Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 7, Day 7
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 76
Planned activity: Half Marathon
Houston Half Marathon 13.1 Miles
2:26:04 Pace 11:09/mile 46 degrees Downtown Houston
In my experience, the running never becomes entirely routine. We become more comfortable with certain activities and situations but there is always something that shifts and we find ourselves adjusting. How we handle the adjustment won't necessarily make or break our run but it can make the difference between running in misery and having a good time. And if we're not out there to have fun, just why are we out there?
A 7am start in October means it's dark. A 7am start along Allen Parkway also means parking will be a bit of a challenge, especially for anyone who doesn't know downtown. I left the land of Sugar at 5:30 and drove into Houston with a vague idea of where I might park. I happened onto the free parking garage completely by accident. After finding a spot on the 4th floor, I pinned my bib to my shirt and happily spied an old beach towel on the back seat. I would be relatively warm until the race started. (I'd decided to wear knee-length running pants and a long-sleeved shirt.) I wrapped the towel around my shoulders and descended the stairs to street level.
Kind of.
The stairs opened onto a corridor where I found myself with one other runner and we didn't know where to go from there. He drove down from Dallas last night because he heard this was a good race. He was cold in his shorts and t-shirt. Really cold. I saw dozens of other runners walking outside. I suggested we walk "that way" because they looked like they knew where they were going. He said he was going to stay inside for awhile. No problem. I left him there. Poor guy.
I found the staging area and what seemed to be a very small start line. At about a quarter to 7, the announcement was made to start lining up. If you've run a race, you know that usually the faster runners are at the front, slower at the back. There were only a few thousand registered runners but the funneled start was going to be a problem, it was pretty clear. And then...and then...a handful of people realized that they didn't have a clear picture of the course route. We were to run BACK toward downtown for a mile, double back and then run the bulk of the race to the west. The vast majority of racers knew where they were supposed to be but those that didn't shoved their way to the front with "excuse me, pardon me, excuse me" all the way there. I bet it didn't buy them one minute of time and it certainly didn't buy them any goodwill - judging from the looks they received from the runners around them.
I rode this race on a wave of faith. I had to believe that my training would hold up over a week of rest. I'm in the best shape I've been in my entire adult life and I knew that as far as cardio goes, I could do it. When I woke up this morning, I still had pain and I made the decision that I may always have pain. If it becomes significantly worse during a race, I'll find out what it's like to ride the SAG wagon. For me, running may very well hurt to some degree. My son gave me great advice this week and I appreciate his belief in my abilities. I have friends and colleagues who lift me up at the most needed and wonderful times.
At mile 10, a man ran up next to me and asked me how I was doing. I was starting to slow down a little at that time. I don't know how far back he was when he noticed me and maybe thought to give me a little lift. It was what I needed. It carried me through to the end. I was thrilled to see the finish line.
The full marathon seems like a huge goal. I'm going to let that sit in the background for just a few days and enjoy this accomplishment. This feels great.
Oh, the beach towel. I left it on a fence downtown. Maybe it will keep someone warm tonight.
©Michelle Scofield, October 28, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Another Day of "Rest"
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 7, Day 4
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 79
Planned activity: 3 Mile Run
------------------
Consults, Followups, On-Treats. All day long.
I was on my feet and by noon my foot was protesting.
I wondered if I shouldn't just go ahead and run. I was hurting anyway.
I didn't.
I'm 12 miles down in my training for the week but 12 miles ahead when I look at it as giving myself a chance to recover.
(I'm not hurting so much this very minute. Ice and rest help.)
I'm still planning on being at the start line Sunday. Stay tuned.
©Michelle Scofield, October 25, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 79
Planned activity: 3 Mile Run
------------------
Consults, Followups, On-Treats. All day long.
I was on my feet and by noon my foot was protesting.
I wondered if I shouldn't just go ahead and run. I was hurting anyway.
I didn't.
I'm 12 miles down in my training for the week but 12 miles ahead when I look at it as giving myself a chance to recover.
(I'm not hurting so much this very minute. Ice and rest help.)
I'm still planning on being at the start line Sunday. Stay tuned.
©Michelle Scofield, October 25, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Positive Reinforcement
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 7, Day 3
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 80
Planned activity: 6 Mile Run ------------------
Didn't run today. Didn't get on the stationary bike. I had my ass kicked at work which meant I was on my feet and moving a good part of the day but, hey, it comes with the territory. I know I did a good job and that's what's important to me. (Oh, and tomorrow's payday.)
I bounced the notion of not running this week off of my son and off of a friend who is also an athlete. Both agreed. I can do this.
After dinner I was feeling achy and pulled out the heating pad. Sweet relief.
I'm about to turn in for the night. Here's hoping I continue to feel just a little better...day by day.
I'm still planning to drive into Houston later this week to pick up my packet for Sunday's half marathon. As I've heard many, many times. Each runner is an experiment of one.
©Michelle Scofield, October 24, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 80
Planned activity: 6 Mile Run ------------------
Didn't run today. Didn't get on the stationary bike. I had my ass kicked at work which meant I was on my feet and moving a good part of the day but, hey, it comes with the territory. I know I did a good job and that's what's important to me. (Oh, and tomorrow's payday.)
I bounced the notion of not running this week off of my son and off of a friend who is also an athlete. Both agreed. I can do this.
After dinner I was feeling achy and pulled out the heating pad. Sweet relief.
I'm about to turn in for the night. Here's hoping I continue to feel just a little better...day by day.
I'm still planning to drive into Houston later this week to pick up my packet for Sunday's half marathon. As I've heard many, many times. Each runner is an experiment of one.
©Michelle Scofield, October 24, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Glitch
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 7, Day 2
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 81
Planned activity: 3 Mile Run 35 Minutes Stationary Bike
Enough pain in my right calf Sunday evening to catch myself near-limping. Oh, hell no. I rested yesterday. I felt a little better. Last night I made the decision before going to bed: No running today. I felt irritable, edgy, and pissed off all day. I took my gym clothes to work and left the office as soon as all patient details were taken care of.
I had my book. I had a plan.
I adjusted the bike so that I didn't feel any pain, I opened to the third chapter, and I worked up a sweat.
After I was done I worked my way through a few of the exercises I learned in Physical Therapy and also did a little core work. I didn't push it. I'm still sore but not nearly as bad as Sunday. I'm also still pissed off. I know, I know. But that's how I feel.
I guess I'll just cross train all week and then see how I feel Sunday. I'm registered for the Houston Half Marathon. I'm going to focus on rest, nutrition, and on NOT making things worse. Time will tell.
©Michelle Scofield, October 23, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 81
Planned activity: 3 Mile Run 35 Minutes Stationary Bike
Enough pain in my right calf Sunday evening to catch myself near-limping. Oh, hell no. I rested yesterday. I felt a little better. Last night I made the decision before going to bed: No running today. I felt irritable, edgy, and pissed off all day. I took my gym clothes to work and left the office as soon as all patient details were taken care of.
I had my book. I had a plan.
I adjusted the bike so that I didn't feel any pain, I opened to the third chapter, and I worked up a sweat.
After I was done I worked my way through a few of the exercises I learned in Physical Therapy and also did a little core work. I didn't push it. I'm still sore but not nearly as bad as Sunday. I'm also still pissed off. I know, I know. But that's how I feel.
I guess I'll just cross train all week and then see how I feel Sunday. I'm registered for the Houston Half Marathon. I'm going to focus on rest, nutrition, and on NOT making things worse. Time will tell.
©Michelle Scofield, October 23, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Spice of Life
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 6, Day 7
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 83
Planned activity: Cross Train
Hatha Yoga Class
Variety.
Anyone who knows me (really knows me) knows that I get bored easily. I change jobs, I move. I paint a room. I move my furniture. I always have 4 books going at the same time - reading and sometimes writing.
This running thing is messing with my head. I'm trying to switch up my routes. I'm listening to podcasts because music seems to disappear into the background of my brain and my thoughts take over. Music doesn't keep me busy enough to fight boredom on a long run. Listening to the conversation - the back and forth - of a radio program works better.
I'm trying to fit yoga into my fitness routine because it helps me turn off and tune out. I was a little surprised to see a couple of young girls in today's class. I mean really young girls (somewhere between 9 and 11 years old?). It was cool. They took the class seriously, did their own thing, and hopefully they're not going to be nearly as uptight as some adults (ME!) when they grow up. It's great to see kids involved in healthy pursuits so early.
A girlfriend and I went to an art event last night. We put on cocktail dresses, high heels, and sparkly jewelry and drove into Houston. It was a nice event but within an hour we knew we were all dressed up and wanted to have a little more, um, fun.
We retrieved my car from the valet and made our way to a place with expensive drinks and live music. We didn't make it home until early this morning. Once we started dancing, we didn't sit much. The place is known for an overabundance of older men who love to dance. And dance we did. We twisted and we cha cha'd. It was an evening full of east coast swing and rumba and laughs...so many laughs.
We paid for our own drinks, all of them. Our drinks numbered a whopping 1 each. At one point she looked at her watch and said, "Wow! It's almost 1am!" It was time for us to go home.
I think I'll spend a quiet day at home the rest of this Sunday. I've had a pretty full weekend. Unless I get bored. Then all bets are off.
©Michelle Scofield, October 21, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 83
Planned activity: Cross Train
Hatha Yoga Class
Variety.
Anyone who knows me (really knows me) knows that I get bored easily. I change jobs, I move. I paint a room. I move my furniture. I always have 4 books going at the same time - reading and sometimes writing.
This running thing is messing with my head. I'm trying to switch up my routes. I'm listening to podcasts because music seems to disappear into the background of my brain and my thoughts take over. Music doesn't keep me busy enough to fight boredom on a long run. Listening to the conversation - the back and forth - of a radio program works better.
I'm trying to fit yoga into my fitness routine because it helps me turn off and tune out. I was a little surprised to see a couple of young girls in today's class. I mean really young girls (somewhere between 9 and 11 years old?). It was cool. They took the class seriously, did their own thing, and hopefully they're not going to be nearly as uptight as some adults (ME!) when they grow up. It's great to see kids involved in healthy pursuits so early.
A girlfriend and I went to an art event last night. We put on cocktail dresses, high heels, and sparkly jewelry and drove into Houston. It was a nice event but within an hour we knew we were all dressed up and wanted to have a little more, um, fun.
We retrieved my car from the valet and made our way to a place with expensive drinks and live music. We didn't make it home until early this morning. Once we started dancing, we didn't sit much. The place is known for an overabundance of older men who love to dance. And dance we did. We twisted and we cha cha'd. It was an evening full of east coast swing and rumba and laughs...so many laughs.
We paid for our own drinks, all of them. Our drinks numbered a whopping 1 each. At one point she looked at her watch and said, "Wow! It's almost 1am!" It was time for us to go home.
I think I'll spend a quiet day at home the rest of this Sunday. I've had a pretty full weekend. Unless I get bored. Then all bets are off.
©Michelle Scofield, October 21, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Ice Water Empathy
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 6, Day 6
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 84
Planned activity: 7 mile run
7:50 am 57 degrees
7.02 miles 1 hour 17 minutes Avg page 10:58 min/mile
Pride.
Not a trait I openly treasure but one I possess. I admit I'm proud of my recent steps toward a healthier life. I'm proud of the children I raised. When I knock down a lot of pins in that power bowling game on Wii, I'm proud but that's pretty short-lived.
I'm proud of my abilities as a health-care provider. I know my way around Oncology and what I don't know I seek out and learn. Even more, I'm proud of my ability to connect with my patients and their families and friends, making sure that the bigger picture isn't missed. It's awesome to cure cancer but if scars are so deep and painful that no one can move after treatment, well then...just what have we done? I try to help everyone flex and move along the way. There are a lot of definitions of "move".
I've worked in several different fields: Cardiothoracic surgery, Medical Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Head and Neck Surgery, Psychiatry, Family Practice, and Pain Management. In each field, that pride thing came up. Someone would tell me how great I was at connecting with my patients and I would feel a little swell of wonderful on the inside. Gee, thanks!
Pain Management is a tough field. People hurt and they complain about it a lot. I admit to having a hard time feeling empathy. It was easier to feel bad for my cancer patients. Not so much for those who were being seen for non-cancer pain. I didn't always get it. I admit it.
The last few days I've been plunging my feet into ice baths. The nice thing for me is that I'm able to pull my feet OUT of this hellish freezing pain after a relatively short time. How horrible it must be to live with the pain of neuropathy (diabetic or otherwise). It's been described (by some) as feeling like your feet are in ice water...24 hours a day...7 days a week, with no relief. Ever.
It's really something to have your eyes opened through your feet.
Humility.
©Michelle Scofield, October 20, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 84
Planned activity: 7 mile run
7:50 am 57 degrees
7.02 miles 1 hour 17 minutes Avg page 10:58 min/mile
Pride.
Not a trait I openly treasure but one I possess. I admit I'm proud of my recent steps toward a healthier life. I'm proud of the children I raised. When I knock down a lot of pins in that power bowling game on Wii, I'm proud but that's pretty short-lived.
I'm proud of my abilities as a health-care provider. I know my way around Oncology and what I don't know I seek out and learn. Even more, I'm proud of my ability to connect with my patients and their families and friends, making sure that the bigger picture isn't missed. It's awesome to cure cancer but if scars are so deep and painful that no one can move after treatment, well then...just what have we done? I try to help everyone flex and move along the way. There are a lot of definitions of "move".
I've worked in several different fields: Cardiothoracic surgery, Medical Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Head and Neck Surgery, Psychiatry, Family Practice, and Pain Management. In each field, that pride thing came up. Someone would tell me how great I was at connecting with my patients and I would feel a little swell of wonderful on the inside. Gee, thanks!
Pain Management is a tough field. People hurt and they complain about it a lot. I admit to having a hard time feeling empathy. It was easier to feel bad for my cancer patients. Not so much for those who were being seen for non-cancer pain. I didn't always get it. I admit it.
The last few days I've been plunging my feet into ice baths. The nice thing for me is that I'm able to pull my feet OUT of this hellish freezing pain after a relatively short time. How horrible it must be to live with the pain of neuropathy (diabetic or otherwise). It's been described (by some) as feeling like your feet are in ice water...24 hours a day...7 days a week, with no relief. Ever.
It's really something to have your eyes opened through your feet.
Humility.
©Michelle Scofield, October 20, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Working My Mind (out)
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 6, Day 4
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 87
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:20am 71 degrees
3.02 miles 32:55 minutes Avg page 10:54 min/mile
I absolutely, positively did not want to run this morning. I turned off my alarm and stayed in bed through the radio news and the weather. I listened to the traffic report. I finally threw back the covers and groaned my way through getting dressed and out the door.
My right foot/heel/ankle still hurts. It's not so bad once I get going. (I'm still doing my stretching/strengthening/rolling/icing work.)
My body and my mind are tired. It's hard to keep up with the caloric needs right now. Someone at work asked me if I'd lost weight over the weekend. Probably. (Truth be told, I can still stand to lose a pound or ten. I'm simply hungry all the time.)
I'm learning a new electronic medical record-keeping task at my job. Enough said about that.
I've made a decision regarding an unhealthy friendship. I know in my head that it was the right thing to do. My heart doesn't always agree with me. My head wins. My head is smarter and has watched my heart ache too many years.
So my body didn't want to run today.
I feel better after those 3 little miles - at least my mind does. My right foot will tell you after it gets out of this ice bath.
©Michelle Scofield, October 18, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 87
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:20am 71 degrees
3.02 miles 32:55 minutes Avg page 10:54 min/mile
I absolutely, positively did not want to run this morning. I turned off my alarm and stayed in bed through the radio news and the weather. I listened to the traffic report. I finally threw back the covers and groaned my way through getting dressed and out the door.
My right foot/heel/ankle still hurts. It's not so bad once I get going. (I'm still doing my stretching/strengthening/rolling/icing work.)
My body and my mind are tired. It's hard to keep up with the caloric needs right now. Someone at work asked me if I'd lost weight over the weekend. Probably. (Truth be told, I can still stand to lose a pound or ten. I'm simply hungry all the time.)
I'm learning a new electronic medical record-keeping task at my job. Enough said about that.
I've made a decision regarding an unhealthy friendship. I know in my head that it was the right thing to do. My heart doesn't always agree with me. My head wins. My head is smarter and has watched my heart ache too many years.
So my body didn't want to run today.
I feel better after those 3 little miles - at least my mind does. My right foot will tell you after it gets out of this ice bath.
©Michelle Scofield, October 18, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Cooking Lesson
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 6, Day 3
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 88
Planned activity: 5 mile run
5:00am 63 degrees
5.02 miles 53:45 minutes Avg page 10:42 min/mile
I see I got the date and days until the Houston Marathon incorrect in yesterday's blog post. Sorry. I'm up to speed now.
This morning's run was overall pleasant. Loving the early morning coolness.
My lesson to myself: Yes, I can eat cookies once in a while. Especially given the number of calories I'm burning. Especially if they're homemade and oatmeal. No, I can't eat several the night before a longish run. I was preoccupied with the Presidential Debate. Old habits die hard. Get involved with television, munch on snacks. Aaaargh!!!
When you haven't eaten much in the way of sweets for several months, your gut tells you every step of miles 3, 4, and 5, "Don't do that!" Lesson learned. The cookies are in the freezer to be taken out in very small doses.
©Michelle Scofield, October 17, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 88
Planned activity: 5 mile run
5:00am 63 degrees
5.02 miles 53:45 minutes Avg page 10:42 min/mile
I see I got the date and days until the Houston Marathon incorrect in yesterday's blog post. Sorry. I'm up to speed now.
This morning's run was overall pleasant. Loving the early morning coolness.
My lesson to myself: Yes, I can eat cookies once in a while. Especially given the number of calories I'm burning. Especially if they're homemade and oatmeal. No, I can't eat several the night before a longish run. I was preoccupied with the Presidential Debate. Old habits die hard. Get involved with television, munch on snacks. Aaaargh!!!
When you haven't eaten much in the way of sweets for several months, your gut tells you every step of miles 3, 4, and 5, "Don't do that!" Lesson learned. The cookies are in the freezer to be taken out in very small doses.
©Michelle Scofield, October 17, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Boredom VS Mental Overdrive
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 6, Day 2
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 90
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:15am 55 degrees
3.02 miles 32:11 minutes Avg page 10:39 min/mile
Mile 2 was a sprint/jog mile. I found a long stretch of sidewalk and went back and forth. It was well-lit, flat, and free of most obstructions. Most. There are still thousands of tiny acorns all over Sugar Land.
I'm trying to shake things up a little. It's getting tougher mentally, boys and girls. Yesterday was a rest day and because I had a long run on Saturday, combined with a busy social weekend, I knew I really needed to rest. I didn't sleep so great last night. I think I had today's date around my mind. I moved to Texas on October 15, 2003. It's got my mind whirring. Running yesterday would have helped blow off some of that steam. But I know I need to let the body recover and rebuild.
Rebuilding takes time. 9 years may seem like forever. It's really only the blink of an eye. Thinking back over the path of my time in Texas, it's funny how only a few of my perceived obstructions were really any significance. There were even a couple of Mighty Oaks mixed in there among the acorns. Good Morning to any of my Oaks who happen to be reading this. Much Love.
©Michelle Scofield, October 15, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 90
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:15am 55 degrees
3.02 miles 32:11 minutes Avg page 10:39 min/mile
Mile 2 was a sprint/jog mile. I found a long stretch of sidewalk and went back and forth. It was well-lit, flat, and free of most obstructions. Most. There are still thousands of tiny acorns all over Sugar Land.
I'm trying to shake things up a little. It's getting tougher mentally, boys and girls. Yesterday was a rest day and because I had a long run on Saturday, combined with a busy social weekend, I knew I really needed to rest. I didn't sleep so great last night. I think I had today's date around my mind. I moved to Texas on October 15, 2003. It's got my mind whirring. Running yesterday would have helped blow off some of that steam. But I know I need to let the body recover and rebuild.
Rebuilding takes time. 9 years may seem like forever. It's really only the blink of an eye. Thinking back over the path of my time in Texas, it's funny how only a few of my perceived obstructions were really any significance. There were even a couple of Mighty Oaks mixed in there among the acorns. Good Morning to any of my Oaks who happen to be reading this. Much Love.
©Michelle Scofield, October 15, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Blackberries and Ten Miles Done.
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 5, Day 6
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 92
Planned activity: 10 mile run
5:45am 70 degrees
10.04 miles 1 hour 55 minutes Avg 11:27 min/mile
I bought them yesterday. I considered having them last night but I fell asleep while reading and didn't have anything to eat after my seafood and veggie stirfry (red pepper, carrots, zucchini, shrimp, calamari, scallops). I crave fresh fruits and veggies and mile 6 of my run had me fixated on the blackberries in my refrigerator.
This is the longest run I've completed in 2 years.
I saw many runners this morning. I was coming back as they were going out. There is an active fitness club in Fort Bend. I didn't join. Sometime I wish I did. It's getting kind of lonely on these long runs.
By mile 8 my left knee was aching and it hasn't done that before. By mile 9, it quit. I was still thinking of the blackberries. (I ate a waffle pre-run and I had my water bottle with half sports drink/half water with me.)
As I write this, I'm enjoying oatmeal, a scrambled egg, and yummo! Blackberries.
Happy Saturday.
©Michelle Scofield, October 13, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 92
Planned activity: 10 mile run
5:45am 70 degrees
10.04 miles 1 hour 55 minutes Avg 11:27 min/mile
I bought them yesterday. I considered having them last night but I fell asleep while reading and didn't have anything to eat after my seafood and veggie stirfry (red pepper, carrots, zucchini, shrimp, calamari, scallops). I crave fresh fruits and veggies and mile 6 of my run had me fixated on the blackberries in my refrigerator.
This is the longest run I've completed in 2 years.
I saw many runners this morning. I was coming back as they were going out. There is an active fitness club in Fort Bend. I didn't join. Sometime I wish I did. It's getting kind of lonely on these long runs.
By mile 8 my left knee was aching and it hasn't done that before. By mile 9, it quit. I was still thinking of the blackberries. (I ate a waffle pre-run and I had my water bottle with half sports drink/half water with me.)
As I write this, I'm enjoying oatmeal, a scrambled egg, and yummo! Blackberries.
Happy Saturday.
©Michelle Scofield, October 13, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Halves
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 5, Day 4
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 94
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:15am 71 degrees
3.02 miles 31:41 Avg 10:29 min/mile
I'm feeling a little weary. I think it's a combination of letdown after an excellent family vacation and also a gearing up of work activity. Oh, yeah. I'm still trying to rehab this right ankle/achilles and increase my mileage. There's that. My left heel is also a little sore but I think that's to be expected. I'm ice rolling it and I continue with the exercises and stretches that I learned in Physical Therapy. I switched to a different pair of shoes yesterday - some with a little more support - to see if that might make a difference. My runs yesterday and today felt more comfortable, overall.
Back to the weary. I guess it's more a feeling of being overwhelmed.
I looked at my planned runs leading up to the marathon and that is a hella lot of miles.
I'm trying to keep it all in perspective. I have a half marathon coming up in a couple of weeks. I think I'll accomplish that goal. Two years ago I struggled to complete one.
I'm looking at it like this: That race (the half) will put me halfway to the Houston Marathon - both chronologically and in miles.
This week I have a stack of consults and new patient charts that seems insurmountable. I'm trying to look at them the same way. Get through half. Then do half more. Then half. Pretty soon, I'll be done and it will be Saturday. And I'll be running.
©Michelle Scofield, October 11, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 94
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:15am 71 degrees
3.02 miles 31:41 Avg 10:29 min/mile
I'm feeling a little weary. I think it's a combination of letdown after an excellent family vacation and also a gearing up of work activity. Oh, yeah. I'm still trying to rehab this right ankle/achilles and increase my mileage. There's that. My left heel is also a little sore but I think that's to be expected. I'm ice rolling it and I continue with the exercises and stretches that I learned in Physical Therapy. I switched to a different pair of shoes yesterday - some with a little more support - to see if that might make a difference. My runs yesterday and today felt more comfortable, overall.
Back to the weary. I guess it's more a feeling of being overwhelmed.
I looked at my planned runs leading up to the marathon and that is a hella lot of miles.
I'm trying to keep it all in perspective. I have a half marathon coming up in a couple of weeks. I think I'll accomplish that goal. Two years ago I struggled to complete one.
I'm looking at it like this: That race (the half) will put me halfway to the Houston Marathon - both chronologically and in miles.
This week I have a stack of consults and new patient charts that seems insurmountable. I'm trying to look at them the same way. Get through half. Then do half more. Then half. Pretty soon, I'll be done and it will be Saturday. And I'll be running.
©Michelle Scofield, October 11, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
5 Before Breakfast
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 5, Day 3
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 95
Planned activity: 5 mile run
5:05am 73 degrees
5.02 miles 54:33 Avg 10:52 min/mile
Nice run this morning. Even better knowing that I'd cooked up a week's worth of oatmeal yesterday so all I had to do was scoop out a little, heat it up in the microwave, add a sliced banana, a drip of honey, and chopped walnuts. Good fuel!
Happy Wednesday!
M
©Michelle Scofield, October 10, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 95
Planned activity: 5 mile run
5:05am 73 degrees
5.02 miles 54:33 Avg 10:52 min/mile
Nice run this morning. Even better knowing that I'd cooked up a week's worth of oatmeal yesterday so all I had to do was scoop out a little, heat it up in the microwave, add a sliced banana, a drip of honey, and chopped walnuts. Good fuel!
Happy Wednesday!
M
©Michelle Scofield, October 10, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Lessons From the Guys
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 5, Day 2
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 96
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:15am 72 degrees
3:19 miles 32.35 Avg 10:13 min/mile
Witnessing my brother and my son, 2 things I learned:
I can stand to run a little faster. I know this because I did and it didn't kill me and I felt better after. Today I made it a point to increase my pace for this short run. I broke more of a sweat but I wasn't winded.
Guys wear a jacket, get warm, take it off and carry it. I (on the other hand) wear a jacket, get warm, and tie it around my waste. I may not look as cool as the guys but I'm more practical - unless I come across someone who is chilly and needs a rapid warmup.
If that happens, the men are obviously waaaaayyy ahead of me on this issue.
©Michelle Scofield, October 9, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 96
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:15am 72 degrees
3:19 miles 32.35 Avg 10:13 min/mile
Witnessing my brother and my son, 2 things I learned:
I can stand to run a little faster. I know this because I did and it didn't kill me and I felt better after. Today I made it a point to increase my pace for this short run. I broke more of a sweat but I wasn't winded.
Guys wear a jacket, get warm, take it off and carry it. I (on the other hand) wear a jacket, get warm, and tie it around my waste. I may not look as cool as the guys but I'm more practical - unless I come across someone who is chilly and needs a rapid warmup.
If that happens, the men are obviously waaaaayyy ahead of me on this issue.
©Michelle Scofield, October 9, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Family That Runs Together...
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 97
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 4, Days 5,6, and 7
Planned activity: 3 and 4 mile runs. One day of Cross Training
Friday 7:35 am 48 degrees
3.47 miles 37:35 Avg 10:50 min/mile
Saturday 8:30 am 50 degrees
3:02 miles 33:40 Avg 11:09 min/mile
My Friday run was solo, along the Willamette River Park in Portland, Oregon. I was up and out of my hotel room before the rest of the family and enjoyed the calm of the run. I needed to shake the long plane flight out of my joints and it felt great.
Upon entering the hotel lobby, I was surprised to see my oldest brother, already up and dressed - reading the newspaper. I promised him I'd take a speedy shower and meet him for breakfast. We walked around Downtown Portland, taking in the beautiful scenery. We ducked into Powell's Books and browsed to our hearts' content. Perfect. During the long weekend he and I must have walked 20 miles over Portland and I know he drove over 100. He was a rock and a wonderful support for us. MUCH appreciated. I can always count on him when I need to process ideas, worries, or just everyday life.
We'd kind of decided to take a siesta for the afternoon when we were surprised by our younger brother and his wife who arrived to town a little earlier than we'd expected. No naps. No way. Time with family is just too precious to sleep away. And (YAY!) they also mentioned that they wanted to run the next morning.
We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up at a pub down the street then made our way to my daughter's house for a family get-together.
The next morning, we met in the lobby at 8:30 am (me, my youngest brother, his wife, and my son). We walked toward the river to warm up and then started our run. It was so nice to run as a family. We'd each voiced our own plan ahead of time. Some wanted to jog, some to sprint, and my son was going for distance but we knew that one could head out and the others would meet up with him when he made the turn around.
The weather was perfect and I was close to giddy to be participating in an activity I love with the people I love.
We managed to fit in a nice run, sit down to a hearty breakfast with the the rest of the family staying at our hotel, and still get to my daughter's house in plenty of time to help get her wedding together.
This was a perfect vacation for me. I'm beat. I'm bushed. I'm more or less exhausted from what I've decided to call my cross training (moving wedding food and decorations to the site). I wouldn't have it any other way.
I've fallen even more crazily in love with the Pacific Northwest and I'm more determined than ever to vacation there more often. I'm also more determined than ever to move closer to family.
While on the plane, I read a "Runner's World" magazine from cover to cover and finished a book - "50/50" by Dean Karnazes. I'm feeling fueled and motivated to continue my marathon training.
It's not difficult to be positive when I am witness to such goodness in my life:
My son amazes me and his wife is one of the kindest, sweetest women I've ever met. My daughter is a pillar of strength and compassion and deserves the awesome man who has entered her life. The time I spend with my brothers is a gift to me and I'm so happy they are married to women who are so easy to love and who seem to love me just as much.
I'm so looking forward to the next family run. I'm hoping it will be very soon.
©Michelle Scofield, October 7, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 4, Days 5,6, and 7
Planned activity: 3 and 4 mile runs. One day of Cross Training
Friday 7:35 am 48 degrees
3.47 miles 37:35 Avg 10:50 min/mile
Saturday 8:30 am 50 degrees
3:02 miles 33:40 Avg 11:09 min/mile
My Friday run was solo, along the Willamette River Park in Portland, Oregon. I was up and out of my hotel room before the rest of the family and enjoyed the calm of the run. I needed to shake the long plane flight out of my joints and it felt great.
Upon entering the hotel lobby, I was surprised to see my oldest brother, already up and dressed - reading the newspaper. I promised him I'd take a speedy shower and meet him for breakfast. We walked around Downtown Portland, taking in the beautiful scenery. We ducked into Powell's Books and browsed to our hearts' content. Perfect. During the long weekend he and I must have walked 20 miles over Portland and I know he drove over 100. He was a rock and a wonderful support for us. MUCH appreciated. I can always count on him when I need to process ideas, worries, or just everyday life.
We'd kind of decided to take a siesta for the afternoon when we were surprised by our younger brother and his wife who arrived to town a little earlier than we'd expected. No naps. No way. Time with family is just too precious to sleep away. And (YAY!) they also mentioned that they wanted to run the next morning.
We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up at a pub down the street then made our way to my daughter's house for a family get-together.
The next morning, we met in the lobby at 8:30 am (me, my youngest brother, his wife, and my son). We walked toward the river to warm up and then started our run. It was so nice to run as a family. We'd each voiced our own plan ahead of time. Some wanted to jog, some to sprint, and my son was going for distance but we knew that one could head out and the others would meet up with him when he made the turn around.
The weather was perfect and I was close to giddy to be participating in an activity I love with the people I love.
We managed to fit in a nice run, sit down to a hearty breakfast with the the rest of the family staying at our hotel, and still get to my daughter's house in plenty of time to help get her wedding together.
This was a perfect vacation for me. I'm beat. I'm bushed. I'm more or less exhausted from what I've decided to call my cross training (moving wedding food and decorations to the site). I wouldn't have it any other way.
I've fallen even more crazily in love with the Pacific Northwest and I'm more determined than ever to vacation there more often. I'm also more determined than ever to move closer to family.
While on the plane, I read a "Runner's World" magazine from cover to cover and finished a book - "50/50" by Dean Karnazes. I'm feeling fueled and motivated to continue my marathon training.
It's not difficult to be positive when I am witness to such goodness in my life:
My son amazes me and his wife is one of the kindest, sweetest women I've ever met. My daughter is a pillar of strength and compassion and deserves the awesome man who has entered her life. The time I spend with my brothers is a gift to me and I'm so happy they are married to women who are so easy to love and who seem to love me just as much.
I'm so looking forward to the next family run. I'm hoping it will be very soon.
©Michelle Scofield, October 7, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Astral Apparition
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 4, Day 3
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 101
Planned activity: Rest
Fear of Fall(ing)
Orion thought nothing of it.
It was his mission.
He marched across months of late summer mornings and finally pointed toward the waning moon and declared,
“Let go!”
©Michelle Scofield, October 3, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 101
Planned activity: Rest
Fear of Fall(ing)
Orion thought nothing of it.
It was his mission.
He marched across months of late summer mornings and finally pointed toward the waning moon and declared,
“Let go!”
©Michelle Scofield, October 3, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Adjustments
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 4, Day 2
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 102
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:15 am 62 degrees
3:03 miles 32:34 Avg 10:45 min/mile
I'm juggling this week's schedule. It was supposed to look like this:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday 4 miles
Thursday 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 9 miles
Sunday: Cross Train
I'm considering doing 4 tomorrow and then 3 sometime later in the week. Maybe. Possibly. Physical Therapy last night was Hard. Notice the capital "H"? I would have used Torture but that seems too Dramatic.
I was wiped out from getting up so early in the morning and I'm experiencing fatigue in my right calf. I know it's because we're loading that group of muscles and asking them to do more. I know it's normal. I also know I'm a little grouchy as a result. It's worth the work. It's worth the discomfort. I know this in my head but my body is a feeler not a knower.
I'll keep adjusting. I've certainly adjusted my diet and social schedule. My sleep schedule is almost laughable. It's easily comparable with any toddler or geriatric person you can think of.
In the midst or work and running and a wedding and PT, I have a little creative writing to do. It's pushing at me from that area right behind my eyes. It's been trying to get out for about 3 days now. I've been pushing back, not wanting to deal with it. I guess I'll have to. I ran without music or noise in my ears today and the writing almost screamed at me. I don't know when I'll find the time but it's just one more adjustment to make in this packed week of activity. I can do it. I always do.
©Michelle Scofield, October 2, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 102
Planned activity: 3 mile run
5:15 am 62 degrees
3:03 miles 32:34 Avg 10:45 min/mile
I'm juggling this week's schedule. It was supposed to look like this:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday 4 miles
Thursday 3 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 9 miles
Sunday: Cross Train
I'm considering doing 4 tomorrow and then 3 sometime later in the week. Maybe. Possibly. Physical Therapy last night was Hard. Notice the capital "H"? I would have used Torture but that seems too Dramatic.
I was wiped out from getting up so early in the morning and I'm experiencing fatigue in my right calf. I know it's because we're loading that group of muscles and asking them to do more. I know it's normal. I also know I'm a little grouchy as a result. It's worth the work. It's worth the discomfort. I know this in my head but my body is a feeler not a knower.
I'll keep adjusting. I've certainly adjusted my diet and social schedule. My sleep schedule is almost laughable. It's easily comparable with any toddler or geriatric person you can think of.
In the midst or work and running and a wedding and PT, I have a little creative writing to do. It's pushing at me from that area right behind my eyes. It's been trying to get out for about 3 days now. I've been pushing back, not wanting to deal with it. I guess I'll have to. I ran without music or noise in my ears today and the writing almost screamed at me. I don't know when I'll find the time but it's just one more adjustment to make in this packed week of activity. I can do it. I always do.
©Michelle Scofield, October 2, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Monday, October 1, 2012
Click
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 4, Day 1
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 103
Planned activity: 9 mile run
4:15 am 64 degrees
9.02 miles 1 hour 46 minutes Avg 11:45 min/mile
I read and reread the words of guidance that accompany Hal Higdon's Training Schedule. "You can...juggle the schedule depending on commitments...but do not cheat on the long runs." No matter how I looked at it, I was going to have to move my long run up to the beginning of this week. But when? This morning seemed to be the best choice. My ankle and foot continue to improve. The temperature was absolutely perfect. The moon is verging on full so I'd have plenty of light.
Last night I set my alarm for 4am, got my gear together so I wouldn't be delayed in getting started, and called it an early night. This morning I called it a VERY early morning.
I had a plan for my route and that plan was to run 4.5 miles and turn around and come home. I knew traffic wouldn't be an issue but I still clipped my LED light to my shorts to let oncomers know that I was in the street and warn them that hitting me would likely mess up the week for both of us. There were very few cars out this morning. I saw 5 or 6 other runners.
Today's run was - for the most part - easy. I knew what I was going to do, how far I was going, and how long it would take me. I'm feeling trained physically and I'm beginning to feel trained mentally. I'm not fooling myself into thinking that the next few weeks won't bring challenges. I know they will. I'm loving the solitary time my morning runs gives me. I'm not exactly looking forward to the switch to afternoons.
I'm going to enjoy how this particular run felt while I'm still feeling it. It felt like something in me clicked and I coasted through. Nice.
©Michelle Scofield, October 1, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 103
Planned activity: 9 mile run
4:15 am 64 degrees
9.02 miles 1 hour 46 minutes Avg 11:45 min/mile
I read and reread the words of guidance that accompany Hal Higdon's Training Schedule. "You can...juggle the schedule depending on commitments...but do not cheat on the long runs." No matter how I looked at it, I was going to have to move my long run up to the beginning of this week. But when? This morning seemed to be the best choice. My ankle and foot continue to improve. The temperature was absolutely perfect. The moon is verging on full so I'd have plenty of light.
Last night I set my alarm for 4am, got my gear together so I wouldn't be delayed in getting started, and called it an early night. This morning I called it a VERY early morning.
I had a plan for my route and that plan was to run 4.5 miles and turn around and come home. I knew traffic wouldn't be an issue but I still clipped my LED light to my shorts to let oncomers know that I was in the street and warn them that hitting me would likely mess up the week for both of us. There were very few cars out this morning. I saw 5 or 6 other runners.
Today's run was - for the most part - easy. I knew what I was going to do, how far I was going, and how long it would take me. I'm feeling trained physically and I'm beginning to feel trained mentally. I'm not fooling myself into thinking that the next few weeks won't bring challenges. I know they will. I'm loving the solitary time my morning runs gives me. I'm not exactly looking forward to the switch to afternoons.
I'm going to enjoy how this particular run felt while I'm still feeling it. It felt like something in me clicked and I coasted through. Nice.
©Michelle Scofield, October 1, 2012 All Rights Reserved
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