Taking it for Granted

At 39, I see and feel myself growing a little bit older. A few more fine lines on my hands and face, a touch less energy. A few more tummy issues. A recognition that my parents are about to become grandparents of four. Fewer baby showers, fewer wedding showers. No desire to hit Bourbon Street on trips to New Orleans.

I saw this piece this morning about a woman who labored to complete a 10K. And part of me wanted to scoff at her overeach--she is out of shape and probably had no business trying to complete that distance. But upon further reflection, and realizing how she had lost nearly 200 pounds, I realize how far she had come. And the compassion of the officer who assisted her in the journey was stark and striking. How far she had come, and it didn't matter how long it had taken to arrive. True, she was at a 20 minute pace clip. But she had made it.

Running was something that came to me later in life, and I don't want to ever take it for granted. Maybe my days of 8 minute miles are past me, but I still could run a 10K in far less than an hour on a whim. Most days, anyway. And maybe my difficult 10K is akin to my ability/desire to try yoga headstands or crow or other poses that are simply impossible for me.

A little more compassion would serve us to do good and to be well. At 39, maybe I can recognize some limitations, but that should not let it stop me. It's the journey, right?

Boo to the Runners

A contrarian's view of runners. Boo. One reason: he thinks runners are social media savvy show-offs.

Why would someone want to get up at 5 a.m. and run 10 miles adorned with fluorescent tape to avoid being struck by someone who has the good sense to use a car for a 10-mile journey?

I have a theory. There is no more visible form of strenuous exercise than running. When runners are dashing down a street in the middle of town or through a subdivision, they know that every driver, every pedestrian, every leaf-raker and every person idly staring out a window can see them.

These days, people want more than ever to be seen. This is the age of taking a photo selfie and posting it on Facebook with the announcement that you're bored—in the hope that someone will "like" that information. People want attention and crave appreciation. If you're actually doing something like running—covering ground, staying healthy, almost even having fun—what better way to fulfill the look-at-me desire? The lone runner is a one-person parade. Yay.

Yeah, I think the "slow" runners who go at a 13 minute mile pace and then brag about their six hour marathons are kind of annoying. It's a catch-22, though. The likes of Michelle Obama are so focused on getting everyone active, that anything goes. And you need to "brag" to make yourself feel better. I've been running since before a FB account, and I started running in order to  lose the 15 or so pounds I needed to when I was 30. And I was seeking an individual sport, because you know how I feel about team sports. And yeah, I wanted to prove I was more athletic than how I was perceived at 14. So maybe there's something to it.

I don't agree that nothing is more strenuous than running. I would find hot yoga or swimming much more challenging. Once you can sustain a 10 minute mile pace, you are golden. But as for this running backlash? I kind of get it. But most "real" runners aren't like this. This piece is more of a symptom of Gen Y showboatism, more than anything. But ultimately, I won't begrudge anyone who is exercising and focused on health.

First Race of the Year

So the Capitol Hill Classic was not my best race, but I'm proud of my 55:25 finish time, especially in light of how little I've been able to work out lately. Every workout is a struggle because of travel, and I admittedly did not train much. I barely ran more than 4 miles in weeks, and I need to build up a larger base. Though the husband was in the same situation and rocked it, finishing with 7:57/miles, nearly a full minute faster than me. The late start time and the drizzle was also a factor, but really, no excuses. I'll take a 10K anytime, especially in under 9 minute miles.

Hopefully there will be another race to come this year, like the Navy five miler. I'm in no shape to run more than that for a while!

Thankful in Dallas

We spent four days in Dallas over Thanksgiving. We participated in the 8 mile Turkey Trot on Thursday morning. A great race, though crowded. I am sure I negative splitted, considering the heat and the slow go at the start. 1:14:39 is by no means great, but I'll take it. It was the top 1/3 for ladies, and there were some very in shape runners. Slow ones were in the 5K.

Besides hanging out with the nephews and niece, I also did Pinot's Palette with my SILs. I guess it was fun to be artistic and engage in a 6th grade art project, but really, it was not for me. Maybe another time with a less complex piece, right?

Other than that, we ate at the infamous Kuby's where our nephew was kicked out of. We also had lunch at Dodie's, worked out, and ate and drank to our heart's content.

And now we're back to reality. Can Christmas vacation hurry up and come?

Capitol Hill Classic

With my sore foot, I knew it would not be my best 10K. And it wasn't, at 57 minutes plus. But the Capitol Classic might be the only race of the year, and I am ok with that.  On a gorgeous Sunday morning, though quite warm, it is always great to be running past the Court and RFK and Stanton Park and Lincoln Park and the streets of Capitol Hill.  And Steve rocked it, too.  I forgot that last year when we ran this race, it was the same day as the Taco championship.  Funny how fast time flies, and how things change or not. And I will take 9:16 miles any day, especially with that damn sore right foot.

Army Ten Miler III

So I did not beat my time from last year, though I finished only about 42 seconds slower. And a minute slower than Mr. Speedy. But it was a good race, I felt good at the end of it.  And any pace that is below 8:30 is pretty darn good, I think. It was a sunny day, and definitely warmer than last year.  And I guess it is a 10 miler PR for being in the 35-39 age bracket.

I made my now infamously delicious shrimp scampi pasta for dinner the night before. And had a bagel for breakfast. Running with gatorade: not a good idea, and I don't recommend it. I need to stick to water. I barely drank anything, though I did consume a few gu's. And one nasty side effect...an icky blister on my middle left toe. I guess it's the shoes, ugh.  But I was happy, overall.  Victory!

Gun / Net Overall Gender Div  10K Split   Gun Time   Net Time   Pace   1:27:24  /  1:24:06    5116/21914   1050/9645   170/1752   0:52:23   1:27:24   1:24:06   8:24

Toe Bummed

I cannot begin to describe how frustrated I am by my probably broken toe. It's not that I had this unblemished record of never breaking a bone, but it was a stupid, clumsy way to do it (changing the thermostat!). I am trying to be patient, but I am going crazy at the thought of not working out. Perhaps I should just be good about trying out some yoga and biking, which I am horrible at, but I am bummed that I cannot run in this beautiful morning 60 degree weather. I am hopeful that it really is just a bad, bad bruise, but I also don't want to go to the doctor to confirm that because of my squeamishness. Ugh.

So it is not the end of the world of course, but I dramatically want to protest this somewhere. Hoping it heals very quickly and I can run again very, very soon.

Scary

1. John Steele Gordon wrote this column describing exactly what our debt is, how large it is and why, and how it is ballooning out of control.
2. My toe. I can't believe I ran into a couch and probably broke it. I am going through running withdrawals. Perhaps I can look at this as an opportunity to do some yoga and bike, which I am pathetic at.
3. What the media tried to represent with Irene. Yes, there are some areas facing devastating flooding. But the world continues to turn, and frankly, no pun intended, there coverage was overblown. But what covered poor Tucker Barnes, yes, that is scary.

Workouts Lately

I've been working to regain my running mojo lately, and I had a pretty good 7.5 mile run on Saturday morning, to and from the Lincoln Memorial.  First one like that in a while.  Unfortunately, with triple digit temps ready to strike, I doubt I'm going to be doing much outdoor running come up. Strictly the treadmill, particularly if it's going to be much above 80 degrees at 7am. Ugh. Only part of summer I dislike. The longest daylight of the year is also wasted on the hottest days of the year. But we have another Army Ten Miler to train for, so we have to get going on that.

I do feel like I've somewhat broken out of that running slump I was in a few months ago.  I think having moved helped. I shave a new routine run down pat which has added some freshness.  Hopefully I'll be able to do more Lincoln runs as temps eventually get cooler.

Capitol Hill Classic

2.5 weeks ago, I ran my first 10K, the Capitol Hill Classic.

I've been running/slumping lately, and it was a warm and muggy day. I was afraid it might rain. And I wasn't feeling terribly prepared, but I knew I could wing it...and thus I did. I finished in a very respectable 54:49, for an average of 8:47. Not great, and I've done better. 29/133 for my age group, and 233/984 overall. At least it was the top 25%. Mr. Speedy finished in a remarkable 51:16 for 8:15 miles. Faster than anything I've done since that St. Patrick's day 8K last year. But finishing a race is always an accomplishment, and it's a PR if you have not done that distance before.

Running Slump

I feel like I have been in a bit of a running slump lately.  I had a good 4.5 mile run tonight, but in general, it has been tough lately. I want to pick up some yoga or something else to break up the usual routine.  But I want to keep running and being strong about it.  Part of me thinks I have slowed down after turning 35,which I hate admitting is a sign of "old age."  But I do worry about it.

I did gain some momentum about 2/3 of the way tonight, and I finished strong.  But I feel slower.  Hopefully this is a temporary thing that rebounds. 

Cherry Blossom Ten Miler

Not my best finish, but it was great having mom and dad here.  42:50 for first five, and 1:28:50 overall, for 8:53 overall.  The potty break cost me. But I finished 2019/8996 for women, which is respectable.

It was a great weekend, with seeing the Constellation and lunch at M&S grill.  A rainy walk on Saturday but we did see the cherry blossoms and had dinner at Argonaut after church.  Then the race and Old Ebbitt on Sunday and we picked up Steve.  Oh, and open houses.  And today was BWI and DCA, but hopefully they will be off soon.

I miss them and had a good weekend.
 

St. Patrick's Day 8k

The first with Steve. Not my best day, but after no sleep, a time change, daylight savings time, etc. etc. I finished. 360th overall of women (out of 3177; top 12%); 35th out of 434 in my age (older) group (8%); and 25:32 5K time, 41:36 overall, and an 8:22 mile. Eh. I guess you can't PR them all.

Official Results

Gun / Net	Overall	Sex	Div	6.5Mi Split	Net Time	Pace
1:27:03  /  1:23:24	4795 /21636	959/9581	215/2010	0:55:09	1:23:24	8:20

Army Ten Miler

Today I ran ten miles again. And kicked my time from last year--about 1:23:25? I am still waiting for the results.

I met up with Erin and her friends afterward for brunch at Front Page. And I felt good.  Not like great, but I ilwasn't feeling slightly ill at the end of this like I often do at races.  I ate a ton, which was good, because I was hungry!

This is my fourth race of the year...8K, half, 5 miler, and now 10M.  And a 5K to go.

Having gone from being the last picked in gym class to being able to run 10 miles 8:30s is pretty darn good.

Speedwork

One thing about running I'm not crazy about is speedwork. Now I know it's important, but ugh. I do credit it with helping me to meet my time goal for the half, and if I want to beat 1:30 for the Army Ten Miler, I absolutely need to do more of it. We hit the gym tonight, and I did 4.5 miles in 41 minutes, with that first four miles in under 35 minutes. 8:45. I did an 8 mph minute, but rotated between the usual cycle. I do feel good when it's done. It is SO hot out now, and runs last like last night's four miler are just tough. But I do need to do them. I completed my 10K by running home. It's 8:42 pm and it's still 90 degrees out! WTH. I am SO over summer. I was warmed up and easily able to run that last 1.5. But running in 80 or 70 or the wonderful bliss of 60 degree weather just does not compare.

But with all of the drinking ahead the next few days, I needed to burn off those calories!

Woke Up Early

I woke up early to take the husband to Union Station to drop him off for his trip to California. 4:30 a.m. I woke up. Drove him there at 5:15. And at 5:50 a.m., I went for my first early early run.

Wow. I was starving all morning after it. It was hot and sweaty and humid and nearly 75 degrees at that time. UGH. It's going to be a long hot summer. But there is something energizing at being out that early, with it already light outside--daylight at 6 a.m. And I covered over 4 miles, to save up the extra calories for the day.

I would love to be an early morning runner, but it's a struggle. Someday I may have to be out at that time. But today it was my choice.

I finished!

13.1 and Done!

My stats:

2232nd place of 6249 (top 36%)
143/656 in my age group (top 22%)
807/3402 of overall women (top 24%)
10K 53:54
Pace through 10K 8:41
Overall time: 1:55:30
Average per mile: 8:49

Since this was a competitive race, I am very happy.

I might sign up for the Army Ten Miler and maybe a 10K.

But then I am done. 

Tomorrow

It'll be 13.1.

I can do it....

Last Run

I did a final four miler tonight in anticipation of the half. I maintained a nice, comfortable, even with a cold, pace of 9 minutes/mile.

I have to remember steadiness and not to get off to too quick of a start. And not freak.

I have to figure out my music. I have to figure out my hydration....probably walk through water stations and load up on gatorade.

And I have to enjoy myself. And remember why I am doing it.