Tuesday, August 26, 2008
THANKS to KATY KYLE!
I got a donation from my old friend KATY KYLE yesterday, and wanted to say thanks. I guess we aren't THAT old of friends, but we go back to college days, and that time is getting further and further away! Katy & I lived together (along with 3 other girls- it was a pretty full house,) our last 1/2 victory lap semester in college, and had a whole lot of fun. We had the same major as well, so we had a bunch of classes together and she always managed to make boring MIS classes a lot more fun. She's one of those great folks who I always love being around because we just have fun together. It's been too long, Katy! Hope to see you again before too long. :)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
WEEK 14: No pain, no gain?
First off, Thanks to JANETTE BAXA! Janette and I worked at House of Blues together for about 2 years, and she is a whole lot of fun. We don't get to see nearly enough of each other now that we don't work together, but it is always so great to see her and catch up. THANKS JANETTE!
OK, now I've got a confession to make: Sometimes, I really still hate running. Yesterday was one of those days. First, let me explain- we moved our normal Sunday runs to Saturday this week, because the San Gabriel Valley TNT team put on a "mock" 1/2 marathon for all the LA TNT Teams. It was really cool- there were probably 300+ folks out at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena at 7:30 AM on a Saturday- each one raising money for this great cause. So I got up bright and early and drove inland yesterday to participate. But I thought I'd do one better, and make up for the miles I missed on my trip to Palm Springs last week. So I arrived at 6:30 and met another teammate to do 2 miles before we started on the 13.1.
Those first 2 miles were no problem- it was still pretty cool and there was quite a bit of cloud cover. So I was feeling good about the 1/2 we were about to run.
Then we ran the 1/2 marathon. It was suppose to start at 7:30, but in typical TNT fashion, it didn't start until nearly 8. (I'm really glad I'm training with them, but my one pet peeve is that we ALWAYS seem to start late. I am not a morning person, and I'd really rather get things over with that early in the AM.) We did one loop around the Rose Bowl (about 3.3 miles,) and then part of another loop. Then we headed off on a trail, and that's where it got tough. It got hot and there was no cloud cover, and large parts of it were up hill. I think I was pretty OK up until mile 10, but I kind of hit the wall after that. I had a hard time letting go of the fact that I was really on mile 12, and kind of regretting my idea of running those 2 extra miles in the beginning. The last 3 miles were a pure battle of mental toughness. And I almost lost, unfortunately. It's good that I've had tough runs before where I don't feel so great, because I'm learning that I can press through it, but man, it isn't fun to do. I got a cramp in my left IT band at about that point (10/12 miles, depending on how you are looking at it,) that made finishing seem impossible. But I stretched and walked and kept going, and made it to the end. It was the kind of run where I was asking myself why I was doing it for the better half of it. But I finished, and it felt good. I now know that I can drag myself through 15 miles, even if it hurts.
OK, now I've got a confession to make: Sometimes, I really still hate running. Yesterday was one of those days. First, let me explain- we moved our normal Sunday runs to Saturday this week, because the San Gabriel Valley TNT team put on a "mock" 1/2 marathon for all the LA TNT Teams. It was really cool- there were probably 300+ folks out at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena at 7:30 AM on a Saturday- each one raising money for this great cause. So I got up bright and early and drove inland yesterday to participate. But I thought I'd do one better, and make up for the miles I missed on my trip to Palm Springs last week. So I arrived at 6:30 and met another teammate to do 2 miles before we started on the 13.1.
Those first 2 miles were no problem- it was still pretty cool and there was quite a bit of cloud cover. So I was feeling good about the 1/2 we were about to run.
Then we ran the 1/2 marathon. It was suppose to start at 7:30, but in typical TNT fashion, it didn't start until nearly 8. (I'm really glad I'm training with them, but my one pet peeve is that we ALWAYS seem to start late. I am not a morning person, and I'd really rather get things over with that early in the AM.) We did one loop around the Rose Bowl (about 3.3 miles,) and then part of another loop. Then we headed off on a trail, and that's where it got tough. It got hot and there was no cloud cover, and large parts of it were up hill. I think I was pretty OK up until mile 10, but I kind of hit the wall after that. I had a hard time letting go of the fact that I was really on mile 12, and kind of regretting my idea of running those 2 extra miles in the beginning. The last 3 miles were a pure battle of mental toughness. And I almost lost, unfortunately. It's good that I've had tough runs before where I don't feel so great, because I'm learning that I can press through it, but man, it isn't fun to do. I got a cramp in my left IT band at about that point (10/12 miles, depending on how you are looking at it,) that made finishing seem impossible. But I stretched and walked and kept going, and made it to the end. It was the kind of run where I was asking myself why I was doing it for the better half of it. But I finished, and it felt good. I now know that I can drag myself through 15 miles, even if it hurts.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Week 13: Taking the weekend off.
Ok, so this week's post is going to be VERY boring. There was no long run this Sunday. I knew when I signed up with TNT that there would be a few weekends when I couldn't run because I would be out of town. This was the first of those. 2 of my closest girlfriends (and bridesmaids) Brooke and Debbie flew into town from on Friday. We headed to Palm Springs for the weekend, along with another friend and bridesmaid, Briana. It was kind of my bachelorette weekend, in a really low-key kind of way. We vegged by the pool and watched a lot of Olympics and just hung out and caught up- it was exactly what I wanted to do. I can't have imagined a better weekend. I did manage to get in a 2 mile run on Saturday morning, although it was RIDICULOUSLY hot (already in the 90's and humid by 9 AM when I ran) so 2 miles was all I was willing to do. It was definitely worth skipping the long run, it was a great weekend. I'm making up for it this week, though- I ran 4 miles yesterday and 3.5 miles today. We run 16 miles on Sunday.
In closing, I want to thank my good friends JASON & ERICA PELERIN, and their newest addition, RAEGAN for their support of my marathon with Team In Training! Jason was in Pat's unit during his first tour of Iraq so Erica and I got to be friends during that tour. They deployed together again in 2006, and I don't really know what I would have done without Erica that time around. The USMC moved the Pelerins to Florida about the time Pat moved to Orange County, and I miss getting to see them! Hopefully we'll end up in the same spot again sometime soon.
In closing, I want to thank my good friends JASON & ERICA PELERIN, and their newest addition, RAEGAN for their support of my marathon with Team In Training! Jason was in Pat's unit during his first tour of Iraq so Erica and I got to be friends during that tour. They deployed together again in 2006, and I don't really know what I would have done without Erica that time around. The USMC moved the Pelerins to Florida about the time Pat moved to Orange County, and I miss getting to see them! Hopefully we'll end up in the same spot again sometime soon.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
THANKS!
First, thanks to ANJALI RAVAL! Anj was one of my first bosses at House of Blues, and more than being a boss, I'm so lucky to be able to count her as a friend. She is also an inspiration- about this time last year neither of us were runners and I think we both would have laughed at you if you told us we'd be marathoners. Anj, however, surprised us all by training for and completing the LA Marathon this year with AIDS Marathon. Looking back now, I'm not surprised at all that Anj did it, though. Anj is extremely dedicated and once she makes a commitment, you know she'll follow through. Finding out she'd done the marathon made me think, humm...maybe I could do it, too. So thanks, Anj, for both the donation and for the inspiration!!!
Next, thanks to BRONWEN GREGORY! Bron was one of my college roommates, and has always been a bit of an inspiration in the physical fitness department. She has completed quite a few century rides (I think that is what they are called,) to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and has one of the coolest jobs out there- she works for Backroads travel, and leads excursions all over the world. Her cool job means that I don't get to see nearly as much of her as I would like.
And finally, thanks to DEBBIE & TRAVIS KOZAR! I also lived with Debs in college, and I'm getting a little nostalgic sitting here thinking about the good old days when Bron, Debbie, Brooke and I lived in somewhat sketchy houses on Puryear and then Walton. Debbie is one of the most loyal friends I've ever had and I feel really lucky because I'm going to get to have some much needed girl time with her this weekend! It has been way too long since we've gotten to just hang out (the trouble with living so far away in California.) Her and her husband Travis are expecting their first child in December, and I know they are going to be the best parents.
Next, thanks to BRONWEN GREGORY! Bron was one of my college roommates, and has always been a bit of an inspiration in the physical fitness department. She has completed quite a few century rides (I think that is what they are called,) to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and has one of the coolest jobs out there- she works for Backroads travel, and leads excursions all over the world. Her cool job means that I don't get to see nearly as much of her as I would like.
And finally, thanks to DEBBIE & TRAVIS KOZAR! I also lived with Debs in college, and I'm getting a little nostalgic sitting here thinking about the good old days when Bron, Debbie, Brooke and I lived in somewhat sketchy houses on Puryear and then Walton. Debbie is one of the most loyal friends I've ever had and I feel really lucky because I'm going to get to have some much needed girl time with her this weekend! It has been way too long since we've gotten to just hang out (the trouble with living so far away in California.) Her and her husband Travis are expecting their first child in December, and I know they are going to be the best parents.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Week 12: I feel like Michael Phelps...Ok, maybe not. But maybe like Eric Moussambani.
I have always loved the Olympics. I was totally that kid with the Mary Lou Retton leotard, imitating the moves while watching the 1984 games in Los Angeles. Some years seem to be more exciting than others, but I always enjoy watching. And this year is no exception- I was wowed throughout the opening ceremony (the thing with the people in the boxes is way up there on the list of coolest things ever,) I admit I cried a few times during the sappy Olympic commercials, and I've watched Michael Phelps win 5 gold medals so far, and set 5 world records in the process. But the thing that I think that touched me the most so far has been the entry parade.
Sure, it was long. I think I got up 3 times to make snacks (a by product of the marathon training is that I am now ALWAYS hungry.) But what's so cool is that there are so many countries for whom THAT is their Olympic moment.
In the US, we've got the Michael Phelps, the Shawn Johnsons, the "Redeem Team," these athletes of epic proportion who break records and amaze us with the ease and grace with which they perform.
But for other countries, that march into the Olympic stadium is as good as it gets. And let's be honest, that's pretty darn good. Just to make it to that stage- to set a goal and do whatever it takes to get there and make it happen. Even if you know from the outset that you aren't going to come home with a gold medal around your neck- you pushed yourself and challenged yourself and showed up to compete.
And their reward is that moment- walking into the stadium, knowing that you've made it. Have you ever heard of Eric Moussambani? Maybe, but probably not. Eric is from Equatorial Guinea, and competed in the 100m freestyle in the 2000 Olympics through a wildcard slot that encourages developing countries to participate. Through a stroke of random luck, the other 2 dudes in his preliminary heat scratched, so all Eric had to do was finish the laps and he would win his heat. Keep in mind that before coming to the Olympics, he'd never seen a 50m pool and had taken up swimming only 8 months before, practicing in a 20m pool at a nearby hotel. In the Hollywood version of the story, Eric would have gone on to swim the best race of his life in the final round, winning the gold for Equatorial Guinea and stunning the Russians, Chinese, French or Germans, or some other country the US likes to beat. But in the real world, some other guy set the world record at the time at 47:58, and our boy Eric, well, that's where the story gets good. It took him about twice the time it took the leader, but Eric finished the race with the stadium cheering him on as if he were going for gold. (If you want to watch his race, this is the best video I could find on youtube. No idea what language the commentators are speaking in, but the crowd cheering him on is great.)
99.9% of us are never going to win a gold medal. Heck, most of us are never even going to march in the entry parade, or even be Eric Moussambani. But we can all create our own Olympic moments. Moments when we can look back on what we've worked so hard for, and think, OK, I earned this moment right here, and I am going to enjoy it. I think mine will be around mile 25. Where all that stands between me and the finish line is a measly 1.2 miles. And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it, every step of it- because I earned it.
I could tell you about this week's long run, but in some good news, they are getting a little routine. This week was a mere 9.5 miles (which seems like peanuts after last week's 13,) although it was a little hilly which will be good practice for San Francisco. I could wax poetic about how crazy it is to be halfway there in distance, and over halfway there in time left training. I could spend this time thanking all of you who have donated so generously so far- I've collected just over $5,000 and that figure amazes me beyond words. For those of you who keep thinking, "Oh, I'm going to donate but I'll do it later," Thanks! Although we are kind of running out of later, so if you'd still like to donate, please do so at the link at the top right of this page by SEPTEMBER 15 (One month of fundraising to go!)
No, Instead of all that, I'm going to close by challenging you to find your Olympic moment. Life is too short not to push ourselves to do things that surprise us, and then to reap the rewards when we have done so. And I am proof that we've all got it in us. It doesn't have to be a marathon, heck, it doesn't even have to be an Eric Moussambani-style 100m freestyle finish. But find something...it feels good.
Sure, it was long. I think I got up 3 times to make snacks (a by product of the marathon training is that I am now ALWAYS hungry.) But what's so cool is that there are so many countries for whom THAT is their Olympic moment.
In the US, we've got the Michael Phelps, the Shawn Johnsons, the "Redeem Team," these athletes of epic proportion who break records and amaze us with the ease and grace with which they perform.
But for other countries, that march into the Olympic stadium is as good as it gets. And let's be honest, that's pretty darn good. Just to make it to that stage- to set a goal and do whatever it takes to get there and make it happen. Even if you know from the outset that you aren't going to come home with a gold medal around your neck- you pushed yourself and challenged yourself and showed up to compete.
And their reward is that moment- walking into the stadium, knowing that you've made it. Have you ever heard of Eric Moussambani? Maybe, but probably not. Eric is from Equatorial Guinea, and competed in the 100m freestyle in the 2000 Olympics through a wildcard slot that encourages developing countries to participate. Through a stroke of random luck, the other 2 dudes in his preliminary heat scratched, so all Eric had to do was finish the laps and he would win his heat. Keep in mind that before coming to the Olympics, he'd never seen a 50m pool and had taken up swimming only 8 months before, practicing in a 20m pool at a nearby hotel. In the Hollywood version of the story, Eric would have gone on to swim the best race of his life in the final round, winning the gold for Equatorial Guinea and stunning the Russians, Chinese, French or Germans, or some other country the US likes to beat. But in the real world, some other guy set the world record at the time at 47:58, and our boy Eric, well, that's where the story gets good. It took him about twice the time it took the leader, but Eric finished the race with the stadium cheering him on as if he were going for gold. (If you want to watch his race, this is the best video I could find on youtube. No idea what language the commentators are speaking in, but the crowd cheering him on is great.)
99.9% of us are never going to win a gold medal. Heck, most of us are never even going to march in the entry parade, or even be Eric Moussambani. But we can all create our own Olympic moments. Moments when we can look back on what we've worked so hard for, and think, OK, I earned this moment right here, and I am going to enjoy it. I think mine will be around mile 25. Where all that stands between me and the finish line is a measly 1.2 miles. And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it, every step of it- because I earned it.
I could tell you about this week's long run, but in some good news, they are getting a little routine. This week was a mere 9.5 miles (which seems like peanuts after last week's 13,) although it was a little hilly which will be good practice for San Francisco. I could wax poetic about how crazy it is to be halfway there in distance, and over halfway there in time left training. I could spend this time thanking all of you who have donated so generously so far- I've collected just over $5,000 and that figure amazes me beyond words. For those of you who keep thinking, "Oh, I'm going to donate but I'll do it later," Thanks! Although we are kind of running out of later, so if you'd still like to donate, please do so at the link at the top right of this page by SEPTEMBER 15 (One month of fundraising to go!)
No, Instead of all that, I'm going to close by challenging you to find your Olympic moment. Life is too short not to push ourselves to do things that surprise us, and then to reap the rewards when we have done so. And I am proof that we've all got it in us. It doesn't have to be a marathon, heck, it doesn't even have to be an Eric Moussambani-style 100m freestyle finish. But find something...it feels good.
FINALLY back up and running!
I'm not sure how it happened, but some of you may have noticed that my blog disappeared for the last few days. Apparently, an automated "spam robot" identified my blog as computer-generated spam. Not sure how that happened. Then it took 3.5 days to get restored...but whatever. Let's just hope it doesn't happen again. It is late and I need to go to bed, but stay tuned- tomorrow I'll be posting an Olympic-themed blog.
I do want to thank ELLEN, MATT & KATY ANN EVANS for their generous donation! I've known Ellen and Matt for a LONG time, we grew up at St. Matt's Episcopal Church in Austin, and then we all wound up at Texas A&M and also worked at Camp Allen for a summer together. I love both of them and really can't wait to meet their daughter Katy Ann. I actually can't believe I haven't met her yet...
I do want to thank ELLEN, MATT & KATY ANN EVANS for their generous donation! I've known Ellen and Matt for a LONG time, we grew up at St. Matt's Episcopal Church in Austin, and then we all wound up at Texas A&M and also worked at Camp Allen for a summer together. I love both of them and really can't wait to meet their daughter Katy Ann. I actually can't believe I haven't met her yet...
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Check out this sunday's run...
We go down in mileage this Sunday to 9.6 miles (from 13,) but apparently it is a somewhat hilly course. Here's what we'll be running:
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Thanks to THE MAV!
Big thanks to MIKE MAURO! I work with Mike at New West, and he is responsible for our fabulous website, among many, many other things. I could tell you the story of why we call him the Mav, but I think it is probably more fun to leave it up to your imagination. Anyway, THE MAV is ridiculously talented in all things technology, and he's also ridiculously nice. THANKS MAV!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Week 11: 13 miles??? That's NOTHING!
First off, super thanks to JOANNA RUIBNER! Joanna is the one of the other 4 snarky ladies I had lunch with after mile 8, and she has quite possibly the coolest job ever. She does voice over work, and I actually just heard one of her commercials just now, which reminded me that I needed to blog. "Serious morning workout? Serious morning fuel! Carnation Instant Breakfast!" Thanks, Jo!!!
So this morning we ran HALF A MARATHON! Yes, that's right- I am now officially halfway there! And I gotta say, 13 miles wasn't nearly as hard as 11. I'm learning so much about how to listen to the signals my body is giving me. Last week my legs were NOT happy to be running past mile 7.5. Today, I did a much better job of continuing to move and stretch when we stopped at water stops. Today, my legs were fine!
My feet, however, were another story. I've been getting pretty bad blisters on my big toes for the last few weeks. They started on the outsides of the right big toe, and then moved to the inside left. I had 2 pretty gnarly blisters on my left big toe this morning, and by mile 7 I knew that I had a matching blister on my right inside big toe. I like to think of it as my toe's own personal way of asking me "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU THINKING?!?" I would post a photo, but I think that would probably make some folks stop looking at my blog all together. Completely gross.
So FINALLY it occurred to me today that my shoes might be too small. They fit fine for 6 miles or less, I can wiggle my toes and feel good as new. But I heard early on that once you start building up distance, your feet can swell up to a size. Sure enough, there was NO wiggle room in my shoes at the end of this run. So as soon as we were done with the run today, I headed over to top-to-top. By the way TTT is my new favorite hang out- I am in there at least once a week. I think it is fun to be surrounded by all the running gear and stuff, and the folks in there just know a lot. So today, I had them measure my 13-miles-in-totally-swollen feet, to see what they thought.
I am now the proud owner of a brand new pair of clown shoes. Not really, but that's how I feel when I'm not 6 miles deep into a run, because my new shoes are size 10!!! I was an 8 1/2 all through college, and my current running shoes are 9s. Apparently 9s are fine for a 10k, but for distance running, I'm one of the lucky many who's feet swell. The guy who fitted me for shoes brought out 9 1/2s and they were still not going to cut it. I am an over achiever in the swelling department- mine swell a WHOLE size.
I'm excited to give them a try next week and see how I feel with lots of room- I can't wait to see if it takes care of the blister problem, and if I feel like I actually feel like a clown in my new shoes.
So this morning we ran HALF A MARATHON! Yes, that's right- I am now officially halfway there! And I gotta say, 13 miles wasn't nearly as hard as 11. I'm learning so much about how to listen to the signals my body is giving me. Last week my legs were NOT happy to be running past mile 7.5. Today, I did a much better job of continuing to move and stretch when we stopped at water stops. Today, my legs were fine!
My feet, however, were another story. I've been getting pretty bad blisters on my big toes for the last few weeks. They started on the outsides of the right big toe, and then moved to the inside left. I had 2 pretty gnarly blisters on my left big toe this morning, and by mile 7 I knew that I had a matching blister on my right inside big toe. I like to think of it as my toe's own personal way of asking me "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU THINKING?!?" I would post a photo, but I think that would probably make some folks stop looking at my blog all together. Completely gross.
So FINALLY it occurred to me today that my shoes might be too small. They fit fine for 6 miles or less, I can wiggle my toes and feel good as new. But I heard early on that once you start building up distance, your feet can swell up to a size. Sure enough, there was NO wiggle room in my shoes at the end of this run. So as soon as we were done with the run today, I headed over to top-to-top. By the way TTT is my new favorite hang out- I am in there at least once a week. I think it is fun to be surrounded by all the running gear and stuff, and the folks in there just know a lot. So today, I had them measure my 13-miles-in-totally-swollen feet, to see what they thought.
I am now the proud owner of a brand new pair of clown shoes. Not really, but that's how I feel when I'm not 6 miles deep into a run, because my new shoes are size 10!!! I was an 8 1/2 all through college, and my current running shoes are 9s. Apparently 9s are fine for a 10k, but for distance running, I'm one of the lucky many who's feet swell. The guy who fitted me for shoes brought out 9 1/2s and they were still not going to cut it. I am an over achiever in the swelling department- mine swell a WHOLE size.
I'm excited to give them a try next week and see how I feel with lots of room- I can't wait to see if it takes care of the blister problem, and if I feel like I actually feel like a clown in my new shoes.
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