When 58 seconds is more than 13 minutes

It's been a full week since I ran Maui Oceanfront. The toilet doesn't seem so low, the stairs don't seem so steep, and I'm an entire toenail lighter. 

I'm done receiving 'likes' and 'favorites', and my friends have stopped texting about how awesome running a marathon is. To which I always reply, you don't have to be smart to run. 

So here I sit, me and my Post Race Depression (PRD). It's the craziest thing, I didn't even train very long for this marathon, two and a half months to be exact. And I hired a coach so it was really easy, and besides running, took little effort on my end. So why am I so bummed? I pushed a human out of my body and within the year, made that same body run 26.2 miles. In 4 hours. Without an epidural. That shit's badass. 

But I'm not happy. I really, REALLY wanted my time to have a three in the front. 3:59:59 would have made me so proud! 

I ran a 4:00:57. My fastest previous time was a 4:13:47 which means I cut 13 minutes off my time. Baller! Except I don't feel like that. I'm so hung up on 58 seconds that I can't see how awesome 13 minutes is. Heck, my first marathon was a 4:50! Which should make me feel awesome except I always feel the need to qualify that time by interjecting that, 'it was the year they cancelled Chicago so yeah, it was hot'. Like anyone cares and like 90% of the population even knows the difference.  

So every day for the past week I stare at my time, hoping that magically, it'll change. I read and reread my splits. Willing them to be faster. Remembering the course and different spots I could have picked up 20 seconds. Or 5. Going over the race and wondering how it could have been different. 

But it doesn't change. No matter how long or hard I stare, 4:00:57 stares back. And this is why 58 seconds is longer than 13 minutes. It's lasted a week longer than if I had run a 3:59:59. 

And maybe that's why I run? I run because it's fun and (though I need to keep reminding myself) 58 seconds isn't that big of a deal, it's closer to my goal than I've ever been and a hell of a lot closer than when I started. Running isn't based on one singular race, nor should it be. Running is the culmination of the heart and soul you put into your training, the sacrifices you make to prove you have what it takes. It's the couch to 5k program you sign up for or the Disney Dopey Challenge you complete, it's the friends you make and the swag you earn. It's not one race or one time, it's a lifestyle. 

And, as we all know, the best way to kick PRD is to sign up for another race. Any thoughts?!! 

           Got some cross training in! 

    Girl after my own heart😍

Maui Oceanfront Marathon or MOM

I'm not sure if it was the 13 min PR or running in paradise but, Maui Oceanfront Marathon (MOM) is one of my favorite races. The whales at mile 14 pretty much solidified that. 

The cool thing about MOM are all the different running options and the fluidity of your registration and ease of changing events. Big thumbs up to the race director. He provides;

Point to point:

Early start marathon (4:30am)

Marathon (5:30)

15k

Out and back:

Half, 10k, 5k (some time, not 5:30, but I didn't look because I didn't really care)

Two days of packet pick up, one in each of the populated areas in Maui so that made it super easy to get. Nothing fancy but, you're on Maui, why do you want to waste time indoors at an Expo? I was in and out in 10 minutes AND I got to meet the race director, Les Wright (@runtahoerunmaui). If, for no other reason, sign up for this race for his emails, he's hilarious. I'm sure it's because it's a smaller race but, as far as race emails go, A+. 

 Festivities started at about 5:15 with a Hawaiian blessing which was dang cool. And I'm even pretty certain he wasn't just speaking jibberish. They played the conch, I got goosebumps and then we were off. They do have headlamps for sale, I didn't need one. The street is pretty well lit and enough people around you have them so you probably don't. AND! I got to meet some runner tweeps. @ericasara and @runrjr, they came to get married and decided to run too, too cute!

I've read comments (on active.com) from ppl who were complaining they didn't feel safe on the course, couldn't have been further from the truth, felt safe and comfortable the entire time (kind of a lie, I got pretty uncomfortable at mile 18 but can't blame the course for that). The road isn't closed and you run on the shoulder but traffic is courteous, plenty of cops and just tuck in behind someone bigger if you're really scared. Was super cool to see the moon reflecting off the ocean and to hear waves crash before the sun came up and ride started going back out. 

The aid stations were great, I knew it was a small marathon so brought a fuel belt for peace of mind but really, besides carrying my gu and Energy bits, wouldn't have needed it. I can't believe how spunky our volunteers were at 6am! They do not offer any energy gel but do have clif(?) bars and other assorted goodies. Water and Ultima to drink. 

It's pretty flat until about mile 11 then you hit some pretty aggressive hills through 16. That being said, I was more worried about them then I needed to be. Plus it's prime whale watching area so you're distracted. After 16 it's pretty flat until mile 25 where there's a slight uphill for maybe .5 miles then downhill and flat to the finish. The toughest part for me were the last 8, flat and direct sun. Plus there was no breeze. Make sure you wear sunscreen! Or run really fast so you don't have to bake like I did, lol!

I finally got to see whales at about mile 14, an awesome breech. Which is good because, unlike Pacific Whale Foundation, I don't think MOM offers refunds if I don't see a whale. 

The medals are solid, the art is way cool and they're heavy duty. Can't wait to get my race poster framed. I got my race pics THE NEXT DAY! That's amazing. I attached one, don't have a manatee (sea cow, get it?) I'm buying them. 

I think people who complain about this race are people who probably aren't happy about much. You're running. In paradise. What could you possibly be unhappy about?

This race came at the end of a two week trip in HI so yeah, maybe I shouldn't have eaten the Costco size bag of chocolate coconut covered macadamia nuts or snorkeled the day before the race, who knows. It's a great excuse to get to maui and run. Highly recommended. 

Was shootings for 3:59:59 and ran a 4:00:57. A 13 min pr so for sure bummed there's not a three in the front but still happy! 

Ran hard and safe for #megsmiles

You get a license plate holder!!!

Hawaiian Blessing at start

Me and my training buddy at the finish.

 

 Post race photo op, I'm about as salty as the Ocean here.

   

My professional race pic, don't worry, I'm buying it. 

Front

                            

Back. Isn't it cute? The Island with our race route on it! 

                                  My splits, I forgot to stop my garmin. Stupid last four miles. 

My first (non-virtual) race of the year!

It's on! I had originally signed up for the Kentucky Derby Half but plans changed and we aren't flying out until Monday after the race. Can't say I'm not bummed, especially after a 10mi @7:46 pace! Since I'd already done all this training, I thought I may as well run something else, especially since I think (hope) winter is finally over in MN.

This weekend marks the 36th running of the biggest race in MN, Get in Gear. It's kind of like our kick off to the racing season. I did in store registration at Marathon Sports because you could pick up your packet there AND receive an $15 off coupon! (Who can't use an extra pair of Asics?!) I'm officially signed up for my first 10k since last January and first real live race since last September. I've been logging great miles (while on the treadmill, they've been speedy) and the weather is supposed to be 68 and sunny.

I can't wait to see how my body reacts to a race after having a baby! Wish me luck!

Boston

I can't stop thinking about the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Boston. I always joke about runners being superior and good people but deep down I really do think most runners are good people. I hint understand why a peaceful, exciting event like a marathon would be, COULD be a target. The bombs went off at 4:09 into the marathon, my best is a 4:13 and with Boston electricity, that's when I would have been crossing the line. That's me. That's my running family, us middle of the packers, joe-schmo, run because we love it and work hard to fit it into our schedule, runners.

No matter where I go, I bring my running shoes and nobody will ever change that. Each time I run I'll think of all the people touched by this tragedy. The lives and limbs lost, the safety stolen from innocent people and I'll run hard, I'll run furious.

You can't take my steps away from me or my family, goodness will always prevail. You think you scared us? You just made us stronger.

When you lace up today, lace up for Martin, for Boston.

I ran 10 miles

I got on the treadmill even though I didn't want to. Went to Disney with the in-laws last week and I'm still exhausted. I wanted to sit in front of the tv and eat my Costco size bag of dried coconut while the baby snoozed. But. I didn't. I got dressed and thinking the baby would only sleep her usual 40 minutes, took off as fast as I could go thinking I'd eek out 3 miles, 4 if I was lucky. I hit 3, 4, and 5 easy. Baby hadn't moved once. So I figured as long as I went 5, I may as well do a 10k, then I hit 7, and 8 and once I hit 8 I wanted to hit 9 and eventually 10. Baby woke up at 9.37 miles so I put the pedal to the metal and ran a 2:53 last half mile. Longest I've gone since the baby's been here. Maybe I'll do a full. Yeah, probably.

I feel good now, we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Ps, quit flippin' snowing! I can't do one more run on the treadmill!

Two, or three, a days

As I mentioned earlier, I don't always have time to run more than two miles at a time so I've been breaking runs into segments of however far I get to go until those segments equal 4,5,6 miles.

But is it even good for me? I'm logging miles but at only a couple miles a pop, am I getting the same cardiovascular advantages? I'm running faster but shorter. I'm pretty sure a race director won't let me run 13 miles in a couple mile segments throughout an entire day.

I ran two-a-days in college and know elite runners often go long in the AM and speed in the afternoon but they are finely tuned athletes. I, unfortunately, am not. And I'm running 2 miles, then 1.47, then 2.2 not, 18, then 10x800 at 5k pace. Am I doing more harm than good?

I feel like I'm perpetually doing speed work and I'm having a hard time keeping up. My legs get tired by the third leg (pun intended) and then I just feel like they're junk miles.

Does anyone have any answers or thoughts for me?

I'm watching man vs food as I write this and all I want to do is eat a 7 ingredient, 7lb breakfast burrito instead of running 7 miles...

Toenails are trophies

As much as I'm clearly freaking out about the scale, I kinda don't mind my body.

My stomach isn't as toned as it used to be but now all the extra skin makes it look tan. It's a start on my lifelong quest to be golden brown.

My butt and thighs make squeezing into my pants almost uncomfortable but I have hips! It sounds weird but I've always wanted hips and now I have them!

And boobs?! Don't even get me started! I'm usually a 'B' at best, now (or at least ever 2.5-3 hrs) I'm a full 'C'. I finally have some shape and I feel kinda hot.

Do the new dimples in my butt and angel wings make me self-conscious? Hell yeah. But the way I look at it, after I run a marathon I usually lose at least one toenail, which is disgusting, but doesn't bother me because I'm a badass and just ran 26.2 miles and I didn't get last place (at least not yet).

I think that is how I need to embrace my body. Does it kinda gross me out? Yep but I'm a badass, I just birthed a human being and I'm keeping her alive with nothing more than my huge jugs. She could be the President, win a Nobel Peace Prize, or be an Olympic marathoner and I spent 9 months growing her. In my body! That's amazing! I think going up a size in jeans is a small price to pay for creating life.

I need to wear my new body with pride. Dimples are the new missing toenails for this stage in my life and I couldn't be more proud.

Gooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllll!!!!!!!! (Read like an Italian soccer announcer)

No, I haven't started playing futbol but I do have a couple goals bouncing around in the net which is my head.

I know hitting 1000 miles for a year isn't anything amazing but I was still proud because I accomplished it while pregnant. It was something I could strive for, a constant while everything around me was changing.

This year is the same but different, more difficult but not. I'm physically in a better position to log miles, run races, and get a PR. However, I now have another human life to support. That includes sacrificing sleep and time. I can barely find time to shower before husby gets home let alone run, and if I can run its 4 miles, 5 max or in 2 mile increments. That's no way to train for anything. (We'll find out for sure April 27 at the Derby Mini Marathon, anyway!) I just started participating in 'Run this year' to keep me on track. I probably won't hit 2013 miles or kilometers but each month is a new challenge to look forward to!

Since it's already March, I think it's time for me to set some goals or at least get them down on 'paper'.

-I'd love to run 26.2. I've been craving one but not in a position to sign up for one at this point. Not until I see how the munchkin does in the BOB. Three months to go!
-reference the movie Mighty Ducks at least once a week (believe it or not I'm 10/12 on the year)
-lose the last 10 baby lbs I keep telling myself are in my boobs but I know are in my butt and not in a hot J.Lo way.
-quit eating mega stuff Oreos. This is a more immediate goal BC I am making myself sick.
-repeat of last year but, WO more days than not. At least it keeps me active.
-one WO a week has to be something other than running.
-get out of the house more. Seems ridiculous but with a baby, everything is a production and I talk myself out of it. I'm sure part of that is MN winter...
-let myself nap. I'm horrible at this, I'm exhausted right now but as soon as the baby sleeps I bet I hit the treadmill and not the pillow
-be better at managing the time I have, I'm sure this will be easier once we have a routine established.
-be a better wife. I love my husband so much and want to make sure he knows it. I feel like I'm so wrapped up in keeping the baby wrapped up I don't pay enough attention to my husby.

All in all, I want these goals to push and motivate me to be a better mother, wife, runner, person.

What you get by achieving your goals is as important as what you become by achieving your goals. - Henry David Thoreau

Ps, just finished season 5 of Gossip Girl on netflix and I'm dying for season 6! Guilty pleasure...

I run for these two!

Trail Run

It was supposed to rain all day. It didn't and the sun came out around 2 and taunted me with it's splendor while I was stuck at work for two more hours. Dreading the thought of heading home to pound the same pavement I pound every day, I kept mapping and re-mapping routes but nothing felt "right".Then I got an email from OB (other Beth, you met her here) asking if I wanted to run after work and maybe, should we do our trail? YES, yes we should do our trail. 4:30 came and my computer was shut down and I was out the door to Richardson Nature Area in Bloomington, it loops around Hyland park area. I think my app was off because we did 4.51 miles in 15:31. That is a 3:25 min/mil pace. That didn't happen. 

It was so good to get outside and run. 

I love seeing wildlife!

Boston

If you're a runner, you know what I'm talking about. If you watch ESPN or pay attention to sports, you probably know what I'm talking about. If you live in Boston, you probably know what I'm talking about. What I'm talking about is BOSTON. It is one of few races that has succeeded in needing no introduction. It is the Madonna of Marathons.

 I don't have to tell you I'm talking about Boston Marathon put on by the Boston Athletic Association that is the only race, which I'm aware of, to take place on a Monday. And not just any Monday, it's Patriot's Day, which is the third Monday of April. I also don't have to tell you this is the world's oldest marathon with some of the most major milestones, please see, first women to officially/unofficially run a marathon. Bobbi Gibb and Kathrine Switzer were there names and they changed the course of history for me and all my gal pal runners. I can't imagine a time where I wasn't lining up toe to toe with the guys. Bobbi unofficially ran the race in 1966 in 3:21 and Kathrine officially in 1967 in 4:20. These two ladies dared to break the gender mold we had previously been conformed to. I don't think it takes much to see why these two gals are some of my running heroes.

In order to run at Boston, you need to qualify. I know, seems crazy but that's how it is. You need to meet a predetermined time in order to even be considered for the race. Qualifying for Boston has always been in the back of my head. But I have to run fast, faster than I have ever run before. I have to run my 10k pace for 26.2 miles. I would have to cut 38 minutes off of my last marathon time of 4:13 I would have to go from 9:38's to 8's. Straight 8's. I feel like it's impossible but I know it isn’t. I know it's not going to happen this year but, maybe, just maybe, it'll happen next year. Or the year after. It's a goal I'm never going to give up on which is fun, it gives me something to shoot for instead of just running another race, another long run, another speed workout.

It'll happen some day, I'm sure of it, and when it does, I'll rejoice in the fact that I trained my hardest and ran my hardest and to me, it'll be a victory even if I don't win the race.

The Art of Gu

GU. There is nothing like it. Well there is something like it but in case anyone reads this and judges me for the content, I can't mention it. That being said, Gu tastes better. That, that, being said, the consistency of GU is like nothing else you've ever put in your mouth. I promise.

 Let's back the GU train up, GU is something used while running long distances, be it training runs or a race. In a marathon I take one about every 45 minutes. It is a tiny little 100 calorie pack that is full of carbs and sugar to try and replenish your body on the go. They make so much sense to me now, I don't know how I raced before them. GU is my favorite energy gel out there, I just like their flavors the best and have had the best luck with how my body reacts to it. 

When started training for my first marathon, I'd never heard of having to replenish my body with carbs and electrolytes through gu. That is what gatorade and water are for. My how times have changed! My training buddy at the time (and still is, I'll get to that) is my running bff, Beth. No seriously, her name is also Beth (she blogs HERE). I love running with her because people are like, Go Beth, wait, Go Beth and Beth! Beth squared. And ever since then, we've been Beth squared. Back to the point. She brought along a hammer gel one day for me to try. Brownie. It was definitely brownie, I still have a brownie stain on my favorite purple running shorts.... We were just heading into mile 5 and she handed me a packet, told me to rip off the top and eat what was inside. Ever the trusting friend, I did as I was told. And then I threw up. The closest thing I can compare gu to is, well, you know when you go to the dentist and they have to make a mold of your mouth and they put that putty in there and your eyes water because your gag reflexes are going and you think you're suffocating but then remember you can also breathe through your nose? Yeah, that's gu. Except it tastes better. The first couple GU's were tough. I thought I'd try the chocolaty flavors because that is what I like to eat but I find the fruity ones easier to swallow. Literally. Now I just rip it open, squirt it all in my mouth and swallow it in a big gu lump with a swig of water. Problem solved. 

The other half of Beth Squared is running Fargo Marathon in May but since I didn't sign up with her, said I'd still train with her. What can I say? I love to run. Next weekend there is an MDRA 10 mile race that we plan on doing together, then tacking on another 4 so she can get her 14 in. I needed some GU so ran (not literally but sometimes it is literally) to my favorite running store TC Running Company. OK, the reason I like this store the best is that, the people who operate the store are actual runners. More than being runners, they're just nice people. Plus it's close to my house. The GU's are right by the front counter and it was like a tractor beam, I saw PEANUT BUTTER! MY FAVORITE OF ALL TIME, of anything. Guy behind the counter said no go, do not try it. So, I didn't.  He did point me towards the Apple Cinnamon Hammer Gel though and I can't wait to try it. Well, can't wait in a, I NEED to take a gu so I may as well try this new flavor, sort of way.

My favorite flavors are Lemon Sublime, Mandarin Orange, and Espresso Love. And I have a feeling I'm going to like Island Nectar.  

What kind of refueling tools do you guys use? I'd love to hear your tips or tricks! 

Poops & Pictures, A Run

I think I've told you guys before how awesome it is to live in MPLS. We have the best parks and trail systems of any metro in the US. I'd put money on it.

Since it was 55 yesterday in the TCs I wanted to get outside and do something different. Hubs was in Omaha so I had to take the furbaby with. I love him too much to leave him at home but I really wanted to go fast, the weather was perfect, warm and melty, and I didn't want the butt sniffer to hold me back. My love for this thing that can't even talk, won out and we hopped in the car to head over to Lake Harriet. Sometimes I surprise myself and remembered to grab a towel for the wet dog.

I knew this would be a run for Fern and not really for me so I settled in and just went with it. There were tons and tons of people going around the lake. Not surprising since the first nice day in Minnesota is ALWAYS busy. We went about a mile when I veered away from the lake to one of my favorite paths, Minnehaha PKWY.

We finished up going around the other side of Lake Harriet and got in 4 solid miles. We stopped for pics and potties.



Damn Fern got butt on my running jacket.
He has an anal gland problem. No seriously, he does.
It smells horrible and now it's on my jacket.





If this isn't pretty, I don't know what is.





Lake Harriet



UFO! JK, it's a plane.

Lake Harriet Bandshell!

Only thing I don't like about this run buddy.

My outfit today. Some people say red heads shouldn't wear orange.
I disagree.

AMAZING. Run.



Lake of the Isles.







Bren's bldg.























AAAUGH, SNOW! 2nd Run w/Fern.

 I was set up to run a double yesterday. I hadn’t done that since college and was SO excited. I was meeting up with a buddy from high school and we were going to do a fiver then a neighbor and I were taking the dogs for a quick two.

I arrived at Brenna’s home and we took off, it was so much fun because we jumped on one of our main trails here in the twin cities, the Greenway (It’s this AMAZING bike/run/walk path that runs through South Minneapolis) and were able to take it all the way to Lake of the Isles where we then jumped over to Calhoun. It’s one of my favorite runs because it’s also part of the Twin Cities Marathon route. Which also happens to be my very favorite marathon ever, and not just because it was my first and I’ve had a PR there. It’s because the people, race, and route are AMAZING.

Another super amazing thing about the twin cities (and why I think MN has some of the best running that running has to offer) is our lakes. Yes ladies and gentlemen, we are Minnesota, we have lakes but did you know we have a chain of lakes right in the heart of the cities?! A couple lakes I go around ALL the time are Harriet, Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, and Nokomis. Nice paved, lighted paths with a ton of people, you can see the downtown skyline, beautiful homes, dogs, friends, you name it and you will see it on this path. We finished up 5.63 miles with 8:45 average. Bren is taking it easy because she is skiing the Birkebeiner this weekend in Hayward, WI. GO BREN! I hopped in the car only to receive a text that neighbor can’t go. Boo. But would you like to know who can ALWAYS go?! Fernando! My fearless running buddy. And by fearless I mean, we only went .43 miles because it was snowing, hard, sideways.

I still got my two runs in and know I could have gone more and faster but it was fun. If anyone ever wants to hit me up for a run, I’m seriously always game.

Quick little rant… Tonight I’d love to spin then do a hot yoga class. HOWEVER, the only gym this will work at is the Saint Louis Park branch. HOWEVER, HOWEVER, the class is taught by the best, EJ. Which means…. They hand out wristbands at 5:30 for a 6 o’clock class and you have to be in line by 5:15 to get a 5:30 wristband. So is it worth it to get to the gym 45 minutes early? I guess I could run a couple miles first… I did let the dog out at noon…. I guess that also answers the question, who let the dogs out.

I think it would take me a really long time to write a book because I have no focus… Shaw, do I have ADD?

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