Tag Archives: long distance running

Damp and Delusional

Posted on by Run DMT
7

Isn’t it funny how some days you can’t get motivated to run?  You drag your feet.  Every step seems like an effort. 

 

That’s how I felt on Tuesday.  I had to force myself to run.  The weather is still miserably hot here and the humidity is stifling.  Therefore, Tuesday was not my best performance.

 

Distance 4.70

Time 48:70

Ave Pace 10:14

 

And then, there are some days when you jump out of bed before the alarm wakes up.  You’re ready to take on the world and some serious miles.  Today was that day. 

 

Tiffany (my running partner) arranged to meet at our usual spot at 5:15 this morning.  I woke up before the alarm buzzed and in record speed, I dressed and headed out the door to meet her.  About a half mile into my warm-up walk, I felt a light sprinkle.  I looked up and in my best Christopher Robin impersonation muttered, “Tut.  Tut.  It looks like rain.”  And then the skies opened and a monsoon rain fell on me.

 

I took it as a sign that my warm-up was over and I ran the next half mile to meet Tiffany.  With each squishy step, I remembered why I hate running in the rain.  Then, my MP3 player short-circuited. 

 

When I made it to our starting point, there were no signs of Tiffany although I was a little early.  It gave me some time to properly stretch and wring out my running skirt.  Ten minutes later, there was still no sign of Tiffany and I knew she had probably sent me an e-mail stating how she was going to take a rain check on the run and crawl back into bed.

 

Once I finished stretching, the rain stopped and I had to decide if I would run my 9 miles or go home.  I elected to start running and ran towards Tiffany’s house.  Maybe she noticed the rain stopped and she would be on her way to meet me?

 

When I arrived at her house, I spotted a light shining in the kitchen.  I lightly tapped on her front door.  A dry, beautifully groomed runner resembling a Barbie doll answered the door with a smile.  Tiffany informed me of an e-mail she had just sent bailing on today’s run.  However, now that the rain had passed and a disgruntled running partner stood at her doorstep, she quickly changed her mind and she was ready to go the distance. 

 

For the next soggy 9 miles, my Saucony shoes kept squishing and it sounded like we were being followed.  Then, my water-logged running skirt kept slipping off my hips and I looked like a stripper runner. 

 

But the real fun occurred around mile 7, when blisters began burning the bottoms of my pinky toes.  Like I said, today I was highly motivated to finish 9 miles.  Staying persistent,  I continued running through the pain.  With each agonizing step, I remembered why I hate running in the rain so much. 

 

9.0 miles

1:47:49

Ave Pace 11:58

 

It wasn’t my greatest performance, but at least I made it and stayed miraculously motivated through it all.    However, it will be a long while before I run in the rain again.  Hopefully, my shoes will dry out before then.

Buenos Ocho

Posted on by Run DMT
2

A few weeks back, a few of my fellow Striders and I were discussing how once you start running “the big miles” (anything over 10 miles), you never feel like you are really running if you do anything under 6 miles.  Over the past few weeks months, I’ve had some serious runner’s envy reading everyone’s tweets and FB statuses about running their long distances.

 

Even Tiffany and I were discussing how this time last year we were running 10 miles and higher, but an unfortunate mishap with my bike and an unusually long summer has really put a damper in my ability to rack up the miles this year. 

 

For my runs this week, I took Sunday and Monday off due to sore shins.  I ran Tuesday and Wednesday, but rested again on Thursday because my shins were still really sore.  Also, I had hoped to meet the Striders for their “Race to the Weekend Event” on Thursday, but I couldn’t summon the energy.  I decided to sleep in and take another day off from running to rest.  I don’t what’s the deal with me lately, but I have been so exhausted and feeling rundown.  I blame it on our prolonged summer and some viral funk going around town. 

Tuesday, 10/6

4.03 Miles

Time 40:22

Ave Pace 10:00

 

Wednesday, 10/7

40 minute tempo run (According the Hal – Week 6)

4 Miles

 Time 40:36

Ave Pace 10:09

 

But today, I made it to 8 miles and it felt good to run that distance again.  No weird pains, cramps, sore shins or angry quads.  Tiffany and I took it slow.  We even walked a bit here and there, but I didn’t care about my finish time or pace.  I just wanted to get to eight miles again and we did it.

8 Miles

Time 1:36:39

Ave Pace 12:05

Hal, My Hero

Posted on by Run DMT
19

BlogoversaryIn August 2008, I celebrated reaching 1000 hits with a Hal Higdon giveaway.  Since Hal Higdon’s MARATHON–The Ultimate Training Guide: The Third Edition was my very first giveaway, I decided to offer another autographed copy.

 

Over the past couple of years, I’ve followed Hal’s plans meticulously.  He’s seen me through six 5Ks, three 10Ks, two marathons, two half-marathons, which all can be viewed here.  Hal has helped me tremendously and now he can help a Run DMT reader, too.

 

First, I have to explain how I came about receiving this autographed copy.  After searching halhigdon.com for his contact information, I decided to search the internet for how to contact Hal and Google revealed Hal’s Facebook account.  (Yes, Hal Higdon is on Facebook.)  For a brief moment, I wondered if I should add Hal as a friend, but I feared I would appear as though I was stalking him.  Besides did I really want Hal to know all of my status updates?  Denise is drinking heavily after a long day with the kids. 

 

After choosing to not add Hal as a friend, I decided to send him an e-mail requesting him to sponsor a giveaway for my blog and he graciously did!  (How cool is that?!  See why Hal is my hero?)  So, here it is: an autographed copy of MARATHON–The Ultimate Training Guide: The Third Edition!  To enter to win this book, simply add a comment below.  Contest ends Tuesday, August 4.  Good luck!

 

marathon-guide

 

For additional entries:

  •  Visit halhigdon.com and read his on-line training programs and other articles.  Share what you learned by adding a comment below.  You’ll get one entry for each little tidbit you share. 
  • Add Hal Higdon as your friend on Facebook.
  •  Follow @denisermt on Twitter.
  •  Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter.  Add a new comment for each time you tweet: @denisermt Run DMT’s #blogoversary- Win MARATHON signed by Hal Higdon. http://tinyurl.com/m52rev

Smokin’

Posted on by Run DMT
2

I really wish I was referring to my run.  Instead, I mean the trail was literally smoking due to a control burn at the park.  Tiffany and I set out to run 8 miles, but after about 2 miles into our run, we hit a thick wall of smoke. We tried to run through it but after a ¼ mile into it, it didn’t seem to be clearing.  I couldn’t take it any more and needed to turn around.  We headed back to the start of the trail with only four miles finished.  After a quick potty break and water stop, Tiffany and I couldn’t get our momentum back and we struggled with the next two miles.  At 6 miles, I need to call it a day.

 6 miles

Time 1:03:40

Pace 10:36

 

When the other Striders returned from their runs, we learned that the fog of smoke was about ½ mile thick.  Our noble leader, David, assured me that turning around was the best thing I could have done.  I was just thankful that I remembered to take a hit off my inhaler before my run that morning.  Otherwise, it could have been a lot worse for me. 

 

Tiffany and I were really disappointed with our performances this week, but here’s hoping that we can be at 8 miles next week.  However, if the park continues its controlled burns, Tiffany and I may need to get creative with our miles by running through the park instead of running along the trail with our new Strider friends.

 

On another note, the Faces of Courage Triathlon (the triathlon formerly known as Babes and Bums) is less than 3 weeks away.  Since it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve seen a pool, I decided to swim 16 laps this morning.  Coincidentally, my friend and neighbor, Allan E, happened to be training this morning in our neighborhood pool as well.  Allan will be part of my relay team for the Longleaf Triathlon this October, so of course I was happy to see him training, but I was even more thrilled when he gave me some pointers on my breathing techniques.  I’ve been trying to swim as far as I could on one breath and Allan suggested I breathe on every third stroke.  That simple tip really improved my swim today!  Now, I just need to work on my flip turns. 

 

So, in the past few days, I’ve improved my swimming and didn’t fall off my bike.  It’s been a good week.  Maybe I really have been smokin’?

Running with Two Tiffanies

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Two days with no activity due to my injury, I decided to play it by…um…ear…(yeah… we’ll go with ear) for Saturday’s run with the Striders.  When I woke up this morning, I felt ready to run 6 miles.

 

As Tiffany and I set out to start our 6 miles, we met another Tiffanie, who looked familiar to me and we played “Six Degrees of Separation” to find out how we knew each other.  Turns out, we are both members of a huge on-line organizer’s forum on Meetup, *Not Just Moms*.  I am always amazed at how the on-line community makes a small world even smaller.

 

During our run, Tiffanie mentioned how she has a hard time labeling herself as an athlete.  Typically, she runs 4 miles and she feels her runs don’t fit the athlete label.  I shared my own experience and told her it took awhile for me to consider myself an athlete.  Now I believe it’s my commitment to the sport that allows me to wear the label proudly.

 

Further along the trail, I spotted a deer during our run and of course, Tiffany and I busted out the Do Re Mi’s again which caused the deer to run off into the woods and I envied its speed and grace.  Some runners in the Striders seem to sprint like cheetahs or gazelles.  I would be happy to pace with a deer.

 

As we stopped for a water break after our first mile, a small group of runners quickly caught up to us.  “I knew you ladies were fast, because you looked fast!” shouted Doug.  Doug’s declaration only validated my loosely fitted athlete label.  When we started running again, I believe we picked up a little speed despite our egos growing a little larger, but still not quite as fast as a deer.

 

Even though my asthma has been giving trouble lately, I forgot to use my inhaler before our run.  About 2 miles into the run, I felt the tightness in my chest and the rest of my run was quite a struggle and I found myself needing to walk more than usual.  Tiffany and I finished 6 miles, but it wasn’t our best performance.

 6 miles

Time 1:06:48

Pace 11:08

Next week, Tiffany and I will try to be at the trail around 6:00 a.m. to get an earlier start on our run and avoid the heat.  We’re going for 8 miles next week.

Sunday Running Log #18

Posted on by Run DMT
7

Since my DH had to leave early for work this week, my training days were not quite what I had initially planned.  On Saturday morning, I finally squeezed in an easy 6 mile run.  My average pace was 10:18. Total time: 1:02.  I felt no pain, but I realized that my dogs are tired and I needed some new shoes.

 

On Sunday, I forgot to set my clock ahead and I was late meeting Jackie.  Although I have a really bad reputation for being tardy, I am never late to my Sunday runs.  I swear! 

 

I searched feverishly for my phone and I was digging through my car when Jackie drove past my house.  I apologized repeatedly for my tardiness, which now caused us to get a late start on our early run.  Funny enough, Jackie was actually grateful for the mistake, since this is her first time running before 8:00.

 

Since Jackie needs to slow down and I need to pick up the pace a bit, we met at the middle with a 9:40 pace.  Probably still a bit too slow for the both if us, but this is still my first week post-marathon and Jackie’s first run longer than 4 miles.  Total time: 58:03.

 

After our 6 miles, I felt like I could do a few more and wanted to try pushing myself further.  I took the next few miles a bit slower with more walking and water breaks than the first 6 miles.  I ran another 4.1 miles with an average pace on 10:37.  Total time: 43:36.  My shoes are shot for sure!  Not to worry, I bought a new pair yesterday.

 

At the end of the month, I am planning to run in the Chasco Challenge (formerly Rally to Remember).  I still haven’t decided which race to run in, the 10K or the half-marathon.  Last year, I placed first in my division and I would love to beat my PB, but I would love to also qualify in my division for the half.  Decisions…decisions…

 

Over the next few weeks, I will try to push myself a bit more and wait until the last minute to decide which race.

 

As for training this week, I need to get into routine now that my DH’s schedule is back to normal again.  I also need to incorporate more strength training and cross-training back into my schedule.  I’ve been so lazy and sloppy over the past few weeks.

 

For my half-marathon training, I am following Hal Higdon’s post recovery plan with the Runner’s World on-line Smart Coach, which uses my past times to develop a plan right for me.  However, I think the paces on the Smart Coach are a bit too slow.

 

My body is crying for yoga today.  I need to stretch.  This week, there will be lots of short runs and another long run on Sunday.  I think I’ll do 10 miles again.  I never did hop on my bike last week and I really want to put biking back into my work-outs.  If only my DH meeting’s would stop messing with my training!  Sheesh!

My Gusty Gasparilla Marathon

Posted on by Run DMT
16

Although I was mentally ready for the race, physically I was not prepared for 20-30 mph winds and freezing cold rain during the Gasparilla marathon.

 

For the first few miles, we ran over dark cobblestone roads through downtown Tampa into Davis Island.  Although  running on brick was new to me, I felt comfortable running in the dark.  Not knowing where my feet would land was a familiar, uneasy feeling.

 

For most of the race, I stayed ahead of the 4:45/11:20 pace group, but behind the 4:30/10:18.  Despite the wind, my pace sat at 10:30.  I knew I would do great as long as the 11:20 pace group remained well behind me. 

 

At about 8:00, the rain hit and I thought to myself, Wow.  The rain came earlier than projected.  Then at 9:00 a.m., the skies opened and the real thunderstorms came.  The rain prior was a mere drizzle in comparison.

 

Between miles 10-16, I paced with some really amazing runners.  I bumped into Beth, a friend of Becelisa.  Gasparilla was Beth’s second marathon and like me, she had completed the Disney marathon last month.  

 

At mile 13, I stopped for my first Cliff Shot break and accidentally spilled water on Carey from North Carolina.  After apologizing for my clumsiness, I paced with Carey for the next few miles and learned Gasparilla was her fourth marathon with her last marathon being the Arizona marathon a little over a month ago.  

 

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During our run together, Carey and I also encountered an older gentlemen who was running in his 46th marathon and had finished the New Orleans marathon just a few weeks prior.  At about mile 16, Carey, the gentlemen and I parted our ways when I needed pop into a port-o-potty to pee.

 

During my second Cliff Shot break at mile 18, I texted Allan at 9:33 to boast about my incredible time.  Even with sheets of freezing cold rain and the wind against me, my spirits were up and I felt good physically and mentally.  I felt confident that I would finish the race under 5 hours.

 

Then, without any warning, at mile 21 my knee buckled.  Oh God! No!  Why is this happening?  I walked it off and stretched for a few minutes.  That’s when I spotted the 11:20 pace group coming ’round the bend.

 

“Shake it off.  You can do this! C’mon Girl!  Pull it together!” I told myself over and over to push me ahead of the 11:20 pace once again.

 

Then, like a bad omen, my iPod short circuited from all the rain at about mile 22.  Nooooooooo!  For the love of God, Noooooo!   Fidgeting with my ipod, I tried to reboot the music and my energy as the 11:20 pace group passed me.  

 

I shut down and cried as the rain fell once more.

 

I walked some more and tried to gain my composure.  It’s o.k.  You’re doing great.  You’re going to make it at 5 hours.  It’s only four more miles. You can do this!  Only 4 more!

 

Then, the rain stopped and the sun broke though the clouds.  I felt compelled to start running again and even attempted to sing since my iPod was kaput.  I sang my own version of I Can See Clearly. 

 

I can see clearly now the rain is gone.

I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It’s gonna be a bright bright bright bright sun shiny day

Oh yes I can make it now the…pain…is…g…gone

All of the bad…f…feelings…have…dis..a..ppeared…

 

Unfortunately, my poor song selection caused me to start crying again which then caused me to hyperventilate.  While walking once more, I talked myself out of the episode and I spotted some port-o-pots.  I decided to take a potty break to pull myself together and gain some composure to finish the race.

 

After my potty break, I felt ready to run and ready to finish.  Although my pace had slowed down tremendously to 12:20, I knew it could finish.

 

“Perseverance!” A runner shouted from behind me. “I love it!  Keep it up, Girl.  You’re doing great!”

 

A tidal wave of tears came back again, but I swallowed it down like a tough dose of medicine.  Perseverance prevailed even though the pavement on the Bayshore Bridge cut through my legs like shattering glass and unavoidable puddles drenched my already soaked feet.

 

The last 4 miles were the toughest.    The rain chased away the spectators.  There were no musicians or DJs to keep us going.  With isolation, I had no other runners’ energy to feed off of to keep me moving.  Only the wind remained to carry me home.

 

In the distance, I could hear a crowd cheering for runners as they passed.  I knew I was close to the end.

 

At mile 24, I came upon the source of the cheers.  A group of kids from Let Me Play cheered and roared for each runner as they passed.  A few of the young boys gave me high-5s as I stumbled passed them.  “You’re almost there.  You’re doing great,” cheered one of the sponsors as he gave me my final high-5.

 

Somehow in the last two miles, I found my second wind and picked up my pace.  For the last half mile, I bounced back to my usual 9:30 pace. 

 

When I crossed the finish line, I sobbed.  I beat my Disney time and a new PB: 5:09:04.

 

img_7707

The Day After My Marathon

Posted on by Run DMT
4

While you wait on my recap of the Gasparilla Distance Classic Marathon, please enjoy the following video which was sent to me by my running partner, Lori.  With 20+mph winds, let’s just say that this video sums up how I feel today.  

 

Laughter really is the best medicine and thankfully, my abs are the only muscles that don’t hurt.

 

Getting My Gasparilla Game Face On

Posted on by Run DMT
7

This week I rested more than I should have.  I only ran once this week and only 3 miles at that.  It has been a crazy, busy week with relatives visiting from out of town and my allergies sucking the energy out of me.  I’ve convinced myself that my body needs the rest, so hopefully my body will cooperate on Sunday.

 

However, it looks like the weather won’t be so cooperative.  There is a 70% chance of thunderstorms with winds at 20 mph.  Have I mentioned I hate rain and running in the wind? 

 

Yesterday afternoon, I picked up my bib number and strolled through the Gasparilla Expo Hall to search for Cliff Shots to carry me through the race tomorrow.  I also seized the opportunity to pass out business cards and I networked with some really great people.  A number of very generous vendors offered their merchandise for some fabulous future giveaways, so stay tuned for that.  

 

While at expo, I chatted with Gayle Guyardo and Bill Ratliff of News Channel 8.  I was sure to give them my card as well to plug my blog.  I am shameless!  

 

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It has been a really tough week, but yesterday a glimmer of hope caught my attention at the expo.  I like to believe God sent me a message in the form of a shiny object. 

 

 

Whatever it takes to help me mentally prepare for the race, right?  I am looking forward to reading more inspirational words on the backs of other runners’ shirt tomorrow.  It’s hard to believe that the moment I have been training for over a year is almost here, but like the quote by John Bingham which I read on one shirt yesterday, “The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”

 

At the moment, I am downloading tunes to keep me moving for at least 5 hours.  Hopefully, the Cliff Shots combined with songs on my iPod with a good beat and easy to dance to will carry me through to the finish line.  Your song suggestions and last minute advice is greatly appreciated!

Goofy for Gasparilla, Part 5

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Five days had passed before I could summon the energy to run again.  I had hoped to run during our camping trip last weekend, but the rain and humidity put a damper on my plans.  

 

Lately, I’ve been struggling to get out of bed.  I seem to have lost my momentum.  

 

Yesterday, I forced myself to do a 3 mile run, which seemed to be the kick in the ass jolt I needed to get me moving again.  Today, I ran 5 miles.  Tomorrow, I plan to run 4-6 miles.

 

My long Sunday run never happened, either.  All that worrying about the right distance for nothing.  But it’s time to get back on track, so this weekend I will try to run 10-12 miles.

 

Only one more week until Gasparilla.  I am a little nervous, but I know I can do it.  It’s all mind over matter when it comes to marathons, right?