Marathon Training: Week 8, Half Way to the Finish Line!

 

Going into week eight I was a good feeling. I knew the week would start and end with a quality workout, but be full of easy building miles all throughout the week, my favorite! I started my Monday with a solid quality run, looping Dallas! I felt good and I embraced being where I am in my training plan. I'm two months in, with two months to go!

 The week went as planned, lots of miles and I indeed got my mileage up to the next level, just as planned. The next two months will get pretty intense, but I have my head on straight. I'm doing a good job not overthinking the process and also trusting the process. When using a training plan that has been built for you, your level of consistency and your current goals, it will still be difficult. To get faster, one must push the body, without breaking it. That's a hard math problem to figure out! 

 I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker this week who has enjoyed my training blogs but has no interest in running. She talked about a time in her life where she learned something new and scary to her. A big goal in her life. Its something that still lights up her eyes when she talks about it. She shared how she relates to my running goals by what she when through to get to the goal she had set for herself in that time in her life.

 I loved our conversation so much. It was a reminder that I'm not so crazy after all. Setting my big scary goals are positive. I'm not wasting my time and in the process, I'm bettering myself in all areas of my life. 

My favorite run of the week was my hardest one! My husband and I ran our 20 miler in Salem this weekend. I wanted a change of route and I desperately wanted to run through our State Capitol Park's Cherry Blossoms. We started at Salem's Riverfront. I love running there. We ran over two bridges and into three different parks. For the last four miles we ran all over downtown Salem and did a couple loops through the Cherry Blossoms. We started later than we usually do, and it was the warmest and muggiest it's been in training so far. It didn't help that my legs felt fatigued. At mile 18 I stopped for a moment and talked to Jerry about walking the last two miles. Both of use wanted the run to be over. We also knew that walking two miles would take twice as long! Ugh! We started running again and just did it! After, we talked about how tempting it was to walk but we really needed to run the last two miles. We did it just fine. It wasn't fun but we are conditioned do this type of mileage. Isn't that why we do the training runs? Sometimes it's more mental training than we even realize. We really needed to run it out Saturday. This is exactly what I've gone through when racing. You come to a spot in the race when you have to decide, will I run it in and complete my goal or stop? 

I chose to keep running! 

 At the end of that 20 miles I looked back at my splits. As fatigued and hot as I got, I stayed consistent and ran a really solid long run. Cheers to the next eight weeks for training! 

Training GOALS, if overthought, it's easy to think you can't do it for all the reasons! Believe me, there are so many reasons! I have chosen to get up each morning and just do it. I want this, and I have nothing to lose. If I fall short, life will go on! If I do it, I will have something no one can take from me!

Marathon Training Week 7, WHY Settle?

 Last weekend a good running friend asked me what my goal was for Newport Marathon. I let her know I was training for a 3:35 marathon. She asked why? All I need to for a BQ (Boston Qualify) for my age group/gender is a sub 3:50. I thought long and hard how she responded. She asked a legitimate question. Why would I train for a 3:35 when all I need is a 3:50? Why risk it? Risk it, meaning, what if I go out too hard and fall apart out on the course, I could be risking it all? 

 This last week was a hard training week. I'm going into block two, meaning more miles, more intensity and the more my mental better be on! I know I was being challenged as I had a couple days I felt grumpy at work. Work is good, so I know it was simply me, feeling the training. I got through the week, got in some extra sleep and did all my workouts. No one at work snapped at me. I think some of my co-workers question my "why" yet some are really intrigued by the whole idea of training for a marathon.

 This training cycle continues to freak me out in a good way. My training continues to be on point, even as I tip over into the harder workouts. I feel the strength growing in my body and continue to feel like "I can do this." In some of my past training cycles this has not been the case. Some, I couldn't hit my times as I wasn't training properly for the condition I was currently in. Some, I could hit my times, but my head was so unsure of myself, I was my own worst enemy. I see this a lot in runners. Runners minds get in the way! I truly believe in getting help from a more advanced running friend or get yourself a coach. They will do the math/thinking for you and you just simply trust the process. 

 I go into this week knowing I worked my a** off the last three weeks. This week I get to let my body heal and work more on mileage build up. The next nine weeks are going to go by fast, yet take forever! Some people like to compare marathon training to pregnancy. I don't like to do that. I've had three babies and ran 15 full marathons. I get how each pregnancy/training cycle is different, but the comparison is far different in my eyes. I don't ever want to be pregnant again, yet I chose to train my body to do better for this upcoming marathon. 

Newport Finish Line....I'm dreaming about you!!!! I see you when I go out alone in the dark. I see you when I put on my rain jacket because it's a Spring downpour outside. I see you when I look at my quality workout and say, what do I have to lose? I see you when I have to go to bed early because I need to run before work the next morning. That's why I am able to say, I'm training for a sub 3:35 marathon and I will NOT settle for a sub 3:50. I can do this and I see myself doing it. Why oh why would I settle for anything less? 

Long run out and back to Rickreall,
the headwinds almost killed me off!  

Marathon Training: Week Six

 Week Six started right on schedule. All of my training runs were "on point" and I will even go a step further to say, my training runs are going better than I had expected. I've had good training cycles and bad training cycles. There is a huge difference. When you are training at your correct pace for the shape you're in, you can advance as a runner. I do suggest having someone "coach" you or at least reach out to a runner who has many years under their belt. There is math and formulas involved in training and many people miss that and or don't know how to figure it out! It's ok to ask for help, I do it all the time! If you don't have a goal, no biggie, but I have always competed with myself. I want to advance as an athlete if my body allows and I need the help!

The last few weeks, as I've prepped for Shamrock 15k, I've been raising funds and love for Mason, a 13 year old who is battling Hodgkins Lymphoma. I simply asked folks to donate $15 and I would run the 15k. Together we could pray for the family. The outpour from co-workers, running friends and the community has been amazing. I was blessed to meet up with Mason and his family a couple days before the race, give Mason his cash (over $2400) and he gave me a running shirt. It was a moment I will never forget! 

My husband ran the 15k with me. We got up Saturday for our scheduled "long run" but it was different this week as we both planned on racing Sunday. It was a shorter long run but we both ran it strong and then headed to Portland. The Shamrock Expo was so grand! It was smaller than years past, but considering the last two years had been canceled due to the pandemic, I was just happy to be back! We got our race bibs and checked out the different vendors and met up with a few running friends. It was all so good! 

That night we stayed in a hotel on the waterfront side of downtown, ensuring a faster route for post race. We have parked downtown before and been blocked in for an hour! After Shamrock you can ensure you will be a wet cold mess so getting trapped downtown isn't a fun way to end the weekend. Our hotel was also 2 miles from the starting line! This would ensure that we would get a proper warm-up and cool-down in no matter what! 

The race didn't start until 8:55am and we woke up to high winds and low 40's that felt much colder. A running friend met us at the hotel that morning and all three of us headed out into the elements to do our warm-up/head to the starting line. It was about 7:50am! The warm-up miles did me a whole lot of good! It got my muscles warm and calmed my nerves! We got to the starting area with plenty of time to use the restroom and to visit with a few more running friends. As Jerry, Sandy and I came to a walk at the starting line, I was overwhelmed with happiness! Races are back! It's been a long two years and I didn't realize how much I truly missed it! We could hear the band playing, post race goodies were being set up! An announcer was saying all the things we love to hear but don't really listen too! The lines of port-a-potties! Seeing runners waiting with garbage bags over them to stay warm and dry! Seeing my running friends live, in person and not just on social media! It was all perfect! 

After all the pre-race rituals, it was time to line up! I love how Shamrock does this. It's a huge race so it must be organized! First you get into the shoot and find the pacer with the pace you are planning to run. I knew I wanted to run about 7:30 but I stood with the 8:00's. I wasn't doubting myself, I just wanted to be smart about this. The 7:30 pace group was smaller. I also know better than to start too fast. The Shamrock announcer told us to make our walk! We walk down and turn-a-round right in front of our starting line! I was in the first group that was sent off! The 15k course is described as "No joke, after conquering Terwilliger Blvd., waving at OHSU, and running through the Barbur Tunnel, you'll' have all the bragging rights and that green beer. Plus, once you reach mile 5.5, it's all downhill." 

Lining up to start

With that description and the fact that I've run this before, I knew it was going to be up, up, up and more up before I could come down. We started with a gentle up that didn't let up. I ran the first two miles with Jerry. I was confused by this as I knew either I was running too fast or he was running too slow. I was feeling really great so I just went with it. I knew if I didn't hold my own going up the hills, I wouldn't PR (personal record) today. A wise coach once told me just before I ran Shamrock, "don't let up on the up-hills, get to the top, I promise you will recover." This was a coach who was working with me and knew I could handle the hills but I needed to hear that. I've never forgotten it so I kept saying it over and over to myself. I also was so focused on this day that I could truly feel my "race mode" was on! It felt amazing to be in control of myself. 

So often in racing we let our heads get in the way. We tend to overthink and then our anxiety hits to fan and we start too fast, start too slow or just give up before we even start. With the years I've had to build my base, I've really focused on my mental game and gotten lots of help knowing how to be in control of MY race!

After mile two, Jerry decided to put on the gas and took off! I never saw him again. I was glad to see him move on as he should be running faster than me in any race. We were still climbing but we hadn't hit the hardest hill yet! We did a little turn-a round on S. Barbur Blvd and took a sharp left to go up SW Capitol Hwy and onto Terwillger. It was around mile four and it was by far, the hardest mile! My pace dropped during this mile but it was to be expected. I stayed in "race mode" despite my hill pain. I knew I would recover!!!! 

I now had made it to the first part of Shamrock that I love! Terwillger hill. I love running this hill loop. It's not only challenging but it's beautiful. You do have to go up, but you also have some down time and I fly. It's a feeling you don't get when running on the flat. This crazy loop also gives you a glimpse of OHSU where so many like Mason are receiving care. It always hits me when I get to this part. 

As we head back onto Barbur Blvd I tend to have to just blank out and run. Heading back up to the turn-a-round is rather boring and painful. I do enjoy picking a good fight with other runners at this point. They have no clue I'm doing it but I can pick people who are running a similar pace and I can test myself. If I can get behind them, draft off them for a bit and then pass them, I win! It's really fun in larger races as there as so many more runners to pick from. 

As we finally made it to the 2nd turn-a-round I hear my name from the other side! Someone I knew was cheering me on and it was really nice. As I turned onto SW Naito Pkway to go back down the hill we started on, I began my flight to the finish line. This is another part of Shamrock that keeps me coming back for more. The last 1-1.5 miles is a gentle down hill (except for the small part it's not!!!) and I feel like I'm flying. It's a beautiful experience. This is where it also gets gritty! You can see the finish line but it's still a long ways away. If you overrun, you may die! I knew for this last mile I needed to put the peddle to the medal. I had run too good of a race thus far to toss a PR out the window. So I flew! I was running fast! I came to mile 9 and got the nod of approval from a wise coach who taught me how to run hills and endure the distance as he glanced at his watch. I had .3 to go. That's over a lap around the track. Not much, but so far! I had a quick moment of wanting to let up so badly as I felt the stomach roar with warning that I may be pushing my luck! I didn't let up! Soon I saw the 7:30 pacer. I thanked him for being out there that day and passed him right up! As soon as I crossed the finish line I put my arms up in celebration and got the nod of approval from Jerry, who stood there watching me come in and looking so proud. I remember someone handing me a medal, I said thanks and then walked over to the side and dry heaved two times. I turned around and a volunteer had come over. She looked worried. I was totally fine. It was a minor heave that I had to just loose. Ha! I turned off into the finisher area feeling like I had just won the gold! I had beat myself! I got my PR, I felt really strong and I had completed something really hard for Mason.

These Girl Scouts got it right, having a booth here.

I was too cold to do much more but we did get some snacks and visit with some friends before heading back to our hotel to head home. This morning the aftermath has been minor. I'm less sore than my race a few weeks ago and I ran it much harder. I am very pleased with how this race played out. The foot issue I talked about last week is still there but I feel like it's under control. I've got the help of the PT's at work who have shown me how to tape myself up and what I should be doing daily to keep to from getting out of control and stronger. 

As I go into week seven I am reminded how important community is. The community has come together so well for Mason and the community has given me so much support. It's nice to have a few people interested in my running stories and to know some of you care so much you are willing to stalk my house while I'm at the races! ~Love to you all!!!! 

I did it! PR 1:08:44, 7:22 pace, 2nd in division 

Marathon Training Week Four and Five, The Little Things!

  

Week four went totally fine, I just didn't feel like writing last weekend. I actually had a person ask me if they missed week four as they hadn't seen it? I guess at least one person out there is reading this! Ha! 

I have been a bit more tired lately but overall feeling so much better in general. Getting in shape tends to do that to a person. I have taken the weekends to sleep more and even allow a nap if we are just hanging around at home. I have been having a slight discomfort in my left foot. No surprise here. If I have an issue it's always the left foot. I injured it in the 8th grade. As an adult have sprained it at least three times and was diagnosed with Norton's Neuroma a year or two ago. I was told get a series of injections or surgery. The injections worked but were painful. The last one the doctor told me I had to decide how many I wanted as far as the pain level goes. Pain meaning how much am I will to live with for the rest of my life? I left after 7 or 8 knowing I should get one more. I still feel it when I run hard but, I know it's not something that's hurting me long term. The current issue in my foot feels minor but I want to keep it minor! I work with a several Physical Therapist so I decided to take advantage of that! About 8 days ago I asked one of them to take a quick look and wrap my foot up. It helped. After a few day's I gave my feedback and he took another look and told me my foot was weak! I have to be honest, I was shocked, but then I thought about it and it all made sense. It's totally weak as I've never fully rehabbed my foot. I've been doing the exercises he recommended and I'm happy to report that it's working. It's amazing how a little extra work, makes a HUGE difference! 

I am going to continue wrapping my foot for now as I need the extra support and I will defiantly do my exercised daily. Training for a marathon is taxing on the body, but if done properly it'll make you stronger. Not only physically, but mentally. 

My quality runs continue to be on point. I honestly feel stronger than I think I ever have as a runner right now, yet racing is the real test! My next race that I've worked into marathon training is this coming Sunday! Portland Shamrock 15k. I have big goals! 

 In 2018 I was in really good shape and ran Shamrock 15k at 1:09:33 (7:28 pace). I believe I can do better this year. It's going to be hard and I will have to fight for it but I have to try! 

I am also choosing to race Shamrock as a platform to bring awareness to a 13 year old's recent cancer diagnosis. I work with this Young Man's Mother and his story hit me hard. I will be adding the deets on this at the end of this blog. There's really easy ways to be involved in helping this family if we all do just a little bit. I've learned over the years that all the little things, add up to make a HUGE difference. Not just in life, but training as well. Don't ever think that something small doesn't matter! 

Pass the Mason Jar

Mason Ball was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He's an 8th grader at Santiam Christian School.  He's a very social young man who enjoys sports.

Currently we are at just under 2k

How can we do a little to help a lot? On Sunday March 12th I will be running Portland Shamrock 15k. The course will take my right by Doernbecher OHSU where Mason's going weekly for the next 6+ months for treatment. As I train, I pray for this family and I will run that race praying for Mason. I am asking that you give $15. $15 isn't very much but together is will add up. They money that comes in will go 100% to Mason and his family to do with what they see fit. They will be making many trips to Portland and will need gas and food money on top of the bills. 

Please partner with me as I pass the Mason Jar. I will run 15k, can you give $15? I am currently taking Venmo, cash or check's for the family. All funds that come in, even after the 15k will be given directly to the family.