Prepping....

It's Thursday, so only 2 full days stand in the way of me running my first marathon!  I'm having to start really prepping for it.  Yesterday I printed off maps for all the peeps coming (thank you Phil, Wendi, Mom, Danny & Nikki, Vogels, and Dave & Ginger!!) and decided where it'd be easiest for everyone to be.  The cool thing is I watched Phil run it last year, so I was very familiar with the map and what are easily accessible places to be.  Phil had run it so he knew where it would have been nice to see someone.  To confirm the course, we drove it.  Let me tell you- it's LONG!  I know, 26.2 miles long.  But seriously, it took forever because it's mostly a 25 mph zone, and people were creeping last night, driving super slow.  But, I'm really glad we did it so I know just how long it is.  I think the hardest part is going to be getting to the top of the hill, right around mile 23.  It's a gradual incline to it which shouldn't be a problem, but I'm guessing there aren't many spectators at that point and it's going to be mentally tough.  Plus, once I crest the hill and start coming down it's only 3 miles to the finish.  In fact, you can probably see and hear the finish almost the entire way you're running. It's a straight shot, that I've run a ton because I use to live at the end of the road (basically on top of the hill parallel to the park we finish in).  So, at least it's familiar territory.  I just know it's going to be a torturous stretch because it's so long and boring.

I've got a list of things to do Friday and Saturday.  Friday, immediately from work I'll drive down to the Kern Center to get my packet. Then, I'll probably pack- I have to have my clothes ready, plus my before, during and after bags ready.  Before the race will include sweats that I'll put in a bag and send to the finish line so I'm not freezing at the start.  The during will be what Phil & crew will keep with them- water, gatorade, gels, extra clothes (just in case!) etc.  After bag will have a couple towels (you wouldn't want me sitting in your car that sweaty, would you?) fresh clothes, water, flip flops, etc.  Maybe a little overkill, but I'm anal and being over prepared makes me comfortable and calms me down. So, that will get done tomorrow.

Saturday I'm going to the farmers market and grocery store to make sure I have ample food for that day, plus the day of the race and Monday (recovery day).  They have amazing fresh veggies right now, especially eggplant and Brussel sprouts (which it turns out I love!) PLUS, my Mama, Brother & his girlfriend are coming!  I promised a spaghetti dinner, with garlic bread (bro's request) for Saturday night.  I'm really excited they're coming because Phil will be at Farm Aid and I'll be home alone bored and stressing out.  Plus, I just haven't seen them in such a long time. I'm also going to run to the movie store and stock up on movies for Saturday night and Monday.  Then, the other task on Saturday is to shower before bed, shave the legs (haven't done it for almost 2 weeks based on superstition from high school!) and basically get ready for the race. I want to be able to flip on the coffee, pop the bagel in the toaster and have everything set.

The weather is looking good so far- low 50's for a high, sunny.  I'll take it- I'd rather have it be a bit cool than too warm.  Plus, I really like my hot pink long sleeve shirt and want to wear it. :-)

For race day, I thought this was something cool the race is offering.  The timing chip company has a Facebook App that will post your times as you cross certain mile markers during the race.  So, when I cross mile 13.1, it will post my time on my wall!  How cool is that?!

For tonight, I'll be carbo cramming (I love using that as an excuse to eat pasta) with eggplant rigatone.  SO delish.  Next time I right, I'll be even close or perhaps done with my first marathon!

Still excited!

Another day closer to the race.  I can't believe that when I started this blog it was winter.  It's been such a long road!

Today's schedule called for 3 miles.  Easy enough, did it at lunch during work.  But, what made it better was this fantastic podcast I was listening to.  My friend Chelsea made it as a training gift for me.  How cool is that?  The podcast is over an hour, so it's perfect for long runs.  She talks a little bit throughout, tells a couple jokes, and quick stories.  The music is super upbeat and pushes you through at a decent clip.  There was a comment she made during it that was like "I don't know how you're feeling right now, but if I had been running for the past 1/2 hour I'd be thinking of every reason why I'd like to stop.  But you're training for a marathon so who knows what you're thinking!  Let's pump the music and keep going"  She's not a runner, but she nailed it on the head.  It's exactly what I was thinking when I head it.  It gets so boring, and after all this running I think I've literally run out of things to think about.  Seriously, make a list for me I need help!!

The other gift she sent me (besides the most adorable headband in the whole world) is a playlist.  I have tried so hard to perfect THE playlist.  Music for your Running Soul.  It's got some awesome songs on it that I would have never thought to put on a list!  I'm not joking around when I say I've tried- just ask Phil how hard.  Although I'm not taking my ipod with me during the marathon, it's going to get me through some hard hill and speed workouts on the treadmill this winter.

Let me finish this by saying THANK YOU for all of your support- everyone.  It has meant a lot and really kept me going throughout the past few months.

xoxo,
Hayls

I'm nervous just writing this.

6 days.  SIX days.  My stomach turns even thinking about it.  I can honestly feel adrenaline pumping through my body.  If this keeps up I'm not going to have any left for the actual race.

Yesterday I did my last "long" run- a whopping 8 miles.  I can do that in my sleep now.  I honestly haven't been feeling my running groove until like miles 5-6 so at that point the run was basically done with.  This week I run a couple short ones, and then Sunday is the big day.

I seriously can't write much more b/c I think I'm going to puke if let myself get any more nervous.  Here's how I feel:

It's been awhile....

So, I kind of stopped blogging.... sorry about that.  Basically my runs have been pretty normal- as in it's all just a part of my life now.  I ran 10 miles by myself on Saturday and was actually a little sad to cut it so short.

The race is in 12 days- less than 2 weeks!  I've done the farthest run of the schedule- 22 miles- and it wasn't even a big deal.  It was SUPER slow- 10:18/mile, so I wasn't winded or anything, but my legs were tired.  Being able to do that basically without being too overwhelmed, makes me feel confident I'll be able to finish the race just fine.  The part I'm worried about is not making it under 10 minutes/mile.  But, you know what? I'll give it my all and that's all I can do...

For now, I'm just hanging in doing some minimal running getting mentally prepared!

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.

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.

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.