Tonight after work I ran from the studio down to the trail. I did intervals of speedy(ish) running. After warming up for about 9 minutes, I ran hard for 2 minutes. Then easy for 2 minutes. I did this 3 times and was at my turnaround point. After turning around I ran easy for a few minutes, trying to recover. Then I decided I would do the same thing only for shorter time, as my breathing was not allowing me to push very hard. So I did 1 minute hard, 1 minute easy twice. After that I just ran easy the rest of the way back to the park to the water fountain. Then I ran back to the studio.
Greg was out on the trail at the same time with our friend Roman. Those speedsters are way faster than me (especially Roman who just did a 5K in 20:02) so I can't run with them. I left the studio before they did and we saw each other on the trail after I had turned around- they were still heading out. On my way back, I really really really didn't want them to pass me. Before I turned off the trail back onto the streets, I saw them and thought for sure they'd catch me, but they didn't. I guess I was far enough in front. Tee hee. Not that it would have really mattered. Just more for my confidence than anything else.
There were a lot of people on the trail tonight, especially cyclists, which makes me want to go for a ride. I think I'll bring my bike to the studio tomorrow and go some time during the day for a bit. I need to get the butt used to the saddle again - it's been way too long!
One more thing of note while on the trail. I saw many runners while I was out there. There is usually an exchange of the head nod or a quick, grunted 'hi' to acknowledge one another. Well, one runner that I met going the opposite direction went beyond this. He took the trouble to clap and say nice job to me as we passed. It took me by surprise, as I was just about to nod his direction. But after that I couldn't help but smile huge. Thanks Mr. Encouraging Runner Dude!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Eye Run 5K Race Report
The Eye Run 5K (and this year a 10K also) is held at Luxottica, so it's a fun and convenient race to do since it's only a few miles from my house. It is also very fun to see people I used to work with as well as currently work with.
It started out to be a wet and soggy morning. But it was warm, and soon after the race started, it stopped raining. There were a lot of puddles to navigate, some the size of cars thanks to construction that is being done on Western Row.
My only goal was to run sub 30 minutes. This is embarrassing to admit, but I thought maybe I could keep a 9:30 pace. My first mile was 9:30 on the nose. Second mile was a little slower. But then there was a slight downhill where I think I made some time back. Then before turning back into the Lux parking lot, there is a slight uphill - enough to make my breathing crazy. I struggled here. Then I had a wee bit of a kick near the end (and I mean wee) and I made it in 29:45. So that is a 9:36 pace. Yay!
I suppose I'm happy that I did what I wanted to do. Now I'll have to see about shaving the next one to under 28 minutes.
It started out to be a wet and soggy morning. But it was warm, and soon after the race started, it stopped raining. There were a lot of puddles to navigate, some the size of cars thanks to construction that is being done on Western Row.
My only goal was to run sub 30 minutes. This is embarrassing to admit, but I thought maybe I could keep a 9:30 pace. My first mile was 9:30 on the nose. Second mile was a little slower. But then there was a slight downhill where I think I made some time back. Then before turning back into the Lux parking lot, there is a slight uphill - enough to make my breathing crazy. I struggled here. Then I had a wee bit of a kick near the end (and I mean wee) and I made it in 29:45. So that is a 9:36 pace. Yay!
I suppose I'm happy that I did what I wanted to do. Now I'll have to see about shaving the next one to under 28 minutes.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Flying Pig Half Marathon Race Report
It's been a week. Time I get a post about the race done!
Overall, it was a fun day. The slightly wet weather had me nervous it could be a wash-out, but it was only a light drizzle in the beginning. And with the cool temperatures, it really was nice for running.
I got up at 4 to get ready. I'm getting better with my race-day OCD. I think I only retied my shoes 2 times :) We arrived downtown about 6. Daryl and I lined up at the start, and Greg took some pictures. Daryl is posing like a boss. I just look uncomfortable.
The gun (or maybe cannon?) went off, and after 6 minutes we were across the start line. I settled into a comfortable, easy pace. Perhaps I'm somewhere in the blur...
The course first goes into Kentucky over a bridge. Then back into downtown Cincinnati around the 4 mile. My breathing was easy - I was actually just breathing through my nose! That's difficult for me to do sometimes just sitting at my desk, thanks to my allergies, so I was impressed. I felt great and happy that it was so easy so far. This photo is from the website and was taken by Michael E. Anderson. I'm in it- how crazy is that!
Coming out of downtown, there is a climb. A long climb. I completely forgot how severe this hill was. It is long and quite steep in some parts. It killed me and my legs. After that I thought, well I'll make up my pace on the downhill at the end. Nice plan, but the hill really took a lot out of me. I had taken a piece of candy from a woman near the end of the huge hill section. It was one of those orange slice gummies.
I was really hoping for a boost, but all it did was give me bits of gummy to pick out of my teeth with my tongue for a couple of miles. Not distracting enough.
I somewhat recovered through miles 7 - 8 - 9, but I was really beginning to hurt. This was the beginning of my mental downfall. I was really tired. I really wanted to lay down on the grass. I kept trying to tell myself only 4 more miles, but I didn't feel like running 4 more miles.
When the race took the turn onto Gilbert (going the right way down Gilbert...downhill), I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I relaxed and smoothed out my stride, letting the hill take me down it pretty quickly. Making up time didn't really seem possible anymore since I had slowed down so much. But I was happy to be "running" again, no longer moving along at a snail's pace.
There was another rough part at mile 12. Just flat and a diversion from the nice straight path we had been heading on toward the finish line. I just wanted to be done! I tried to pick up the pace, but for the first time felt a sudden wave of nausea. My mouth did that tight clenching kind of thing that reminded me of throwing up. So I eased back off. My legs hurt so bad.
In the last bit of the course, I was making all kinds of "I'm in pain" faces that I'm sure were entertaining for those watching. I'm sure I provoked some "Oh, she doesn't look good!" comments to be mumbled among the people lining the course. But I had to get through it. Here I eeked out a smile because I saw Greg with the camera.
As soon as I actually saw the finish "swine", I gave a tiny push using the little bit I had left. I crossed the line and was soooooooooo glad to be done!
I wish I had felt better throughout the race, but looking back, my "training" was very, very minimal. So I really don't think I could have done any better unless I had trained more. I've never hurt so bad after a race. Greg found me slooowly inching my way through Sawyer Point, trying to make my way to our meeting point. The look on his face told me that I must have been visibly wearing on my face the pain I was feeling. I sat down and stretched while Greg went to look for Daryl. He didn't find him and that meant that I had to get up and start helping to look, which was agonizing. After we did find Daryl, we slowly headed back in the direction of the car. Greg ran ahead and picked us up somewhere around where the start line was, for which I was grateful.
Here's me helping Daryl up, though he was in much better shape than I.
The finishers!
Overall, it was a fun day. The slightly wet weather had me nervous it could be a wash-out, but it was only a light drizzle in the beginning. And with the cool temperatures, it really was nice for running.
I got up at 4 to get ready. I'm getting better with my race-day OCD. I think I only retied my shoes 2 times :) We arrived downtown about 6. Daryl and I lined up at the start, and Greg took some pictures. Daryl is posing like a boss. I just look uncomfortable.
The gun (or maybe cannon?) went off, and after 6 minutes we were across the start line. I settled into a comfortable, easy pace. Perhaps I'm somewhere in the blur...
The course first goes into Kentucky over a bridge. Then back into downtown Cincinnati around the 4 mile. My breathing was easy - I was actually just breathing through my nose! That's difficult for me to do sometimes just sitting at my desk, thanks to my allergies, so I was impressed. I felt great and happy that it was so easy so far. This photo is from the website and was taken by Michael E. Anderson. I'm in it- how crazy is that!
Coming out of downtown, there is a climb. A long climb. I completely forgot how severe this hill was. It is long and quite steep in some parts. It killed me and my legs. After that I thought, well I'll make up my pace on the downhill at the end. Nice plan, but the hill really took a lot out of me. I had taken a piece of candy from a woman near the end of the huge hill section. It was one of those orange slice gummies.
I was really hoping for a boost, but all it did was give me bits of gummy to pick out of my teeth with my tongue for a couple of miles. Not distracting enough.
I somewhat recovered through miles 7 - 8 - 9, but I was really beginning to hurt. This was the beginning of my mental downfall. I was really tired. I really wanted to lay down on the grass. I kept trying to tell myself only 4 more miles, but I didn't feel like running 4 more miles.
When the race took the turn onto Gilbert (going the right way down Gilbert...downhill), I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I relaxed and smoothed out my stride, letting the hill take me down it pretty quickly. Making up time didn't really seem possible anymore since I had slowed down so much. But I was happy to be "running" again, no longer moving along at a snail's pace.
There was another rough part at mile 12. Just flat and a diversion from the nice straight path we had been heading on toward the finish line. I just wanted to be done! I tried to pick up the pace, but for the first time felt a sudden wave of nausea. My mouth did that tight clenching kind of thing that reminded me of throwing up. So I eased back off. My legs hurt so bad.
In the last bit of the course, I was making all kinds of "I'm in pain" faces that I'm sure were entertaining for those watching. I'm sure I provoked some "Oh, she doesn't look good!" comments to be mumbled among the people lining the course. But I had to get through it. Here I eeked out a smile because I saw Greg with the camera.
As soon as I actually saw the finish "swine", I gave a tiny push using the little bit I had left. I crossed the line and was soooooooooo glad to be done!
I wish I had felt better throughout the race, but looking back, my "training" was very, very minimal. So I really don't think I could have done any better unless I had trained more. I've never hurt so bad after a race. Greg found me slooowly inching my way through Sawyer Point, trying to make my way to our meeting point. The look on his face told me that I must have been visibly wearing on my face the pain I was feeling. I sat down and stretched while Greg went to look for Daryl. He didn't find him and that meant that I had to get up and start helping to look, which was agonizing. After we did find Daryl, we slowly headed back in the direction of the car. Greg ran ahead and picked us up somewhere around where the start line was, for which I was grateful.
Here's me helping Daryl up, though he was in much better shape than I.
The finishers!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Less Than A Week!
I have a bib number assigned to me already for the Pig Half: 16655. Looks like they are doing the chip timing a little different this year. I have never received a bib number prior to packet pick-up either, but it's been a couple of years since I've done this race.
I am not sure if people are able to follow my progress on the flying pig website on race day as I pass over the checkpoint timing mats (nor am I sure anyone would really want to!) All the bigger marathons seem to be doing this now and it is a cool feature. I from last year that at the expo there is a place to sign people up to receive text messages of my time and pace at the checkpoints, which I think are 5K, 10K, 15K maybe and finish. Greg followed me that way in Akron and thought it was pretty cool. It is especially helpful to know when you are trying to meet up with someone after they finish.
Here's the course map. I can't wait!
I am not sure if people are able to follow my progress on the flying pig website on race day as I pass over the checkpoint timing mats (nor am I sure anyone would really want to!) All the bigger marathons seem to be doing this now and it is a cool feature. I from last year that at the expo there is a place to sign people up to receive text messages of my time and pace at the checkpoints, which I think are 5K, 10K, 15K maybe and finish. Greg followed me that way in Akron and thought it was pretty cool. It is especially helpful to know when you are trying to meet up with someone after they finish.
Here's the course map. I can't wait!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Come On, Legs
The Flying Pig half marathon is May 3rd. At two weeks away, this weekend was my last time to do a long run before the race. It was a beautiful weekend, but unfortunately, it was an ugly run. As soon as I left the driveway, I knew it was going to be bad. My legs felt like they were full of sand. My breathing was way too hard for as slow as I was going. And the effort also felt really hard for as slow as I was going. I wasn't looking forward to 11 miles of this difficulty. But I knew that if I didn't do it, I'd regret it and suffer more at the race. So I quickly threw out any hopes of maintaining a certain pace and kept telling myself I just have to cover the distance. Which I did, minus one mile, painfully.
After the first 3 miles I felt like I had already ran 10. Anything that wasn't downhill felt like uphill. Half way through I stopped and took a break. I sat down, but really wanted to lie down. I ate my gel and drank some water. Then I started back to home, which made me feel better - at least I was on my way back. I could smell the stable! For a mile or so I felt a lot better. Then everything seemed to pile up again and I had no energy. So I walked occasionally and stopped for breaks. My pace was a crawl by the end. I made myself go to 10 miles, feeling that would be enough mentally. There was no sense in pushing myself one more mile to go the planned 11 when I was hating it so much. It just wasn't my day.
I felt fine later. My legs and body just didn't cooperate with me that morning. I guess their idea for a fun morning was to curl up in the sun with a good book and a cup of coffee instead of my eager idea to go run 11 miles. I just hope they join forces with me the day of the race!
After the first 3 miles I felt like I had already ran 10. Anything that wasn't downhill felt like uphill. Half way through I stopped and took a break. I sat down, but really wanted to lie down. I ate my gel and drank some water. Then I started back to home, which made me feel better - at least I was on my way back. I could smell the stable! For a mile or so I felt a lot better. Then everything seemed to pile up again and I had no energy. So I walked occasionally and stopped for breaks. My pace was a crawl by the end. I made myself go to 10 miles, feeling that would be enough mentally. There was no sense in pushing myself one more mile to go the planned 11 when I was hating it so much. It just wasn't my day.
I felt fine later. My legs and body just didn't cooperate with me that morning. I guess their idea for a fun morning was to curl up in the sun with a good book and a cup of coffee instead of my eager idea to go run 11 miles. I just hope they join forces with me the day of the race!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
How Many Creative Titles Can One Invent to Say One Went for a Nice Run?
The Pig Half is in 19 days and I get an annoying, unnecessary email from them every day reminding me of this fact (where "fact" is days left until Pig). I need to unsubscribe!
After the Heart Mini, I felt great. However, starting the Monday after it, I did suffer some sort of weird coughing sickness and feel like today is my first full day of not having coughing fits. Relief at last! I was worried that it would carry on and I wouldn't be able to attempt my 12 miles this weekend. I think it is partly allergies (damn trees having to grow their leaves again).
So, yep, 11 or 12 this weekend in preparation for the Pig. The weather is going to be beautiful. I may try to do it Friday to get it out of the way for the weekend. Tonight I ran a quick 2 miles and felt pretty good. Nothing eventful. In fact life in general has been rather mundane recently.
But here's a funny of Steph not thinking before speaking (common practice of mine) and interacting with Old People. Tonight we were picking up wiper blades for Greg's car. I went over to a book section of the store and found an older gentleman and his even older mother (I know because he called her so) looking through crossword puzzle books. I think they were just passing the time, entertaining themselves in the store with the books, rather than buying them. Uh, because what else do you do on a rainy Tuesday night, right? Anyway, I heard (or thought I heard) the man say, "L - O - L ... now what on earth could that one mean!" I stepped nearer and said "laugh out loud", thinking I had earned my badge to Educate the Uninformed for the day. I was also prepared to follow up with what the Interwebs is and how computers work. He looked at me. Then he said, "On no, [pointing into book] I said L - O - L - L. I know what LOL means." Me: "Oh! I thought I heard...er...l-o-l...of course you know what it... " sheepishly scampers away...
So before any of you out there who know me (you know who you are, Jannelle) accuse me of talking down to the old folks because of my disdain for Grumpy Old People (Homo oldandgrumpius, a certain genus that have given me nightmares and cause me to shudder even now!), this example/incident/embarrassing moment is my proof for my innocence. I was simply trying to help. If I was an Old People Hater, I would have snubbed my nose, laughed at the incredulity of someone not knowing what lol means, and maybe even given old grandma a good shove on her walker. See? Sharp contrast here.
After the Heart Mini, I felt great. However, starting the Monday after it, I did suffer some sort of weird coughing sickness and feel like today is my first full day of not having coughing fits. Relief at last! I was worried that it would carry on and I wouldn't be able to attempt my 12 miles this weekend. I think it is partly allergies (damn trees having to grow their leaves again).
So, yep, 11 or 12 this weekend in preparation for the Pig. The weather is going to be beautiful. I may try to do it Friday to get it out of the way for the weekend. Tonight I ran a quick 2 miles and felt pretty good. Nothing eventful. In fact life in general has been rather mundane recently.
But here's a funny of Steph not thinking before speaking (common practice of mine) and interacting with Old People. Tonight we were picking up wiper blades for Greg's car. I went over to a book section of the store and found an older gentleman and his even older mother (I know because he called her so) looking through crossword puzzle books. I think they were just passing the time, entertaining themselves in the store with the books, rather than buying them. Uh, because what else do you do on a rainy Tuesday night, right? Anyway, I heard (or thought I heard) the man say, "L - O - L ... now what on earth could that one mean!" I stepped nearer and said "laugh out loud", thinking I had earned my badge to Educate the Uninformed for the day. I was also prepared to follow up with what the Interwebs is and how computers work. He looked at me. Then he said, "On no, [pointing into book] I said L - O - L - L. I know what LOL means." Me: "Oh! I thought I heard...er...l-o-l...of course you know what it... " sheepishly scampers away...
So before any of you out there who know me (you know who you are, Jannelle) accuse me of talking down to the old folks because of my disdain for Grumpy Old People (Homo oldandgrumpius, a certain genus that have given me nightmares and cause me to shudder even now!), this example/incident/embarrassing moment is my proof for my innocence. I was simply trying to help. If I was an Old People Hater, I would have snubbed my nose, laughed at the incredulity of someone not knowing what lol means, and maybe even given old grandma a good shove on her walker. See? Sharp contrast here.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Heart Mini Marathon 15K Report
The weather was less than lovely. About 38º and rainy. But we all know that's worse for the supporters (aka fans) than the runners! Thanks for sticking it out in Brueggers and the Westin, Greg!
I felt very prepared for this race. Didn't do anything stupid like play kickball the night before or eat loads of spaghetti that would sit heavy in my stomach the next day (some of my past mistakes). I was looking at it as a run, not a race, but had a specific pace in mind. My last 15K was the Mason Mini, and it wasn't great. I was hoping that this time I'd feel good, improve my pace and feel better about the upcoming Pig Half. Check, check and check!
Overall the race course seems like it would be boring, but I enjoy it. It goes out Columbia Parkway from downtown, where there aren't spectators except at the water stops. I think it's the rolling hills that keeps it interesting for me.
Going out, I went a tad bit faster than planned, but it was hard to tell from the hills. I felt like my effort was right on target, so I just kept going at that pace. I listened to different runners' stories (kind of eavesdropping I suppose, but I was bored) and that kept me entertained for part of the time. Things definitely improved when the leaders were coming back and I could start looking at other people ahead of me on their way to the finish.
After the turnaround I could only think about Torrence. It is a huge hill and I kept worrying that it would ruin me for the rest of the race. When I got there, I plodded up it trying to keep my heart and breathing rate under control. I was passing people who were walking it, which kept me motivated. After reaching the turnaround to go down, I was relieved, but it was still hard! My quads were definitely getting weaker, and since it was wet, I was extra cautious. I made it to the bottom and heard someone say, "Well now it's just a 5K!". Ug. That was correct. Just a 5K. On thrashed legs!
There was one more large hill back into downtown that felt similar to Torrence. I really struggled up that one. Plus the wind kicked in pretty hard! At one point a gust was strong enough to stop my progress a little, and me and a guy running next to me exchanged "holy crap I don't need this right now!" faces about it. :)
I gave all I had at the end. It wasn't much of a sprint, more of a flailing push.
Tyrannosaurus Rex arms-RAWR! I also need to work on my grumpy face.
So in summary, I felt great the entire time. My breathing wasn't even hard until the hills in the last half. My legs felt good, until they were pushed, but that was expected. My end time was 1:41:09, which is a 10:53 pace. While still not where I was a couple of years ago, this was a HUGE improvement from last fall (11:43 - eek). So I finally feel like I'm improving! And I feel like I'm ready for the hills in the Pig, at least mentally.
Ick!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Heart Mini is coming...
Last weekend I ran 6 miles– my last "long run" before the Heart Mini Marathon this Sunday. I felt pretty good the entire time. My knees got a little wobbly at the end, but I think they were cold and stiff. My pace was slowish but comfortable, so I'm happy. I'm not aiming for a particular pace (well, secretly I might be). This is more of just a practice for the Pig and fun way to get in a 9.3 mile run. I still don't know what my goal is going to be for the Pig. It probably should just be to finish strong and not hurt, but if I can get work under control and train better next month, I might try to up it a bit if I'm better prepared.
There was nothing too exciting experienced during my run. I was kind of bored as I plodded along, but it was a nice mental break from working so much recently. The weather was great– sunny and 55º I think. I was in shorts and a t-shirt, and there was a slight breeze to keep things cool. I did get chased by a teeny-tiny, fat little poodle-looking dog that had a bow in its hair. Vicious! I stopped to pet it and it smelled of shampoo. I think it was wider than it was long, giving it an odd square shape when looking at it from overhead.
Tomorrow it is supposed to be 68º so I will probably run in the afternoon to take advantage of the weather. I never had an invisible friend as a child, but I'm thinking about creating an invisible running partner to talk to while I run- lol. I suppose I could recruit the dogs. Dexter could stand to lose a few.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Broomball Game #3
We played a very good team that had a couple of guys who were clearly not beginners. However, the team as a whole was fun to play because they weren't rough/dirty and they really pushed us to be better.
We scored first. Then they answered. Then we scored again. But in the final minutes, they scored and it was by a girl. Unknown to us, rules in co-ed are if a girl scores it's worth two points. Dumb. So now we have a new strategy - girls are going to play up front more. :)
I'm sore, but no one got hurt this time since it was such a clean game. Recently someone broke a rib after they were slid into, so the league has really cracked down on staying on your feet. Unfortunately, most of our team played on Fountain Square last year, where I guess sliding was what you did. Hard habit to break for some.
We scored first. Then they answered. Then we scored again. But in the final minutes, they scored and it was by a girl. Unknown to us, rules in co-ed are if a girl scores it's worth two points. Dumb. So now we have a new strategy - girls are going to play up front more. :)
I'm sore, but no one got hurt this time since it was such a clean game. Recently someone broke a rib after they were slid into, so the league has really cracked down on staying on your feet. Unfortunately, most of our team played on Fountain Square last year, where I guess sliding was what you did. Hard habit to break for some.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Signed up for the Heart Mini-Marathon
I'm signed up for my first "race" of the year, the Heart Mini-Marathon.
It is 15K, 9.3 miles. It's a great race - I've done it once before and happened to catch it on a good weather year that was dry and sunny. We'll see what this year brings!
I have all the races I'd like to do off to the side of the blog for '09. And yes...I've decided to try to do a marathon. (!) It all started from my old friend Sarah - we've discussed how we both are "aspiring" marathoners. She had made a post about whether or not to do one. I told her she should just do it. I was sick of hearing myself saying "someday" and wondered if she felt the same. She agreed. So we're both going to try to do one some time in the fall - probably not the same one, but maybe at the same time so we can share each other's pain! :)
I'm enjoying my runs recently and look forward to spring!!
It is 15K, 9.3 miles. It's a great race - I've done it once before and happened to catch it on a good weather year that was dry and sunny. We'll see what this year brings!
I have all the races I'd like to do off to the side of the blog for '09. And yes...I've decided to try to do a marathon. (!) It all started from my old friend Sarah - we've discussed how we both are "aspiring" marathoners. She had made a post about whether or not to do one. I told her she should just do it. I was sick of hearing myself saying "someday" and wondered if she felt the same. She agreed. So we're both going to try to do one some time in the fall - probably not the same one, but maybe at the same time so we can share each other's pain! :)
I'm enjoying my runs recently and look forward to spring!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
35º and Sunny... and There Was a Cat
I had a great run from the studio yesterday. I didn't have my watch. I usually have a run that feels fast on days I forget my watch, therefor leaving me not so certain that it was as speedy as it felt. Regardless, it felt great.
It was sunny and cold. I saw a few dogs, a cat, a dead animal (less of it and in a different spot from the last time I was on the trail), a man who looked like a cross between Tom Petty and Johnny Cash, and a lone icicle hanging from a tree branch over the trail. Who says the trail is boring?
Funny thing about the cat. My first thought when I see a stray cat is to be wary of it. I believe this unnatural behavior goes back to a bad experience I had as a child getting off the bus one day. It was a warm, fall afternoon and the corn was still up. I was walking down my driveway (which was long) by myself. I may have even been skipping for joy. But then, I heard something in the corn and saw a cat come out.
It was meowing, loudly... more like a painful yell. I could tell even from it being not very close that it was hurt. I stopped and it started running toward me. But then I got freaked out and didn't want anything to do with it because I thought it was going to attack me. It looked like it had survived a "Will it Blend" Blendtec demo. I just kept walking, trying to ignore it like you do a big, unfriendly dog. It kept coming towards me, and at one point [warning: gross] I noticed I could see the bones in its tail. At this point I lost it and began half running down the driveway while sobbing. I probably thought I was going to die. My mom was standing by the garage and looked at me like I was nuts. I just thought we needed to get into the house as quick as possible before this thing ate us.
So that's my cat story. I think the cat hung out around our back door. When my Dad got home, I believe he took it somewhere and dumped it, because that is what you do in the country. So back on the trail: When I saw this cat, I'm embarrassed to admit I picked up a stick just in case the thing decided to attack.
And I can go camping with no fear of bears.
It was sunny and cold. I saw a few dogs, a cat, a dead animal (less of it and in a different spot from the last time I was on the trail), a man who looked like a cross between Tom Petty and Johnny Cash, and a lone icicle hanging from a tree branch over the trail. Who says the trail is boring?
Funny thing about the cat. My first thought when I see a stray cat is to be wary of it. I believe this unnatural behavior goes back to a bad experience I had as a child getting off the bus one day. It was a warm, fall afternoon and the corn was still up. I was walking down my driveway (which was long) by myself. I may have even been skipping for joy. But then, I heard something in the corn and saw a cat come out.
It was meowing, loudly... more like a painful yell. I could tell even from it being not very close that it was hurt. I stopped and it started running toward me. But then I got freaked out and didn't want anything to do with it because I thought it was going to attack me. It looked like it had survived a "Will it Blend" Blendtec demo. I just kept walking, trying to ignore it like you do a big, unfriendly dog. It kept coming towards me, and at one point [warning: gross] I noticed I could see the bones in its tail. At this point I lost it and began half running down the driveway while sobbing. I probably thought I was going to die. My mom was standing by the garage and looked at me like I was nuts. I just thought we needed to get into the house as quick as possible before this thing ate us.
So that's my cat story. I think the cat hung out around our back door. When my Dad got home, I believe he took it somewhere and dumped it, because that is what you do in the country. So back on the trail: When I saw this cat, I'm embarrassed to admit I picked up a stick just in case the thing decided to attack.
And I can go camping with no fear of bears.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine's Day
I'm attempting to increase my mileage for the Pig. The "increase" part shouldn't be hard since I was going from sporadic runs of practically nothing! Before the Pig is the Heart Mini 15K (9.3) at the end of March. I've done that race once and it was great. Will be a nice confidence builder for the Pig.
I went a slow, relaxing 5 miles on Valentine's Day... to celebrate my love of running (just kidding). It was a great run - crisp and sunny. It still hurts to breathe deep though. A couple of weeks ago I had a strange kink in my back that escalated to screaming pain and a trip to Urgent Care. So my back/ribs/indeterminable area deep inside my chest was sore again, but it's getting better.
I have no idea what my pace is right now. I'm just trying to get faster. I can't stand running by myself any more and am very determined to be a tolerable pace to run with others!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Spring-like Weather in February
Today's forecast was 60º and sunny. Tuesday and Wednesday are also supposed to be near 60º and rainy. It is such a tease.
Unfortunately I didn't get to run in this weather today. Perhaps I'll have a soggy jaunt tomorrow morning. But while I was walking into work today, I had an unexpected flashback to running in Florida.
When we moved to Tampa–for a brief 4 months–it was February. I was looking forward to avoiding the slushy winter of Cincinnati, but was surprised by some chilly mornings when we first got down there. I never had to break out the hat and gloves, but I did wear long sleeves and tights for a couple of days. However, it became "spring" in no time.
We lived on Tampa Bay, or a part of it that was channeled for homes, hotels and apartment buildings to be built along. A quarter mile from our door and you were on the actual bay. I would run along the causeway with the bay on both sides of me. It was my only option, as the other direction was the highway and airport, but I never grew tired of it. When going out from the apartment, off to the right the water started out very shallow. You could see the sand at low tide. Occasionally there would be a small chunk of land off in the distance overgrown with greenery, with many different sea birds flocking around it. I always wanted to get closer to those "islands" and see what they looked like up close. On the left the water was deeper and you could see for miles. Depending on how hazy it was, you could see another bridge in the distance.
The sun was always shining. Early in the morning it wasn't as hazy quite yet. And even at 10:00 in the morning, my fair Ohio skin could get a sun burn after a long run. There were a couple of runs that I saw dolphins. There were a couple of runs I saw slow, calm manatee in the channel along our apartment. I always got so excited and wondered when the novelty would wear off. Small lizards scampered across the paved trail along the causeway, I saw all kinds of different birds that would fly from bush to bush just in front of me, never realizing that I wasn't going to stop interrupting them. Fishermen camped out early in the mornings with their trucks parked half in the sand. A few of my runs went the entire length of the causeway and back. Flat sunny craziness with a hot breeze.
This morning as I walked through Luxottica's huge parking lot toward the building, for some reason it suddenly felt like I was in Tampa. I was startled as the running memories came flooding back so vividly. I clomped along in my uncomfortable heels wishing I was running for the next spot of shade. And then I was interrupted by the sound of Canadian geese honking. I looked up and there were 3 flocks overhead in shaky V formations. I laughed because it sure wasn't the sound of sea gulls or the bay. But I think I should try to pay more attention to what is around me here.
Unfortunately I didn't get to run in this weather today. Perhaps I'll have a soggy jaunt tomorrow morning. But while I was walking into work today, I had an unexpected flashback to running in Florida.
When we moved to Tampa–for a brief 4 months–it was February. I was looking forward to avoiding the slushy winter of Cincinnati, but was surprised by some chilly mornings when we first got down there. I never had to break out the hat and gloves, but I did wear long sleeves and tights for a couple of days. However, it became "spring" in no time.
We lived on Tampa Bay, or a part of it that was channeled for homes, hotels and apartment buildings to be built along. A quarter mile from our door and you were on the actual bay. I would run along the causeway with the bay on both sides of me. It was my only option, as the other direction was the highway and airport, but I never grew tired of it. When going out from the apartment, off to the right the water started out very shallow. You could see the sand at low tide. Occasionally there would be a small chunk of land off in the distance overgrown with greenery, with many different sea birds flocking around it. I always wanted to get closer to those "islands" and see what they looked like up close. On the left the water was deeper and you could see for miles. Depending on how hazy it was, you could see another bridge in the distance.
The sun was always shining. Early in the morning it wasn't as hazy quite yet. And even at 10:00 in the morning, my fair Ohio skin could get a sun burn after a long run. There were a couple of runs that I saw dolphins. There were a couple of runs I saw slow, calm manatee in the channel along our apartment. I always got so excited and wondered when the novelty would wear off. Small lizards scampered across the paved trail along the causeway, I saw all kinds of different birds that would fly from bush to bush just in front of me, never realizing that I wasn't going to stop interrupting them. Fishermen camped out early in the mornings with their trucks parked half in the sand. A few of my runs went the entire length of the causeway and back. Flat sunny craziness with a hot breeze.
This morning as I walked through Luxottica's huge parking lot toward the building, for some reason it suddenly felt like I was in Tampa. I was startled as the running memories came flooding back so vividly. I clomped along in my uncomfortable heels wishing I was running for the next spot of shade. And then I was interrupted by the sound of Canadian geese honking. I looked up and there were 3 flocks overhead in shaky V formations. I laughed because it sure wasn't the sound of sea gulls or the bay. But I think I should try to pay more attention to what is around me here.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Winter "Storm"
We got some inches, which constitutes a WINTER STORM!!! Take cover!!!
I hope that it gets packed down enough on the trail to do a run on the bike trail. Right now it is a little deep. They certainly don't clear it, so it will be a slippery mess for a while. But if it's just snow, that's the best.
It could be a few days before I can run outside again. I'm not the most sure-footed and don't find slipping around while running too enjoyable. The trail will probably be my best bet. I did get a 3 mile run in yesterday before the white death came. It was cold, only 23º, but I wasn't really chilled until I got back.
More pictures of the river. I took these after I left the studio today.
I hope that it gets packed down enough on the trail to do a run on the bike trail. Right now it is a little deep. They certainly don't clear it, so it will be a slippery mess for a while. But if it's just snow, that's the best.
It could be a few days before I can run outside again. I'm not the most sure-footed and don't find slipping around while running too enjoyable. The trail will probably be my best bet. I did get a 3 mile run in yesterday before the white death came. It was cold, only 23º, but I wasn't really chilled until I got back.
More pictures of the river. I took these after I left the studio today.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Broomball Game #2
Game #2 began with PiMT (Party in My Tummy) using some "key learnings" (forgive my corporate term) at the previous night's Cyclones hockey game we all went to such as: offense should stay in a triangle, center moves all over the place, and clear the ball during powerplays.
Alas, while we had some good strategies, we lost. Gremlins 1, PiMT 0. It was kinda a cheap goal though honestly.
We started out with good energy, but no one switched up the line for an entire 5 minutes– something to work on. Our opponents were a little bit better, or at least had some key players that had some better skills. And they were way more aggressive. Plus most of them had broomball shoes so they were faster. All considered, we held on pretty well.
I don't think anyone on our team got too hurt, but I did take an even better spill than last time. #23 slide tackled me from behind, taking my legs completely out from under me. So I landed on my elbow, stomach and head. There was a collective "Ooooh!" when I hit the ice that I do remember. The guy was of course sorry. It rattled me and I couldn't get up right away, but I did hobble over to our bench. Half time came a few minutes later and I was recovered by the time I went back out. I do have a nice lump on my arm that is starting to turn colors already. I suppose I will be donning my old rollerblade elbow pads for the next game :)
We have a pretty good defense, but miss chances to take the ball into our zone on offense. We get a little too carried away with clearning the ball rather than trying to score. We also need to put more pressure on the other teams when they have the ball. We're in an intro league, so in theory, the other team should be just as crappy at handling the ball as we are.
Post game we went to Gordo's for some burgers and beer. Definitely a great post game strategy. Here are some horrible blurry pictures I snapped while I was on the bench. At least you can kind of get the idea of what it looks like. Our team is in black. The net is bigger than a hockey net and what would be a puck is the orange ball which is about the size of an oversized grapefruit on steroids.
Alas, while we had some good strategies, we lost. Gremlins 1, PiMT 0. It was kinda a cheap goal though honestly.
We started out with good energy, but no one switched up the line for an entire 5 minutes– something to work on. Our opponents were a little bit better, or at least had some key players that had some better skills. And they were way more aggressive. Plus most of them had broomball shoes so they were faster. All considered, we held on pretty well.
I don't think anyone on our team got too hurt, but I did take an even better spill than last time. #23 slide tackled me from behind, taking my legs completely out from under me. So I landed on my elbow, stomach and head. There was a collective "Ooooh!" when I hit the ice that I do remember. The guy was of course sorry. It rattled me and I couldn't get up right away, but I did hobble over to our bench. Half time came a few minutes later and I was recovered by the time I went back out. I do have a nice lump on my arm that is starting to turn colors already. I suppose I will be donning my old rollerblade elbow pads for the next game :)
We have a pretty good defense, but miss chances to take the ball into our zone on offense. We get a little too carried away with clearning the ball rather than trying to score. We also need to put more pressure on the other teams when they have the ball. We're in an intro league, so in theory, the other team should be just as crappy at handling the ball as we are.
Post game we went to Gordo's for some burgers and beer. Definitely a great post game strategy. Here are some horrible blurry pictures I snapped while I was on the bench. At least you can kind of get the idea of what it looks like. Our team is in black. The net is bigger than a hockey net and what would be a puck is the orange ball which is about the size of an oversized grapefruit on steroids.
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