Break Over

After doing the Park to Park 1/2 Marathon on Sept. 11, I felt a little burned out from running both physically and mentally. I decided I would take a break. By taking a break, I don't mean not running. I mean not training. I would have no real training goals and would run by feel. I wouldn't keep track of how far I ran or even plan how far I was going to run. I started running without my Garmin. At first, I felt naked. I would only run routes that I was familar with so I would know exactly how far I had run--which sort of defeats the purpose of running Garmin-free.

That was almost three weeks ago. All I can say is--I guess the break is over. I felt the need to set a goal and do some more targeted (although laidback) training. So I will be doing the Sullivan Brothers 10k in Waterloo on November 6. Typically, I focus on 1/2 marathons, so this is a little different, and my "prescribed" mileage is less, although I will still do a longer run (like 10-11 miles) on weekends. Although 10-11 miles was a relatively short long run, if you will, several weeks back, it seems pretty long right now--after just a few weeks of not doing long weekend runs.

I felt the need to pick a race to do because (to some extent and in some ways) I thrive on structure and discipline. Is this good or bad? I have mixed feelings. It bothers me a bit that I couldn't just run to run. I had to choose a race and make a training plan. I was just feeling a little blah without a goal.

I have somewhat of a revised goal for all of my races. When I train for a race, I usually do have a specific goal in mind that I'd like to run it in, but I'm not sure anymore that this is the most important thing. I ran an 8 mile race this summer. It was an amazing day for me--I felt great the entire moment. There was never a moment when I said, "This is painful," or asked, "When is this going to be over?" I enjoyed the experience every step of the way. I had a decent time in that race, but that really wasn't why it was such a good race. I train so I can do these races and be comfortable enough on race day to enjoy the atmosphere and the run. I want to be able to run hard (although not all that FAST) and not be miserable.

I think I like thinking about races in this way because as I age, it's a goal I can still reach. Many times when runners get older they get discouraged to see their times increase. It happens--there is something called an age-graded time that takes into account your age. Lots of aging runners set goals related to that. I don't know if I even need a goal that complex.

Murphy and I ran 4 miles today. He did a nice job. We saw a few dogs who were curious about him but he stayed focused on the run. There is something about running that gives him tunnel-vision. He doesn't care so much about other dogs out on the trail. He notices them but just keeps on going. It's also much easier when he's wearing his Gentle Leader. I could tell he was anxious at one point when we passed a house that had two fenced-in barking Pit Bulls. However, he looked straight ahead and kept moving. Good boy, Murphy! I am thinking 4-5 miles may be the max I get Murphy to run from now on. It's not that he can't run further. He can and he has, but I think 4-5 miles is his ideal run because it's long enough to get him into a groove but it leaves him wanting more. Plus, on longer runs, I can better focus on my form and mental strategies if I'm alone.

Running with dogs is becoming a popular past-time and I'm hearing more and more about it. For instance, there is a section on the Runner's World website regarding running with dogs. It's not rocket science, but you do need to now how to look for trouble with your dog--particularly heat exhaustion. You also need to know how to train them to run how and where you want. Murphy always runs on my left, or in the middle of the trail. There are pros and cons to having him on this side, but it's his strong preference and I'll go with it because it's predictable and I always know where he is. It's very rare anymore that he tries to cross in front of me. The only time he really does that is when there's a rabbit, and I'm not sure I can override that instinct.

Tomorrow...is Wednesday. More importantly, I will have visitors. I can't really even call them visitors--because they are my family and Waterloo is their permanent home. Yes, Bill, Gus-Gus, and Alice (the Denver contingent of my family) will be here for a very long weekend. I am excited to see how pumped Karl and Murphy will be to see their dad and brother.

I have an odd problem and I wondering if others have it as well. If an actor plays a character on one show, I have trouble if they get a role on a show later on because I still associate them with the 1st character that they play. For instance, even though I know different, I still often think about how weird it is that Dexter used to live in a funeral home and now is a serial killer. And now Lila from Friday Night Lights got out of town after high school and works as an interventionist for a kid with autism. I tend to mesh story lines together.

Karl's Berry Delight

I got up this morning and took my time getting ready to run. I did a leisurely 4 1/2 mile run to downtown Waterloo. It was a nice run--a beautiful day. Clear and sunny. Maybe 60 degrees. Perfect for my capri tights and a short-sleeved shirt.

When I got back, it was time to get down to business. I needed to attack a problem that has been plagueing the Waterloo Hennibaughs for the last 3-4 days. It's been raining constantly, so this has been the first chance I've had to solve this problem.

I noticed one evening (maybe Tuesday or Wednesday) that Karl came in from outside and seemed to be sloppily chewing pinkish purple bubblegum. He seemed so proud of himself. His mouth was oozing a pinkish purple creamy foam and he was also tracking in the substance on his huge paws. It took me a bit to figure this out...but Karl had discovered what I have started calling "Karl's Berry Delight." Interestingly, Murphy seemed to have no interest, but Karl was obsessed. He just couldn't get enough berries. He didn't need Cool Whip and he wasn't interested in a pie--raw berries seem to be the bee's knees of Karl.




Delicious and tasty mystery berries--they are sort of pretty.



Mystery berry plant is at the far back of this huge mess.

A very large bush/weed/overgrown shrub in our backyard had begun to sprout berries. Apparently delicious berries. There berries may have been coming from an overgrown rhubarb plant (is that possible?). If Karl wants to eat things in the backyard that I am not planning to eat (like those tomatoes from last year's garden) and they won't make him sick, I have no problem. However, Karl's Berry Delight was creating a big challenge for me upon Karl's entry into the house. I had already cleaned up several huge pink messes. I had to get the carpet cleaner out to correct the tie-dyed pinkish spots Karl had created on the carpet. In addition, Karl seemed to be attempting to dye himself pink, especially his face and his big paws. It was time to attack this head-on.

So I did. I took my rusty old hedge trimmers and started chopping. Here are the after photos:

I was a stained disaster.



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Bye Bye Berry Delight


As you can see, this project was a mess. I ended up with purplish-pink hands, feeet, and pants. If you are wondering why I didn't wear shoes, I did wear shoes. I wore my generic Crocs gardening shoes and my feet are somehow still stained. At the end, you can see that I have somewhat demolished Karl's Berry Delight.

One sad moment though...for several days, Karl has been sitting by the backdoor waiting to be let out so he could eat berries. After my "project," I let him out and he enthusiastically ran to visit his treasure. He checked it out for a moment, looked at me, looked back at his treasure, and then walked away with his head down. I almost felt bad for the poor guy. Sorry, Karl. No more berry delight for you.

Hump Day

Hello, friends! Happy Wednesday. First of all, check out this article from the Waterloo Courier:

http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/article_3ab7dd99-885c-56e3-a4c8-eef606045f36.html

It's not very long, but we are looking for PR for our organization and have to start somewhere. I love working with Christy Kessens. She is ambitious and has great ideas. She is so passionate about helping families and individuals affected by Alzheimer's. I really admire her for her travel to Belize and her work "in the trenches." The article has a great picture of her.

I didn't run today. I am backing off on my mileage right now. I thought I'd relax a little and let my body recover. So my plan is to only run 4-5 times a week for the next few weeks. I am thinking 20-30 miles a week--down from a little over 40 miles a week. One thing that I have been really consistent with and have enjoyed lately is my Tuesday/Thursday morning run. I don't have to be in to work until a little later on those days, so I have time to get up, eat, do a decent length run (5-7 or even 8 miles), and still make it to work without feeling rushed. Over the last few years, I've become much more of a "morning runner." (I still wouldn't call myself a morning person, though.) This is mostly because I often come home from work tired and with a headache. It's just easier to get myself out on the streets in the a.m.

I am beginning to think that I need daily ice cream for survival. Yesterday it was a vanilla Frosty from Wendy's. Today it was a cone from McDonald's. Tomorrow? Why is it that the more I eat ice cream the more I think ice cream is a necessity? 

Really?

So before I go to bed tonight, I want to tell everyone about a recent discovery. I say EVERYONE because I recently looked at some blog "stats" and realized that there are actually people out there who are unrelated to me by blood and marriage that read my blog. I was honestly shocked by this. That, in fact, is the recent discovery. People read my blog.

Tonight I have a list which I came up with while running this morning. The list is: Stuff I Love But Don't Know Why

1. Vacuuming--I have to hold back so I don't ruin our carpet by vacuuming three times a day
2. Public Speaking--not a common love, but I find it invigorating
3. Cleaning my dogs' ears--like I said, I don't know why
4. Having blistered and callused feet--they seem "strong"
5. Cleaning anything and everything with large amounts of undiluted bleach
6. Cracking my neck
7. Being able to order stamps by mail
8. Obnoxiously strong scented candles
9. Mechanical pencils
10. Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning cuts/wounds
11. Running at cemetaries


I happened to come across the blog of an old friend from Ames tonight and she has a list of 100 things she wants to do in the next 100 days. Some are big things (regarding career changes/potty training her son/etc) and others are small things (like growing out her bangs/writing letters to her grandma).

I may try to come up with something similar. I like the sense of accomplishment I get when I do something I want to do, and it would help me achieve that. Mine might be things like cleaning out the air ducts in the house, throwing out all of my underwear with holes and buying new pairs, teaching my dogs new tricks, making a better system for keeping my socks in pairs...Maybe I am onto something. I will keep thinking about this.

Murphy had a big old lump on his neck this weekend which of course worried me to death. Turns out it is an infected salivary gland. He is going to be okay. I am grateful for that because I didn't want to call up Bill in Denver and tell him Murphy was seriously ill. I was even more worried because our friends' dog, Barney, just died from lymphoma.

So, all is well at our little home on West Third for the time-being, and it's even better because Bill will be home next Wednesday (a week from tomorrow) and stay about three days. He'll even get to go to a UNI football game while he's here. I am really looking forward to it. When he gets home, I think he will be surprised by a few things: 1) how clean and uncluttered the house seems, 2) how I have no food here as a result of my refusal to grocery shop, and 3) how I have totally given up on making the backyard easy on the eyes.

Fall arrives

Well, Bill's been living in Denver for about 3 weeks and the big question people have is how I am doing. I am doing well. I did not marry someone to live 11 hours away from them, but I can manage it for 10 months--especially since he will be home for stretches at Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. I am fortunate to have a great husband and fortunate that he's great at keeping in touch with me (via email, text, phone) and completely trustworthy.

Although it's not an overall positive situation, I try to focus on the positives. For instance, our house is cleaner than it has been since we moved here. I am very productive when it comes to work stuff (I usually work about 3-4 hours at home in the evenings after I get home). As corny as it sounds, I could consider this a time for self-discovery...blah...blah...I guess I really don't get into stuff like that. Bill is doing well also. He is throwing parties for new friends, going to Rockies games, Taco Happy Hour, new restaurants...I am proud of him for taking full advantage of living in Denver. Maybe I'm also a little jealous.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I've been getting up and running before work because I usually don't have to be in until a little later. I love it. Today I had a beautiful fall morning and went out for a little over 6 miles. It seemed chilly when I started, so I wore long-sleeves. I regretted that about 1/2 a mile into the run. Should've gone with a short sleeve shirt or even a sleeveless jersey.

I enjoy the feeling of fall when the air is a little crisp but it's really chilly yet. That might just be my favorite running season. I have to say that fall and summer are my favorite seasons. Spring is okay, but I struggle to enjoy winter around here. I am trying, though, to make my peace with winter because as long as I live in Iowa tough winters will just be a way of life.

I am planning to do a 10k this Saturday morning to benefit a local nursing home. Obviously, this cause is important to me because I work in gerontology. I am going to do the run more casually--not really as a race--just for fun. I hope they have a great turnout; it's a 5k and 10k.

P2P

Hello cyberfolks! Yesterday was a busy day. My mother-in-law Denell and I participated in the Park to Park 1/2 Marathon in the morning, went out to lunch with some friends, and then went to the UNI football game in the evening. I will admit I took a nap in there somewhere (I did get up before 5) but it was only for about 30 minutes, which hardly counts as a nap for someone who can usually sleep for two hours in the afternoon.

Denell walked the Park to Park and I ran it. Her performance was much more impressive than mine. She finished in an incredible 2:35, which is just amazing! As for my run, my time didn't impress me, but I felt great the entire way, so I can't complain, especially because it was a gorgeous morning and a well-organized race.

I think sometimes I start too conservatively because I am worried about hitting the wall, and to really improve my times, I need to be more aggressive at the start. However, I sometimes debate how important improving my times really is to me. I want to be able to go out and comfortably run 1/2 marathons and have then be pleasant (not miserable) experiences. I typically achieve this. I'm not sure if my life would really be that different if I ran them 5 or 10 minutes faster.

I saw some folks I knew at the race yesterday. I knew people walking, running, doing the 1/2, the 5k, the 10k....younger people and older people. I think I heard 1,500 people did the Park to Park. It's always fun to see so many people come out to an event and have fun. The winning times always blow my mind, but so does the 70 year old man walking the 1/2, the woman pushing the kid in the wheelchair, the guy who has lost 60 founds in the last year and can now do a 5k...There was a kid who was maybe 9 or 10 running the 1/2 (faster than me) and I thought about how LONG the mile run was for me in elementary school. I would have sooner died than even entered a 5k, but that kid made 13.1 look easy.

I have to say that I think the reason I couldn't have run a half marathon 20, 15, or maybe even 10 years ago was not a physical reason, but rather a mental one. I really don't think I had the mental ability and toughness to do the distance training until my mid-20's. Ironically, when I might have been able to physically go the fastest, I didn't have the mentality to even really attempt serious running.

I am exhausted today. I don't think it's because of the race. It's a different type of tired than that. I think it's because I worked particularly long hours last week (at work and then also at home) and didn't get to recover too much yesterday. I thought I might do a short run today but I really just don't feel like it, although it is a beautiful day. I am being very lazy.

Hello September

Welcome to September! It's starting to cool off and feel a little bit like fall, which is fine by me. I love summer, but I think fall may be my favorite season. Last night I ran 6 miles after I finished teaching step (filling in for a friend at the rec center) and there was just enough chill in the air to remind me that football season is coming. I was running in the trails over in Cedar Falls, which was a nice change for me, and I finished about 7:30--just as it was starting to get dark. It was a beautiful fall night.

I spent the weekend in Denver with Bill. I love his apartment and there is so much to do there! I am a little jealous of his adventure, although I do love my job in Iowa. I think Bill is going to have a good 10 months living in Colorado.

This weekend is the Park to Park, and it appears that it will be last "major" race of the year. I hear it will be HUGE. The 1/2 marathon sold out, and then they opened another 100 slots. It may be a little crowded out on the trails. They also have a 5k and a 10k, so a lot of folks will be out at George Wyth. I am hoping for great fall weather and looking forward to seeing some of my running friends on the trails.