Stress, or a Lack Thereof

I am leaving out names and details to protect the innocent.

This doesn't really have anything to do with running, but it's been on my mind when I run (does that count?)

I recently was reprimanded for not appearing to be stressed-out. Really. I was told that even though I hadn't done anything wrong, and in fact had done everything right, I still should have appeared to be stressed to satisfy the parties involved.

If I hadn't stifled my immediate reaction I would have asked the those parties, "What is the worst thing that ever happened to you? Was it a missed deadline? Did you lose a pet when you were a little kid? Did your high school girl/boyfriend break up with you?"

Perspective. When you experience many terrible, trying, life-changing things, your perspective tends to be different. Something that seems like a big deal to people who haven't experienced profoundly sad situations will not seem like a big deal to people who have because the latter group knows what real hurt and fear feels like.

This sort of a perspective is a blessing caused by a curse. A crude personal illustration: My dog threw up the other day. It was running, smelly, and voluminous. But because I watched my father die steadily for two years by the time I was 10 years old, I experienced the dog throw-up as something icky but minor. She didn't mean to do it, so I cleaned it up, gave her a pat on the head, and went on with my day.

Stress, with the exception of some pretty rare occasions (i.e muggings, car accidents, illnesses and deaths, etc.), is also a choice. While we can't control every situation, we can control every reaction to almost every situation. The beauty of this is that we don't even have to be one of the blessed/cursed folks who have experienced bad shit to control our stress levels. We can have had perfect lives and still choose not to be stressed-out.

Something funny I've noticed about stress is that showing it openly, like a prize, seems to be a product of the mundane. People who really experience stress in their jobs - ER doctors, pilots, firefighters, etc. - are experts at remaining calm under pressure. Those of us who work mundane jobs, watch mundane TV, and do as we're told are the ones who show stress the most. What's up with that?

I have made the decision not to be stressed except in those very rare circumstances I listed above. While I might get in trouble for it, I'm not going to compromise my mental state. So there!

Oh, and running helps.

Do You Need a Spot?

I hopped on a treadmill last week for a quick 10-minute warm-up. The barrel chested man power walking two treadmills over said, "You better not come over here unless you're prepared to do the work for me." We continued to banter awkwardly about having to work out when our family members didn't, and he ended the conversation saying, "But we fat people have to go to the gym." Nice...

We met up once again in the free weight room. Mr. Bodybuilder was on the Smith Machine grunting away while doing some sort of upper body work while I was happily listening to Brent Dennen doing squats next door. "Why do you do them backwards?" Apparently I was facing a different direction than you were "supposed" to (whatever - squats are squats), so he took that as an opportunity to tell me I should do more reps. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, he offered to spot me through my next set. And on the bench press.

While a part of me was weirded out, the other, more athletic part was saying, "But you just did more reps then ever before." Then the other part countered with, "Yes, but you are sore as a mothafucka." True that.

Since our encounter last week, Mr. Bodybuilder and I have seen each other again. I've steered clear of him, but I also smiled on the inside when he said on Saturday, "Watch out guys - the queen bee is here."

Living Deliberately

In the spirit of Thanksgiving...

This is a great period of evolution for me, or perhaps I am just more self-aware. My world view has been changing, my stress-level decreasing, my emotional and physical health improving. Things that were once mundane now give me reason to celebrate, i.e. making dinner or riding my bike to work. (Those things haven't changed. I have.)

One small change I've made has been a decision to savor everything I eat. No more mindless eating, only that which is mindful. The benefits of this seem to be fourfold (at least): I eat slower, I eat only when I'm truly hungry, I eat only foods I want to savor, and I enjoy the whole process. If only I didn't have to keep reminding myself...but I guess that makes me even more mindful!

Barbara Kingsolver writes in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle that we as a nation lack a food culture. Now I am beginning to create my own, developing it with my favorite people. This blog will thus continue to follow my running life while scooping up a little from my eating life - a natural transition.

The words that keep arising in my consciousness are "living deliberately", but I couldn't remember where I'd heard them. Enter: Google. Ah ha! It's Thoreau (duh):

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion. -- Walden; or, "Life in the Woods --Where I Lived, and What I Lived For"

Excuses, Excuses...

We don't have the Internet at home, and I've been doing "work" at work lately, so I've neglected to post anything on the ol' blog. A big "I'm sorry" to the two or three people who actually read it.

Next weekend is the Outer Banks Marathon followed by the Richmond Marathon on the fifteenth. The old Molly would be longing to participate in one, beating herself up for "taking it too easy" or not "committing to a goal". The new Molly, however, is enjoying "taking it too easy", which in my case means still working out six days a week. Now I'm just doing it for the fun of it, varying my workouts and sports, and listening to my body. It's taken me 24+ years to learn how to relax, and I'm not quite there, but at least I'm making progress.

The other big news is that it's Election Day, and while this doesn't mean a lot for the running part of my life directly, one could argue that the future president will have an indirect effect on all of our workouts. For example, a better energy policy (better = greener) means cleaner air and water, two essentials for athletes. Also, ending the wars abroad means having more money to spend improving infrastructure at home. Better roads, sidewalks, and bike trails lead to a more pleasant running experience.

Go Obama!

Sore Butt

In my attempts to broaden my exercise regimen, I have been using the weight room at the Y to do heavier lifting than I had done at home during my ultra training. Thanks to my oldest brother's friend, who acted as my pro bono personal trainer during my college summers, I have good technique. BUT I keep making myself incredibly sore.

I lifted on Monday, ran an hour on Tuesday, and swam for 40 minutes this morning (with bicycle commuting thrown in). This isn't an unusual schedule for me, but today I'm walking stiff-legged around the office, massaging my left butt cheek.

I don't think I'm over-doing it at the time. I'll feel great doing my 3 or 4 sets of 5 reps (and I'm not reaching my max), then the next day I'll be all achy. What the hell's my problem? Is this just another example of my perfectionism come to fruition? Ahhh!

OMG! Sarah Palin is Totally Like My Hero

I was the captain of the speech team in high school. I know, I'm a dork. But I was GOOD, unlike some people...

I'm Back in the Blogosphere

I've taken a break from more than training it seems. Oops!

The fall is beautiful here, and I'm trying to take full advantage of it. I've been running, walking, cycling, swimming, lifting weights, and loving the lack of pressure (pressure that I have applied to myself in the past).

I have even been staying up past my bedtime occasionally. This weekend Dave and I trekked to Charlottesville to visit his sister in her gorgeous apartment. We ate out at a tasty Mediterranean restaurant and strolled around the Downtown Mall like tourists. In running news, I discovered a new trail quite by accident. I was feeling down about having to run on sidewalks (gasp!) on a major road when I saw a little sign just beyond the guardrail. It read "Rivanna Trails", so I followed it. Soon I was taken out of the grime and noise of the city street to a green valley full of babbling brooks and leaping white tail deer. It may sound like a Disney movie, but it was really like that. So, my spirits were lifted. It's the simple things...

On a more negative exercise note, my bike is ill. I've been having a lot of trouble with flat tires, and I finally determined that the walls of the tires are deteriorating, causing the tubes to pop when inflated or compressed. Since the bike is my method of transportation, I've been left taking the bus, which isn't so bad but costs money. I'm going to take poor Blue into the shop to see if he needs to be put down, salvaged, or replaced by a more virile cousin.

A Much-Needed Break

I haven't written in a while because I've had actual "work" to do at my "job". Geez. Who do they think I am? A slave?

The Monday before last I made a big decision: I would join a gym for the first time. So I went to my local YMCA, proved to them that I made very little, and was given my membership at a whopping $15 a month. Since then I've been there twice to swim and once to lift weights - I think I'm getting my money's worth.

Belonging to a gym and having lots of workout options - should I take a yoga class? swim laps? lift? shake my butt on the elliptical? - has given me a whole new perspective. I'm still running, but doing other stuff means I'm running a little less and enjoying it a lot more.

The first time I got back in the pool after a two-and-a-half year break was "interesting" (a.k.a. hilariously pathetic). My new swimsuit was too big, I swallowed too much air and water, and I forgot how to turn. Basically, I was a five year old in a much bigger body. Luckily, the second attempt was better.

Recovery

I took three days off from running after the race, enjoying walks in the beautiful weather we've been having.

The next few runs were semi-painful - not surprising, as I had still been going down the stairs backward to keep my knees from buckling. (This is a good trick for anyone with sore legs.)

More precisely, three out of the four runs since the race were too much too soon. On Thursday, two speedy friends, with whom I met by accident, pulled me along through the streets of pre-dawn Richmond for 30 minutes. That Saturday a local group met for a 12-miler. I lasted for about 4, then spent the next 5 miles finding my way back to the car. Finally, this morning I ran alone. I thought I could handle an hour, throwing in some pick-ups for good measure. Well, I suffered. It was stupid. I'm taking tomorrow off, dammit!

Post-Race Reflections

One of the best parts of the Renegade 50 was how proud and excited everyone was (and is) to be a part of that experience. We worked together - not having known anyone before the disappointment of finding out that the official race was cancelled - and we had a successful race of our own. My attitude now is something like: You think running an ultra is badass? Try doing it in a Tropical Storm, bitches!

A fabulous runner has dedicated a website to our trials here.

Alas, my thirst to run a ridiculously long distance has not been quenched. I am looking for good, local races that will fit into my schedule. I am also looking to relax...which is hard. This means not having a detailed plan, perhaps doing other activities (swimming, etc.), and being flexible. I mean this next statement with all seriousness: relaxing may be more difficult for me than training for a 50-mile race.

One Addition

I forgot to mention my time. Or "time".

I ran approximately 50 kilometers in approximately 5:37:00, which is approximately 10:52 per mile.

This picture is a perfect illustration of the race.

Notice the wide eyes, wet clothes, and face being stuffed full of anything and everything.

I also might be giving someone the finger.

Renegade 50km Race Report

As many of you know, I've been training for the Northface Endurance Challenge 50-mile Race since March. Like everyone else who wanted to run, I ran hundreds of miles, paid $95 for the entry fee, booked a hotel room, and organized supplies and food eons in advance.

Twenty-four hours before the event was slated to begin, all entrants received an email: CANCELLED due to Tropical Storm Hannah. But, the email said, we could go up to DC anyway for appetizers and a 50% refund of our entry fee (oooh, how generous).

Ultrarunners responded en masse - how could they cancel for rain?! how could the "never stop exploring" company wimp out?! But anger soon changed into resourcefulness. Plans didn't have to be cancelled, training didn't have to be for nothing: we could just host our own race, dubbed the Renegade 50km and 50mi.

A group of 22 runners and their lovely, supportive crews met at the Great Falls Park at 7am. With an abundance of food and drink available and a palpable feeling of relief for all of us to be on the "starting line", we were off.

A group of fast runners, "the little ones", scooted ahead on the first 4-mile out-and-back. I suppressed the urge to keep up, to prove that a girl could hang, reminding myself that I still had dozens of miles to go.

We went back by the first aid-station and headed into the woods the lined the Potomac. It had begun raining, and the wind picked up, but we were protected somewhat by the canopy and undulating hills. I pushed my pace a little to keep up with local runners: people were already reporting that they had taken wrong turns.

At the second aid station, four miles away, a dedicated two-person team waited with smiles and nourishment. What a relief to come upon their make-shift operation! I've never had a better PB & J.

We ran through some low-lying areas, jumping puddles and avoiding mud. There were two stream crossings where we rock-hopped; I remember thinking, "I hope these rocks stay above the water line." It seemed unlikely that the river could rise that much that quickly, though.

The final turn-around was another four miles away. There were a few gallons of water, Gatorade, and Coke waiting as well as relief for me and my very full bladder. At that point, the rain had turned from sprinkle to downpour. We were soaked but still smiling. By the time we made it back to the starting point, we had run 17 miles. I decided that two more loops would be perfect: just about 50 miles.

I finally got to see Mom and Dave, huddled under the Forest Service shelter with the rest of the friends and family members. I was perhaps too eager to eat: I shoveled down a bunch of solid food, carried more with me, and immediately felt nauseated. That horrible, sneaking feeling of stomach problems coupled with sore legs started gnawing at me. The demons had made themselves known.

Burping seemed like a good thing to do. So I burped. It helped.

My company for a good portion of the second loop was a former Marine named Rob. We talked about HBO's Generation Kill to pass the time and I relied on his orienteering skills to blaze a trail. What once had been a path was now a stream; we soon spent more time wading in knee-deep (or waist-deep) water than running on solid ground.

Rob turned around at Aid Station 2 while I continued to the next river-crossing. Groups were coming toward me, and each shouted the same warning over the pouring rain, rushing Potomac, and wind gusts: "I would turn around at the rocks." Joined by another kind runner, I approached what had been the gentle stream. The rocks were fully submerged - no rock-hopping for us.

Once we got past the wading portions of the course, I felt great. I could feel some tenderness in my ankles, hips, and thighs, but my mental state was good. I was drinking lots and lots of water and Gatorade, taking my salt tablets every hour, and gulping down as many goos as I could find.

Before the Forest Station was even in sight I could hear my mom's signature "whoop". People ahead of me were stretching and drying off; it looked like most runners were calling it a day. I had to decide if I wanted to change the course and keep running or stop. For my own safety and for the sanity of Mom and Dave, I too finished at 50km (31 miles).

Looking back, I'm glad that I stopped when I did. No race is so important that you should put your safety at risk or risk potential chronic injury (running in muddy water on rocks = bad for ankles). Besides, it just makes me want to attempt another ultra.

The final part of our adventure was the seemingly-mundane act of changing into dry clothes. We three were a model of flexibility and finesse as we shimmied out of wet stuff into dry stuff in our respective cars.

Thank you to all who made the Renegade Race happen. Thank you to Mom (The Mom) and Dave (the rebel) for being the best crew and cheerleaders. Thank you to James, Rob, Dave, and Doug for keeping me on course and in a positive state of mind. Thank you to all of the Marines for being so crazy yet well organized. Thank you Tropical Storm Hannah for making an ordinary ultra into a great story.

Two Days to Go!

This is the last post before the big race.

When I'm recovering and no-longer crazed/dillusional/sleeping, I'll right a full race report with all of the gorey details.

Think blister-free thoughts please!

New Season, New Look

I'm listening to a reading by the guy who started the blog Stuff White People Like. He's very hip. I'm not feeling particularly hip. So I decided to up my hip-factor with a hipper looking blog. Do you feel me, hipsters?

The new season in the title of this post references the feeling in the air recently. All of a sudden it seems like fall is creeping up on us. It must be the cool mornings and change in the light because it's still 90 degrees in the afternoon.

As a side note, that bitch Hannah better not mess up my race. I'll kick her rainy ass.

One Week to Go

This is it: the final countdown.

Cue the swelling violins and the training montage, preferably in slow-motion.

I had my swarthy crew meet for a race briefing, and they wouldn't sit still until I plied them with beer. I guess this means I'll be bringing a keg with me to the aid stations just so they will stay focused.

Feeling nervous, excited, and ready.

Cross-Training, Beach Weenie Style

Last weekend my mom and I made the three hour drive to visit my oldest brother and his wife in Kill Devil Hills, NC. It's been more than a year since we've seen them - too damn long! - and it was about time we got our butts down there. As usual, Rob and Deb were gracious hosts, giving Mom lots of prompts to tell stories and me free reign in the refrigerator. Very important.

I managed to squeeze in morning runs and enjoyed the pleasant weather and salty air. But the real Brannan-Snyder athleticism was demonstrated in the following ways:

1. Fighting the current, even while standing
2. Struggling to keep one's bathing suit on in the shore break
3. Robbie's extreme body surfing
4. Saturday afternoon wind sprints on the beach (bra optional)
5. Variations on getting over waves (belly flop, front flip, etc.)
6. Panic attack / heart palpitations (always a good workout)
7. Fishing sand out of various orifices post-swim

The First Taper I've Liked

Running 50-60 miles a week is a good way to gear up for a nice, long taper. Usually I'm fussy and ornrey leading up to a race, but now I'm enjoying a break from getting up in the dark, being worn-out and famished at work, and spending so much time away from my peeps, two- and four-legged.

Having said that, each time I think about the race, I get a little wild-eyed. It's getting so close, and as usual, I feel ill-prepared. At least I don't have a specific time goal - it makes me more relaxed. And I've made a promise to myself not to push through an injury beyond blisters or chafe.

Work Out Like a Communist

After watching the Olympics and learning about the host country for a few days, I've decided (with Dave's agreement) that I would make an excellent Chinese athlete.

I would've been very happy to be selected at age three and pushed to workout all day for many years, eventually receive the adoration of my hugely populated country.

My work ethic would have been a perfect match. For example: in college, not only did I work out with my rowing team for 3-4 hours a day, but I also ran to practice and back (and on the weekends), trained obsessively over school breaks, and woke up early a few days a week to work out on my own before practice.

There's only one problem: I don't seem to be built to be excellent at any one sport. I'm good at most sports I've tried, mostly because I try so damn hard. But what sport wants a tall-ish girl with big hips and no fast-twitch muscle fibers? Long track speed skating?

In lieu of performing at an elite level, I've taken advantage of my determination by throwing myself into many different sports: dance, swimming, weightlifting, tennis, horseback riding, running, rowing, etc. And I don't have chronic injuries like many elites do because of the variety.

Ode to the Summer Olympics

As I write, the American men's water polo team is playing China (hotties all around) behind me on the little TV. I've also watched rowing this morning, which is exciting for me because I was a Division I rower in college, and I know two of the girls on the team.

Like many recreational athletes, I've been anticipating the Olympics for months. My feelings of excitement have been tainted by concern over the fact that they're in China. (HELLO! Who thought this was a good idea? Does the world not understand that they're a communist country with a [recent] history of severe human rights violations?!) But I'm excited none the less.

One of my reasons for wanting to watch the Games constantly is that I love to see people work hard toward a goal, especially those who have great stories: too old, too short, too young, too tall. If they have to overcome obstacles and can thus be put into an Olympics montage, I'm all over it.

My other reason to watch is that the Olympics gives us a brief chance to watch sports and activities that don't suck (like those other sucky sports Americans love: football especially), and I we to see some obscure stuff. I've had a little taste of equestrian, archery, swimming, gymnastics, fencing, cycling, weightlifting, volleyball, etc.

Finally, the Games are the perfect motivation for us not-so-world-class athletes. I'm in the beginning of my taper and the countdown to the race. Watching clips of Dara Torres train or seeing those petite female weightlifters throw around hundreds of pounds is just the inspiration I need for my own final push. Three cheers to the athletes; boo to China.

Officially the Longest Run Evaaa!

Saturday I ran for 3 hours; Sunday I ran for 5.
I covered about 42+ miles over those two days.
And I lived to tell the (very short) tale!

I'll have more to say when I'm not rushing out the door, but I wanted to brag before I left.

Not a Rant

This post is meant to accompany the last one, only this one is a little more positive...

Last week, ending on Sunday (yesterday), I ran 62 miles, spending between 11 and 12 hours on the roads and trails. Yikes! No wonder I have no social life... (Actually, I've recently been making an effort to get one.)

These are some things I've learned about running while training for the 50-miler:

1. Pace yourself. I feel the most tired - and often have heart palpitations - when I go out too hard. This is especially true in races, where the concept of "banking a few minutes" (you know: "I'll run 30 seconds faster than my goal pace so I can slow down at the end") has been debunked over and over. Even in long practice runs, negative splits are the goal.

2. Walking is okay. In my long runs (2.5-5 hours) I walk up every hill and whenever I'm eating, trying to keep the transitions between walking and running smooth. Although I haven't scientifically measured it, my hypothesis is that I'm not going any slower than I would be if I were running the whole time. In fact, I may even be going faster. I'm going to start using walk-breaks in my regular runs, on days when it's very hot or I'm tired.

3. Know when to throw in the towel. Pushing through pain or exhaustion during a 5 mile run may not be smart, but it's also not terrible. Pushing through pain or exhaustion during a 5 hour run is just stupid. I mean, we're talking kidney failure, etc. I don't play around when it comes to my health, despite some evidence to the contrary (ex: my desire to run for 5 hours).

4. A culmination of the first three: be flexible. This is hard for me in all aspects of my life, but I'm working on being better about it. You and everyone around you will be happier if you're more willing to compromise. Right, Dave?

5. Lift weights. I do two 45-minute sessions a week, and it has made a world of difference. While running may seem like a leg sport, carrying 64-ounces of water on my back and 16-ounces in my hand over dozens of miles has really made me see the importance of a strong core and upper-body. The most common question non-runners ask me is, "Don't your knees hurt?" Nope. I tell them it's the good shoes, the soft surfaces, and many, many squats and lunges.

Rant

In the spirit of my beloved, I have a few thoughts about life I'd like to share. While these don't relate directly to running, they do wander into my thoughts on the trail. They also make me love the sport that much more.

Things I've learned from working at a "real job":

1. People are stupid. This is self-explanatory.
2. People are lazy and helpless. If they can't figure something out right away, they don't take the initiative to look further. They just find someone else to do it for them.
3. People generally have poor hygiene. Ewww.
4. The American workforce may be at the office for 40 hours a week, but they do about 4 real hours worth of work. The rest of the time is spent gossiping or fucking around on the Internet.
5. There are few jobs that require actual skill and brainpower; those that do generally require a lot of training and offer little in the way of pay and benefits.
6. People at the top are not necessarily the smartest or the most motivated. They are either well-connected or ass-kissers.
7. There are a few gems out there. Make friends with them and say "thank you" a lot.

There are probably lots more. Do you have any to add?

How Gen-Y

This morning I purchased a new pump for my road bike / commuter vehicle. I went to Ellwood Thompson's, our locally-owned organic grocer, for lunch. I am now surfing the web while wearing my black-rimmed glasses, eating a vegan feast out of a package made of soybeans or something, and listening to an ipod nano. I would be listening to the Shins or the Decemberists, but we haven't put them on the ipod (instead it's good ol' CSNY). But Dave and I did learn a Moldy Peaches song from Juno last night.
Who have I become?!?!?!
To complete the look, I ought to buy an ironic T-shirt at Urban Outfitters and drink a PBR while watching the Sundance Channel. Maybe I will do the later, only with green tea...

On another note, I went on the longest run in my entire ten-year career: it was 4 hours and 15 minutes. My heart was fine, my legs were fine (if tired), and I stayed well hydrated / salt-ified. While I haven't increased my speed on this training - if anything I've gotten slower - I have noticed an improvement in my recovery time. A few months ago I would have spent the rest of my Sunday finding excuses to loll about on the couch. Now I can just carry on as normal without being sore the next day. And aside from improving my muscular and cardiovascular endurance, I have also improved my ability to pace my running and my food / liquid / salt tablet intake. This should come in handy on September 6th.

*an addition

I was doing some reading about the condition that causes my palpitations: supraventricular tachycardia. I found this site from the American Heart Association. My favorite part is in the "what can I do" section at the end. In order to stop palpitations, it says this: "For instance, your physician may instruct you to perform the Valsalva maneuver to try to stop the SVT yourself if you do not have lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or other severe symptoms. To do this maneuver, first lie down, take a deep breath and hold it, and then bear down as if you are having a bowel movement."
So what happens if I'm on a run? Should I lie down in the woods? What if I poop myself? I'm going to try it and report back...

Heart Palpitations are Wack

On Friday morning I met my running buddy for what was supposed to be a four hour run to kick off the Fourth of July weekend. Roughly a mile into it, as we were approaching the Belle Isle bridge, I experienced yet another heart palpitation. I stopped, put my hands on my knees, and waited for it to go away, which it commonly does. But like the palpitation I experienced last Sunday, this one didn't go away. Chris was very patient, as we walked, jogged, walked, jogged, walked... We eventually agreed that he would take off running, and we'd meet at the Nickel Bridge before I walked home. That four hour run turned into one hour of running and two hours of slow walking. Ugh.

My heart palpitations don't just feel like a rapid heart rate, although that's certainly part of it. Along with beats that are so fast they are almost indistinguishable, I have a feeling of pressure in my head and chest, like I've tried to swim too long underwater. When I walk uphill or try to jog, the pressure builds. If you've ever tried to exercise at altitude without being acclimated, you have a sense of what's it like.

The upside to long palpitations? There are two, I think.

1. They force you to both pay attention to your body and your surroundings. I certainly paid more attention to the plants and animals around me while I was walking the trail I normally run.
2. They make runs that are palpitation-free seem that much better. I have been feeling very unmotivated lately, but on Sunday I did a 3.5 hour run at my own pace and felt good the whole time. Now I remember why I like to run!

In Need of a Colon Cleansing

We are back from our trip to KC.

It was a blast - lots of dancing, eating, drinking, and bantering to last us a few weeks back here in ol' Richmond. The traveling part sucked, but let's focus on the positive...

I managed to get in a few runs while away (though I definitely didn't make up for all of the white bread and cheese I ate). KC has a number of beautiful paths and parks from which to choose, and I got to know the city much better by foot. One day I even made it out for two hours while the rest of the crew slept off the previous night's drinking. Plus, the weather was ideal.

The only problemo happened on the last day. About halfway through my 1.5 hour run, I got a heart palpitation. Getting one is pretty normal for me because of the supraventricular tachycardia I have, but what wasn't normal was its duration. Usually, I can stop running, put my head down by my knees, and it goes away in a few seconds. This one lasted the rest of the run. Because I was a few miles from home base, I had to run a hundred feet then walk when it got to be too uncomfortable. Dave made me sit down when I got back; he talked to me about inane stuff for a while, and it went away (what a gooood guy). I think it must've been the lack of sleep / junk food / change of schedule that did it to me. Small price to pay for lots of fun though.

It's Been a While

We're having accreditation at work this week, and my having to "do stuff" has kept me from writing on the blog.

Our trip to Plymouth was a blast: the weather was perfect, and it was so nice to see my crazy, eclectic family. How comforting it is to be associated with people I respect (and to share some genes!) Dave finally got to see people he's been hearing stories about for a year and a half. And...drum roll, please...I didn't miss a workout the whole weekend (but I did eat a lot of tasty junk food).

Last weekend I finished my longest solo run ever: 4 hours. The hardest part was the last three miles, which took me out of the shady, cool woods and onto the shimmering streets of Richmond. I didn't stop (figuratively) running when I got home - I drove Dave to work, went grocery shopping, cleaned the bathroom, studied for GREs, picked Dave up, and made dinner (yummy broccoli quiche with a homemade crust and salad). I thus have a new theory about recovery: pretend like you didn't do the physical work, carry on with your normal day, and you'll feel fine. Oh, and take the next day off from running.

My good online friend, Chiarunner, coincidentally mentioned triathlons in a recent blog post. I say "coincidentally" because I've been thinking about trying one out after my race this fall (oh, and I don't believe in fate). I think my legs will need a break from just running.

Finally, I'm off to another state this weekend, as Dave and I are going to a wedding in Kansas City, MO. This time I've decided to enjoy myself, run as much as I can, and give myself wiggle room in my workout schedule.

What Do You Mean I Have to Be Flexible?!

Like many who are drawn to endurance sports, I tend to be just the slightest bit OCD about my workouts and other things like my meal and bed times. (Okay, Dave, you can stop laughing knowingly.) This can be a challenge in every-day-life and especially when traveling.

This weekend we are going to Plymouth, MA, for a Brannan/Branigan family reunion. Thus I have to figure out how I'm going to squeeze in 30+ miles of running while we visit with folks I haven't seen in ages. I am choosing to look at this as an opportunity to be creative and resourceful, especially since Plymouth has beautiful waterfront views but no trails.

Here is my plan: instead of doing a medium-long run on Saturday and a long long run on Sunday, I am going to do my long long run tomorrow morning before we leave and shuffle everything around that. I think it'll work out.

My next challenge is deciding whether to bring food, go to the grocery store while we're there, or rely on what's provided for me. Because, you know, I get pretty cranky if I don't have my pre-run PB&J, post-run cereal, and specific fruit and veg snacks throughout the day.

I'm going to stop because now I sound like a crazy person even to myself.

Molly

Hot Hot Hot

It finally feels like a Virginia summer: it's been around 100 degrees for the past few days. Our air conditioner is humming along (keep going!), and sane people are staying indoors.

I, on the other hand, ran 30 miles on Saturday and Sunday combined. Saturday I went out by myself, armed with a bottle filled with half Gatorade/half water, salt tablets, and a knowledge of all the area's water fountains. Using my patented run/walk-uphill strategy, I covered about 11 miles in two hours on the trails.

Sunday was even hotter, but luckily I had a running buddy with a cooler. We did a loop on the trails twice, stopping in between to refill water bottles and snack. It was so hot that I put ice cubes in my shorts and bra. Aaaahhhh...

We both hit some pretty low points during the three hour run. However, I realized that one of the best parts of having someone else there is that your low points don't coincide, so you can talk each other back to optimism.

We averaged 13 min/miles, and I was amazingly hydrated by the end. The rest of the day I carried on as normal, grocery shopping, vacuuming, and eating lots of chocolate-covered Marcona almonds. And pizza. And beer. Yum. I love long-distance running!

Hill Sprints

My butt hurts. In a good way.

This morning's workout in the humid, occasionally rainy Virginia weather was a 90 minute run including 12 hill sprints. Supposedly, these ten second bursts of speed uphill, each followed by a two minute jog, are one of the best ways to increase speed and power. While I don't need speed for the 50-miler, I do need strength (so my legs will last 12 hours). Plus, it's nice just to have a break from the LSD (long slow distance).

As a side note, apparently everyone with whom I run gets injured. Dave, who was already injured to begin with, is even creakier than before we met. (Sorry, babe). Chris, my long run buddy, recently dealt with an infection in his joint fluid. And, most recently, my new running buddy, Stephanie, took a major fall and cut herself up. Watch out, running world!

Something to Think About

Sorry this blog title ended in a preposition, but I'm in the mood to save words, as you will see. Plus, "Something about Which to Think" sounds silly.

On NPR's program On the Media this week they aired the winning entries to a novel challenge. They had asked their listeners to submit a 12-word novel. You can see the winners here. The hosts of the show mentioned that many of their contestants included despair and death in their entries, and I find myself including the latter quite often.

So my challenge to you, as you are on a walk or run, in the shower, or washing the dishes, is to write your own 12-word novel. Please submit many entries to me, as they will make me smile and I will - maybe - give a prize to the winner. Hooray!

Here are some of mine:

Reading War and Peace will be the death of her one day.

Making peace with pink toenails, the mother and daughter laughed once again.

Slowpoke

This morning I did a tempo run, like all of the tempo runs I did during my marathon training, which ended just a few months ago. This time, however, I went MUCH slower. In April I could knock out several 10 or 20 minute repeats at 7:40 min/mile two times a week. This morning I struggled through 2 x 20 minutes with 1 minute rest at 8:20. Ugh. I blame it on the allergies.

Moral of the story: specificity is key. I don't mind running slowly now because I'm training for a race during which I will have to run slow. But I know that the next time I have to run quickly in a race (even during a marathon), doing many faster workouts really does make a difference.

Planning

Like most long-term athletes I plan. A lot. I plan my meals, my workouts, my races, and my recoveries. I also reflect, with the hope of planning better in the future. I keep journals of what I eat, what workouts I've done, and the private and public thoughts that I have (in a journal and on this blog, respectfully). But it's not just running I plan: since I like to have a busy schedule, I (feel as though) need to plan everything.

When I was in school the planning came so easily. I had a class schedule and crew practices already built in. My rest times came in the form of school vacations. Everything else was time for homework. Now, without school, I have no plan, and it's scary.

I have envied my friends who want to be doctors only because they know what they will be doing for the next seven years. I on the other hand, have every option in the world: I can live anywhere, work in any field, and participate in any activity I want. The only thing I have figured out is with whom I will do all of this stuff (which is arguably the hardest part for most people).

Joining the "real world" hasn't given me any career breakthroughs; I haven't yet found my passion. It has, however, led me to find qualities in my current job that I like and some that I don't.

What I like: using my intellect; helping people; learning; having a comfortable atmosphere; not working for The Man
What I don't like: talking to people all day; not being appreciated; doing mainly administrative (mindless) tasks; feeling as though I'm not growing; having to clock in and out

I have also realized that I want to have a career AND children, both preferably before I turn 30. Thus, I've recently turned my attention again towards graduate school with the hopes that I can go to school and have babies at the same time, then work. It can't be that hard...

A Race Plan Update

A few months back, I had all sorts of races on my calender. That was before I began working on Saturdays at the running store and before it occurred to me how much each race (and lodging, transportation, etc.) costs, so things have since changed.

On Monday I officially entered the North Face Endurance Challenge's 50 mile event on September 6th. This is the race for which I've been training for almost two months now. It is my first 50 mile event, and while I'm nervous about all of the things that can go wrong during ultras (dehydration, hyponatremia, blisters...), I'm much more excited. The training has been fun - longer runs, more hill and strength work, and fewer speed workouts - and I think I am physiologically (and mentally) made for long races. Or at least I hope I am.

There is another race in my sights: 24 Hours of Momentum. It's a 24 hour race, which means competitors (who are either on teams or are running solo) run as many set loops as they can in 24 hours. It sounds like it will be almost a party-like atmosphere because all of the runners pass through an aid station, which is close to the cabins and tent area.

Bill Rodgers is My New Boyfriend (just kidding, dave)

Last Saturday I was giddy as a school girl, blushing and giggling while I waited to meet one of my running idols: Mr. Bill Rodgers.

For those of you who don't know of him (and you should be shot!), Boston Billy won the Boston Marathon and the New York Marathon four times each. He ran 28 marathons under 2:15 and set several American and world records. He also was one of the guys during the running boom that made it such an accessible sport for the masses. He still runs 25 races a year (none of them marathons) and is just an all-around nice guy.

Bill was in Richmond to help Thom and us Road Runner employees celebrate the 25th anniversary of the store. He signed autographs, chatted, and ran some short runs with employees and fans alike. I got a chance to talk to him a bunch about running and life and even got to run three miles with him. While he was signing my latest marathon medal he was telling me, "You know, it took me about five marathons to really get comfortable with the distance." I wanted to shout, "Bill Fucking Rodgers is talking to me like we're on the same level! Ahhh!" (That's me screaming like a Beatles fan.)

That evening, after work, Thom had employees, family, and friends over to his house for a cookout. We had a great time, although it was quite chilly for Richmond in June. It was nice to have everyone together outside of work. And I got to "cheers" Bill with a beer. Ahhh! (More screaming).

Thanks, Dave, for letting me talk about it obsessively. I'm done now.

The God Question: Running

As my worldview has shifted over the course of my life, I often look to nature to help me answer my philosophical questions. And thanks to running and cycling, I spend more time in natural surroundings than most. While it is true that this is a running blog, running intersects with everything else in my life to warrent a little discussion about what dominates my thoughts on those runs.

I have never, nor do I now, question nature's beauty. Even when hurricanes pummel the coasts or thunderstorms knock out power, nature is beautiful and awe-inspiring (and the resulting loss of life and property is equally terrible). But just because there is a force greater than humanity that is arguably more beautiful than anything human hands can create, does not automatically mean that there is a greater being - God - designing it all. Rather, what God would choose seemingly-random acts of violence to kill people, most of whom pray to Him/Her? (If you believe Rev. John Hagee, whose endorsement John McCain actively sought, then Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for New Orleans' specifically-homosexual sins.)

My point is that belief in God is not a prerequesite for finding beauty in one's surroundings (nor is it a prerequisite for being kind or searching for fulfillment). A skeptic or an athiest may actually find more beauty. How? They do not need to invent a reason to explain why things happen: beauty can just be beauty (and kindness and just be kindness) for its own sake. There does not have to be a justification: a hurricane can shape, destroy, and build, and it's just a part of the natural order. The beautiful natural order.

Life Partners Unite!

I'm pleased to announce that David Jones - the one, the only - has begun his own blog. Please comment, using profanity if possible, here: Identical Genitals.

In a related note, Dave recently passed off to me his most recent read, titled God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. It is written by the outspoken atheist (and guest on my favorite show, Real Time with Bill Maher). Not only are his sentences incredibly dense and rife with literary and historical references, which I love, but he has given voice to feelings I've had my whole life.

I was raised an Episcopalian, but I attended church more often on my own as a college student. I even helped found the Episcopal Student Group at Brown when I was a senior. Despite my weekly presence at mass (a reflection of a need to fit in and my throw-myself-into-whatever-I'm-doing attitude more than my religious devotion), I never believed in the Biblical stories. Nor did I have an easy time reconciling evil and sadness with God's supposed omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, and goodness. Anyway, if you've ever questioned your religious beliefs, as we all have, I would recommend this book. More on this subject, and how it related to running, later...

Inspiration

One of the most challengling things about running, I think, is managing to keep oneself inspired throughout a long training season or, like most runners, through the ups and downs of fitting running into normal life. The workouts themselves are not the hard part. The hard part is getting out the door in the morning in the dark and cold or coming home after work and watching Oprah while lifting weights rather than while sitting one's ass.

There are various motivation methods for us running mortals: some people run with a training group; others sign up for nearly weekly races; still others have weight loss goals to work towards. I am still figuring out what works for me, even after ten years.

When I was in high school and college, belonging to a team and racing three seasons a year was enough for me. I had people counting on me to be at practice, and the coaches dictated our workouts. Post-school, just as in the "real world", those automatic motivators disappeared. Suddenly I was on my own without a plan.

I decided to run a marathon. "Okay," I thought, "I'll just throw myself into this," so I trained hard for six months and finished the race. After a year of directionless workouts I decided to run another marathon, this time with a more specific training plan. Ta-da. It was over. Then I decided to run a 50-mile race, which is what I'm training for now.

So now I must find a way to keep myself going until the race in September (and beyond), which brings me to my new discovery. There is apparently a summer track series in Richmond (duh). Track races for grown-ups - how cool! They meet once a week and hold relay events, and it's only $2. So starting in June, I might have to bust out a throw back 1000m or distance medley relay.

Lost

Yesterday I ran my long trail run by myself due to the buddy's schedule conflict. It was perfect running weather - overcast, cool, and semi-rainy. I didn't mind spending hours by myself, especially since I could take my time and focus on form on the single track around the city.

A side note: everyone in the city seems to be suffering from allergies (and everything in the city is COVERED in pollen), but Dave and I *knock on wood* aren't bothered. Maybe living with lots of hairy animals helps.

The only bad part about the run was that I got lost. There is a trail system in a nearby park that I recently discovered, and I haven't yet figured it all out. There was a trail duathalon last weekend, and the markers for the race were still posted, so I decided to follow them. Around and around, up and down, I ran and stumbled for ages. Each path started looking the same after a while. Long story short, I found my way out but a two and a half hour run turned into three hours. So much for that future in Boy Scouting.

Doing my strength training workouts in the afternoon, separately from the runs, has been working great for me. I no longer have the "I'll be late for work" excuse, and they fight the mid-afternoon blahs.

Why We Wear Trail Shoes

One of the best reasons to have a running buddy is knowing that early in the morning, with severe thunderstorms forecast, someone is waiting for you. You could either keep him or her waiting (and be a big fat jerk) or you can drag your sorry ass out of bed. Yesterday I did just that (not the jerk part).

My buddy, Chris, and I had been running for all of five minutes when a little sprinkle started. A little later it was raining pretty steadily. And before long, we were in the midst of a full-blown thunderstorm. I was getting wet from overhead and underneath simultaneously: some puddles and creeks were up to my calves. Splash, splash, I ran right through them, whooping and giggling.

Two hours and fifteen minutes later, I was soaked, exhausted, and satisfied. (Of course I chose to wear a brand new pair of white socks, which are now discolored beyond recognition). Chris had led me up some serious hills, and it felt great to be heading off to a nice, warm shower.

Although I was worn out, I wasn't as useless as I thought. The rest of the day I spent grocery shopping, vacuuming, scrubbing the kitchen floor, and making dinner. Trail running really is better for your joints and your legs - I feel great today. But trail running shoes really are necessary. My nice, white running shoes are gross and smelly. Oh well. It was worth it.

I'm a Blogging Slacker

Although I may not have been writing much these past few weeks, it's not for lack of running...

So far the 50-mile training plan has been going well.

I have a new running partner for my long runs, which makes the hours go by much faster. He's close to me in speed, he's enthusiastic, and he doesn't mind when I swear or say inappropriate things. We've already bonded over two major events: discovering a new trail system and running on single track in the dark.

This plan is slightly different than past ones in that I've deliberately increased the amount of time I spend lifting weights. I am doing this two ways: by scheduling my sessions in the afternoon, separately from running workouts, and by keeping detailed notes. Both my marathons and the most recent 10k made me realize how much strength matters. And by "made me realize" I mean "caused me enough pain to get a clue". The best part of my new schedule is having Dave around on his days off: he and Zoe coach my form, while the kitties help me with flexibility.

Something else I've realized through pain is that trails are much more difficult to run. For example, yesterday I'm working hard, thinking we're cruising along, and Chris (my training buddy) tells me we've done less than 4 miles in 45 minutes. Oh goody. But the upside is that my knees don't hurt and I really feel worked by the end.

Yesterday I also tried a new drink supplement: NUUN. It's claim to greatness is that it has the benefits of electrolytes without added sugar. Although it tasted like flat soda, I really liked how un-sweet it was. When I drink Gatorade I have to dilute it to make it bearable; not so with NUUN.

10k Awesomeness: 46:30

Richmond has two major races every year: the Richmond Marathon in the fall and the Monument Avenue 10k in the spring. Months ago, Dave and I signed up for the 10k, planning to run it as a "fun run" (a.k.a. no training required). I even kept forgetting when it was until the day before. We were casual about it - I cleaned the kitchen before attaching my race number - and we jogged over to the starting line (ah, the beauty of local races). Having reiterated that not finishing together would, in Dave's words, "not emasculate" him, we shook hands before the starting line and parted.

I was relaxed throughout the race, enjoying the crowd and the costumes. Trying to avoid tossed cups at the water tables (why they have these in a 10k is beyond me) was the hardest part. Passing lots of people, however, was much easier than usual. I cruised in to the finish in 46:30. It was, it turns out, a PR!

In my age group, women 20-24, I was 20th out of 1547. Yay.

Dave did wonderfully as usual. He was only a few minutes behind me, but we spent an hour looking for each other in the rain. Giving up, I jogged back to the apartment in tears. He was waiting for me - thank goodness - and we were both very frustrated. And then the dog threw up over and over. Nothing like a little distraction... Thanks, Zoe.

Georgia Trip

We have been in Georgia the past few days for a Jones family gathering. It was nice to see everyone, but, sadly, it was because Dave's 92 year-old grandmother died last week. She was a dedicated Catholic, and her funeral reflected her wishes. It was just like the movies: there was a wake with an open casket (and a full rosary), a full Catholic mass at the actual funeral, and a grave-site ceremony. While neither Dave nor I are Christians - never mind Catholics - it was good to see at the various ceremonies the love with which her family looked back on memories with her. Plus, it was good to see everyone together.

Attending the funeral has inspired Dave and me to think about our own wishes for when we die. Something I'd like my surviving friends and family to include is a walk/run in my memory. It doesn't have to be terribly organized; it just has to be something everyone can enjoy together.

Friday's workout:
Weights in the afternoon: legs, arms, and abs/back (I forgot the exact exercises)

Saturday's workout:
one hour run

Sunday's workout:
1.75 hour trail run

Monday:
Day off

Today's workout:
20 minutes easy
20 minutes tempo (today, tempo pace is between 7:56 and 7:58 min/mi pace)
20 minutes easy

Training Update

I've missed a few days, so here's an update.

Friday (the 21st):
40 minutes

Saturday:
50 minutes

Sunday:
1.5 hours

Monday:
rest day

Tuesday:
am - 30 minutes
pm - weights: 2 x (12 lunges, 8 calf raises, 12 yoga ball squats), 2 x (12 push ups, 20 curls, 20 military presses), 30 crunches on the ball, 2 x 12 back raises, 30 crunches on the floor

Wednesday:
16 minutes easy
4 x (3 minutes hard, 4 minutes easy)
16 minutes easy

Thursday:
40 minutes

Why We Run

When I talk to people about my quest to run farther and faster, both runners and non-runners ask "Why?" I don't mind - it's a good question. Depending on my mood, I have several stock responses.

Some are profound:
"Because I can"
"To test my limits"
"To connect with nature"

Some are smart-ass:
"Because it's faster than walking"
"Because I can't fly"
"Because it's cheaper than therapy"

While there is truth to all of these answers, none of them explain completely why I run. I don't think I even really know the full reason. It has a little to do with the physical: I usually feel good during a run, I feel fantastic afterward, and I feel like crap when I take time off. It has a little to do with the mental: I can gather my thoughts and work through problems (I wrote most of my thesis during runs). And it has a lot to do with the emotional: running has helped me heal after the difficult events in my adult life, from my mom's heart surgery to complicated relationships.

While part of my desire to run very long distances has to do with wanting to achieve things few others can, mostly I run for myself.

Now, why do you run?

50 Mile Race Training Plan

The following is my new plan. I thrive on structure like this, so it may not be for everyone. I posted it for two reasons: (1) to hold myself accountable and (2) to provide another perspective for others looking to train for a 50-miler.

Scroll down and across to see the whole thing. Also, if anyone has any suggestions to make the spreadsheet prettier, please let me know!

Beyond Sore

Most people who know me know that it is quite unusual for me to take more than a day off in a row. This week I took three.

Using every trick in the book - ice, elevation, rest, walks, and lots of drugs - I tried to get my quads to speak to me. Instead, they screamed anytime I did anything. Sitting down on the toilet was most amusing because I had such a hard time getting back up. You know the worst thing? Walking down the stairs. I had to do it like a baby. A big baby who wimpered a lot.

As a result of not running (or doing much more than walking the dog and riding my bike very slowly to work), I became VERY grumpy. Last night was a real low-point. Thank goodness no human was home, especially the one who lives there, because he would have had to deal with my shitty attitude. I plopped down on the couch and read the rest of Ultramarathon Man, which really revived me. And then Dave made me an omelet. My hero!

This morning I couldn't take anymore of this not-running stuff. I headed out the door at 5:20am for a 30 minute jog in the warm and windy Virginia spring weather. It wasn't so much a jog as a shuffle/glorified walk. But it was wonderful.

Hooray!!

My chip time at the 2008 Shamrock Marathon was 3:45:21.

I was the 508th runner, the 112th female, and the 23rd female age 20-24.

The following are some splits from the race's website (I haven't yet figured out how to get them off my watch, which I also forgot to stop at the end).

6 miles - 49:08 (8:12)
13.1 miles - 1:44:43 (8:00)
18 miles - 2:30:19 (8:23)
26.2 miles - 3:45:21 (8:36 - my overall pace)

While I did not reach my ultimate goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, for which I would have needed under 3:40:00, I did have a blast. I also feel as though I gave it my all, pushing hard through 15-20 mph winds.

I learned a ton from this race, as I do from almost every run. I learned that Dave and my mom are the ultimate "race crew" and "support team". I learned not to trust the pacers (the man holding the 3:40:00 sign ran the second two miles almost a full minute faster than pace - bastard). I learned instead to run my own race, which is advice Dave gave me and to which I should have paid better attention. I learned that going out too hard will always come back to bite me. I learned that there are always low points, and they will always end. I learned that I need to do more squats and lunges. I learned that my love for running continues to grow with each run and each race.

This week will be easy, as my quads are sore sore sore. But I'm looking forward to the next race in three weeks!

Butterfly City

Two days from now I will be (hopefully) past the halfway point of the Shamrock Marathon.

I woke up this morning - a rest day - full of nerves. It only got worse at work when everyone asked me "So, are you ready?" Gosh, I hope so. My co-workers have been very sweet, though, with their questions and encouragement. My lifestyle is so different from most of theirs, and we are always asking each other for more information. My favorite question came yesterday: "Are you going to win?" Well, no. I explained that I wouldn't even be close to the winning time. Her disappointed look said "Why do it if you're not going to win". I hadn't even thought about it that way.

Dave, Mom, and I are driving down to Virginia Beach tomorrow afternoon, eating out, and spending the night. Hopefully I can keep my meals down!

Send fast thoughts, please.

Tuesday's workout:
45 minutes easy

Wednesday's workout:
40 minutes easy
6 x 20 second strides

Thursday's workout:
30 minutes easy
4 x 20 second strides

My Big Oops

This morning while I was on my way out the door, already wearing my bike helmet and backpack (that's right, I'm very cool), I looked at the mailing Dave had gotten from the Shamrock Sportsfest. "Hmmm," I thought, "Why would they have the expo on the same day as the race?" So I read a little bit more and noticed - DUH! - the race is on SUNDAY not Saturday, as I've been thinking for seven months.

I was freaking out all morning, worried that I wouldn't be able to get another hotel reservation. One of the clinic ladies and her major attitude wasn't helping either. Of course, everything was fine - I did find another room. Now, hopefully, we will be able to work out our work schedules and have our animals babysat. What a doofus!

Friday's workout:
3 miles
6 x 20 second strides

Saturday's workout:
1 hour 30 minute run

Sunday's workout:
1 hour run
3 x (12 push-ups, 15 curls)
Back series
150 crunches

Today's workout:
2 miles easy
4 x 1200m at tempo pace with two minutes of rest
2 miles easy

Oh, Grains, How I Love Thee

In our kitchen cabinets we have the following grains: brown rice, oats, millet, barley, quinoa, bulgur, cous cous, and polenta (the last two may not count). And I want more. I've recently "discovered" how wonderful and versatile these grains are, cooking them for dinner and snacks. My favorite thing these days is to come home from work, take a walk with the dog, feed her, and feed myself with one of the above complex carbohydrates. They are best served (in my opinion), hot with soymilk and maybe with the addition of dried fruits or nuts. I could eat them plain, though. And I could eat many, many servings. If you haven't tried the more obscure kinds - I'm still looking forward to making amaranth and sorghum - please give them a shot. They don't require any more effort than a simmer and a stir.

Tuesday's workout:
3 miles
6 x 20 second strides
3 x (1 minute plank, 25 crunches)

Wednesday's workout:
35 minutes easy
15 minutes at tempo pace
35 minutes easy
15 minutes at tempo pace
2 miles easy

Today was a rest day.

Twelve Days and Counting

It's hard to believe that the race is coming up so soon. While I've been cheating by running more miles than I should, I still feel as though I'm going to be out of shape. Funny how that works: I've been racing for ages, and I still haven't learned.

Friday and Saturday were my first days working at the running store. It was easy to jump back in to fitting people, but I'm worried that I may become too burnt out. Also, I started working there to support my running habit, but since I'm only working on Saturdays and most races are on Saturdays, I have to choose between the two. My plan is to wait it out for a few months, see how it goes, and request off whenever I want. I'm trying to remember the following: I am the one who decides to feel stressed out. So if I'm stressing, I need to make changes to fix it. No one else can do it for me.

Thursday's workout:
3 miles
6 x 20 second strides

Friday's workout:
3 miles
4 x 20 second strides

Saturday's workout:
3 miles
3 x (12 push-ups, 12 military presses, 8 back rows)
Kansas State back workout
150 crunches

Sunday's workout:
2 miles easy
2 x 10 minutes at tempo pace with 3 minutes rest
30 minutes easy

Monday's workout:
3 miles
3 x (12 push-ups, 12 shoulder raises, 15 curls)
K. State back workout

Race Planning

Here's a list of races I'm considering for this year. Not very interesting, I know, but I wanted to lay it out for myself.

March 15th - Shamrock Marathon - VA Beach, VA
April 5th - Monument Ave. 10k - Richmond, VA ($30-35)
April 19th - Charlottesville Marathon - Charlottesville, VA ($75-80)
April 28th - Promise Land 50k - Lynchburg, VA ($65)
May 4th - Potomac River Run Marathon - Alexandria, VA ($70-80)
May 10th - Capon Valley 50k - Yellow Spring, WV($70)
June 14th - Xterra 10k/21k - Richmond, VA (?)
July 12th - Grandfather Mountain Marathon - Boone, NC ($65)
July 12th - Rattlesnake Trail 50k - Charleston, WV ($50)
August 2nd - Catoctin 50k - Frederick, MD ($25)
September 27th - Great Eastern Endurance Run 50k - Waynesboro($85)
October 11th- New River Trail 50k - Fries, VA ($50)
November 22nd - JFK 50 mile - (?)

This shit's expensive!

Tapering is Harder than Running

While I'm more than two weeks away from the big race, my race plan calls for me to begin reducing milage. I'm going crazy only running 35-40 miles a week ("only"). But after doing 50-mile weeks, I feel as though I'm not running at all now. Don't tell Jack Daniels (my coach on the page) that I'm cheating, running more than I should. My excuse: I can't cross-train because I don't belong to a gym. I am, however, doing a little more yoga than usual.

Yesterday's workout:
3 miles
3 x (12 push-ups, 15 curls, 12 shoulder raises, 12 squats)
150 crunches
back exercises

Today's workout:
20 minutes easy
15 minutes at tempo pace
20 minutes easy
15 minutes at tempo pace
2 miles easy

Walking Like a Cowgirl

Normally I'm not sore after my long runs, but yesterday was an exception. It must have been the lunges and squats I did the day before. I thought they wouldn't make a difference. Ooops.

The run itself was fine, except I started noticing hotspots on my toes around mile 15. Then, when I stopped, the lactic acid hit. It felt like it did after the marathon last year. During a brief, pathetic stretch I shouted to Dave, "Please start filling the bathtub with cold water." He gave me The Look and did as I asked. I think he mumbled something about me being "loco". Ten minutes in cold water (only two of which were excrutiating) and I was numb and feeling good. I tried to move around the rest of the day to keep things loose.

Today I did the unthinkable. I took the morning off from running AND tried not to beat myself up about it. I know it's the best thing because I'm still sore and blistered (and running would only make it worse, especially less than three weeks from the race), but it's HAAARD!

Today's workout:
Not much of anything

Yesterday's workout:
2 miles easy
15 miles at 8:15 min/mi pace
2 miles easy

Also, I am desperately in search of interesting snack mix. I'm getting sick of trail mix, etc.

"Oh, so I have to set the alarm clock?"

Ooops. Yesterday, for the third time this week, I forgot to turn the alarm part of the clock on. I woke up, realized (eeek!), and raced through my morning routine: get dressed, feed the cats, eat, check the weather channel, try to stop the cats from whining, run out the door. Luckily, it didn't freak me out as it once would have (props to my live-in zen master). I fit in 13 or 14 miles and wasn't even late for work. Boo-yah.

Yesterday's workout:

35 minutes easy
15 minutes at tempo pace
35 minutes easy
15 minutes at tempo pace
2 miles easy

Today was a rest day.

She's Also a Tease

We got a hint of spring yesterday: it was 60 degrees in the morning (no gloves!) and 70 by the evening. It helped me get over my short-term, warm-weather memory loss. If only I could share the love with those of you in colder climates. If it makes you feel any better, the temps this morning were down in the 30s.

While the race is less than a month away, I'm finding myself wondering if I'll really reach my goal. Today's run (a jog, really) was kind of hard. My legs were heavy, and it was hard to motivate myself to do weights afterward. I say this not as a complaint but as an observation. What is it that makes us leap out of bed for a run one day and slog through one the next? Does everyone have ups and downs like this? I would think that the answer is "yes", but some people - namely the really fast ones - don't seem like they ever have a hiccup.

The only way to get beyond it, for me at least, is to just do it. And to reward myself for doing it later with a mental (or chocolate) pat on the back. What do you you all do for motivation on these tough days?

Saturday's workout:
3 miles
weight routine (can't remember what I did!)

Sunday's workout:
2 1/2 hour run

Monday's workout:
3 miles
6 x 20 second strides

Tuesday's workout:
3 miles
3 x (12 pushups, 15 curls, 15 shoulder raises)
plank series
75 crunches

Thirteen Miles Before Work Equals an Un-Ending Appetite

It's embarrassing at work when everyone knows your life is driven by food. Some days, like Wednesday, I just can't seem to eat enough. I had bread with peanut butter, trail mix, a banana, cereal with soymilk, blueberries, a hard boiled egg, Kashi crackers, one half of a deviled egg, and samples from the grocery store. And that was all before lunch!! Oh well.

Yesterday I got a call from my local running shop: the two pairs of shoes I ordered were in stock. Also, the sweet girl who works there told me that Thom (the owner) was wondering if I'd like to pick up some hours. I worked there the summer after college and have actually been thinking about returning, if only to fund my addiction to running. So maybe I will do just that - take a shift or two for the discount, the money, and the connections.

Tuesday's workout:
3 miles easy
6 x 20 second strides

Wednesday's workout:
one hour easy
6 x 5 minutes at tempo pace with one minute's rest
15 minutes easy

Thursday's workout:
3 miles easy
6 x 20 second strides

Today is a rest day

Mother Nature is a Hard F***ing Teacher

Mother Nature knows my workout schedule AND she can read my mind. She knows when I have a track workout planned because while it always seems nice outside ("Oh, look - the sun's out") it ends up being incredibly windy, cold, or both. Yesterday it was the former, with winds gusting above 30 miles per hour.

Part of my 18.5 miles was on the track. A few intervals in, I started thinking to myself, "This isn't that bad. Maybe this workout will be a breeze." The pun wasn't intended, but apparently Ms. M. Nature thought it was a challenge. The wind was strong. And - although this doesn't seem possible - I had a headwind on the front and back stretches. It caused me to do more than swallow a little pride - I was kicking myself, veering off of the track, and leaving long strings of snot and drool flowing in the gusts. Lovely.

But there was an upside. On my two mile cool down, I had a 30 mph pat on the back.

Yesterday's workout:

2 mile warm-up
4 x 5 minutes at tempo pace with one minute rests
80 minutes easy
4 x 5 minutes at tempo pace with one minute rests
2 mile cool-down

Today's workout:

3 miles
3 x (12 pushups, 10 military presses, 15 curls)
lots of abs and back stuff

Eat Like a Yogi

In an old issue of Yoga Journal, there is an article titled "Choice Eats: the first step toward changing your eating habits is to become aware of what and why you eat. Then your plate, like you life, can be delightfully full."

The article begins by introducing the concept of samskara, defined in this context as "a pattern that is reinforced by repitition", like eating. It says that we can overcome our negative food habits (samskaras) by replacing them with positive ones. The article suggests that when you have a desire to chow down, you should ask yourself a series of questions, such as "Am I really hungry?" and "If I am hungry, what is my body really hungry for?" Then, it says, "by pausing and bringing consciousness to your physiological hunger and examining the source of your desire, rather than eating impulsively out of habit, you're on your way to creating a new, positive samskara".

I was amazed when I read all of this because a recent blog post of mine was so similar. Now if only I could remember to think about my samskaras.

Thursday was my day off.

Friday's workout:
4 miles
6 x 20 second strides

Spring Has Sprung (at least for now)

The warm weather has put some pep in my step. Hooray! I would also like to dedicate my glass-half-full workouts to my online friend Chia Runner .

This is a short post because I really should be working right now.

Yesterday's workout:
6 mile run
3 x (12 push-ups and 12 military presses)
plank series
150 crunches

Today's workout:
20 minute warm-up
20 minutes at tempo pace
20 minutes at easy pace
20 minutes at tempo pace
2 mile cool-down

Birthday Girl

February 3rd was my 24th birthday. Hooray! I celebrated in the morning by going on a 2.5 hour run on the single track trails that run along the James River. It was great. Even better was the massage that Dave surprised me with afterward! If you haven't tried ashiatsu massage, I HIGHLY recommend it. It's life changing. Really. Then I stuffed myself first with a lunch at my favorite vegetarian coffee shop in Richmond and second with a homemade dinner that was delish (thanks again, Dave). Ice cream was a bad idea, though. I paid for that lactose indulgence this morning. Ugh. All in all, a great birthday (even if Mom has tuberculosis or Ebola or leprosy - we're not sure which - poor baby). I got all of my favorite things: people I love, running, food, Harney and Sons tea, the Okkervil River CD, and a t-shirt with Shakespeare on it that reads "Prose before Hos".

Today's workout:

6 miles in 52 minutes (I was late getting out, so I had to hustle).
6 x 20 second strides

Support Crew

In a back issue of Runner's World there is an article about secrets to lifelong running. (There is also a great NYTimes article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/health/nutrition/31BEST.html?em&ex=1202014800&en=68860ef425fb2ad3&ei=5087%0A.) One of the tips the great, now older runners give is having a group of supportive people who motivate you to run. They don't have to be runners themselves; they just have to be there for you.

I can attest to this firsthand. My support group, while small, is the best a girl could have. On one hand there's my mom. She's been to almost every sporting event, dance recital, and play I've ever been in (as a good mom should). She yells so loudly during races that I can always hear her - once I could pick out her voice from the middle of the Carnegie River at Princeton. More importantly, though, she takes interest in my training, asking about my hard runs and making good "oohhhh" noises. While she doesn't run herself, she knows more about the sport than people I know who've done several half marathons.

On the other hand, I have my "life partner" Dave. He is a runner in his own right, although he's taking a long (permanent?) break. We've done many training runs together in all kinds of bad weather, and whether he's slower or faster than me (with a little training he will always be faster), he's the best "running partner" I've ever had the pleasure of hoofing it with. But Dave's my support crew even when he sleeps in. He's good at it for one simple reason: he lets me do it with no questions asked. Sometimes he may look at me funny (when I run in 30 degree rain, whine about a missed workout, or show him a bloody ankle), but he always just goes with it. He doesn't get mad at me for going to bed early or waking him up at 5am. He lets me be me.

Here's to the support crews all over the world!!

Wednesday's workout:
2 mile warm-up
4 x (10 mins at tempo pace with 2 minutes rest)
2 mile cool down

Thursday was a day off

Friday's workout:
3 miles easy in nasty weather
6 x 20 second strides

Sore Legs - the Good Kind of Sore

I've forgotten which workouts I did on which days last week, so I will begin with Sunday (yesterday).

Sunday's workout:

2 mile warm-up
2 hours at marathon pace (8:15 min/mile)
2 mile cool-down

This was a killer workout. Even though I couldn't time every mile, I did do the first and last miles on the track to ingrain the pace in my legs. My route took me out to University of Richmond, which is beautiful but very hilly. "I've made a huge mistake," I thought as I chugged up the first of many inclines. Hopefully my pace didn't wane too much. I do know that my legs are feeling those speed bumps today. Ugh. I have to sit down like a pregnant woman.

Today's workout:

3 mile run (this week is low in mileage)

3 x (12 push ups, 15 curls, 15 military presses)
150 crunches and some back stuff

Old Habits Die Hard

Inspiration strikes in odd ways. Today during my run I was very uncomfortable, burping up last night's dinner and listening to my stomach make angry growls over the sound of my footfalls and breathing. That's when the subject for this post (and for my continued dietary efforts) hit me in the gut.

I was feeling pretty good after making changes in what and how I'm eating and boasting of my "success" online. But I guess I didn't take it seriously enough. A few days of controlling my semi-binging and I thought I was home free. My concentration wavered, though, and I started eating without thinking and eating too much too fast once again. My tummy had to yell at me for me to pay attention!

So starting today I will treat this as I would any bad habit. An Internet search for "breaking bad habits" gave me two million results, many of which made similar, common-sense suggestion such as determining the payoff and trade off of your bad habit and making the choice to change your behavior. They also suggest doing something else in the habit's place for a while.

Here's my plan:

1. Determine if I am actually hungry. If I am, eat something healthful.
2. When I am eating ANYTHING, savor every bite, putting the fork/spoon down often
3. If I'm not actually hungry, do the following:

a. ask myself why I want to eat (boredom? craving?)
b. if I'm bored, find something to do
c. if I'm craving something without being hungry, remember the moment will pass and try to occupy my mind until it does

Okay, so this may seem like a bit much, especially for an athletic vegetarian who already eats very well. I don't have any unusual body-image issues; in fact I genuinely like the way I look. I've developed this plan for two reasons: a) I like plans b) I want to feel as good as possible and remain healthy well into old age

Kicking Myself. Literally.

Apparently there are a certain number of variables that when combined lead to bloody ankles. Or rather, just one bloody ankle. This morning's workout went great (I even took off a layer!), but I just can't stop kicking myself in the left ankle. Maybe I'm clumsy or my body's twisted or it has something to do with the small, bumpy, gravel track I use (even though I go both directions). On Sunday it was so cold that I didn't even feel my sore ankle. When I got home, though, there was blood all over my expensive running sock. Blast! Does this ever happen to anyone else or am I just a freak with one bloody ankle?

Tuesday's workout:
5 mile run
6 x 20 second strides

Today's workout:
2 mile warm up
8 x 5 minutes at tempo pace with 30 second rests (I use the term "rests" loosely)
2 mile cool down

Disconnect: The Problem of Going to Bed Early at Age 23

In college, sports were the perfect excuse for leaving a party early or not going out at all: "I have to get up at 5:30 and row for three hours, so I think I'll just sit this one out." Plus, there was an entire team of Amazon women to back me up.

Now that I'm done with college and am still getting up early for athletics, the same excuse has a different effect. People aren't impressed by my dedication; instead, they are stupefied or annoyed. Or they just stop hanging out with me. Many of my peers have hinted to me that not only is my running habit a little weird, it's an unhealthy phase I'll evenually get past.

This makes me ask myself questions like the following:
When do people reach the age when eating well and exercising is seen as cool?
Is it an American thing rather than an age thing?
Will I ever find friends close by who like me for the slightly-obsessive, early-to-bed, driven running I am?
Is it too needy-sounding to put a "I need friends who run" post on my local running club's discussion board?

Until I find out the answers to my questions, my publicist is issuing this statement:
While Molly Brannan does not like like to drink until she throws up and she does like to get up early for a hard run, she is not a prude. She is fun to be with. She even likes to eat. And swear. A lot.

Cold for Richmond

While I've run in some awful weather (a 10-miler with my best friend during a blizzard comes to mind), Sunday's workout was one to remember. It was not only cold, it was windy too. The wind chill was only 17 degrees, but the unrelenting 20 mile an hour winds made it difficult on my legs and my hands. I have Raynaud's disease, which inhibits blood flow to my fingers in cold weather. Very painful. But there is a silver lining: the workout was great. It's another one that I can recall on race day to remind me that I don't want to stop, that I'm one tough chick.

The workout:

2 mile warm-up
2 x 10 minutes at tempo pace with 2 minutes recovery
1 hour 20 minutes at an easy pace
15 minutes at tempo pace
2 miles home

Today the weather was colder, but there was no wind (thank goodness). I did 4.5 miles easy. Then, because my legs were sore from yesterday, I did arms and abs/back:

3 x 12 military-style push ups
3 x 15 curls with 8 lb. weights (wimpy, I know, but they're the only ones I have at home)
a modified version of the K-State workout seen here: http://www.runnersworld.com/video/index.html?bcpid=717784762&bclid=909837219/&bctid=1373280780
(these are wicked hard)

New Year's Resolution

My New Year's Resolution for 2008 isn't complicated. It isn't typical. It doesn't even sound very life-changing. And yet, my perspective has been changed since sticking to it.

"What is this mysterious resolution?" you ask. Drum roll, please...
I made a promise to myself to chew more slowly, thus eating more consciously.

My inspiration came mostly from Dave, who has told me over and over again at dinner, "You know, you don't have to eat so quickly." Usually I would just snap back, "Yes I do! I'm hungry and my food might get cold." But the more I thought about it the more I realized those were pretty stupid reasons to wolf down a meal, feel stuffed and uncomfortable, and eat more than I should, all without really enjoying the tastes and textures of a nice, home cooked breakfast/lunch/snack/dinner.

The beauty of this resolution seems to be its simplicity and small scale. I wasn't trying to force myself to "Eat Less", "Eat Better", or do something else that's too unrealistically vague to affect change.

Instead, my whole relationship with food is different with one, small adjustment. By chewing slower my head and my stomach are on the same page (instead of my stomach not realizing I am full, causing me to overeat). Suddenly, I'm no longer craving sweets like I did and those I do eat are just too sweet. I see the meal as the main event, rather than just a precursor to the "prize" at the end. And overall, I'm eating better and fewer foods. Hurrah!

Final Kick

Today's workout was brutal (for me at least).

2 miles easy
2 x 20 minutes at tempo pace (7:42 min/mile) with 10 minutes easy in between
2 miles easy

The first 20 minutes was semi-okay: while I didn't die at the end, the last three laps were definitely a struggle. I felt like I was all elbows and feet, kicking myself in the ankles every few steps. The second 20 minutes was even more unpleasant (it was probably even more unpleasant to watch - at least I do it in the semi-darkness). About a mile into it I knew I wasn't going to hit my time goal; at one point I thought I'd be as much as 6 seconds slow. But I told myself my favorite mantra ("dig deep")and pushed it hard for the last lap. And I did it! What a pleasant surprise, almost as good as meeting a goal in a race.

My happy ending today reminded me of something my college coaches tried to drive into us. A big part of my time at Brown was spent at the boathouse rowing hard. Our coaches didn't believe in steady-state, only 100%, balls-to-the-wall, puke-at-the-end effort. While I eventually got burnt out, I did appreciate learning how to train myself mentally. In running as in rowing, I learned that you cannot get to the starting line of a race and expect to be tough without having practiced being tough. That's what today's workout was for me: a way to hit the wall then push past it. Hopefully, when I run my next race I'll remember today and think, "If I could do it then, I can do it today."

Winter Chills

It was breezy and cool today in Virginia, with the wind chill taking us down into the low 20s. Brrr. Although no winter weather has ever stopped me from trotting down the street, I was surprised by how many other folks were out doing the same thing. And some of them were barely dressed! I had on shorts, tights, a long sleeve, a hoodie, a hat, and two pairs of gloves (oh, and NEW running shoes purchased yesterday - hooray), but I was still freezing my butt off. One girl I saw was dressed in shorts and a long sleeve, and that's it. Her legs were all red and chapped looking. Ouch.

What drives people to under dress? Do they just not feel as cold as I do? I read an article once that said people with more body fat makes people feel colder than people with less body fat. The sad thing is, I'm always cold.

Today's workout was an easy 7 miles with 6 x 20 second strides

My birthday's coming up in a few weeks and my mom has asked me to "pick out running stuff" I want (she didn't even need to ask if that's what I'll be requesting). Do any of you have favorite online sites that offer running gear and clothes for cheap? Us Brannan girls are all about saving some moolah.

Obsession

"We rarely talk about cooking or relationships. All we talk about is running."

My mom was referring to me in this comment to her best friend yesterday. She may have been exaggerating a little, but she was mostly right. My constant introduction of running to conversations, which often don't have anything to do with running, is probably driving my mom and my Dave nuts. They get the brunt of my obsession because they are the lucky two who actually understand my commitment to the sport (everyone else thinks it's just something I do occasionally). Plus I have a hard time keeping my new found love for running inside.

There may be another, less personal reason why I talk about running all of the time: it's what we runners do. We're kind of an obsessive bunch anyway - with personalities that allow us to force ourselves into daily physical discomfort we have a hard time being interested in something without being obsessed with it. We can also see the transformative effect running has on our bodies, minds, and spirits and want those we love to be "saved" too.

Do you other runners find you drive your spouses and best friends crazy with tales of hard workouts, chafing, black toenails, and PRs? Please tell me stories so I don't feel so crazy myself.

Yesterday's workout:
2:30:00 easy pace
had tired legs but kept up a steady trot; cannot imagine running a marathon at 8:20 min/mile at this point

Today's workout:
6 miles easy plus some arm, ab, and back work

Goals

The spirituality of running is what has kept me in love with the sport for so long. By "spirituality" I don't mean religion. Instead, it is the communion with nature, the human community, and the humbling experiences running provides. But while abstract concepts are wonderful to ponder in front of the computer or at the tail end of a perfect run, my goals get me out the door every morning before sunrise.

To motivate myself through the winter I've been reading back issues of Runner's World Magazine and researching ultramarathoning. This morning I came across an old article on Dean Karnazes. He was telling the interviewer about his training schedule for his 50 marathons in 50 states streak and his schemes for the future. While I was initially humbled (see: even reading about running can humble you), thinking "I could never run like that", it made me think about my own goals. I may not have the means or the physiology to do what Dean does, but - dammit - my goals (and everyone else's) are no less meaningful.

For the sake of full disclosure and further motivation, here are my running goals right now:

1. Break 3:40:00 in the Shamrock Marathon in March to qualify for Boston
2. If #1 doesn't work out, break 3:40 at some other marathon
3. Run the Boston Marathon
4. Run a 50 mile race this year
5. Run a 100 mile race eventually
6. Qualify for the Western States Endurance Run
a) run 50 miles in under 11 hours
b) run 100 kilometers in under 14 hours
c) complete any OFFICIAL 100-mile trail race
d) complete three 50-mile runs, completed within the cutoff times of
those races, but in not more than 12 hours, and during the qualifying period
7. Run the WS100

Please share your running and non-running goals with me.

Rest Days Stink. Literally.

A paradox: On days when I run, shower, then ride my bike to work, I smell fine. On days when I don't run and then ride my bike to work I'm smelly. I mean it's not nauseating, but I do have to spend a few awkward minutes taking an armpit sink bath.

While there is probably a reasonable physiological explanation for my odor paradox, I'm not going to go the science route. It's just not my style. Instead, I see my stinkiness on rest days as a metaphor for the rest days themselves.

Ever since I started running, I've hated rest days. There were periods of time when I would run twice a day and not take a single day off. I thought I'd get out of shape or, worse, fat. But it's hard to ignore chronic pain kicking you in the ass (or legs). "Oh really? Every article on training I've ever read was right? So the shin splints and exhaustion are from over training?" Duh. I knew I had to force myself not to run or cross-train to save my own physical health, especially when I began training for marathons. Trying to run through pain for six miles is do-able; trying to do it for 26 is just stupid.

It's been a few years now, and I still hate rest days just as much as I always have. But I write them into my workout every week because experience has taught me what the experts already knew. Rest is necessary and beneficial. My head knows that these day-long breaks will allow my muscles to recover and come back stronger even if my body doesn't.

Bottom line: rest days may always be stinky, but it's a stinkiness I can handle.

The First Workout

As I was running back home this morning, watching the sun come up behind the statues standing guard over Monument Avenue, I thought about what I should write for my first post. Should it be abstract? A description perhaps? Maybe I should ponder the meaning of running in my life...

Nah! The meanings will make themselves known without me having to force them onto the page (or the screen). What I really want this blog to be about is the reality of running: the workouts, the goals, and the frustrations. The down-and-dirty stuff. Hopefully it will allow me to share my experiences with others, document my running life, and practice my writing. So in that spirit, I will talk about today's workout.

A little background: I am on week 21 of 30 of Jack Daniel's marathon training plan in Daniels' Running Formula. Today's workout was hard, no thanks to the 15 mile-per-hour winds that whipped around the track. I did a two-mile warm-up through the dark streets of Richmond. (It made me sad to see all of the Christmas lights disappear, but at least the weather was balmy.) On the track I did 2 x 15 minutes at tempo pace, which for me right now is 7:42, with three minute rests, and 1 x 10 minutes at tempo pace. Then, with the lovely feeling of tired legs, I shuffled home.

In addition to thinking about this post, I also thought about my improvement in running, a subject that I've been thinking about a lot lately. Not only have I gotten faster since a month ago (not to mention since ten years ago), but I've improved my running intelligence. I was training for the same marathon a year ago, and my approach to each workout and the training as a whole was so different: it's now much more specific, I stay hydrated (duh!), and my stride is more efficient. It's amazing how such a seemingly simple sport can reveal its secrets to you so slowly. I wonder, do the running gods make you earn it?