Summer's Just Around the Corner

My oh my, where does the time go?  It's been 6 weeks since my last post and so much has happened. As summer approaches, I see my calendar getting more and more full by the day. The semester is over and I managed to pull out another "A", so my straight "A" streak lives on (at least for now). This fall will be my last semester and likely on of my hardest (yikes)! I've also started volunteering at the Kennebec Valley Humane Society. Surprisingly, I've managed NOT to adopt every dog there (Andy would have a fit). I've only managed to get there a couple times thus far, but look forward to my time spent volunteering. Another volunteer opportunity has kept me very busy as well. I've joined the Board of Directors for Kennebec Local Food Initiative as a co-president. We are a (hard) working BoD working to increase access to locally grown and produced foods and strengthen the local food economy. And if that wasn't enough, I've also been coaching a Couch to 5K group through KVC (the running studio I belong to). All this, AND I'm in the final stages of marathon training.

To be specific, I have 17 days of training left (before my taper begins). I had a minor meltdown last week. Frozen with fear and anxiety, I'd found myself unable to get my midweek runs complete. I was still able to squeeze out my long runs but I knew if I didn't get a swift kick in the butt the wheels were about to fall off the bus. Luckily, my coach, Amy Lawson, gave me the kick in the butt (with a dose of inspired words) to turn things around. I've started doing my midweek runs on my lunch hour at work, and I must say, I really like it. It's so nice to get out of the office and distress mid-day. So far I've only been doing 3 mile runs (which gives me plenty of time to de-stink, change, and warm up my lunch). However, I think I may try to squeeze in 4 miles here and there (it'll be tight time-wise, but doable). I have 2 long runs left, an 18 miler (scheduled for this Sunday) and a 20 miler. While running that kind of mileage is rather overwhelming I know I can do it if I take it slow and steady.

Even as I fantasize about finishing my first marathon, I'm already thinking about "what's next". The answer: Triathlon. I am registering for my first sprint triathlon to take place August 3rd. That will give me approximately 5 weeks to train. Beyond that I am planning on a super fun Color Me Rad 5K in late August, possibly a 10K in September, a marathon relay in October, and a destination half-marathon (Runner's World Half Marathon Festival in Bethlehem PA) in October. There may be a sprinkling of trail 5Ks at Bond Brook in there as well.

What are your plans for the summer?

Fear and Running

Yesterday I did something I haven't done since my last half marathon in July, I ran double digit mileage. There are lots of reasons why it's taken me 8 months to get my mileage back up:

• I was focusing on trail running in the late summer,
• I was focusing on speed in the fall,
• I had major surgery over the winter,
• I was sick for the last couple weeks.

But the main reason it's taken me this long to get my mileage back up is fear. This is nothing new, I experienced this same issue when I was training for my first half marathon last spring. However, I figured it was a one and done kind of thing and I'd gotten over it. As it turns out, that is incorrect.

I am now training for a marathon and I'll be honest, it's kind of freaking me out. The thought of me completing a marathon is a bit surreal. I'm not a natural runner, I don't have a runner's physique, I'm overweight, I'm 40. But to be honest, I felt very much the same way last spring and I ended up completing 3 half marathons over the spring/summer.

I am not sure where the fear comes from. I suspect part of it has to do with achieving a goal and knowing I must now aim higher. It's that "aim higher" piece that generates the fear. Eventually, I'll fail. And I have a very real fear of failure.

But what would it really mean if I were to fail to meet a goal? Is is finite? Would that mean the end of running for me? It's doubtful. Sure, I'd sit and feel sorry for myself for a bit. My inner-critic would have a field day and punish me for even thinking I could do it in the first place. But I'd eventually tell the critic to back off. I'd pick myself up, review what could have gone wrong, beat myself up a bit for not training enough, or fueling properly, or listening to my body (or whatever it is that caused me to fail).

I think there is such thing as a healthy dose of fear. It helps to keep me on track and take things seriously. But when there is too much fear, it can hinder your progress. Finding a balance is difficult for me. Distance running is very much a mental game and keeping the fear at a healthy level is going to be key for my success.

Do you experience fear about your goals? How do you address it and make sure it doesn't hold you back?

Hibernation

Well looking back on my blog I see I've been neglecting it terribly! I could blame it on school, but honestly, school didn't start until late August and my last post (prior to yesterday) was in June. I'm just going to chalk it up to, "I've been super busy"!

Since June, I've run a 3rd half marathon, gone camping twice, ran a race up a fricken moutain, joined the local YMCA and started swimming and taking a class or 2 per week as cross training for my running routine, successfully completed my 2nd to last semester of school, celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary, and had a total hysterectomy. So yeah... I guess I have been busy.

The last half marathon I ran was the Old Port Half Marathon in July. I wasn't particularly prepared for it, having just completed my 2nd half with a PR time a month prior. However, this was one I'd been waiting to do for a long time. I had originally signed up for it last year but was injured and missed it. The race organizer was nice enough to defer my registration to this year. I finished the race, however, it was by far my worst time even though I felt like I paced it better than my previous race. I just wasn't prepared, I didn't have enough recovery time and prep time between the two races. No regrets. Earned a very cool medal!

On Labor Day weekend I went camping (just me, myself, and I) at Cobscook Bay campground in Eastport. I chose Eastport because it is the eastern-most town in the continental US and I've never been to that part of Maine before. I really enjoyed myself even if I didn't see any exciting wildlife. The town of Lubec was having it's Annual Pirate Raid festival which was an unexpected pleasure. I really like this area of Maine. Another reason I chose this area is because I've chosen my first full marathon. I will be running the Bay of Fundy Marathon, June 23, 2013. The marathon course is from Lubec into Canada (Campobello Island) and back. That's right folks! My first marathon will be an INTERNATIONAL RACE!! I wanted to check out the terrain. Totally doable!

I completed the Mountain Raid race up Sunday River.... nuff said.

School has been challenging this semester. I took 2 classes,  Municipal Administration and Administrative Law. All I have left for these classes are my finals. I'm looking forward to only taking 1 class next semester!

I am also trying to balance out my exercise routine to increase consistency and decrease injury. So I joined the local YMCA. I really enjoy swimming and I've rediscovered my love of step aerobics. I also try to join one boot camp/strength class per week. We have a beautiful new facility here. I'm really enjoying it!

So my husband and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary the day after Thanksgiving. It was a low key affair, a nice dinner at the Senator Inn. I wore a dress, he wore a tie (both are rarities)! Here's to "happily ever after".

And last but certainly not least, I had a total hysterectomy last Thursday. It's partially due to the recovery time that I found time to sit and update this blog. The surgery went very well and I expect to be back to work next Monday. I will admit, 6 days of bed rest has left me stir crazy! I can't wait to get back to my old routines. There is a possibility I may be able to start running again before the full 6 week recovery period... I really hope so! Marathon training will begin in earnest mid-January (after I return from my trip to Florida to visit my parents)! I'm hoping to be able to get some walk/jog time in prior to that time.

I've been knitting up a storm lately! It started with awesome 80s legwarmers, then moved on to socks (I've finished 2 1/2 pairs already). I also wrote my first knitting pattern ever! It's available via this blog or as a free download on Ravelry.

Well that about wraps it up. I have a killer Admin Law final to complete and my Muni Admin final is next week so lots of studying to do!!

I hope not to neglect my blog like this ever again :D

Thirteen point One

I started running in September of 2010 with a Couch to 5K program through my employer. To say I got hooked on running is an understatement. I've run 11 races since then (mostly 5Ks, a couple 4-4.5 milers). For the last year (plus) I've been training toward running a half marathon, and today I completed it! It was originally scheduled for last July; however, an IT Band injury prevented me from completing that race.
I run and train with an amazing bunch of people from Kennebec Valley Coaching (under the watchful eye of our Coach Amy Lawson). Joining this group has been a game changer. I've made new friends that share a passion for running but don't take themselves too seriously as to not have a blast while doing it. We had 10+ runners at today's race. Most ran the 5K, for a couple of them it was their first 5K, and several more set PRs. We support each other and run together, get each other out of our heads when we start to obsess, and most of all cheer each other on and celebrate successes together.

A quick recap of my race. I've been nervous (read "terrified") for days now. I know in my head that I've done the training and am physically ready for this distance, but as distance runners will tell you... running is 90% mental. Last night I worked off some nervous energy by helping Amy out with the new C25K group (all 70 of them!!!). It was a great idea too, it allowed me to loosen up my legs and have fun (not to mention it was a great reminder of where I was not too long ago). I started a mini carb load the day before and capped off the evening with a nice pasta dinner. My gear bag was packed (and checked and repacked several times), I had my clothes laid out, and my Garmin charged. On race day morning I woke refreshed, banana toast and almond milk for breakfast and some Nuun electrolyte in my water. I was still a bundle of nerves once I arrived. It was such a relief to see all my KVC pals when I got to our table though! Lots of chitter chatter and support and jokes to help ease our nerves.

Once the race started (late) I set out at a comfortable pace (I had decided to go tech-naked... no Garmin or anything). I wanted to just run and complete it, not obsess over pace and time. I would pace myself by listening to my body. I tend to be a super consistent runner (pace-wise), I pretty much start and end at the same pace (except the very end, I always like to push it as much as I can and empty the tank at the very end). I noticed at about mile 7 I was starting to get a blister on the arch of my left foot. I'd brought other shoes but opted for these ones because they were newer and I'd "retired" the ones I'd run my 11 mile training runs in. In retrospect, I should have worn those ones, I had them in my gear bag. I was happy to see a friendly face at about mile 9.5. My fellow KVCer Sue was there to cheer me one and see how I was feeling. That kind of support put a little extra pep in my step. At mile 10 I was pleasantly surprised to see my time (1:53:10). I was right on pace to meet my goal time of sub 2:30. Unfortunately, mile 11 came and I hit a wall. The wind became very strong and remained so for the remainder of the race. Those last 2.1 miles were BRUTAL for me. I had to take a couple short walk breaks which is really unusual for me. The race is at an old Naval Air Station so the last mile literally goes down a runway. The wind was so intense I felt like I was going backwards! With about .75 miles to go, another friendly face was there to greet me, Karen! She paced me until I only had .1 to go. The last .2 miles I was able to really pick up my pace and finish strong with my coach Amy running along side me and my KVC buddies cheering me on. I was so excited to see that finish line and get that medal. I was actually a bit overcome by the whole thing.

I never would have imagined I'd run a half marathon (and love it)! Running is a funny sport; anyone can do it and your successes are unique to you. I am registered for a 15K and 2 more half marathons this summer. My ultimate goal is to complete a marathon and I'm eying the Maine Marathon at the end of Sept. Completing my first half marathon was a huge confidence builder and brings me one step closer to my dream.

If you have ever even considered running (even just a little) I highly suggest you do it. The C25K program is free on Coolrunning.com and is a great way to ease into the sport. If you are in the Greater Augusta area then come check out Kennebec Valley Coaching, we're a fun bunch and we run with all levels and abilities!

31 Days, 70 Miles

Yesterday I completed my first ever Run Streak. For those of you who are wondering, a run streak is a running challenge where you commit to run every day for a specified length of time. A typical run streak is a month; however, there are some really hardcore streakers out there who do year-long streaks. January is a popular month for streaks (resolutions and all), but I chose February (partly to take some of the pressure of New Year's resolutions off, partly because it's a short month). The rules for my streak were simple, run at least one mile a day everyday in February. During the last week of my streak my dear hubby observed that I was "cheating" by choosing February and should add 2 days to my streak for an even 31 days (in his words, "a true full month"). So I streaked from 2/1-3/2.

I had a few friends streak in January and I was so inspired and impressed with their results (and stamina)! I was hoping to work on my pace during my streak and had hopes of bringing my 1 mile time down to 9:30. That didn't happen. However, I smashed my previous "miles in a month" record (53) by running 70 miles in 31 days. That was HUGE for me.

I really enjoyed the Run Streak challenge and it certainly motivated me to get a run in on days I'd otherwise have skipped. I will certainly do one again and maybe that one will focus on pace.

Since I'm pretty competitive (at least against myself), I've committed to another challenge for the month of March.  March is "Sugar Busters" month; no sweets or candy for the month of March. I generally eat a pretty healthy diet (I'm vegan, so that tends to weed out a lot of the junk naturally); however, sugar has always been my downfall and there is plenty of vegan junk food. Did you know Oreo's are vegan!? So I will focus on cutting back the sugars this month.

My running goals for March are: run 4 days/week, complete 2 long runs (10 & 11 miles), and build strength (via lifting, hill workouts, and yoga).