Saturday, August 28, 2010

20 Miles!

This week's long run was 19 miles.  I woke up late, 5:35 a.m- (yes that's late!) and started to get ready for the run.  It was sunny and beautiful out by the time we (Phil came with) left around 6:15-6:20.  We took the usual route through Menomonee parkway to the New Berlin bike trail.

Our turnaround point was after Sunnyslope on the bike trail-9.5 miles-1 hr 35 mins.  Getting there was a little struggle, but not too bad.  I hate to get graphic here, but I was paid a little visit from Aunt Flo, and have been cramping really bad.  It was not fun to run with cramps, but the silver lining is it took the pain away from my legs.

As per the usual, after the turnaround point we were doing really well.  We hit the 2 hour mark, and were still doing well...and then 2:30, and still doing well!  That's at 15 miles!!  I was in that runner's high and felt like I could keep going past 19. SO, at 3 hours, we climbed Long legs Larry.  With only a few blocks to go, we switched it up and added an extra mile!  We ended at 3:13- 7 minutes faster on the way back even with adding a mile!!  Our average pace was 9:39/mile!!  

The happiness quickly subsided once we stopped.  I could literally feel the lactic acid pooling in my quads.  Phil stretched me out- which was ridiculous- it felt like torture.  A quick shower, some grub and an episode of the Bachleor Pad and I'm doing pretty good.  I've got a nagging headache, but all things considered I'm doing really well.

This has given me the confidence back that I needed to finish this last month of training.  2 more long runs (20, 22 miles) and I'm onto the big race. I can't believe I'm actually doing it!  I'm a lot of talk but rarely action so I'm so proud of how far I've made it- bad runs and all.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Random Run

If you've read any of my last post, you know I've been less than thrilled with my running capabilities and how it's affecting my life. I decided to try and do some speed for my 5-miler this week.  It felt entirely labored and not in a good way.  The only word I can think of to describe how I feel is clompy. Each footstep sounds like a herd of elephants, and my breathing could beat a snoring bear.  I ran to the track and did 5-400's and ran back.  There are a couple of things that made that run more enjoyable.  Like Glee's version of Paparrazi by Lady Gaga.  Rodrigo y Gabriela = long legs larry DOMINATED.

Mom, can I play now? 


Phil loved these guys- me, take or leave but I'll do them again.
How cute is my dog? I mean, really???!!  LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM.










Tuesday, August 17, 2010

There goes your social life.

I've been thinking a lot about the race lately.  Just writing about it makes my heart beat a little faster.  Considering I signed up in January, 6 weeks to go seems like it's coming up quickly.  I feel like I'm planning a wedding. It's labor intensive for months, you plan everything from which socks work best, to deciding that bangs can wait because they'll be a pain in the ass to pin up during the race (I just want bangs for the love of God!!) You wear lucky underwear the day of your race (much like your wedding...lucky for a different reason though- bada bing!) Like most brides, I'm not really going to be able to eat during the day, and I'll feel drunk by the end of it (except it's from delusion, not champagne)  It's all so similar...  except that I don't get to wear a pretty dress (or do I? The do make running skirts...)  The point is, it's been a long journey and the main event hasn't happened yet.

When I signed up, I knew the obvious sacrifices.  I'd seen Phil prepare for his marathons, and played a role in a lot of the prep work for it.  One thing I was prepared for was my hunger level.  I'll never forget how Phil came home from a really long run (20+ from what I remember) and I had made him a black bean pasta, with lots of veggies, avocados on the side, etc.  It was chalk full of nutrients, protein, etc.  He mowed down on that dish.  So that, I was prepared for.

I knew I wouldn't be drinking as much, which was cool with me.  Not that I'm a huge lush or anything but it's nice to have a cocktail or two (or 6) on the weekends.  I was prepared for that aspect because during Phil's training he cut it out, which basically meant I cut it out...or drank by myself at home which is pathetic to admit.

The strain on my legs should have been obvious, but it wasn't.  I didn't prepare for just how painful they've been. This took me by surprise in a good way.  My legs are definitely tired, and I mean dog-tired.  I ran 1.5 miles (that's a warm up folks) and my legs were tired.  I know it's because I did 18 miles this weekend, but man have they been sore.  I've also underestimated the benefit of the part after the run- you need to stretch, ice, stretch, hydrate, etc.  I'm terrible at this, which is probably why I'm so sore.  The flip side is I didn't anticipate on how strong they'd feel.  Running a few miles seems like a breeze now.

Another element of surprise is the amount of laundry that accumulates during the week!  With the distances I'm running, and the fact that I'm kind of a sweaty person anyway wearing a shirt 2x is not an option.  Luckily, I don't mind laundry :-)

Now, the part that has really taken me by surprise is my lack of social play time.  As I mentioned before, my alcohol consumption has been down. Being in my 20s means people congregate in bars, until wee hours in the morning.  Friday nights have become 'Haylea's a Grandma" night.  I should have taken up knitting, that would have been exciting compared to what I've been doing.  With long runs on Saturday I go to bed at like 10 p.m. on Fridays.  I'm actually certain there are Grandmothers who are more socially inclined than I am on those days.  They're probably up playing Rummy with their girlfriends drinking wine, while I'm in bed dreaming about miles and miles of running.  I'm making jokes about it, but it genuinely is no fun.  I turn plans down, and feel disconnected from friends because of it.

Saturdays are also lonely days.  Due to hangovers, my friends aren't likely to get up and want to go for a jog, or bike with me.  Nor, would they like to come over and watch movies because I'm so sore I can't walk.  Again, exaggeration- I'm sure they'd love to.  This summer we've had so many weddings that Saturdays have been pretty fun actually.  I just have to be less fashion forward because my shins will fall off if I wear heels after a long run.  (Who am I kidding, let them fall off. My calves are looking good in heels nowadays! haha)  With lazing around and weddings, Saturdays are booked.

Which brings us to Sundays.  Normally a day in my life where I'm hungover, order chinese and go to the beach.  Not this summer.  This summer, I've dedicated Sundays to getting all the stuff done around the house that I wasn't able to on Saturday.  All that laundry I previously mentioned needs to be washed because it's not polite to run naked.  The dishes from my monster meals need to be washed.  My dog needs some attention.  Once again, friends aren't really keen on coming over and watching me scrub my floors.

I've also been put in sticky situations where I am scheduled to run in less than ideal conditions.  Anyone remember Kegslam 2010? How about when I ran 12 miles the night before a 2-day Alpine extravaganza?  This weekend I'm going camping (no showers + running 13 miles. Bunkmates will love me) and will want to drink around the fire, and not wake up and go running but recount the night with my friends.  The day of my longest run during training (22 miles) is the morning of a good friend from work's wedding.  (Upside- he said it's a buffet, so I should be able to eat enough at least :-) )

The day before my marathon? Normally it would be spent maxing and relaxing, drinking water and carbo loading, right?  Not in this girl's life.  No, Farm Aid is coming to Miller Park, which is a walkable distance from my front door.  This concert only happens once a year, folks and includes legends like Willy Nelson and Neil Young. Dave Matthews will be there as well. I would normally say no but my better half is obsessed with those performers and got us expensive floor seats.  Plus, his parents, sister, cousin, and all of our tailgating friends have tickets.  Unless I want to spend the day at home alone obsessing, I guess I'll be maxing and relaxing to Willie Nelson in person.

Before I end this, let me say I am excited to complete this race.  It's a huge moment in my life, truly unforgettable.  The experience I'll gain that day outweighs any of my sarcastic remarks about being a loser on Friday nights.  In fact, they serve beer in the tents afterwards, so if that's not motivation I don't know what is.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Hello, Quads.

By hello, I mean holy hell quads. After yesterday's run, I was feeling pretty good about myself. I stretched after the run, massaged my legs (with the body stick- again if you don't have one, get one here!), and even walked around rather than sleeping all day. When I woke up this morning, it was an entirely different story. My quads hurt to touch! I'm supposed to cross-train after my long runs, and today I've decided laundry qualifies. To give myself some credit, I'm in the upper part of a duplex and laundry is in the basement which equals 2 flights of stairs. It counts, right?!

Phil laughed at me a little today because they hurt so bad. He's like "do you understand why I'm not up for much after one of those now?" SO TRUE- I used to bug him all the time about being a homebody after his runs. I remember one time I wanted to go to the Art Museum, and he just couldn't do it. I get it now!! I would never be able to enjoy walking around a museum right now. I'm perfectly content watching Housewives, thank you very much.

I mentioned lactic acid build up yesterday. I'll be honest- I don't really get the science of it. I'm not a science girl by any means, and when it starts to get into how the body functions I'm lost. I try really hard, but just have a hard time grasping it. Phil is made for understanding these things and has tried to explain it like 50 times (not exaggerating) and finally just sent me an article on it. Naturally I've deleted it. So, I had him explain one more time this morning, and here's what I got-- Your body uses oxygen to create energy. When you've been working your body hard, for a long period of time it essentially runs out of oxygen to convert. It uses some other system to create energy to keep your body going and lactic acid is what's produced as a side affect. It's a bi-product that causes your muscles to feel sore. Here's the definition from Runners World.

The point of knowing what this is, is to understand how to be a better runner. If you can push your lactic acid threshold from 15 miles to 20 miles, then your performance will be that much better. This is what I'm so curious about knowing what's going on when I'm yelping in pain the day after a run. Education never hurt anyone, right?

Time for that last load of laundry...wish my quads good luck.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

18 miles today!

Folks, I did it. I accomplished another long run. This is actually becoming kind of fun- oh God...did I really just say that?

Phil got up early with me and biked along side, which meant he was able to take pictures. WARNING: I am glistening in these, and it's not a pretty site. Also, I look like I'm walking- for a couple of reasons. #1- I'm going slow- 10 min/mile pace. #2- I'm 5'2"= short legs = short stride.

Here's Phil and all his glory! He got home at 1 a.m. and up at 5:00 a.m. to do this.. This is the Hansen Brothers Hill, from the Hansen golf course. This is part of my regular running, mostly during the week. We're at about mile 3.5 here.


Now we're about 45 minutes in, and I'm taking my first gel. Phil was hilarious with the camera because he didn't know how to work it. As far as the gel, we're trying all different flavors- this was Pineapple. Not bad...for goo...















The street view is around mile 5. On the way back, this is where Phil had to leave me. I'll be honest- I was freaking out a little bit. I think I suffered from separation anxiety! I pulled my self together shortly afterwards and trudged on...


Phil's having a fantastic time biking, can't you tell?





These pics are on the way to the golf course off of Greenfield in
Stallis. The picture of me looking excited means it's time to turn around! 9 miles, 1 hour 30 mins. It's so refreshing, until you get a few miles past and the novelty wears off.










These are from the trail through Brookfield. It's similar to the 'Tosa parkway. After the trail, we cross Bluemound and I know I have about 6 miles left. It's essentially the homestretch on these long runs.











These final pictures are the aftermath of what just happened. My legs hurt so bad, I don't even know how to describe it. I've never felt pain like that before. Phil (who is my running God, and I assume he just knows all the answers) said it's the lactaid acid building up in my legs. Essentially some bad jzu-jzu that's released when your body works that hard.

The picture of Wilson cracks me up- I was seriously in pain and grunting a little while trying to stretch out. He just put his little head on the mat and looked at me like he wanted to help! So CUTE! The other is my recovery package. A bottle of gatorade, cantelope melon, and the rolling massage stick. The stick is key- it 'hurts so good' when you use it to massage your legs. If you don't have one- get one.

I hope you enjoyed my little escapade today!
-Hayls

Friday, August 13, 2010

early run tomorrow.

I stayed in tonight to get some rest for my long run tomorrow. Phil's being gracious enough to come with me and I'm so thankful. However, he coaches football at 9 a.m. We're going on a 3 hour run... which means run at 5:30 a.m. on a Saturday. Insane, right? How good of a guy is Phil for doing this?! He's at a concert tonight, won't be home until late and then wants to get up at 4:30 to bike next to me. He's the best.

Wish me luck!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

WHY would you run that far?

Good question, right? I get asked it all the time. Usually accompanied by looks of bewilderment. So, here's my answer ( in no particular order)

1. I've always done it. My stepdad, Steve, asked me what my skills were when I was in middle school. I had zero. His reply: everyone can run, go out for cross-country.
2. I get to wear running clothes more than you do. They're super comfy and I can always use the excuse that I'm about to go running. What excuse do you have for wearing sweats?
3. Running clothes come in pink. Silly, but true. I like running more in a pink shirt than a blue one. I'm a girl and proud of it.
4. Stress Reliever.
5. You can sweat it out. Crabby moods, frustrations and cranky customers are no match for a good, hard run.
6. Sense of community. When you run before dawn, and see someone else it feels like a secret club.
7. Racing is fun.
8. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. Not everyone can run as far as I do, and it's a monumental accomplishment to run a marathon.
9. Keeps me fit.
10. Phil and I can do it together. It's amazing how close we've become since running all these miles together. We're relying on each other in new ways, and it's been really fulfilling for our relationship.
11. It's contagious. Watching marathons got me into running one. From all the running Phil and I do, we have several friends who started to traing for their first 5K, or 1/2 marathon. It's awesome that it spreads so easily!
12. Conversation Starter. Nothing jumpstarts conversations more than "I'm training for a marathon" Non-runners are mystified and ask a million questions (which I LOVE! Seriously, keep asking!!) Runners like to talk shop about it.
13. It makes me feel good about myself.


Although there are plenty of other reasons, these are the ones I've thought about recently. If you haven't considered training for your first race yet- please do! It's so rewarding!!

Have a great night,
Hayls

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Seventeen Miles.

I accomplished a 17-mile run on Saturday and have been waiting to find some time to write about it. Finally I found some.

As I said in my last post, I've had a love/hate relationship with my running endeavors lately. The feelings have been unsettling because my training runs are no joke. I can't just "get out there" and run for 3 hours- I have to be in decent shape and my legs need to be used to it. Since I took a few days off, I was really nervous about running 17 miles on Saturday. Plus, I've been exhausted lately, and I really just wanted to sleep in.

Saturday morning came around all too quickly. It's been really hot out, so we (Phil was going to run with me )knew the earlier the better...and then slept in until 8 a.m. When we got up, we needed to take Wilson out for a walk- he'd been neglected for a couple of days and had crazy energy. So, we settled on walking to the 'Tosa farmers market with him, getting some groceries and then we'd consider the run. Somehow, when we got home at 10:30 a.m. we managed to lace up and hit the pavement.

Now, since we got up and headed to the market we didn't really eat breakfast. We shared a muffin and a cup of coffee at the market but not enough to really sustain such a long run. That's something we've decided I need to do-- mock my breakfast routine for the race before my runs on the weekend. I know myself all too well, and nervous tendencies will arise the morning of the race and I'll freak out if I don't know what to eat. That starts this upcoming Saturday (I'm a procrastinator and should have done this all along) Phil had some weird salt tablet thingy that he made me take and instead of water we carried Gatorade. Somehow that subbed our breakfast.

When we started off, it was getting warm and we didn't want to go too fast. I felt like I was barely moving. Turns out we were still around a 10-min/mile or under pace so it wasn't so bad. We went through the parkway like usual, and by the time we got to the Hansen golf course we were on our way. I felt strong and relaxed in the beginning. Then, I asked Phil the dreaded question- "Where's our turnaround point?" What was I thinking asking that?

Here's the math: 17 miles at 10 mins/mile = 170 minutes of running= 2 hours 50 minutes. Break that in half to get 1 hour 25 mins to our turnaround point. Just exactly how far does that get you, you might ask? Through the parkway, past Bluemound & Hwy 100, through Brookfield parkway (not sure what it's called), to the golf course on Greenfield & 120th, to the bike trail that leads you to Waukesha (if you go far enough). We made it a 1/2 mile into the bike trail. I'm tired thinking about it.

At the half-way point (8.5 miles, 85 minutes) I was feeling tired and hungry. We refilled on water and turned around to head back. My body felt fairly settled in until that point until about 1 hour 45 minutes. Then I started to get pretty tired. This sounds weird, but I honestly think I could have fallen asleep running had I known I wasn't going to fall over and get hurt. I actually struggled to keep my eyes open. My head was just so relaxed and tired I think it could have fallen off and I wouldn't have realized. My legs were another story. Around hour 2, my left foot started to tingle, like it had fallen asleep. I've never experienced something like this. When I would strike my foot onto the ground, not only would it tingle but it would shoot up to my left shin. That's probably not good, right? Any runners out there reading this- can someone confirm that's probably shin splints?

Moving upwards, my knees felt robotic. Doing different warm up drills helped, like high knees and butt-kicks. And, actually, the change in landscape helped too. By the time we got back to the golf course in 'Tosa I almost looked forward to the small hills because it changed my mechanics enough to give my knees a break. Of course my upper legs were hurting, but it was more of a constant tightness than anything.

My torso and chest weren't a problem, but they never really are. My shoulders and neck were tight like my legs and again I gained relief from stretching them a bit during the run. High school coaches taught me to use my arms (in proper form of course) when my legs got tired. Relying on them is genius- if you move your arms in a faster motion your legs will naturally go with them. Try expanding your gait with your legs on your next run. Swing your arms out longer and farther, and your stride matches.

One of the funnier parts of the run came when a biker passed Phil and about 20 minutes before our turnaround point. Well, once we were back in 'Tosa on the home stretch, in all of our pain and glory, he passed us again. Only this time, he did a double take. It was like he saw a ghost, you could hear him calling us crazy in his head. I think he was really surprised to see us out still!

When I got home, I hurt really really bad. It felt like after my first 1/2 marathon- my legs were just so stiff. All I wanted to do was lay down. First though, I washed my hands/arms and cut up the most delicious cantaloupe I've ever had bought at the farmer's market earlier. It couldn't have tasted any better than it did at that moment. I took my melon, yoga mat and massage roller into the living room and sat down. I stretched and massaged for as long as I could take it then decided to literally pass out right where I was. I woke up about 45 minutes later with yoga mat marks on my body. I'm fairly certain I passed out so hard that I drooled.... but I'm not admitting to that.

All in all, the run was really difficult. Although the runs that I've done recently have been long they don't compare to this. I'm happy to say my legs recovered the next day, in partly due to me hydrating so much after my run. My expectations of the marathon have shifted- I expected to be exhausted and not run nearly as fast as I wanted to.

My next long run is Saturday, 18 miles! Watch out for me- I may just run down your street :-)

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Yikes. It's getting serious.

Wow, it's been awhile, hasn't it? I'll be honest- I'm really sick of training. It's been physically and mentally taxing. I hate the structure of the schedule, and that I feel like I have to do certain training runs at certain times. I had this feeling going into our annual Kegslam trip with the crew. We basically lounge around on the boat all day, eating amazing food and drinking beer. Not ideal to wake up and go running, right? So... I didn't. I skipped my 11 mile long run and wasn't even pissed about it. I feel guilty now, but if I were going back I still wouldn't do the run.

When we got home, it's been a struggle to get back into the groove after taking a few (4) days off. It's also been super hot, with 213% humidity, which we all know leads to a crabby Haylea. Let me put an equation down for the run on Tuesday.
Hotness + Humidity + crabby Haylea + annoyed Phil = silent run. Not a whole lot of fun, and it wasn't boosting my energy or attitude towards running.

Same song, second verse for Wednesday, except Phil and I decided it wasn't a great idea to run together. Instead I took Wilson- he doesn't care if I'm crabby so that was nice.

Now, we're to Thursday...only a few days away from a really long run. The schedule calls for 17 miles. Yikes. I've considered joining the Badgerland Striders group run downtown to change things up, but it's only 14 miles. I want to keep my long runs consistent more than anything, so it's going to be a toss up. All this pressure to run so flipping far!!

I'm going to try and turn my 'tude around today...wish me luck. And, try to continue to post more regularly again...

oh, by the way, the countdown is on. 60 days to go!