So cute.

I got home from my run this morning with the following text from my dad:

9:44am

"It's 45 degrees and windy and I'm about to do a 30 mile ride in Poolesville.  Think I need my head examined or just shoot me."

My response?

"Ha ha- you have the bug! Good Job"

He wrote back:

"Survived, barely- f**cking hills."

(yes, he did use the **s in the text...too cute).

I am SO proud of my dad for picking up biking in the past year.  He has done a few 45+ rides (on a hybrid!) and even mastered clipless pedals!  Depending on the weather, next weekend we are planning on cruising around the Marine Corps Marathon route on our bikes to spectate!

Last long run DONE.

This morning I ran the last 12 miles of the NYC Marathon course as my final 'long' run in preparation for my first marathon (in TWO weeks!!).

After a not so great week mentally and physically, I went into this last run a bit apprehensive.  I was excited to run on the marathon course, especially the second half of the course, which has more hills (read: bridges) than the first half.  But I was worried that my body, being in the mid-taper-I-need-rest mode, was going to not agree with the run and it would freak me out that the 'course' was the problem, not my body.

Well, all and all, it went well.  The pace, which I slowed WAY down from last week, felt comfortable.  The inclines were definitely noticeable, and of course will be worse on race day, but I'm glad I know where they are and what to expect.  And I am now fully aware the miles 20-23 of the course will be the hardest for me.  

It was also COLD this morning- as in 40 degrees and windy at the start of the run.  This is the first run since I hurt my hip that I have done in the cold.  I am glad I got to wear my capris for a longer run, in case I want to wear them for the marathon, but my hip DID NOT agree with the cold weather.  It was tight and achy the entire run.  I am glad to have experienced this NOW, before the race, however I am wondering what I can do to remedy the problem before the marathon.  My doc said my hip will now know when it is rainy, humid, etc, but i didn't realize cold would fall into that category.  

My only hope is that this weather hangs around and the next few weeks of running will help my hip acclimate to the brisker temps.

Traumeel....

...is my new best friend.

Had never heard of it.  And honestly, when the Chiro recommended the other night, I was skeptical.  But all the other supplements he recommended have kept me healthy thus far.  I had to stock up on my other supplements anyway, so I added it to the bag.

After three applications, I am in love.

Yes, I also got ART on my calf last night, and a fancy new laser treatment (the doc wouldn't laser my face, unfourtunatly...)...but whatever works!!

After a horrible-n0 good-very rotten 6 mile run this morning that included more walking than running, I have also officially decided to give myself (mind, body and legs) a rest.  I will not be running again until Sunday- and I will run the last 12 miles of the NYC Marathon route.  I want to be in a good place, mentally and physically, going into this run, so it does not psych my out for the actual race. 

My weekend visitor....

Mr. Ernie...

Aches and pains.

I ran more last week than I ever have before.

I ran the longest single run I have ever done (and I did it too fast)

Of Course I am going to be sore.  Funny thing is, I'm not sore in my weak hip.

My calf hurts.  Behind my knee hurts.

My shins are fine.  My hip is surprisingly OK- no nagging after three hard weeks in a row.

I think my body is just literally aching for rest.  I have been painfully tired on top of the aches.

I have felt like this in my life before.  I have completed 30+ hour training weeks in college (Training trip hell- 10 days of 2-hour doubles, mostly long course, with a swim meet at the end --  and some of my most cerished swimming memories are from these trips).  It has just been awhile.  

Swimming-taper was second nature. I also had years of base to trust, and a coach to listen to.  The running-taper is new to me.    I am scared that I don't have enough base to justify three weeks of rest.  But my body is telling me it needs it.   And I am going to listen.  There is not much else I can do now that is going to help me on November 2, other than be confident that I have done the work.  

Now it is time to let my body repair itself, and trust the hard work I have put in since stepping off the plane from South Africa in March.  

20 miles done.

20 miles in the bank.  Planned to do the whole thing slow and comfortable.  First 13.1 as part of the NYRR Staten Island Half Marathon, then 7 miles after (my apartment is 7 miles exactly straight up the West Side Highway from the Staten Island Ferry terminal building in Battery Park).

The run went exactly opposite of how I wanted it to go.  Started out good- comfortable, no effort pace.  Then I started to descend.  For absolutely no reason.  Negative split the half marathon probably by at least 2-3 minutes.

Took some Tylenol, had a 25 minute ferry-ride break, then started back up the West Side Highway.  It was hot.  I was sore.  Was able to pick up the pace the last few miles, and am happy the run is done.  But I really wish I had run it like I meant to.

And it was really hot, and I am REALLY sunburned.  Yes, it is October.

Lesson 1- I think that I just cannot use the NYRR races as 'training' runs.  Never am able to hold the slower, comfortable pace that I want to in that atmosphere. 

Lesson 2- If the marathon is as hot as it was today, I need to run with my water bottle with Nuun.  I was hurting today towards the end of the run, and a bottle of ice cold powerade really made a difference in the last 3-4 miles.

Lesson 3- Immodium is awesome (Thanks RR!).  First long run in a WHILE with no bathroom stops.

Lesson 4- I have NO CLUE what to expect from this damn marathon.

Now, I have a date with Gossip Girl.  

No, not to watch.  They are shooting on my street.  I am going to go be a teenage girl and take camera phone pictures :)

Ps- CONGRATS TO RR and Maggs on KONA yesterday!!!  My friend Julia, in her first Ironman, rocked out a 10.53 and got 7th in her age group! Super star!

Marathon Goals

A goal- Beat Sarah Palin (3:59:36)

B goal- Beat P Diddy (4:14)

C goal- Beat Oprah (4:29)


...I kid, I kid.

Real goals coming soon :)