Respect

It's one of the top values that I try to instill in my kids.

Respect for other people - their opinions, beliefs, values, and their time.

So it really IRKS me (my substitute word for the vulgarity running thru my head right now) when others don't respect MY time.

I just got back from a football practice, that was supposed to be from 6-7pm (just a light additional practice - they normally practice on T and TH)...........that ended at 8:15.

Can you see my freaking PO'd face?

When I dropped D off, I asked his line coach: "you practicing until 8 tonight as usual?"

"Oh no" he says, "only an hour tonight."

Well, FRICK. I had planned on going to Home Depot to order our carpet, and go to the drugstore for a sick-kid drug run. An hour is hardly long enough to drive anywhere around here - especially when our practice wasn't at our usual location close to our house.

So what do I do? I head to the Great Indoors instead, peruse the carpet selection that is waaaaaaaaay to large for my brain to handle on a night like tonight, go to the drug store, pick up food for me and D, and head back to practice. Like the good doobie that I am, I am there by ten minutes until 7.

So explain to me why I sat in my car for almost an hour and a half? Because some people are disrespectful.

I know this is a total rant, and I'm sorry. I just had way too much time to think as I sat there, like a teenager dinking around on my cell phone to pass the time, going over and over in my head all the things I COULD have been doing.

As I watched about 5 runners pass by, it occurred to me that this time could have been well spent on my short run. COULD HAVE, had I known I would be there until 8:00.

I am on the verge of getting sick, I am tired, and I am pissed.

My blood is still boiling. Overreacting??? Maybe. So be it.

The List Goes On

The updated TO DO list:

• Pack (list below)
• Search for the bottom of the laundry abyss
• 1 more short run to go – either tonight or tomorrow
• Pack boys’ stuff for the weekend
• Pray that my running shorts cooperate
• Find a way to get new drawstring in to running shorts
• Make spa appointment
• Stop eating so much Halloween candy already!
• Nurse sick kids back to health
• Don’t catch bug from aforementioned sick kids
• Buy noisemakers for Saturday’s football championship
• Get caught up at the office
• Print boarding passes (Friday)
• Upload new songs to iPod (hopefully I will get around to this)
• Charge iPod, camera, etc. (thanks Dan!)

Running Items to PACK:

• Shoes
• Socks
• Running shorts
• Under Armor shirt
• Long-sleeve shirt for pre-race
• Jog Bra (no Katie Holmes for me!)
• Watch
• Post-race clothes – for sweatbag
• Ipod / headphones
• Waistpack
• Handheld water bottle
• Gu / Cytomax gels
• Kleenex
• Small wash cloth
• Bandaids
• Body Glide
• Sunglasses
• Safety pins
• Starbucks Ice Coffee
• Gatorade

Thanks, Pat for sharing your list with me. Have I missed anything?

I am not doing too well mentally this week....it has been tough. The kids are sick - especially my little one - and there is just too much for me to do. I am behind at work, and it stinks.

D's football coach needed help writing a proposal for an NFL Football Grant to help cover costs if the team ends up making it to nationals in Florida. I am one of those parents that always jumps to help - sometimes to my own detriment. It has to be submitted by tomorrow - we just got the info the day before yesterday - so I had to sit on my hands to keep from volunteering. My plate is full, and I just couldn't do it. Hubby said he was proud of me for being reasonable for once.

I was also supposed to teach a Junior Achievement lesson at D's school this morning, which I spent the last 2 days preparing for. I had to reschedule since T is sick and I worked from home today to be with him. *sigh*

I had also hoped to get new carpet for our family room ordered this week, so it could be installed before Thanksgiving. I have been driving around for 3 days now with the sample boards from Home Depot in my car - do you suppose I have gotten back there to get it ordered? Ummm....NO.

Above all, I am just hoping and praying that I do not get sick. It's usually a given that when you're the snotty-nose-wiper, you usually end up getting the bug too. I have been extra careful this week, and have pumped up on my vitamins and Zicam so.....FINGERS CROSSED.

Love Letter

Dear Mister Running Shorts:

We have been together for quite a long time now, and without a doubt you are my love. You have been with me through thick and thin (literally) and through all kinds of weather. I have always trusted you and you have never let me down.

Now all of a sudden, I sense a change in you. You are irritating me, rubbing me in all the *wrong* places and just generally being uncooperative. This would not concern me so much, if we did not have such an important rendezvous coming up where your attendance is required.

Your unwillingness to cooperate lately has left me considering other prospects. It is possible that Mr. Nike or Mr. Brooks may be stealing my affection. I would hate to leave you after all our time together, yet I have to look out for my own interests.

I need to know your intentions. Will you cooperate on Sunday and stay in your place? Will you promise not to be so rough with me? If I get you a new drawstring, will you promise not to threaten to slide down like you did last weekend? I need answers to my questions so I know how to proceed.

You are putting me in a tough situation so close to our special day. Would you please consider making some changes and returning to the way you were?

Sincerely,
Pokey


Monday run: 4.38 miles (3 miles with Lisa)

Check List

One week from today.

[hold on while I puke]

Ok, I'm good.

The ongoing checklist:

• Made a packing list - CHECK
• Finally received new Amphipod handheld watter bottle - CHECK
• Stocked up on Cytomax gels - CHECK
• Changed travel plans to accommodate football playoffs - CHECK
• Finalized schedule for boys while we are gone - CHECK

Still to do:

• Fax drivers license and authorization letter to Micheline to be able to pick up my race packet at Expo
• Laundry
• Laundry
• Stop eating Tootsie Rolls
• Not get sick - everyone else in my house is :(
• Did I mention I have laundry to do?
• Complete 2 short runs
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
• Find a way to calm my nerves
• Figure out race wardrobe
• Make appointment at the spa for Monday morning :)
• Pack

I'm sure there is plenty more to do, but this is all my brain can accommodate right now. My nerves are starting to get to me. The realization when this morning hit was BIG. ONE WEEK.

And I guess I should clarify: when I said in my last post that I was *READY* I guess I should have said that I am as ready as I am ever going to be. I have no choice but to be ready.

Did you see the new cartoon in the upper right? That's compliments of Micheline. She thinks that is me. Funny girl.

I also forgot to mention that I had a great lunch date on Friday with Pat, his great wife Amy, and Eric (Tigger). Hopefully this was just the first of the RNR group get togethers! And as only would be appropriate - we ate at PF Changs. :)

And yes, D's team made it to the Championship Game this Saturday. This makes them two games away from going to Florida. Buckle up Mom...it may be a ride!

We revamped our travel plans to leave Saturday after the game. This means I get in to Monterey much later than I'd hoped, and will miss the Expo. :( Micheline is going to have to pick up my packet and stuff for me. Then we can have dinner...and get to bed. We will come back later on Monday so that Hubby can play golf.....and I can go to the spa. I figure I will have earned it by then! :)

Today was It

The LAST long run before Big Sur.

My *coaching staff* had recommended a long run of no more than 6-7 miles, so that is what I had on the books.

When I set out this morning, I had no idea it would be one of the BEST feeling runs I’ve ever had! :)

With the help and conversation of the best running buddies in the world, the TRC knocked down a fantastic 7 miles together.

We set out at 6:30 am – a little later today – 53 degree temperature – and ran the first mile straight through. According to Pat’s garmin – we maintained about a 12:38 pace. That’s pretty darn good for a Pokey fresh out of bed on a cold AZ morning!

After a walk break at the first mile, the gang agreed to try the walk/run method that I had experimented with in the past, AND am considering using at Big Sur next weekend.

So we set out for the next 6 miles at 3 min run/30 second walk intervals.

I could blab about this for quite a while, but I will just say it ROCKED!!!

Lisa kept hearing mysterious beeping noises in her head, which she tried to convince me were from my watch, indicating our walk break (see me rolling my eyes?)….but in the end, we all agreed it worked out wonderfully.

Per Mr. Garmin, our running intervals averaged a 12:28 pace; the overall average (including the walk intervals) was 13:08 over the entire 7 miles.

Oh yes - this average also includes the 6:27 pace for the entire 272 feet that Pat and I ran when he wanted to race to the finish :P He beat me, so my pace was slightly slower than 6:27…and I’m sure it’s the only sub-7 minute mile pace this Pokey will ever see!!!

I felt fantastic during the entire run, even at the end. Was it the intervals? Was it the Cytomax gel that I tried for the first time? Not sure. But I’ve learned not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Back when I started this thing, I could never even imagine myself running 7 miles. And I certainly didn’t ever imagine that I would ever be at a point where a 7 mile run felt great, during AND after the run. I am not the least bit sore, or tired… I just feel AWESOME.

Today I realized that I am as ready as I am ever going to be for this half marathon. Nothing I can do this week will change my performance in any way. I have done all I can do to this point. I guess that means I am officially *READY.*

More Pokey Speedwork and a Long Run

*SIGH* I am so ready for this week to be over.

I wish it was Monday, November 12.

D’s team would have won the football championship and football season would be officially over. My home life could get somewhat back to its strange state of normal.

Big Sur would be over. I would be happy and content about finishing my very first half-marathon and the stress and anticipation would be gone.

But nooooooooo…….it’s not November 12 yet. :(

The calendar is just not cooperating with me. I get knots in my stomach just thinking about the coming weeks………




So I’ll ramble about this past week instead.

I somehow managed to get some short runs in on Tuesday and Thursday, and tried to incorporate some pseudo-speedwork into each.

Tuesday I ran around the park during football practice, and then hit the streets some for the "speedwork." I found a little make-shift *track* for myself at the entrance to a gated community – per my eyeball, it seemed like maybe a ¼ mile – so I tried doing some speedwork around there. It worked great until cars started trying to pull into their neighborhood and there was some freak running around there in the dark. So instead of getting run over, I called it a night, jogged back to the park and watched the end of practice. I think my workout ended up being about 45 minutes.

Last night (Thursday) was one of those nights where it took everything I had to get myself out of the house to run. I was exhausted, it was 9pm….but I got out. Hubby chided me on the way out the door “don’t fall asleep while you’re running, okay?” Funny, funny man. But yes, I was THAT tired. I just needed a quickie workout.

So I opted to mix it up again and did some run/walk intervals. By the time the workout was over, I had run close to 3 miles – 2min run/30second walk intervals. And it felt GREAT....even after starting out being so tired. I didn’t even feel like I was running. And you know what – my average pace was lower than if I had run it normally.

I’ve had that phenomenon before, and that’s why proponents of the run/walk system say it works so well. You run faster during the running intervals since you aren’t as fatigued. VERY TRUE.

So I spent most of the workout pondering Big Sur in my mind. Should Micheline and I attempt the run/walk method instead? There is NO doubt in my mind that that would be a super easy way to knock down the 13.1.

OR…do I treat it like my long runs, where we run and then just take walk breaks as needed?

I get pretty fatigued during long runs, which I don’t think would happen using the run/walk approach.

OR….maybe we run/walk – but lengthen the run interval?

Shoot, I don’t know. I mulled it over in my mind for 30-some-odd-minutes last night, and still didn’t come up with what I think is best. I need to talk to Micheline. But it did make me realize that we don’t have a plan. And I NEED a plan. I’m anal that way. A true bean-counter by trade :P

Tomorrow is a somewhat long run with the TRC....Pat for sure, and hopefully Lisa too. I am planning on 6-7 miles for myself - not sure how many my cohorts will knock down!

Happy weekend everyone!

Remember Why

WOW....I was doing some internet research this morning on nutrition for the coming week in preparation for Big Sur.

How appropriate that I came across this 2005 article from the Monterey County Herald - which is completely in reference to BIG SUR! It definitely spoke to me. And the information is good - no matter what race you are getting ready to run :)


Some tips for half-marathon novices

Donald Buraglio and Mike Dove
Nov. 04, 2005

We assume you've done the basic training to get ready for the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay this Sunday. But as a novice runner, you may still be looking for some last-second advice and know that last week's column on race strategy for experienced runners doesn't fit your profile.

With that in mind, here are some things to keep in mind to help you conquer the 13.1-mile course.

• Think positive: Your brain is one of your most important tools during a long run. Unfortunately, it can also be your worst enemy. Use the power of positive thinking to help you succeed.

Starting now, continually tell yourself that you are going to have a wonderful day. Visualize yourself feeling strong and persevering through any adversity to cross the finish line. After all, to paraphrase Yogi Berra, 90 percent of the race is half mental.

• Fuel up: Starting today, eat carbohydrates to top off your glycogen (energy) stores and drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. Pasta, potatoes, bagels and rice are great pre-race meals, but keep the overall size of your meal consistent with your normal routine.

On race morning, wake up early and eat a banana or bagel to maintain your glycogen supply. Keep drinking small amounts of water or sports drink but not so much that the dam bursts before you get to the porta-potty.

• Gear up in advance: At Saturday's race expo, you will be given a microchip that goes on your shoe laces as well as a number to pin on your shirt. Do all this on Saturday night so you don't have extra hassles on Sunday morning.

• Do nothing new: Race day isn't the time to experiment with new gear or routines. Don't do or use anything that you haven't done before on a training run. Don't buy new clothes or shoes at the expo and wear them in the race. Stick with what you have found to be comfortable while training.

The same rule applies to food. Don't eat anything unusual on Saturday or Sunday. Give your body what it's accustomed to before a run, and you won't upset your stomach during the race.

• Go early: Allow enough time to park and wait in a bathroom line. Dress appropriately, double knot your shoes and drop off your bag before the start. If your goal is simply to finish the race, there is no need to do a lengthy warm up. Consider the first mile or two your warm-up miles.

• Know your place: Follow race etiquette and line up in the proper starting area (indicated by signs) at the start based on your bib number. You don't want to be stampeded by faster runners behind you trying to pass. If in doubt, move farther back. Don't worry about the time it takes to get to the starting line as your microchip will record your actual time from start to the finish.

Once the race starts, if you have to walk or slow down considerably make sure you move to the side of the road, out of the way of other runners. If you are with a group of runners, try to keep only two or three abreast so runners don't have to weave around you to get by.

• Start slowly: Most novice runners start too fast then pay the price in agony later. It's better to run slightly below your goal pace for the first few miles, then settle into that pace.

Don't feel compelled to keep up with anyone once the race starts. If you start conservatively, you'll be feeling good and passing people later in the race, which is a great feeling.

• Use the aid: It will be crowded at aid stations but make sure you stop and drink some water or sports drink even at the first-aid station. If you need to slow down to drink, make sure you move to the side of the road.

• Watch the pace: Wear a watch and check it every mile to see how fast you are going.

Volunteers will shout pace times at various mile markers as well. The markers are accurate -- so trust them! If you see that you are substantially ahead of that pace, slow down to avoid paying the price at the end.

• Enjoy the day: Despite what we wrote last week, races are to enjoy. The energy and enthusiasm of 5,000 runners and walkers is contagious. Be thankful you are participating and healthy enough to enjoy the day with others. Enjoy looking at one the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

• Remember why: Every novice runner has a reason for trying this race. It may be to raise money or to raise awareness for a cause, to shed some extra pounds and get healthy, to find an identity or regain control of some aspect of your life. Race day is when those ambitions are realized, so when the going gets tough, keep reminding yourself of why you started.

Monterey County Herald