Post race withdrawal

It's just like after my wedding. I was so bored, all the time I spent training has created a void. I've been just bumming around, and working a lot and reliving race day in my head. It was so amazing. I cannot wait to do another half. Emily and I are going to do a nice easy short run tomorrow, not early though.

I applied to be a fundraising mentor for the Team in Training summer season, and I found out today I was accepted! My team will be doing the Long Island Half or the Rock N Roll Half/Full in San Diego. I decided I am definitely going to do the LI half, and I'm on the fence about signing up for RNR too and doing the fundraising again so soon. I know I could do it though. So two definite races so far for the year are the LI Half and the Smuttynose Half in October.

I also got my finisher pictures the other day and before receiving them I was sure they

would be horrid. However they turned out nice:

My Finisher Picture

Somewhere near the end in Epcot.

Emily and I right before crossing the finish line. We decided to hold hands as we crossed.

WE DID IT! Would you believe it took us 40 minutes just to cross the starting line? There was that many people.

Disney Half Marathon 2010 Race/ Weekend Report

I'm back with a medal! The race was great, albeit quite chilly. I finished in 3:01:12 which is pretty good for my first half.

Before:

We left on Thursday from JFK on a 9:30 am flight. We flew Jet Blue out of terminal 5, which was recently redone and is gorgeous with lots of nice places to eat and healthy food is easy to find. I woke up with a nervous stomach. So I had a banana, a Fage yogurt with honey and sea salt rice chips which helped to settle my belly pre-flight. Our flight went smoothly both ways. Once we arrived in Orlando we took Disney's magical express to the hotel and got settled in our room. Later on we went to the race expo to pick up our numbers and buy some goodies.

I picked up The Stick, to massage out my horrid IT bands, and a cute Will Run for Beer hooded

tee from One more Mile. After we got back I got everything laid out for the race then we to the team dinner.

The Time:

5k split 41:17

10k split 1:24:55

15k split 2:09:42

Finish time: 3:01:12

Pace: 13:49

The race:

We had to meet the team at 2:30. It was too early we hadn't gotten back until after 9 pm from the dinner. I was so anxious, on edge, overwhelmed and just plain exhausted that I called Matt crying. When I got back to the room after getting off the phone I saw Mentor Rob had decorated our door! It was so exciting!! We took pictures then went to bed.

We got about 4 hours of sleep then tried our best to get ready and not forget anything.

When we met the team in the food court at 2:30. We hung out there for about an hour before taking pictures and getting excited the we got on the bus to leave for the race.

When we arrived at the race the bus dropped us off in the Epcot parking lot and we had to walk pretty far (half mile?) to the gate. It was *so* cold. We are all bundled up and shivering. Coach Dave declared a base camp area. We got out ourblack garbage bags, tore holes in them and huddled under them for warmth. And then, it started snowing.

Myself, Emily, Vicky, Tina and Jess were running together. So we made our way to drop off our bags, then to the potties. I have made it 26 years with out ever using a porta potty. I broke the streak on race day. It was not as bad as I thought it would be, and it was better than running 13.1 with a full bladder. I still will in the future avoid them like the plague.

After we starting making our way to the corrals

which were about a 25 minute walk still. When we arrived we could not even get in the corral it was so crowded! We waited outside the corral for a while. We were all running in the last corral to stay together, and it was not until the corral before us started that we were able to get in.

We all held hands like a row of ducklings so we didn't lose anyone and we got in and made our way up, the fireworks went off and we started! Then Vicky looks back and sees we are the last few people there. She says "There is no way they are basing the cutoff pace on us!" We held hands again and she pulled us up through the pack, and we started to settle into our run.

Miles 1-3: So cold and dangerous! Everyone was peeling their garbage bags and layers off so they were all over the course. I was so scared of slipping on something so I was looking down the whole time. Just as we started running it started sleeting. My face was getting pelted with the little ice pellets and they kept ending up in my shoes. And it was still dark out. Boo.

Miles 4-7: I finally warmed up and was rolling although my legs were still chilly. Through the whole race we were watching out for each other and constantly yelling out each others names to make sure we were still all together. Around mile 6 we got into the Magic Kingdom and it was so nice. There were lots of people cheering us on even in the lousy weather. And I got to see my mom there!

Mile 8: Tired kicked in. I wanted an extra walk break, but Emily said no way. Thank you Em for that. I know if I took it that would have been the end of me, and I would have gotten lazy through the end. We stopped for the potties real quick and while I was waiting for the others we met another girl who was hurting and was also going to run the full the next day. Yikes!

Miles 9-10: We plugged on some more. It was cold, I was tired and hungry and getting really cranky. Mile 10 was a cloverleaf, so we were running on a sideslope, which my ankle did not enjoy. By the end of mile 10 I swore I will never do this again. I also got a bad cramp in my calf, which I could not get rid of and decided to run through it.

Miles 11-12: We were really loosing it here. I got another cramp in my other calf. Em got a bad side stitch and refused to stop. We slowed down and I pulled her arm over her head to stretch it out as we running. I'm sure it was a sight to see.

Mile 13: Is it over yet? I just wanted to be done. Em and I were cranky and on the verge of tears from lack of sleep. We got to the end of mile 13 and I yelled "Oh my god, we still have another tenth of a mile?!" I was pissed.

Mile .1: That was the longest tenth of a mile ever. The finish line was in sight. Em and I held hands and raised them up as we crossed. 3:01:12 was my time. As soon as we crossed we were crying and hugged. We were so happy we finished! Then we saw Tina and Vicky and had a big group hug. It was such an amazing feeling to have finished! We got our heat sheets and stopped on the side to catch our breath. I was wheezing so bad. We kept walking then got out medals and I hugged the guy that gave me mine. Then finisher pictures, which I'm sure look amazing after running in the rain, sleet and crying. Powerade, food, then the baggage line. It took so long to get my bag! I was so cold and my teeth where chattering, and my fingers were so numb I could barely peel my banana. It was sad.

After I got my bag I made my way to the TNT tent to check back in and let them know I was safe. I got my TNT finisher pin and changed in my dry sweats, hugged the rest of my team mates and then found my Mom. My friend Pam took some pictures of me after and I look like I should be on a Red Cross disaster relief commercial. So sad. We made our way to the bus line and I got

on my bus back to the hotel. I was so happy, it was soo warm and a place to sit.

After Em and I got back we took showers and then debated food or sleep. But since we had to walk a little bit far to get to the food court we decided to wait and sleep. It was the best sleep ever.

We woke up and got food. I had a double bacon cheeseburger with fries. It was so gross but so good. I deserved it!

That night we met up with my Mom and Pam and her family at Cape May Cafe in the Beach Club for a a seafood buffet dinner. A great end to a long day!

Emily and I in our comfy clothes with our medals.

Dinner at Cape May Cafe, one big happy family.

Sunday I got to sleep a bit late. I met my mom in Epcot for a bit then I met up with my favorite Rich, who I haven't seen since he moved to Florida! We spent the after noon catching up and drinking around Epcot.

Epcot is really rad. I love the world section where you can be transported around the world in a matter of a few steps. I want to go back there with Kuma, he'd love it. Rich was saying there is a food and wine festival in the fall that involves a half marathon. Sign me up!

Emily, Vicky and I in the Orlando airport.

Even though the weather was lousy it was still a great experience. And even though I swore during mile 10 that I would never run another half I will be signing up for another one.

I can't believe it's here!

Leaving for Disney tomorrow! And I hear it's chilly down there. It better not snow!

WE had our send off party last night and it was great to see everyone all together and be excited all together! As a team we raised over $130,000 bucks! Go TEAM!

My boss gave me Captain Squirrel today as a good luck gift and made little sweatbands for him! So cute!

I was ready and almost packed but then the weather seems to have become very chilly in Disney, so that threw a wrench in my plans. I'm packing extra running clothes so I can decide when I'm there.

I'm excited to lots of eating and seeing one of my old friends from high school who now lives down there!

Race report to come!

Snowy Saturday

Saturday was supposed to be my biggest run before Disney(17 days!) however, it became my shortest. All week I was having shin and foot pain. (I know it was from wearing those damn

Ugg boots!) Friday night I questioned running or not the next day, and Saturday when I woke up I questioned it again. But I shook it off and went to practice. I didn't tape or wrap anythi

ng either.

We had a merged practice in Nassau with the whole team and it was amazing, I was so pumped even though it was freezing and about to snow any minute.

Then I started running. With every strike of my left foot on the ground the pain shot from my sole all the way up my shin. I held strong for almost 2 miles out. At the first water stop I told the rest of my pack I had to turn back.

I gimped back with my tail between my legs. It was the longest two miles ever. I kept passing people from the new team, other runners. I was so bummed. Finally I saw coach Carmen and she new something was up. She stopped and I started crying on her. She walked back with me and made me feel a bit better but still it's such a bummer of a feeling so close to race day.

I made it back and left for home, stopping at the grocery store on the way. What a zoo! People freak out with snow around here. I just wanted to make a roast beast for dinner.

It started snowing and this morning when all was said and done we had two feet dumped on us. Matt wished for a white Christmas and he's getting it! We're buried.

A year of Races

I decided I am going to try and run a race every month for the next year. Early New Year's resolution? I suppose. The past two weeks I have been obsessively looking and picking out races.

I'm also thinking about joining the New York Road Runners this year, and doing their 9+1 program so I can be assured of entry to the 2011 NYC marathon.

This is my month by month list. Any suggestions, are you doing one of these? Let me know!

This is just the start

January:

1/9-Disney Half Marathon- Registered!

February:

2/28- Runner's Edge Fun Run, 3, 6, 9 miles, Farmingdale

March:

April:

4/3- 13.1 NYC half Marathon, Queens

4/25- More half marathon, NYC

May:

5/2- Long Island 10K, Long Island

June:

July:

August:

September:

9/19- Rock N Roll half marathon, Philladelphia

October:

10/3- Smuttynose Rockfest half marathon, New Hampshire

November:

December:

3 mile Monday

Three miles today. The intent was four, but just at the start of mile 4 my stomach protested :(

Nice though overall, I did a 4:1 interval and it was not too cold out and not windy at all.

Mile 1: 11:07

Awesome, nice and strong felt great, however right at the end I was almost taken down by a pine cone in the road. I felt my ankle go under as I started to fall down. Luckily I caught my balance and kept going.

Mile 2: 11:40

I slowed down and got into a rhythm for mile 2. I called Matt half way and asked him to meet me at the corner with some water :) Cursed at the pine cone as I passed it again.

Mile 3: 13:36

Started okay, 3/4 of the way through I got a side stitch, and walked it off for a 1/4 of a mile (boo!) I went back to the house for my water but my stomach wasn't feeling so hot. Went back out for mile 4

Mile 4:

After the side stitch started so did my belly. I wasn't feeling so hot this morning, and now it was back again. I was only out about .10 I turned around and ran home, fast.

Time: 35:23

Pace: 12:14

Super 8 Saturday

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired.

- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

Saturday morning: 29 degrees with a wind chill making it feel about 19 degrees. Not exactly the conditions you expect to have the best run ever in!

I've been hurting, my feet, my legs, my back. Last night I came across an article on Runner's World about how after an injury, pain can present it self mentally even you've healed. You can become hyper-vigilant to injuring yourself again. I'm pretty sure that's what's been going on with me. Every little ache or pain has become a reason not to run.

Last night I said screw this, I am running strong and having an awesome run tomorrow I don't care- and I did!

I met up with the other half of the team today at a place know as "the dump", which used to be- a garbage dump. Now it's a secluded park preserve with some amazing views. There is a two mile loop around the base and about two and half up the big hill and down.

This morning I saw cute little guinea fowl, the sunrise over the beach, ran on a boardwalk, saw a windmill, had an awesome view of Manhattan from the top of the hill, and saw goats on the way out. It was quite a day. I did a 3:1 interval and while I was tired during the run it was a great eight!

The cold doesn't even matter anymore. Okay, yes I did wear two of everything today. But after the first two miles I was sweating.

After the run I stopped at Starbucks and had myself a well derserved chai latte.

This afternoon, after my post run siesta, Matt and I went Christmas shopping. I picked out some nice running goods for Christmas.

I also ordered my Race Ready shorts. These shorts have about four pocket sewn into the back of the shorts to carry you're things on race day. More about those when they arrive.

25 days until I leave for Disney!!

One more thing

Today at work I ran into one of my professors from the summer. She's one of my favorites. I asked what brought her to the hospital and she told me about her brother who is there, with lymphoma. Just hearing this was another one of those moments where I was reminded of how important of what we are all doing with TNT is!

28 days till Disney!!

Training for a Half Marathon! Day 1

For a while now Kate has been encouraging me to train to run a marathon with her. I finally agreed to a half marathon to start.
13 miles. 13 Miles of non stop running. 13 miles, for real? Yes. While I am notorious for planning to do things and never doing them, Im thinking the more people I tell that I am doing this, and the more people asking about it the more obligated I feel to finish what I started. (Case and point with my trip to Japan!)

I started yesterday. I ran, or i tried. I lasted about 5 min before I wanted to die. Then I just walked fast. After we ran (walked) around Kate's neighborhood, we went to the gym in her building. I did the elliptical for 25 min. and then on the treadmill, I would walk for 1 minute, and run for 1 minute, alternating. Then we did all the arm machines. I really *despise* the gym, although I felt less hatred for it yesterday. Kate says once I get past my distaste for running I will crave it. After our gym adventures, Kate made us salad for dinner. The other good thing about this is im already much more motivated to not each garbage.

Here is the schedule that I am starting off with. I need to be able to run 3 miles to start using the half marathon schedule.
This is a non offensive plan for when you are starting out never really running before. I changed the order of the days a bit to work with my schedule better.  Here it is. 

                                                    Sat     Mon   Tue       Wed   Thur     Sun   Fri

I will be doing my long run days on Fridays, because I get home from class around 12:30, so I can run in the middle of the day and relax after with out anyone around. I also believe that it will help keep me in check for the weekend, eating and drinking wise. If I want to go a little bit over board, Saturday is usually the day that happens. While Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday are kind of optional on this chart, I am making Saturdays manditory. Tuesday and Thursday will vary, with school work and things. Hooray! Go Me!