Oh glorious sun with your shimmering rays of warmth that surround me like the embrace of a dear friend, why must you come for moments so fleeting and vanish into memory?
This blustery, cold, windy, rainy weather is getting old. Even as I type, the ominous, hazy, white sky seems to be mocking me with a rumbling, "you'll be running in this soon."
Tomorrow, we step up the group run to eight miles, marking a new record for the longest distance I've run without walking. Needless to say, the butterflies in my stomach have all had their espresso this morning and are not being shy about flapping their powdery wings.
The great thing about training with Team in Training is that we are all in the same boat. I used to avoid doing formal races because I wasn't sure I was physically or emotionally strong enough to tough it out until the end. While TNT provides excellent physical training, I have to say that the emotional support and team spirit is what leaves me coming back for more. (The runner's high might have something to do with it as well.)
Last night, we did another track workout and I shaved some time off of my mile. That is something that I never thought I would be saying, especially this early in the game. Afterwards, we headed to Willow Street for a Hang With the Gang. There, I found out that some of my team mates are actually reading my meandering blog posts! *Yay for not shouting into the abyss!* Thanks for reading, guys! Go Team!
It was at Willow Street that my awesome TNT mentor, Tamara, planted the idea of running the Santa Cruz Half Marathon in my mind. It would be right on track with my training and a good way to experience a race before my marathon...
Who's with me?!
Dodge
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Treadmill Blues
Hello there,
First of all, a big Thank you to Esther for her very generous donation to LLS! Thank you so so much. My next run is for you!!
One of the perks of living in California is the beautiful weather. We have year-round sunshine that is never obstructed by clouds or fog, or anything else that might block the brilliance of that famous California sun. HA! Contrary to popular belief, it does rain in California, in fact, it pours. Yesterday was no exception. As much as I enjoy a nice run through the rain, the drops hitting my face as I splash through the glistening, water-soaked streets, last night, it was not in the cards.
Since I didn't get home until late, it was already the proverbial "dark and stormy night" that so many camp fire stories begin with. Reflectors or no reflectors, these conditions can be very dangerous for a runner since the rain causes drivers to behave like a bunch of newly-licensed, braces-sporting, scrunchy-wearing sixteen year olds. So I opted for the safter, dryer, and much more monotonous alternative, the treadmill.
Ah, 24 Hour Fitness, my old stomping grounds. I haven't been to the gym in quite a while since the majority of my training is outdoors. I can't say that I missed it, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Overall, my run was not bad. I have a sneaking suspicion that my shoes, while perfect for track and trail running, are not the optimal choice for the treadmill, as they left me with a slight burning on the outsides of my feet. Needless to say, I was rolling on frozen water later that night.
After about an hour on the ol' hamster wheel (aka treadmill) and some wobbly-legged steps to the door, I was pining for the open trail. Here's hoping the weather allows for some outdoor running this evening. :)
Stay dry!
Dodge
First of all, a big Thank you to Esther for her very generous donation to LLS! Thank you so so much. My next run is for you!!
One of the perks of living in California is the beautiful weather. We have year-round sunshine that is never obstructed by clouds or fog, or anything else that might block the brilliance of that famous California sun. HA! Contrary to popular belief, it does rain in California, in fact, it pours. Yesterday was no exception. As much as I enjoy a nice run through the rain, the drops hitting my face as I splash through the glistening, water-soaked streets, last night, it was not in the cards.
Since I didn't get home until late, it was already the proverbial "dark and stormy night" that so many camp fire stories begin with. Reflectors or no reflectors, these conditions can be very dangerous for a runner since the rain causes drivers to behave like a bunch of newly-licensed, braces-sporting, scrunchy-wearing sixteen year olds. So I opted for the safter, dryer, and much more monotonous alternative, the treadmill.
Ah, 24 Hour Fitness, my old stomping grounds. I haven't been to the gym in quite a while since the majority of my training is outdoors. I can't say that I missed it, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Overall, my run was not bad. I have a sneaking suspicion that my shoes, while perfect for track and trail running, are not the optimal choice for the treadmill, as they left me with a slight burning on the outsides of my feet. Needless to say, I was rolling on frozen water later that night.
After about an hour on the ol' hamster wheel (aka treadmill) and some wobbly-legged steps to the door, I was pining for the open trail. Here's hoping the weather allows for some outdoor running this evening. :)
Stay dry!
Dodge
Sunday, February 21, 2010
What I'm Reading #1
Ahh, RunnersWorld, my old pal. You have been there with me since I laced up my first pair of Asics and hit the trail for the first time. So many memories, so much advice, and more to come, I'm sure. The article, The Ten Laws of Injury Prevention, written by Amby Burfoot in the March 2010 issue was no exception and is a must-read for any runner.
Burfoot not only provides valuable tips, but reasoning backed up by running-injury experts and advice on how to properly and effectively apply the advice. I really appreciated the "Action Plan" portions of each "law" because it gave a clear example instead of leaving me wondering, "I wonder if this is what she meant."
After reading this article, I am motivated to up my stength training, as I think that might be to blame for some recent discomfort in my training.
To the gym!!
Dodge
Burfoot not only provides valuable tips, but reasoning backed up by running-injury experts and advice on how to properly and effectively apply the advice. I really appreciated the "Action Plan" portions of each "law" because it gave a clear example instead of leaving me wondering, "I wonder if this is what she meant."
After reading this article, I am motivated to up my stength training, as I think that might be to blame for some recent discomfort in my training.
To the gym!!
Dodge
Friday, February 19, 2010
This is a marathon, not a sprint!
Hello Hello!
First of all, I'd like to thank David Saucedo for his donation to LLS. Every day, this organization gives me another reason to be proud to be a part of the cause and I'm so touched every time someone reaches out to support our common goal, to fight blood cancer!
So, yesterday was our first day of real interval/speed training and I must say that I have never felt so unprepared. Although I have been running distance for a long time, I have never pushed myself very hard for speed. Well it seems that is about to change.
Yesterday, they split us into pace groups based on our speeds at last week's workout. I was put into the fastest of the three waves of runners and I am officially one of the slowest ones in the group. I guess it is okay to be the slowest of the fastest, but it makes for an entirely new psychological battle for me. It has been a long time since I have really worked on speed, so I think that rather than asking to be moved down a speed level, I am going to use this opportunity to rise to the occasion and pick up my speed a little.
Although I will not be running my marathon at this pace, I believe that the strength of mind that I gain from not giving up even when every muscle in my body is pleading for me to stop will be the most valuable asset I can have on race day.
We also had a nutrition clinic before the workout and I learned that its time to be a little more concious about what I eat so that I can improve my performance. I am beginning to keep a food log to track what I'm eating so that I can avoid the "calorie amnesia" that seems so common these days. I guess its time to hit the farmers market and stock up on healthy foods and maybe, just maybe learn to cook a few more meals.
Despite a little soreness, I feel very good today and I can't wait to hit the trail after work!
Happy trails!
Dodge
First of all, I'd like to thank David Saucedo for his donation to LLS. Every day, this organization gives me another reason to be proud to be a part of the cause and I'm so touched every time someone reaches out to support our common goal, to fight blood cancer!
So, yesterday was our first day of real interval/speed training and I must say that I have never felt so unprepared. Although I have been running distance for a long time, I have never pushed myself very hard for speed. Well it seems that is about to change.
Yesterday, they split us into pace groups based on our speeds at last week's workout. I was put into the fastest of the three waves of runners and I am officially one of the slowest ones in the group. I guess it is okay to be the slowest of the fastest, but it makes for an entirely new psychological battle for me. It has been a long time since I have really worked on speed, so I think that rather than asking to be moved down a speed level, I am going to use this opportunity to rise to the occasion and pick up my speed a little.
Although I will not be running my marathon at this pace, I believe that the strength of mind that I gain from not giving up even when every muscle in my body is pleading for me to stop will be the most valuable asset I can have on race day.
We also had a nutrition clinic before the workout and I learned that its time to be a little more concious about what I eat so that I can improve my performance. I am beginning to keep a food log to track what I'm eating so that I can avoid the "calorie amnesia" that seems so common these days. I guess its time to hit the farmers market and stock up on healthy foods and maybe, just maybe learn to cook a few more meals.
Despite a little soreness, I feel very good today and I can't wait to hit the trail after work!
Happy trails!
Dodge
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Keeping Up Momentum!
Hello!
First off, I want to thank Erik Rask for his generous contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is such an amazing cause and it warms my heart to see so many people working toward this common goal. *Go Team!*
I have been thinking a lot lately about how to maintain momentum. Long distance running is just as much mental as it is physical, and for me, the momentum-killers lurk in my mind, not my legs. Lately, mile three has been a wall for me, and now, the anticipation of that wall has become yet another wall. It is an interesting game that I play with myself as I approach the third mile. I begin to wonder if my leg will cramp or my shoe will begin to rub, and magically it does.
Typically, if I can get past mile three, I'm golden. Its as if the energy it takes to bring me to three miles is enough to push me into autopilot for another three, six, nine, and beyond. I'm sure there are other walls to be found, stay tuned and you'll hear about them!
It seems that with running, as with life, expectations are everything. My goal for this week is to have no expectations on my runs beyond the very general, "finish today's run." I will silence the gps application that reminds me where I am in the run and focus instead on taking one more step until there are no more to take... then we'll see whether the wall is made of brick or just a hologram. :)
Till next time!
Dodge
First off, I want to thank Erik Rask for his generous contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is such an amazing cause and it warms my heart to see so many people working toward this common goal. *Go Team!*
I have been thinking a lot lately about how to maintain momentum. Long distance running is just as much mental as it is physical, and for me, the momentum-killers lurk in my mind, not my legs. Lately, mile three has been a wall for me, and now, the anticipation of that wall has become yet another wall. It is an interesting game that I play with myself as I approach the third mile. I begin to wonder if my leg will cramp or my shoe will begin to rub, and magically it does.
Typically, if I can get past mile three, I'm golden. Its as if the energy it takes to bring me to three miles is enough to push me into autopilot for another three, six, nine, and beyond. I'm sure there are other walls to be found, stay tuned and you'll hear about them!
It seems that with running, as with life, expectations are everything. My goal for this week is to have no expectations on my runs beyond the very general, "finish today's run." I will silence the gps application that reminds me where I am in the run and focus instead on taking one more step until there are no more to take... then we'll see whether the wall is made of brick or just a hologram. :)
Till next time!
Dodge
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday 6
Hello,
We had another team run this morning at Coyote Creek Trail. It was a beautiful run. I went six miles without walking! Yay!! 20.2 more miles and I'm set! I'm finding it to be much easier to stay motivated in a team setting. Around every bend, I'm greeted by a red-faced team mate with a hearty smile and an enthusiastic, "Go team!"
Today was my first run in my new running shoes. They are by far the coolest looking athletic shoes I have ever owned. The shoes made such a difference in my performance and the way that I felt afterward. Check out that neon!
Hopefully these babies will last through my marathon because I doubt I'll ever find a pair this awesome ever again.
I went to my second Hang with the Gang at Holders Country Inn after the run and although I did not partake in the pancakes, I had a delicious breakfast and met some more awesome team mates. I'm getting ready for a little post-run nap and then its onward and upward!
Go Team!
Dodge
We had another team run this morning at Coyote Creek Trail. It was a beautiful run. I went six miles without walking! Yay!! 20.2 more miles and I'm set! I'm finding it to be much easier to stay motivated in a team setting. Around every bend, I'm greeted by a red-faced team mate with a hearty smile and an enthusiastic, "Go team!"
Today was my first run in my new running shoes. They are by far the coolest looking athletic shoes I have ever owned. The shoes made such a difference in my performance and the way that I felt afterward. Check out that neon!
Hopefully these babies will last through my marathon because I doubt I'll ever find a pair this awesome ever again.
I went to my second Hang with the Gang at Holders Country Inn after the run and although I did not partake in the pancakes, I had a delicious breakfast and met some more awesome team mates. I'm getting ready for a little post-run nap and then its onward and upward!
Go Team!
Dodge
Friday, February 12, 2010
Pace Groups
Hello!
I want to first take a moment to thank the very generous people who have already donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in support of my marathon. Dan Dour of DB Incorporated, a high quality and reliable printer and friend as well as the company I work for, Edison Pharmaceuticals have made contributions to my fundraising and offered inspiring words of encouragement. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
The team run last night was short and sweet. We ran two miles, timed so that we can begin splitting into pace groups. (Hey, I can do that 12 more times!) I think it's time for a new pair of shoes because I had some aches and pains, but nothing a little recovery feast at Willow Street didn't help. I went to my first "Hang with the Gang," something I'll probably be mentioning a lot throughout this adventure. The team is full of amazing people, each with his or her own story and I am fascinated to hear each and every one.
So far, the benefits of training are adding up, but i must say that the greatest one of all is the sound sleep that I get at the end of the night. So sound, in fact, that I don't notice my sneak of a dog hop into my bed in the middle of the night. Way to take advantage of the situation, Montag!
Until next time!
Dodge
I want to first take a moment to thank the very generous people who have already donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in support of my marathon. Dan Dour of DB Incorporated, a high quality and reliable printer and friend as well as the company I work for, Edison Pharmaceuticals have made contributions to my fundraising and offered inspiring words of encouragement. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
The team run last night was short and sweet. We ran two miles, timed so that we can begin splitting into pace groups. (Hey, I can do that 12 more times!) I think it's time for a new pair of shoes because I had some aches and pains, but nothing a little recovery feast at Willow Street didn't help. I went to my first "Hang with the Gang," something I'll probably be mentioning a lot throughout this adventure. The team is full of amazing people, each with his or her own story and I am fascinated to hear each and every one.
So far, the benefits of training are adding up, but i must say that the greatest one of all is the sound sleep that I get at the end of the night. So sound, in fact, that I don't notice my sneak of a dog hop into my bed in the middle of the night. Way to take advantage of the situation, Montag!
Until next time!
Dodge
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday Coached Run tonight!
Hello Hello!
Its hard to believe that I'm already into my second week of training! Tonight is another coached workout and I'm greeting it with a hearty, "Bring it on!" So far, no pains, no sprains, and most importantly, no more rain. Okay, no more rhyming, I promise.
This week should be awesome thanks, in large part, to the improved weather. I'm very excited to see the team and get running again.
Stay tuned for an update on how the run went!
Dodge
Its hard to believe that I'm already into my second week of training! Tonight is another coached workout and I'm greeting it with a hearty, "Bring it on!" So far, no pains, no sprains, and most importantly, no more rain. Okay, no more rhyming, I promise.
This week should be awesome thanks, in large part, to the improved weather. I'm very excited to see the team and get running again.
Stay tuned for an update on how the run went!
Dodge
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Welcome
Hello, welcome to Go, Dodge, Go!, my official marathon training blog. Stay tuned for updates as I work my way toward the big 26.2!
Dodge
Dodge
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
