RUNNING AT ALTITUDE

Running at altitude, was not so easy!!  Although Denver  is a place I've been many times, it seems no matter how many times I go there I need time to adjust to the altitude.  It seems I cannot avoid the headache although I drink tons of H2O!!  For me, personally, it is just a matter of time to adjust.  This was also a very special trip....my son got married. (He also happens to be my coach! zimmermantraining.com) Day 1 was spent getting up very early in the morning, 4am....picking up the bagels at 5am...and then heading to the airport. This is the one time in NY you can (almost) be sure there will be no traffic on the way to the airport. We arrived in Denver and spent the day meeting up with Adam, Maija, and the rest of the family.  We stayed overnight at a hotel in Lone Tree. I woke up early feeling good and ready for a short run.  It was probably not early enough because the sun was already strong. I ran a short 2 miles up and down a few small hills grateful for the sprinkler that were on in the neighborhood!! It was hot and left me a bit breathless!  The rest of the day was spent driving into the mountains to Breckenridge.  The wedding consumed a lot of our time and there was little time for trying my legs and lungs out at about 10,500 feet altitude. But as promised as a "wedding gift" to my coach, I ventured out on the morning of the wedding for a little run.  It was cool and comfortable but not so easy at altitude!! I only ran altogether about 1.5 miles.  Actually, I walked the uphills and ran the downhills. At about the half way point I heard a few cracks of thunder and thought it best to make my way back to the house!  That was the extent of running at 10,500 feet. On Sunday, the day after the wedding we took the 2 hour trip back down to Denver, a more comfortable altitude of 5, 280 feet. I took that Sunday off and did not run.  However, Monday I woke up early and was ready to tackle Chatfield State Park and the hills.  I was prepared with my water bottle and sunscreen.  I was feeling much better at this altitude for sure! I did a aprox. 4 mile run along the trail in Chatfield.  Although, some of the hills presented a bit of a challenge I was able to run almost all of it with only a minor amount of uphill walking when necessary.  For the rest of my stay during the week I did 2 more runs another 4 mile loop and a 2.5 loop. It is suffice to say that one MUST be prepared for altitude and not be nonchalant about running.  Do not assume what you can run at sea level can be done at altitude without adjusting first.Rest, hydration, rest, hydration.....oh and sunscreen...all important factors I believe are so important to remember when running at altitude. Now if I was there a bit longer, I wonder if it would have a bigger impact on my running at sea level!

5K Wins in June!!

Coming off the excitement of my first half marathon, I was ready planning a race schedule for June. Even though this June is particularly busy.....end of school, meetings, events, parties, graduation, nad my son's wedding, I was ready to plan a few race events in there somehow.  First up was the 5K Aids and Cancer Run in Wantagh's Cedar Creek.  It is a flat boring course which is basically 2x around the road in the park. I really did find it boring but set out to meet or beat my PR. It did not quite happen...but almost. My time was:  27:41. I couldn't believe I could not run 7 seconds faster to beat my PR. Oh well....no matter... I got FIRST PLACE!!  It wasn't a huge race, about 250 in attendance. But it was sweet...my first time winning first place! YAY! I won a trophy and a restaurant gift certificate. Funny thing, I was never competitive; I always made a point of saying that...but it is nice to win!!! 

Second race this month was on Thursday, June 14th. The Long Island Police Appreciation 5K.  The course was more interesting as it ran the route through the park which has lots of twists and turns and was also a bit muddy because of the rain in the past week. I tried to hold back a bit the first mile; my mile split was 8:45. Not really slower than the last race. The second mile I tried...really I did...to pick it up a bit. Seemed the 2 miles split was about the same, may be a tiny bit faster. I kept pushing it to try and come close to my PR but I was feeling like I had to really dig deep to keep it up.  I passed the 3 mile marker at about 27 minutes. The final time: 28:00. Not bad... :) That got me 2nd place and a nice plaque. And the next best thing was they had massage therapist which helped my hamstrings after the race!! Move those trap trophies over Glenn...I've got a few race trophies for the showcase! LOL

Half Marathon....My first!!

Sunday, May 6th was my first half marathon.after training for 25 weeks. 25 weeks ago, that is when I got really serious about it. I told my coach, my son, that I was ready to take on the goal of running 13.1 miles.   I knew if I was going to do it that I would have to give it up to my coach and really really listen to him since I would not have a clue as to how to train. It was a long hard 25 weeks. I not only learned how to work hard at running but how you can rearrange a very busy life with many commitments to include lots of miles on the road. I ran through all types of weather. I did draw the line at bad rain, or icy conditions.  But it seemed that for the most part I got the miles required in every week.  

So all of a sudden it seemed, about one week ago I was at my last week of training before the half marathon.  I felt confident albeit nervous or rather apprehensive about the logistical part of the race.

What should I wear, eat for breakfast, when to wake up, omg...i'll probably have to stop during the race and use a porta-john...what if I feel like I have to walk....no in my head that was not an option. My goal was no matter what to finish this race running across the finish line!!

Finally it was Saturday, the day before my big race!! I went out for a morning 2 mile run in cold damp weather which ended up turning into rain. Yuck! I felt really good but yuck...rain! Perhaps if it was warm I probably would not have minded it so much.  So finally it was the night before the race. I ate my obligatory pasta dinner stretched a bit and got to sleep early. 

Race day!! I woke up at about 5:30am.  I wanted to plan a nice relaxing morning with no rushing around whatsoever.  I took a hot shower to warm up my muscles and then had a small breakfast of an english muffin and gatorade.  Perfect! At 7am my husband, Glenn drove me near to the start line so I only had to walk about 1/2 mile to the where the race began.  There were hundreds of runners cuing up...stretching, at the porta-johns, running, jumping and even someone doing tai chi and someone doing some yoga moves.  I was glad that I only had about 1/2 hour to race time because I really really just wanted to get this party started already!!
And then it began.....with fireworks as we crossed the start! I think everyone lost a few seconds looking up at the cool fireworks they set off for us.  The first part was within the road that encircled Mitchell field and surrounding office buildings. Honestly, this was the worst part. It was endless it seemed.  I set my mind on this part being a warm-up and that the 'real' part of the race would begin on Merrick Ave. when we left the area. I enjoyed the laughter and jokes by some other runners who definitely kept me entertained on this boring part.  Finally, we were out this area and on to the road. We were met with a lot of cheering folks. I tried to just get into my own rhythm and pace. Then I just seemed to get into 'cruise' and was feeling just fine.  Not much of any crowds through Westbury but there were 2 small hills. No problem. Those did not seem to bother me much.  The bands I passed (2) were not playing my kind of running music so I was glad I had my headphones on.
And soon we were turning on to Jericho Tpke. Something that I was dreading for some reason. I keep thinking....oh no...it will be long and never ending.  Soon I was approaching the 10k mark and was ready for a snack of gummies and a drink.  I noticed my time was about 1:02 and I was pleased with my progress at that point.  It even included a high five to priest who was standing on the side congratulating everyone that passed him. It helped keep the mind occupied as the body was cruising.  Along the way I also saw a coach from WTCHS on the side! Before I knew it......we were making the turn on to Brush Hollow Rd. heading toward 9 miles!! Passed a blues band.....and then we were on the Wantagh Parkway!!
I was still doing ok not feeling too tired...just a bit.  As we entered the parkway though I noticed the sign ....1/2 mile to Old Country Rd. and  the big hill that in decades of driving I never ever noticed before. It looked really big!! I was thinking how am I going to get up THAT hill!! But climb it I did trying to keep my pace steady however, as we got closer to the exit it seemed to get harder. But I persevered....and as I approached the 10 mile marker I was feeling ok again. 
Next, we turned on to Carmen Ave. There were certainly more spectators as we got closer to the park.  But at around mile 11 my knees felt funky and not too happy...and my hip was getting annoyed! But I was not about to give in to these little annoyances. I had come so far and come hell or high water I was going to finish running this race across the finish line!!  It helped having more cheering people and a group of WTCHS kids in the mix to keep the spirits up.  We wound our way through Eisenhower Park and soon I could hear the crowds and the announcer and knew just around the bend was the finish of what I started training for 25 weeks ago.  And then there it was the finish line right in front of me....I saw the timer and tried to put on a little push. And then.....it was over. I had accomplished my goal! Medal on my neck....water in my hand...with the space blanket on my shoulders. YAY!!! I did it!! It was such an incredible moment for me. It was absolutely stellar knowing I accomplished 13.1 miles, my first half marthon!!! 
Hmmmmmm.....maybe there is another one in my furture!

Turning 60, a 5K and one week until the Half Marathon!

I turned 60!
April 10th I turned 60! I spent my birthday traveling to Colorado to see my son, his bride to be, and a lot of my family. I also got a chance to do some 'altitude' training. That was not so easy! I ran a great trail in the Chatfield Reservoir Park. I did alot of stop and start getting up the hills and catching my breath! It was great and what views...so it was definitely worth it.

Run with the Rams/ April 28

Woke up early and felt good....so I was really happy to go to the race. It had been a long time since I ran one!! I think the HoHoHo was the last race!!

The race organization was not great...no starting time sections etc...and then all of a sudden some yelled it started! I didn't hear a horn or starting gun etc. So I think I got off to

a bit of a slow start since there was a bit of confusion amongst the runners at first.  But I took off up the first hill *albiet a small one!! and started right away to find my breath.

(That is a yoga term btw) I felt great even at the beginning and falling into a pace seemed pretty easy and quick this time. Usually, I go out way too fast and have slow down to control my breathing and get into a rhythm.  I had left Marlena way behind me.  I moved away from the (LOL) heavy breathers as I listening to it throws mine off!  After a mile or so I noticed I was running at the same pace a man and a woman running together.  After a while he took off  at around mile 1.5 and then I started to chat with her.  I can't believe how much we talked while running a race!  It really was surprising to me. And I turned off my nano...LOL.  She was asking me what kind of pace I usually run etc and then she said she knew our pace but wasn't going to tell me! But as we approached about 2.5 miles her breathing was getting a bit more labored and I decided it was time to 'drop' her and pick it up a bit. I was conservative about it though. I don't know why I do that.  I came in at 28:18/ 9:07 pace. I was very pleased at the results. I think all that training became obvious to me as I finished the race. I have a great coach to thank for that!!  
Sunday/April 29

I was feeling a bit tired/lazy today and woke up extremely hungry.  At first I was going to run without breakfast but decided against it. After about 1 1/2 hours I ran 5 miles.  Funny, I was planning on running only about 3 (yes I know what it says above)  but I felt pretty good and just kept going.  Of course, I was a bit overdressed (not overheated however) but no matter I was fine. 5 miles just under 55 minutes.  Hahaha....passed the radar cop...who told me to pick up the pace I was running too slow.  Nice easy run. My right hamstring was feeling a bit tight tonight so I gave it some ice! I finished that run thinking I feel prepared and ready for Sunday. A bit nervous and such about logistics but athletically....ready to run 13.1.
I <3 my coach!

No April Fools!!

Sunday, April 1st...  I definitely geared up for this big running day both mentally and physically.

Woke up and had a small breakfast…English muffin w/peanut butter and some Gatorade

I did not leave on my run until almost 2 ½ hours later.  Got my fuel  belt on with one bottle of Gatorade * ½ diluted with water.  Got 1 pkge of Gatorade “prime” gummies in my belt and took off. Felt fine most of the time. I divided the time up in half figuring it would be about 2 hours altogether. After 1 hour, I took off the top layer and decided that was a good time for my ‘snack’ I ate all 4 gummies…tasted like candy.  And within the next 15 minutes the 8oz drink was history.  I made a park “pit stop” detour at that point. And then I was ready for part 2.  I was really more energized I think because of the gummies and a drink. I wasn’t really hurting either….until about mile 9 or 10. That’s when my knee started aching a bit. I kept running through it.  I even made a plan to run past my block as to give my self the idea that the running was not quite done yet.  Usually I see my block and that’s when I get really tired! LOL. All psychological I assume! Got home and rested, drank, ate etc…even walked the dog. My knee was then feeling fine. Who knows?? All in all I am very tired and a bit sore but ok.  Hope that I’m feeling the same tomorrow. I will go easy in yoga tomorrow, but I think the stretching will be beneficial. With all that said….I am quite pleased and definitely more psychologically ready to run the 13.1 miles next month!

It's all about the training.....

So February is over.....and March almost.....and I have definitely fallen off the blog wagon. It has been all about the training for the 1/2 marathon lately and trying to keep my head above water with all my work commitments. Even though I have had so much on my work plate, I have kept up the training. It has been hard though and quite tiring. More tiring than I had felt in the past.  I found that I can run a high mileage weekend: Saturday 5 miles and Sunday 9 miles and go to work on a Monday...but it does take it's toll on my energy level.  Last week the mileage did funky things to my knee and and I had to back off a bit. Maybe Monday's yoga class was a bit too much as well.
January I was lucky enough to run a race with my son/coach. My time was not the best but it was a priceless day with nice weather as you can see in the picture! It was really great as we have never run a race together. We also did a warm up and that was nice being able to run at a decent pace with him.
February and March have flown by so fast.  I have finally signed up for the Long Island half marathon. I really was committed but it did take courage to hit submit! But...I did it. That's it for now...but I will try to keep up with this blog a bit more often!

December and more PRs for me!!!

Next race up was December 3rd: Seaford Hot Chocolate 5K Run.  This time I left a little earlier not sure where the race was exactly and how far was the parking overflow lot...yeah I know I'm a runner but I like my convenience of not being so far away to drop off my t-shirt! The bib pick up, t-shirts, food and awards were in the Seaford HS.  Nice accommodations...and no port-a-pottys!! Regular bathrooms!! Lady runners appreciate that!! I did a few warm up runs back and forth to my car....yes I did have to park about 1/2 mile away...I wasn't as early as I thought!  The racers finally got to the start and I appreciated the mass of people since a chilly breeze was still apparent! I noticed as the gun was about to go off the older gentleman next to me hunched down and ready to sprint off. The gun went off; we started to run and within about 10 seconds I noticed  in my peripheral vision, the gentleman next to me start to tumble and with him a few others went down. I was still running looking back and then as I saw help for him, I turned and took off in earnest.  Well, the best part of this race was when I hit the 3 mile mark and saw the time; it was about 26:40. Now that was a record for me!! I was astonished but dug down as much as I could to the finish line. I crossed it at  27:38. I took 3rd place out of 16. Yay! The awards were also a lot of fun sitting with a lively group of 30'somethings who were fun to be with. They included me in their revelry! And they also stepped up for some awards as well although none of us won any raffles! 

One more race in December: HoHoHo 5K Holiday Run.  Quite a few years ago my son Adam won this race, and here I am running in it! This seemed quite spectacular because if you had told me that back then I would have thought you were nuts! But I was and I was ready for it because Adam is now my coach! This was also a nice race filled with lots of fun and costumes and good cheer and holiday spirit.  Many people were in outfits for the season. And there certainly was no shortage of runners. The pre-race activities were held at the middle school. So there was a nice space to warm up after a warm up run. It was a chilly morning of about 29 or 30 degrees.  Good start and great finish. I ran another PR of 27:33. I was stoked that I ran that time again for this race.  It was a great race for me sans winning any raffle..LOL I only wish there had been some friendly faces to share it with that day. No worries; I was more than pleased with the outcomes.