Category Archives: Running

Friday fun facts: post Christmas

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1. From 12/23/11 to 1/3/11 I will work 11 out of those 12 nights. As a nurse it’s easy to pick up extra shifts over the holidays. It sounded like a good idea back in November.

2. Last night was my 1 night off. I put Carlos to bed at 6:45 (yes he goes to bed that early!) and I was in bed by 7!

3. I leave for Florida in exactly 5 days.

4. The weather looks fantastic for marathon day. A high of 72 degrees and sunny.

5. I’m writing this on my iPhone because my computer is having a sleep over at the Apple store tonight. Fun! Well not so much. My beloved MacBook is suffering from the severe slows since I upgraded to the new Lion operating system. Sadly a clean install is being performed. Let’s just say I’m apprehensive about the whole thing.

6. My Christmas tree came down on 12/27.

7. I dislike how I feel after indulging in way too many sweets over the holiday and beyond. I’m done now and moving on.

8. I am in taper mode of marathon training and I miss running a lot. Weird I know. I will write more on this later. I just read a great article and realized that I have gone about tapering all wrong.

9. I am trying to use up everything in our refrigerator before we go. Pasta with broccoli and cherry tomatoes tonight.

10. I am running a marathon in 8 days! Me!!

Marathon Training Week 23

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After months of training the taper has begun and I hate it. I understand and value the importance of tapering mileage as the marathon nears. However, it couldn’t come at a worse time…Christmas! A treat here, a treat there, freaking treats are everywhere. Why can’t I just be one of those people who can walk right by cookies, candy and desserts without a second thought? Well I’m not and therefore felt like I had to do a little more than what my training schedule called for.

Date

Scheduled Run

Actual Workout
Sunday, 12/18/11 Rest Day Rest Day

 
Monday, 12/19/11 3 Mile Run 3 Mile Run

 
Tuesday, 12/20/11 Rest Day 4 Miles (The weather was nice and I had a little time when my husband came home from work.)

 
Wednesday, 12/21/11 5 Mile Run 5 Mile Run

 
Thursday, 12/22/11 Rest Day 40 minute run around home without my Garmin so not sure about the mileage

 
Friday, 12/23/11 2 Mile Run 5 Mile Run

 
Saturday, 12/24/11 Christmas Eve – no set plan 5 Mile Run at the gym; 30 minutes of strength training

 

A few of the runs felt sluggish. Yes the funk continues. I just wasn’t feeling the running this week. Could it be the crap I’ve been eating? I think so. This week I will be running my last double digit run and I will be cleaning up my diet. I also hope to finally get some new music to revive my running playlist in preparation for the marathon. Despite my blasé attitude today I am actually really excited about the marathon and our upcoming trip to Florida.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Best of running 2011

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I saw this on Stephanie’s blog Running to Health and I really love the idea of summarizing the highlights in my first full year as a “runner.” The questions come from Miss Zippy a new to me blog, but one I look forward to reading.

  • Best race experience? I think my best race experience this year would have to be my most recent half marathon in November. I had planned to do the 5k but when I broke my rib in September I didn’t bother signing up for the race. Just two days before the race I was feeling great and since my training plan called for 13 miles I thought I would go for it and do the Monson half marathon instead. It was a tough hilly course but the challenge of it made the finish even more sweet. It was my slowest half but considering where I had been just weeks before it was without a doubt the most gratifying race.
  • Best run? The 22 mile run a few weeks ago has been my best and longest run yet. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and made me think twice about ever saying “I can’t!”
  • Best new piece of gear? I would have to say that my Garmin continues to be my favorite piece of running gear. I’m no longer stuck running around a track or calculating mileage in my car before a run.
  • Best piece of running advice you received? Do not compare yourself to others. Run within yourself and for yourself first.
  • Most inspirational runner? From the day my son took his first steps at 10 months old he was off and running. I knew I needed to get in shape and do something to keep up with him. Enter running! My son continues to inspire me to become a better, healthier person. I am also inspired by my younger cousin who has run a number of marathons and coaches for Team in Training.
  • If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Amazing in motion! Cheesy I know but true.

Happy Holidays everyone!

FMM: Have You Ever?

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I should probably rename this to Friend Makin’ Tuesday because I am in the habit of posting my Marathon Training weekly recap on Mondays. However, I like the change of pace that the question and answer format offers. It also lets me talk about something other than running. If you want to join in too answer the questions on your blog and then paste a link in the comments over on Kenlie’s blog All the Weigh.

FMM: Have You Ever?

1. …traveled outside of your home country?  If so, where?  I have lived in both Mexico and Mozambique. I’ve traveled to Niagra Falls and Quebec City, Canada. While living in Mozambique I visited Swaziland and South Africa. A couple of years ago we went on a very relaxing vacation to the Dominican Republic. This past September for our 10 year wedding anniversary my husband and I celebrated in Bermuda. I love to travel. This year we are hoping to visit Montreal and Portugal along with some U.S. destinations.

2. …performed on stage in front of at least 1,000 people? If so, share some details!  Oh my goodness never. I could never!

3. …watched an episode of Jersey Shore?  No I haven’t, but I hear it’s a hoot.

4. …baked a cake from scratch?  If so, what’s your specialty?  I have baked cakes from scratch though it’s been a while. My specialty is copying the wonderful recipes I find on food blogs.

5. …worked in a grocery store?  Yes I worked in a small food market when I was 15 years old. It was walking distance from my house.

6. …dated someone who was your best friend first?  No, but I would consider my husband my best friend.

7. …made a difference in someone’s life during Christmas?  Other than my son’s life (said with sarcasm). I’m not sure about this. I hope in some small way I made someone’s hospital stay a little more bearable on Christmas.

8. …been on TV?  Yes my swearing in ceremony for Peace Corps in Mozambique was televised and at the last minute my soon to be site mate had an attack of stage fright so I had to get up and read the speech in Portuguese that she was supposed to do. I was petrified too, but I felt so awful for her I just had to help her. Fortunately no one in Mozambique knew who I was at the time and they probably couldn’t understand me anyway since I had only recently learned Portuguese!

9. …had cosmetic surgery? No.

10. …learned a second language?  If so, what else do you speak? I speak Portuguese, much better now than when I gave that speech! I spoke Spanish but now it comes out sounding an awful lot like Portuguese. However, I’m still able to communicate with Spanish speaking patients which is extremely helpful where I work. They always seem grateful that I’m making an effort. I also speak enough of my husband’s first language, Shangana, to get around on my own in southern Mozambique. I understand more than I speak though I often don’t let on that I do and sometimes I surprise people when I know exactly what they just said. It’s fun and my accent always gets me a few laughs, but the Mozambicans love when I say anything in Shangana.

Marathon Training Week 22

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Things are really winding down with my marathon training yet I wasn’t quite ready to slow down. For the most part I stuck with the mileage I had on my calendar but you’ll see that on Friday I added some miles to my scheduled run. Honestly I just felt like running more that day so I went with it. I try to do active things on my rest day that aren’t forced or too strenuous. I also like to make sure Carlos and I get outside together. So here is the week in review.

Date

Scheduled Run

Actual Workout
Sunday, 12/11/11 4 Mile Run 4 Mile Run

 
Monday, 12/12/11 3 Mile Run 3 miles at the gym in just under 30 minutes; upper and lower body strength training for 45 minutes

 
Tuesday, 12/13/11 Rest Day Rest Day (does Christmas shopping count as a workout because it sure felt like one?!)

 
Wednesday, 12/14/11 5 Mile Run 5 Mile Run

 
Thursday, 12/15/11 Rest Day Rest Day (Carlos and I went to the college track for over an hour. He rode his scooter while I walked. I think we did about 2 miles.)

 
Friday, 12/16/11 3 Mile Run 8.5 Mile Run

 
Saturday, 12/17/11 8 Mile Run 8 Mile Run

 

It was a strange week for me. I wrote many a blog post in my head but never got around to actually typing them. For no apparent reason I felt very emotional (nope not pregnant or PMSing). I seriously started crying on at least two of my runs. Nothing outrageous just a few tear bursts but it’s never happened before. Weird?! OK maybe not so weird given these things that might have contributed to my eruption of emotions like the holidays, my baby turning 5 years old, marathon training tapering, a very upsetting situation at work when I went to assist with a patient on another unit, the excess of food always around this time of year, my snug pants and a few other things that probably only upset me because I can be very sensitive.

It felt good to cry a bit. I’m starting this week with a plan and a refrigerator full of vegetables. I’ve decided to loosely follow my marathon training plan and just go with how I feel combined with lots of stretching, a couple days of strength training and Wii dancing!

36&5

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Thirty six years ago today I received one of the best early Christmas gifts a 2 year old little girl can receive…a baby sister. She was like a real life baby doll. I wanted to take care of her, feed her and play with her. Our lives have taken us along very different paths sometimes close and other times very far apart both physically and emotionally. As time passes our bond as sisters has grown stronger. Traditionally it is the younger sister who looks up to the older sister. I have always looked up to my sister. I was horribly awkward during the teen years while my sister seemed to flow effortlessly amongst any group. She was smart, athletic, beautiful and stylish. Most importantly she was genuinely nice to everyone. Those qualities only enhance the responsible, independent, worldly woman she has become. I am honored and so very lucky to have such a wonderful sister.

Fast forward 31 years. Five years ago today I was in the hospital awaiting the birth of my first child. At 6:29 pm on December 17 my baby boy, Carlos, was born on my sister’s birthday. I was due on December 23, but kept praying I would have the baby on the 17th. It just seemed fitting to have my child on a family member’s birthday as I was born on my grandmother’s birthday.

I love that my sister and her only nephew share a special bond too. He changed our lives in many ways and brought so much joy to this month that begins with such sad memories for us. Carlos was just what we needed in our family. Words could never come close to expressing how much I adore him. These are the days I want time to stop so I can hold on to my baby boy before he is all grown up.

Today he was all little boy, giddy with excitement. Our day started at the crack of dawn. Finally at 6:30 we crept downstairs to give Carlos his gifts. We had everything set up last night. We gave him a Disney Cars table and chairs set (not very exciting I know!, but his previous set broke when Orlando decided to sit on the table and he really wanted another one. He was thrilled that this one featured the characters from Cars).

The real gift was the Wii. He recently played it at two of our friends’ homes so we knew he would like it. We never imagined his reaction. He loved it. He was so surprised and kept thanking us over and over telling us we are the “bestest” mom and dad ever! Needless to say I spent hours this morning riding Luigi around various tracks in Mario Kart. Fortunately new games were on their way later in the day.

Wii action

Krazy for Mario Kart

After hours of Wii I decided that as the mother of the birthday boy I too deserved a gift so I took some time to enjoy a nice 8 mile run on yet another gorgeous December day. From one mother to another I thank you Mother Nature. I did a slightly different route around home and it ended up being quite a hilly run with winds in my face for about half of it. I enjoyed the challenge though and actually made good time.

This evening we had family and good friends and their son over for pizza and cake to celebrate Carlos’ big day.

I couldn’t get a decent picture of Carlos blowing out the candle to save my life. His friend kept trying to blow out the candle too. It was a little crazy. This was the best I could do.

Carlos sitting with his Nonna and friend

My baby boy I mean big boy is sound asleep. I just went to check on him. I could sit and watch him sleep all day long. There is nothing more peaceful than a sleeping child or baby.  I am so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy son and a beautiful, healthy sister. So when people ask what was the best Christmas gift you ever got, it’s hard to imagine what could be better than the early Christmas gifts I received twice in my life on December 17th.

Marathon Training Week 21

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When I made out my marathon training schedule back in June I remember thinking how far away December seemed on the calendar. I wondered if I would be able to complete the longest run of my marathon training outdoors. Mother nature has certainly been showing her love to me. I’m still running almost every single run outside.

The big news of my training week is obviously my 22 mile long run. This is the longest distance I will run before the marathon. I ran it by myself as I have done nearly all of my runs. I ran a a relatively flat route because I wanted to get a feel for my pace and time because the Disney course is fairly flat.

I ran along the Norwottuck Rail Trail, a familiar bike trail that connects Northampton, Hadley and Amherst, MA, and continued onto a connecter trail that I had never been on before. There were people out scattered along the way. I ran 11 miles out which included two loops around Look Park in Northampton, MA and then the exact same route back. At least this way I was forced to finish what I had started!
I ran and ran and ran channeling my inner Forrest Gump. I only stopped to walk when I drank from my CamelBak or ate some Sharkies kids sports chews. These were new for me and I loved them. They reminded me of Sour Patch Kids only without the tartness. The website boasts the following facts about Sharkies chews:
  • USDA Certified Organic
  • 100% Vitamin C
  • No High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • No artificial dyes or flavors
  • No fat
  • Free of Wheat, Gluten & Nuts
I loved them. The only thing is the packaging is a bit big. I will probably empty them in a smaller plastic bag and carry them in my Spibelt. I also tried a Gu again. I had only tried one once before and hated it. I took an orange Gu at mile 18 and within minutes the tightness in my legs was noticeably less. I felt like I had a surge of energy and off I went. Those last 4 miles weren’t nearly as difficult as I imagined they would be. In fact all 22 miles were pretty incredible .

If I ever doubted my ability to run a marathon I don’t anymore. I knew that running to 22 miles was necessary for me to psychologically and physically feel ready for this marathon. This isn’t true for everyone training for a marathon. I think the most important thing is to do what feels right, be flexible and enjoy yourself.

Needless to say the long run altered my schedule for the remainder of the week. Here’s a look at how it went.

Date

Scheduled Run

Actual Workout
Sunday, 12/4/11 Rest Day 22 Mile Run
Monday, 12/5/11 4 Mile Run 30 minutes on Arc Trainer; upper body strength training
Tuesday, 12/6/11 Rest Day 5 Mile Run
Wednesday, 12/7/11 4 Mile Run 4.5 Mile Run
Thursday, 12/8/11 Rest Day 8 Mile Run
Friday, 12/9/11 4 Mile Run Rest Day
Saturday, 12/10/11 9 Mile Run 9 Mile Run

On Monday I was in absolutely no mood to run at all! So I didn’t. Instead I went to the gym. Tuesday was a scheduled rest day, but the weather was decent and my husband was home so I took off for an unplanned run and ended up going for 5 miles. Wednesday I ran my 8 and 9 mile runs around home. The route is quite hilly, but I was bounding up those hills with ease.

The other night at a party my friend announced that I was a runner and I would be running a maraton. I still feel funny when other people call me a runner. Somewhere in my head I think I am supposed to look differently in order to be considered a runner. The truth is that marathon or not I would have been out there running anyway because as Marion would say, it makes me feel awesome. Runners come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages and levels of fitness. What matters most is that we are all out there running and doing something we love. I am a runner because I run, race or no race and it is awesome!

Marathon Training Week 20

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Marathon training is going great. With the unseasonal somewhat warmer weather I have been doing almost all of my runs outside. Not one run this week stands out as being bad. In fact they were all really good runs.

Date

Scheduled Run

Actual Workout
Sunday, 11/27/11 6 Mile Run 6 Mile Run

 
Monday, 11/28/11 5 Mile Run

 

 5 Mile Run
Tuesday, 11/29/11

 

 Rest Day Rest Day
Wednesday, 11/30/11 8 Mile Run

 

 8 Mile Run
Thursday, 12/1/11 Rest Day

 

 Rest Day
Friday, 12/2/11 4 Mile Run

 

 4 Mile Run
Saturday, 12/3/11 22 Mile Run 45 Minutes on the Arc Trainer at the gym and upper body strength training

I had a phenomenal 8 mile run on Wednesday. I am starting to feel like I’m hitting my groove with running. The 4 mile run on Friday was one of my fastest runs since my rib injury.

My long runs are always scheduled for Saturday, but the way I have designed the schedule I can do the long run on either Saturday or Sunday. I usually like to get it over with on Saturday. This week we had a busy Saturday. My car was scheduled for an oil change, Carlos had a birthday party and my husband and I had plans to go out to dinner. I scanned the weather as the weekend neared and Sunday looked like it was going to be a bit warmer. Rather than cramming a 22 mile run in on a busy Saturday I decided to hold off until Sunday.

I went to the gym instead on Saturday morning and did the Arc Trainer and some upper body strength training with free weights. Then I brought the car to the dealer for an oil change and enjoyed an hour all to myself in the waiting room. They have the most comfortable leather sofas. I sunk into the sofa with a cup of complimentary tea and caught up on blogs via my iPhone since my laptop had been at the Apple Store since the day before with a malfunctioning keyboard (I spilled some water on it accidentally, shhhh!). It’s all fixed now. I used to ask my husband to deal with all the car related issues, but I think I’m going to take over routine maintenance visits that I will conveniently schedule on Saturday mornings.

After a visit to Kringle Candle last weekend, my husband and I were intrigued by the restaurant there. I had this weekend off and we were able to get a babysitter so it was perfect timing. The restaurant is called The Farm Table. The restaurant focuses “on healthy, ethical and sustainable farm-to-table food practices and local vendors.” This is a photo from the week before when we went with Carlos. I wish I had some photos from inside because it was beautiful.

The Farm Table Restaurant at Kringle Candle

The funniest part of the evening was when Orlando came back from the bathroom and said, “Aim you have to go to the bathroom right now.” Me: “I don’t have to go now. I’ll go later.” Orlando: “No please go now so we can talk about it!” I opened the bathroom door and I knew exactly what he meant. It was stunning with its marble floors and counters that beautifully paired with quaint country accents of wrought iron, natural woodwork and faintly glowing antique lighting.

Dinner was fabulous. I had the Salad of Pears, Arugula and Great Hill Blue Cheese with Spiced Walnuts and White Balsamic Vinaigrette followed by Organic Roasted Delicata Squash Stuffed with Root Vegetables, Herb Risotto, Fontina Cheese, and Sauteed Autumn Greens. Orlando and I got separate desserts to share. He got the goat cheesecake with a fig spread and honey coated peanuts and I got the chocolate salted caramel dessert plate. Orlando’s was incredible. Mine lacked the salty sweet sensation I had hoped for.

I woke up feeling rested and ready to run on Sunday morning at 6am, a little later than I had planned. I had prepared everything the night before so all I had to do was get ready and go. Recap of the long run coming soon.