Running is a road to self-awareness and reliance … you can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin beneath your feet. But when you are through, exhilarated and exhausted, at least for a moment everything seems right with the world…
I made it a whole month without running. Without a doubt, this was one of the most challenging things I have ever undertaken in my training life. And the fact that I just referred to the 30 days with out running as training really and truly does indicate just how far I've come in wrapping my head around the idea that proper rest and proper recovery are a part of training, just like running miles and miles and miles is too.
Today, I was reunited with running. And this is what I woke up to:
For one split second I thought that maybe my 30 day non running challenge should end tomorrow or that I should end it on the track at MRC...and then I thought, THIS IS CRAZY TALK! I'm going running. Outside. In the elements. Probably with wolves chasing me, too.
And run I did. Just me, my ipod and a foot of snow. I didn't even wear a watch.
And I remembered just how much I love to run, and how good it feels to be in the out of doors, simply putting one foot in front of the other, emptying my head of things and thoughts, and doing something for me for just a brief moment in time. I smiled the whole time. I laughed more than once. I remembered and savoured what it felt like to run and to feel alive.
Because there had been so much snow, I should say that this was a tough first run back. I was likely shuffling more than I was running, and the physical effort it takes to run through the snow (especially this heavy white stuff) is significantly different that a nice Sunday morning effort on a clear pathway in the summer.
But this in itself reminded me of one very important thing. And that is just how much this crazy journey that is running seems to parallel this crazy journey that is my life. The lesson I take from this is that sometimes the hardest things to do are the right things to do. The run today certainly proved just that. And the way certain things have shaken down in the old life lately? Let's just say there have been a few curveballs...and some really, really hard choices. Much like the run in the snow, it IS hard, but I WILL get through it, and it will feel right in the end.
And running will be with me every step of the way.
I came across this little gem in the latest Runner's World. Please have a watch. The message is simple but very, very important and is a good reminder to anyone, everyone and all of us...
"If you want to do it, all you have to do is do it". It's a choice. Make the choice once and then continue to make it each and every day. Ben Davis, you are a true inspiration to so many people and a great example of the fact that each and every step you take on the pavement, at the gym, each stroke you do at the pool, each pose you take in yoga class...it is a part of your journey. And you WILL get there. You just have to decide to do it.
This is me post-race! Of course, I'm smiling...I had many, many reasons to be happy after this unbelievable experience in New York City.
My time? A 3:07. 3:07 people! A personal best by two whole minutes. Recall if you will (or if you won't, I'll just tell you anyways) my previous marathon best was in Chicago, a 3:09 on a flat and fast course just one short year ago. The NYC course, by comparison is a very difficult and challenging run. Tons of elevation change (like my new running friend Derek says. "bridges are hills") and sitting in the cold for 3 hours prior to running makes the first couple of miles a bit tricky. The goal time I had in mind for this race was a 3:05, but I'm certainly not disappointed with a 3:07. All that speedwork has most certainly paid off and I was able to run fast on a much more difficult course. I also went out for it...HARD. And tried to hold on. I usually hold back a bit more at the start of my races, but I really, really needed to prove to myself that I could go out fast and hold on, and I am happy that I was able to accomplish that. Often in races I think about drawing on the strength of others (I so appreciate everyone who sends energy my way on race day :), however, this time I was truly focused on getting through the tough spots myself. I know now that I CAN do it myself, and this will be key if I am to get to that elusive sub 3:00 mark.
I was also so fortunate to have the love and support of my family (Caitlin and Scott included) who came all the way to New York to see me run by them for just a few seconds in Central Park. This was a long way for my family to travel to witness just a tiny part of my race. It really, really is so very special and important to me that they were there. When I saw them on the race course a couple of miles from the finish, it was like a jolt of energy went through me and I was able to push myself just that much more to the finish. Family, you are the best and I am so lucky to have you. I love you and appreciate you more than I can ever say.
I should also mention that my smallest fan was in attendance at this race.
Henry- my wee fan
The day I ran the marathon was Henry's 3 month birthday. I just KNEW that November 6th held great things for me for that reason alone. Henry was obviously super impressed with my super awesome race number. He was also super impressed with my race effort. He slept through the entire thing, including our reunion on the corner of 77th and Amsterdam post run. But it's OK- marathoning around NYC is tough when you're a little dude!
And finally, a word or two about the NYC marathon, for those enquiring minds...
A running event of that magnitude (47 000 runners representing 130 countries with 2 million+ spectators) is difficult to describe.
Wondering really and truly what it looks like? Here's an awesome visual certainly worth 3 minutes of time! This is actually the start of the marathon on the day I ran it just one short week ago! Big prize to anyone who can spot me in the crowd- HUGE in fact...
It's been one whole week since I raced and it's taken a bit of time for me to gather my thoughts about this one. This was one tough race. Mentally, physically and emotionally, I truly went through the ringer on this one. First, because the race starts on Staten Island and runs into NYC through all 5 boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan) the race organizers need to get all 47 000 participants to the starting point- the Verazanno- Narrows bridge. For me, this meant boarding a bus at 5:30 in the morning and then waiting in the staging area for 3 hours in the cold before the race started, sitting in the dark, on the pavement, trying to stay loose, hydrated, fuelled and warm. This in itself was a big hurdle for me since I am always cold. My pre-race uni included a woolly toque, sweats layered over running tights, layers on top, mitts AND hand and foot warmers. By the time I started running at 9:40, I couldn't feel my feet! Mentally, I knew that going out as hard as I did was going to require a great deal of toughness from halfway on. When I felt my quads fatiguing already at mile 10, I knew that it was going to HURT. And hurt it did, but I was able to push through, beat it and came through with a 3:07. Definitley not my most evenly split or prettiest race, but I pushed myself through and didn't back down. Emotionally...well, lets just say that as always, I worked some stuff out in my head over the course of this 26.2. Worked.It.Out. And the result? Like ALWAYS- peace in my mind and happiness in my heart.
Now it's time to let the body heal and recover which requires me to wrap my head around the idea that resting and recovering is a PART of training, even though I'm not running. As some of you know, the hardest part of training for me isn't the running part...it's the non running part, and this will include the rest and recovery phase.
The NYC marathon was an amazing experience that I am not soon to forget. Going through something that physically demanding on a course that tough changes you in some way. I am already looking forward to seeing what that translates into for my next round of training and racing.
I asked my younger pregnant sister to email me a picture of her being pregnant.
And this is what she sent me:
And while I did have a very, very long laugh out loud in my office, I just want her to know this:
SHE DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A SEA LION.
In fact, she is the cutest little pregnant lady around AND she is a total rockstar.
Why?
Because when she came to visit me, despite being pregnant, despite feeling like a sea lion, despite feeling like her body is not her own, she STILL went running with me. Amazing. 7 months pregnant and running. Barry, you are one lucky little dude to be getting my sister for a mom.
In her honour, I just wanted to give a shout out all the expectant moms and moms in the world who, despite feeling like sea lions and feeling a level of exhaustion that I can only imagine, still manage to commit to their own physical, mental and spiritual health by heading out for a quick run or some other kind of exercise. Each and every one of you is wonderful and I am truly humbled by your efforts.
And although I have no scientific information to prove this, I'm pretty sure a sea lion can't run. The short legs and long body are a curse for sure, but NO legs and long body??? Impossible...
I love you. It’s really that simple. You just make my life better. You make my life easier. You make my life less complicated and more pleasant to exist in. So I just love you. I really can’t explain it any better than that.
I know we have faced some hard times, like all the times we had breaks from each other. Sometimes I felt like you deserted me. I would see you in the park, on the pathways, sidewalks and tracks with other people and I admit it, I felt jealous. I know that you would never, ever leave me or cheat on me, but it was hard to see you with other people. When we decided it was time to get back together, I loved that we could pick up right where we left off. I mean, I know we had to work at it, to get to the level we were at before the break, but it was worth it and our relationship was just better in the long run…hee- get it? Long run?
I want you to know that I have NEVER held it against you when I’ve been injured, sore or tired. I know that every relationship has its ups and downs, and those are just a part of the trials and tribulations that we face in our life together. I have done my best to give you what you need- good fuel, full nights of sleep, massages and physio, and I know that you have appreciated those things whole heartedly. I do apologize if, on occasion, I seem to be a bit selfish after a long night of self indulgence if I abandon you or if it seems as if I am forcing you out onto the path when you really don’t want to go. I know those days are tough, but I appreciated your perseverance to stick with me. I sure do owe you a lot!
I guess, Running, I just wanted to say thanks for all you do for me…I really do appreciated the mental and physical health that you bring me and want you to know that I promise to keep you in my life forever. You really are the best. I truly do love you more than you will ever know.
Oh Life, just when I thought I had you figured out, you throw me a curve ball!
Strange isn't it, how we get comfortable in our little lives...and then suddenly everything can change. And In a New York Minute too, just like my buddies Glenn Frey and Don Henley have reminded us in the past...
Don't you just love this song? I do. It had worked its way out of my rotation for a bit and now I'm glad to report that its right back in there. Like swim wear, if you will.
Back to the curve ball. It's as if something in the universe forces us along in our evolution as people, yes? I mean, the status quo is a pretty comfy place to be, but sometimes in the status quo we forget that we always need to keep workin' away because we can always be better. More evolved. More calm. I think sometimes we forget that when we are comfy in the status quo...and then the universe reminds us...even if its just with a wee shift and we get back to the business of keepin' on keepin' on. After all, it really is about the journey and not the destination.
So the curve ball or the universal shift has happend for me lately. And what do I do? I do the one thing that I know will make me feel better, take the curve out of the ball and re-establish the calm and positive energy in my life...I go running. At least for that 1 hour or 2 my mind will be at peace and I might even consider my self sane. Because in all honesty, do any of us really know where this crazy life will take us? Not at all. So the best thing to do (before, during and after the curve ball or the NY minute) is to enjoy the moment you're in and the people you're sharing it with. We can sure try to plan for the future but we just never know where the journey will take us.
Lately I seem to be fielding many questions regarding speed training or speed intervals.
Most of the questions sound something like this...
"Andrea, I'm not a serious runner, I just want to finish the half or full marathon. Do I really have to do speed intervals?"
Well people, lets get real. Obviously if you are not vying for the "Marathoner or Half-Marathoner of the Year" trophy, then you don't have to do any kind of running that you don't or think you won't enjoy.
BUT...
And it's a big BUT...
The speed intervals are invaluable to your training. Why? Because at some point during the race you have entered into, your body will start to build lactic acid, a by-product that is created by your body when it becomes inefficient in delivering those lovely little bits of oxygen to your muscles as the race progresses. Truth? This is not a nice feeling at all. However, if you train your body to deal with this adversity during workouts like speed intervals, you will have an easier time dealing with it in the race. The body will remember what it feels like and it will just keep on cruisin'. Your intervals do not have to be hard core. They don't have to be on a track and they don't even really have to be timed if that isn't your thing. But you are doing yourself a huge favour is you include this type of training at least every couple of weeks. It can be as simples as pushing your pace really damn hard for a few minutes and then slowing to a jog for a couple of minutes and then speeding up again when you feel ready. Yes it's hard. Yes it hurts. But you will enjoy your race a lot more in the end. I promise.
So get out there! What are you waiting for? Run fast! And then a bit faster! Picture yourself being chased by these guys and pick up the pace! You will be happy you did!
It's true. My sister was recently tricked by Vince and the Motley Crue into thinking her liver was half its age. The result? Copious liquor consumption (sadly though, no Durangos) followed by defeat via snowbank wipeout and a hangover. I, on the other hand, have been defeated by bronchitis.
My doctor has banned me from running. B-A-N-N-E-D. In his more than most serious manner (and this is one stoic dude) he informed me that running, in no uncertain terms was the worst idea possible. Then he loaded me up with steriods and antibiotics. Truthfully, I have followed doctor's orders given the fact that I am simply too sick and therefore don't even feel like running (CRAZY) because my bod is screaming at me to rest and heal. However, I am starting to feel the itch...the weather is getting better...and I want to be out there! Again, I have to remind myself that this rest is very, very good for me and is the best present I can give myself. Maybe Sunday might be the day to get back out there...we'll see...
And back to my previous thoughts...really Durangos? Flavoured beer? Yuck. But maybe a tasty treat when we were 16. Way back in the day when these dudes were way more cool...and less puffy...
