79 days to go....

Let's see... this week in running.... I'm not sure if I have mentioned it yet, but fall in Asheville is AMAZING! We had a little cooler weather over the weekend followed by some stunning, warm, bright, beautiful days. This is where, if you were not a runner/walker/exerciser you would have to be encouraged to GET OUT AND ENJOY! Anyhow, enough of my emoting about the weather. Saturday (282) the boys were out and about with friends and such so I took the opportunity to run (I've been getting really good at going running as soon as an opportunity presents itself). I went and did my five mile route in N. Asheville because I loooove getting to see how and when the leaves change, so staying on a consistent route gives me a really good opportunity. It was a fine run, but I noticed I was starting to feel a little puny again. I dosed myself with Vitamin C and echinacea and tried to take it easy. Sunday, I felt pretty awful. It's like the only way I seem to get sick, lack of energy, kinda crappy feeling but not all out bad. So, I just did an easy four mile run in the neighborhood (and even walked the big hill, shhh) I just kept going and finished, which was fine. But then later in the afternoon, I was done! I had to lie down and take a quick nap, which helped a little. Monday (284) was similar, except I took a nap before I ran, and that seemed to help. So, my four mile run on Monday was just a smidge more energetic (didn't walk the hill this time). Tuesday I was feeling a lot better and went on a long, hilly run with Jacob. He is always good for pushing me to run a little further and harder than I might otherwise. We ran for about an hour and did about 6.5 miles, again, they were very hilly. But we totally crushed some other runner up the big hill, it was pretty cool. So, today... I did my N. Asheville route backward, which makes it hilly in the beginning and end instead of the middle. It's nice to mix it up because coming from a different direction you notice different things about the trees and houses and such, or at least I do. I realized today, though, that with the time change coming up and the days being shorter and colder, it might just be a little more difficult to manage my time and my runs... but with 79 days left to go, I am certainly planning on figuring it out!

The shortest and longest three miles

So, running.... and running and running. The fall weather has made running easier. I can go pretty much at any time of day without much difficulty with either heat or cold. It makes running more convenient when temperature is not a big factor. But I do know that the last few days/weeks of my goal will probably not hold the same beneficial temperature. But I will just stay present. Let's see... I was sick last week, just a mild stomach thing with a real low grade temperature, but making myself get out of bed to run was VERY difficult. It was like many other runs, and once I was started, it was fine to keep going. I only did three miles, but it went by relatively quickly. In fact, it felt short. I don't know if it was because my head and body were somewhere else or what, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was back at my driveway and finished with day 274. However, when I stopped running my head immediately started spinning and I felt as if I might pass out. I had to sit down but then my stomach started turning and I had to get up and then I had to throw up and then I had to sit down again and then I felt hot as hell and had to try and strip off all of my clothes and then I got terribly chilled and had to find a blanket and then I had to use the bathroom (not to throw up but equally as unpleasant) and then I had to lie down and then I was so thirsty I couldn't stand it. And I went through the hot flash/cold flash/lie down/sit up thing for quite a bit. I didn't think I was going to be okay, in fact for a minute there I just wanted someone to club me over the head. Things started to calm down after a bit and I just stayed in bed for the rest of the day. I was a little afraid to run the next day, but I was feeling better and I did the neighborhood 5k and only felt slightly lightheaded and chilled afterward. Then I wasn't sick anymore and had a beautiful 5.5 mile run on Sunday (day 276). We went to Atlanta on day 277, I did pilates first and then ran four miles so I would have plenty of time to pack for our trip. In Atlanta, Jacob and I ran 4.5 miles to get our car that we had left at the restaurant. It is nice to run in another city. We ran through their botanical gardens and around this recreational park. And through a pretty nice neighborhood. The last mile wasn't as nice as it was in a very busy commercial part of town. But then we were at the car and drove it back to the hotel (having had a little much wine for driving the night before). The second night in Atlanta, we went to another concert. That show did not start until 11:40 and went until almost 1 am. We got back to the hotel and got to bed about 1:30. We had to get up at 6 to drive back and get to work. And let me just tell you that I DO NOT function very well on less than 7 hours sleep. I felt like I was sleep walking all day and all I wanted to do was go back to bed. But I couldn't. The boys had drum lessons and football games and there was shit to do. oh, and I had to run. And that brings me to the longest three miles I can remember running. Day 280, I ran so slow and so aimlessly that I wasn't really sure if I was going to finish. The run felt interminable. And all I was was tired, really tired. The run only took me 35 minutes but it felt like an hour. I was sooooo happy when I got in my bed that night. And now I'm back to just enjoying this beautiful, and I mean beautiful, Asheville fall weather. I had a great run yesterday, day 281, 5 miles. And I plan on a great run today and maybe even a long run tomorrow. I love fall in Asheville!

half marathon and less than 100 days!

So, I ran the half marathon last weekend, on day 261. It was a beautiful morning and I had a running buddy, but it was a tough course! I was a little scared leading up to it. I had not really run more than 8.5 miles most of the year. And most days, I have been staying right at 5-6 miles. Also, I usually take four days off before a race day, and with my goal for this year, that wasn't possible. I also REALLY wanted to beat my last half marathon time (2.08) and was hoping to be right at 2 hours. So, there was a lot going into it that I had to overcome, at least in my mind. I also knew if I didn't do it, I would be mad at myself. So, I made the decision on the Monday of that week. I ran regular runs (4.8 on Monday and 5.5 on Tuesday) but then on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I ran the neighborhood 5k really slowly and really easily. It was quite boring, but I was trying to build up some reserves. I ate a gigantic bowl of pasta the night before and went to bed early. The race was to start at 7:30 (yuck!). I couldn't sleep very well. I was all anxious and I kept thinking my alarm wasn't going to go off and I would over sleep... it wasn't so great. I did get up in time to have a little coffee (being a severe addict!) and take care of business and the like. I met Harlan, my running buddy, at a few minutes after 7. We jogged about a quarter mile up to the race start line and waited, with all 1500 other half marathon runners. That waiting in a huge group before the race starts is my least favorite part. You just wanna go already. While we were waiting, there was a lot of talk about how hilly and hard this course was. There was particular mention of the worst, longest hill being near the end of the race. I should have tried to shut them out. Running is such a mind game, and I was determined to kill this run. And I was for the first 8.5 miles. I was feeling great and keeping an awesome pace, close to 8.75 minute miles. I
felt like I could run like this all day. Then we headed up behind UNCA, an area I am vaguely familiar with from riding my bike back there... and it was then that I realized what hill we had to go up. And unfortunately, I let my mind have too much control over that. I was dreading the hill! It went up and up and curved and you could see runners way up top and could tell it just kept going and going, ugh. So, my time decreased dramatically and I had a VERY hard time keeping myself moving on that hill. It was almost a mile long. When I got to the top I had to use the bathroom and there was a port a potty, and a line of women, of course. Fortunately, no one wanted to take their time so the line moved fast, but still it cut down on my time. So, I finished the worse hill and felt worse for the wear. It was at that point that I really started to struggle and had to count my steps and try to stay focused. I managed to finish the run, even though at a few points I wanted to quit. My time was 2 hours and 2 minutes. I am happy that I beat my last time, but bummed that I didn't finish as well as I started. But, it will give me a goal for next year. Sunday, after the race, well let's just say it was a pretty ugly run. It wasn't as hard to go as I would have thought, but it didn't feel so great, until after. I think it was helpful to my body to have worked out my muscles. My two middle toes are bruised, I may end up losing the toenails on them, I'm not really sure why. I guess from the downhill? Anyhow, the rest of the week I've done some easy, fun runs. Tomorrow I will do a nice 6 miler... and then go and attack the hill that took me down next week.... oh, and I have 96 days left to go! Awesome!

119 days to go!

I really wish I would run on Friday mornings instead of wait until the afternoon. It's just not always possible. But there is something about Friday afternoons where I just want to kick off my shoes after work and chill... but I can't if I didn't run earlier in the day. The cooler evening air has been a god send and I have been really enjoying running around 5:30 or 6:00. Earlier in the week, I did a fun 45 minute run with Jacob that kicked my butt. Then I ran a six miler up into N. Asheville in the early evening that was divine (day 244). Some of the leaves are starting to change and you can feel the imminence of fall, my favorite season. I also am getting closer and closer to my goal. I am proud of myself and somewhat surprised that I've kept with it. I was sure there would be something that would come up that I could use as an excuse to stop, but so far... nothing (knock on wood!). So, today, Friday (day 246), I had one of those opportunities to go running without leaving my kids unattended (which I prefer) and so I took it. It was probably good I had that motivation because I really wanted to sit on my porch with a cocktail and do nothing. But now that my five mile run is done, I can do just that. And it is sort of funny how quickly the year is going...I'm almost surprised it's almost fall. Crazy.

computer glitches and running bitches

My computer was attacked by a nasty virus (thank you, children!). So, I was without my computer for two weeks. It worked intermittently but only enough for me to do any work I had to do or answer emails, and that, just barely. Now, though, I do believe that things are worked out (thank you, wonderful IT guy, Clint!) and I am back up and running (no, I did not stop physically running just my computer). So, during my technology hiatus, I kept notes on my handy-dandy clipboard that I use to try and keep my mind organized and my list of things to do in order (it doesn't always work). Here are the highlights: For one thing, I love writing things by hand. For whatever reason, actually writing, in script or print, is more satisfying to me than typing. I don't know why, I guess I am old school. Alright, so anyway... my birthday. Good day. Pilates. Excellent six mile run up toward Sunset (not all the way up because that is tough). Hour and a half massage... followed by tequila shots (this last part being a BAD idea). So, the next day... hung over, tired running... NOT fun... weather was pretty, did four pretty slow and sad miles... felt old. Then the next few days were filled with child centered, let's get ready for school activities, most of my runs were between four and a half and five and a half miles (the land of "comfortable" running I have apparently fallen in to). So, then one afternoon, we go to the pool (Tuesday, 8/24 day 236). I decided to run to the pool to meet everyone. I did the hilly helatious run up into the University and down and around UNCA, it was TOUGH. But so much fun. The best part was that I was actually really tired (the good, after exercising a bunch, tired). I changed into my bathing suit and just chilled for the rest of the afternoon, it was very pleasant. Then I had some 4.5 milers for the next few, mom and wife fun filled days. Then my loooong weekend descended upon me. I had to work a double on Friday (14 hours on my feet). I got up and ran early. Just did four miles because I knew I would be on my feet all day. Fine run, absolutely GORGEOUS morning!!! I mean Asheville this time of year is phenomenally wonderful. I know there are other gorgeous places in the world, but this is one I get to live in! So, then Saturday morning I had to wake up and open the coffee shop AND train new staff (which is tiring). I stayed up hanging with Jacob until 2am and then woke up at 6am. I was fine training my newbie and doing my work, etc. and then round about 2:30 I just started to fade. I was whooped! I mean whooped!!! Seriously. I felt like I had been up for days and days (I know, I'm a wimp). Anyhow, I tried to take a little catnap, my children thought otherwise, so I got up and decided I should try and get my run out of the way. Let me just tell you I do not remember a run being so hard. I know back in the winter when I had that head cold that it was pretty tough to run, but for some reason this seemed tougher (probably because the winter seems so far away). It took me twenty minutes, TWENTY MINUTES, of walking to even convince myself to run. And then it took me fifty minutes, FIFTY MINUTES, to run four miles, of a relatively flat route. During the run I was dreaming about falling and twisting my ankle, so I could stop. Or hitting my knee really hard so I could give up. Fortunately, I hate pain, so I did not cause any of these things to happen. In fact, I was so tired I ran extra cautiously (I mentioned it took me 50 minutes, right). That was day 240 and I kept having to remind myself that all I have left is 125 days. Today, it wasn't helping. Alright, I have to go now, but I will continue this "catch up" hopefully in the next few days. All I have to say is that day 240 currently sticks out in my mind as the worst. And I hope it stays that way!

138 days to go...

Let's see... running.... I have had some really great days and some really, really sucky days. I am not entirely sure what will make one day better than the other. I do know that if I have worked a long, stressful day that my legs are pretty shot at the end, but the mind clearing is always nice. But those runs are usually so hard to get through. I had two of those day 223 and day 225. In between those two days wasn't so bad. I ran early in the morning on 224 since we had to pick Dallas up at the airport in the afternoon and it was nice and cool and my legs were not too stiff. But I've been feeling like I am running slower than usual, and my body is feeling all of it's 35 years (of which I will be tomorrow). It's been slightly discouraging. I have scheduled a long massage for my birthday and am hoping that will help my legs and feet feel better. Yesterday I ran with Jacob (day 226) and it was one of the first times I've actually beat him running. I was pushing the pace for almost the entire four mile run! It was pretty awesome. When we went to climb Zillicoa, he did beat me then, but still... I must be getting a little better if I am able to push Jacob!!! And today (day 227) I went and did five miles in a good pace (nothing too great due to the heat, I suspect) and then got home and had to go straight to work (putting out fires), which stunk, but at least I got in a good run. And so 35 rotations around the sun and 227 days into this 365 day project.... I'm getting there!

Beach blood blisters

I was at the beach all last week, which is great for relaxation, not so great for running. The temperature was high and the humidity was too. So, I either had to run first thing in the morning or late, late, late in the evening. And then I had two choices: run on the flat, hot, BORING street, or run on the slanty, sandy, windy, difficult beach. Tough choices. The first day of the trip (214) I decided to run early in the morning (since we hadn't been partying too hard...yet) and run on the beach. The tide was out and the beach wasn't too crowded. I got to run on the flatest part of the beach since the tide was so low. I used an ipod, which is the first time that I have had music thus far this year, and it helped keep me paced well. I ran to the end of the inlet and then up toward the pier. I ran for 40 minutes and I'm guessing it was about 4.5 miles. Pretty nice run.

So the second day of the trip, Jacob wanted to run with me... in the evening. I was game since the first night we got a brief afternoon rain and the prevailing winds made for a cool, beautiful evening. Not so on the second night. It remained hot and muggy most all of the day. We set out at 7:00, which is about as late as we could go not to miss dinner. We decided to start on the street and then move to the beach. We ran 2.5 miles on the street and my left foot started feeling numb. (this was a great time for Jacob to start criticizing my running form!) So, when we got to the beach, I decided to run without shoes... ya know... just to give it a try. My feet felt great and the numbness subsided, but the tide was up and the beach was crowded, so we had to run where the beach was slanting to the left a bit. We ran 2.5 miles back on the beach....barefoot. It was pretty nice... but.... my left toe had a blood blister the entire back side. It was filling up with blood and sore. There were many Hill family theories on what I should do (pop it, cover it with neosporin and a band-aid, or do nothing), I chose to do nothing. (215)

The next day, Jacob convinced me to do an evening run again. (I thought it might give my toe a chance to recover a little). I didn't want to do five miles, so we tried 3.5. We ran about 1.75 miles on the street and 1.75 on the beach. My left foot was not feeling so great about 1/4 of the way down the beach, so I took off my shoes and ran, slightly leaning on the edge of my left foot. It was not the easiest run, but I did not pop or puncture my blood blister. In fact, I just added to it! It looked like it was spreading like a growth around the base of my big toe. Really pretty! (216)

My fourth day at the beach, I decided to run in the morning, on the road. I did barely 3.5 miles because my ankles were soooooo sore from running on the beach that I was in tears for a portion of my run and even had to stop a few times to stretch and loosen my ankles and take a little time to walk. It sucked and I was miserable! But then it was over and I could totally relax on the beach and keep my walking to a minimum. Oh, and drink beer for most of the day... lush that I am! (217)

My fifth (and final running day at the beach, thank god!) I decided not to run in the morning when my body felt stiff and tired, but wait until the evening. And that choice really paid off! It rained most of the day (which was a bummer since it was my last day to laze around on the beach). When I finally decided to go run (around 6:30) it was still overcast and cool. There was limited activity on the street and I had a really great run! I ran four miles, and waiting until the afternoon made it so my ankles were already less sore and my legs were more alive. It was a nice run and didn't feel boring. It was a good way to end my running time at the beach. But I must say I am VERY glad to be running again in my beautiful, hilly, cool town! (218)

So, back at home and loving to run in non-flat,non hot, non sandy conditions. We drove back, leaving very early in the morning, and unfortunately, my sister got sick. That slowed our drive time down a little. Then we got home and I had all this B.S. to do and needed to help take car of my niece while my sister worked on feeling better, so I didn't get out on my run until 8:00. I was already pretty tired from the early morning and the full day and was feeling slightly unmotivated... but my dad did happen to mention that I look like I've gained weight... so, I at least wanted to burn some calories... and decided to run wind sprints. It was pretty fun and a departure from what I normally do. I did only run for 1/2 hour but I definitely got my heart rate going and sweat a good bit. And I was very happy to see my pillow at the end of that day! (219)

and then Sunday came along (220). Being on vacation for 6 days means coming back home to utter and complete mayhem. I worked from the time I woke up, until I took a run, and wrote my blog. I went out at 7:30. Again, the weather was nice and cool. The end of the day light is so calming and lovely. I decided to run my old standard route, with a few sprints thrown in at key locations, and had another fun run. I did have to prod myself not to turn at a side street, thereby making my run shorter, but then I remembered that I have a few pounds to shed, and kept on course. My blood blister is not bothering me any more and now all I have to do is get myself back into running long distances... which may be a bit of a challenge... but while I should not take it so hard that my dad noticed my weight gain, I will definitely help use it as motivational tool. Lemons to lemonade... thanks dad!