Thanks Daylight Savings Time!

Maybe it is daylight savings time giving me more daylight, getting back to blogging last night, or the warmer weather today, but as I sit in the waiting room at the chiropractor's I realize today is the first time in a VERY long time I'm looking forward to my training run! (it also doesn't hurt that today is only a 4 mile run ha ha!) Whatever the reason I'm hoping this is a sign of positive things to come!

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After I finished at the chiropractor where I complained that walking down stairs was close to torture (and where I may have yelped a few choice words as he adjusted me and worked out adhesions) I felt a great deal better about my sore/fatigues legs and I felt ready to take on the run I was, amazingly, not dreading! 

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I set out into the "warm" March afternoon with the sun preparing to set on the gorgeous day we had. Wearing shorts and a light running jacket was incredible and reassured me that better weather and better outdoor training was right around the corner.  The path I ran wasn't hilly but it was right for me and the place I've been mentally and physically with my running.  I had pain but I felt great knowing that each mile I ran was giving me splits I could maintain and get me to my BQ time.  One could argue that running an 8:11 mile is easy when you are only running 4 flat miles, but I can counter with the knowledge I did my run on a day where I winced walking down steps....

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After I finished my run I walked a bit to take in the setting sun and positive feeling my run left me with.  I'm going to continue to take the good with the bad and since I've been having so many negative feelings I wanted to take the time to share this great experience I had today.  

I even took a post run selfie to remind me  when I'm have a bad run that days like today make it all worth it!  

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Happy Running! 

On The Run....

So yes, it's been quite a while since I've blogged...the truth is "blog" has been on my to-do list for a very long time, but it's been hard.  Everything has been hard relating to my training.  I also hate writing negative posts, but finally I remembered my goal was to chronicle my ups and downs of training and while it sucks, the truth is this training has had a lot of downs. 

The weather has been oppressive making running outside, for the most part, only happen for distances higher than 7 miles (I say 7 miles because my gym only lets you run on treadmill for an hour and it takes me a few minutes less than an hour to run 7 miles ha ha) 
I had no idea how hard training in the winter would be.  It's FREEZING at 5am!  Getting up to go to lift inside a warm gym at 5:30 am is tough...the idea of getting up to go outside to run is mind boggling and hasn't happened.  (I have gotten up to run inside a warm gym tho) Another difficult aspect of winter training is black ice.  If I had the motivation to get up to run that early, on freezing cold days, I feared black ice.   The wrong footing on a small piece of black ice could finish me!  Still ANOTHER aspect of winter training that killed me is how dark it gets so early.  Mid-day is ideal for running, but I don't think my bosses would love the idea of me leaving in the middle of the school day to get my run in.  ha ha  When it gets dark so early I'm a) in the mindset that it's night so I get tired and lazy and  b) fear the danger of black ice, again.  My long runs on Saturdays have all been outside since I can go mid-day when it's the safest and warmest.    I'll be positive and say I did get some nice color on my face during my long runs on Saturdays...thanks reflection off the mountain sized mounds of snow! ha ha (I used a fair amount of bronzer this winter since only my face was exposed so only my face got color-my neck was a VERY white and had to be blended to my face ha ha)

I've talked before about running being very mental.  Your mind quits long before your body.  I've also mentioned that winter is generally tough for me as I am affected my the darkness of winter and experience the "winter blues".    Pair that with soreness I hadn't experienced during summer training and you've got a recipe for disaster. 
I've had a classic case of "what came first the chicken or the egg?".  Has training been tough because I'm experiencing soreness due to a lot of indoor training so when I get outside to run it's much harder between low temps and battling the elements like snow/ice/debris on the roads or is it harder because of the winter blues have me lethargic, sick, and down?  I'm sure one is affecting the the other and both are making training awful. 
My chiropractor and I are going to be best buddies by the time this marathon is over.  I feel like I'm in constant pain and needing his assistance.  I ran 13.1 yesterday and today I'm walking around like I did the day after my 1st 1/2 marathon-thankfully tomorrow is a chiro day. 

My runs are consistent with times I had during my last training...so if consistent is all I have right now, it's all I have...I'm hoping that having consistent times even when I'm dealing with all these winter annoyances and feeling this poorly about the entire experience will mean as race day nears winter will be going and maybe, just maybe, the disappearance of winter will also make my struggles disappear and lead to a better times and feelings at the end of my training and for my race. 

I truly hate being so negative so I'll try again to put a positive spin....I'm doing it.  I'm doing my best and I'm realizing that I may not be where I hoped to be, I'm not exactly feeling like I did at this point in my last marathon training, I'm not always running EXACTLY as the schedule dictates, and I'm often wanting to throw in the towel, but I'm doing it....

"Relish the bad training runs. Without them it's difficult to recognize, much less appreciate, the good ones."
-Pat Teske

The Boston Marathon....The Super Bowl For Runners

People have been asking me why I'm so driven to get to the Boston Marathon.  The reason is quite simple I set out to run a marathon just to get one more thing off my bucket list and I did it.  As I got into training for my 1st marathon I learned some things about running and really started to like it.  I learned about the Boston Marathon being the only other mass participation marathon, besides the Olympics, that you need to qualify for.  So as I worked to get "run a marathon" off my list that learned I'm actually a pretty decent runner.  On a few training runs It became apparent that maybe qualifying for Boston wasn't such a reach.  So while many people, like myself, had "run a marathon" on his/her bucket list and have done it I wanted be among the much smaller group of people who can strike "run Boston Marathon" off his/her bucket list.  Basically anyone can say I ran a marathon I want to be able to say I ran Boston....obnoxious?  Maybe a little, but it's true. 

Facts like only 10.4 percent of marathoners get their BQ time scares me and drives me all at once.  In March I will be bumped to the 35-39 age group needing a time of 3:40:00.  If I want to be in the 2015 Boston Marathon I need to qualify by September, 2014 as that is when the 2015 registration takes place.  If neither of my marathons this spring get me my BQ time I will shoot for doing the Marine Corps or Philly in the fall of 2014 to get me there.  Running either of those in the fall of 2014 means I will be qualifying for the 2016 Boston Marathon.  Furthermore, just getting my BQ time doesn't guarantee me entry into the race.  It will be based on qualifying time, with the fastest qualifiers (in relation to their age and gender) being accepted first until the race is full.  This is not going to be easy!  Truth be told, once I get into the marathon I am NOT looking to shatter any records....just run it!  Getting in is REALLY the goal. ha ha

Other fun facts about the Boston Marathon...
-The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon
-The Boston Marathon takes place on the 3rd Monday of April (Patriots Day)
-The Boston Marathon is the 2nd highest single-day sporting even in the US (in relation to media coverage of the event)

Thinking you might be interested in running to qualify for the Boston Marathon?  Take a look at this link for qualifying information  and take a look at this link for 7 tips to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

“Every serious marathoner should do Boston, to experience the close to a million spectators, the three generations of families out cheering, the little kids handing you water or orange slices. The whole city really appreciates the runners.”
-Neil Weygandt

I'M BACK!!! (well, I barely left)

Sooooo when I last blogged I was getting x-rays.  My x-rays came back clear, but I expected that as my chiropractor told me fractures don't often appear on x-rays and it was thought that if anything it would be a fracture.  When the x-rays came back clear my orthopedist ordered an MRI as he too thought it was fractured and an MRI would show fractures.  I was told until the results came back no running....I listened....sort of.  I did slip and did one teeny tiny 3 mile run (which hurt like hell and I regret-sort of)
Long story short, I have a bad bone bruise.  GREAT NEWS!  I'm still in a fair amount of pain but was told to get orthotics, take anti-inflammatories for 2 weeks, and not to run for another 4 weeks.  I'd like to say I'm a great patient and took the dr.'s orders and trusted his professional opinion, but I didn't.  I won't be doing any of those things.  I asked if running on a bone bruise can harm me down the line and it can't.  My head heard "no permanent damage=suck up the pain and get running."  I "took some time off", confirmed it wasn't fractured or pre-fractured, and that's the best I can do.  I ice it every day, elevate it, and stay off of it whenever possible.  I'll also be wearing sneakers for 2 weeks to provide more support....I can't give much more; the race is less than 90 days away and I need this race to get me a qualifying time.  Moving forward in the training I will be taking days off here and there as needed.  I am so happy it isn't fractured and I feel confident in my following through with the marathon training and actual marathon.  As I started my Chicago marathon training with my torn meniscus I was "encouraged" to not do the marathon by more than one person, but I didn't listen.  Looking back/discussing that situation today I was told, I more than exceeded expectations to get through that and do it so well.  I'm hoping this marathon will be a similar outcome!
I have not yet registered for the Burlington VT marathon.  I'm waiting a few more weeks to see how my foot is feeling.  Getting through NJ with (hopefully) a qualifying time for Boston is my focus right now. 

"Runners take it in stride...."

Thanks for all the well wishes!
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So, here's where I'm at....

Well, I'm finishing up my 3rd week of training. 
This training is completely different for lots of reasons...

The biggest difference has to be the time of year.  Winter training is super hard.  Finding the motivation to go is probably the biggest obstacle although once I get out there I'm fine....in fact I'm happier once I'm out there.  I'm finding more runs have been inside than I'd like them to be.  We've had the insanely cold temperatures this week so I haven't run outside at all (tho I do get outside every day for at least 15 minutes-usually a walk during my lunch)

Beyond the season of this training program I have also been struggling with focus.  I just realized I was supposed to do 4 miles yesterday and I only did 3.  Last week, on my long run, I didn't map it out until the morning of.  I'm still very structured in eating, drinking, and days I'm working out/running but my focus is not at all where it was during my last training. 

Injuries are worse it seems.  I don't know if my injuries seem worse because they just are or they appear to be worse because of the seasons.  I feel like the winter in general has everyone a little more lethargic.  Whatever the reason I'm feeling the effects. 
About injuries...it's safe to say I'll be seeing my "support team" quite frequently again.  I saw my PT and chiro for the 1st time today (I like to think I brighten their day when I come in ha ha).  I had been experiencing some foot pain since the 3rd week or so of December and it continued to get worse.  The pain was similar to pain I had in high school when I broke a small bone in my foot.  I worried I could have done that again so I've made an appointment with my orthopedist to get x-rays.  I was instructed to stop running until the xray results are in, but 20 minutes after I was given that order I was on the treadmill doing another training run.  While my rational brain knows that even a 3 mile training run could be doing more harm in the long run I also my irrational brain felt like it was only 3 miles I should just do it and THEN relax ha ha.  My calendar says I have only 5 miles for my drop down long run this weekend...I can't lie my irrational brain will probably win that fight and I'll do it.  Sometimes being so structured can be a bad thing.  I lack the ability to deviate from the schedule I've set (I don't like change).   Hopefully I don't have a stress fracture in my foot....If I do, I hope I'm able to accept the restrictions the doctor and/or my chiropractor/PT put on me/my training so my foot can heal properly.  It's a crazy disconnect between my rational and irrational brains.  I know running right now is bad for me, but I can't stop.  It's similar to the way I knew I needed rest days during my 1st marathon training program, but my head told me rest was making me weak. 

Differences between my two training programs will happen for no other reason than they ARE different-I'm different from then and now both mentally and physically.  I may not be at the top of my game right now, but I'll get there.  I had ups and downs in my last training and I know I will this time too.  This isn't a sprint...it's a marathon! 

Day by day and training run by training run I'm getting closer to my next race and my next goal...that's what I need to focus on!  It's true what they say, running is a very mental sport.    
“You have to train your mind like you train your body.” -Bruce Jenner

Xrays are Monday...check back to see what they say!

The New Blog Name Is Funny.....

I had some people ask me about the new name for me blog....I went with "My Name Is Kelly And I'm A Runner" like I'm at a meeting and I'm finally admitting I have an addiction....clearly I do have an addiction to running.  (Oh well, I think it's funny)

So yeah, I am officially addicted to running-I guess there are worse things to be addicted to.  When I'm waitressing and overhear people talking about running I always stop and come right out and say, "I was eavesdropping and heard you talk about running..."  (20 minutes later...) ha ha
Let the record state I was NEVER an athlete...NEVER!   My parents LOVE to tell the story of my first day of volleyball practice in HS when I came home begging for Nuprin or how I'd stand by the goal in soccer doing my hair and picking flowers with my friend, Ashley.  (<--Not in HS, btw ha ha)  I actually "ran" track in HS too....well I was on the team, I was a "sprinter" and bailed on workouts all the time. ha ha It's kind of funny/sad to look back on it.  I bet if I was a distance runner in HS I would have been pretty decent.  Oh well...

So, back to training...The training differences between training for Chicago and training for NJ are quite noticeable so far and I just started.  
-In my warmer training I'd set out water the night before a run and get up super early before the day got too hot.  With  my winter training I can't leave water out because it will freeze and be worthless to me the next day.  I also go as late as I can (while there's still light) so it's a warm as possible and black ice can melt.
-Getting out the door for a winter  run is MUCH harder-it's really cold out there.  Once you are out it's just like a summer run where you instantly feel better for being in your element.
-Maybe it's because I just started running outside after two months of running inside, but my aches are different and I think a lot of that has to do with how tense I am about running and not slipping on what may or may not be black ice.  I also attribute some of my new aches to how cold it is-either way, massage appointments have been made and I've touched base to start seeing my chiropractor again.
-In the summer wearing a tank top was sometimes too much clothing.  In the winter I'm wearing TONS more.  Trying to wear enough, but not too much because you heat up very quickly and don't want to wear more than you have to is tricky. 
I'm sure I'll be adding to this list as I get further into my training...

So far winter training is tough, but....
I need to do this to get the time I need to qualify for Boston.
I need to do this because I miss it and needed some focus.
I need to do this because the winter is depressing and I don't need extra winter weight.
I need to do this as a reason to get outside in the fresh air & sunlight as much as possible.
I need to do this because I'm a runner and runners are like the post office...Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night.

“There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of any workout…” -Katherine Switzer

 

It's been 2 months.....a post needed to happen!

Here I am, 2 months since the marathon and it's safe to say it's been a difficult 2 months.  I found everything relating to the marathon was tough once it was done.  I wanted nothing to do with blogging about it because I was having a tough time with it being over.  I REALLY enjoyed the entire process.  I loved training.  I loved the routine of training.  I knew that every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday were my run days and I my life revolved around it-and I was okay with that.  Training made me very structured in what I ate and drank....turns out I needed that ha ha.  The endorphins running gave me were incredible and once it ended I missed them.  Even the week after the marathon I was starting to get the post marathon blues.  Originally, I planned to take a good month or so off from running...that lasted about 3 days.  ha ha Even when I went back to running it wasn't the same-nothing was.
The marathon gave me a goal, a focus and in an instant it was gone.  My post-marathon workouts were a waste of my time (in my head).  Going from a workout where I ran 20 miles to a workout of an hour of lifting and 40 minutes of cardio was a joke.  I missed the structure.  I liked making my life happen around my training so once it was gone I felt like all I had was time-too much time.  I started breaking all of my eating and drinking rules and felt completely out of control. 
Once the marathon ended and runs were just "whatever" I started to focus on shorter runs where I killed myself to get quicker times so I can cut time and hopefully run a race that will qualify me for Boston.  In the 2 months since the marathon ended I haven't had a run longer than 6 miles...sad!  I've been so much faster, but could I maintain that quick speed for more than 6 miles?...doubtful, but I'm going to get there!  
As I mentioned in other posts, I ran for OAR (Organization For Autism Research).  They had a team that ran in the NYC marathon so Alice and I went to cheer our team on...it was so great to be there and see a marathon from a totally different vantage point!  I wanted nothing more than to go out and run with them.  I can't lie, I was pretty jealous. 
These two months have been rough....add to it the intro of winter where it feels like it's dark all day.  I'm the kind of person who needs sunlight so this has made post-marathon blues worse.  As the darkness began to increase and my mood decrease I realized something had to be done....I registered for another marathon!!!!  I'm back to training!  I will be running the NJ Marathon at the end of April.  (While I haven't registered, I will also be running the Key Bank Vermont City Marathon Memorial Day weekend)  I can already see that training for the NJ Marathon will be MUCH different (and I fear harder due to weather and the fact that stakes are higher with me having a 3:40:00 goal so I can qualify for the 2015 Boston Marathon).  I am happy to be back tho and while it's still week one of training I'm feeling my mood brighten.  I'll be starting a new blog-name to be decided soon so keep checking back or like my blog FB page.  One change....no dating "blog fans" this time around HA HA!

My final thought: The marathon changed me....that's all I can say!

John Hanc, running writer
"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."

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