Let's lay the cards down on the table: I don't run races just for fun or just to finish. The overachiever in me runs every race with a goal time in mind--usually to beat my previous PR. For the Marine Corps Marathon, my first 26.2 race, I set three goals:
1. Finish in 3:40:59 to qualify for Boston.
2. Finish around 3:50.
3. Finish under 4 hours and don't walk up the last hill.
Goal 1 was ambitious and probably too idealistic. Goal 3 was my "safety" in case the first two fell through.
Pre-Race
I spent the last 2 weeks before MCM tapering and working ~14-hour days. Stressed and sleep-deprived, I resorted to downing daily shots of Emergen-C to fight off what felt like an oncoming cold. Not the best race preparation, but I comforted myself with the common saying that the marathon is 99% mental. I had trained properly so if I just believed that I could do well, then I would do well. Simple.
Race Morning
I left about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get from my home in Court House to the race start near the Pentagon. In hindsight, that was not enough time. The metro ride was crowded, the walk from the Pentagon station was much longer than I anticipated, and the porta-potty lines were long. I ran from the parking lot to the start line and squeezed into the 3:40-4:00 corral just in time to hear the cannon go off. Without so much as a minute-long rendition of the national anthem's time to process anything, my first marathon began.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Keep running to keep young
Cross Train
Race Countdown: 86 days
Adding to the list of motivations to keep running even when all you want to do is curl up in bed:
"There are plenty of reasons to exercise...but the effect that regular activity may have on cellular aging could turn out to be the most profound.... One could speculate that any form of intense exercise that is regularly performed over a long period of time will improve telomere biology, meaning that with enough activity, each of us could outpace the passing years."
Maybe the next time I toy with my "too busy to run today" idea, I'll remember that taking that 60 minutes out of my day could add years to my life.
Race Countdown: 86 days
Adding to the list of motivations to keep running even when all you want to do is curl up in bed:
Maybe the next time I toy with my "too busy to run today" idea, I'll remember that taking that 60 minutes out of my day could add years to my life.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
First Massage!
Rest Day
Race Countdown: 87 days
The organization I work for is having our big annual Forecast Conference this week, which means long work days and no time for blogging. BUT I had to come write about my first massage experience this morning.
My back, especially lower back, has been a chronic source of pain for a while. It's probably due to a combination of my work in front of computers, my office chair, posture, etc., and the stiffness is always exacerbated when I start running more. I finally gave in and schedule an appointment with Daniel, a massage therapist that works in the Bally's near my office. He uses a combination of different techniques, including deep tissue, sports, swedish, and thai massages (for that last one, he climbs onto your back!).
I scheduled an 60-minute appointment for 7am, two hours before I have to be at work, and ended up staying there until 9:30am! This guy was great. He started out by standing me in front of a mirror and examining my posture, pointing out my strengths, and giving tips to straighten my neck and spine. The actual massage worked every--and I mean every--part of my body. Daniel is definitely not a therapist for someone who feels self-conscious or values their personal space, but he is amazing at stretching out the body. He pinpointed all the tight spots on my back and neck immediately and could tell right away that I lean harder on my left leg when I run. Toward the end of the session, he had me lay on my back and focused on stretching my right leg to help relieve some of the pressure on my lower back. What great exercises! I will definitely have to do more of those, though it makes such a difference to have someone else pushing on your leg than doing it yourself.
Not only did my 60-minute appointment turn into a 2+ hour massage, but he even offered me a discount on the original price and didn't charge for the extra hour! I will be drinking lots of water the rest of the day and my muscles will probably feel a little sore. But I'm hoping that this will really help with my running. Massages are my new favorite cross-training activity :)
Race Countdown: 87 days
The organization I work for is having our big annual Forecast Conference this week, which means long work days and no time for blogging. BUT I had to come write about my first massage experience this morning.
My back, especially lower back, has been a chronic source of pain for a while. It's probably due to a combination of my work in front of computers, my office chair, posture, etc., and the stiffness is always exacerbated when I start running more. I finally gave in and schedule an appointment with Daniel, a massage therapist that works in the Bally's near my office. He uses a combination of different techniques, including deep tissue, sports, swedish, and thai massages (for that last one, he climbs onto your back!).
I scheduled an 60-minute appointment for 7am, two hours before I have to be at work, and ended up staying there until 9:30am! This guy was great. He started out by standing me in front of a mirror and examining my posture, pointing out my strengths, and giving tips to straighten my neck and spine. The actual massage worked every--and I mean every--part of my body. Daniel is definitely not a therapist for someone who feels self-conscious or values their personal space, but he is amazing at stretching out the body. He pinpointed all the tight spots on my back and neck immediately and could tell right away that I lean harder on my left leg when I run. Toward the end of the session, he had me lay on my back and focused on stretching my right leg to help relieve some of the pressure on my lower back. What great exercises! I will definitely have to do more of those, though it makes such a difference to have someone else pushing on your leg than doing it yourself.
Not only did my 60-minute appointment turn into a 2+ hour massage, but he even offered me a discount on the original price and didn't charge for the extra hour! I will be drinking lots of water the rest of the day and my muscles will probably feel a little sore. But I'm hoping that this will really help with my running. Massages are my new favorite cross-training activity :)
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sandwiching
Logged: 6 miles
Race Countdown: 91 days
Sneaking in a quick update at work...
No, my subject line is not referring to food (rare), but rather sandwiching my week with some hardcore runs. For some reason, I always love doing hard runs on Mondays and Fridays. Maybe it's because Monday is the start of the work week and Friday is the start of the weekend--and what better way to kick off both than with a nice long, sweaty, effective workout?
My usual workout schedule looks like this:
Mon - hills or intervals
Tue - cross and strength training
Wed - EZ run
Thur - cross and strength training
Fri - tempo run
Sat/Sun - long run and rest day w/lots of yoga & stretching
I usually try to fit in more yoga throughout the week, depending on my schedule. This morning, I did a 6-miler: 2 mi warmup, 2 mi of intervals, and 2 mi cooldown. My pace these days are less than ideal, but I guess that's the price I pay for slacking off for two months. I'll get it back! I'm also trying out a new Pilates class tomorrow. If it goes well, could add that to my Saturday workout routine too. I've never done Pilates before and given how out of shape I am right now, I hope the class doesn't kick my ass (or abs) too badly!
There's another reason I love Mondays and Fridays. They are when I pamper myself with this:
Modern Friction
It's made out of rice starch and leaves my skin feeling soooo fresh and smooth. I've always been more of the get-down-and-dirty type so am not a product-enthusiast by any means, but this makes me look forward to washing my face after my morning runs.
Bring on the weekend!
Race Countdown: 91 days
Sneaking in a quick update at work...
No, my subject line is not referring to food (rare), but rather sandwiching my week with some hardcore runs. For some reason, I always love doing hard runs on Mondays and Fridays. Maybe it's because Monday is the start of the work week and Friday is the start of the weekend--and what better way to kick off both than with a nice long, sweaty, effective workout?
My usual workout schedule looks like this:
Mon - hills or intervals
Tue - cross and strength training
Wed - EZ run
Thur - cross and strength training
Fri - tempo run
Sat/Sun - long run and rest day w/lots of yoga & stretching
I usually try to fit in more yoga throughout the week, depending on my schedule. This morning, I did a 6-miler: 2 mi warmup, 2 mi of intervals, and 2 mi cooldown. My pace these days are less than ideal, but I guess that's the price I pay for slacking off for two months. I'll get it back! I'm also trying out a new Pilates class tomorrow. If it goes well, could add that to my Saturday workout routine too. I've never done Pilates before and given how out of shape I am right now, I hope the class doesn't kick my ass (or abs) too badly!
There's another reason I love Mondays and Fridays. They are when I pamper myself with this:
It's made out of rice starch and leaves my skin feeling soooo fresh and smooth. I've always been more of the get-down-and-dirty type so am not a product-enthusiast by any means, but this makes me look forward to washing my face after my morning runs.
Bring on the weekend!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Get that dirt off your shoulder
Logged: 5.5 miles
Race Countdown: 94 days
Soooo... somehow a weekend of rest after the Hartford Half turned into a few weeks of very light running, which turned into a couple of months of no running, which resulted in my current out-of-shape mess of a body. I have no one to blame but myself for this one! As sad as it is to see my calf muscles disappearing and my split times slowing way down, I must share a shameful but true secret: The 2+ months off was a glorious and much-needed break!
I started running because it kept me motivated and happy but by the end of October, it became more stressful and burdensome than anything else. I was completely burnt out, so I stopped. I told myself that I wouldn't start again until my passion for the sport returned. I could've ran less miles or cross-trained to keep myself in shape in the meantime, but I didn't. Was it the smartest move in terms of my physical health? Probably not. But sometimes, you just need a break.
Anyway, new year, new gear! Less dirt on my shoulders; more dirt on my running shoes! I have quite a few updates:
First, new shoes...
I can't believe how long it took me to replace my old pair of Mizuno Inspire, but they must have been horrible to run on by the end. I went into Pacers determined to try a different brand: Asics, Adidas, New Balance, Saucony, Brooks... I tried them all. An hour later, I walked out with the new Mizuno Alchemy haha. Can't help it- Mizunos are perfect for my small frame and tiny feet! The Alchemy gives more support but has about the same amount of cushion as my old pair. They have really helped balance out my "early pronation."
Second, new running route...
It's a bit unbelievable but after 8 months in DC, I just took my first run around the National Mall this weekend. I've run along the C&O trail, which has a great view of the monuments, plenty of times but never to the actual Mall. I don't know what took me so long considering I live less than 3 miles from an amazing view:
Finally, an upcoming race...
Very excited about this one: I will be participating in the American Odyssey Relay in April. It's a historic relay run from Gettysburg, PA to Washington, DC. 200 miles, 12 people, 2 vans, approximately 36 hours. More details to come but needless to say, it's going to be insane!
All this has also revived my spirit for blogging so expect many more (consistent) updates to come. Happy running!
Race Countdown: 94 days
Soooo... somehow a weekend of rest after the Hartford Half turned into a few weeks of very light running, which turned into a couple of months of no running, which resulted in my current out-of-shape mess of a body. I have no one to blame but myself for this one! As sad as it is to see my calf muscles disappearing and my split times slowing way down, I must share a shameful but true secret: The 2+ months off was a glorious and much-needed break!
I started running because it kept me motivated and happy but by the end of October, it became more stressful and burdensome than anything else. I was completely burnt out, so I stopped. I told myself that I wouldn't start again until my passion for the sport returned. I could've ran less miles or cross-trained to keep myself in shape in the meantime, but I didn't. Was it the smartest move in terms of my physical health? Probably not. But sometimes, you just need a break.
Anyway, new year, new gear! Less dirt on my shoulders; more dirt on my running shoes! I have quite a few updates:
First, new shoes...
I can't believe how long it took me to replace my old pair of Mizuno Inspire, but they must have been horrible to run on by the end. I went into Pacers determined to try a different brand: Asics, Adidas, New Balance, Saucony, Brooks... I tried them all. An hour later, I walked out with the new Mizuno Alchemy haha. Can't help it- Mizunos are perfect for my small frame and tiny feet! The Alchemy gives more support but has about the same amount of cushion as my old pair. They have really helped balance out my "early pronation."
Second, new running route...
It's a bit unbelievable but after 8 months in DC, I just took my first run around the National Mall this weekend. I've run along the C&O trail, which has a great view of the monuments, plenty of times but never to the actual Mall. I don't know what took me so long considering I live less than 3 miles from an amazing view:
Very excited about this one: I will be participating in the American Odyssey Relay in April. It's a historic relay run from Gettysburg, PA to Washington, DC. 200 miles, 12 people, 2 vans, approximately 36 hours. More details to come but needless to say, it's going to be insane!
All this has also revived my spirit for blogging so expect many more (consistent) updates to come. Happy running!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Curse or Coincidence?
Logged: 7 miles
Race Countdown: 46 days
Race preparations begin --> something heartbreaking and difficult occurs in my personal life. This is starting to seem like a pattern. Maybe it's the universe's way of testing my will power--or just some cruel joke?
After a long and agonizingly exhausting Sunday night, I took a day off from everything on Monday and stayed in bed for a good 20 something hours. Woke up rejuvenated this morning and went for a 6:30am pre-work run. The temperature is so much cooler before sunrise! I am determined to turn grief into gain.
Speaking of gains, spent 4 hours at the pool this weekend, alternating between swimming laps and studying gmat. Swimming is my cross train of choice these days--at least for as long as the weather permits. Getting a killer tan is just the cherry on the sundae =)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
No turning back now
Logged: 3 miles
Race Countdown: 51 days
"Dear Julia,
Congratulations! You are now registered for ING Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K."
Was finally able to cough up $60 and officially register. Woohoo! Race is ON!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Bad Geography
Logged: 7.5 miles
Race Countdown: 76 days
Hills in the last mile of a long run. Georgetown, you kill me sometimes!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Back in Action
Logged: 6 miles
Race Countdown: 79 days
Very excited to be back preparing for a new race: the ING Hartford Half Marathon in my home state! This past 4-month hiatus (from blogging, not running) was filled with thesis work, graduation, relocation and new beginnings. Goodbye, Michigan winter; hello, DC summer!
I decided to get another half marathon race under my belt before attempting a full one. The Hartford course is much flatter than Atlanta's so I am expecting to smoke my last race time. Training this time around will probably be more focused on speed, though I have not decided on a final goal time yet. I'm trying to set one that is challenging but not unrealistic.
Some facts of life learned since my last race:
- running marathons is NOT for those who want to lose weight, but IS for those (like yours truly) who love to eat
- chocolate milk is a delicious and nutritious post-run drink
- knee exercises, core workouts, and yoga stretches do wonders
- always blow your nose before starting a run, especially a long or intense one
Since moving to DC, I have been doing most of my runs outside. Running across the Key Bridge and down past the monuments after sunset is easily one of my favorite routes. You still feel the energy of the city without the heat of the sun, and the view is amazing!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Post-Race Fatigue
Logged: 5 miles
Here's the dilemma: what should my running schedule look like now that I am not training for a race?
It seems like this shouldn't be a problem since I have been running for years now and only training for 10 weeks. But I am really having difficulty remembering what my running schedule used to be like. Maybe I'm approaching it all wrong. Maybe it's not about returning to the way things used to be. My stamina and speed have both improved noticeably since running this race. So I guess what I need to do now is devise an entirely new regimen. The completion of the training process has just thrown off my rhythm a bit.
Even though running the race didn't feel excruciatingly tiring at the time, it has been becoming more clear in the days following that it was a challenge for my body. My lower back, left hip and thigh are all experiencing some serious pain. Ouch. I have been hobbling around like an 80-year-old grandma haha.
Here's the dilemma: what should my running schedule look like now that I am not training for a race?
It seems like this shouldn't be a problem since I have been running for years now and only training for 10 weeks. But I am really having difficulty remembering what my running schedule used to be like. Maybe I'm approaching it all wrong. Maybe it's not about returning to the way things used to be. My stamina and speed have both improved noticeably since running this race. So I guess what I need to do now is devise an entirely new regimen. The completion of the training process has just thrown off my rhythm a bit.
Even though running the race didn't feel excruciatingly tiring at the time, it has been becoming more clear in the days following that it was a challenge for my body. My lower back, left hip and thigh are all experiencing some serious pain. Ouch. I have been hobbling around like an 80-year-old grandma haha.
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