My Superpower Wish

This week's Take It & Run theme at Runners Lounge is Choose Your Superpower. "What superpower would you choose if you could? Sure, speed would be nice, but it seems like as a group we would get more creative than that. A shield to keep the rain out. The ability to stay warm or cool. I could see triathletes wanting to have Superman's trick of instantly changing clothes in handy phone booth."

I gave this quite a bit of thought. As a mother of two young children, the most difficult obstacle I encounter is finding the time to train. To run. To swim. To cycle. To work my core. In order to get stronger, to get faster, I need to adhere to my training plan. I need to do the work. I want to do the work. I enjoy putting myself to the test and pushing my limits.

I have thereby come to the conclusion that I would want the power of Time Manipulation. If you have read The Chronicles of Narnia (or watched the movies), you know what I am talking about. When the kids go through the wardrobe, time passes differently in Narnia than it does back home. When they return to their normal lives - it seems as if only minutes have passed whereas they have spent days, months even, in Narnia.

When I lace up my running shoes, sync the Garmin, and step out the door, it would be delightful to do my prescribed workout without worry of childcare. I could go for a 2 hour run - enjoy myself - and upon my return, it would seem I had not ventured farther than next door to borrow a cup of sugar.

The power of time manipulation would have merit in my personal life as well. I'm sure all of us with children can attest to the fact that finding time alone with one's partner is very difficult. Imagine the bliss that could result if one could manipulate time?

What about you? What super power do you wish for?

OSN: 1300m warm-up (900m mixed stroke / 400m w/fins); 12 x 50m freestyle drill (in rounds of 4: first 3 w/fists, 4th open palm); 6 x 50m choice FAST on 2:30 (I did freestyle - 50, 49, 48, 48, 49, 49); 150m backstroke active recovery. 2350 m total.

Pondering...

I most assuredly will run Eugene again in 2009. I'll use the Peterson Ridge Rumble 30K as a solid training run beforehand as well as a few shorter races (Horse Butte 10 miler + Grin & Bear It 10K). After that... the sky is the limit.

Perhaps I should consider this or this ?? Of course, if I go with the second... I can use this one or even this one in preparation.


ORN: 5 miles: 1/2 mi warm-up; 3 x 1 mile @ Tempo (8:28, 7:58, 8:22); and 1 1/2 mi cool-down.

Meeting a Hero

Upon the advice of another runner-blogger, Sean Meissner, I stopped by Fleet Feet after Masters this afternoon to pick-up a Strassburg Sock in hopes that it may help alleviate my PF issues. I didn't expect to see him at the store but was delighted that he was. I have been following his blog for a little more than a year now so getting an opportunity to meet him left me as giddy as a kid in a candy store.

I couldn't quite remember the name of the sock so when the clerk asked, "How can I help you?" my immediate response was, "I'm in need of a sock of some sort." Sean and his colleague replied in stereo, "The Strassburg!" Sean's colleague helped me with a shoe insert and we discussed my arches briefly.

When I had worked up enough gumption, I asked, "Are you Sean?" He replied, "Yes! You must be Makita!" As a middle of the pack runner - I was delighted that he remembered! :D
He recently ran a 2:42:30 PR - winning the Spokane Marathon! He is now training for CIM in hopes of breaking 2:40 - I have every confidance that he will do just that!

I spent a little time asking questions of Sean and his colleague about training, running, and PF. I plan to come back soon for a gait analysis. I have so much to learn to break out of this plateau/funk. I hope to join the Fleet Feet crew for some group runs, too. I'm really looking forward to a new training cycle in January and hope to have a solid 30+ mile per week base established before then.


I now know 2 runners doing the CIM this year (Sean and GB)! I kinda wish I was, too.

OSN: 1100m warm-up (400m w/fins); 350m backstroke drill; 2 x 300m = 2050m
(Coach wasn't there today - so my lane took advantage of George's expertise on the backstroke and we had a backstroke clinic of sorts.)

Winter/Spring '09 Training Plan

Getting motivated...
My goal right now is to build up a solid 30+ miles per week base prior to starting in January.

LSD + Eros = My Running Bliss

We went to the coast this weekend to see family. Of course, I brought along my running gear so I could run along one of my favorite trails. I also brought along my iPod - something I don't generally do as I very much enjoy running outdoors and listening to the sounds of the river or the birds in my vicinity. I rebuilt my playlists the other day, however, so I was eager to try them out. Put them to the test, if you will.

I departed just after 9 a.m. - Sweetie wishing me well, "Run fast, Mommy!" My intention was to do about 8 miles - play it by ear. I turned on the iPod, synced the Garmin, and took off.

Rather than use my Running Playlist however, I selected the Latin Genre. The first song to play was No Llores Por Mi by Enrique Iglesias. It was a great way to warm-up but it wasn't exactly what I wanted. So, I switched to Eros Ramazzotti's album Calma Apparante. With La Nostra Vita - I knew immediately that this was the rhythm I desired.

It was so blissful to run. Without concern for pace. Without concern for distance. I just enjoyed the moment. Listened to the words. Took in my surroundings. Remembered why I first fell in love with running. I was home.

Watch the Video here

Sta Passando Novembre

E’ per te
questo bacio nel vento,
te lo manderò lì
con almeno altri cento.
E’ per te,
forse non sarà molto,
la tua storia, lo so,
meritava più ascolto
e magari, chissà,
se io avessi saputo,
t’avrei dato un aiuto.
Ma che importa oramai,
ora che…
Puoi prendere per la coda una cometa
e girando per l’universo te ne vai,
puoi raggiungere, forse adesso, la tua meta,
quel mondo diverso che non trovavi mai.
Solo che
non doveva andar così,
solo che
tutti ora siamo un po’ più soli qui.
E’ per te
questo fiore che ho scelto,
te lo lascerò lì
sotto un cielo coperto.
Mentre guardo lassù,
sta passando novembre
e tu hai vent’anni per sempre.
Ora che…
puoi prendere per la coda una cometa
e girando per l’universo te ne vai,
puoi raggiungere, forse adesso, la tua meta,
quel mondo diverso che non trovavi mai…
non trovavi mai…
puoi raggiungere, forse adesso, la tua meta,
quel mondo diverso che non trovavi mai.
Solo che non doveva andar così,
solo che tutti ora siamo un po’ più soli…
tutti ora siamo un po’ più soli qui…
è per te.

Heavy Breathing is Always Good...

Today has been a great day. I woke up at the typical 5:45 a.m. and prepared scrambled eggs for DH. I sorted through the mail as he ate and read the morning's paper. Buddy woke early and immediately requested strawberry milk in a sippy cup. Just as DH was leaving for work, Sweetie also woke up and gave her dad a big hug and kiss.

Both the kiddos wanted a movie and coincidentally, a new one, The NeverEnding Story, had arrived from Netflix. They watched attentively and were very happy. When the credits rolled Sweetie exclaimed, "This is the best movie I have ever watched so far! I love it!"

When the movie was over, we spent a couple of hours doing some schoolwork (math, writing, reading) and packing for our weekend at the coast. I'm hoping to take the kiddos to the lake to look for amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.

We then went to the pool...

Arriving early, I got 950m warm-up (my usual 600m mixed stroke + 350m w/fins) done before Coach Bob stopped us. The drill set was speed work! In the pool, I actually enjoy speed work. Running... speed drills are an entirely different experience. 3 rounds of 6 x 25m free style. All out. 30 sec rest interval / 1 min rest between rounds. When we finished Bob said, "Ah! Is everyone breathing hard? Heavy breathing is always good... so long as it's not coming through the phone!" Everyone laughed. I knew immediately that I had to incorporate his quip in my blog post. Did you think I was going somewhere else with that title?

The main set was long...... 900 - 1500m freestyle (not freestyle every 3rd stroke). I did 1000m and really enjoyed this set. With the postal challenge coming up in just a few weeks - this was a good measure of how it would feel. Grand total - 2400m.

A Reflection...

While the kiddos were engrossed in their movie, I spent a little time here - blogging & browsing. Each day, I am more overjoyed with the connections and friendships I have made and rediscovered because of the internet. I have never felt more connected and centered than I do presently.

As I was swimming today, I did a lot of reflecting. Much of my cheerfulness today is due to my realization that friends come into our lives at times when we most need them. That everyone has a role to play and that our friends can and do continue to play a role in who we are. Who we can become. Though we may not always remain friends with everyone who has touched our lives, those that do stick with us are true kindred spirits.

I rely a lot upon my blogging friends - upon each of you. I honestly believe that I would not have been able to finish even one marathon without the comraderie and support that we provide one another. Now, Facebook has enabled me to reconnect with friends I've lost over the years... to stay in closer contact with friends I see daily and those whom I've had the pleasure to get to know through my blog. It has been a delight and a true pleasure.

For this, I thank you. Con todo mi corazon. Abrazos y amor.

It's a Beautiful Day!

I absolutely love autumn. It is the best season of the year for running... reminds me of running cross country in high school when I first fell in love with the sport.

Today's run, however, was a little uncomfortable despite the fact that I had been looking forward to the run all day. I didn't even get 1/2 mile before I started to get a side stitch. What's up with that, anyway? I had to walk a few times to stretch and try to work out the pain. I pushed through, though, and by mile 2, I wasn't bothered anymore. Pain is good. Pain makes you strong. Right?

Anyway... I walked the big quarter mill arse kicker... I still haven't figured out the % incline but I swear that if I could levitate like a vampire and look at the hill from the side, it would be a 45% angle on a protractor. How's that for my math skills!

I stopped at mile 5 and let my heart rate come back down. At that point, my average pace was 10:14 per mile. Oh my. Not so good. I thereby opted to to attempt a 1 mile tempo run and changed the settings on the Garmin so it would beep at me if I was going too slow. Not that it helps, mind you, but a girl can hope. I managed to nail an 8:35 min mile (my goal pace for my next marathon) but I tell ya, I was dying!

I finished off with another 1/2 mile for cool-down... a very slow cool down. In the end, I covered 6.6 miles in 1:07:50 (10:16 average pace). I really need to do some work!

A question...
Does anyone use an elliptical? I'm curious to know if one is faster on an elliptical than they would be on land? For example, I know that if the incline setting on a treadmill is at 0%, the effort required is a little less. Is the same true of an elliptical? I'm curious because a friend told me that he can do an 8K in ~30min on an elliptical. This both impresses me and makes me very jealous! That's an 18 min 5K! Smokin' fast!

Chipmunk or Squirrel? ~ Nature Study

Do you know the difference?

Both have black stripes running down their back and both can be downright brazen in their attempts to get food from hikers and picnickers.

The biggest physical difference between the two is size. A chipmunk runs about 8 inches long and weighs around 2 ounces, while a golden-mantled ground squirrel is 9 to 12 inches long and weighs between 4 and 14 ounces. The squirrel’s back is brownish gray, with one white stripe bordered by black stripes running down each side. Unlike the chipmunk, the squirrel’s stripes don’t extend up to its face. The squirrel’s name comes from the golden brown or russet mantle over its head and shoulders. Whitish fur circle the eyes.

Scientists classify the golden-mantled ground squirrel as a true ground squirrel, though it will climb trees to reach seeds. Its genus name Spermophilus is Greek for “seed loving.” Like other ground squirrels, the golden-mantle packs seeds and fruit in its cheek pouches and stores the food in burrows, puts on a thick layer of fat, and hibernates in winter. Golden-mantled ground squirrels eat their stored food in early spring, when seeds and fruit are scarce. In addition to seeds and fruit, the omnivorous ground squirrel eats fungi, forbs, insects, bird eggs, small vertebrates, and carrion.

Though the golden-mantled ground squirrel can vocalize, it remains silent most of the time. When alarmed, it chirps and squeals. Though not especially aggressive, it growls when fighting with other ground squirrels.

Though tempting, it’s not a good idea to feed these or any other wild animals; it distracts them from searching for natural foods, which they must eat in large quantities to survive. Unlike most other ground squirrels, the golden mantle is a loner. It only spends time with others of its kind as a youngster with its mother and siblings.

A funny story... Public Service Announcement: Do Not Try This At Home.

When I was little, we did a lot of camping in Central Oregon. One year, my youngest brother got it into his head that he could catch a chipmunk. My parents must have chuckled over that one because, like most boys he was very busy and was only still when he was sleeping. My parents always encouraged us, however, so my mom gave him a nearly empty potato chip bag.

Surprisingly, my brother must have sat with his legs extended out in front of him, holding the bag in his hand and resting it on the ground between his legs for over an hour! That in itself was quite an accomplishment.

There was one brave little chipmunk that followed the trail my brother had laid out to lead it to the bag. As soon as it stepped into the bag, my brother has never moved faster in his life! He scooped up the bag and closed it with one swift movement. "I got it! I got it!"

Of course we let the little thing go... but it was certainly a memorable experience.

2700 Meters!

Wow! Seemingly, Coach Bob has been really increasing the intensity of our swim workouts the past few weeks. It's all good, though.

I arrived at 11:45 am and was able to get a solid 1000m in (mixed stroke every 100m + 400m w/fins) before he stopped us for announcements. We then went into the drill set - 8 x 25m backstroke.

The main set was a doozy - 2 x (350m, 250m, 150m, and 50m). I opted to drop off a 50 on each of the 350s as Kelly was in my lane today along with Roger and Randy. She is quite the froggy... so she was about to lap Randy on the last 50 so he and I both opted to stop rather than goof up the rotation.

2700m in total - Another swim distance PR

The Postal Challenge is just around the corner and my girlfriend and I have decided to do it for the first time. Essentially, we will each swim 3000m and record 100m splits for one another. I'm looking forward to it as it will provide a good measure of my fitness level going into winter.

Catch Me If You Can

I've been tagged. And in the spirit of getting to know you better - and you, I.... I am game.

Mom2Amara at Being Mom2Amara caught me. And she wants me to list seven random factoids about myself.

What do you think she wants to know?

1. I love historical fiction. The Patriot. John Adams (HBO). The Gladiator. Wonderful movies I could watch over and over.
   
2. I only recently discovered Facebook and I have to say, I'm so very glad that I did.
3. Opinionated people annoy me. My motto: "Do what you makes you happy. What is right for 'me' is not necessarily what is right for 'you' and vice versa. We are all individuals."
   
4. I want my navel pierced and another tattoo (26.2 on my calf or heel) but DH doesn't. I just can't seem to persuade him to change his mind. Perhaps I should just go forth... see #3.
   
5. I need to run. It keeps me grounded. Keeps me centered.
   
6. I spend way too much time on the computer.
7. hmmmm, having a hard time coming up with another.... I love to read but I don't find the time as often as I would like (I suppose that will have to do). To remedy this, my girlfriend and I are starting a new book club... I'm excited about it.
   

I know many of you don't care for memes ... so play along if you wish but don't consider it an obligation.

Here are the rules:

1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 7 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post. (I was never one for rules.)
4. Pass on the tag.

You're it. Catch me if you can.


OSN 10/14: 1100m warm-up (alternate stroke every 100m, 400m w/fins); 8 x 25m fly drill; 6 x 200m free (descending on 3s) = 2500m

ORN 10/13: 5.25 miles at an average 9:08 pace - yes, my heel hurt in the evening and the next morning. I'm going to Fleet Feet today to buy a sock... thank you, Sean!

I *Heart* Vampires

Is anyone else as intrigued by this new HBO series as I am?

And this one?

I read the first 2 installments within two days this past weekend... each was over 500 pages. I just couldn't put them down... even reading while I made breakfast! I moped about Monday because I didn't have the next two books. I picked them up at Barnes & Noble on Tuesday afternoon and am nearly finished already. I am so captivated, that when I finish this series, I am going to read Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.

Finding My Bliss... & The Aftermath

I enjoyed a wonderful run yesterday afternoon. It was a glorious, beautiful fall day and so I opted to go along the river trail. Despite an internal desire to push the pace, I kept myself in control and maintained a solid, easy pace. I crossed over at the bridge and then returned home. The parks & rec department have done a lot of work on the trail (particularly the east side of the trail) since I ran along it last. They've widened areas, put gravel down to smooth out the terrain. I was impressed.

I ran 6.25 miles in just over an hour. My average pace was 9:53 per mile. I'm very pleased. When I got home, I spent a little time stretching. Knowing it is important to avoid injury.

A few hours later that evening, I realize my right heal is bothering me just a little. By dinner, it aches pretty fierce and I find myself trying not to put pressure on it as I walk.

DH wants to go out for our evening walk as a family - I can't say no as it is an important part of our day and an opportunity for us to converse without outside interruption. I take a few ibuprofen and we're off.

He sets a pretty brisk pace and I have to ask him twice to slow down ... revealing my pain to him upon the second request. I had been trying to keep it to myself - hoping, I suppose, that by not verbalizing it, it would go away.

Buddy fell asleep on the walk (yes, we still use the jogging stroller for our walks even though Sweetie, at least, could do the distance on he own) as the kiddos were bundled up in their winter coats and a large fleece blanket. Temperatures have dropped significantly in the past week. It was in the high 50s during our walk with a cold breeze off the mountain.

DH carried Buddy to his bed... DH and Sweetie played for a little while as I cleaned up the kitchen... we then all climbed into our bed and read for awhile (Sweetie enjoyed a new catalog that had come in the mail ... lots of cool educational toys).

When I woke this morning, my right heel was still very painful. I know exactly what it is... Plantars Faciitis. I'm not amused.

Catching Up

Thursday 10/2

Warmup: 1000m warmup alternate stroke every 100m (600m); 400m w/ fins - I arrived early knowing I had to leave early
Drill: 8 x 50m backstroke
Main Set: 2 rounds: 150m freestyle; 100m breast/back; 50m freestyle, fast
Total: 2000m


Monday 10/6

Warmup: 500m warm-up alternate stroke every 100m (500m); 200m w/fins
Drill: 8 x 50m breast, double pull underwater (don't surface until 25m)
Main Set: 350m, 350m, 250m, 250m, 150m, 150, 50m (didn't have time for last 50m); 2nd one was to be 5 sec faster per 100m
Total: 2650m THE MOST EVER

350s - 7:14, 7:07 / 250s - 5:10, 5:04 / 150s - ?, ?


Tuesday 10/7

45 min family walk

Can You Believe....

I am actually a little sore today! I haven't been sore from a training run in a very long time. Whoo Hoo! I'm getting my groove back.

So swimming today - I knew I had to leave a little early, so I intentionally arrived early enough to get a solid swim in before practice started. I thereby did 600m warm-up (alternating strokes every 100m) and 300m with fins. I managed to squeeze another 100m before Coach asked us to hold up.

He talked a few minutes - encouraging us to participate in the upcoming Postal 3000m challenge. I am very intrigued but need to work out scheduling with DH.

The drill set was freestyle - 11 x 50m free w/ fists. I led our lane. I felt strong and confidant. We then alternated leaders for the main set (I led 2nd).... 3 rounds of 150m free (breathe control 3.3.5.5.7.7), 100m not free (we chose breast/back/breast/back), and 50m free fast. I was able to get only 2 rounds in before I had to leave for my appointment.

I was very pleased with the workout though... 2150m total.

An Open Letter to My Love

My Dearest Running -

I know we're struggling. We've reached a bumpy patch of road, and we're tripping all over the place just trying to stay up-right. It happens...but usually not this bad, and certainly not to us.

I admit that I haven't been as good to you as I could be, as I should be, or as I need to be. I haven't kept up my promises, and I've fallen back into old habits - dangerous habits. There's not nearly enough stretching. There's rarely any post-run refueling, especially in the desired time span or carb-to-protein ratio. Sadly, there is absolutely no strength training. I'm mortified and disappointed.

It seems like I've totally forsaken you. Yet, you're still there for me. You have to beg me to spend time with you. Plead. Whine. Threaten. When I do spend time with you, my mind is elsewhere. Not focused on you, the way it should be, but drifting off to lesson preparation or household chores that have yet to be done. We're not connecting.

It's so unfair to you because I know how great we are together. I know that if I worked at it just a little harder, we could be amazing. Right now, you're fighting for my affection and attention. While I'm feeling like too little butter spread over too much toast.

Know that you are in my heart and that I am constantly thinking of you. You've been patient so far. Just bear with me a little while longer as I get things worked out. I promise I'll be able to give my complete attention again soon.

Perhaps I can offer some consolation to you with these words: You are my true love, my soul (sole) mate and I will never be able to leave you. If you ever left me, I know that I would never be able to get over you. Ever.

Most affectionately,

Makita


ORN: I ran 5 miles today. I felt absolutely great! I went out with all intentions to take it easy and I did just that - I relaxed. I didn't worry about time, distance or pace. I concentrated on enjoying the time to myself. Being alone. Being outdoors. As I got underway, I knew 5 miles was entirely within reach. Average pace 9:04. I am elated. :D