Thoughts the Night Before the Race I'm Not Running

So tomorrow is the RCM. I find it only fitting that I should post something seeing as how it was that race that got me started blogging. Ironic that I am NOT in fact running this race, but eh, details. So how am I feeling? I feel excited for one. It is part of that runner weirdness. I know plenty of runners that ARE running it, and I am super stoked for them.  I'll be thinking good thoughts all morning long for them. Tomorrow my friend S and I will be getting out on one of our favorite trails to run for about an hour, so it will be a good running day, because running with a buddy is always a good run. I will be stalking Fb for updates on the race and runners. I only wish I could have volunteered at an aid station. That would have been awesome. Note to self, look into spectating. I would be so great at that.

Because no one likes a Rungie.

I also feel a little heart sick. I didn't even get to the hard part of training and had to stop. However, when I stopped, I stopped with a health goal that I have succeeded in.  That is a win. I feel like I could resume marathon training at this point and do ok. In fact, I am going to browse some nearby races, because I need that structure and motivation back. I kind of don't know what to do with myself without a race goal. I have plenty of half marathon options coming up, and I could resume the sub 2 hour goal. The thing is, being seconds off of that goal made me all, "meh. Close enough." That's probably a horrible attitude to have. I am sure I will have the desire to run fast again eventually. I also really wish I had a marathon partner to train with. I think that is something I need right now. Accountability and just having someone going through it with me would make a world of difference.

My easing back into cross training has gone well. Even just a little bit is making a difference, and it is nice to break up the running a little. Life has been busy, so it is handy to be able to throw in 30 min of barre or strength training on the days I don't have time to hit the pavement for an hour +. To answer your question, yes, my upper body still sucks, and I am avoiding heavy weights for that area still for the time being. I did have some success doing some body weight exercises for that area though. Baby steps. In the meantime, I get to pretend I have graceful long ballerina legs, when in reality I have short and scarily muscular legs that I trip over on a daily basis. Yay barre!

Believe it or not, I did do dance for years. Unsurprisingly, ballet was quickly dropped.

I also have yet to start speed work again, because I don't wanna. Boo. Hiss. (I know, I know!)

But I am doing way more yoga, and thus have happier hip flexors. Yay again!

In other super exciting running news, The Husband has agreed to try running with me! He will be on vacation this coming week, so it is a great time to get out there and get training. He immediately regretted agreeing to this when I told him I would have him running a half by the end of 2015, and started discussing His and Her medal holders. Which would be AWESOME by the way. 

SO MANY ACTIVITIES!!

So, in closing, GOOD LUCK ROCKET CITY RUNNERS! And GOOD LUCK, CAKE, who is running her first marathon Sunday. Enjoy your race, and then enjoy eating the entire contents of your kitchen and probably your neighbor's kitchen as well :)

- Teacup Runner

"Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;"-Psalm 26:2 NIV

Project Cross Train!

First of all, I need to say that it has been 2 MONTHS since my last migraine with aura attack! I haven't gone this long in between attacks since they started last year. Yay to finally getting some results (accidentally). I have been feeling so much better lately, so I am ready to amp up my training again, and get back to where I was last spring.


How I feel without migraines. Oh yes, I have done this dance.

I have cut back on my running since HSV half. I have decided I will not sign up for another race until I have made cross training a habit again. Lately I have noticed more back pain, which is a direct result from letting my core strength go. Not to mention I am running slower. This is also a result of not cross training. It is not all about abs and getting ripped again. My stomach is flat, my weight is the same, but I am weak right now, and I don't like that. I remembered last year when I was at my peak performance running wise, and I was lifting weights several times a week. So, my new plan is run 3x a week and cross train 3x a week. My goal was to alternate days, but so far I've done a short 3-4 miler plus 20-30 min weights or other cross training on the same day, and have taken more rest days. This isn't really my ideal, but I have been sleeping bad, and the holidays are already jumbling my schedule. I have a tendency to workout cram when I am forced into rest days. Next week I am going to devise a more organized plan. In general, I pretty much hate cross training, but as a runner I find it to be a necessary evil. No one can deny you get better running results with a little cross training thrown in.

My plan is to start writing out my workout schedule again. This is another thing I did last year to help. I was training for the two back to back half marathons, and needed to make sure I got in a lot of workouts at optimal timing. Basically my week would consist of 1 long run, 1 speed run, 2 easy runs,  1 full body cross train, 1 active rest day, and one full rest day. The active rest day would be yoga or something light. I would then squeeze weights in after the easy runs, sometimes an hour or more, and maybe after speed work. I always took my full rest day after speed work day. I will have to work my way back to that. For now I want to have 3 running days total (1 long, 1 speed, 1 easy), and 3 cross training days of my choice. To start, of course these will be lighter weights, lighter workouts, but eventually I will get back to the heavier weights and longer cross training sessions. The last day will be a total rest day, as I now do at least some yoga with every cross training day.  I think giving running and cross training their own days to start out will be a nice transition instead of doubling up right away. I realize this is only 1 rest day, but I am an oddball. I feel like crap on the days I don't work out. I have played around with different combinations of rest days, and working out 6 days a week just works for me. It also was something that kept my migraines more spaced out before I started treating them. Plus, on the days I work out, I eat better and hydrate better. I am guessing that has a lot to do with me feeling so good those days.

I hate rest days not because I am a super tough chick, but because I like to put off house work.

Since my chest wall injury last May, I have lost a lot of upper body strength. I don't want to jump right back into weights as far as that area is concerned, so I am trying out other new strengthening exercises. So far I am loving barre! I am using light weights for my lower body, but to get a good all over body workout, barre is perfect for me. It combines strength and stretch, which is so important for a runner. I got the idea to try after seeing one of my favorite bloggers, The T-Rex Runner, posting about it. After the hip flexor trouble I have had my last 2 races, I think this is going to be a go to CT exercise for me. My chest wall has been a little sore, but nothing like the agony weight training had been causing. I think for a while, this is what I need for my upper body. It has always been my weak area, but since that one little injury, I have constantly managed to hurt myself. Since then I have been trying to figure out the right exercises to start back with. Barre is the winner for sure! I feel the appropriate amount of soreness after, not the "Oh God my chest is broken forever and I am possibly having a heart attack" pain that I kept rebounding into before.

Weirdly accurate.

Another thing my GP recommended for my upper back/chest wall issues is a deep tissue massage. I am still trying to talk myself into this. For one, deep tissue massages hurt, and I am a wuss. For two, I don't like people touching me, so a stranger touching me really painfully is probably not going to be a  comfortable experience for me, but if it resets me and helps with my muscle tightness, it will be worth it. I have also debated a chiropractor, but again, not yet brave enough. I need to do something though, so I figure fixing my core is a start that doesn't involve other people touching me.



So my question for the probably 4 people who read this blog: Have you gotten a deep tissue massage or gone to a chiropractor to help with a work out injury? Did it help?

I will report back next week on my new schedule!

-Teacup Runner

"I love you, Lord, my strength." -Psalm 18:1 NIV

HSV Half Race Recap

Half #4 complete! What an awesome race! My finish according to garmin was 13.27 miles in 02:20:08, 10:34 min/mi. Unfortunately chip timing did not work, so that's all I have, but no bad at all! It was not much faster than BSTC Half, but I felt so much better during and after.

J, J's husband's shadow, and I before the race

The race started out sunny and cold. I did decide on shorts, compression socks, gloves, and a long sleeved tech shirt. It turned out to be a pretty good decision, because I was baking about 5 miles in, but not terribly bad. Pants would have been uncomfortable. My friend J and I met up before the race as usual. She had decided to "run naked" this race, sans gadgets as she had been having issues with her garmin. Like I posted before, no music was allowed, so we were without earbuds on top of it, which meant hearing all the funny conversations along the way, but more on that later.

Race start!

The race started out with me just forcing myself not to run ahead of the crowd just to get away from it. It was HARD. People were passing me despite my 9:30 something pace, and this stressed me out. Where did all of these fast people come from? I had determined at that point I would be last, but at least I wouldn't be puking at the end (for the record, I was not even close to last. I stayed middle of the pack the entire race). I also learned that not going out too fast would get me away from the starting crowd just as fast as going out too fast. I just like to have my own little space during races. That's when I find my groove.


Yeah. Pretty much.

The first mile, my mind was racing. It went a little like this:

.3 miles : Why did I pick winterfresh gum? Always go with cinnamon in the cold! Always! Pretty sure my lungs are actually frozen.

.4 miles : Glad I wore shorts. I don't feel any cold on my legs. What is wrong with me that I cannot feel cold in my legs? Maybe I am bionic. No, I'd definitely be faster if I were bionic.

.45 miles : Ugh my toes. I can't feel them. Pretty sure my toes are ACTUALLY FROZEN.

.6 miles : Dude, way too short man shorts at 12 o'clock. Oh God, oh God, man thighs. Too much man thighs. So white, so hairy... Ack, look away before more man parts show. Never mind, it's too cold for that. Still disturbing. How is that even comfortable?

.7 miles : Pretty sure my nose is actually frozen.

.98 miles : Oh, look, there are my toes. One less thing to worry about.

2 miles in : I am burning up. Why did I wear a shirt? I could take my shirt off, but then I would have to repin my bib to my shorts, which would surely lead to injury. Oh no, camera. Smile like running 13.1 miles is your idea of relaxing on a cold Saturday morning!

The first 4 miles were like that. I laughed with a lady when a car backed out and blew exhaust in our faces. I listened to a veteran, a Marine, and an older lady talk about their running "careers" to pass the time. He was 57 and had just run the USMC Marathon, and was running one in Vegas next week, as well as RCM in December. She was 68, and did not start running until she was 35, but ran marathons like you and I take bubble baths. She had amazing neon yellow leopard print compression socks, and I decided I would need to get a pair of immediately. I thought if I could keep up with these two, I would consider myself a rock star. Runners really are like a fine wine, we get better with age.

At almost 5 miles I took a few honey stinger chews and grabbed water at the water station. I walked that station just to make sure I got all the water down. I was risking it not being enough to chase fuel with, so I wanted to get as much down as I could. At that point I felt good all except my left hip flexor was doing its usual complaining. I pushed past it and kept running. I found a lady who earlier in the race had Mandesa's "Overcomer" playing, and listened to a Jars of Clay song for a bit before pulling ahead again. Little things to distract from the hip flexor pain.

Once we hit the Greenway I got another burst of energy. It was SO pretty! The leaves were all fall-like, and the mountains in the background made it so picture perfect for running. At one point, however, I was feeling too hot and stuffy and it got a little congested. Some lady passed me and then blocked me from getting away from her. The unfortunate part of this is she had rap music blaring from her phone. It took every bit of restraint I had to not rip her armband away and toss it in the water we were running next to. Note: rap music during a race to me is like sticking my head in between giant clock gears. This is when I had regrets about not breaking the no ear bud rule.



Eventually I got away from rap music girl and was able to spread out from that crowd a little by passing her at the turn around. I took fuel and walked through another water station at mile 9. My hip flexor was beginning to bother me down to my knee, and randomly my ankle was aching, so the walk to drink that cup of water was a relief. Knowing I would lose my momentum, I started running again as soon as I finished, and just focused on the views.

This was the greenway part. So peaceful when void of rap music.

When we came out of the greenway, a spectator told me to run fast and take the guys in front of me. They had been with me much of the race. Their conversations had been cracking me up some. The one guy was running with I kid you not, giant headphones around his neck. I did end up passing them at one point, and overheard them talking about the "tiny gal beating them" or something to that effect. Then listened to them guessing my weight (something about being small and light and faster. Um, so not the case guys, and you are both way off). That's when not having earbuds got entertaining. They caught up to me at about 10.5 miles and caught me wiping my nose on my gloves. The one guy says, " That's why I should have worn gloves, to wipe my nose!" I told him I recommended gloves that were not fuzzy, as it left fuzz under your nose, to which he replied he noticed they were glittery. Ah, race talk.

My entire left leg felt like it was going to fall off at this point. Car exhaust girl came up beside me, and we started pushing each other, trying to talk about races (both of us were trying to redeem ourselves after BSTC), our crazy friends that ran marathons, and also about how much pain we were in. We lost each other right before the 13 mile mark, but she came up and passed me right at the end, us cheering each other. Right after the race we high fived  and found our finisher tshirts, then said goodbyes. That's about how runners are. You find a temporary best friend right when you need one, even if you may not ever see them again. You can talk about gross things, you can spit and shoot snot rockets. I mean really, what other time in life can you meet someone while spitting and it be acceptable?



I think I limped back to where I was meeting Ryan to pick me up. My left leg was cussing at me in left leg language. I went straight to a hot epsom salt bath, which fixed things right away. I was nauseated from inhaling a slice of pizza pre-race, but continued to graze all day despite that fact. Runchies are weird. I'm not sure when I am going to figure out that pizza right after running is not a good idea.

I am a little sore, but nothing terrible. I really enjoyed this race. The course was awesome, the volunteers and spectators great. I think out of all the half marathons I have run, this one wins for prettiest course. Probably because the time of year. I want to do it again next year for sure! I think for anyone wanting to do their first half, this is a great course for that as well. It was mostly flat, and plenty to look at to distract you from the miles. I barely looked at my watch, and my friend J ran without one, if that will tell you anything! I feel like I redeemed myself from BSTC Half, and am looking forward to training for Scottsboro. 

-Teacup Runner

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"-Psalm 8:9 NIV

Thoughts Two Nights Before the Race, HSV Half Edition

2 more days until half #4! For whatever reason, I have continued to get ridiculously excited about this race despite probably being entirely too ill prepared. I have run a whopping 7 miles this week. My plan was to get another short run in, but as life would have it things have been too busy this week. For starters, in my journey back into music ministry, I have agreed to sing tonight at church for a ladies fellowship group. I feel completely unprepared and insanely nervous. I even tried to get out of it initially, but I do feel like God wants me doing this regardless of the fact that the song on my heart comes out a little squeaky. It is odd for me. I am not a follower by any means, but not really a leader either. I just sort of do what I want and hope it comes off appropriate and not offending anyone. "Winging it" should be my middle name. It's ok. I got this. Most likely.

I feel confident that regardless of how I sound tonight, God will reach people, and the fellowship will be amazing. I can't thank Him enough for leading us to this church. 

The other big thing on my mind is what to wear on Saturday. Early in the morning I am cold lately, but I keep over dressing for my runs. I feel pretty confident that my bottom half should be comprised of compression shorts and socks, but no clue if I should do sleeves or not. It will probably be in the upper 30s, so I will need gloves, but I don't want to burn up and have nowhere to ditch clothes. I like to have as little on me as possible during these long runs. It appears I bought two pairs of bright cropped running tights to choose from for nothing, because I am too hot natured when I run. Honestly, the worst part is waiting on the race to start. Freezing and then not even a mile in, burning up. Then each outfit option comes with more decisions about where to store fuel, phone, etc. Then there is the fact that I just really wanted to wear the bright neon purple tie dye looking tights. Too much thought wasted on this.

I am not sure what it says about me that I am putting more thought into gear than a pacing strategy. Speaking of pacing, I had planned to test out a little Jeff Galloway run/walk intervals in my garmin this week, but forgot. I thought about trying that for the half. I know it is unwise to try out anything new at a race, so naturally I probably will. If anything, maybe it will keep me from going out too fast, and I can abandon it second half if it isn't doing it for me. I don't know. We can't have music this race (lame), so I need a distraction of some sort in case I struggle.

Don't judge me, Wonka. I do it because I am claustrophobic!

It's really a shame I have yet to master reading while running. Running is the only time in life I don't have a book of some sort on me. Can you imagine? Wonder if I could get away with an audio book. When I emailed the race director about ear buds, I got a short snappy "Rules say no music" response back. No music, eh? So earbuds are cool as long as no music? I really should invest in some of those wireless buds. Under a toboggan I'd be gold. Ok, enough fantasizing about rules I will never break. Spectators, I rely on you for my race entertainment! Witty signs and cowbells, people!

-Teacup Runner

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."-Galatians 1:10 NIV

Half #4 Countdown!

Hello all! We are just over a week away from Half #4, and I am REALLY excited about this one! I had been feeling dread and stress over it, but I am feeling good about it now. I have no goal pace or finish time, AND the weather has finally decided to stop mimicking the 7th level of hell. I have been enjoying nice crisp, cool runs. Fall weather is the ultimate for a runner. We hear leaves crunching under our shoes and get downright giddy. I am a big fan of cold weather running. As far as I am concerned, the only downside is frozen snot rockets.


No one said running was glamorous.

On the health front, I have been working on the whole migraine thing and also my struggle with the anxiety I have over the migraines. I am feeling very successful lately! Being open with my doctors has really helped. I say doctors, but currently I am just with my GP (who is AWESOME btw), but have a referral to a new neurologist who comes highly recommended in the area. I want a second option on there being preventative measures to take being there is a hormonal pattern to mine. Especially since the abortive medication my current neuro keeps telling me to take is not doing anything except making my migraines more angry, and seeming to make them give me more in between attack symptoms. Until the new appt, I have been working on handling my stress and anxiety better. Our bible study has been focusing on that in particular, and is working as an awesome therapy for me! Reaching out has done wonders for me. I am finding that I am not some freak of nature anxiety girl, that most people have trouble, especially those that deal with annoying conditions like migraines, and it is ok to ask for help! It is ok to say no and not commit to every project and every activity just to prove you can do it all. It is ok to take time to relax! I am not superwoman, and God doesn't expect me to be.

On the post marathon decision front, I admit, every time someone asks me how training is going, I get a little pang having to say it has been put on hold. I wish I were still training! I have to quickly scroll past any posts about RCM, because I SO wish I were running it. I know I am just not there, and I can't give training what it deserves right now, but it is almost like a break up, but you are hoping you can reconcile at some point. I am living vicariously through my friends that are training, and cheering them on! Mama Koala has her first full coming up on Sunday! I am eager to hear all about it. I am weirdly obsessed with reading race recaps by the way. If you have a running blog, I need to know about it immediately. Eat, sleep, and breathe the running, folks.



Half training, or should I say "upkeep" has been very relaxed. I did my last "long run" last week, a 10 miler. My pace was 10:46. I was on the TM and being kind of lazy, so take that how you will, but I expect it to be close to that on the course since my 15k was slightly faster. Race day adrenaline and all ;) I went out and bought some loud and obnoxious running tights to wear. Weather wise it is looking to be in the lower 50s at race start, and possible rain, which is PERFECT. I have a little bit of a history of rainy half marathons. The only one I ran that was sunny was awful, so I am all about some rain. It keeps me comfortable and seems to help me keep my pace more even. Yesterday I got out and ran a little over 5 miles, 55 degrees, light rain, and it was great. I hope it is exactly like that on race day! You always hear that running in the rain makes you a beast, but that is incorrect. Running in 95 degree heat, 100% humidity and not dying makes you a beast. Rain=PR. Of course I am not going for a PR, but I do expect a good race if it is raining. Either way, race bling and awesome post race food. It's a win win.



Like any good obsessive runner, I am looking for my next race. It is odd when I finish one and don't have another lined up! I have yet to sign up for Scottsboro half, but even so, that is in March, and I would love to run a few before then. I do plan to try and organize some neighborhood group runs at night during the holidays to check out all the cool lights. Because the only thing better than running is themed running. Obviously.

Until next time, runners!

-Teacup Runner

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33 NIV

From Beach to Mountain Running

This past week was Fall Break AKA, "not having to struggle through 2nd grade math week." I am sure my 7 year old was grateful to not have to explain common core or computer log ins to me last week.

Sorry. No Math today.

 We decided to take a last minute vacation down to the beach. I wanted to get at least 2 short runs in since I had the Monte Sano 15k coming up on Saturday. Sunday before we left I got up at sunrise and was able to get a crisp 3 miler in with a friend before church. Friend runs are my favorite. It is easy to keep the pace relaxed when you are chatting. Right now I need to focus on running easy, because every time I do speed work or sprint, I end up feeling awful the rest of the day. 

By Wednesday we were already enjoying our vacation, but I was feeling antsy having not run in 2 days. Partially because I knew I had a race coming up, but mostly because I knew I would set off a migraine if I let too many days go in between runs. The hotel we were staying in had a nice TM, but I opted for a barefoot 3 miler on the beach. Sand running is both freeing and terrible, in that it's all "yay, beach!" But "oh god, my Achilles." You sort of run on a slant, and I felt an old injury in my right foot protesting at mile 2, but I was still a mile away from our spot on the beach, so I kept running. Thankfully no lasting pain resulted, and I got the best view! Also, no ear buds needed when you have the sound of waves. I should just listen to an ocean recording when I run from now on.

I passed a few private homes, but then it was nothing but dunes. Super peaceful!

On Friday we headed home. I tried to keep hydrated and failed miserably. When you have a 6 hour drive turned like 8 thanks to traffic jams, it is hard to be motivated to down water. I was stiff from sitting so long and super thirsty that night. I only got down about 16 oz. Rookie Race Mistake #1.

The next morning I downed a little more water, and opted to skip coffee before the race, which brings us to Rookie Race Mistake #2. While I was on a roll, I decided to wear my new shoes that I had just bought the night before. This could have been another rookie mistake, but running in shoes as over mileage as my previous ones were would have probably been worse, so I chose the lesser evil. 

It was pouring down rain all morning, and even lightening for a while, but amazingly it stopped by the time I got to the start. I ate a half a PB sandwich before and forgot any other fuel for during (hello #3.) As you can see, I could have only been less prepared had I shown up naked. I was sleep deprived and just ready to run. Thankfully the race itself was pumping me full of adrenaline. It is one of my favorite courses despite the challenge of not-so -gently-rolling hills. I got to meet up and start the race with another good running buddy, J. We lost each other in the crowd pretty much immediately due to the fact that we like to bob and weave out of the first big pack at the start of every race. 

Around mile 4 I was painfully reminded that I had neglected my yoga the past couple of weeks. My left hip flexor started to ache, then burn, then slowly extend painfully down to my knee. At that point I slowed my pace and focused on my form. Amazingly I didn't walk any. I thought for sure with the pain starting up that early that I would be forced to, but it was easier just to keep a steady pace and forge on. My calves were healthily aching by the 10k mark, but the procompression socks really seemed to help with that! After the race I had no aching like I usually do in that area. And bonus, no getting up early to shave my legs before the race, which is clearly a selling point in itself.

At mile 7 it started to drizzle, but mostly was just foggy and humid with a cool breeze. It was a very comfortable race weather wise. I was starting to feel those rolling hills and was feeling pretty done by mile 8. At one point I didn't notice which way the runners in front of me went and asked the girl next to me, "wait, which way did they go?" Which gave her a good laugh as she pointed. Then I saw the giant sign with an arrow. I have the worst sense of direction, which isn't the greatest trait to have as a runner. I get lost A LOT.

At the very end I got a boost of energy and started to sprint the last half mile or so. As I passed our awesome local race photographer, he said something about me sprinting for the camera. I yelled out, "just passed the pizza guy, gotta get that pizza!!" Which is true. So thank you dominos pizza guy, who pushed me through the last mile. Never underestimate the power of carbs. 

I finished strong in 1:35:12, just 7 minutes slower than last year. I averaged a 10:07 pace. I expected it to be around 11, so I was pleasantly surprised. MS15K 2014, a success!

I came away from this race with some painful reminders about longer distance racing. Hydrate and fuel! Good God, the race was wonderful, but the recovery was terrible. I was so exhausted and ended up with a persistent dehydration headache until that evening. I was just thanking God I didn't trigger a migraine. With The HSV Half coming up in less than a month, I am reminded how important fueling is! I cannot even go 2 hours in the day without a snack, so I should have carried my raisins or honey stinger chews at the very least. I did get to test out Nuun tabs in my water directly after, and I think I will carry that in my next half for during the race. The fizziness helped settle my stomach, and the taste was easier to handle than plain water. I hate to carry water when I run and usually just use the water stations, but I think it will help keep my electrolytes in check during the race. They usually only have gatorade at the aid stations, and my stomach does not handle the sugar and chemicals in those type drinks. I would also like to experiment with run/walk intervals some more. I plan to stay around the 2:30, 2:20 pace groups in this next half. My goal is to finish feeling good, not to PR or worry about speed. I am just not trained up enough for any sort of time goal right now. If I feel good after the 10k mark, I will speed up some. I just want to enjoy and respect the distance, and you know, remain upright afterwards.

I started my week off good today with 45 minutes of vinyasa yoga. My hip flexor is no longer angry, so it is back to running tomorrow!

-Teacup Runner

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."-Psalm 16:8 NIV

Color Run 5k Race Recap

I apologize for being so behind on here! Right after the Color Run we decided to take an impromptu trip to the beach for a week, and I went Into crazy vacation planning mode. Somehow that still left me packing everything the night before, but what else is new.

The color run 5k was two of my best friends' first 5k. We had our team of us girls, plus The Bestie's husband and brother. There was another couple on our team that we never saw, because the amount of people was insane. We all went into it not knowing what it would be like, myself included. I will admit, I have always scoffed a little at the untimed races. I don't know why. It isn't like I am particularly fast, nor do I stress over my pace (most of the time), but I do like being pushed a little by the clock. After running and walking this particular 5k, I can see why it isn't timed. The point is to get colored, not finish fast. At each color station, you come to a halt to sort of line up and get squirted with this powdery color stuff. It is also a hard race to run just from the sheer amount of people. I had concerns that I would be completely claustrophobic and want to run people over with the jogger, but it spread out enough once our wave got going to where I felt comfortable.

Speaking of the jogger, this was the first running event I took Emmalyn along! She absolutely loved it! I thought she wouldn't want the color anywhere near her, but of course when she saw the pink color station, she wanted to make a beeline for it! At the end they gave you your own color packets to toss all over after running through a storm of paper confetti. I think that was everyone's favorite part!

I am so proud of both The Bestie and M for completing their first 5k! We all had so much fun, and have decided to all do more local 5ks this fall. I run so many races that are just my own race. I very rarely get to stick with friends the entire time. 

 

I will play catch up later this weekend and give a recap on MS15k, which I ran this morning!

-Teacup Runner

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV)

To the Tired New Parents

I know I am due a race recap post, and this is mostly a running blog, but I am a parent also. This means you will randomly get posts about spaghetti covered walls, poop, and well, parenting! I was inspired by a young couple I saw in Target this week. My heart went out to them because I could just SO relate. 

To the tired new parents in target, I know that sound. I heard "you" from several isles over. Your sweet baby boy was crying with all he had (which is a lot, despite their tiny size. Babies are LOUD). I didn't cringe, I didn't retreat. I stood in the toddler girl section sighing and remembering when I had a tiny baby that shook the walls with those same cries. I didn't remember those times with stress or relief it was over, but with a smile. That shrieking brought back memories of tiny cloth diapered butts, newborn baby smell, and mastering the art of swaddling. It is true what they say. We really were designed to remember more the good than the hard parts!

To the tired mama bouncing her shrill baby boy, I have been there. 3 times over. You and your husband are dressed in your Sunday best. You probably didn't get through the whole church service. You may have taken turns walking out and bouncing around trying to comfort him. 

To the tired daddy using the shopping cart to hold yourself upright, I know you don't want to be in target right now. You want to sit at home on your couch and enjoy the last few hours before you are back at work. No, scratch that, before you are up at night changing diapers or helping feed your baby boy. Maybe comforting your wife because the baby just will not latch on right. THEN you go to work and work a full day, dead on your feet. Please understand that your wife just wanted out of the house. A trip to the store as a family for a change of scenery. It seemed like a good idea at the time when he was peacefully sleeping in the car. We always think they will stay asleep in the seat when we move it. They never do.

To the tired parents, I hear you arguing. Fake public smiles plastered on your exhausted faces while you snap at each other under your breath. All the while baby boy is wailing an opera of epic proportions. You glance at me apologetically, tears threatening to spill out of your eyes, and my heart aches. I give you a warm smile and say I have been there. I hope it doesn't come across know-it-all. I just don't want you to think you are bothering my shopping. You see, one of the cool powers that come along with being a mother is immunity. Eventually those screams don't effect you the same. Your breasts will not always leak everything a baby is melting down. You won't always feel panic. 


Am I getting better at this, or have I lowered the bar a little? Does it matter?

Tired dad tells you "I told you so." My husband has said the same thing. Baby was asleep, but you thought you could all slip in and browse without him waking. He doesn't mean it the way it sounds. I am here to tell you, he would have woken up wailing anywhere. I know that cry, and I know what it means to have a colicky baby. At least at target you can swing by the chocolate isle and grab a bag of truffles on your way out. You will want them later, trust me. You have probably been bouncing, swinging, running the dryer, hair dryer, or any other white noise source you can find since you came home from the hospital. I once ran a hair dryer for an hour straight in one hand, baby in the other, swaying back and forth because it worked.

Finally your husband says he is taking the baby out. I feel bad, because I can tell you both are worried about bothering other shoppers despite the fact that the store was nearly empty. I am here to tell you that anyone who has ever raised a child would feel nothing but camaraderie for you. You may be bothering a few childless (or not), but so what. It isn't your job to coddle and enable grown adults who can't deal with life happening around them. You look at me with tears escaping now, and with a shaky voice you say your husband has high blood pressure. I tell you my husband doesn't, and he still gets irritable in stores with kids. It's a dad thing. You don't have to be explain yourself to me. Solidarity, sister. 

I wanted to point out that shrill toddler shriek I had just heard from on the other end of the store and tell you it was my daughter, who is almost 3 and thinks naps are for losers. I wanted to tell you that sometimes when we shop as a family, I suggest we "split up" to be more efficient with the grocery list, and then I go browse the clearance section in peace. I wanted to tell you my husband does it too. That eventually you get a system and an understanding between the two of you. Parenting is hard. It is hard from the day they come home and it doesn't stop, but you get better at it. 

To the tired parents in target, I prayed hard for you that day. I prayed no one would make you feel like your baby's cries were a burden. I prayed you would get some sleep, all 3 of you. We have been you, and we are in your corner! 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

Thoughts the Night Before the Race

I always have such random thoughts the night before a race. The longer the distance, the stranger the thoughts, but the 5k still produces its fair share of crazy. The Color Run 5k is tomorrow, and it is a great time to introduce the "Thoughts the Night Before the Race" series (TTNBTR...hashtag it, ha!)

It is 8 pm the night before the race. You are getting your flat runner together. You are setting out fuel, charging your garmin, and checking to make sure your pee is light enough to be considered hydrated. Everything is is awesome except the forest that is your legs. Sure, you could shave them, OR you could find a pair of race legs or over the calf compression socks, and then go back to that young adult novel about the werewolves (not that I know. Just speculating.)

Emily Gilmore does not approve.

No one will know. Blonde ladies, no one is getting blinded at the mile 2 split when the sun hits your legs just right and reflects a beam of death right into their eye. Nope, the ladies over at Sparkle Athletic have you covered (see what I did there?) Patriotic race legs? Try a star spangled time saver!

Now all you have to deal with is afterwards that weird feeling of leg hair being bent in the wrong direction for a couple of hours.

The inventor of marathon socks had to be a woman. 

I am the Teacup Runner, and this is my randomness for tonight. You're welcome.

-Teacup Runner

Change of Goals

I have been wresting with a decision all weekend. As most of you know, the decision to run a marathon has never been a solid one. My goal in all of this was to test the waters of training and see if I could manage it. The problem with this is I am doing just that. I'm managing. I don't want to manage. I want to fully enjoy and immerse myself in every aspect of the journey.

Last week was tough. I was sick with some sort of sinus thing, but still managed to only miss 1 training run. However, in addition to being sick, I was also in migraine predrome. I knew it was coming. I had the anxiety, I had the dizziness, I had the fatigue. Sure enough, it came on Saturday after a 7 mile hill repeat run. When I say hill repeat, I don't mean rolling hills, I mean monster hills at LM. I haven't run those hills in months, and I felt really great while doing it. I should have cut the run short, because the last two miles were filled with a sickening feeling along with wheezing. Fantastic. Make better choices, Audry.


Side note: I am beginning to think Anchorman is the gif theme to my running.

I had already been trying to decide if the marathon training should continue, and this did not help. Then an hour after my run the aura hit. I was down for 3 hours. Nausea, agonizing head pain, and no medicine regime or natural remedy was helping (and believe me, I tried them all). The postdrome "hangover" lasted almost 2 days. I felt like I was in the biggest fog on Sunday. It was one of those days where I plastered on a smile for every outing and thing I had to do, but in reality I probably looked like some sort of serial killer or pharmaceutical experiment gone wrong.



I read an article recently with the 5 questions you should ask yourself before running a marathon. The only one that mattered to me was, "Are you injured?" It went on to say being healthy before starting training was important, and I get that now. I am healthy overall, but I do NOT have a treatment plan or a supportive neurologist for my migraines. I can't fully commit and focus on training when I know every month at the same time I will have a week of hassle with these things. It's not just 1 migraine, it's all that comes with it. The cluster headaches, the dizziness, the extreme fatigue. To top it all off, RC Marathon falls on a migraine week. I know I can run a half without setting one off DURING the race. Beyond that is unknown territory for me. Right now I know I have a pattern, and I know I have triggers,  and my doctor won't listen to me. She insists I keep taking a combination of medications that do not work. I know there are doctors who will listen. So my new goal? Go see a doctor that has a reputation for taking these things into account, and find a better treatment plan. THEN when the migraines are under control, I can go from there. My hope is that by this time next year, I won't be dealing with this, and that I can really train the right way.

 I did not want to come to the final decision until after I had a GOOD run. Everyone runner knows not to make a rash call after a bad run. You just don't do it. I ran 4 stroller miles with E this morning in the cool of fall. We had a flat, met a snake, and still had a blast. More importantly, I still felt the same. I want more runs not confined to a training program. I want to focus on being well. I want to run more half marathons, because they are my favorite! Most marathons have the option to step down to a half even up to race day. Unfortunately there is no half with the marathon I was planning to run, but there is one a month earlier that I wanted to run so badly last year couldn't due to scheduling conflicts. The HSV Half also raises money for veterans, and really anytime I can run a race that helps out a cause at the same time, I am excited. So I signed up! I didn't realize how much I felt I was missing out on this race until I hit that register button.  13.1 miles in Huntsville's best fall weather... ahh! I can hear the leaves crunching now! This one fills up fast too, so I am glad I got in when I did.  Half # 4, November 8th, here I come!

As far as my sub 2 hour half goal, I'm still thinking Scottsboro. I have 3 races this fall (so far. That will change now that I am not marathon training!), and I just want to have fun. I don't want to feel burnt out. Burn out is a tool of Satan to steal the joy out of what we love. God gives us so much to enjoy and savor! What happened to the 12 mile runs I spent in prayer instead of pacing? Not that there is anything wrong with pacing, but for me, I have lost sight of the best part of running. We have been doing a bible study on Sunday nights about overburdening ourselves, trying to do it all, and losing sight of what is important. I once saw a phrase that said, "Stop the glorification of busy" that just really hit home for me. I am too busy! Running, much like a lot of other areas of my life, is meant to be enjoyed. If I stop enjoying it, I need to reflect and make a change. Today I did, and I have no doubt it was the right one for me.



This weekend I will be running the color run with two of the best gals I know. Stay tuned for a full report on that awesomeness. I am hoping I have the time to fashion a tutu for this, because obviously :)

Until then, Happy Running!

-Teacup Runner

"Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."-Proverbs 19:20-21 NIV

Week 6: Good Timing for a Step Back Week

Last week was a stellar training week! I ended up doing all my runs in a row due to how our home life schedule fell, which was actually really great practice for running on tired legs. I even did my cross training walk on Saturday with K, which really helped give my tired legs a boost. Despite the fact that my shoes are screaming at me that they are way over mileage, I felt like week 5 was a success! Total RUN ALL THE MILES feeling going on. Add to that the cooler temps coming in, and you have one happy mother runner.



 Monday was a rest day, which was good, because I woke up with a bad one sided headache and slight stuffiness on that side. When it happened again yesterday, I started fearing I was heading into another cluster headache, which can last several weeks, and last time ended up with a bad migraine that put me in the hospital for a day being pumped full of a med cocktail that made me want to rip my own skin off (I don't do medication well at all). The difference is this time I was not feeling any face tingling or weirdness. It felt like sinus pressure and a sinus headache. Sure enough, last night it hit me full blown, and though I did not wake up with another sinus headache, I definitely feel like I have a sinus infection going on. I guess I should have listened to the doctor and took the allergy medication RX'd, but yuck. Pills. Bleh. Stupid ragweed. Anyway, yesterday I managed to get 3 miles in on the mill, and then felt super light headed after. See, this is why you don't always need to push through. Runner logic says, "Oh hey, at least I got my run in before I completely collapsed! yay!" In reality, I should have taken those headaches as a warning that I needed to rest. Which brings us to today... rest day number 1.



I could possibly have to skip a couple of short runs for the first time this training plan. The good news is it is a step back week. Marathon plans have these so you don't kill yourself. Your body can rebuild and replenish, while still keeping yourself in "the groove" of running. My runs this week are supposed to go 3 miles, 5 miles, 3 miles, and then 7 miles. So no long run this week. I have decided to take today and possibly tomorrow off. If I can run my 7 miler Saturday, I'll call it a win. Since a sinus infection is above the neck, it technically falls into that rule that says I can run (though once I ran 12 miles with bronchitis, because runner logic. I wouldn't recommend it unless you like coughing up gross things along your run and making your recovery about 193847x worse than it has to be.) However the floaty pressure feeling in my head tells me it is not a good idea until I can at least breath a little easier.

So basically my house will be clean this week.

"Mom, how come I can see myself in the bathroom mirror now?"

Jumping topics here, I have decided when I replace my shoes in a couple of weeks that I am going to get a pair of compression socks. I feel like they would really help aid in recovery. I want to try them out on some long runs, and maybe wear them for the Monte Sano 15k coming up next month. I have been talking to some run buddies about their favorite brands and how they wear them, so I will ask here for variety : What is your favorite compression sock brand? Do you wear them during the race, after for recovery, or both? 

-Teacup Runner

"Whoever sows to please their flesh  from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit from the Spirit will reap eternal life." -Galations 6:8 NIV

ZzZzZzz...

Disclaimer: my house is MESSY.

My training schedule got all turned around last week, because soccer games have started for my boys. I love soccer season, but I get considerably less rest this time of year (especially on weeks that the husband is working during the games, which is most of the time). Last week was the first week of games, and wow, I am tired. The trouble is I do not realize how tired I am until I cannot move at 8pm (or later) when we are finally home, and I have a 4:30 AM run calling my name. I am a night owl by nature, so I like to stay up and read or watch tv for a few hours when the kids are in bed and the house is quiet. Problem is, I am soccer mom marathon training, and sleep is critical. So while I can usually get myself out the door to run at dawn after a marathon of Downton Abbey that lasted until midnight the night before, by like 10 AM I am worthless!



I think this is the mental aspect of training. I ran my long run last Tuesday and then just wiped out. The next training run I had no desire to do despite it being only 3 easy miles. My pace was great, but the humidity was making me mad, the utility crews all over the place were making me mad, the people running on the wrong side of the road were making me REALLY mad. Do these people just want to get hit by a car? Do not run with traffic! Run against it! It won't help you on my street, where people will go out of their way to run you in the ditch, but elsewhere it is a very safe practice. Safety freaking first, y'all.

I have been doing very well with making better food choices and eating more frequently. My new goal is to start going to bed no later than 10 when I have to be up for an early morning training run. I worked on this last week and did considerably better on the 4 miler and last 3 miler of the week. The 3 miler was also an afternoon run (thanks soccer!) in the mid 90s and full sun. I took my time and advantage of a neighbor's sprinkler system and did pretty good!


Okay, not that sprinkler, though I am a fan. Also, it is pretty much what I felt like when I spotted the sprinklers.


 Today I had to once again move my long run from Saturday to Tuesday. 10 miles, mid 70s, and super humid. It was overcast and I had a good breeze here and there. I came up with a plan to avoid carrying water and fuel. I used my front porch as a makeshift aid station.

So about halfway through my run I stopped back at home, ate 3 honey stinger chews, downed some water, and off I went. The honey stingers did not upset my stomach, but I really couldn't tell if it helped my energy. I think I should have taken another 30 min later. Still working on the fueling technique. Overall it was a good run, and I am less tired this week than I was after last week's 9 miler. I didn't sleep great last night, so I abandoned the 5 am plan and slept until 6:30 and ran after the boys went to school. I am hoping to manage to get out earlier for the rest of this week's runs. Mainly to avoid poisoning myself running past the 1,450 tru-chem/green lawn/having-an-unnaturally-green-yard-beats-breathing trucks along my route. Seriously, I am a fan of the sprinkler systems, but beyond that I do not get the lawn obsession.





So something fun coming up at the end of the month is The Color Run! I am normally way too cheap and paranoid about strange substances being shot at me while I run for something like this, but The Bestie talked me into it. She has been doing C25k and wanted this to be her first race. I am really excited to run this with her! We plan on wearing tutus and have a whole team doing it with us. I am happy to have a fun race to break up the monotony of training!

-Teacup Runner


"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ NIV)