Since the beginning of September I have continued to train and make many mental notes along the way. Training for this race is different than training for Ragnar because it has been a solo journey. I haven't really blogged much about it though I have thought about it many times. Sometimes we just need to internalize things until we get them just right. So here is what I have learned...
Never run with your black dog at night, you might fall (again!) and she may be afraid of the dark! I learned this one the hard way, I was dying to go for a run, it was getting dark and Rory was watching me put on my running shoes with her precious eyes and constantly wagging tail. I couldn't leave her so I grabbed her retractable leash and we hit the trails. It didn't seem really dark when we left but it was September and the darkness quickly set in. She tried really hard to stay focused but somewhere along the way I couldn't see her or the leash and we became one big tangled mess. Down I went and she proceeded to drag me just a bit. My elbow took quite a blow but I was determined not to give up. I could have sat on the trails and cried from the pain but instead I picked myself up and continued to run. I had no choice, no one was home and we had to get home somehow. Once home I realized how bloody my elbow was but it healed quickly so it was no big deal.
Next came the nasty cold I couldn't shake that kept me down for 9 days. At that point I debated whether or not to even continue training. I was behind on my schedule and my confidence was starting to give out but after talking to Jaime I realized that I could do this. She said if I could run 7 miles I could run a half-marathon. So what did I do...I went out and ran 7 miles and with that my confidence was back and training resumed with a new passion! Sometimes those little roadblocks in our lives let us know just what we are made of and you have to remember that you have choices. I also needed to remember a favorite quote- "Do or do not, There is no try!"
The shoe lesson was a little more difficult. I'm not going to lie, I like cute shoes, so when it came time for new running shoes I chose fashion over function. Sadly that didn't work out so well for me. My shoes looked great but half way into my 9 mile run my toes began to really bother me. I thought my socks were just bunching up so I made a few quick stops to pause and readjust my socks and then kept running. I really wanted to quit but I was not going to let the pain win out so I finished strong and then collapsed on the trail. I took off my shoes and socks and just sat there. I could see my house but there was no way I could walk there because my feet hurt way too much. After a while a man on a bike came along and asked if I needed help. I happily told him, "No, I'm just enjoying the beautiful day." Somehow I made it to my house in my bare feet and dug my Uggs out of my closet. Nothing beats the comfort of the lambswool against my tired feet. Then I started texting Jaime for advice. She thought I needed new socks, better fuel and some energy along the way. No problem. A quick trip to Gary Gribbles and I had Gu Roctane for energy, a hot pink Nathan fuel belt, Nuun tablets to put in my water for electrolyte replacement and Belega socks. I attempted to run a short distance a few days later and realized that none of that was making a difference. My problem was my very cute running shoes! Since I'm married to a very practical accountant I had to call him and confess to making a terrible and costly mistake. He knows me too well! He knew I chose the cute Brooks running shoes over my trusted Asics and agreed to go shopping with me to be fitted for the right shoe. Now my super cute running shoes are my super cute shoes for work! (At least they didn't go to waste :) Since my previous experience last fall and again a few weeks ago at Gary Gribbles had not gone great we chose to visit Elite Feet and I can't thank Arthur enough. He watched me walk, he evaluated the soles of my shoes and he made some recommendations on shoes that would work well for me. He brought out really cute Saucony's and the Brooks Addiction. I knew what I was getting! (The cute purple Saucony's of course!) Well, I tried them both on and convinced myself of what I needed and then told Arthur of my choice. He said, "I think you've made a good choice but I think you can do better." Grrr...the Brooks Addiction it is. Definitely not as cute as my others but definitely the right choice. Arthur is like Randy on "Say Yes to the Dress" and I couldn't say no to the obvious choice. (and Bob says they don't look like orthopedic shoes, they look like the shoes of an athlete...thanks Bob!) After 17 miles this week I'm glad I said yes to the Brooks!
Next up on my list of things learned is what to wear or what not to wear. We've established that it's really all about fashion so for now I'm going to continue running in skirts and leggings. I love my Nike shorts too but there is something so fun about running in a skirt! For the majority of my running shirts I love the Danskin brand from Wal-Mart. The t-shirts are soft and cute and even manage to wick sweat away. Or so I thought. After 10 miles last Sunday I walked into my house shaking from the cold. This was on a beautiful 70 degree day. What happens on the day of my race when I finish my half 2 hours before my sisters finish their full marathon? Freezing in Indy is definitely not on my agenda. My friend, Robin, ran the Kansas City Half last weekend and I got the chance to talk to her about what worked for her this week. She has been a fan of Target running clothes but said she was very cold after her race and would probably get some better wicking shirts for future races. Fortunately for me, Nike, Athleta and Lululemon know that women want cute running clothes so I've got lots of choices. I did choose my black running skirt, Nike tights and black Champion half-zip from Target today just to see if it would work and while it was comfortable I still came home sweaty and cold. Knowing this, I will have to find something cute in the next few days to see how it will work for the race.
More importantly than fashion I have learned about hydration and fuel in training for this race. I've been following a Healthy for the Holidays Challenge from my dietician friend, Pam, and I really do feel great. I am limiting processed sugars, drinking 80 oz. of water a day and increasing my fruits and vegatables. In the past I can really feel a difference on a long run if I didn't drink enough water the day before and now that doesn't seem to be a problem. I also use my fuel belt and Nuun tablets with Gu Roctane for anything longer than an hour. I listened to the serious runners talk about how they really enjoyed their fuel treats during Ragnar and I totally get it now. I'm still working out the details but having some fuel at miles 4 and 8 has really helped me these last few weeks.
Music...need I say more. For awhile I was training with Pandora radio but as my running times increased it started cutting off mid-run so I am back to my ipod and so glad. While I loved listening to 70's rock and some music from the early 80's while training I realized that my familiar playlist works best for me. I love to listen to a mix of rap, rock and hip hop to keep me going and if I recognize the song I can completely lose myself in the miles and make them go much more quickly. Unfortunately, when using my ipod I can't hear my Endomondo as easily and I depend on that for pacing. I love hearing my complete time and lap time as each mile passes. It definitely keeps me going and challenges me to work harder or slow down if I'm trying to go too fast.
Finally, I have really focused on the importance of stretching. In working with a trainer last year he got me hooked on a foam roll and it is the one piece of equipment I can definitely not live without! I have always been a fan of yoga for stretching but the foam roll is quick and portable and is part of my daily routine now. My shoulders have developed some pretty serious knots and whether they are from the stress at work of the way my racer back sports bra fits I'm not really sure. Stretching and learning to run with my arms a little more relaxed has definitely been a huge help.
So...with all I have learned I am now prepared for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon which is in 15 days, 17 hours and 28 minutes!
