"A goal without a plan is just a wish." Antoine de Saint Exuperry author of "The Little Prince."
This little quote sums up my year this year in getting ready for the marathon I signed up for on a whim back in January. My dad did the Honolulu Marathon in his 50's both times under 50 and it's always something that I wanted to do before I turned 40. In January a dear friend of mine told me that it's the 40th anniversary of the Honolulu Marathon and that the entrance fee was only $26.12!! It was a sign and I signed up. Hubby soon followed. I began running with the Honolulu Marathon Clinic in March and reading everything I could about training for a Marathon. It's been quite a ride and with 40 days left the bulk of my training has been done. Now it's time to stay healthy, maintain my level of fitness and get ready to enjoy the ride. Thank you all for supporting me in this huge endeavor!!!!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Marathon Readiness Series: PF Chang 30K
PF Chang, a great place to eat!!! Packet pick up was at the restaurant so of course we had to eat there. From the moment that I decided to run the marathon and learned about the marathon readiness series this race was something I dreaded. 18 miles?! CRAZY. Who runs 18 miles?!! I guess being that I signed up for a marathon I would need to learn to. This would be it, my longest run in my training for the 26.2 on 12/9. If I could run 18 then I would be able to run 26.2. Right? To be honest, a few doubts and conflicts. The HMC peeps say 18 is enough, the running peeps talk about 20 for the mental hurdle. To me, it's all the same pain after 14 and mental toughness is actually one of my biggest strengths. Decisions, decisions...
Saturday before race day I woke up early and got a nice 2 miler in before the sun rose. The rest of the day was a busy day with our last soccer game and potluck. We spent a lot of time in the sun but tried to take it easy. "Easy" got snagged when the kids coerced us to run in the afternoon. Run as in chase them on their bikes. I was careful not to pull, strain or hurt anything.
After making my favorite pre-race pasta dish (we usually have this meal at Bravo's but we're trying to save money) I got everything ready and was ready to hit the sack super early in anticipation of a 2:45 am wake up call. Then hubby alerted me to the fact that we were on a tsunami watch. SAY WHAT?!!! Being the superstitious athlete that I am I began wondering what message I was supposed to take from this act of nature. Was it a sign? A sign that I was being let off the hook because I was in no way ready for this race? A sign that I wasn't meant to run 18 miles? A sign that if I raced the 18 miles at race pace I would get injured? So many thoughts going through my head. Was I really off hook? If I didn't run this race would I be able to run the marathon? How was I going to text myself. How was I going to prepare. My race friends and I texted one another in disbelief.
Being that the waves were to hit at 10:38 pm and that the race was at 5am and was pretty much on the water I didn't think the race would be on. We went to bed early anyway and decided to check after 11:30 pm if the race was on. At 2 am I woke up, saw that it was cancelled and messaged my running peeps. We decided that we'd sleep in and go out and run anyway.
After a slow start we got to Kapiolani Park at 6:30 am decked out in our racing gear sans bib and decided that we'd go out and see how far we could run. Since Mike was sick and I was nursing an aching arch/ankle/calf coupled with such a late start and minimal training we just wanted to get some sort of long run in (I really wanted the 18.6 so that I could wear my PF Chang Tshirt but wasn't going to push the issue). Our first ascend up Diamond Head in a long time killed and I wasn't feeling so confident after mile 1. The good thing was that my foot felt good. I was super happy that my new socks by Feetures that were recommended by our fab salesman at The Running Route had my feet felling like they were running in a cloud!!! On the route we saw many people running with their bibs on. I took my first gel at mile 3 and we ran on. When we got to the gas station I asked Mike what he wanted to do and we decided to run onto Kalanianaole. That would ensure that we'd at least get double digits. We kept running into the sun at about a 10:30 pace which is what I was targeting for this race. It's a full minute slower than I've been running other races but I didn't want to risk injury. We stopped at each beach park to take pictures of the ocean--which was flat and full of people. Tsunami? What tsunami!!!!
We saw my friend Lori T after the first or 2nd beach and she was looking very strong. We kept on going and decided to head to the church which is the 16 mile mark. At the church Mike said to keep going so we decided we'd run to Hawaii Kai and turn around there. At this point I realized that my poor injured right foot was being forced into pronation by all the dipping driveways. Every 5 feet for 4 steps it was pronate, strain, ouch. It was a huge revelation!!!! Running on uneven sidewalks over and over was what was killing my feet. DUH!!!! At that point I switched to running on the more-even road and my foot felt much better. This huge revelation made me feel so much better about my injuries as I now had a plan to get better before the marathon (no more uneven surface running!).
When we got to Hawaii Kai, the 8 mile mark we stopped to take pictures of the ocean before turning around and heading back. That's when we ran into Glenda and Clyde who convinced us to run the loop with them. Why the hell not? Mike whispered to me that we were going to hit 20 today and I just smiled. Running with Glenda and Clyde was just what we needed as we were able to talk story and not really think about the running. We made the turn and headed back to the start feeling pretty strong and keeping our pace.
When we got to the gas station we looked at the time and realized that Mike needed to get to work so we opted to run through Kahala instead of the Marathon Route. That last 3 miles on the Marathon Route is mentally tough for me so maybe it was a blessing in disguise. As we neared Diamond Head I told myself to run up strong and I was able to. No mantras needed!!! At the bottom of the hill Mike said we may as well go for 20 so we did. An unexpected 20 miles done!!!!
Let me tell you, I feel much more confident heading into November, 5 weeks left with this 20 under my belt. I feel like I can rest my foot, not push to hard and begin properly tapering. I think the slower non-race pace really benefited me today. I guess this whole tsunami thing was a blessing in disguise.
So, another huge milestone accomplished on my journey to marathon. It was a great surprise and such a huge confidence booster. It was also need because it was my 301st day of my running streak and brought me to 1494 miles total for the year. I cannot believe how far I have come and I am thankful for my running husband and running peeps for their support.
Saturday before race day I woke up early and got a nice 2 miler in before the sun rose. The rest of the day was a busy day with our last soccer game and potluck. We spent a lot of time in the sun but tried to take it easy. "Easy" got snagged when the kids coerced us to run in the afternoon. Run as in chase them on their bikes. I was careful not to pull, strain or hurt anything.
After making my favorite pre-race pasta dish (we usually have this meal at Bravo's but we're trying to save money) I got everything ready and was ready to hit the sack super early in anticipation of a 2:45 am wake up call. Then hubby alerted me to the fact that we were on a tsunami watch. SAY WHAT?!!! Being the superstitious athlete that I am I began wondering what message I was supposed to take from this act of nature. Was it a sign? A sign that I was being let off the hook because I was in no way ready for this race? A sign that I wasn't meant to run 18 miles? A sign that if I raced the 18 miles at race pace I would get injured? So many thoughts going through my head. Was I really off hook? If I didn't run this race would I be able to run the marathon? How was I going to text myself. How was I going to prepare. My race friends and I texted one another in disbelief.
Being that the waves were to hit at 10:38 pm and that the race was at 5am and was pretty much on the water I didn't think the race would be on. We went to bed early anyway and decided to check after 11:30 pm if the race was on. At 2 am I woke up, saw that it was cancelled and messaged my running peeps. We decided that we'd sleep in and go out and run anyway.
After a slow start we got to Kapiolani Park at 6:30 am decked out in our racing gear sans bib and decided that we'd go out and see how far we could run. Since Mike was sick and I was nursing an aching arch/ankle/calf coupled with such a late start and minimal training we just wanted to get some sort of long run in (I really wanted the 18.6 so that I could wear my PF Chang Tshirt but wasn't going to push the issue). Our first ascend up Diamond Head in a long time killed and I wasn't feeling so confident after mile 1. The good thing was that my foot felt good. I was super happy that my new socks by Feetures that were recommended by our fab salesman at The Running Route had my feet felling like they were running in a cloud!!! On the route we saw many people running with their bibs on. I took my first gel at mile 3 and we ran on. When we got to the gas station I asked Mike what he wanted to do and we decided to run onto Kalanianaole. That would ensure that we'd at least get double digits. We kept running into the sun at about a 10:30 pace which is what I was targeting for this race. It's a full minute slower than I've been running other races but I didn't want to risk injury. We stopped at each beach park to take pictures of the ocean--which was flat and full of people. Tsunami? What tsunami!!!!
We saw my friend Lori T after the first or 2nd beach and she was looking very strong. We kept on going and decided to head to the church which is the 16 mile mark. At the church Mike said to keep going so we decided we'd run to Hawaii Kai and turn around there. At this point I realized that my poor injured right foot was being forced into pronation by all the dipping driveways. Every 5 feet for 4 steps it was pronate, strain, ouch. It was a huge revelation!!!! Running on uneven sidewalks over and over was what was killing my feet. DUH!!!! At that point I switched to running on the more-even road and my foot felt much better. This huge revelation made me feel so much better about my injuries as I now had a plan to get better before the marathon (no more uneven surface running!).
When we got to Hawaii Kai, the 8 mile mark we stopped to take pictures of the ocean before turning around and heading back. That's when we ran into Glenda and Clyde who convinced us to run the loop with them. Why the hell not? Mike whispered to me that we were going to hit 20 today and I just smiled. Running with Glenda and Clyde was just what we needed as we were able to talk story and not really think about the running. We made the turn and headed back to the start feeling pretty strong and keeping our pace.
When we got to the gas station we looked at the time and realized that Mike needed to get to work so we opted to run through Kahala instead of the Marathon Route. That last 3 miles on the Marathon Route is mentally tough for me so maybe it was a blessing in disguise. As we neared Diamond Head I told myself to run up strong and I was able to. No mantras needed!!! At the bottom of the hill Mike said we may as well go for 20 so we did. An unexpected 20 miles done!!!!
Let me tell you, I feel much more confident heading into November, 5 weeks left with this 20 under my belt. I feel like I can rest my foot, not push to hard and begin properly tapering. I think the slower non-race pace really benefited me today. I guess this whole tsunami thing was a blessing in disguise.
So, another huge milestone accomplished on my journey to marathon. It was a great surprise and such a huge confidence booster. It was also need because it was my 301st day of my running streak and brought me to 1494 miles total for the year. I cannot believe how far I have come and I am thankful for my running husband and running peeps for their support.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Susan Komen Race for the Cure
Today marks my one year running anniversary. Sounds crazy, but today is a milestone for me and the 365 days that have passed since my very first run really showcases how much things can change in a year.
Last year I decided to run the Susan Komen after putting off racing with a lot of excuses and a lot of, "I'm not readies." Truth be told I was very insecure and unsure of myself. My physical and mental strength was un-tested and the old fear of failure ruled my life. However, with much prodding of my girlz and because Breast Cancer hits so close to home I took the plunge and easily fell in love after completing my first run in 28:04.
I didn't run any other races in 2011 but once 2012 came around I started racing and didn't stop. One 10K led to another, led to signing up for the Marathon on a whim, led to Marathon Training Clinic, Half Marathons, and Marathon Readiness Series runs. I was hooked!!! In the span of 365 days I went from considering myself a non-running to a girl who thrives on racing!! And so today was a very special day to celebrate!!!
I was glad to be running with my running crew today. We had fun planned including a theme of "red" and brunch at Sam Choy's BLC. Just the idea of spending some kidless time with these amazing peeps had me excited!!
3:30 wake up call came way too early but it allowed us to score pretty good parking and make our way to the Waikiki Shell to meet up with everyone and do a Zumba warm up. We also got to check out the crazy costumes (pink speedos and gas masks) and spend time chatting and laughing. We were laughing so much that we ended up with crappy staging and when the race started (I don't remember hearing a gun, horn or anyone saying, "GO!") I found myself behind a slow moving, walking pack of too many people.
I started my Garmin and began walking behind the crowd. Because I was injured I didn't have any set strategy for today's race, but being as competitive as I am, I of course was hoping to 1) Improve upon last year's 28:04 finish time and 2) Improve on my 5K PR time of 27:02. I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it and so I was very torn as I walked behind the crowd. Part of my was saying, "You're injured, don't sweat it," and the other part of me was SCREAMING, "Get your asses out of the way people, don't you know this is a RACE and I got a time to beat?!!!" Of course voice number 2 took ahold of me and I decided I needed to make my move. Without a word to the husband and without looking back I began to weave in and out of the throng of people. I had to stutter step, twist, angle, suck in, dodge strollers, cars, and dance but slowly and surely I passed the bottle neck by the Honolulu Zoo and began heading toward Zippys. I felt really bad about ditching the hubby but something took over and I began focusing on getting ahead (as well as chastise myself for not getting a better start, note to self, next year walk straight up to the front of the pack). As I made the turn past Zippy's I began to pick off runners and make my move. A glance and the Garmin showed that I was running at a sub 9 pace, about 8:45. For the first time ever I could feel my heart and lungs burning and I realized that I was feeling what sprinters feel and I wasn't sure if I liked it or if I would be able to hold the pace for the duration of the race.
At about 1.5 miles I heard someone say something and I realized that hubby had caught up with me (Impressive, huh?) and we began to run together. With his help I was able to drop my pace further and we ran hard together in sync. My injured foot and body was feeling pretty good, the chest a little tight, but all of it together gave me strength. As we rounded Kapiolani Park I knew that we had about .6 miles left to the finish. I knew I didn't have it in me to do my usual kick but I tried to put it into a higher gear. Hubby kept up with me step for step. As we neared the tennis courts I looked at my Garmin again and did the math. If I were able to stay on this pace it would be a new PR but breaking 26 would be a close call. I tried to push hard again. The end was getting closer and I was running outta gas. I looked at hubby and said, "You can beat me, I am tired" and I only half expected him to surge ahead but we continued to run together, step by step. As we passed the finish line together I stopped my Garmin and was stoked to see 26:19. New PR! Better yet, if it weren't for the crap start I probably would have went sub 26!!! Already I was thinking about the next 5K.
As we left the course and headed to see the booths it was time to reflect on why I was running. To find a cure. Too many people close to me have been affected by breast cancer and cancer. My running was my means of fighting back and pledging to support the fight against it in any means that I am able to.
After reflection it was time for fun with the crew and we took some fun pictures, talked story, and went out to brunch at Sam Choy's BLC. I ate way too much (Portuguese Sausage and Oreo Cheesecake was to die for!) but the company was fabulous!!!! It was a wonderful morning.
I rode the high from the race and fun times with friends by getting the kids and taking them to the Honlulu Museum of Arts for Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday followed by Basketball Sign ups and Swimming at the Pool. A year ago I would not have the energy nor the desire to pack so much into one day. But I have found that running has totally changed my outlook on life. I can never seem to get enough action. I never want to sit down and do nothing. I want to move, move, move and live, live, live!!!
It's been quite a ride and I am thankful for the second chance to live an active life.
Last year I decided to run the Susan Komen after putting off racing with a lot of excuses and a lot of, "I'm not readies." Truth be told I was very insecure and unsure of myself. My physical and mental strength was un-tested and the old fear of failure ruled my life. However, with much prodding of my girlz and because Breast Cancer hits so close to home I took the plunge and easily fell in love after completing my first run in 28:04.
I didn't run any other races in 2011 but once 2012 came around I started racing and didn't stop. One 10K led to another, led to signing up for the Marathon on a whim, led to Marathon Training Clinic, Half Marathons, and Marathon Readiness Series runs. I was hooked!!! In the span of 365 days I went from considering myself a non-running to a girl who thrives on racing!! And so today was a very special day to celebrate!!!
I was glad to be running with my running crew today. We had fun planned including a theme of "red" and brunch at Sam Choy's BLC. Just the idea of spending some kidless time with these amazing peeps had me excited!!
3:30 wake up call came way too early but it allowed us to score pretty good parking and make our way to the Waikiki Shell to meet up with everyone and do a Zumba warm up. We also got to check out the crazy costumes (pink speedos and gas masks) and spend time chatting and laughing. We were laughing so much that we ended up with crappy staging and when the race started (I don't remember hearing a gun, horn or anyone saying, "GO!") I found myself behind a slow moving, walking pack of too many people.
I started my Garmin and began walking behind the crowd. Because I was injured I didn't have any set strategy for today's race, but being as competitive as I am, I of course was hoping to 1) Improve upon last year's 28:04 finish time and 2) Improve on my 5K PR time of 27:02. I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it and so I was very torn as I walked behind the crowd. Part of my was saying, "You're injured, don't sweat it," and the other part of me was SCREAMING, "Get your asses out of the way people, don't you know this is a RACE and I got a time to beat?!!!" Of course voice number 2 took ahold of me and I decided I needed to make my move. Without a word to the husband and without looking back I began to weave in and out of the throng of people. I had to stutter step, twist, angle, suck in, dodge strollers, cars, and dance but slowly and surely I passed the bottle neck by the Honolulu Zoo and began heading toward Zippys. I felt really bad about ditching the hubby but something took over and I began focusing on getting ahead (as well as chastise myself for not getting a better start, note to self, next year walk straight up to the front of the pack). As I made the turn past Zippy's I began to pick off runners and make my move. A glance and the Garmin showed that I was running at a sub 9 pace, about 8:45. For the first time ever I could feel my heart and lungs burning and I realized that I was feeling what sprinters feel and I wasn't sure if I liked it or if I would be able to hold the pace for the duration of the race.
At about 1.5 miles I heard someone say something and I realized that hubby had caught up with me (Impressive, huh?) and we began to run together. With his help I was able to drop my pace further and we ran hard together in sync. My injured foot and body was feeling pretty good, the chest a little tight, but all of it together gave me strength. As we rounded Kapiolani Park I knew that we had about .6 miles left to the finish. I knew I didn't have it in me to do my usual kick but I tried to put it into a higher gear. Hubby kept up with me step for step. As we neared the tennis courts I looked at my Garmin again and did the math. If I were able to stay on this pace it would be a new PR but breaking 26 would be a close call. I tried to push hard again. The end was getting closer and I was running outta gas. I looked at hubby and said, "You can beat me, I am tired" and I only half expected him to surge ahead but we continued to run together, step by step. As we passed the finish line together I stopped my Garmin and was stoked to see 26:19. New PR! Better yet, if it weren't for the crap start I probably would have went sub 26!!! Already I was thinking about the next 5K.
As we left the course and headed to see the booths it was time to reflect on why I was running. To find a cure. Too many people close to me have been affected by breast cancer and cancer. My running was my means of fighting back and pledging to support the fight against it in any means that I am able to.
After reflection it was time for fun with the crew and we took some fun pictures, talked story, and went out to brunch at Sam Choy's BLC. I ate way too much (Portuguese Sausage and Oreo Cheesecake was to die for!) but the company was fabulous!!!! It was a wonderful morning.
I rode the high from the race and fun times with friends by getting the kids and taking them to the Honlulu Museum of Arts for Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday followed by Basketball Sign ups and Swimming at the Pool. A year ago I would not have the energy nor the desire to pack so much into one day. But I have found that running has totally changed my outlook on life. I can never seem to get enough action. I never want to sit down and do nothing. I want to move, move, move and live, live, live!!!
It's been quite a ride and I am thankful for the second chance to live an active life.
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