These Days

Truth be told I am in a funny phase of training right now. A funny phase altogether, really.

The "in earnest" training for Boston starts after the holidays. I've downloaded two plans… one directly from the Boston Athletic Association's website and another provided to my friend Shelly a couple of years ago when she qualified. Shelly's plan is from Fleet Feet, and BAA's looks to be a little harder. I think I'll probably sit down with both over the holidays and decide between a happy medium between the two.

I want to challenge myself. I'd like to see where I can go, what I'm capable of.

But I also want to enjoy myself. My Team in Training coach reminded me not to go to Boston and not see Boston. He said he could picture me getting to the starting line, and once the gun goes off go into such a zone that I don't even see the sights around me. I know that could happen.

He said most people (unless you're a pro or a freak) work hard to QUALIFY, then show up in Boston to run the race just for the scenery and the experience of it, not to PR.

Well, I AM a freak, and I had my reasons for deciding to make Boston my big PR goal. But I'm starting to relax the reigns a little. I am just hoping that if I let go a little of the mental pressure while trying to stay disciplined, I have to trust everything will fall into its place and natural order. If I put the work in, I will do fine. If I stress, it's not worth it. It's always an endeavor to find a happy medium.

So… this weekend is the big 50K trail run. My approach is simple. Just take it easy, put one foot in front of the other, don't fall, hydrate like crazy, and make it to the finish line in whatever fashion my body tells me it can handle. I will start slow and finish slow, and that's a promise. I did a 24 miler the other day and was totally fine the next day. I'm putting no pressure on myself. I'm hoping to make it a  social run, and hang with some folks who will make the 5 hours pass easily.

Then… the holidays. As usual, I have not been very organized this year, and not all gifts have been purchased. Christmas cards have not been sent out. I am not Martha Stewart and never will be. That gene didn't make it into my DNA. For most of my life I felt guilty because of it. Slowly but surely, I am accepting that it takes all types to make this world go round, and pretending that I'm Miss Crafty-Cook is not gonna happen. And it's okay.

 We're going out of town, and attending a volleyball tournament. It will be hard to train, and hard to eat well. But I'm going to do my best and that is all.

When I get back, I plan to really and truly focus on the Boston journey. Starting December 29 the 16 week plan begins, and I'm ready with a good base. I'm also going to focus on my diet even more. Cutting simple sugars and complex carbs in bread and chips will be a big, big goal for me. It'll be hard, because my calorie burn will be revving up. Been down that road before and the cravings are wicked awful. Also with have the big rule of no alcoholic beverages during the weekdays at all, PERIOD. I will replace me stress management with yoga. Every day. I want to PROMISE myself these things. I have the discipline.

In the meantime, I continue to try to soak up this time, and appreciate all the moments. I am surrounded by beauty. There was a time in my life when I didn't notice. I was so immersed in the wrong things. I didn't get outside. I didn't move my body and breathe clean air. I put the wrong fuels into my mouth and felt a lethargy and fatigue that was so much my norm I never knew I could feel different.

This is 10 minutes outside my door. Not to be missed.

Sunrises remind me that there is always a chance for a better day than yesterday. Yesterday happened. It might have been great, it might have been bad. But here's a fresh start, and an opportunity for a great one again.

My tri buddy out on the road. It was ice cold and hard to ride. But the sunrise shot was worth the numb fingers.

View this morning on the run. Peace, bliss, serenity. Not to be missed.

The next three-four months will be very important to me for many reasons. It will be a journey to see what I'm made of and how I can handle the physical and emotional pressure. It will be a test of my fortitude, my resolve, and more. I hope I stay the course and not buckle. It's all in the attitude, the will.

And appreciate the opportunity. Appreciate all of it.

The Harbor Lights Half Marathon 2014

Nothing may be more frustrating than writing an entire race report on your phone app, only to lose all of it. Entirely. (Insert favorite expletive here). This race happened over two weeks ago now, and I wrote a pretty lengthy and detailed post about it, only to find it completely and absolutely DELETED.

I haven't had the time or mental fortitude to rewrite it. And I probably can't truly recount it like I did in that original post, but I have to believe that it's for a reason. Now I'll be short, sweet, and to the point.

So I ran a half marathon a couple of weeks ago. It was the inaugural Harbor Lights Half Marathon in Norfolk, Virginia: a scenic course that winds you the streets of Norfolk and along the edge of the Elizabeth River.

I met up with some of the members of our No Meat Athlete running group for a pre-race pic:

So… a few things.

First, I hadn't run this distance in an official race since March of 2013. I had to look back and verify that. Really??? My PR for the distance was about a 1:44… stupid fast for me at the time.

But I really felt the pressure to see how the past few months of training with a coach (for three months anyway) and a strategy (well… sort of a strategy) would reflect itself in my race performance.

The night before the race I engulfed myself in stressful thoughts of how I would do. How I would execute. Could I discipline myself to certain paces? Would I fuel and hydrate as I know I should? I was literally a hot mess of anxiety. Which in hindsight, I find ridiculous. It's not like I was after a bid to the Olympics. I just wanted to prove myself to… myself.

So as I stood next to Shelly at the starting line I recounted my inner dialogue.

And then the "gun" went off and I shot out of there like a cannon. Like the racehorse that responds only to adrenaline. Like an idiot.

Soooo…. within seconds my discipline turned into brainlessness, and I completed the first mile in 7:10… oh, only about a whole half minute faster than planned. And once that ball was in motion (and I rudely abandoned Shelly) I wouldn't allow myself to slow down (intentionally, that is). I pushed and pushed and pushed. 

If there ever was a word to describe my attitude and mood, it was just pure angry determination. I hate to admit that I'm an angry runner. And on most days I'm not. But on this day I just had some penned up fire that I needed to allow to burn up. So I gave it my all.

Tried to keep up with this amazing girl who was only a few strides ahead of me (later I would find out her name is Carla) but in the end she had more in the tank those last couple of miles.

I crossed the finish in 1:38:20, a new PR for me by about 6 minutes.

And here is my amazing new coach. I abandoned her to charge ahead like an idiot, but she did the valiant thing and hung back with her hubby and was fighting off a sinus infection and the FLU. She still PR'ed with a 1:41. Unbelievable!

And here is the amazing John Dempsey on his journey to becoming a plant powered marathon man:

And here is my Wicked partner in crime, Lauren. We didn't hunt down any deer this time, but we did hunt for some Blue Moon at the beer tent.

More post race fun:

Coach Butterball Bob

The Team in Training gang. Great peeps.

Official results are in. 

On day 1, it looked like I landed a second place in my age group. But after everything was sorted out, I came in third. 

22/1556 females. I'm pretty proud of that. And 131/2598 finishers. Top 5%. Not bad for someone who couldn't run one mile straight 5 years ago.

I continue on with my training. I have a trail 50K in less than 2 weeks. I'm not ready. I ran 24 miles on Sunday, but took a couple of breaks. It will be interesting.

Then come January 1st the REAL fine tuning for Boston begins, and I need to get my mind right again.

Role Reversal

Again, it's been a while since blogging. Not my intent when I started this thing. I miss writing, but right now it seems like an overindulgence in a time when life is busy and demands me to use my spare time productively.

And, as usual, lots and lots of things going on. Mostly in a good way. But nothing ever expected. Which has its own beauty and design.

The first thing is that my coach for Boston had literally fallen off the face of the earth. He'd been off the grid for over a week, not responding to messages or emails. I was over a week and a half without a plan for the next 4 week cycle. The Type A nut job side of me wanted to bang my head against the wall and bite every fingernail off, or pull each hair out of my head in a panic.

BUT… I am slowly evolving into a different creature, thanks to the calm and positive affirmations I am teaching myself to use every day. NO ONE should put all their hopes and dreams completely in someone else's hands. I learned this lesson all too well last year. My goal and efforts are mine alone. I have a brain in my head and shoes on my feet. I know how to move forward. Ask questions. Do the research. Execute the workouts. So onward I go. I have rationalized that this was meant to be this way for whatever reason. That perhaps the Universe decided that this was how I was supposed to learn how to develop confidence and figure out what I need to do.

So…. as I typed all of that out I got a message from him, but no plan attached.

Onward. It'll all be okay. Life happens to other people. I know he's a great guy, but he just has priorities. It's time for me to remember my dream is not the only thing that exists in other people's minds and lives.

Speaking of coaches…

A while back I mentioned that I am co-leader of the No Meat Athlete running group here in Virginia Beach. Also a member of this group is an amazing guy named John Dempsey who lost about 150 lbs on a plant based diet, and has found his inner running junkie. John is quite the character and completely inspirational. When his friend Josh LaJaunie completed the New York City Marathon about two weeks ago, he was completely inspired and said that one day he wanted to run one too.

Why not start training for one? I became the devil on his shoulder. He was already doing 10 miles+ at this stage, and I thought 5 months was plenty of time to pick up the distances and be ready for his first full. I offered my support in terms of a plan and motivation. He seemed hesitant at first, but after a good discussion on a group run last Saturday, he said he was in. He is going to go for it. And I've a greed to be his "coach."

I think it's the perfect time for this big goal; John's gone through some amazing changes in the past couple of years… a story so inspiring Rich Roll posted a picture of him on his Facebook page. And if you don't know who Rich Roll is, you need to IMMEDIATELY go to Amazon and order his book Finding Ultra. I would say this book was the vehicle for my dietary changes and the inspiration to push on with my passion for endurance training. His podcast is one of the most listened to of all of the fitness and health offerings on iTunes.

Speaking of diet, I don't talk much about it with respect to my training here. I'm definitely more about the workouts, but since joining my veggie group I've become more inspired to focus on my fuel. The honest truth is this: I don't do my nutrition as well as I should. It's not a focus. But here's where I go wrong: I eat minimally in the morning. Sometimes only a banana and coffee. I go and do a heavy workout. I eat a fruit and nut bar. Then I eat a salad and a piece of fruit for lunch. The salad is usually awesome.

But then the end of day hits and my body is STARVING. I get home from work sometimes as late as 8-9 pm and I want to stuff my face. Veggie burger, bread, anything with carbs… and then throw in a glass (or two) of wine, and the next thing you know the bulk of my calories are consumed late at night.

And did I mention that I drink waaaaaay too much coffee?

Kinda love this mug.

There are so many things to change here. 

In my fantasy world, I become interested in cooking (I hate spending time in the kitchen… just put me on a bicycle instead) cool gourmet vegan dishes like tempeh salad and bean and sweet potato stew. I drink water with lemon all day and and have a steaming cup of green tea instead of coffee. I have no alcohol on weekdays… and only a glass or two on the weekends if I'm out with friends or celebrating after a race. I've thought about completely abstaining from alcohol altogether. I do love a good glass of wine, though. And a super cold beer after a hard race. I have too much German blood in me.

I think about these things but another day begins and my ingrained vices start before I've even had a chance to allow my neurons in my brain to fire. Im already sipping that coffee and looking at the clock and thinking I don't have time to eat a big breakfast before I run, and the last thing I want is a full stomach. So I run on empty and I'm in a rush and don't eat that breakfast. I eat my salad at lunch, but I'm not satiated. And the cycle continues.

I know the answer. It's not one of life's difficult unsolved mysteries. It's like anything. You know what you need to do, you just make the DECISION that you will change, and you do. Maybe it's one thing at a time. Maybe it's the replacement of coffee with tea. Maybe it's making overnight oats in the fridge or having the fruit cut up and Vitamix set out. These are conscious decisions and the discipline to execute them and make them the new norm.

It is my hope and my goal to get better in this aspect of my training journey, as much as the running, the  cycling, the swim, or the yoga.

Aaaah… the yoga.

On the running front, I keep plugging away. I foolishly signed up for a 50K that will take place in about 5-6 weeks, and don't have the mileage behind me to fare well. I just have many friends who will be there and I want to be a part of it. I will take it very slow and just find my way to the finish line, no lofty goals or expectations.

My shorter runs have improved. I threw down a 5 miler yesterday with an average pace of 7:22. My body is acclimating a bit to faster paces. I have big hopes of getting a PR at the upcoming Harbor Lights Half Marathon in a week and a half. I should be able to do it unless things stack against me.

In the meantime, I will keep it moving! I have John to focus on, and will keep my discipline in order to keep my Boston training intact.

The Path Unseen

Today's Mantra: "You do not have to see the entire path. Just take one step."

Yesterday morning before my run I got up early, and sat down on the rug in the quiet dark and just stretched and took deep breaths. I thought of where I am, where I've been, and where I want to be. And how that totally depends on my mindset. It depends on my dedication, my determination, and casting any negative thoughts out of my life. This is as close to a meditation as I could muster at this point. No burning candles, no chanting, no trances. Just a moment of affirmation. It was brief, and perhaps not as "cleansing" as true meditation might be. But a small step was taken and for that I'm proud.

In one of my yoga classes I had an instructor who would tell us before we would go into savasana that we should release our "dragon breath." I feel like this is what I need to do. Every morning. Breathe out the burning fire and breathe in the cool fresh air.

Speaking of cool and fresh, the temps were in the upper 40's Monday morning and I took advantage on my 5 miler. When it's cold I hustle; and my pace reflected how chilly I was. I was shocked to see my pace in the 7:20's less than 24 hours after a 20 mile trail run. I did wrong though; Ryan said for me to go easy and that pace was not easy. I was pushing. Why I cannot listen to his wisdom is beyond me. Sometimes, when I'm out there alone in the dark, I feel like I've got something to prove.

This morning it was almost like Groundhog Day. Got up, did my quiet pep talk in the dark, and took to the road again and managed a 7 miler at a 7:40 pace. It's getting a bit easier… well, until the end. I pushed at the end. Finish strong.

Less than a half hour later I was burning up in spin class. I closed my eyes and just focused. Definitely uncomfortable, but not in pain. Got off the bike and did some weights and core work. Felt good to not focus on the run so much and branch out to the arms a bit. I'll be sore tomorrow.

I have been eating very, very well the past few days. Totally plant fueled and feeling good. I've been focusing on my protein and eating lots of chickpeas and hummus, tons of veggies. Less sugar. Taking my multivitamin and B12. I am down 4 lbs since the beginning of the month, close to my pre-ironman weight last year. Haven't been drinking enough water, however. Still drinking too much coffee. Have to work on those things. I ALWAYS have to work on THOSE things, it seems.

On Day 3 of this "Wake Up" program I am supposed to remind myself of my victories, and they are victories that were direct results of positive changes I've made. Not intended to be a brag-fest, it's an exercise to remind yourself that you are capable of goals you have set before yourself, even when you were in a place of not believing. It's like a reminder and proof that the method works.

My victories. With respect to my hobbies (running, triathlon) I think I have a few victories to report, I guess.

1. My very first race was a half marathon in September of 2008 (age 38). I wanted to start running and finish running… no walking. That was my goal. I did it. I remember how hard it was, but I pushed through the misery… the hip pain, the heat, the desire to quit. I finished with a time of 2:27:13. From a girl who couldn't run a full mile the year before, it was a big feat and a victory.

2. I wanted to do a full marathon when I turned 40. I did the training solo and I was not very motivated. A girl online had agreed to do the race with me, but backed out with 2 months left of training. I held my ground and showed up at the starting line of the OBX Marathon with only one sad 16 mile training run under my belt. My goal was to see if I could finish in less than 5 hours. Thanks to the kindness of a stranger who ran the whole way with me and encouraged me, I finished the race in 4:48:33. I vowed to do it again, and better.

3. In 2012 I participated in my first official sprint triathlon after buying a road bike off CraigsList and practicing with a group of very supportive cyclists. The ocean swim made me nervous but I felt okay on the bike and surprised myself on the run. I truly shocked myself with a strong finish, taking 2nd in my age group, and 17th female overall. A new passion was born and I immediately wanted to take it to the next level. A month later I ran the Richmond Marathon with a friend who pushed me… and finished in 3:49:23, only 4 minutes off Boston qualification and a whole HOUR improvement on my very first marathon performance 2 years prior.

4. In May of 2013 I participated in my first half ironman distance triathlon. It was the toughest event in my memory, if I'm being honest. Going from extremes of severe cold to blazing hot, all while being under fueled and dehydrated. I went about the whole thing wrong. But somehow I ended up 1st on the podium in my age group. I still loved it. I decided I was truly hooked to the sport… either that, or making myself suffer.

5. In September of 2103 I did the full ironman distance. I look back at the event fondly now, but it was crazy HARD. I crossed the finish line in 12 hours and ten minutes, alongside my training partner, who was an exceptionally better athlete than me and pushed me hard all summer. I got third female overall and won a check for $500. I got a plaque that said I was third place in the Mid-Atlantic region USA Triathlon Championships. It was the only plaque I proudly displayed on my dresser, and possibly the one event that I am most proud of as an athlete. I still look back at that moment and wonder if that was really me.

6. Two weeks after the ironman I ran the Wineglass Marathon in 3:43:52, BARELY qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Ironically, that was my dream goal at the end of 2012 but triathlon sucked me into an abyss and Boston seemed like an afterthought by the time I got to New York. Endurance training got me through it, but my body was wracked. Still so proud of the accomplishment.

7. In December 2013 I ran my first ultra: a Trail 50K through a state park. I took second place in my age group and was the 6th female overall.

8. Winter '13-'14 I ran the Tidewater Distance Series (10, 15, and 20 milers) and became the first female overall for the entire series.

And that was my dream year. Many "victories."

Because this exercise is to highlight the positive, I will leave it at that. Tomorrow I will have to touch on the negative, and what has to change.

In te meantime, yoga soothes my soul.

Back to training. Dragon breath out.

Time to Wake Up

The relay was such a great thing for me, and the timing was right too. I was just about to enter the sad, deep cave of self-pity, as my planned ironman of 2014 is taking place next weekend and I will not be there. I deferred that race until next year for too many reasons to go into. But I had missed competing and participating in races so much, and the experience of last weekend really helped lift my spirits and rekindle my passion for endurance events. I feel so much better, it's like someone gave me shot of carbs and electrolytes to save me from a spiraling bonk. I just feel motivated again. It feels good. I haven't felt this optimistic in months.

In other good news, I met with my running coach yesterday over coffee and we talked SPECIFICS about how I'm going to progress and achieve my goal at Boston. It's no wonder he's good at sales and a sponsor for several companies. He has a way of making you believe. He talked to me just at the right time. I was on a high from participating in the relay and just felt a good vibe. My paces have been dropping (albeit little by little) and holding, and the cooler temperatures are making their way in every morning and a tremendous help. I'm not in pain anywhere. I'm not sick. I'm ready to go. I've got a jolt of angry determination in my belly that I want to see put to good use.

These are some of the things we discussed:

1) It's okay to have fun with races until the end of next year. I can do whatever I want… even go at the 50K ultra again in December if I'm so inclined... as long as: a) I don't get hurt (i.e., be CONSERVATIVE) and b) I follow his plan and strategies to the LETTER come January 1st until race day. In other words, there will be NO shenanigans or rogue events after the first of the year. This is "serious business time" if I want to see a PR in Beantown.

2) We will be incorporating different strategies help guard the notorious wall in the marathon. I have the bad tendency to run on feel almost every run over 20 miles that I've ever done. I start off strong and fast and finish weak and slow. The wall in the last fourth of the race is a result of poor tactics and strategy in the areas of pace, hydration, and fueling. Because of this, we're going to try specific pacing during my long runs (which will include at least four 20+ milers) and he may even make me walk through his mock aid stations. He is also going to try me out with some various endurance drinks that he uses that have protein in them to take in at very specific times during the race.

The goal is to execute the plan on race day, just as practiced. Barring any totally weird circumstances such as a blazing hot day, a torrential downpour, or another terrorist bombing, the race should be not so much effortless but completely prepared for, mentally and physically.

And because I've never ever done a marathon with a true strategy like this, there is no reason why I can't PR. So the expert says.

3) We also talked a lot about my triathlon life and cross training. He's all for cross training. Loves the cycling, swimming, and yoga. In fact, we plan on meeting at the gym occasionally so he can show me exercises to help improve my cadence. But again… I have to protect myself from injuries, and once January hits it will all be about Boston. So as long as I can keep my rogue behavior in check (my New Years Resolution) then I can keep my tri base (because once Boston is over I'm donning the wetsuit and tri singlet again).

Sooo…. I'm pretty excited about visualizing what he's talking about. I know people may think I'm far too serious about this stuff, but this is how I see it: I still have a capable body. I enjoy pushing it. Soon as my age advances I will probably peak and then my performance will start to dwindle. I may have a hard time with that, but I know it's on the horizon, and when it happens, I hope to accept it with grace and a good attitude. But while I still see potential in me to perform better than before, I will challenge myself to do so. It's just me. For better or for worse, I need to be challenged.

Speaking of plans and strategies…

The other day I received an email from the blogger Matt Frazier, thanking the many people who stepped forward to lead local vegetarian running groups around the country. In the email he attached a document which outlined a program he entitled "Wake Up". This program is a 31 Day directive to enable you to incorporate a positive change into your life. I guess Matt has done a lot of reading about how and why people become successful at making a change and breaking bad habits. It appears there's almost a "science" to the step-by-step process one goes through to develop a new habit and make it stick. I found the whole thing really interesting.

Each day there is an action, and you do what you can to follow it.

On Day 1 you are supposed to choose an anchor habit. This new habit is supposed to be something… an activity or action… that brings you deep joy. It is something that maybe you would love to do but can't always find the time to do. In other words, it's not an urgent. It's just for you, but it is POSITIVE for your mind, body, and spirit.

As I look back at what I've done "well" over the past couple of years, it would be to do some form of physical activity every single day, whether it be running, swimming, cycling, yoga or whatever.

I also enjoy photography and take photos almost daily. I love to write. I love listening to new music.

At first I wanted my new anchor habit to be meditation. But I need to be honest with myself. Right now, meditation does not bring me "deep joy" as I wish it would or could. The simple fact is that I don't know how to do it. I sit in silence with my mala beads. I think of a mantra. I say it to myself, but I don't necessarily feel the peace and tranquility that is supposed to wash over me and cleanse me. I don't have the control over my negative thoughts as they rush in when my mind quiets. And then I'm stressed. Stressed that I'm not free. It's a very, very difficult thing for me.

So as much as I would like to LEARN and practice the ability to meditate, I fear making it my anchor habit. It's only because it isn't fulfilling as of yet.

So then I thought of yoga. I would venture to say that I ALMOST do yoga every day. Between the Instagram challenges and class with Yoda Jen, I definitely have incorporated the physical practice and asanas on a regular basis.

Last Wednesday's Hot Vinyasa class.

But do I do it ritualistically, every single day? No. There are days that I do not even stretch. So I suppose I could tell myself that I will minimally do a flow, backbend and inversion at least once daily, and consider trying a new pose at least once to twice a week.

The other thing I had considered was to carve out about 20 minutes each day to do upper body work I need so desperately: push ups, resistance bands, weights, burpees.

Joyous? Hmmmmm… probably not.

What if I:

1) got up a little earlier than I already do (ha!);

2) sat in silence with a mantra for 5 minutes and do my best to meditate on the words;

3) do a set of push ups, sit ups, burpees, dips, and weights.

4) followed with a short flow that includes one backbend, inversion, and attempt at a new pose.

5) got on with my day.

Too much to ask of myself?

Maybe. But I want to try.

Day 2: Keep a success journal about your efforts to keep this anchor habit going. Could be as simple as typing out the words "I did it." Well, I have this blog. I also have a journaling app on my phone called "DayOne."

My physical and emotional health depends on this.

I'm doing pretty well at keeping my physical health in line. My Sam's Club readout on Saturday afternoon:

Great! But are you healthy in your head?

So Day 2, and ready for action.

Oh and I ran 20 miles this morning with friends. Just like that. On a rooty and hilly trail. I feel strong and I'm fighting to shake off the temptation to cry over my ironman quest being put on hold.

Get It Done.

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
-Arthur Ashe

Probably one of my favorite quotes. It's beautiful because so many of us feel like we're starting from ground zero and the uphill climb is just so hard. We want to be at the summit, want to be see the view from the pinnacle… want to be there in the dream already. We all start somewhere and the hardest part is that first step and accepting where we are in the journey. There is a balance between angry determination to be better, and throwing some serious self-love your way for the progress you've already made.

I love watching people be so proud of themselves. It put a huge smile on my face to see them succeed. It starts with a small thing. I want to run a mile. It seems impossible, it seems so hard. But you keep putting one foot in front of the other, and in time (with patience and a good attitude) that mile becomes twenty six point two. Or even more.

It's amazing.

What's even better is somewhere along the journey you start to realize that it doesn't always have to be about you. You let go of the ego a little bit, because a wonderful reward lies with witnessing the successes of people around you. And I'm finding more and more joy from seeing people I know get better and feel good.

Today I met my friend Jim for a 10 mile trail run. He's in his sixties and he is going to be an ironman, AGAIN, in two weeks. I want to cry when I think about him… almost the same age as my father, and he has the spirit of a twenty year old. He throws down these open water swims, bike rides, and runs with a great attitude and positive spirit. He is realistic, and yet he's just so optimistic. He feels GOOD and PROUD. I am grateful to be around him, and consider him a teacher. I need to learn to be dedicated, disciplined, and yet be HAPPY and CONTENT with where I am. Life is good. And it's too short to continually be disappointed when things aren't always perfect.

We can start from anywhere. As long as we believe, are dedicated, and are determined to make it, it can be done.

Also glad to see several of the NMA running group embers getting PR's today in their races. It was just a perfect day weather wise.

A beautiful sunrise on the oceanfront:

Golden morning.

Carpe diem.

Ad so, another week is finished. I always feel like Monday is another opportunity to start fresh and make up for anything lost in the previous week.

I emailed my coach. I told him that I need a little more in terms of feedback and motivation. I love to help others and see them succeed but I'd really like some help too.

Looking forward to the relay this weekend.

Day 1. 238 To Go.

Day 1. 238 to go. So it begins.

Assigned Workout: Run 10 miles, steady pace (goal faster than 8:30/mi, minimize positive splits).
Morning Weigh In: 142.6 <- possibly the highest in a long while. :(
Weather: GORGEOUS morning, 78 degrees, 78% humidity, but windy as hell.
Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront north to First Landing State Park and back.
Pre Run Fuel: 2 cups black coffee and a banana

So I drove down to the oceanfront for my solo long run. As I got out of the car and fired up my Garmin the battery read DEAD. I had it on the charger but I guess the connection didn't engage. I went into a mini panic but realized my Strava app on my phone had GPS capability and a workout recording mode. I'd never used it before, but how difficult could it be. Crisis averted.

I hit start on Strava and off I went with a climb up Rudee Inlet bridge. At the crest I had to pause and glimpse at the beautiful sunrise. I am obsessed with sunrises and sunsets these days.

As I approach mile 1 I have another crisis. For whatever reason I decided to try wearing compression socks this morning. They were basically cutting off blood supply to my calves and feet and I was miserable with numbness. So I hit the pause again, plop down on a curb, and peel off the socks and stuff them in a nearby trash can. I start off again northward into the wind on the boardwalk.

I had a beautiful view to my right.

Somewhere between miles 3 and 4 I look down at my phone. It says I have only gone 0.9 miles. Apparently I did not un-pause the app when I re-started my run. @#$!

Third crisis of the run. What now? I need to show my coach I ran 10 miles. I need data.

So 10 miles it will be. I hit start and continued on to the park.

I felt pretty good. My pace wasn't stellar, but faster than 8:30/mi. Took a Honey Stinger gel and a few sips of water at mile 5.5 and continued on.

Entry to the trail

I hadn't planned on going on the trail, but I gad to add some distance to get my 10. So I go down the trail for a mile of two, and turn back.

Just as I was about to clear the park, my FOURTH crisis occurred.

KABOOM.

Down I go after tripping over a root.

Lovely.

Ouch.

Fortunately, it was a minor fall, and I scraped my knee a bit but felt fine. My ego was bruised more than my body. Awesome.

Finished up on the boardwalk.

Something was wrong with the app on mile 9. A 6:59/mi pace? In my dreams. No way. Ha ha!

Almost 14 miles today! The longest I've done in a while.

Post Run Fuel: a mango, coconut and orange smoothie I bought for a million bucks on the boardwalk.

Finished up my day with some sunset yoga on the golf course. Yeah, the GOLF course. No one was playing.

Finishing up with squats, push ups, and sit ups before bed.