Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Gratitude for the 3M

Its been a week since the 3M half and I can't stop thinking about everyone who made the race one of the most amazing things I have ever done. Thank you for nodding considerately as I obsessed about training and thinking of me during/after the race.

Some friday nights Sandeep actually laid out all my stuff for me so that I could go to bed on time before a long run. I definitely would not have done with this without some amazing people to run with. Running long runs is bad enough but if I had had to run them alone we all know that I would have just slept in. During the race, there were throngs of people out there to cheer the runners on. Volunteers frantically working to keep the water stops functioning but still taking the time to say an encouraging word. Some of the spectators were even nice enough to bring out bananas and tissues. Simply amazing!

Even our running group is amazing, they were so proud of us for racing. I can't help but be touched.

To some this might sound like an acceptance speech but I can't help but feel the need to give thanks all around. So, in conclusion, I would also like to thank my physical therapist for keeping me as strong as he could despite the issues that cropped up and then congratulating me and looking appropriately impressed with my time even though he also works with women like this: http://www.desireeficker.com/

I can has 3m photos?

If you said the photos would go up on the 30th, why aren't they up on the 30th?

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Running is for fun!

Tomorrow is the race and I'm having trouble eating. I'm so nervous.
I really like races because of the sense of community they create and I feel really connected and a part of something bigger. The problem is that I'm afraid that my back is going to rebel. I want tomorrow's run to be more than just something I was glad I got through. I've done everything I can. It's time now to relax and thank nature for being kind to us. Its going to be cloudy/clear and amazing weather in the 50s during the race. Time to go to bed.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Two days remain

I had my first panic attack two days ago on Wednesday about the half marathon I am told I will be racing on Sunday. I think I need to be really good and blog about what is going on with me.

Wednesday was my last hard workout. 6 X 400s at Austin high. It was cold but almost all the familiar faces showed up. It felt really good to just talk to them and run. Minnie, Barb and I ran without timing ourselves. Alison, Sarah and Jessica ran ahead of us (and I think they did time themselves). I did some core work and PT yesterday but nothing strenuous.
Dinner at changos made my stomach so unhappy even today two days later I can feel it. That being said, you'll have to pry that al pastor taco from my cold dead hands.

Yesterday was bad in the sense that I didn't drink enough water at all. I maxed out at 7 cups if I'm lucky but I need to drinking close to 12.
I hope today will be better.

FYI, masoor (brown lentils) = tons of protein
chana (bengal gram/horse gram) = very little protein.

Today's dilemma: Eat dinner with some asha folks (catered Indian (?) food) or eat dinner at home (Rajma and rice a.k.a red beans and rice).

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Ha!

This ad has been making the rounds and is quite funny.



But what is truly funny about this is ad is that the people I run with have used all these complaints/excuses at one time or another. While we run.

Infact, just yesterday, Alison thought her run was going to suck because she didn't have her Gu on her (with caffeine), I thought it was too cold and a bunch of us weren't feeling well because of allergies.
Yesterdays run was 900 meter repeats around the Zilker pool in alternating directions. Either way ends with either a steady climb or a steep climb. Favourite conversation during the run? Which direction do you hate more? The steady or the steep incline?

Friday, January 11, 2008

Running or jogging

Apparently, in order to be technically running your speed has to be 9min/mile or faster. Otherwise, you're jogging.
I disagree.
There has to be a definition of running that involves perceived effort because a raw running pace cutoff doesn't take into account weight and body builds. I don't know if I'll ever get to the point that I can sustain 9min miles for longer than a mile but that doesn't mean that I'm not going the fastest I can when I 'run'. Not to mention, even though I'm slow, I do have a running pace and a jogging pace. I think there needs to be a new definition for the two terms.
Or maybe we just need to get away from this need to feel better than all those slow people out there (they jog but I actually run).

Thoughts?