Monday, Dec 30- interval day

6.21 m- 9:28 pace
45degrees, 7:50am start
new shoes

Today was bleh. Fatigued legs. No motivation. Delayed start. Intervals with a lesser pace differential then previous weeks- which was a result of all the aforementioned things, but didn't help. Somedays you feel like you are stuck within limits that are not of your making, but no matter what you do you can't break free of it. So instead of fighting it too hard and wasting energy that way. I did intervals for about 3 miles, then stopped and tried to just maintain a decent pace for the remaining portion.

At around mile 4- 4.5 I rolled my ankle- something I also did over the weekend- and wasn't sure if I had injured myself. I kept going and got home, but glad I stopped when I did. I doubt theres any lasting damage, but there was definitely a bit of a strain in some tendons, so I'll wrap it up today just to take some pressure off. I'm sure it'll be fine though. I've never been so nervous about injuries - I really want to be able to complete this challenge and any injuries or illness might ruin it all. That has made me a bit overly conservative I think, but it's hard to break the anxiety of those thoughts. I suppose at some point- very soon- I will just be too tired to worry about it. This is one of life's "break you down to build you back up" moments, and I have to welcome both parts of that in whatever form it comes or I'll never make it through to the other side.

Saturday, Dec 28- Long run- GP hill loop

12.23 miles, 10:02 pace
48 degree start (62 degree finish), 7:40am (ish)

This was a run I have been dreading. I planned it for myself a few weeks ago, with big dreams and crazy confidence. It was a double loop of one of the most challenging routes I have done in recent history. I have only done it once before, and it kicked my ass, but I walked away determined to do it again. Plus an extra. So, in the training plan, the distance was right this week, and I hit the griffith park hill loop again- but did it twice. Alone.

OK, so the moral of the story is- it sucked, but it was good. It's a LONG loop - approx 5.7 miles- with a 1.5 mile steady incline of a hill in it. The rest of the loop is either downhill, or rolling slight hills. It is not for the weak of spirit. My first go around went well, actually, I was faster then the last time, and I picked up a nice burst of speed in the second half. Then there was a brief potty break- which saw the end of my handkerchief (I bring for runny nose issues) as it hit the floor in the porto- john. Nope. Not touching that again.

The second go around started off odd- I picked an alternate path, and ended up running on sand so loose I might as well have been on beach- not counting on that extra effort- and circling me around a bit farther then I thought. Going up the hill required a walk break as well- my quads were just shot- so I gave them a break. Of course, that tells me I need to be doing more of this route- gotta get those quads up to monster levels. Coming back down, I took in food, but not enough water, and cramped for about 2.5 miles. This might sounds like the run was a total fail- but it wasn't, it just sucked.

That's the thing I've learned doing these challenging runs- sometimes you fail, sometimes it just sucks, sometimes you feel like a rockstar. Today was 2 of the 3- it sucked and I felt like a rockstar. I conquered a route that most people have to gird themselves to do once, and I did it twice. I passed people on their bikes doing the same route (in reverse) for the same distance, and I was RUNNING it.  It might have gotten ugly for a bit there, and I might not be able to walk much in a few hours, but I feel like I conquered it, regardless of all that. When I have to hit 17/18 miles in a couple of weeks, I might just do it again- but go for the three-peat.

Thursday Dec 26- maint run

5.6 miles, 9:46 pace
51 degrees, 8am start

I had high hopes of KILLING miles this week, but after so many hills, and such long runs, my legs were totally shot today. Every step was a struggle that felt like running thru a ball pit. Or what I assume that would feel like. That actually sounds kinda fun. I tried out new gear- a hydration pack (as opposed to the belt I normally use) and that went ok after a couple of stops to adjust it properly. The water tasted funny, but once I flush the bag out, hopefully that will right itself. Fortuntely, i didn't NEED the water- I was just testing out the pack, so it wasn't a big deal.

Starting at later times has been really nice. If only my regular work weeks happened like this. Giving myself more time to wake up before I'm out the door is definitely beneficial- it's just not normally possible. Its also helped since we're dog sitting this week, and the schedule in the mornings has had to adjust as a result. My dogs know the drill- if mom is spending forever in the bathroom and comes out in running shoes- just stay in bed. The new dog hasn't quite grasped it yet and thinks things are HAPPENING. Sorry dude. None for you.

Christmas day- Annual Run

7.12 miles, 9:27 pace
1:00pm start, 81 degrees
Hills, with partner

Every year the Hubs and I take some time out of the day for ourselves and go for a run. Its become something we really enjoy doing. In all the years past (mostly) we're been back east visiting family and the run has been anywhere from brisk to downright painfully cold. This year we're home in LA, and it was freaking HOT. Even in the summer I try not to run once it hits the 80 degree mark- I just end up too hot overall. Remember- whatever the air temp is, your body temp when running elevates about 10- 15 degrees from there. But today, we braved it. I got to do a bit of a route I never do, and I took the Hubs down some streets he doesn't often go down.

We took some time out to take a couple of pictures even- which was fun. The most important thing though was that we took the time to stop and steal water from spigots we found in front of apartment buildings. Never pulled that one before, but we kinda had to- we were both dying of thirst in the heat. This heat is a dry, crispy air, which makes breathing while running a chore- especially when you've become accustomed to the temps being about 30-40 degrees cooler on your runs.

Shorts, tank top, new xmas gift hat, the Hubs, a route that turned out to be over a mile longer then intended, the adventure of stealing water.... all in all, it was a great xmas run. Now I'm going to go drink everything we own and take a shower.

Monday, dec 23- interval/ hill run

7.12 miles, 9:17 pace
7;40am start, 47 degrees- fartleks and small hills

My goal for this week, since I'm not working, is to increase my maintenance run miles so I can get used to doing longer runs during the week. I'm still in the low enough totals to get away with this and stay within my current range of capability. A couple weeks from now, doing this would probably be pushing too hard and risking injury. I'll do it now, then back off a little and build back up- hopefully this will make my tolerance a little higher without screwing up my training program. I hope I don't regret it. The bonus of doing this now- I can nap every damn day this week, and recharge. I'm pretty stoked about that.

This run incorporated both fartlek intervals and some small hills. It was nice to be able to hard charge a manageable hill and feel like I had kicked its ass a little. Of course, ultimately it is only my ass that gets kicked once its all done. Intervals always take some convincing- usually after I'm already running I talk myself into it somehow. I'm not sure how, 'cause I always hate it. Today felt good- I ran strong and well, and did almost a mile more then I had intended on doing (all before any food or hydration for the day) and completed it strong. This gives me high hopes for the upcoming days of having to do this distance AND go to work for 10-11 hrs. (can I just say a pre-emptive EW to that?)

I also had time to reflect on my progress again. Some days, while running, I have moments of appreciating the fact that I have a healthy working body that allows me to do this thing I am doing. I am always filled with such gratitude and pride. There are so many people who would love to be able to run and can not- so I try to revel in every creak, ache, groan, stitch, chafe, stride. It is a great honor to be able to try and strive and achieve anything. Today I took time to know that I have worked very hard to strengthen this body. Not just in the fact that there no longer is a jiggle with every step (although SO glad about that) or that I don't ache for days after each run, but also that I can achieve much more then I ever thought possible. I never would have thought I would become the person I have because of running, but I'm so glad I did.

I found this online, and I can not express how many days almost identical thoughts have gotten me out the door-

Saturday, Dec 21- Long run

10.37 miles, 9:52 pace
7:30am start, 43degrees- Long hills

As is the new norm, these long runs involve a long hill, many rolling hills, and some more hills. I'm not great at hills, but this run was much more steady, and not as torturous as last week-which is good considering I added 2 miles distance. Hills in my 'hood are not exactly crazy intense, but they are inarguable. Overall this run was really solid. I felt good and strong, and finished knowing I could have accomplished more if there had been need. You really can't ask for much more in a run then that. I think a key ingredient to things going well was a good night sleep (falling asleep cliche old person style at 8:30pm had a lot to do with that) and knowing that this was the first run of a work free week.

I was able to take a moment and appreciate how far I've come. When I started out running, I couldn't do ANYTHING while running- drink, eat, fix wardrobe, take off gloves, scratch my ass- anything. whenever anything that wasn't the rhythmic action of running had to occur, I had to stop and handle it, then start again. Now, after all these years, I can practically do my taxes without stopping. Of course, there are things you have to stop for- Stoplights, shoe fixes, and anything that requires taking off my fuel belt (such as removing my jacket, like I did today) but I'm become so much more fluent in the language of running. I'm really impressed with what I've become accustomed to.

I've also become accustomed to the boredom. Yes, I get bored. Just about every damn run gets boring. I mean, realistically, I run the same streets I've run for years, routes I've done before on some level or other, and I do it all 4 days a week. Music to listen to, or podcasts, helps- but mainly the trick has been to move past the boredom- let it happen, then move on, almost like an intersection- you hit it, it breaks your momentum for a moment, then you move thru it and continue on. That might be hard to understand if you've never experienced it, but I've gotten very good at it.

Thursday, Dec 19- maint. run

5.43miles, 9:57 pace
6:20am start, 50 degrees, potential for rain

So tired. This week has been crazy hours at work, and something every day after work making the days even longer, and the lack of energy has caught up with me. My running pace has taken a serious hit, and my effort level is reduced. This is the first time in a couple of years where my training has taken a major hit due to outside stress factors. This means a couple of things- A)my training has progressed to a level where I spend a lot of time at the edge of what I can currently maintain. B) I got really set in my ways at my last job and this new one is throwing me a bit.

It was also supposed to rain during this run, so I prepped myself- hair braided and hidden (my hair, wet, and running has a history of becoming an epic disaster), dressed in the right gear, etc. So of course, the rain held off until I was done. If I hadn't prepped that like it certainly would have rained all over me. I was glad for the reprieve, but it was still a dark and windy morning. My legs were still recovering from the earlier workouts, and my motivation was low. The most important thing was I got out there and got it done, and I didn't short change myself. I'm already looking forward to next week, when I'm off of work, and I have the chance to not only catch up with myself and life that has been set aside the past couple of weeks, but to push my running a little harder when I have day times to recover. If I can take that chance to push it a little to ease into the longer miles that are coming. I already know January is going to be a challenge I wasn't counting on- a hot mess at work, and adding miles which will take me to a level I haven't been to before.

Wednesday, Dec 18- Maintenance Run

6:10am Start, 55 degrees
5. 45 miles, 9:57 pace

Ugh- today was a run full of contradictions. I have sore tight hips from yesterday's workout at the gym ( I cross train 2/3 days a week on top of the running) since I'm trying to focus on strengthening my hill work muscles. This made me feel like I was working really hard when I wasn't actually getting much of anywhere. This pace does not reflect the effort I was putting in. Tight hips can sometimes make it feel like you're running thru mud. I also reversed my route, just to change things up, which made it a more mentally stimulating exercise- which usually speeds me up a bit. This morning, the first mile plus it sorta felt like it was getting even darker, which makes no sense as the sun was coming up, but it took about 30 min of the run before the sun crept up far enough to really influence the lighting.

So a dark, sore, slog of a run, but my upper body was finally doing what I wanted it to, which made my posture comfortable, and my breathing easier. The elbows stayed put, and the shoulders stuck to the Superman position (what I call my best posture position) like there was crazy glue involved. Beyond that- I went farther then I originally agreed to, with myself. I could have gone farther, but considering how my hips were doing overnight, it seemed best not to push it too far and risk messing them up even more.

Monday, Dec 16- Interval training

6:20am start- approx 55 (prob less) degrees
5.17 miles, 9:22 pace
fartlek training

Monday's are tough- after my one workout free day of the week ( sunday) it's hard to get myself motivated. That's why I've decided it will be my interval training day. I hate intervals. They are hard, and make you tired and you have to push yourself really hard. Why not do that on a day when I'm already totally angry at the run? This session was more successful then last week- I was able to accomplish more intervals, they weren't as much of a struggle (which means i have to try harder next time)and I felt more confident in it. There's something to doing the workout that you struggle with mentally as your first one of the week. It makes the rest of the line up in front of you seem more manageable.

I used a route that I use weekly- not exciting, but when I'm focused on other things- like the intervals- it helps to not really have to think about where your going. The one downside- I'm running past a donut hut RIGHT as they're pulling out the morning batch. That smell when I'm only 1.5 miles in is a version of torture. Now, I haven't eaten a donut in .... I don't even know how long, and I don't even really crave them, but when I'm running in the wee hours of the morning, and the smell of them is hot and fresh and sugary.... it's just mean.

Saturday, Dec 14- Long Run

6:30am start- approx 46 degrees
8.51 miles, 10:08 Pace
Long hill work

First time in a while I've committed to a long run thats comprised almost exclusively of hills. This will be the beginning of a normal thing- my long runs will all have hills in them now. This being the fist session in a while meant the pace was slowed down quite a bit. The huffing and puffing and chugging up a mile long hill, then turning a corner to have about another .5 of rolling, increasing hills.... its a tough thing to face both mentally and physically. This was a good run in that regard- I faced my nerves of hills head on, and was reminded that it is possible to conquer them, even if it a gets a bit ugly.

i know I had profound thoughts while on this run- things I wanted to write down, things i wanted to add to this- but i was too busy to get to writing it down right away, so they're gone.

Thurs, Dec 12- Maint Run

5.95 miles- 9:42 pace
6:10 start time, 45 degrees

Swim flippers were gone today- despite waking up 15 min before my alarm ( thanks bladder!) or maybe because of it, I felt pretty good this morning. Maybe not rushing thru prep and getting out the door is a better choice then those last 15 min of sleep.... something to ponder. I decided to add on some mileage- which I will most likely regret in my 2pm edit session (dark, cold room, squishy couch...) but it's good. I'm gonna be doing longer mid week runs soon enough, might as well start edgeing into it.

Finally gained a little control over my wayward elbows- a constant struggle- We were able to find a compromise with each other today. Also got my shoulders to stay put for longer- another constant struggle. But basically all things lined up much better today. Everything stayed in good shape until the last mile, when I was realizing I had to still walk the dogs, get ready, and be to work a little early. Those thoughts slowed me down- I blame the loss in pace to that. That, and hunger. Man, was I hungry today. Running thru hunger is a strange thing- you can't distract yourself from either state of affairs- and  one worsens the other.

Good thinking got done today too- I came up with possible solutions to a friends new dog problems, I got a plan for how to handle Saturdays demands on my time, and a few other small things- some of which I actually remembered when I was done. Sometimes my more brilliant moments running get lost at the finish.

Wednesday, Dec 11- maintenance run

5.2 miles- 49:26- 9:31pace
38 degrees- 6:20am start

Most important thing learned (or relearned) on this- roads that have a light layer of ice are less slick then sidewalks with the same layer. I spent a lot of time in the road this morning (despite almost getting hit in the first mile). I also took my time considering there was ice everywhere and I was in no mood to go down today.

Some runs feel light and easy, Some feel like you're running in swim flippers. Today was a swim flipper day. My Feet were heavy, my legs were incapable of coming off the ground, my hips were frozen. The cold certainly isn't helping the situation, but I think it was more a sleep issue. In the next couple of weeks, I'll be adding hills to these mid week runs, and I already know thats going to be slightly unholy. I'll be glad for it on marathon day, but not while it's happening. But I will do it.

The time is coming to also crack out the heaviest of my layers for these runs. I've been on level 5, with level 6 being as far as I go in SoCal. If I lived elsewhere I'd probably have up to a level 10 version of things. I'm glad I don't. I'm also glad I'm not having to fit these runs into a holiday travel schedule- I have no idea how I would work that. I'm sure I would find a way, but not having to work it out is saving me a lot of stress.

Monday, Dec 9- weekly training

5.7 miles- 9:19 pace
6:15 am, 35 degrees, Fartleks

Regular monday run, but man was it COLD. Windy and 35 is not my idea of a fun way to start the week. I had the right gear on, mostly, but it was still brisk as hell. Had to avoid a couple of icy patches on the sidewalks, and this was the first time ever that stopping at the lights was more painful then restful. The cold air hitting the sweaty parts was kinda awful. I helped/ hurt myself by doing fartleks and raising my temp, but also my sweat factor as a result.

I know I have a lot of these mornings in my future- and some of them will be downright painful, since the temp will dip even lower in the next few weeks. I just hope this all pays off come race day when it won't be quite so cold, and hopefully (dear running gods, please please please) not as wet.

Saturday, Dec 7- Double run

Santa Monica/ Venice Christmas formal run event (6th year)

10k- Cold (45), drizzly 7:30am start- Finished in 58:26- 9:24 pace
5k- cold (47), RAINING 9:15am start- finished in 30:02- 9:45 pace

I've done this event for many years- and in most years I have gained a PR at it. This year that was not the case. I also wasn't trying for a PR, since I wasn't really ready for the mileage. It was more my personal holiday tradition, gaining miles in my training plan, and just having a moment.  I did try to make sure I didn't slow down more then necessary though.

Making sure I was wearing the right gear was a challenge in these weather conditions- one moment I would be starting to over heat, then a gust of wet wind would come up and I was cold again. The second event, when it was REALLY raining was even more challenging- my rain gear kept me warm, but it also did not keep me dry (ironically) so I lost either way.

I do feel better about how I can handle 9.3 miles at this stage though. I was worried I wouldn't be able to make it, but my years of practice have proven my strength yet again.

and it begins....

After almost 7 years of running, 5 of which I would consider myself truly a Runner, I have added a new challenge to the calendar.

A Full marathon.

Yipe!

I've completed 11 half marathons and countless 5 & 10ks at this point. It seems like the right time to become a Marathoner, despite my utter fear and conviction that this is crazypantsinsanity.

I figured one way to keep motivated and maybe drag some folks along with me on this journey was to stat blogging about it. It might not always be interesting, it may just end up being a log of each training run and how it goes and what I go through. But if it gives me something to think about as I'm out  on the long runs, then it will have served its purpose.

I just started my training schedule last week- right after Thanksgiving. So far I haven't had to do anything that I haven't done a million times over for all my previous events. I did have to take more down time then I had intended between my last Half and the start of training. I had intended that time to be focused on speed and short spurts of work- intervals, fartleks, hills, etc. Instead that time was spent trying to heal another bout of plantar fasciitis which I'm convinced was agitated by a tight achilles tendon. After a month of babying my foot and only running once a week in events that went no longer then 10k, the time had come. Time to start this bitch.

The first week was pretty straightforward- I started with my 3 mid week runs, 2 were approx 5 miles each at no set pace. They both sucked, 'cause I was a bit out of practice, but it was manageable. The 3rd run was on a day where it started out drizzly, and then turned into a downpour. I wasn't really ready for that, so I shortened the run and only did 4.2 miles. It was a cold and really gross run. I got home and was so bone cold I didn't even walk the dogs before I left for work. Poor kiddos didn't get their morning wander, but honestly, neither was in a rush to get sopping wet anyway.

First week long run was 6 miles. The Hubby graciously decided to do it with me, and we tackled the Griffith Park hills route- something it seems every runner in LA has done a million times over, but I had never done. It is gnarly- a really long hill cut into sections of smaller hills- a loop of about 5.5 miles (we tacked a little on the end to hit my distance) half of which feels straight up. I was worried about it since my downtime had made me bad at hills again. In the end I did ok, and I look forward to tackling it again, but I did almost cry twice. The fear of people seeing me cry and run simultaneously is the only thing that stopped me. That and knowing the Hubby would say to me- "you can do this, its just a hill, let's get it done"- why make him do that when I can do it to myself?

This week was a bit better- despite my legs being less solid after those hills. Monday and Tuesday were both 4.8 miles days- and were heavy legged days as well. It all got done, but it wasn't pretty. I also wasn't sleeping well, which never helps. Today was a 5.7 mile day, and it was the coldest one yet- a start of 39 degrees. It's rare that I keep my gloves on for an entire run- usually I warm up and take them off. Not today buddy. Not today.

This weekend, my long run will get sidetracked a bit- but for the better. I'm taking part in a race I've done for 5 years- the Santa Monica/ Venice Christmas run. I will do both the 10k and 5k ( 45 ish min break between the 2) for a total of approx 9.3 miles. More then I need to do at this point, but for some reason I really love this event and want to do it every year. There's not even a medal, so I can't begin to tell you why I enjoy it so much.

I feel like I'm beginning this adventure, with a  half marathon coming up in a few weeks (it fit into the training schedule, and there IS a medal, so why not) which will be my first where I'm not trying to better myself, just logging the miles. Then January which will be epically messy at work AND the biggest build month of my training life.... There is a lot to come that scares me, and intrigues me, and I just hope my legs can handle all this work I'm about to put them through.