February Wrap Up, 2/28/2018

Today is a scheduled RD and my kids have a track meet in the afternoon, so there will be no running for me. Yesterday, I was supposed to run eight miles in total with speed intervals, but I didn't. I was sick of being cold, and I didn't want to face the wind. I wouldn't have went out at all, but I needed a few miles to reach 200 for the month. Those are terrible excuses. Yesterday, I was pretty pathetic. I am definitely not as tenacious about training as I used to be. There is a lot of security in rigidity. It is very strange to know that I am capable of skipping a training for no good reason. Is that who I am, someone who doesn't train because the weather is uncomfortable? Would that really be so bad? Probably not..ha

FEBRUARY RECAP

There were some ups and downs with training, but each time I wavered, I came back and rallied to save the week. My biggest fail was speed-work. I missed two speed days. I still have a chance to makeup one of those days this week. The other day was scheduled right after a half, and I needed a rest day. It is just a lost opportunity. I can't get make it up.

All in all, the month was successful.  I ran 200 total miles and two half marathons. 25% of the mileage was at marathon pace and about 15% involved some speed. I, also, did a 17 miler at the end of the month



My goals for next month:

• 4 MP runs at 7+miles
• 4 speed or strength runs
• (2) 17 mile long runs
• Half Marathon
• 5K
• Do hip exercises 3X a week
• Do ab exercises 3X a Week
• Do squats 3X a week
• Roll 3X a week
• Stretch calves and roll feet after every run
• 250 TOTAL MILES

If I get all that done, what a sweet month that would make!

Tuesday, 2/26/2018

Yesterday, as far as training goes, was pretty uneventful. I woke up early for 6 recovery miles. I didn’t want to get out of the bed, but the weather forecast called for rain and wind in the afternoon.

For dinner, I tried a new recipe. Deborah Brooks, a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador, posts meatless recipes on Mondays. The one I tried was called Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese. I've had a spaghetti squash in the frig for a while, and I wanted to use it before it spoiled. Everyone loved it. I found a new, easy way to cook spaghetti squash.

Today is a speed day. I should have gotten up this morning, but last night I knew I wouldn't. I'm tired of my hands freezing. It will be windy this afternoon, so that will impact my paces, but I'll let you know.

Breakfast

Since I didn't run before work, I made everyone a juice this morning. I don't use a recipe. I put vegetable scraps along with 1/2 apple, 1/2 cucumber and either lime or lemon. Cilantro makes everything taste better, but I don't have cilantro right now. We've been getting a lot of carrots in our vegetable box, so carrots have been the star lately. The juices never taste the same. Some are horrendous and some are pretty good. The bar is pretty low as far as taste. This morning's juice was pretty good, comparatively.

Wow Exercise Monday, 2/26/2018

I'm Issuing a Challenge! (end of post)

My body is feeling the training. My quadriceps and right knee aren't quite right, and my hips are aching a little bit. That doesn't sound good, but usually if I get down to doing my hip exercises, regularly, everything gets better. So, I did my hip routine today.  It is difficult, but I don't think that it is an overstatement to say that doing the routine consistently changed my life. At the end of 2016, I found myself with pain in my quad that I just couldn't ignore. I thought that it was highly unlikely that I had a stress fracture of the femur, but at took an MRI to really rule it out. While the PT and I were waiting for the insurance to approve the MRI, the PT decided that we were going to work on my hips. I hadn't even bothered to tell the doctor or the PT that my hips had been hurting for years.

About a week after starting this exercise regimen, my hips stopped hurting completely, and the pain in my quadriceps disappeared. I started out with all five exercises for a minute.  The routine is hard.  No matter how much I do it, it doesn't get much easier, but it has helped me tremendously. My problem with the routine is that I don't get motivated to do it regularly until I'm having a problem. As soon as I feel better, I do it less and less. It should be a regular part of my training.

I did a short video for a Skirt Tv challenge demonstrating the routine. Here it is.

Challenge

What is your hip routine? I have a challenge for you in the month of March. It is to do hip exercises regularly during the month. Do whatever exercises you like to do. Do as many repetitions as you like. The terms of the challenge are: #1 Do hip exercises, #2 Do them on a regular basis throughout the month of March. Any takers??

Long Run Sunday, 2/25/2018

I had a 15 miler on the schedule, but I decided on a 17 mile route. I go to church on Sundays, so I have to be finished running by 10:30AM which meant for a pretty early Sunday wake-up.

I had a breakfast of a bagel, banana and coffee. Even though I got up early, it wasn't early enough to take care of all my bathroom needs. I started the run with a loop near my house. At first, everything was great, but I had to go to the bathroom about halfway through, so it was torture until I got back home.

I took a quick bathroom stop and picked up my backpack. The rest of the run was an out and back. I listened to an audiobook for about 2/3 the time and turned on some music for the final 3rd. I stopped two more times to go to the bathroom.

I run pass a parking lot that is usually just dirt, but today I noticed that the lot was covered with what appeared to be some kind of squash.

Parking Lot

I, also, run pass strawberry fields and the berries looked perfect.

Strawberry Field

This run was fine, but it felt long. I was tired of running at about the 10 mile mark. I completed the run just under 3 hours at a pace of 10:17. When I do it in a couple of weeks, I'll speed it up a little.

Scenic Saturday Skirt-Tv, 2/24/2018

Scenic Saturday Trail Run

The afternoons have been particularly windy, and the temps have gotten cold recently. I have a great deal of incentive to get my runs started a little bit earlier. Yesterday, I wasn't even tempted to sleep in when the alarm went off.  Winds hit 30 miles per hour yesterday.  I got out earlier, today, too.

Bi-Monthly Skirt Tv-Fueled by Positivity Recommendation:

When I’m doing marathon training, I’m constantly looking for inspiration in books and videos. Skirt Tv produces short inspirational videos, in a talk show format, under a category called “Fueled by Positivity.”  This week, I am recommending the January1st episode.  In it, Nicole DeBoom interviews Colleen Cannon.  Colleen Cannon made a career as a professional triathlete and, after, founded Women's Quest. Women's Quest is a company that holds retreats that educate women about healthy body image, nutrition and an active lifestyle.  During the episode, Colleen talks about adopting "easy going goals" that inspire. My nature is to be rigid in the way I train and set goals, but I'm working on letting my passion inspire me to train in a way that I have more of a connection between mind, body and spirit. There isn't a lot of "how to" advice in the episode, but the program gave me the words to articulate what I want to do.

Skirt Tv would like to know the kind of programming you would like to see.  Let them know by completing their What do You Want To See on Skirt Tv Survey.


While you are looking around,
please consider a donation of any amount to Ventura Land Trust.  After the Thomas Fire and subsequent rains, our trails are in desperate need of maintenance and rehabilitation.  VLT is at the forefront of that work.  I’ll be raising money for VLT during my marathon training for Mountains 2 the Beach marathon.

I have several signed copies of Running the Edge:  Discovering the Secrets to Better Running and a Better Life. I’ll gladly send one to the next few people who donate to VLT.

Marathon Pace #Neverdo Friday, 2/23/2018

Prescription Oakley Commit

This morning, I did a marathon pace run of 7:24 miles @ 7:54 pace.  I wore my prescription glasses. I need bifocals, but that doesn't work so well with running glasses. With thick gloves and a handheld, it was too tricky to lift my glasses to actually be able to read the the numbers on the watch. I basically had to guess most of the way. My pace was good, but I thought that I was going faster than I was.

The temperature was cold, but not too bad. It was probably in the low to mid 30s. My hands were fine during the MP run, but my fingers got painfully cold during the 3 miles of easy running. My total miles were just a hair under 11.

Skirt Sports Neverdo Challenge

1st backpacking trip

Skirt Sports has given ambassadors a challenge to post about something that they thought that they would never do. Growing up a city girl, I never saw a mountain growing up. I never hiked. I never camped. I didn't go on nature walks. What a surprise it was for me to discover, when I moved to California, that I love the outdoors. Here is a pic of my fist backpacking trip. A friend and I went out for a few days. We had a great time, and I came home with a lot of stories that are still pretty funny.

Easy Run Thursday, 2/22/2018

Handwarmer DIY

Thursday's would normally be an MP run, but I'm off schedule, so I'll do the MP run tomorrow. I ran 5.5 easy this morning.  I had a big idea to wrap a handwarmer in cloth before sticking it in my mitten. I thought that it would make it last longer and be more comfortable. It was more comfortable, but it was cold in less than an hour.

I might run something really short in the afternoon, so that I can try and salvage a 200 mile month, but maybe not.  I might have too much to do.  We'll see.

Double Wednesday, 2/21/2018

Yesterday, I just wimped out. It was cold and windy, and I didn’t want to run. I could give excuses, but that was what it came down to. I’m nine miles off for the week,  and I missed a hill training. I think I can live without the hills, because I did just race 13 miles of hills two days ago, but I’m making up the mileage today with a double.

Part I

I ran this morning (5 easy miles), and boy was it cold. My fingers were in pain.  I have Raynaud’s, which just means that my fingers and feet get colder than the average person’s.  It was fun, though, because I ran without my watch. No watch = no worries. I love running without a watch, but I rarely do it, because there is usually some goal to be reached, or I need to know my distance. The best thing about doing a double is that at least one of the runs is truly easy. I call an easy run one that I run at an easy pace. It doesn’t have to do with how I actually feel. When I do a double, however, I want to run one of the runs at a pace that feels easy. The only way I can truly do that is to either not wear my watch at all or hide it from myself in some way, so no watch this morning.

I didn't have time for breakfast, but I packed some extra sweet potatoes last night to go along with my regular lunch. I tend to generally not eat enough during the day to fuel afternoon workouts, so planning makes a world of difference.

lunch #2

Part 2

I ran 12.5 miles this afternoon. The weather was a bit cool and windy. I wore a pack loaded with tailwind and carried gloves. Overall, I felt good.

Monday URD, 2/19/2018

I didn't do anything today, and, frankly, I'm struggling with it. I need to work on that. I didn't run because my feet hurt when I woke up.  Both feet hurt in different places. I know that in order to train effectively,  I really do have to listen to my body and adjust. It is difficult to do that, but I have to.

Buzz Half Marathon Race Review Sunday, 2/18/2018

I have run this race a few times. I always drive up the night before and stay in billeting. It is nostalgic for me, because I trained at Camp Roberts when I was in the Army National Guard. I don't think that I am allowed to share pics of billeting.

I left after dinner, so when I got there it was just about time to go to sleep. It was very weird being the only person in the barracks, but I slept great. I usually don't sleep well before a race, even in my own bed, but I was really tired.

Breakfast

My alarm went off at 5:35. I was so happy to have slept that I popped out of bed. I brought breakfast of a bagel, coffee, orange juice and Ucan. I would normally try and go back to bed, but for some reason I busied myself. Since I have raced this before, I thought that I had the timing down to a science, but there were problems with packet pickup. The biggest problem was that I couldn't find it. I overheard people trying to figure it out, so I basically hitchhiked a ride.  I was walking, and I was getting off-schedule. The packet pick-up location was very close. I was just confused.

Race packet

The actual packet was a small, cloth, camo bag.  I like it.  I'm going to find something fun to do with it.

By the time I got back to the room, I didn't have a lot of time to change and warm-up.  I made it to the start line just as the race started.

The weather was perfect. There weren't a lot of females racing, but there were a few gals that I had my eye on. I passed all of the women early on and basically raced three guys the entire time. Two were in front of me. I actually ran with them for a few minutes.  Occasionally, I would pass them at a water stop, but they would easily catch up and pass me.  Before the turn around, I kept them pretty close. Another guy was behind me. He would surge occasionally, but I would easily hold him off. At the turn around, the two guys that were running together separated. The faster one took off. I could see him, but he was a good ways away. I passed the friend, but he kept surging. I was so annoyed (in a fun way). I knew if I let my guard down, he would catch me. Right before the end of the race  (maybe 1/2 mile to go), we hit a crazy hill. I am one to run hills, but this thing was steep. I made a calculated decision to walk. I knew I could run it, but the energy expenditure was going to be ridiculous. Just as I'm walking, the racer who has been doggedly pursing me for the preceding four miles passed me. He said something encouraging like "You can do it." I said something like, "I can't believe that I was beat by this hill." I had a plan though. I figured it was going to take everything he had to get up that hill, and I could overtake him on the downhill. He looked strong going up the hill, but I knew he wasn't stronger than me, or he would have passed me long ago. Sure enough, for once, a plan worked out. I passed him with gas in the tank.

The course is not PR friendly. There were lots of rolling hills. The route was long. There weren't that many turns, so I can't imagine tangents were the issue. My GPS measured it at 13.74. A few people were annoyed, but if I'm not trying to PR, I don't care if a course is long.

Elevation Profile

I do love this race. The reason is the competition is always friendly and fun. On the "back" stretch of the out and back, the slower racers yell encouragement and smile. After, there is always plenty of conversation. I race a lot, and I can tell you that all racing communities aren't like this.

After, there was a fat hot link with chips and a coke, and a bottle of wine.

Awards

Relive 'Morning Feb 18th'

Saturday Trail Run, 2/17/2018

I saw Black Panther last night. The tickets were a whopping $86 for (4)! The price was insane, but the movie was terrific. The costumes were magnificent. The cinematography was stunning. It was a visual treat.

What I liked most about the movie is what it said to me as a dark skinned, black woman. Every cue from society, every cue from the media tells dark skinned women that they are less attractive than light skinned ones--less valued period. It isn't just women. Look at poor Sammy Sosa. I don't need Hollywood to validate that my dark skin is beautiful. That just isn't something that I struggle with, but I see the struggle clearly.  It frustrates me. It angers me actually, because it isn't just the dominant society creating and reinforcing these ideas. Many Black Americans culturally embrace colorism. It really is self hatred and very complicated. One movie isn't going to change America, but maybe a young girl will see herself just a little differently.

Outside of anything related to the racial issues in America, Black Panther is a good movie. If you like Marvel, you will love it. The trailer is below.

Training- Half tomorrow
I am running the Buzz Half, tomorrow, at Camp Roberts. Camp Roberts is an Army training Post. I trained there several times when I was in the Army National Guard. Driving onto any military facility usually requires driver's licence, registration and insurance. In this case there was some back and forth about the shifting military requirement of a Real ID or passport vs just a driver's licence. The Army created a policy and then changed their mind about the policy, which made it difficult on the RD to disseminate correct information. I would guess only a handful of people have a real ID, so initially only people with passports were probably registering. My guess is that, even though the restriction has been lifted, registration will be low.

I'll be driving to Camp Roberts, tonight, and staying over in the barracks.

I have a trail run today. It is a little cool, so it should be nice.

Challenge Friday, 2/16/2018

Yesterday, I was supposed to do a double, but my knee was hurting in the morning.  I decided to give it a break.  I want to run today, but I might not get the chance. I have easy miles on the schedule, but it's a busy day. It might not happen.


Challenge: Love to Hate Race Pic
Since I have little to post regarding my training today, I'm going to do a challenge. The challenge is to post a pic that you love to hate. I'm going to post the counter picture to the one at the top of the blog. I do hate this picture, but I kinda like it too, because it really does capture a moment in time. I trained very hard for that race. At the start, I thought I had a PR in the bag, but a headwind got me on the "back" of the out and back course. I knew that I wasn't going to PR. I was fighting and angry, but I knew it was hopeless. You can see the frustration in the photo. It ended up being the best race experience. I placed in my age group in a very large race. My husband and kids were there, and I had friends there. The finish line party and awards were fun. I ended up having a fantastic day, but that moment...

MP and Double Thursday 2/15/2018

I did get my MP run done this morning.  I did not feel as good, nor was it as fast as last week, but I ran almost 6.5 at 7:49. That is good enough.  This afternoon, I will do an easy double.  I'm not sure how long, but something short.  I'll let you know tomorrow what I actually ran.

Today, I have thoughts that are weighing on me. As a public school teacher, it hurts my heart to see how unsafe our schools have become. Another school shooting and people seem to have a complete unwillingness to compromise on gun control.

I am a gun owner. I support everyone’s right to protect their home, but we can’t bury our heads in the sand.  We have to pass rigorous tests to get a driver’s license, but you can buy a gun without the slightest knowledge of how to use, clean or properly store it. Can’t we  agree that gun ownership is a right protected by the 2nd  amendment, but that, in an orderly, civil society, gun ownership must be regulated by at the very least common sense laws. For examples, a thorough background check should be completed before someone is allowed to buy a gun, no matter how long it takes to complete. You wait two months for your passport, why can’t you wait to purchase a gun? Some guns should be illegal to own? The AR-15 should be outlawed for public use or ownership. If you want to protect your home, I guarantee you that a shotgun will do the trick.

It is so sad that this is what we have come to… If we can do nothing else, can we not ban the AR-15?

Skirt Sports Valentine Day Sale

Skirt Sports Peek-a-Boo Skirt & Redemption Knicks

Today is a scheduled rest day for me, but I plan on doing ab work and my hip exercises.

I recently got some new Skirt Sports gear.  I’m looking forward to wearing them, and I’ll write a review after I’ve worn and washed them several times.

Maybe I should have waited a few days, because Skirt Sports is having a Valentine Day sale.  I have my eye on a few other items, so now looks like a good time.

Double Tuesday, 2/13/2018

I ran a double today, starting with 3.25 easy this morning.  After work, I ran .75 on the TM before heading to the track where I ran (6) 800.  I wanted to run them all under 3:30. Most were on pace. The recoveries were all a little long, but all the recovery laps were under 4:00.

The intervals were difficult.  Saturday ended a 52 mile week, Sunday I ran 14, Monday 11, and today a double.  I think I'm just worn out.

Recovery Run Recommendation Monday 2/12/2018

I have 11 recovery miles on the schedule. I, normally, wouldn't run that far on a recovery day, but it's a holiday; so it is an opportunity to get some extra miles. I would, also, normally post after I ran, but since today is the day the giveaway winner is announced, I wanted to post early. If something unexpected happens and I don't run, I'll let you know tomorrow.

Skirt Sports Giveaway
A winner has been chosen. Congratulations Karen F! A free skirt sports running skirt will soon be on its way.

Recommendation - Skirt Tv:

When I’m doing marathon training, I’m constantly looking for inspiration in books and videos. Days can be long and the training can be tough. Sometimes you need a pick me up.  Skirt Tv produces short inspirational videos under a category called “Fueled by Positivity.”  I watched one recently that I enjoyed and highly recommend.  It was called Find your WHY.  In it, Nicole DeBoom interviews Erin Carson.  Erin Carson is a fitness professional with a long resume including strength trainer to the stars. Nicole & Erin discuss how discovering the true motivations behind your goals can improve your results.  I connected with the episode because the issue of motivation is becoming more and more important to me. I want to be running 10-15 years from now.  To do that, I will need to identify and embrace motivations that transcend PRs or AG awards.

Skirt Tv would like to know the kind of programming you would like to see.  If videos like Find your Why interest you (or don’t interest you), let them know by completing their What do You Want To See on Skirt Tv Survey.

While you are looking around,
please consider a donation of any amount to Ventura Land Trust.  After the Thomas Fire and subsequent rains, our trails are in desperate need of maintenance and rehabilitation.  VLT is at the forefront of that work.  I’ll be raising money for VLT during my marathon training for Mountains 2 the Beach marathon.

I have several signed copies of Running the Edge:  Discovering the Secrets to Better Running and a Better Life. I’ll gladly send one to the next few people who donate to VLT.

Long Run Sunday, 2/11/2018

I had a nice long run this morning fueled with a piece of toast and boiled egg for breakfast, as well as a scoop of Ucan right before I left the house.  The weather was perfect, and I felt good.  I stopped a twice, once to go to the bathroom and once to take a pic of blooming hedge that caught my eye.

I decided to carry a hydration pack.  I’m pretty sure that I’ll never find the perfect pack, but my magnet clip improves this one. I have a magnet attached to the hose and a clip attached to the pack. It keeps the hose out of the way but easily accessible. I pulled the clip off of my ultraspire pack.

Scenic Saturday, 2/10/2018

I had a nice trail run in the hills today.  I ran .75 on the TM before I left and 6.16 in the hills.  It was a beautiful day, not too hot or too cold and there was lots sun.

After a few set backs during the week, I did manage to get it all done. I ran 52.3 during the week and did all my SOS workouts.

Easy Miles Friday, 2/9/2018

Finally, I have made up my miles and even made up the interval workout that I missed. I ran 10.5 miles today.  I started the run with seven 800s.  I was supposed to do six, but my fifth was a fail.  I was going uphill and couldn't keep the pace, so I did a 7th to make up for it.  My goal pace on a track would be 3:30, but I wasn't on a track.  I created a workout for my garmin to alternate .5 miles intervals with .25 mile recoveries.  One interval was a complete fail.  I gave up. Four were under 3:30.  One was 3:32, and the last was 3:35. My recoveries weren't too long, and I'm satisfied with the paces. 

I didn't have much to eat for lunch.  I did have a scoop of Ucan before I left, but I know it wasn't enough. I packed some tailwind, but I struggled for the 5 easy miles home. Those easy miles were tough, I'm looking forward to a no pressure trail run tomorrow.

Marathon Pace Double Thursday, 2/8/2018

I had a great run this morning.  Finally, a successful MP run!  The weather was perfect and no wind.  I was well rested, and the pace was perfect: 6.3 miles at 7:47. I had a scoop of Ucan, warmed up for 1/2 mile on the TM and did a .86 mile cool-down, after the MP run.  I need to do a double to catch up my mileage.  I'm hopeful that I can get it done.  I'll update this post if the double happens.

UPDATE:
I ran 7.25 at a recovery.  I'm still behind, but the double is complete!

Cascade Skirt Sports Running Skirt Review

Last Saturday, I ran a half marathon in my new Cascade Skirt Sports Running Skirt.  I was very excited to get this skirt, because the style was something that I had never seen before.  The skirt is fairly short and has a flat waistband with two layers of ruffles. The Cascade, also, features 5.5" compression shorts underneath with two large pockets and a music port.

Of course, one of the most important things about a skirt is how much you like the style.  I immediately liked the look of the layered ruffles and slightly longer short.  Although the skirt has two layers of ruffles, the poly/spandex material is extremely light.  The shorts stayed put for all 13.1 miles, and there was no chaffing whatsoever.

I will wear this skirt again and again, but I do wish that it had a drawstring. The waistband didn't quite stay put the way I would have liked, but that was solved pretty quickly with a fold over.

If you would like to try the Cascade or any other Skirt Sports item, use my discount code for 15% off a full priced item:  825Sign

Happy Running!

Cascade Skirt Sports Running Skirt Video Review

Racing in the Cascade

If you would like to try a Cascade Skirt Sports Running Skirt or any other Skirt Sports item, use my discount code for 15% off a full priced item:  825Sign

Happy Running!

Easy Tuesday, 2/6/2018

When you are trying to make up 9 miles in two days, it can really be a grind.  I skipped my workout Monday, so that put me 9 miles behind. On Monday I ran 10.5, so today, I needed to run 15 miles including VO2max intervals....good grief.  Why in the world did I put myself in that position?

The alarm rang early, and up I popped pretty easily for a 9.35 easy before work.  I had a scoop of Ucan before and eggs and toast after.  I felt pretty good at first, but I was dragging at the end.  I packed a double lunch to try and fuel for intervals after work.  I had a dehydration headache all day.

When I got home, I was all set to get those intervals and catch up, but the plan was derailed by a family emergency.  There are a whole lot of things more important than training, and, today, one of those things took precedent.  I'm still behind six miles, and I missed my intervals.  Tomorrow is a scheduled rest day, but I still haven't decided if I will run at all or take the day off.

Review Easy Monday, 2/5/2018

Sunday was supposed to be an easy day of 9 miles, and I did exactly nothing.  How in the heck am I supposed to make up 9 miles.  I guess I can't, but it was Super Bowl Sunday...I just didn't feel like running, and I haven't a good excuse.  I'll try to get it together and do a double on Tuesday.

I had nothing for lunch, and I came home and gorged on junk food.   My 10.5 mile run was fueled with potato chips, tortilla chips & salsa. Let's not forget the vitamin water. Despite my ridiculous fueling strategy, the run was fine, and it resulted in two reviews.

First, I finished an audio-book: Light Falls: Space, Time, and an Obsession of Einstein by Brian Greene
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a very short audio-book that attempts to make Einstein's theories accessible to a layman. In truth, I didn't understand anymore about Einstein's theories than before I read the book, but I did enjoy listening. The narration was good, and the historical anecdotes were very interesting. It's a good book, but hardly amazing. It only scratches the surface of Einstein on any level: academic, professional or personal. I do think that anyone who reads this will have an idea if they want to seek out another book about Einstein. Be warned though, Einstein was a pretty terrible husband and father, so if you want to keep him on a pedestal, stop now.

View all my reviews

Second, I got a chance to tryout my plan for the Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask (18oz.).

I have been trying to figure out a way to carry my obnoxiously big phone.  My master plan was to pack tailwind powder in a pocket, carry the phone in its pocket, but put no water in the flask.  When I hit a water fountain around the halfway mark, I filled up the flask with water and added the tailwind.

The verdict is mixed. Without water, it's perfect.  With water it is very heavy. I can carry this on an easy run or recovery run, but never on a more difficult workout. I'm one step closer to fixing my phone problem.

Chapel 2 Church Race Review, Saturday, 2/3/2018

Packet Pick Up

Yesterday, I almost forgot that I needed to pick up my packet.  I remembered at the last minute, and I had to turn off dinner to drive down to the St. Luis de Monfort to get the the packet.  There was no reminder email which evidently I needed.  The packet pickup process as quick and easy.  The packet consisted of a t-shirt, number, sticker and lunch ticket.  I likea cotton shirt, but I have no interest in unisex t-shirts.  I wear them once, as close to the race as possible (for good-luck), and then hand them off to one of my kids or husband.

Cascade Skirt Sports

Breakfast was the usual:  bagel, banana and coffee.  My last glass of water was at 6:15, but I drank coffee until about 6:30.  I decided to just take my small handheld with 10z of tailwind and a goo at 6 miles.

I really wanted to carry my monstrosity of a phone, but I really dislike carrying anything. I almost didn't take the handheld.  I kept going back and forth about it until I decided to try carrying it in the side leg pocket of my new cascade running skirt.  I broke a cardinal rule which is never to race in anything new, but I've worn enough skirt sports to have reasonable confidence that I'd be fine with the skirt.  I wasn't completely sure about running with the phone, but I decided to bring a safety pin and pin the top of the pocket to make it a little more snug.

The logistics for this race were tricky.  It was a point to point race. I assumed my husband would give me a ride, but he had training with the kids at exactly the same time as the race.  He was able to give me a lift, but I had to get to race start earlier than I would have liked.  On the way there, we saw a lot of racers running.  The runners were supposed to start at 9:00 and the walkers at 8:00.  My husband thought that I must have gotten it wrong, but it turned out that the walkers were running. If walkers are going to run part of a race, they need to sign up as runners.  I know several competitive walkers and it really annoys them when walkers run.  It is cheating.  Some walkers don't know that, but I think most know, but just don't care.

The race started at San Ramon Church in Sisquoc.  The temp was mild, but it was slated to get hot. I had plenty of time, so I took some pics and chatted.  One gal that I was chatting with told me that I looked familiar, and we figured out that I was her high school teacher about 10 years ago.  Here are some pics at the start.

This race is uncommonly beautiful, and today was no exception, but it is difficult.  I mean so difficult that it just comes down to survival.  The hills never seem to stop and there is no recovery.  When you finally have a substantial downhill, you are too pooped to take advantage.  The walkers mostly had no clue or desire to make passing them easier, but the walkers made the race more fun.  Even though they made you run an outlandish distance to get around them, they would say something nice to you as you passed which was invigorating.

Elevation Chart

I assumed there were some women out in front of me, but there was only one.  I ended up basically racing by myself.  At some point a guy that I race with frequently passed me on a hill.  I thought I might catch him on a downhill, but he was long gone.  I was concentrating on a guy in orange far ahead of me.  I'd get a little bit close, but he'd pull away.  I'm sure he was unaware that I was stalking him.

At the end of the race, a woman who I perceived to possible be in my age group ran right up next to me.  There was no way in heck that after all that pain that I was going to let her get in front of me. I looked at her and said, "OK, it's a race," and I took off.  My husband thinks that I was rude, but I disagree.  That woman had probably been stalking me for half the race just like I was stalking the guy in orange.  This was a race, and she pulled up right next to me with 1/2 mile to go. In my mind, her intent was clear.  I was just having fun.  I had never seen the woman before.  She could have just as easily been the one to come out on top.

I ended up with second female and first AG.  After the race, I did see the woman, and she didn't seem to mind at all.  We talked for quite a bit.  She is a race director for a race that I have run several times.

People were annoyed with a few things about the race that didn't bother me at all.  The race was actually about 13.4 not 13.1.  I don't care if a race is long, as long as I'm not trying to PR. Nobody could possibly have thought that they were going to get a PR out there.  (I do care if a race is short, but that is another story). It was very hot and there weren't enough water stations. We knew it was going to be hot, and we knew the number of water stations. As long as you are given clear info, you can plan accordingly.  To me the problem is when you expect water, and it isn't there, or you're told that there will be a porta pottie, but there is none.

I think Chapel 2 Church is a great race.  It started on-time.  My chip worked, and it actually looked like Hawaii in some parts.  We ran in paradise.

Here is a pic of my medal and AG goodies.

Awards & Medal

Relive 'Morning Feb 3rd'

Easy Friday, February 2, 1018

What's Up Today?
Today, 5 easy was on the schedule, but I decided to take the day off entirely.  That will blow my 50 mile week, but my right knee hurts.  I'm running a hilly, half tomorrow, so I think some rest is more important than a 50 mile week.

Giveaway News:
There are comments that I can see, but aren't showing up on the blog.  It seems like this isn't too uncommon of a problem, but I don't know how to fix it.  If you can't see your comment, chances are that I can see it, and you will still be included in the drawing. If you have a concern, please, reach out and I will take a look and confirm your entry.

Its a Challenge!
In honor of the Skirts Sports Giveaway, its all things Skirts Sports this week.  Ambassadors have been challenged to write an Ode to our first Skirt Sports product. I haven't written a poem since grammar school and this one is questionable, but it was fun thinking about my first Skirt Sports running skirt.

I had to dig deep for this throw back pick of me in my first Skirt Sports running skirt.  Looking at that pic prompted the memories of how difficult a race that was.  It was a 5K, but, seriously, if I could have somehow run to my car without going back to the start, I would have.  It was hilly and hot, but I was so proud of myself when I finished.  I really felt cute in that skirt, too.  I still love that Wonder Girl top.  It is very soft.  That pic was taken in 2010.

Recipe of a Skirt (a haiku)

A cup of delight,

Mixed with a hint of pizzazz,

To make skirts so nice.

Skirt Sports Giveaway

I’m pleased to announce that I have accepted a Skirt Sports Ambassadorship.  Skirt Sports is a company founded by women, ran by women and dedicated to the empowerment of women.  Moreover, they make fashionable, high quality running skirts.  I’ve been wearing running skirts for years, and skirt sports has long been my favorite brand. One of the best things about being an ambassador is that I get to share a discount code.  Use code "825Sign" for 15% off any full priced item.  The code changes quarterly, so check back for a new code every few months.

Giveaway

To kick off the new ambassadorship, I’m giving away a Skirt Sports running skirt.  Style and color will vary, but the winner chooses the size and has a choice of a shorter or regular length skirt.  I ran the Boston Marathon 2017 in a Jette, one of the shorter styles.  In the pic at the top of the blog, I'm wearing a Lioness, another of the shorter skirt.

Leave a comment to enter the giveaway.  For one additional entry, follow the blog by email.  The giveaway will close at midnight on February 11, 2018.  A winner will be chosen by random draw on February 12.

Jette Skirt Sports at Boston Marathon 2017

While you are looking around,
please consider a donation of any amount to Ventura Land Trust.  After the Thomas Fire and subsequent rains, our trails are in desperate need of maintenance and rehabilitation.  VLT is at the forefront of that work.  I’ll be raising money for VLT during my marathon training for Mountains 2 the Beach marathon.

I have five signed copies of Running the Edge:  Discovering the Secrets to Better Running and a Better Life. I’ll gladly send one to the next five people who donate to VLT.

Free Giveaways

Marathon Pace Thursday, 1/1/2018

After Tuesday’s great run, I was expecting another fabulous run, today. I felt good mentally, but my pace was slow.  My legs were heavy and not completely recovered.  I’m giving myself the month of January to get my marathon pace where it needs to be, or I will readjust the goal. I think that I can do it.  Last week my pace was good.  This route that I’m doing pretty harsh, but Mountains 2 the Beach starts with a climb for the first few miles.  I did a little over 10 altogether.  I warmed up on the TM for 1/2 mile.  The first 6 was at a 7:59.

I ran 1.3 easy, but I was going so slow that I figured it would take me too long to get home, so I did another mile interval at MP.  Again, I did not really get up to MP.  The pace was 7:58, but I was really working hard.  I had over a mile to go to get home and it was tough. 

I have a half on Saturday, so I'd like to take tomorrow off.  I need four more miles to make 50 for the week (including the half).  Maybe I'll run a double this evening.  That really sounds terrible, but I might do it.