Mind Games with Legs

Much like (I imagine) a parent must sometimes negotiate with a child to get him or her to do something unwanted, I sometimes find myself engaging in a silent battle with my legs before a long run or hard workout.

"Are you excited for 4x1000 today?" I ask them.
"I guess," they say, "but don't you just want to keep watching Scandal?"
"But you're wearing your favorite socks and your tights are keeping you warm. You look good!" I try to convince them.
"Okay, but let's take the warm up easy."
We start out slowly, per their demand, but soon we're moving at a decent clip (perhaps due to the socks).
"Warm up's over, are you ready?"
They react as I ask them to, steadily speeding up. They widen with each length of earth that they travel. I can feel them contract and stretch, react. They are powerful.

"But," they protest, "what about that pain in your hip? Shouldn't we be careful? Maybe we should slow down."
"Believe in yourselves. Remember all the exercises you've been doing to get stronger," I reply.
The first rep is done and recovery feels sweet. Soon they're itching for more.

"Where are you taking us!?" they scream as we briefly lose balance on the icy road, turning a corner.
"Can we take it easy up this hill? We're almost done with this rep anyways." I refuse. They do as I bid.

Last rep. Time (and we) have flown by. "Don't settle," I urge them. "What else is in there?" I see my pace slowly creeping below 7 minutes. We hit the mark and take a second to celebrate.
"You know, that wasn't so bad," they concede. "We felt good. It was fun. Can we do more? Again?"
"Not now," I tell them. "Remember this feeling and bring it back out for April. It's still early anyways. But since you had so much fun, how about a 5 mile tempo during our long run in a few days?"
"What about Scandal on Netflix?" they plead.

They're right. As we finish up and head back to the car, I know that we'll have this conversation again on Saturday, and many more days throughout my training. But I know they'll come through.

Cheers to the chase

Not every goal will be met nor will every dream be realized, but it is the chase that makes life worth living.

As of Turkey day, I had been running for 9 weeks post-injury. As planned, I built mileage slowly and actually followed the 10% rule. Importantly, I held back and haven't attempted anything faster than tempo pace. That said, the number of "workouts" or more accurately, "up tempo runs", could be counted on one hand. 

1xmile @ 6:55

5k @ 6:45

2x10min @ 6:55

7,5,3,1 min @ 7:00

For mileage, my leg held up for a robust week of 52miles averaging just under 8:00 pace and all on a crazy work week. 

~Off to the races! ~

This year it was unseasonably warm for thanksgiving. The family rode the gravy train to a bunch of speedy times at the seacoast rotary turkey trot in Portsmouth. Bro ran a PR. Pa dipped under 7:00 pace at 60 years old. Ma restrained her racing blood and cruised in under 22 without so much as breaking a sweat. And I surprisingly managed to crank out a sub 20 performance (19:53) off of the "speedwork" listed above and another hellish work week. Considering this is technically only my 4th time under 20 - how'd that happen? - I'm thinking I'm onto something and therefore staying with the hip rehab (Myrtle hip exercises) + mileage for another block and sticking to the extra extra extra conservative reinstatement of speedwork. 

For perspective, my highest mileage week ever was in 2010 at 55, back when I was carefree and relatively injury-naive pre-stress fracture. I have tried various times to increase to that point but have been derailed by injury over and over. It felt like I'd defined my mileage ceiling and it was disappointingly low. It still might be, but the hip and core rehab have been tremendously helpful, so maybe it's different this time. 

The 3 weeks of mileage after thanksgiving are scheduled for 52, 57, 62...

I hit the 57 mark this week which makes for both a longest mileage week ever and longest run ever (14.3). I'm still feeling great and most of the work feels like quality miles and not too strenuous.

Stay tuned for how my body and mind holds out venturing into uncharted waters of 60+. 

Sincerely, 

Robyn "hare, taking a page from tortoise" Runner

Perhaps the most telling part of this picture is the dark scar on my knee from back in September.
Very thankful that my training has healed faster than my skin.

A Smart Race Plan Pays Off: Gansett Half Marathon Race Recap

So. Robyn is not the only who is swamped. I just emerged for air after finishing our fall term, coaching our last cross country race of the season, and wrapping up my own fall running. 

Before I get into the details and highlights of my running life lately, I’d like to take a minute to shamelessly plug my fundraising efforts for the Boston Marathon in 5 months (!!). I’ve set an incredibly lofty goal of raising $10,000 for Dana Farber Cancer Institutes to give back to the doctors and organization that helped my brother overcome his cancer last year. I'm so excited to run Boston and support my brother and Dana Farber, and I hope you'll support me as well.

Here's the link to donate. 

The real reason why I'm back blogging is that I ran a PR at my last half marathon! I wrote my last post about my training leading up to the Gansett Half Marathon and how well it went. As the training went on, I gained confidence in my ability to be competitive in this race. Between the long runs, hill workouts and strength circuits, I was in good shape. Not college or sub-20 good shape, but good shape nonetheless. I also wanted to try a new race strategy. I often preach to the girls on my team about starting out conservatively and taking down runners as you speed up. And yet, I don't often practice this myself. So this time around I told myself to actually take this seriously, and it really made a difference.

You know what else made a difference? The race started at 11 AM, which meant that we didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn. Bestie, co-coach and training partner, Jillian, and I drank some coffee and headed down to Rhode Island. Among Jillian's many talents is that she can curate a killer playlist, so we blasted the tunes all the way into the Ocean State. After checking in, entering the raffle for a pie (which we didn't win), and warming up on the course, we were ready to go.

We even had time to braid our hair

The first few miles were like a short out and back peninsula before we headed out on the body of the course. My PR half marathon pace was about 7:38 but for the first few miles I really tried to control my pace and keep it at 7:45-7:50. I knew I felt good but I wanted to wait to surge. After the first 3 miles, I let myself go and slowly reined in the runners in front of me. The course took us right by the beach and as I passed by I had to remind myself to take in the beautiful scenery. Needless to say, I was focused. As I hit the halfway point, I came upon another woman who was moving at a good clip. I wanted to draft behind her but I ended up getting impatient behind her and passed her as I turned the corner at mile 8.

At my previous half marathon, where I was 4 seconds off my PR, I ran so well because I kicked it in for the last 5k of the race. This strategy felt good for both for my body and for my competitive spirit, so I wanted to do that again. There was a group of girls running in front of me, and to be honest, they didn't look like they should have been running as fast as they were. I'm not talking body size or shape, but rather because they were wearing leggings. This is one of my biggest pet peeves, when people overdress for running. It was almost 60 degrees and cloudy, ain't nobody got time for leggings! I set my sights on this group and used them as motivation to start dropping time. 7:22, 7:17, 7:27, 7:23, 6:57. At mile 11, I passed finally passed those girls, wished them good luck, and didn't look back. Then I came upon a total bro and we raced to the finish. I generally don't have a strong kick, but I just can't let myself lose to a guy. I'm happy to report that I did out-kick him, and in the process I ran a new half marathon PR of 1:38:26!

Yeah, I beat him

Before the half marathon, I knew my training had gone well but I didn't want to be overconfident. Honestly, staying calm and listening to my body helped me to run a smart race that happened to be my best time. It was such a great feeling to run a strong race and know that I still have some speed in me. Since the race I've been focusing on other parts of my life and work and haven't run as much. Once I start gearing up for Boston, I'll definitely call upon these feelings to motivate me to train and race harder.

Until the next race,

Rachel "appropriate running clothes please" Runner

When rest doesn't repair

When rest doesn't repair. It's something we as runners dread -time off for an injury. But it's also something we assume is a problem-solver. Unfortunately, some of us learn the painful way (pun intended) that rest is not synonymous with repair. 

It's been a while since I've posted. It's also been a while since I've been able to run regularly. This past spring I was training for outdoor track (1500m) but became derailed by a nagging lateral leg pain. Not typical IT band, but more of a traveling tightness between my outer thigh, hamstring, and hip. 

I took to the foam roller, ice packs, tennis balls, lacrosse balls, massage, chiropractors, rehab hip/core exercises - but nothing helped. Finally deciding that it was severe enough to warrant time off from training, I stopped for a week in July. No change. Instead, the tightness gradually turned into constant pins and needles as well. I did whatever I could over the summer to figure out what was going wrong to no avail. The only thing that I was sure of was that not moving made it worse. The occasional crippling shooting pains and the constant pins and needles frustrated and exhausted me. I couldn't sleep, couldn't find a comfortable sitting position, and most importantly, couldn't get a moment of stress relief by popping out for a run. 

I'd had enough, I decided that if I wasn't going to get any better with the diligent rehab, I might as well just be running while I figure out this injury. I started running again and one night took a nasty fall because my injured leg decided not to lift up mid stride. One watermelon-sized knee later, I was held up from running for 2 more weeks.  Luckily the damage was superficial and my tendons and bones were unscathed.

Sunny morning run at Marine Bio Lab in Woods Hole

Now it's 3 months since I stopped training, and the swollen bursa below my knee had reduced enough to allow my kneecap back in its regular position, so I started out cautiously. I should mention that several visits to my chiropractor were sprinkled in there and the pins and needles feeling had almost subsided, with no change in the tightness feeling. I built up gradually and have finally reached a point where I feel like I'm really running again. And amazingly, the tightness in my leg is inching (millimetering?) towards feeling normal, it's probably about 25% better than it was when I stopped running back in July. I have a partner in crime - of running and science- in Diana who has also been coming back from injuries. It's nice to have both of us out there again and this morning we had a fantastic beach run in Woods Hole that was delightfully warmer than when we ran there earlier in January!

We finally figured out how to not look directly into the sun.

Anyway, I'm excited to be in a state of repair and getting to the point where I can run long enough for it to tire me out.  I've been very good about containing my excitement and I'm not allowed on the track for a while yet. Although I often find myself daydreaming about track workouts. Who knew that I found so much comfort in discomfort? It seems I'm happiest when I get to put my body through the physical discomfort that is training. I've known this for a long time, but sometimes a long struggle can make you question that again. 

Looks like I'm still head over spikes for this running thing...

Until next time,

Robyn "spikes over heels" Runner

Marathon Month and Beyond

In the competitive running world, October is known as Marathon Month. Due to the mostly cooler weather, welcome after long and hot summer training cycles, runners compete in marathons and half marathons across the country. In many ways, I too have caught the bug.

I'm gearing up for my next half marathon on October 25th in Narragansett, Rhode Island. On the one hand, I haven't been following a specific training plan and haven't done much intentional speed work. On the other hand, I've been running a lot of miles and feeling great about it. My running log shows run after run where I've felt strong, giving testament the great runs I've had recently. My long runs have been 12, 13, and 14 miles and I've been able to negative split them. After each one, I've even wanted to continue on for miles more. This is such a rare and wonderful feeling! I believe I'm recovering well afterwards, paying attention to fueling and hydration. And a perk of coaching cross country this fall is that I get to work out with my girls, doing strength circuits, core, and other ancillary exercises that make us stronger runners. The course for the Gansett Half Marathon looks to be incredibly flat. Even if I can't manage a PR, I think I can run a formidable race. I'm so excited to get after it.

I ran around this whole lake and dam on my long run

Many of my friends and Oiselle teammates are also participating in Marathon Month, and seeing their results has been the best motivation. From guy friends absolutely killing it in the Hartford marathon and half marathon, to my grad school friend Rachel who qualified for the Olympic Trials at Chicago, and so many first time finishers. I want to drink the kool-aid too. I want to be a part of this.

And I'm excited to announce that soon I will be too! This past spring I ran a Boston qualifying time in my first marathon, and recently I was accepted to run Boston this April. Not only that, but I was also accepted into the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team, so I will be running and raising money for cancer research and treatment. My goal is to raise $10,000 for this noble cause. I'll be sharing more in the coming weeks and months, but I hope you will consider donating.

My Fundraising Page

The most exciting news

Dolla Dolla Bills, Y'all

Rachel Runner

On Not Running Alone

After my marathon, it took me a while to feel like my runs had purpose again. Physically, I was fine after about a week of rest. But emotionally, I was really tired for a while. The amount of time I spent thinking about my race, the focus on each individual workout and the pressure of one goal really wore me down. Once I started running again, it felt refreshing to run without a goal. But I also felt a little lost. Throughout high school, college and even since graduating, I have rarely run without some race in mind. This has been the first extended period of time where I have been running more or less aimlessly. It wasn't until very recently that I even had an answer to the question "when is your next race?"

So I found motivation in other places. In the beauty of Vermont and the respite from intense academic work during my grad school program. In the stories and humor of podcasts. And in new and old friendships that spanned the miles. As we gear up for another cross country season, I've been reflecting upon my friendships that make running such a pleasure. I, and we as harriers, run for any number of reasons, but the company that make the miles fly by is by far one of the best motivators.

As always, I spent many runs this summer with bestie and training partner Jillian. I could always count on her to cheer me up, or to motivate me up another hill. In grad school I met another cross country coach and super speedster, also named Rachel, who showed me numerous new beautiful running routes. She was kind enough to let me tag along on her easy days and it was on these runs that we became close friends. The bonds you create with someone while sweating together is unmatched. I found this to hold true on a run one weekend with fellow Colby xc alums. We were gathered at Robyn's lake house for her birthday (happy birthday Robyn!!) and a bunch of us headed out on an out and back trail run. We were all surprised at how fast the time flew by while we were trotting and catching each other up on our lives. I unfortunately don't get to see these friends nearly as often as I would like, so getting to run with them is extra special. Once back to CT, I caught up with the boys xc coach for a trail run one muggy afternoon. We headed out on our favorite trail, and under the shade of the summer foliage we traded stories of our summers and compared plans for our upcoming cross country seasons. Having a buddy to slog through the miles and bounce ideas off of really fired me up for the fall.

With the start of cross country season comes the opportunity to run with many new "friends," my runners. Over these past few years, I've formed the strongest bonds with my runners because we are out there working, sweating, struggling and celebrating together in a way that I can't with my classroom students. Coaching these girls and our daily runs are the highlights of every autumn and of my job in general. And I know that for them as well, not running alone also pays off in spades for their races and their friendships. This is why I have been running all summer.

Summer miles bring fall smiles,
Rachel Runner

Runcationing

It's true, the best and fastest way to explore a new place is by running. Unfortunately, I can't stand running with my phone so usually the cool places I visit go undocumented. Earlier this summer I was in Newport, RI for the first time and enjoyed a run/hop/skip along the cliff walk. Unfortunately, no T Swift sightings. Ran to something called Purgatory Chasm, wicked cool spot on the ocean, wish I'd brought a camera for that one. I was there for a scientific conference, so I also went for a walk on the cliff walk (what a crazy notion) with some colleagues and took pictures then. The views were incredible...

Newport Cliff Walk

This past weekend I was in beautiful Bar Harbor for a quick vacation with Ben's extended family. We ran around Eagle Lake on Saturday which brought back all sorts of memories for me;  huffing up the hills in my one-speed Huffy back in the day with my family, the final "long run" (it's 6 miles) we took the campers on for Colby XC camp, doing LTP with friends after said long run, dangerously hurdling the gates with terrible form, and chatting with the sub-4 miler crew of guys filming a documentary up there. I've been battling a hamstring/IT band issue for about 6wks now (although pretended it was fine the first 4 of 6), so I and Ben's brother opted for rental bikes Sunday and accompanied Ben on his long run. After biking to the trailhead, we set off. All was rainbows and butterflies and fun downhills until we started going up. And up. And up. Turns out we picked a loop that included going up Sargent mountain and we ended up on continuous incline for 2 miles. Woof. Jumping on a bike for the first time in a year should not have involved climbing a mountain. We didn't manage to get sunshine for either of the days we were there but it was serene and wonderful as always. Glad to get this healthy dose of trails and nature.

Bubble Pond

View from our room at the Bar Harbor Inn

Eagle Lake

Until next time,
Robyn "running wild" Runner

What I Ate Wednesday: June Edition

Because I work at a boarding school, I usually eat most of my meals in the dining hall. We're lucky in that manner; they do a really good job feeding us. There are always many options in the salad bar, and they offer good vegetarian options as well. But just as teachers need summer vacation, so do our hardworking dining hall staff. Once school ended in early June, I was left to feed myself. I really enjoy cooking but don't get to do it often. Summers for me become a time to experiment in the kitchen and take advantage of lots of fresh produce. I have been running a lot--for fun--since my marathon but here hasn't been anything that noteworthy for the blog's sake. So I set about documenting what I made and what I ate.

As both Robyn and I have written on here, eating when you're a runner is more than just enjoying good food. Depending on the type of workout and the time of day, there is a lot to consider: a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, vitamins and minerals, hydration, and caloric intake. Food, and proper fueling, can positively or negatively affect a run and a day in general, and it takes practice to balance enjoyment of food with proper and beneficial nutrition.

First: the healthy and helpful. I enjoyed experimenting with rice bowls this month, mixing different flavors and textures. It was a great way to use up the different things in my kitchen, and I ended up with some surprisingly good combinations. 

Brown rice with sautéed spinach and mushrooms and smoked salmon. 

Brown Rice with sautéed spinach, cumin seasoned black beans, goat cheese and lime.

Brown rice with saag paneer, a fried egg and goat cheese.

The perfect bite.

I was so excited to get my first batch of fresh strawberries. They were perfectly ripe and such a treat! I was also inspired by the mango and avocado that I found in my parents' kitchen to make a super summery guacamole. I followed this recipe from my favorite food blog, Joy the Baker, omitting the jalapeños but including the tequila. It turned out really well, and even went well with eggs the next morning.

Finally: the indulgences. When I decided to write this post and started keeping track of my food for this month, I knew that I had to include ice cream. Unfortunately (jk!) I had to try as many kinds as I could. You know, for the blog. I'll eat any ice cream you put in front of me, but I love a good cup or cone from local shops. While ice cream might not always be the healthiest choice I make in a day, it never fails to make my life a little bit better.

Rich Road (chocolate with toffee, butterscotch and marshmallow), We-Lik-It in Pomfret

Espresso with hot fudge, Emack & Bolio's in Boston

"Dad, take a picture of me eating ice cream!" (Key Lime Pie),
Reasons to Be Cheerful in Concord

"Only if we take a selfie"

Fresh mint with dark chocolate//Almond with cardamom and pistachio,
all under hot fudge,  Three Sisters in Providence

Awful Awfuls! (Chocolate Mint and Strawberry), Newport Creamery in Cranston

Okay so this is clearly a post mostly about ice cream, but it's summertime. What did you expect? 

This post was inspired by my coach and speedster, Lauren, over at The Foodie Runner. Regularly scheduled running posts will resume soon.

Rachel "more ice cream, please!" Runner

Run to be Fast.

So I should start off by saying that I can't believe I have not posted in 2 months, it felt like two weeks. The reason (and I think it's a good one) is that I was suffering through a grueling 2 months of graduate coursework compressed down into half a semester. I got some really good training in this spring and passed my big comprehensive exam, but not much else! Call me Hermit. 

Anyway, I'm glad to be back and what follows is some introspection about training... 

There were two recent instances that caused me to really reflect on the little voice that tells you to quit. The first was at the MIT track when I was solidly hitting my - albeit slower than desired - paces. These past few years it's been rare for me to make it through a whole workout, much less be able to maintain even pacing through reps. Most of this was out of my control from injury, asthma, or sickness. But on this warm tuesday night I could have called it quits at two sets. After all, I wasn't going as fast as I thought I was capable of at this point in my training schedule. But instead I took my full recovery jog and started into the third set, legs aching, face hot, and came out on the other side feeling accomplished. 

The second instance that called my attention to the anti-motivation devil on my shoulder was, surprisingly, a shout from a homeless man. During what was a pleasant run around Boston with Ben ended in annoyance after this man shouted at me "you don't need to keep running, you already look good". It peeved me because 1) getting catcalled is one of those frustrating and sometimes frightening realities of being a female runner and 2) I don't run to look good, my motivations are so much deeper and to assume that I'm only out there for superficial reasons is an icy insult to any runner. There is such a deeply entrenched social stereotype about women logging miles to chase impossible beauty standards. Some days I wish I could wear a t-shirt that screams "I'm running to be fast, not skinny!". But, sigh, I'll have to settle for giving the dirtiest looks (and the occasional snot rocket) in the direction of those irritating catcallers.

Recently I've come to realize that I had become too close of friends with the little voice in my head telling me to "take it easy". I get it. Not so long ago I ignored the voice telling me "you're too sick to work", but I succumbed to the pressure to work despite being sick, and got pneumonia. Before that it was "your shins are so sensitive, stop running!", but I convinced that voice that I just needed some soft trails. That I needed some cross-training and stretching. That I was standing up too much. And then, that I needed to only run on workout days and races, it was only a tibial stress reaction (read: pre-fracture) after all. And then, 1.5 track seasons later, the little voice screamed "if you won't listen to me, I'm gonna blow your calf up to the size of a grapefruit!". It did. And I listened. Crutches, a boot, some doctor appointments and lots of rehab later, I was back.

It wasn't all a loss; I gained the superb ability to listen to the warning signs. Nagging pains are not to be ignored and this led to some good things. Stretching! Icing! Hip strengthening! Proper form! But beyond that, the little voice told me when I needed a rest day, a shorter lift, to skip that last set, that last mile, that last push which turns you from a mediocre runner to a fast runner. 

Hold up! That last one is exactly what I'm trying to do. Run fast! Guess what little voice, your reign is over. Sure, I'll take your advice, but it's gonna have to swim through the boiling fury that is my racing blood. If your message is strong enough, I'll listen. If not, well, hold on for the ride because I'm not slowing down.

4x400m NE DIII's 2010

Sincerely,
Robyn "can't stop won't stop" Runner

By the numbers: Providence Marathon Race Recap

I can barely put into words the experience of my first marathon the other week. It was incredible, hard, fun, rewarding, painful, and everything in between. Instead of writing a blog post as long as the race itself, I am going to recap by the numbers.

18: the number of weeks I trained for the race.

563: the number of miles I ran, from January 1 to May 3rd.

55: the number of miles I ran during my highest mileage week.

20: Longest run pre-marathon.

3:03: How long it took me to run those aforementioned 20 miles. In the marathon, I hit 23 miles in exactly the same time.

3: the number of pairs of shoes worn for training. Mizuno Wave Inspire, Mizuno Wave Rider, Brooks Launch 2 Boston edition.

5:15: the time I woke up on the morning of the marathon. Rarely am I ever awake that early.

Is that you, sunrise?

15: the number of people I knew at the race. Jillian and Colleen ran the half marathon. Sharon, Amelia, Amanda, Than, and a Oiselle teammate Beth all ran the marathon. Robyn, Chris, Sarah, Sarah's parents, my parents and my brother were all there watching, cheering and taking pictures.

Chris, Robyn, Jillian, me and Colleen

Amelia (her first marathon as well!), Sarah and me

Dad and Mom

Me and Sharon

3 1/2: the number of GUs I consumed. In order: mandarin orange (my favorite!), triple berry, salted caramel, and half of a chocolate. By the time I tried my last one, it was so hot and the sugar was starting to make me feel sick. I held onto it for many miles and finally threw it away.

18: the mile at which I hit the wall. Mentally I was fine, but my legs tightened up like crazy. I felt like I slowed down considerably, even though in reality I was able to maintain a decent pace and even push through at the end.

22 and 24: the miles at which Robyn found me, first in pain and agony "deep cleansing breaths, like Deb taught us" and later in excitement and elation. Hearing her say "see you at the finish line!" helped me realize how close I was to finishing and qualifying.

"I can do this?"

"I can do this!"

7:59: my last mile. I was able to stay under 8:00 per mile for 18 miles before I hit the wall. As I approached the finish line, despite my legs being completely dead, I tried for one last rally. Sub-8 after 25 miles felt like a huge accomplishment!

164: My overall place. In a field of 1,107 runners, I was in the top 15%.

3:31:07: My official finishing time. Average pace of 8:01, and fast enough for a Boston Qualifier!

Full marathon results here.

Marathon "Precap"

The other night I had a dream that I qualified for Boston. That I ran a race that I was proud of, and that I could walk without pain after finishing my first marathon. This, I think, it the best sign of what I am about to do this weekend. On the one hand, I am anxious and unsure of what running 26.2 miles will feel like for me. But on the other hand, I am excited and know that I have worked very hard over the past five months. Hopefully I've done enough to ensure a good race on Sunday!

Like with any big race, I have a gradient of goals. A: Finish my first marathon. B: Run sub-4:00 C: Qualify for the 2016 Boston Marathon. I believe that I can hit all of these goals, but even if I just finish, I'll be happy.

Instead of detailing my training as a way of "precapping" this race, I want to share 26 photos from my runs, one for each miles of the race. Not sorry for all the selfies you're about to see.

Finally, big thanks are in order to a few people who have supported me in various ways throughout my training. First to my parents and brother, who have changed their schedules to allow my runs to happen, and for feeding me and picking me up after runs end in darkness. To my coach, Lauren, for guiding and supporting me with workouts that really challenged me and helped me grow. I wouldn't feel nearly as ready for the race if I hadn't had her plans to push and motivate me. To my training partner and bestie, Jillian, for enduring the long runs, complaining together and for picking me up when I was down or depleted after a workout. To my speedy co-blogger Robyn, who has been supportive of and excited for me and who will be there on Sunday as I cross the finish line. And finally, to all of our readers. I'm so lucky to have people who don't tire of listening to me talk about my running!

Westfield Half Marathon: Honoring My Brother and Race Recap

It does not escape me that, except for a small incident last year, I have been very lucky with my running health. My sophomore year of college I finally got smart about my training and since then I have been healthy and basically injury free. I have been able to run when I wanted to and trained hard through multiple training cycles. Since college, I've tackled the half marathon, run some respectable post-collegiate 5ks, and even hit 50+ mpw in my marathon training.

Not everyone close to me has been so fortunate. Robyn has gone through many ups and downs in her training; she is relentless and patient. My younger brother, too, has had a hard few years. Without going into too many details, David missed most of his junior soccer season this fall due to some serious health problems. He's healthy now and back to playing soccer, but his hiatus from the sport he loves offered a lot of perspective for me about my running.

With my cross country girls every fall, we encourage each of them to dedicate their races to someone--to find a person whose memory or story motivates the runner when the race gets hard. It could be a parent or best friend, a relative, the student at our school that passed away this fall, or anyone else. We don't ask for explanations. Each runner has her own reason for choosing someone to motivate them. They write the names on their hands and arms and then toe the line.

A few weeks ago, I ran the Westfield Half Marathon as a tuneup race, 5 weeks prior to my first marathon. The race was hilly (actually a lot hillier than I expected), so I went into the race with a relaxed mindset. This doesn't mean, however, that I wasn't motivated. I'm a competitive person and I accept nothing but the best from myself, and this race was no different. I knew as soon as I woke up that Sunday morning, that my brother's strength and resilience would push me to run hard that day. The course of the race alternated between fast, flat miles and long, hilly climbs. I ignored my watch and focused on effort and reeling people in. Around mile 8, I got pissed that I was approaching another hill and thought about stopping but having David in the back of my mind kept me going.

The last 5k in the race was flat to downhill, and I wanted to make up as much time as possible from the ascents in the bulk of the race. I changed gears and started really moving. Another runner pulled up behind me and breathed into my ear, "hey girl, you're cruising." I didn't realize that I was going any faster than I had been, but his words encouraged me to really cruise. I dropped down to 7:00 for my 12th mile and tried to keep it up in the last stretch. This was one of the hardest moments of my racing career. I felt strong and good, but I also felt like I was working so hard and I didn't know how long I could last. I thought of my brother and what he went through this fall with his medical treatments and how hard that truly was. How strong he was throughout everything and how gracefully he handled it all. The pain and discomfort I experienced from doing something I love was trivial. I hit mile 13 in 6:55 and crossed the finish line 5 seconds past my half marathon PR.

For me, this race was not about a PR or the time; it wasn't even a goal race. I'm happiest with how I finished, because it proved my speed endurance and validated the training I've been doing. And because I'm proud of my effort, I feel like I honored my brother in the best way I could.

Life Update (& Race Recap): WCRC 4 Miler

4 years 11 months 4 days.
That's how long I've waited to say these words: I ran a PR. It's true, I could have earned a college degree faster than I was able to improve on a single one of my personal bests in any event.

Which is why I can now officially retire from competitive running with a clear mind.

The last time I ran a personal best was in the 1500m at NESCAC outdoor championships on April 24th, 2010. I came so close senior year to setting a PR in the 1000m during indoor track. So close in fact, that you might have to put an asterisk next to that 4yr mark. I actually ran my exact PR to the hundredth of a second (3:09.77), but a tie is not a better time, so the drought went on until now.
Don't worry readers, I'll still post on the blog about my new run for fun life!











Oh and if you actually believed that I'm retiring, HA. APRIL FOOL'S to you, you big fool!

6 and 1/2 days on Earth

I used to live on Earth 6 and a half days of the week. The remaining half day was spent absorbed in the fuzzy haze that was race day. With a stare that could pierce a brick wall, I was transported to that floating otherworldly reality where burning competitiveness pumped through my veins. I could give off the impression that I was there talking with you, but you were really getting autopilot responses while I envisioned the crowd-muffling sensation of going race mode. I wasn't always this way.  One time I almost napped through the start of a high school track race. I wasn't serious yet, I knew the joy of running, but had not the need for speed ingrained into my bones, my very being.When I was younger my pre-race routine was somewhat less finicky; I avoided eating Cheese Nips, the one food I threw up during a race, which falls somewhat short of the transcendental trance I was apt to be found in on any given Saturday morning during college.

Some days now I'll daydream about racing during a training run. To the point that I'll catch myself making faces despite the fact that I'm doing 8 minute miles. I have to snap myself out of it so that I don't a) run into the front of the treadmill or b) get lost. Both of which have happened more than I like to admit. 

Now the cloud came not from a sense of nervousness or fear. Races were not life or death, make or break. But, like getting into a good book, I loved the feeling of being completely absorbed. The other 6.5 days of the week my brain is like an overexcited puppy with ADD stuck on a runaway freight train. Here, on race day, I knew exactly what I wanted, what I needed to do, and how I wanted to feel. The simplicity and clarity of it all is therapeutic. A chance for me to release all of the pent up fears, dreams, and frustrations in a channeled display of insanity. For in the end it came down to one thing, putting your everything on the line.  There aren't too many things that can make you, in the moment, know unequivocally that there is only one thing you want. The line. 

"The gun goes off and everything changes...the world changes...and nothing else really matters"

Captured in my natural habitat
(photo: M.Gouzie)

This post was inspired by my second time reading the book "Pain" by Dan Middleman. A good read if you're on the lookout for running novels.

~Robyn "race cadet" Runner

Marathon Motivation

Recently one of my students, a star basketball player, asked me how I stay motivated to run day in and day out. For her, like for so many team sport athletes, the constant games, Win-Loss columns, and stats help them keep track of their progress. If they lose one game, they rebound quickly and move on to the next a few days later. So when my student found out that I'm spending almost half a year training for one race, and I have one shot to get it right (whatever "it" is), she was really puzzled.

I told her about how I set goals for myself and because I have specific goals I can know tell if I'm improving or not. Running often becomes objective; you hit a certain split or you don't, you come in first or you don't. And so even though it will still be months before I race my first marathon, knowing that I have committed to running a BQ means that I need to push myself every day to work for this. If I miss qualifying, I can't whine my way to an entry to Boston for the following year, or use my charming personality or make excuses. The numbers are the numbers. It's kind of scary, and it's extremely motivating.

I told my student about how much money I've invested into this race. Registering for a marathon isn't cheap. I could stop there, but I also have a coach whom I pay monthly. She provides me with training plans and motivation and it's undoubtedly worth every penny. There are, of course, the running shoes every handful of months to keep my legs fresh, and running clothes to keep my warm/dry/cool/fly. After spending so much time at the gym and on the treadmill (hello 13 mile tempo run), I splurged and bought some bluetooth headphones. What started as one race fee has turned into a big investment, and it will be worth it if I can run my best race come May.

And of course I told her about how I love to run. Some days clearly more than other days but I genuinely love to run and that's how I choose to spend my time. If I were passionate about basketball instead, I'd be in the gym every day practicing my shot like she does. Instead, I'm out slogging miles or hitting splits.

All of this talk of motivation made me pause and reflect upon my 2 months of marathon training so far. It's been going really well and I haven't missed a single workout. I don't hate the treadmill and I feel fit and pretty fast. The future is bright. This is great!

...And then this week I totally botched a workout. Like, really badly. Mad at myself for not managing my time better and with really heavy legs, I quit a workout that I love halfway through. I started crying on the treadmill next to some man calmly walking and reading the WSJ and definitely within earshot of a colleague whom I respect and admire (and who I think is pretty cute). I was embarrassed to have to tell my coach that I couldn't finish and really started to doubt myself. I was mentally and physically exhausted. The next day wasn't much better; I had to stop a mile and a half (a mile and a half!!!!) into a mere 3 mile run to stretch out my calves. If I couldn't run 3 miles, how was I supposed to train for, let alone race, a whole marathon? I resigned myself to a week's worth of training of junk miles and dreaded my long run later in the week.

I went to bed and the next day, I tried to just run. I bundled up because I couldn't bear the treadmill once again, and forgot about the tempo I was supposed to run. I chose a route that I love, and just went. A mile in and I didn't feel so bad after all. A few miles in and I threw in some tempo miles after all. I got back to campus in the dark (with my reflector vest, don't worry) (but yeah, time management, huh?) and I felt a million times better. I did actually like running, and I could actually train for a marathon. 7 miles with up-tempo miles wasn't even that hard. I can do this.

A long picture from a long run

So after this volatile training week, I got my motivation back. Just in time, too. Yesterday I ran 14.5 miles--my longest run ever! It certainly took a while and my legs were aching at the end but with my best friend and training partner by my side, a couple of GUs, and some beautiful scenery, I pulled it off and I want more. I'm still daunted for my upcoming and increasingly long long runs, for the inevitable pain (and chafing), but I'm also still motivated to run.

Friday Favorites

It’s Friday! Time for a compilation of some of our recent favorite things.

Rachel

Favorite gear: Oiselle’s Wazzie Wool Baselayer in geofast red. So comfortable and warm. It’s been my go-to in these frigid temps when I just can’t stand the dreadmill anymore

Favorite run: a 9 mile loop in the neighboring town. Rolling rural roads and beautiful views.

Favorite song: Outside- Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding

Favorite Instagram: Runnersloveyoga. Her posts remind me to slow down, stretch out, and work on my strength in order to improve my running.

Robyn  

Favorite run: 9.4mi loop around the Charles from my apartment, past Harvard and back on the BU side of the river

Favorite superset: 3 x [10 squat rack, 20 roman chair back extensions, 10 straight arm pull downs]

Favorite quote (of the week): “When you walk, one foot is always on the ground. When you run, most of the time you are actually airborne. For example: a 6-foot-tall runner with feet about 1 foot long was found to take 1,250 steps while running 8-minute miles. Thus, while covering 1 mile—5,280 feet—he was in touch with the ground for 1,250 feet and airborne for 4,030 feet.

Put another way, he was in the air for 76% of the time. So don’t think of it as a 10-mile run. Think of it as 7 miles of flying.” -Paul Richardson

Favorite Kick: Brenda Martinez (and Team USA) to win the DMR and set a new World Record.