A-Day, Easter, Law Day & Crazy Weather

I had a great time Easter weekend.  On Saturday, my friend, Stephanie, and I went to the Alabama spring football game, affectionately known as "A-Day."  We met up with my friend Holly and the great folks she was there with.  It was so much fun to be back to Tuscaloosa for a game day, especially one with such beautiful weather!

Me and Steph

Me and Holly

Hanging out at the Houndstooth

On Sunday, we meet my parents and nephew at church for service then went to Tannehill State Park for a picnic lunch with my husband's family before desserts at my grandmother's house back in Mt. Olive.  It was another beautiful day!  We were exhausted by the end of it, though.

Owen and I at Church

After such a busy weekend (full of eating), I had to buckle down on Monday.  I ran 5.2 miles downtown after work on Monday.  It was hot and tough, but it felt good to get some miles in.  The spring flowers are so pretty, and I was especially enjoying running under the dogwoods!

Tuesday, I new that I needed to get Tully some exercise.  So I picked him up after work, and we ran a 5K around the neighborhood.  It was another very warm afternoon, which I love, but Tully doesn't too much care for the heat.  I guess I wouldn't either if I wore a fur coat and couldn't sweat!  I think it's almost time for him to be relegated to only short runs near water.  We still had a great afternoon, though!

Wednesday and Friday consisted of a 5 miler and a 3.25 mile run respectively.  Friday, April 25th, was Law Day, and the Madison County Courthouse and most law firms closed early.  Holly and I went to the Law Day party that night and spent Saturday lying in the sun at Ditto Landing on the Tennessee River.  It was such a gorgeous day!  I learned from my last trip with Tully and took him some shade this time!

He was so happy!

Monday brought some pretty severe weather across the State of Alabama.  We were lucky enough not to get hit too hard in Huntsville, but friends and family in Birmingham and surrounding areas were not so lucky.  Tornadoes ripped through the area just north of my in-law's house.  Yesterday, I was able to get a 4 mile run in before the storms started, although a few raindrops threatened to start early.  

One thing that I've noticed since my half is how much that bout of bronchitis affected me.  It has been a struggle coming back from illness and a week off.  My breathing, endurance, and speed is not where it was just a few weeks ago!  I've got two 5Ks scheduled in May, though.  So I hope I can build back up and set a new PR!

Well, I guess that gets me up to date!  I've got to get on here more often!

Bridgestreet Half Marathon

So... Last week was tough.  My running streak came to an end after 85 days.  I was so disappointed.  I wanted so badly to make it to 100 days on Easter, but I was hit with a brutal case of bronchitis that culminated last Saturday (April 5).  This was one week before my scheduled Bridgestreet Half Marathon.  I had been training so hard for this race.  I wanted to beat my business partner's half time as well as set a new PR for myself.  Therefore, I made the decision to take a break and rest my lungs and body.

I had gone for a short one mile run that Saturday morning, and it was my last until a brisk run this past Saturday to test my recovery.  After 85 straight days, I went a solid week without running.  I was not happy.  (I guess that's why I haven't written in a while.)  On Saturday, I went for an easy 2 mile run just to see where I was before my race.  It wasn't great, and my lungs were still weak, but I felt like I could do it.

My parents came to Huntsville for the race, and I was super excited about this.  I was finally going to have someone to be there for me on race day!  (They were also there for the Gulf Coast Half, but we know what happened with that race.)  They came up Saturday afternoon, and we went out for a delicious dinner and a stroll around Big Spring Park.  Then we went back to my apartment for an early bedtime before a very early race.

My alarm went of at 4:00 am, and I quietly drug myself out of bed to start eating breakfast and hydrating.  We left the house at 6:00 am and headed to Bridgestreet.  It was packed, and everyone was excited for this inaugural event!  The weather was perfect - sunny and beautiful!  There was a slight nip in the air in the morning, but it warmed up significantly during the race!

My goal was to stay ahead of the 2 hr. 15 min. pace group and fall in line with them if I had to.  My partner's half time was 2:19, and I wanted so badly to beat it.  I did great for the first four miles, staying well ahead of the group, but mile 5 killed me.  I started losing momentum quickly.  I had forgotten to use my inhaler before the race, and I was suffering.  I had a "rattle" in my chest - fluid in my lungs that vibrated every time I inhaled and exhaled.  I texted my mother, and she brought me my inhaler around mile 7.5.  After a couple of puffs, my rattle started to subside, but I just could not recover.  I was so angry with myself as I had to keep taking walk breaks to catch my breath.  I was still doing okay on time for a while, but the last 3-4 miles were brutal.  I watched as the time ticked by, and I realized that I was not going to beat my partners time.  I was furious with myself and cussing myself for being so weak.  I won't lie - I wanted to cry.

But the course was beautiful, and the participants were so happy, and my family was there.  I had posted to Facebook just before the race started, and several of my friends had been sending me wonderful, inspirational texts.  Then, two of my friends (a married couple with the wife 8 months pregnant) texted me to say that they were waiting for me just before the finish line.  I pulled together whatever I had left inside of me and forced myself to keep running.  Sure enough, they were there, shouting and cheering me on. It was wonderful!  I ran through the finish just in time to beat my previous half record (2:31.09) by about three minutes for a final time of 2:27.54.  It was bittersweet because I know I could have done better.  I have been running so much faster.  But sometimes life throws you curve balls of bronchitis, and you just have to accept it.  However, having my family and friends waiting for me at the finish line, so proud and supportive, was a feeling that could not be beaten!  Here are a few pics...

A not-so-great pic during the race.

My Parents and me after the finish.

My friends, Tracy and Scott, with me after the finish.

Bib and Finisher's Medal

Running is a funny thing.  Especially in a long race like this, I go through so many emotions.  Frustration and disappointment are not uncommon.  And a long push like this is usually followed by a fair amount of pain (Sunday night and Monday were rather sore).  So people often ask me why I do it.  It's simple really - because I can.  Because when it's all said and done after I cross that finish line, I experience the most amazing sense of accomplishment.  I just ran 13.1 miles!!  And all of the frustration and disappointment immediately turn into determination.  Within an hour, all I could think about was when the next half would be so that I can really kill this time!

I snapped a picture of this lady running in front of me for a bit.  Her shirt says it all...

"Today I Will Do What Others Won't So Tomorrow I Can Do What Others Can't."

I couldn't have said it better myself!

After a quick shower at home, my parents and I packed a picnic and went to Ditto Landing on the Tennessee River for lunch.  Tully and I had spent the afternoon there the day before, and it was beautiful.  We had a great time.  

Here's a pic of Tully from Saturday.

And Mom and Tully on Sunday.

It was so wonderful to have my parents visit.  I think I may have mentioned that I have the greatest family ever!  A big thank you to Mom and Dad for making the trip to support me and to all of my friends for your motivation as well.  It means so much to me!

I hope everyone has a great week and a Happy Easter!

Spring is Here

Spring is finally making a real showing in North Alabama.  Warm weather and sunshine area  welcome relief from the winter weather.  And I love running in shorts again!

Monday, after work, I took Tully for a run on the old closed highway that goes up Monte Sano.  It was tough and very painful after my weekend workout.  My legs were still so tight and sore.  But we enjoyed getting out and enjoying some fresh air.

Tuesday was even warmer!  Tully and I ran down the mountain from my apartment, then around our neighborhood, and even into downtown.  We racked up a 5 mile run in 48:19.  I'm afraid it was almost too much for Tully.  I haven't run him since then.  He gets his summer haircut tomorrow, so hopefully that will help.  But he also turns 7 Tuesday, making him officially senior.  (I can't believe how fast time has flown.)

Wednesday, I ran (alone) back up the same closed highway.  I ran before work, and it proved especially difficult.  I wasn't sure if it was because I was still tired from 5 the night before or because it was so early.  But when I finally made it to the top, the sunrise was beautiful!

I love living next to a State Park!

Thursday, I ran straight from the office, downtown and around Big Spring Park.  Again, this run was was a real struggle for me.  And at only 3 miles, it shouldn't have been.  Work has been busy, and I've been dealing with some stress in my personal life.  But usually running makes those things better.  After I suffered through 3 short miles, I felt awful.  I went home and took Tully on a short walk around the apartment.  Then I lied down for a while, and that's when it hit me... I'm getting sick!  Of course I am because I have a half marathon next Sunday.  Ugh!  Why does this always happen before a big race?  I gave myself until this morning to feel better.  I still felt awful this morning, so I started taking some amoxicillin.  No chances!  We've got to get rid of this and fast!

Even sick, though, my run through the park was beautiful and full of spring and life!

I'm trying to trust my training and listen to my body.  I don't want to push too hard and still be sick and not ready next Sunday.  So today I just ran one easy mile.  These days I feel like I'm cheating somehow when I only run one mile.  But since I'm still running my streak, one mile serves as a "rest day" I suppose.

Oh, and I have had one more running development, but this one is not for those who don't like gross stuff... I have my first black toenail.  I know it sounds crazy, but it's like a badge of honor. 

Can you see it?  On the inside of the second toe?

Okay, maybe it's not that bad.  But I have pretty tough feet!  I almost posted this to Facebook just for all of my cross fit friends who post their bloody hands, but I thought the better of it.

Now I'm off to Birmingham to celebrate the gender reveal of one of my best friend's expected baby.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

PT = Personal Training

I have had two great runs this week.  Both showed a substantial increase in speed.

Tuesday, I ran 5 miles on a local greenway in 46:22.  That's an average pace of 9:17 for 5 miles.  I realize that is still pretty slow for a lot of experienced runners, but for me that is huge!  I took Tully to run with me, and I don't think he loved the pace as much.  He kept up with me the entire time, but he was wiped out when we were done.

[Side Note: When I got back to my apartment Monday night from the beach, I was informed via posted notice that the fitness center at the complex was undergoing renovations.  The notice stated that, for now, the fitness center would only be open during business hours.  This is quite inconvenient for me.  Monday night I had to run around the parking lot to rack up a mile and a quarter.]

That Polar Vortex came back through the South this week, and the high Wednesday didn't break 40 degrees with a wind chill in the 20s.  Brr!  Because my treadmill usage is now so restricted, I knew I would have to brave the cold Wednesday after work.  So Wednesday, I gave Tully a break, and I ran downtown.  I left straight from my office, ran down a few blocks, made a couple of laps around Big Spring Park, and ended back at my office.  I finished 3 miles in 26:25 this time for an average pace of 8:47!

And did I mention that I ran both days without any real pain?  I mean there are always some kinks to workout of my fatigued legs, but no more bad knee and hip pain like I've been having.  My glutes are clearly stronger.  They are supporting my pelvis more, and I think pushing me faster.  Way to go posterior!  This has led me to the conclusion that my PT is more than Physical Therapy; it is Personal Training!  I hope that as I continue my workouts, I will continue to see improvement in my abilities.

Now, to wrap up on a foodie note, I was very proud of myself for my frugal cooking this week.  I made spaghetti last night.  I only had half of a pound of ground beef in the freezer (meat is so expensive), so I picked up some mushrooms and supplemented my sauce with those.  The mushrooms added flavor as well as filling in where more meat would normally be.  It really stretched that half pound of beef!  I suppose that this also makes it healthier than traditional meat sauce, but that wasn't really my intention.  Added bonus?

The Half That Didn't Happen

I was originally super excited to right this post. But things didn't turn out quite the way I had hoped.

Let me start from the beginning... My last post was our first morning in Orange Beach. That day only got better. The wind started to subside by lunch time. I took Tully for a 2 mile run and ended up quite hot since it was so chilly when I started. After our run, Mom and Dad and Me and Tully all walked to Cosmo's for a late lunch. It was perfect! 

The weather was just right to sit on the patio. We had Red Beans and Rice Balls for an appetizer. They were coated and fried and served with a smoked Gouda sauce. And they were as delicious as they sound! Mom had the shrimp étouffée - she was feeling the spirit of Mardis Gras. Daddy had the diver scallop special, grilled. And I had the catfish. Yes. I said catfish. But it had some sort of andouille sausage coating and a creamy sauce on top. Trust me, it wasn't your standard catfish. Tully had is own bowl of water (and maybe a few bites that fell from the table). He was so well behaved that people asked if he was a service dog. That's my boy!

After stuffing ourselves at lunch, we had a lazy afternoon. We hung around the condo and watched the first Bond movie that evening. Confession: it's the first one I've ever seen. 

Saturday was a little busier. After breakfast, Tully and I went for a 2 1/2 mile run. This time we ran to the Backcountry Trail in the State Park. It was a beautiful day, and the trail was loaded with snowbirds. One particular older gentleman told me that he remembered me and my dog from last year. I must be pretty memorable! Or maybe it's Tully?

After our run and a little cleaning up, we all (minus Tully this time) loaded up with some condo neighbors and went to the Seafood Festival. It was a neat festival with lots of arts and crafts, food, and an antique car show. We had a great time. 

When we got back to the condo, I took Tully for a walk down to our little beach on the bay. He loves the sights and smells and sounds of the beach. 

The clouds were starting to roll in, but I wasn't concerned just yet. I love the way they decorate the sky. 

That night we went to the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, where our friends attend, to a "Stained Glass Blue Grass" music concert. I was easily the youngest person there by 20 years, aside from a few that were certainly family members of the bands. The music was great though, and the bands were very entertaining. After the concert, we came home for an early bedtime. 

Which brings me to today... The weather for my race has been a concern all week and apparently with good reason.  A little after midnight, the storms set in. Loud thunder and lightening woke Tully and I all night. When my alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. the weather was awful. I saw an email that the race coordinators sent the night before stating that the race would go on at 7:00 a.m. until further update. Officially: "We run with rain but not with lightning." So I got up and began my race preparations. 

The storms had not let up at all when we arrived at LuLu's a little after 6:00. The worker at the front informed me that the Half Marathon had been officially canceled. They couldn't find any break in the weather long enough for the race. She told me that they were still looking to see if they could maybe have a 5K, 10K or some kind of shorter fun run. I could pick up my finisher medal and get a cup of coffee. About 30 minutes later the announcement was made that they could not find any break in the storms in which to safely allow any run. 

I was/am very disappointed. I have been planning for and looking forward to this race for almost a year. This was going to be my first half before I decided to run the Hunstville in November. And I finally had people to cheer for me! Ugh. Nothing could be done. I had spent enough money on all of it, though, that I told my parents that we were definitely going to stay for the post-race party, which was now the whole event, and eat and drink my money's worth. I'm not sure that we actually achieved that goal, but we did eat and drink and try to overcome the disappointment.

I'm really don't feel I deserve the medal. 

The race directors made the right call from a safety standpoint, but I still would've liked a refund. Oh well, you win some...

We got back to the condo a little after 9:00, and after much debate, decided to stick around for the day as planned and drive home tomorrow. (There was concern about our lack of sleep from our early morning.) We sat inside and watched the rain. I grew increasingly disappointed and frustrated at my lack of running. Not to mention that this was supposed to be the grand finale for my streak, and now I'm sedentary? I couldn't take it. 

At the first break in the rain, I was out the door. I ran a soggy 5 miles with soaking wet feet. It helped, but I'm feeling anxious  over my minimal miles the last couple of weeks. I'm ready to get back to it! At least I have another half scheduled for April. I guess that will have to be soon enough. 

Oh yeah, I wanted to use this race to help me make the decision about training for a full. Now I'm still stuck. I want it so bad, but it's so scary. Maybe that's all the more reason to do it!

To wrap up our day, we walked to dinner at Doc's, a local favorite of ours. They do have "the best fried shrimp in the entire civilized world!" And everyone needs a fried seafood platter when the don't run 13 miles, right?

Now it's time to settle in and get a good night's sleep before the drive home tomorrow. Leaving the beach is always sad in my book. But we like to leave our mark in the sand, and we always take some with us - just check out the back of my car!

SNOW

Lots and lots and lots of snow...

I know I haven't blogged since Sunday, but as you can see, things have been a bit crazy around the South.  We were hit again with snow, and this time it came to Huntsville.  We had a "light dusting" on Tuesday...

Tully loves the snow!  Wednesday night, the heavy stuff started falling.  And it fell all night long.  When we woke up Thursday morning, we had about 5 inches.  I had to let Tully get the most out of the stuff he never sees, so we set out for a morning hike.  We both made a new friend at our apartment complex the night before.  A neighbor has a border collie mix that is the perfect size and energy level to play with Tully.  We ran into them again in the parking lot Thursday morning and convinced them to join us on our walk.  

The streets were shut down so people were on foot everywhere.  We walked down to the trailhead across from our complex and set out on a beautiful, snow-covered Monte Sano (see top photo).  We had a great time and the pups continued to wear each other out.

It didn't take long once the sun came out for the roads to start to clear up, so I went in to work for a few hours.  But with the entire city shut down for about 3 days, there was little to be done.  I really wanted to get out for a good run off of the treadmill, and the snow is actually pretty fun to run in.  So I headed back to the trails late afternoon.  Apparently, everybody wanted to enjoy the now-covered mountain because the trails were now a soggy mess.  But Tully was so happy to be out in everything and we pressed on.  

It's funny, but wet feet actually aren't that bad.  We were basically running through streams, so it wasn't long before we were soaked.  Your feet warm up, though, from the running and body heat.  So everything is okay until you get splashed again with the icy water, then you have to heat back up.  But it was a beautiful day, and we got a fun, soggy 4 1/2 mile run in.  By the time we got home and dried off, I had one tired pup on my hands!  Tully and I definitely made the most of our snow day!

P.S.  Update on physical therapy:  Insurance covered everything! (Up to 20 visits)  So, this morning marked my 3rd appointment.  The general consensus is that my glutes are weak and are therefore not stabilizing my hips.  So all of my exercises are targeted on my rear-end.  Bonus: Extra targeted exercises on a swimsuit season trouble spot ;-)  The therapist is working me hard these two weeks leading up to my half, so let's hope it makes a difference!

9 Miles and a Hike!

What a wonderfully exhausting day! It's amazing what a difference the weather makes. I woke up today knowing that it was going to be the best weather day for my long run, but I had no idea just how great the weather was going to be. 

It was a lovely sunny and 60 degrees when I headed out around noon. I was able to wear shorts! I put on my favorite "Run Happy" Brooks tech t-shirt and pulled over my Monte Sano 15K long sleeve tech shirt because the wind was a little chilly. I planned on running at least 10 miles on the road. But such beautiful weather called for beautiful scenery, so I headed back to the cross country trail. 

After the first 3 mile loop, I had shed my long sleeves. How long has it been since I could run outside in shorts and short sleeves? The cold winter months have seemed like a eternity. The warmth of the sun on my skin was incredible. I think I even got a little color on my face!

The fantastic weather was needed, too. It was a welcome distraction from the tough terrain. When I decided to trade my long road run in for a long trail run, I knew the sacrifice of a mile or two would be made up for in difficulty. Trail runs are tougher for the obvious reasons such as the instability of the terrain: loose rocks, roots, fallen trees, etc. But then there are also the hills. Rarely do you find a trail run without them. 

This particular track has one heartbreaking, spirit-crushing, murderous hill that will shut down a good pace in seconds. You begin with a gradual incline shortly after the 1.5 mile marker. This is just enough to warm up your calves. Then, less than a minute later, you look up to at least 50 or more feet of a devastatingly steep climb. This is a climb that shortens the breath, burns the calves and strains the quads. Your heart is pounding; you enter another heart rate level in your training. And I'm still not sure that is the worst part. You see, once you finally crest the top of the incline, there is no reward with a downhill breather; there isn't even a leveling off. It keeps going! At a slightly less punishing incline, the hill keeps climbing. It feels like it never ends. Until finally, when you're just about to give up, you reach the top to a brief downhill recovery. And that's when I remember why it's okay that I'm not running 10 today. 

There are so many benefits to running on trails besides the beautiful views and the hill training. One of the most noted is that the soft dirt provides a much easier impact and can provide for fewer related injuries. However, that doesn't make it injury free. I would caution anyone just starting out on the trails to be careful. The uncertainty of where your foot might land can easily lead to sprained ankles or worse. I feel that this is one area where my years of ballet have helped me, because I came into the game with pretty strong ankles. But even I nearly rolled one today. This is a great article that highlights some of the benefits of trail running. http://m.active.com/running/articles/5-reasons-to-try-trail-running

As enjoyable as my run was today, by the time I conquered heartbreak hill the third and final time, I was happy to see the end ahead. 9 miles on trails is work! My knees were aching, my muscles were fatigued, and my feet were ready for me to get off of them. But there is a wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes at the end of a hard run. I was pleased with my workout. But I wasn't done yet...

I had already made plans with my friend. Holly to take advantage of the warmer weather and go for a hike today with our two Goldens. She had already texted me when I got back in my car. I came straight home, put on some dry clothes (9 miles does work up a sweat), and met her outside. We walked to the Monte Sano trails across the street and had a great time hiking with our two pups. The dogs loved the weather and the exercise!

They played in the creek and sniffed everything they came across. They met a couple new friends on the trails as well. We all had a great time!

After a 9 mile trail run and an hour and a half long hike, I am pleasantly exhausted. My feet hurt, and my legs are sore. And yet, I am happy knowing that the pain is only temporary and well worth the fun and running improvement I got out of it. It's a great feeling being tired tonight. And the sleepy dog next to me sure was one happy pup on that trail!