Random Thoughts from This Morning's Run

- Vlog post will not get done this week. Filmed, but no time to do the little editing that I do. Not that anyone is screaming for it.

- It was not so painfully cold this morning. Still, it can't be good for one's health to go from two layers in order to run back to short sleeves. Please choose one, weather.

- Fartlek is a brain workout as much as a body workout. I started out doing one mile slow, which was angrymaking. Then came four sessions of 5 minutes fast with 2 minute slow intervals in between. Even though I didn't get below a 10:50 minute mile, it was work--keeping up the pace while keeping in mind how much farther I had to go, push but keep some energy in reserve. There was no zoning out, no dreaming, just all the Now, the steps, the breath. (And I did NO walking during the slow intervals. Yay, me!) I was so relieved for that last mile slow. I ache in a good way--both mentally and physically. 

- "Fartlek"--hurr hurr hurr

- I chafe in areas I never imagined. I've got a boo-boo on my hip thanks to a seam. That's just so weird.

Trouble with Training

In many ways, January has been a gift. I did a switch at work that meant no weekend work at all this month. We've managed to get out of town. I've had a couple of Icepocalypse days where I gotten to stay home. Lots of naps. Lots of creative stuff. Plus, I've gained a duty at work that is a welcome challenge.

Ran like whoa.

Likewise, my running speed has vastly improved. My "easy" pace is about a 12:30-12:45 minute mile, which seems to be average for "slow runners." Last week, when I was running an "easy three miles," I actually kept up a 10:30 minute mile pace (going below a 10mm at one point). It felt like a break-through! Running Momma suggests trying a 5K at an all-out pace, just to see what would happen.

I have been struggling with my training, though. Since I've set my sights on a half marathon in April, I thought I should switch my plan from a sub-65 minute 10K to an actual half marathon plan. However, the only plan that ended on time was a beginner half that concentrated only on mileage. I started to do it, but I found myself instantly bored and angry and finding excuses to quit. (Hello, Blerch. Glad to see you encouraging me to be a general PITA to my family as well.) This week, I switched back to the sub-65 for the novelty of the speed work. I figure since it includes a couple of long 9 mile runs, I'll still be prepared enough for the half. After April, I'll look into a "proper" intermediate (!) half training, which should give me enough time for a race in the fall.

Still, the scheduling has been tough. The icy weather has been disruptive. Also, the training has me doing speedwork on Saturday, long run on Sunday; with church involved, I'll have to switch them (or postpone the long run if it's a working weekend as this coming one will be).

The running does help my mood tremendously, though. I think the addition of a calcium-magnesium supplement as my doctor suggested might also help me in beating back the Blerch.

Hooray for Consistency! Another Vlog!

Another vlog is up--this time I talk about the basic parts of my cosrunning wardrobe:

 

It was nice to have the time to work on it thanks to Icepocalypse 2014. Essentially, we had a bout of sleet that iced over all of Houston. While the rest of the nation is laughing at us getting all wound up over temps in the 30s, I am glad to have to stay put--I personally have not lived with ice and don't really know how to drive in it (Hera knows, the rest of Houston doesn't).

Thankfully, I got my running done yesterday. The temps should go up a little, so tomorrow shouldn't be that painful either. The Blerch has been less brutal this month, something for which I am very grateful.

Today, I am indulging in comfort and creativity, which is good for my health in a different way.

Race Volunteer Report: Chevron Houston Marathon

Total Time Volunteering: 4 hours

Charity: Run for a Reason

It doesn't do any good to set your alarm for 5AM on your phone if you don't make sure that the correct day is also checked. This is not the first time I have done this.

Thankfully I'm a planner. I had my clothes laid out, my pockets stuffed with necessities (chapstick, hankie, hand sanitizer, wallet), layers prepared, grab-and-go breakfast pre-made in the fridge. I had done a dry-run to where I would park a couple days before (to compensate for my bad sense of direction). So, even though I woke up 25 minutes later than planned, I managed to make it out the door and to the checkpoint on time.

Mary, our team captain, has been volunteering with her husband at the Marathon for over fifteen years. She set us all up with shirts, jackets (if we signed up early, which I did), credentials (aka badge), and went over our task. We were at the point of the route where the half marathon split from the marathon (about mile 8); we were to watch the color of the bibs and try to steer runners in the correct direction--the irony was not lost on me, considering my navigation skills.

While we waited, I met a couple of nice women--Blanca and Nancy. Blanca was a runner herself trying to get back to doing at least six halves each year; we talked which ones were worth registering for, etc. We had some time for me to stash stuff in my car, eat breakfast, and hit the porta-potty.

And then the runners came.



The elite runners are just gorgeous ... long limbs, tight cores. Watching them lope by, I thought, how can I call myself a runner? These are runners.

And then the rest of the runners came, and I felt part of the tribe again.

As I was shouting instructions, I called out to the nerd shirts as I saw them--and got a couple of big grins in return from a Spiderman and a Captain America. A few cosrunners were present--a full-on Flash, some onesies. Only one Wonder Woman, and that a t-shirt (not that there's anything wrong with that).

One of the other volunteers suggested that I should be pointing as well as shouting; by pointing out individuals, I was able to direct a little better. Some runners, though, were plugged into their music and looking down. I understand running can be introspective--that's how the bulk of my morning runs are--but why pay for an experience and not have all your senses engaged? As the shift wore on, I started changing up my standard, "Half to the left! Full to the right!"

"Half to the left! Full to the right! Choose your own adventure!"
"Half to the left! Full to the right! Decision time!"

After a while, the runners became exclusively half marathoners. And then just walkers. But I stayed to the very DFL and cheered her on. Because that's what a tribe member does.

After four hours, I was frozen through, hungry, and didn't have much of a voice left--but exhilarated. It was early enough (and I was in the neighborhood), so I went on to church to meet my family, which is where the fatigue hit.

I've always tried to thank volunteers, but being a part of the process in even the tiniest way was illuminating as to how much work goes into every race. Every--ev.er.y.--runner needs to do this at some point. I intend to try to run this one next year; but if I don't make the lottery, I'm going to volunteer again just to be a part of the tribe.

Either way, I'm going to pay more attention to how I set my alarm.

Meeting Resolutions OR Hey, a Vlog!

I'm endeavoring to meet some of my resolutions. First off, I finished an episode of my vlog, Cosrunning with Chunky Wonder Woman.

 

I've made several attempts at vlogs, but I'm really going to try to be consistent with this one.* This is raw, but as my friend Somer of Kitchenstitches says, sometimes you just got to plunge ahead. I figure if I get at least one written entry and one vlog a week, I will meet my post twice a week goal.

One of the plans for this vlog is to include some Google+ Hangouts with makers and doers. So, if you run in costume and/or make costumes for runners and would like in on the conversation, please let me know (and some of you I will be contacting, so brace yourself).

I also made a goal to wear more hats. I will be wearing this one at the Chevron Houston Marathon where I will be volunteering at the half marathon turnaround (about mile 8, according to the map).

I'm nervous, but very excited about volunteering. I think it will give me a new appreciation for how much work it takes to make a race come together. It has also feels great to have an answer to, "So, are you running?" and know I'm still a part of this event.

If you're running, make sure to give me a wave. I'll be cheering you on!

As far as other resolutions, I've just started a little bit of speed play, and I think I may have found my second half marathon.

How are your resolutions going? Still on track? Hang in there--we've got this.


* Yeah, yeah, we'll see, sez the Blerch.

Every Run Its Own

I've started week two of the sub-65 10K training, and the vacation seems to be ending.

Today was three miles plus strides (essentially three rounds of 20 seconds fast + 2 minutes steady). I was a little jumpy about the whole process--I was so afraid to go very fast for fear I wouldn't have the gas when I had to sprint. Which is the point, I guess. But a 14 minute mile is still, well, a little disappointing. Nonetheless, I made my strides and have lived through the first round of it.

Even though I can compare runs in my head, I am increasingly aware that every run is its own. Yes, I can now finish a half; but this two and three mile runs, right now in this cold, is kind of a bitch. I still find myself pushing, yelling, coaching my way through.

Shouldn't this be easy now?

In a way, it is. I am not only able to physically do more, I can identify the Blerch for what it is and push past it. But that damn Blerch is there. Every. Single. Run.

I am also aware that the past week the Blerch has been playing with my hormones. PMS has been ragingly bad. I spoke with my doctor about it, and we have a strategy. (Related: my well woman tests and mammogram both came out normal. Not that there was a doubt; it's just a relief, especially after the health problems of last year.)

I'm hoping volunteering at the Chevron Marathon with bring back a little mojo.

Holiday Hangovers

Today is the Child's first day back to school. The Christmas stuff has been put away. The house is mostly devoid of rich foods and sweets.

I guess the holidays are officially over.

Well, *I'm* cold.

It's been really chilly (for us) lately, which doesn't make it easy to get out of bed and get going. (Luna, who is an affectionate dog by nature, has been particularly cuddly in a don't-get-out-of-bed-yet way.) Plus, I want to eat a lot of bread, cheese, and sodium-laden soup. I'm feeling rather bear-like in many, many ways (not all good), but hopefully some normalcy will help.

I started a sub-65 minute 10K training program this past week. Right now it's in the let's-get-started 2 and 3 mile easy runs, but will include fartlek running sessions and long runs up to 9 miles. It seemed to have the most benefits for me and is versatile enough to use for a 10K or another half. I haven't figured out how to fill the other days yet, and I may run into some snags later on in the training in terms of my calendar. I'm just going to plunge ahead and see how it goes.

That being said, I haven't really committed myself to any race yet. I'm probably going to do the Awesome 80s Run, despite the fact that I'm convinced I'm going to be annoyed; then again, there's a Darth Vader medal, and if someone will come with me, I might surprise myself. I do want to do the Houston Rodeo Run (10K) in March, despite the fact that the 10K training will not quite be finished. I've glanced at the Blue Bell Fun Run and Rhythm & Blues, but I'm not enthusiastic. I just noticed the Navy Marathon has been cancelled, which is a pity.

While I'm not running in the local biggie, the Chevron Houston Marathon, I followed the suggestion of a MRTT member and signed up as a volunteer (I will be at the half marathon turn-around). It's a good opportunity to give back to the community that embraced me.

So that's January, I guess. I'm working on my other resolutions, but it turns out I have a Blerch in other areas as well.