tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76965412929622785462024-02-07T03:37:52.075-08:002011 RunnerFirst-time marathoner comes back after an injury to do it again. Continues to set goals never thought imaginable, achieving goals that once thought others were crazy for setting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-7496453683801240432012-01-01T11:20:00.000-08:002012-01-01T17:42:23.025-08:00The finaleOk, I fell asleep before the end of the new year. I didn't even run the last day of the year. This week was my best week of the month, however! I had a whopping 8 miles this week. It was fun to get out and run this week. Leaving behind the stress of school has really helped my attitude. I feel like I am ready to venture into a new year and attack the training as usual. I am really ready to do this with Bill, too.<br /><br />Weekly training mileage: 8 miles<br />Monthly training mileage: 14 miles<br /><br />Annual mileage: 817 milesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-67605583994423369902011-12-26T08:05:00.000-08:002011-12-26T08:13:45.906-08:00ReflectionOK, so I was looking back at my old blogs from the past couple of years and realized that I am just in a time of year when I get depressed. I need to be conscious of this so get myself over it! I have only run 6 miles this month and it's Christmas time! I wouldn't have run the first run 3 weeks ago if it weren't for Bill saying, "Get your clothes on; we're going running!" Then, yesterday Santa came and the kids were up at 4:30 so we had some extra time. I took Rachael out for a 3-mile run. Noelle came with us too. She said she wanted some running clothes to go with us so she came along for a couple miles. Rachael and I were really struggling to get through that small run. I guess we should, having not run for about 3 weeks. <div><br /></div><div>I feel like this is really pathetic that I'm at the end of the month and haven't even reached the double digits in mileage yet. Bill mentioned toward the end of his graduate class this month that he would like to run a half marathon with me this year so we should be good motivation for each other to get out and run.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first 3 1/2 weeks of December: 6 miles</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-67806410110633069362011-11-28T18:19:00.000-08:002011-11-28T18:21:56.271-08:00it's a slumpok I only ran 5 miles this week. Once I realized my calculating error, I lost all interest and motivation. This has taken a downward spiral to other areas as well. I need to get out now and get some confidence and excitement back to my life.<div><br /></div><div>weekly training mileage: 5 miles</div><div>monthly mileage: 28 miles</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-23097950234296666682011-11-12T07:48:00.000-08:002011-11-12T07:57:15.280-08:00goal realizationThis past week I counted up the mileage for the year and realized if I ran an average of 14 miles per week through the end of the year I could log 1000 miles this year. Hmmm, that is very doable. So I now have a new goal, something to work towards. It's not so insurmountable that it can't be done. In my "off" season I can easily run 14 miles each week.<div><br /></div><div>So, this didn't start off so great this week, but it definitely gives me a goal. It gives me the motivation I need start a run. Thursday I finally got in my first run of the week. Rachael and I went out for a few miles. I really wanted to do 5-8 miles so I didn't have to do so much Saturday or at least get a head start on the mileage. The run was so difficult that I stopped to walk around mile .75!! We did an Ethanol Loop and I stopped at that. It got better the longer we ran, but it was definitely not my best run ever. If Rachael wasn't with me, I probably wouldn't have finished the run.</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning I knew she would be gone to an Honor Band performance so I contacted some of my friends and wanted to take Bill with me too. I ended up only having one partner on the run. My shins have reappeared as a problem, but after a couple miles my heart, breathing, and pain settled down and I started to feel strong! At the end, we split up and she went home. I was one block from home with .25 miles into the next mile. I felt good so I finished off the mile for a total of 10 miles. I don't think I was strong enough to finish a marathon today, but it was a good 10 miles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Total weekly training mileage: 15</div><div>Monthly training mileage: 23</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-32060894562845986712011-11-05T07:21:00.001-07:002011-11-05T07:23:59.878-07:00Short and sweetHow can my life be so incredibly busy? I only ran once - today.<div><br /></div><div>I love to run to wake up the sun. I love to run through dry crunchy red, brown, orange, and yellow leaves. I love to run with good friends. I love to run with my family! I love to treat them to doughnuts at the end of the run. I just love to run.</div><div><br /></div><div>Weekly training run: 7 miles with friends, 1 mile alone, 1 mile with family = 9 miles</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-9743603518725208612011-10-30T13:56:00.000-07:002011-11-12T07:48:42.370-08:00Trial and ErrorWow, this week was full of great accomplishments, through a little trial and error. Yes, I've been messing with the laces and making changes. The best thing I did was remove the bungie laces and replace them with the old original laces. This made a world of difference! <div><br /></div><div>I tried a shorter, 5 mile run to start off the week and it was so much fun to run without my toe or foot falling asleep and becoming tingly. I was so glad I had changed the laces. Thursday Rachael and I went out for a fast 7 miles. OKOK, it wasn't fast, but it went by rather quickly. I was ready to be done. I got another nasty blood blister on a different toe. It wasn't as bad as the one from Quad Cities, but definitely owie! We surprisingly ran all seven within Jewell.</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning Bill, Rachael and I went out. My goal was 10 miles. I really really wanted to be in the double digits. I should be after the marathon by now. I have been so discouraged with my progress this fall. Today's run was really really hard; it was like the last 5-8 of a marathon. I was exhausted and just wanted to quit so many times. If I didn't have 2 other people with me I'm sure I wouldn't have finished this run. My watch battery almost died before we finished, too. I met my goal of 10 miles today so it was a success.</div><div><br /></div><div>Weekly training mileage: 22 miles</div><div>October mileage: 32 miles</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-72904525127412690642011-10-22T10:31:00.000-07:002011-10-22T10:35:10.234-07:00October recovery<div>Well, since the marathon I haven't run much as my toe has really been bothering me. Every time I go out for a run, I get to just under 3 miles and it starts throbbing. I have to try something different. I'm going to try to lace them backwards, put 2 "stoppers" at different places on the laces so that I can have 2 different tensions on the top and bottom of the shoe, and if all else fails, put the original laces back on. I completed 3, 3, and 4 mile runs. Each time it caused great discomfort. One Friday I even wore them to school and by the end of the day it was just as bad as if I had run 4 miles in them. :(</div><div><br /></div><div>Something has to change!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Weekly training mileage: 10</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-19574614821212133892011-09-30T02:07:00.000-07:002011-09-30T02:46:46.339-07:00Quad Cities MarathonGot my new shoes and went outside for a short 3 mile run. I really wanted to save some energy and rest my muscles for next weekend. They still felt great outside, but I think I will tighten up the laces a little more, just so I don't slide too much in them.<br /><br />The QC Marathon...<br />Yeah, that was rough! I thought it was quite miserable, but then looked at my time splits and it wasn't awful. I had an amazing start to the run! The first half I averaged probably 9:10 pace. Overall, I had like 18 miles that were less than 9:30 pace, two of which were less than 9:00. I was feeling so great that I really didn't feel like I was running. At mile 12 I thought I could seriously keep up that pace through the end! I was even having thoughts of perhaps Boston. That will still be off in the distance. I really had to consciously slow myself down, but that was the most I could do. I just wanted to go faster and faster!<br /><br />At mile 13ish we crossed over to the island and things started to break down from there. About mile 14 it started to sprinkle. OK, this isn't bad; it's always nice to have a cooling rain come in. By mile 15 it was a full downpour! I had rain running off the bill of my cap. It was awful. My blistered toes that started about mile 6 had now become full blown blisters and very painful. I thought I was going end up with a broken toe by the end it hurt so much. My body was screaming stop. My mind keep talking to it to keep going. I knew if I stopped I would not keep going. Yep, that's what happened. I was so upset with myself and it was everything I could do to keep going. I called Bill around 19 to let him know I was coming back over the bridge and nearing mile 20. I really needed and was longing for someone to run with me. Rachael ran 2 blocks with me and that was amazing (she gives me energy I didn't know I had), but I still ended up with 3 miles that were around 12 minutes. Mile 24 was the worst. I finished strong, however, with a 9:37 pace. Every step was pain, but I kept pushing through it to the end. While my time wasn't great (4:24:27), I did finish. I think I need to go back and conquer that course!<br /><br />The weirdest thing was that no one talked on the run. I felt like I was all alone on a training run. I stuck with the 4:10 pace group and everyone was VERY chatty at the start line. I thought, this will be great! Bob, the pacer was amazing! He was an older guy in his 60s and did not look like your typical runner, but he was the most consistent pacer I've ever run with. He had completed a few ultramarathons in recent years as well. Anyway, I tried to strike up some conversation with people along the route, but they just looked at me like I was highly annoying and what was I thinking talking to them?! sheez. I finally just kept to myself and continued running. Even at the end when things were tough and lots of people were walking, no one talked. There was one man from TX who I kept passing and I suggested we keep each other going and again tried to strike up a conversation, but nope. He decided to walk and fall behind to avoid me. I just couldn't believe it.<br /><br />By the finish line I had never been more happy to be done with a run!! I grabbed some fruit, met my curb crew and left for the van. I was defeated and just wanted to go home. When I got to the van, I immediately removed my shoes and socks. YIKES!!! I have never had blisters as bad as this. There were so many different variables this time. I was alone, no distractions, new shoes, bungie laces, rain, pouring rain!, fast pace, foot discomfort that I hadn't known.<br /><br />While I was quite discouraged with this run, it was really a great run for the first 19ish miles.<br />I wasn't able to wear regular shoes all week to allow my blisters to heal a bit. Here are some more pictures: <a href="http://bhphotoaday.blogspot.com/2011/09/quad-cities-marathon-249365.html">http://bhphotoaday.blogspot.com/2011/09/quad-cities-marathon-249365.html<br /></a><br />Weekly mileage: 29.2 miles<br />September total mileage: 100 milesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-50858005381815893252011-09-19T02:48:00.000-07:002011-09-19T02:55:21.152-07:00Ghost 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPdSI2_AHHVQlyhonuZhzEJqWdzNqnvW-K_1wWoct80ERjEr63ZTPzuWrRiyXOIFehil6FuH7vM0Am0edENJkvoEqkd9FNeXgNUMzdC6ZfgFL4bD51YTLTAXh0ZMuu-49wKDom4mB6jIS/s1600/ghost4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPdSI2_AHHVQlyhonuZhzEJqWdzNqnvW-K_1wWoct80ERjEr63ZTPzuWrRiyXOIFehil6FuH7vM0Am0edENJkvoEqkd9FNeXgNUMzdC6ZfgFL4bD51YTLTAXh0ZMuu-49wKDom4mB6jIS/s320/ghost4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654007045817482386" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>That's it! I NEED new shoes. 700 miles is just too many miles for my shoes. I went up to Runner's Flat to get some new ones, but they didn't carry my shoe anymore. They suggested another shoe that would be similar. It was one on my list so I tried it on, walked around, got on their treadmill a bit and it wasn't awful. I brought them home, walked around a little more, and then got on the dreadmill for 3 miles. It was like running on pillows! OK it might work. I'll run outside tomorrow.<div><br /></div><div>This week I was going to go 8-10 miles, but ended up going more like 11. The next day, I did an Ethanol Loop. I might be pushing it for the week before a marathon. My ankle really hurt so that prompted me to go to Cedar Falls.</div><div><br /></div><div>Total weekly training mileage: 16 miles</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-90769254399982000402011-09-11T05:36:00.001-07:002011-09-11T05:56:00.588-07:00Strong finishWow, this has been a GREAT! week. I feel like I am back to a strong, working body. I ended 20 miles last weekend and this weekend. I was disappointed that I read my watch wrong and only had like 19.25 miles rather than 20 miles last weekend so I felt obligated to get a full 20 in this week. <div><br /></div><div>I struggled finding someone to run with me so I was a little concerned that I couldn't really do it all by myself. I started by going to Ellsworth and back. I was visualizing the "big hill" at the beginning of Quad Cities and knew I had to do some hill work so I thought a big run with a hill at the beginning and then a few along the way would be a good practice for that. The hill didn't seem to big on that run. I know it's all a mental game we play on ourselves. Again, Bill ran the last 12 miles with me. It's nice to be able to talk to him and spend some time together. I think he is getting excited about how much he can really run. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday night I sat at my computer at 10:30 at night still contemplating the marathon. I finally bit the bullet and and pushed "register". I am ready; I am strong; I am a marathoner! This race has been calling me for quite some time now. I have really been intrigued by it and am excited to run it. I thought about signing up both Bill and I for the 1/2 marathon because I really think he can do it and would like the thrill of a race. Maybe next year we can do that or we can find one later this fall even. After Grandma's I seemed to recover much more quickly than last time so I am hoping the same will be true this time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last Monday and also this morning I got a 5 mile run completed. So, I technically had a 50-mile week if you calculate Sunday to Sunday. It feels great to be able to say that! If I had completed all my runs for the week however, it would have been more like 68 miles, but I'll take a 50 miler. That would be like running to Des Moines from home. Wow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some commentary on my shoes... I have run 675 miles so far this year, all in the same shoes. I really need to get new shoes. Running this past week, my ankle has started to hurt from it rubbing on the top of the shoe. I think the cushioning is just out of it. The problem: I am running a marathon in 2 weeks. How can I possibly think getting a new pair of shoes right now is a good thing? Darn it. Another variable: I'm thinking of getting a different brand of shoes that will probably throw things off as well. ergh, what to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>Weekly training mileage: 30 miles</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-35115635862413943722011-09-04T19:26:00.000-07:002011-09-04T19:38:18.083-07:00Am I ready for a marathon?There was intense heat again this week so I didn't get any of my runs in during the week, just the long run on the weekend. As usual, I was scheduled for a 20 mile run on Saturday. I woke up at 3:30ish and heard thunder is near distance. I knew if I had started, sometime within the 3 hrs I would have been hit by a storm. :( I went back to sleep. About 6:30 I woke up to more thunder coupled with lightening. Nope, guess I'll just have to wait for tomorrow. I checked the weather and realized it was going to rain all day long. Darn it.
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<br />That afternoon I started texting people to go run with me in the morning and found 3 people! I was so excited. When I started, it was a high of 52! That's about 40 degrees cooler than yesterday! yeah!! It was perfect running weather. About 90 min later we picked up Bill and then picked up Jill. The 4 of us headed out and J dropped off about mile 9. Jill dropped off about 14. Bill kept going and ran 12 miles - a record for him! I was so excited for him. It was a good run.
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<br />My watch was a little weird. When I picked up I had only run like 1/4 mile and I had to wait for her to be ready. I thought phooosha, what's 1/4 mile so I stopped it and then restarted the timer. I thought it cleared it out, but I think I just confused it because at the end when it noted "lap 20" it was really only 19.25 I didn't really get my 20 in as planned. I figure however that with the walking back to the house we got the full 20 in so I'm saying it was a 20 mile run. So, this means next weekend I'll have to RUN 20 again.
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<br />Tonight Bill and I went out on a bike ride we covered 4.5 miles. That was nice cross training and a good way to work out some stiffness from the run. I am having problems again with the groin muscle. It just doesn't like me on long runs. It takes about 2-3 days to work that out to normal. I feel like I really walk funny too, leaning to one side. ugh, it will get better.
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<br />The marathon deadline is this Friday. I am seriously considering this one. I had some good runs the past couple weeks and feel like I can do this. My confidence is back and I feel great. I just fear that there will be a heat wave and it will be all over that day. I am sticking to the 80 degree rule. The average high that day is in the upper 70s so it could very well be in the 80s. That would come at the end of run, the hardest part.
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<br />Weekly training mileage: 20 miles
<br />Total weekly training mileage: 25 miles.
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-36312527580327811972011-08-31T19:41:00.000-07:002011-08-31T19:52:16.918-07:00Ahhhhh, that's betterI took about a week off to give my body a rest and reassess "what the heck am I thinking running a marathon?!"
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<br />My goal was to run about 18 miles. I went through a thorough prerun routine to get me phsyched up for the run, arranged to have a friend meet me part way through to hold me accountable to get out there and run, and started on the road around 5 AM. I ran 6 miles, met with my friend for another 6 miles, and then finished the remaining mileage with Bill. It was perhaps one of the best runs I've had in a loooong time. It felt great to be out running again. The body finally worked!
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<br />The next day I did a 4-mile walk with Bill. It felt good to get the kinks and stiffness worked out.
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<br />I have decided that 80 degrees was the maximum temperature that I will run in. Above that and I have heat issues.
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<br />Weekly training mileage: 22 miles
<br />Total monthly mileage for August: 81 miles
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-82392880148273878452011-08-21T18:51:00.000-07:002011-08-21T19:14:06.917-07:00hard weekThis was perhaps my worst attempt at running this week. :(
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<br />I was hurting from the 15.5 mile run last Sunday and I think it really took a toll on me and ripped up my body. Tuesday I went out for 5 miles. I didn't think I was going to finish, but just kept pushing through all the pain and discomfort. I finally made it to the end. I was hoping for 8 miles, but just couldn't do it. The first mile was a good pace, but then I dropped another minute or more thereafter.
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<br />The second run of the week was worse! I was so achy all week and hadn't been getting enough sleep because school started again. Friday after school I got home and wanted to get at least 8 miles in before the weekend. I wanted to take a day off before my big run so I had to get out Friday. The temp didn't seem too bad and I was determined to get this run done! The first mile wasn't awful, but I was really hurting. I think I saw every 1/10 mile go by on the watch. :( By 2 miles I was miserable. I dropped about 90 second from the pace and kept getting slower. I knew I could do so I just kept pushing through. I kept negotiating with myself and the route I would take. By about mile 2.7 I just couldn't do it anymore. I walked the rest of the way home and completed just under 4 miles.
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<br />I determined that no matter how high the humidity, 78-80 was my threshold for running. When I got home, I had sweat running down every inch of my body and hurt so incredibly much. I iced my shins and had a shower. ack. It was such a difficult week that I didn't even do my big run. I will try this later or even wait until next weekend. This whole thing had given me a discouraged feeling for a fall marathon. The body just isn't working lately.
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<br />Total weekly training mileage: 9 miles
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-39272299502561793502011-08-13T07:18:00.000-07:002011-08-13T07:47:25.464-07:00Garmin & Night FrightThe Garmin watch arrived this week! I had to play with it and change some settings. I then walked around the block to see how it reacted. I think I got it. Tuesday night I tried it on an actual run. Rachael took me on her cross country practice courses. We did about 3 miles and then headed out for another 3. It was a tough run and I confirmed the idea that I am NOT a trail runner! I just don't have that running style/form to be able to be efficient with it. The grass just zaps all energy out of me.<div>
<br /></div><div>Wednesday morning I got up and wanted to work on speed so I did a fast Ethanol Loop. I started with a 9:07 pace and ended with a 8:25 mile. This was an average 8:59 pace! I was working hard, but in a different way than the previous run. It was a great run and I felt like I could have done the marathon today. I was strong the whole way through!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>This morning I got up early and ran to Ellsworth and then caught up with J and did a couple more miles and then picked up another runner and finished the Ethanol Loop. My goal was 14, but I actually did about 15.5 miles. It seemed like a tough run all the way through! http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106116065 About mile 11 the watch beeped saying it was a low battery! WHAT?! Dang! Everything I read said that if the battery dies, you lose all your information and settings. Shoot! We ran home and I stopped the run to plug it in. As soon as I plugged it in, it said I had 20% left. Really?! I think I could have finished the Ethanol Loop without it dying. Oh well, at least I had the first 10.63 miles documented. </div><div>
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<br /></div><div>OK, now for the Fright Night. I started out about 5:15 AM so it was pitched black out. About mile 1 I saw something move in the ditch. I looked in that direction and saw a deer running. My heart stopped. I saw another deer; I thought they were going to jump up on the road where I was running. Animals are so unpredictable. </div><div>When I got to Ellsworth, I turned around and started heading back to Jewell. On my way out of town, I was under the last street light before leaving town back into the black of night. A car zoomed passed me and then slammed on his breaks and pulled off on the shoulder on the other side. He sat there for awhile. I wasn't sure what he was doing because no one got out of the car or anything; it just sat there. Eventually he turned around and started driving slowly back in my direction on the shoulder on the opposite side of the road! When he finally passed me again, he turned around and back on the highway, but going slowly. I was ready to reach for my phone, but he kept going. I don't think I've ever been more concerned that this morning. Glad to have this one done!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Total weekly training mileage: 26 miles</div><div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-3801167289442878922011-08-06T20:26:00.000-07:002011-08-06T20:37:40.556-07:00Pounding the pavement againAfter a 10-day hiatus, I'm back to running again. We were on vacation and I decided I would take a break from running so as not to get burned out and set myself up for unrealistic expectations only to get discouraged. So, I told myself it was ok to not run for the 10 days.<br /><br />During the week I did a 5 and 7 mile run for a total of 12 miles. These were rather difficult runs, but I think it was the heat more than anything else. While it was a tad cooler for the shorter run, I was still really sweaty and hot; it makes me sleep great at night!<br /><br />If I want to be ready for a fall marathon, I needed to do at least a 12 mile run this weekend. Tonight I got 12 miles in. It was a great run, but really hot and humid again. I did an Ethanol Loop and then joined Bill for the last 7. We were both running strong the whole way, averaging 9-min mile! That is really fast for him and quite fast for me. I felt like I could have done the marathon today; it was a good run. I really needed that confidence booster.<br /><br />Rachael is still recovering from the marathon with hamstring issues, but is stretching and doing exercises so hopefully she will be back strong this fall. Cross Country starts in a couple days! She's going to the orthopedic doctor on Monday so we should know something then.<br /><br />While on vacation, Bill saw a great one-day deal on a Garmin and ordered one! It should be here this next week. I can't wait to try it out. It should be nice to get some detail about my run and how my body works on a run. Everyone tells me it's like having a trainer with you the whole time. I hope I feel that way with it because I need someone to keep me going sometimes.<br /><br />Weekly training mileage: 24 milesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-13695820767943463892011-07-23T18:23:00.000-07:002011-07-23T18:33:27.969-07:00A triple weekThis was another HOT week! I was able to get some running in, however, and tripled my mileage. While tripling is great, the total mileage is not so impressive. It has been oppressive heat in July. <br /><br />My goal was to get a 16-18 mile run in before I left for vacation, but that didn't happen. However, I was able to get an 11 mile run in at the beginning of the week so that was much better than last week and one mile more than my last longest run since the marathon. So, at minimum I am moving forward. <br /><br />The average high for my next planned marathon is 75 so I have to get used to this if I am going to run that race. On the other hand, 120+ heat index is a little unacceptable! My 11 mile run was in the upper 70s/lower 80s so I figure that was a good race-day trainer. I think since I had such a break from running that I was fired up to get out there again. It was a really great run! I woke up and it was really foggy so I did the entire run in town. City limits to city limits is less than 2 miles so that's pretty good. 11 miles was a good distance that day; I was strong, it was a great run, but I don't think I could have finished the marathon that day.<br /><br />The end of the week was rather stormy so I couldn't run either. When it finally had a break, I got out for a quick 4-mile run. I didn't realize how quick it was until I got home and mapped it out - 7:56 pace! I was mentally rushing to be done before my scheduled errands for the day, but didn't realize I was THAT fast. Sheez.<br /><br />Due to vacation the next couple of weeks I won't be running so I'll have a big break again. I hope to hit it hard after this vacation to reach my goal of at least one 20-mile run before September. If I can do that, I just might sign up for that marathon!<br /><br />Total weekly training mileage: 15 miles<br />Total miles for July: 41 miles :(Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-69166319168724994122011-07-19T20:44:00.000-07:002011-07-19T20:53:59.927-07:00It's hotHotHOT!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQK2C5t93OR3LkhdrYXQ_-O8ASdwHVs20_GHRwaDwpC1qRoowhGlELanFMcKMVASNu3mXpcI27C3KsWwqFeGHv-aDyhfgkleMaR94S8vrdUL2-B33xAC3lttcdgrM_pzjZbZkbOfzoaFH/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-19+at+10.50.45+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQK2C5t93OR3LkhdrYXQ_-O8ASdwHVs20_GHRwaDwpC1qRoowhGlELanFMcKMVASNu3mXpcI27C3KsWwqFeGHv-aDyhfgkleMaR94S8vrdUL2-B33xAC3lttcdgrM_pzjZbZkbOfzoaFH/s320/Screen+shot+2011-07-19+at+10.50.45+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631277157518245042" /></a><br />The temps have been nasty lately - 90s, and heat indices in 120s. Check out this pix at 5:00 PM! The heat index is 121. YUCK! <div><br /></div><div>So, this is my excuse for not getting out running this week. I only did a 5-mile Ethanol Loop. I was planning to finish another 3 miles when I got back to town, but never did. :(</div><div><br /></div><div>Total weekly training mileage: 5</div><div>Weather conditions: unbearable!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-79268125315670256132011-07-11T20:54:00.000-07:002011-07-11T21:07:56.915-07:00--F-A-S-T-->Phew! I'm exhausted after this week! I actually did 3, 6, 3, 9 this week. The first 3-miler I did with Bill. The second one I did with Rachael to see how her recovery was coming. I think she has an injury so we'll be talking to the dr about this at her physical this week! <div><br /></div><div>For the 6 mile run I really had no intentions of doing 6 miles. I was really only going to do 5, an Ethanol Loop, but it was sooooo foggy out I didn't think it would be safe and I have been a little gun shy from the skunk last week. So, I ran what I thought was a little shy of 5 miles, got back and thought hmmm, that was a little fast. I mapped it out on mapmyrun because I wanted to know how short of 5 I was and discovered it was really 6.33!! It was at least an 8-min mile. Yes I maintained that for a good 6 miles. sheez. I never would have guessed. I'm also assuming the other runs have been rather fast as well because I was always surprised when I got home, how quickly it went.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been so incredibly hot and humid lately, but I've been out running. Saturday I wanted to do a 10-12 mile run, but it was just so darn hot so I waited until Sunday morning. I ran and Rachael biked, just to see if biking bothered her at all. Again, it was so incredibly humid that I drank 40 oz in an hour and a half. I felt so run down by heat that I just quit. This is the second time ever that I didn't finish a planned run. The difference? This time it didn't bother me. I ran my heart out again. I didn't feel like I was going that fast, but finished the 9 miles in about 90 minutes. While that alone doesn't seem like a fast run, it includes about 10-15 minutes of walking. </div><div><br /></div><div>My shins have been feeling pretty good so I think I am getting healed well. I am very excited to be 3 weeks post-marathon and have a 21-mile week. My motivation has been next to zero, but once I get out, it is great to be out. I've had some really tough runs this week, but the speed and heat are probably culprits of that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Total training mileage: 21 miles</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-55253590002216464042011-07-02T12:00:00.000-07:002011-07-02T12:12:38.516-07:00Stinky scareThis was a weird week of running. I only got 2 runs in this week, but they were weird. The first one was with J, 7 miles. I felt like I was really working to complete the run and that we were going really fast. When we got done, she said it was a 9:45 pace. I was sure it was 9:20-9:30.<div><br /></div><div>The second run was about 10 miles. Bill got up early and ran with me. I was planning to do 2 Ethanol Loops, but we met a "friend" about 2 miles into the run. I was daydreaming and lost in my run when Bill said, "SKUNK!" I heard what he said. I knew what he said. For some reason, "raccoon" registered in my mind so I didn't think much of it. He repeated, "Skunk! Coming at us!" OMG!! We both stopped looking at this skunk walk toward us, tail up. I immediately became petrified and turned and started running the other way. He kept coming after us! Great, that's just what I need: a tomato bath that will still leave me smelling like skunk! We probably only ran about 1/10 mile when Bill said, "He's gone. He went in the ditch." We turned around and went back the way we came, both of us keeping a close eye on the ditch where he went in. phew! I've seen skunk in fields and ditches next to me, but never one that came after me, tail raised! Yikes, that was a bit scary. </div><div><br /></div><div>I felt like I was really working on this run, pushing every step. I am at zero confidence about a fall marathon. If I do it, I will be all alone I think. Rachael and J probably won't be there. I get so motivated and mentally and physically pushed when I'm with them. I don't think there would be any PR set if I go alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Weekly training mileage: 17 miles</div><div>Total June mileage: 105 miles</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-46838873935937260902011-06-28T08:31:00.000-07:002011-06-28T08:46:30.638-07:00Recovery and ReflectionThis week brought some recovery time from the marathon. I did 3 miles early in the week to loosen up from the marathon. It was a good run. Later in the week I went out for 6 miles with Rachael, J, and another friend. I think 6 was the perfect distance. I was able to keep pushing forward, but was getting tired and achy at the end. Rachael had some aches in her knee so she stopped early. She will need some more time.<div><br /></div><div>I have been so excited about my training season and the positive results I earned that I am looking, casually, at a fall marathon. The Quad Cities Marathon seems like one that will be fun. I'll see how training goes this summer and then make a decision later. The next increase in registration fees isn't until 2 weeks before the marathon so I have some time.</div><div><br /></div><div>In reflecting on this season's training, it is boasting with success. The time I got to spend with my daughter was immeasurable. Personally, I had a PR in all of my races. Like most of my life, I set a goal and pursued it. I am very driven to success and very competitive. Last I was just trying to complete each run. This year I had loftier goals. By the end of the marathon, I cut about 17 1/2 minutes from my time. My average pace this spring was around 9:30-9:35. Mile 19 on the marathon was a 9-minute pace. That is just amazing to me. It felt great. I still had energy at the end, too. I was exhausted, but felt I could have kept going if I had to. I am within 20 min from qualifying for Boston. I think I can make a 4-hr marathon and that is just 10 min from qualifying time for my age. In 3 years it will qualify! Hmmm...what does the future hold for me???</div><div><br /></div><div>Weekly training mileage: 9 miles</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-33602636272170371332011-06-19T17:18:00.000-07:002011-06-21T21:40:09.916-07:00GRANDMA'S MARATHON!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XyDyBZCX9vmCTvM21ZccNDzd_jpYTAccLMm7EdPcyaVaEPAPWtkPzVWzOiIsiHKixWxgn0vP9yI5LZ8O2mg31omFxLjGyBMzHA6bD_aCD-4tn7Yr3iI_2utOPhGWcAFMk3aVteG1Mhze/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-06-20+at+1.41.01+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XyDyBZCX9vmCTvM21ZccNDzd_jpYTAccLMm7EdPcyaVaEPAPWtkPzVWzOiIsiHKixWxgn0vP9yI5LZ8O2mg31omFxLjGyBMzHA6bD_aCD-4tn7Yr3iI_2utOPhGWcAFMk3aVteG1Mhze/s320/Screen+shot+2011-06-20+at+1.41.01+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620859881485424130" /></a><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodt_PRRifsU9m5WZiEYqSeO4ga1A8CyC6bRlHGiecRl9lfSjgY6HxgqXjWUiNsyEHyWNN7iIJNzLF9VRHhTzKSoGZiQDYeZ9Xk2Xt57lO-RPsTfgHTfhuOJxLcnrZ09o9Ujg3xAtS3SZM/s320/Screen+shot+2011-06-20+at+1.38.24+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620860239943048002" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6zesUEUpr0CwwzDb2UE_Zp5zLgXlnE1PN5vT1V9DtbMtyLqW9uXq4sbGA1UrKd1kvlDZX21BQ9lY8HH7dlXNjv7RfuLow6CQOuXH71b5d6rAraqBNP_R1thKUO1XKKxtniBFAPhuCPnm/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-06-20+at+1.39.04+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6zesUEUpr0CwwzDb2UE_Zp5zLgXlnE1PN5vT1V9DtbMtyLqW9uXq4sbGA1UrKd1kvlDZX21BQ9lY8HH7dlXNjv7RfuLow6CQOuXH71b5d6rAraqBNP_R1thKUO1XKKxtniBFAPhuCPnm/s320/Screen+shot+2011-06-20+at+1.39.04+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620859870493842994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tZoiuEoFpUOHIc-Frl8DDH85q7eTLqxg_EX4R3tBnfjuFZWgq7kmDQbjzk1FP5Xcgrhij-NDRGqxVfze9D5Aewyv8-gFXN8hZTREGk-mkegLGgYQ2HnF2Jzy-h5f_Xg9Z7w0mWx1LQ1D/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-06-20+at+1.38.55+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tZoiuEoFpUOHIc-Frl8DDH85q7eTLqxg_EX4R3tBnfjuFZWgq7kmDQbjzk1FP5Xcgrhij-NDRGqxVfze9D5Aewyv8-gFXN8hZTREGk-mkegLGgYQ2HnF2Jzy-h5f_Xg9Z7w0mWx1LQ1D/s320/Screen+shot+2011-06-20+at+1.38.55+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620859866390310546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kOB3eCsKEiKI9RvnAtoVu2zTPNs0a-6lUXidawi_CLdVk-FUsnrwJVLy1G5Dxc_XDJvKGgLtjpVWVCV_jeAenZA-FK7ECs0w2j00GxtPLiGjJsOe3Bx5grKFyg9cuYekIb02ienaCGaB/s1600/GmaFinish.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kOB3eCsKEiKI9RvnAtoVu2zTPNs0a-6lUXidawi_CLdVk-FUsnrwJVLy1G5Dxc_XDJvKGgLtjpVWVCV_jeAenZA-FK7ECs0w2j00GxtPLiGjJsOe3Bx5grKFyg9cuYekIb02ienaCGaB/s320/GmaFinish.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620114804978274898" /></a><br />This week started with an easy 3 mile run. My shins still hurt so I wanted a sloooow run. Bill and Rachael went out with me and Bill was ready to go. I had to keep slowing him down. I knew fast runs hurt my shins and I was still recovering from Dam to Dam's fast run. I figured if I took it easy I might be good by Saturday. It was a full week of carb loading. Boy, do I love to eat!<div><br /></div><div>We were scheduled to run another 3 miles and then walk 3 miles. I consciously chose to skip the 3 mile run to rest my shins, but definitely put in a random 3+ mile walk as we wandered around Duluth and around Jewell. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grandma's will be my first run that I will be running completely blind as I will not be driving the route first. That is part of my mental preparation; I have to know every twist and turn, hill, terrain, every minor detail. I did so much research and talked to so many people that I was comfortable knowing I could do this. This became part of my nervousness, however.</div><div><br /></div><div>We left Friday for Duluth. It was a rainy yucky day and very hot, but the forecast was predicting 50 degrees and storms for Saturday's race so I was eagerly looking forward to it. We found the DECC for packet pick up and the University of Wisconsin dorms. Pick up and check in went very smoothly and everyone was so welcoming to us. The nervous excitement was definitely growing! We went to a mom and pop restaurant for supper and we had pancakes and cinnamon roll french toast. mmmmmmmm</div><div>I got all my stuff set out and my timing chip on my shoe - that was a huge pain. I can't remember the last time I laced shoes. We gave the kids their surprise Team Huegerich shirts. Rachael and the kids were soo excited. I loved the idea we had a big curb crew that was a part of the "team".</div><div><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-USfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><a href="http://bhphotoaday.blogspot.com/2011/06/duluth-bound-168365.html">More photos</a></span><!--EndFragment--></div><div><span style="font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-USfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div>I went to bed around 8:15 and slept great...until about 10:30. I shot straight up hearing noise in the hallway. I thought I overslept and everyone was leaving to get to the bus! I looked at my phone and it said 10:30. I was cursing to myself that I slept right through the alarm and completely missed the bus and the start line! I looked at the phone again and it was 10:30 PM. phew! Unfortunately I didn't sleep much after that. :( I think I dozed off a bit, but saw about every 1/2 hour from 12:30 on. I was so wide awake at 2:00AM that got up to go the bathroom. Rachael was awake also, thinking it was time to get up and was starting to get out of bed. I told her she had another 2 hrs before we had to leave. I still didn't sleep, but I suppose the horizontal resting was at least good for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>My routine GI track was in full swing - ACK! I dug out some garbage bags that we could use to keep dry and warm. The wind chill was 38 - YIKES! I wasn't prepared for cold! I was wishing I brought my tights. Last night I was thinking I would wear my jacket until I got to the start line and then put it in my sweat bag at the last minute. Looking at the forecast at 2 AM however I knew I should probably have a long sleeve shirt. Rachael said she only had a tank and shorts! She didn't pack any cold weather running clothes. uh oh. I dug through my bag and found TWO long sleeve shirts. phew - another hurdle jumped.</div><div><br /></div><div>We loaded the bus and got to the start line. We had a little warm up jog to the start line and back - about 1/2 mile. My shins felt G.R.E.A.T!! A couple more potty breaks and more walking to keep warm before the crowds started forming. My plan was a 4:15 finish pace, but I was hoping for at least a PR (4:29:02). About 2 minutes before the gun, I heard someone shouting, "GO TEAM HUEGERICH!!" What?! Nobody knows that; who is it? I turned around and saw J there! YEAH! I was so excited. I get so much energy from her and thought maybe she was going to be farther ahead and want to finish around 4 hours. The day just kept getting better and better. :) I knew if we ran with her, we would make at least 4:15. </div><div><br /></div><div>I never heard the gun, but we crossed the start line at about 3:17 after the gun. I thought that was pretty good. Overall, the run went greeeeeat! About 23 of the 26 miles I ran with a smile on my face, Chrissy Wellington style! If I started to feel tired or like I wanted to stop, I just slapped that smile on my face and my whole body was energized: smile on the outside and you smile on the inside. It was so much fun, yes truly fun. All the little towns along the route had so many spectators that were cheering the entire time. I really felt like a celebrity. The spectators really made the run fun, I just couldn't believe all the cheering along the route!</div><div>Running with Rachael has been a great journey and I loved spending so much time with her. We solved lots of tween problems and did some great bonding during all those miles and hours of training. </div><div>The first 10-11 miles just flew by. I kept waiting for the half-way mark, but it just sloooowly approached us. When we crossed the mat I looked at Rachael and said, "That was so much fun, let's do it again! We're just getting warmed up!" There were more hills that I imagined, which started to wear on me mentally - keep smiling! Miles 13-18 dragged along. The balloons came by quickly, but yet it seemed forever to get to the next water station. </div><div><br /></div><div>By mile 20 I could tell Rachael was slowing down and started to look tired. At the 20-mile aid station J kept going as usual and Rachael was slowly getting through the water. We started running again and she said, "This is the farthest I've ever run!" This told me her mental game was waning. J was ahead of us and pulling away. I asked if she wanted to walk. Yes. We walked. I had to go potty for the past 20 miles and we were about 20 min ahead of my plan, on pace for a 4 hr finish, so we ran past a couple portapotties and they were both "green" so I said, "pee and don't wipe - go fast!" We were in and out in about 30 seconds! </div><div><br /></div><div>I knew we wouldn't catch up to J at this point so we were on our own. That's ok. I was excited to have stayed with J for 20 miles. I was confident we could finish the last 6. I had my cards - notes to think about for each of the last 6 miles. I figured this would give us a distraction and something to think about and talk about. The first one - mile 20 - was reflect on the reasons you started training for a marathon. We talked about that. Each mile we eagerly waited for the next card. We didn't always talk, sometimes we walked, we always kept moving forward! </div><div><br /></div><div>Mile 22 Lemon Drop Hill. Yep, that was a big one. Bigger than I imagined it. We can do it. There's a top and we're going to reach it! Here we go! OK, my thighs are massive. It should all be downhill from here. We made up THE hill. I imagine J was at least 5-10 minutes ahead of us. We walked a bit and then ran the last few miles. Rachael finally said "It's 415!!" I was confused and she kept repeating it. I finally realized that the 4:15 flag and pacer passed us! ACK! My goal was leaving us! We took off FAST! About mile 23 I looked at Rachael after the card she was not talking and I said, "It's just a quick cemetery loop, to the golf course and home again. Give it all you've got, we won't stop, this is it, this is the end, we can do this!" </div><div><br /></div><div>I was soooo excited I was almost in tears the last mile. I was also very hungry for the finish line. It seemed like we just kept running and running and turning and no finish line. I knew it was right there. We finally saw it. A few feet before the finish I grabbed Rachael's hand, raised it and said, "Left foot, ready? STOMP!" We finished together: 4:12:22; 9:37 min/mile average pace AWESOME. Completely, 100% awesome! I grabbed her, gave her a big hug - we almost fell over! - and said, "You can stop running now." lol What a proud mama I am!</div> <!--EndFragment--> <div><a href="http://bhphotoaday.blogspot.com/2011/06/grandmas-marathon-169365.html">More photos</a></div><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--> <div><br /></div><div>Total weekly mileage: 32 miles</div><div>Total monthly mileage: 79 miles</div><div>Total training mileage: 398 miles</div><div>Cool factor: off the chart!!</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-47959522533969091582011-06-12T04:35:00.000-07:002011-06-12T04:47:30.268-07:00A week of extremesOther than snow, I think I ran in about every weather possible this week: wind, rain, heat, cold. We had record heat at the beginning of the week, around 100 degrees. By the end of the week we had lows in the 40s. Overnight the temperatures dropped 30 degrees! One week to the marathon.<div><br /></div><div>Because of the heat, we woke up early Monday and did a quick Ethanol Loop. I stayed out of the heat through Wednesday. Thursday evening, Bill came in the living room with running attire on so I put on my shoes and did 3 miles with him. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday night was the Jewell Jubilee 5K race. I ran with the babies. They have not been doing any training at all so I was prepared to walk a lot of it. Earlier this year at the Red Flannel Run a 5K took us almost an hour to complete. This was small town Iowa so I wasn't terribly concerned about them. Rachael and Bill ran ahead, Noelle just ran her pace or with whomever she wanted to talk to, I started running with the babies. After about 1/2 mile, Matt took off running and mostly didn't stop! Later I heard was a pacer for some people. He finished in around 35 minutes. I think I have a new runner in the family! Claire and I finished in about 42 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sat was busy so Sunday Rachael and I ran with J. I have been having terrible shin pain so was trying to put off this "big" run. Anytime I run fast I have shin problems. I have been icing them and using Biofreeze. That helps minimally. The best remedy is rest. :( So, today we started slowly and then by the end were really booking along. I felt pretty good so we just kept getting faster and faster. I am hoping by Saturday I will have strong legs and a great run!</div><div><br /></div><div>Total mileage: 20 miles</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-68075569181779234172011-06-04T19:04:00.000-07:002011-06-09T21:01:47.895-07:00Anxiety & Excitement<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6JyJpVgz-tr7qfO_-0s8hyLbZc4DzA0IrtXKDH9XN3zdiDLNXY09MCLvFx8hU0F3nS7v7rSA34QEJebnxPfeitsqWZPY42uFUTnB3W4ItUMLPcshq2J_uWsaJlbgSDFlB11PH2g9iiFN/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-06-09+at+10.31.48+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6JyJpVgz-tr7qfO_-0s8hyLbZc4DzA0IrtXKDH9XN3zdiDLNXY09MCLvFx8hU0F3nS7v7rSA34QEJebnxPfeitsqWZPY42uFUTnB3W4ItUMLPcshq2J_uWsaJlbgSDFlB11PH2g9iiFN/s320/Screen+shot+2011-06-09+at+10.31.48+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616435265293019634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIKLEFPIkHSy2EtRefWY8jwRdYz1I_Nax0ervGtVDuFoX5XW3sZm_DmPcQiBBC4xl1bnJSptdevvqFNXKj79Rm7WLk5d9cw4yyeXN31_oz7rNgyqRuG1NhxTmA-Hw1pQL96I9WO0phazQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-06-09+at+10.30.35+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIKLEFPIkHSy2EtRefWY8jwRdYz1I_Nax0ervGtVDuFoX5XW3sZm_DmPcQiBBC4xl1bnJSptdevvqFNXKj79Rm7WLk5d9cw4yyeXN31_oz7rNgyqRuG1NhxTmA-Hw1pQL96I9WO0phazQ/s320/Screen+shot+2011-06-09+at+10.30.35+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616435103112370402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvJ9KAJhIJPvEPfwmzReDmlPfp-MZ7BWzxswTbmELZvPx9FcbF7hanYqYaMqgHVDENRnkFBbEpGvMK1vFfTe8xI6cC97ghQoqdQUuNMc2d7E-nBwZjEcfKvod1_2sNP5AblNCK4X1kYoP/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-06-04+at+8.23.47+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvJ9KAJhIJPvEPfwmzReDmlPfp-MZ7BWzxswTbmELZvPx9FcbF7hanYqYaMqgHVDENRnkFBbEpGvMK1vFfTe8xI6cC97ghQoqdQUuNMc2d7E-nBwZjEcfKvod1_2sNP5AblNCK4X1kYoP/s320/Screen+shot+2011-06-04+at+8.23.47+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614559047575883650" /></a><br />This week I consciously only ran 2 runs - 5 miles on Monday and 10 miles on Wednesday. I wanted to have fresh legs and be well-rested for Saturday's Dam to Dam with Rachael. <div><br /></div><div>My shins have still been bothering me, but have also been working on some speed. Wednesday's run began at 4:00 AM! My running partners wanted to run and be back before their spouses had to leave for work. We started with J for 6 miles. The 2-block run to her house was a good warm-up. It was just what I needed to get going. We went rather fast. I seem to have an untapped energy from her. It's great running with her! The miles fly by and the time is short. We met up with another friend and finished 4 miles. It was a FAST run. Love it!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have not been looking forward to D2D this year. I don't know why, just not excited about it. Anxiety has been setting in for the marathon as well. Can I do it? Will I have a bad running day? Will I be trained enough? Can I keep going the whole time? So much worry.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, Friday came and I took Rachael to packet pick up. We had a good time and it was just the excitement we needed to get fired up for the run! We were really hoping to break 2 hrs, or at a bare minimum, the 2:06 time from last year. J ended up not being able to run due to tendonitis in her knee. Dang! We'll have to do this ourselves. I also forgot my watch so we won't really know our pace. Double dang!</div><div><br /></div><div>We lined up at the 9:30 pace. Oh man, there were tons of people there that really should have been behind the 10:00 min pace. I think we passed about 200 people in the first couple miles. I don't think Rachael was having a good run as she wasn't her usual chatty self. She wouldn't stop and wouldn't slow down, however, so we kept going. About mile 5 we caught up to Vardotrichic and hubby. It was nice to see them and meet some friends who will also be running at Grandma's in a couple weeks. We kept trucking along hoping to beat the 2 hour mark. Rachael had to stop so we walked a bit at mile 6. The half-way clock marked 1:02 so I knew a PR was in jeopardy. That's ok. By mile 7 she was back at it and got her second wind so we took off again. She was really going strong and pulling me along at times. At mile 12 water stop I felt "stuck" like I couldn't run anymore. I told myself, just 1/2 mile more! I took off running and we were going like crazy. When we got to the finish line, I continuously scanned the sidelines for my family, but couldn't find them. I looked at the clock as we finished - 2:01!! YEAH. I never thought we would have ever come that close. I really thought our official time would have been 2:10-2:15.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, I dropped 39 seconds off my mile pace and 9 minutes off my time! I am sooo very excited, especially knowing how much we walked.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><pre>854 10 JrW Rachael Huegerich, 12* 58:47 1:57:35 9:28 </pre><pre>855 82 W40 Kimberly Huegerich, 41* 58:47 1:57:35 9:28</pre></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a link to Bill's <a href="http://bhphotoaday.blogspot.com/2011/06/dam-to-dam-155365.html">blog</a> that has some of the pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>The official pictures came in and I felt like I looked much better in these photos than in the Drake photos. There might be hope for me after all!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Weekly training mileage: 27 miles </div><div>WOW factor: priceless</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-20083036881893747422011-05-28T07:53:00.000-07:002011-06-01T11:11:39.015-07:00Chasing the wallGreat stuff going on this week. It was the last week of school. Kids were done and I put in a 12-hr day to not have to go in on Friday! I started the week with a 5-mile run hoping that I would really be able to make all my runs again, or at least the mileage. I am still having an rough start so the 5 mile was work, but an easy, quick run.<div><br /></div><div>J called inviting me to run a couple days this week. Both days I overslept and didn't get out. Darn it! Friday finally came. I overslept a little, but since I didn't have to go in to school I could go whenever. Rachael and I ran 10 miles. It was another good, solid run after I got warmed up. We finished in less than 90 mins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday I wanted to do 18-20. I was feeling a 20-miler, but if things got tough I would do 18. We did a quick Ethanol Loop, came back and did a mile in town, and then caught up with J and Dede. We did another Ethanol Loop with them and then a couple more miles. We finished with 4 miles west and Bill joined us to complete the 3rd Ethanol Loop of the morning. It was a beautiful morning with a light breeze. I commented to Rachael that with all the wind this year we don't know how to run in a breeze! The humidity was high, but it was a cool breeze to keep us going. The last 3 miles were really hard for some reason. I felt like I could have completed the marathon today, but I really felt myself slowing down. By the time I got to the last 1/2 mile I felt like I was really having to push myself to cross that imaginary finish line. I think I was very near the wall!</div><div><br /></div><div>One week to Dam to Dam; three weeks to Grandma's. I am so much more prepared this year than last year. I am so excited for the run. I just hope the body is working that day...</div><div><br /></div><div>Weekly training mileage: 35 miles</div><div>Total May mileage: 137 miles</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7696541292962278546.post-58042449239859406262011-05-21T16:57:00.000-07:002011-05-22T18:04:19.741-07:00A little cheatingI did. I finally did it! I ran ALL the miles this week. This is the first time since I started training again that I completed the full week! OK, now for the confession... I was supposed to do a 5, 8, 5, 18 week. With graduation and all the other festivities this week I knew I wouldn't get 3 runs in so I combined two of the days and did 10, 8, 18.<div><br /></div><div>The 10 mile run was good. Rachael and I were a bit achy, but we finished. Lately it has taken me about 7 miles or so to get warmed up and in a running groove. After that I can just run run run. So, I was just getting into it and it was over. </div><div>Last week I had battled some quite straining groin pain that made it really difficult to walk. I thought I would do at least 5 miles and see if that would make it flare up again. At 5 miles I was fine so I kept going. I have not been able to recreate that pain all week so I think I'm out of danger on that. Still not sure what that was...</div><div><br /></div><div>The 8-mile run was a hurry-up run. I had to get home from school, change clothes, run, shower and be ready to head out the door by 5:30! I didn't cool-down properly because I was rushing and my legs really hurt for the next few days. I definitely paid for that one.</div><div><br /></div><div>J called again and wanted to do 16 miles with us on Saturday. We were doing 18 so it worked out well. She wore her phone that tracks her miles, tells her how far she ran and average running pace. Below are the mile splits. Yep, definitely took a bit to get warmed up! It's fun to see how our pace picked up, especially at the end. We had rain, medium wind (10-15 mph) from the SSE. The first few miles were in town and the last mile was in town, but the others were out on the highway. I'm not sure what happened on mile 6. It could have started raining on us again. It was a nice rain this morning; it felt like I was running in a fan mister. Great morning!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Here are our splits -</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">1 - 10:13</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">2 - 10:03</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">3 - 9.54</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">4 - 9:51</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">5 - 9:51</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">6 - 10:04</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">7 - 9:59</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">8 - 9:53</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">9 - 9:55</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">10 - 9:58</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">11 - 9:30</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">12 - 9:31</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">13 - 9:35</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">14 - 9:37</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">15 - 9:36</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">16 - 9:34</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="281150414-21052011"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Weekly training mileage: 36 miles</span></span></div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0