Running – Page 3 – Running Code 3

Marathon Training – Week 12 – Keeps Gettin’ Better

25 September, 20111 October, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

I love that when I let go of all expectations, doubt, anger, angst, frustration … everything in week 5, things just started to come together for me without me having to try. Seriously … I threw my temper tantrum during the SF Half, cried for a minute when I got home, and decided to let it go because really there was nothing that I could do about it at all. All I could do was realize that my running self was having a hard time, pray about it, and let the pieces fall as they may. I couldn’t force myself to run, I could only hope that I could finish out the year. But it was in that letting go that something happened. For one, I decided that complaining was not going to make it any better. I also decided that I was going to listen to me and MY body, not what everyone else was doing or saying. It was a great choice because my training got better! =)

I changed up my workouts in the beginning of September. I decided to do more resistance training … and that was a GREAT move! I now have a great trainer who not only trains my body, but talks to me and lets me know that I’m okay, that I CAN do many things that I originally believed that I couldn’t. He’s working on making me a “Phenomenal Athlete.” I like that. He reminds me that it’s in me, that I am a BEAST. When I wane, he’s harder on me. I’m always asking, “Are you sure that I can do this (or that)?” The answer is always a resounding, “Yes, Row.” So I have learned to stop asking, to just suck it up and do the work, and get it done! I watched myself in the mirror the other day and I caught a glimpse of what other people see. I was amazed at the strength of my little body. My trainer calls me a “Power House.” I saw it. There are times when I ask, “Really?” And I know that the answer is always, “Without a doubt, really!” Mind you, I have to work very hard to get the work done, but know that it gets DONE!

Sunday: Oh Sunday … this weekend kicks my hiney! Lots of excuses, but the only one I have is that I am truly exhausted beyond belief working that three in a row! So … I did nothing!

Monday: Monday was rough. I was going to just skip out on any kind of morning workout whatsoever because of the fact that I had just worked a full three day weekend and it seriously kicked my butt. Working those three days are hard enough, but couple it with being short staffed, and being completely busy … It was rough. I didn’t workout at all over the weekend (Saturday or Sunday). It was all I could do to just get myself home and into bed. But on Sunday, my workout buddy, Becky, sent me a text that read, “Let’s go workout at 0800!” I explained to her that I was working a 12 hour night shift, and kinda whined a little, but in the end going to workout with Becky was something that I didn’t want to miss … Sooooo … I rushed myself out of work that morning, drove like a maniac down the freeway (because I was more than 25 mins away) to get there on time and guess what?!? No Becky! I almost just stayed in my car, and left, but I’m not like that. I was already there, I may as well just get the work done! So … The workout went down like this:

Warm-Up:
Run 800m
20 High Knees
20 Butt Kickers
20 Jacks

Strength:
4 x 20 Back Squats (65#) with a 400m run in between each set

The Workout:
5 Min Rounds/AMRAP, 1 min rest in between rounds
#1 – 10 Pull Ups, Clean & Jerk Ladder
#2 – 2 Clean & Jerks, Burpee Lateral Jump Ladder
#3 – 3 Clean & Jerks, 3 Burpee Lateral Jumps, 6 Pull Ups

Let me tell you that after the second round of those back squats, I couldn’t feel my legs. They were total jello. Running was difficult. When we got to the actual workout, I was wondering if I really had it in me. This workout kicked my ass so bad I dry heaved for an hour afterwards!!! An hour, seriously! I finish all of the workouts and do the work, but damn, it’s rough some days. My trainer had to remind me that I had just finished working a 12 hour night shift with no rest so I still rocked it! I know I’m getting stronger.

Tuesday: I love Tuesdays. Not that I have a specific workout, I just like Tuesdays. I hit the gym at 0900 and noticed that the parking lot was empty. I mean, usually it’s FULL of cars that I fret that I won’t get a parking space. But today it was empty. Just me and a few peeps, which I thought would be cool … and it was until I looked at the board. I shouldn’t have looked. I should’ve just started my warm-up and got out of my head. Instead, I took a peek, then I literally ran out of the building – well, you know, for my warm up run, of course! Hello!

Warm Up:
Run 800 m
Stretch

Strength:
5 x 3 Strict Pushes (Overhead) after finding max weight. 55# was my max weight for today. I tried 65, but I could hardly get 2 up so I backed down.

The Workout:
3 Rounds, no rest in between
25 Wall Balls (14# ball)
25 Double Unders
25 GHD Sit Ups
25 Double Unders
25 KB Swing (35#)
25 Double Unders
400m Run

Today I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I am stronger that I believe myself to be. I doubted that I could do the 35lb kettlebell. I complained that it was “too heavy.” That’s always my big complaint. And my trainer had to remind me, “It’s not, trust me. Have you seen your guns lately? They can handle it.” Alrighty then.

This workout sucked. It was literally the workout from H-E-Double Hockey Sticks! I barely finished round one and I was dying. Round 2, I wanted to just up and quit. Round 3, I said, “F– It! Just get it done, Row.!” Whoa! It was hard. Dang! But I finished, and I finished with a feeling of accomplishment. My trainer reminded me that it was all about finishing, gettin’ the job done. And I did, 14# Wall Ball and 35# KB and all. Those sucked!!! LOL! The entire workout sucked!

Wednesday: I can feel my core. It’s tight and it looks awesome. But I’m tired today, so I decided to just lay low and lay down! Hee hee hee! Yep. I’m calllin’ it a rest day.

Thursday: I was lucky, and due to unforseen circumstances way beyond my control, I was able to leave work early and hit the 0700 class with my buddy, Becky! =) I was excited, then not so very excited when I saw the workout. LOL!

The Warm-Up: 800m Run, stretch. 15 of each: Squats, Opposing heel reaches, Rock & Roll Ups, Jacks.

The Workout:
500m Row
50 Box Jumps
500m Row
50 Push-Ups
500m Row
50 Ring Dips
500m Row
50 Burpees
Run 1.5 miles

It doesn’t sound bad, but when you get to those burpees, it’s rough and I was thinking that I should just bust them out. The harder I tried, I tuckered faster. But I got it done. So it’s all good! =) A little tired from being up all night, but I. Am. DONE!!! I still love my trainer though!!!

Friday: I’m pretty tore up! My core is screaming soooo bad. So I lay on the couch and rest my little tore up self. I sent a text to my trainer and told him so, and he said that’s how I should be feeling after working out HARD all week! Damn!

177 — At the Expo! Never mind that I look like I'm 12!

Saturday: Another rest day. Today Chris and I head out to Half Moon Bay for the Half Moon Bay International Marathon. I’m running the half tomorrow. Packet pick up was easy, fun, small. We met some really nice people there. Chris was able to register as a volunteer and then we hit the hotel before heading back to the dinner.

Dinner was at Sam’s Chowder House. They offered an enormous Pasta Feed which included a menu of Ceasar Salad, Manhattan Clam Chowder, Seafood Pasta, Bolognese Pasta, or a Vegeterian Pasta choice, soft drinks, and lots of bread. The atmosphere was very relaxing and peaceful outdoor venue. The company was even better. Chris and I were able to meet and mingle with the race director, and we met a lot of the staff who were helping with the marathon. The food was to die for. As it was buffet style, we were able to go back for seconds, or even thirds. We were happy that we took advantage of this!

The rest of the evening was spent searching for a Starbucks for my customary Mocha which will be reheated in the morning, getting my race gear ready, and attempting to get a good night sleep.

As for the actual race … Yeah … it’s a Sunday post, so you’ll have to read about it in week 13’s post! Don’t worry … It’s well worth the wait! It’s been a good week for me, albeit somewhat short. It’s all good though … I got some QUALITY workouts in. =)

Next week brings the promise of a chance to start over if you need to. If last week wasn’t the best, here’s your chance to make it better, start over, do better. Nothing is impossible, and you are the only one that can make the necessary changes that you need to make. Make up your own mind, and do what you need to do.

On another note, thanks to my friends, Shiloh, and Marci … I’m gonna have some shirts made for Running Code 3. We decided that our motto is, “Suck It Up, and Do The Work!” It should be awesome! =)

Until next week, my running friends … Train hard. Train Smart. Eat well. And most importantly, have FUN!!! Catch ya’ll later!

Marathon Training – Week 11 – Workin’ It …

18 September, 201118 September, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

I keep saying that I’m going to find that marathon training schedule that I chucked during my tantrum in week 5. I have yet to find that dang thing. I think I really threw it away! Seriously, I can’t find it. I know kinda what the mileage is, and I’m getting most of the runs in, and the long runs, too. And if I wanted, I guess I could just print off another schedule … but in that respect, I’m lazy. Ah well, I’ll eventually get to it seeing as I’m already halfway into it! I keep saying that I want a new schedule anyway and in a sense, I have made up my own. I’m running, and I’m getting my long runs in so it’s all good.

I’ve really been training hard. Seriously … I have been training so hard that I’ve worn my body down slightly. I’m at a point now where I *need* to rest or I’ll suffer another bout of burnout. I believe in the last 2 weeks, I’ve had a total of 2 rest days. As much as my mind loves the workouts and marvels at the results, my poor body has been pretty beat up over the last few weeks. I’ll see what I can do to scale it down a little bit. I know. Crazy.

020 — The BEAUTIFUL Girl who lured me ...

Sunday: In a last minute decision, lured by a beautiful girl and her cookies, I decided to sign up and run the Buffalo Stampede and Migration 10 mile run in Sacramento. I wasn’t going to. I was perfectly happy to just spend a lazy Sunday at home, but my friend, Shiloh @bakinginheelz, said that she was running and she said that if I came, she would bring me the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies I have been coveting. Okay … I’m tellin’ you … a beautiful girl and her cookies. How could I say no? I registered before the deadline and I was “IN.”

The race itself was a very nice run that started at Rio Americano High School and went thru a very posh neighborhood of East Sacramento. It seriously reminded me of running thru the neighborhood that surrounds the University of the Pacific here in Stockton, but better. Ten miles of beautiful houses … how could one not dream build during this run? Loved the course. Loved the support from the CHP, the kids of Rio Americano High School, and just miscellaneous volunteers. The course was well marked, and it had enough aid and water stations throughout. One pit stop for me at mile 6 – I’m glad I stopped too ’cause I really had to goooo! I was bombarded by a guy with a box of donuts once I stepped out, but I already told him that I was getting cookies at the end! The weather was perfect and the pre-race speech had a lot of people choked up. The only downer … no bling! =( But we did get a really cool reflective vest!

028 — The "goods," the bait ... PURE Yumminess!!! Thanks, ShiShi!

I ran alone as it was a last minute run, and I signed up for the Migration Run (>10min/mi) vs. The Stampede (<10min/mi) so I started an hour earlier than my friends who I knew were running: Shiloh and Mike Bravo @MikeBravo11. I saw Mike around mile 7 where we high fived. That was a much needed boost. It was nice to see a friendly face, not that there were unfriendly faces on the course, I just didn’t know anyone. I did run with a man named Jay off/on throughout the ten miles. It was during the last 2 miles that we interacted. I kept telling him that we were almost done, that we needed to finish strong. He was happy that I was there to help him. That’s what it’s about to me … having fun, and helping others get to the finish. =) (Just don’t tell Jay that I was really talking to myself … lol!) It was a fun run. I was happy to get my long run in, and to see Shiloh at the end. Her cookies are to die for, let me tell you. Moist, oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies. Mmmmm!

Looking at my time, I was a little disappointed. However, I had to remind myself that I had worked my legs HARD all week and they really hadn’t been given a break. I also reminded myself that I was running sick. Yep … Upper respiratory cold. I gutted it out. I didn’t complain. I was out there, running, and I did well. At one point as I was running, I looked down at my legs and I could see the changes being made, and I thanked them. I swear I heard them say, “Girl, you shouldda stayed in bed!” Seriously, I thought they were going to fall off at mile 9.

I have to tell you that I went to work in the afternoon. Seriously. I was floated to part of the hospital that’s new and is about a half mile from where the parking lot is. I did a lot of walking on this shift as the department is HUGE and my patient load was fairly busy. I’m sure that I got another 2.5 miles in just walking in my short Princess Shift! My legs are really getting used to working while tired. Last week Knotts Berry Farm after a half marathon. This week, running on tired legs then working immediately afterwards! My workout on Saturday just about did my legs in. I’m basically teaching my legs to work while tired … breakin’ them down to build them back up as my trainer would say!

Monday: I woke up and knew that I was not going to make any kind of workout today at all. I could hardly breathe and my body was really screaming for rest. I wasn’t 100% so I sidelined myself. I mean, I could’ve just gotten up and gone, but it would not have been a wise choice. So I laid in bed, becomming one with my mattress. Instead, I played with Saucony’s “Strong” on their website and ordered my shirt, I slept for the better part of the day, then I got up and got my eyebrows done, and went grocery shopping with the fam. Easy schmeasy, no stress, very chill day. Just what I needed.

Tuesday: Still not 100%, maybe only 85%. I considered taking another day off, but why? Why when I could go workout and give all that I had at the gym? So … I made the decision to suck it up and go, and I’m glad that I did … Here’s how it went:

The Warm-Up:
Run 800m
20 Mountain Climbers
20 PVC OHS
20 Push Ups with Rotations

Strength:
6 x 5 Back Squats with increasing weight. My max load for today was 140 lbs.
Handstand pushups. Yeah! Love those! =)

Workout:
Run 800m
10 dumbbell clean & jerks with 20# dumbbells
10 burpees
Run 400m
10 dumbbell clean & jerks
10 burpees
Run 200m
10 dumbbell clean & jerks
10 burpees

Never mind that I was suckin’ in air by the time the last run came around. Never mind that I couldn’t breathe. Never mind that my legs were screaming with the last set of clean and jerks. I was spent, but I felt good!

Wednesday: I found my lost marathon schedule. I’m pretty much on track with the short mileage, and most of the long runs that have been due. I’m okay with what I’ve been doing. I’ve been running a lot more than I’ve been posting. Seriously … my runs are all interspersed in my workouts and I’m counting them all. My long runs have been pretty much spot on. So all is good. If my blog workouts look familiar, it’s because I post on Daily Mile so if you follow me on there, you’ll see pretty much the same thing posted.

I missed my morning workout because I was falling asleep at the wheel while driving home. Not good. So I slept, got the rest that my body needed, and I decided to get up and hit AMAA for a cardio workout! I’m glad I went. I went to the first class thinking that it was early and that if I really wanted to, I could get things done afterwards. I ended up feeling sooooo good that I stayed for a double. Yep! 1.5 hours of pure cardio and resistance. I was my usual “Front Row” obnoxious self! It felt “easy” and I felt great. The first class was torture using the resistance cuffs around my ankles! Jump lunging, knee strikes, mountain climbers, and kicking by itself if hard, with the cuffs on they are rough, but I did it. Lots of kicking, push ups, planks to push ups, ab work … yeah … I got my friend Karyn to stay for the second class with me. We thought we were doomed in the first few minutes of the class, but it got better. Ladder/agility work, more push ups with punches, ab work, knees, and so much more stuff! We laughed the whole time because we were having FUN!!! =) I love Karyn! I love all my peeps at AMAA!!!

Thursday: I knew today was going to be a good day! I love when I know I’m gonna get my butt whipped! I got there and got started right away …

Today was such a FUN workout for me! I loved it. Kinda crazy, I know, but I felt really strong despite sucking in some serious air!!!

The Warm Up:
20 yd knee raises
20 yd butt kicks
20 quad stretches
20 leg squats
20 opposing heel reaches
800m run

Strength:
6×2 80lb Push Presses

The Workout:
2 min at each station (no breaks):
Burpee Wall Climbs (10)
Tire Flip (26)
Box Jump (35)
Distance Stone Carry (40lbs/525yds)

I loved this workout. It made me feel strong throwing myself over the wall, and doing all that work. I felt so proud of myself when my trainer called me a “Power House.” It made me work harder! =) I just enjoyed myself. I’m getting stronger! I can feel it.

Friday: I woke up feeling as if I really shouldn’t go or do anything. I wanted to be lazy. Seriously lazy. I could’ve skipped my workout this morning. I could’ve, but I didn’t. I chose NOT to. I chose to go, and make the best of it because I love my workouts! I seriously LOVE my workouts with my trainer, and I feel the effects of my workouts for HOURS afterwards.

The Warm-Up:
3 min Row.
20 Lateral High Knees
20 Good Mornings
20 Roll & Reaches

Strength:
25 Walking Lunges with a 25lb plate held over head then 300 jump ropes x 2 sets.

Workout – 3 Rounds of:
15 Burpee Box Jumps
15 Dead Lifts (90lbs)
15 Wall Ball Squats (20lb ball)
Run 600m

By the third round I was seriously considering hanging myself. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t get my HR down. I was thinking that there was seriously something wrong with me. I asked my trainer if this was normal. He said that he’d be more concerned if I wasn’t feeling like I was. Really? I felt as if I got hit by a train! Heehee … My “train-er” kicked mah behind! Lucky for me …It’s kinda like giving birth … I have a very short memory of the pain and I “forgot” and felt soooo FABULOUS afterwards.

Speedwork kicked my booty! I know that it makes a big difference in my performance, and I know that it’s good for me … so I do it. I only did 30 minutes worth, but it was enough! =)

Saturday: I haven’t done much in terms of running this week. I mean, I’ve been running, but not “just running.” I know that I’m missing a long run this week, and that’s okay with me. Eventually, I’ll make it up somewhere, somehow. I’ve been training my body HARD in other ways and I’m loving it as I’m having FUN!!! With that being said … I did nothing today. NOTHING. Working my three day weekend kicks my a$$. Imagine a 12 hour night shift, short staffed, busy as all get up, running around, without a break or lunch for 10 hours … yeah. So you’ll forgive me that I did absolutely zero. My body probably needed it. My body always needs the rest, but I keep pushing it to it’s limits which is how I like it. Hey! As long as I can, I will continue to do as much as I can. Okay? Okay!

It became “official” last night that my friend Rosa and I will be doing Muddy Buddy San Jose in October. I almost didn’t sign us up because of the fact that I know Rosie has been having a rough time these last few months. I was waiting for her to give me the “go ahead.” I waited patiently. I was even secretly coveting my day off … But I knew that she wanted to do it. She needs to find her “new normal.” And I promised to help her. So … I signed us up! We are “Team Nucking Futs!” Don’t mix the letters up now! It’s gonna be a good race. Good because this will be our third race together – and we promised to keep going until we got it “right.” Good because I want Rosie to get out and find herself again. Good because I love my Rosie, and I know that we’ll have a great time together! We always do! I plan to conquer the bike again this year, as I have in years past! So … Look out San Jose! Rosie and Row will be in the house at Mt. Hamilton!

So that’s my 11th week in a nutshell. Pretty cool, ‘eh. I’ve been workin’ mah behind off getting my entire body stronger. I can feel it, and I can see it. I love my trainer. I love my friends who support me from near and far. Speaking of friends … I got a SUPER cool package in the mail on Friday from my friend, Maddy @maddyhubba! I feel sooooo loved, but ya’ll are gonna have to wait to see what I got! I really do have some awesome supporters! So … what does Week 12 bring? I know! A happy weekend with my awesome husband coming up in Half Moon Bay for it’s inaugural Half Moon Bay International Marathon next Sunday which I was blessed to have gotten into as there are only 500 runners total for the entire race! Whoo hoo! I’m excited! I really lucked out with this race entry!

10 weeks out to CIM people! 3 weeks to Muddy Buddy! 4 weeks to Nike Womens! 5 weeks to Stockton Half! 6 weeks to Folsom Down & Dirty (haven’t reg’d for this one yet). 7 weeks to Fresno Two Cities! OMG! I’m tired just thinking about all of this! My schedule is full! October’s gonna be soooo busy for me! Eek! But if I know one thing, I know that I am ready! =)

Let’s get out there, peeps! We got this! Train hard. Train smart. Have fun. Eat well! =) See you next week!

Marathon Training – Week 8 – Downshifting

28 August, 201131 August, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

OMG! This week started off soooooo wrong! So wrong! How can this be? I had a good week last week, why? Why?

I know that not all weeks are the same. I know that some are good, some are bad, and some are downright U-G-L-Y!!! I get that, but I want all good weeks from here on out!!! (Said in best pouty, whiny voice ever!) Here’s the thing … I understand … I get that sometimes in order to progress you have to take a step-back, you have to downshift … and I know that’s what’s happening. I know that’s what my body has had to do in order for me to move forward. So … here I sit … stuck in second gear, or almost in reverse kinda. I’m just idling … yeah, that’s what it is … Idling.

My body doesn’t quite recover quite as quickly from working 12 hour night shifts anymore. It’s sporadic … but most nights have been rough on me lately. I know what it is … I’m just not getting good, quality sleep on some days and I’m running on an empty tank. That makes a big difference. I know that as long as I get a good nap in on that first day, I’ll be good to go for the upcoming night and nights. But if I don’t sleep good, I’m toast!

All this week, all I have wanted to do is sleep!

Sunday: I meant to do something in the morning after working all night. Instead … I drove home and I crawled into bed with every intention of waking up early and doing something. I did. I got up and I planted myself on my spin bike and rode for 10 miles. 30 minutes. Perfect. I worked a little on my core, but other than that, that was it.

Monday: I gots no data for you. I can tell you that I was beat down exhausted after getting my behind kicked at work. 12 hours running around without a break … yeah … I was tired. A little stretching, and massage, but that’s all.

Tuesday: Again … NOTHING. I know. What’s happening here, Row.? What the hell?! It’s so unlike me to have nothing. But like I said, I was exhausted. What can I say? I have no excuses. I did go get my hair done, then got my eyebrows threaded, then I did go to lunch with one of my good friends, Linda! Life is good. In case you’re wondering, I am feeling a little bit weirded out that I haven’t done anything strenuously physical, but I know that I physically can’t do it. I’m so run down and feeling so out of it.

Wednesday: Okay … It gets a little better here. I went to Cross Fit! OMG! I loved it. Too much fun for me. I told Gabe, my trainer, that I was a little out of my element and that I was slightly intimidated. He laughed at me. He said, “I can tell just by looking at you that you look like a phenomenal athlete, and I don’t even know anything about you.” Let’s just say that I wanted to puke at least three times, but in typical Row. fashion, I gutted it out and finished the hour long workout. Rowing, jump rope, dead lifts, then 12 minutes of 5 burpees, 5 flat hand push-ups, and incremental clean and press/jerks … Whooo whee! Run one mile, then back to core – 50 x weighted Russian Twists, and 20 x weighted sit-ups … I did this 4 times! Awesome! I so needed this. I talked to Gabe for a little bit, told him what my goals were, and he told me that in the month that I’m there, he would break me down to build me up! I am so thankful that my friend Ly gave me her groupon, and that my friend, Gina, convinced me that I could do it. I love my friends! I can tell that it’s going to be a gnarly 30 days, and I’m sooooo looking forward to it!

Thursday: Talk about D.O.M.S. My body is TIGHT! Holy crap! Yeah, I’m a slacker. All I did today was a lot of stretching and got a massage. Whoa. I’m sore. Yeah, I told you, the nights have been kicking my butt big time! I’m not gonna fret anymore about not getting a workout in. It is what it is.

On another note, my friend Judy was going to run the SF Giants Half with me on Saturday, but at the very last minute – literally the very last minute, had to bow out of this half. What the heck?!? It was a mad dash to find a replacement, but not to worry, my friend and running buddy, Cory, was able to find coverage for her shift and stepped up and agreed to run the Giants Half with me. =) Yea!!! (**I’m really sorry, Judy, that you had to bow out. You’re a great running buddy and you know that I love running with you!)

Friday: Nothing. Rest day ’cause tomorrow is a half marathon!

Saturday: I have NO expectations for today. I really just want to run and have fun. I’m thankful that my friend, Cory, was able to get the time off and was able to run with me. We started our day pretty early – 0500. We ran to Manteca to pick up Cory’s bib, then headed for SF. We got there on time, except parking was horrendous! Lots of traffic! But eventually we made it into Lot A and headed straight for the porta potties!

The start was somewhat chaotic as well with 15,000 people running the half marathon, 10K, or 5k. I lost Cory for a second as we headed into the corral – there was a little bit of a panic. Not to worry, I found her. I did not find Shiloh or Mel though. =[ It was decided that Chris would run the 10k since he had not been training.

030 — Me, Inagural Endorphin Dudette, and Tony, Endorphin Dude at Mile 1.

Race day was perfect. The weather at the start was about 55, cool, overcast. Nice. The race started on time, no delays. Lots of happy people surrounded us as we ran down Embarcadero. I found Endorphin Dude just as we hit mile 1. I just about gave him a heart attack as I hugged him from behind. Posed for a quick pic, then a hug and I was off!

The miles went by pretty quickly and were uneventful. Cory and I just enjoyed the scenery and focused on the mileage. Our training called for 11 miles today, and we were happy to not be running in Stockton. At around Mile 6, we saw Brian Wilson, and hit Crissy Field at about Mile 6.5. There was an abundance of aid stations and porta potties throughout this half. Lots of great volunteers that provided much needed encouragement. Miles 6.5 to 8 were run on sand which provided a little challenge for Cory. We had fun, pushing each other every step of the way. I am thankful for my ability to run backwards to encourage Cory every so often.

Mile 11 got hard for Cory, but she was never that far behind me. I ran ahead and started to encourage the other runners. I love doing that. I know that they were thankful, too, because a few of them found me at the end to thank me. I really enjoy doing that for others. Running into AT&T Park was amazing. I loved it. I like the Giants, although I don’t follow baseball much except for that of my boys. This half was really nice and very organized. Loved the course!

The after race Expo was a different story. Talk about CHAOS! Lots of walking and mazes. But we eventually got our post race goodies – Race Shirt, Medal, and bobble head. So much fun! I loved that half, and I plan to run it again next year!

I know that this week lacked a lot of mileage and quality workouts. The one workout and run that I did were awesome! But in all honesty, I have been burning that candle at both ends and have just worn myself out this week and needed to rest. I’ve got lots planned for the upcoming weeks though. Not to worry … I’m gettin’ back on that bandwagon pretty quick here.

Week 9 brings much promise and a chance to start over again! I have two halves coming up in September, starting with the Disneyland Half next Sunday! Changing my mindset and mixing up my workouts is going to be awesome! So thankful to be blessed with good friends, a body that works like a machine, and for the ability to do what I do and have what I have (work, travel and run local races, workout, be a mom, be a wife, etc.). So even if this week was a bit of a minor disappointment in that I had to downshift and slow down to an almost complete stop, I know that it’s not permanent and that it’s not the end of the world. My life is still awesome, and I am still one very blessed woman!

Have a great week everyone. Train smart, train hard, and have fun while you’re at it! =)

Marathon Training – Week 6 – Finding My Way Back To The Pavement …

14 August, 201115 August, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

It’s been over a week and I’m still finding my way back to the pavement which was once the second home for my feet. I once lived for the rhythmic tapping of my shoes hitting the pavement, which was music to my soul. I still have no desire to just pound it as much as I once had, and I can’t force it …

That said, I’m sure you’re all wondering how exactly I’m going to pull this marathon off … Don’t worry. It’s still early in the game. I’ve got this. I’m still in full on training mode. My mentality has not changed. I’m still going at it as best as I possibly can … giving my mind and my feet a much needed and deserved rest.

005 — This was after my first post meltdown a run last week, but it's all good.

Sunday found me on a spin bike. I wanted to get some mileage in before work, so I hit it for 30 minutes. Seated climb, standing climb, then 10 x 1 min intervals. 30 minutes … 9.5 miles. Perfect. I left my spin bike drenched, with that ache in my legs that let me know that I got a good workout in for the short amount of time that I had.

Monday: Tired. Thought about making it a rest day, but only for a second. I got dressed and headed off to American Martial Arts Academy. Great choice! I love Jeanne! She knows that I’m capable of more and NEVER lets me slack. Nope … no, no, no! Medicine ball and dumbells … alone they’re a great workout by themselves, but it’s kinda rough when you pair them with cardio! Lots of arms and shoulders, push ups on that dang med ball, planks with rows, then lower body … just let me say that my behind was screaming and sighing at the same time! Gotta love weighted cardio exercises!

Tuesday: Rest day. My do absolutely nothing at all day. Remember rest days are as important as training days. Don’t worry, I did run around the ER where I worked which equaled about a couple miles. No joke. There was no sitting, I was in constant motion helping everyone.

Wednesday: Self-Care day. Hit the Chiropractor. My most FAVORITE Chiropractor in the world … Dr. Brian Crawford. He’s awesome. I’m kind of sadistic and prefer the “torture” of a manual adjustment versus gun manipulation. I LOVE the sound of my spine clicking into alignment, and I love the feel of it all coming into place – from my neck down. I’m serious! Dr. Crawford aligns my thoracic spine by “throwing” me against the door. I had to laugh because I noticed that there was now new padding hung against the doors where there once was none. You always know that it’s me being thrown against the door because of my loud exhalation “scream” (it’s not really a scream, more like all the air escaping from me) as soon as it’s done. I love it! Makes me happy. Dr. Crawford not only aligns my spine, but also my hips, ankles, and feet. He opens up my sinuses by manipulating it with the gun. I get a massage in which I remind his assistants to push with all their weight – and they do, hitting all the key parts including my feet. I also sit for H-Wave therapy for my feet and ankles, then lay on the traction table and chill for about 20 minutes. I believe wholeheartedly that I am and remain healthy because of Chiropractics. There is documented evidence that individuals who receive regular chiropractic care have 200% greater immune competence than those that do not. You would not believe how much your spine plays in your health and well being. For that reason, I will continue to be a loyal patient. My Chiropractor ROCKS!

Thursday: I had a good day today. I put in a great 30 minute spin workout on my bike. Intervals/Sprints, and a seated

032 — Motto for the week/weak ... Keep. Moving. FORWARD ...

and standing climb. 11 miles. Yeah! Immediately afterwards, I got my medicine ball out and opted for a quick resistance workout because I was short on time. Squat/swing 2×30; Halos 2×25; Triceps 2×25; Biceps 2×25; Step Ups 2×30. Had to get something in, and I did …

Friday: Didn’t do much today … just a core workout which was good enough for me.

Saturday: My first organized run since my Mini Meltdown. I was okay going into it because I knew that there was NO expectations. I had registered for the Riverbank Keep Moving Forward 10k. Two reasons why I registered: 1) It’s walking distance from my Mother-In-Law’s house. Literally just right across the street. And 2) I like little races and knew that it would be a good training run for me. It was a great venue that supports Vision Impaired (read: Blind) Individuals. I am thankful for my vision and my ability to see. I had such a great time at this event! I even won a Hawaiian Shirt! How cool is that?! The ease of packet pickup and race day registration was well organized. There was breakfast and coffee at the start, which was also post race fuel. It was a really nice spread, too! Starbucks coffee, bananas, watermelon, cookies, chips, etc. There was also LOTS of water, and electrolyte drinks. The course was well marked with support crew everywhere directing all of the runners – despite my husband laughing and telling me that I would get lost. Joke’s on him. Water stops were at mile 1.5, 3, and right before mile 5. Bathrooms? Yep! No course porta-potties but it’s only a 10K so it wasn’t expected. But the Galaxy Theater in Riverbank opened up their bathroom for us to use pre/post race!

The run for me was pretty uneventful. It was a nice run through the streets of Riverbank. I didn’t PR, which was not the goal, but I didn’t PW either. I’m pretty sure I was in the top 5 of my age group. I just ran, and as I ran I encouraged all of the other runners, and high fived all of the support crew. It was fun, and that, to me, is what running is about. Having fun, and helping/encouraging others.

I’m still here. I’m still working out and running. This week may look light compared to others, but it is what it is. I’m happier training my way. I like that I don’t hear the voices that once invaded my head. I’ve gotten “me” back … the me that is strong willed, strong minded. I’m sorry that I let so many people influence me for that short period of time … it won’t happen again. I’ve got a great week planned next week … Week 7 – Look out!

Marathon Training – Week 5 – Chillin’ Like A Villain

6 August, 20117 August, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

It’s week 5, and for me it means that I’m starting over with week 1 of my training plan. It’s kind of hard to explain, but the training plan that I’m using is 18 weeks long, and since I started early (July 1) I was 4 weeks ahead. So … once week 4 was over, I was to start over.

At first I thought that I was being hypocritical by writing this post after I had just posted a blog where I basically said that I was done running for awhile. I didn’t and still don’t want to run “seriously” at this time. But I’m still working out because as I said, I’m not the kind of athlete to just walk away completely. I’m still doing things. I still plan on working hard, just not running hard as I have hung up my running shoes. I think that I got over zealous and put too much pressure on myself with the marathon training and basically petered out.

My last blog post caught the attention of a lot of people. Maybe it was the title, “Hangin’ Up My Shoes.” I don’t know.

A lot of people were worried about me, and wanted to know what happened and why. What can I say? Things happen. Running is such a huge part of my life, but like I said, it’s WHAT I do, not WHO I am. Marathon training is NO joke. It takes up a lot of time and energy. Waking up early to run left me practically listless throughout the rest of the day, leaving me without the needed energy to do much else. I missed my boys baseball games, I didn’t read or play much with my daughter, I still had to work full-time, I couldn’t pick up many shifts at my other job, my husband had to ask for various days off to take me to the races. Mind you, he says that he doesn’t mind, but in a way, I know that he did/does. Then at races, it wasn’t just about running anymore … It was “racing.” I am not a “racer.” I am a runner. Where once running made me happy, it was and is now overwhelming and became more like another job and felt like chore, and I started to resent it. Stepping back was a good choice for me. Once I did, I could feel myself take a huge breath and the weight was somewhat relieved from my shoulders.

I was literally running the San Francisco Marathon last Sunday thinking, “WTF am I doing?” I was running amongst all these individuals who were happy and smiling and excited to be there, and here I was … Debbie Downer, so unhappy, and thinking all these negative thoughts. I imploded. No joke … the bomb went off in the middle of San Francisco. I’m surprised that it didn’t take SF out! It was so loud inside my head, I’m surprised that my head didn’t explode like a pumpkin being dropped from a high rise building! I felt lost. I felt as if I was drowning as all of these thoughts flooded my head. And I wanted to cry. But being who I am, I held it together and finished what I started because Row. does NOT cry!

There were many decisions that needed to be made. The first one was telling my running buddies and my marathon training partners that I would not be proceeding as planned with the training plan for now. I will still run CIM in December, however, I needed a break from the training as I reevaluated how I was going to do this because I really had no clue! Holy cow, how the heck am I going to pull off running a marathon without “formal” training? I think that it is better to take some much needed time off rather than force it because as I was feeling in SF, I know that it would only get worse!

So … here’s a recap of my Week 5 training …

Sunday: 13.1 miles through the streets and Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This is the only time I truly lost it.

019 — Osmin Style! Except I swallowed a lot of water! LOL!

Monday: I relinquished all expectations and control. I decided that I would no longer do what did not serve me or make me happy. So, in the midst of my Mini Meltdown, I took myself to a local tattoo shop and had a tattoo placed on my wrist to remind me. “Comprometerse.” I love this word, and now it is a permanent part of me. As soon as I got it, I felt an IMMEDIATE inner peace and a calming sensation come over me. My workout for today started as a fluke. I was just going to hop in the pool with my fun-loving kiddos. It ended up morphing into something else … 30 minute “swim” (okay, it was more kick boarding) but I hit 1000 yards! 30 minute spin = 9.5 miles. 3.25 mile walk/”jog” intervals (39 mins). My own Mini Tri. It was fun. No stress.

Tuesday: Rest day.

Wednesday: Rest day. Did a lot of self-care today. I got my eyebrows threaded, and I got an hour massage which was awesome!

Thursday: Triple workout!!! You read correctly – TRIPLE! Workout number 1 – Lower body resistance. Holy mother! Lower body was awesome! Lunges, Squats, Inner/Outer Leg Lifts, Hamstring Curls, Leg Extentions, and Ab Work! Nice! Immediately after came workout number 2, my FAVORITE cardio workout … Awesome workout! Running, Jump Kicks, Burpees, Mountain Climbers, Two Point Burpees, Jacks, and Ab Work! Love it! My trainer, Mikey, ROCKS! He knows how to push me and takes me to puke point. I wasn’t going to stay for yoga, but my friend, Karyn, had asked me, so a third workout it was. I’m glad I stayed. My third workout of the day! Very nice – our instructor made it hard, yet peaceful and relaxing in

the end. It was a nice class, just me, my girl Karyn, and the instructor, Alexis. Loved it. The best part of my day was when I walked through the dojo doors and my friends were all saying that they were just talking about me and asking about me. The people that I work out with at American Martial Arts Academy/Central Valley Krav Maga have dubbed me “Front Row.” I try to encourage everyone that I workout with – EVERYONE. If I know your name, you will hear me call you out in class! I love my peeps! LOVE! I am so thankful that I am able to workout with a great bunch of people!

Friday: I really thought about sleeping in, but decided against it at the last minute. As usual, I do what I always do … I get dressed and I head on over to they gym. If I change my mind when I get there, then I don’t go in, but usually by the time I get to the dojo, which is my second home, I’m

010 — Ready for the cycle part of my Mini Tri ...

ready to goooooo and get a good workout in whether I’m tired or not. I don’t workout half assed – ever. If I’m there, I give it 110%. Go big or go home! Anyhow, this morning’s workout was done the resistance bands and the ankle straps (sounds like S&M lol)! Push ups, knee raises, lunges, arms, shoulders, abs, running sprints! Damn, I LOVE this workout! So good for my soul! And to think I *almost* slept in …

Saturday: I worked a full 12 hour night shift. Thought about just going home and crawling into bed, but instead decided to get my workout gear on and do a little bit of something first. So a very slow interval run it was. 5-10 min walking warm-up, then I hit the intervals – slow running/even walking at times, then I picked it up, then walked a cool down. Did this for an hour total and hit just about 5.5 miles. Not bad. Got an arm workout in also which is always nice to get some resistance in along with my cardio. On this run I wore my HR monitor and just watched my HR, made sure it didn’t get close to max. It was HOT, but I wanted to get something in and I did.

Those that know me, know that I am not the kind of athlete to just slack. I’ll always do something because it’s just what I do – even when I’m not training for anything. I had a very low stress week and I’m happy that I decided to just lay low and not put any kind of pressure onto myself. I am happy with my decision to stay off Twitter and FaceBook. I did lurk a bit, but did no posting. I did post on my new favorite Google+. It was nice to not hear any “voices” and feel no pressure. All in all, it’s been a great week for me. It seems as if when I just let go and relinquish any and all control that I try to harness, that things just fall into place by themselves. As I said, an immediate inner peace and calm washed over me as soon as I posted that I was hanging up my shoes, and after I got my new tattoo. I’m happy. Thanks for a great week, Week 5. Week 6 comin’ up … You ready for me?

Hangin’ Up My Shoes

1 August, 20112 August, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.2 Comments

001 — My Saucony Kinvaras. Just hangin' ... Waiting for me ...

It’s been a rough week for me … AGAIN. I know. I’ve had a lot of rough weeks lately. And I get it … I know that we all have good days and bad days, and good weeks and bad weeks, but for me it seems as if the “good” days are fewer and FAR between. It’s actually been happening to me for awhile, but I’ve been trying hard to stave it off and convince myself otherwise. Over the last few weeks I have been trying to trick myself that this IS what I want to do, that I love this … and I DO, but it’s gotten a little difficult. Therefore, I have made the decision to hang up my running shoes for an indefinite period of time.

It may sound as if I am whining, but the fact is is that I am NOT happy running. I haven’t been for a LONG time. I do it because it seems like the right thing to do, because my friends do it … That’s NOT good enough anymore. It has become more of a chore than that of something fun to do. The decision to hang up my shoes was an easy one because I’m not going to force myself to do something that is not fun. I need to do this for me. I need to do this MY way …

Running is “WHAT” I do. Running is NOT “WHO” I am.

I had several realizations while running the San Francisco Marathon – First Half. I realized that I was seriously unhappy with all this running that I have been doing. I realized that this is NOT what I desire to be doing all the time. I realized that I was not enjoying myself at all, and that it has been harder and harder to find the joy in running itself. I feel as if I am regressing rather than progressing. I also realized the sacrifices that my husband and family have made in order for me to pursue running all of these races. It has consumed my life. Mile after mile after mile I asked myself, “Why? Why are you torturing yourself as you do?” And it’s just not worth it when I have to ask myself that. I have never wanted to “DNF” a race more than I did as I ran through the streets and over the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco.

When you do something it should be fun, not something that feels like a chore. If you have to force yourself to do something you really need to reevaluate your reasons. Right now, I’m overwhelmed, burnt out, overloaded, and I’ve just hit max capacity. I know that if I don’t hang up my shoes, I’ll use the laces to hang myself, and that’s just not going to happen because death by hanging is NOT a pretty site. Trust me on this one, I’ve seen a few hangings in my day.

People have told me that I’m too hard on myself. No, that’s not true, if anything I am not hard enough on myself. They have told me that the course for the San Francisco marathon was hard. The course was hard, but it was do able. They said maybe I was coming down with something. Maybe, but in all honestly I have run feeling much worse. They told me that I need to take a week off. Well, no, I need MORE than just a week off. I need to take off as much time as I need to to find myself. I need to regroup and refocus, and I believe that it may take more than a week because I just can’t seem to get it together. I get that there are people out there who would love to be in the position that I am in. I understand that there are others who would love to walk, let alone run. I’m not taking anything for granted. I am thankful that I am able to run. I am thankful and very grateful that I have been blessed with the ability, and the means to do what I do.

I’m not afraid. I’m just tired. Tired of training. Tired of not getting enough rest. Tired of trying to schedule runs into my already busy schedule. I am burnt out. I lack the much needed motivation and have lost whatever mojo that I once had. So I’m just gonna go with the flow for awhile and do what I want and need to do. In all honesty, I know what I need to do. It was as if a light bulb went on as I was writing. But I’m keeping it to myself. For once I’m not injured and forced to be sidelined. I’m sidelining myself. Don’t believe that I’m going to slack off either, because I am so NOT that kind of athlete.

I have 12 more races scheduled and paid for until December. TWELVE! I could take the easy way out and sell my bibs, but I won’t. I’m NOT a quitter. I WILL finish what I started. Besides, I’m not one who’ll just throw money away like that. I’ll run those races, I just won’t advertise which races I am running or that I’m even running. I’m just going to show up and run. I just want to run alone without all the hype, and drama, and chaos that usually comes with every race. I’m going to run incognito. I’m going to do it MY way, and I WILL do it with a happy heart, or not at all.

There is a word that describes what I am feeling … Comprometerese. It’s Spanish and in one of its uses it means to commit to yourself, rather than to compromise yourself. I LOVE this word.

It’s just going to take some time. I need to disconnect for awhile. This is what I need to do for me. So as of today … I’m hanging up my running shoes and taking a much needed running hiatus …

Marathon Training – Week 3 … Kinda …

24 July, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.1 Comment

Well, I knew it was going to happen. I knew that when I went on vacation that it would not go exactly as laid out on paper. What did Robert Burns say again? “The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray?” I had it all laid out, ready to go, but life had other plans. I heartily believe that it was the Universe calling me out, challenging me … Basically saying, “You know, Row., you have this great plan set out, let’s see if you’re gonna stick to it.” ‘Cause you know that’s usually what happens to me anyway, when I set out to do something. Yep … the Universe likes to challenge me … over and over … again and again … I set myself up …

I spent my week in BEAUTIFUL South Lake Tahoe with my family. My week consisted of two birthdays … Milestone birthdays at that. My son, Samuel, turned 21, and my hubby, Chris, turned 40. Yep. So … in typical Wallen fashion, we hit the impromptu vacation – just picking up and taking off whenever we can get a couple days off together. So … here’s the breakdown of my week …

Monday: I had a little soreness from my half marathon on Saturday night. Just a little not a lot. I hit up my favorite Chiropractor, Dr. Brian Crawford, and had him adjust me from head to toe, feet, ankles, and sinuses. I had my H-wave treatment done on my feet, and I laid on the traction table for awhile. Aaaaaahhhhh! I love manual adjustments of my head, neck, back … I love the feeling and sound of all my spinal cord clicking into place. I’m a little sadistic, I know, but that’s me. Afterwards, a 2 mile walk done once in Lake Tahoe to explore our surroundings.

058 — Ski Run Drive in S. Lake Tahoe. Loved this place!

Tuesday: 3 mile run done. Kind of an interval workout, interspersed with lots of hills. Was a nice run. Beautiful weather, great surroundings, nice place to train. Then another 2 mile walk.

Wednesday: More walking. This time about 3 miles. So much fun here in Tahoe. I love it here. In the evening it was time to do a little resistance training, so biceps, triceps, shoulders, and core … DONE. Today was also my son’s 21st birthday! Yippee! Can’t believe that he’s already so “old.” Wow!

Thursday: 4 miles – walking. I know, I know … I’m supposed to be running, but it’s time on my feet, right? At least I wasn’t sedentary. So proud of my daughter who walked 1.5 miles and only complained a few times. Did a core workout also.

Friday: Cardio. I love cardio! My cardio is high intensity and includes lots of resistance along with interval training. I got smart and prepared an ice cold towel to cool me off which was a good idea. Made it a little more bearable, and I got a good solid hour in! Intervals, squats, lots of leg work, and core.

Saturday: I did absolutely nothing … I had every intention to go to cardio or to yoga and I slept instead. Yep. I made it a recovery day … from my vacation. It was also my husband’s 40th birthday!!!

So there you have it. My week at a glance. All in all, even though it was a very “easy” week, it’s okay because I know that not all weeks will be this easy. I also didn’t make the *best* food choices, not all bad, but not all good either. Hey, I’m human, okay? And I like my share of cake and ice cream … it’s not my fault that two birthdays fell within 3 days of each other. And I don’t go on vacation all the time either so weeks like this will be few and far between!

Tomorrow starts another week. Hope everyone has a great one. School starts for my kiddos this week so life will once again start to have some sort of routine. My sleeping patterns are still somewhat crazy, but at least I’m sleeping.

Happy training everyone. Make good choices, and just get out there and do it. That’s the hardest part … getting out there. But what I have found is that if you just show up and start, it gets a little easier. Just give yourself 20 minutes … if after 20 minutes you want to stop, then at least you will have gotten a little something done, but chances are you will be ready to finish once you start.

Marathon Training – Week 2 (Really? Only Week 2?)

17 July, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

So … Here we are in week 2. So far so good … How many weeks left? 22? Crud … Just kidding. Just kidding … I have nothing to complain about. I got up and got the work that needed to be done … DONE!

Sunday – I wanted to start my week off on Sunday. I tried. I called Cory, but she headed off to beautiful Southern Cali. Who could blame her? I’d go to. So … Instead I just hung around the house and took care of things that needed to be taken care of there.

Monday – Not a bad day. I got my cross-training in with a kick a$$ workout at AMAA. Dang … I got my a$$ whopped by Meana … err .. I mean Nina! I love Nina! She really worked my entire body, and I left there dripping with sweat! I got home, and I headed out for the three mile run that I owed my schedule. I had a really great run surprisingly. My calves still ached from my Stadium run last Thursday, but all in all it was a good run. I know it was just a short run today, but I dedicated it to my friend Rosie’s son, Jesse, because I had gone to his funeral earlier that day, and spent a few minutes with Rosie. I thought of him and prayed for Rosie and him during my short run. RIP, Jesse.

iPhone Pics 118 — This is the overpass that Judy & I run in Lathrop.

Tuesday – I was going to run the Stadium again with Joe and Becky, however, since I’m running a half on Saturday, and I was still kinda aching from the last time I ran the Stadium … I opted for something that was just a run. I had asked Joe if he wanted to go, but hadn’t heard, so I called Judy and she’s always willing to run our crazy hill workout with me. So off we went at 0630 in the morning. It was a nice and cool morning! However, for some reason I was “off” and Judy could tell. She said that my workouts are usually near vomit so for me to be so “blah,” was weird. She didn’t care though. We were still out there and we got a good 6 mile run in out there in our small “hill” run … the Lathrop Overpass. We all have our days, I guess. It didn’t help that I stayed up until 0300 or so … Nope. I know better. That was just stupid!

Wednesday – Kinda took it easy. I hopped on the spin bike in the morning and got a great ride in. One hour, easy – just to keep the legs loose and moving. 18 miles, then a three mile run. Nice brick workout. Yep … that’s how I roll. I’m a Brick House … I’m Mighty Mighty … Okay … I’m Mini but MIGHTY. Never underestimate the power of a very small woman, okay! LOL. I know … I’m crazy!

Thursday – Rest day. I’ve learned that it’s getting harder and harder for me to workout after I work all night. (I work the night shift, in case you were wondering.) I wonder how other runners who work night shift do it? I need to ask this question on Twitter.

Friday – Another rest day. Yeah, well, rest is training also, so deal with it.

Saturday – Here we go … Davis Moo-nlight *Almost* Half Marathon. OMG! This race was something else! For one, it started at 7 p.m. which is fine, except it was still 80 degrees and sunny out. Row doesn’t fare well in heat. And … And … AND it was one mile short, therefore, I have dubbed it the *almost* half marathon. It’s all good though. I had a great time with Cory and Judy, and Cory’s hubby, Sam. I got to see my girl Mac, and also Mellie Mel (or Big Burt, as Grace calls her). I remember from February’s Davis Half Marathon that I HATED Davis’ crazy tunnels! Yeah, well, I *still* hate them. Not sure if I’ll run that one again, or if I’ll ever run in Davis again.

So … That’s Week 2 in a nutshell. What I’ve learned is that I don’t fare well with little sleep … Um … DUH, Row.! Where have I been? Seriously, it’s just harder for me to recover when I work a full weekend – 12 hour night shifts x 3 days … I know that rest is an important aspect of training.

I pulled out my new Saucony Triumph 8s to start training in them this week. They’re my work horse shoes … and I have found that they are NOT very nice to my ankles. I ran the half in them and could hardly walk afterwards! I was walking with a lot of pain to my left ankle, and my gait was severely off. No plantar fascitis pain to my feet, thankfully! I spent 1.5 hours with the H-wave on my ankles and feet, then wore my compression stockings to help recover. I wonder if you can O.D. on too much electrical stimulation? Oh well, let me tell you, it worked like a charm! No pain. I’m not sure what to do about my shoes though. I may just train in my Triumph 8s and run in my Kinvaras. I need to figure it out retro STAT!

Next week, I need to see my favorite Chiropractor on Monday and get adjusted. I plan to focus on core get some resistance training in there along with all the cardio that I’ve been doing. May be a *little* bit of a challenge since I’m on VACATION!!! We’ve got 2 birthdays to celebrate: my son’s 21st birthday, and my hubby’s initiation into a new decade! LOL! Happy *almost* Birthdays to my guys!

I know that my exterior is “hard,” but really there’s a real live, caring person underneath. I’m just not one to let my guard down and show much emotion. I’m always asked what I think about when I run? Honestly, it’s my church. I think a lot, and I spend a lot of time reflecting and in prayer. I talk to God a lot. Not just asking Him to help me get through this run or that run either. Although a lot of is is wondering about all that, I had more pressing matters at hand. This was a week filled with emotions, and I had a slightly heavy heart as I prayed for my friend. You see, I DO believe in God, and I know that there’s always a reason, but sometimes … sometimes the reasons are difficult to accept.

Have a great week, everyone! Remember that life is good. Hug your loved ones a little tighter, and remind them that you love them because you just don’t know. I’m thankful to my hubby who puts up with my insanity and OCD, and to my kiddos who hold my heart in their hands. And I’m thankful to my friends who run with me and accept me as I am. =)

Marathon Training – Week 1 – Done!!!

10 July, 201111 July, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

It’s been a rough week for me, add on the start of my marathon training and it kind of compounded it … but … but … but … I was able to chuck most of the excuses and get the required work DONE!!!

I like the schedule that I devised because it offers me a lot of leeway. I’m basically following Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 Training Plan, but I added my own Row. Flair into it. You know what that means … It means prepare to suffer, Sucka!

So … Week One went down like this …

Misc iphone June 075 — Cory & Row. Day 1. DONE!

Sunday – My buddy, Cory, wanted to start our training off right. So … she suggested that we run early in the morning … at 0630 on Sunday. What?!? She wants to kill me even before we “really” get started. Seriously? 0630? She had things to do earlier that day, and here in Stockton it gets HOT earlier and earlier. So … okay. I get up and meet her at 0630. As much as I wanted to sleep in, as much as I am so NOT a morning person … I wake up and meet Cory at 0630 and off we go. 5 nice, easy miles … DONE! We did a nice out and back in her neighborhood of Spanos Park – down Whistler, up on the levee, and back up Whistler … Perfect.

Monday– The schedule calls for 3 miles. I’ve got the FireCracker 4 Miler planned that Fleet Feet puts on every year.

Perfect. So I drag my family out to Grupe Park and I get my daughter, Grace, to run the kids run. She has a blast! Me, I take off for the 4 miler shortly after. Whoa, it was HOT and it was only 0800! It slowed my time down, but it was about time on my feet, so I took it for what it was, and was happy with my performance.

Tuesday – Was supposed to run 3 to get the beginning of the week done, instead I did core and skipped the run. I know, I sound as if I’m making excuses, but I was tired.

Wednesday – I have a lot of cross training mixed in my plan. Today would be no exception. I went to Krav Maga. I love Krav Maga. I’ve been doing it since 2001 … I’ve been a member of Chris Ost American Martial Arts/Central Valley Krav Maga since then. I’ve taught Cardio Kickboxing, and I have a Black Belt in Krav Maga. This workout is like no other. Seriously, it’s the BEST cross-training workout EVER and I love it there!

Thursday – Joe Rodhe and Becky plan to run the Stadium Stairs. But then they don’t, then they do … so we plan on 0630. Another early day, but I’ll do it because Joe and Becky have graciously agreed to help me, to push me, to encourage me. Ugh, but 0630? Really?! Really! I find an opening in the fence and crawl through, and it’s on … 60 up, 60 down. 60 up, 60 down! Joe started earlier than me, so while he waited for me, he does lunges as I die at the top. I refuse to give up, I finish all of them! 1.9 miles of stairs, and a little bit of a slow run to cool down to make it a little over 2 miles. I get home in time to plan and make dinner, have breakfast, then head off to Spinning with Rodger at InShape. 21 miles on the spin bike! Yee Haw!! Check! Check! Check! =)

Friday – Rest Day. Should’ve ran my long run here, but my partner bailed (it’s okay, Cor), so I opted to rest and run in the morning …

Saturday – Long run … 8 miles on the schedule. I worked a long 12 hour night shift, and I was tired, but I got it done with a one mile walking cool down to my car. I busted it out and did what I needed to do. DONE!

There you have it. My week in a nutshell! Big thanks go out to my running partner, Cory, and to my two ~~a$$ kickers~~ err … motivators, Joe and Becky. They are kind enough to keep me on track and kick my butt when need be!

This week, my good friend, Rosa, lost her young son, Jesse, in a tragic motor vehicle accident. If I thought that my week was rough, my Rosie has had a much rougher week. I could not imagine her pain and suffering, I can only believe it to be an unbearable kind of pain. Rosa has been my friend for a long time. She has been my Muddy Buddy partner for 2 years now, has done Krav Maga with me, and she has trained with me on numerous occasions. I love my Rosie, and I pray for her and her family that God will be with her and ease her pain. My “rough” week pales in comparison, I will not complain. I will run without complaint, and hug my children a little tighter than usual. Thank you, God, for blessing me with Rosie’s friendship. I pray for the health and safety for my children, for all children, please watch over them as I know that I know that I cannot bubble wrap them, just please keep them safe as I love them so. Thank you, Lord. And, Rosie, if you’re reading this, know that I love you dearly … always have … always will.

Today starts another week, but we’ll start tomorrow. I’ve got another wild week planned out. I’m ready for Week 2 … are you?

Here We Go Again … Marathon Training Starts NOW …

3 July, 201114 July, 2011R. Wallen, R.N.Leave a comment

strong-desktop-1600x1200-1309653196321 — This Is MY Strong from Saucony by Row. I LOVE THIS!!!

It’s hard to believe – kind of – that marathon training started again for me today. I still can’t believe that I was dumb enough to sign up to run another marathon, especially when openly stated at the last one I ran that, “I am NEVER running one of these effing things ever again!!!” Okay, never mind that I said that 2 times before also. But seriously, what the heck was I thinking? I wasn’t thinking. When I signed up for CIM (the California International Marathon), I remember that I got kind of to the end of the registration and I thought it would ask me, “Are you sure? Are you really sure?” It didn’t. The next page just said, “Congratulations, you are registered!” Wait! Whaaaaat? Dang. I’m not one of those girls who’ll let their hard earned dollars go down the drain so … There’s NO backing out now.

Misc iphone June 017 — This is a *small* pile of my running reading ...

Five months. I’m giving myself FIVE L O N G months to get my legs, my body, my mind into top condition to get this done. I’m taking my time. It’s going to be a little bit different this year. This year I’m training without a coach. Last year was the only year that I trained with a coach. My training in previous years were haphazard as I had absolutely NO clue what I was doing, and I thought that just running would be enough. This year, I know a little bit. I read a few books, looked up a few plans, then grabbed my calendars and I put together a crazy little plan of attack for me. Then I set some goals, and decided I’m going for it. I’m going to do the best that I can, and along the way I am going to illicit the help of several people – although they don’t quite know it yet.

iPhone 4 056 — My feet getting H-Wave Therapy! Can you hear them sighing relief?

This year I’m gonna make sure my body is taken care of. That means seeing my favorite Chiropractor, Dr. Brian Crawford, every month or more if needed. I’ve also lined up a masseuse – kind of. I bought a whole bunch of Groupons to various massage therapists, and I have a few that were given to me as gifts. I’m going to make sure that my feet are WELL taken care of – that means H-Wave therapy, foot massages, A.R.T., orthotics, ice, training in the “right” shoes which for me are Saucony Triumphs and Saucony Kinvaras, and getting physical therapy. I’m going to eat right 75 – 80% of the time. I know that I can’t be 100% and I’m not going to lie. I love my occasional pastry – this is part of taking care of my body, right? NOT everyday, just enough to satisfy the cravings when I have them. I’m going to cross train – with my favorite Krav Maga, spinning with Rodger, resistance train – with P90X, or at the gym. I’m gonna work my core until it’s just about shredded!!! I got my Twitter posse – so many to name, and my Local Girls – Mac, Mel, Cory, and Judy – who are all running CIM with me – to hold me accountable. And I’m going to read, write, talk running to whoever will listen …

Am I ready? I’m ready to start training. As far as the marathon goes … I’ve got time. But we all know that time just flies when we’re having so much FUN!!! I’m going to do this. You know me … Once decided, I will find a way, any way, to get it DONE!

Anyone care to join me on this crazy adventure? I can assure you that it will be a wild and fun-filled ride … Com’mon … Who wants to put in some serious mileage? Let’s goooooo … !!!