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)