Turnips Running Amok

An surprising "marathon" report

2006-10-16T02:27:25Z

I apologize for my long unexpected absence. My different "marathon" report is....
I'M PREGNANT!
I found out as my marathon training peaked and was beginning my taper! I started feeling really sick, of course missed my period, and two home pregnancy tests and a doctor's visit later = I'm expecting!
Unfortunately, this did NOT allow me to run my marathon. Although running is safe for pregnancy, the morning sickness was really getting me down. I am so tired and nauseaus I just couldn't fuel or rest properly. My doctor and I decided it was best to forgo the marathon untiil after the baby since it would be stressful for a first pregnancy and I couldn't expect a very good performance anyway with how I was feeling.
So although it is very unexpected and unplanned my husband and I are thrilled and couldn't be happier! I am due May 7th and people are already betting on birthdays and the gender (we should find out in december!)
I am still keeping up a fitness program of course but am doing a bit more cross training and less intense. Again, the nauseau and fatigue are getting me down right now but I am still managing to work out at least 4 days a week. I have been doing light running, walking with weights and some cardio (bike and ellipitcal).
I have also been told that my marathon training has made me nice and strong for pregnancy and should help me have increased stamina for what I plan to be a natrual childbirth! Yay for running!
Anyways, there is the big news and why I have not been around so much. I wanted to wait to tell people but know the minute I got online I would not be able to contain myself! I will still be following everybody's blog and running - more on that later on what will hopefully be a more regularly updated blog!

4 Hour Trail Run - I think I am ready!

2006-09-03T16:49:34Z

I had a VERY successful 4 hour trail run yesterday.
The weather was nice, warm but not hot, and not to humid either. Unusual for South Carolina this time of year!
Not only did I successfully run for 4 hours, I felt good and strong for at least 3.5 of them! I was able to keep a pace of 11 to 12 minute miles the whole time, although the last 15 minutes of the run were getting pretty painful.
Nonetheless I felt both physically and mentally strong, no wanting to stop or feeling like I couldn't do it. I think a couple of factors played into that -
1.) my more relaxed approach to running that I have taken lately
2.) it NOT being ungodly hot and humid for once
3.) getting the hang of refueling / hydrating
I must say, Fig newtons are awesome for refueling! I still enjoyed eating them after 4 hours and they are a bit calorie dense so I could cram a couple down and get 100 calories off the bat without feeling full. I also started regulating my drinking too. I have often felt kind of bloated during and after my long runs and getting a little bit of a side stitch because I was drinking too much. This time i just took a few sips of Gatorade every 15 minutes or so and that did just fine! This should work for the marathon too as it is in October and farther north so it shouldn't be blazing hot or humid.
I was however SORE afterwards. This is probably the farthest I have run, and will do it once more before the marathon in 2 weeks before I start the taper. Boy could I feel it! My ankles, knees, hips, quads all hurt and I looked awful funny trying to walk up and down stairs. Today I feel alot better although I can't imagine how sore I am going to be after the actual marathon!
All in all I am glad I am finally getting the hang of these long runs. This next week is a more relaxed week according to the training plan and due to the fact I will be traveling to my sister's wedding and won't have time for a long run next weekend. But now I am actually looking forward to my next 4 hour run!

I promise I will STOP worrying!

2006-09-01T14:05:08Z

Thank you for all of your encouraging comments! I am not going to worry about it too much anymore. I had a successful week of training so far, now for a 3.5 to 4 hour run this weekend and then I am off to my sister's wedding!
Although there is a distinct possibility that my family will drive me insane while I am at home, I am looking forward to the break, and definitely to the big day! I should not have a problem continuing training, although I will not be able to fit in a long run next weekend, (its an off week anyway so that's fine). I plan on exploring some local trails too which should be fun!
Other than that there is not much to report except Ernesto has given us a break from the heat so my long run should be fairly pleasant tomorrow.
I would love to explore new trails, I was looking at a great website www.sctrails.net , and found a couple of good ones within an our or 2 away. I may try them after the wedding, I just won't have time on the weekends till then.
Now time to get some actual work done, Happy Running!

when exactly do i start to taper?

2006-08-30T13:25:10Z

It has been a VERY busy time for me. My sister is getting married in less than two weeks, I am swamped at work, and marathon training is reaching a peak.
I have been doing pretty well with marathon training though. I have taken a more relaxed approach to it since my burnout/frustration a little while ago. I run one week hard....2 easy runs, a hill or speed session, and a long run of 3.5 to 4 hours on trails. The next week is just easy runs. This seems to keep me fresh for the hard sessions although I am still worried if I am really ready for this. If 3.5 or 4 hours is my limit, how does that bode for my projected finish time of 5 to 5.5 hours? And if it is going to take me that long to finish (appears so based on my tral half marathon performance) is my body really ready to be a marathoner? Can I even finish if 4 hours is my upper limit? despite some self doubt and maybe some embarassement at the possibility of a 12 minute mile race pace (sorry, I am just a bit self concious, especially at the starting line with sub 7 and 8 milers) I am pressing onward. I just want to finish, check it off of life's to-do list, and see how I enjoy it. If I enjoy it I will definitely be back, if it is a disaster, I will stick to half marathons and 10K's (trails of course!) I must say that I will be looking forward to some time off after the marathon, not from running entirely, but from taking an entire day of my weekend to train, although I do LOVE trails.
I have also come to the conclusion that the trail who's distance I was concerned about is DEFINITELY NOT 5 MILES. I timed myself on the trail and I know I was running at a semi-decent pace (10-12 minute miles) and it still took me 75 minutes to finish! I know I am slow, but not 15 minute mile slow, especially since I was running at a good pace the whole time! I now think that this course must between 6 and 7 miles, which makes some of my other runs a bit longer than I thought (17 as opposed to 15, ect.) I also timed myself on a trail that I know is a mile, and ran it in 11 minutes just to check myself. I guess I really need a Garmin eventually.
Well back to work, I am swamped and lucky I had time to check back in and have some coffee. Hopefully I can catch up with the rest of you soon! Happy Trails...

waiting and more waiting, and a FABULOUS trail run

2006-08-16T01:18:37Z

As we sit here waiting for word, I decided to head out to a great state park in the area.
I ended up having a FABULOUS trail run! There is no other way to describe it. I put in about 7 or 8 miles but had SO much fun exploring this park. The trails were a great mix of easy flat and wide to some technical single track going up and over dunes, hills, with roots rocks and sand. Part of one trail even edged along a bay where I got a beautiful panoramic view as I crested a high dune and stopped to rest a moment.
The temperature was hot (high 80's, low 90's) but the humidity wasn't bad and the nearby bay and ocean gave a nice breeze to keep me cool. Some points I was crossing sand and footbridges near the shore of the bay and in others I was climbing up roots and soft dirt through spanish moss covered trees.
For those interested and are ever in the Virginia Beach area I HIGHLY reccoomend checking out
First Landing State Park. Most of the trails are off-limits even to bikes (although there is one trail) so they are pretty quiet, especially on a weekday. Although I was aiming for closer to 9 miles rather than 7 or 8 , I couldn't have asked for a better trail run adventure!
Tomorrow a rest day with some yoga and then back at it on Friday...hopefully I am over my frustration and complete a long run on Saturday or Sunday of 3 or 4 hours, I may start aiming for time rather than distance for the purpose of not getting to frustrated and bailing and then being dissappointed on myself. Just a thought anyway...

wow, when life smacks you with a 2 x 4

2006-08-15T01:58:41Z

Wow, a LOT is going on this week.
I can't give details but lets just say my adorable Navy husband may be headed out for awhile (not on anything dangerous) as long as 6 months. It is very short notice but I guess we knew this day would come and there is nothing you can do to TRULY prepare yourself for it. I drove up to where he is stationed on saturday with the cats to visit him and help him prepare for a possible long trip. No word yet but hopefully we will know soon. (those new to the blog, I am finishing up grad school this year while my husband is stationed with the Navy)
Nonetheless being that I am stuck here just to wait for news, it has given me a chance to dig back into my training after my set-back a week ago. In addition, I can explore new trails in the area including a 9 mile trail run scheduled for tomorrow! In fact, the husband and I went to a sport's store and found me a new pair of trail shoes. I selected the new ADIDAS Supernova Trail (Its the bright orange shoe)
My review so far is that I LOVE IT. but there are a few things to note:
1.) The lacing system is a bit cumbersome. The laces are very thin, sturdy, but you really have to yank eveything hard to get it to where it needs to be.
2.) I think the shoe may run a half size too big. I usually wear an eight but I got a 7.5 and it still might be a bit big on me. I have a narrow foot so that might be the case but be aware of that if you are considering this show.
I have only tested this on 5 miles of trails that weren't too technical but so far so good. Personally I don't mind the flaming orange (although the hubby thinks they are hideous!) After my 9 mile run tomorrow, I will report back and we will see how it goes.
I also got new sunglasses - I decided to NOT heed the advice of alot of running mags and purchased a cheap 20$ pair that is wrap around, reflective and, at least after 12 miles so far, has NOT fallen off my face or fogged up. So for the time being I will NOT be spending 100$ o 150$ on sunglasses that I may lose or break anyway.
Other than that, it is just wait wait wait. My two cats were really good on the ride up here but have had much fun turning my husbands apartment into there own personal jungle gym. At least for the moment, my 12 lb. going on 15 lb. white cat (creatively named Whitie) is making himself at home on the keyboard and his 6 lb. sister (creatively named Browie as she is a brown cat!) is chewing on my new trail shoes! Sigh...off to enforce the rule of mommy....

ok, decision is made

2006-08-13T16:06:11Z

Ok, I have decided to STICK WITH THE MARATHON. After many supportive comments and helpful suggestions I think that I am going to go ahead with it and just see how it goes. You never know if you can do it if you don't try right?
To answer some of people's questions out there:

Yes, it is a TRAIL marathon. I really prefer trails because I love being out in nature, mud, dirt, ect. I love the adventure, I enjoy a 15 mile trail run alot more than a 5 mile road run. That said, I think sticking with the trail marathon as opposed to a road marathon is best suited for me, at least at the moment.
I do refuel on the run. I have hit on my magic combo of saltines, fruit snacks and gatorade. However, is this enough or should I try more calorie-dense foods?
Taking a suggestions I did try gmap-pedometer but even at close zoom, you can't see the trail by the satelite image or the hybrid. I guess I can possibly ask a forest ranger to get his opinion of the length of the trails. I think I am also going to finally break down and get a garmin. I think this will really help me out as far as determining my true pace AND distance and give me a better idea of where I am.

A Re-evalution....

2006-08-09T22:29:00Z

The short version is my 18-miler did not go as planned.
The long version is this....
I am seriously reconsidering this marathon. I have noticed that as my runs get longer, I tend to get more and more frustrated and impatient, I just want it to be over. I am having fun until about mile 15 - then I get aggravated and cranky. In fact, it got to a point this week that is where I stopped - 15 miles. Its not so much that I couldn't have possibly finished (although I was very tired and had to stop and rest just a mile before that) its that I reallly had NO desire too. I had been on the trail for 3 and a half hours and I simply had enough. I turned around and went back home and not an ounce of me feels bad, guilty, or dissappointed in that.
One question I have is that maybe these trails are longer than posted, because at that time, I am running a FOURTEEN minute mile which can't be right at all, I know that there is no way that I am THAT slow. I would have to be walking to do that, and I was running! Also, ALL of my long runs on these trails seem to be slow.
Nonetheless, I really have no way of knowing how long those trails are, I can't exactly call up the SC State Forestry Commission and demand they re-measure the Stewardship trail! Should I finally invest in a Garmin so I can get a more accurate measurement of pace/distance? Or am I really and truly that hopelessly slow on my long runs?
I don't recall my long road runs (had a 14 miler and a 12 miler on roads that were definitely on target for an 11 minute mile)
All I know is that regardless, I feel really unprepared for this marathon. I am looking at a possibly a longer than 5:00 finish here, if these 14 min miles are right (which may not be the case), we are talking a 6:00 finish!
I really am not sure what to do, but I am reconsidering the marathon for a couple of reasons:
1.) Its getting to the point that on long runs, I am not enjoying running anymore. I won't spend 4+ hours on a Saturday doing something I am not enjoying at all.
2.) I am doubting if I even have the time to devote to this. Devoting 3-4.5 hours on a weekend to just running is more daunting and frustrating than I thought. Again, I am having a blast until mile 14 or so and then it I get pissed. (Or the 3 hour mark which, again who knows how far I am going, I have my doubts)
3.) I seriously doubt my ability to do it at all. I won't run a marathon if it is going to take me 6 hours to finish. Maybe other people are ok with that and I respect that, but I just don't have the patience or the endurance at this point in my running life.
4.) I wouldn't mind focusing on 10K's and Half-marathons because I think, eventually, I could kick ass on that eventually I think (especially the 10K) and probably enjoy myself alot more which would keep me more motivated, and thus healthy and happy.

Well that's my rant. I welcome anybody's input...

MELTING!

2006-08-01T14:43:28Z

It is TOO DAMN HOT!!! 100 degrees with 100% humidity! and it is just going to get hotter, reaching up to 104 degrees on Thursday!
Needless to say I have been up early this week but even though I was gone by 7 or 7:30 this morning it was still VERY muggy and very hot! grrrrr....I need to move to San Diego where it is 75 degrees year round!
Despite the heat, the marathon training is proceeding as scheduled, an easy 7 miler yesterday and a hot and humid 8 mile run this morning (including 6 mile TEMPO at 9:00 / mile pace).
This week is an 18 mile run and I must say I am a bit intimidated. I know I can do it but it won't be easy especially with this heat!
I also have Windsurfing to look forward to this weekend! My friend found someone who gives lessons in the area so we are going for a day this weekend. This should be interesting and fun!
Happy Trails....

2006-07-27T16:15:10Z

Don't you love it when you start a run feeling like crap (no not this part), but then 3 or 4 miles into it, hit your stride and feel great to finish 8 miles?
That's what happened to me yesterday. I have still been a little sore from my 16 mile run on Sunday and my legs were not to happy at first when I started my 8 mile run, but after about 3 miles I felt great and pushed on for a little over 8 miles, right on schedule for marathon training!
Taking it easy today, did some yoga this morning for abs, arms and back to build up my core and that's it. I think my legs will be very happy for the break!
I am hoping to maybe start hitting more trails in the middle of the week instead of just the weekends. Its hard since there aren't many close by but hopefully if I can get away from work by 5 some days I just may make it to some shorter ones just outside of town before it gets dark, hopefully that will work as I much prefer trails. Also purchasing new trail shoes next week - yay! (any suggestions for a neutral/high arched strider?)
Happy Trails.....

16 miles and the magic combo

2006-07-25T16:14:51Z

I have officially run farther than I ever have in my life! I successfully completed a 16 mie run on sunday with only a short break at the halfway point. I have also found that a combination of:

Gatorade (a good citrus flavor)
Saltines
Spongebob fruit snacks

works like a charm! I felt well fueled and hydrated but not bloated or anything like last time.
I did have moments of self-doubt before and after the run, especially since it takes me a good 3 hours to do 16 miles, how does anybody to a whole marathon in 3 hours let alone 2?! I may be looking at a 5:00 or 5:30 finish. I even felt like I was booking it at some points (I thought I heard thunder and I am a big fat chicken about thunderstorms) but still a little over 3 hours just to do 16....sigh....I guess I am just slow and will accept a slow finish, but damn it I will finish!
This week I am taking it easy, it is my "back-off" week with just some easy 7 and 8 mile runs and that's it. I have been looking foward to it! Hopefully I will then my well-rested for my 18 miler next weekend.
I also have a LOT going on at work, some idiot broke one of our instruments, and reactions aren't working, so I will have to straighten both those things out this week. Just one more year, just one more year, just one more year....

another successful week of marathon training w/ hubby for help!

2006-07-18T02:16:23Z

Another successful week of marathon training is completed. Despite 20 high school students invading our lab for the Bionanotechnology workshop (needless to say I am LESS than sane after this week!) and a bit of traveling to visit my husband I completed every run. I even managed to find time for a little yoga and strength training to try and firm up the rest of my body.
Even the hubby was able to be drafted for a "crew" sort of responsibility. I unfortunately could not do trails for the 14 miler this weekend and had to settle for two 7 mile loops around his neighborhood (yuck!) which waa also COMPLETELY flat which doesn't make me happy at all. Nonetheless it gave me a chance to "train" my husband in a little crew-work as he helped me get another water bottle after the first 7 mile loop (loop ended at his place) and had food ready and waiting at the completion of the 14 mile run.
The run itself was fairly uneventful, refueling involved saltines and water with some fruit snacks missed in. It worked OK but I think I may need to switch back to gatorade or something to retain it better, I felt kind of bloated after the run probably because I drank to much. I liked the saltines though although is it normal to not have a lot of saliva during these longer runs? Part of drinking all that water was just to get the saltines down, any suggestions? Nonetheless, I definitely am more in the mood for the saltines than the gatorade and fruit snacks after 7 or 8 miles.
I did find better fruit snacks though, this time it was Spongebob Squarepants fruit snacks! Yes I m a huge fan of Spongebob Squarepants which is the main reason i picked them up but they were MUCH better than the other ones and surprisingly not as sweet. (In fact my husband ended up eating the rest of the box!) I guess I will have to keep experimenting. Nonetheless the 14 mile run, although flat and pavement was completed without incident. Now for another week of running ...gulp...36 miles with a 16 mile run on saturday!

p.s. - long run had to be on sunday due to traveling, and as usual, the turnip getting into trouble at the bar AGAIN! Long story short, no more shots until AFTER the marathon.....always into trouble.....

Gu and You - Refueling lesson #1 (for me anyway)

2006-07-10T16:38:31Z

The first week of marathon was completed as scheduled! Let's see how long I can keep this up.....
No more non-flying Superman smitings occured, not even on my 12 mile trail run so all my scrapes and bruises are healing fine without incident.
For the first time I experimented refueling on the run. My snack of choice : Fruit Snacks! It was only 12 miles but I tried to refuel every 3 or 4 miles, a 45 calorie bag of gummies + gatorade. My stomach was fine with it and the extra boost from the gummies really made a difference in how i felt too. I felt stronger with more energy and was even able to keep a decent pace at the end of the run. Normally I am REALLY tired and sluggish by 10 or 12 miles but not this time.
The only problem was that the sweet snacks and the sweet gatorade was, well, too sweet for my taste and gatorade was NOT appetizing by the end of the run. I may either switch from gatorade to water or from fruit snacks to somethinng saltier like pretzels or saltines. I guess that will be my experiment for my 14 mile run this weekend. Any suggestions?
I also need to find out where to get Gu2O. This is the sports drink at the aid stations of my marathon, and I would like to try it to make sure it agrees with me. If anyone knows where I can get this stuff, let me know!
In the meantime I have a hefty week coming up. Speedwork on Wedensday and a 14 mile run on Saturday with a couple of easy runs in between. My lab is hosting a "Adventures in Bionanotechnology" workshop for high school students this week so I will also be very busy at work trying to make sure these kids don't hurt themselves, so hopefully I can keep their interest all week AND complete my second weekend of training...we'll see how it goes.
Now off to turn things pretty colors for the kiddies....

How I was smited by the Rev. Pat Robertson

2006-07-06T21:12:38Z

Disclaimer : The following is meant in JEST (i.e. - humor). If you love Pat Robertson and the 700 club, more power too you if it helps you out and means something to you. But personally, I think any man who wants to assissinate the leader of Bolivia (or anyone for that matter) or thinks Florida will be underwater with hurricanes because of homosexuals is a flaming fruitcake.

Ahem, on with my story.
So the first week of marathon training turned out to be quite eventful! On my 6 mile run the other day I was in the middle of the TEMPO (4 miles) along the street. I somehow proceeded to take a fantastic dive (picture Supermann without the whole flying thing), skidded on the sidewalk using my knee and elbow as brakes! It must have been fairly dramatic as someone from the buisness across the street came running out to see if I was ok! Despite a couple of bruises and scrapes I was OK, hobbled a bit, and was then able to finish my run. Of course this involved people looking at me like I was a loon as, unbeknownst to me I was bleeding and oozing from my elbow and knee (ew.....), when I finally finished, I realized it, cleaned myself up a bit in the park bathroom and jogged on home. I still don't know how I fell but my husband just thinks its my natural grace and agility that I wasn't able to stand up on my own to feet on a clear sidewalk on broad daylight!
Anywho, after I patched myself up I was doing some light stretching and the hubby informs me that my favorite show is on! (notice dripping sarcasm...) the 700 club! I don't know who has seen it but it is a religious show that showcases how people have turned there lives around, ect., ect. however I am always suspicisous as the conclusion of each show somehow relates to how I need to send them a check. Anywho, it was some special on healing and a couple of people were shown praying and saying things like ""i sense someone out there suffers from migraines...I now tell you you are healed!" , fairly normal for this type of show I guess but then they say "and I sense someone out there has a searing pain in there left elbow!) ha ha, my husband proclaims me HEALED! (again, note sarcasm) although being that it was still oozing and fairly gross! Anyway, the hubby and I have a good laugh and I go to sit on the couch and promptly get stung by a wasp in the same damn elbow! I guess I have been officially smited for my unbelief....must send Pat Robertson big check......
Anyway, we can now all laugh how i don't even need to run the marathon to get inured, all I have to do is walk down the street or sit on the couch! Oh well, hopefully my 12 mile training run will go by uneventfully! Happy trails...

A Long Hiatus.....Now for a MARATHON!

2006-07-03T15:54:42Z

I'm back!
I am sure I kept you all in total suspense but I took a couple of weeks off for one of my best friend's wedding (FUN!), visiting family, and yes, a break from running. Some undue tightness and soreness made me decide to take a vacation from that too in order to recoup and give my body a rest before I....that's right....start training for a MARATHON!
I even have it all picked out!

October 7th
Triple Lakes Trail Marathon and Ultramarathon (40miles)
http://www.triplelakesrace.com/
Greenseboro, NC

I will buck up and actually register for it today too! I was so happy to find a trail race in my area and it is a good time too. I have my training schedule and everything, I am finally in for it!
I really don't have a goal time yet. I don't know what to expect. I guess I am hoping that since my half marathon was 2:28 (albeit it in really bad conditions), I would like to finish in 5:00 or 5:30, we'll see how it goes.
I really like this training plan, it is running 4 days a week, with 3 days rest / crosstraining. I will probably take sunday as total rest and do some light crosstraining (yoga and strength training) on the other days to try to build up more strength, I will need it for this race!

This week!

Monday (today) - 7 easy miles
Tuesday - Strength training
Wedensday - 6 miles including 4 mile tempo
Thursday - 6 miles easy
Friday - Yoga
Saturday - 12 mile long run
Sunday - REST

Already did my 7 mile run today and felt pretty good, albeit a little sluggish from the time off (is that normal?)
Later!