Race Weekend Photos

A post on race weekend to follow, but to sum up: Don't run on a stress fracture. You won't be able to run a full half-marathon, and you will end up in a walking "boot" for 4-6 weeks minimum. This will cut into your running. Also, San Fran in the early morning in October is cold when you are wearing running shorts and a tank top.

Race Weekend (Friday, October 17): I Don't Recognize You With Hair

Race weekend began early on Friday morning. I arrived at the airport around 5:30 a.m.*, and I waited for a familiar face--and an unfamiliar face that was supposed to have my airline tickets, team jersey, and weekend itinerary. Being the Type-A+ personality that I am, not having every detail of my weekend laid out for me was a challenge. The first person I saw at the airport that I recognized was Heather (Silvey) Butner. She, too, was waiting for her tickets, jersey, and itinerary. Heather, like me, is a Type-A/planner.

Once we got our tickets from our race captain, our team members congregate at the gate for our flight to San Francisco. I met my roommate for the weekend, Ellen Gillespie-Miller. I had seen Ellen at a few of the team practices this summer, but I had not yet met her. She was going to be running her 8th full marathon, and her 6th as a member of a Team in Training Team. I was excited to be rooming with an experienced runner because I certainly had pre-race anxiety, despite knowing that with a broken foot, I wouldn't be setting any records. All my teammates at the airport were groomed and dressed in non-running garb, and there were certainly a few people who did not recognize me, as I was not in my trademark white Nike hat pulled low over my eyes and signature long run pigtails. I did, however, have a heavily-taped foot to protect those broken bones as best as possible until I saw my doctor after the race ended and I returned home.

I sat with Heather on the flight, and we gossiped the entire time much to the very visible displeasure of the other girl sitting in our row. She was quite upset that she couldn't sit with her boyfriend (on a full Southwest flight), and she spent most of the flight pouting and holding his hand--as he sat in the row in front of her. Surprisingly enough, this girl looked to be about my age, not 14.

We arrived in San Francisco (actually, Oakland) before noon, and we boarded a shuttle to our hotel--the Hilton Financial District on Kearny. I was so thrilled to see palm trees and sunshine. Despite having been born in California,** I hadn't actually been there in several years. It was unseasonably warm in San Francisco that day--in the mid-80's. We checked in, and I headed to the race Expotique to pick up my bib number and freebies with teammates Ellen, Heather, Aileen Laughlin, Suzie Johnston, and Becky Denson. The Expotique ran smoothly, and I picked up my number, some granola, a great "shopping" bag, some Laura Mercier bath gel, and a spectator's pass for Andrew.***

Then, it was time to shop. The Expotique (and race start on Sunday) were right in San Francisco's Union Square, right in the heart of Saks, Gucci, Prada, etc. The Nike Store in Union Square had the names of all the Nike Marathon runners in pink and white on the side of the building.

*I am not a morning person. I had gotten up at 4 to finish packing, get ready for the flight (I am not a roll out in public in sweats kind of girl, either), and head to the airport. I had not had coffee (trying to stay hydrated for the race). I was less than pleasant, but my hair looked great.

**Despite my more "East Coast" personality, I am actually a California Girl.

***Andrew was driving down Saturday, and he would be watching the race Sunday morning. Nike had arranged shuttles for spectators that would drop them off at cheering stations along the course, down to the finish line, and back to Union Square.

This Is Not What I Expected (3 Days Until Race Day)

Well, I've made my fundraising goals, I've started packing for San Francisco, and I am trying to figure out the best way to tape my foot for my race. I am excited about my trip--San Francisco is a great city, I'll get to see some friends I haven't seen in a while, and Andrew is coming down to watch my race (and tape my foot, lucky him).*

However, I am frustrated and apprehensive. I spent months training, hoping to maintain a certain pace and get a certain finish time. Based on my training, I was on pace to do around 2:10 for my first half-marathon (just under 10 minutes a mile for the 13.1 miles). Not bad for a girl who could barely run two miles in May. Unfortunately a wrecked foot is going to really inhibit my time, and I may not even be able to run. I probably, really, should not run. I did an easy 3-miler on Friday night (October 10) that was decently uncomfortable. I need to run more than 4x the distance on Sunday.

But, I signed up for this race not for me but on behalf of Team in Training and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The race was always about more than me. It was about raising money for cancer research, being part of something bigger than myself, and being inspired by cancer survivors, including Jan Giesa, my Aunt Alice, my two sisters Jen and Wendy, and Kitty Janssen. It was also a tribute to my late aunt Shirley and my late grandmother Mary, both of whom lost their battles with cancer.

It's my understanding that race weekend for TNT participants is an emotional event. We have a pre-race pasta dinner (are you surprised?) where our fundraising efforts are lauded, and we learn what our dollars are doing to help battle cancers. Apparently, along the Nike course in San Fran, cancer patients and survivors are cheering on those of us wearing the TNT purple jerseys. I will be one of those people--no matter how long it takes me to cross that finish line.

*Andrew is getting his doctorate in physical therapy. He needs the practice.

$4100

That's the final amount of money I collected from friends, family, colleagues, strangers, friends and family of colleagues, and me. My minimum fundraising goal was $4,000, and I was a bit frightened at times that I would be paying much of that money out of pocket. I am thrilled that I met and exceeded my fundraising goal, as I know all the money will be going to a good cause. Make sure to check out the link to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on this blog to find out where your dollars went if you donated.

It's Like Riding A Bike

In addition to the stress fracture injury on my left foot, I decided to split open my left heel (same foot) in a cycling accident on Saturday. I purchased my first road bike this weekend that uses the cleat-type clip-in pedals. I believe I learned to ride a bike when I was 3 or 4, and I lost my training wheels when I was about 5. They say you never forget how to ride a bike. However, you can momentarily forget it when you are attempting the clip in pedals. My Look Keo Sprints and my new Sidi shoes did not want to meet up initially, and I ended up on the ground with what I thought was just a bruised and scraped knee (right side, to balance my injuries). It was until Andrew pointed out my bleeding heel that we both realized I had cracked open my left heel. Bottom line, I am still going to complete my half-marathon, but I will not be winning my age group by a long shot!

Broken, But Not Finished

It's official. I am injured. I have a stress fracture in my left foot. My race is in 17 days. My prescribed treatment: rest, ice, taping, pain killers. My actual treatment until after the race: suck it up, ice, taping, pain killers. I have come too far to quit now, and I am not going to do it.

Certainly my pace won't be as I would like it to be. But, I have worked this hard, raised these funds, and I made a commitment to Team in Training, LLS, and myself that I am not going to break.

I ran my last really long run on Sunday, September 28. I managed to log 12 miles, only 3 of which were really painful. I only have to do 1.1 more miles on race day. Fortunately, I am in my "taper" phase, so I have fewer runs, and I've been doing cross training to reduce stress on my foot.

Retired

R.I.P. Saucony Progrid 6 Ultimates--my first shoes picked based on how they worked with my feet dynamics and not based on how they looked. After close to 400 miles, they made one last 11 mile run with me on Saturday, September 14, and now they are heading to Goodwill most likely.

11 Miles...

That's how far I ran today. I haven't had any really good running the last two weeks (or workouts of any kind for that matter) while battling my bladder/kidney infection. So, I was fairly reluctant to head out for the week's long run. Eleven (11) miles is a long way on your feet. I decided to skip my antibiotics (which make me nauseous) until after my run. I am fairly certain I would not have made it all the way back home. Sure, my pace was slower than I'd like, but I did it--all 11 miles--2.1 miles less than I will run in five weeks in San Francisco.

I stayed motivated thinking about: the 1000+ calories I was burning, the fact that I had run 5.5 miles away from home and had to get back somehow, a desire to (finally) get in a good workout, and a little Dean Karnazes quote from a Starbucks' cup:

"Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl when you must. Just never give up."

I Am Injured (Sort Of)

I am not actually physically injured--the briefly appearing shin splints of a few weeks ago are gone and there's no knee/hip/IT band issue--but I have a pretty unfortunate and nasty bladder/kidney infection (basically, a UTI gone VERY bad). If you have never had one, you are probably: (1) male or (2) very lucky. I had a couple of mild ones during frosh year of college (which, is sadly 12 years ago now), but had not felt the burning, stinging pain in over a decade.

Well, this one sort of crept up on me. And, I am set to run basically 11+ miles tomorrow. Imagine running 11+ miles while you constantly feel as if you have to urinate, your bladder feels constantly full, there is a burning/stinging sensation in your lower abdomen/urethra, and you cannot drink cranberry juice fast enough.

Now, imagine that same scenario, but replace "running 11+ miles" with "sitting at a desk and typing so you can earn a paycheck and because you have a hearing in Court today which you cannot skip"--got that image? Well, that's me, right now as I type.

My plan is to let my meds kick in and lay low tonight, have an easy and short run tomorrow, and try to log those 11+ miles on Sunday. We'll see how it goes.

Found and Lost

Last week, a girl named Natalie who works at Madeleine's (my daily stop for drip coffee before work) told me that my running and training for Nike had "inspired" her, and she had decided to train for a half-marathon herself. Natalie is about 21 (that's my uninformed guess) and is apparently fairly active (she plays soccer and she certainly looks fit). I certainly never guessed that I would inspire someone else to run--as I am not as fast as I would like and my gait is still a bit spazzy--but it certainly helped me find some motivation to keep training and fundraising.

Despite having "found" motivation, I got lost during yesterday's run. Literally. I was down in Walla Walla, a town with which I am not too familiar, visiting Andrew Roberts.* While Andrew was working, I went for my scheduled training run--believing that I could take a decent loop from his place and end up back there after about 4 miles.

That was a mistaken belief. I headed out--maintaining a good pace and exploring the residential portions of Walla Walla--but, after about 4 miles, I realized that I had no idea where I currently was and where my current location was in relation to where I wanted to be (back at Andrew's). I ended up running for close to 3 more miles before I finally found his place. Incidentally, I was within a few blocks of the house for the majority of the last 3 (additional) miles, although I managed to keep missing the house. At least I got in a good workout before stuffing my face with Mexican food later that night.**

*Andrew was my running partner for the "vomiting-up-pancakes run" from early August.
** I need the carbs for training. Don't judge.

Tech-Free (Run 77)*

This afternoon, I acquired a new pair of running shoes. I have been alternating between my Saucony ProGrid Omni 6 Ultimates and my Asics Gel Kayano +14s, but the Sauconys are my preferred shoe for longer runs.** Unfortunately (or fortunately), the Sauconys have over 300 miles on them, and as the race is still 7+ weeks away, I needed to start breaking in a new pair. So, I headed to Runner's Soul, right across Wall Street from my office, to get a new pair of the Sauconys.

After a bit of abuse, er, help from Cory (who sold me the Asics after a failed Nike purchase), I left with a new pair of Saucony ProGrid Omni 7 Ultimate (apparently, the 6s have been replaced). I figured I would test them on my run tonight. The shoes felt great, and I had a great 40+ minute run.

However, this was my first run in sometime that was not assisted by my Nike+ pace/distance/etc. monitor, as I forgot the receiver-insert that plugs into my iPod. It was surprisingly nice to run without hearing the time intervals called out, although my Type-A personality was mentally calculating my pace based on song length (the run wasn't completely tech-free) on perceived distance.

*I thought about quoting a line from "Ayo Technology" by 50 Cent feat. Justin Timberlake as the title, but I wasn't sure how many readers would catch it given the relatively poor showing of 50's "Curtis" album.

**I love the Asics for speed-work and shorter runs, but I don't feel as if they give me enough support on long runs.

How About A Little Support (More on Run 74)

My laundry basket is generally filled with smelly, sweaty, running gear. Sometimes, I am lazy about washing clothes, so I recently decided to acquire two new sports bras, so I could wash them less. I opted for the Nike DriFit Strappy Sports bras that are small, reversible, and come in a variety of fun colors.* The bras feel like a soft cotton, but actually are a blend that will help pull moisture away from your skin (thereby keeping you cool and preventing blisters/chafing) as you sweat.

When they arrived from Nike.com, I thought they looked a little small--like they wouldn't cover what they needed to cover. Sure, they were a size small, but I expected a bit more fabric (more like a traditional sports bra). Granted I am a small girl, so I figured I would try them on first and test it out. Much to my surprise (and chagrin), they actually covered everything I needed to cover and were a bit lose around the neckline. Still, I did my Irish run wearing my new green one (fitting), and actually felt a bit of bounce--but only because the small was too big. I am returning the unworn one to exchange it for an extra-small,** and I've relegated the green one for less motion-intense activities (like weight training).

*I would not recommend this bra for women actually needing support v. just coverage.

**Trust me, wearing an x-small sports bra is not as pleasant as wearing a smaller size in pants.

Things That Are Worse Than Shin Splints (Run 75--Long Run)

Surely, I can think of several: (1) root canals*, (2) any movie starring Paris Hilton, (3) dropping the baton while trying to qualify for the relay finals at the Olympics**, (4) Nascar, and (5) the 2007-2008 Notre Dame football season.

But, for me, the only thing worse than shin splints (which I seem to now have), is the treatment of shin splints. I'm not talking about stretching, or even basic icing--neither of those is really bad. What I am referring to is the ice bath. It is exactly what it sounds like--a bath in water either filled with ice or water as cold as your tap will release. This is, according to several legitimate sources,*** the best way to heal aching muscles and treat shin splints.

Thursday's run with the Irish left me feeling very sore--mostly in my left shin. Sure, I probably overdid it a bit trying to keep pace with others while running the River Loop, but I didn't expect an "injury" 15 weeks into my training. Still, I stretched and iced Thursday night and Friday night, and tried to get as hydrated as possible for a hilly long run (of about 6 miles) this morning. The run, while successful in the sense that I finished it (while actually running), was painful. I knew my best bet was to get into the ice bath. As I didn't have any actual ice, I just went the faucet route. I turned the cold nob all the way up, and brace myself as I eased into the frigid water, my body still warm and sweaty from just completing my run. It was painful, and it probably took me a minute to get into the water that was navel-high while seated in the tub.****

It was the longest five-minutes of my life, but I am currently rocking stilettos with little soreness in my left shin, so it was probably worth it. Let's hope my recovery run tomorrow goes well.

*I have pretty serious allergies to most "good" pain killers. Trust me, treating a route canal with extra-strength Aleve from the store shelf is miserable.

**I do not think this was the fault of either Tyson Gay or Lauryn Williams (the 4th legs in the men's and women's 4x100m, respectively). The tape doesn't lie--and Darvis Patton and Torri Edwards maybe should have made sure Gay and Williams actually had the baton in hand before they let go of it.

***I believe all of these legit sources are also sadists.

****Let's just say that the feet and legs were easier to submerge than more "delicate" portions of my anatomy.

Run Like An Irishman (Run 74)

It had been well over a month since I last ran with the Irish (possibly longer). It had been a rainy, cold day for August, and I decided that I would run with the Flying Irish for my fifth run with them.* Little did I know I arrived on the day they were completing their longest route (closer to 4 than 3 miles).

The "River Loop" starts at O'Doherty's (as does every FI run), heads west on Spokane Falls Blvd., down to Clarke and through Peaceful Valley, across the Sandifur Bridge, up the winding hill path towards the former (current?) Kendall Yards project, around by the health building, down Monroe, back through Riverfront Park, all to return to O'D's. The route is hilly (downhill for a good portion of the start), rocky, and long. Despite this, I ran considerably faster than I had during my previous FI runs. Was I the fastest? Usain Bolt, I was not. But, there were more people finishing after me than there were on my previous runs.

Next time I run with the FI, I get "shirted," which from what I understand involves me standing on the bar at O'D's and telling and Irish joke. I think I have one--an Irish lawyer joke, no less.**

*Yesterday was also my dad's 65th birthday. So, basically when my dad was born, people still ran road races in their barefoot--mostly for the purposes of avoiding rival clans/tribes/Greeks & Romans.

**If you complete 6 runs with the FI, you get a technical running shirt (long sleeve) with the FI logo. There is a brief "initiation" to get said shirt. For more on the FI, go here: http://www.flyingirish.org/.

Things Are Falling Into Place

Last night, I needed to run. Not just in the sense that I had a scheduled training run, but more of a feeling that regardless of a schedule, I needed to run. I felt like I had to do it--like eating, or drinking water, or breathing. I've never felt that about running before, and I have only felt that about exercise in general in the sense that "I need to work out to burn off the 3 donuts I had at the office today."

But, this wasn't about a calorie burn (although, that is a nice bonus as I consumed a bit of organic chocolate on Tuesday night). This was about needing to feel the burning in your muscles and lungs, about needing to feel the sweat dripping down my back, about needing to feel the wind as I ran down the trail. I have previously alluded to the fact that I try to remember that the fact I can run is a gift--and even if my running "gift" is not the same as the running gift of say, Ryan Hall, or Lolo Jones, or Susana Kallur--it is still a gift that I am physically able to run--that my body will allow me to do it, that I have the time to do it, that I live in an area where I can, that I can afford running shoes, etc. These are all gifts. I take a lot for granted, am terribly hard on myself, and am always wanting more. Running is giving me a bit of perspective that I needed.

Things are falling into place in my life, and running is helping me put those pieces in order.

Lance Armstrong, My Personal Cheerleader (Run 70)

Saturday morning, according to Lance Armstrong, I completed my longest workout to date. No, I don't know Mr. Armstrong personally, but via the Nike+ system, every time you log your "longest workout to date," Mr. Armstrong's voice comes through your iPod headphones* to tell you that you have completed your longest workout to date, and, of course, congratulations.

I had a hit-or-miss training week, so actually completing my 9 mile run on Saturday was surprising. Even more surprising was that it was a great run, in which I maintained a good pace, stayed hydrated, and felt as if I could run longer (than 9 miles). Given that my race is now 10 weeks away (from today, actually), I feel confident that 13.1 miles will be doable and, dare I say, enjoyable. Saturday's run also reinforced that "time on your feet" (see my post about Run 65) actually does make a training difference. Somewhere during the past 14 weeks, I have become a runner.

*I do not actually use the standard Apple-issue iPod headphones while running. I find that the earbuds get sweaty and slip out of my ears during a workout, so I tend to run with the Sennheiser PMX 70 sport headphones, which I purchased from the online Apple store. I love them for running.

Run, Kanye, Run

Here's a great video of a "muppet" Kanye running. Muppet Kanye and I have something in common--we are both way shorter than everyone else we run with, generally...

http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=202157_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0&em3281=&em3161=

Don't Overthink It (Run 66)

This morning I overslept a bit, so I only had time for a 30-minute run, instead of a 50-minute tempo run. So, I shuffled my schedule and just went out for 30-minute run through Browne's Addition. I run there often, but I altered my route just slightly, and went for it. I was a bit stiff from this weekend's long run/hike/vomiting session, as well as yesterday morning's leg-lifting and plyometric workout, so it felt like I was going a bit slow at first.

But, I just ran, and I fell into a pace that I assumed was slow, but felt good. As I approached my apartment at the end of my run--about 32 minutes instead of 30--I felt like I could keep going.* I stopped my Nike+ sensor on my iPod, and to my surprise I had gone further and faster than I thought--my pace was a good 30-40 seconds faster than it felt.

Time on your feet really does help.**

*I could have kept going, but as I am not a "natural beauty" kind-of-girl, I had to get back home to eat, shower, and head to work.

**See my previous post.

Time On Your Feet (And Food Out Of Your Belly) (Run 65)

Saturday I completed week 13 with a less-than-perfect run. I had gone camping for the weekend, and as I overpacked Friday afternoon I thought about bringing pre-run food for Saturday's long run. Sadly, I only thought about, but did not act on the thought. It's been no secret that my stomach has been sensitive to certain things on long runs--mostly sugar. I have found that if I eat a wheat english muffin or wheat bagel with a little crunchy Adams peanut butter (or the occasional Nature Valley Granola Bar) about two-hours pre-long run, my stomach is fine.

Saturday morning, I tested that--with a huckleberry pancake (about half of it) covered in peanut butter (not Adams) and syrup. The syrup may have been the downfall. I laced up my Sauconys and headed out around the lake with my running partner du jour, Andrew Roberts. The first couple of miles were fine--it was a nice, but not too warm morning, and despite the fact that Andrew was running at about a minute-per-mile faster pace than I was (but, running back every so often to keep from pulling too far ahead), the run was going well. Then, something--the pancakes, the peanut butter, the syrup--caught up to me. Literally. I stood on the side of the road, heaving up my pancake, and urging Andrew to go on ahead and not watch me get sick.

After losing the pancakes, I felt lighter and ready to continue running. I had some water (desperately wanted a toothbrush), and we walked a bit until my tummy settled. We continued to run again, but my stomach would just not calm down. My lungs, my feet, and my legs were all ready to keep running, but my stomach was not. My type-A, can't do things I'm not good at, hate to fail, personality could not handle this, and I fought back tears of frustration about my poor run. Fortunately, my running partner was much more positive, and while he stayed out of my line of breath, he encouraged me to keep going. We ended up hiking/walking a trail all the way back around the lake (where, I emptied the remainder of my stomach contents--water and Apple-Cinnamon Carb Boom) for a total of between 10 and 12 miles.

While I only ran 5 or so miles (instead of the 8 I was scheduled to run), I did get "time on my feet" as my coaches have said--a considerable amount of time at that. I certainly won't be bragging about my pace on this run (or my breath, looks, or attitude), but I kept going, and sometimes that's all that matters.

We'll see what tomorrow's 50 minute tempo run brings.

The End Is The Beginning (Is The End), or Halfway There

As of Saturday (August 2), I am halfway done with training. Saturday was the end of Week 12. I have been a runner for essentially three months. This was inherently true this weekend, as I brought my running gear with me to Portland for a friend's bachelorette weekend. Early Saturday morning, before heading out to the beach for bachelorette antics, I headed out on the Springwater Trail in Portland (it runs right along the Willamette) and put in around 7.5 miles. It was a great run and realizing that I had taken time out of a weekend of unhealthy activities to run made me realize that I had in fact become a runner.*

Of course, becoming a runner is a full-time kind of job. Once you're a runner, you're always going to have to practice--much like being a lawyer or a doctor. I'm still a ways off from where I would like to be in terms of pace and endurance, etc., but I am certain that I will finish this race on October 19 and that I will continue to run road races as long as my body will let me. I never thought that I would say something like that.

*While I had a blast at the bachelorette party, it was fairly clear that the salty, fried, cheesy food and countless alcoholic beverages that I consumed were not the norm for me, nor would they be anytime in the near future if I want to still be a runner.

The Recovery Run (Run 56)

Sundays in my training schedule are reserved for "recovery runs." Basically, short runs that follow more intense training runs (Saturdays are always long runs) to loosen up your muscles to prepare for a rest day (today). I think of it as "active rest."

Last night, I did my recovery run just before 9 p.m. The sun had gone down, but it wasn't completely dark yet. The feeling of running in the almost darkness, while people prepared for their Monday mornings and work weeks was empowering. It reminded me to be thankful for my legs that have allowed me to follow up an almost 8-mile run on Saturday afternoon with an easy three-miler (with a few light hills). As a female, it's so easy to get caught up in your insecurities and perceived and actual physical flaws. It's easy to think "my thighs could be smaller" or "my calves could be more shapely." It's hard to remember that having legs and having the ability to run (even walk) are gifts, which are easy to take for granted.

I have put over 170 miles on my feet, calves, thighs, hips, etc. since I started training. They haven't let me down (aside from a little pain). I still crave more speed, but I know that will come with time. Right now, I'm thankful for this rest day.

Running Soundtrack

I have been trying to make a new playlist each run. I take my old playlist and add it to my "Used Running Tracks" playlist. I have listened to over 200 songs while running (some repeated, and of course, some runs I am chatting with my running partner and not listening to music). Here are some of the artists that have kept me motivated over the miles:

AC/DC, Alicia Keys, Alkaline Trio, All-American Rejects, American Hi-Fi, Amy Winehouse, Audioslave, The Bangles, Bayside, Beastie Boys, Beck, Beyonce, Billy Idol, Black Eyed Peas, The Blakes, Blink-182, Blondie, Boysetsfire, Brand New, The Bravery, Buffalo Tom, Chemical Brother, Chevelle, Chingy, Chris Isaak, Christina Aguilera, Common, Consequence, Counting Crows, Crystal Method, Daft Punk, Deee-Lite, DMX, Does It Offend You Yeah?, The Donnas, Duran Duran, Eminem, Fall Out Boy, Fat Joe, Fatboy Slim, Fergie, Filter, Flyleaf, Foo Fighters, Franz Ferdinand, The Fratellis, George Michael, Ginuwine, Gorillaz, Green Day, Guns N' Roses, Halifax, Hilary Duff, The Hives, Hole, Jamiroquai, Jane's Addiction, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, Jedi Mind Tricks, Jet, Jill Sobule, Jimmy Eat World, Justin Timberlake, Kanye, Kelis, Kelly Clarkson, Korn, Lily Allen, Linkin Park, LL Cool J, Ludacris, Lupe Fiasco, Lucious Jackson, Lyrics Born, Madonna, Marilyn Manson, Marky Mark, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Mims, Missy Elliott, Moby, Modest Mouse, Morningwood, Motley Crue, Muse, My Chemical Romance, NAS, Nelly, NWA, Outkast, Phantom Planet, Poison, Prince, The Prodigy, The Rapture, Rev Run, Rihanna, Rise Against, Rob Base, The Roots, Run DMC, Saul Williams, Sean Paul, Sheryl Crow, The Strokes, Sugarhill Gang, Switches, Tha Liks, The Used, Young Gunz, 10 Years, and 50 Cent.

I am clearly all over the map, and I always love recommendations!

No One Said This Was Going to Be Easy (End of Week 11)

Week 11 started with a missed run* and ended with vomiting and overheating on an 8-miler. It included hill sprints, stair repeats, sore legs, a blister,** an unexpected generous donation from my favorite tattoo artist, and an inspiring video from Sean "P.Diddy/Puffy/Puff Daddy" Combs about running.***

Thirteen weeks to go until my race. I can run faster, farther, and harder than I could more than 165 miles ago (about the distance I have ran since I started training).****

*I added the time from my missed run to my other runs and made sure to get in the full amount of running time allotted for the week.

**The blister was from walking around in heels all day--peep toes, which I wear less often than closed-toes.

***The Sean Combs video can be found here: http://dailyviews.runnersworld.com/2008/07/diddys-treadmil.html. Diddy reminds runner to be conscious of the run and for the blessing that it is--being alive and being able to run. Sure, a lot of jokes can be made about Mr. Combs, but the man did train for and run the NYC Marathon a few years back.

****I have missed a few runs here and there, so my overall mileage is a bit below the mileage prescribed. I'm confident that I'll be able to complete the race in 13 weeks.

[Also, this post was originally longer and more thoughtful, but I had a computer/internet issue and lost all my work.]

Reasons to Run...the TNT Mission

Throughout my 10+ weeks of training with TNT, our coaches and mentors, as well as our teammates have encouraged us to keep aware of the reason we are running--not the physical benefits and the team bonding (although those are great things), but to help raise money for blood cancer research and ultimately a cure. It's easy to forget those things, especially when you think about the cancer survivors.

Of course, not everyone can be a survivor. I had a grandmother and an aunt who lost their battles with cancer. They were both much older when they passed away, so while it's still a tragic loss, it's not the same as when it's a child. Just today, I read about an 8-year-old British boy who died of leukemia recently. The article was short, but the little boy seemed so wise for his age and emotionally strong. The part of the story that really got the tears flowing had to do with the fact that his parents had arranged a pseudo-wedding ceremony so the little boy could "marry" his school sweetheart. He died the day after the ceremony. The entire article can be found here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2443562/Dying-eight-year-old-%27marries%27-his-school-sweetheart.html.

Tomorrow morning, when I get up for my run early in the morning and I debate about whether I want to get out of bed, I'll be thinking about him. I'll be thinking about him, too, when I ask for donations to Team in Training for the benefit of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, so that I don't have to read anymore stories like this one in the future.

The Gold Run (Run 50)

Saturday was another team run--this time at Mirabeau in the Valley (to hop on the Centennial Trail)--so it was much, much more flat than last week's team run.* I ran with Heather Butner again, and I must say that although I am certainly stepping up to keep pace with her (she is probably around 8 inches taller than I am), it's really nice to go out for a long run and have someone to talk to and work through the miles. A 60-minute training run* is considerably faster (in terms of the feeling of time passing) when you are having a conversation. Granted, I find myself out of breath and asking Heather very open-ended question so that she has to do more of the talking, but I am contributing.

It's really encouraging to be out at the team runs, particularly when Curtis and Kendra Edlin are out practicing with us. Curtis is in a 5-year remission from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (after five months of chemo), and he is currently being treated for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Curtis and is wife Kendra are out training with us with Team in Training--and fundraising--even though Curtis is currently being treated for Leukemia. It's pretty amazing to see someone faced with such a serious battle who is out training and fundraising to help himself and others. It certainly makes your feet keep moving once you hit that 6th or 7th mile.

Redistribution (Run 49)

Running is highly touted as a means to fitness, weight loss, and cardiovascular health. I don't disagree with any of these assertions, other than perhaps the weight loss portion. I didn't start training to lose weight, but getting rid of the remaining few pesky pounds that migrate around my midsection (my law school pudge, as I call it) would certainly have been welcome. Since I have started training, I have noted that my calves and thighs are stronger (and smaller) and that my law school pudge is less, well, pudgey. However, the scale has not moved (I know, muscle weighs more than fat, blah blah).

I am most concerned--shocked, saddened, unhappy--about the reduction in size of another part of my anatomy. I won't "flat"-out name it, but, let's just say that a certain letter no longer refers to the grades I got when I was in school (hint: I was the Honor Society Prez in high school, so I got straight A's). Sure, it makes running easy--as there's no top heaviness or back ache (or the need to find a really good sports bra), but, it was deflating for me to have the big splurge of my trip to the Nordies Anniversary Sale be small, small support garments that I could actually fill-out. Let's just say they are in a size that I haven't worn since I was 12 (and, I did not have hips when I was 12--or law school pudge).

I told a few of the coaches and mentors for Team in Training (all women) that I was fairly certain by the time we are done, I'll be able to run topless and it won't be offensive (although, people may wonder why that little boy running has hips--and shaved legs and feminine features). I joked with Heather Butner, a fellow Team in Training runner (training for the full marathon and a former high school classmate of mine) that my current situation was the reverse of high school track girls--those who suddenly fill out after freshman year and notice their pace and endurance changing. So, perhaps I am en route to being a twiggy fifteen-year-old. I guess there are worse things.

Every Little Step I Take*

This week, I have received some very generous donations. Between Monday and today (Friday morning at 10 a.m.), I have received $1,075.00 in donations. This is more than 1/4 of the donations needed for me to reach my minimum fundraising goal. I am amazed and touched by the generosity of all of my donors--regardless of the dollar value of the donation.

I may be most impressed by my less-than-one-year old niece, who donated $25 dollars to me this week--not only is she computer savvy, but she also managed to get access to her mom's credit card!

I have begun sending out reminders to persons that I sent fundraising letters and emails to back in late May. I know the economy sucks and money is tight for everyone, but I wouldn't be asking for money if it weren't for a good cause. It's not like I am asking for someone to fund my trip to the Nordstom Anniversary Sale (which started this morning--or at midnight last night if you shopped online). Please don't think that any donation would be too small...$1 or $5 or $10 or $1,000 (I know, not small)--all these amounts add up and will help towards the ultimate goal of Team in Training--to eradicate cancer. That's our team's mission and this year, Team in Training is likely going to hit the $1 billion mark. Please consider helping add to that total.

And, many thanks to my donors of this week**: Anonymous, Barry Davidson, Judith Elder, John and Jan Giesa, Travis and Erin Haynes, Ralph Leutz, MacKenzie Lovchik, Melanie Giesa Marshall, and Jackie Witter. Your kind comments on my fundraising page and your personal notes have been very encouraging.

*As I wrote that line, I was taken back to St. Francis School in New Haven, CT--where I am fairly certain at 12 or 13 I danced to the Bobby Brown song of the same name at a mixer with the other parochial junior highs in town.

**Many thanks to my previous donors as well!

Hill Repeats (Run 47)

Tuesdays are currently hill runs on my training schedule. This week, instead of running a hilly course, I ran hill repeats on the Centennial Trail. Since the trail is right across the street from my office, I headed west on the trail (on the south side of the river) to the bridge over Hamilton Street. From my office to the Hamilton bridge it's just over 1.5 miles, so a good warm-up before I tackled the actual hill.

Once I hit the hill, I was in L.T mode (LaDanian Tomlinson not Lawrence Taylor).* I had seen a few interviews with L.T. over the past few years in which he talked about running the sandy hills behind his home to condition himself for running routes. I know that Tiki Barber, pre-retirement, did the same thing in the Jersey hills. So, my hill wasn't sand, but I am preparing to run a half-marathon, not preparing to run a route while men who are 6'5" and 300lbs. try to pummel me into the earth. With thoughts of L.T. in my mind, I sprinted up one side of the hill and walked down the other, for six repeats. I was out of breath by the time I reached the hill's peak on each sprint, but I felt so strong and accomplished.

I ran the rest of the way back to my office (on the north side of the river) with tired legs and a positive outlook.

*I am fairly certain the original L.T. (Lawrence Taylor) "trained" by cutting back on the amount of cocaine and the number of "escorts" he consumed. I am pretty sure that is not the best training method for me to follow, even though it clearly worked from him.

Almost to the Halfway Point (in Donations)

Yesterday morning, when I checked my email at work (which I do first thing every morning while drinking my coffee from Madeleine's) and saw that I had received two new donations towards my $4,000.00 fundraising goal, one for $50 from Judith Elder and one for $100 from "Anonymous." I also received $100 from Ralph Leutz that day. Then, this morning, I received $25 from my niece MacKenzie (who is not even a year-old, but very computer savvy).

So, my fundraising total has now reached $1,900.00 as of this morning.* A big thanks to all who have sent donations--I really appreciate it, and I know it is going for a good cause. Also, for the "Anonymous" donors, I must apologize that I cannot personally thank you, as Team in Training and LLS do not provide me with contact information or names of any of my anonymous donors. I would love to thank you personally.

Finally, I know that I have asked many people for money. Please do not feel like you can't donate because your donation will be too small. Every dollar donated actually makes a difference, so even if you want to donate a dollar, you're still helping the cause.

*As a reminder, my fundraising page (see the link on the right) does not auto-update donations that are personally given to me or mailed in--please be patient to see your donation appear on my fundraising page if you donated other than online.

Friday Night Lights (Out Before Ten)

Running requires sacrifice. At least, that's what all the running ads tell you. Friday nights have been a sacrifice for me as my long runs early on Saturday morning become earlier and longer. I am now running a minimum of 6 miles every Saturday morning with the team, and these runs begin at 6:30 a.m. at locations to which I have to drive. So, in order to be up around 4:30 a.m. on Saturdays to eat something that will give me energy but won't upset my stomach during my long runs, I have to be in bed around 9:30 or so on Friday night.

This means that last Friday (the 11th), I ate a yummy pasta dinner (prepared by me), watched a little "Dog Whisperer,"* and went to bed early. I missed a text from my friend Kevin Blocker about going out--that text was received at 11:00 p.m., when I was fast asleep.** I may as well be watching "Golden Girls" and getting up for the early bird special at Denny's.

Oh yeah, I'm 30. Not 80.

*I love the "Dog Whisperer." I probably (definitely) like dogs more than people and Mr. Milan's way with animals is truly astonishing. I find myself using some of Mr. Milan's phrases, such as the "cchhsshhh" sound he uses as a "correction," as well as "live in the now" and "just a touch." I need a pet.

**I don't mind the texts late night. I never wake up when I receive them late. Plus, I don't want anyone to think that I am just ignoring them for no reason--I always text back the next morning (not at 4:30 a.m.) to thank friends for the invites which I cannot accept.

All I Needed Was a Little Ego Boost (End of Week 9)

Week 9 was an up and down of emotion and ability, which started off with my bad run that ended Week 8.* Week 9 ended with our long team run (Run 45) at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning on the Centennial Trail by SFCC (very, very hilly). I ended up running the first 30 minutes of my supposed-to-be 60** minute run with a girl that I had gone to high school with, Heather Butner, formerly Heather Silvey. Heather was always a star athlete and sprinter in both high school and college. There was no way I could ever have kept pace with her in high school. She and I knew of each other, but never really knew one another during that time. She was always very friendly, and I knew she was one hell of a runner.

So, Saturday morning, bright and early, I find myself running with--and keeping up with--Heather on a very hilly course, very early in the morning on Saturday.*** Now, I understand that sprinting and distance running are two very different creatures (Heather even commented as much), but for me to keep pace with someone I'd always considered a strong, fast runner really changed my bad-attitude that had dominated the end of Week 8 through a good part of week 9. Thanks, Heather!

In addition to be able to keep pace with a good runner, I get a little ego boost every team practice by finishing first. This is not because I am the fastest (far from it--I think that Aileen Laughlin, my friend Meg's little sis may be the fastest out there--and the fastest woman at the least), but because I run with the people who are completing a full marathon. They are running almost twice the distance that I am during our long runs to prepare themselves for the twice-as-long race in October (26.2 miles v. 13.1 miles). During practice we all run out in the same direction and turn around based on what our race distance is (half or full marathon) and what our pace is (over or under the 12-minute-mile mark). The half-marathoners running under a 12-minute-mile (that would be me, and...me) have to run for the least amount of time during out team runs.

So, I get to turn around sooner. Now, I know that many of my team members and coaches realize that I am a "halfer," but I can tell by the looks on some of my teammates faces (mostly the walkers) that not everyone realizes this. The coaches always give us a max turn around point for the runs, as in, even if your reach mile marker x before you are supposed to turn around (based on your time limits), turn around anyway (and add distance to the other end point of your run). I think some of these other teammates assume that I have reached the max turn around point at mile x, and that I have turned around to head back--very quickly. Sometimes I'll say some encouraging words to those teammates that I am passing in the opposite direction and let them know that I am a "halfer," but sometimes I just let them think that this short, 30-year-old girl who claims to be a "new runner" is just a natural.

*See my earlier posting, "Running Just Might be a Pearl Izumi Ad."

** The trail is a bit confusing by SFCC, so on my way back to the parking lot via the trail, I missed a turn and ended up all the way on the other side of SFCC. The team coaches and mentors looked at me strangely as I came running from the other side of the lot to the water station at the end of my run. This confusion added another 10+ minutes and probably close to 1.5 miles to my run.

*** I realize that "very early" is not 6:30 a.m. for many people, but I am NOT a morning person.

Some Like It Hot* (Run 43)

Last night I did my 30 minute run in 90 degree weather with a warm, fairly strong wind. Not my best run, but it felt great to really sweat. For me, running in high temperatures is comparable to running through sand. Not in sand--as in a run on the beach--but through sand, as if I were running through a swimming pool filled waist-high with sand. My muscles are looser while running in the heat, but each stride requires more effort than it does in cooler weather.

Last night's hot run was fueled by the following playlist: "Good Girls, Bad Guys," DMX feat. Dyme; "Drama Queen," Switches; "Longview," Green Day; "4 Minutes," Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland; "So What'cha Want," Beastie Boys; "11h30," Danger; "We Thuggin' (Remix)," Fat Joe; and "Control Myself," LL Cool J feat. J-Lo.

*The title references the Robert Palmer song, not the film.

Run 'Til You Puke (Or, At Least 'Til You "Spit Up")

I am unsure what the line between puking and "spitting up" is, but I think last night's hill and stairs run (Run 42) included spitting up, but I'll get to that.

After my miserable end to week 8 and after spending too much time on the Pearl Izumi running site (see my previous post), I went out last night for a tough hill run, determined to run until it hurt. There's a hill route that goes west on Riverside, down the hill towards Peaceful Valley, and leads to the top of the hill by Hamblen/Hamlen Conservation area. The hill up to the Conservation area is a looping 1/4 mile of climb. The hill back up Riverside heading east is a full 1/2 mile from start to finish. I successfully ran (or, at least shuffled towards the end) both hills, and then I threw in the stairs by the MAC.

Upon summiting the final stair (I believe there are 5 flights), I spit up. I think spitting up is a more accurate description than puking. My stomach contents at the time were solely water and Kiwi-Strawberry Carb Boom gel, and the regurgitation wasn't the gut-clearly event that puking is. I am fairly certain that I have not run harder in my life.

Part of my motivation (aside from the Pearlisms about running v. jogging) was a man with his daughter on the Centennial Trail. The girl looked like she was about 14, and she was in a wheel chair. My uneducated diagnosis of her condition was cerebral palsy. As I was midway up the 1/2 mile hill, I thought about her and the fact that she would like never run--and had not likely ever run. Perhaps I needed a new perspective on running--recognizing that I was lucky or blessed or privileged to be able to even actually physically run, regardless of factors like pace, endurance, etc.

Running Just Might Be A Pearl Izumi Ad (End of Week 8)

The last few months I have noticed several ads from Pearl Izumi in both Runner's World and Outside which denounce jogging. No, Pearl Izumi has not abandoned the sports in which you lace up sneakers and hit the road, trail, or treadmill* and move in a motion that is faster than walking. Rather, Pearl Izumi is making a distinction between running and jogging.

I read an article (possibly on www.runnersworld.com) that said whatever your pace, you are a runner and not a jogger. Being a jogger implied that you were not serious about the sport, so if you ran a 4-minute mile or a 16-minute mile you were a runner. Since my pace is in that 4-to-16-minute mile range, I decided that I must be a runner.

The Pearl Izumi ads play on the same notion, and they even reference a website for Pearl Izumi gear and "inspiration": www.wearenotjoggers.com/home. The "We Are Not Joggers" site contains two chapters (so far) of a flip-through book which explains the difference between running and jogging. Basically--running is harder. You do not look cute when you run. Running is painful. Running is a feeling, and that feeling is not good. The site is quick to point out that runners can jog, but really they are just running slowly. However, joggers never run. No matter how fast they jog. Basically, Pearl Izumi is making running a bit elitist.

If you know me at all, you know elitism is not one of my turn-offs. However, I am not sure if running wants me to be part of its club. I have been training for 8 weeks, and in my mind, I should be a considerably better runner than I currently am. Sure, I can run for a long time. And, I can run for long distances. But, I wish I could run for a long time and/or a long distance (the two can be mutually-exclusive) at a faster pace. It is hard to remind myself that I am new at running, and the initiation into the running club is hard. My long run on Saturday was miserable (see above, running is hard and does not feel good). I ran two good miles, and then a combination of my mind, my body, and my ego just gave up--would not let me run, run slow, or jog. I could not overcome the mental hurdle that morning. I wasn't really sore; I wasn't really breathing heavily; but, I just wasn't in the mental part of my running game. Like when Andy Roddick always loses in big tournaments. Everyone knows he's a great tennis player with a huge serve and serious athleticism--but he falls apart in the mental game, and he loses.

My mental game was non-existent on Saturday. I ended up walking another four miles that morning, mostly in tears. I felt betrayed by running. Kicked out of the club. But really, I was betrayed by me. I want to be part of that running club, so today, I'm going to try again.

*Pearl Izumi's "We Are Not Joggers" website specifically states that while their shoes work just fine on treadmills, you cannot run on a treadmill--you are only jogging, no matter what your pace is.

Donations (A Follow-Up to the 36, 7, 40 Post)

As of this morning, I have received $1625 in donations--$2375 to reach my goal. I just wanted to thank, again, all of my donors to date: Anonymous 1; Anonymous 2; John Bakken; Laura Carl; Sheri Engelken; Devon, Peter, & Abbey Gay; Jan & John Giesa; Ed & Ginny Haynes; June Haynes; Kitty Janssen; Carole Kasper; Trisha Kissler; Daniel Kratz; Jen, Ryan, and MacKenzie Lovchik; Chad Keller; Trisha Pfeifer; the partners at Reed & Giesa, P.S.; Rich & Deb Rogers; Barb & Jim Whitely; and me.

Skipping, Stairs, Snake Charmers (Runs 37 & 38)

I skipped run 37 yesterday (a scheduled 40-minute hill run). I am not giving up on running and training, rather, I have had a general "over it" attitude about everything of late, so my pouty attitude + really hot weather = sitting on the couch watching Olympic Trials and "Throwdown" with Bobby Flay instead of running. This lame attitude got me nowhere, but I did get to watch Mr. Phelps (aka Aquaman) break another world record (which was previously held by him), and I learned that coconut cake is primarily made of butter (literally pounds of it) and heavy cream--no wonder it tastes so good.

Anyhow, as my previous post mentioned, watching Olympic athletes (particularly swimmers and runners with their ridiculously low body fat percentages--google 40-year-old Olympic hopeful Dana Torres) is both motivating and disheartening, so this morning I did my 30 minute run (I actually ran 35), but I threw in three sets of stairs at the MAC (Metropolitan Museum of Arts, I believe--the museum in Browne's Addition). Each set of stairs included 6 or 7 flights (I couldn't get an accurate count, as my breath started to run out at the top of each flight). I am going to run twice tomorrow (at least that's the plan) to make sure I maintain the right mileage for my training schedule.

Finally...I try to run early in the morning. It's gotten quite hot in Spokane, so night runs are out of the question unless I want to run around midnight. Usually the only people I see are other runners and people walking their dogs. This morning, in addition to those two categories of people, I also saw a man wearing what appeared to be a red bathrobe--not the kind that ties at the waist, but the kind that my mom used to wear in the early-1980's, that slips over your head and has a zipper that comes down to your chest. The man was walking west on Pacific and playing what appeared to be a recorder, you know the instrument everyone learns in third grade music class? He looked like he was attending an Arabian Nights-type costume party dressed as a snake charmer. I was tempted to run by to get a closer look, but I decided against it.

36, 7, 40 (Beginning of Week 8)

Sunday was the beginning of Week 8 of my training schedule. I began week 8 by skipping my 30-minute recovery run (Run 36). This is not to say that I didn't need to recover--the hot, hilly run 35 from Saturday left me a little sore and a little dehydrated on Sunday.

I overslept Sunday morning--perhaps my body's way of saying all this running means you need to sleep more, met a friend for coffee, and I headed into the office. Yes, even after school is over and even though I no longer work retail (where weekends are required), I often work on Sundays. After work, it was around 4:30-5:00 p.m. and around 100 degrees. Not time to run. Had dinner and ended up watching the Olympic Trials,* which were amazing, but also disheartening. I watched men's and women's sprinting/hurtle events (including seeing Tyson Gay break the 100m record, even if it was wind-aided), and a bit of swimming. One of the women competing in the 400m hurtles had had a baby about 7 months prior, and she had what I guess (unscientifically) to be around 7% body fat. I have some multiple of her body fat percentage--and the only "baby" I had in the last 7 months (or, ever) was a holiday food baby. By the time it had cooled to below 80 it was about 9:30, so I skipped my recovery run. My ego was deflated to say the least.

On a positive note, I have now raised $1600 towards my fundraising goal of $4,000, which is 40%. The $4,000 is not just a goal, but the minimum amount I have to raise to even be able to run the race. The Nike Women's Marathon (and Half-Marathon) was full within 2 days of accepting entrants. The only way to get into the race now, is to be running and fundraising with a Team-in-Training team, as I am doing. Part of the exchange for my coaching, training schedules, race entry, etc. is a minimum fundraising goal, which I have to reach in order to run in my event. If I do not reach the $4,000, then all the funds are still donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but I will either have to pay the balance or forfeit my race. So, I still need to raise $2,400 by October 6, 2008.**

The good news: training started on May 11, 2008. I am starting Week 8, and October 6 is in the beginning of Week 22. So, I am third of the way to the fundraising deadline, but 40% to my fundraising goal, so I am right on track. Remember: Every donation, no matter the size, will help.

*I am not going to watch a single moment of Olympic coverage in August because I believe China's less-than-stellar human rights record should have precluded them from hosting the event. However, I am watching some of the trials held in the U.S.

**If I pay any portion of my fundraising total on October 6 (not counting any funds I have already donated--which to date is $159), then I have a month after my race (November 19, 2008) to submit funds raised so I can be reimbursed for my additional out-of-pocket expenses. Ideally, I would prefer to donate no more than $1,000, as this would be the amount that I would likely incur to travel to and run the race myself.

Trust the Training Schedule (Runs 34 & 35)

Run 34 was schedule for Thursday (June 26). I worked a long day, so I planned on running Friday morning (even though my long run was scheduled for Saturday morning--usually Friday is a rest day). I ended up running in 80 degree heat, Friday night, battling the Hoopfest set-up crowd (which included a set of guys in matching jumpsuits who appeared to be closely watched while they worked). The run itself was not too bad, but in a desire to go out to dinner, I ended up barely stretching, and I didn't hydrate well enough post-run.

I slept later than I planned on Saturday (I was not intending to go to team practice this week), so I couldn't run through the park and downtown, as it was covered with basketball courts and around 200,000 people. So, I ran down Riverside towards People's Park and over into Peaceful Valley. The route was very hot and very hilly, and I struggled to maintain a decent pace. It was around 85 degrees. I managed to get in 54 minutes of running, according to Nike+.* I did stretch and hydrate after, but I would not count that as a quality run.

*I alternate between a pair of Asics and a pair of Sauconys. I bought two little pouches from Grantwood Technology so that I could use the Nike+ sensor with my iPod and not run in Nikes. The pouches lace to your shoes and seem to work great. They are around $6, and they are available on Amazon.

"Robin is getting faster," (Run 33)

Says Luke, as he speeds past me.

The Hills is not just a bad "reality" show (Run 32)

This morning I entered the "strength phase" of my training. For the last six weeks, I have run five days per week, with long runs on Saturday mornings. The strength phase differs from the "base phase" with its addition of hill and tempo workouts. This morning was my first "hill workout."

My training materials tell me that I am to warm up, and either run an overall hilly course or add 4-8 hill repeats in the middle of my workout, and then cool down (for a total of 40 minutes). I created a "modified" version of this plan, running on a flat route for 10ish minutes, and then doing 10 short hills (running hard up and walking/jogging down). I ran short stretches of road/sidewalk between the hills, and then I ran about 8 minutes at a normal pace to finish the workout. I was moderately impressed with my own running abilities this morning, at six a.m.

I had created a specific playlist for this morning's run, which I neglected to load onto my iPod. So, I played some random tunes from my "RunnerGrrl" general playlist. This morning's hill workout was fueled by: "Put Your Hands Up," Black and White Brothers; "Battle Without Honor or Humanity," (from the Kill Bill soundtrack); "Faint," Linkin Park; "Under the Knife," Rise Against; "Knock 'Em Out," Lily Allen; "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing," Chris Isaak; "Liar Liar (Burn in Hell)," The Used; "Sabotage," The Beastie Boys; "Hospital," The Used; "Drama Queen," Switches; "Dance, Dance," Fall Out Boy; "Supermodel," Jill Sobule; "Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson; "Ch-Check It Out," The Beastie Boys; and "In Da Club," 50 Cent.

Maybe you shouldn't always trust your gut? (Runs 30 & 31)

Last Saturday (June 21) marked the end of my sixth week of training, so I am approximately one-fourth of the way done with training. Saturday was another team run, and I seem to always do really well on those. I ran just over 6 miles early Saturday morning.

I tried out an interval-type training run for excelling at long runs, which has been suggested by our coaches. It consists of intervals of running and jogging or running and walking. The intervals vary based on your ability and/or desired pace. The idea is to maintain a better overall pace by giving your legs and lungs a little break every x number of minutes. Interval training is not new, but it seems counterintuitive to go from running to a slow jog or walk to increase your overall pace. But, intuition is not always right (like when my gut said that big bangs and a perm were a good idea)...

I did some ten-minute intervals of running with 45 seconds to 1 minute of very slow jogging and/or walking for Saturday's team run. As a result, I was able to run at an overall faster pace, and I was not exhausted after my 6+ mile run. My pace dropped about 45 seconds per mile faster than it was without the intervals. I'm going to continue to play with the intervals from here out.

Unlike last week, I stretched really well after the long run, and I made sure that I hydrated. I attended a birthday party for my second oldest sister, Shirley, on Sunday, and I skipped the cake (as sugar has become my enemy--I love it, but it wreaks havoc on my GI-tract during runs), so I could complete my recovery run Sunday night.*

*I almost skipped the recovery run out of laziness, but I had been watching Olympic diving trials on DVR, and after watching 18-30 year-olds with 3-5% body fat and super-defined legs, I figured I'd better get off the couch and get in some cardio.

Just When You Think the Relationship is Going Well, Running Decides Not to Call You Back

Friday night I completed run #24. I was supposed to run on Thursday, slept in too late to do my morning run, worked past the time to run with the Flying Irish, and then was "over it" and missed my run. I figured I would run Friday night (even though this was a "rest" day). It was warm and a bit breezy, and I had a great 40 minute run in the new Asics.

Saturday was our team run--our long run of the week. As a half-marathoner with a less-than-12-minute-per-mile pace, I had to run for 50 minutes. I ended up running for just under 60 minutes, and I ran just under six miles. The run was great, and I really felt the runner's high for the rest of the day.

I was pretty certain Saturday night that I had fallen in love with running. Running was always on my mind, running made me feel good, running gave me that glow, and running was all I was talking about. I thought that running and I were at the start of something beautiful and fulfilling.

But, running decided to play hard to get. Sunday was supposed to be an easy, 30 minute recover run. I didn't hydrate well on Saturday post-run or Sunday morning/afternoon. It was about 65 degrees around 7 o'clock Sunday night when I head out to run. I was fine for about 8 minutes until every muscle in my legs decided to tighten up and every step felt as if I were running through hardening concrete. I stop and stretched lightly, and I tried to run again to no avail. Running was not going to spend time with me Sunday. I ended up walking for another twenty minutes or so, heading home to ice my legs, take an ibuprofen, and pout.

I have another date with running tonight. I am hydrating and hoping that Run 27 is more successful.

Carb Bomb, Carb Boom, Car Bomb--Apparently there's a difference

My favorite sports/nutrition gel is Carb Boom. I have been calling it Carb Bomb and Car Bomb of late. Those are two totally different things (especially the last).

Tough Ladies

It's not a secret that I am running, in part, for Jan Giesa. Jan is currently in remission after an aggressive course of chemo to treat non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Since TNT works to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (which works to eradicate blood cancers), it made sense to run for someone who had successfully battled a blood cancer. Her treatments were the result of years of advancement and research, funded in large part by the efforts of TNT participants like me, who have raised $850 million in 20 years.

The treatments, medicines, and therapies LLS has created through the years have helped significantly in the battle against other cancers as well. So, I am also running for my Aunt Alice Haave, who successfully battled breast cancer a few years ago; and for Kitty Janssen, a sassy lady who also beat breast cancer in the last few years; and for my sisters Jennifer and Wendy who have taken on and beaten cervical cancer. I am also running for my late grandmother Mary Lesniewski, who passed away after a battle with breast and brain cancer and for my Aunt Shirley Lesniewski, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer.

I don't know anyone who hasn't been touched by some kind of cancer. When you donate towards my $4,000 goal, I'll gladly run for your family, friends, and loved ones as well.

A Great Playlist (Run 23)

The road racing world has been shaken up a bit by the issue of wearing headphones while running. Some races have outright banned the use of headphones while running. The reasoning behind the ban varies, but includes safety. Sure, safety while running solo can be affected by how loud your music is (you can't hear cars as well on city streets, you may not hear the roar of a cougar barrelling down on you, etc.), but in a huge race--such as the Boston Marathon, I doubt wearing headphones raises as much of a safety concern--roads are shut down to traffic, it's highly unlikely there will be a wild animal on the lose, everyone's an experienced runner (as you have to qualify for Boston). I've heard that the issue is more one of insuring a race v. actual safety concerns. Several organizations are re-visiting the issue.

I cannot imagine running for any considerable distance without music--and given that every road race of any notable size has music playing from speakers or actual bands along the course--I am not alone. Why shouldn't I be able to choose what I listen to while running? Of course, I always have music playing--at work, at home, on car rides, etc.

I am always searching for the right running music. While I love R.E.M., for example, it doesn't make for good running motivation (except maybe the "Monster" album). On the other hand, "Appetite for Destruction" has quite a few run-worthy tracks. This is what yesterday's playlist included:

(1) "Put You On Game," Lupe Fiasco. Lupe is one of my favorite hip-hoppers of all-time. While many of his more creative tracks are a bit too slow for running, this song is a great warm-up track.

(2) "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)," My Chemical Romance. MCR's theatrical sound translates well into running. Considering many people think going out and running for 13.1 miles (or even 1 mile) is crazy, this song is perfect.

(3) "Don't Stop The Music," Rihanna. Sure, this song is nothing special or original, but it's a good, dancey track that keeps you moving.

(4) "Feedback," Janet Jackson. I'm not a huge fan of Janet, but the beat of this track really powers you through the middle portion of a run.

(5) "You Give Me Something," Jamiroquai. Jay Kay of Jamiroquai sounds like a young Stevie Wonder, and 95% of their songs are great dance tracks with a pulsing, steady beat. Perfect for any cardio workout.

(6) "I Can," Nas. This song about working hard for your dreams helps with the motivation during the last portions of your run when you want to quit.

(7) "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," Michael Jackson. Old school MJ is classic.

(8) "Steve McQueen," Sheryl Crow. Clearly, my musical tastes are everywhere. Crow's track is a great way to end a workout.

The Treadmill is My Enemy (Run 22)

Given that it was all of 47 degrees in Spokane yesterday (and it snowed in Airway Heights), I was forced to do my 40 minute training run indoors at the gym. I haven't run on a treadmill in months, as the cardio wall in Oz Fitness has several tvs (with the closed captioning turned on) and as I am never without my iPod, I figured it couldn't be that bad.

It was awful. The actual running was fine. I made sure to up the pace and incline to better mimic an outdoor run, but the 40 minutes seemed like forever without a change in scenery. I found myself staring blankly at "30 Minute Meals" with Rachel Ray. She is considerably more palatable with the sound off, and not once did the closed captioning read "E-V-O-O," or any other Ray-ism. However, it was still torturous watching her make the least appetizing mac-and-cheese I had ever seen that did not originate in a box.

Still, I got the run done, and even tried a new gel--the ClifShot. I didn't need the nutrition for a 40-minute run, but I am testing them for the actual race, when I will need the carbs. So, I downed one with water 15 minutes before the run. The flavor was fine, and I didn't notice any GI stress during my run. However, my stomach was upset for most of the evening after my run, so I may not be having any more ClifShots. So far, Carb Bomb is the clear favorite.

Asics, Carb Bomb, Running Shorts, Anonymous Donors, and Power Songs (Runs 20 & 21)

Week 4 of training is officially done. I now have 19 more weeks until my race (October 19, 2008). So, I'm basically 1/6 of the way done, and as of today, I am just over 1/5 of the way to my fundraising goal of $4,000. So, I'm right on track.

I had previously mentioned my acquisition of a new pair of Nikes (in my spastic runner post). After two test runs, I had to take them back. The shoes just felt too big and bulky and awkward as I had Clydesdale's hooves instead of little running feet. So, after a bit of harassment from Cory at Runner's Soul and 6-8 pairs of shoes tried on, I settled on the Asics Gel Kayano 14. They are less bulky than the Nikes and less "motion control" than the Sauconys that I've put close to 200 miles on (I acquired those BEFORE I started training for the Nike Half-Marathon). I tested them on Run 21 (an easy, recovery run), and they felt pretty good. I'll test them again today on Run 22, which is a 40 minute training run. If these don't work, I'm just going to get a second pair of the the Sauconys.

On Saturday I did Run 20, which was a long run of around 5 miles. This was the first run where I tested any kind of nutrition product. I have been pretty leery of sugar pre-run, so at the recommendation of Cory at Runner's Soul, I tried the Apple-Cinnamon Carb Bomb Gel. I had about 1/2 of the packet at the 40-minute mark of my run. It tasted like the filling in an apple donut, so I liked it. I also liked that my stomach didn't feel upset while I finished the run. I'm going to test the Hammer Gel, Clif Power Shot, and Gu gel in the next few weeks to see what I like best and what my stomach tolerates. I ran in the rain on Saturday, which was pretty great actually. People stare at you as if you are a pretty hardcore athlete when you are running in the rain. While that may not be true, I liked the feeling of being hardcore. Fake it 'til you make it, right?

I have also been testing running shorts. As I am barely 5'2" (or, not quite 5'2"), the shortness of running shorts isn't an issue, but rather the length of the rise. To put it bluntly, many of the running shorts that I've tried seem to have an extra-long crotch. While I guess that could be handy for storing nutrition gels, I don't need to look anymore awkward than I already do while running. I have found that the Nike Sister Tempo Shorts have a lower rise and a more flattering fit on my short self. However, pretty much everyone sells the Nike Tempo shorts, but not the Sister Tempo shorts. The regular tempos have a long inseam and look generally ridiculous on me.

In addition, all the running shorts that I've tried have what I like to call the running diaper. This is the built in liner that I assume is comparable to what is inside a pair of men's swim trunks. The only plus to the "diaper" is that it has a key pocket. Other than that, it feels and looks as if it belongs over a pair of depends. I am not so concerned about my race pace that I need to wear adult diapers when I run. So, I am also going to be testing the Patagonia "body line" of workout gear to see if it's a better option. At the least, it looks better (like girl's swim bottoms).

Finally, I received another "anonymous" donation the other week for $100. I have a hunch who it is from, but thank you anonymous donor.

[Also, my current "power song" is "Tick Tick Boom" by The Hives--just what I need when that run gets a little too hard.]

The Mission--Step Up

Most of my posts have been about running, but I am not just running to be a runner, get in shape, complete a half marathon, get smaller thighs and flatter abs, etc. I'm running and training to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Research.

Leukemia and Lymphoma encompass a broad range of blood cancers. My training for the half is with Team-in-Training (TNT), which has raised over $850 million in the last 20 years for blood cancer research, financial aid for cancer patients, cancer patient support, clinical trials, and many other things. This year, TNT is hoping to hit the $1 billion mark. Think about it. $1 billion. That $1 billion ($1,000,000,000) has and will be raised by individuals who have decided to train for endurance events and donate their efforts and time to seek donations. These are people writing letters to friends, having bake sales, and telling everyone they know about the cause. These people get rejected in their solicitations, but they keep going, as the cause is a worthy one.

I am one of those people. I have to raise $4,000 by October 6 to be able to run the Nike Women's Half-Marathon, which I have been training for for almost 4 weeks. If I don't raise the money, I have two options--quit or pay the remainder myself. If I quit, I will still have gotten good training, raised some money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and tried. I have already donated $114 towards my own goal. I don't want to work and quit.

I know that solicitations for money are unpleasant, but I'm not asking you to fund my Nordstrom habit or to buy me a gift. I'm asking you to help end blood cancers. The government is not doing as much as it should or could to end them, so individuals have to step up. Any donation helps. You even get a tax deduction for making the donation, because the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a non-profit organization.

So give up your latte today, skip lunch out, avoid the MAC counter, have one less martini and make a donation. I'll even send you a stamped, self-addressed envelope in case you want to send a check, money order, or cash--just let me know.

Donations in check/money order form should be made payable to: LLS. Give them to me, and I'll send them to the right place (you'll get a receipt mailed to you for tax purposes). Or, go to my fundraising page (second link on the right) and donate using your bank card or credit card (and you'll get an immediate receipt).

If you have questions, shoot me an email: rlhaynes@reedgiesa.com. If you want to read more about the cause and program, check out the Team in Training and LLS links to the right. Also, check out my first blog entry about why I am running--more great info on the program.

Spastic Runner? (Run 18)

In my desire to acquire more and more running toys and products, I ordered a pair of Nike Air Structure Triax running shoes online, so that I could use the Nike+ technology. Nike+ is the fusion of iPod and Nike that tracks pace, mileage, time, etc. of your runs. It works through two sensors--one in your shoe and one attached to your iPod Nano. Your iPod Nano, when using the shoe sensor, gives a visual read out of time, pace, and distance, and you get verbal feedback periodically as well. You can upload all your run data onto nikeplus.com. There are a few other things it can do, but that's the gist of it.

Prior to the purchase of the Triax shoes, I was logging my routes after I ran on either runnersworld.com or mapmyrun.com, so I could check distance (and therefore, pace). You can track your route on an actual map of where you are running, but of course, it's not exact. I wanted more info, but was not yet ready to drop $300+ on a Garmin GPS-type watch that does all these things. So having a Nano and knowing I would need new shoes before the race in October, I ordered the new shoes and the Nike+ kit ($29). Unfortunately, the new shoes didn't feel right just walking in my living room, so I didn't even try to run with them.

I headed to Runner's Soul yesterday to get a second pair of shoes, figuring I would either just continue with the close approximation of pace or I would buy a pouch that apparently let's you use the Nike+ sensor without Nikes. As instructed, I brought my Sauconys in so that the fitter/sales rep could see my wear patterns and make sure that I had the right shoe. Noting that the wear pattern was quite even, he brought out several different models for me to try. I asked him about why he selected the shoes he did, and I then learned that I wear a "stability" shoe that borders closer to "motion-control." Basically, my arches aren't very high, and I tend to roll my ankles in when my feet strike the ground while running and walking. Bottom line--I run spasticly without the help of the "motion-control"-type "stability" shoe to keep my alignment right and fix my heel-strike. Of course, the sales rep at Runner's Soul did not tell me that I run like a spaz. He just said that these were the shoes that would fit.

Well, turns out, the shoes I liked best were a different pair of Nikes--the Air Zoom Equalon 2--which is like a stability+ shoe. It is HIDEOUS-looking. Worse than the Sauconys. However, they felt good on my feet (after I learned a new way to tie my laces to make sure they don't slip when I run), and they were compatible with my new Nike+ gear. And...fantastically, my pace was faster than I had been estimating it at prior to the integration of Nike+ into my running.

So, I'm going to buy the pouch so I can use the Nike+ with my Sauconys...and see if there's any more gear that I need.