I watched the Elite athletes run and finish the Chicago marathon today, via an online webcast, thank you to NBC. And I got to see glimpses of the other runners through the streets packed with volunteers and other spectators cheering them on. All I could think of, "man I really want to be running with them". So I am putting it out there that someday before I die I will run the Chicago marathon and then a serious BHAG, qualify for Boston, that means I have to drop some significant time off of my current pace, but hell, if you don't put it out there, then the Universe cannot bring it to you. Note to self, I just double check the qualifying times and this is one hell of a nutso goal.
So bring it Universe.
In an effort to work toward my goal of improving time I am looking forward to the Denver Rock N Roll half on Sunday. As long as I am faster than my time in March I am good. If I am faster than my splits from the Missoula full marathon I will be super happy.
Let taper week begin!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
in sickness and in health
Its been a while since I posted and this past week I hit a rough patch as I caught my first virus (of what I will assume will be several) this fall from my kids. I was throttled with a tremendous head cold which made it hard to breathe through my nose and hear out of my ears. I ran at the beginning of the week, but missed my workouts for tempo and speed on Wed and Friday, and my Thursday Bikram class. I did manage to get myself to yoga class on Saturday and then run my planned 10 miles today.
During Bikram all of the sinus issues went away, gotta love a room that is 104 degrees and 90% humidity! Bikram just makes you get all of the junk, including boogies, out of your body. Yet this morning as I ran, I felt with every step a real challenge to breathe. This got me thinking that I am really lucky to be healthy person. I cannot fathom trying to exercise and not being able to breathe properly. When I got home I pondered even further what would it be like to be an athlete with asthma? Then in research I find that Paula Radcliffe lives with asthma and is the current world record hold in the marathon and has won 7 races.
That just hammers home the sentiment that with commitment anyone can persevere to succeed.
I am optimistic this virus is on the way out and that in 2 weeks I will finish my 3rd half marathon of the year with a PR. Today I was faster than my past times for 10 miles. So even with booger fest 2010 raging in my head my mind pushed my body excel.
During Bikram all of the sinus issues went away, gotta love a room that is 104 degrees and 90% humidity! Bikram just makes you get all of the junk, including boogies, out of your body. Yet this morning as I ran, I felt with every step a real challenge to breathe. This got me thinking that I am really lucky to be healthy person. I cannot fathom trying to exercise and not being able to breathe properly. When I got home I pondered even further what would it be like to be an athlete with asthma? Then in research I find that Paula Radcliffe lives with asthma and is the current world record hold in the marathon and has won 7 races.
That just hammers home the sentiment that with commitment anyone can persevere to succeed.
I am optimistic this virus is on the way out and that in 2 weeks I will finish my 3rd half marathon of the year with a PR. Today I was faster than my past times for 10 miles. So even with booger fest 2010 raging in my head my mind pushed my body excel.
Monday, September 6, 2010
getting my sh** together- time to set some goals
Okay, I have been meandering through the last several weeks trying to figure out what to do with myself and making up every excuse in the book to avoid committing to "exercising" or training for anything. I kicked around doing a tri, but didn't seem uber motivated.
I should comment that I did do a 50 mile bike ride, http://www.venusdemiles.com/ about two weeks ago. I am glad I did the ride as I learned a lot. I learned that I am just not happy on my bike (specifically out on a road with cars whizzing by me at 60+MPH) in comparison to other forms of exercise. While I can bike fairly efficiently, I never, not even once, relaxed the way I do when I run or swim, or even more importantly, achieved the endorphin rush. I can see myself still doing short distance and maybe even Olympic distance tri's, but I know the bike really is the big deterrent to doing a half or full http://www.ironman.com/.
I was a complete SLOTH over this Labor Day holiday, eating and drinking, eating and drinking, sleeping, eating more and more....ugh. Today I spent the day reading http://www.facebook.com/ updates, http://www.runnersworld.com/ articles, and learning about the http://www.posetech.com/ running method. One of the facebook updates came from http://www.lululemon.com/ and put out a challenge to go out and set some goals, and even better to take a picture of yourself with a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). And that is what prompted this post. Following is the list of my goals for the next 12 months, well at least 6 months, I will see how far I get at the end of the post with identifying 12 months out. I do plan to write up my BHAG and send it to Lululemon to see if they post it.
1. Sept 30 : I complete all of my outlined daily training plans, which includes strength training, stretching, and resting.
2. October 17: I have a personal best in the Denver Rock N Roll Half Marathon, http://denver.competitor.com/, with a time of 2:38:27. I know this is not super fast, but it is improvement over both of the half marathon times I have put down this season.
3. November 7: I lose 12 pounds from my starting weight from Sept 7, 2010. This loss will also include a 2 percent reduction in body fat.
4. December 30: I finish the year at 100% of quota - $750M while continuing to exercise a minimum of 4xtimes a week.
5. January 15: I learn to snow shoe and have gone 5x times, twice with Riley.
6. February 14 (or thereabouts): I complete my first 5K snowshoe race, the Screaming Snowman, http://www.racingunderground.com/sssnowman.html with Riley.
7. Mid March (date TBD): I compete in the Boulder Spring Half Marathon, http://www.bouldermarathon.com/27.html and improve my time by finishing at 2:35 or faster.
8, 9, 10, not really sure, there will be another marathon in there, with the goal to finish at 5:25, taking 14 minutes off of my time in 2010. I need to decide on a summer race, some place fun that I can bring the family so they can cheer me on and even see me finish!
Just the exercise of writing this post really makes me stop and think about what is possible and not, and again I remember that the only thing holding me back from anything is me.
I should comment that I did do a 50 mile bike ride, http://www.venusdemiles.com/ about two weeks ago. I am glad I did the ride as I learned a lot. I learned that I am just not happy on my bike (specifically out on a road with cars whizzing by me at 60+MPH) in comparison to other forms of exercise. While I can bike fairly efficiently, I never, not even once, relaxed the way I do when I run or swim, or even more importantly, achieved the endorphin rush. I can see myself still doing short distance and maybe even Olympic distance tri's, but I know the bike really is the big deterrent to doing a half or full http://www.ironman.com/.
I was a complete SLOTH over this Labor Day holiday, eating and drinking, eating and drinking, sleeping, eating more and more....ugh. Today I spent the day reading http://www.facebook.com/ updates, http://www.runnersworld.com/ articles, and learning about the http://www.posetech.com/ running method. One of the facebook updates came from http://www.lululemon.com/ and put out a challenge to go out and set some goals, and even better to take a picture of yourself with a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). And that is what prompted this post. Following is the list of my goals for the next 12 months, well at least 6 months, I will see how far I get at the end of the post with identifying 12 months out. I do plan to write up my BHAG and send it to Lululemon to see if they post it.
1. Sept 30 : I complete all of my outlined daily training plans, which includes strength training, stretching, and resting.
2. October 17: I have a personal best in the Denver Rock N Roll Half Marathon, http://denver.competitor.com/, with a time of 2:38:27. I know this is not super fast, but it is improvement over both of the half marathon times I have put down this season.
3. November 7: I lose 12 pounds from my starting weight from Sept 7, 2010. This loss will also include a 2 percent reduction in body fat.
4. December 30: I finish the year at 100% of quota - $750M while continuing to exercise a minimum of 4xtimes a week.
5. January 15: I learn to snow shoe and have gone 5x times, twice with Riley.
6. February 14 (or thereabouts): I complete my first 5K snowshoe race, the Screaming Snowman, http://www.racingunderground.com/sssnowman.html with Riley.
7. Mid March (date TBD): I compete in the Boulder Spring Half Marathon, http://www.bouldermarathon.com/27.html and improve my time by finishing at 2:35 or faster.
8, 9, 10, not really sure, there will be another marathon in there, with the goal to finish at 5:25, taking 14 minutes off of my time in 2010. I need to decide on a summer race, some place fun that I can bring the family so they can cheer me on and even see me finish!
Just the exercise of writing this post really makes me stop and think about what is possible and not, and again I remember that the only thing holding me back from anything is me.
Friday, July 16, 2010
now what????
So it's been about a week following the race and I have no flippin clue what to do with myself. Yes, I have a few other races planned, but I feel like so who the F*** cares, they are all shorter and some how "easier" in my mind. I have done nothing but sit on my ass and eat and drink this week, and drink some more..... I know the marathon was huge accomplishment, and I am stoked at my overall performance. But I feel like I should want more. Is that reasonable? Or just foolishness?
Perhaps I should set goals on time now rather than distance? Thoughts? Suggestions? I don't want to lose my mojo. I am still planning a 4 mi race with Alan (husband) through an obstacle course, then a sprint tri with a friend from HS, a 50 mile bike, and another half marathon in Oct with a friend from college. I just want to stay on track and have that mojo to do my best.... Any encouragement would be awesome. Perhaps this post should just go to my coach to put me in my place, but I would love to hear other insight on what to next after "the big one".
Perhaps I should set goals on time now rather than distance? Thoughts? Suggestions? I don't want to lose my mojo. I am still planning a 4 mi race with Alan (husband) through an obstacle course, then a sprint tri with a friend from HS, a 50 mile bike, and another half marathon in Oct with a friend from college. I just want to stay on track and have that mojo to do my best.... Any encouragement would be awesome. Perhaps this post should just go to my coach to put me in my place, but I would love to hear other insight on what to next after "the big one".
Friday, July 9, 2010
anticipation
It is two days before the race and I will admit I am nervous. First, I feel not so hot physically. I seem to have caught a cold or triggered my allergies and now have resorted to keeping a box of kleenex in tow with me as I have travel from Chicago home and now today from Denver to Seattle to Missoula. I am fuzzy headed from the OTC meds and am hoping I can wean myself from them in the next 24 hours.
The second aspect around the nerves seems to be from the looks of astonishment I get when I have told people I am running a marathon this weekend. They are all very supportive and verbally extend a "good luck", "you can do it", blah, blah, blah. But the looks on their face, well those are different. Those seem to be saying "What a f***ing nut case", "why in the hell would you want to do that?", and my favorite was one person who immediately looked at his feet and shook their head after I told him.
So as I sit here waiting for my final flight that brings me closer to one of the biggest challenges of my life I am wondering whether or not to share my plans with others.
My anxiety level is high enough normally, I really don't need it fueled by outsiders questions of my sanity.
I keep telling myself its all good. I will be fine. I will feel better. I will finish. Uninjured. I know what matters most is what I believe and know to be true, not what others perceive.
With that in mind, I probably won't chat it up at much over this next flight, but should someone ask why are you going to Missoula, I will answer, proudly to run my first marathon and to finish uninjured.
The second aspect around the nerves seems to be from the looks of astonishment I get when I have told people I am running a marathon this weekend. They are all very supportive and verbally extend a "good luck", "you can do it", blah, blah, blah. But the looks on their face, well those are different. Those seem to be saying "What a f***ing nut case", "why in the hell would you want to do that?", and my favorite was one person who immediately looked at his feet and shook their head after I told him.
So as I sit here waiting for my final flight that brings me closer to one of the biggest challenges of my life I am wondering whether or not to share my plans with others.
My anxiety level is high enough normally, I really don't need it fueled by outsiders questions of my sanity.
I keep telling myself its all good. I will be fine. I will feel better. I will finish. Uninjured. I know what matters most is what I believe and know to be true, not what others perceive.
With that in mind, I probably won't chat it up at much over this next flight, but should someone ask why are you going to Missoula, I will answer, proudly to run my first marathon and to finish uninjured.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
When the music dies....
Today was my final LONG run before the marathon next Sunday. Twenty miles to be exact. In all of my efforts to prepare for the run I had not realized that my iPhone had not charged properly the day before. So this morning I delayed the start of my run to almost 8am and left with the phone 3/4 of way charged.
I got to the track and started running at 8am. An hour and twelve minutes in, bam, phone dies! So I finish my run (jog and a shitload of walking) in silence. Three and half hours later as I come to finish I realize I was probably way more present during my run. Focused on form or lack there of, keeping my arms, shoulders and neck loose, and just an overall presence of what was happening to me physically. I was grotesquely hot, as it was over 95 degrees when I finished and the stickiness from all of the sunscreen was maddening.
At mile 18 I discovered two spots I had missed with body glide and the chaffing spots became pretty unbearable. I literally had to beg myself to do 12 more laps to finish and telling myself to ignore the irritant.
So I sound pretty miserable right? Yes, I was miserable, but amazed at the same time. I was (am still) in awe of the fact that I went 20 miles. Its something I have never done and honestly thought how is that possible?
So as I think about next week and taking on 26 miles, I am sure that I will probably at some point befriend some misery, but found that I can get through that by staying present and just taking it step by step.
I got to the track and started running at 8am. An hour and twelve minutes in, bam, phone dies! So I finish my run (jog and a shitload of walking) in silence. Three and half hours later as I come to finish I realize I was probably way more present during my run. Focused on form or lack there of, keeping my arms, shoulders and neck loose, and just an overall presence of what was happening to me physically. I was grotesquely hot, as it was over 95 degrees when I finished and the stickiness from all of the sunscreen was maddening.
At mile 18 I discovered two spots I had missed with body glide and the chaffing spots became pretty unbearable. I literally had to beg myself to do 12 more laps to finish and telling myself to ignore the irritant.
So I sound pretty miserable right? Yes, I was miserable, but amazed at the same time. I was (am still) in awe of the fact that I went 20 miles. Its something I have never done and honestly thought how is that possible?
So as I think about next week and taking on 26 miles, I am sure that I will probably at some point befriend some misery, but found that I can get through that by staying present and just taking it step by step.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
its been awhile....
Its been over 30 days since I last posted, my bad. I did complete my bike "race" which was more of a ride. I decided a week before the race to not attempt the 100 miles and focus on completing the 34 mile ride. I knew I had not properly prepared for a 100 mile distance and did not want to risk injury. I have to say that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The course was fairly challenging with lots of hills. I don't mind the going up, as much as I mind the going down, that is terrifying....
Now to focus on my first marathon. Its July 11th in Missoula, MT. Twenty-four days and counting. I have to admit I am pretty excited for this race. Not that I will have some stellar smokin fast time, but that I will have accomplished something I thought was pretty much impossible for someone (me) who is labeled "not a runner".
I have been thinking about that label I gave myself, "not a runner". Why would I do that??? Hmmm, because its easier to believe the bad rather than the good? Because its easier to believe that something that is challenging is impossible?
Over the past few months as I started running consistently I have learned about perspective and what we tell ourselves. First the amount of negative self talk that happens in my head, wow, let me just say is just annoying and soul crushing. I have found that while running I must stay present and be my own best cheerleader, tellling myself that I can do this, to stay with it, ignore the tiredness, etc. I realize now that I am a "runner". Perhaps I will never be smokin fast, but that is okay. What I have gained is a realistic perspective that if you put fear and negativity aside and focus on the present, the positive, and investing in yourself the impossible becomes possible.
Now to focus on my first marathon. Its July 11th in Missoula, MT. Twenty-four days and counting. I have to admit I am pretty excited for this race. Not that I will have some stellar smokin fast time, but that I will have accomplished something I thought was pretty much impossible for someone (me) who is labeled "not a runner".
I have been thinking about that label I gave myself, "not a runner". Why would I do that??? Hmmm, because its easier to believe the bad rather than the good? Because its easier to believe that something that is challenging is impossible?
Over the past few months as I started running consistently I have learned about perspective and what we tell ourselves. First the amount of negative self talk that happens in my head, wow, let me just say is just annoying and soul crushing. I have found that while running I must stay present and be my own best cheerleader, tellling myself that I can do this, to stay with it, ignore the tiredness, etc. I realize now that I am a "runner". Perhaps I will never be smokin fast, but that is okay. What I have gained is a realistic perspective that if you put fear and negativity aside and focus on the present, the positive, and investing in yourself the impossible becomes possible.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
taking a compliment
I find that taking a compliment is a really tough thing to do. Today I had two friends post on my facebook status that they thought I was inspirational. Rather than just say thanks and bask in their kindness I felt really weird about it. I kept thinking, me inspirational? Really? I am not sure why it so tough for me to accept a compliment, I don't recall being overly rejected as a child, though I will admit, that parts of my childhood made me feel less than accepted. But as an adult I guess you don't hear compliments like you did when you were a kid getting stickers saying WAY TO GO, YOU ROCK, YOU GO GIRL, or even better, YOU'RE AN INSPIRATION!
So after an hour of feeling really weird about the compliments I have let them soak in and I am smiling, thinking HELL YESS! I DO ROCK!!! :-)
So thank you to Ashli, Joe, Cara and Dani for the Facebook stickers. I really appreciate it. I am happy to know that my posting about my crazy workouts motivates you to get moving too. I want all of my friends to be happy and healthy. In the end that is all that matters.
So after an hour of feeling really weird about the compliments I have let them soak in and I am smiling, thinking HELL YESS! I DO ROCK!!! :-)
So thank you to Ashli, Joe, Cara and Dani for the Facebook stickers. I really appreciate it. I am happy to know that my posting about my crazy workouts motivates you to get moving too. I want all of my friends to be happy and healthy. In the end that is all that matters.
Friday, May 7, 2010
time to focus
Its been a while since I have last posted and I will have to admit I have become highly distracted with work, travel, kids, more work, and even reading a book.
Yesterday I finally (after many days off) got a work out in, 1 hour 45 minutes on a spin bike. I got up on the bike and went to turn on my iphone to listen to music and whaddya know, I forgot to charge the damn thing. So I sat there and debated, screw the work out, its hard to spin with no music and motivation, or suck it up and deal and ride any way.
So I stayed on the bike and people watched and listened the plethora of chatter in my wee little head. Man I really have a lot going on in there.
What I realized though in that hour in forty five minutes was my struggle to FOCUS on the task at hand. To stop and just think about riding that bike. To use my legs all the way through the pedal stroke. To keep my form strong, shoulders relaxed. That aspect of the workout was 10x more taxing than the ride.
I guess in the world we live in today we live to be distracted. With twitter, Facebook, IM, email, cell phones, etc, its rare that we just do one thing. I am one of those multi-task until you drop kind of people, but this training made me stop and think, am I really being effective with all that sh** going on?
I am glad I stayed on the bike. It made me think about when I am going to be out on the road, for 8+ hours, and I need to get real with myself and focus.
I am going to apply this more to my day to day activities and thoughts, adjusting to one thing at a time.
Yesterday I finally (after many days off) got a work out in, 1 hour 45 minutes on a spin bike. I got up on the bike and went to turn on my iphone to listen to music and whaddya know, I forgot to charge the damn thing. So I sat there and debated, screw the work out, its hard to spin with no music and motivation, or suck it up and deal and ride any way.
So I stayed on the bike and people watched and listened the plethora of chatter in my wee little head. Man I really have a lot going on in there.
What I realized though in that hour in forty five minutes was my struggle to FOCUS on the task at hand. To stop and just think about riding that bike. To use my legs all the way through the pedal stroke. To keep my form strong, shoulders relaxed. That aspect of the workout was 10x more taxing than the ride.
I guess in the world we live in today we live to be distracted. With twitter, Facebook, IM, email, cell phones, etc, its rare that we just do one thing. I am one of those multi-task until you drop kind of people, but this training made me stop and think, am I really being effective with all that sh** going on?
I am glad I stayed on the bike. It made me think about when I am going to be out on the road, for 8+ hours, and I need to get real with myself and focus.
I am going to apply this more to my day to day activities and thoughts, adjusting to one thing at a time.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
weather permitting
So the last 3 days here in lovely Colorado have not been great weather days, rain to SNOW to more rain. Not seeing the sun for 3 days I will also admit makes just nuts. So as an alternative I have worked out indoors at the gym and well, it kinda sucked. I was so in the frame of mind that spring is here and now I can be out, but then I have to be back in....sigh.
Today I am supposed to get 30 miles in on the bike and I am staring at over cast skys and feeling the biting wind. I think a double spin class followed by another 45minutes on my own will have to do. I am too much of a wuss to deal with crap weather.
Today I am supposed to get 30 miles in on the bike and I am staring at over cast skys and feeling the biting wind. I think a double spin class followed by another 45minutes on my own will have to do. I am too much of a wuss to deal with crap weather.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
what does distance really matter?
Today was my first outdoor ride of the season and I tinkered around at my computer this morning trying to "map my ride" to make sure I got close to the 15 miles I was supposed to ride.
So off I go and ride my loops just to get the feel of the bike on the road. I rode pretty well, not completely fearless, but I didn't have a death grip on the breaks, nor did I have a panic attack when a car would pass. When I got back home and to my laptop and go to log my ride only to find out that I only rode 9.5miles, not the 15 I had in my head. GRRRRR. Now normally I would turn around and go back out, but the rain came in, and I didn't want to go and do another 6 miles in the rain.
Perhaps tomorrow I will go after those other 5.5 miles (after a 4 mile run). But for today, I am going to be content that I got my butt off the couch and on the bike and road with confidence for 9.5 miles. Today I chose confidence over distance.
So off I go and ride my loops just to get the feel of the bike on the road. I rode pretty well, not completely fearless, but I didn't have a death grip on the breaks, nor did I have a panic attack when a car would pass. When I got back home and to my laptop and go to log my ride only to find out that I only rode 9.5miles, not the 15 I had in my head. GRRRRR. Now normally I would turn around and go back out, but the rain came in, and I didn't want to go and do another 6 miles in the rain.
Perhaps tomorrow I will go after those other 5.5 miles (after a 4 mile run). But for today, I am going to be content that I got my butt off the couch and on the bike and road with confidence for 9.5 miles. Today I chose confidence over distance.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
group energy
I am a firm believer in group energy. Thus my love of Bikram and other group yoga classes. Today on the training docket was to go to spin class. I really do love my gym, Lakeshore Athletic Club, we have an amazing facility and some pretty amazing instructors. When I have gone to spin classes in the past I had always had a female instructor. And I have always enjoyed those classes very high energy, and just butt kicking intensity.
Today, though was different as the class was lead by a a male instructor, and I will just let him be nameless. But all I can say, is wow on the group energy.... When he said, in his low voice, glistening with sweat, "How was that intensity? Ready to do it again?" I had to refocus, yes we are spinning here! But it was an interesting interaction between the instructor and the group. Everyone seemed ultra focused and trying so damn hard to please.
I also understand why women now go into that class with make up on and their hair done.
I can say I did have a stellar spin work out, over 650 calories in 60 minutes. This may have to be a class I visit more often....
Today, though was different as the class was lead by a a male instructor, and I will just let him be nameless. But all I can say, is wow on the group energy.... When he said, in his low voice, glistening with sweat, "How was that intensity? Ready to do it again?" I had to refocus, yes we are spinning here! But it was an interesting interaction between the instructor and the group. Everyone seemed ultra focused and trying so damn hard to please.
I also understand why women now go into that class with make up on and their hair done.
I can say I did have a stellar spin work out, over 650 calories in 60 minutes. This may have to be a class I visit more often....
Monday, April 12, 2010
rest day -Monday
I think having a "rest day" is just plain difficult. I am so sore today from running for the last two days (and lunges with medicine ball the day before) that I dont feel like I am resting. I am having a RECOVERY day, that is painful, like to stand up, sit down, climb stairs, sit on the toilet (sorry TMI).
I had a day trip from Denver to Orange County today and thought not a big deal. Wrongo. Carrying a back pack through an airport in heels just sucked completely. My calves, quads, everything were just pissed upside down and sideways.
I keep thinking that which does not kill me makes me stronger, right? But jees am I sore. Wait, did I say that already? I think its cause I really hate lunges, especially with a medicine ball.
Back to workouts tomorrow, with special help from Coach Jen.......I am wondering if I should have gone to bed early so I can get up and go run???? Lord I hope not. I really hope tomorrow is ride or swim, pretty please with sugar on top.
I had a day trip from Denver to Orange County today and thought not a big deal. Wrongo. Carrying a back pack through an airport in heels just sucked completely. My calves, quads, everything were just pissed upside down and sideways.
I keep thinking that which does not kill me makes me stronger, right? But jees am I sore. Wait, did I say that already? I think its cause I really hate lunges, especially with a medicine ball.
Back to workouts tomorrow, with special help from Coach Jen.......I am wondering if I should have gone to bed early so I can get up and go run???? Lord I hope not. I really hope tomorrow is ride or swim, pretty please with sugar on top.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Running with a kid
Today I sprinted/ ran/jogged/walked the Broomfield Frank Shorter Race4Kids 5K with my daughter Riley. She is 8 and this was her first race of the season with plans to compete in the Bolder Boulder and IronKids triatholon in August. I wanted to keep the race fun and not stressful. So we set the goal of finishing the race without stopping, meaning no standing still or sitting.
What I found in "running" this race with her is that she (like many kids) only have two gears: balls out sprint, or slow walking to catch her breadth. When I tried to explain to her that we can run slowly, she looked at me like I was trying to tell her how to do it WRONG.
This made me reflect on how we grow up and even as adults approach life. Sometimes we are going so hard and so fast that we forget to slow down to take it all in. And in an effort to go so fast we have to stop to deal with the pain (or other ailments) and we can't enjoy the moment.
We did find by the last 2K of the race that we could "run/jog" a specific distance. From one set of cones to the next, and then walk quickly as a recovery on the next set of cones and this helped to keep the pace, but still allowed us to enjoy the really beautiful day and the time as mom and daughter. She did SPRINT across the finish line at the end, ahead of me, but waited at the end for me to cross and gave me high five.
I am sure our next steps in training will have their challenges, but for today, we met our goal to finish, without stopping, and hopefully going at a pace that will allowed us to enjoy the race and remember our time together.
Next planned race is another 5K next weekend with both kids and the dog....lord help me - Canine Classic 5K in Boulder.
What I found in "running" this race with her is that she (like many kids) only have two gears: balls out sprint, or slow walking to catch her breadth. When I tried to explain to her that we can run slowly, she looked at me like I was trying to tell her how to do it WRONG.
This made me reflect on how we grow up and even as adults approach life. Sometimes we are going so hard and so fast that we forget to slow down to take it all in. And in an effort to go so fast we have to stop to deal with the pain (or other ailments) and we can't enjoy the moment.
We did find by the last 2K of the race that we could "run/jog" a specific distance. From one set of cones to the next, and then walk quickly as a recovery on the next set of cones and this helped to keep the pace, but still allowed us to enjoy the really beautiful day and the time as mom and daughter. She did SPRINT across the finish line at the end, ahead of me, but waited at the end for me to cross and gave me high five.
I am sure our next steps in training will have their challenges, but for today, we met our goal to finish, without stopping, and hopefully going at a pace that will allowed us to enjoy the race and remember our time together.
Next planned race is another 5K next weekend with both kids and the dog....lord help me - Canine Classic 5K in Boulder.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
lets get it started....
So here I go to see what this whole blogging thing is about. I would like to thank my FB friends for encouraging me to write and telling me that you think I am funny. I also need to thank a co-worker for giving me the inspiration on the title. He kept calling me crazy, but then came back with, in a good way. So there you go.
This blog will track my training efforts for my first full marathon, century ride and then with a goal to complete a full Iron Man Triathalon next year. When I told family and some friends about my race plans they did call me crazy, and albeit I can understand that most rational people are not out doing marathons and Iron Mans. That being said I find that I race because it gives me a sense of accomplishment, and most times I race with a purpose or a cause in mind. For instance my first half marathon last month I raced to raise money for Haiti relief through Mercy Corps.
This week I embark on a huge challenge and I have to say I am pretty excited. In June I will be racing/riding in the Elephant Rock Cycling Festival. Specifically I am going to take a stab at the 100mi (Century Ride). I will be riding as part of the Rise School Team and actively taking donations.
You can donate here: http://2010teamrise.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=343411&lis=1&kntae343411=25D7034065E24D978B0987AF33AA48DD&supId=287769196
I will be working hard on my riding confidence. Its hard to ride a long way when you are terrified you are going to fall or be taken out by a car.
I wonder if my trainer can also work on my "mental" game....I will add that to the list to ask Coach Jen.
This blog will track my training efforts for my first full marathon, century ride and then with a goal to complete a full Iron Man Triathalon next year. When I told family and some friends about my race plans they did call me crazy, and albeit I can understand that most rational people are not out doing marathons and Iron Mans. That being said I find that I race because it gives me a sense of accomplishment, and most times I race with a purpose or a cause in mind. For instance my first half marathon last month I raced to raise money for Haiti relief through Mercy Corps.
This week I embark on a huge challenge and I have to say I am pretty excited. In June I will be racing/riding in the Elephant Rock Cycling Festival. Specifically I am going to take a stab at the 100mi (Century Ride). I will be riding as part of the Rise School Team and actively taking donations.
You can donate here: http://2010teamrise.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=343411&lis=1&kntae343411=25D7034065E24D978B0987AF33AA48DD&supId=287769196
I will be working hard on my riding confidence. Its hard to ride a long way when you are terrified you are going to fall or be taken out by a car.
I wonder if my trainer can also work on my "mental" game....I will add that to the list to ask Coach Jen.
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