Marathoning and Life

Having been both a full time mom and a working mom over the past 8 years, I can truly say that both are challenging and satisfying, but in different ways.

What I haven't done before, is face the transition between being with the kids full time to getting back into the work force. Maybe it's because of the economy, but boy is it ever not easy.

I've been lucky in a way, because a job that I love has basically fallen into my lap, so I am grateful for this. I was working part time in a running store, when a full time spot opened up and remained open for practically 2 months. I then decided to get the kids in extended hours at school and go for it. The kids took to it well, and actually like their after school programs.

Anyhow, without going into the boring details, I still have more that I want to give out there, and the education (however outdated now) to back it up. Yet, with so many talented people in my field having been laid off over the past couple of years, there is fierce competition, and the gap on my resume is suddenly a huge setback.

So, what does one do? One keeps running of course! Whenever there is something difficult to face in my life, thankfully I can run through it. I just keep praying that I can continue running, because without it I don't know. Having my foot injury over the past little while has put scary thoughts in my head about how I'd cope with the rest of my life without running.

And, well, to get some needed experience on my resume, and get my skills brushed up, I've basically filled every hour of the week with busyness. So, on my two days off a week I volunteer. One day I'm at a TV station, and another day at a local cultural centre. This has pushed running to the wee hours of the morning.

Anyhow, I am rambling now, but I guess I'm just trying to convince myself that I can indeed still marathon train through all of this, and that I will still have a chance to shave off 8 minutes for my spring marathon to get a BQ. I know that I need to do this for myself, and just have to make the time for it, just as I make time to be with my kids in the midst of this busyness.

Try, Try Again

Today I was watching a tribute for the late Ted Rogers, and was so inspired his story, and how he accomplished all these things people said were not possible.

I love this anecdote of his from an interview: Rogers is remembering how someone came to him saying, "I can't finish". And he replies, "Well, this is the first time you couldn't finish. Get back to me when you couldn't finish 100 times."

Easy to Quit

I find that when I'm down about something, or am struggling with an injury, it seems like I just want to hide until it all goes away, the hurt, the fears, the uncertainties, the sadness.

It is easy to give up, on planning, blogging, trying, persisting, and just stop caring. Yet, it's from reading other blogs and thinking about races in the coming year that I gain insight and inspiration. I realize that I can just as easily overcome my physical and other pains and carry on, as I can mope around in misery.

I took today off to let my crunched ankle take a break, and try let my foot heal. I was feeling like letting my blogging lag, as I've just been feeling down lately too. But, am I ever glad that I spent a little time catching up on some of my favorite blogs.

JD inspired me with his post about what running means to him, and how he also fears losing running when injury strikes. Westford Mommy showed me how to stay motivated and keep in shape by cross training and pool running through an injury. And, Alasking Assassin reminded me that, "I am down but it won't last long".

I am thinking now of being strong inside rather than caving in to self pity. I am thinking of never giving up on hoping and dreaming and planning. I am thinking I can be brave.

Blogging Hiatus and Twisted Ankle

Have been adjusting to a new schedule, and getting so very far behind on posting and keeping up with all my favorite blogs.

Still been following the Pfitz 5-week recovery plan, but had a run last week where I saw a car headed for me in the morning darkness where I was running on the road in the bike lane. In my attempt to dart out of the way, I turned my ankle and felt it go CrUnCh. Since then, my ankle's been tender and now the bottom of my toe hurts too.

Anyhow, I've been on my feet 40 hours a week at my job, and now I volunteer at two places, one which requires standing as well, so I think I just need to put up my feet and rest a bit. In the meantime, I will try and not run hard on my easy days and just be a little careful.

I'm really looking forward to another year of running, so I don't want to screw anything up now.

Eat Clean

I am still feeling a little amiss while in this recovery mode from Hamilton.

I'm wanting to push along in mileage faster, but am dedicated to the Pfitz 5-week plan as I am confident in his method.

Anyhow, I've started thinking now would be a good time to rededicate myself to losing those last 6 lbs once and for all. I am tracking my Weight Watchers Points more diligently again, and trying to make healthy choices.

I figure that cutting back on fast food and processed snacks, and getting in more fresh fruits and veggies can be helpful in my running. Hopefully I can get to my goal weight by the Boxing Day 10-Miler at the end of December. Then I can focus on maintaining in the year ahead.

In other news, my Hamilton Marathon pic has finally come in, and while I'm never satisfied with race photos, I always get excited when they're posted and have to buy one.

Back to It

Slowly building back up mileage, and on second week of the Pfitz 5-week recovery cycle.

Today was a 5 miler, and tomorrow will be too. Off on Wednesday, then Thursday and Friday are 6 miles, I think, and Saturday is 7, with Sunday cross training. Next week brings back some speed work, so it'll be more back to normal then.

On the 28th, I will be picking up my race kit for the Boxing Day 10 Miler in Hamilton. I'm pretty excited, as the shwag is better than most, and part of my motivation for doing this hilly race to cap off the year.

In January, I will recommence Higdon's Advanced I marathon plan, and hopefully better incorporate the cross training, hills and track days, which I tended to skimp on a bit in my training for the Hamilton marathon.

I've been having a shoe conundrum lately. Up until now, I've been basically rotating between the Asics Nimbus, Saucony Triumph and Nike Pegasus and Nike Trail. I generally stick to the Nimbus for most long runs.

Lately, I've been pondering getting into a Mizuno Wave Rider for shorter runs and speed work. They are 9 oz, while most other shoes are over 10 oz. They feel great, too, except that sometimes I am skeptical about the wave plate technology. I guess I won't know unless I try.

Feeling grateful for the sunny, mild weather we've been having, and for getting back on the pavement.

Recovery Rundown

8 Days off the road, and I've survived ... sort of.

Day 1: Monday, back to work, and being on my feet the whole day. This isn't too bad, but next time will definitely take a day off before the race. Feeling okay, especially when compared to my first marathon in the spring, but ankles are sore and left one is swollen. Maybe I should've had that post-race ice after all. Still too stubborn to ice, though.

Day 2: Still not icing and ankle is still swollen, go figure. End up getting a post-race massage which a very thoughtful friend has booked for me, seeing how neglectful I am being. The best massage therapist ever, and feeling on top of the world after this.

Day 3: Thinking how the Halloween chocolates are probably not the best recovery food, since sugar is supposed to be inflammatory or something, right. How many mini Coffee Crisps did I really earn by running a marathon anyway?

Day 4: Looking forward to the weekend at Great Wolf Lodge.

Day 5: My birthday. Keeping it low key, but feel that the marathon was my best birthday gift ever. Would like to do this every year for the rest of my life.

Day 6: Checking in to the Lodge, and heading to the spa.

Day 7: Miss running, but still enjoying the spa and seeing my kids have fun at the water park.

Day 8: Feeling some side effects from a whole week of no running and can't wait to get back on the pavement. Find that it's been harder to get a good night sleep, been snacking more, getting a little edgy. Grateful to have a busy day with a volunteer orientation in the morning, and working 1:30 to 9:30, then groceries after that. Making a point to buy more fruits and veggies.

Today I'm excited to be starting the Pfitz 5-week recovery cycle, which I did after the Mississauga Marathon. I can't wait to head out for my run now. My left ankle is still a little tender, so I pray it'll hold up. I will ice it, I think, after the run.

"Face Drop"

The days following a marathon always seem to have this kind of post breakup feeling to them. I find that training for the race almost has a romantic quality where you don't know what to expect and are filled with wonder.

Then once the race is done, you feel a sense of loss. At least with 5Ks, 10Ks and halfs you can continue with your running and new goals. But the marathon requires a patient recovery time, even a week off one's feet in my case.

So, now, after 18 weeks of commitment to The Plan, I am feeling a little down. The days sort of blend into one another and I find myself getting teary eyed easily. Little things can trigger a bout of self pity that requires a box of tissues.

To combat this self-indulgent sadness, I've been immersing myself in new race plans, and have lined up my races for next year. I've also registered for the upcoming Boxing Day 10-Miler, which is organized by the Hamilton Hash House Harriers, and is supposed to be a great run.

In 2010, I'll be focusing on the Ottawa Marathon for the spring, and the Hamilton Marathon again for the fall. I will also do the Subaru Niagara Running Series, which has a few halfs and some 5K and 10K events. As well, I hope to repeat the Oakville Half and the Acura 10-Miler.

I've been thinking about attempting the Pfitz 55 plan again, but think I'll wait another year for that one. Instead, I will repeat Higdon's Advanced-I program. I was a little lax with my strength training and speed work these past 18 weeks, so I figure I'll tighten up a bit this time. As well, I will focus on improving the quality of my diet, and losing that last 6 lbs once and for all.

Anyhow, I was wishing to get in a run today, as I've been feeling pretty good after a visit to an RMT, but my left ankle is still a bit weak and sore, so I will wait until Monday. Hopefully by Monday I'll be okay to run again, as I need my running.

You touch my heart, disappear

I never knew how much it hurt here

Quick Notes on Hamilton Marathon

Chip Time 3:58:56

Gun Time 3:59:17

Age Group 28/57

Gender 119/308

Thanks to my amazing friend Paul for running me in to break the 4 hour mark!!

Had fun meeting fellow bloggie, Chris at the start line, and can't wait to read the race report for another perspective on the race!!

Great day, nice weather, well organized, super job by the volunteers, enjoyed the course and especially the finish at Confederation Park.

Again, this one confirms that I absolutely adore the smaller races, although the numbers this year were quite impressive for a fairly newish race ... over 2,000 people this year.

Loved that they had hot soup at the finish and pizza instead of the typical bagels, which always seem to make me feel like throwing up, even though I do like bagels.

Great having my kids cheering me on at the finish line.

And now, going to take a hot shower (I know, I know it should be an ice bath, and I'm sure I'll pay the price for this one later), and then out for dinner.

Taper Madness

Feeling edgy and can't shake this cough I've had all week. I'd definitely say now that I fall into the group of runners that does not enjoy tapering. Can't wait for it to be over.

The other day, I ended up hiding in a washroom to cough, as I didn't want anyone to worry about the H1N1. Having a cold can make you feel really self-conscious these days. Well, I'm just hoping it's gone by race day.

Sometimes waiting for a goal race reminds me of exams back in college. I'd be all psyched, cramming over late night coffees for days on end. Then, finally, just a few days before the anticipated exam, I'd get into this I just don't give a d*mn anymore mode.

Whatever happens, I am ready for marathon number two. I have goals, but at this point will be happy just to finish.