Virgin Bride

Oh, wait. I mean Twisted Ankle Marathon Virgin Bride.
Sorry if there was any initial confusion upon reading the blog title. I am not trying to be one of those "born-again" virgins (like that is even possible.)

Drum roll please . . . Here is my outfit for tomorrow.



As you will see I have my something blue covered--skirt is INDIGO (definitely NOT purple--worst color ever) and my top is aqua (a well known shade of blue) and my socks have blue on the toes.

My something new is my also my top and my socks. The theme of the outfit tomorrow is pockets. I needed pockets otherwise I would resigned to the hideous fanny pack. And clearly, as you can see in the picture I need a lot of pockets if I want to carry all that crap.

My something old is my Run Happy hat, the skirt, my ipod and my knife--I am not going in the North Georgia woods without a weapon. I have seen Deliverance (cue Dueling Banjos)

My something borrowed is the water bottle--yes Dad that is yours and no I did not ask but I "borrowed" it a month ago and since you haven't missed it yet I am sure it is okay. I did tell Mom I was taking it. I am sure she forgot though.

Also borrowed are the trail shoes. They are Lala's.

Yes, yes I know. Not a great idea. And no I haven't done a long run in them but I ran 2.25 miles today and they felt fine--the same;maybe better than my Trance's. I actually almost bought this particular trail shoe but instead I got the Brooks Cascadia because they were out of the Mizuno's in my size. I KNOW I don't like running in my Cascadia's so they are definitely no good. I could always stick with my Brook's Trance but the weather tomorrow is suppose to suck and it is probably going to be super muddy so I think I might really need a trail shoe. I did like how firm and cushioned the heel felt today so I think they will be good. The way I see it; after 26+ miles my feet aren't going to feel good anyway. So I think it is more important I have a shoe with some good traction.

Also, pictured is a camera because who doesn't document their deflowering? And toilet paper--because girlfriend? Doesn't use leaves. Of course I am crossing every part of me and hoping such thing isn't an issue (it isn't usually) but every good Girl Scout is always prepared.

Lastly, even though I am certainly not happy about the forecast:

Hourly Forecast

6 am 64°F Feels Like 64°F

9 am 67°F Feels Like 67°F

12 pm 74°F Feels Like 74°F

3 pm 76°F Feels Like 79°F

6 pm 76°F Feels Like 79°F

9 pm 71°F Feels Like 71°F

Day

Night

I have heard--at least that is what they like to tell the Brides who plan outdoor garden weddings without a rain contingency plan-- that is good luck if it rains on your wedding day.

Sweet Jesus let's hope so!

Running Down a Rainbow

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream . . .

Number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9, number 9 . . .

Number 9?

Number 9.

Is it a lucky number?

Well you know I looked it up and it is, kind of...

In China it is. Apparently, in the Chinese language--which I do not know--the number nine is a homophone for "longlasting". . .

In Christianity there is 9 Choirs of Angels . . .

And there are 9 Noble Virtues:
1. Courage
2. Truth
3. Honor
4. Fidelity
5. Discipline
6. Hospitality
7. Self Reliance
8. Industriousness
9. Perseverance

There were 9 muses in Greek Mythology until Plato came along and added Sappho as a 10th honorary muse. Way.to.go.Plato.

9 is the atomic number of fluorine . . .(I do have good teeth from all those fluoride treatments as a kid. . . )

There are 9 planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth (this is where we live), Mars, Jupiter (this is where boys go to get stupider), Saturn, Uranus (Not mine! Yours!),Neptune and Pluto.

Okay, so maybe I am reaching.

Maybe I am searching for meaning where there is no meaning but hey, at least I am not reading my horoscope or tarot cards.

The point though is that tomorrow I am lucky because I get the opportunity to run my 9th marathon in 4 years. My 3rd in 4 months.
My 3rd attempt on the Ga ING course in 3 years to run 3:30.

Is 3rd time gonna be a charm?

No, no I don't think so. But that is okay. Maybe someday but I don't think tomorrow will be that day.

But I am optimistic about having a GREAT race tomorrow and excited and feel blessed that I get to toe the line in the town where I was born and have grown up and get to run with 15,000 other enthusiastic people --okay maybe just 14,999 since Pookie is running and I don't think she is so enthusiastic about it--- participating in the sport and race I love.

But this race. . .
Sigh.
It really is going to take some luck for it to ever have good weather.

March in Georgia is crap shoot. And by that I mean the weather totally sucks. You may get a nice day here and there but for the most part it is old bitch winter leaving out our back door in one pissed off mood. Really, spring here is just an argument between winter and summer and in March it is pretty clear that winter is winning the argument.

The past 3 days we've had a ton of rain--and I ain't knocking it; we need it! But I am just so tired of running in the rain and the cold. I want some good race day weather already!

Along with my other taper activities--shopping, obsessing over how fat I am getting, worrying about each and every pain--I have been stalking The Weather Channel.com for the past 10 days. And here is what the latest from TWC says to expect tomorrow morning:
7 am

45°F
Partly Cloudy

39°F real feel

10% chance of rain

74% humidity
11 mph wind

Sunrise 7:29 am

8 am

44°F
Partly Cloudy

39°F real feel

20% chance of rain

73% humidity
10 mph wind

9 am

45°F
Partly Cloudy

39°F real feel

20% chance of rain

68% humidity
12 mph wind

10 am

46°F
Mostly Cloudy

40°F real feel

20% rain

65% humidity
14 mph wind

11 am

48°F
Mostly Cloudy

42°F real feel

20% chance of rain

61% humidity
15 mph wind

So not totally terrible but that wind might feel like a wind tunnel and with that humidity my hair is definitely not going to look good. Like that is news.

However I am still optimistic!

Why?

Because I've been reading signs!

Yesterday I went to the expo.

Beau and Carmella--of course-- had fun and collected lots of swag. Beau even got to do circus tricks:

But while I was there I saw Joe:
He was very busy but he still stopped and told me good luck. It has to be lucky to have the guy who sells you your running shoes to stop when he is that busy to wish you luck. Right? That is what that means. . .

And my sister? Pookie? She put the blond in my hair! No hair cut this time. Don't want to make that Samson mistake again--you know, like last year when I had my hair cut the night before the race. That didn't work out. But I feel good about the blond. Maybe not faster good but brighter, happier about being slow. . .

See foils? That is Pookie is mixing the magic in the background. She is running the half. She hasn't trained but will still do good cause that's her thing.

See me getting the bleach!
See me and Pookie. Can't you tell how much she LOVES me!

And then, most important. When the kids and I were driving home from the expo the rain stopped and I saw blue in the sky and I saw the sun. Okay, so I think the sun heard about my blondness and was trying to tell me that even though I am blonder and brighter he is still the brightest of all. And I get that. Not trying to compete with sun. I know I won't win. But then as I pulled into my neighborhood I saw a rainbow arching over us.

Look! I said to the kids: There is a rainbow leading to our house!

And Beau, with the inherent optimism of children asked if that was where the gold was.

No, not likely, but surely--it means something good. . .

Now you scientists be quiet and don't ruin the magic and my faith in silly supersitions. Life, I think, is more poetic when you believe in something.You know, that dare to dream the dreams you dream thing . And, I have heard sometimes, dreams really do come true. . .

Everyone have a great race tomorrow!

The Dirty Truth

Warning.

I am writing this sitting at the table while Carmella and Beau eat their dinner. (Ryan is working late so I will wait to eat with him later.) What this means is that I must pause mid sentence to encourage chicken and squash eating or threaten Nintendo restriction if they don't finish their mac n cheese (made from scratch I should add) with spinach or drink all their milk.

You try being witty and composing genius blog posts under such conditions and see what you come up with.

And, for that matter, do you have any idea how annoying it is to go to the effort to make a home-cooked and healthy meal and have those that eat it complain at every bite? You'd think I was asking them to solve quadratic equations. They act like eating dinner is the hardest, most challenging thing they have ever encountered. The very act of food on fork and to mouth? Incomprehensible. Mind boggling difficult.

Okay. Moving on.

So again, apologies for being so lame with the blogging. I know. Yes, I've got my excuses and I am sure you don't want to hear about them. So I won't bother with that. I will just move forward. But there are two event recently worth noting:

First is that I am officially signed up for the Museum of Aviation marathon next Saturday (1/17/2009). Please keep thoughts of good weather and for me to remain injury and sickness free. If all those things stay in my favor I really can't think of a reason why I shouldn't have a great race. I know. I probably just jinxed myself right there. Sigh.

Second is that I ran another 5k last Saturday. My second 5k ever. My friend Brett encouraged me to come out and run the Wonderful Days of Winter 5k. The race benefits the Wonderful Day preschool for low-income children. I liked that I could get a race in at the start of my taper--though I didn't really have any high hopes for it since I had just run a 24 miler the 4 days prior. But a race would force me to run faster than I normally would and I would have exactly 2 weeks until my marathon to recover. Seemed like a good idea to do it. (You know, if there ever is a good reason to run a 5k.)

I woke up race morning and it was raining. I hadn't signed up for the race but figured since it was only 15 minutes from my house I would drive over there and see if the rain stopped. The rain stopped before I even pulled out of my neighborhood. I got myself all excited and rallied for the race. It really was about as perfect racing weather as I can get: cloudy, little humid, 50's. So I got there with plenty of time to spare and signed up.

I warmed up by running around the block a few times for about 10 minutes or so.

Then I met up with Kate-- who was not running-- and Brett who was and a few others. We chatted, wished each other luck and then lined up for the race. I lined up a few back and off to the side trying to eavesdrop every one's goal pace. Hearing a "gonna break out at 5" encouraged me to step a few feet back and even further to the side. I will say I did pass "break out at a 5" guy by the end of the first mile.

After a prayer and a reminder to smile for the cameras; off we went. I felt great for about the first minute and then it was terrible and I was ready to quit. For the first mile there was one girl a good way out in front and another directly in front of me. First split was called: 6:18. And then the hills started coming. Nothing as terrible as the Jingle Jog but certainly not a flat course: roly poly rollers.

Not knowing the course I really had no idea what was coming so while I was definitely running hard I did hold something back. I just can't imagine anything worse than bonking a 5k at the start of your marathon taper.

During the second mile I watched the girl who was in second surge far ahead. I could no longer see the male leaders either. The girl who was in first who was now in second was fading back towards me. I figured--if I didn't die--I would catch her. I think the second split was 6:37 but it may have been 6:57. It was 6 something 7 and my watch had me at 13 something for the 2 miles (it is a new watch and I am still trying to figure out how it works exactly).

You know, it all happens so fast in a 5k. I can only take so much in. Remember, I am also trying not to throw up on myself or die. There is only so much you can expect of me.

Sometime around this point another girl passed me and so did a few guys. I noticed Steve, co owner of Big Peach, pass me and I have to admit I was a little annoyed about it. Random person I don't know pass me, fine. Person I know? Not so happy about it.

Hey, Steve, it is okay. I will still buy all my shoes from you.

Coming up another hill I finally passed the girl who had originally been the lead girl. Then I pretty much held my place and gave what I had left-- knowing that I had to be almost done. But believe me, I was totally ready to quit. Only thing that rallied me was that it was almost over. And THAT right there is the best thing about 5k's. There is no dragging it out. I think coming from marathons and then doing a 5k there is definitely the mentality of: I have been miserable for way longer. This? This I can do.

I cruised under the finish line at 21:15. Over a minute PR from my 5k less than a month ago. The card they handed me said 23rd overall. I haven't looked up my results but I think I was 3rd woman. I did win first in my age group so that was nice. Prize was a flower pot with the kids' hand prints on them. They had put a tulip bulb and some dirt in the pot too.

When I came home the kids were shocked to see me so soon.

Beau said: Wow, that was fast!

And Carmella, disbelieving, said: Did you even do the race?

(This is what happens when you run mostly marathons. The idea that you can go do a race and be home in an hour is something my kids have no experience with. They are use to Mommy being gone forever.)

As always they asked me if I won. For simplicity sake I usually say: Yes. I beat all the other old ladies.

I showed them my prize, the flower pot. Beau, always wanting to inspect my spoils, looked it over and then asked: You won dirt?"

Basically his voice intoned : wah wah wah, loser.

Yeah. The truth hurts. Hey, that's what kids do; they keep it real for you.

On the Vomit Line

I know I have been remiss about updating my blog.

Partly to blame is my darn Face book addiction but mostly because Christmas has had me consumed. But I finished my shopping today! So hopefully I will have more time to update tomorrow or this weekend.

On the running front I am running my first ever 5k this weekend. I am very excited about it and keeping telling myself that I am only going to feel terrible for about 22 minutes--hopefully less. I think I should be able to deal with that since I sucked it up for six hours in the South Carolina half iron man.

See, I knew sticking it out in that race would help me some how. Now I just ask myself when feeling bad in a race/workout, "Do I feel worse than I felt at SC Half?" No?
Then I'm good! Carry on!

My previous feeling worse bench marks were my 42 hr labor with Carmella, when I broke my pelvis and the near heat stroke I suffered in Ga ING marathon in 2007. So I think I should be okay for a 5k.

My plan is to run on the vomit line. Meaning, if I don't feel like throwing up then clearly I am not running hard enough. I've been practicing 5k's on the treadmill. It is flat on the treadmill and this race isnt but on the treadmill I am typically between 21-22 minutes. Hoping for a sub 6:50 pace. We'll see. I definitely have a hard time forcing myself to do things that don't feel good. Oh, sure. I know what you are thinking. But really, marathons and long distance are less painful for me than a short, fast and hard run. I seriously can run forever at an easy pace but running fast is something I really don't like because I feel so uncomfortable. Admittedly, I don't like to be uncomfortable and I just don't appreciate the vomit feeling the way I think some people do.

In other news I have also targeted my next marathon. Plan is to toe the line January 17th at The Museum of Aviation Marathon in Warner Robbins, GA. This is more a I'll-train-and-if-that-goes-well-I-will-sign-up-for-the race-in-the-taper sort of plan. Nothing definite yet.

More later . . .

I have a date tomorrow . . .

With my husband.

I's got him all to myself.
Well,all to myself along with 54,998 other people.

That's right.

Ryan is running the Peachtree Road Race!

No.

Ryan doesn't run.

Well, not since that time a year or 2 ago that I tried to bribe him with, uhm, favors, in attempts to get him to develop a running habit.
But apparently it is true what they say:

When you give away the milk for free they do not want to buy the cow.

Girls, let this be a lesson.

What can I say?

I am weak.

Live and learn.

So wish us luck!

And, no race race for me but I am sure to have a great time. As always.

Seriously, if I can have good time when I have tummy ache in a marathon I sure as hell am going to have a blast at Atlanta's annual party.

Anyone running (or not) join us for some post race toasting at O'Terrill's on Piedmont a block past the finish. Word is this is where the Michelob after party is. Usually you need $10 cash and it is all the beer you can you drink.

Kisses and good luck to all those going for a PR!

The Booger Man and My Race Jitters

I know a Booger Man
His name is Beau
He picks his nose--
That he never blows

Yeah, I know a Booger Man
His name is Beau
Boogers he eats
Like a yummy treat

Oh, yeah!
I know a Booger Man
His name is Beau
He is my son

God Damn! I love that Booger Man!


So, guess what? Beau? He likes to pick his nose. And he likes to eat his boogers too.
Here is a conversation we had a while back while I was driving when I spied him in the rear view mirror with his finger in his nose:

Me: Don't do that. That is gross.
Beau: Why?
Me: Because it is disgusting.

Beau shrugs in response, shows me the booger and then proceeds to put it his mouth.
I audibly gag and reprimand at the same time.

Me: Beau! No! Don't eat your boogers!
Beau smiles: Why?
Me: Because it will make you sick!
Beau: But I like them. . .

Then Beau started saying he was sick. He told everyone he was sick. I queried him on his symptoms:
Sore throat?
No.
Cough?
No.
Headache?
No.
Tummy ache?
No.
Cold?
No.
Well you don't sound sick to me, what's wrong with you?
I'm sick. I ate my boogers.

Ugh.

Carmella, who most definitely does not eat her boogers is horrified at Beau's habit. Yesterday she was reading a book from the library and came upon a page smeared with boogers. She tracked Beau down demanding to know if he smeared boogers on her book.

No, he told her.

Yes you did she told him. I know you pick your nose.

Beau admitted that this was true but he didn't smear his boogers on her page because he eats his boogers. And besides, he told her. He doesn't like story books. Because he can't read. Too many pesky words, he says. He only likes science books.

And then they got in fight over who was sick. Carmella has been sneezing. Clearly, she with the obvious symptoms, is the sick one.

But Beau reminded her that he is indeed sick; much sicker than her because he? He picks his nose and eats his boogers.

Really, I just don't understand the pride he has when certainly he is more than aware of all of ours disgust and disdain at this habit. But apparently his desire for attention-- all attention-- trumps everything else. Not to mention he recently told me that he is in the Booger Eater club in his class. There are 5 of them. All boys. So how great is that? He has friends that also eat their boogers. Already, at 4, with the subculture. Awesome.

And me? I've been waking up with a sore throat this past week. And no. I don't pick my nose or eat my boogers. It isn't the sort of sore throat like strep. It is from sinus congestion. I can tell that it is only a matter of time before that post nasal drip moves to my chest and then I end up with a secondary infection. And if I were a betting person I'd say that is probably going happen, oh, say, Saturday. You know. The day I am planning on running the Chattahoochee Road Runner's 10k.


I think it is no secret that my goal for a while has been a sub 42 minute 10k. And even if I wasn't maybe about to get a cold or bronchitis I still wouldn't be very optimistic about hitting that. Not to mention that this race is very intimidating. Check out the results here from last year. Do you see the talent that this little local race attracts? Mid 30's for the women and even some high 20's for the boys? Yeah. I'll be lucky to be in the top 50 women of this race when locally I'm usually in the top 10 for women. Well, maybe not if all those talented ATC team girls go off and do the Alpharetta marathon or the Snicker's marathon in Albany. Then there might be a slim chance at hardware in my age group.

So I've cut myself some slack. No pressure. Just viewing this race as a speed work out in my marathon training. Oh, no worries, I'll try my best. I'm just not willing to set myself up for disappointment. My training has already been humbling enough this winter. I don't need no little 10k failure to further knock me down.

Atlanta Half Marathon Race Report

Okay, so I guess I shouldn't be totally surprised that I did not run my best race ever. And, I'm not. It is what it is. No worries. I definitely have a few comments though.

That's a surpise, huh?

Little patience while I bitch about MARTA, k?

Sooooo.......MARTA proves it is NOT smarta. Again. See, I am one of those rare breeds and I am actually from Atlanta. Born at Northside Hospital. Lived in family housing at GA Tech as a baby. I've had addresses in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Marietta and Roswell. And for as long as I can remember the slogan for MARTA has been take MARTA its smarter. And in the 36 years I have lived in metro Atlanta? I have yet to experience the promised genius of MARTA. I think those guys in the horse and carriages outside the Westin might actually be a more reliable, quicker choice.

Generally, I have nothing bad to say about Atlanta Track Club. But the fact that they keep recommending in their race packets for people to take MARTA is starting to piss me off. Please, stop doing that.

Nevertheless, Doug and Steph and I parked at the finish. It took us less than 30 minutes to get to the Ted from outside the perimeter and that was with getting a little lost trying to find the stadium parking. I know you are wondering why park at the finish and not the start but this is because--at least this was the thinking--it is better to jog that mile to the MARTA station from the finish before the race rather than after. Especially today considering the weather forecast. Oh yeah, and there is also lots of stairs to go up and down at the MARTA stations. Certainly not on my list of favorite things to do after a race.

Well, this is the absolute last time I am depending on MARTA to get me to the start of a race or really, anywhere that I need to be in a timely fashion. It is a just a joke.

We got to the finish about 5:40 am. Race starts at 7 am. You'd think an hour twenty would be plenty of time. You'd think. We waited forever for the train. More time than it actually took to ride said train. Absolutely ridiculous. We got to the start about 6:58. Of course, I had to pee. I heard the race start from inside the portolet. As I sprinted to the start I heard "Happy Thanksgiving Runners! Have a great race and if you hear thunder take cover."

Exactly what I want to hear.

So I was at the back of the pack and had to dodge and weave and dodge and weave. Oh well. I really didn't set a time goal for this race since I am STILL sick. Doug was merciless with his ribbing at my hacking and sniffling. (Hope you don't sick Dougels!Mwah! Kisses) I figured under an hour 50 was reasonable. I ran 1:42 last year and had hoped that I could get under that but knew when I woke up this morning that any sort of Atlanta PR was not going to happen.

That first mile I ran mostly on the sidewalk or in the grass. I started crying about a minute in, remembering last year. I said my prayer for Evan, told myself I'm not allowed to quit and just dealt with it.

Mile one came in at 7:30. I had no idea how far back I started. I passed lots of people. I believe the rain also started at the end of the first mile.

I hit 2 miles at 15 minutes and the crowd was still very thick. It was totally pouring. It sucked.

At 3 miles I started to feel dizzy, my head hurt, my shoes were soaked and heavy and it was still raining. I really wanted to quit. Remembered that I wasn't allowed to quit. Cursed a little bit and figured well, only 10 more miles. I've run more than 10 miles in rain. I can deal. For me, it always helps if I go down my running list of things that have sucked or were painful to get through the tough times in a race. I ask myself: Worse than labor? Nope. Worse than OBX? Nope. Worse than broken pelvis? Nope. ING Heat exhaustion? Nope. Losing Evan? Never.

So I had my pity party really early and hit 3 miles in 23 minutes.

Mile 4 was 30 minutes.

Mile 5 I had a coughing fit. Some guy made a SARS comment. It came in around 38 minutes. I think it had stopped raining or was just lightly so.

Around mile six I passed the butcher chasing the turkey. I commented that he must be regretting that plush now. The turkey asked if we could swap outfits. I told him I had a cold and was miserable enough as is. He persisted and said that it would keep me warm. I picked up the pace and ran on. I think 6 was around 47 minutes. I asked someone what the last split called was and I calculated I was about 2 or so minutes behind.

I don't remember mile 7 but this is when you start the climb into Atlanta. This is when the fun ends(--not that I was having any). You start seeing smiles fade to grimaces. Cheers fall to curses. This is where you realize that yeah, I'm earning that turkey this year. And those bad things--as Steph says-- that you did to sweet potatoes? Inconsequential. You realize, as you meet hill after hill, that your waist-- your weight will be immune to all that fat and calories this Thanksgiving.

Mile 8 was around 1:03.

Mile 9 my nose started to run. It kept the pace that I had lost. Sniffing, wiping--didn't help. Total snotty mess. Oh, yeah. The wind kicked up here too. Whatever, I thought. Really I think those last 4 miles are always windy. Must be a top of the hill thing or something.

I don't remember mile 10. Probably more snot, wind, wet heavy shoe misery.

Mile 11 my nose had stopped running but then I had another fun coughing fit. I could hear myself wheezing and people were looking at me with that--uh-do-you-need-help-cause-you're-kinda-scary-sounding-but-I-really-don't-want-to-be-the-one-to-help-you-because-I-totally-don't-want-whatever-is-wrong-with-you-so-I'm-just-gonna-look-concerned-but-not-say-anything-look. I wished I had my inhaler with me. But I figured that if it got worse someone at an aid station would probably have one. Next time I decide to run with a chest cold I will definitely remember to bring it.

Got some water and recovered. I have no idea where the mile went but it seems suddenly I found myself in the last mile and was like, yeah, I'm done. I cranked out the last mile the best I could and passed a ton of people. Some guy encouraged me and yelled after me that I "looked great!" Yeah, right. I know I look like ass. But thanks for trying.

Saw the Olympic Rings and sprinted it out to the finish. Clock read 1:47 something. Garmin was 1:45 something.

It was frustrating because I had zero muscle/joint/body discomfort. I think even with the weather had I not had this never ending freaking cold I would have had a super race. But yes, I am very happy I did not run the full. I always forget how much those hills in the last 10k suck. They aren't terrible for the half but they are just torture in the marathon. So props and cheers and hugs to all the full marathoners today!

And great job to all my half compatriots: Steph, Doug, Wes, Wes's Dee Dee,-- and my Dee Dee (Dee Lo), Paige, Toby, Danielle, Sarah, and Diana. Sorry if I forgot any shout outs. I really hope everyone had a much better race than I did. Let me hear your Turkey race run down.

Now go, go eat your turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, beer (drool). You deserve it.

Pam and Justin. We are thinking of you today. Like you, we are still missing Evan. Prayers, hugs and thoughts for you.

What? I'm fine. Really.

Every time I answer the phone someone--Lala, Tara, Dee Dee, Steph et all-- says "Wow, you sound bad." Or "I have the same cold."

"What?" I say. "I'm so much better. I ran six miles today. I was fine. Little tired, you know, but fine."

Then they say, "I don't think you should run." Or "So you're just doing the half, right?"

I assure them that I am fine, really, feeling better. I just sound bad because I was coughing. My voice is probably rough from that. My vocal cords probably strained or something. But really, my head? Chest? Clear now. Here listen. You hear that? I took a deep breath. Haven't been able to do that since last Wednesday. I'm better. Really.

Lala and Tara counter with; "Well you still sound congested."

I'm not. I promise them and assure them that I am just waiting to see how bad it is going to rain before I decide which race.

And last night I asked Ryan if it was raining really bad and I did the full if he and the kids would could meet me at the Starbucks on Peachtree Hills with some dry shoes. You don't even have to come if the weather is nice I told him. You know, just if it is bad, I would really like some dry shoes.

Are you serious?

Yes. I explain that the last 10k will go much better for me if I have dry shoes.

He just shook his head.

And then he didn't say anything but he looked at me with that one eyebrow raise thing that I can't do as I coughed so hard last night that I almost threw up. After I finished he said "Sounds like your going to do really good in the race. I'm sure the dry shoes will make all the difference."

I told him that I was better. Fine. I just needed to cough that last bit of phlegm out. I said this as I took 2 teaspoons of cough expectorant/suppressant and thought, to myself, that probably carrying my inhaler with me for race might be a good idea.

Apparently though there is still more phlegm and I am so glad Ryan went to work early so he hasn't heard me hacking all morning since the cough syrup has worn off.

So yeah. Maybe I'm not exactly totally well. But I swear. Yesterday? I thought my cough was gone.

Oh, and I checked the weather. Uhm, yeah, this is the forecast for tomorrow between 7-10 am: 80-100% chance of rain. Chance of thunderstorms. Showers definite. Temperature 56-52 degrees (looks like it is going to drop through the day)

I am taking the hint. I don't want to but I also don't want to DNF because at mile 20-- when I run past the aid station in front of Piedmont Hospital-- I decide to skip the Powerade and instead check myself into the ER. I know, if nothing else. The last place I want to be on Thanksgiving is in a hospital.

So I am sorry to all the hard core character building marathoners. I want to hang with you but I just can't suck it up. Too many strikes against me. And to all my peeps in the half. I'm in for the rain dance.

Now, I am off the Expo and then to take the kids to see the Lenox Santa and ride the Pink Pig.

Turkey Day Roll Call

Okay who's doing what race on Turkey Day?

For those doing the Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Marathon or Half Marathon I want to hear half or full and when you are going to the expo.

And for those undecided runners you can still register at the expo. Today is the last day. You can switch races until Wednesday at 7:30 pm.

And for those that will not be getting up at the crack of dawn to run or make a turkey the race still needs volunteers. I hear you get a cool sweatshirt for your time. Application is here.

Finally, for those that ipod I want your top 5 running songs.

Edited because I need to know what everyone is planning on wearing for the race. Right now I am thinking skirt (navy) and Run Like a Girl shirt (orange). But last time I wore the orange shirt for a race was OBX and it rained really bad. Not that I think the shirt caused the rain but you know it may not be so lucky.
Thanks!

What to do What to do?

Help me decide. Please.

Thursday, Thanksgiving, November 22 is the 2007 Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon.

The Atlanta half marathon was the first race I ever ran. That was 9 years ago. I'd only been running for six months. It was a huge accomplishment for me and I loved the challenge. Not to mention it was just the thing to stave off that holiday weight gain.

And I've signed up every year since --except in 2000 when I was 7 months pregnant with Carmella. I missed it in 2001 because I woke up race day with a chest cold and it was pouring rain. I ran it in 2002 6 weeks pregnant with Beau. In 2003 I trained and registered but ultimately decided not run since I was nursing an infant every three hours around the clock. Sleeping seemed more important at the time.

I have run this race in rain, wind, sunshine and freezing cold.

It is my favorite race.

In 2005 I decided to step it up since I was not seeing improvements in my times. I trained for and ran the Atlanta full. It was my first marathon. Needless to say this race is important to me and I plan on being there next Thursday whether it is for the half or the full.

But really I want to do the full.

Yes, I know, I just ran a marathon 10 days ago. I've recovered from that. I ran 10 miles totally pain free on Thursday. Sprinted out the last part of 6 miles uphill on Wednesday. I've run all week except yesterday and probably won't today. And that is because I seem to have caught the kids' cold. I feel pretty sure I will be well by Thursday but I am resting, taking it easy just to be sure.

The other reason I want to run is because last year Thanksgiving became the saddest day my family has ever experienced. Last year when I ran the half I ran crying; thinking of my nephew at Children's.

I tried to make deals with God that day. I tried to make deals with Evan. I told both of them that I wouldn't quit, I wouldn't ever quit because he, Evan, couldn't quit. Considering my lack of sleep, coming off bronchitis and my heavy heart I actually ran a good race. But it didn't matter. God wasn't in the mood for making deals with me that day and we lost our little Evan.

So Thanksgiving will be a painful and sad day. And I plan to run, sick or bad weather, to remember my nephew. But just like how 3 years wasn't enough I don't think 13.1 is enough. I think I owe him more of my mind that day. Not to mention the pain of the marathon might, at least in my thinking, somehow assuage this horrible heavy pain of loss.

I know.

I am being naive.

But believe me, I know nothing can ever hurt more than the pain of losing someone precious in your life forever. So I don't think for one second running a marathon is going to do that. But. . .

Okay, I know this notion sounds totally masochistic--and really I am not like that-- but I can't help but think if I indulge in a little physical pain I can somehow manage the mental anguish a little better. Yes, it may be an apples to rutabaga thing but it is the best I've come up with so far: because physical pain, in my opinion, is always easier to manage. You can name it. You can placate. You can get through it. It is this other pain-- this loss--I just don't know what to do with; how to manage. Shrug, I guess my thinking is if I can manage the physical pain then maybe I can manage the other. Maybe so, maybe not.

Also, I think running for almost 4 hours is a nice way of praying.

So yeah, that is why I want to run the full.

My problem is this cold I now have and the weather says a possibility of thunderstorms. I would rather not run through rain on race day. Certainly, I'll do the half in rain but after OBX I really don't care to pack it in for a full marathon in the cold, pouring rain--especially if I also have a cold. Just sounds like a recipe for pneumonia.

So what do you think? Encouragement would be helpful. Opinions please.

I have to register by Sunday. Cost for half is $35. For full it is $50. I can switch--or register-- at the expo to either the half or the full but the price for both goes up. So if I register for the full and switch to the half I don't think I have to pay any extra. But if I sign up for the half and switch to the full then I will have to pay $35 more.

Promises, promises . . .

So I had no Internet this weekend because we were being all rustic and staying in the great outdoors in a fancy log cabin with heat and a hot tub and running water and satellite TV --basically everything but Internet.

I know I said I would post a race report Monday when I returned but I am too tired today to write it up. We got back early evening yesterday and today I had a really bad case of where-the-fuck- did-I-put-everything Monday. After hobbling like a stiff legged chicken with its head cut off this morning I indulged myself in the bike and a little brick run with Steph. Whew worked some kinks out there. Thanks Steph! And then after doing all the laundry from the weekend I also squeezed in a swim and some good stretching this evening. So while the stiff achy legs are feeling much better I am pretty exhausted. Just need to chill, ya know.--with my wine and Dancing with the Stars . And a nice yummy steak. Ahhhh. . .

So . . . for those that care, I promise to post a full Chicakmauga race report tomorrow or Wednesday by the latest. And for those that want pictures and details of Seeing Rock City, Ruby Falls and all the other marathon weekend festivities I promise to get that up along with pictures too.


I will tell you that I had an absolutely fabulous race. Really, I had a fabulous weekend.

Soul Crushing Sinus Infection

Alleluia! Praise antibiotics I am healthy again. I can breathe! I can breathe! I can breathe!

After only one dose of antibiotics I was no longer all stuffy sounding and after 2 I was able to breathe through both nostrils and I woke up for the first time in almost 2 weeks without joint pain. I think, I was really sick.

But now I am well! The snot is gone!

So well and optimistic do I feel that not only did I sign up for the Silver Comet half on Oct 27th but also the Chickamuaga marathon on Nov 10th.

I am very excited.

Now it is crunch time. So far I have managed a 20, a 21 and a 23 miler. I think I have time to get in a 24 and one or 2 20 milers before I taper for 2 weeks. Next week, if I am going to do it I have to do my 24 miler. Otherwise I won't have enough time to bounce back and get stronger before the races.

My run yesterday was very optimistic considering that on Tuesday (pre antibiotics) I was so exhausted from just carrying the groceries inside from the car that I had to lay on the couch before I could muster the energy to put them away. I've eased back into the workouts and woke up Friday morning feeling 100%-- unfortunately the weather was kinda sucky: raining, humidity and high 70-low 80's. Still though, certainly no where near as terrible as last month when all my long runs finished up in the high 90's. But I am still holding out for that brisk long run when the air feels thin, cool and delicious and I feel like I am flying. Feeling like I am breathing with a sweater wrapped around head and that lead, not blood, is coursing through my veins is getting a little tiresome. Come on fall. Get here and stay here.

I put in 16 but could have easily run 20. Only had time for the 16. I felt amazing at the end. I didn't run it as fast as I would have liked but 16 miles in 2 hours and 16 minutes--not too bad considering how I felt only a few days before. Today I am headed to the gym for a speed workout. Less concerned about the distance than running some fast miles since my runs the past 2 weeks have all been recovery or general aerobic run pace. I will probably hit a 10K but may go for the whole hour and do a little over eight. I was hoping to swim but I have company coming this afternoon so I need to clean my house because I feel it is important for the kids to see an accomplishment when they trash it. That seems to be a big part of the fun for them in coming to my house.

This week:
Sunday: Nursing Patron hangover. Congestion and fatigue one step above death. Fun day, really. Payment for way too fun of a night.

Monday: 5-6 easy miles that were not totally terrible. A 20 mile bike with Steph where I dragged and felt like I had vertigo.

Tuesday: too sick to even make across the parking lot with out a break.

Wednesday: 20 AWESOME miles on the bike with Steph. I loved this ride even though the hills in the end killed my quads. We must do again and add on more. Miles--not necessarily hills.

Thursday: 10 miles at an 8:20 pace.

Friday: 16 miles at 8:30 pace. Great! Little sore in the right hip today but otherwise fence posts feel pretty fresh.

Saturday: planned 10+K at a 7:30 or faster pace. Some sub 7's thrown in there too, hopefully.

Le Totals:
Running: 37-39 (depends on Sat run)
Bike: 40 miles
Swim: nothing

Yeah!

Got it done.
Friday: 6 miles in the evening. Nice run at about an 8:10 pace. I thought about making it 10 but I had brought no water or money or nutrition with me and it was almost 90 degrees. I really needed a run this week where I didn't finish feeling like crap.

Saturday: I got in a surprise 16 miles in the morning. My plan had been to just do 10 but I was feeling good so I upped it to 14 then decided to go ahead and do 16. Same route that I did 10 days ago but instead of a 9:20 pace it was an 8:41 pace. I made it through the run with only one crank gel and some water. What a difference the cooler weather and the absence of a headache makes.

I am sad I got no bike in last week but right now it just isn't a priority and with marathon training the first thing to go will probably be the bike.

Run: 46 miles
Swim: 1 mile
Bike: 0 miles

Still haven't pinned down what marathon/s I am going to do this fall but Ryan seems most on board with the Chickamauga on Nov 10th. It isn't far and since it is a double loop he and the kids would be able to better spectate. I still really want to do Rocket City though. If I were to get to do my ideal fall race plan it would look like this:
Oct 7th Emerald Point.
Oct 27th Silver Comet Half Marathon
Nov 10th Chickamauga Marathon
Nov 22 Atlanta Half Marathon
Dec 8th Rocket City Marathon

Week's recap and thinking ahead

I was at the gym mostly last week so my workouts weren't a lot of fun but I got it done.

Sunday: nothing, rode back from the beach.

Monday: Already recapped here: mile swim, 4 mile run, 11 mile bike, one mile run.

Tuesday: AM swim workout: 200 meter warm-up. 10x 100m in 2 minute intervals. The first 100 I finished in around minute 20 as I had a 40 second rest period. (I used the wall clock so I don't have detailed time). I held the second 100 for around a minute 20 and then progressively saw slower times. The 10th 100 I think came in around a minute 35. Then I cooled down with 450 easy meters.
This is the day I noticed my diamond was gone and I went back to the gym to look around. Even though I didn't feel like working out I did. I rode 11 on the bike in under 31 minutes and then did a mini brick and ran 2 miles on the treadmill in 14:22. I wasn't feeling it and just left.

Wednesday: 10 mile run outside in the am. Not sure exactly how long but around an hour 25. Went to the gym in the afternoon and did the bike for 11 miles again and swam a mile in the pool, scouring the bottom, looking for my stone. So sad.

Thursday: 10 mile run in the am, this time in around an hour 20. Then rode the bike for an hour at the gym in the afternoon for 22 miles.

Friday: 7 mile ladder run on the treadmill in 52:16. Walked it out to the hour.

Saturday: Gym brick: 11 mile bike (hills, level 8) in under 31 (seem stuck with this time as I hit it every workout). Then hit the treadmill for a 10k in 45:51. I felt absolutely horrible before going to the gym and had to talk myself into the workout the whole time. Really I didn't want to do anything so I was pretty happy that I fought it out and got it done.

Totals:
Run: 40 miles
Bike: 66 miles
Swim 3 miles

I am looking to the fall and my race schedule. Here is what I am planning:
October
Silver Comet Half Marathon

I'd like to squeeze in a 10k this month too.

November
I am considering the Chickmauga Battlefield Marathon but it might be too much so I might not. I've looked at this race every year and thought about it so maybe this year will be the year I actually do it.
Atlanta Half Marathon

December
Rocket City Marathon

February
Chattahoochee Challenge 10k

March
Alpharetta Half marathon Maybe it will be better this year.
GA ING Marathon

April
And Boston if our finances change and I can afford it, otherwise I will just have to keep qualifying and will eventually get there.

Next spring I will start planning and think seriously about some more triathlons. Definitely a few sprints and some Olympics. I might even get crazy and do a half ironman next summer-- but I don't think I am full ironman material. I seriously can't wrap my mind around doing anything for that long. Joe Reger just finished his first 100 mile run in 26 hours and I just absolutely can't even fathom that. So. Very. Impressive. And, you know, I think pretty much anything is possible physically but I know me and I know my brain and I just know that I do not have that sort of endurance in me.

Peachtree Prep: Tapering, uh, sort of . . .

I was remiss about posting my totals last week. I've been in a pseudo taper. I think I have mentioned before that the taper is hard for me--it just feels wrong or like I'm not doing my homework. Dumb, I know. But that is how the taper makes me feel--less bright, dimmer. Like I am losing my edge and this is based on the ridiculous and laughable notion that I have edges.

Anyway, here is how last week shaped up:

Sunday: 25 mile bike ride. I rode down by the river (pancake flat) and up Eves Road (long, long big hill) and into Martin's landing (rolling hills). It was really hard and I can't remember what the avg mph was I am thinking it was either 15 or 17. Ugh, I am so slow. I want to be fast! Swam 800 meters.

Monday: 7 miles on the treadmill in 52 minutes and change. Ladder workout.

Tuesday: 22 miles in an hour on the gym bike. Hill workout on a level 10. I did some arm weights. It has been awhile since I've lifted a weight. So boring and it made me ridiculously hungry the rest of the day.

Wednesday: Gym Brick; 13 miles in 36 minutes on the bike (hill workout, level 8) and then a 5 mile run on the treadmill 36 minutes and 42 seconds. 800 meter swim in the afternoon.

Thursday: 13 mile run. I am so slow outside--mostly on purpose. I am trying to keep up the habit and the endurance but since often I can't run until 10 am it is hot and humid as hell. Not to mention there are lots of hills here--another reason I don't push the pace and just let it be what it is. Thursday was in the low 80's and the first part of my run was very shady so it wasn't too bad. I stopped around the 7 mile mark to get some Gatorade. Downed about half of it, tossed it and ran on. It was getting really steamy. I probably would have been wise to keep the leftover Gatorade but I hate carrying stuff in my hands while I run. I planned on stopping at Caribou around the 11 mile for some water. So I figured 4 miles was no biggie. By the time I reached Caribou I was hot and starting to feel thirsty.I was ready for my water break. Imagine my dismay to find that the Caribou had closed. Gone. Those last 2 miles home were rough. I was fine but not having that 2nd water stop really ruined my run.

Friday: 10k on the treadmill in 47 minutes. 12 easy miles on the bike in 35 minutes.

Saturday: My plan had been a short run and swim but Beau was sick so we stayed home. I really needed a day off. It had been over 2 weeks since I took a complete day off.

Week Totals:
Bike: 72 miles
Run: 31 miles (this is the taper part)
Swim: 1600 meters (this is just sad. I have been bad about getting in the pool)

And this week:
Sunday: 10 miles. I don't even bring a watch anymore because it upsets me to see how slow I am. Ignorance is bliss.

Monday: 4 miles out and back out side--uphill, downhill, uphill, downhill. Easy peasy. Then 13 miles on the bike through Steph's ridiculously hilly hood and connecting hoods. Running and riding through there give me a clue as to why her legs look as awesome as they do.

Today, Tuesday: Original plan was rest day but I don't think I can do it. So I thought I would just swim but I never just swim so now I am thinking maybe bike too at the gym. . . We'll see.

Tomorrow: Peachtree! Good luck all. Have a Happy, Safe, 4th!

Hey! Atlanta runners! Do this 5K

I signed up yesterday to do the BPRC's Run/Walk 5k. Here are the details and an application. First 1000 runners to sign up get a Nike technical shirt as their race swag. I was number 558 so you still have time.

I'm excited. The only other time I have done a 5k was this one in NYC. Carmella was 11 weeks old and I was nursing and still had 20lbs of baby weight to lose and had only been back running for 2 months. I think I probably ran it in just under 30 minutes. Pretty certain I'll do better than that on May 5th.

I encourage all my running friends (and those that just like to walk) to come out and run with me and support your local running community and charity (all proceeds benefit the Georgia Chapter of TIT ).

Should be fun . . .

Recover-ING

Slowly feeling better. Still a little more tired than usual and the quads are not at all cooperative about walking downstairs. Very stiff in the morning--think Tin Man. Feet though are feeling much better and the swelling in my hands is nearly gone.

Yesterday I managed 35 minutes--easy-- on the elliptical and 20 minutes of upper body weights and lots of stretching. I felt better right afterwards but woke up feeling tighter and more sore this morning than yesterday. As the day went on I felt better and this afternoon I ran a 5k in around 25 minutes and then jogged/walked another mile or 2. I wasn't really paying attention because I was chatting with my gym buddy Mike. Everything felt pretty good considering. Funny how running feels more comfortable than walking right now. I stretched again tonight and my legs are still way tight. I also find it strange that my Achilles and calf's-- that gave me so many problems in training-- haven't bothered me at all or even during the race.

So still working the kinks out over here. How is everyone else faring?

Ga ING Marathon Plan

I went to the expo this morning. It opened at a 11 and while I got downtown around 11 it took me a little driving around to find parking. I would have happily parked at the $5 all day parking a half mile away but I had Beau with me. So we parked less than a block away and got there a bit before 11:30.

OhMyGod! The line was sooooo freaking long just to get in. It just kept going and going and going and finally towards the end I saw my friend Danielle who is doing the half (like everyone else I know is) and hopped in line with her. She was freaking out a little since she had to be back in the burbs before 12:30 to get her little girl from MMO. I offered to take her ID and get her number for her. She pretty much lives around the corner but she got on her cell and 911'd her mother-in-law to pick up Jackie. Then she ranted, as only an expert who does trade shows for a living can, that she could give the Ga ING some tips on how to better run things.

After her rant we chatted while we waited and waited and inched along and finally got in. Here is a tip--go to the expo knowing your number. It will save you some time. You can look it up here. If it wasn't for Wes I might not have happened to know mine.

Once we got in Danielle and I went our separate ways to get our numbers. She was still waiting to get hers when I went by to get my shirt and other swag. I wished her luck in the race.

Then I set out to find the sign-up for pace groups. This by far is the biggest race expo I have ever attended. The one at OBX and for the Atlanta Marathon are teeny tiny and I have never been the Peachtree Expo (but you can betcha I will be going this year to make sure my chip is mine).

After wandering around I found the pace group sign-up directly across from the Big Peach check out. Of course, this was after I asked the boys at Big Peach where it was. In my defense I had asked 5 other people prior to them who didn't know. I think it made Steve feel good to have a chuckle at my expense.

I optimistically signed up to go out with the 3:30 pace group.
I probably won't make the whole race with them but my other option was the 3:40 and I feel fairly confident I can get under that. We will see how much those hills undo me. I am predicting a 8:15 pace overall.
Oh yeah my 3 goals:
The eh, okay: To finish and have fun
The Realistic: To PR or do the same (under 3:43)
The having my cake and eating it: 3:30 or less (yeah, right).

Beau didn't want to leave and since we had time we wandered around a bit. I bought a new pink visor-- which Beau tried to dissuade me from doing as he doesn't like pink. Look Mommy, purple. I like Blue, Mommy. Blue is awesome. Then Beau had a great time collecting all the freebies he could find: orange sunglasses, Saturn bag, ING bag, cowbells--which he rang all the way home, water bottle, I heart Waffle House pin and coupon for free waffle--this is his most prized possession, blow up ING shakers that he uses has a weapon and to torment Lola with, and every bit of free food and drink that was offered to him. I should say that he wore most of his swag as we walked around. He really thought the expo was awesome. And yeah, that is his word du jour--along with "Moose!" which is some sort of insult. I haven't figured that one out.

Okay, so, I've got my number, my pace group, my outfit and new visor and shoes with 100 miles on them. And here is my play list for that last 10K--no I will not be unplugging:
Til Kingdom Come--Coldplay
Unguarded Moment--Her Majesty's Finest (on i-tunes--couldn't find a link. It is a cover of the Church's)
Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood--Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah!
Lose Yourself--Eminem
If I Should Fall From the Grace of God--The Pogues
O'Valencia--The Decemberists
Under Pressure--Queen
A Good Idea--Sugar
Closer to Fine--Indigo Girls
Jesus Walks--Kanye West The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now . . .
Laid--James
The Devil Went Down to Georgia--Charlie Daniels
The Sikbed of Cuchulainn--The Pogues

And did you see this?
I hope to finish before the temperatures get too far into the 70's but otherwise it looks pretty damn near perfect.Gosh and what an amazing day for friends and family to come cheer on their marathoner or half marathoner. Wow.

And Lala, here is the link to track your marathoner and your half-marathoner. Plug in the appropriate information. Get Pop to help you. Same for you Bubbles, but get Poppy to help you.

Good luck, best wishes and I hope everyone running with me on Sunday has an amazing race but most of all has a great time.

Help Me Out

I am having a debate with myself.

So yesterday, like the other Atlanta Track Club members, I got my early application for the 2007 Peachtree Road Race. This means I don't have to wait until the AJC March 18th Sunday edition to get mine. This means I can send mine in earlier and have a much better chance of being one of the 55,000 runners for the annual 4th of July race.

Problem?

The Silver Comet 10K is this weekend. My sources have told me that it is boring but flat and fast with a downhill slope at the end. Great PR potential.

Yeah so? Point?

Well, as I have explained on numerous occasions, if you can run faster than 42 minutes for a 10k and get proof you can get sub seeded for the Peachtree. Anything between 42 minutes and under 55 minutes sticks you in time groups A and B. I have 2 half marathon result cards with a recorded pace of 7:46 and I can print out my results from William's Run 10k that says I have a 7:15 pace. So I can definitely get in Time Groups A and B. But I really want to be sub-seeded. That means I need a 6:45 pace or better. 30 seconds off a mile for 6.2 miles is a lot to shave off so I don't know how likely it is that I could get that on Saturday anyway.

So the debate is do I hold onto my application, race Saturday and then send in my application next week when the race directors promise to have my result card to me? Or do I just go ahead and send in my application now because there is no way in hell I will break 42 minutes and I am just kidding myself? And, to throw a wrench into this quandary, I have another dilemma.

What?

Ryan is working Saturday.

And?

Well, that means I need a babysitter for the kids on Saturday so I can race.

Oh that is a problem. I know, maybe one of the Grandparents-- like Lala and Pop or Bubbles and Poppy-- will want the kids to have a sleepover on Friday? Then you and Ryan could even have an adult evening out on Friday. Wouldn't that be great. And then you could go get the kids Saturday morning after the race. I mean you would be done and home before 10.

Gosh, that is a great idea . . .