Marathon Mom

It happened again today, I have now fallen 3 times while running this year and it isn't even mid-March yet. This time there wasn't even ice involved. While out on an 18 mile run, I managed to catch my toe, right big toe of course, on a hole in the sidewalk and landed on the ground. Once again the main spots of impact included my right hip, which is still sore from the last fall about 6 weeks ago. This time I also managed to land on my left knee resulting in a bloody knee and a hole in my favorite running tights.

Today was the first run of the season and we had a great turnout despite the weather. Getting up this morning made me remember back to when I started running and how I was such a weather wimp. Today was in the upper 20s and I now think that is great for running. Many years ago, my limit was about 50* to get outside. Kind of funny considering I have since run a marathon in today's weather and done multiple long runs in below zero. I had a great time running with the team and can't wait to see how the rest of the season goes. The weather will only get better which will hopefully mean more people coming each week to run with the group. We're going to have a great season and I am looking forward to seeing everyone cross that finish line.

The past week has not been good for my running, I have felt sluggish, had a sore hamstring and my ankle pain returned for a short time. I decided to bike 45 minutes on the trainer Saturday, which I think was bad for the legs the day before my 17 miler on Sunday. I only convinced myself to do this run after making the deal with myself that I would stop for coffee on the way home, bribes work well :) Monday ended with a massive headache and no running or workout of any kind. I attempted 8 miles on both Tuesday and Wednesday without success. Tuesday I managed 5 very slow miles and felt terrible the entire time. Wednesday I managed a big fat 2 miles before my hamstring cramped and forced me to alter my stride. I guess I am getting wise in my old age and decided it was better to stop then risk further injury. Today was my third attempt at 8 miles and finally success! 8.25 miles done at an average 8:30 pace, with some speed intervals in the middle. This is still slower then my normal speedwo...

Last week Matt and I spent a week on a cruise in the Caribbean enjoying the sun, warm weather and great food. I even managed a few runs during the week and we are proud to say that we never stepped foot on an elevator even once during our trip. Some of the views during our trip... I was so happy to be back running on ground not covered by ice and snow and see something other then bare trees and dead grass while running. Despite this, we had some tough days to run. The first 2 days were at sea and it was windy, 60+ mph on the second day. The winds made things a little tough, I almost felt like I was running in place at times. Things finally improved by the 3rd day it was nice to run with the sum out and just a slight breeze. Such a great way to start off the day. And it made it a little easier to eat all the big meals and drink the wine.

I know, I am a little late in this post, but I was so excited about this past weekend that I needed to write it. The past 2 weekends I have been outside running my long runs with Matt and between the 2 weeks there was a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees. Last weekend I ran 12 miles bundled up in as many layers as possible and even had hand warmers in my mittens. This run included a fall on the ice with 3 miles to go and a right hip that still has an ugly, huge bruise. This past weekend the temperature was in the 40s and sunny. I headed out with pants and quickly turned around to wear shorts instead. I was able to wear my thin jacket and light gloves. It felt so nice to not be weighted down with all the extra layers. We were even able to run the majority of the 13 miles on open asphalt. This run wasn't all perfect, no falls on the ice, but it did involve soaking feet after inadvertently stepping into a puddle the size of a small lake, once again this happened with 3 mile...

Matt convinced me that we should save some money a pre-register for the Winter Carnival Half Marathon that is tomorrow. I have always waited to register and wimped out a last minute due to weather, not losing any money. All week I have kept an eye on the forecast and it just kept getting worse. As of this morning the predicted weather at the race start is -9F and -24 wind chill, yikes! The race is still on, but they have now shortened the course to only 6.5 miles. I'm kind of pissed, I would rather just run the entire thing if I am going to be out there. Now I need to plan a Sunday run to get in the 12 miler that is on my schedule. Oh well, this race will only make me tougher and I have brunch with mimosas and friends to look forward to after the run.

Yesterday I think I had the toughest run I have ever had. I worked during the day and was looking forward to a nice run with Matt after work. My car said it was 27*, so I thought it would be perfect. The problem was the snow and wind that were here on Saturday. The entire run was snow covered and a lot of the paths were covered by knee high snow drifts. We actually changed our planned route a few times in attempts to find better conditions, but things only got worse. We started with just a light breeze and by the end it was gusting, not to mention the long hill we encountered with about 2 miles to go. We manged to run 10 miles, which felt like much more, at a slow pace of around 10 min miles. The slowest run I have done in many years. I'm glad I stuck it out and didn't give in to my urge to hop on the park shuttle to warm up and cut off a mile or so. These are the runs that make me wonder why I live here.