My thoughts on the race can best be described as this...
Marisa: 4 more days!!!!!
me: eeeeeeeek!!
Sent at 9:22 AM on Wednesday
Marisa: how are you feeling?
me: ha honestly, just that im going to wing it and hope to finish
I can't believe it's right around the corner. I've been training for this for about 4 months and it's here, it's really here. I already feel like I've accomplished so much. Even if I still haven't ever made it to 10 miles, I've made it to 9.5. NINE POINT FIVE. That's a huge accomplishment in and of itself and I'm proud of myself. I'm happy that I've found something that I enjoy doing and I'm happy that I met Sara & Megan and convinced them to share this experience with me and I'm happy that I'm doing this with Joey and Marisa, 2 very close friends. I can't wait to find Brett Michaels and try and steal his wig.
I mean....one day I'll have to explain my theory on Brett Michaels hair...
I'm just happy with my decision to do this and I'm sure I'll post again before the big day. A big thanks to everyone to who supported me in training and dealt with me not going out and being "lame". Keep on sending those positive vibes my way and I can't wait to have my post race MGD64.
I mean really...I'm like a kid who can't have a cookie and all they want is a cookie!! Gimme cookie!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
6 days to go
*Sigh*
I don't know what else to say except my knee doesn't seem to be getting any better and I'm going to have to take some serious time off between the Half Marathon and Hot Chocolate 15k. Yes, there's no chance I'm going to skip the half marathon. I've been training too hard, for too long. I will take it easy and run/walk the whole thing, but I will not skip it. I can't skip it.
I borrowed a knee brace from my dad on Sunday and it makes me look like the bionic woman. He got pretty serious knee surgery a while ago and wore it to play tennis aftewards. To be quite honest, I'm not sure if it helped or hurt more, but I think it'd be a good idea to run with it during the Half to help stabilize my knee.
I don't know what else to say except my knee doesn't seem to be getting any better and I'm going to have to take some serious time off between the Half Marathon and Hot Chocolate 15k. Yes, there's no chance I'm going to skip the half marathon. I've been training too hard, for too long. I will take it easy and run/walk the whole thing, but I will not skip it. I can't skip it.
I borrowed a knee brace from my dad on Sunday and it makes me look like the bionic woman. He got pretty serious knee surgery a while ago and wore it to play tennis aftewards. To be quite honest, I'm not sure if it helped or hurt more, but I think it'd be a good idea to run with it during the Half to help stabilize my knee.Anyway - I think that's it for now. I attempted short 3 mile runs both Friday & Sunday, but they were both pretty pathetic.
I just want to get through Sunday without any serious injuries. I'd be pretty ok without having to get x-rays or worst case scenario, knee surgery. Although, I think once I come home from VA Beach it'd be a pretty solid idea to make an appointment with someone to get it looked at.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
11 days to go
From me to....well....me! And any other injured athletes out there!
Shhh...I think I'm dragging my restless butt to "Power" Yoga tonight. Don't worry I'll take it easy!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
12 days to go
My knee is still feeling pretty sore when I walk...or just in general. I've been icing it a bunch and taking excedrin and trying to stay off it, but I'm just feeling SO RESTLESS! All I wanted to do last night was go for a run in the beautiful weather, but noooo, my STUPID knee has to rest.
Can you tell I'm getting bitter about it?
I know, I know, I know. Rest it. Ice it. Take the advil, excedrin, whatever.
*sigh*
I'm giving myself until Friday to rest. One can only hope I can get a good run out of it. One can only hope.
Can you tell I'm getting bitter about it?
I know, I know, I know. Rest it. Ice it. Take the advil, excedrin, whatever.
*sigh*
I'm giving myself until Friday to rest. One can only hope I can get a good run out of it. One can only hope.
Monday, August 22, 2011
13 days to go
Two different things - first and foremost, Marisa and I both signed up for this last week!!
We're doing the 15k on December 3rd and we're getting sweet wind breakers & lots of hot chocolate - yay!!
Now on to the not so happy part of the post...
My knee is still bothering me. A lot. instead of running on Saturday I took an hour and 1/2 Ashtanga Yoga class at the gym and picked up a Pro-Tec Patella Tendon Strap from P.R.R. On sunday I tried out the strap for what I was hoping to be another 6-9 miles. It felt good on my knee, but I still only made it 2.5 miles before giving up because of the pain.
Well, fuck. Excuse my language, but seriously, just....FUCK.
The race is 2 weeks away. The longest I've made is 9.5 miles...ONCE. And now my knee has picked the perfect time to start giving up. I've spent the last 3-4 months training for this and I feel defeated before the race has even begun.
I'm taking the week off running and will hopefully get something in on Friday, but we will see. We will see.
Friday, August 19, 2011
16 days to go
Ok, Allison, just breath, you're not injured, you're still going to be able to run the half marathon, evertyhing will be fine.
Want to know what my definition of my worst nightmare is right now? Besides a brain eat amoeba? Getting injured 2 weeks before the half and not being able to run. My friend and old co-worker, Louis, was training for his first half marathon last year and injured his knee a few weeks before the race and was unable to run and ended up in pysical therapy. Can you even imagine? Putting in all that time and effort? I would be devestated.
I woke up this morning to a shooting pain in my right knee. Oh. My. God. I mean, it was sore after my run last night, but I didn't really think anything of it and now I'm freaking out a little bit because it hurts every time I bend it.
I was going to try and work out tonight, but I think it best if I stay off it. Might even stay off it until Sunday and see how it feels. I really REALLY wanted to get another 10 miler in on Sunday, but I'm not going to stress it.
I'm bugging out.
Want to know what my definition of my worst nightmare is right now? Besides a brain eat amoeba? Getting injured 2 weeks before the half and not being able to run. My friend and old co-worker, Louis, was training for his first half marathon last year and injured his knee a few weeks before the race and was unable to run and ended up in pysical therapy. Can you even imagine? Putting in all that time and effort? I would be devestated.
I woke up this morning to a shooting pain in my right knee. Oh. My. God. I mean, it was sore after my run last night, but I didn't really think anything of it and now I'm freaking out a little bit because it hurts every time I bend it.
I was going to try and work out tonight, but I think it best if I stay off it. Might even stay off it until Sunday and see how it feels. I really REALLY wanted to get another 10 miler in on Sunday, but I'm not going to stress it.
I'm bugging out.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
17 days to go
I'm in corral #17 and my race # is 17287, which is nowhere close to any of my other friends because I lack confidence and entered that it would take me 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish the race.
I'll honestly be thrilled to finish in under 2 hours and 30 minutes. Also, it looks like there's going to be a finish line festival from 8am-1pm, with a complimentary MGD64, as well as the post race concert later that night!
I'm excited and terrified all at the same time. I want to finish. I want my medal, swag bag, and MGD64. I'm so excited. I'm excited to carbo load the night before and dance in the sand the night of!
Wish me luck everyone!
Monday, August 15, 2011
20 days to go
Disclaimer - This post is kinda gross, might not want to read on...
So - I kept up my end of the bargain. I got in 6 miles on the TM on Saturday and 9.5 miles on the track by Marisa's house on Sunday.
{Note to self: DON'T GO OUT DRINKING HEAVILY THE NIGHT BEFORE YOU HAVE A LONG RUN! Although...it was kinda worth it seeing as I had a great Saturday night ;)}
Sunday was hard and to be quite honest, it stopped being fun after about mile 7.5. I actually felt really good when we stopped at mile 5 to refill water and use the restroom, I even felt ok from mile 6-7, but then my legs started locking up and feeling like jelly. I started getting super naucious and sore and had to force myself to finish. I'm somewhat depressed that I only had 2 more laps on the track to finish to make 10 miles...I would have finished those 2 laps if I didn't feel like I was going to throw up and collapse and die.
Not an over dramatization.
After Marisa finished the 10 miles we went over to Smoothie King for some protein and carbs in delicious fruity smoothie form. In case you were wondering, pineapple and passion fruit doesn't taste that great coming back up. I'd really like to go back to Smoothie King when I'm not feeling so crappy. Anyone?
Anyway, long story short, I spent the rest of the night not being able to keep anything in my stomach, including water. It was fairly miserable and I woke up this morning a dehydrated mess. It's currently 3:48pm and I'm finally starting to feel like a human being again.
Point is when you're attempting to run your first 10 miles....don't go out drinking firefly/water until 2am the night before and don't have the last time you eat be 2:30pm when you aren't even running until 6:30pm.
Words of wisdom from me to you.
So - I kept up my end of the bargain. I got in 6 miles on the TM on Saturday and 9.5 miles on the track by Marisa's house on Sunday.
Sunday was hard and to be quite honest, it stopped being fun after about mile 7.5. I actually felt really good when we stopped at mile 5 to refill water and use the restroom, I even felt ok from mile 6-7, but then my legs started locking up and feeling like jelly. I started getting super naucious and sore and had to force myself to finish. I'm somewhat depressed that I only had 2 more laps on the track to finish to make 10 miles...I would have finished those 2 laps if I didn't feel like I was going to throw up and collapse and die.
Not an over dramatization.
After Marisa finished the 10 miles we went over to Smoothie King for some protein and carbs in delicious fruity smoothie form. In case you were wondering, pineapple and passion fruit doesn't taste that great coming back up. I'd really like to go back to Smoothie King when I'm not feeling so crappy. Anyone?
Anyway, long story short, I spent the rest of the night not being able to keep anything in my stomach, including water. It was fairly miserable and I woke up this morning a dehydrated mess. It's currently 3:48pm and I'm finally starting to feel like a human being again.
Point is when you're attempting to run your first 10 miles....don't go out drinking firefly/water until 2am the night before and don't have the last time you eat be 2:30pm when you aren't even running until 6:30pm.
Words of wisdom from me to you.
Friday, August 12, 2011
23 days to goooo
This week has been pretty awesome when it comes to working out! I feel pretty proud of myself!
It's huge and delicious and filled with white chocolate and macadamia and shhhh I may have had an oatmeal raisin cookie the same size at work yesterday....
Tonight is my rest day in the week...thank goodness cause I could use a rest day! Saturday I plan on running 7-8 and Sunday I have to make 10. HAVE TO. Rain or shine.
On a totally different topic - anyone tend to have digestive issues after a long run? Without getting into wayyy too much information, I find that I get severe stomach cramps after any 7+ mile run and they usually last until the next day. I've heard it could be the GU. I've also heard it can just come on naturally. But point being, it sucks, and it's uncomfortable, and I wish it would go away!
#sadface.
- Monday - Hour long Vinyasa Flow yoga class
- Tuesday - 5.something miles with Sara on W&OD trail
- Wednesday - 50 minute Spin class
- Thursday 7.25 miles with Marisa at Gravelly Point Park
Tonight is my rest day in the week...thank goodness cause I could use a rest day! Saturday I plan on running 7-8 and Sunday I have to make 10. HAVE TO. Rain or shine.
On a totally different topic - anyone tend to have digestive issues after a long run? Without getting into wayyy too much information, I find that I get severe stomach cramps after any 7+ mile run and they usually last until the next day. I've heard it could be the GU. I've also heard it can just come on naturally. But point being, it sucks, and it's uncomfortable, and I wish it would go away!
#sadface.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
25 days to go
Last night Sara and I ran/walked a pretty pathetic 5 miles down the W&OD trail. I don't know what it is about that trail that we always run, but I never seem to be very good at it. I don't want to complain much about it so I'm going to leave you with this...
13.1 Reasons to Run a Half Marathon
With reasons like bling, parties, new shoes, and updating your wardrobe what's not to love??
13.1 Reasons to Run a Half Marathon
With reasons like bling, parties, new shoes, and updating your wardrobe what's not to love??
Monday, August 8, 2011
27 days to go
This weekends runs didn't exactly go as planned.
After my 7 mile run with Marisa Thursday night I was laying on my bed and must have turned over funny and pinched something in my back and immediately pain shot right up my back! It was awful! I decided to ignore it and try to run Friday after work because I wasn't going out on the town. I made it 2.5 miles before throwing the towel in because it hurt so badly!
I'm just falling apart here! First I get all bruised up from Jennys BBQ and playing Stop, then I fall over my own feet and scrape up my body, then I pinch something in my back doing absolutely NOTHING. Ugh!
After my disapointing run Friday I decided to take Saturday off from working out and pop a ton of excedrin, which proved to be a great idea, because come sunday I ran a nice easy 6 miles on the TM - when I didn't evne want to run at all! - and felt great.
We have 27 days until the 1/2 marathon. That's not a very long time, but I think it's doable. Tough....but doable! I'm very excited for that weekend! A weekend of carbo loading, sun, sand, running, friends, laughing about rediculous things with Marisa including "Wilson", and most imporantly Brett Michaels HOPEFULLY singing Every Rose Has It's Thorn.
Marisa and I concluded that if I run a 10 minute mile the entire time I should finish in 2 hours 10 minutes, which would be AWESOME! I honestly just want to finish at all. Maybe I'll concenrate on time another race.
Everyyyy roseeee has it's thornnnnn. Just like every night has it's dawnnnn. Just like every cowboy sings his sad sad song. Evvvverrrryyyy roseeee has it's thornnnnnn!
After my 7 mile run with Marisa Thursday night I was laying on my bed and must have turned over funny and pinched something in my back and immediately pain shot right up my back! It was awful! I decided to ignore it and try to run Friday after work because I wasn't going out on the town. I made it 2.5 miles before throwing the towel in because it hurt so badly!
I'm just falling apart here! First I get all bruised up from Jennys BBQ and playing Stop, then I fall over my own feet and scrape up my body, then I pinch something in my back doing absolutely NOTHING. Ugh!
After my disapointing run Friday I decided to take Saturday off from working out and pop a ton of excedrin, which proved to be a great idea, because come sunday I ran a nice easy 6 miles on the TM - when I didn't evne want to run at all! - and felt great.
We have 27 days until the 1/2 marathon. That's not a very long time, but I think it's doable. Tough....but doable! I'm very excited for that weekend! A weekend of carbo loading, sun, sand, running, friends, laughing about rediculous things with Marisa including "Wilson", and most imporantly Brett Michaels HOPEFULLY singing Every Rose Has It's Thorn.
Marisa and I concluded that if I run a 10 minute mile the entire time I should finish in 2 hours 10 minutes, which would be AWESOME! I honestly just want to finish at all. Maybe I'll concenrate on time another race.
Everyyyy roseeee has it's thornnnnn. Just like every night has it's dawnnnn. Just like every cowboy sings his sad sad song. Evvvverrrryyyy roseeee has it's thornnnnnn!
Friday, August 5, 2011
30 days to go
I don't like to complain about running. In fact, I love almost everything about it. I love the effect is has on my body both mentally and physically. I feel toned and happy to have a hobby with friends and I've gotten many a compliment about how I'm looking these days, but this post isn't about that.
Training is hard. It's really hard and it's exhausting. It's hard to say "no, I think I'm going to stay in Friday night because I need to run Saturday morning" and have your friends be disapointed. It's hard to sit through a 9 hour work day, spend 10 minutes at home getting a snack, and then spend the next 2 hours getting a run in. It's hard coming home at 9pm after a long run and barely having enough energy to make something for dinner. It's hard, I'm drained, and I ache in places I didn't know my body could ache.
Don't get me wrong. I love that I've made new friends and formed stronger bonds with some of the friends I already have. I also like spending the time outside and having that feeling of accomplishment every time I tack an extra mile on. I'm just tired and my body is sore from being pushed to a place I haven't pushed it before.
*deep breath*
Anyway, enough rambling. I ran 5 on Tuesday and 7 last night. My goal is to run an easy 3-4 miles either tonight or tomorrow, and to hit 9 or 10 on Sunday. Wish me [and my achey parts....] luck!
Training is hard. It's really hard and it's exhausting. It's hard to say "no, I think I'm going to stay in Friday night because I need to run Saturday morning" and have your friends be disapointed. It's hard to sit through a 9 hour work day, spend 10 minutes at home getting a snack, and then spend the next 2 hours getting a run in. It's hard coming home at 9pm after a long run and barely having enough energy to make something for dinner. It's hard, I'm drained, and I ache in places I didn't know my body could ache.
Don't get me wrong. I love that I've made new friends and formed stronger bonds with some of the friends I already have. I also like spending the time outside and having that feeling of accomplishment every time I tack an extra mile on. I'm just tired and my body is sore from being pushed to a place I haven't pushed it before.
*deep breath*
Anyway, enough rambling. I ran 5 on Tuesday and 7 last night. My goal is to run an easy 3-4 miles either tonight or tomorrow, and to hit 9 or 10 on Sunday. Wish me [and my achey parts....] luck!
Monday, August 1, 2011
34 days to go
So this weeks work outs were pretty awesome.... I ran 5.3 miles on Tuesday, took a power vinyasa flow yoga class on Wednesday, ran 6 miles Thursday, took Friday off to rest, ran 4.5 miles Saturday and 8 miles Sunday!
However, I did that on Saturday! I was supposed to run at least 6 miles with Marisa around the track by her house and by the time we hit 4 miles and 10am the sun was beating down on us so I asked if we could find a shady trail around the neighborhood to finish up. We ran over to the trail and a rabid poodle with beedy little eyes and fangs BRUTALLY attacked me!! Ok, maybe that didn't happen, maybe I just tripped over my own feet and my ego is more bruised than my knees, but it's that poodle was intense!! Ok, the poodle wasn't very intense, apparently I just can't walk on gravel.
Anyway - on Sunday I made my first 8 miles! I was very proud of myself even if it was on the treadmill at Golds and GU helped! It's only going to get better from here!!
However, I did that on Saturday! I was supposed to run at least 6 miles with Marisa around the track by her house and by the time we hit 4 miles and 10am the sun was beating down on us so I asked if we could find a shady trail around the neighborhood to finish up. We ran over to the trail and a rabid poodle with beedy little eyes and fangs BRUTALLY attacked me!! Ok, maybe that didn't happen, maybe I just tripped over my own feet and my ego is more bruised than my knees, but it's that poodle was intense!! Ok, the poodle wasn't very intense, apparently I just can't walk on gravel.
Anyway - on Sunday I made my first 8 miles! I was very proud of myself even if it was on the treadmill at Golds and GU helped! It's only going to get better from here!!
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