Winter training

So, I've enjoyed over two months of running... injury free! Exactly one month post marathon, I lost my first toenail. Surprisingly, I've managed to keep the other 9. I know this is probably something you don't really want to know but, ha... its just a blog!

I don't really know what it is but since the marathon I've been pushing it harder than before. Maybe its knowing I came so close to breaking 4 hours, maybe its finally having a break from IT Band pain, or possibly I'm just enjoying the exhilaration of running harder, and faster... improving a tiny bit at a time.

The last two weeks here have been freezing. I've found myself on the treadmill more than want to. Treadmill running sucks! Really, I don't understand why its so very hard. I can hold a faster pace outside and enjoy but indoors my legs are fatigued, totally sweaty, and light headed. What's up with that? Is it that the treadmill uses different muscles and I am actually really out of shape?

I've been trying to mix some of my P.I.N.K. workouts and P90X into the mix. I tried Plyometrics last week for the first time. It totally kicks... gives you that good burn for several days.

I've registered for two spring half marathons.... Canyonlands and Ogden. I'm super excited!

PEACE

A good friend that has been battling Inflammatory Breast Cancer for over two years passed away last night. She was the mother of 5 children. I can't imagine what this family has been through and the struggles that they will continue to face. I know there is a plan but sometimes it is just so hard.

Everyday when I run, I am just so thankful that I CAN run. My life is full of reminders of what a blessing it is to have a strong body. I may not be the fastest runner on the block but I am strong physically and mentally. I CAN take care of my children and I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me in that way. Caring for Crew can be exhausting but tonight after he fell asleep on the floor, I scooped him up. As I carried him to his bed I marveled at his features... his long eyelashes, little lips and a sprinkling of freckles across his nose. He's getting big I thought... I'm sure I can carry him to bed for at least another TWO years.

Two years.

The same amount of time it took for one dear mother to slip from this life to another.

Tonights run was refreshing. A breezeless night with perfect temps. I ran as fast as my legs would carry me. My thoughts constantly straying to her family and what they have lost.... And Also... a new Angel in Heaven. I'll miss you my friend. RUN/FLY/DANCE.

St. George Marathon 2009

It's official, I'm a "marathoner"! Wow, just typing the word gets me all excited. This is something I've thought about for years but was never really sure that I had it in me. I remember about 10 years ago talking with my little brother about running a marathon together "SOMEDAY". Well, last Saturday was that day!

Since I first entered the lottery for the St. George marathon, I've battled a nasty IT Band injury. I remember waiting for the lottery to be drawn and wondering what I had gotten myself into. I didn't really think I would get in and then since the day of that fateful email, I've wondered how I would ever get to the start line let alone finish the race.

Even on Saturday, as Marty and I rode the bus to the start line (at 4:30 am) I wondered how my knee would hold up. The bus ride was long and between the two of us (Marty battling the same injury) I really had my doubts. Still, I was determined to finish the race.

The starting area was filled with excitement. Marty and I hit the porta potties and then found a spot right next to the fire. We sat there for about 40 minutes and visited with some of the other runners. At one point I closed my eyes and said a little prayer. People started getting lined up at the porta potties again so we hit that line one last time. Just as we came out we noticed the race was on. We dropped the clothing bag and took off running.

I ditched my sweatshirt during the first couple miles. At mile 3 we stopped for water and Marty took off his warm-up pants. Another quick water stop at miles 5 and 7. Veyo hill was long and steep but we kept a nice pace and we didn't get passed. The next several miles were slightly uphill and it seemed to go on forever. We stopped at every aid station... mile 9, mile 11, mile 13, 15, and 17. A couple times we stretched our IT bands during the water stops (only stopping for 10 seconds or so). We were really looking forward to seeing family at mile 16 but when we got to Snow Canyon they weren't there. Still, the spectators at that point were a real boost. I was still feeling really good at that point and was shocked that the knees hadn't given me much trouble so far.

The hill at mile 19 was more than I expected. It seemed to go on forever. I was getting to where I really had to focus on just making it to the next aid station. After the aid station at mile 21 I had pretty much hit the wall. Marty and I were still together at this point but I was really having a hard time keeping up with him. After mile 22 he went on ahead. My pace was slowing and everything was a blur. Once I hit the city, I tried to focus on the encouragement from spectators. I ran along the side and high-fived as many kids as I could. I was just really trying to mentally stay in the game.

Honestly, I don't know for sure how often I stopped for walk breaks after that. I was really mentally not with it anymore. I remember seeing a sign that said, "7 MORE BLOCKS" and I wanted to rip it up and scream at them.. but I didn't have the energy. I kept waiting for those corrals around the next corner and wished I had memorized the route a little more closely. One too many walk breaks that last mile. People were wizzing past me. Finally, I saw something in the distance and I could barely make out the words, "FINISH LINE"! I gave it everything I had at that point and then I heard my mom yell, "GO MEL"! It was over... I DID IT. I finished in 4:01 just 3 minutes behind my little brother.

It's true what they say about the marathon. The first 20 miles you rely on your mental and physical strength... the last 6 miles are purely spiritual. I know its true because today just 3 days later I really can't give you a detailed explanation of what happened those last few miles. All I know is that somehow my legs carried me across that line.

At the finish they had these giant water misters. I stood there for a minute and soaked myself. I couldn't believe it! 4:01... I never expected things to go so well with the injury and all.

The marathon is quite an experience! I'm very happy with how it went. The weather was perfect, the spectators were awesome, my brother was an excellent running partner. Much to my dads dismay, I have to say... there probably will be a NEXT time. I just don't know when. I would like to get a lot more miles under my belt before I do it again, I need to get injury free. Next time, I want to finish strong!

4 More Days

My crazy head is filled with multiple blog posts! Things are real crazy around here right now. I'm desperately trying to squeeze in 7 hours of sleep at night but things have not been in my favor. The little one has had a series of seizures over the past two weeks and he isn't eating or sleeping well. When I'm not up with him in the wee hours of the morning, I'm either out running or tossing and turning in bed worrying about either the marathon or my boy.

But YES, I'm also excited! The anticipation is killing me and I realize that no amount of worry is going to make this marathon happen.

My brother flew in from Houston last Saturday and we did our 8 mile run together. It was a great feeling to run with him and finally be at this point. Neither one of us feel 100% ready but at this point what can you do really?

So, for the next few days I'll be carbo loading, hydrating, and hopefully sleeping too! Wish me luck!

3 Weeks until Marathon

Wow, I can't believe its been a month since I've posted. I'm still running and babying this stupid injury. After taking time off to let this injury heal I've gradually worked my way back up the training ladder. I completed long runs of 12, 14, 15, 17 and 20! Yes, that's right... 20 miles! My 17 miler was horrible. I left at 8:30 pm because we were leaving for vacation the next morning. I'm typically not an evening runner. The first 12 miles were okay. My IT bands were hurting but it was manageable. After I Gu'd (Gu Roctane) the 3rd time I got very sick. I had to make a run to the porta potty. I started getting really crampy and shaky. I'll save you the GI details but it was miserable. I walked a lot the last mile and came home sick. It took me another full day to recover.

Needless to say, I wasn't feeling very confident about my upcoming 20 miler or the marathon. With the vacation and stuff it was another 10 days before my next long run.

Last Saturday I met with Jen and Heather for a 20 mile jaunt through the canyon, around the reservoir, 2 miles back up the canyon and then turn around and run home. It was such a nice change to run with friends. It really helped the time go by. We just took the run nice and easy with lots of stretching breaks. All 3 of us nursing injuries;) I finished it feeling pretty decent which is a great confidence builder at this point.

My ITB is still bothering me but I think I can get through this marathon only as long as I don't push it too fast, remember to stretch a lot and just have fun. I won't be breaking any records thats for sure. I guess thats okay. I figure if you can't take your first marathon easy and just have fun then when can you?

On the mend

The ITbands are healing. In the past week I've been able to do the following:

Tuesday: 2 miles with pain

Thursday: 3 miles with less pain. Nearly got killed on the highway... details to follow this post.

Saturday: 5 miles (hills) with some pain. The pain did not get worse throughout the run which is a good sign. I did not have my knee taped so was surprised I could go that far. We were visiting my brother in Casper, WY. I got to run with the antelope or should I say, "the antelope whizzed past". Sure was wishing I could be an antelope.... what a fast fast animal!- Average pace (8:17)

Monday, August 17th- 5 miles again with very little pain. I'm keeping the KT tape on for a while longer. My average pace (8:16) was quite a bit faster than before I took 2 1/2 weeks off. Either the pool running made me stronger or it just feels so good to be back at running that I'm pushing it a lot harder.

Now, the question is how fast can I increase my mileage after taking time off?

Recovery

For the past week I have followed my chiro's orders and I have NOT been running. No pool running, no biking... nothing! My IT bands are full of scar tissue, both of them.

I had my followup visit yesterday and he suggested I try running again today.

The first mile was exhilarating and then BAM... more annoying knee pain! I will continue treatments, ART and Graston until we get this worked out. I will continue icing and wishful thinking. Lets be honest here... I will be PRAYING for a quick recovery because time is running out. The marathon is less than two months away.