What do you mean I have to learn lessons AND train at the same time?

First off, I feel badly that it has taken me so long to post again. My goal was to say a little something at least after every couple of runs. Who knew it was going to be so hard to find the time to write a blog? Okay, there are probably a number of people who could have told me that, but chances are I wouldn't have listened. Sometimes I am still like a teenager and have to learn all of my lessons on my own, instead of learning from others' experiences.

There is this tendency to think such things don't apply to me; after all I can do it all, right? LOL, don't I wish! The same goes with some of the lessons I've already had to learn. I will try to keep this pretty brief, but I have several little "lessons" I will share. At first, I was not going to write about some of these; I mean, after all, who wants to publicize being humbled and learning you are not "wonder woman"? However, this little voice in my head kept nagging at me, so here we go...

One of my first humbling experiences came during week 2 when I didn't plan very well. I usually donate during blood drives at work, and whenever they need it, I will typically donate a double unit of red blood cells through apheresis. It was not until I got to work that morning that I realized I had a decision to make; either not donate or skip the speedwork I was supposed to do that evening. After donating, you are supposed to avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. Well, I'd made the commitment to donate blood, so went in for my appointment, and yes they needed double units of A+ red blood cells. During the process, I started asking questions; basically about how to get around the rules and go ahead and do my speedwork. I was kinda pushy I guess, but never got anybody to approve of what I was planning. However, I decided if I ate a really good meal and hydrated really well and made sure I was at the gym for my workout (so someone could catch me when I came flying off the treadmill, I guess), then I could still do both things and not have to sacrifice either. Why do I have to do things the hard way? Okay, I didn't faint or anything, but I was only able to get halfway through my workout and then was really exhausted the next day. Can anybody say, "Big Picture, Tina". Yes, now I realize I could have really messed things up and not been able to run in the race at all, but sometimes I am a slow learner.

A couple of weeks later after an easy 5-mile run, I guess I didn't hydrate very well. You will see this issue again, as I guess I am not a very good judge of how much I am drinking. After running, I came home and thought I ate pretty well and drank plenty of fluids. I fell asleep in the recliner watching tv. One of the rare occasions for watching tv, maybe that was the problem. Anyway, when I woke up and went to bed, I noticed a little nagging headache, but didn't take the time to take anything for it, thinking it would be gone in the morning. I woke up a couple of times during the night and was really thirsty, but never got up and got a drink. Next thing I know, I'm waking up with a horrible migraine. Migraines are a relatively new thing for me in the last few years, and for some reason being dehydrated seems to trigger one. Long story short, I didn't feel even halfway human again until mid-afternoon.

Now, I don't want to give the wrong impression. Overall, the training is going really well. With the exception of week 2, I've been able to meet my speedwork goals every time. Last Wednesday, for example I ran a total of 7 miles, with 3 of those at a 9:05 pace and 1/2 mile recovery jogs in between each mile. I felt good during and after the run. And, on all of my tempo runs I have been able to maintain my goal pace of 9:43/mile the whole time (5 - 6 miles). More experienced and younger runners probably think that is pretty slow, but for me it's a challenge. Seems to be just right though, as it is hard enough to make me really work, but not so hard that I can't do it. Again, I've been feeling good during and after each of those runs.

My other experience with not staying hydrated was after the 12-mile long run on August 8. I ran well, maintained my goal pace and was taking fluid breaks every mile. I had mixed powdered Gatorade at 1/2 of full-strength, since I didn't have any way to take two different containers. During a race, I will usually alternate between water and Gatorade. I was feeling a little tired by the end of the run, but nothing unusual. All I had in my car to drink was what was left of my morning cappucino and I finished that off while I was walking around to cool down. After about 15 minutes, I decided I would stretch at home, since it was less than a 10-minute drive.

I had just entered the roundabout to get on the turnpike when severe leg cramps hit in both calves. Never, ever before have I experienced anything like that. I got pulled off the turnpike right after getting on, even though there was barely any shoulder since it was in a construction zone. There was no choice, as I could not move either of my feet. Once I was able to get out of the car and walk, I was okay until I tried to sit back down. Eventually, I managed to get back in the car and drive home. A big thank-you though, goes to the construction worker who not only came over from the construction site to check on me, but when he was leaving and saw that I was still there, pulled up behind my car and waited until I was able to drive. He followed me down to my exit and all the way to the toll booth before he turned around and went on his way. It was a very kind and thoughtful thing to do and of course, I have no idea what his name is. Maybe some day I will be able to say "thank you" again.

Last weekend was the farthest I have ever run: 14 miles! Without the help of D, who rode along on the bike and carried two big bottles of Powerade, I am not sure I would have made it. There is no way I could have carried the amount of fluids I drank on this run. Along with carrying the Powerade, he kept encouraging me and telling me how well I was doing. He also noticed the 3' long snake that was on the trail and made me stop while he scared it away. It was not a friendly snake and it was near the end of my run. I was looking about 3 feet in front of myself, because to look straight ahead made it seem like I still had soooo far to go. I would not have seen that snake until I was almost on top of it, or until it bit me.

Since I did not do so well at getting out of bed that morning, we got a later start than we should have. It was pretty hot and humid, so I was struggling to breathe the last few miles, and my pace was a little slower than the training schedule showed. Just the running part took about 3 hours, and when you add in getting the bike ready, driving to and from, etc., D gave up a big chunk of his day to be my "athletic supporter" (Ha Ha). I hope I was able to communicate just how much that meant to me and how much I appreciate the support and encouragement. And to top it all off - no leg or foot cramps at all!!! After a little bit to eat and a bit more to drink, I took a shower and a nap and felt great. My legs were not even very sore the next day!

Last night was an easy 2 miles, and I am resting tonight. And to make things even better, today I got my first donation (besides my own) made through my page on the Team Safe Kids website! Thank you Lisa!

I've had a couple of people, including my mother (sorry Mom!) tell me they didn't know how to make a donation. The link right to my page is in the Links menu at the top right of this blog. After getting to the page, it's pretty easy to walk through the steps to donate. Of course, I can personally accept donations and will forward them on after entering them. And for those who prefer, it is easy to remain anonymous and not have your name posted with your donation. Also, you will receive a thank-you receipt for use with your tax return.

I've read about how important it is to get plenty of rest, so think I will head to bed. To help keep each entry from being so long, I will try to do better at posting a little more often. Good night!

Time to kick it up a notch...

Allllllrighty then! After an "easy" week, it is definitely time to start training a little harder. A total of 6 miles last night, with 4 of them at a 9:40 pace - which for me is a pretty good clip. Remember, I run sloooowwww. Actually, last night's run was great. I maintained the pace just like I was supposed to, and since I was inside on the treadmill, I was able to breathe without huffing and puffing. My preference is to run outside whenever possible. When the humidity is high, I don't have a lot of choice thanks to exercise-induced asthma. Never had asthma until a couple of years ago. It is rather annoying, but went to the doc today and will be trying something new to see if it helps. Feeling very hopeful that it will work.

Want to say thanks to a friend for running 5 miles with me on Saturday. I happened to be in my hometown of Ottawa and sent a text message hoping to have a running companion on the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail. As it turns out, he was able to join me. We had a good run and some good conversation as well. I miss the trail - used to run on it all the time. Now, it seems kinda silly to drive for 40 minutes just so I can; especially just for a 5-miler. It is similar to running on the levee in Lawrence, soft (tiny gravel) and relatively flat. But the nice thing about the rail trail is the shade. In this weather it really helps.

This weekend - 12 miles! And next weekend - 14 - my longest run ever. Thinking the rail trail looks very attractive for those long runs. Especially if I can get out there early in the morning. Looks like this weekend I'll be on my own though. My friend in Ottawa said 5 or so is far enough for him right now. Believe I'll have company for the 14, if somebody who's hanging out on the East coast will get himself back here. :-) Except he will probably be on a bike instead of running. That's okay; I really appreciate the support and the company. There are also those days when I cherish the solitude of my long runs. It is often hard for some to understand, but it is wonderful stress relief; just me and my Ipod.

Looking forward to tomorrow evening as well. Supposed to do 2 easy miles. Planning to go run with the girls on the trail out at Clinton Lake. I'm so thankful for the friend who invited me to join them. Trail running is very different from pounding the road. It's nice to mix things up every once in awhile and the trail works different muscles. As long as I don't twist an ankle or break any bones, we're good.

And boy, am I looking forward to next week (too bad you can't hear the sarcasm) - speedwork... Although I love the payoff, and sometimes I actually enjoy the speedwork. It's just not usually my favorite. I'll do three one-mile repeats at just over a 9:00 minute pace, with 1/2 mile jogs in between. Those speed intervals are really good training (I'll just keep telling myself that). They really are. :-)

Spent a little time this morning with part of the Safe Sleep team. It is really exciting to talk about all of the opportunities for helping to spread the message. Looks likely we will be able to share the video statewide (and maybe further...???). It is such a blessing to work with such enthusiastic, creative individuals who are committed to children's safety! Once again, I am so thankful for this opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of children and their families. This is a wonderful experience!