Action 446 - Know DOMS, No DOMS.

I've blogged before about DOMS. I had come to a point where I accepted it as a matter of running long distances. But my friend, Raul, assured me that the more I run and the better I train, the less likely I would be to experience it.

Action 446 - Know DOMS, No DOMS.

I ran a half marathon on Sunday, and in the past, I would wake up on Tuesday with sore and stiff legs. But today, not a problem. I hopped out of bed at 4:30am, grabbed my gym bag and headed out for an easy treadmill run.

Thirty minutes. 3.14 miles. A little tight at the beginning of the run, but really, it felt pretty good. No soreness worth mentioning.



There really may be something to this training bit after all.

15th Anniversary Dinner

 

Action 445 - Picture Myself As An Ultra.

I can barely believe that I am about to type these words. I can barely believe that the thought has even settled into my mind. But so be it.

Action 445 - Picture Myself As An Ultra.

This time two years ago, I wasn't able to run a mile. The idea of entering a 5K was way too much. And yet tonight, I'm THISCLOSE to signing up for a twelve hour trail race. It's an open event, in that I would have twelve hours to complete as many miles as I possibly can.

Why would I do this? One, because it supports the Wounded Warrior Project. Two, because it is a challenge unlike any I have ever attempted. And three, because it's designed so each runner can do their very best and compete only against themselves. Whether I run one mile or fifty miles, it's all up to me.

Now, I am not sure that I will run this particular race. One, it's $125. And with all my races already paid for and my Marine Reunion coming up, another $125 for race fees is a bit much. (It's all to a great cause, absolutely, just beyond my budget right now.) Two, it's right after my marathon and two days before a scheduled, very hilly half marathon.

But the action here is not necessarily to run it. It's to picture myself as being able to do it or the next one like it. And yes, I can picture it. Holy crap, how mind-blowing is that?

I am not the man I was two years ago. I am a man who can step up to any challenge, give it everything I have, and walk away proud of myself. That is an amazing feeling and a great mental space to be in.

P.S. And here's a link to the same race from 2010. The Goat Medal cracks me up!

Action 444 - Be Proud Of The Right Thing.

At Sunday's OC Half Marathon, I ran a PR. I crushed my previous time. And still, that PR is the thing I am second-most proud of from yesterday.

Action 444 - Be Proud Of The Right Thing.

Yes, I am proud of my time. I worked very hard over the last year... especially over the last couple of months... and my speed and stamina are definitely increasing. I continue to do well and I love it.

But yesterday, the run was not the best part of the day. For me, the best part came after the run. I have already talked about how I spent the morning and early afternoon as part of the Jester Crew. But today, seeing a photo of all of us, I really felt the power of what we had done.

One of the other Jesters out there, Shawna, described it best:

This is where the magic happens. Ed and crew bringing in the very last runner at OC. This is Ms. Elaine Karmen. She is 65 years old and rocked her marathon in 7:06:37.

Tonight, I am going to feel proud of myself. But I'm going to feel even more proud of the Running Granny, Ms. Elaine Karmen. Her determination to keep going is the absolute embodiment of the spirit of the marathon.

Action 443 - Sing A New Song.

The road to Pasadena has taken many turns, and I'm still making adjustments. After a lot of miles on the road over the last month, I've discovered a few things about my music.

Action 443 - Sing A New Song.



I've learned that some of the songs I thought would be perfect are actually... not. For example, I love Kelly Clarkson's Never Again. I have a rockin' remix of it that I thought would be perfect for running. Turns out, not so much. The last thing I want to hear as I am running yet another half marathon is "never again... never again!"

So, it's back to the playlist over the next two weeks. I've got more changes to make and not a lot of time to make sure they're the right changes.

Action 442 - Honor Heroes (Mile 23).

I am dedicating each mile that I run in the Pasadena Marathon to another Marine Corps hero who has made the ultimate sacrifice, so that in my own small way, they may be honored, acknowledged, and remembered.

Action 442 - Honor Heroes (Mile 23). I will run mile twenty-three in honor of Cpl Michael Dutcher. At his memorial service, it was said of this diehard and dedicated Marine that he "represented the very best of our mountains.” The Reverend at the service mentioned a past slogan of Buncombe County, “Men to match our mountains.” “Michael indeed matched our mountains in courage, faithfulness and integrity,” Brown said. “He’s one of our sons, and he’s one of our heroes.”

I will run this mile in honor of this fallen Marine warrior, dedicated son and brother. Semper Fi, Corporal.

Marine Cpl. Michael J. Dutcher died September 15, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 22, of Asheville, N.C.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Sept. 15 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

(Photo and summary courtesy of militarytimes.com.)

Action 441 - Be In Love.

Fifteen years ago today, I was recovering from a painful, toxic relationship. My only intention on May 7, 1997, was to enjoy a planning breakfast with friends and then search out a new apartment in which I was going to rebuild my life. That was my plan, anyway.

What I got, instead, was an unexpected breakfast companion, a wonderful day of fun, and an adventure that has lasted for fifteen years and just  keeps getting better.

Action 441 - Be In Love. And I am. Truly, madly and deeply in love.

How does this connect to this project? Simple. Being in love, and being loved, gives me the confidence to try new things, to step outside my comfort zone, and to reach for goals that may once have seemed beyond me.

"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage." Lao-Tzu

I know that my husband will support me no matter what crazy idea I decide to pursue. Run a marathon? Go for it. Run another? Sure. Fly across the country to run a relay race? You should do it!

Thank you, Ric Sanchez, for changing everything about my life just by loving me. You believe in me, sometimes even more than I do, and I never want to know what life without you would be like.

Here's to the last fifteen years.



And now, on to the next adventures!

Action 440 - Start The Countdown.

Today was my last scheduled race before the Pasadena Marathon on May 20th. After eighty-six days of Project One Five, I am down to the final two weeks of training.

Action 440 - Start The Countdown.

The next couple of weeks are so important. Everything from my eating to my training to my sleeping will all impact my overall performance on race day. I've been fairly consistent to this point, but I really need to kick it into gear between now and the end.

Scheduled workout and rest days. Healthy eating with no cheat days or meals. And sleep. Man, oh man, do I need to get sleep. But all of this is doable.



The only thing that stands between me and marathon glory is two weeks. All the rest is mine to make happen!

Action 439 - Celebrate The PR.

If you've followed along with this blog for very long, you'll know that I am all about the celebrations. I love having a good time, and I can find always find a reason to have a drink or two and share a few laughs with friends. But there are other ways to recognize a personal accomplishment.



Action 439 - Celebrate The PR.

It's a big deal to me that I managed to run a two hour half marathon. It means that a sub-two hour run is completely within my reach. And when I think about how only eighteen months ago I worried about maintaining a sixteen-minute pace, well, it's clear that I have come a long way in my training and my ability to run the long distances.

As I drove home from Orange County, I kicked around a few different ideas for how to celebrate the PR. I thought about going with my usual pattern and heading over to Gossip Grill. And I debated walking up the neighborhood tavern, The Ould Sod, for a pint of Magner's. Either choice would mean a chance to show off my new medal, enjoy a drink or two, and socialize with other people.

In the end, though, I went with the one choice that just seemed right. I drove home and spent the afternoon with my husband. We had an early dinner together, I took a nap, and we just hung out here at the house.

Since my husband has been my biggest fan since I began running, celebrating today's PR with him was absolutely the right choice. There will be plenty of time for going out with friends. Today, it was all about the homefront.

Thanks, Husband!

Action 438 - Be Part Of The Jester Crew.

For me, running has been a rather solitary endeavor. I have amazing friends who have joined me along the way for training runs or on race days, but more often than not, I'm on my own. And I'm okay with that.

But there is more to running than just logging miles by myself. And today I got to experience that in living color.

Action 438 - Be Part Of The Jester Crew.

As I've mentioned before, the Run Jester is a gentleman named Ed who loves to run. A lot. Like 100 miles at a time kind of runs. And that's not the neatest thing about him. He also likes to run marathons, stop at mile 26, and wait to cheer on other runners. All the other runners. Literally, every single other runner on the course. The Run Jester stands at the end of the race for hours, until the very last marathoner (or half marathoner) finishes. Then he will run in with them.



I decided to do that at the La Jolla Half Marathon, and the experience was unbelievable. And today, I joined up with Ed and the mini-Jester, Colby, and helped them cheer in the runners at the OC Marathon.

As expected, it was an absolute highlight of the day. First, it's impossible to be around the Jester and not be affected by his spirit and his passion for the run. And he cheers and encourages every runner - seriously, every runner - with "good job!" and "26 down, only .2 to go!" or "look at you, you got this!"

And that cowbell. Lord, that cowbell. It's loud. It's hear-it-a-city-block-away loud. And he's a hard guy to miss. So every runner knows he is there long before they actually get up to him. But when they do, they have a big smile and a recharged kick in their step.

And so it was today. Ed and Colby were kind enough to let me join them, and we (along with Shawna, Chris, Tammy, Bill, Patty and Billy... did I miss anyone?) did our best to welcome every runner as they came by. And hours later, when the very last runner came by, we gathered up our stuff and walked in right along with her.

It's powerful stuff, this whole idea of giving back to the running community by paying it forward. It reminds me that running can be more than a solitary outing. It can also be a tight-knit, supportive group of people celebrating the accomplishments of all.

Thanks, Jester Crew. You will definitely see me out there again!

Action 437 - Run The OC Half.

November 25, 2011 seems like a very long time ago. It's the day I decided, "sure, it's Orange County, but I should totally run that race!"

Action 437 - Run The OC Half.

Today was my last event before the Pasadena Marathon, and I knew before I even started running that I was going to treat it like a training run. Sure, I'd push myself, but the most important thing was to get through the miles without hurting myself. With only two weeks until Pasadena, I don't have time for an injury.

Like most plans, though, this one sort of fell apart as soon as the race began. No, I didn't get injured. But I didn't play it safe, either. And I blame the course for that. Here's the description from the organizers:

The Half Marathon course is net downhill in elevation from start to finish. The first 6.5 miles will be extremely fast with only minor inclines. Mile 6.5 to 7.0 is the only significant hill on the course taking the runners from 15 feet to 75 feet. The course is then mostly flat through mile 10.5, a couple rolling hills to 11.5 with a flat and fast final stretch into the OC Fair & Event Center.

And it's true. The first half was crazy fast. In fact, I set a 10K PR with 56:33. I was flying. I struggled a bit with the hill, but I didn't lose that much time. And the chance to walk a bit and stretch out always helps me run faster later.

I kept moving at mile seven, but I did manage to snap a quick photo and even post it to Facebook.

By mile ten, I was fairly certain I was going to run a PR for the overall course. I also sorted out that I was going to be very, very close to breaking a sub-two hour half marathon time.

Me. A sub-two. Are you kidding me? Ever since my first half marathon and my time of 2:09, I have imagined a sub-two. But that is very, very fast. And for a runner like me, focusing on a specific time goal like that is a sure way to take the fun out of a half marathon... especially one that is supposed to be a warm-up run for a marathon.

By mile eleven, I had abandoned all pretense of "warm up run." I gave it everything I had and I ran as fast as I could. My heart was racing, I could feel the blood pumping in my ears, and I was completely out of breath, but I kept running.

My final race time? 2:00:24 seconds.



Yep, I was THATCLOSE to running a sub-two. But I have to say, I don't feel bad about missing that at all. I can't. I crushed my previous PR and I had what is, for me, an outstanding race and a great experience. I can't be anything but happy about that.

Who's got a shiny new medal and a new PR? This guy!



 

Action 436 - Hurry Up And Wait.

Today was the OC Half Marathon. From door to door, it was 84.2 miles away. That means about an hour and a half of driving to get there. The race started at 6:15, and I had to be at the Finish Line at 5:45 to board the shuttle to the Start. I definitely needed a plan for the timing.

Action 436 - Hurry Up And Wait.

I decided that I would get up at 2am (despite not going to sleep until 11pm... ugh!) and drive up before all the traffic. My plan was to get up there early enough that I could get great parking and then nap a bit before my shuttle time.

Turns out, the plan was brilliant! It worked perfectly. I was right on time, and I was able to park directly in front of the bathrooms, at the post-race expo exit, and maybe 200 feet away from the Finish Line. I was there at 3:30, dashed into the bathroom, then came back to my car, pulled the blanket over me, and took a pretty good nap.



My passenger seat flips all the way flat, so I stretched my legs out, put my feet up, and might as well have been sitting in my recliner at home.

Whenever possible, this will be my timing in the future. I hate feeling rushed, I don't like fighting a crowd to get into the parking area, and I always worry about being late. So with the "hurry up and relax" plan, I can get in, get settled, nap, and be wide awake and ready to run when it's time.

I like it.

Action 435 - Look Ahead, Look Behind.

I could never run a _____ (fill in the blank).

If you're a new runner, or you at least remember being a new runner, you have likely said those words above. I know I have. When I first got up off the couch and started exercising, I felt like I would never be able to run a mile. Then it was a mile in ten minutes. Then it was a 5k and a 10k. Then a half marathon and a marathon. And yet, I have done each of those things.

Tomorrow morning I will run my eleventh half marathon. Two weeks later, I will run my second full marathon. And a week after that, my twelfth half marathon. Each of these milestones is still a happy surprise to me, a celebration of where my journey has taken me and more evidence that I was terribly wrong before. But what's next?

Action 435 - Look Ahead, Look Behind. I have recently been introduced to a group of ultra-runners. They do 50Ks, back-to-back marathons, fifty milers, 100 milers and even more. And when I think about what they are doing, I find myself saying very familiar words.

I could never run a _____ (fill in the blank).

Sure, the numbers are way higher, but it's the same thing. Looking ahead, I am stunned by the distances and sure that they are way beyond my ability. But looking back, I realize that it is no different than before. I need to identify what I want, determine the best way to train for it, and then make it happen.

Honestly, it's that simple. And while I can't say for sure that I will ever run those longer distances, I know one thing for certain. If I don't run them, it will be because I chose not to. It will not be because I was afraid of the distance, the training, or the effort. I can do whatever I am willing to work for.

Besides, these double medals are pretty darn sweet, right?



I got these for running back-to-back half marathons over New Year's Weekend. Perhaps soon, I'll be doing back-to-back full marathons.

Action 434 - Gather My Favorite Things.

It's that time again.

Action 434 - Gather My Favorite Things.

I am heading up to Orange County in a few hours, and that means I need to have all of my running gear staged and ready to go.

I have my running shirt, shorts and socks, my sneaks, my warm-up sweatpants and my USMC sweatshirt. I have my RoadID, Garmin, Halo headband and my warm cap. I have a couple of GU packets for the run, a snack for the ride up, and my iPhone holder.



I just need to grab my Shuffle and headphones, my bib and belt, cash and my ID and I am all set to go.

Come on, Race Day!

Action 433 - Celebrate Life.

It's amazing what a difference a year can make. This time last year, I was reeling from the news that a good friend had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. A couple of months later, my friend had passed. As expected, his husband was hit hard by the loss. He really struggled to find his way in a life now completely changed.

Today is the husband's birthday, and we spent the evening enjoying a wonderful dinner with him and a couple of other friends. We had a good time and the energy was positive.

Action 433 - Celebrate Life. Yes, our other friend is no longer with us and his husband still misses him terribly. But tonight was a celebration of the friend still here, still alive, still making his way through this life.

Happy Birthday to my friend and may he know the magic of many more years to come. Tonight was a celebration of his life and all of the wonderful things he will still do with it. And a tip of the hat for his new motorcycle and all the fun he'll have on that, too!



(Photo courtesy of bayridgetalk.com.

Action 432 - Find It Or Make It.

Tomorrow is the OC Half Marathon, and afterwards, I'll be joining the newly forming Team Jesters and cheering in all the runners that come in after I finish. There's a marathon and a half marathon, so there will be plenty of runners still making their way across.

Of course, I have to be dressed appropriately. And I would hardly be Team Jester without a Jester's hat, right?

Action 432 - Find It Or Make It.

Unfortunately, there was no finding it today. I checked the obvious places, but even Party City boxed all their jester hats away with their Mardi Gras supplies. The good news is, I have a crafty husband. And he decided he could make a better looking hat, anyway.

Here's the start of it:



I can't wait!

Action 431 - Tell My Story.

After more than four hundred blog entries into this project, it should be apparent that I don't consider myself a shy person. I don't really hide much of myself anymore. I am who I am and I'm proud of that. So when a chance comes to talk about myself, yep, I'm all over it!

Action 431 - Tell My Story.

I've already mentioned that I am taking part in a documentary called, From Fat to Finish Line. I needed to write up "my story" for the film's Facebook Page, but I've been putting it off. Turns out, I also need to get it written if I want to be featured on a teammate's super-popular blog, RunsForCookies, where she is introducing the runners to her readers.

That's two great reasons to get my act together, and this morning I did. I wrote My Story and got it published on my new blog, Runner12.com.

Action 430 - Ask And I Shall Receive.

It's always interesting to me how the universe responds to my pleas. Sometimes, the time between my request and the response is so long that I am oblivious to their connection. Other times, though, the turnaround is so quick it amazes me.

Action 430 - Ask And I Shall Receive.

This afternoon on the drive home from the gym, I went by a relatively new neighborhood tavern called Tiger Tiger. They have a small patio out front with picnic tables, and as I rode by, I saw a group of six or seven guys sitting in front to the right.



Almost reflexively, a thought popped into my head.

I wish I had a group of friends like that.

There it was, right out in the open. I really had to give it some thought, because I instantly got defensive (of my own comment).

Wait. I have plenty of friends, thank you very much.

Yes, I do. So clearly there had to be more to it than that. And a little more thought cleared it up. It isn't that I don't have friends, it's that I don't have a group of friends who really enjoy the two things that I enjoy - good conversation over afternoon beers plus endless chatter about running.

I have friends who enjoy running, but mostly they live a ways away. And I have friends who enjoy afternoon drinks and hanging out. But they are a bit tired of my run obsession. So I was jealous of the folks outside of the tavern because seeing them reminded me of the disconnect between my two fave activities.

The universe, it seems, heard my plea for a group of equally-running obsessed people.  And it delivered quickly. Tonight, I've connected with my Ragnar Team AND I've connected with the Run Jester Run Friends. Both of these groups are fantastic, make me feel great to be part of them, and can be my go-to folks for all conversations about running.

Ask And I Shall Receive. Yep, that's what happened. And this time, I definitely noticed.

Action 429 - Make It A Date.

I am so grateful for this project and all the rewards it continues to bring to me. I know I keep saying this, but only because it still seems so unreal to me. What began as a very personal and internally focused effort to improve my running has evolved into a much wider, much broader change for me. And that continues this weekend.

Action 429 - Make It A Date.

This Sunday, after I run the OC Half Marathon, I will be meeting up with a group of folks that I've yet to see in person. They are all, somehow, connected to The Jester (I mentioned  him earlier.) We've all been talking via Facebook in the Run Jester Run Friends Group, and we have decided to catch up at the 26.0 mile mark and cheer on the runners in both the full and the half marathon.

It's crazy. I'm focused on the after-race activities and not really thinking at all about the 13.1 miles I will be running first. When did that happen? When did I become confident enough in my training and my physical fitness to step up for a half marathon and not be worried at all?

And when did running a half marathon become more a social opportunity than a difficult physical challenge?

Rumor has it that there is a Team Jester Club forming, and the only requirement for membership is your presence at an event offering Jester Cheering until the last competitor crosses that finish line. It's a club I am excited to join.

If you're near the OC on Sunday, and find yourself thinking, "I wish I had something fun and meaningful to do this morning," join us at Mile 26. We'll make it a date!

Hello, Weekend!

It's Friday afternoon, a beautiful weekend awaits, and this is my view as I start my drive home.

I heart San Diego.