My First Winter/Snow Run

One week ago we finally had our first significant snow fall in Central Illinois and I was itching to get out there and run. I must be a runner because this is the first time I've ever wanted to run in the snow. I'm sure also the injury had something to do with this, either way, rain, sleet, sun or snow, I want to do one thing, run!

First a quick update on my running rehab, I am now into my week 4 of rehab and today was able to add on another mile and did  my first 4 miler. I'm really looking forward to Friday when I begin my 5th and final rehab week and get to do 5 and even 6 mile runs. This was my average daily mileage before the injury so I am anxious to get back to that. Plus, next week I can finally begin my 14 weeks of marathon training. More info on the marathon will be coming soon, I promise.

My first snow run was to be along Grandview Drive here in Peoria, as it's supposed to be the most beautiful run in Peoria. I do run the drive frequently but have never done a snow run anywhere so I had to go big the first one, that's how you get hooked after all. I planned to do that run a week ago Friday, however my stupid self got over zealous with the snow shovel and decided to shovel my drive instead. It took me longer than expected and time wasn't on my side to do the run, so it would have to wait for the next snowfall. Luckily it didn't have to wait long as we were blessed with about an inch of snow on Wednesday night and on Thursday, which was also one of the coldest days this winter, I layered and laced up and hit the road. I did a 5k that did include a very short stint on Grandview Drive and it was everything I had hoped it would be. It was peaceful and gorgeous and everything just seemed still and calm, it was me and the streets. I paid no attention to my pace, I just soaked in everything that the run was. I loved how much it made my legs burn and how focused I was on just my run and the run alone. I'm hooked on winter/snow running.

I wish I could say this is where the story ends, but I can't. I learned an extremely valuable lesson at the end of this run. As I was finishing up my run and walking into the house I took my brand new iTouch out of my belt pouch not only to stop my Nike+ but also so I could snap a photo, as I pulled it from the case it slipped from my cold fingers and shattered. For those of you who don't have a touch, once the screen is broken (its made of glass) the ipod will no longer work because the LCD screen and glass are all one piece. I hadn't even had the ipod for a month and not only that it was Christmas present from Matt and its a gift I could never afford on my own. My heartbreak, disappointment and frustration cannot be described. But I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. I called him immediately and he kept reassuring me that it was an accident and they happen and I shouldn't worry about it, it was okay, he's not mad and he would find a way to fix it. And he did. I could attempt to replace the glass on my own but honestly neither of us are very smart with that kind of stuff so we found a place that is an authorized apple replacement center that is fixing it for a pretty reasonable price. The downfall is I am with out music for a while but I'm okay with that. I think the reason it broke was because the ipod its self was so cold and so was the ground and even the case on it wasn't enough to protect it. When i get it back we are going to see if we can find a better case for it but either way I wont be removing it from the safety belt until I'm safe inside and on a soft surface.

Anyhoo, Matty and I went out today for my first 4 miler and it was again wonderful. Like each run where I add mileage there was some tightness and discomfort in the gluetus maximus but not like before. Plus this run included one of Peoria's famous hills, Bishop Hill, and to do that route and feel the discomfort when I did is another sign that this runner is back!

26.2 I'll see you soon!

Rock N Roll Vegas Has Been ROCKED!

Matty and I after the race!

Every single step down Las Vegas Blvd was agonizing pain for 13.1 miles. Every single step was worth it! Running the strip at night was everything you would think it would be. Sunday night I was one of 44,000 runners taking part in the Rock N Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon. There were showgirl runners, Elvis runners, crazy costumes, normally dressed runners and I even saw a naked runner! This is Vegas, go big or go home! I really couldn’t think of a cooler course nearly the entire race was on the strip and it was at night so all the lights were lit and there were hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the course cheering the runners and more importantly handing out beer! My favorite part was in the last few miles seeing the fountains of the Bellagio while running.


Running a half marathon is a battle on it’s own but with an injury well that’s an epic battle. I’ve been battling a hip injury since this summer and it’s still not close to being healed. Countless times I wanted to stop as my body was killing me but I just kept telling myself that most with an injury wouldn’t have even tried. I set goals for the race and changed them three times and just focused on running my race at the best of my ability. I was a lot slower than my personal best, but I ran the entire race and I finished.

I did my research on this race before hand and boy did it pay off. I learned that the best place to stay was closest to Mandalay Bay so I was at the Luxor. I also learned the day to go to the expo was on Friday, which I did. Two MASSIVE pay offs as the crowds were out of control. Hey there are 44,000 runners and then add in their families and friends and you have a lot of people trying to move. At the expo I was able to meet two of my running hero’s Olympic medalist, author and New York Marathon winner Meb Kef and Olympic hopeful Kara Goucher. It was pretty awesome to meet Kara because like me she recently battled a hip injury. We compared stories and she encouraged me that although difficult my plan to take at least 6 weeks off will make all the difference in the world.

OK so now the part you’re all waiting for the negativity on the race as many of you have asked me about it. Let’s just say the race was awesome but they were not properly prepared to handle 44,000 runners plus their spectators. The finish line was a logistics mess. The planning wasn’t done very well but this race jumped 120% from last year and it was the first time it was held at night so a lot of this has to be expected. We knew that it was going to take time to get from place to place. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out given the size so you need to plan for that and seems most did not. The day before the race we walked over to Mandalay and checked out the grounds to get an idea where everything was. And then race day we gave ourselves 2 hours to get from the room to the check in to the start line. People who complained didn’t think and didn’t plan, plain and simple. The things I think that were done poorly where the finishers photos they were all along the finishers gate right in the middle of where people were walking, they needed to be pushed to the side. The Marathon and ½ Marathon were poorly separated by cones so there was a ton of crossing paths. The corrals needed to be policed better ensuring people are in their corral. Water stations were poorly done. When they stacked the cups they didn’t fill them as the stacked, they stacked, then filled as needed and couldn’t keep up, there were 3 times I reached for water and got an empty cup. Medical was also a fail. It was cold once you were done running and cramping almost immediately. The medics on the course were scarce but at the finish line I saw none and that is the most important place to have them. Last but not least they ran out of medals for the slower runners. How do you run out of medals? You know the exact number of participants yet they didn’t have enough. And lastly runners forgot their etiquette and the inexperience runners showed up as well. Runners remember or learn your etiquette. Meaning if you’re a slower runner or walker you need to get in the BACK of the corrals and not the top. Also runners you know you’re not supposed to run more than 2 deep but there were some going 4 or deeper. There were rumors of runners taking multiple medals and of volunteers doing that too. Again etiquette, why would you take a more than one medal? Why do you need more than one? And why would you want one if you didn’t run a race? Same goes for the race shirts the same problem was reported. Again a lot of this could have been prevented with better policing of the race volunteers, crew and etiquette. Everyone submits a size of shirt when registering for a race, come packet pick up, if its too big or small, too bad you take what you requested and then at the finish line see if you can exchange. The last complaint I heard was the lack of food and restaurants at the end of the race. Again, use your head people on the number here. Very few places to eat yet thousand of people, plan to wait or have a power bar and banana in your room or plan to wait in line. Now my only disappointment is hearing that they want to increase the race by another 15,000 next year and I think that’s a bad idea. If it’s increased I will not be back but if they keep the cap at 44 or lower I will come back this was a super fun race, I got to run the strip and I had an awesome time in Vegas! Now, its time to rest, 6 weeks and I’ll be back, can’t wait to run with you then!

Maybe I Should Blog About Running

You know something is wrong when I didn't even blog about my last 1/2 marathon. You also know that I've been batteling a hip injury. Perhaps you know that I am continuing to run myself in overdrive with RPM, Body Combat and still trying to run and lets not forget the weight lifting, full time working, boyfriend. My list, like many others is endless. Let's sum up the last few months since the injury.

Mankato 1/2 Marathon
I knew going into this race I wasn't going to PR, I also knew that I would be slower than my time last year. So I decided that I would offer to run/pace my friend Jana since she is pregnant and also wouldn't be getting a personal best. I knew that doing this would help my mind and it did for the race. After, that's another story. All I could think about is that this race was nearly 20 minutes slower than a year prior and almost 30 minutes slower than my last 1/2. I know I have an injury and did my best but it's still bothersome. So I've let it go and decided to try and forget. However, everything else surrounding the trip was wonderful. The new friends I've made and seeing family and seeing Matt get a PR was awesome. But then the trip ended on a sour note with not one but TWO photo speeding tickets in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for a grand total of $150...I effing hate Iowa!

Body Combat
I still have points of struggle but I'm not giving up, each release it has gotten easier to learn and so I know I'll be a Combat pro like I am RPM. Sadly, three weeks ago my hip popped again, this time in the middle of class. I still dont know how I made it through but I did and I've been on break since. I'm off through the 7th but am supposed to come back then. Sadly the hip is not much better. And I really miss teaching Combat even if I am less than thrilled with my class time/slot.

RPM
Still owning it and thank God, it keeps my confidence up. I'm doing an advance instructor training in February for RPM and couldn't be more excited. One of the other instructors is out on medical so I'm doing LOTS of extra classes.

Running In General
I've been able to do 7 and 8 mile runs at close to my normal long run pace about the 9-9:30 range, some miles slower but my distance holding up. I did struggle through ONE 10 mile run. Friday I did a 2 mile race and deciced to go balls out. I needed a confidence boost going into Vegas next week. So I did and did GREAT until my last 400 meters when my hip got very tight and sore. But I never gave up, got passed a few times but still held it together and earned a 9th place medal for female overall. It was a small race but some good, fast runners, so I'll take it. Of course I've been very sore ever since so it could have been a dumb move on my part. Oh well.

Injury
I finally went and saw a specialist and the good news is he doesn't think its bursitis, thank God too because once you have that bitch she likes to keep coming back. Honestly he wasn't 100% sure what was going on but he is sure that the sudden quick movements of Combat is my inflictor and that I  need to continue to lay off. He wants me to see a physical therapist that specializes in hip injuries as he thinks  it may have to do with a muscle by my SI joint. This PT does wonders with helping to strengthen your hips and core to help with those types of injuries. Sadly I can't even get in to see this guy until AFTER I get back from Vegas. Stay tuned!

Vegas
We leave Thursday morning and come back the following Tuesday. The race is on Sunday and I have no idea what to expect and how I'll feel or do. Right now I'm just trying to enjoy the time away with Matt and our first big vacation where we have to fly someplace. I hope its memorable and I have a wonderful time despite the race and how I do in it.

Hip Bursitis AKA Runners Hip = Total Suckage!

The hip finally won! Tuesday as I head out for my scheduled 6 mile run I was thinking that if there was ever a time to pull back and let this hip get some rest this week and next would be it. Last weekends 12 mile long run really put some tightness in my hip but I decided to go out for my 6 mile speed work run anyway. Well just over a mile it I felt the hip snap, crackle and pop and I was done. That same afternoon I went to my Chiropractor who is also a Physical Therapist and has a sports training background. He treated me (in both the PT and Chiro forms) and said that what I have is Hip Bursitis. It's basically just inflammation from an irritated hip. Good news it can't get any worse. Bad news is it's painful and will take a while to go away. I go back Tuesday with Matty and my PT will show him how to stretch me out which will help. I'm supposed to ice as much as I want, on for 20 and off for 40, plus take ibuprofen on a schedule to reduce the inflammation.

My PT has encouraged that I still try running as he doesn't like to take his patients away from what they love doing. He said it deflates them and since running will not make the injury worse he'd like to me still try it. So I tried 2 miles yesterday. Didn't go as well as I was wishing. I did run 2 miles but I did also stop and walk a bit. In addition ever single TINY bit of incline I felt it and I felt it hard! I'll be attempting my scheduled runs next week. Monday is 2 miles, Tuesday is 4 and Wednesday is 3. If Monday goes bad, I'll not run until Thursday and try 2 again.

So what's the story on my races? Well the first 1/2 I have lined up is a return to the Mankato Marathon its Saturday in Minnesota. I am planning on still running it but I'll decided how after Thursday. I'm still trying to accept that I will not finish in under 2 hours. I'm still trying to accept that I may even finish later than what I did last year which was 2 hours and 10 minutes. However, I had a discussion with Matty, and I have some alternate plans, which I'll fill you in on later.

Runner's always remember, when it comes to running and injuries it's not a matter of IF it's a matter of WHEN. I can walk, I can run, I may not be able to do it in the way I'm used to or how I want to, but I still can and I will.

8 Minute Mile is an A but if its a 13 minute Mile you get a D MINUS!

Does that headline infuriate you as much as it does me? Well my friends that is the state of our public school system. With out going into details or names here's the story. Teenager runs a mile for gym class, runs this mile 3 times and improvs on the time each run. To prepare for the mile runs, student practices speed walking in gym. Gym grade is a part of your GPA, in this particular gym class IF you run the mile in 8 minutes or less you will get an A but if you run it in 12 minutes you will get a D, 13 minutes you get an F.

This if FLAT OUT B.S and this teacher has no clue about running what so ever. The only teenagers that are going to get 8 minute miles are the track and cross country athletes. You do NOT grade the mile based on speed.  You MUST take into consideration their athletic ability, how hard they worked, how much they tried, what kind of training they were provided and how much improvement they made. You cannot expect a 13 minute miler to go from 13 to 8 in a matter of 6-9 weeks, it's flat out IMPOSSIBLE! My very first mile when I started running was 13 minutes. When I started this sport seriously it was a 10 and that was only because the treadmill forced me to do it and I was DYING 1/2 way into it. I did not go from 13 to 8 in a matter of weeks either. I've been at this for almost 2 years now. I don't know what my just one mile time is because I've never done it but my best 5k Mile was a 7:45 and I was nearly dying by the end and have yet to do that pace again.

I'm so angry about this whole situation. I don't think every kid should be given a trophy. I don't believe every kid should get an award because they tried. I don't think anyone should be handed a good grade or a award simply because they showed up and tried. But as a runner I also know that what this teacher is expecting is 100% unfair and unattainable. And because gym is now part of a GPA this is hurting that average because someone isn't an athlete. Not everyone is book smart, not everyone is an athlete, not everyone is gifted with a good singing voice. In other classes students are graded on the effort and how hard they study. That effort shows when they take exams or participate in class rooms and in their work. That same grading should go into the mile run!

When you run and when you improve it shows and yes shaving 30 seconds to a minute is a HUGE improvement in a matter of 6-9 weeks. But telling them because they didn't do it in 8 minutes and giving them a near failing grade is stupid. It's beyond stupid. And it tells them they are less than. I wish I knew this teacher because I would so give her a piece of my mind. And I'd also challenge her to a mile run and see how fast she does it!

Vegas Week 5: BAD runs and new shoes

I know it takes bad run to know a good one but I still hate them and week 5 has sucked so much butt that I'm dreading my long run of 12 miles. My hip is still tight and sore, although its not getting sore with my first step and does loosen up when I stretch mid run, but its just a nagging pain that I could do with out. It really needs to be gone by 1/2 marathon day in a week and half.

So I got new kicks again, the hip is what brought light to the fact that I had 350 miles on my last pair. This time I went through the whole "fitting" again from Running Central and found a GREAT pair of new shoes. I tried on many different brands as I'm not brand loyal, just trying to find what works best. I liked the last pair of Saucony's I had but I knew there is something better. I stuck with Saucony's but got the Mirage's and so far LOVE them. This could possibly be my shoe.

Two runs in a row I've been struck with the RT's (Runners Trots-google it if you don't know) and they have been BAD. I've been blogging for just over a year now and we know that in the past I've had blood in my "looseness" but I've never been concerned because its very normal however when blood is spotted it's recommended to see a doctor, just to be safe. My RT's come and go, its been quite some time since I've had them as I've learned how to control my diet with them. I think stress and maybe last nights ice cream brought them on. Probably more stress since I've been stressing big time about this Body Combat certification video. So much so even my period was late this month. Anyway the last two runs, I've been in physical pain all day, have to almost sprint to the bathroom and there has been blood . So finally I called my doctors office, don't worry, I'm not, but I know its time to finally buckle down and have someone look inside. The reason I'm finally going to see a doctor is its been very painful and like all day long painful. Wish me luck, I'm still waiting to hear back on my referral.

Oh and be prepared to hear more about my bum!

Vegas Week 4 Brings Layers

I'm undecided, do I like running in the heat or the cold? I like the heat because I'm not freezing, I hate the heat because its so much harder to run in and if you want to do it somewhat comfortable you gotta get up early. I hate getting up early. I like it because you wear less clothing and ice baths are actually refreshing. I like the cold weather running because its easierand you're definitely not overheated. I hate the layers in the winter, uhhh I hate the mounds of laundry too. I HATE that even in a steaming hot shower after a cold winter run I still cannot warm up. But I love not being over heated and I love the stillness of the world around you, the colors of the fall and I run my BEST in the cooler months. My love hate relationship with the seasons is another blog for another time. Because today its time to talk Week 4 of my Vegas training schedule.

First let me apologize for no blog last week, honestly it was a boring week of nothing but tempo runs and one long run of 10 miles. Now its onto week 4 and once again training has to be altered this week. I'm shooting my Body Combat certification video this weekend and want to be well rested and energized so I can nail it, meaning moving Saturday's long run of 11 miles to Thursday and Thursday's 8 mile tempo run to AFTER my video taping on Sunday. Today I had 7 miles and interval training. One to two miles of easy warm up then 4x1200 at tempo, followed by 4x200 at fast and then 1-3 easy running in between and then finished off the run with 2x200 sprints at the end. I also did pick up some GU packets and sport beans to try out on my long run this week. I've never used any before for any of my 1/2's but I thought I'd test them out this time and see if they help and how I like or don't like them.

I did NOT want to go outside and run today it was cold, windy, wet and just down right dreary but I put on my layers and gloves and the second my first step hit the pavement I was energized. I ran down to Springdale and did my intervals and then back up and out. I really pushed on the intervals. I should have stopped my watch for my 1-3 easy recovery minutes because I'm not really sure how fast I did my tempo's and then sprints because my Garmin only gives me an average per mile pace but based on one of my timing charts I believe it was less than my goal. (Goal is about 8:45 for the 1200's and under 8 for the 200's) I did have to stop and walk ONCE and I stopped my Garmin for that, when your going up the main hill from the bottom of the cemetery I tried running it, even at a slow pace, but my legs were too tired. So I walked up the hill. Normally that would totally tick me off but this time it didn't because I knew I did what I wanted to do and that was waste myself on my intervals.

My next 1/2 Marathon is only 25 days away (in case you missed it I'm returning to where I ran my first 1/2 in the middle of Vegas training) and I'm ready and can't wait to go back to where it all began Mankato Minnesota. My goal is to come in under 2 hours and I honestly think I should be able to do that easily with out really trying. I think its going to take more mental focus than will power or speed or strength. The Vegas Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon-dubbed the strip at night-is only a small 9 weeks away!