'Twas the night before the half..

...And all through my head,
thoughts of failing filled me with dread.

I have been waffling for the past 2 weeks of whether I will run the Rock and Roll San Diego half marathon tomorrow.  And until this point, I'm still debating with myself.  I have already accepted that this will not be the race in which I will PR.  However, I have not accepted that I am not at the level at which I think I should be performing.  This is an extremely difficult thought for me to wrestle with as I am a perfectionist.  Like many perfectionists, I exhibit the "all or nothing" mentality.  If I can't run the shit out of this half marathon, I don't even want to bother with it.

Getting back into running shape has been more of a mental than physical challenge for me.  I fight the negative thoughts in my head on a daily basis and more often than I'd like to admit, they win.  When this all becomes a struggle, I begin to lose sight of why I run in the first place and that saddens me greatly.

I'm plagued with how to allow myself the grays between success and failure.  I'm not lazy, I'm just afraid of failing.

Running on Empty

Not too many people know that I have struggled with an eating disorder for a good majority of my life.  In the past 2 or 3 years, it has reared its ugly head during extremely stressful times.  For the most part, I have it under control.  I found that my active lifestyle (running specifically) has helped keep the eating disorder at bay.  Without fuel or nutrients for the body, there was no way that my body was going to keep up with my maniacal regimen.  I definitely notice a difference in performance and recovery time if I'm not feeding my body with a sufficient and balanced diet.

I run races because I enjoy the enthusiasm in the atmosphere from the other runners, spectators, and volunteers.  In recent races, I have been trying to challenge myself and increase my speed.  Normally, I would not entertain this idea because I don't like putting a lot of pressure on myself and forget the reason why I sign up for the events in the first place.  But, I'm discovering that I'm liking the challenge of shaving time off of each mile which results in an overall lower half or full marathon time.  My best race year was 2010, where I ran all my half marathons under 2 hours (PR: 1:53:38 La Jolla half) and attained my marathon PR (SD RnR - 4:12:06).  During that year, I was also at my lightest weight (between 120-125lbs).  I was convinced that this range was my ideal weight and any deviations above would undoubtedly lead me to slower times or worse yet DNFs.

I came across this article from Runner's World and it reminded me of my sometimes compulsive nature to keep tabs on foods that I eat and whether it has the right nutrients or if it's just wasting my caloric quota for the day.  I don't really restrict myself to any sort of food, but I do tend to run extra / lift more if I indulge in something rich and densely caloric.  Sometimes, I just let it go and figure that it's not every day that I eat like that.  It is difficult to find that balance between eating enough or too much.  It's a bit frustrating to hear people say, "You can eat whatever you want, you run all the time!"  Just because I am as active as I am does not give me free range on what I get to eat.  I still have to practice moderation.

What is the point of all this drivel?  First and foremost, I need to feel comfortable in my own body.  Next, I need to realize in order to keep myself in peak performance, I must feed myself, find that balance, and indulge every once in a while (and continue with the interval training and tempo runs - bah!).  I do realize that this can not happen over night and every once in a while, I will falter.  This does not make me weak, it makes me human.

2012 Surf City USA half marathon

The Surf City Half Marathon marked the 2nd running event of the year.  What a difference not running with a bummed knee, lungs full of black soot, and being hung over made!

The only technology that I run with is my Garmin because I like that it tells me my pace, time, and HR (I am a data fiend).  So, you can imagine my disappointment when it decided not to work the morning of the race.  I gave up after numerous times to get it to work and decided to embrace this race by running "naked."  I never/rarely run with any music as I enjoy listening to the sounds around me and the internal cues of my body.

I felt good the entire weekend about this race... I felt that I could run it under 2 hours just as long as I gently push myself.  When I crossed the start line, I kept a comfortably uncomfortable pace and told myself to try and hold it until at least the half way mark (6.5 mi).  When I reached that mark, I was still feeling pretty good and decided to push it just a tiny bit more.  My legs started to feel fatigued by about mile 9/10.  I started to walk through water stations and then picked up my pace after chugging some water / hydralyte.  It was around mile 9 that the 1:58 pace runner passed me and I started to lose confidence that I would finish under 2 hours.  I kept her in sight until about mile 11 and lost her completely.  Still, I trudged on, determined to get to as close to 2 hours as I can. As I crossed the finish time, I noticed the gun time to be 2:06.  I crossed the start time at 7:54am and tried desperately to do the math in my tired head.  I figured I was close, but went to check out the official results to be sure.  You can imagine my excitement when I saw this:

I threw my fist into the air and screamed, "YESSSSS!"  Someone behind me jokingly asked, "Did you win the race?"  To which I replied, "In my mind, I did."

I'm looking forward to the San Dieguito Half Marathon next weekend.  It will be a tough one since it will be my first trail race.  My goal for that one is to maintain a 10min/mi pace or less.  I would be entirely ecstatic for a sub 2 time!

I love the Surf City USA medal!  Seriously, the only reason why I signed up for the half.

There is almost always something interesting/noteworthy about each race that I participate in:

1. A man ran the half marathon balancing a watermelon (seedless presumably) on his head.

2. A couple of bare foot runners (I was passed by one in the first mile, but I soon caught up and passed him at the 5K mark... take that, barefoot runner!! ;) ).  I guess bare foot running is becoming more common, but I still find it rather noteworthy.

Trail Running.. another addiction?

A number of my running friends have been trying to convince me to run trails.  My main concern with the trails is my (then) weak ankles and how easily I roll them.  After almost 3 months of training in the NB Minimus shoes, though, I feel like my balance and ankle strength has improved.  I ran the PQ canyon last Saturday at glacial speeds and yesterday and today at a slightly (but not much) faster pace.  Trails definitely offer a different running experience, with the unevenness of the ground, the elevation changes, rodents.. makes it feel more like you're out in nature without cars zooming past or honking at you.  I enjoy feeling the rocks beneath my feet with the minimalist shoes.

I thought of ways to improve my trail running pace:

1. Keep running trails - probably the most obvious solution.  

2. More hill training - Normal hills kill me.  Add rocky/slippery terrain and I become overly cautious going up and more so going down.

3. Run with people - This has been my biggest issue with running.  I'm greedy, I like running alone.  I have successfully upped my pace with some dedication and my Garmin, but I think with the trails, I'll need someone to push me.  

Time to step outside of my comfort zone.

2012 and January is nearly over...

The first event of the year was the Carlsbad half marathon this past Sunday (22nd).  A personal goal of mine is to run all my half marathons under 2 hours.  The beginning of the training was promising and then I got sick for 2 weeks in December and then took way too many trips in January.  The Friday right before the race, I got whacked on the knee by a snowboarder who fell dismounting the ski lift.  THEN I decided that drinking a few beers the night before wasn't going to affect my performance... and neither will sleeping through burning plastic all the while inhaling in plastic soot.  Yes, the odds were stacked against me, but I still ran the Carlsbad half marathon and I still finished in a decent enough time.  My next race (Surf City USA) is coming up in less than 2 weeks and again am hoping for a sub 2 race time.

While out running today, my legs felt heavy, it was hot, and I was grumpy.  Yet, I knew that no matter how shitty and slow of a run it would be, I would feel infinitely better when I was done.  With that in mind, my mood improved, I was enjoying the sun baking my skin to 5 shades darker and the breeze cooling it down.  The chirping of humming birds resonated in the slight valley by the Pepper Canyon apartment at UCSD.  My breathing was easy even though my Garmin was registering me at 180 bpm. I finished the run and I was right, I did feel a lot better.  More relaxed, lungs expanded and happy, and re-centered and focused.

Running is my therapy and it makes me happy.  This is why I run.

2011 San Francisco Marathon - Worth the hurt!

"Worth the Hurt" is the tag line of the San Francisco Marathon.  The Wall Street Journal has been quoted in saying that the San Francisco marathon is "the race even marathoners fear."   So was it worth it?  Hell yes!  The 2 days of muscle soreness in my quads and calves was worth the experience of running over (and back) the Golden Gate bridge in the early hours of the morning, through Golden Gate Park, and along Haight St.  This was probably one of the best course that I have run (I think, even slightly edging over the NYCM), in my not so lengthy marathon career.

The WSJ had one thing right, the SF marathon was certainly one that I had feared the most.  Not because of the hilly route or the early start time, but because I had felt that I was truly unprepared and improperly trained for it.  Between the SD RnR and the SF marathon, I only logged in one 20 mile run, and ran 2 to 3 times a week and those runs usually felt very blah at best.  A few days before the race date, I was seriously thinking of not running it and opting to cheer Joe on on the sidelines.  I was scared shitless.

Up until race morning, I was bouncing between the idea of not running it.  My wave did not start until 6:22am (the first wave starting at 5:30am!  Joe's started at 5:52am).  After a few more minutes of arguing with myself, I decided to get corralled up with my wave.  I was going to run, have fun, and just enjoy the course and the enthusiasm of both runners and spectators alike.

I was expecting the course to be hilly (after all, it IS San Francisco), but not as hilly as it actually was.  SF's idea of "rolling hills" is much different than what I had in mind.  After a while, I didn't mind the hills so much because I told myself that I could stop and walk if I needed to once I reached the top.  Once I got to the top, however, I felt that I could keep going and didn't really stop to walk during the course until about mile 22 or during the water stations.  My favorite parts of the course was running across the Golden Gate bridge and passing the waterfall within the Golden Gate Park.  It was an absolutely phenomenal experience.

Official time is 4:29:32 - barely making my goal time of under 4:30!
2011 SF Marathon Garmin Stats

Glacial Speed Running

I know there's a running group out there called "Snail's Pace."  I wonder if there is one called "Glacier's Pace."  If not, I really should start one as the past 3 runs seemed to have earned me the head of this group.  

The days have been warm the past 3 runs.  Sunday was a long run (20 mi Tour de San Diego Garmin Stats); the longest run we've gone on since the SD RnR at the beginning of June.  We started later that we had anticipated (10am instead of 8am) and spent WAY too out there.  I had anticipated a long day (lots of stopping to rest), but did not think that my legs would feel extremely tired by the end of the run.  The route was not that hilly, but when it was, there were some pretty challenging hills (ie going through Point Loma Nazerine). The last few miles of that course led us up 6th Ave which is pretty wicked after 16+ mi of running.  We made it through, slowly, but surely.

Took a 3 day hiatus from running (not really planned, no excuses really) and went for a medium run yesterday after work.  8 mi run down Pershing Dr. and through Balboa Park proved to be another hot and challenging run for me.  Legs were feeling heavy and uncooperative.  I knew it had to get done though and didn't mind too much that it was slow, I was just happy that I finally got my butt out there after 3 days of not running.  Surprisingly, I still felt I had the energy to go to the gym.

I woke up this morning with surprisingly sore/tired legs.  I had done that 8 mi route before, so I wasn't expecting my legs to be feeling so lethargic.  It didn't bode very well for the 5 mi run today (5 mi run - Balboa park Garmin stats).  Tired legs + warm morning = glacial speeds.  I had to stop a few times along the run today, partly to let my legs rest for a bit and also because Lilo kept plopping down whenever there was cool concrete in the shade.

Lilo after our 5 mi run today

I'm a little disappointed with the less than stellar speeds I have been running, but I also realize that I have been doing a lot of running since November really (I may have run 3 marathons for 2011, but I have run 4 within 8 months).  Next  year, I'm going to cut down the number of marathons to 2 at most because I'd really like to train and get that sub 4 marathon that I had been striving to achieve since forever.  Maybe even throw a triathlon in there. =)

Ahhhhh.......

Looks like my little wah post earlier encouraged me to run a not-so-bad 5 miler this afternoon.  *Almost* a sub 9 min/mi pace, I blew my load (saying borrowed by Alison ;) ) during the first 3 miles and had to slow down the last 2 miles.

I enjoy running with Joe because he pushes me to run faster (even when he's not trying to).  Sometimes, it gets the better of me and my competitive side kicks in and then kicks me in the butt.  Today, he kept pace with me and it turned out to be a pretty good run.  Thanks, Joey. <3

5 mi run - Balboa Park Garmin stats

Trying to Get my Groove Back!

After the SD RnR, I was determined to give myself at least a week's rest from running.  I've been feeling absolutely drained / tired since probably the beginning of the year.  I've had blood tests done, catching up on sleep on weekends, made small tweaks to my diet... and it seems the only thing I have not tried was giving myself enough rest between marathons for recovery.  Granted, I did not give myself a full week (I waited 4 days before I was fiending for a run), but have not stuck to my SF marathon schedule to allow myself a little more time to recover.  The result?  Still tired and now, I feel like I'm losing my motivation to get out there and run.

Perhaps I set the bar a little bit too high aiming for 5 marathons in a year and the desire to want to finish all of them within a few minutes of my PR  I figured I liked running enough, that signing up for those marathons wouldn't be too big of a deal, since I would be consistently running/training than doing an event, then taking a month or so off before I'd start training again for the next one.

I'm attempting to switch back to early morning runs and hoping that will reignite my desire to run.  At the end of the day, I'm exhausted and probably hungry and cranky and the idea of running instead of laying on the couch and vegging is way more desirable.  Anyone have any suggestions?  Thoughts?  Comments?

The most difficult 5 mi... EVER.

Tonight's run felt like it was the toughest 5 miles I ever had to run in my life.  My chest felt tight and I couldn't get my breathing down.  It might have something to do with the humidity.  There was a huge crowd of people when we got to the space theatre.  Looked like a high school was having their graduation the same time Joe and I decided to go for a run.  How inconsiderate of them.

When it got where I thought I couldn't handle it, I just closed my eyes and tried to enjoy the wind on my face.  It kept me going.  Turned out I was keeping a decent pace.  Glad I got out there.

5 mi Balboa Park Garmin Stats

2011 SD RnR: 3 down, 2 to go...

My initial goal was to get a sub 4 marathon.  With all the races signed up this year, I decided that it wouldn't be too much of a disappointment if I didn't attain a sub 4, but anything within the range of 4 to 4:15 would make me happy...

Alison, me and Joe: We're pottying like Rockstars!  In line for the porta-johns pre-race.

I remember feeling pretty good, both mentally and physically, running the first 10 miles. The run through Balboa Park and downtown San Diego was pleasant because the morning air was still crisp and cool.  Even running up the southbound lane on the 163 felt all right.  It didn't feel like a hill, but my legs did start to feel sluggish and heavy.  After that gradual uphill and then hauling ass downhill, I started to get a bit of muscle soreness, so I decided to stop at a medical aid tent and take some Tylenol for preventative measures around mile 11.  I could feel my legs fatiguing, especially my quads.  I felt like I was going to pass out between miles 14 and 15 despite fueling up every 6 miles with shot blocks and drinking both Cytomax and water at each of the stations.  I picked up a salt packet from one of the volunteers and got about 1/4 of it all over my face and successfully the rest of it in my mouth.  It helped out quite a bit and was able to get back into my stride.  The out and backs at Morena Blvd. and Mission Bay Dr. started to psych me out a bit, but I fought the thoughts from driving me crazy.

One foot in front of the other... repeat... - Mile 18ish

My running inspriation - Mile 18ish

I only had a short 3 miles left before entering my evil nemesis, Fiesta Island.  I just don't know what it is about that island, it feels like it sucks all my energy.  I'm pretty sure that most of it is mental, though, I'm not sure where it originated from as I have run that island many many times for my SDRnR training last year and some this year. Whatever it is, I'm sure it is completely mental now.  Joey gave an excellent suggestion that I wish I could have implanted in my head.  When we do our training runs at Fiesta Island, we usually start at the parking lot by the visitor's center and go clockwise around Mission Bay, getting the island out of the way first.  Joe told me that once he passed the parking lot, he told himself that it was the start of a training run, so it made him feel fresh and rejuvenated.  I think if I had those thoughts in my head instead, it would have gotten me through those last 3 hellish miles a lot easier.

Definitely the best spectator / cheerleader... ever.

After exiting Fiesta Island, I had about half a mile to the finish line.  I felt myself getting chocked up like I always do when I'm about to cross the finish line.  I gathered the last bit of energy I had in myself to "sprint" for the finish line.  I crossed the finish line holding up "7" to signify the end of my 7th marathon.  Afterwards, I got too emotional and started to cry, almost hyperventilating.  The best part of finishing a race used to be the medal being placed around my neck... but now I think it is seeing Joe at the end and receiving a great big congratulatory hug from him. =)

The couple that runs together....

The dream team.

I love this race.  The San Diego RnR is the first marathon I ran back in 2005 and still continues to be my favorite (This is the 4th time I've run the SDRnR).  This year, though, was special because I got to run it with Joe.  We had been trying to run this one together for years.  I enjoyed the first 2 miles that I got to run with him before he bolted off to clench his NEW PR of just under 3:44.  As I told him, he will continue to beat his PR with each marathon that he runs this year.  He is awesome and such an inspiration.  I love you, Joey!!

As always, the volunteers, spectators, and bands were fantastic.  The weather was perfect to me, even though the sun was pretty much out and in full blast at 7:30am.  It wasn't too hot since there was a breeze and most of the route was shaded by buildings.  All in all,  a fantastic race despite not attaining my goal.  There are many more races ahead of me. ;)

Congrats to Alison Whitney, Karen Miller, RJ Bates, Derek Mendy, Marvin Reyes and Perla DeGunther!!

Official Finish Time: 04:17:42
2011 SD RnR - Garmin Stats

5 days and counting!

5 days and counting until our 3rd marathon of the year: the San Diego Rock and Roll marathon!  This will be the 3rd year in a row that I will be running this particular race.  It's hard to beat the weather and the venue.

It has been a recent goal of mine to run the SD RnR under 4 hours and while I'm certainly not going to write off that goal, I will certainly be happy with a time under 4:20 (even more excited with a time between 4 - 4:15, but I won't get greedy ;-) ).  I want so bad to achieve these goals!!

Last week (as well as this one) has been the tapering period and I usually get antsy around this time because of the decreased weekly mileage.  Surprisingly, I have been quite happy running less than 25 miles per week.  Who knew that running 5 marathons in one year would be so freaking tiring? ;-)  I have been pretty inconsistent about going to the gym, though, and am feeling like I'm losing muscle tone and strength in other places.  Need to start getting my butt in there regularly.

5 short days... I never feel ready and I'm sure it's going to hit me even harder the night before.  All I can do is just concentrate on why I run in the first place... because I can.

2011 Bike to Work Day!

I had been going back and forth this week on deciding whether to bike to work today and am glad that I decided to do it!  With a few mishaps this morning (chain got derailed and I missed a couple of turns), I made it into work and still had the energy to run 5 miles.  What was even more surprising is my pace for the run was quicker than I had anticipated.  My legs felt pretty worked after the bike ride and I was expecting a slow run.  Feeling a little tired right now, but the ride home should be fun.  Thank you, San Diego, for the gorgeous weather today. =)

2011 Bike to Work Day - Garmin Stats
5 mi run - Celgene / UCSD campus loop

Success is how high you bounce after you've hit bottom.

I've struggled to sit here and rehash today's failed 20 mi run. But I realized and have experienced that not all of my runs are going to be great, I'm not always going to feel like a super woman, I'm not always going to accomplish the mileage I had intended, I'm not always going to run every run the fastest or the strongest.  There will be off days and today was certainly one of those days.

The first 3 miles of the run I spent trying to warm up as my calves felt like they tightly wound up rubber bands ready to snap at any given moment.  I stopped a couple of times along the way and stretched them out.  By the 4th mile, they felt warmed up and I thought I was ready to conquer this run.  As we made our way through the posh residential area of Mission Hills and down Presidio, I started to feel like I was waist deep in mud.  My legs felt incredibly heavy and it was difficult to propel my leg in front of the other.  I saw that my pace was starting to slow while we were running along the San Diego River and to keep from psyching myself out, I switched fields on my Garmin, so that I won't be tempted to look at my pace.  Joe had already started to put quite a bit of distance between us.  And as much as I tell myself to try and not let it get to me, it does.  At least in my irrational and delusional state, it does.  Especially when I'm yelling obscenities at myself to run faster, pick up your legs, catch up, keep up!  Oh, if only the body can always do what the mind wants.

When I got to the OB dog beach, Joe was waiting for me, offering shot blocks and water.  I hoped that a couple of shot blocks and water will give me the boost I need to continue on.  It did not.  It took me a while to get started again, telling my legs to propel my body forward. We made our way through the ABCs of Ocean Beach (Abbott, Bacon, and Cable) and then on to the campus of Point Loma Nazerine (that campus hill is epic and was definitely not what I needed to boost my confidence).  As I was trudging along Canon, I tried my best to keep my mind off the sloth-like pace and just thought about how satisfying it would feel to finish.  I saw that Joe had stopped at the corner of Canon and Rosecrans and I decided to take a bathroom break. Afterwards, I fought with myself, encouraging myself to go on, it doesn't matter how long it takes to finish.  Joe was wording the same thoughts that were going through my mind.  We walked through the Farmer's market, through Scott, and finally onto N. Harbor Dr.  12.6 miles.  7.4 mi to go.  

I have been in this situation several times before, where my body rebels and refuses to listen, no matter the amount of positive thoughts.  Soon, my positive thoughts turn to a path of defeat. I meekly tell Joe that we should just get a cab home.  Tears of frustration and failing seem to run down my cheeks faster than I had that day.

Success is how high you bounce after you've hit bottom. 
It has been about 7 hours since and yes, I'm still wallowing in feelings of defeat.  I don't feel like I've hit bottom, but pretty damned close to it.  I was reminded by the above quote my friend, Bi-ying, posted on her FaceBook page.  It refueled my determination to attempt this same route next Sunday and finish it, no matter how long it takes.  If, in the off chance, I don't finish because of the heavy legs feeling or mental defeat, I know that I at least tried that route again.

12.6 mi run - Tour de San Diego

Butterflies before tomorrow's long run

Tomorrow will be the last "long run" before the SD RnR and then I will start tapering down for the next 3 weeks.  Right now, my body is feeling like it needs the rest, for sure, but I know that once the mileage decreases from 45mi + / week to 25 to 30 mi a week, I will start fiending for more mileage.  Usually, gym attendance increases during the tapering down, I'm like an addict looking for something to fill the void.  I know, I know... rest is part of the training.

Our 20 mi run tomorrow will hit several points of SD.  We'll start off at Balboa Park, head west towards Mission Hills, Ocean Beach, then back east along N. Harbor Dr., up 6th Ave back to Balboa Park.  It's a pretty epic run, so I'm a bit anxious about it.  Hoping for good running weather and being able to get up early in the morning.

7 days later...

... since the OC marathon and I've managed to log in almost 36 mi!  Not bad considering this week is supposed to be a recovery week.  I've noticed that a lot of the solo runs (sort of solo anyway, I was running with Lilo) were at a slower pace than when I ran with Alison and Joe on Saturday.  I guess no matter how much I want to run my own pace, when running with someone, I do tend to get a bit of a competitive edge.

I've been eating a bit too much and foods that have been weighing heavily in my stomach.  It's definitely had an effect on my performance as well. Today's run was tough as I was burping up lunch from 6 hours prior. Running certainly does tell you what you're doing wrong and my diet this weekend wasn't exactly runner friendly.

This weeks marks a new week and it's also the last week of long runs before the taper down.  My body is needing it.

05/02/2011 - 2.5 mi run Garmin Stats
05/04/2011 - 8 mi run Garmin Stats
05/06/2011 - 5 mi run Garmin Stats
05/07/2011 - 12 mi run Garmin stats
05/08/2011 - 8 mi run Garmin Stats

2011 OC Marathon - Lesson(s) learned / Ego revitalized

Lesson 1: I've learned a very important lesson from running this particular marathon.  I'm not allowed to eat Mexican food the night before a marathon.  No matter how tasty and how much of a craving for it's deliciousness! I felt the heaviness of the food (from too much meat and the greasiness - I try to limit my oily foods to only once in a while) right after dinner and it sat until I woke up at 3:15am this morning.  I used the restroom once before we left the house, twice before the race started, and THREE more times DURING the race!  The heaviness FINALLY alleviated after the last time I used the porta-John. And it was then, I could finally concentrate on the race.

I was particularly cranky this morning because of the my stomach issues and was already anticipating a slow race.  Even so, I tried to put the thoughts behind me and encourage myself to just have fun - after all, it was kind of a last minute marathon we decided to do. Other than the stomach problems, everything else felt good.  My legs, my breathing, not incredibly hot even though the sun was blazing at 7am.  The OC marathon is a point to point course, so there was hardly any zig-zagging unlike the Surf City USA marathon. There were some really gorgeous areas that we passed, particularly between 6 and 8 mi.

It became very windy during some parts of the race, particularly the over pass over the 405.  The spectators and volunteers were awesome as usual and I was pleasantly surprised by the officers cheering the runners on.  A couple even gave me a high five, which brought a big cheesy grin to my face.  

Lesson 2:  My threshold of "hitting the wall" has increased and now instead of being at mile 18ish, it's more at mile 22.  I am able to talk myself through difficult times and I even started to pick out certain people ahead of me and try to catch up to either pace them or pass them (Thanks for that tip, Joey!).  

Lesson 3: Don't always trust the mile markers.  I realize that my Garmin isn't always in synced with the mile markers.  It usually goes off about 0.1 to 0.15 mi before I hit the markers.  But I noticed that between miles 17 and 20, my Garmin was completely off the markers!  My Garmin read 19.88mi when I *just* passed the 19 mi sign.  I was worried that I had screwed something up and yelled, "Does ANYONE know what mile we're on?!?"  No one else seemed too concerned and I heard someone say, "Um.. I think 19?"  Not that that really helped out any, so I tried to convince myself to not let it mess with me too much.

Me and mile 8 - Delirious with excitement!

No significant soreness post race: quads are a bit sore and the inside of my right ankle is a bit swollen from getting a tiny bit sloppy in my form.  It makes me excited to know that I did so well including the bathroom breaks... but a tiny bit bummed to know what could time I could have gotten if I didn't have to take them.  At least, with the newly learned lessons, I can strive for that sub 4 marathon  at the SD RnR... but I would be completely elated with a 4 hr to 4:12 time - a time to beat my PR from last year's marathon.  Ego has been revitalized and this marathon has completely fueled my desire to finish up the last 3 marathons scheduled this year!

I am extremely grateful to Tiffany for her hospitality, getting up at 3am to drop us off at the start line, and ride the bike around the route to cheer us on.  She does this, without any complaints, and because she loves to show her love and support for both Joey and I.  She is an amazing woman and I know that a couple of sushi dinners on us can't even begin to repay what she has done for us.  So, thank you, Tiffany.  Love you!

The siblings

Thank you to Lan Bui for coming out!  You don't know how happy I was (or maybe you do, just by the photo you took of me)  see you before making my way up that hill on mile 14!

I want to hug you, Lan!!!

 Thank you to Joey for being my inspiration and patient with me as I continue to improve my running.  You are amazing and I love you with all my heart.

Joey at Mi 8 - Lookin' fresh and smilin'

Official Finish time: 4:15:31
2011 OC Marathon Garmin Stats 

A Tribute to my Body

Dear Body,

I know that I have been extremely criticizing of you the past few months.. ok, in reality, I'd been criticizing you your whole life. I was unhappy with the way you looked even at my fittest just a year ago. What I haven't come to realize and fully appreciate is the way your strong legs have carried me through numerous miles in training for marathons and even just walking around in daily life. I complained about the jiggling of your abs or the arms and lamented about neither being tight or toned enough. In reality, the abs as well as back make up a strong core and have allowed me to run quickly down hills. Your arms allow me to push through tough uphills. I've punished you by denying you proper nutrition, falsely thinking that I would see a smaller number on the scale (even though logically I knew that you can't run a finely tune machine without proper fuel). I've looked in the mirror and scolded you for one reason or another: not being smaller here, being too jiggly there, not being tighter here, here, and especially there!

So, Body, I hope that you will accept my sincerest and deepest apology for how unappreciative and how cruel I have been to you the past few years that we have been together. You have been there for me during ankle sprains, miles upon miles of running, a motorcycle accident, good times, and bad times. I am eternally grateful to you and all that you have and will provide to me for years to come.

Your biggest fan,

Lin

5 mi run - each at a different location this week!

It's really nice to switch up the venue of my runs.  Tuesday was at Miramar Lake, yesterday was around campus, and today was around Balboa Park.

This morning I left the house about 6:45am and it already started to feel pretty warm. The sun is pretty intense today (even though it was still fairly cool).  I'm glad that I got it out of the way early because I probably would have been grouchy if I had to run at lunch today.  Legs are feeling a tiny bit heavy, but I think the off day tomorrow and the short 3 mi run on Saturday should get me all set up and ready to run the OC marathon on Sunday.  I have been having a bit of pain on the side of my left foot which I've diagnosed (maybe incorrectly) as a bone spur.  Thinking of getting referred to a sports med doc after this race to see what s/he thinks.

5 mi run - UCSD loop / Celgene - Garmin stats

5 mi run - Balboa Park - Garmin Stats

5 mi run - Miramar Lake

Legs were heavy from yesterday's gym visit.  I somehow managed to run a sub 9 min/mi pace though. I was pushin' it, of course, Joe was taking it easy breaking in his new shoes. ;-)

5 mi run - Miramar Lake