Memphis in May Race Report

I checked the kids out of school Friday at 11:00 to head down to Memphis. That is the first time I have checked them out for anything other then sickness. Neither teach gave them any make up work since they are just wrapping thing up anyway.

We went on to Millington and picked up my stuff because I didn't know if they would let me get it Sunday morning before the race. Then we went to Dawn's house. I drank way too much and stayed up way too late playing Wii and eating ores.

Saturday we didn't do much but it was great just hanging out with Dawn again. We went to Bola Pasta for dinner and more beer Saturday night. Then back to Dawn's for more Wii. I can see a Wii in our future, it was so much fun.

Sunday morning I got up early and got the car loaded. We got to the race site at 6:30. All the good racks on my row were already taken so I had to get down close to the fence. I am sure that the extra distance added all of 3 or 4 seconds to my transition times, wish I could blame it more.

I got body marked and had to declare myself the big four oh for the first time.
I hung out with my support for a while and then went to line up. It took a while for it to be my turn since I was #878. I finally made it up to the front of the line and the lady touched my should and said "Go". I ran down the boat ramp and into the water. It was cold. I quickly passed the girl who went right before me and just sighted on the other yellow caps ahead. I felt like I was out there all alone for a long time and then I got clobbered by the faster swimmer coming up from behind. From the point on it was full contact swimming. I made my way around the buoys and after the final turn the water got rough. At first i thought there must be a boat but it never let up. I made it to the boat ramp and tried to stand up but the water was still too deep (I swear the person ahead of me stood up there). I swam some more and ended up swimming until the water was only about mid calf deep.
1.5K swim 27:16
I found my bike, got out of my wetsuit, and into my bike gear. Dee, my swim coach from when I went to swim class, was leaving transition the same time as me. I knew she went in the water way after me and had just smoked me on the swim. I wondered how many others had passed me in the water.
T1-2:12
Coming out of T1 it is a very slight uphill. I got my right foot clipped in and was trying to get my left foot in when it slipped off the pedal. I hit the seat hard. After that, I got clipped in and moving. The bike was nice and flat but we had a cross wind for most of the ride. I had my aero bottle on my bike and this made me drink a lot more then I normally do. I think that really helped. I felt great but had no idea how I was doing. My computer wasn't working and there weren't any mile markers. I never saw anyone from my age group. I did realize out there was just how much I need to work on my turning. I am a big fat chicken and slow WAY down for any kind of turn. I can't even remember how many times I got passed or lost ground on a turn. I finally saw someone from my age group just as I approached transition. I passed her and she passed me right back. I made the final turn and went down the hill to the dismount line. 40K bike 1:09:33 (21.1 mph average)

Changed out of bike stuff into running stuff and was out for the run. T2 2:18

As I started, I spotted Ronnie and the kids. I got a high five from Bryce and continued on. The run was hillier then I thought. I made it to the first mile maker got some Gatorade and figured my pace to be about 9:00. I saw Patrick some time after the 2. He told me to catch up with him. yeah right!!! I made it to the turn round and headed back. I saw Ronnie and the kids as I ran along the water's edge approaching the finish. The wind almost blew my hat off, but I caught it with one and and waved with the other. 10K run 51:46 (8:20 pace)

2:33:03 a new PR
15 of 68 AG
They had a great party with free beer and tons of food and a band. I got beer and food and beer.

Patrick and Wayne found us by the beer tent. We chatted for a while and then we headed out, it was still a long drive home.

Computer Failure

After my ride Friday, I cleaned my bike all up and got her all nice and shiny. Ready to make her racing debut this weekend in Memphis.
Monday I put her on the trainer for an hour ten of hills. I noticed right off that the computer wasn't working. I tried to adjust things but it only worked for a total of 23 minutes of the ride. I didn't have time to mess with it anymore and then forgot about it. Messing with the computer put me behind so I decided to wait and do my swim Monday night. Doing it in the morning, I would have had to cut it short anyway but by waiting until evening I got all 3200 yards in.
Tuesday I had a speed run. 8 x 400. I discovered that the "hoop" in my subdivision is just over a quarter of a mile. The one minute recovery was enough time to get me back to start of the hoop and off I went again.
Today I had another hour on the trainer. I had set my bike up last night and thought I got the computer working again. It only worked for a total of 4 minutes. I don't know what is wrong with the stupid thing or how I am going to race without it.

A Week already????

Man, time is flying.

First off big congrats to Lana, Mike, Holly, Heather, Tim, Kevin, Lee, and Patrick on their outstanding performances down in Panama City. I am so happy for all of them. Great races in some tough conditions.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom (I don't think she reads this but...) and all the other moms out there. I am going to enjoy a lazy afternoon and then have a big cheat night and pig out on some oh so bad food and drink. mmmmm can't wait.

This week was a recovery week with lots of zone 1/zone 2 work. Well, except for Monday. I thought when I finished FIRST, I was done with Monday morning speedwork. Surprise. Monday morning I was right back at it. 5 minute warm up, 4 x 2 minute sprints with 2 minute recovery and a 5 minute cool down. Then off to the pool for 2050 yards. The swim was suppose to be longer but I had to get home.
Tuesday started the easy stuff. 45 minute easy spinning on the trainer and ab ripper DVD.
Wednesday was 30 minutes of easy "pretty running". I did go to toning class even though I am not suppose to be doing strength training any more. She made me pay for skipping class so much.
Thursday I did ab ripper again and then swam 2300 yards. The swim was less then the plan called for again but all I had time for.
Friday the plan called for 3:30 ride on terrain similar to the race course. I have not been to Macon, GA but the website says "rolling" so that it what I did. I got in 60.85 miles with the last 5 as loops around my neighborhood because I did NOT want to go any longer then I had to.
Saturday and Sunday more "pretty running". This time 1:30 and 0:45. I also did the ab ripper DVD this morning after the run.

Well, off to enjoy the rest of my Mother's Day laziness and then pig out. Have a great day!!!

Cut Short

Yesterday afternoon I went to the pool at 3:00 giving myself plenty of time to get in the 3600 yard swim before the pool closed at 4:45.
It was a speed workout and I was having a pretty good swim. The warm up went well and I did each 100 faster then the one before it. I was halfway done with my 4th 300 when I got stopped by the lifeguards and told I had to get out. Some kid had puked in the pool. I had only gotten 2200 yards done so I asked one of the lifeguards how long the pool would be closed. He told me until they could get it cleaned up. I stood there a few minutes before deciding I really didn't want to swim in a pool with puke. I mean how where they going to clean that up?? So I went into the locker run and changed for my run. Plan called for 80 minutes of hills. I felt pretty good but the downhills still hurt a little. Got in 8.6 miles, 9:18 pace.

This morning was a 45 minute easy spin. I did it on my trainer before church. I still have abs to do later but it is beautiful out and I am going outside to enjoy the day with my kids.

And the Craziness gets Started

I really hoped that once the marathon was over things would settle down for me but it has gotten worse. May is always a crazy month and this year the craziness started a few days early.
I have adjusted my work schedule this month so that I don't miss any of the activities the kids have going on. Training is being squeezed in between those activities and work.
Sunday was a very lazy day. I did manage to shuffle the one mile around the block Sunday afternoon just to try to work out some stiffness.
Monday the plan called for a run and swim. I skipped the run knowing that it would not be very productive and just did 1500 yards in the pool. Lots of pull with dead legs just dragging behind. The swim must have really helped because by that evening I no longer needed to use the wall to pull myself off the toilet.
So Tuesday morning I got up at 4:20 for an 1:15 trainer ride. Plan called for hills so I did the Pedaling Strength DVD. Then I did ab ripper that night.
Wednesday was another 4:20 wake up for a 45 minute run and a 2900 yard swim. The run was slow and I only made it 4.54 miles, 9:55 pace. I had to cut the swim short (1900 yards) to get the kids to school for the final day of AR points. Bryce ended up with 100 points and Casey 200. I am so proud of both of them and glad it is over.
Thursday I got to "sleep in" until 5:00. One hour trainer ride. Easy spinning while watching TV. Then off to Sam Davis home for a field trip with the 2nd grade.
Today was field day at school and the plan called for 3:30 ride and 20 minute run. Bryce has a birthday party to attend this evening. So the only way to get the workout done was to get up at 2:45 this morning. I did the Tough Love spinervals DVD. That was my first time to do the whole thing and I looked like someone sprayed me with a hose by the time I was done. I changed shoes, put on a shirt, and headed out for the run. My legs felt fine but I still kept it slow and only got in 2.12 miles.
Field day was a blast and the kids did great. They only got to do the morning events. With storms on the radar, they decided to postpone the afternoon events until Tuesday morning. I am going to have to make some more adjustments to my work schedule.

On the News

David and I made the local news. Check it out here, we are at the VERY end.

Country Music Marathon

Ronnie and I got up Saturday at 3:00. I tried to eat some oatmeal and an apple but was still so full from Friday night’s pasta pig out that I couldn’t eat more then few bites. I also tried to eat some energy bar samples that I got at the Birmingham expo in February, but they were gross.
We were on the road headed to Nashville by 4. We saw lightening as soon as we backed out of the garage and we weren’t far down the road before the rain started. GREAT!!!
We made it to within 0.7 miles of the race and then traffic was at a stand still. It took us another 55 minutes to go that final 0.7 miles. We finally got parked and in line for the shuttle.
We met up with David and Amy at the park.
I put on my shoes and trash bag, dropped my gear check bag at the UPS truck, and peed behind a bush. I turned on my Garmin only to get a “Low Battery” warning. I hoped that it would last for the entire race.
David and I said bye to Amy and Ronnie as they went off to their corrals and we went to ours.
They started the Elite athletes and 12 minutes and 35 seconds later, they started us.
David and I were at the front of our corral, so there wasn’t any bobbing and weaving. We did start out a little fast but quickly realized it and adjusted our speed. We made it to mile one in 9:08. A little fast for this early. We adjusted some more and ran mile 2 in 9:22. Then my Garmin died!!! David kept us in check though. It was really hard for me not to be able to keep an eye on my pace and I am sure I drove David crazy asking him ”How we doing on pace?”.
I was feeling great.
I had run this marathon as my first in 2006, but didn’t remember much of the course. David, on the other hand, knew exactly what was coming and kept me abreast of what laid ahead.
One of the things I like about this race is the way it has loops. You meet runners going the other direction several times. I got dizzy scanning the crowds looking for people I knew. We did see Ronnie and Amy once.
We walked the water stops to drink and took our Gu every 5-6 miles. I stayed away from a Accelerade.
I heard someone yell my name then David’s. It was Brent and Rae.
Jill came up from behind us and ran with us for about half a mile before she dropped back.
We made it to the levee, I remembered how I felt at that point in 06 and was surprised how great I still felt. I could tell David was starting to struggle because he wasn’t talking much.
We ran off the levee and around past the convent. The nuns were out cheering and they had ”holy water” at their water stop. We got a drink of that.
We continued running and then David told me I was going to have to go on without him.
Now I was running naked. I had to check the clocks at every mile marker, add 12, and check my pace band to make sure I was still on track.
I saw Lana’s dad at mile 20 and could not think of his name, I was like “Hi, Mr. ummmmm”. My brain was not functioning and all the math every mile was as much as I could handle. Lana cheered and asked if I needed anything. I told her I was fine and kept on going. It was really boost to have them cheer for me.
I saw Rae and Brent again still cheering. Another boost.
My mouth was starting to get dry and I didn’t want to drink too much and just have it slosh in my stomach, so I chewed a piece of gum. That did the trick.
I entered the park for the final loop. I remembered this part of the course from last time, I was in SERIOUS pain that time. I was hurting this time but knew I was on track and that kept me running. I saw Holly J and Heather right at the 23 marker and was talking to them so missed the clock. I hated missing the chance to check my pace.
I made it to mile 24 and think I must have done the math wrong because I thought I was behind and not going to make it. I was disappointed. I tried to pick up the pace but just didn’t have anything left.
I saw Lana and Holly entering the park as I was leaving. Then I saw David and he yelled 3:45. It took my brain a minute to realize first what he was telling me and then to compute that I was still on track.
I made it to mile 25, did the math and knew I was still on track. I wanted to walk so bad. My legs HURT but I knew I didn’t have enough of a cushion to allow even a brief break. I didn’t even stop for water at the last two stops because I was afraid if I slowed down I would never get moving again.
I was down to my last mile. The crowd was cheering “Just around the bend is the finish chute”.
I made the turn and could see the clock. I knew I needed a 4:12:35 for a sub 4.
I pushed with everything I had left and crossed the line with the clock reading 4:10:something. I cried. I found out later that my offical time was 3:57:36.
I got a bottle of water and called Ronnie. He had just missed me crossing. I got my metal and kissed it. Got a space blanket and went to have my chip removed. I couldn’t even lift my foot.
I got my picture made and got some food. I wasn’t hungry but tried to eat something.
I saw Heather sitting at the “No re-entry” point. She went sub 4 too.
I left the finishers area and found Ronnie, Amy and Mary Beth. All had great halfs.
Mary Beth, Amy and me
Ronnie, me, Mary Beth and Amy
We found the free beer tent and got our dixie cup of beer, then sent Ronnie to buy a real cup of beer.
We enjoyed some beer, music, and sun shine. We saw Lana (who had a great half as Brain), Lisa, and Holly. Holly had some stomach issues on the course but still rocked out a great first marathon.
We couldn’t stay for long since we had to get home and pick up the kids.
I am so happy to have that monkey off my back. And to do it at “home” and on the same course as my first made it even sweeter.
When I called my dad with the news, he was happy for me and said "Now all you have to do is finish that Ironman and then you can be normal again”. LOL, I don’t know that I will ever be normal.

Done
Michele

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It is go time
Michele

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rain and traffic. Great start
Michele

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Ready, Set.....

I am sitting on go.

I have done the training (again), I have rested, and now I am ready to run. I still don't know if I have a sub 4 in me but I am going to leave it all out there. I am 23 pounds lighter then Huntsville and 11 pounds lighter then Birmingham. Will that make a difference? I don't know, but it can't hurt.

I did my last 3 mile pace run yesterday. Funny how when I only have to run 3 miles it seems that I couldn't run a step more. Otherwise, it went well and on pace.

Then Amy and I went to the expo yesterday afternoon and picked up our packets. We didn't get to spend a lot of time there but I did get a cool new shirt to wear for race. I know you aren't suppose to do anything new for a race but it has worked for me in the past. Memphis I wore new shoes, tights, shirt, and socks.

I have everything packed.
including a garbage bag. The forcast still had rain in it
We are going out for pasta tonight to get good and carb loaded. Then I hope to get to bed early. 3am is going to come mighty early tomorrow.

Good luck to everyone running tomorrow. I am counting on David getting a PR and pulling me along.
My hubby will be there doing the half. He hasn't been running so it should be interesting. Wonder if I should bump up his life insurance?!?
Tim, Lee and Heather are all super fast and I know they are going to PR. Hope they save some beer for me at the finish line.
Holly is going to do awesome at her first marathon and Amy and Mary Beth at their first half.
Mike and Lana are doing the half as a training run as they prepare to head down to Panama City in 2 weeks.
Lisa is running the half and so is David's daughter, Amy.
Patrick is running too I just don't know which race.
It is going to be a fun time, sub 4 or not!!!

Ahhhhh-Taper

I am lovin’ this taper!!!

I have slept EVERY morning until 6:00. Sure beats that 4:00am alarm.

I rested on Saturday. My friend Dawn was in Nashville with her family so we went up to go out to eat with them. My diet went right out the window that night with fries and ice cream. Not good taper food.

Sunday I was not at all in the mood to ride. Getting lazy quick. But I told myself I could eat Fig Newtons if I rode. It was only a 2:30 ride and didn’t really warrant cookies but it got me out there. I ended up with 43.48 miles in 2:25:54 and those cookies sure were good.

Monday was a rest day and my body fat test. I have really been looking forward to this test as a true measure of how I am doing with this diet. My last test was June 2007 and I was at a 26.2% body fat. I went into the test knowing that I had made am improvement. Imagine my disappointment when I found out that my new body comp is 23.7% fat. A loss of only 2.5%. AND of the 19 pounds I lost between test, 10.8 pounds were of lean mass while only 8.2 pounds were fat mass. Lots of room for improvement still.

Today was speedwork. 6 x 400 with 400 RI. I did a 1 mile warm up then picked it up for my 400s. Maybe taper is helping because I had a great run. 400s were at 7:26, 7:04, 7:15, 6:41, 7:01 and 6:34 pace. I ran a total of 5 miles (with warm up, cool down and rest intervals) in 46:06, 9:14 pace.

Tomorrow I rest (sleep until 6:00 again) then Thursday I have my last 3 miles at pace.

The weather forecast isn’t looking any better for Saturday. I really don’t want to run in the rain.

Taper Week One - DONE

With a week to go until race day it's time to start checking the weather...

Not really what I was hoping for but I got a PR at Tom King in the rain so maybe.

Taper has been going well. I haven't been getting enough sleep but I have cut back on the training.
Monday was speedwork. I was suppose to swim too but I skipped it. Tuesday was an hour on the trainer. Wednesday a tempo run. Thursday another hour on the trainer and today was my last longer run.

Next week will be all about rest.

I am having a body fat test on Monday. I hope to see much improvement over my last one

It's Taper Time

Had my last hard workouts and now it is time to rest up and get ready to race.

I am kicking my taper off today with a rest day. I will do the Ab Ripper X DVD in a little while but that is it, no swimming, bike or running today!!!!

Thursday I did an easy 45 minute trainer ride. I used the Softride training DVD and didn't push it too hard. Then I did ab ripper.

The weather forecast wasn't looking good for Friday so I decided to wait until after dropping the kids off to school to go for my run in case I had to do it inside. Turns out it didn't rain until about 1:30 that afternoon but the wind was tough. I ran 13 miles of hills with a PMP goal. I ran into the wind on the way out and think I fought it too hard. I ran out of steam on the way back and ended up with a 9:11 pace overall. So close. After the run I had a 1500 yard swim. I took it nice a slow and was really trying to focus on catching the water with my pull.

Saturday's plan called for a 4:30 ride with a 0:15 run off. I waited on Ronnie to get home from golf and headed out about 1:30. It was a beautiful sunny day, about 60 degrees, and 17 mph winds that gusted up to 29 mph. Despite the wind, I had a great ride, I dare to say my best ever. I stopped after an hour and ate 3 Fig Newtons and drank some water. i was riding into the wind at the time and was really looking forward to making a turn. When I finally had the wind at my back, I was able to coast at 17-20 mph (can't do that on a trainer). The cross winds were almost as bad as the head wind and those gusts made it a fight to keep my bike on the road. I stopped again at 2 and 3 hours for cookie breaks. At 4 hours I was riding into the wind and didn't have a good place to pull over so I ate my cookies while riding. At this point I was close to home and had to figure out home to get in my last 20 minutes. I did one more loop of Pomroy. I was racing the clock to make it home by the 4:30 mark. I didn't make it. 4:34. 74.77 miles. 16.4 mph average speed. I never claimed to be fast.
I got off the bike and changed shoes. The first few steps of the run hurt. I felt like I was barely getting one foot in front of the other. I glanced at my Garmin and it said "Pace-8:30" I just laughed, there was no way I was running 8:30, I was just shuffling along. I got to one mile and sure enough 8:30. Wow, I could actually have a great run off the bike. I looped back toward home (still fighting the wind) and got in 1.79 miles for an 8:27 pace.

I took and ice bath, drank a Mike's hard lemonade and then went out for Mexican. Ahhh taper time!!!!!

Running and Riding but not Swimming

Yesterday's 5 mile tempo run went great. My goal was 8:23 and I made 8:19!!
Then I got my hair done and started to feel not so great.
I ate lunch and waited to see how my stomach was going to act.
I waited until about 1:00. I went back and forth about inside vs outside and ended up outside and just hoped my stomach wouldn't act up. It was pretty windy but the sun was out and it sure was nice to be on the road.
By the time I got the kids from school, my stomach was very upset.
After a long evening of being sick, I decided to skip this morning 1000 yard swim.
I am still debating doing the strength training but leaning toward just resting. I have a ride tomorrow that I think is more important.

No Time to Post

I don't know where all my time is going but I don't seem to have any left to post. So this is going to be quick.

Saturday I did my first 100k ride, The Dogwood 100k. My first attempt at one in '06 ended badly. This one went just fine, other then the fact that is was cold, foggy, and wet, not my favorite riding conditions. But is was outside riding for a change.
After the ride I did a 0:30 run off.

Sunday was a 2400 yard swim. I had to force myself to the pool and almost talked myself out of it right up to the point when I was standing on the pool deck and discovered how cold the water felt. I got it done and it actually was one of my better swims.

Today was 1:20 on the trainer. I didn't push the pace as hard as I should have but I spent the time in the saddle and worked up a good sweat.

Tomorrow I have a tempo run and an hour ride. I am going to run in the morning, get my hair done, then go back out on the bike. It is suppose to be nice, maybe I will get a little tan.

Friday=Long Run=Rain AGAIN!!!!!

I checked the forecast last night before going to bed and it wasn't looking good. "Scattered t-storms". But I was determined to get this last long run done outside and I had to get it done early before Ronnie left for work. So I set the alarm for 4:30 and prayed the rain would hold off.
At 4:30 when the alarm went off I was greeted with silence, once I turned off the buzzing clock. Yes!!!! I got dressed, ate 3 shot bloks, and hit the road.
I had the Tac and Bigun show downloaded on my ipod and was feeling good. Problem was the wind. I couldn't hear half the podcast because the wind was so loud blowing in my ears. It started to sprinkle after about 2 miles and again after about 8 but quickly stopped each time. The podcast ended just before I reached th halfway point so I hit play again and caught most of the parts I had missed due to the wind. The wind was still blowing so I was still not able to hear all of it.
After 16 mile the downpour started. I was close to home and wondering where to run the last 4 miles or even if I should. I did my usual loops and toughed it out.
I arived home, dripping wet, after 3:11:30, 9:35 pace right on target!!

Unscheduled Rest

I guess it takes an unscheduled rest day to get me to post.
I have been crazy busy. It is Spring Break for the kids so I worked two long days instead of my normal 3 days. Today we are going to do "something fun". I have not been told what that is yet, but since it is raining, I am guessing it will be something inside.
So about this unscheduled rest day...the BT training plan calls for a 1:15 easy spin on the bike but FIRST has my last 20 miler on tap tomorrow. So....after a hard week, I am resting today to prepare.
And it has been a hard week.
Thursday was a 1:15 easy spin on the bike
Friday 15 miles at PMP+10. I almost made it before the rain started. I got soaked the last mile. The wind was horrible the entire run. And I didn't make pace. 2:19:54, 9:20 pace. So close!!!!
Saturday I did 2:20 on my trainer using my Pedaling Strength DVD.
Sunday back on the trainer for 0:45 using No Slackers DVD. Then I did the P90X Ab ripper DVD.
Monday more rain so I did my 10 x 400s on the treadmill. I was really happy how they went. I had a lot more control over my speed. I ran the 400s at 7:03 pace and jogged the 400 RI at 10:48 pace. Then I hit the pool for a nice LONG swim, 3500 yards!!!
Tuesday morning I did 1:30 on the trainer using Pedaling Strength DVD and that evening I did my strength workout and ab ripper DVD.
Wednesday was 8 miles at PMP. I saw Tim and Lee in the parking lot. They invited me to run 8 @ 8 with them. I passed. I got my 8 miles done in 1:13:05, 9:08 pace. I really felt the weight training in my legs again but hit pace this time. After the run, it was off to the pool for 2800 yards.
So today is all about resting and getting ready for my last long run. I am going to do the ab ripper DVD in a little bit but that is all.
The other big thing going on with me is my diet. I hit the 20 pound mark this week. The body fat testing guy is coming back the 21st and I am hoping for much improved results.
Finally, I am going to be better about posting and commenting this week. I am reading your blogs but usually on the fly and my comments would be so full of typos they wouldn't make any sense.

Week 11 of The Plan

I picked the training program I am using for the half iron because it included strength training. I know I need to do more toning so I wanted a plan that said what to do and when.
So here it is week 11 and yesterday was the first time I did the scheduled strength workout. So much for The Plan.
I know this is shocking to those of you that know me. Remember, I am the one who "if the plan says trip at mile six, I trip"???
I can make excuses but what is boils down to is I just haven't made the effort.
So this week I decided it is time to buckle down. gotta get in ALL the workouts. I paid for this plan, time to start following it.
Saturday was a 2:30 ride. I planned to do it outside but then it was colder the I thought and I wanted to get it over with. Ronnie wasn't home so I just did it on the trainer. The Plan called for hills so I did the Pedaling Strength DVD.
Sunday was back on the trainer for 45 minutes of easy spinning. I did the Carmichael DVD. Not exactly easy spinning but it was all small gear stuff.
Monday was hills per BT and speed per FIRST. I did my best to combine the two. Ran repeats on Jail Hill and Thrill Hill again. 6 miles in 57:18. Then I hit the pool for 2000 yards per BT.
Tuesday was the strength day. Nothing else. I was so tempted to sleep in and enjoy a rest day. I got up and use the weight set we have upstairs. I did all the required sets.
Today, I paid for yesterday. I had a 10 mile PMP run and a 1500 yard swim on schedule. I got up at 3:30 and went to the Rec Center. I decided to just run my 2 mile loop 5 times, I was feeling a little spooked this morning. This route includes Sage Hill but nothing that should have killed my pace. My hamstrings were tired and my pace was slow. 10 miles in 1:33:23. I kept with the slow trend and took 34:33 to swim my 1500 yards.
Tomorrow is an 1:15 trainer ride, Friday is a 15 mile run, and Saturday 2:30 bike that I hope to get outside for.
Well, I can't keep my eyes open any longer. It has been a LONG day.

Training Goes On

I got to run my long run outside this morning and it wasn't raining!!!! I was slow and barely squeaked in under goal pace but it sure was nice to be outside. I don't know if my legs are fully recovered from the beating I gave them last weekend. But training goes on.
I am still trying to mesh the BT half iron program with the FIRST marathon program.
This is what I have done this week:
Sunday-1:15 on the trainer, did the Carmichael Cycling for Power DVD
Monday-Non speedy speed work. warm up, 1k, 2k,1k,1k with 400 RI. I came no where close to pace but was happy that my legs felt even as good as they did. Then I hit the pool for 2000 yards using the program workout for the first time.
Tuesday-back on the trainer for an hour
Wednesday-6 mile hill run. I ran from the rec Center to Jail Hill and then over to Thrill Hill, turned around and repeated 7 times. Then off to the pool for 2500 yards.
Thursday-swim 3100 yards

Hope everyone is enjoying their Good Friday, I am off work with the kids. It is beautiful out and I am heading outside now to enjoy the sunshine. Have a great weekend!!!

Tom King Half Marathon

When the alarm went off, I laid in bed and listened.
Nothing but silence. Yippee!!!
I was still holding on to some hope that the forecast of 100% chance of rain was wrong.
I got up, ate, got dressed, and headed to Nashville.
My house is 3 miles from the interstate. I didn't even make it to the interstate before it started raining. So much for my hope.
It rained off and on for my entire trip and there was even some lightening.
I got to LP Field about 6:55. I ran in to pick up my packet and asked if the races would be starting on time. They said yes that the lightening wasn't close enough.
I went back to my car and waited. I had forgot to bring a garbage bag but found a windbreaker type pull over in the back seat. It did help keep me a little dryer.
I met up with David and his daughter.
We made one last trip to the restroom then went to the start line.
It was still raining. I have never minded running in the rain, I just hate starting a run in the rain. We didn't have to stand around waiting for long, the gun went of right on time at 8:00. We wished Amy luck and were off.
A PR for me required an 8:30 pace. I didn't know if I could run a PR race in this weather but I was giving it a try.
David and I talked and ran. We kept an eye on our pace and the miles just ticked off. It continued to rain. We avoid the puddles that we could and trudged through the ones we couldn't. Didn't matter too much since we were already soaked.
I pulled off the windbreaker just after the halfway point. It was starting to get heavy.
The rain lessened some but still continued to fall.
About mile 11 I really started feeling the pace but said nothing. David had given up running with his daughter for her first half to run with me, I was going to continue to tough it out and get us a PR.
At about mile 12 you can see the jumbotron inside LP Field and people finishing. We picked up our pace. Then it was around the stadium, down inside, and out onto the field. The field was muddy and there was a strong head wind. We made our way to the far right side of the field where it was dryer and made our final push.
I crossed the finish line in 1:50:23. A new PR.
David and looked for his wife really quick but did not see her. Then we walked out of the stadium and ran back out to find his daughter. We got some very strange looks and lots of comments. The head wind was unbelievable but it had finally stopped raining. We found Amy. She looked great and had the biggest smile on her face. We turned around and ran in with her. I turned off and ran into the stadium so that I could watch them cross the finish line. I saw them enter the field and yelled. Amy had a strong finish and crossed with a huge smile. Conrats!!!!
I found David's wife and some of Amy's friends and we went back out to find David and Amy.
We got some food.
Trisonq was there. He had a great race.
Then I saw Lisa and Wayne. Lisa wasn't feeling so great, couldn't get warm.
I chatted with everyone and then made the long drive home.

the numbers:
8 place in age group (of 58)
62 female



Lisa, David, and me

Great day for racing
Michele

4 for 6

Of my last 6 workouts, 4 have been inside. The good news, none of them were on the dreadmill.
Saturday was a one hour trainer ride
Sunday a two hour trainer ride in the morning and 1750 yard swim in the afternoon
Monday 8.82 miles run OUTSIDE. It was cold but great to be outside.
Tuesday was back on the trainer. It was suppose to be a 2 hour ride but I guess I used up all my mental toughness on that 20 mile treadmill run because I gave up after 1:38.
Wednesday back outside for another cold run. 10 miles at PMP.
Today 1 hour on the trainer and 1750 in the pool.

Tomorrow morning I will be on the trainer again then swimming after work.

Tom King half marathon is Saturday. The forecast sucks. Major rain. Wonder if they will let me run it on a treadmill?????

Another Long Run Friday

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Splat, Splat, Splat

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Alarm goes off, I hear rain on the sky light, another long run on the treadmill!!!

So, I got the kids to school and myself to the Rec Center.

The FIRST plan called for 20 miles at PMP+(30-45 seconds).

I ran the first 6 at 9:50, the second 6 at 9:40, the third six at 9:30, and then I kept bumping it down for the last two. I ended up with an overall pace of 9:38.

As I was slowing it down when I finished, the man next to me said “Wow, does that say 81 laps? How far did you walk? I have never seen anything like that before. Why are you walking so far?”
I told him I was training for a race.
He asked “Are you going to win? Are you the best?”
LOL

They are calling for 3-5” of snow tonight. Guess it is going to be a trainer ride tomorrow. Bring on spring already!!!!

Flexible

My body is tired. I did not hitting pace on my speed work Monday or my tempo run today. My bike Tuesday went well but it was suppose to be slower. Tomorrow the plan calls for a bike and a swim. I am skipping them and resting. I have a 20 miler on schedule for Friday, which might have to be done on the treadmill AGAIN!!! Yuck. More adjustments will be made next week to prepare for the Tom King half marathon. Flexible-I am trying!

Long Weekend

This training plan is going to kill me!!! My last rest day was February 21st and my next one isn't scheduled until March 25th.

Since I last posted I have done:
1 hour Spinerval DVD
6 mile tempo run
45 minute trainer ride
18 mile treadmill run
61.25 mile bike outside
1 hour trainer ride

Just typing it make me tired all over.

The weather here has been all over the place. Wednesday I ran in the snow. It was a tempo run and I wasn't able to run as fast as I should have because of the ice.

Then Friday it was raining. The forecast didn't show any end in sight so I went to the Rec Center. I can't even tell you last time I ran inside. I debated between the track and the treadmill. I finally decided that I could not deal with having to run around all the social walkers and grabbed the only open treadmill. 18 miles and a reminder of just how much I hate running inside.

Saturday was beautiful out. I had a 4 hour ride on schedule and was glad to be able to ride outside. It was a little windy but the sun felt great. I rode 61.25 miles in 3:52:52. At that point I was home and could NOT sit on that bike a second longer.

It is beautiful again today but Ronnie was golfing so I did my one hour ride inside on the trainer.

It is suppose to start raining tomorrow and I even heard snowing on Tuesday. Looks like I still have some inside training ahead.

Techno Challenged

Hey guys, hoping someone out there can help me out. I tried to down load a couple of pod casts and am having trouble.

First, Tac and Bigun. I got Episodes 1 and 3 but 2 and 4 downloaded in a different format and my MP3 player doesn’t play it. How can I get them in MP3 format??

Second, Steve Runner has a pod cast about the FIRST program (#132). I am dying to hear it since that is the plan I am using. When I download it I only get the intro. Has anyone else been able to download it?

Thanks TacBoy 'n Bigun

I had a 3 hour bike on schedule for Saturday. It was too cold to ride outside so I put my bike on the trainer and downloaded all 4 episodes of TacBoy ‘n Bigun. For some reason only episode 1 and 3 made it on my MP3 player, but that provided me with entertainment for my first two hours. Thanks guys. And now I have #2 and #4 to listen to on my 18 mile run Friday.
I did manage to finish out the ride watching TV for that last hour. I ended up with 48.74 miles of riding to nowhere.

Yesterday was a scheduled rest day but I knew there was no way I would get both a run and swim in this morning. So I swam 2500 yards yesterday and saved my speed work for this morning.

About that speed work. I am not very speedy on a cold, dark, Monday morning. I did all 12x400’s but a few of them (three) were over 8:00 pace. The others I am calling good.

Running In the Rain

I have run in the rain dozens of times and not melted once. But there is something about starting out in the rain that I just can’t do. So when I hear rain outside, I reset the alarm and go back to sleep. I don’t hate running in the rain. Yeah, sure I would rather run when it is not raining. But then I would rather not run in the freezing cold or the blazing heat. If I start limiting the days I run to only the perfect running days, I won’t get much running in.

So last night I checked the forecast and it was calling for rain this morning but I was hoping they were wrong. I had a 13 miler and in order to get it done before work I needed to start at 4:00am. I set my alarm for 3:45 and set out running clothes.

3:45 this morning I hear the rain. I cuss a few choice words and reset my alarm for 6:00. Then I just laid there trying to figure out how I could go to the Rec center when they opened at 5, run 13 miles, drive home, get the kids ready for school, and still get to work on time. But I just don’t run that fast. By 4:30 I didn’t hear rain. I jumped out of bed, changed, and was out the door in a flash.

I made it 7 miles before the rain started again. By mile 12 it was a downpour with the wind blowing the rain sideways. I was 100 yards from my house, my nice dry house, but I made that last loop of my neighborhood, 13 miles in 2:00:27. 9:16 pace right on target.

I was running late due to the late start and had to rush everyone along. If I would have just got up the first time, I would have still had to run in the rain but I wouldn’t have had the stress of rushing everyone out the door this morning. Maybe next time I will just get it done.

No Speed

Today my FIRST program called for speed work. After the way my legs felt on Saturday’s run, I decided that speedwork was not the best idea.
My half iron program called for 1700 yard swim and 45 minute run. PERFECT.
So I got up at 4:30 this morning and headed to the Rec Center. First I ran 7 miles at a 9:30 pace (definitely not speed work) then I swam 1750 yards. Today’s swim was over a minute faster then yesterdays 1750 yards. Now granted yesterday’s swim was one of my slowest, but the fact that I could swim faster today after running makes me feel like I am recovered. Good thing, I have a very busy week including a 13 mile run and a 3 hour ride. Sure hope the weather forecast holds, I would much rather do that 3 hours on the road then the trainer.

First Run

Today was my first run since the marathon. I didn't think I was going to make it. My legs have felt fine all week but boy did they scream during that first mile. I tried to take the less flat route, preparing for CMM. My half iron program called for 1:30 run. I ran 9 miles in 1:27 and called that close enough.

I have not spent the week eating bon bons.
Ok maybe one or two on Monday, but Tuesday I hit the pool. 2500 yards.
Wednesday was the No Slackers Spinervals DVD, Thursday back at the pool for 3500 yard and then back on the bike Friday for 1:30 of the Tough Love Spinervals.

Tomorrow my schedule has a rest day but I think I am going to swim. I need the pratice. Plus I am in a month long tri challange and the only thing I haven't met the goal in is the swim.

The Voice of Reason

I have thought about it and thought about it. But in the end I have decided NOT to go to New Orleans. I just can’t justify spending that kind of money when there is going to be a marathon here in April, that I got a $15 off coupon code for in B’ham. Plus New Orleans would be a fly down Saturday morning and fly home Sunday night trip, alone. Country Music is here. I will know people, have friends, and if David can stand running with me for that long again, have a running partner. Sure CMM isn’t “flat and fast” but I will just continue training hills and maybe I will be ready. It seems fitting the CMM was my first marathon, it should be the one I break 4 hours on too.
So, I am going to figure out how many weeks I have, where that puts me in the FIRST program, and how I am going to fit half iron training in too.

Mercedes Marathon

I drove down to Birmingham Saturday afternoon and meet up with David and his wife at the expo. After the quick tour of the offerings, we went back to the hotel.

We meet back up for dinner at 5:15. I had a great meal at Macaroni Grill that got me good and carb loaded.

I enjoyed the quite of my hotel room then got to bed early. Unfortunately, I had some partiers staying across the hall. They slammed their door from midnight until 3am. I don’t know why they had to go in and out so much.

I got up early and ate some oatmeal, a boiled egg, and an apple. I managed to refrain from slamming my door multiple times for revenge. I got dressed and met David to walk over to the race start.

We got there in plenty of time and claimed a spot in the starting chute next to the fencing and just chilled until start time.

When they told us to line up, we got with the 4:15 pacer. She was super fun and paces just about every weekend. What a job. We hung with her for the first couple of miles then we got a little ahead. We had our plan and were sticking to it.

The first big hill came at about mile 5, a one mile long climb. It was long but not too steep. I still felt great at the top.

At the full/half split, we took at hard right and up a short steep climb. But then it was down, down, down hill. We made up a lot of time then.

After that we hit a paved running trail. It was mostly flat and about 2.5 miles long. A sub 4 was looking possible, we were a minute off target and feeling good still.

Then it was through a mall parking lot and we hit mile 16. Still feeling good and still on track for a sub 4.

Once we left the mall, we hit some neighborhoods that had rolling hills. It felt like we had a lot more up then down and my legs were really feeling it now. The sub 4 was slipping out of reach. I was hoping for a PR by that point.

The BIG HILL came at mile 21. It was a mile and a half climb. There were a lot of cars lined up to turn on the road so we had to run single file. When we finally got past the cars and David was back next to me, I told him I couldn’t make. We walked a few yards then started right back running. There was a cop and I asked if that was the top, he said just right around the curve. He meant curves and finally we were at the top. The downhill was steep and this time it hurt. My legs were screaming with each step but I was letting gravity do as much work as possible.

At the bottom of the hill, I still had 2.5 or 3 miles to go. It was basically flat but into the wind. I saw the chances of a PR slip out of reach too.

Mile 25 people were handing out beer. I knew I wasn’t going sub 4 and I wasn’t going to PR, so I took a beer. It was good. I headed off for my final 1.2.

They had a very long finish chute and just as I entered, the guy in front of me was joined by his ENTIRE family and everyone else he knew. I couldn’t get around them for my final kick. Not that it mattered by this point, 5 or 10 seconds couldn’t save me.

I got my super cool medal and finishers shirt, 2 orange slices, and a bottle of water.

David crossed the line just behind me with an awesome PR!!!

David and I got our picture made then went inside. David and his wife left soon after that and I went to the food and beer lines. I found the Manchester crew. They all did super awesome with PR’s all around.

I hung out for a little while then walked back to my car and made the long drive home. I thought about New Orleans the whole way. I am still trying to figure out how to make that trip work. I know that I am trained for a sub 4 now. I am afraid if I wait until after Ironman I will be starting over.

Official results are posted
10k-59:21
15k-1:27:21
25k-2:23:52
30k-2:52:59
final-4:07:45

10th of 32 in AG
342 overall

I Can't Stop Thinking About It

I got a flyer for this while in Birmingham. It is all I could think of on the 3 hour drive home.

They have extend on-line registration until the 13th.

Southwest Airline has cheap airfare.

Now I just gotta figure how to get my husband to go along with the idea!!!!!

It was not pretty but i finished unofficial time 4:07:45 Ouch
Michele

Sleeping In Could Become Addictive

So, I was able to get Monday’s speed work done Monday evening. It was pretty windy and my splits made it very obvious when I was running into the wind and with the wind. But overall, I am happy with the run.

Yesterday, I slept in again. I did manage a 16-mile trainer ride at about noon, plus some abs.

This morning I got woke up at 4 by the storm. I did not reset my alarm, just hoped it would finish in the next hour and went back to sleep. Alarm went off at 5 and it was still raining. Now I could have gotten up and gone to the Rec center and run my 3 miles on the track or treadmill, but I went for the sleeping in option again. I will get those 3 miles in this afternoon/evening. That will be my last run before Birmingham!!!

Final Week

Well here it is, less then a week until my marathon. And what did I do this morning??? Slept in!! The alarm went off at 4:30, I heard rain. So I reset the clock for 6:00 and went back to sleep. Now I am going to have to get in my last speed work tonight and it is still raining!!! I just might do some shifting. Trainer ride tonight and speed work in the morning. Sounds better then trying to do speed work on the "walking track" at the Rec Center.

Yesterday we didn't have swim practice because of a meet. So I had to swim on my own. I did 3000 yards.

Saturday was a tri buddy's 50th b-day so we celebrated by doing a 50 minute run, 50 minute swim, and a 50 minute bike. We went a little long on the run and bike but had to get back. Ended up with 6 miles running, 1 mile swimming, and 18.5 miles riding. We had great weather and a lot of fun.

Friday was my last long run. I did 10 miles. Ran from my house up Cracker Barrel Hill and to the top of Jail Hill. Then I turned around and headed home. I think my pace was 9:05. That was my last hill run before Birmingham.

Thursday I did a very slow easy trainer ride while watching TV. Didn't want to wear out those legs.

This week I am not pushing too hard. Going to get in my last two runs, a trainer ride, and a swim. Then I am taking Friday and Saturday OFF!!! I don't have big hopes for Birmingham but no point going there with tired legs.

I Look Like a 9 year Old Boy

A friend called me last night to tell me her parents saw me leaving the Rec Center yesterday morning. It was cold and I had been swimming, so I had on a huge sweatshirt and a toboggan. Their conversation went something like this:

Mrs.: Hey look, there’s Michele
Mr.: That’s not Michele, that’s her son
Mrs.: No it’s not, that is Michele. Look she is getting in the driver’s side
Mr.: That is NOT Michele
Mrs.: It is too. See she is driving off. Her son is 9, he can’t drive
Mr.: Oh, man something is wrong with Michele

I guess I have been doing so much of my son’s homework; I am turning into a 3rd grader.

39 or 9, I have still been getting my workout in and finishing all the homework. Both have been a struggle.
Saturday-rest day
Sunday- one hour of Have Mercy Spinervals, abs, and swim class.
Monday-7.35 mile speed work and abs. 2 mile warm up, 5x 1k (1:30 rest interval), 1 mile cool down. I missed pace on all the 1K’s so I was disappointed in myself.
Tuesday-swim 2500 yards and abs
Wednesday-6 mile tempo and abs

TGIF and it is date night!!!

Ronnie and I have not been out w/o kids in months. So when two of my friends called yesterday to tell me that another friend’s band is playing tonight, I got right on the phone to find a sitter. Can’t wait!!!!

But in the mean time...I got up at 4:30 this morning and ran . It was 11 degrees. BRRRRR. Shot bloks frozen again, but not my eye lashes.

Plan called for 13 miles at marathon pace.

No easy route for me, nooooooooo! I had to include Cracker Barrel Hill, Jail Hill, and Sage Hill. Gotta get ready for Birmingham.

Even with those hills I managed to finish in 1:58:01, 9:05 pace.

Have a great weekend everybody!!

Still Here

I am still here just busier then normal keeping my head above water.

Last night I was looking for the piece of paper that I had written down my reservation for the hotel for the half iron I am doing in May. Trying to get a little organized and get all my race info in one spot. I couldn’t find it anywhere. Plus, I didn’t even know where I booked. So I got on the race site and called the host hotel. They didn’t have anything for me, so I called another hotel listed, they didn’t know me either. I turned the house upside down looking for that little scrap of paper with the hotel name and my confirmation number.
Finally I went back in my cell phone to the calls placed and found where I had called a GA area code. I called that number and found out I had booked the Fairfield Inn. I don’t know where I got them from and after checking on line decided they were too far away from the race site, they will have free beer after the race. So I called the host hotel back and booked a room, then call the Fairfield back and cancelled my reservation there. I wrote all this down on a piece of paper and stuck it in my “race drawer”.
All this kept me up way later then I wanted to be so when the alarm went off this morning I hit snooze then had to drag myself out of bed.
I went to the pool and swam 1750 yards; slowly I think it was 38:36. But right now I am really working on my form and hope speed will come.

Since I last posted workout have been:
Saturday- 30 mins on trainer, abs and push-ups
Sunday- swim class 2400 yards
Monday-speed day 8 x 800 with 1:30 RI. I hate 800’s. I ended up with 7.86 miles.
Tuesday-1 hour easy spin on trainer and abs
Wednesday- 5 miles and toning class

The homework situation is out of control. My 3rd grader has 3 tests today and it is a short week. So we spent a couple hours going over reading vocabulary, science and spelling to get ready. My 2nd grader has an easier week and only has a spelling test tomorrow but she is really struggling with the words this week and we spent at least an hour working on those.

I am WAY behind reading blogs and I miss you guys. I hope to catch up soon.

Too Much Homework

I knew that when the kids returned to school after Christmas break they would be stepping up the intensity, but man, I didn't think it would be this bad!!! After all, they are only in 2nd and 3rd grade.
So we have had HOURS of homework every night this week. Add AR reading and there has been little time for fun!
Wednesday night we got some snow and I actually hoped school would be canceled just so we could have one night without homework. But for once just the mention of snow did not close school here and Thursday night turned out to be the worst homework wise.

Well despite all the homework, I have managed to squeeze in my workouts.

Tuesday I did an hour on my trainer. I had planned to ride outside but first I wanted to finish painting my bedroom. I ran out of paint and had to go to Tullahoma to get more. That was an hour and a half that I had not worked into my schedule that day. So trainer riding it was.

Wednesday was an 8 mile run at 4:30am. It was suppose to be at planned marathon pace. I don't have big plans for Birmingham but would still like to get my training in based on a 4 hour marathon. Failed. I can blame the cold, the early hour, the dark, the diet I am on...or I can just face the truth. I didn't give it my all. 8 miles in 1:16:09, 9:31 pace.

Wednesday evening was swim class in Brentwood. Drill sergeant Dee pushed us hard. We did some great drills. And by the end, I swam 2450 yards. Not to shabby for me. Nice to know I can still do that.

Thursday I took a rest day and prepared for my long run.

Friday long run day!!! 20 miles at marathon pace + 30 seconds. It was 8:45 before I got out the door but it was a PERFECT running day. 30 degrees and sunny. I took Clif Shot Bloks every mile until I just couldn't stand the sweet any longer (about mile 16). When I got to mile 20 I spit out the one I had had in my cheek for 4 miles. I didn't hit goal but got very close. 3:13:44, 9:41 pace. I will take that.

I have a 13 mile run next week and an 8-10 mile the following week then it is race day! Downhill from here.

Speedy Monday

I got up at 4:15 this morning for my 8 miles of speedwork. Ugg, I hate early Monday morning speed training!!!! And this morning it wasn't any easier getting myself going. It was a cold 27 degrees. But cold gear kept me warm (well not frozen). I did a 2 mile warm up followed by 10 x 400 with 400 rest interval. The pace for the 400s looked like this 8:15, 7:37, 7:59, 7:49, 7:46, 7:50, 7:49, 7:28, 7:51, and 7:27. I did a one mile cool down and called it good. Total time 1:22:49, 10:22 pace. I walked the start of each 400 RI to get my heart rate back down, then jogged before kicking it up for the next 400, this killed my overall pace. As you can see, I had a hard time in the beginning getting a feel for the pace, and in the end just left it all out there.
Hoping for good weather tomorrow so I can take my bike for a spin, otherwise it will be some trainer riding. Either way it will be done on the old painful saddle. Ouch!

Racing Daylight

Yesterday Ronnie got a late start on golf due to the frost, so he was late getting home. Therefore, I didn't get out on my bike until 3:45. I almost didn't get my 20 miles in before dark.

Standing in my driveway I was too warm in my l/s jersey and jacket so I took off the jacket. I thought about taking off the gloves but worried that my fingers would get cold in the wind.

Boy am I glad I kept the gloves and I sure missed the jacket. Next time, I am going with first instinct.

After 3 rides on the new bike, I have determined that a new seat is REQUIRED. I place my order on Performance Bike this afternoon. Hope it solves my "soft tissue" issues.

Today I did a 1750 yard swim. Still no record break speed but steady.

BIG CONGRATS to Lana. She got her much deserved and hard fought for sub 4 today. You rock girl.

I chose to run

Last night was my turn to host Bunko. So yesterday, after dropping the kids at school, I went to Wal-mart to buy the stuff to make. When I got home, I looked around my house. It was not "company ready". I really needed to dust, mop the kitchen, pick up Lego's...but I also needed to run 17 miles.
I debated about it for a few minutes then changed and ran. 17 miles in 2:48:18.
I don't know what has happened to those nice 9:15 paced runs but yesterday I was just glad to be done.
It was colder then I thought so it took a while to warm up. The sun only made a few brief appearances, otherwise it was cloudy and windy. I had a few run ins with dogs but the biggest, scariest dog just stood in his yard and watched me run by. My nose ran the entire time. I have never had to deal with so much snot.
After running, I got cleaned up, got the kids, and cooked.
The Bunko group got there. They had to walk around Lego's but I got my run in so it was worth it.

Toast

Man, my legs are toast!

I have been trying to include more hills in my running this week and I am paying for it. But the good news is...I think I have just about kicked this cough.

The week didn't start out so good...
Sunday I ran 6 miles on the nice flat route by my house. Then I made the long haul to Brentwood for swim class. It was sign up day and it was packed. It was great to be back and I really look forward to making a lot of improvement on my swim this year.

But Sunday night I didn't sleep well and coughed all night.

Then Monday morning, it was warmer out and I couldn't stop coughing. I made it 1.1 miles then threw in the towel. I felt like crap all day.

Monday night I slept much better.

Tuesday morning, I ran from my house up Cracker Barrel Hill, up Jail Hill and up Thrill Hill. I had planned on a 12 mile out and back, but at the top of Thrill Hill I was only at about 5.5. There was an alarm going off in the distance and it isn't the best part of town so I turned around anyway. To make up the distance, I ran down Jail Hill and turned around and ran right back up it. Back down and then back to home.

This morning, I drove to the Rec Center then ran a 5 mile loop that included running up Jail Hill and up Sage Hill. After the run, I went to toning class. My legs were so tired the squats just about killed me!!

Trouble

Wednesday night I took some Mucinex D and told Ronnie that if I got any sleep I was working out in the morning.
The Mucinex worked so I got up at 4:30 and headed to the Rec Center.
I saw Tim in the parking lot. He told me I was crazy to run outside, his truck said it was 8 degrees. I told him mine said 13. Turns out mine didn't have enough time to get the actual outside temp in the 4 mile drive over there and Tim's truck was closer. Actual was 10.
I was really cold at first. As I huffed and puffed my way up jail hill, I could feel the moisture from my breath forming ice on my eye lashes. My eye lashes just kept getting heavier during the five miles. When I got back to my car at the Rec Center, I looked like Tammy Faye Baker.
I went inside to swim. The water felt really warm on my frozen body. I knocked out 1750 yards a minute faster then last week. Still not breaking any speed records.

Last night both of the kids had a friend spend the night so I ordered pizza. I got myself a calazone to prepare for my long run.
The Mucinex didn't help as much last night and I was up quite a bit hacking. The alarm went off at 4:30. I got up, went to the bathroom, and got right back in bed. I laid there for a minute thinking. It will be warmer later today, I can take the kids to day camp and run then. But they both had friends over and I hated to have to take them home just so I could run. Tomorrow is going to be 60, it would be so much better to run then. Ronnie will be golfing, when will I squeeze in 16 miles? I ate that calazone last night, I can't eat like that and then not run. So I then I got my butt out of bed and ran.
It was warmer then yesterday, in the teens. But I was struggling. I didn't want to be out there in the cold and dark. I made excuses. I am sick, I didn't get enough sleep, It's cold, It's dark... I didn't have a route planned and was just going by the seat of my pants. Mile 4 had me in Baker Heights. I got a plan. From here I could run Cracker Barrel Hill. Then I could compare it to the hills in Birmingham. New motivation. I was excited to be running now.
I made it up the hill, down interstate drive and a short out and back on 41. I beeped 8 miles. I turned around and headed back.
I was running out of excitement now. I ate a shot block, which freeze in your pocket when it is in the teens.
I felt a little better.
I trudged on. I ate a few more shot block ice cubes and finally made it home.
It wasn't my best 16 miles but it is 16 miles in the bank.
I started hacking as soon as I walked in the house. Took a couple more Mucinex and am hoping for a nap in a little while.
In the meantime, I pluged Garmin into the laptop and got the profile from todays run. I compared it to the profile for the Mercedes Marathon. I am in TROUBLE. While Cracker Barrel Hill is a little steeper it is only about a tenth of a mile. Mercedes has 2 hills that are each a mile climb. OUCH!!!!

Happy New Year

We finally finished Christmas this weekend at my in-laws. Good times were had and way too much food was eaten.
I did manage to get in a 6 mile run on the hills Sunday morning before everyone else got up.
Monday I was starting to feel sick (a gift from my daughter) so I skipped my run.
Tuesday I met Mike and we rode the Normandy loop. It was sunny and about 37 but there were also 20 mph winds. Made for a tough ride. My bike did great.
The coughing got worse all day yesterday. And then last night I didn't get much sleep. So I decided to skip the run this morning. Good thing too. At 8:00, on my way to work, it was still only 18 degrees. Brrrr!!!!
I am still hacking away. But I hope to be able to get in a 5 mile run and a swim tomorrow before my long run on Friday.

Click, Click, Click

With the end of the year just a few days away, so is the deadline for early registration for a lot of races.
So this afternoon, I clicked my way into some of those races.

My race schedule for 08 is really shaping up.

On tap and paid for:

Feb 10 - Mercedes Marathon

March 15 - Tom King Half Marathon

May 18 - Memphis in May Triathlon

May 31 - Coliseum's Rock 'N RollMan Half Iron

June 28 - McMinnville City Triathlon

And of course Ironman Florida on Nov 1, that I paid for a few weeks ago.

I still have a few other races planned but they didn't have a Dec 31 price increase so I am holding onto my money a little longer.

My credit card isn't the only thing that has gotten a workout. I have been running some this week too.

I redeemed my gift of flexibility and skipped Sunday's run and Tuesday's run. But I ran 10 miles on Monday, 9.5 on Wednesday, 5 on Thursday, swam 1750 yards on Thursday and ran 13 this morning. Flexibility came into play again this morning. It started to rain at 11 miles and after 2 miles I had enough and cut the run 2 miles short.

We have two more Christmas celebrations this weekend, calling for a little more flexibility, and then it is hard core training to get ready for this exciting 08 I have paid for!!!

FINALLY

Today I finally rode my bike!!! Actually, I rode her yesterday, but that was just one time around the block with the kids. Didn't get a good feel for her. But today, I did a Spinervals DVD and put her to a good hard workout. I think a new saddle is in my future. I am going to give this one a few more rides but today it was OUCH!!! I still can't wait to get her out on the open road but I am a wimp and don't do cold and/or windy riding. Might be spring before I get her outside :(

In complete contrast to my joyful riding, yesterday I had a BAD run!!! I got up at 5:00. It was pitch black again. No stars, no moon. I was jumpy again. I wish running scared = running fast. But it didn't. When Garmin beeped one mile, I was shocked. What only one? How can that be? I almost turned around and went home. I wasn't feeling the love. I made a deal with myself. It was suppose to be a 13 mile run, but if I would just continue I would cut it short with just the 8 mile loop. 8 miles never felt so LONG!!! I even had to run past my house to hit 8 miles but I did it. It wasn't the scheduled 13 but it was better then 2.

Thursday's 5 at 5 was much better. Mike had emailed he would be there but then sent me a text that he couldn't make it. No one else had said they would be running so I just headed out when I got to the rec center. I was about 400 feet into my run when I got a text from Holly saying she was on her way. I turned around, reset Garmin, and stretched waiting for her. We had a great run. I was glad to have company on a run again. Running alone sucks (almost as much as getting old). After the run I swam 1750 yards, couldn't talk Holly into joining me. I felt good in the water. I was slow but I am really trying to get my form right before I start going to swim class again in January.

I know there are going to be some missed runs in the next few days, but I am not stressing over it. It is my Christmas present to myself, flexibility!!!

Older = Slower

Because of the USAT age up rule I have been saying I am 39 since May, but today it became official. And apparently being older has made me slower. Monday morning I got up at 4:15, after Sunday evening's Girl's Night Out, and ran 9 miles in 1:27:29. Then this morning I got up at 4:15 and ran 9 miles in 1:31:04. And that was after only half a glass of wine and going to bed at a decent hour.
Getting old sucks!!!
Well, not totally. There are the presents.
And I got the best one this year, thanks daddy!!!!
Monday evening I made the long haul up to Goodletsville to Acme Multi Sport and picked up my bike. They are totally awesome up there and my bike is SWEET!!!! I am dying to ride it. I had hoped to at least get on the trainer yesterday, but with work, going to Wal-mart to get party food and treat bags, putting together treat bags, and reading with the kids so that they could get their required AR points for the week, I just never had time. Maybe this weekend.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Got a call from the bike shop yesterday. My new bike is in!!!! I am so excited. Plus, the ebay auction on my old bike ended this morning. I am hoping to get the payment before tomorrow afternoon so that I can go after work and get the new bike and have the old bike packed and shipped to its new owner. Hope they take good care of her, she served me well.

So while I wait on my bike, I run. This morning it was COLD, WINDY, and SNOWING!!! Ok, not up north kind of snow, but there was white stuff falling from the sky. I ran my six mile loop in 56:04, 9:21 pace.

9 Years Already?!?!?

Happy Birthday to my little man. I can't believe it has been 9 years already. Don't blink!!!

Since it is my son's birthday and birthdays mean cake, I got up at 4:30 this morning to run. I was greeted by the return of December weather. Cold and wet. No problems, I had my cold gear and stayed nice and toasty. I knocked out 10 miles at just under a 10:00/mile pace.
It was my first totally alone run in the dark on the back country roads in quite some time. I was jumpy. It was PITCH. BLACK. No moon, no stars. I jumped at every sound. I was sure the coyotes were going to come eat me and no one would know where to look for the remains. But alas, I made it home safe and sound. And burned enough calories that I didn't feel too guilty stopping by Starbucks on the way to work. Guess I will skip the cake after all.

Running in the Rain

I made it through 18 weeks of training and never had to miss a run due to rain, run in the rain, or run inside due to rain. So here it is post marathon and what do I get??? Running in the rain.
At least I wasn't alone. We had a big group this morning. 8 in all. We ran the 3 mile loop and at the end it started to rain. Some quit after 3, some went out for another 4, but I just did the 2 mile loop. I got soaked. At least it was still warm, about 65 at 5am. Crazy!
After the run, I went inside to swim. I came really close to calling my run a swim but since I was soaked I wanted to at least change into something dry to drive home. So if I was going inside to change, might as well swim. I only swam 1000 yards but I am still in the "something is better then nothing" mood for swimming.

Another Step Closer

I got up at 4:30 this morning and went to the Rec Center to met Tracy for a 30 minute run. I got there a few minutes before 5 and Tim was in the parking lot getting ready to run too. We talked about his marathon in Memphis and mine in Huntsville and then Birmingham came up. A bug in his ear, now Tim is thinking about it too.

Tracy showed up right on time. We ran the loop through town. A nice social run. Then I went to toning class where the instructor really focused on abs. It was a good class and felt good. I needed it.

The problem with putting a bug in someone else ear, it make you think about it even more. So tonight, I booked a room. I have NOT signed up for the marathon but I am as good as there now. David has booked his room too. Lisa is thinking aobut it. Lana is thinking about it. I see some hill training in my future!!!!

Birmingham?!? Maybe!!!

Hey, thanks for all the positive feedback about the idea of taking on another marathon so soon. And also for the heads up about Birmingham. It might not be a sub 4 course but just to run it without dying would make me feel better about it.

This morning I got up at 5:40 and run my normal 6 mile loop. My legs felt fine. I just might be able to handle another marathon before kicking it over to Iron training.

A Bug in the Ear

Yesterday I was so tired. I didn't do much of anything and even took a nap.

I went to bed early and got up at 5:40 this morning and hit the pool. I swam 1500 yards. Actually, I really hope I counted wrong because it took about 35 minutes. I felt good swimming and think my form has really improved. Looking forward to swim class in January and getting the coach's input.

Once I got to work, I got a call from JT. He ran Huntsville this weekend too. He also had a disappointing run. He put a bug in my ear. A marathon in Jackson, Mississippi January 5th. A chance to redeem myself. I KNOW I am in the best shape of my life. But another marathon in a month. Is it possible?

Training for the Gulf Coast Half Iron officially starts Dec 23rd. I am not planning on starting until January 1st. December is suppose to be my recovery. IMFL is the focus for 08. But is it possible???

Rocket City Marathon

I got up at 4:30 and was on the road by 5.
It misted a few times on the drive down and it was already 60 degrees.
The drive wasn't bad and as soon as I got there, I got a text from Lisa offering the use of her bathroom.
Tom and Wayne also went to Lisa room and the four of us hung out for a while.
David called and we set up a meeting place.
I meet up with David and we headed to the start line.
At the start line we found Joe, Darrell, and Wes.
We looked for Lana but didn't see her.
They made all the announcements and then we were off.
The plan was a negative split, just like all my long runs.
First mile was 9:13. It sprinkled on us a little.
We found Lana in the second mile. 9:07
My Garmin started beeping before the mile markers.
Lana commented on how high her heart rate was and David said his was a little high too. I told them I knew mine was high but was afraid to check. I finally gave in. This is when I knew I was in trouble. My heart rate was already 173.
Miles 3, 4, 5, and 6 were 9:08, 9:10, 9:10, 9:23.
We saw Lana's mom and dad and Holly at mile 6.
My heart rate continued to climb and I continued to run
7-9:02, 8- 9:20, 9:07, 10-9:18, 11-9:13, 12-9:20, 13-9:42, 14-9:48, 15-9:29
My heart rate got to 186 and I sent David on. I HAD to walk and try to get control.
Lana caught back up with me while I was walking. She was not feeling good. We walked and jogged the next few miles. 16-10:50, 17-11:23, 18-10:50.
Holly and Lana's parents were just after 18. Lana gave her dad her fuel belt, she couldn't drink the OS that had worked so well on all our long runs. Holly joned us.

19-13:32
I got my heart rate back down to 144. So I started jogging again. It didn't take long and it was right back up to 174. I walked to bring it down then jogged. This is how I finished the race. 20-10:15, 21-11:39, 22-11:28, 23-13:54, 24-13:50
With a mile and a half to go, I saw Lana's parents again. Lana's mom asked if I wanted something to drink. I declined but this guy next to me asks "you giving away that Coke?" He ran over to her and took the Coke she was drinking and finished it. This is him:
25-13:04
They had to stop traffic for me as I approached the one mile to go marker. I told the police to just let them run me over. I also told the one mile to go time announcer that I didn't want to know the time. He said "You don't what to know? You don't want to know that is it" Then he tells me the time. I don't remember what it was but I knew then that this was going to be slower then my first marathon.
26-12:03
my garmin reports 0.47 miles in 5:06, 10:53.
I crossed the line and the lady gave me my medal and asked "Are you alright?, Do you want to stand to have your chip removed? Do you want some water? Do you know where the medical tent is?" I just kept nodding. I didn't think she was going to let me go. I went back to cheer Lana in and found Darrell.
I took a shower and stayed for about 30 minuted of the awards. I was tired of sitting and knew I still had a hour and a half drive home. If they pulled my name for the $500, I don't even want to know about it.
Official time-4:36:47 And I am alright with it. Not want I wanted, not what I trained for, but I was so glad to just finish.

This Is It

Well, this is it...I have followed the plan, done the training. Now it is time to put my body to the test.
I don't know if I have a sub 4 hour in me but I am going to give it my all and just be happy when I cross that finish line.

I finished up this week with a 6 mile recovery run Monday morning. 58:15, 9:43 pace. It was harder then it should have been.

Tuesday morning was a "dress rehearsal". 7 miles with 2 at marathon pace. 1:03:53, 9:08 pace. The two pace miles were done in 8:38 and 8:33. Much too fast. Hope I can do a better job of pacing myself tomorrow.

Wednesday was a rest day.

Thursday was 5 miles with 6 x 100. 46:04, 9:12 pace

This morning was my last 4 mile recovery run. I ran it at 5, just doing loops of my neighborhood. 37:36, 9:25 pace.

I am leaving in the morning at about 4:30-5:00. It is about an hour and a half to two hour drive. Start time is 8am.

I have done all I can do, now it is time to go and enjoy the race.

Final Countdown

Yesterday was my final long run before the marathon. 12 miles.
Ronnie golfed so it was after 3 before I got to run.
Lana had run hers earlier in the day and set the bar high with a 9:02 overall pace.
I started slow with the first mile in 9:31. I knew then that I wouldn't be touching Lana pace.
It was warm but windy.
I listened to Steve Runner's podcast about his latest marathon. I was heart broke, along with Steve, when he just missed his sub 4 goal. I know that feeling!
I finished my 12 in 1:50:40, 9:13 pace.

Good news...The forecast for Saturday in Huntsville has improved:
I am sure it will still change several more times but so far this one is the best I have seen.

Like Trimama, I am a holiday separatist. Thanksgiving comes AFTER Halloween and Christmas Season doesn't start until Black Friday. At my house we have to make things even a little more complicated by throwing in our anniversary and 2 birthdays. I have trained my family well. Birthday gifts come in birthday paper, unless it is a REALLY big gift there are no combo deals, and there must be a separate celebration for the birthday.
So my dad (being well trained after many years) called yesterday and wanted to know if I could bring the kids and meet him at Toys R Us in M'boro today so that my son could pick out his birthday present. He did the same thing back in July for my daughter. My son had a great time picking out Lego's.


My dad had already told me he was going to get me the HED H3 wheels I want for my birthday. Then the other night Ronnie told me that instead of wheels I should just take the money and use it toward a new bike that he would get me for my birthday/Christmas (I think that is big enough to combo).
So I email my dad with the idea. Then I started to feel guilty. We really don't need to spend that kind of money for a new bike right now. So I emailed my dad back and told him forget it, I just wanted the wheels.
Well...today my dad asked me what I was going to do about the bike/wheel deal. I told him I was unsure. I want a new bike and hope to get one someday, I just never thought Ronnie would support the idea. The problem with the wheels is they would be 650s and any new bike I get would most likely have 700s. So getting wheels says I am keeping my bike. Am I ready to make that commitment?
Then we took the kids to see Santa. I know that is not a birthday stuff, but we were in the big city so killed two birds.
While the kids were telling Santa what good kids they were, my dad wrote me a check.
I am officially shopping for new bike!!!! Happy early birthday to me!!
And just maybe, I can sell my QR kilo and use that money toward a set of HED H3's for my anniversary/birthday/Christmas combo from my husband.