Half marathon run

So yes, it's been over a month since I've blogged. But that doesn't mean that I haven't been running. In fact in the weeks leading up to the half marathon (it was this last weekend) I was totally pushing the miles. 

But this post is focusing on the half marathon run. So that's what I'm going to to blog about. :) The half marathon (13.1 miles) took place in my home town, had no official time-it was all about personal goals. I did take my Garmin with me on my run, and kept time that way. Turns out, I shaved a whole half hour off from last year. Last year I walked it-just goes to show you what you can do when you put your mind to something.

Day before the half, I took off from work. I'm so happy I did. It enabled me to make sure I got plenty of sleep, eat what I needed to eat, and take care of myself. One of the things that I tell people (please remember I"m not a Doctor or a nutritionist) is that the week of a half-marathon or competitive long run is to take it easy that entire week. Watch your runs-slow 'em down, don't push too hard, watch alcohol consumption, increase water intake, increase protein intake, watch what you eat. Balance is  truly key. It would be horrible to do all the training, and the week of get all out of whack cause you decided to do something different that didn't work well with your body.  Week of a big event is not the time to try something new. Especially day of. Wear the stuff you train in, and don't forget to fuel with the same stuff you use on your runs. 

Of course, we have all the best intentions, and I know personally for me, my week leading up to the half could have been much better food-wise, and alcohol/water wise. As well as sleep wise. But it happens, and we have to roll with our choices. 

Anyway,  so day  before. I did something different, and I think it worked for me. I know totally blowing the rules right? I focused not on my carbohydrate intake, but I focused on protein, and water intake. Generally speaking, you do want a balance, but I really pushed the protein intake. I think it helped. I had Pad Thai for lunch, and for dinner, I cooked a new meal-totally blowing the rules right? I had also gone to REI, and got a couple of protein bars-and had 2 of them on Friday. The dinner I had turned out fabulous, and very well balanced. I had made homemade Chicken Parmesan-and it turned out fab. So I got the protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, and well, whatever amino acid goodness that my homemade tomato pasta sauce had in it. 

Day of, woke up bright eyed and nervous-just as we all are before something big happens. Got my pretty temporary tattoo, and posed for a few photos before the countdown. When it was time, I placed myself middle of the pack, and took off. I completely sprang off that starting line-just what you want. :) Body was itching to run! 

Since I had never run a half before, I really wondered about pacing. Do I go all out, and run the risk of burning out? Or do I start slow, and end fast? And how do I do this? Well I decided I would try to pace best I can, and go from there. I wound up running at my "fast" pace (about 12:30) occasionally dipping down further. I pulled myself back from that in the beginning but as time went on, I just went how my body felt.  I think that worked well for me until about mile 10, then I started to slow down. 

The way the half was set up so the everyone (walkers, run/walkers, and runners) would finish all about the same time. About mile 7, I realized that I was running amongst the walkers. It was a total surprise to me-I totally wasn't expecting to run into them at all. The walkers had started a full half hour before hand, and I figured that I probably wouldn't see them at all during the race. Well I was totally wrong-I patted my buddies on the back as I passed 'em, and high fived the others. Talk about an extra boost to the self esteem! I used to be among the walkers last year, and it put in perspective exactly how much better I was doing comparatively from the year before. 

At mile 10, I just started to drag. I can't explain as to why, it wasn't asthma related. I dealt with my asthma about mile 8, and so I knew it wasn't that. Body was just getting tired, and couldn't get up and moving. However, my girlfriend placed herself around that area, and the cheering view of her inspired me. It inspired me to keep moving, and to finish the thing. 

As I came around the corner to mile 12, and saw the mile marker, I wanted to burst into tears. It was a powerful great sight to see that I only had a mile to go. I thought to myself; how many times during the week have I run 5/3 miles? And I can certainly kick ass in this last mile. 

And I did. I finished with the cheers of my friends, and family. It was a spectacular moment in my mind.  Total time: 2 hours, 45 minutes. Last year walking, 3 hours 15 minutes.

I'll get back to running tonight. I did a little bit on the bike the other day, and my ankle has been bothering me, so I've laid off quite a bit.

 

A discussion regarding Carbs.

So, I've been doing a ton of thinking lately during my runs with regards to carbs-so that's what I'm going to talk about in this entry. 

Let me catch you up first though on some of my runs that I've been doing. Last week, I did an "easy 2" but wound up battling to breathe through the entire run. It was hard-and I was slower than normal, but I got my miles in. That's the most important thing that  I personally have to keep telling myself. Its not about the time or speed, its not about the challenge-its just about getting the miles in. If I get all my miles, yay for me!

My long run this last Saturday was an "easy 6", which was absolutely fun. I wound up running with both my running partners (which almost never happens) and even got to meet a very inspirational new friend along the route. All four of us had a good time along the route, and it was a gorgeous day. Of course, I was just happy it wasn't raining.

This upcoming Saturday is going to be huge for me-my long run will be 11 miles. So far this week, I've run a 4, a 3, and tonight I'll run a 2. And I won't be running on Friday. 

Please remember, I'm not a nutritionist or anything. This blog entry reflects my views solely, and is not to be taken as medical advice. Go find someone super smart like a doctor or a nutritionist before starting any sort of running/eating program.

Mmm carbs. Potatoes, French Fry's, pasta and bread. These are just a few of my favorite things....and vices. I have zero self control when it comes to carbohydrates. I open the fridge, and just chow down on everything that has carbohydrates. I know its good fuel for my running, but I think I'm over-doing it. In fact, I know I am. I ate an 3/4ths of an entire pizza by myself this last weekend. My weight isn't dropping off like it should be. So yes, I'm a good girl, and hydrate myself with water, and avoid all sodas, with very little coffee. I've been drinking alcohol again (bad me) but not in excessive amounts. But for the life of me, I can't give up these carbs. I crave them like nobody's business. And I seem to be alone. I've talked to some of the folks that I run with, and this doesn't happen for them. In fact, one of 'em is totally off carbs! How she does that I have no idea. Of course, she's a skinny little twig. I'm not. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I should handle this? I'm desperate, and I need to get my intake of carbohydrates back into control. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

In the meantime, wish me luck for this upcoming Saturday-I'm really nervous about running 11 miles by myself. I'll be using my Gu, and fueling along the way so I don't collapse. My current plan is to use it 15 minutes beforehand, and then every 3 miles-that way its about every 40 minutes or so. Of course, I'll be hydrating along the way too. 

catch ya later!   

9 mile run

So, on Saturday, I did nine miles by myself. I am proud of this for several reasons. 

First off, I finished the run in under 2 hours. 1 hour, 58 minutes to be exact! So that means my pace was about 13:11! Not shabby. I would have liked to be a little faster, however I think I know the reasons for this.  

I have a feeling the main reason why I was just over 13 was because of my fuel. I used a new fuel source, and it didn't quite work out as planned. Which made me sad, but oh well. I have to try new things to find what works for me right? 

I should note here that I am NOT paid by any companies, or any product, and the following is strictly my own opinion, and my own experience with the respective products that will be discussed. Also, go talk to someone much smarter that actually knows things (like a doctor before starting any running/exercise regimen, as well as someone like a nutritionist before using any sort of product for weight loss/exercise enhancement)

 On Friday after work, I stopped by a place that I thought would sell Gu, however, they didn't, which sort of bummed me out. I've had a really good experience from the previous week with Gu, and I thought it would help me out on my longest run thus far into my training. However, they had something else (Powerbar gel) that the sales dude told me was "similar" to Gu. It was on sale and right there, and it meant that I wouldn't have to drive up to another store somewhere else to go get exactly what I wanted on a Friday. We all know traffic is awful on a Friday afternoon, which meant that I could avoid that as well. So I decided sure why not-it couldn't hurt to try it. Besides, this girl can never really pass up a sale..they were pretty cheap. 


I decided that I would fuel on mile(s) 3, 6, and then 9. Good plan right? That way, I would be able to finish without issue. Well, day of all locked loaded, and puffed up via asthma meds, I powered out of my door. And let me tell you people, it was a gorgeous morning for a run. It was about 45 degrees (add on 20 degrees for runners, so about 65) out, and not a drop of rain in sight. Living in Oregon, well it rains a ton here-so that was a good positive not to have to worry about being drenched and freezing on my run. 


And off I went! Feeling good mile one, mile two, oh, here's mile three. Better start fueling. At this point, I had reached a place on the trek that had high hills. For the life of me, as of right now, I can NOT run up hills. Which is frustrating. But okay up and over I go, good so far..and hey this Powerbar gel stuff doesn't taste too bad. 


Once I hit mile four, I got a smidgen turned around. I quickly realized where I should be going and went that way. At this point, the path took me through these snazy homes that made me turn green with envy, and then down this gorgeous slope for about a mile that took me through a oak tree park. And this particular park is stunning! It's brand spankin new, so the pavement is perfect for running on. Its a gentle slope down, and a windy path. Not the scary kind of windy, but the good gentle kind. Feeling absolutely glorious and fabulous.  At the end of it, I hit mile five, and started to feel funky.


When I hit mile six, I started to not feel as great. I slowed down, took some water, and figured I could easily slow my pace down a bit without it affecting my overall time that much. Fortunately, I didn't have any hills at that point in the run, but anytime I hit a slope, I immediately slowed down. I kept thinking what the heck? I gotta keep going, and I know I can rock out these gentle slopes. I do easy three without issues during a long work week-what is going on?


I figured I should probably take another hit of my Powerbar gel, and as I was opening it up, something on the back label caught my eye. Zero caffeine! What the heck, zero caffeine in my Powerbar gel? No wonder I was starting to feel funky, I needed a kick of caffeine in my system to keep me going. And then I realized that's why I'm feeling off. No caffeine in my system at all! Gah. Just when I need it the most....and its not there! Bah. 


Needless to say, mile seven was a struggle-not only did I feel like I was starting to hit a wall, I had three big ole hills in a row to walk up. Last time I tried running up a hill towards the end of my planned trek, I felt like I was going to collapse, so I knew between the way I was feeling and my own physical limitations, I knew it would be a bad idea to try and run up those blasted hills. Of course, that put me in a foul mood since I wasn't running. 


Next thing I knew, I looked down at my watch and bam I was at 8.5. I took a quick inventory of what I had left on my route (no big huge hills) and how I felt (better) and off I went. Finished running, but really I wished I could have done more running towards the end of my route. 


Stupid no caffeine. The particular store that I bought the Powerbar gels from, I don't really like to begin with, so it's not a huge loss, but overall, just irritating. I really wish I had better fuel on this run, but it just goes to show you how important fuel during long runs really is. I also think, if I had a running partner, I would have done better. The conversation for me pushes me, and keeps me going. So maybe that was a part of it too, and why I started to be all sluggish.


On the bright side of this run, I finally got to run through that gorgeous park. I can guarantee, (now that I know where I'm going) it will happen more often. :) 
Another positive of this particular run was that despite everything I did finish in under two hours. And that is a good enough accomplishment for me- totally made my day!


Its looking like its going to be pretty rainy for the rest of this week-thunderstorms and all. But I'll be out there in my pink little hat and shirt probably will get soaked to the bone. But I'll do it!
Catch ya on the flip side,
Allison

3 mile run with a neighbor

As I walked out of my house to start my run last night after work, my neighbor came running out said she wanted to go with me. Of course, I said sure! She knows the neighborhood much better than I do, and she has been running for many years. I figured it would be good to shake up my usual route and see what happened. 

Oh my Lord, that girl can run! Of course, she's a skinny little twig, and totally in shape. I am not however-which made it a challenging run for me. She (like me) likes to gab while running, and that made it that much more difficult for me. The first mile we did we completed in 11 minutes! That is a record for me! A good one, and yes, I'm proud I did it, but the last two miles were sort of brutal because of that. I wound up slowing her down to a 12 minute mile, but that is still pretty fast for me.

How am I supposed to slow her down without being rude? Has this scenario ever happened to you on a run? What would be the right thing to say or do to slow your partner down? Do you just do your own thing, and hope the other person gets the message, or do you say something? I've run with people that are faster than me before, but I knew them pretty well, and felt like I was able to communicate with them about their pace versus mine. What do you do or say when you run with someone you don't know that well, and they are not at your pace (either too fast or too slow)?

Positives: I got to (finally) run with her, set a new personal best, got to see a new perspective of my neighborhood, and best of all, I got to run with someone. 


I don't know about you, but I love running with people-even when they run like lightning. I enjoy the companionship, and I love talking as the run progresses. Some of the coolest things happens while I'm running with people. Of course though, it is nice to do your own thing from time to time, and just turn up the iPod and go. What do you prefer, and why?

Catch you later, Allison

 


 

Hello world!

Hi world! :)

This is my very first ever blog! I picked the title "Running in Pink" because well, I run in a pink top and cute pink hat. My hope is that this blog can be the outlet/discussion to keep me on track of issues, questions, and reflections on running that I have. I'm hopeful that this blog will be interactive, and I can get feedback on issues as well.


Last year, I walked a half-marathon, and this year, I'm planning on running it. After that, I have plans to run my first ever marathon in January of 2012. I do have activity inducted asthma, so my running issues can easily become that much more complicated-what I think is going to be an easy run turns into a gasping nightmare. Fortunately, right now my asthma is under control, but as anyone with asthma knows, there is only so much you can do.

I guess I should tell you more about myself. I'm happily married, and work full time. I enjoy playing the piano, and spending time with my friends.  I do lots of various volunteer activities that I find very rewarding. I also enjoy reading books of all kinds-historical fiction is my favorite, but I also do enjoy a good biography from time to time. I do read all sorts of different kinds of books-I've always loved reading. I'm also a causal gamer, I love games of all kinds.


I mention my other interests mostly due to the fact that you will probably hear about them in one way or another at some point in time despite this being a blog about running. I should also let you know that I"m not a skinny/totally in shape person-I'm not going to put my weight here, but I can tell you that I could lose about 20/30 pounds and be that skinny/in shape kind of person. Who knows-it might happen!

Right now, I'm running between 12:30 to 13:30 to 14:00 mile. The 12:30 is on a good run-right now I"m a smidgen higher (closer to the 14) due to some technical issues that will be resolved soon. 


Okay, I think that's a good introduction as to who I am, why I'm writing this blog, and all that other good stuff. I'm not running tonight (its my off night) and I'll post here after my next run. I already have some thoughts/topics I'd like to discuss, so hopefully, I'll keep it interesting enough for you to continue to want to read this blog. 

Ciao for now!