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September 30, 2007
8 to go
I normally don't like the taper.
I get all freaked out. Have I done enough? Shouldn't I be doing more? I'm never going to be able to run a marathon! Just your general rantings of a mad women. I'm still freaking out, naturally, but I also seem to be recovering. Which seems impossible since I run everyday. I don't have a rest day to well rest.
Running everyday, for 92 days has taught me a lot. How your body responds and adapts is surprising. During the last two weeks, I have felt exhausted, both mentally and physically. My legs have gone from tired, to sore, to painful. With each run things seemed to get worse not better. I was really beginning to doubt running everyday.
Last week, I did the minimal distance on each run, my longest run all week was 4 miles. I slowed down. When I was running with people, I dropped to the back of the pack to keep my pace undercontrol. It didn't feel like it was doing anything to help. Until this morning. Our last long run before the marathon. My legs felt good. They took a mile or two to warm up, but once they did they felt recovered, ready to run again.
Only 8 more runs!
Then what? I was reading Vanilla's weekend splits, and it made me wonder ... "What am I going to blog about after 100?"
Of course this is assuming I stop at 100.
Sorry, I had to pick myself up off the floor. I crack myself up.
Here are a few ideas ...
a reviewer ... I'll review things, like shoes and movies, tv shows and food.
100% matthew mcconaughey ... nothing but matty 24/7
I could start going to the gym again blog about which dumbbell I lifted ... hopefully the gym is still there, I can't even remember what road it's on.
the annoying people I work with ... totally wrong, but it would be so funny.
I could not say NO to anything for 100 days .. then blog about all the stupid things I said YES to
boys, dating and sex ... hmmm too many people I know read this ... I'll start a secret blog.
what do you think I should blog about?
Posted by Ali at 5:24 PM | Comments (9)
September 28, 2007
10 to go
Only 10 runs to go ...
To mark the occasion I bring you the Top 10 Overrated Listed!
Radar Magazine's scientific survey of the most overrated people, places, and things is out. To fuel the hype and increase their already incredible overratedness I'm giving them another shout.
Click here for the full list, which also includes Anderson Cooper!
10. Cocaine
9. Ballet flats ... thank goodness. I'm short and need all the help I can get from high heels plus they are deceivingly uncomfortable
8. Going to Mars ... ? I'm so over it, already
7. Sex with virgins ... yes, I like experience
6. Oprah's heart ... I'm assuming the rest of her is normal to underrated?
5. Sexual predators ... uhm I don't get this one
4. Brad Pitt ... I hate to be ignorant about something, so I should really personally rate Brad before judging
3. Botox ... everyone looks shocked
2. Cupcakes ... no way, this is just silliness
1. Posh and Becks ...Besides all that money to play football and then not really playing, I kinda like them
In me news ...
I am very slowly starting to feel stronger and less sore. Last nights 4 miles turned out to be okay. I think it just takes me so long to warm up and loosen out my muscles that all my 5k runs don't get to the good point.
Posted by Ali at 2:24 PM | Comments (5)
September 27, 2007
fall is here
I love Fall, it's my favourite of all the seasons. That was until today.
There are two things wrong with Fall
It gets colder and Matty has to put clothes on! Second, that is not me holding Matty's hand.
Only 11 more runs after tonight's short and easy 4 miler!
Posted by Ali at 3:31 PM | Comments (4)
September 26, 2007
14, 13, 12 to go
Over the last three days of 'healthy eating' I have come to a realization. My diet mainly consisted of carbs and veggies, for two reasons, I like'm and there easy. Planning, buying, preparing, packaging and eating all this new protein rich food is a lot of work.
I have always felt in my heart of hearts I was meant for bigger and better things than you average people. I just know I was destined to be rich. I wasn't born into it. I don't see me inheriting it. I never buy lottery tickets. So that only leaves one way. The old fashioned way. I am going to have to marry it. I need to find me a rich man. Rich enough to employ a personal chef just for his little wifeyekins.
Yesterday ...
Breakfast,
egg white omelete (which tastes much better ordered in a restaurant and prepared by a professional)
Lunch,
Ground turkey with salsa in a tortilla, spinach salad with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and cashews.
Dinner,
Turkey burger
Last night we were scheduled to do 7 x 1 mile with 2.30 min rest.
After the first one, my knee and IT band were really sore. Half way through the second my IT band started to get worse. I slowed down and finished the third and stopped. When I got home I iced, and stretched my IT band. This morning it was feeling better. So I did a super slow run today. I walked the first 5 minutes to warm up and walked for about the same at the end.
Posted by Ali at 9:52 PM | Comments (9)
September 24, 2007
nutrition
After my energy depleted day yesterday I decided to look at my diet in general. If I am lacking in iron, I am probably lacking in a lot of other things to.
I am shocked. When I actually thought about what I eat and don't eat I am surprised I am functioning. I took last week as a sample week.
Lack of iron
No red meat at all. In fact nothing on the iron rich foods list, exept a small serving of broccoli and a serving of bean soup Friday at lunch.
Lack of protien
I figured I wasn't eating red meat because I was eating other meats, like chicken or fish. Ahhh, no. I used to eat chicken all the time but got bored with it and stopped, so last week I had one serving of chicken on Saturday night. I made a thai shrimp pasta on Wednesday night and had leftovers for lunch on Thursday. I doubt there was a full protein serving in both meals combined.
I am good with eggs. I had scrambled eggs twice this week, and toasted western at the market on Saturday morning.
Lack of dairy
I don't like dairy products. I can have certain cheeses, if they are mild and most definitely have to be melted. Yoghurt, milk, cottage cheese, cream etc, make me ill.
I am guessing that due to my lack of dairy I am probably lacking in calicum.
So what am I eating?
A combination of carbs, vegetables and fruit with some peanut butter, and oh yeah chips. I am basically a vegetarian without knowing it.
I need to come up with a healthy menu for this week. The thought of everything I have to include is overwhelming, which makes me want to go and order a burger and fries for lunch.
Posted by Ali at 10:39 AM | Comments (6)
September 23, 2007
countdown
15 days to go!
Only 15 more runs.
Then I quit running forever! I am open to suggestions of what I could take up instead. Preferrably things that involve me sitting down ... and not on a bike.
This mornings run was tough. I think more mental than physical.
My legs felt better than they had all week. I just felt mentally drained. Maybe knowing all the hard work is done, and the marathon is only two weeks away, your brain switches off. I did get 12.5 miles done this morning, but only because of my awesome running buddies. I kept going cause they kept going. If I turned back I knew I would walk all the way back.
After the run, P suggested my iron might be low. So I should eat some protein, especially red meat. I came home and had a hour nap, then made a beef stew. It's almost ready. The house smells fantastic. I've also popped a couple iron supplements.
I am getting really excited about Chicago! I've booked tickets for J and I to see Spirit of the Marathon, that's playing at the Chicago Film Festival.
http://www.marathonmovie.com/home.html
Posted by Ali at 3:21 PM | Comments (11)
September 21, 2007
Burn it like Beckham
There is a new study out today, or recently, maybe I am just hearing about it today. It says Soccer Is Better Than Jogging.
Researchers claim, that people who play soccer, burn more body fat, increase muscle mass and enjoy their workout more.
I really don't care about the study. But by pretending to, it allowed me to do my own research of soccer players for this post. I have spent hours, searching and drooling over the right picture.
Guess who plays soccer? David Beckham ... really I had no idea.
Obviously the study is accurate. Look how happy he is, and his friend behind him.
I feel happier just thinking about soccer. If I stop thinking about soccer and think about the 3 miles I have to run today, I start to cry. When I'm upset I eat chocolate. That's not better than happy and not eating!
Posted by Ali at 2:03 PM | Comments (5)
September 19, 2007
79 and 80
I can barely run 3 miles.
This week has been the toughest yet. Which I probably say ever week. But this week is. Definitely! It is a struggle to start, do it, keep going. I have lost that, "I can do it!" It's been replaced with "Who gives a shit"
On a positive note, I am fantastic at finishing! I have mastered coming to a skreatching halt as soon as my garmin clicks over to 3.00 miles. I have, like last night be known to run up and down the parking lot outside my building for .14 miles, just to minimize the walking distance after the appearance of magic number 3.00. Most of the residents are elderly, with short term memory, so each time I shuffle by it's new and exciting for them. I'm like a public service.
Monday, also known as run 79. Was physically tough. After 23.75 no surprise. I expected my legs to be sore and tired. They did not disappoint.
Last night, since I was going to the hockey game, I had to ditch speedwork. I was supposed to do a 2 mile warm up cool down, and 6 x 1 mile repeats.
I was thanking the sweet baby jesus, I opted for the hockey game. There is no way. No way what so ever that I could of done mile repeats. My 3 miles were pathetic. It wasn't just my legs. My cardio was crap. I felt like I was in the first week of a learn to run program.
Today, I have a massage at 4pm. I am salivating at the thought of lying down for one full hour and having my sore, tired and abused muscles attended to.
I haven't run yet today. I think I am going to have to leave work early and run. Lying down for an hour isn't going to motivate me to run.
At 100 runs, this madness ends. Only 19 more runs.
Posted by Ali at 12:45 PM | Comments (10)
September 18, 2007
biggest loser
My phone rang at 9.30 this morning. Here's part of the conversation ...
"What are you doing tonight? Have you got plans?" ... not said in a casual, how's the weather-type way, but in a I really want to know hope you are free kinda way.
"Tonight? I'm running, then I am watching Biggest Loser and Big Brother!" ... not said in a I gotta getta life kinda way, but like I'm really excited that this is what I am doing, laced with a bit of I bet your jealous of what I got going down.
"Oh." ... said with shock and confusion.
"What?" ... now I'm confused, why aren't they weeping with despair that they aren't doing this
"Uhmmm, you seem so excited?" ... I think I detect pity
"Yeah!" ... like duh ...
"I have 2 tickets to the PHILADELPHIA FLYERS vs OTTAWA SENATORS game tonight" ... said tenatively
"You called to ask me to go?" ... I would miss a full night of reality TV
"Would you like to go? I understand if you want to stay home and watch TV" ... pity tone back again
"OMG!" ... it hits me
"Am I a loser?" ... would I really pick reality tv over a live sporting event?
I came to my senses, I am going to the live hockey game tonight. Cause I can record the reality shows and watch them later! I love technology!
Posted by Ali at 1:47 PM | Comments (7)
September 17, 2007
hustled ...
Have you seen this women?
Have you read her blog?
Be careful. I warn you.
She would have us believe she is an over qualified baby-sitter, who's only form of exercise is sitting on a stationary bike reading celebrity gossip.
It's all a front. That's right big smokescreen.
She is actually an elite athlete.
I know you're thinking she's funny! With all that wit and humour how can she be fast? She has a ghost writer on staff, I don't have proof (yet) but it's the only thing that makes sense. I'm pretty sure this 'husband' she keeps referring to is actually her coach. Need more proof? They have to move across country! Emphasis on 'have to' ...
Still a Doubting Thomas?
a 15k (9.3 mile) race on Saturday. I finished in 1:14.30, a 7:59 minute mile pace.
Posted by Ali at 2:42 PM | Comments (3)
September 16, 2007
78 and the beginning of the taper
Today was the last of our 3 destination runs to Port Stanley this summer. My longest run since the Vegas marathon last December and my highest mileage week, ever. Oh and run 78 in a row.
We (P, D, E and me) started from my house, 23.75 miles from Port Stanley and the beginning of the taper. Earlier this week I suggested a plan for the run. We run at marathon pace 10.17 min/mile and take really long waterstop breaks. It was quickly vetoed. The new plan was to do the first 6 miles slow, the pick it up a little, after the halfway try and run 10.30 min/miles. I was happy with the new plan. I've been low on energy and high on soreness the last couple weeks so it made more sense.
Miles 1 - 6, where we were aiming for 11.30 - 12 min/mile.
mile 1 - 10.45
mile 2 - 10.36
mile 3 - 10.30 (after mile 2 we tried to slow down, it apparantely didn't work)
mile 4 - 10.30
mile 5 - 10.29
mile 6 - 10. 15
We were way off. but consistant! I took a gel at the waterstop, and there was a lovely container of fresh tantilizing melon. It looked so delicious, so I grabbed a piece, it was as good as it looked.
Miles 7 - 10. Also know as a big huge mistake.
After leaving the waterstop. Happy runner G started running with me. I know it is not safe to run with happy G, he is all happy and chatty. You get sucked in by his stories and questions and next thing you know you are running way faster than you should. I know this, yet I got completely sucked in!
mile 7 - 9.12
mile 8 - 8.45 .. oh crap
mile 9 - 8.31 ... taxi! I need a taxi!
Mile 10 - 14. Where I regret the delicious melon
Happy G moved on to another unsuspecting victim at the waterstop. I was now well ahead of my group. My plan was to have a few slow miles and they would catch up. Off I went, then around mile 11 my stomach started to cramp. I had already run past the gas station, there was another around mile 12. This toilet was the most disgusting place I have ever seen. I had to climb over an old air conditioning unit just to get to the washroom door. I won't describe it anymore. Let's just say I really really needed to go!
mile 10 - 10.20 (oops, to fast)
mile 11 - 10.45
mile 12 - 11.00 stomach issues. I stopped my watch while taking care of business
mile 13 - 10.30
Mile 14 - 17. Catch up
While I was in the worlds grossest bathroom, my group caught me and past me. When I emerged, I figured they were ahead, so I spent the next 3 miles trying to catch them.
mile 14 - 10.40
mile 15 - 10.42 big hill
mile 16 - 10.30
I caught them just before the waterstop at mile 17.
Mile 17 - 20. I hate running, question my sanity and wonder why the hell I want to run a marathon.
The next 3 miles did not bring a lot of joy to my life. They were really hard work. Like the last 3 miles of a marathon. Every muscle in my legs hurt, my shoulders hurt, my feet were burning and pounding. I just wanted to stop. I started planning my escape. Getting into a car at the next waterstop.
Yep, I had a plan, I was outta here!
mile 17 - 10.35
mile 18 - 10.50
mile 19 - 11.00
Mile 20 - 23.75. the finish
When I got to the waterstop I knew I couldn't get into a car. Even if I had to walk 3 miles, I could do it. I took my last gel, and took my screaming quads out for the final few miles.
mle 20 - 10.40 uphill
mile 21 - 10. 45 uphill
mile 22 - 9.40 downhill
mile 23 - 9.25
mile .75 - 6.55
I really had huge doubts about running a marathon today. Then the last 2 miles, felt strong, and I thought, yeah I can do this.
And so begins the taper!
Posted by Ali at 4:17 PM | Comments (13)
September 14, 2007
75
I just popped over to My Beautiful Life and did the Career Matchmaker test Laura has posted about.
What better way to put in the hours on a Friday afternoon at work than to find out if I should be here at all?
So what career am I best suited too?
Industrial Designer
Interior Designer
Animator
Fashion Designer
Set Designer
Costume Designer
Artist
Graphic Designer
Computer Animator
Exhibit Designer
I'm surprised movie star didn't appear on the list. I think it's safe to say I should be in design of some kind! Guess what? I am.
So that means, my suspicions have been right. I don't hate my job, I like what I do, it's the people I work with that drive me nuts.
Run 75 - 8 mile tempo run
I think I'm starting to feel normal again. The run was just okay. But this morning I could walk almost normally. That's the first time in a couple weeks I haven't hobbled to the bathroom.
So either ....
a) I have more ibuprofun in my vains than white blood cells
b) I experienced some miracle while sleeping last night
c) I am so tough I am numb to pain
d) Pain can't hack the pace of running every day and got outta dodge.
Posted by Ali at 2:11 PM | Comments (4)
September 13, 2007
73 and 74
As of today, there are ONLY 23 more runs until the start line in Chicago!
I don't know how this happened. Twenty three days seems .... welll .... not very long. I've been running for 75 straight days, I've done all the workouts, all the long runs. It's not like I'm not ready, but when you see 23, you suddenly feel unprepared, anxious. Crazy has started and the taper hasn't even begun yet!
Speaking of taper, it officially begins on Sunday at 11.15am EST. Set your watches! The start of the taper will coincede with the end of my longest training run this summer, 23.5 miles. Approximately, 20 minutes after the start of the taper the first major event will occur, the ordering of a cheeseburger and an ice cold beer. Looking into my crystal ball, I do see more than one ice cold beer, actually.
Run 73 - 6 x 600s
I was still tired from the half on Sunday, so I didn't really push these, I'm not sure I could of if I tried. On interval 2, the rain started, then wind, then hail. The sky was pitch black with the brightest rainbow I've ever seen.
Run 74 - 5.15k in the park
Met the party of 5, we normally do the 8k loop, but I was super happy when A and J wanted to do 5k. Even for 5k it was tough. I didn't feel tired, or exhausted or lack in energy. My legs weren't stiff or really sore. It just felt like alot of work.
It's runs like that, that make me see the number 23 and gasp!
Posted by Ali at 10:53 AM | Comments (6)
September 10, 2007
72
What's the most fun thing you can do the day after running a half marathon?
Massage ... no
Stay in bed all day ... no
Watch Britney's come back on the MTV Video Awards again again and again ... no
Give up?
Well let me tell you, nothing is more fun or physically enjoyable than running 3 miles the day after your half marathon. It's made me really excited about running the day after the marathon. I am almost peeing myself at the thought.
I tried to motivate myself with the inspiration of all those people who did IM Moo yesterday. That lasted 8 seconds. Then I convinced myself that Ironman would be way easier than my current situation.
Good news is my right hip and hamstring that were torturing me yesterday feel fine today. However, my quads have a wonderful streaded feeling.
I am loving my new ibuprofen induced life. It makes me happy. Imagine this post without my new drug dependency? I've seen the light, like I've found the holy grail. If I should get knocked up while I have my ibuproFUNon, I'm going to name the baby Motrin!
Posted by Ali at 7:05 PM | Comments (7)
September 9, 2007
the half
Earlier this week I really wasn't looking forward to running a half marathon. I was having a tough week. So many consecutive days felt like it was taking it's toll on my legs and my confidence.
I got some great advice from Tom at Runners Lounge.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you’re going to take Ibuprofen, you might as well do it right. There are two factors to get the most benefit—dosage and duration.
Unless you’re a really tiny person or have stomach issues, the best way to take it is 800 mg x 3 per day, with food. (That’s 4 pills as all Ibuprofen comes in 200 mg).
And the other big mistake most people make is treating ibuprofen like asprin or tylenol, which are pain relievers Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, which will help your muscles. So continue taking the Ibuprofen for at least two consecutive days to get the full benefit of reducing micro-swelling of tissue. It will provide a great relief.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
I have always taken ibuprofen like tylenol. When I hurt I pop a couple. I've never thought about it like a form of treatment, like an antibiotic. Thanks for the advice Tom, it is greatly appreciated and worked! I started taking it on Friday, 3 times a day and this morning, my pain was at about a 2 on a scale of 10. Huge improvement!
My race strategy has changed at least 20 times in the last 3 days. Just finishing seemed like a realistic goal. I'm running a marathon in 4 weeks, so don't want to do anything to jepordize that. But, I would like to PR, I think I've got faster and this would be a great chance to see.
It was cool and very very wet this morning. It had rained most of the night, by race time, it was a light drizzle, but the route was filled with lots of large deep puddles.
The first 5k felt sluggish. My pace was a little faster than I thought it would be and my legs were heavy and tired.
5k - 30.45
Everything seemed to loosen out after 5k, by 6k I had found a comfortable pace. I picked it up a little just after 8k. I saw someone I knew up ahead and decided to try and catch them. By 9k I had caught and passed them. Then I start thinking I am going too fast too early. The next 3k has lots of rolling hills with a couple steep up hils.
10k - 1.01.22
I got trapped at the next waterstop. There were runners going in both direction. Those who had already turnaround and those still going out, like me. The water was on the far side, so I to dodge a few speedy runners. The next 3k were my slowest of the run. The rain had completely stopped and it was hotter and more humid. Between the heat, the hills and taking a gel, which I couldn't get unpinned from my shorts then couldn't get opened, I had added at least 3 minutes.
I tried to pick up the pace after taking the gel, but either I really slowed down or the next marker was in the wrong place. I had be averaging just over 6 min/km. When I looked at my watch it said 8.20! Seriously, I could walk faster than that. How long did it take me to open that gel?
15k - 1.34.12
Out of no where my right hamstring starts to tighten. It's been my left side that has hurt all week. My right has given me no trouble at all. Okay, 5k. I can run that. It's like one of my recovery runs. I've run those feeling way worse than this. I can do this. If I keep this pace going I'm going to PB. Then, just when I am getting used to the cramping hamstring feeling, my right hip decides to join the party.
Ignoring it was tough. I ran through the last waterstop. I knew if I stopped and walked, I wouldn't run again. Probably ever. I was motivated by the number of runners I was passing. No one had passed me since before the turnaround. I had managed to pass about 15 people that had been ahead of me.
20k - 2.01.40 (that's under 28 minutes for the last 5k!)
After passing the 20k mark and seeing my time I knew I had over 9 minutes to make a PB. I decided to slow it down and run in comfortably. That plan lasted about 12 seconds. Then I remember a certain blog entry I read this morning, claiming they were going to beat my half time. There is no way I was going to make that any easier for him.
Run 71 finish time: (my watch time, the race isn't chip timed) 2.07.01
About a 4 minute PB, and over 11 minutes faster than last year!
I had a massage after the race and a hot bath when I got home, so I feel pretty good.
Posted by Ali at 1:36 PM | Comments (12)
September 7, 2007
68
I have begun to medicate. There are copius amounts of ibuprofen cursing thru my veins.
For 65 days, I was almost drug free. I could count on one hand the number of pills I've popped. However, the last few days, since standing upon my soap box and declaring I would make 100 consecutive days, my body has rebelled.
I don't think it has anything to do with running. I know you are probably thinking that if you run for 68 straight days you are going to get hurt. It's a free world, think what you will. I have a different conclusion. Two infact. A double barrelled conclusion if you will.
Firstly, I didn't consult my body when extending runathon til Chicago. So, it's rebelling, taking charge, showing me who's boss. It's doing a really good job. I am humbled by the power it has to make me crawl and beg for mercy and forgiveness.
Second, and since I said two, finally. My parents revenge. I opened up to the world about the our 'family business'. This of course is a sin. They may not think their gifts are funny, but I think they would get quite the kick out of getting their own back. I see them sitting in their matching lazyboys, watching the Y&R, agreeing to two more days of hobbling. That should teach her some good honest Irish guilt..
So rather than deal with either. I have choosen to self medicate and cut my runs down to the bare minimum this week.
Hopefully some easy short runs and 6000mg will have me as good as new for Sunday's half marathon.
Posted by Ali at 2:54 PM | Comments (5)
September 5, 2007
the gene pool
There are days when I truly believe that the hospital gave my parents the wrong baby.
Not that they aren’t great parents or wonderful human beings.
They are. I am lucky to have them.
However, there are days when I question how we could possibly be related. Normally it’s around the Christmas season that I have real doubt.
About ten years ago, when I was married and living in England (I know there is so much you don’t know) my parents came to visit for Christmas. We are opening presents on Christmas morning. I unwrap a gift from my mom and dad. It’s a sweatshirt, with a large eagle on the front. It's that puffy plastic type paint. The stuff you can pick off. The wings go all the way down the arms, so if I spread my arms out wide, it would look like the eagle is flying!
I was speechless.
Wait, this is a joke gift, I smile and look at the two of them. But I know those faces. They don’t give joke gifts. They are serious and are looking eagerly at me waiting for my reaction. My husband, reacted.
“That is beautiful!” I stared at him in shock. “No one in England has anything like that!” Then I recognize the tone, sarcasm, one of the reasons I married him.
I sat there on the living room floor, a 24 year-old painted eagle sweat-shirted clad women. I couldn’t muster a smile, until, my husband opened his present. Yes, they had bought us matching painted eagle sweatshirts.
I don’t have any proof, but I am almost positive, it was at this moment our marriage ended.
The animal theme has continued over the years. I have a cat. So, my mom loves to buy me things with cats on them. Towels, picture frames, trinkets, napkins even coffee mugs. Nothing I buy myself has cats, eagles or other wildlife on it, but I must give out an animal vibe.
My personal favourite was last Christmas. It was so good, I almost called the hospital where the baby mix up occurred and asked for the name of all the other parents.
I opened the box, there inside was this odd looking metal duck. I lifted it carefully out of the box, the wings came loose. I grabbed them, realizing they were made of glass. I looked up slowly, hoping, praying to see my parents laughing. They weren’t laughing. They had those familiar looks on their faces. Seeking approval. Like when your cat brings you home frog, thinking they have done something wonderful.
“What is it?”
“It’s a lamp.” Mom comes over and pulls a cord from the ducks bum. “The wings light up”
“Wow”
“You don’t like it?” she looks like she just witnessed the death of her childhood puppy.
“No, it’s … it’s really, it’s lovely, so different. I just don’t know if it goes with anything I have?”
Silence
“We just thought you would like it.”
Thirty-five years they have known me. Thirty. five. years. why, why why?
Then came the clanger
“Don’t worry, it didn’t cost anything, we got free with our new mattress”
Somewhere out there, there are two really funny parents shaking their heads at their daughter cause she didn't think Superbad was hilarious.
Posted by Ali at 3:18 PM | Comments (15)
September 4, 2007
the big 'C'
I've been trying to decide what to do. When to stop. I need an end date. Otherwise I'll just keep running like some crazy person. I can't have any more 'things' in the crazy column.
So I've made the decision! My goal is to do 100 consecutive runs. That will take me to the day after the Chicago Marathon. I'm going for a Benjamin Franklin.Then I can stop and never ever run again.
That's another 34 days.
It will make the rest of the training interesting, I'm not going to get a BQ or anything close to it, so I might as well have my own little challenge.
One of the things I've said that Julyathon and Augustathon has done, is make me more consistent, stop me making excuses and skipping runs.
Here's some proof ...
See all those peaks and valleys? Also know as, can't be arsed!
This one is overall mileage per month with average pace ... that goes down in August!
Posted by Ali at 12:01 PM | Comments (15)
September 3, 2007
65
Today was the first day in the last 10 days that I haven't arranged to run with anyone. I could of got up early and ran with the group at 8am, but it's a holiday, the years are catching up with me and I need as much beauty sleep as I can bank.
Now that Julyathon and Augustathon are officially history and I've made no public pledge to do Septemberathon, I could, if I wanted, not run today. I went to the gym this morning and did an upper body workout. That's twice in 6 weeks I've been to the gym. My upper body workout cost me $27.45.
My IT band is sore and my calves are tight. The thought of a rest seemed very appealing. Earned even. Then about 2pm I walked past my new super-sonic-practically-bonic running shoes. They were still in the box.
Hmmmmmm ........
They deserve an outing. I should test the powers these shoes possess. I should do it alone. What if they make me so fast I am unable to keep up with my legs?
So I pulled on my running stuff and laced up my New Balance 825. I stepped tenatively, unsure if they make you instantly fast. I seemed to be able to walk normally.
I had applied body glide to every part of my body, incase of wind burn, you can't be too careful when travelling at high velocity. Carefully I started my run.
The first mile seemed about the same speed as any other slow run. Maybe I'm running so slow the shoes still think I'm walking? I'll pick up the pace a little and then the shoes will kick in and I'll take off. The second mile was faster than the first, not to blow my own trumpet, but I think it was totally down to me. The shoes really didn't participate.
Maybe there is a turbo button or special move to kick in the power? The last mile was about the same as mile two, and just like the previous mile, I did all the work. Quite frankly, they just performed like, well, like shoes.
Posted by Ali at 3:27 PM | Comments (7)
September 2, 2007
the long weekend
Friday was almost a perfect day.
It started with Run 62 (Run now needs to be capitalized), the offical last run in Augustathon. I had the day off, so the hour was not obscene. I met up with N, G and A. The run was okay, we did 7k, I think if it had been 5k, we could of upgraded the rating to great.
After a curry lunch with a bunch of friends it was marathon shoe buying time! I somehow walked out of the store with two new pairs of shoes. My favs, Brooks Glyercines and some super fast New Balance 825 that promise to take 20 minutes off my time. Apparantely these fantastic shoes will make me so fast I wouldn't even have to train any more.
Then it was time for self indulgent bliss with a little bit of pain in the form of a massage. Completely wonderful until the hot massage guru turned up the music, so the people in the waiting room wouldn't hear me scream. He spent 15 minutes on my IT band that was nothing short of torture.
Later, I met up with a few friends, actually one friend and her husband and a few of his buddies at the golf club. After a few beers one of the buddies seemed particularly pleasant. He didn't run so I couldn't woo him with my 'running everyday' fabulousness, I don't play golf, so no common ground there. I would have to rely on what nature gave me, wit and boobs. There were a few laughs and I caught a couple glances, but that was about it.
Saturday morning I met up with the group and got run 63 in, in my new shoes. Then spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, like the woman of leisure I was truly meant to be. When I got home, guess who had called? That's right folks, pleasant guy from the golf club.
We met up for dinner last night. Food was good, conversation very easy, lots of laughter and very few silences.
But, yes there is always a but.
I think he could be a potential alcoholic or at least in serious training. We had two bottles of wine, I had maybe two glasses, probably one and a half. Both bottles were empty. Don't get me wrong. I like to drink as much as the next Lohan, but a bottle and a half of wine on a first date seems slightly excessive, so now my alarm bells are ringing.
This morning was our long run. Which went from 16 miles yesterday, to 14 on the way to the park then 12 by the time we started running. It was a tough 12 miles today. Thankfully everyone else had a hard run too. There is something soothing in knowing that everyone else was feeling crap too!
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Here's the stats on the last two months
July - 274km/170 miles, average pace 6.22 per km/10.17 per mile
August - 297km/185 miles, average pace 6.12 per km/ 9.53 per mile
Posted by Ali at 4:14 PM | Comments (6)