Day 14247, & the only thing longer than a marathon is this post...

So, I think it is safe to say that we all knew I was under trained for the Malibu Marathon.

It's not like I didn't have a plate full of excuses, beginning with excessively scorching heat this summer and ending with the termination of a key employee in the restaurant 3 weeks prior to the race. Throw in a couple of injuries along the way and I rest my case.

I have to admit that I briefly considered cancelling this trip, particularly after a few unnecessary google searches. After months of planning and mediocre training, along with the fact that I'm not one to pass up a plane trip, I decided to give it a shot, no matter how great the chance of death.

Well, since I am writing this, you can all rest easy. I didn't die. And, at no point did I really want to die, outside of a few moments where, in my mind, I thought death might be preferable to the embarrassment I thought was imminent.

To recap... I flew to LA last Friday, I turned 39 last Saturday, and what else? Oh yeah,


I completed my first full marathon last Sunday!

Notice I said I completed a marathon. I did not say, nor do I mean to imply that I ran 26.2 miles. What I did do though was make the most of the situation. After all, if you find yourself in the middle of a marathon course, with a race number, in a beautiful setting, at 8 in the morning? You might as well knock it out, right?

Jumping back, I should have known the cards were stacking up against me. I completed the Murfreesboro Half 5 weeks ago. Sure it was a PR and also a very nice negative split. It was also a positive sign that my knee issues were a thing of the past. I ran the 13.1 without any sign of injury. And then I stretched and tried to stand up...

Anyway, in an effort to distance myself from this recurring case if self-diagnosed runner's knee, I knocked out a couple weeks of much lighter training than I had intended. I had planned an 18 and a 20 miler after the half, but the knee decided that wasn't going to happen. So, I did a few 10s, a 12, and a whole lot of 6s...

I also tried to incorporate some cross training. Note: do not change your routine, however one dimensional, right before you are trying something new like a marathon. Bad.idea.

I am quite certain I strengthened my upper legs. Too bad there wasn't time for that to be of assistance. In fact, I would venture to guess that it threw off my form, leaving my legs with nothing other than: WTF do you want us to do???

Point of the story? I was not prepared.

I should have know this on Thursday of last week when the signs started appearing all around me.

I got a call on Thursday morning: "Hello, this is Delta Airlines calling to inform you that one of your flights has been cancelled on November 12th." Yes, that was fun. I ended up spending 2 hours of my day trying to rebuild an itinerary similar to the one that was completely blown apart at the last minute. Well, it was not so much blown apart; I'm just very particular about my flight choices. This is clearly the result of being spoiled by growing up in an airline family.

Next sign? My room at the LAX Hilton on Friday night was located on the 13th floor. Granted, I didn't even notice this omen until I checked out; still though, 13 is 13.

I probably didn't take notice of the 13th floor business because I was so excited about my room facing the runways at the airport. While most would probably find this annoying, I could sit and watch planes take off and land all day long. Yes, I am a dork. I admit it. So much so that I was even excited to get this shot of the new United/Continental paint job.

So, after a morning of coffee and plane watching, I headed off to the expo. I found my way to the PCH fairly easily and made good time to Zuma Beach in Malibu to pick up my packet.

For such a small race, 600 full marathon runners, everything at the expo took forever. I had to wait for my packet, I had to wait for my shirt (which I also had to pay for), and I had to wait to buy my parking ticket. I had not planned to drive to the beach the next morning, as I was staying by the start, but I had happened to inquire about buses from the finish. No buses, despite the website's promise of transport. There were only buses in the morning TO the start line. Oh.OK...

Standing in the middle of a very crowded parking lot, I had to quickly change my hotel plans for the night and find a place to stay that would be convenient to the bus pickup. Thank you, Mr Jobs and iPhone.

Still up to speed? Sign number 3...

From expo, I drove back through Malibu and Santa Monica to make my way to my newly booked destination of Agoura Hills (think Agrestic from Showtime's Weeds) I checked into the Hampton Inn, double checked my directions for the morning, and then began my google search for dinner.

Do you have any idea how depressing it is to eat dinner at the Macaroni Grill alone, on your birthday, at 4pm, at the bartender-less bar, in suburbia? Yes, that will be a memory I treasure always. 2 entrees later, I made it back to the hotel, stopping for water and OJ, along with a PowerAid for the run.

In bed by 7, asleep by 7:30. My plan to stay in the central time zone seemed to work out OK. Getting up at 3 wasn't that difficult. I woke up, had a Clif Bar and some OJ, made coffee, and applied sunscreen THREE TIMES. As I never got a sunburn, I assume this plan worked. Or, perhaps I sealed the sunscreen in after using Body Glide everywhere...

I was checked out of the hotel and on my way by 4:15. The only disappointment of the drive was that it was still pitch black outside and I couldn't see what was beyond all of the residential gates on Kanan Rd. I was probably one of the first 20 cars in the parking lot. I gathered up my gear, decided to leave my phone in the car, and made my way to finish some other business. Note to Zuma Beach management: if you are going to rake in $8 per car at 4am, please unlock the public restrooms. It is very difficult to use a port-a-john in the dead of night...

Stretching on the fence, waiting for the buses with everyone else, I noticed how amazing the sky was over the Pacific. Apparently, CA does have a lot of stars and I could have counted all of them in the time we all waited for the shuttles. Because they were parked up the street.

One might have thought that someone would have noticed no runners present for the bus ride to the race. Apparently not. Once we spotted them, we made our way up the road, loaded up, and my bus was the first to head off to the start line. Oddly, it was the last to arrive, as our driver got lost. Poor guy. I am quite sure that getting yelled at by 30 anxious runners is no way to begin your day.

Getting lost on the way to the race? That would be sign number 4...

On the upside, staying on the bus allowed a tiny nap, time for another Clif Bar, and a bit of heat. It was in the low 50s until sunrise, and I had left my sweater in the car. Spending over an hour at the start would have been a bit chilly. On arrival, I spent 20 minutes stretching and wandered about, listening in on everyone's conversations, found a water station. I felt rested. I felt confident. I felt ready.

The race was pretty small, as said, 600 registered for the full. After the start, which consisted of a lady yelling "GO!" I was off at a very conservative pace. My plan was to run with the 4:30 pace group, but there were no pace groups, despite having been told otherwise. Meh. I just tried to hold a steady 9:15-9:30 pace. That was tough and would catch myself falling below 9:00 quite a bit over the first few miles. By about mile 4, I had it down.

It was smooth sailing from there. The miles and miles of farmland. The sun rising over the California hills. All quite nice. As the scenery grew a bit tiresome, I knew I had the coastline to look forward to. As I ran those first 5 to seven miles, however, I began to notice some discrepancies with the elevation chart I had been studying all the months prior. I should have noticed a 2 mile uphill start, followed by a 2 mile gentle downhill. Nope. Never saw that. In fact, it just seemed as if I had been running up the natural, uphilly, flat that I am used to at the greenway. Hummm...

I would say it was somewhere around mile 7 that I first noticed it. It was a familiar sort of spasm in my right calf. Nothing painful. And It went right away. Didn't even hurt really, but I knew. I knew it was coming.

And, as expected, by mile 8, my knee was beginning to get stiff. Again, nothing too painful. Just enough to get me nervous. I started thinking about the fact that I was almost a third the way done. I started trying to imagine the pain, if it multiplied itself by three over the next 18 miles. No problem. After all, I didn't travel 3000 miles to quit a marathon.

This line of thinking should have been adequate. The only problem with it was that by mile 9 the pain was four times worse than it had been. Quickly realizing that I could be looking at pain 72 times as bad by the finish, I began to think through my exit strategy. What would I say if I quit? Who would I tell? Could I just tell Jay to contact everyone I know and explain that we would NEVER speak of the marathon again? Maybe I could just post "Knee pain. Quit." as my status update on Facebook.

Yes. One of these options will be my plan. So, I just had to find someone to quit to. Having never quit a race before, I had no idea what to do. Should I flag down a passing police car? Should I tell the water station volunteers? Either way, probably fine. Apparently, as I decided this at about mile 10, I was heading into an unmanned stretch of race, leading up to the half marathon start. I didn't see anyone to quit to. For miles...

Just keep running. Just keep running. Just keep running. It was like Ellen DeGeneres was on infinity loop in my head. Quite annoying, but I shuffled my way to the half. And then, along the way, my iPod caught my attention.

I never would have thought that Nine Inch Nails would prove to be an inspiring running selection. I had put it in my playlist at 5am on departure day, just feeling like I needed it. I opted out of the JC version, as it makes me sad. Thinking back, had I gone with Cash, I might have quit. But, as things were, I decided I was going to finish. I might be walking the next 13.1 miles, but I was getting that damned medal and my beach towel. And I wasn't going to quit and I wasn't going to worry about how to play that off. I was just going to walk.

The decision not to quit was huge for me. Aside from the fact that I am not generally a quitter, I am also not one to handle embarrassment with grace. I was relieved to avoid these two horrors. I was still a bit stressed though. I had told Brian and Stacey to be at the finish around 11, as I expected to run 4:00-4:30. I had no phone. I had no way to let them know I was going to be a tad bit late. I was freaking out, as I also don't tend to handle being perceived as an inconvenience.

Finally, after much race stalking, I happened upon a stranger with her phone out. I don't think I could have asked to borrow it any more nicely. I guess she was just taken back by my charm, or the fact that I was basically grabbing it out of her hand as I asked. Oh well. I said please. I sent Jay a text, from a stranger's phone, explaining that he needed to text another stranger that the race wasn't going well and I would be 5+ hours but that I would be finishing. I thanked the lady and I walked on. Jay apparently forgot it wasn't my phone that texted him. He told the lady he loved her...

Now that I had handled all of my obligations, I set out to enjoy myself. Being in the back half of the pack, I found myself enjoying the company of the other shufflers, as we passed one another repeatedly over the next few hours.

"We're going to finish. We getting a damned medal! That's right! A medal and a sunburn will be ours in a few short hours!"

"You know, this hill would really be pissing me off right now if I was running. Glad I don't have to do that!"

Yes, apparently I am quite the conversationalist when I have given up and thrown my arms in the air.

And, it was Malibu. It was ridiculously pretty. I saw whales, dolphins, surfer boys. Really? If you are going to walk the second half of a 26 miles race, you could pick a worse place to do it.

I tried to run the uphills. I tried to run the flats. I knew better than to try the downhills. I had no idea what to do fuel-wise on my walk. I just stayed with the plan. One GU every 7-8 miles. Water at every other stop. Stayed with the plan until I got bored again, that is.

I'd never tried a Lava Gel before. I had never tried coconut water while training (just before and after). I probably should have opted out of trying them at mile 20-22. Meh. Why not?

Well, I will tell you why not. Because something caused cramping. Because by mile 24, when I thought I could pull a sub 5:00 finish out of this comedy of errors, I was no longer hindered by my knee. It was my entire abdomen. I would try to run and then I would promptly feel like John Hurt in Alien.

I couldn't maintain a jog to save my life. Too.much.pain. The good news though? I was still sweating. Dehydration was certainly not going to take me out. No sir. Not me. Cause I'm the idiot who failed to realize that he was going to have to knock out a run to the finish line, regardless of what his knee felt about it.

I would venture to guess that the last mile of the course was the most painful 10 minutes of running I have ever experienced. And it was not for any of the reasons I would have expected. It wasn't the knee, it wasn't "the wall," it wasn't the fact that the 2.5 mile downhill finish that was advertised had a series of tiny uphills hidden in it.

It was painful because I felt the need to finish with a bit of dignity. I felt like I had to finish like I started.

I felt like I had to pass everyone that I saw for the next 10 minutes. And I certainly had to pass EVERYONE I saw in the chute.

And I did...

There was no clock at the finish. Well, I am sure there was, but I didn't see it. And, I forgot to stop Garmin as I crossed the finish (always forget that one!) I had no idea what my time was and I really didn't care!

I finished!

And again, I reiterate, I finished in one of the most picturesque settings in the world...

Now is probably just as good a time as ever. I'm running the GA Marathon on March 20, 2011. Key word, running...

Day 14223, & looks like chondromalacia of the patella...

So, I know that I was going to blog all about my marathon training.

Which road was rumored to be paved with good intentions?

Well, summer sucked. I don't do heat. Mentally, I hate heat. Physically, it would seem that my body isn't too fond of 90 degrees, either.

Then there was work. The never ending battle to be in control of my life has been a rough one, most recently plagued with some managerial drama that threatens my schedule every day. People often tell me how lucky I am to own my own business and dictate my own schedule. Ha ha! Mine is a schedule dictated by the whims of others, never by me...

And, let us not forget my new found activism. I just can't imagine where all the time goes. At least I don't have children.

Excuses, excuses...

Well, not really. A million things have gotten in the way of training. When does life ever go the way you plan it? Rarely, at best. We just have to trudge through the shit and move forward. I think I have done a pretty good job of that recently. I even ran my second half marathon last week, shaving 20 minutes of my previous time. It was a good race, despite my resolve to run it, as opposed to racing it. Sub 2 hours, check. Sub 9 minute miles, check? And I accomplished this while recovering from injury, again. A week of rest and my legs were good as new. The entire run felt great and it felt easy. Immediately, post run, however...

I did it though. I ran a strong run with a negative split. I finished ahead of the middle of the pack and I did it without really pushing too hard. While I stretched after, I tried to envision myself running the entire course again. Would I have the strength? How miserable would that feel? Seemed like something I could do, particularly if the reward was a breathtaking view of the California coastline and the promise of 26.1 beers with friends. Yeah, I can do it. Maybe not sub 4:00, but certainly sub 4:30.

And then, post stretching, I tried to stand up and walk.

So, yeah, I think I have runner's knee.

It started a several weeks ago in my left knee, but it went away pretty quickly. Two weeks ago, it returned in my right knee and seems to be settling in for a long, unwelcome stay.

I know what you're saying. Where did you study medicine? I answer with a simple: at the Google. You might also be saying, if you are one of those people, that it is only a matter of time and I am bound to screw my knees up with all the running. Well, maybe so, but I can't imagine a more serious issue would jump from one knee to the other. Additionally, I am guilty of all of the infractions listed as causes. And the symptoms? Dead on...

Meanwhile, I have 22 days until the marathon, my first. I am not going to miss it. The plane ride alone is worth the trip. I don't expect any possible circumstance beyond this coincidental equipment repositioning that will get me on Delta's 777LR. After all, Dubai is not on my itinerary. I need to run to justify my training, but I also need to justify the trip.

What to do... Three weeks. Let's see. Well, 7-10 days of that will be spent on the taper, leaving 12-15 days to train. Yesterday's planned 10 miles ended at an abrupt 8 because of the knee, resulting in a 2.5 mile walk home. The solution seems quite clear, and quite unappealing.

Elliptical machine.

No!!!

Looks like I will be going to the gym and spending countless boring hours on the sleep inducing, life sucking, elliptical trainer.

What doesn't kill me makes me stronger?

Hope so...

Day 14084, & I might have something to say...

So, It has been a really long time since I posted anything to this blog. As I have mentioned before, it seems that many blogs have been neglected over the last year or two. And while I am sure that we could do a psychological study on the effects of recession on one's creative endeavors, I'm just glad to know it's not just me...

Meanwhile, I have news.

I registered for my first full marathon. I will be running the Malibu International Marathon on November 14th, 2010. Yes, the day after my 39th birthday, I will be running this:

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Those hills look rough, especially after you've just run 20 miles. That would be the glass half empty attitude that I have been trying to break myself from. I am actually looking at this elevation chart and thinking that there is a little downhill reward after each of those inclines, not to mention a really long 2.2 miles downhill finish. See? Me? Half full...

I have to admit, I picked this marathon for a silly reason or two. First, it is in California. Good excuse to go west. Second, California, and LA specifically, will require a nice plane ride. Remember, I do love a nice long airplane flight. So, I redeemed A SHITLOAD of Delta miles for this:

This equipment is only used domestically on a few transcontinental flights. Since I don't see myself flying to Asia any time soon, I figured I'd take advantage of the opportunity. Plus, since Jay typically hates to fly, this provided him a bit more incentive to accompany me. After all, imagine what people would say about him if he didn't bother to cheer me on, witness my first marathon finish, or be there to collect my remains? Whatever the case, he's going...

On to the real reasons for this choice.

First, it is the day after my birthday. Ideally, it would have been the day before, but the marathon planners did not consult me. I would have preferred to complete a marathon at age 38 versus 39. Oh well. Plus, as I was born in Southern California, it only seems appropriate that I visit again for such an achievement. That way, if I die during the run, you all will be able to romanticize the story for all of your friends. I'm kind of selfless like that.

Secondly, there is the elevation chart. It is intriguing to me. The rise is nearly 200 feet and the hills are miles long. I don't even know what to think of that jagged, razor-like middle 10 miles. At the end of the day though, who doesn't want a 2 mile downhill finish, complete with airplane arms and all?

Most importantly, I picked it because I have plenty of time to train. I started with 6 months of time. I still have 161 days. I can allow for very gradual mileage increases, occasional cutbacks, and even a possible minor injury or two. What I have learned in the last two and a half years of running is that no matter how much I love the long run, it always hurts me. Too much, too soon. Apparently, the Hanson Brothers have discussed it extensively. Based on every injury I've had, It would appear that they are correct. No run should be more than 30% of my total weekly mileage. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

So, yeah, I am back at this blogging thing, for a bit anyway. Up until now, I have consistently used the "no time" excuse to justify my neglect. I have often used that same excuse to skip a run.

No more time for excuses...

Day 13426, & happy birthday, Esther...

So, one of the top 5 women in entertainment turned 50 today...

This was 2 years ago.

Yeah, I was right there, next to the horsey.  Believe me, nothing jiggled.  She is amazing hot!

Meanwhile, we have exhibit B.

"Karate, Karate, put your hands all over my body..." (Should be funny to only one person, I think...)

This birthday observation is interesting why? Besides, that it just is?

Because today, it just so happened that the Olympics' Women's Marathon was won by a 38 year old woman, setting a new age record.  And, you know what?  Her name is Dita.  And you know what else?  She is the fucking mistress tonight!!!

Congrats to Romania and to Constantina Tomescu-Dita, with a freakish pace under 5:45!

And also, snaps to Radcliffe for her finish.  I haven't even been able to start.

And, of course, Happy Birthday, Madge!  Can't wait to see you soon, from the 16th row! Twice!

Hugs and birthday/marathon winning beers, bitches!

Day 13415, & quite a few other days, too...

So, if running details bore you, then this isn't the post for you.

After being sidelined for a bit after July's 10K, it took me awhile to get back into the routine of my training. Once my leg stopped giving me trouble, it got hot and our manager left town for 8 days. Any change in my routine always seems to throw me off. Having to close the restaurant at night and still get up early to beat the heat? Not a good way to prepare for a run. I like sleep. I require a minimum of 7 hours on average.

As a result, I have a new friend. Mr. Tread Mill. I used to find the gym runs to be dull. Now, with highs in the mid 90s, I think they are quite, well, cool.

Now, I still manage to get out on the street, but I try to get that started in the mornings, no later than 7. If I can't drag myself out of bed by 6:15, then forget about an outdoor run. Suddenly, I am beginning to understand why all the marathons are in the non-summer months.

Anyhow, I used up all my free weeks. Now, if I really want to run the Chickamauga Full in November, I have to keep with the program. This is discipline that I don't really have. I have really enjoyed running. I am enjoying it less as something required. Again, as I have said before, things are not as enjoyable when they are mandatory.

I am managing to push through the hard days. It is proving more difficult to hold back sometimes on the "rest" days but I am. All said though, I am still having trouble getting into the middle to upper portion of the weekly mileage ranges of my schedule.

I am not a fan of the bare minimum...

So, my runs have been decent. I still haven't learned how to used my Polar watch properly on the indoor runs. I need to read the instructions so that I can retrieve the info afterwards. Needless to say, I just get home and write the mileage down, with little other info. This is proving to be beneficial. I am becoming a little less obsessed with pace and time. I am learning and working on endurance and stamina. I trust that speed will come on its own, with help from hills and my plan.

Week 16 (2 weeks ago) was a bit of a wipe out, for the reasons outlined at the start of this post. I had a great tempo run and a decent long run of 12.5 through Nashville. I totaled out at 28.5 though, due to 2 days of no running. What can I say? I was tired and I was busy.

Week 15 (last week) was much better:

Monday- 3 miles, treadmill, slow and easy (rest day)

Tuesday- 8 miles, treadmill, interval, averaged around 9:00 pace

Wednesday- 6.7 miles, treadmill, hill level 8

Thursday- 5 miles, Greenway, supposed to be tempo, but I ran outta gas after 3 miles and ended at a 10:00 overall pace

Friday- 3 miles, treadmill, easy

Saturday- 13.1 miles, 9:30-ish pace (10:00 with stops) medium hilly city run. I was going for 15, but failed to adjust my route properly. And face it, after 13.1 miles, in the heat, how am I going to run past my house to tack on more miles?

Sunday- 3 miles, slow and easy neighborhood run

Total- 41.8 miles

I am still questioning whether or not I am doing my interval and tempo runs correctly; but, I assume that I am going to benefit from the way I am doing them, regardless of their correctness.

This week is going to be OK, I think. The temperature is going to drop tomorrow and it looks like this Saturday's long run is going to be in the mid to high 60s. Anything under 90 is fine. Anything under 80?

Freakin' fantastic!!!

Day 13374, & I might have seen the wall come down...

So, just to be clear, the wall I referred to in the last post was not only in reference to running. Sure, the analogy was inspired by running. Sure, it was on my mind, as I has just listened to Clay talk about his bad run last week.

All true, but...

My wall was much, much bigger. It was a work wall, home wall, life in general wall, and yes, also a running wall.

Now, in order, I will quickly tell you about each:

We designed our restaurant concept to be fairly recession-resistant. We did not design it to be George W Bush-135.00 a barrel- mortgage crisis- real estate is in the tank- recession- resistant. Who can do that? Well, apparently The Cheesecake Factory can, which is ridiculously annoying. Nuff said.

On the home front... Well... Let's just say that Jay and I do not compartmentalize our feelings very well. Just close your eyes and imagine working with your significant other, full time, in a public setting... OK? How is that dream working out for you? Moving on.

On the topic of life in general... It's just hot! I don't like being sweaty. Well, I don't like it when all I am doing is getting the mail. Sweaty, in general, is just not pretty. Note: there are a few exceptions to this rule that I need not explain...

Finally, on the running front, I did indeed hit a wall last Saturday. My planned 12 mile run turned into a very poor 6 miles at a 10:13 pace. And, here's why...

A. I had been on what I am only able to reconstruct as a 20 day stretch of running activity. I realize that I should probably have taken a rest day or two in there, but I didn't, until last Thursday (due to work related traumas) and Friday (again, due to work related traumas)...

B. As I was running by anyway, Jay made me stop at the restaurant to see him on my long run. Stopping is never a good idea. Stopping for 10 minutes? Insane...

Regarding stopping, I give you my new nemesis...








So, yes, I did hit the wall with the running, too.

Maybe, I do need to run another race. I had planned the 4th of July 10K here, and a 10 mile race in the Adirondacks. Now, however, I am going out west to Dodge City, Kansas to see my grandmother on her 94th birthday. I am sure the blog posts will be entertaining and frequent on this trip...

I had picked out a few other races, but then I registered for the Murfreesboro 1/2 on Oct 11th. That screwed up a number of the planned races. Oops! Time for a calendar... I am now on a search for some training races. Training races, you say? Why yes, I did...

I think I have picked my first marathon. In fact, I started a 16 week rookie training schedule on Monday. I should be ready for the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon by the end of October, allowing some inevitable adjustments to my training regimen.

All said, I need some 10Ks, 20Ks, 10 milers, and 1/2 marathons to choose from. All should be close to Nashville (3-4 hour driving radius), as I will also be opening that new restaurant in September...

I picked a hell of a time to start running...

Our water plants bloomed today...

Whatever it takes to smile, right?

Day 13363, & it's all about the little things...

So, first of all...

This is my favorite one, I think.  Genius, I tell you.  Better than Apple commercials, maybe...

This was my morning, as I had a training session and had to go to the gym on this beautiful morning.  I was VERY jealous of the runners I passed on my way.

The rest of the week looks good.  Morning temperatures in the 60s.  Yea!

I registered for my first half marathon today.  Now, it might not be my first half marathon that I will run, but it is my first that I have registered to run.

Murfreesboro 1/2 on October 11th.  Not too glam, but limited to 2000, and right down the road, sort of...

I have found a race to run each month between now and November.  Good practice in my training, so I read.

I am trying to figure out which marathon to shoot for in November, but I don't want it to be too close to the Rocket City on December 13th.  My dad is telling me I don't want flat terrain.  "Too much running with the same muscles!!!"  So, I guess I need a mildly hilly, cool climate, not too far from the south, 30+ days before 12/13 marathon.  That might be harder to find than it will be to run...

Nat, maybe we will just run the next one together... After you get the sub 3:30, I won't feel so worried.

Meanwhile, back to the world of extra gay, look what I got in my email today...

I can only HOPE this is close to the real set list!

Dress You Up, for the first time since I was a wee tot of 13, seeing The Virgin Tour...

Let's just see it again, ok?

FYI, I think I am the 3rd one getting out of the station wagon...

The 80s were really a sight to see, huh?  She used a couple gay dancers, versus a dozen lesbianese ones... Madge is such a trendsetter, a chameleon, really...

Day 13360, & I might stick with this running thing...

So, at the risk of being repetitive, here is a quote from an email I sent out in January of '08:

Me, run? Is that you competing with my sarcasm? As I work on my feet all day, I don't want to risk my knees and ankles on such an unpleasant activity. I have only been working out for 8 months of the last 20 years, so I still have some work ahead of me. Plus, it was exercise, or cut back on the beer. There was no thought needed.

That is how I genuinely felt about running. Now, I had no basis for this, other than the fact the my dad used to make me run. Everyone knows that if something is required, then it is bad. You know, like income taxes, property taxes, breeder sex, building permits, etc, etc... Similarly, I still refuse to pick up sticks in my own yard; this chore, as I explained to Jay years ago, will be his for eternity. Jay, just be glad that there are not also pine cones to worry about...

Once I started running, I felt more like this:


But then, like this:


Today, though, I feel like this:


When I got up this morning at 6:20, it was 68 degrees and overcast. I has all morning to enjoy my run. Yesterday was an easy 6 mile treadmill run (when I went outside to run yesterday morning, it was so muggy that I just "ran" to the car and drove to the gym...) These three factors apparently created the perfect storm.

I ran 10.42 miles today. I ran from my house to the northeast trailhead of the greenway (4 miles, hilly,) I ran the greenway to the southwest end (4 miles, flat,) and finished by running back to my house (2.4 miles, hilly.) I would say that I did this at a 9:30 pace, but I made 2 stops along the way and forgot to tell Garmin, who says my run was 1:42:ish overall.

My point, if I had one, would be that I am ready to run a 20K or a half marathon anytime now. It just took me a minute to get over the fear of distance. I am still worried about speed, but I am starting to focus my efforts in that direction. I also think that I need a running partner to push me in that direction. I think I could do 8:30 if I had someone to follow (Clay, are you reading this?) Then I can worry about 8 minute miles. (Mind you, I can run 8 minute miles now. I just can't do more than a few of them in a row. I also require the treadmill to keep my pace for me.)

I don't have my log with me, but I am guessing my week was something like:

Monday- Nothing, or maybe the treadmill...
Tuesday- 2.5 treadmill, 1 hour pilates, yoga, stupid Swiss ball
Wednesday- 8.3 miles, hilly street
Thursday- 1.5 miles treadmill, 1 hour upper and lower weights, and core
Friday- 6 miles, treadmill, with "hills" (level 5)
Saturday- 10.42 miles, hilly, flat, hilly
Sunday-I am not doing jack...

So, pretty close to 30 miles for the week. I actually feel certain that I did run Monday, but I can't remember where or how much. If so, it would knock me over 30 miles for the week. I never felt like I was pushing. That being the case...

I think I am going to train for a full in November. I certainly don't see anything wrong with throwing the option out there. The worst that could happen?

A girl can always change her mind...

Oh yeah, and can somebody please tell Jay to let me buy a bike...

Addendum, a tribute...

To Nat and Charlie, and all those they didn't leave behind...

Congrats to those that finished! I can't wait to be one of you...

Day 13315, & Part Two, aka you bitches crazy!!!

So, when when we left off, I had just seen Nat and Charlie at mile 20 and I had just tried to catch up with Fishstick without maiming any small children in the process.  I failed... to catch up with Fishstick, that is.

She finished her 1/2 7 minutes better than her goal, 2:13!

Congrats to Fishstick!

It took about 15 minutes to navigate the crowd to find her.  Eventually, she talked me through it and I found her.  She and I made our way over to the finish to wait for Nat and found a good spot on the fence about 100 yards from the mat.

This was my first time watching a marathon.  I have to say it is quite inspirational.  It is easy to get caught up with the cheers from the crowd while appreciating the runners' achievements.

We had to wait about 15 minutes for Nat and Charlie to round the corner.  This allowed for 15 minutes of:

"Is that Natalie? Is that Charlie? There's a guy in red..."

God bless Fishstick...

Nat and Charlie, and Preston, came in right at 4:00.  Unfortunately, Nat was plagued with discomfort for most of the race.  That said, I have to say, 26.2 miles in four hours is pretty great, let alone with GI issues.  It was nice of Charlie to hang in there with Nat.  I hope that when I make it to marathon level, somebody is there to make me finish.

Anyway, Stick and I set out through the crowds again in search of Nat.  Then I got the text:

 "Beer...Shower!"

We found her at the NB tent.  Despite our worries, well ok, our incredible fear, her mood was good and we hung out a few minutes while she stretched, chatted with Preston (sans wife, again) and motivated ourselves for the walk back to the car.  With all the streets closed, it made for an extra mile or so added onto the 13.1 and 26.2.  And at least it allowed me some degree of exercise for the day.

Back at the house, the girls got ready for the beer part of the day.  I would say that this is when things started to change...

Upon arrival at 3 Crow Bar, we found Preston and his wife at a table and joined them.  Nat and Stick got some food and we all enjoyed some beverages.  I should also mention that it was at this table that I noticed several of the other marathoners staring our way.  I wasn't sure why until one finally approached to confirm that Natalie had indeed run the full.  Apparently, people have trouble believing you when you show up to the bar in heels, looking perfect, 2 hours after running 26 miles.

After Preston and wife departed, we made our way over to the bar and settled in.  

Jay joined us for a bit.  After a few drinks, he headed back home.  He even stopped off at the local gallery and bought me a present.  Note: I have been eyeing this painting for about 5 months.  I have absolutely no idea what sparked this impulse buy, but I am not going to complain.  Pretty...

We stayed at the bar.  I would say this was when things started to get ugly...

It all seemed calm at first...

We all seemed to be having a perfectly adult afternoon...

Natalie even too time out to lecture Lil' Bit on the dangers of smoking...

And Stick did a GREAT job of photographing every aspect of the day...

So, I have absolutely no idea what time we left the bar.  I do know that the tab was big.  I know that apparently I drank a lot.  Apparently, I drank 11 pints of beer.  And, apparently, while having trouble rounding up my companions, I threw my arms in the air as exclaimed "Let's go, bitches!"

Also, apparently, I was forced to run out and stop Nat and Stick from just wondering out into the street.  The walk home was fun, silly, and a bit insane.  Those pictures are on Nat's camera.  Ask her about them.

We stopped at the house to see if Jay wanted to go get dinner with us.  Fishstick decided that she and Nat should drink some vodka.  And then...

I have no idea what prompt adults to act like children...

But I am guessing it has something to do with drinks.

We made it around the corner to the restaurant, and I told the server we needed food immediately.  This was the one fact that I clearly understood.  Things seemed to calm down incredibly over the course of dinner.  Food, yes, food always helps...

I think that we were much better off on the walk back home...

OK, maybe we were not even the slightest bit better.

Sunday morning I thought I was going to die.  Instead, we all decided to go for a run.  As expected, Nat kicked my butt.  Yes, even after running 26 miles, the girl still runs 4 miles in 30 minutes.  I would hate her if she weren't so sweet.  Stick decided that a run wasn't that appealing and took a nature walk instead.

Brunch was nice.  It seemed to alleviate any residual hangover symptoms that hadn't been conquered by the run.  We headed home, they packed up, and headed back to Atlanta.  

Nat and Fishstick are quite a pair.  While I don't think I could handle another weekend anytime soon, I would venture to say that this was the most fun I have had in a long long time!

Actually, you two are welcome anytime.  Stick, I will tell my folks that they are entertaining at Christmas!

Day 13313, & a weekend with Nat and Fishstick, Part One

So, you know how it can be awkward to see someone for the first time in 15 years?  You don't know what to expect.  You don't know what you are going to talk about. You don't know what you still have in common... Etc, etc...

And, you know how it can be awkward to have to spend a weekend with the friend of a friend? You don't know this person.  You don't know what to talk about. You don't want to offend them inadvertently, etc, etc...

Yeah, well none of that was an issue this weekend...

I only had to work lunch on Friday, as I had planned for the weekend.  Nat and Fishstick arrived around 2:30.  I went home to change and then drove back to meet up with them at the expo.  I was afraid to find parking, so I parked at LP and walked over the pedestrian bridge.  Wow, that bridge is LONG!!!  Anyway, after many texts, I found the girls at the convention center and we went to get them some lunch.  After much frustration over the fact that I NEVER go downtown, we settled on Merchant's for lunch.  As I was only having a beer for lunch, I was fine with whatever was decided.

I had never met Stick before.  In fact, I was a bit nervous about spending a weekend with Nat and Co.; it had been sooooo long since I had seen Nat, let alone getting to know a complete stranger...

Well, maybe not a complete stranger.  Apparently, Stick's dad, George, is golfing buds with my dad, Weazel.  And, apparently, Stick has been in my parents' new house, possibly more recently than I.   And, apparently, Stick really hit it off with my stepmother when they all celebrated George's last birthday.  So, ok, maybe not a total stranger...

Anyway, Friday was a bit subdued, as the girls had to get to bed early for the race.  After their lunch, we headed back to the car to get my car and off to the house we went.  Dropped of their stuff, they met Jay. Jay got a pot from Nat (see last post--thanks Nat... and Lala) idle chit chat, and off to dinner we went.

We were meeting Charlie for dinner.  Charlie and Nat are blog friends but had never met before.  Note: also a bit strange to me at first, but whatever...I am, after all hosting an old girlfriend for the marathon, so really, what is too strange???  Turns out, Charlie was in the Navy like Weazel (who's name is also Charlie, btw) and is a really nice guy.  

I have to mention my favorite part of dinner.  While we sat at the bar before going to the table, Nat was approached.  "Excuse me, is your name Nat?  I recognized you from your blog." She is famous?  Stick and I were amused, jealous, and a bit annoyed at her fame... Anyway, Preston was nice, even though he left his wife alone at their table for like 15 minutes while he talked runnin' with the folks at the bar.

My other favorite part of the evening?  DG's commentary on the evening: "You know, runner people are crazier than Lord of the Rings people..." I have soooo much to look forward to!

Dinner was great and we all had fun.  We finished up and headed home at about 9 so those running could get some sleep, as well as those who were driving those who were running.

5 AM, nothing better.  Actually, it was fantastic to wake up to the smell of coffee.  Jay doesn't ever start coffee in the morning.  I drove them to the start just as the rain let up.  Sadly, a result of the coffee being ready, I was unable to go back to sleep after the drop off.  So, I got some laundry done, ran the dishwasher, paid some bills.  I hopped on the interweb to stalk their progress and then made my way down to Nat's mile 20 (Stick's finish) at about 9:45.  Perfect timing...

Just as I walked past the 20 mile mark, Charlie and Nat appeared at the bottom of the bridge. Unfortunately, action shots were not a possibility as Nat was having issues with GU.  I got some pictures in, watched them resume the run, and made my way down to the 1/2 marathon turn into the stadium.  Again, it is all about timing.  And mine was off by about 14 seconds...

I made it down to the turn off just in time to see Fishstick run by.  I tried to catch up to get a better picture, but there were children strewn all over the sidewalk.  I couldn't navigate the obstacle course and handle the camera.  Oh well, off she goes...

to be continued...