lachey is REALLY wearing out his welcome
You can smuggle booze into the infield by hollowing out a watermelon
The sound of the horses thundering past the rail is worth all the trouble of going to Derby

It's an exciting time in the Bluegrass.

A Great Run with a Stupid Runner

2009-04-18T13:57:00.009-04:00

"Oh hai, BB! I iz in your Zensahs, stealin' ur compression!"

It's a beautiful day for a run, so I got up "early" and hit the road.

My marathon training schedule called for 15 miles...I'm still reeling over the fact that I have a marathon coming up.

The first 100 yards were simply awful. My shin was screaming...my stomach was grumbling. Self doubt crept in.

I was convinced that 15 miles was out of the question. Less than 3 minutes into my run and I was ready to quit.

What happened next was a runner miracle.

The pain in my shin disappeared and my stomach settled. I got into a rythmn. Everything started clicking. I cranked out mile after mile. I passed a llama farm.

It was a great run.

I finished my 15 miler (distance PR!) with a huge smile on my face.

And it's all fun and games until someone almost passes out in line at Quiznos...

I shuffled on home, hopped in the ice bath (a blog post in and of itself) and showered. Then I headed out to grab lunch for Hubs and myself.

As I stood in line at Quiznos, I started to feel woozy. Actually it was more like impending Linda Blair-style vomiting. Oh great I think...puking in a restaurant full of people might be my biggest fear.

I ordered and then quickly realized that I wasn't going to vomit at all-- I was going to straight-up pass out.

My brain was like, "Ok, body-- I think we can work this out. Don't do anything weird..."

And my body was all "MAY-DAY, MAY-DAY! WE ARE GOING DOWN! REEE-URRRR REEEE-URRR REEE-URRRRR!"

(That's a siren sound).

Anyway, I ran to the bathroom but didn't quite make it that far...my world started spinning. I pulled out a chair and sat down right as my vision blurred and everything went bright.

I took a breather. I went to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face (just like the movies!) and eventually felt better.

I grabbed a Gatorade, paid for the sandwich and headed home.

Yes, I still got the sandwich. I'm kind of like a Navy SEAL in that way-- I kept my focus on the primary objective; and "not passing out" was not critical to the success of the mission.

Basically, I'm a big ol' idiot.

I ran 15 miles in 70 degree heat and then didn't eat anything afterwards. NOT A THING. An hour passed between the time I finished my run and then almost passed out in Quiznos.

Idiot. Me. A big one.

I'm embarrassed to even blog about this...but then again...it was pretty blog-worthy.

So yeah, lesson learned.

ALSO-- no one seemed to notice my trauma at Quiznos. Interesting.

100th Post EXTRAVAGANZA!

2009-04-17T07:45:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday, y'all!

What better way to celebrate a 100th blog post than to announce marathon plans!

That's right...if the planets align (read: if the race director emails me back and I pony-up an additional $5) I will be running the Hatfield McCoy Marathon on June 13th.

I am currently registered to run the half, but this is a "down home" race and transferring my registration shouldn't be an issue.

I made this decision after searching for marathon training schedules, with the intention of running a marathon in the fall.

But when I looked at the 18 week schedules and cross-referenced my own training for the past couple of months, I discovered that I am right on par with the my training to run my first marathon in 8 weeks.

So, the next eight weeks are going to be interesting.

I have no words to describe how thrilled I am. This is going to be an incredible challenge, but I'm up for it.

Seriously, no words.

Tomorrow I'll hit the ground running with 15 miles, a distance PR for me.

!!!

Also, thank you all for the shin splint advice...I'm icing and got some new shoes:

Same as the old ones--Brooks Defyance 2. I didn't want to take a chance. I luuuuurve these shoes.

Today I'm working at home, going to the dentist and watching a documentary on the Iditarod.

Wild!

Hope you all have a good one!

Poor Woman's Compression

2009-04-16T09:37:00.010-04:00

An FYI before reading-- I'm not a physician nor a physical therapist. All of the information below came from either Google or my brain (neither of which can be completely trusted for authenticity or veracity).

Proceed, dear bloggies...

* * *

I went to Yahoo Answers (nach) and entered the following query:

"Shin Splints or Stress Fracture"

There were several responses to the general "which sport injury do I have" line of questioning...and due to the nature of Yahoo Answers I could find no consensus among the respondents.

I eventually turned my search over to the experts (ie wide open Google search).

Here's what I gleaned:

Shin Splints

What: Pain the front, outer leg...often described as "dull"

Why: Can be the result of inflammation to the posterior peroneal tendon, tightness in the calf muscle...can be caused by overuse and/or overpronation

Treatment:

Rest or "relative rest" (low/no impact exercise)
Icing
Anti-inflammatory medications
Calf and anterior stretching

Stress Fracture

What: "Crescendo pain" that builds up during running, sometimes a specific point of tenderness in the leg

Why: Fracture to the tibia or fibula

Treatment:

6-8 weeks of rest
I stopped reading about the treatment options after I read the first bullet

Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point posted about the subject of stress fractures in depth...so feel free to check out her assessment.

The pain in my shin subsides as my run continues. I ice it and it feels better. It hurts the most in the mornings and immediately following a run. It does hurt when I walk, but randomly.

All signs point to shin splints, right?

I sure hope so.

This is my All Points Bulletin to anyone who has suffered from shin splints OR a stress fracture...enlighten me!

I've been wearing a youth sized soccer sock over my left leg all week to serve as compression and not only are they unprofessional, they are starting to smell.

Thanks in advance!

No such thing as stupid questions...

2009-04-15T08:41:00.009-04:00

aaaaaaaaaaa

If you find some free time in your day, I highly suggest you go check out the open question forum at Yahoo Answers.

It's basically a site where people submit questions (spelling and grammar be damned) to the interweb and wait for strangers to answer them.

When the submitter feels that their question has been sufficiently answered, they can tag the question as "resolved" and go on about their life.

Sometimes I search the archives with running questions...for example, I searched "IT Band Syndrome" and found a lot of great stretches and tips.

But most of the time I just peruse the open questions for entertainment.

It's like wikipedia only with a dash of crazy. You never know what you'll find!

Here's a taste of some unresolved questions currently on the site:

Q: "Why cant i get a job.........?"

(Punctuation may have something to do with it)

Q: "How do you become a prostitute?"

(Some people shouldn't be allowed to use the internet)

Q: "SQUEALING shower head!??"

(The frustration is palpable!??)

Q: "i think i want a dirt bike.?"

(First invest in a helmet...for everyday use)

Q: "What is a good way to cure boredom?"

(You answered your own question by coming to Yahoo Answers)

Pure gold.

Here Comes the Sun...

2009-04-14T09:02:00.010-04:00

Little darling.

I love summer...

I liken that statement to "I hate funerals" because it's like DUH, who doesn't like summer (or who doesn't hate funerals). Anyway, I really really appreciate the summertime.

And summer in the Bluegrass simply swelters. It's divine.

I'm trying to decide on the best running accessory for the summer:

Hat?

Sunglasses?

Or Visor?

Everytime I see those ultra-lite meshy Under Armour hats I just swoon. They look so darn crisp. But I'm afraid my head would be unbearably hot and sweaty under a hat.

I used to run with a pair of Hubs' knock-off Oakleys and they were great! But...I am sort of like Gozer the Destroyer when it comes to sunglasses...they have a very short lifespan in my hands.

I used to wear a visor at lacrosse practices (back before we had to wear goggles) and it worked out fine...except...visors always get that grungy, forehead sweat stain that never goes away.

I'd like to hear runners and non-runners opinions on the matter...what works for you all?

Nike Odeon sunglasses with SPEED tint!

Race Report: Papa John's Ten Miler

2009-04-13T08:46:00.013-04:00

My chip time was 1:40:18, which beats my previous 10-mile time by 11 minutes...

If anyone tells you that they can't run a race (any race from 5k to a marathon) even with training, please direct them to this blog.

A consistent training schedule helped me shave 11 whole daggone minutes off my 10-mile time...and I'm as slow as they come!

Let's start with Friday:

Got all my gear laid out and ready to roll...I'm glad I decided on shorts because the morning warmed up pretty quick. It was a perfect day for a run!

Homer was with me all the way. Hubs went on a scouting party in search of beer at the finish line, but there was none to be had. D'oh!

I rocked my Calipari Nation shirt at the expo. The finish line/expo location is at UofL's football stadium, home to my alma mater's arch nemisis-- The Filthy Cards.

I got a few compliments about my shirt from the UK contingency of runners; one enthusiastic dude even shouted "AT LEAST SOMEONE HERE HAS CLASS!" as he passed us on his way out of the expo. Thanks guy!

Anyway, the expo was exactly what I was expecting-- nothing special. I got some Vitamin Water and a Power Bar...moving on...

TIME TO RUN!

There were 8,500 runners at the ten miler and I have to admit-- I felt kind of lonely at the starting line. Most people had running partners or at least friends to chat with.

Don't get me wrong-- I'm a LONE WOLF. But I would have liked to talk it up with someone while I waited to run.

It took me four minutes to cross the start line and I was off! Well you know, off very slowly.

Miles 0-2 were the hardest. By far. They were flat, straight shots-- nothing to write home about. But mentally I was freaking out. At one point I even considered just turning around and heading back to the truck.

Momentary insanity...I got into my awkward little grove at Mile 3 and didn't look back.

We entered the park right after the 3 miler marker and I thought to myself "Here come the hills!"

Iroquis Park is a Louisville institution and, in retrospect, the hills are pretty brutal. People started to bonk left and right. I just kept cranking away and tried to make up ground on the downhills...

Gosh, I love hills. What is wrong with me?

We passed miles 4 and 5 in the heart of the park and mile 6 on our way out. More than half-way...

The final 4 miles took us back the way we came-- a flat strech of road leading up to the stadium. I zoned out and listened to my No Doubt mega-mix that CC made me and before I knew it I was passing miler marker 9!

There was one final hill and people were REALLY starting to fall off...but it was my fastest mile.

Running into the stadium was awesome-- mostly because the astro-turf felt like heaven under my feet.

As I crossed the finish line I knew that I had obliterated my previous ten mile time from January and I was pumped!

Hubs snapped a few pictures with his phone...I'm apparently behind the camera man in this one. You can sort of see my shadow.

There I am in blue, rushing over to the wall to stretch my calf before it revolted.

I ran the first half in 51:22 proving that even slow runners can have negative splits! Holla!

I never thought I'd be able to blog about having negative splits. In a ten mile race. Seriously?

SERIOUSLY!

As I approached the finish line I asked myself two very important questions...

"Could you keep running for 3.1 miles?"

The answer was a resounding YES, of course! I can taste Half Marathon glory!

"Could you run this entire route ONE MORE TIME and then cap it off with a 10k?"

Uh...maybe? Check back with me in two weeks and I'll have a better idea of my marathon potential.

I'll take it!

2009-04-11T16:24:00.002-04:00

Chip time: 1:40:18

(!!!)

Race report coming soon!

Thank you all for the well-wishes-- your good bloggie-vibes pushed me through!

Good Friday + 10 Miler Prep

2009-04-10T08:11:00.006-04:00

Alright, ok...an improvement in the logo arena (remember the last one?)

The Papa John's Ten Miler, the third leg of the Louisville Triple Crown of Running, kicks off early tomorrow. This particular triple crown is for us humans.

This is my second ten miler and my last race before the Mini-Marathon in two weeks!

My goals for this race are:

- Power through the hills in the park with confidence!

- Don't let the final stretch wear me down!

The hills on this course have quite a reputation in the area, but they aren't any worse than the ones I encounter on my long runs out in the sticks. I'll use my "West Virginia" mantra to get me through!

Tonight comes my favorite part of race prep: pre-race meals.

I'm feeling a pizza and lots of Easter candy.

Have a GREAT Good Friday err'body!

Oh, my! You look very fast!

2009-04-09T11:16:00.010-04:00

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Some E Cards

Last night I ran with Cuz again. We hit up a local park with a gravel track and took it really easy...after all, I've got the PJ Ten Miler on Saturday.

On our last lap we could hear the *crunchcrunchcrunch* of a runner on the approach so we stepped to the side a bit to let our compatriots through. Cuz, the ever-astute teacher in training, even offered a stern "BB, WATCH OUT!" just to let the other runners know that we cared.

Two ladies in their late forties cruised by, offering a little "Ha ha we are faster than you" wave as they passed.

Grumble...

We waited until they were out of earshot to complain about being passed by women twice our age...I mean, judging by their spandex alone-- they looked like serious runners. They were extra lean and sinewy, and heck-- one even had the super-deluxe-lady-runner-buzz-cut.

And we all know that a haircut like that means business!

We followed those ladies for about a quarter-mile and then they punked out. They just turned around (not even finishing the 1.25 mile loop) and were gone, presumably to their cars.

Granted, it's not like Cuz and I really cranked out major miles last night...but then again we didn't dress for a marathon only to put in a half mile trot.

But seriously...good for them. At least they were out, on the track, doing something. Sorry to hate on ya', ladies. I just found the situation interesting.

Moral of the story? It's easier to look hardcore than to actually be hardcore.

I could go and drop $100 on hot pink Under Armour half-zip and matching shorts to rock at the race Saturday...or I could wear my Homer Simpson t-shirt.

No matter what I wear, I'll still be clinging on to 10 min/miles for dear life.

And lookin' fast ain't gonna make me fast.

In an effort to further expose my bad taste in movies to the blogsphere...

2009-04-08T13:21:00.017-04:00

...I felt compelled to dedicate an entire post to this...

In an alternate universe where I never met Hubs because he's married to Carrie Underwood, Vin Diesel and Jason Statham are fighting for my heart!

Men's Fitness asks the question I've asked myself a million times...WHO WINS?

I had two experts (read: friends) weigh in (haha boxing pun) on the imaginary bout:

"Sorry to tell you, but I'm a Jason Statham girl all the way."

-- R.K., former lightweight champ and ringside analyst

"Vin Diesel is older, taller, and apparently heavier since Jason Statham's weight is not applicable....anyway, Statham is a former world class diver, which means he's a world class queer. Vin Diesel in a landslide."

-- C.C., Las Vegas based bookie and astronaut

I think you also have to consider the type of fight we are talking about:

Underwater fight? Advantage: Statham.

Alien melee? Advantage: Diesel.

Scowling battle? DRAW.

One-liner beat down? DRAW.

Drag race? Too close to call!

Who would I pick?

Why would you make me pick!? THIS IS LIKE MY PERSONAL VERSION OF SOPHIE'S CHOICE!

This also might shed some light on why I DON'T GET the whole Robert Pattinson craze...

I like Twilight just as much as the next weirdo, and R-Patz seems like a really lovely girl...but what is the big deal?!

Awwww, pretty lady.

PS--Please don't kill me, Twilighters.

Running Surfaces: Just Another Way I Inadvertently Hurt Myself

2009-04-08T08:40:00.014-04:00

aaaaaaa

In the past month and a half, I feel like I've developed every running related injury in the book (minus plantar fasciitis-- fingers crossed).

First, my ITBS flared up...then it was shin splints...now it's piriformis syndrome.

I think the largest contributing factor is the kind of surfaces I run on...so I did what anyone would do...

I Googled it.*

I found this article that ranks running surfaces on a scale of 1-10 (1 being most painful to run on, 10 being the least):

Grass: 9.5
Wood chips: 9
Dirt: 8
Cinder track: 7.5
Track: 7
Treadmill: 6.5
Asphalt: 6
Sand: 4
Snow: 2.5
Concrete: 1

TA-DA!

All of my after-work runs (ie-- most of them) are on crappy, concrete sidewalks.

I brought this on myself!

I really don't like to complain...not on this forum at least. I know there are lots of runners out there with injuries much more serious than mine, who can still crank it out. To all of those runners out there: I don't mean to complain.

On a related note...SAND is a more comfortable running surface than concrete?! Better on your joints, sure...but running in sand ranks up there with "chewing on tin foil" and "taking the LSAT" on BB's Comfortable Experiences Index.**

* Did you know that Google saves every search ever made in a huge database? That's INSANE.
**BB Comfortable Experience Index doesn't really exist...yet.

Answers!

2009-04-07T15:40:00.004-04:00

...answers to my movie quote quiz:

Budd: "That woman deserves her revenge and we deserve to die."

is from...Kill Bill, Vol. 1
Uma Thurman brings the pain...big time.

Natalie: "What is the last thing you remember?"
Leonard: "My wife.."
Natalie: "That's sweet."
Leonard: "Dying."

is from...Memento
This movie BLEW MY MIND. The "ending" is revealed within the first few seconds of the film and then the story moves in reverse.

Duncan: "There is a war on. How is it that you are headed west?"
Hawkeye: "Well, we kinda face to the north and real sudden-like turn left."

is from...The Last of the Mohicans
A modern classic! And I love the way Daniel Day Lewis says "Ken-tuck-ee."

Truvy: "In a good shoe, I wear a size six, but a seven feels so good, I buy a size eight."

is from...Steel Magnolias
One of the most quotable films of all time (in my opinion). "PINK is my signature CUH-LA!"

Sands: "Okay, Okay. I'm going to freak right out."

is from...Once Upon a Time in Mexico
From the Desperado franchise...but this one has DEPP.

Non-Running Post and What Hurts Today

2009-04-07T09:13:00.006-04:00

This is going to be an off-topic blog post.

Why? Well...I just have no running wisdom to impart on you this morning.

That's right: no advice to make you a slower, more awkward runner like me! I hope you understand.

This is straight from the Facebook juggernaut...my friend RK tagged me in a note, challenging me and others to play a game of "Guess the Movie" based on character quotes.

Not wanting to upset the Facebook Application Gods, I played along and then made my own list of quotes from my favorite movies.

My friends (all popculturephiles) easily guessed 10 out of the 15.

Here are the ones they didn't get, Blogger Friends:

1) Budd: "That woman deserves her revenge and we deserve to die."

2) Natalie: "What is the last thing you remember?"
Leonard: "My wife.."
Natalie: "That's sweet."
Leonard: "Dying."

3) Duncan: "There is a war on. How is it that you are headed west?"
Hawkeye: "Well, we kinda face to the north and real sudden-like turn left."

4) Truvy: "In a good shoe, I wear a size six, but a seven feels so good, I buy a size eight."

5) Sands: "Okay, Okay. I'm going to freak right out."

Give it a guess! I even gave you the character name! This should be easy...right?

Eh...My taste is movies is a little ~~immature~~ obscure.

What Hurts Today:

My hamstring all the way down my calf to the bottom of my foot hurts today. It feels like I'm being shocked by an electric eel every couple seconds. Hooray!

Went for a run, thought I was dying, planted some shrubs...

2009-04-06T08:48:00.011-04:00

I had a 12 mile run on the docket for Saturday.

The weather was perfect, my legs felt great...what could go wrong?

I'll tell you what: complete gastrointestinal mutiny.

Soon my lovely 12 mile training run became a 9 mile run + 3 mile death march back to the car. I ran as far as I could run, and then it was no longer about getting my mileage in...it was about SURVIVAL!

All the park bathrooms were closed and the only beacon of hope -- a port-a-potty-- was just beyond my grasp; locked behind the fence of a construction zone.

Just...miserable.

BUT the rest of the day was very productive! Hubs and I planted two trees in our back yard and built a flower bed...

...then we stuffed my purse full of snacks and went to the movies to see "Fast and Furious."

Laugh all you want, but my bizarre love for Vin Diesel is immune to your mockery.

And the soundtrack!

If this soundtrack doesn't make you want to slap a spoiler on your Camry and shave your head, then you should check your pulse.

Happy Friday, y'all!

2009-04-03T15:54:00.003-04:00

Quick post today...

This is what my tempo run typically looks like:
- 0-10 minutes: warm-up
- 10-25 minutes: "comfortably hard" pace
- 25-35 minutes: cool-down

I stuck to this last night and BOY was I sweaty.

BIG run tomorrow...no punking out this time.

1-week until the Papa John's Ten-Miler!

So I checked out my Google Analytics...

2009-04-02T21:14:00.005-04:00

Uh...

To the person Googled "Soffe Trash Bag Shorts" and found my blog post about excessive sweating instead, sorry to disappoint you...but you probably want to avoid trash bag shorts anyway.

And to whomever searched for "hooker radar" and wound up here: Heaven help you.

This post probably wasn't what you were looking for.

*cringe*

The Hazards of Running with a Family Member

2009-04-02T08:52:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, my Cousin/Half-Marathon partner and I ran a 5 mile loop starting/ending at our gym. This workout was supposed to happen Tuesday night, but a thunderstorm made us push it back (ie-- I forgot my trashbag at home).

Talking while running (or is it "running while talking?") has always intimidated me...I just assumed that the more I talked the less I'd breathe.

But we chatted it up without any complications during our run. Success!

We ran at a faster pace than usual (she is a 10 min.-miler also)...neither of us cared to admit who kept inadvertently upping the pace, but I think she did for the first 2.5 miles and I did for the last 2.5.

But all in all, it was a really good run.

Oh, except my Cuz hit me at one point---SMACK, right on my back--claiming I led her to believe our finish line was closer than it really was. She blamed the outburst on a seizure.

Ah, family.

Tempo run tonight? YES, tempo run tonight.

Read any good books lately?

2009-04-01T13:23:00.007-04:00

I don't know why Blogger ate half of my pictures...and apparently stole my Turtle mascot too.

Is anyone else having issues with Blogger and pictures today?

Anyway...

My Mexican cruise is only one month away! OLE'!

That means it's time for me to start looking for vacation books. This may sound easy enough, but I can go through 3-5 books during the span a typical week-long vacay. I DEVOUR books.

I read (or started) three books during my honeymoon: The Ruins by Scott Smith, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet (didn't finish this behemoth) and The Host by the Twilight chick (she should stick to vampires).

Here I am with The Ruins. It's suspensful and interesting...not the mention, the villian of the story is very unique.

So...read anything worth recommending lately?

What I Don't Like...

Chick-lit is just not my thing...and I've tried it, I swear I have! Nicholas Sparks made me want to puke (toooooooooo sweet). I love Jodi Picoult, but I've read most of her stuff.

And while I appreciate the "bring back the classics" movement, I did enough of that in undergrad...I just can't balance Joyce and a pina colada.

What I Do Like...

Suspense that doesn't smack you upside the head...Odd humor (I know, you must be SHOCKED)...Stories that rely on a character's relationship to their environment...Historical novels that DO NOT involve bodice ripping...

My Short List so far...

- The Road, Cormac McCarthy
- A Dirty Job, Christopher Moore
- American Gods, Neil Gaiman

Despite my list of "dislikes," I'm really open to any and all suggestions!

FOOLS!

2009-04-01T08:51:00.006-04:00

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Some Ecards

Sigh.

Let's see...ah...ok, I have an announcement! I'm becoming a vegan. Yeah. Save the little baby cows and all that jazz...veganism is the way to go.

I've also decided that 26.2 isn't that impressive in itself, so I'm skipping ahead...gonna do the IRONMAN. So, get excited for THAT.

Oh, and Hubs and I are having a baby! BABIES, in fact...triplets! No...wait, ur....OCTUPLETS like that crazy-lady. BABIES BABIES BABIES!

AND I'm leaving my job and going to LAW SCHOOL in August! Oh wait...that one is real.

Eh.

April Fool's jokes don't really translate in blog form. Or on Facebook.

10 Miles, Unplugged

2009-03-31T08:22:00.007-04:00

Last night I ran home from work.

The back-roads route from my office to my house is about 10 miles. This was mostly on-road running, so I turned my iPod off for my own safety. BB unplugged!

10 miles...no music...massive hills...I was just waiting for the bonk.

But the bonk NEVER CAME! Dare I say, the run was easier without music?!

Maybe it was because I could focus completely on my stride and breathing rather than imagining I'm on American Idol and Beyonce is my star mentor (my rendition of "Deja Vu" gets rave reviews from the judges...even Simon!).

Here's where things get weird...When I'd start to get a little bored, I'd just YELL something (there was no one on these roads but little-crazy-old me)...

Here's a sampling of what I can remember yelling to the open road:

- "Who hits a GOOSE?" (road kill comment)

- "Hill...HILL!"

- "And I...was...RUNNIN'!" (Forrest Gump quote)

- "Don't wanna pull a HAMMY!" (Cable Guy quote)

- "LOUD NOISES!" (40 Year Old Virgin quote)

- "Six triple eight seven four five...uh uh uh..." (Incorrect song lyric)

- "AAAAAALL MY SINGLE LADIES!" (Correct song lyric)

So. Very. Weird...I know. So weird.

But it worked! This kept me really entertained...every time I would start to think about how much further I had to go or how tough a hill was, I'd yell something random and make myself laugh.

Hey, even us slow-runners have some tricks up our sleeves.

Weekend Notes

2009-03-30T07:59:00.005-04:00

- This weekend was a huge bust...6 miles on Saturday, and nada Sunday...The weather was nasty and I just couldn't get myself going

- I struggled with the infamous "all or nothing" mentality that so many runners encounter, and ultimately decided that a couple days of rest was completely normal and acceptable

- Actually went to the gym...and I still hate that place. The lady on the machine next to me was decked out in head-to-toe Under Armour cold gear-- in a sweltering gym. It just boggles my mind

- My mom got some new shoes (a pair of Brooks, whoop whoop!) and she will soon be on the path to 5k greatness

- I hate that March Madness gives non-sports fans an excuse to try to talk basketball. Just...don't. It's ok. Fill out a bracket-- the less you know about basketball, the better chance you will have in winning the office pool. But please don't try to talk to me about how you are really rooting for Gonzaga this year. My head will explode.

Ok, brand new week...LET'S DO THIS!

Saturday Forecast:

2009-03-27T12:31:00.005-04:00

IT GON RAIN!

Thanks, Ollie.

Looks like the Trash Bag rides again!

Running Playlists and Why I'm Gross

2009-03-27T08:21:00.005-04:00

*** A note of clarification about my previous post ***

I hope you all will still want to be my interweb friends after I admit this but...that moisture on my t-shirt after the run was 100% sweat, not rain.

It had stopped raining well before I started my run.

GROSS, I KNOW!

*** Back to the regularly scheduled (totally hygienic) post ***

Happy Friday!

I'd like to get in 12-13 miles tomorrow and maybe try a new route...

That means a good majority of my day will be spent cross-referencing Map-My-Run and Google Street View, trying to determine roads where I will be least likely to get run down by a van. Hooray!

I was perusing(creeping on) forum posts on Run the Ville about running playlists and I got to thinking about my sad little iPod.

During my last 4-5 long runs, I've listened to Kelly Clarkson or Lady Gaga. Exclusively.

Their new CDs were all I needed to get me through a run. Seriously-- they are that good.

But, I'm open to some new music...hook a sister up!

What's on your running playlist right now?

Rocking the Trash Bag

2009-03-26T08:53:00.005-04:00

It rained all day yesterday. I planned on running after work if the rain wasn't too heavy, so I packed a poncho/rain jacket thingy just in case.

By the time I hit the road the rain had subsided.

5.5 miles later and a tropical habitat had formed in my poncho. I think a toucan fluttered out of the hood at one point.

I looked like a trash-bag with legs. Hubs new truck looks slick!

Seriously?

Seriously.

Hubs asked me why I'd want a picture of my drenched t-shirt...because it makes me look hardcore!

Now that I've sufficiently grossed you out, have a GREAT Thursday!

Chasing the "Tomb Raider" Dream

2009-03-24T11:53:00.000-04:00

I was an anthropology major for, like, a nano-second in undergrad.

Why? Because I thought I could be "Tomb Raider," that's why.

You know-- traveling the world and collecting artifacts, swinging on vines to avoid explosions, shooting 9mms with surprising accuracy...fighting grizzly bears. Basically, stuff like that.

When I couldn't find Tactical Bear Combat 101 in UK's course catalog, I ditched that plan and switched my major to English. File that one under "Gross Misunderstanding of Anthropology."

Six years later and I find this: Adventure Racing at Red River Gorge.

Wait...What is that sound? It sounds like all my wildest dreams COMING TRUE!

Cycling, trekking, rappelling, paddling...this is as close to "Tomb Raider" as it's gonna get!

There are only a few things that stand in my way: I can't mountain bike, can't rappel, can't read a compass...haven't tried, but probably can't paddle too well.

Hmmm...looks like fun...or not.

Looks like I'm putting my Tomb Raider dream on ice once again.

I do, however, want to give trail running a try. There are some amazing state parks in Kentucky, and it's always good to mix it up in training.

My quads burn just thinking about it.

Anyway, I ran 8.5 miles last night and felt alright. Running uphill with the wind in your face is pretty demoralizing, but I kept pushing. My legs were numb for the first 3 miles, which is never fun.

When I found myself in doubt, I'd think "BB...I can't believe you are actually even considering a marathon if you can't man-up and do this run RIGHT NOW."

It's a very effective mantra, to say the least. I broke through the mental barrier and felt really fresh. Miles 6-8 were the easiest miles I've run in a long time.

Running is so weird sometimes.

These are a few of my fav-o-rite things...

2009-03-24T09:55:00.000-04:00

Recently, my obsession with purses has been replaced by my obsession with running gear. Now instead of splurging on a Coach bag at the outlet mall, I buy running gear en masse!

Poor Hubs. I literally apologize to him for spending all of his hard-earned money every couple of days.

Here's what I can't run without:

I run in Brooks Defyance 2 and I love them...It was the first time I picked out a pair of running shoes for reasons outside of how they looked! They "corrected" my natural pronation that was aggravating my knee and hip, so basically they saved my running-life.

Nike Tempo shorts are my current item-obsession. Built-in liner, key pocket, perfect length = a great pair of running shorts. I never really paid much attention to my shorts until I started to run 4+ miles. Heck, after 1 mile Soffe shorts feel like sand-paper underpants.

Target's C9 Champion Sport Bras are the stuff. I know lots of women struggle with finding the perfect sports bra, but I have had no problems with this brand. Sure, I could spend $40 and get a Nike bra that is moisture wicking AND can brew me coffee, but for the money C9 is in a league of it's own.

Goody No-Slide Headbands are essential pieces in my running arsenal. I have a lot of hair...and it's very curly. XTREME curls. And nothing keeps the frizz at bay like these headbands, which were are available at drug-stores are Targets and Walmarts (oh my).

The Camelbak Charm says: Welcome to the Upper-Echelon of Runner Nerd-dom. I tried a hydration belt at first and it just flat annoyed me to death. I was wary about the Camelbak, but once I tried it out I was hooked. I think this model is 4 lbs. at it's heaviest, but I totally forgot it was there. The pocket it just big enough for a cell phone, car key and some Shot Blox. A must have for long runs.

So...what else is out there?

Specifically, has anyone found a brand/style of shirt or singlet for the upcoming summer months?

Lessons Learned: My First 10K

2009-03-23T09:07:00.000-04:00

Official Chip time: 59:38 (!!!!)

Woooooohoooooo! I'm in shock!

Here is a list of what I learned from my first 10K...

-> Start out faster <-
Wanting to finish "strong," I consciously kept my pace slow for the first three miles. I stepped up my pace at mile 3, and felt really good when I crossed the finish line.

But...I felt too good. I definitely had a lot "left in the tank." I think I could have had a faster time if I didn't hold back quite as much in those first 3 miles.

-> Stalk-a-Runner <-
At the 3 mile-marker I decided to zero-in on a fellow runner who was running at a faster pace and follow them for as long as I could keep up.

So I picked out his tall, lanky dude with bushy hair because he was clipping along and was easy to spot in the crowd. I tried to stay within 10-20 feet of the guy. This not only amused me endlessly but helped me run at a faster pace for the last half of the race!

So, thanks lanky-dude. Sorry I creeped on you for 2 1/2 miles.

-> Walkers are a different breed <-
Walkers will line-up wherever and however they want, with little regard to runners. There were groups of walkers, 5 and 6 wide, lined up well ahead of me and thousands of other runners. Many were lined up directly behind the seeded runners who were at the very front.

It's fine in a race of 300...it's still rude, but whatever. But with 7,000 participants, walkers that close to the front make the first mile very tricky for the rest of us. Lots of bopping and weaving, and a couple bumps.

-> Hill work is clutch <-
Most of my long training runs are extremely hilly, and the payoff came during this race. There were 2 hills (one at mile 1 and the other around mile 3) that took me be suprise.

But, while other runners started to feel the pain and slow down, I found myself gaining ground. It was great! I actually started to pass people on the hills! And while we are on the subject...

-> I'm still slow, but passing people is a RUSH! <-
I wasn't too concerned about this during mile 0-3, but then I found great excitement in picking off runners one by one.

I didn't feel an urge to "beat" anybody-- I just felt like I was running strong and hitting a good rhythm.

So, that's what I learned from this race. I'm going to run another 10K on the 4th of July, and I will be sure to apply these lessons when I do it.

Now...where are my race photos?!

I am "patiently" waiting for them...

*refresh*refresh*refresh*refresh*

Race Report: Rodes City Run 10K

2009-03-21T11:12:00.000-04:00

Now THAT was fun.

The Rodes City Run was my first 10K, and I must say-- I really enjoyed it.

Here are some pictures from this morning:

I had all wardrobe combinations laid out and ready to go...

Ok, the ONLY issue I had with the race: I was a bit disturbed by the lack of runners dancing to the "Cupid Shuffle" when it played before the line-up. How can you NOT do the Cupid Shuffle? Well...I did. To the left, to the left...

Awww, me and the Hubster.

Hey! I found Hoss after all!

All the seeded runners. Or sprinters. They were incredible (not that I saw them).

I'm over there somewhere!

It was a GREAT day for a race and I think I learned a lot about participating in large races. I'll dedicate a later to post to race-lesson learned.

My clock time was 1:03:34, but it took me close to 4 minutes to cross the start line. So it looks like my chip time MIGHT be sub-1 hour?!

Holy Moly.

Excited about the race...not so excited about the t-shirt

2009-03-20T10:55:00.000-04:00

Because that logo...ain't cute.

I've got that fluttery feeling in my stomach and I can hardly concentrate at work! It must be almost...RACE DAY.

The Rodes City Run is pretty big in terms of a 10k-- something like 7,000 runners and 15,000 spectators. My biggest concern is running in a crowd that size-- and, moreover, eating pavement in front of a crowd that size.

Tonight I'm off to pick up my packet and persuade Hubs to let me invest in a new half-zip...it's going to be a little chilly at the starting line tomorrow!

I know I went on and on about my race goals, but honestly...my only race goal (other than to finish) is to get a decent race photo.

Now, THAT would be a true victory.

*** UPDATE on persuading Hubs to let me buy more clothes ***

I used dinner plans as a bargaining chip...I wanted pizza, he wanted Mexican:

BB: If we go to El Nopal, can I go to Target?
Hubs: Um...deal.
BB: CHA-CHING!

Awwww, shucks!

2009-03-19T12:59:00.000-04:00

Another Day in Paradise pretty much made my day by giving me this nifty blogger award!

Now it's my turn to spread the love and give them to some of my favorite bloggers...

In keeping within the Terms and Conditions of my newly minted Kreativ Blogger title, are 7 Things I Love and 7 Blogs I Love:

7 Things...

1) Hubs - He's my best friend and is really good at math. What more could I want?
2) My family - I'm lucky to have them
3) My friends - I'm happy they put up with me
4) My monster-puppy
5) Running - hence the blog!
6) The Kentucky Wildcats - my Alma Mater
7) White chocolate - I prefer it to all other kinds of chocolate

7 Blogs...

1) Body. Mind. Soul. - Runner, foodie and future dietitian...BHealthier has got it together!

2) Daily Goods - Ashley is a former lacrosse player and bikram fanatic...and she's training for a 10k too!

3) Just Another Day in Paradise - D.A.R. is a law student (graduating very soon) AND she still finds time to run! I hope to strike that same balance!

4) Thinspired - I covet Lara's meals that she photographs and posts on her blog. Droooool...she's another foodie/runner!

5) Dispatches from the Island - Actor Jorge Garcia's blog...I am a "Lost" superfan so this blog makes me giggle like a nerd. It's HURLEY! Teeheehee!

6) Dlisted - Trashy gossip blog with really offensive language...Yes please!

7) Dooce - Heather B. Armstrong is the QUEEN of the blog. Mormonism, babies, married life and the Daily Chuck.

As for passing along the award to the aforementioned blogs, I am pretty sure ladies 1-4 already won one of these! I guess it's a testament to their creativity...or "Kreativity."