Wicked Crabby

October finally brought some relief from the humidity, which normally means you get some relief from the heat too.  I was hoping it would be in time for the Crawlin' Crab at the beginning of October. The weather gods just chuckled. I didn't know it at the time, but they were saving the perfect running weather for November. Maybe they wanted some extra thank you points that month, But hey, I run rain, shine, sleet, snow and steamy heat. I even run on Sunday's so I have one up on the post man.

The Crawlin' Crab was the half marathon for October. One a month keeps the doctor away! Better yet, it was the closest one to me other then the Dismal Swamp Stomp. I didn't have to get up at 3am. Packet pick up was close by. I was joined again by my BRF, and the usual suspects. We are almost becoming cliquey, for shame! The race was in Hampton. It was a pretty unassuming race. Its best sales pitch really is that J&A Racing put it on and they always do well.

We lined up and off we went. I went right to the side line to add a safety pin to my running skirt. Now I know I haven't lost that much weight. I had pinned one side since that was sufficient on the last long run, but this time I could feel the undies starting to slip with the skirt. Rather then flash the world when I tripped over my own feet,  I stopped and pinned the other side; problem solved. I merged with traffic and off I went again to the first porta potty. Dang it! But when you gotta go... and I didn't know when the next one would show up.

While the next porta potty was not on the agenda, humidity and sunshine were. By the time I finally crossed the finish, I am pretty sure I had sunburn and the salt from my sweat stung. Not cool. Definitely-crabby.

Some of the girls had a great run. Me, meh. I could take it or leave it, but it is another half in the books.

Next up was the Wicked 10k. The running in between the two races was like the Crawlin' Crab-meh. Thank goodness for BRF's who motivate. I am pretty sure we elected a new cabinet, president and reorganized the department of education on those runs.

I had no expectations for the Wicked 10k. I had actually lied and put what I wanted to finish rather then what I knew I would finish and amazingly wound up in the perfect corral for me. My BRF had been telling me race by race I was in the wrong corral and highly recommended I give myself a little more credit. She was right. Yes, Jessica Meier, I am putting it in writing, you were right. The best thing about the Wicked 10k is the costumes. I think I like this race the best out of all the races J&A Racing does. Its just fun. Last year, we had cold gale force winds that sand blasted your face when you came around the corner on the boardwalk. In true Virginia fashion, this year was warm and a little humid, but for Virginia do-able.

I somehow was late leaving the house (kids will do that to you), late getting to the race (thank you traffic), missed the group pic (well crap) and had to parks blocks away (we'll count this as a warm up). That's ok. It was still a great race. I ran the whole 10k at a decent pace and had time for beer. Yeah for beer! The absolute best part about this race was walking back to my car and seeing the last person come in for the finish. It was clearly a struggle, but they were doing it. Better yet, the J&A race support person was cheering her on, saying encouraging things and I think I even saw her laugh at one point. That race support person should get their very own medal. It was true race support. I wish everyone was that supportive, we would probably all be healthier for it. I also hope that last person went in and had their soup and beer and said "I did it!", with a huge pat my self on the back smile because she deserved it.

Costumes again, were awesome. They are every year. It's part of the fun. I don't wear a costume, I don't do cute matching running outfits and I have a very ugly running hat for cold weather, but I still appreciate all those that do.

Two in two weeks- yep.

After a disappointing Rock n Roll I had a "fun run" planned. It was the Diva Half in northern VA wine country. I say fun run because I had no finish time goals. I just wanted to run with my BRF in beautiful country and drink wine. I also wanted to see if I had the recovery it took to run two in two weeks. Supposedly you are suppose to rest a certain amount of time for a certain amount of miles. I suck at waiting. Point in case, I am currently signed up for a half at the Outer Banks and the following weekend I will be running the half in Richmond. Bummer they only schedule these things on the weekends, or maybe that's to force crazy people like me to rest.

Diva was everything I was looking forward to, except traffic. Two lane roads and an antique care show the same day in the same area, did NOT bode well for in and out traffic. My BRF was onboard for this trip. After confusing my GPS on the beltway we followed the map in my head towards Leesburg and then GPS caught up. Thank goodness I can still read a paper map and remember what I saw on said map. Technology is great, but sometimes you gotta go old school. After that little adventure where I showed my New England manners by physically waiving thank you in the rearview along with saying it, we arrived at the expo. I got my lovely daughter a shirt, we got our numbers, tried some wine we hated and decided we were done. Off to the hotel, which was easy enough to find.

Jessica (said BRF) went to get the key. I sat and guarded our stuff awaiting her return. Back she came and in went the key...that didn't work. Double check numbers, rooms and keys...still a no go. Back down she goes and get the key redone. This time it works BUT someone else's stuff is in our/their room. What the heck?! Did we get double booked? Did the maids forget to clean. No. The front desk person is slightly dyslexic. WRONG ROOM! After finally getting the right key to the right room, we dump our stuff and go looking for food. Syri (iPhone help person) and I got in an argument about pizza. I wanted some and she couldn't find a location in a good neighborhood fast enough. Grrrr. Finally we were fed and then off to bed with an early morning wake up. I had brought coffee, the good stuff and had it ready to go in the morning.

Crack of dawn wake up, sleepy coffee and we were off. We made it most of the way there and then stopped in traffic that creeped along. Which was still ok. We had left early enough that even with inching traffic we would be ok for the start. Apparently, we were in the minority. Hello people! Country lanes and lots of cars equals grid lock. Parking was plentiful at the Tarara Winery and well directed, though I clearly have issued following directions when two people are directing me and I left a whole parking spot next to me, which was filled, of course. We rounded up our stuff and hiked off through the field to the start.

At the start we jumped in the porta potty line and caught up with some other MRTT'ers (Moms Run This Town-best running group ever!). We then ran into Michelle (a fellow MRTT'er) and her entourage. (husband and two boys who provide awesome support!). Just when we are heading for one last porta potty trip they announce the race is delayed. Whats! Its cool and pretty and perfect running weather-RIGHT NOW. However, they want to make sure everyone makes it in for the race. Those who didn't plan as well are still stuck in traffic. Then there was an accident. You are going two miles and hour. How the heck does that happen?!

And thus we wait, and chat and hit the porta potty line, and chat some more.

And as we wait, it gets warmer...but finally the national anthem plays and we start. The roads are loose gravel and pavement. Rolling hills are really rolling hills, but the company of Michelle and Jessica and wonderful. We are a funny group, cracking jokes, yet support each other and other runners. The Galloway method makes the hills easier to contend with. But hills are hills and we are fund Virginia Beach where it is FLAT. The way is beautifully amazing. I love it. My fellow runners, no so much. Those around us seemed to have a lot of complaints. I stopped for pictures. I really did enjoy it and would live to run that area again, without the two and a half hour delay.

After awhile, I apparently had noticeable itchy legs. Michelle and Jessica insisted I go ahead of them so I finished out the race. Just before the end, I dropped my ID. Slick, right? I had to back track to find and then finally finished the race. A water, bagel and banana later and I had my very large medal, my friends and it was time for wine.

Traffic out was worse then the way in. By the time we got to the intersection we were hungry and desperate to get out of the traffic. Syri, where is the closest winery? Syri came through and we pulled u-turn and off we went. First winery was good, and was selling food. Having had a good experience, we hit another one. Lost Creek was YUMMY! Two more and we decided since we were driving we were done for the day. It was off to dinner. Syri found us a hole in the wall that was also good. The pizza we had been looking for the first night was yummy. Back to the hotel for some DCC on tv and home the next morning. I really did enjoy this race and the whole trip that went with it. I hope I can sucker someone into going with me again next year. Maybe we will buy the wine first.

 

Catching Up

So I have been slacking. Completely and totally slacking. I have since run the Rock 'N' Roll, Diva and the Crab...and I'm not dead yet! Actually, I have signed up for the Southern Fried Challenge in NC which consists of a 5k on Saturday and a 1/2 on Sunday and then a week later I have signed up for the half in Richmond. Its for the blanket, I swear. In the midst of signing up and running I haven't been writing. Shame on me. I have some catching up to do.

First and most awful and yet somehow, my most proudest race was the Rock N Roll, Virginia Beach. My gallant BRF joined me in early morning, hot humid long runs that were so sticky you expanded more energy pushing through the air then actually running. I get a double calorie count for those runs. We were determined to be ready for all the horror stories we had heard. Then it cooled down. We danced, we ran and I doggedly checked the chameleon weather every morning. I couldn't possible get that lucky. And I wasn't.

At 3am I got up, desperately berated the coffee to percolate faster and tried to be happy that I was up to run that early. For whatever reason, the City of Virginia Beach ha decided it was better to park up 15 minutes away and bus us to and from the race, which meant you had a deadline to make the last bus. Needless to say, we were there waaaaaay early for a 7:30 race. And the heat and more importantly, the humidity were back with a sock to the gut. So much for cool and rainy. We were even there early enough for me to eat breakfast, or at least my version of it, which was water and a bagel. Normally, I don't eat before a race, because my tummy doesn't have time to settle before I start. This time I did. So we are there early and we are tired. Its humid enough to make you think you had extra clothes on, and I ate breakfast. Not a good start.

 But thanks to my BRF, I got to potty like a rock star. I highly recommend buying Brooks shoes for the potty pass. You'll eventually need the shoes anyway and its worth it. My BRF thought she would be able to use it because she was running the second half of the relay and gave it to me. She gets double BRF points for that. You will never want to use a normal port a potty again.  She gave me that wonder piece of sunshine that morning. It flushed. It had soap, sanitizer, snacks on the way out and even better- no line.

Brooks Potty Paper.

It did not make me a faster runner though. I totally, completely hit the humid wall at about mile 8.5/9. The sun came out, there was no shade and I just felt done. Instead, I popped a Gu, slugged some Gatorade, called myself a wussy and told my self to suck it up. A salt packet later and I was moving again. Once I was back on the main road I hit shade and picked up the pace. I finished. It was my worst time but I had tackled the beast and won. My feet in the ocean at the end had never felt so good.

 

 

Next up was Diva. I had totally planned on enjoying this race. It was to be a fun run with my BRF and I was totally looking forward to it and the wine we would be tasting after. Yeah for running road trips involving wine. Why don't they have a vodka or rum race?

 

 

Uphill both ways...I swear

I had this crazy idea, late one night, probably coming off a runners high (legal and free, FYI), that I should run a 1/2 in every state. Now keep in mind that at the time, I had, and still have, only run 2 half's in two states, though I have signed up for five more with at least two more left to be paid for that will add two more states, possibly four. It must not have been a day when I had a long run. During the week when runs are only 4-6 miles its seems like a wonderful achievable goal. Saturday or Sunday, after 10-15 in 90/90 heat, not so much. Then there is the money. At least 65-100 for race fees plus travel, for each race. How the heck do all those other people do it? I will wear Reebok, Nike, even Sketchers if they will pay my expenses. Heck, I will even wear Hello Kitty! Then there is the training. The voice in my head is pretty insistent that I get my butt out of bed and the butt crack o drawn or zero dark thirty when I have to meet someone somewhere, and into running shoes to go be bedazzled with sweaty humidity. All I can think 5 miles into it, with my visor dripping sweat, is that the devilish voice must have beat the sane one into mute submission.

Now, summer training sucks. Anyone who runs regularly knows that, except for the crazy few who have both voices beat in submission and actually like hot sweaty, furnace like conditions to run in. BUT there is a down hill to the up hill. Fall and winter races, that you just spent all summer training for are the chance to enjoy the efforts because, hello, beer at the end! and bling, and good BRF's to race with. So its not really up bill both ways, though it seems like it on a morning like today. Better yet, summer is almost over and the down hill is literally days away.

This fall its the Rock N Roll Virginia Beach, Diva Washington DC (really in VA), Crawling Crab in Virginia, Outer Banks Half in North Carolina, Santa Hustle in Tennessee, Disani Half in Myrtle Beach, maybe the Richmond, Virginia half, and if I can swing it, something in Maryland and maybe Delaware. Oh, and the Race for the Dream and Flying Pirate because they were the first two I ever did and they were beautiful. I will then again be raceless until summer is over. The best part is that for the most part I can sucker my BRF into almost all of that craziness. (BRF is best running friend for those not in the know.) And it does sound crazy when I write it down. Yet, I am excited too. I don't want to keep training,

but I can't wait to run each and every one of those races.

Summery Mud Fun

Summer is definitely here. Temps have been in the 90's, which when you are indoors or at the beach soaking up rays, isn't so bad. When I want to run hills at 6:30/7:00 it really kinda sucks. I am good at hydrating. I coffee it up in the morning, water and juice during the day and maybe a Gatorade with the evening run.  But what really kills it is the darn humidity. I have to wear a visor with a built in sweat band to keep the stuff from running into my eyes. Yesterday it was a little cooler after our afternoon shower so I thought it would be good to get 4 miles in. Ha! I did my four miles but the humidity was so thick I might have not had anything to drink that day. And I was nervous about the heat for Run for the Dream in Williamsburg.

Run for the Dream was wonderful! I will definitely be running it next year. Up hill both ways and I still liked it. I just hope the guy with  the sign that read "this stranger is proud of you" will be there again. Support like that rocks!

This is where I should be running. Then I can just jump in when I am done.

 

With no more races until September I find I am antsy. I run in the evenings and do my best to make the schedule work so I can meet my running friends for a long run on the weekends. However, there is nothing like the excitement of a race and the feeling you have stepping up to the start line and the finish. To fill the gap I had signed up for a 5k mud run. This small balm on my running soul was the Great American Mud Run. This was MUCH better organized then the dirty girl and it was timed to give it that edge a race has. With all the rain we've had, it made for great mud. They had advertised jumping over fire at the end. How super hero! I was in. I met up with some running friends and we headed over early to make sure parking and sitting in traffic wouldn't be the focus of the day. We got in with no problem, got our numbers and of course, like at any good race, our beer cups. We didn't run until the 11:30 wave so to kill some time we listed to the awesome music and managed to insist on winning the neon group award. Yeah us!

 



Finally it was time to run and we were off. Through the bubbles and we hit our first obstacle. Barb wire splat. (I am sure they another name for it, but I like mine better.) Down in the mud we went. We went up and over ropes, swung through hoop rings, across ropes and final hit a wall. Straight up, just high enough that I couldn't jump and reach it. With a little help from my friends I made it over the slip slab of wood and dropped down on the other side only to see...yep, another one. The next one was too slip. Too many muddy hands had tried to grip it. I got my buddy over, but couldn't get up it myself so I went around. Not a complete failure, but definitely disappointing. However, that didn't stop us! Muddy ditches, a swim in the drink since I can't run on barrels, more barb wire splat and a HUGE slide at the end. I think it said it was 80 feet high and all you can do is laugh on the way down, its that much fun. The three of us crossed the finish line seconds apart.

Before.

After.

 

The line to the showers was long and our patience was not. Some one slipped by whispering about a pond so we calmly walked off like we had places to be and found the pond with a few other folks. A quick jump off the dock and a little scrubbing and we were much less muddy. Though I don't want to know what goes in that pond, I really don't. Some beer, food and more music to round of the day and we were done and quite pleased with ourselves. I was 550 out of a whole lot of people and I now know for sure...I have no upper body strength. Weights and push ups here I come. BUT I WILL beat my time next year. This was too much fun not to try.

 



Last weekend I ran a half marathon through Colonial Williamsburg. It was hot, hilly, sweaty and ...I loved it. I will definitely be running this again next year. I went up Friday night with my 8 year old daughter to meet my running friend Jessica and her family for the weekend. Both her big boys and my daughter were going to run the "fun run" Saturday and then she and I would run the half Sunday while her poor, gracious husband managed 4, yep, I said 4, kids. (He had a little help, but still...gold bars for that or something!) Friday started out with crazy traffic. I had time to call my husband, my mom and my sister, we sat in traffic for so long. Once we got there we went and got our numbers and then checked in. My daughter is a patient kid, I have to say. My the time we got to the hotel, my patience had run out, and I was cranky and still she smiled and put up with me. Going up to our room we ran into my running friend and made plans for in the morning. Since it was suppose to be 90 friggin' degrees I was a little worried about my daughter. She has this massive head of hair that has to add 50 degrees to any temperature. The day started hot and she started whiny.  We were all sweating by the time we got to the stadium they were running at. The kids sat in the shade while they waited for their turn. One miler's were up first and so I took my daughter to the start. They would go down the track, outside the stadium and then back in to finish where the marathoner's would. Which meant she ran outside of my sight. Time for mommy panic. Now I know, I have brought her up to be safe, they block in the track they run, there are police, etc. but as a mommy, you still swallow and tell yourself not to panic. A few minutes later I was telling her to just do her best, its hot so just have fun, its OK to walk if you need to, and they were off. Just a few seconds later, she was out of sight. I moved to the finish to wait for her to come back. Some of the older kids came through fast, like Lightening McQueen fast! Holy crap! Wish I could run like that for a whole race! Then before I knew it, around the corner she came! I met her at the finish and made sure she got her water and led her to the shade, cheering her the whole way! Next up were my friends big boys. They were pretty awesome too. 90 degrees and they all did an awesome job. As mommy's we couldn't have been prouder.

After a hot afternoon, we went to bed. Up early, I took my daughter to my friends room and off we went. The air was hot and humid at 6:30 in the morning. We knew it would be hot and we knew there would be hills. I was a little worried about the hills, but hey, bring it on, right? Knowing I was nervous and having more faith in me then I did, she made sure I grouped in with the 3:15 pacer and stayed there to start with me. Thank goodness for good running friends. Thank goodness for Jessica. Before we knew it, we were off and running. I thought she was next to me, but when I turned to look both ways I couldn't find her any more. Rather then kill someone in the shoulder to shoulder start crowd, I kept going. We were off, hills, heat and all.

We ran through some rough gravel areas, dodged the horse poo and off to the rolling hills. I started fast like I always do below a 10 minute mile. I had to really focus on slowing down so I would last the whole way. I kept reminding myself it was going to be hot and hilly and I didn't want to loose my legs half way through.

The half way point was pretty and sad at the same time. I made it to the turn around before I knew it. Hills were easier then I thought they would be and I made sure to stop for water at each station because it was also as hot as I thought it would be. The good thing was, almost the whole way was in the shade. The sad part was, someone didn't account for the heat and I saw them packed in ice, being taken away to the ambulance. As hot as it was, I am grateful there weren't more incidents like that. I started taking a cup of water to drink and one to dump over my head. Best advice I got all weekend. My friend said it would feel yucky, but do it as it would help keep you cooler. I am glad I did. Thank you Mo!

This is one of the easier hills. Yes, its really up hill both ways. After you make the turn to the finish you realize all the down hill you had is now up hill and the up hill from before is now down hill and you kinda say "well, crap".  So back up the big hill we went. Thank you Williamsburg for showing us the true meaning of "rolling hills". The best part was getting to the top of the bigger hill and some guy had pull off the road to the side (they split the street so traffic could still move) and he had a sign saying "this stranger is proud of you" and was high fiving people. There were people like that along the whole route. They cheered you, encouraged you, smiled at you. People checked on other people walking to make sure they were OK in the heat. They made it a wonderful race. It is why I will run  it again next year; even if its 90 degrees again. I finally came to the finish and found a little bit left in my legs to push it to the finish at a faster pace. My daughter jumped up and down and waived at me and I blew here a kiss and went for the finish. Even my running friend's husband and boys cheered  for me. I don't get that at many races. It was really nice to have that. I crossed the finish and grabbed two waters. I made it. Later when I got the final time I realized that even with the heat and hills, I only missed beating my PR by 40 seconds. Crazy. But I totally had fun! A running weekend with a good running buddy and my daughter trumps a PR any day. Its why I love to run.

My new favorite place to run is on the beach. Even which %100 humidity which will make you sweat rivers, I loved it. The smell of the ocean when you breath it into your lungs just makes you want to smile. I joined a couple of running buddies, which made it even better.  Good company always equals good times.  It wasn't a long run, but it was certainly enjoyable. And I gotta say, it works the butt. After a mile I didn't feel it in my legs but I sure felt it in my glutes. I head read various articles that said it was good practice for hill running. Now Virginia Beach ocean front is pretty darn flat. I can count the "hilly" areas on one hand. Hard to train for something when it doesn't seem to exist. BUT it definitely exists in Williamsburg, where the half is in June.
For which I am woefully under prepared for, hence the beach running.  There are two weeks left and the last three weeks have been spent on vacation and juggling some smaller runs while my husband and daughter had things to do. I should have planned better, but we'll see. Again, going with a friend, so even if it ends up being an awful personal run it will be good times with a running friend, and better yet, my daughter is going with me to run the 1 miler.

So I have been totally slack with keeping up with the writing, but not so much with the running. I ran my very first half marathon; the Pirate Half on the outer banks in North Carolina. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. I liked it soooo much I signed up for three more, even after asking myself why I would pay someone to just to torture myself only to claim the very next day that it was complete and total fun and I couldn't wait to do it again. ha! In the meantime, I have run a couple of 5k's and for Mother's Day weekend I went coast to coast for a 10k in Cali.

Mission Bay was beautiful. The weather not to hot, not too cold and the company was the best. I was staying with a long time friend who moved to Cali years ago. She walked the 5k and I ran the 10k. It was nice to see all the mother/daughter duo's out there and I gotta say, the freebies at the booth's for the after race expo were delish! Ice cream sandwich, a whole bottle of Activate water and my favorite was a sample of after run drink called Core Power. Yummy! The race offered a 5k walk or run, a 10k and a half marathon around Fiesta Island in Fiesta Bay. It was a lovely place to run. Being a small island you did a little up and down, but honestly, I was just enjoying the run so much, I didn't even notice. There were boaters, skiers, and people fishing, just at 7am when the race started. The path was paved so we didn't have to run on sand and they had water stations at just the right spots.

They began with the half at 7 am on the dot (timely folks too), the 10k a 7:10 and the 5k at 7:20 so that everyone was paced very well and not running into each other on the loops. I left my friend to her 5k and at 7:15 I was off. The first mile I did what I always seem to do and went too fast. I can't seem to help myself. That first mile always feels so good and this one was no exception. Miles two and three flew by and my little Runkeeper was telling me I was at a 9:49/10 minute pace and I started to get excited that I might actually break the 10 minute mark. Then I realized I was only at mile 3.5 and I still had more to go, so I slowed down, afraid I would die at the end and totally blow it. However, as I said, it felt good and I was just enjoying it, ups, downs and all arounds and stopped paying attention again, right into a 8:35 minute pace- yeah, that fast. I must have been running down hill. It was also about that time GPS lost me. Apparently I have learned to run on water and managed to squeeze in a visit to a near by aquarium while running this race. Told you it was a good one!

So I just stopped listening and kept running. I hit all the water stops because the heat in Cali is different then what I was use to in Virginia Beach and I didn't want to do something silly like pass out or not be able to finish. Even so, I still crossed the finish line, glanced at the clock and wow!, 1:15:45! I knew I had to back off 10 for the time we started at which meant 1:05 and change. My best time yet for a 10k and I hadn't even gotten the net time yet. Better yet, it had felt good, so very good, even up the hills, though they weren't really very big. I got my medal, banana and water and went to sit and cool down. My friend wasn't at the meeting point so I checked in with her via text (gotta love technology) to make sure she was good (she was) and it turned out she was only 5 or 10 minutes behind me. Way to go Lisa! Medals in hand we checked out the booths to stretch our legs then went home for showers and a quick nap. (I was a little jet lagged.)

I would absolutely do this again. It was a ton of fun to try a new venue in a new state and with a great friend. I truly just enjoyed the race and since I didn't know anyone I didn't feel any pressure to do well so I really could just run. I surprised myself. I really didn't think I could run that fast, but now that I do, you can bet I will be pushing even harder on the next one!

I have this crazy idea that despite what all the training plans say, I HAVE to run the full 13.1 to make sure I can do it. That whole the race fever will carry you, I just don't believe it. So Sunday I have 11 on the books but was planning on 12. I started with a couple of girls I always have fun running with. Julie is game for adventure and Jessica just makes me laugh. If I can run and laugh, I know I am doing ok. They didn't have as many planned. Julie had six and Jessica had gotten there an hour earlier for her 12 so they both only did six with me. BUT IT WAS GEORGOUS! After cold, rain, sleet and yes, even snow, I was ready to run on such and amazing day. Julie had the bear mace at the ready, but all we saw were butterflies and bunnies. It was too pretty to just do 11 or 12 so after my 6 I went back for more. I went out 4 with the intent of stopping at the 12 marker on the way back, but I just kept going. It was warm but not hot. Peaceful, but not too quiet with other runners and bikers sharing the path. So I did it. The whole 13.2 and now I can assure myself I can do it. Flying Pirate, here I come!

You have a bad day. You're lonely. You're angry. You name it and running seems to make it better. Even when you are happy, it makes your happier. Endorphins rock! And best of all, when you are done, all the crazy thoughts make sense. See, I'm really not crazy! (Shhh! Don't tell her its the endorphins talking.) Lately, there have been a lot of ups and downs for me. I only work part time and I have a hard time with that as part time work is part time money. Sure, I get more time with my daughter, which is awesome, but then I feel guilty because I do work part time and want to work full time, and working part time I can't buy her everything I want, but working full time I won't have time to buy her everything I want...you can see the crazy. You don't even have to come close. Throw in a bad day at work, or more friends moving away (we're Navy) and the inadequate feeling of only two BA's and no master's (yep, going for broke on the guilt train) and what's left is running. My five miles last night, in the cold rain, felt GOOD. I left feeling crappy, wanting to cry a little, angry and I was definitely having a "fat" day. After mile 1, I had a grove. By mile 2, my breath was even and I could feel my legs work. Better yet, by mile 3, GPS confirmed I was still running at the same pace, a pace a little faster then normal. By the time I had gone over the bridge, to the stop light, back through the neighborhood twice and finally hit mile 5, I felt...normal, even keeled, almost...dare I say it?-sane. My legs felt strong, my head was clear, I was breathing fine and the world was back to normal. Running might not be a complete cure all, but it sure works wonders for me.

This was by far the BEST race I have ever been too. J& A Racing's Shamrock is always a ton of fun. The excitement is something that can be physically felt in the air. With over 8,000 running the 8k and over 4,000 running the final mile, how can it not be? Energy like that can only come from lots of happy people. This would be the second time I ran the race and was hoping, but doubting a sub 50 would happen for the 8k. What can I say, I am not a fast runner. But I am getting faster. I cleared 6.9 minutes off last year's time, which is awesome! But that wasn't what made it so great. I had a wonderful running buddy come and cheer me on. Even though she wasn't running it is always amazing to know people are cheering for you. Better yet, my daughter was running her first race that day. That meant I got to share the whole experience with her. I have made some wonderful running friends since I first ran it all by myself last year. Some ran it with me and one stayed with my daughter while I ran since she was doing the half marathon the next day. When I hit mile 4 and realized I had stopped and really I was only frustrated by the walkers getting in the way (can't they hand out etiquette manuals before a race?) I smiled to my self. Last year was hard and I was just glad I didn't quit. this year, I was actually sad it was over so fast and wished for a longer race. It wasn't nearly as hard and I didn't have to walk at all. I even made up time the first few miles running a middle 9 mile (probably slowed me down at the end, but oh well). The rain held off until I finished then my daughter and I dashed for the tent with hot soup and live music. People were mashed in, but the soup was good and the music fun, and better yet, my daughter was smiling. By the time her race rolled around an hour later the rain stopped, the sun came out and the temp had warmed up. Perfect timing. She ran her mile in less then 9 minutes! I was so proud of her and she had so much fun! It truly was the best race I have run to date and I can't wait to do it again. This is why we run.

This morning I got up early, dreading the time change and the cold. At 6:30 it felt like 5:30, my car had to defrost but I was on my way. I met up with a running buddy at a park I have always enjoyed running at. Sea smoke sat on the water as the air started to warm up with the sunrise.There is so much going on in my head, I needed a good run to clear it. It turned into a bueatiful day. The sun came up, people were very gracious in their good mornings, and a friend to chat with on the run, about everything except drama. I managed to avoid what is in my head for a good two hours and just enjoy the here and now where I was. Thats the way running should feel.  I wish I could have kept running all day. I didn't want to go back to my thoughts; but you can't avoid them forever. Maybe, I just need to run longer and faster.

I am soooo glad its starting to warm up. I am starting to feel blah about running the longer distances. Sunday was a nice run with a friend. There was good conversation, pretty woods to run in and some time for me. Problem is, said friend can't run as far as me. I have another friend who runs with me who runs much faster and farther then I do. I seem to be middle ground and am having trouble finding others who are middle ground. For all that I live in an urban area and there are over 150 people in my running group, why the heck can't I find someone to run with me? Do I have cooties? Do I smell bad and don't know it? What the heck yo? I get that running is a solo sport, but people run in groups all the time. I train all week by myself, I am just looking for 1 day. Maybe the warmth will people people out. Races are gearing up and there are always people at those. So yeah, I am a bit whiny. We all get that way sometimes.

The 14k rocked. But I don't think the hubby will be joining me on any more long runs. Snicker! "We have to get up how early?" he asked. "Its how cold out?" and "Really? Doesn't your knee hurt? Why are we doing this again?, oh yeah, You're crazy!" But, he came with me, told me he loved me and wouldn't ever let me forget he came with me, and ran with me-sorta. About 10 minutes into it, he decided I was at the wrong pace and took off on his own, but that's OK. I find I love to have someone to start with and end with but the in between is all conversation in my head. Probably makes me a bit crazy, but there it is. This go round was more focus on my knee. I went with it taped. KT Tape is AWESOME! Wore my layers like a good girl, though I really wanted to be red, white and cute for the valentine's theme. I am happy to settle for warm and comfortable though. So, off I went. Whenever my knee hurt I would focus on my stride and form and counting. Yep, counting. One, two, one, two, my feet it the ground. It the right spots and you don't go down. Focusing on the form also made me a little faster. Better yet, at the end, my knee didn't hurt, I didn't hurt and I was ready for more. Note to self, my husband loves me very much, but no more long runs for him. I am getting faster despite my hurt knee. Better yet, I can beat the pain!

Running a 14k this weekend. Normally, I would be so excited people would be shaking their heads at me; i.e my husband. The side of my knee has been bothering me for about three weeks. I took a week off and just did other cardio then ran 5 last Sunday. I did OK with the 5- sorta. Monday I tried to get back too it, after all, I have a 1/2 coming up in April, but I couldn't even run on the treadmill. I wanted to cry. Not from pain, but from frustration. So in true suck it up buttercup attitude, I went and got KT Tape and plan to push 4 more tonight. If the tape works, I will feel better about this weekend. Being hurt SUCKS! I don't think I have ever slowed down in my life! I played with broken bones, screwed up ankles, probably even a minor concussion. Suck it up was a mantra. Guess I am finally getting old. Damn, my husband was right.

So I FINALLY got my new sneakers. I had been running in Brooks GTS, which were awesome, but a bit heavier. I had put many miles on them and recently added a bunch of mud. So now I have new mud sneakers and new running sneakers! Recently, my knee had been bothering me More precisely, the side/back of my knee. It hurt to go down stairs, went away when I ran, then hurt more after I ran. Self diagnosed ITBand issue. Seems to be going around. Three other girls in my running group have similar issues. Maybe it was something in the limited edition snow we got here in Virginia that we only see every 5 years or so. Either way- suck. So, with miles and pain adding up with the snow, it was time for new shoes. I actually went and got properly fitted. They measured, they photographed and they let me put my nasty bare feet on their nice shiny clean floors the gentleman assured me they washed each night. I guess he thought the face I was making was at his floors not the thought of me messing them up. NOT a job I want, touching all those feet. Ewww! and tada! I am now the proud owner of Asics Kayano 19's, though the first shoe he offered was the Brooks GTS, but I wanted to try something different, 'cause there has to be the miracle shoe that makes you fast- right? However, with the Virginia is for Lovers 14k 2 weeks off, I had to rest that darn ITband. I ran a lovely 10k with my running group through the woods last Sunday, cause hey, they offered wine at the end. But I paid for it. Normally, I would push through, but I really don't want to screw this race that's coming, so here I am, ogling my lovely shoes that I still haven't worn. Darn it!

Last saturday was the 2nd XC race in my series as a 6k which will finalize next saturday in an 8k. It was freakin' cold, muddy and a whole lot of hard up hill at Mt. Trashmore, if it had been forested it would have been like running through the woods behinds my parents house, minus a few deer. Through the mud, up the little hill, catch your breath, up the big hill, down the big hill, catch your breath, though the mud and do it again. It was hard, muddy, cold and wet and I wasn't winning anything, BUT I loved it. My shoes have to dry to scrape the mud off, my ears were cold even with the hat (not so sexy hat), and I was not ready for the big hill, but I did it :P, I wasn't last and I actually would do it again!

Running Home

Saturday morning I ran a cross country race in a park tucked in the back of Chesapeake. Such a nice change of pace. I really enjoyed it. The fog sat on the hills so thick it made your hair damp and the river and pond off to the side looked like soup. There were birds every where and the best part...you couldn't hear any traffic. Had the hills been bigger (and the air MUCH colder), I could almost imagine I was running at home in Maine. A great way to start the morning :) I wasn't the fastest by any means, but I certainly enjoyed the run and the whole way, I kept looking off to the side at tiny animals popping among the greenery. Home, home, home. Its such a funny place. You can't wait to leave when you are young, but the way you remember it when you are older, it suddenly becomes a mystical place you would love to raise you kids. Trust me, growing up on an island mid-coast Maine, is incomparable. I can remember running up hill, (yes, both ways- we lived at the top of a hill) the wet air tasted like cold sea, and the bite of the cold could seep through the wool layers, but you felt so alive when you ran, as fast as I could, just a mile, just long enough to get rid of whatever adolescent anger I had that day-chasing my mind, even then.