I am so disappointed in myself. My pace is getting worse, if you can believe that!! Granted, I haven't been doing much running outside of the races I've done, but I am really sucking lately. I did the Lumberjack Days 5k on Saturday and these are my results:
overall place: 1017 out of 1065
division place: 137 out of 144
gender place: 543 out of 582
time: 46:10
pace: 14:52
1 mile: 14:18
chip time : 45:12
That's one of my worst 5k times EVER! Actually, my watch says that my 1 mile time was 13:18 - weird. It was pretty hot, but not too bad, better than at the Women's Race. My main problem lately comes from my shin pain. The first half mile is usually okay, because I'm running, but miles 1.5 - 2.5 SUCK. Pain pain pain. The pain goes away when I'm running at my usual 11 min mile pace, but when I slow down to my walk breaks, the pain begins immediately. Since I can't maintain that 11min/mile running pace, I have to suffer through the pain while walking. It is so bad that I am hobbling and wincing in pain most times. I've had loads of time to reflect on this lately and am wondering if it is my shoes? When I walk, I feel like I am turning my feet outward, which is putting stress on my legs - perhaps different shoes will correct this!? When I first began wearing my shoes when they were new, I didn't have this problem.
Something needs to be done. If this continues, I simply cannot run anymore. I will not tolerate anymore 45 minute 5k races. It is embarassing! My husband complains when he has to do training runs with people who run 9 min miles - HA. I can only dream of that kind of pace!!!
Good news is that I've really taken to riding my new bike to/from work. I figured out that it is about 3.5 miles one way and it takes me about 20 minutes. According to mapmyride.com I am burning about 140 calories each way. I'll take that! I figure that anything can help at this point. I just find that I am way more relaxed when I get to work without driving, plus it certainly hasn't hurt the pocketbook either. I used to pay about $10 for parking! Yikes!!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Near defeat
The Women's Race. Wow.
This was the most challenging race I have run thus far. Even my half marathon was not so challenging. One thing that it did confirm was that I am definitely not a warm weather runner. It was very hot and humid Saturday morning. I really had been dreading this race altogether for some time, but I had registered for it a long time ago, when I was still gung-ho about running. Since I had paid my money and told everyone I was going to run it, I figured I had at least better show my face. I was incredibly nervous, but I went.
Before the start of the race I chatted with a few of the runners I know, which calmed me down a bit. But as we lined up at the starting line, I just did not have a good feeling about things. I always look around to try to identify people "like me." I like to try to find my fellow back of the packers so that I can feel comfortable in not being surrounded by former track stars in their matching sports bras and short shorts. I have been surprised before though when the people I think are going to be as slow as me are actually much faster, so I only put a little bit of stock into my identification. The race director gave the Ready, Set, Go signal and we were all off running. I kept in pace with those at the back for a while, but could feel myself fading back quickly, especially when I began to feel the heat early on. I began to walk at about the 1/2 mile marker for just a minute at a time at first and then that gradually increased to running about 2 min, walking 3 min...running 2 min, walking 5 min...and so on.
By mile one, I was so emotionally beaten down that I seriously considered quitting. It is amazing how powerful the mind can be! At first my brain was trying to convince me that quitting is a perfectly acceptable thing to do; plenty of people quit during races due to heat and pain and I should not feel so bad about it. Then it would turn on me and try to convince me to keep running/walking because if you quit, you cannot wear the cute tanktop (see photo below) from the race and when everyone asks you how you did, you will have to own up to your failure. You will be miserable. I took a minute to stop, pull off to the curb and think about what I should do. The course was running a 2 mile loop around a lake twice to complete the 4 miles. There is a trail that cuts a slightly shorter return route back to the finish line than the race route. I thought about just walking the trail back and giving up. I actually began to walk onto the trail to head back until something in me realized that the walk back on the course would be only slightly longer than on the trail. What if I just stuck it out along the course, completed my first loop and THEN decided if I wanted to continue!? So I got myself back on course (in dead last position) and waddled my way along the route. As I approached the finish line area, the lead runners began to lap me. About 5-7 women finished the whole race before I even completed my first 2 miles.
A friend of mine, and a great runner, was one of the lucky (and speedy) women to finish just before I passed by the finish line. She called out to me with a "Good job, Jessica!" Although this is really just a little thing and only one piece of encouragement I received during the race, it made a huge difference. This same woman struggled through her own self-doubt last April during the Boston Marathon. She nearly gave up during that race many times, but somehow made herself stumble to the finish to complete what was probably her toughest race. I had to finish. So as I was letting all of this sink in, the waterworks began. I was just beyond mile 2, dead last and sobbing like a child. It must have been just what I needed though because I pulled myself together and began a really nice, comfortable pace of running and walking. I was in the groove, I could barely feel my legs and they seemed to be working on their own. It was kind of shocking and amazing, but I let it happen because I was certain that this was the only way I was going to make it through the next 2 miles. Around mile 3 I passed the only 2 girls ahead of me that were even reachable by that point. I thought: Oh my god, if I can keep up this pace, I wouldn't finish in last place!
I found every last bit of strength inside of me to just keep running/walking and to keep ahead of those 2 girls. Before the race, I had set myself the goal of finishing in under an hour. I didn't care if I finished at 59:59, as long as it was under an hour, I'd be happy. As I got to the finish line, I realized that the clock was at about 58:00. Holy crap, not only am I finishing an impossible race, but I am NOT finishing last...AND I will beat my goal time!
After collecting myself and taking some fluids I walked to the picnic shelter where the other runners were hanging out. I found that woman whose own struggles and encouragement pulled me through the race and I thanked her for what she unknowingly did for me. We both cried a little bit, it was nice.
Even tough the "cute tanktop" is a little too tight on me, I will still wear it with pride. I earned it.
This was the most challenging race I have run thus far. Even my half marathon was not so challenging. One thing that it did confirm was that I am definitely not a warm weather runner. It was very hot and humid Saturday morning. I really had been dreading this race altogether for some time, but I had registered for it a long time ago, when I was still gung-ho about running. Since I had paid my money and told everyone I was going to run it, I figured I had at least better show my face. I was incredibly nervous, but I went.
Before the start of the race I chatted with a few of the runners I know, which calmed me down a bit. But as we lined up at the starting line, I just did not have a good feeling about things. I always look around to try to identify people "like me." I like to try to find my fellow back of the packers so that I can feel comfortable in not being surrounded by former track stars in their matching sports bras and short shorts. I have been surprised before though when the people I think are going to be as slow as me are actually much faster, so I only put a little bit of stock into my identification. The race director gave the Ready, Set, Go signal and we were all off running. I kept in pace with those at the back for a while, but could feel myself fading back quickly, especially when I began to feel the heat early on. I began to walk at about the 1/2 mile marker for just a minute at a time at first and then that gradually increased to running about 2 min, walking 3 min...running 2 min, walking 5 min...and so on.
By mile one, I was so emotionally beaten down that I seriously considered quitting. It is amazing how powerful the mind can be! At first my brain was trying to convince me that quitting is a perfectly acceptable thing to do; plenty of people quit during races due to heat and pain and I should not feel so bad about it. Then it would turn on me and try to convince me to keep running/walking because if you quit, you cannot wear the cute tanktop (see photo below) from the race and when everyone asks you how you did, you will have to own up to your failure. You will be miserable. I took a minute to stop, pull off to the curb and think about what I should do. The course was running a 2 mile loop around a lake twice to complete the 4 miles. There is a trail that cuts a slightly shorter return route back to the finish line than the race route. I thought about just walking the trail back and giving up. I actually began to walk onto the trail to head back until something in me realized that the walk back on the course would be only slightly longer than on the trail. What if I just stuck it out along the course, completed my first loop and THEN decided if I wanted to continue!? So I got myself back on course (in dead last position) and waddled my way along the route. As I approached the finish line area, the lead runners began to lap me. About 5-7 women finished the whole race before I even completed my first 2 miles.
A friend of mine, and a great runner, was one of the lucky (and speedy) women to finish just before I passed by the finish line. She called out to me with a "Good job, Jessica!" Although this is really just a little thing and only one piece of encouragement I received during the race, it made a huge difference. This same woman struggled through her own self-doubt last April during the Boston Marathon. She nearly gave up during that race many times, but somehow made herself stumble to the finish to complete what was probably her toughest race. I had to finish. So as I was letting all of this sink in, the waterworks began. I was just beyond mile 2, dead last and sobbing like a child. It must have been just what I needed though because I pulled myself together and began a really nice, comfortable pace of running and walking. I was in the groove, I could barely feel my legs and they seemed to be working on their own. It was kind of shocking and amazing, but I let it happen because I was certain that this was the only way I was going to make it through the next 2 miles. Around mile 3 I passed the only 2 girls ahead of me that were even reachable by that point. I thought: Oh my god, if I can keep up this pace, I wouldn't finish in last place!
I found every last bit of strength inside of me to just keep running/walking and to keep ahead of those 2 girls. Before the race, I had set myself the goal of finishing in under an hour. I didn't care if I finished at 59:59, as long as it was under an hour, I'd be happy. As I got to the finish line, I realized that the clock was at about 58:00. Holy crap, not only am I finishing an impossible race, but I am NOT finishing last...AND I will beat my goal time!
After collecting myself and taking some fluids I walked to the picnic shelter where the other runners were hanging out. I found that woman whose own struggles and encouragement pulled me through the race and I thanked her for what she unknowingly did for me. We both cried a little bit, it was nice.
Even tough the "cute tanktop" is a little too tight on me, I will still wear it with pride. I earned it.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I am still waiting to hear from the cycling store about the bicycle that I ordered. Of the two options in my previous post, I ordered the orange Electra Townie 7D, I am SO excited!! They told me it would take a week and I ordered it last Wednesday - so they better call soon!
I am getting increasingly nervous about my 4 mile Women's Race this Saturday. My running has suffered due to our busy summer schedule and the recent heat/humidity we've been having. I know I can do the 4 miles, but what I am nervous about is the fact that - once again - I will be coming in last. It isn't that I am embarassed about my slow speed, it is just hard to know that everyone is waiting on you. Luckily, what makes me feel better is that the women runners in this town (and most of the males as well) are UBER supportive!
My husband is a member of the local running club and is even a member of their board. So he knows just about everyone that runs locally and through him I've met a lot of runners myself. I feel so priviledged to know these women - who are older, faster, smarter, nicer runners than me! They're my heros and mentors and they serve to encourage me through every single step of my running. So it is difficult when I know that I am going to be SO slow, I don't want to disappoint them. Yes, yes - I know - they're probably just happy to see me out there running, no matter the speed. I know that. It is just hard to believe - which is why these women are SO amazing to me.
I am getting increasingly nervous about my 4 mile Women's Race this Saturday. My running has suffered due to our busy summer schedule and the recent heat/humidity we've been having. I know I can do the 4 miles, but what I am nervous about is the fact that - once again - I will be coming in last. It isn't that I am embarassed about my slow speed, it is just hard to know that everyone is waiting on you. Luckily, what makes me feel better is that the women runners in this town (and most of the males as well) are UBER supportive!
My husband is a member of the local running club and is even a member of their board. So he knows just about everyone that runs locally and through him I've met a lot of runners myself. I feel so priviledged to know these women - who are older, faster, smarter, nicer runners than me! They're my heros and mentors and they serve to encourage me through every single step of my running. So it is difficult when I know that I am going to be SO slow, I don't want to disappoint them. Yes, yes - I know - they're probably just happy to see me out there running, no matter the speed. I know that. It is just hard to believe - which is why these women are SO amazing to me.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Speaking of running apparel...
While traveling for work in Chicago this week, I picked up His 'n Hers versions of this shirt for the hubby and I:
It is a shirt for the Human Race 10k, which is a "race" put on by Nike in like 25 cities around the world. You can either race in one of the official events or run in your own city with the Nike Plus technology (iPod with special attachment). I don't really plan on participating, though I think it is a neat event. I just really like the shirt! The design is a woman running figure that is made up of the names of all of the cities putting on the race - very cool. It is Dri-Fit, which doesn't mean a whole lot in that it is 60/40 cotton to poly...so not bad for running, but not great.
We are participating in the Running Room's 20 min Challenge tonight and plan to wear our shirts like the big dorks we are! HA!
While traveling for work in Chicago this week, I picked up His 'n Hers versions of this shirt for the hubby and I:
It is a shirt for the Human Race 10k, which is a "race" put on by Nike in like 25 cities around the world. You can either race in one of the official events or run in your own city with the Nike Plus technology (iPod with special attachment). I don't really plan on participating, though I think it is a neat event. I just really like the shirt! The design is a woman running figure that is made up of the names of all of the cities putting on the race - very cool. It is Dri-Fit, which doesn't mean a whole lot in that it is 60/40 cotton to poly...so not bad for running, but not great.
We are participating in the Running Room's 20 min Challenge tonight and plan to wear our shirts like the big dorks we are! HA!
What is all this about skirts!?
This month's issue of Runners World provides a large feature on my best running friend: running skirts. My husband forwarded the story to me because he knows how much I love them. I frequently read the oft hillarious and usually true to real life musings on Jezebel, but was disturbed today to find a posting about the RW article that pounced on the idea of the skirt.
The most disappointing thing about Jezebel's response to the running skirt was the comments that followed. The majority of the women commenting clearly have not tried a skirt. Many of them think of wearing a skirt is comparable to wearing makeup for a run. They comment that they try hard to not be noticed while exercising and that a skirt would only draw attention to them.
I am not cool enough to be a commenter on the site, but if I were I'd have a lot to report back to these naysayers. Most importantly I'd say this:
What would be worse? Me running in a pair of shorts with the legs riding up into my crotch or me running in a skirt that delicately falls over my thunder thighs!?
Don't knock 'em till you try 'em!
The most disappointing thing about Jezebel's response to the running skirt was the comments that followed. The majority of the women commenting clearly have not tried a skirt. Many of them think of wearing a skirt is comparable to wearing makeup for a run. They comment that they try hard to not be noticed while exercising and that a skirt would only draw attention to them.
I am not cool enough to be a commenter on the site, but if I were I'd have a lot to report back to these naysayers. Most importantly I'd say this:
What would be worse? Me running in a pair of shorts with the legs riding up into my crotch or me running in a skirt that delicately falls over my thunder thighs!?
Don't knock 'em till you try 'em!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
What?!? Fans??
Woah. I've been absent for a while, I know. But somehow I stumbled back onto my blog today, I'm not sure why. Lo and behold, I see that I've racked up a few comments from people during my absence! Woah. It looks like I have some fans, haha. Who knew?! Well, after seeing that discovery, I've been inspired to write again and dare I say it...maybe even RUN again! Oh the shock!
So thank you to megan hall, wendy, pamela ann and runmomma - thank you for kicking me in the ass today!! :-)
Oookay, down to business. I have 2 races coming up and I have not run (not even one mile) in weeks! EEEK!!! I am signed up to do a 4 mile women's race on July 19th, so that's in um, 10 days. Then I am also registered to do a 10 mile race the following weekend on July 26th. What the hell was I thinking when I mailed in those registration forms?! Oh, I know...I was thinking that I better sign up for races this summer so that I wouldn't lose my motivation to run! HA! So much for that plan. Well, now it is dangerously close to these dates and I really need to get my neglected butt out the door.
After dark (and after the humidity subsides) tonight I am going to do a 2 mile run. No excuses. I know that I am going to come in last in both of these races and I'd atleast like to do it with some dignity, haha.
In other news, I am on a new kick lately: buying a bicycle. I haven't had a working bike for about 6 years and I really miss the freedom of hopping on one to just go short distances. Also, I feel a little (okay, A LOT) guilty about driving my fat ass to work everyday for 2.5 miles and then paying $10 for parking. I know, I know. If you want to blame someone for gas prices or global warming or whatever - I'll take it. Totally deserve it.
So anyway, these are the bikes I've been looking at:
Trek Pure Lowstep
Electra Women's Townie 7D
Aren't they so adorable!? I am headed over to the bike shop tonight to give them a spin. I figure that the extra exercise of riding to work 3 days a week couldn't hurt my sorry state. I am very excited!! Hey who knows - maybe next I'll try swimming and before you know it, I will be doing an Ironman!!! AHHHH HAHAHAHAAA.
So thank you to megan hall, wendy, pamela ann and runmomma - thank you for kicking me in the ass today!! :-)
Oookay, down to business. I have 2 races coming up and I have not run (not even one mile) in weeks! EEEK!!! I am signed up to do a 4 mile women's race on July 19th, so that's in um, 10 days. Then I am also registered to do a 10 mile race the following weekend on July 26th. What the hell was I thinking when I mailed in those registration forms?! Oh, I know...I was thinking that I better sign up for races this summer so that I wouldn't lose my motivation to run! HA! So much for that plan. Well, now it is dangerously close to these dates and I really need to get my neglected butt out the door.
After dark (and after the humidity subsides) tonight I am going to do a 2 mile run. No excuses. I know that I am going to come in last in both of these races and I'd atleast like to do it with some dignity, haha.
In other news, I am on a new kick lately: buying a bicycle. I haven't had a working bike for about 6 years and I really miss the freedom of hopping on one to just go short distances. Also, I feel a little (okay, A LOT) guilty about driving my fat ass to work everyday for 2.5 miles and then paying $10 for parking. I know, I know. If you want to blame someone for gas prices or global warming or whatever - I'll take it. Totally deserve it.
So anyway, these are the bikes I've been looking at:
Trek Pure Lowstep
Electra Women's Townie 7D
Aren't they so adorable!? I am headed over to the bike shop tonight to give them a spin. I figure that the extra exercise of riding to work 3 days a week couldn't hurt my sorry state. I am very excited!! Hey who knows - maybe next I'll try swimming and before you know it, I will be doing an Ironman!!! AHHHH HAHAHAHAAA.
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