Tag Archives: marathon

Random Thoughts about Running in a Sauna through Sprinklers and Santana

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Lately, the thermometer has been sticking around the high 80s to low 90s and the humidity is sticking around with the heat and choking my running friends and me.  It’s brutal, like running in a marathon in a sauna.  No room to breathe.

I would like to thank my neighbors that illegally watering their grass at 5:30 morning.  You don’t think anyone notices, but I do.  I make a mental note of the days and times you run your sprinklers and I always run past your house on those days.

However, I’m not thankful for your push green grass or how you are selfishly depleting the aquifers to keep that plush green grass.  But don’t worry.  I’m not calling the water department to file a complaint.  Nope, I’m too busy running slowly on your plush green grass and selfishly soaking up the water sprayed illegal by your sprinklers and I don’t feel a bit guilty about it because it feels so damn good during my hot humid runs, like this morning’s 3 mile run.  So thank you.

3.1 miles

Time 35:03

Ave Pace 11:03

Max 8:13

After discussing with several running friends the number of weeks to prepare for the Space Coast Marathon, the consensus seems to be that it is totally doable. I have a few half marathons under my belt from early in the year and another one coming up next month, so I should be ready for the marathon if I keep at it.  So, there you have it.  I’m going for it.

Last Saturday, I ran 10 miles to get back in the training groove.

Time 2:11::01

Ave Pace 13:06

Max 8:04

The run felt good and I didn’t mind the miles, but once again, that damn humidity was a real bitch.  My friend, Faith, joined me for a couple of miles which it helped take my mind off the humidity and I was really grateful for her company.  Besides the humidity, the hours spent running alone can be a real bear too.

But, I came up with a plan to beat the long boring miles by myself.  I asked a few of my shorter distance running friends like Faith and Chrissy to meet at different times to help me get through the miles.  Even by running a couple of miles with me, it will keep me motivated and moving.

Speaking of miles and motivation, I registered for two races in October: the Race for the Cure and the Frakenfooter half marathon.  I love Race for a Cure (the course and the cause), but I’m really excited about the Frankenfooter.  I have wanted to do this race for some time, because it’s a Halloween race with costumes!  I even picked my costume before I registered…Santana from Glee!

How fun is that?!

I told my running girlfriends to dress in the same costume so we could be a whole group of Cheerios!  Of course, I’ve got a totally different costume for our adult costume party, but that’s under wraps until we get closer to Halloween. Muhahahahaha!

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Random Thoughts about a Dead Heat and Swamp Monsters

Posted on by Run DMT
2

Thanks to a nasty cold, I hadn’t run in over a week, but with the girls back at school this week, I was ready to get back into a regular routine again.  However, the heat is seriously killing me.  I’m usually one of those people not bothered by the heat, but I’m feeling it now and it ain’t got nothing to do with hot flashes, honey.

Anyhow, yesterday I woke up plenty early to fit in three miles before the back to school chaos.  I braved the heat and finished a sad, slow sweaty three miles.

3.1 miles

Time 33:18

Ave Pace 10:44

Max Pace 7:44

Even in the early morning hours, the humidity clings to me.  There’s no breeze only steam rising from the lakes and the storm drains, which is unbearable.  It’s like a swap monster or storm drain clown is breathing down my neck.

Besides the swamp monsters and storm drain clowns, I’m worried about my running because I haven’t been getting my miles in to be prepared for the Space Coast marathon which is only 13 weeks away.  The farthest I’ve gone is 10 miles and that was weeks ago.

My Garmin must have sensed my anxiety and couldn’t handle the stress and decided to check out.  Like a Monty Python sketch, my Garmin “is NO MORE.  It has ceased to be!  My Garmin is an ex-Garmin!”  But then, as I typed this post, I bumped its charging dock and it seems to be all right now.  I guess the heat is getting to my Garmin too.

A running friend, Larissa, is training for the Savannah Marathon and she mentioned to me the other day that she has been using the Galloway method to survive training in the heat.  She suggested I try it.  Following this method, I would run 3 minutes and walk one minute for recovery.

So, this morning I tested the Galloway method for 4 miles. Well, it was more like “run a mile walk a couple minutes.”  Plus, because I was Garmin-less, I guesstimated the total distance to be about 4 miles, but when I mapped it out on Map My Run, it was more like 4.47 miles.  Whatever.  The bottom line: The Galloway method certainly helped.

4.47 miles

Time 47:00

Ave Pace 10:30

A couple of weeks ago, I was supposed to participate in the All Out Running 5K.  A few days before the event, the race coordinators sent out an email about the trail and included these photos.

Needless to say, I freaked out!  I expected a trail run, not a mud run. And look at the height over those runners!  I guarantee those gentlemen are much taller than little ol’ petite barely 5′ me!   And I’m sure there’s a swamp monsters hiding in those waters!  Not to mention, I hadn’t trained for any swimming and it’s possible I would drown, if a swamp monster didn’t grab me first.

But thankfully, the race gods heard my cries and postponed the race, however, I’m not sure when the new date will be.  At least I have some extra time to work on my breaststroke while preventing a heatstroke.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Random Thoughts About 40 Points and 40 Miles

Posted on by Run DMT
5

Last month, I visited my doctor for a third time this year for another round of blood tests to check my cholesterol again. yay.  Only I had forgotten about the appointment and I ate so poorly week prior to my appointment.

The week before my doctor’s appointment, it was as though my body craved fattening greasy fried food.  I ate a McDonald’s country chicken sandwich meal with fries.  Then, a few days later, I had a hamburger and fries at Prime Bar’s $5 burger night.  I believe some Hooters wings were thrown into the mix and then there was a big bad-for-you breakfast on Father’s Day.  And not to mention, I ate my way across Sanibel and Captiva the week before my doctor visit.

So after a really bad week of fatty foods, I was completely blown away when my doctor said my cholesterol dropped 40 points and I lost 2 pounds.  I wondered had eaten better if my cholesterol level would have been even lower.  No matter.  I’m off the hook for now and I won’t have to go back to my doctor until January for my annual physical.  WOOHOO!

My weight is still holding strong at 135 pounds.  I would still like to drop another 10 pounds, but I’m not going to stress about it.  It will come off.  It’s nothing some Spanx can’t fix.

Although I didn’t reach my desired weight goal of 40 pounds before my 40th birthday (which is next Wednesday hint…hint), I completed my goal of 40 miles before my 40th birthday.  I finished 3 half marathons (Gasparilla, Pasco Challenge and Iron Girl), a  5 mile race (Miles for Moffit) and three 5Ks (Crazy Sombrero, Oldsmar Tap House Run and Rap River Run) for a grand total of 53.6 miles.

Now, I’m training for my third marathon: Space Coast Marathon and a handful of races in between, but it has been hard to get motivated to do the big miles in the heat of summer.  I know it will get easier when the weather cools down and I’ll be faster too.  Race season will be here before you know it!

Speaking of my training, I’ve been so lazy since the Fourth of July and I’m finding it difficult to get back into a running routine.  I don’t know if it’s the summer heat, dehydration or a vitamin deficiency or too much fatty foods, but I’ve exhausted lately.   Between our vacation, Fourth of July and entertaining guests due to all the July birthdays this month in our family, it’s as though my motivation fizzed with the fireworks.  But I’ve got to get serious about running again because there’s only 18 weeks until the Space Coast Marathon.

For my marathon training, I’m putting my faith in good ol’ Hal Higdon again, however, I’m following a hybrid plan combining Hal’s Novice 2, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 plans.  I ran 8 miles yesterday and now this weekend I’m planning to go for 10 miles.  We’ll see.  Wish me luck.

As for my runs, like I said, they’ve been few and far between, but I’m back on track now.

July 2

3.1 miles

Time 31:24

Ave Pace 10:08

Max Pace 7:54

 

July 11

4 miles

Time 42:45

Ave Pace 10:42

Max 8:17

 

July 14

4 miles

Time 42:00

Ave Pace 10:31

Max Pace 8:25

 

July 18

8 miles

Time 1:28:08

Ave Pace 11:01

Max Pace 8:20

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Empire State of Mind – God, I Hope I Get It!

Posted on by Run DMT
15

This Wednesday, names will be drawn for the New York City Marathon lottery. Running in the NYC Marathon this November would be a dream come true for me and I know it would make my NYC native parents proud to see me running through their home turf.

I’ve got my fingers, toes and running shoelaces crossed hoping to be picked. This obsession with the NYC Marathon has caused me to preform spontaneous and random interpretive dance moves during my runs to a number from A Chorus Line.

God, I hope it get it.
I hope I get it.
How many people does NYC need?

God, I hope I get it.
I hope I get it.
How many boys, how many girls?
How many boys, how many…?

Look at all the people!
At all the people.
How many people does NYC need?
How many boys, how many girls?
How many people does he…?

I really need this jog.
Please God, I need this jog.
I’ve got to get this JOG!

On Wednesday, I’ll be watching the lottery live at noon. Until then, excuse me if I seem a little distracted this week. I can’t help it.

I’m in an Empire State of mind.

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Random Thoughts about Races and 40 Miles

Posted on by Run DMT
5

One night while we were hanging out with our friends John and Erika, I mentioned that I would be running 3 half marathons before my 40th birthday.   John was quick to point out that the three do not quite equal 40 miles (39.3 to be exact).  I thought it was close enough, but I also took John’s words as a challenge to squeeze in another half marathon.

 

I had already planned to run the Pasco Challenge Half Marathon on March 12, Iron Girl Half Marathon on April 10, but now thanks to John’s prodding, I may also add the Florida Beach Halfathon on March 20.  I haven’t decided about the Florida Beach Halfathon because 1) It’s $70, 2) It’s in Fort Desoto which is quite a drive from here and I don’t know anyone else running the race to carpool with and 3) I don’t want to injure myself by running several half marathons in such a short amount of time.  The Pasco Challenge and the Florida Beach Halfathon are a week apart.

 

Later this year, I would like to run another marathon, like the Space Coast Marathon, but I also applied for the New York City Marathon lottery.  If I get selected to run the NYC Marathon, then I won’t do the Space Coast Marathon.  My confirmation email stated that the race organizers would be making their selections mid-March.  Not much longer now! To amuse myself while I wait, I’ve been singing lines from A Chorus Line.

 

God, I hope I get it.
I hope I get it.
How many people does NYC need? 
How many people does NYC need?
God, I hope I get it.
I hope I get it.
How many boys, how many girls? 
How many boys, how many…?

 

You get the idea.

 

When I train for races, I take it all very serious.  I cut back on all the drinking and junk food, because I worry about dehydration and shitting myself loose bowels during a race.  With having a baby, it takes a toll on your body and things just aren’t the same in the lower end department if your know what I mean, so my fear of loose bowels is quite possible.

 

But more importantly, with being pregnant and having a baby, it had been a while since I was serious about training and I guess my girlfriends forgot how disciplined I become when I’m training.  A few times when we were all hanging out, I hadn’t been binge drinking with the rest of them and they all thought I was pregnant!  BITE YOUR TONGUE! Not that I wouldn’t love another child, but that would really put a damper on all my plans to celebrate turning 40 this summer.  I’d like to do so without a hiccup, unless it’s an alcohol induced hiccup.

 

Speaking of hiccups, my friends and I celebrated our Gasparilla race achievements by throwing back a few beers at our local watering hole. I completed the Gasparilla Half Marathon at my goal of 2 hours, 30 minutes and burned 1, 349 calories in the process.  I definitely earned my beer!  (You can read more about the race and look at pretty pictures here.)

 

 

And on the topic of calories, I lost another pound last week which is a total of 21 pounds since January 1!  After burning over 1300 calories on Sunday, I can’t wait to see what I lost this week.  I hope I didn’t undo it all with the beer I put away.

 

Proudly submitted at The Un Mom’s Random Tuesday Thoughts, because when I blog about my runs, it’s usually pretty random.

randomtuesday

Postpartum Countdown

Posted on by Run DMT
4

I have two weeks until my postpartum visit with my OB.  When she visited me in the hospital, she advised me to take it easy. (This is the same doctor that advised me NOT to run the marathon pregnant.)

 

Can I do some yoga?

 

No.  You may unknowingly rip or pull something.  Give your body a chance to heal.

 

Can I walk?

 

I would not attempt anything until your postpartum check-up.

 

Then, Allan chimed in and asked “Bottom line, Doctor. When can she run again?  That’s the real question.”  (He knows me so well. :-) )

 

“I would wait at least 4 weeks before you run again and even then I would ease into it”, my doctor advised me.

 

This week, I hit the 4 week mark and I’m feeling closer to my old self again, except for the hamstring and pelvic muscles I pulled during the birth and honestly, I find that to be the most bizarre occurrence.  In three years of running (2 marathons, 3 triathlons and 4 half marathons), I’ve never pulled a hamstring muscle, but squeezing out an 8 lb, 10 oz  baby caused all kinds of muscle strain.  And just for the record, running a marathon is WAY easier than giving birth.

 

Today as I roll into the 4 week mark, I feel like walking to celebrate.  Unfortunately, it’s raining buckets here, so I’ll have to put off walking for one more day.  *sigh*

 

But truthfully, I’m really looking forward to running again after my postpartum visit in two weeks.  WOOHOO!

Gracie’s Gear Giveaway

Posted on by Run DMT

Blogoversary

Part of preparing for a race includes selecting the right outfit.  This might sound silly, but you have to wear what’s comfortable.  Plus, it needs to be something you’ve trained in and you know works for you. 

 

For Saturday’s triathlon, I’ve selected a pair of padded bike shorts for sure, but I’ve also decided my Gracie’s Gear Long Tank is the perfect pick for Saturday’s triathlon because I know it works for me.  I plan to stash a Cliff Shot in the flexible Power Pouch so I can suck down a shot running into transition to gear up for the biking leg.  (Did I mention it’s a reverse tri?)

 

I wore my Gracie’s Gear Long Tank during the Gasparilla Marathon and proclaimed my love for it.  Now, once again I can share my love for this product with another Gracie’s Gear Giveaway!  :-) To win a Gracie’s Gear Long Tank, visit graciesgearandtraining.com and view The Long Tanks.  Then, post a comment stating which size/color long tank you would like to win. 

 

 

For additional entries to win a Gracie’s Gear Long Tank:

  • Write a post about this giveaway on your blog.
  • Follow @denisermt on Twitter.
  • Tweet about this giveaway.  Add a new comment for each time you tweet: @denisermt Run DMT’s #blogoversary #giveaway- Win a Gracie’s Gear Long Tank- http://tinyurl.com/n3c79n
  • Visit graciesgearandtraining.com and read her Training Tips.  Add a comment here to let us know which tips you read and if you tried them.  Each time you read an article and post another comment is an additional entry. 
  • Gracie’s Gear is a supporter of EMWomen, so visit emwomen.com and let us know what interesting things you found there.

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