I admit, I do get a runner's high. It took awhile (like a couple of years) to get to that point. You know, where I stopped hating running and started actually enjoying its benefits. So if you hate running, just hang in there! You too will become addicted! Whenever Lisa is crabby and she hasn't run in awhile, I send her out to run. She always comes back in a much better mood. It's so easy, so predictable. We runners are simple that way.
The high I normally get from a run lasts a few hours. Maybe a whole day, if the run went really well. The high I got off of the marathon, however, lasted 2 days. Which sort of makes sense, given how many hours I ran. I figure about one day of feeling good per 2 hours ran, right? I wasn't right physically for the entire week - I couldn't walk, my GI tract was off, and I was fatigued. But I still felt great! I was in a jolly good mood! Until about Wednesday - when I crashed big time. I admit, I was a little depressed for the rest of the week. The only thing that made me happy, believe it or not, was planning my next marathon. I know! I want to run another one! This after telling everyone it was the worst experience of my life!
Runners are crazy. Now I know. Sadly, I have joined the madhouse.
The thing about the marathon is, as I learned the hard way, it's a MARATHON. Everything you think you know about running can just go out the window. You are not the same runner at mile 18 as you were at mile 6. Not by a long shot. So my first marathon was really just a learning experience. Now that I know a little what to expect, I can plan a little better for the next time. Actually, a friend told me the first 4 marathons are like that, but I'm going to be more optimistic. What will I do differently? Well, I won't go out like gangbusters for one thing. In fact, I think I'm going to use Jeff Galloway's run-walk method. Yes, you can complete a marathon in a pretty fast time by walking for a minute every mile. That gives your legs a much-need break so that you can do the run part even faster and for longer. I will also carb load for an entire week before the marathon, not just the night before. Turns out your muscles need lots and lots of glycogen for energy and they run out of glycogen at about mile 18 (which is why so many people hit "the wall" at that point). By carb loading for a week, you can store a lot more glycogen (and water). How do I know this? I read it an article in Runner's World magazine, which came out AFTER I ran the marathon. Oh well. Since I thought I knew every thing I needed to know, I probably wouldn't have read it beforehand anyway.
I'm not sure my friend Margaret is going to run another marathon in the near future, but she sure is acting like it. I see her out on the trail all the time! I, being over 40, needed a week to recover. My first post-marathon run (5 days later) was less than 3 miles at an 11 minute mile pace, and it about killed me. See, now I know my limitations! I'm learning! I plan on doing a half marathon in May, then maybe another fall marathon a year from now.
But for now, I'm enjoying NOT training for anything. I can exercise for the fun of it and it's a nice break. Lisa and I are going to New York this weekend and I can't wait to run in Central Park. At whatever pace and whatever distance we feel like. Because for at least a little awhile I won't have a running agenda.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Kitty 1997(?) - 2011
Kitty, or Black Kitty (as she was known by the kids) came into our lives when I worked at an animal hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island. Someone found her by the road and brought her to the clinic; she was a young adult and seemed perfectly healthy. I spayed her on the sly and brought her back to the apartment I shared with Lisa until the incision healed and her fur grew back. Or at least that's what I told Lisa. I had no intention of bringing her back to work.
We struggled with a name, but did actually gave her one - Lexus. But it never stuck and she's been called Kitty pretty much since day one. Kitty was aloof, intent on being outdoors whenever possible, and an amazing hunter. She routinely brought us dead mice and would howl outside our window in triumph with her catch. One time she ran outside and returned in 30 seconds with a dead baby bunny. Wow!
She would allow us to pet her only on her terms. If you didn't do it right, or pet her for too long, she would give you a little bite and then leap off your lap. We always felt privileged when she allowed our love and affection (which wasn't often). In fact, she remained so hidden that many of our friends didn't even know we had her. Although she spent much of the warmer months outdoors, in the winter she would sleep on Jalen's bed. But only if the conditions were right - move too quickly and she would jump off and disappear, much to Jalen's dismay.
Kitty disappeared about 2 weeks ago. Normally she would grace us with her presence every other day or so, but as the days went on we became more worried. We looked around the neighborhood but knew it would be almost impossible to find her. This morning, however, a neighbor found her in their yard. She was weak, thin, and had trouble breathing. Lisa rushed her to the U of MN and we discovered that she had a large tumor in her lungs. After some deliberation, and especially because her condition didn't improve even with removal of some of the fluid in her chest, we elected to euthanize Kitty.
The kids were devastated. The girls wrote her books that said, We love you so so so so so much. And, I hope you don't go to sleep, because I would be so sad. And they drew a picture of her favorite hiding space - under Jalen's bed. There was much hysteria in the vet hospital visitor's room tonight.
I know this is a lot to write about a cat, but I don't think people knew her very well and I just wanted to share her story. Kitty, we will miss you.
We struggled with a name, but did actually gave her one - Lexus. But it never stuck and she's been called Kitty pretty much since day one. Kitty was aloof, intent on being outdoors whenever possible, and an amazing hunter. She routinely brought us dead mice and would howl outside our window in triumph with her catch. One time she ran outside and returned in 30 seconds with a dead baby bunny. Wow!
She would allow us to pet her only on her terms. If you didn't do it right, or pet her for too long, she would give you a little bite and then leap off your lap. We always felt privileged when she allowed our love and affection (which wasn't often). In fact, she remained so hidden that many of our friends didn't even know we had her. Although she spent much of the warmer months outdoors, in the winter she would sleep on Jalen's bed. But only if the conditions were right - move too quickly and she would jump off and disappear, much to Jalen's dismay.
Kitty disappeared about 2 weeks ago. Normally she would grace us with her presence every other day or so, but as the days went on we became more worried. We looked around the neighborhood but knew it would be almost impossible to find her. This morning, however, a neighbor found her in their yard. She was weak, thin, and had trouble breathing. Lisa rushed her to the U of MN and we discovered that she had a large tumor in her lungs. After some deliberation, and especially because her condition didn't improve even with removal of some of the fluid in her chest, we elected to euthanize Kitty.
The kids were devastated. The girls wrote her books that said, We love you so so so so so much. And, I hope you don't go to sleep, because I would be so sad. And they drew a picture of her favorite hiding space - under Jalen's bed. There was much hysteria in the vet hospital visitor's room tonight.
I know this is a lot to write about a cat, but I don't think people knew her very well and I just wanted to share her story. Kitty, we will miss you.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The marathon kicked my ass. But I kicked back a little.
The morning was crisp and cool, with no wind. Perfect marathon conditions. If you're going to get a personal record, this is the weather to do it in, said the newscaster last night. I was prepared. I had divided up my energy gels, I had a supply of Advil in a little plastic bag. I ate a small breakfast of pudding (because it's proven to be gentle on my gut when doing long runs). I even showered before the race. Bring on the marathon.
On the drive to the Metrodome, Margaret and I talked race strategy. I wanted to go out strong, maybe at a 9 minute/mile pace. That would allow us to bank some time for later, or even get a 4 hour time. Not a good idea, said her husband Chad, a 47! time marathoner. You'll get too tired and won't have enough in the tank for the last half. It's a marathon, you know. Whatever, I replied. We'll go out as fast as we feel is comfortable and deal with the later miles, well, later.
The first few miles were awesome. It was cool, the crowds were wild and inspiring, and I felt great. We were going at about 9:30 minute miles, which Margaret thought was too fast. So I would stop for a potty break and she would go on ahead, and then I would sprint to catch up with her. That worked fine until about mile 11 or so. I could feel my legs getting tired. And my feet hurt. And my IT band was starting to act up. Our pace slowed a little, but I still tried to keep it under 10 minute miles.
I lost Margaret for good somewhere before mile 16, I think. There was a huge part of the run that was kind of a blur to me. You see, Chad was right. A marathon is a lot, I mean A LOT longer than a half marathon, or even the 18 miler (my longest run EVER) 3 weeks ago. I didn't hit a wall, but rather a 7 mile stretch of quicksand. My legs felt like lead and I just couldn't will them to move fast enough. Plus, miles 19-23 were all uphill. Some steep hills interspersed with long stretches of less-steep, but still formidable, inclines. At mile 19 I saw my family for the 3rd (I think) time and I switched out of my minimalist shoes, hoping to alleviate some of the foot pain. Lisa told me I was shaking.
At this point I started to walk through the water stops, trying to get some energy back into my legs. I ran into another friend, Alison, who was having troubles of her own; hers relating more to her GI tract. Actually, I noticed that the whole field of runners was starting to fall apart. People were starting to walk, stopping to stretch at the side of the road, and losing their running form. We didn't belong out here. We're not marathoners! We're more like weekend warriors, maybe getting in one long run a week, and that long run isn't nearly long enough. We're old, not built for running, crunched for time, and battling myriad running injuries.Or at least that's my story. But I suspect many fellow runners are in the same boat.
But we forge on.
The crowds were incredible; the only reason I was able to finish, actually. There was shouting, high-fives, offers of candy, music, dancing. It was a party! But one I wanted desperately to end. And my friend Phil was a trooper by spending the better part of his day tracking Margaret and me down so that he could offer words of encouragement at various parts of the run. I finally saw the light at mile 25. Almost there! And finally a downhill! I reached the top of John Ireland Boulevard by the St. Paul Cathedral and the crowds were crazy! Two of my friends had drove in from outer suburbia just to see me finish. I high-fived them, and then my family, and then gave a big whoop to the crowd as I sprinted downhill to the finish. My official time was 4:42:29, with an average pace of 10:47.
I got a medal and a finisher shirt. I can proudly say that I am one of less than 0.1% of the U.S population that has completed a marathon. Right after the race, I was prety adament about it being my first AND last marathon. But even though I did the best I could, I have a nagging feeling that I could have done better. So now, only a few short hours later, and with my knees on ice because I can hardly walk, I am dreaming of a better race in the future... maybe.
On the drive to the Metrodome, Margaret and I talked race strategy. I wanted to go out strong, maybe at a 9 minute/mile pace. That would allow us to bank some time for later, or even get a 4 hour time. Not a good idea, said her husband Chad, a 47! time marathoner. You'll get too tired and won't have enough in the tank for the last half. It's a marathon, you know. Whatever, I replied. We'll go out as fast as we feel is comfortable and deal with the later miles, well, later.
The first few miles were awesome. It was cool, the crowds were wild and inspiring, and I felt great. We were going at about 9:30 minute miles, which Margaret thought was too fast. So I would stop for a potty break and she would go on ahead, and then I would sprint to catch up with her. That worked fine until about mile 11 or so. I could feel my legs getting tired. And my feet hurt. And my IT band was starting to act up. Our pace slowed a little, but I still tried to keep it under 10 minute miles.
I lost Margaret for good somewhere before mile 16, I think. There was a huge part of the run that was kind of a blur to me. You see, Chad was right. A marathon is a lot, I mean A LOT longer than a half marathon, or even the 18 miler (my longest run EVER) 3 weeks ago. I didn't hit a wall, but rather a 7 mile stretch of quicksand. My legs felt like lead and I just couldn't will them to move fast enough. Plus, miles 19-23 were all uphill. Some steep hills interspersed with long stretches of less-steep, but still formidable, inclines. At mile 19 I saw my family for the 3rd (I think) time and I switched out of my minimalist shoes, hoping to alleviate some of the foot pain. Lisa told me I was shaking.
At this point I started to walk through the water stops, trying to get some energy back into my legs. I ran into another friend, Alison, who was having troubles of her own; hers relating more to her GI tract. Actually, I noticed that the whole field of runners was starting to fall apart. People were starting to walk, stopping to stretch at the side of the road, and losing their running form. We didn't belong out here. We're not marathoners! We're more like weekend warriors, maybe getting in one long run a week, and that long run isn't nearly long enough. We're old, not built for running, crunched for time, and battling myriad running injuries.Or at least that's my story. But I suspect many fellow runners are in the same boat.
But we forge on.
The crowds were incredible; the only reason I was able to finish, actually. There was shouting, high-fives, offers of candy, music, dancing. It was a party! But one I wanted desperately to end. And my friend Phil was a trooper by spending the better part of his day tracking Margaret and me down so that he could offer words of encouragement at various parts of the run. I finally saw the light at mile 25. Almost there! And finally a downhill! I reached the top of John Ireland Boulevard by the St. Paul Cathedral and the crowds were crazy! Two of my friends had drove in from outer suburbia just to see me finish. I high-fived them, and then my family, and then gave a big whoop to the crowd as I sprinted downhill to the finish. My official time was 4:42:29, with an average pace of 10:47.
I got a medal and a finisher shirt. I can proudly say that I am one of less than 0.1% of the U.S population that has completed a marathon. Right after the race, I was prety adament about it being my first AND last marathon. But even though I did the best I could, I have a nagging feeling that I could have done better. So now, only a few short hours later, and with my knees on ice because I can hardly walk, I am dreaming of a better race in the future... maybe.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Another good day!
It seems like my really feel-good days revolve around running events. Today was the Twin Cities Marathon Weekend 5k-10k-1 mile events. Lisa accidentally forgot to register for the 10 mile, which is to be held tomorrow, so she had to run the 10K today instead. So you could say she overtrained for the 10K, which resulted in a really good run for her. It would have been better had she not felt compelled to stay with her friend who hurt her foot a couple of miles before the end. Nonsense, I told Lisa after the race. I would have left my friend in a heartbeat. In fact I even warned my marathon buddy Margaret of this - I would try not to step on her if she fell, but that's the extent of my collegiality. I hope she would do the same.
Another aspect to the day is the remarkable performances given by several of the Jami's Group of Losers members. What a bunch of jocks! And many weren't running at all 6 months ago. We have another JGL 6K in a month, and I really think I am going to get beat this time around.
The most awesome part of the day is how my boys ran. We signed them up for the 5K behind their backs, and they weren't super pleased about being forced to run it. But we shoved them to the start line and yelled, Good luck! as the starting horn went off. I was convinced that Carter was going to walk part of the course, or even not finish. Imagine my surprise to see Jalen booking down towards the finish line ahead of a large percentage of the pack. And Carter wasn't far behind! Jalen finished in just under 24 minutes, and Carter at about 26 minutes, smoking the pants off of their competition. Wow! There were tears in my eyes! This is why we become parents! All of the hours of drudgery and frustration that is involved in raising kids was redeemed by this one moment of glory. Definitely worth it.
So I've been in a good mood all day. I've been carb-loading all day (mainly by eating brownies). Tomorrow is the marathon. Holy crap, TOMORROW IS THE MARATHON!! I hope that the good vibes continue at least for the next 20 hours. I will be taking Xanax tonight so that I can sleep. I will be careful with my morning breakast so as not to upset my GI tract. I will try to remain calm and focused. I will do my part and let the chips fall where they may.
Tune in tomorrow...
Another aspect to the day is the remarkable performances given by several of the Jami's Group of Losers members. What a bunch of jocks! And many weren't running at all 6 months ago. We have another JGL 6K in a month, and I really think I am going to get beat this time around.
The most awesome part of the day is how my boys ran. We signed them up for the 5K behind their backs, and they weren't super pleased about being forced to run it. But we shoved them to the start line and yelled, Good luck! as the starting horn went off. I was convinced that Carter was going to walk part of the course, or even not finish. Imagine my surprise to see Jalen booking down towards the finish line ahead of a large percentage of the pack. And Carter wasn't far behind! Jalen finished in just under 24 minutes, and Carter at about 26 minutes, smoking the pants off of their competition. Wow! There were tears in my eyes! This is why we become parents! All of the hours of drudgery and frustration that is involved in raising kids was redeemed by this one moment of glory. Definitely worth it.
So I've been in a good mood all day. I've been carb-loading all day (mainly by eating brownies). Tomorrow is the marathon. Holy crap, TOMORROW IS THE MARATHON!! I hope that the good vibes continue at least for the next 20 hours. I will be taking Xanax tonight so that I can sleep. I will be careful with my morning breakast so as not to upset my GI tract. I will try to remain calm and focused. I will do my part and let the chips fall where they may.
Tune in tomorrow...
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