Boston by Way of Chicago and Maybe Dallas

In two and 1/2 months, or 73 days, I will be running in the Chicago Marathon.  It is my first marathon outside of Texas.  It is HUGE - 45,000 runners.  It was even difficult to register for this marathon.

You see, in April, I was all set to register for the marathon.  Registration started at noon, central time. Last year it sold out in 6 days, so I figured after I got off work at 3:00 was plenty of time to register.  But for this year, it was not.  So many people tried to register that the computer or server or something blew up.  Some who did get through got charged several times.  Those of us who did not get through before the blow up had to wait 3 days to  find out what to do next.

We found out that Chicago would have a lottery drawing for the spaces left. I registered for the lottery to win a place in the race.  It was another week until I got the message - I WAS IN.  And just so I knew I was blessed, I know two people, one being my husband, who did not get in by way of the lottery.

After several days, I started thinking about getting a hotel room near the race start.  I had to go through the Chicago Marathon group, and by the time I tried, there were only small rooms left.  I did book one, for October 12 and 13.  Currently I am trying to locate that information.  April was a long time ago.

Now, to qualify for Boston, I have to run this race at a pace I have never run , for any length of time, in my life. Plus I am running in a race with thousands of others in an unfamiliar city.  WHAT WAS I THINKING?  I've been working on this Boston qualifying for 19 months now.  This puts not a small amount of pressure on this race in October.  

What happens if I don't run a perfect race in Chicago?  What if I run slower than 4 hours and 10 minutes?   Well today a solution came in the mail/ email that is.  Today is the last day to register early for the Dallas Marathon that takes place in December.  So, as a backup, I'm going to plan to run the Dallas Marathon. 


 If I don't make my time at Chicago, I can stay in shape for 2 more months and try again in Dallas.  I would qualify for the 2015 Boston, not the 2014, but hey - qualifying for Boston is fantastic  no matter what year it happens.  

Mental Toughness

When I ran the Dallas Marathon in December 2012, I hit a wall at mile 20 and I just stopped.  I did start walking again, but I was spent.  It was not so much a physical wall, although I was exhausted and dead on my feet.  I had been there before.  But mentally I was out of it.  My mental muscles were not strong enough to endure the 26.2 miles.  

After the race, I took a look back at my prep and realized I had not properly trained my mind.  I had not run some  training days when I did not feel like it.  On one of my long 20+ miles, I had taken a short cut.  The night before the race I did not eat properly, and did not get in bed early.  For some reason, I had not developed mental toughness during my 12 months of marathon training.

Starting in 2013, I knew my mental training had to keep up with the physical training.  I trained through the spring with a running group that was much faster than I.  Coming in last every time helped with my mental toughness.  I just kept on training, reminding myself no one else was running my -54 year old aiming for Boston- race.

 I am training myself not to quit early.  I run all the way through to the end- not even .1 mile short.  Mental toughness happens at the end.  Everyone can start.  Anyone can train on cool, fair weather  days.  But it is the mentally tough who get out of bed early, set out on the road with a plan, run through heat and humidity, and most importantly . . . finish.    

4 Blessings on a Saturday in July

At camp all last week, my running was okay, but my sleep and eating left much to be desired.  When the alarm went off at 4:15 am Saturday morning, I did not think I had the energy to run 14 miles with my running group.  I went back to bed.  

Woke up at 8 am, and planned to run my 14 miles early Sunday.  Then I stepped outside.  Ft Worth, Texas, July 27 - IT WAS 72 DEGREES.  UNBELIEVABLE!!! Blessing #1.  I knew I could not pass up this great weather.  I got ready to run my 14 miles by myself.

I parked my car at  a QT, told the attendant not to let it get towed, and headed down a hilly parkway.  For 9 miles I ran - out 4.5 and back 4.5.  Every 2 miles, there was a water fountain. Blessing #2.  Back at the QT, I had water and gatorade and headed in another direction for my last 5 miles. 

 At mile 11, I ran by a park, with no water fountain.  I was out of water, when a  woman with her two daughters walked toward me.  I asked about water, and  they told me there was no water fountain at the park. But there was water  in the building where they were headed, right next to the park .  They let me in with their access card, and it was cold water from a water cooler. Blessing #3.

I finished my run, and looked at the temperature in my car 82 degrees at noon in Texas in July.  Blessing #4.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
TVW

Some Days/ Weeks, I Don't Like Running

I know this may be shocking, but more days than not, I don't like running.  I like the idea of running,  I like the way it burns calories so I can eat more, and I like what I've accomplished after I run, but many days the entire run is drudgery.

This week, for example has been tough.  Tuesday was hills.  This means I run 15 minutes to warm up, 40 second uphill incline -  6 times, and then 15 minutes cool down.  The only part I even remotely enjoyed was running downhill, but even that got hard after the third time.

Today was speed running - which is relative because for me it is only sub 9 minute miles.  Please quit laughing, I am 54. So, 20 minute warm up, 20 minute speed run, and 20 minutes cool down.  No part of that sounds fun!

So here is what I do. 

1. I put on my running clothes.  That is the first step because if I am at least dressed to run, I'm more likely to actually run.
2. I set an arbitrary time to run - and it is very adjustable. Today it was 7, then 8
3. Eventually I head out the door - with a charged ipod which helps a lot.

Then - and these are my big secret weapons:

     4. I break everything down into small pieces.  

     5.  I bribe myself.

Maybe 4 and 5 need explanation.  

Today I broke the 20 minutes warm up into two sections of 10: just run 10 minutes to the park.  Then run 10 more minutes to the Gym.  I broke my 20 minute speed run into 4 sets of 5 minutes. Every 5 minutes I would stop, stretch, and even go get water halfway through. Even on those 5 minutes, I would tell myself, " just 3 more minutes until a break" kind of breaking it down even smaller.  Tuesdays with the hills, I kept doing fractions in my head - 'You are 1/6 done" after one hill, "You are 1/3 done" after 2 hills, etc.  It also took my mind off running since I'm not that good at fractions.

The secret here is that 60 minutes of running overwhelmed me, but 5- to 10 minute bites I could handle. 6 hills did not seem overwhelming, but I just flat did not want to do them. Using this secret weapon, I got through both workouts still in good mental and physical condition.

About the bribing - I am always thinking about what I am going to eat after I run, while I'm running. Today my reward is Chick-fil-A and maybe some chocolate!  Sometimes I even take bribes  with me - jelly beans or energy chews.  I'll reward myself every mile or 10 minutes or less if needed with those little candies.  

     
                                                        Three of my favorite rewards

                 

I am not saying this is break through behavioral science - I'm just saying it works for me.

Taking small steps,

TVW

Changing Where I Hang Out

This used to be my favorite place to go.  I would go several times a week.  It has a great table outside, in the shade that was a perfect place to work or read.  And, very importantly, you could get unlimited refills on tea.  Problem was that everything on the menu was pretty much high calorie.  Even when I did extensive research on the nutrition site ( while I was waiting in line to order), nothing that I liked was low calorie.  Plus, it was always hard to resist the chips and salsa.

Almost 2 months ago I went to a sports nutritionists and she changed what I eat.  She  teaches athletes (or wanna be athletes) how to fuel their bodies, (or not gain weight while training for a marathon)

I found a  healthy satisfying meal I could get here. 

-a side salad, fat free honey mustard dressing, and 6 nuggets. I go here at least 3 times per week.

And recently,  I went here.  

I can get anything in a bowl, all the veggies I like, guacamole, and salsa.  No rice or beans. Note about the guac - it costs $2, so it may not be worth it.  Also, share the chips with someone.  They are slightly lime flavored and if you can limit yourself to 5 or 6 it is good.  The whole bag is over 500 calories, so be careful and count out a few and give the rest away.

You already know about what I get here.

Now, none of these places have a great outside table in the shade, but they do have free refills.

I miss you Rosa. I may have to go by and just get your unlimited refill tea.

TVW

Treadmill or Road Running?

Would you rather run your miles on this

or on this?

The benefit of the treadmill is CONTROL.  You can control the pace, the hills, , the temperature, the wind, and  the tv station you watch.  If you get tired, you don't have to run back anywhere, you just push stop and hop off.  

The benefits of the road are many.  Variety, beauty, freeing, you have to run back so you can't quit early just to name a few.

Today, I ran 4 miles looking at this

And  15 minutes at a fast pace looking this

I needed to run on the treadmill to make sure I keep a fast pace, but it seemed like forever.  I had to divide it into two  7 1/2 minutes segments and take a break in between.  I think the hardest thing for me on the treadmill, besides being bored by the view, is that I never can truly relax and let my mind go to other things.  I have to stay conscious of my pace so I don't fall off - George Jetson style.

I so much enjoyed my 45 minutes outside even though it was at least 85 degrees, humid, and there were a few small  hills.  The time flew by because I was writing this blog in my head, solving the world's problems, and remembering my fun trip to San Antonio earlier this week.

I started thinking about life and the treadmill.  I kinda had this treadmill life planned for my kids - controlled by me.  I chose the Christian intensity level that included  Christian High School, then a Christian college, get a degree and a safe job, marry a Christian, and live close enough to visit  Mom and Dad on holidays and birthdays.  Add in a pace of good behavior and excellent grades, and I had the perfect  life workout planned for them. 

But, somewhere between 17 and 22 years of age, both my kids got off my treadmill and went to their road.  It was fun and exciting for them, but very uncomfortable for me.  I didn't know where it was headed, and I still don't. They might encounter steep hills, difficult weather, and danger out there.  And most of all, which is the most painful to admit, I have absolutely no control over the time, place or the pace.

They are both enjoying the journey, of their chosen paths, and actually, I do understand why they got off ( and maybe resented ) my treadmill life for them. I am trying to get comfortable with the idea that they are not training for my life, but they are living theirs.  

Warning to Kids: Watch out for those hills and traffic. And call your mom!!

TVW

What Really is Cross Training?

Today my instructions were " 50 minute run or cross training".  I thought that meant to do another sport for a day - like cross over to biking or kickboxing.  I figured this would rest certain muscles and use other muscles and that was the point of cross training. I had heard of cross training shoes, which I thought meant you could use for multiple sports.

I looked it up on the ultimate source of all things - GOOGLE - and that is pretty much it.  But it also mentioned that sometimes it is called circuit training.  Funny thing, last week when I was at a Colorado resort, paid for by my generous sister and her husband, I took a class titled circuit training.  It is the best thing for those who get bored easily.  Every minute and a half, you change exercise.  Now even I can do sit ups for a minute and a half.  I won't say it was fun, but it was not boring.  And our  instructor kept telling us we were doing great - what do you expect at a resort.

So today, I did my own version of circuit training.  I did the elliptical machine for 10 minutes, Russian 50 for 5 minutes (this includes arm weights  and lifting), back to the elliptical for 10. a leg machine that does abductor and whatever the opposite is, back to elliptical, then arm machines, and back to the elliptical to get to 50 minutes.  It was not that bad.  The only problem is that I left my water bottle on the elliptical machine and a girl tracked me down to see if I was finished.  She wanted it because it was a newer machine than the three that were available.  After that, I quit holding my elliptical when I was off doing circuit.   I must tell her about this great change up exercise regimen.  

Honestly, I like this ADD exercise circuit training.  It gives me variety and I think it probably is good for my weak calf muscle.  Maybe next week I'll add sit ups.

Changing it up is good for runners,
TVW

Best Post Run Breakfast

There are a bunch of breakfast sandwiches available.  I've tried Jimmy Dean and Weight Watcher Smart Ones from the grocery store.  These are good, and cost about $1.50.  But the best breakfast sandwich is new at McDonalds.  I think they are trying to go more healthy and I am proud of you for doing that McDonalds.  After all my years of eating your french fries and getting my kids addicted to your Happy Meals, I now drive through for a healthy meal.  Grilled egg whites, lean Canadian bacon, whole grain muffin, and white cheese.  All this for only 250 calories.  Add coffee and fruit and you have got a complete breakfast.  Now for my long runs, I do add nutrigrain granola bars.

Warning : They quit serving at 10:30 am, so don't try to order it at 10:31 - breakfast is over!
P.S. I had to eat a bite before the picture - I was starving after 11 miles!

Experience is the BEST Teacher

Today was a long run - 11 miles.  It was rather warm in Ft Worth, even at 5:30 am.  But this is my second year in this marathon training program, and I have learned some things in the past 12 months

• Prepare the night before.  I have forgotten so many things - running watch, iPod, just to name a few. So now I lay out everything the night before and leave notes for myself.  Getting up at 4:30 am is hard enough.  To add thinking and remembering to it is just too much
• Keep your own pace/ don't worry about getting passed up.  I have to remember I am training for my race and what everyone else does will not effect my race.  So what if I am the last one in my group to finish - if I ran my planned pace - I won!!!
• Pay attention to the elements.You can't do your best in the heat.  It truly is not an excuse to run slower in hot weather.  You are doing good just to get up and run the prescribed miles and sometimes you can't even do that.  I'm learning the balance between pushing myself, and listening to my body.  I don't have to run personal best or break records every day.

What I learn in running actually applies to real life.  

• Preparation is always good whether is is running or leading a group or visiting a museum.  It helps to do a little homework and prepare ahead of time-like find out hours and days of operation of the Bush Library before you drive an hour to go. I little prep saves a lot of frustration.
• Whether it is career, vacations, school, accomplishments, salary, your kids  or friends, comparison is always lethal. When we compare two things can happen.   To compare  yourself favorably breeds arrogance or complacency.  To compare yourself unfavorably results in discouragement and doubt.  To quote Andy Stanley, " There is no win in comparison." In everything - run your own pace.
• Some days, jobs, groups, activities are just not good for you all the time.  There are seasons in life, and it helps to pay attention to the elements to make sure it is a good season for you.  I am 54 and I can no longer ride roller coasters - they make me sick.   I  still enjoy amusement parks, just different ares than I enjoyed when I was younger. Michael J. Fox had a great quote that I apply when seasons of life change, "My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in reverse proportion to my expectations."

So today I ran a 10:28 pace - exactly what I am supposed to run. Between now and October 13 I need to get 1 minute faster per mile.  But I did this last year, and I know what not to do and I'm learning what to do.  Experience is teaching me.

Learning as I run,

TVW

I'm Back

After 9 months, I have finally figured out how to post again.  Actually my daughter figured it out after I tried for 3 hours.

So, let me catch you up quickly on aiming for Boston.  I ran The Dallas Marathon in December 2012.  It was not a good race.  It was 70 degrees, I did not eat properly before the race, and I truly was not trained to run a 9:30 pace mile for 26 miles. I ran slower than I had 12 years ago, but less than 5 hours. 4:51:55 was what the clock said as I passed under it.  I started about 10 later than the clock, so let's just say 4:41.

I recovered from that marathon and disappointment, and started 2013 with a new strategy: I would work to get faster.  I joined the running group at my local Luke's Running store this time not for distance, but for speed.  We did hills and track work outs.  I was one of the slower ones in my group - and oldest I might add. But I was pretty diligent.  However, at 54, which I am now, you have to be careful to be diligent for my age and not for those young things that train with me.  Suffice to say, I got a little faster, but at the cost of an injury.

So, I now have another strategy: nutrition.  I met with a sports nutritionist in May and we made a plan.  I figure if I lose 10 pounds, that will make me faster.  It is a good eating  plan, and I am not hungry.  Since I gained weight training for my last marathon, I figured out rewarding myself with chocolate and whatever I could find was not the right strategy.  Now I eat lots of protein, and not much sugar.  The most fun thing on my menu is peanut butter granola bars, and I have coffee for dessert every night.  But I have lost 5 pounds, and I am not mad and cranky all the time. I do miss fun foods though.  I will be on this strict menu through August.  Then I get to add more as I prepare for Chicago 2013.  I'll tell you all about that tomorrow.

Running even when I don't want to,
TVW