tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43872754766173234542024-03-05T17:17:02.455-05:00The Happy RunnerFelice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.comBlogger998125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-64758124822778896112017-08-28T10:48:00.002-04:002017-08-28T10:48:45.298-04:00Back on the Train Gang.So, last time we chatted I'd just run my first half-marathon in for-evah. It was one of those positive experiences that makes you want more of the same. <i>More half-marathons, please!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
But then baseball and end-of-school activities and more baseball and summer break (and all the goodness that goes along with that) took over. Running took a little bit of a back seat and with it, my thoughts of a fall half.<br />
<br />
Sure, I'd bandied a few ideas of race weekends with friends but nothing came together.<br />
<br />
Until my run in Sacandaga last weekend. Here's a peek at the scenes from that run:<br />
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<br />
I wanted to run 6. I ran almost 7.5. And I felt terrific, even after sub-par sleep the night before. I mean, super sub-par. The run buoyed me and made me think that, yeah, I can pull out a half-marathon this fall.<br />
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And so I decided to go for it. Bridget messaged me that she registered for the Fall Foliage Half Marathon in Rhinebeck on October 15th. Well, me too.<br />
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<a href="https://www.fallfoliagehalf.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAa6kcG5yASRSDAxnLOls_KgKD5k4f4UuhT5Bj3jFofGgjyuKuqPuTFGwg6PBDRY9sSQywYrS29b4J4WqpIZK3YaJdiOrjTqKFB1eGzx3lJtMtw0FbJuOWF8DiPcSdcr_CRDBKul_f90/s1600/17951490_1504637156227739_2875524765985820956_n.png" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1480499156"></span><span id="goog_1480499157"></span><br />
<br />
I'm registered. I'm in. I have a plan in place and I'm going for it. Sure, it is a hilly race but I'm a hill runner! I've got this.<br />
<br />
My first long run of this training cycle was 9 miles on Saturday. I made sure they were hilly miles :-) and ran them in 1:25 (9:31 pace).<br />
<br />
Bring. It. On.<br />
<br />
Anyone else training for a half marathon this fall? Or another distance? Let me know!<br />
<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-90079645325913958562017-05-22T12:07:00.000-04:002017-05-22T12:07:41.564-04:00Home Away From Home Half MarathonSo, friends, I ran a race. First one in for-<i>evah!</i><br />
<br />
And it was a half-marathon. I went from a full marathon in October 2014 to no races to this half-marathon in May 2017. Holy cow, that's a long time between races!!!<br />
<br />
Back in the beginning of the year, I decided I needed to set my sights on a race that would require some commitment. And a half-marathon requires a fair bit of commitment. I settled on a (pretty much) hometown half-marathon and decided to follow a very low-key training schedule to prepare.<br />
<br />
I wanted to see what I could do after so many ups and downs with my running (and other things that have had an impact on my running).<br />
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But I was also sort of a Nervous Nellie and I didn't want any part of injuries or burn-out. So, I ran 3-4 easy runs each week, one long run, and did yoga and upper-body strength on the two other days. No speedwork. No tempo runs. Nothing too training-ish. Just some solid, enjoyable running.<br />
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I made it to race day full of excitement.<br />
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I even had the requisite pre-race nightmare where things go fantastically wrong on race day: For me, the full 13.1 was run on a track and I was wearing clogs. Clogs!<br />
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Anyway . . . the forecast for the race was rain. All rain. I was freaked. But I shouldn't have been because the rain held off and we ended up with more or less perfect weather (cool and overcast).<br />
<br />
I met Bridget and Kate before the race and we tried to warm up and, of course, we snapped some pics:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIYW4y31776NpSZ6E7TQovf5GvGCd-lwT4szUXVm0UyHnRhfx7MdP5g-6ENqzOubS8k5J4JTxgUL9MuP88P5Hso15x-I0V9tGBns44P6SCJ33LLRUCwhbMd-RNhLDpeGUzYH3A0Rq2hY/s1600/18423836_10154647328336313_2771713208331194419_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIYW4y31776NpSZ6E7TQovf5GvGCd-lwT4szUXVm0UyHnRhfx7MdP5g-6ENqzOubS8k5J4JTxgUL9MuP88P5Hso15x-I0V9tGBns44P6SCJ33LLRUCwhbMd-RNhLDpeGUzYH3A0Rq2hY/s200/18423836_10154647328336313_2771713208331194419_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridget!</td></tr>
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<br />
And then we were off.<br />
<br />
Now, let me tell you about this race. It was <i>small. </i>The 5k and the half-marathon started together but there were only 80 people in the 5k and 103 in the half. The out-and-back course was <i>hilly</i> for sure. Not steep hills, not long hills, just constant rolling hills.<br />
<br />
I ran off with the generic, feel-good goals in my mind: I just want to run strong! I want to see where my fitness is these days! I want to smile at the finish!<br />
<br />
But, honestly? Those goals are crap. Truth be told, I wanted to run under 1:55. I felt like I had it in me. Sure, that's far from a PR and I know I'm not in PR shape right now. But, 1:55? Doable. Totally doable.<br />
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So I ran:<br />
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Mile 1: 8:41<br />
Mile 2: 8:25<br />
Mile 3: 8:20<br />
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The first few miles had the 5k runners in it but once they turned off at the 1.5 mile mark, the "crowd" really thinned out. Everything felt easy. I was holding myself back from going out too fast and I'm glad I did!<br />
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Mile 4: 8:37<br />
Mile 5: 8:25<br />
Mile 6: 8:17<br />
Mile 7: 8:11<br />
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Still going strong through the middle miles. Here's what I learned during this patch: I love out-and-back courses (when you're near-ish to the front)! Being able to cheer for the leaders gave me such a lift! And, I could count how many people were in front of me and that made me feel pretty good :-)<br />
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Mile 8: 8:25<br />
Mile 9: 8:13<br />
Mile 10: 8:27<br />
Mile 11: 8:29<br />
Mile 12: 8:30<br />
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So, this was a weird section for me simply because the dude running behind me Did. Not. Stop. With. The. Yelling.<br />
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Yes, the yelling. Every few minutes or so he'd YELL something like, "C'mon!" or "Move it!" or "Get going, RIGHT NOW!" It was . . . unsettling. And yet, humorous. I mean, I guess he was pumping himself up so I went with it and just ran.<br />
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And then there was just over a mile to go.<br />
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Mile 13: 7:58<br />
Last .18: 1:15<br />
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Um, I love that last mile time!<br />
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<b>Official Time:</b><br />
1:50:20<br />
Overall place: 19 out of 103<br />
Female place: 10<br />
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Yeah, I beat that 1:55 goal!!! So happy with the race. So happy to be <i>back</i>.<br />
<br />
And also pleased with how I felt during the race (like I was pushing but always completely within myself) and how I felt the next day and few days later. No soreness. None! And that tells me that I ran my race well.<br />
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It also tells me that I probably left a little in the tank . . . and that has me wondering what's next. Another half this fall? A full?<br />
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Time will tell my friends :-)<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-59586638501163922032015-07-04T13:43:00.002-04:002015-07-04T13:43:36.778-04:00June recap.June was packed with lots and lots of activities -- both for the kids and the adults. I found myself turning to a little more cross-training than in recent months, which is probably a good thing. After the hamstring injury I told myself I'd be a lot better about cross-training. And I've been only OK about it. Except in June. June I was good!<br />
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My running mileage wasn't very high, though. No matter. I'm running as I feel like it and getting in the cross-training.<br />
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<b>June mileage: 57.5</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It's fine. I did cross training probably twice a week, all month. I'm happy about that!<br />
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And I'm feeling good on my runs. I'm enjoying it. Sometimes, that's all that matters!<br />
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Happy July, folks!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-80891980331114202632015-06-16T10:08:00.001-04:002015-06-16T10:08:10.704-04:00April and May.Well. Here I am, two months after my last post. Where have those two months gone?<br />
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They were filled with baseball games, birthday celebrations, and essential oils classes, mostly! It really has been a bit of a whirlwind around here.<br />
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I also got in some running and have been progressing fairly nicely.<br />
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<b>April miles: 59.3</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>May miles: 63.9</b><br />
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Compare that to where I started the year -- a measly half-mile at the end of January -- and, hooray! I'm happy for the miles I'm running these days.<br />
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I'm also happy for the fun my two boys have been having playing baseball. The regular season has ended for both of them but my little guy had a great time in his first season of t-ball and my big just-turned-8 year old loved every minute of his farm season. His team did well in the playoffs, making it to the championship game, but ultimately losing in a hard-played game. He's now moving on to All-Stars so we have another "season" of baseball ahead of us!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>T-ball!</i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Getting a hit in the semi-finals.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The 8-year-old requested a baseball stadium cake -- so I got busy and made one :-)</i></td></tr>
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Have a great week, everyone!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-1302413117747914142015-04-17T21:17:00.001-04:002015-04-17T21:17:08.632-04:00Post-running injury disorder.As I've been making my way back from my hamstring injury in November, I've realized something about myself: I am, on the one hand, <b>full of joy because I am running</b>. On the other hand . . . <b>I am full of fear . . . because I am running</b>.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is real.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been contemplating signing up for a 5K now that I'm able to run 5 miles comfortably. But, I haven't pulled the trigger. I just keep contemplating it.</div>
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And I keep talking myself <i>out</i> of signing up.</div>
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Why? Because I'm afraid of re-injury, sure. But why else? Because I'm -- and this is so vain I don't even like to admit it -- well, I'm afraid my race time will be too slow.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Now, before you jump all over me and say that slow is relative and my slow is someone else's fast and all that . . . let me stop you and say, I know all that. I do. And I get it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, it does not change the<b> <i>feeling</i></b> that <i><b>I</b></i> have about <i><b>my</b> </i>times. I don't really care what my times are in relation to anyone else's times. I care what they are in relation to me. And now I'm feeling like my speed is gone. Like I'm at that point where I'm not getting any faster and, in fact, will see only slower times ahead. Like I'm the Pokey Runner. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
This is totally a case of post-running injury disorder.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
See, I spent 9 weeks not running At. All. And when I got back to it I was running only a half mile at a time. I can totally understand why I was feeling unsure about my running back then. Even when I'd gotten up to a full mile, I was still feeling pain.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, though, I'm not. I'm good to go. Good to run. Good to race.</div>
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So, why not go for it, already?!?</div>
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<br /></div>
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It's the fear. I know. And I know I've got to get over it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Today, I actually made a little progress. I ran 4+ miles and then tacked on 5 hill repeats (for about another mile). This was the first time I've run anything close to speedwork since before the marathon. It was a big step, for sure.</div>
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We'll see if it helps shake the fear. </div>
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I need that powerful weapon back!</div>
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I'll be working on it. </div>
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Have a great weekend, everyone!</div>
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Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-45093936326714905102015-04-02T20:47:00.004-04:002015-04-02T21:39:36.647-04:00March recap.And <i>justlikethat</i> my mileage tripled!<br />
<br />
In February, I ran that half marathon over the course of the month. In March, I logged a full 36.4 miles. Look at me go! Almost 10 miles a week. A far cry from where I was last fall -- and also a far cry from the big fat zero miles I ran in December and the half mile I ran in January!<br />
<br />
So, there's that. And I'm not mad about it.<br />
<br />
In fact, I'm thrilled. Because, really, my running is picking up right as the weather is brightening up. And what could be better than that?<br />
<br />
I'm ready for April! Ready for more miles! Ready for springtime running!<br />
<br />
Almost . . . <i>almost</i> . . . ready to get a race on my schedule. Almost.<br />
<br />
Baby steps. Or baby runs, as the case may be!<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend, everyone!!<br />
<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-15384720882007461952015-03-10T15:00:00.000-04:002015-03-10T15:00:38.224-04:00Getting real.Last weekend, running got real.<br />
<br />
It has been a long, long time since I've felt like I was <i>really</i> running. A long time. Ever since I started my gradual build-up from nothing to something in February, I've been on the treadmill. This winter has been too cold, too snowy for me to try anything outside during this early stage of recovery.<br />
<br />
Saturday, though, was a sunny day. A dry day. A no-snow-on-the-roads day.<br />
<br />
So I ran. Outside. In the sun.<br />
<br />
Folks, I have missed it. And I didn't truly realize how much I have missed getting outside for a run until I actually did. Yes, I knew I missed running. I mean, <i>c'mon</i>. Of course I did. But, I'd convinced myself that it was OK to be on the DL. That it wasn't <i>that </i>horrible to not run.<br />
<br />
And, in many ways, it wasn't <i>that</i> horrible to not run. But it wasn't great. And even when I started running again and I was logging half miles and then miles on the treadmill, I still wasn't getting the full experience.<br />
<br />
Once I did, it all came rushing back to me.<br />
<br />
Oh, running. I've missed you. I've missed you so very much.<br />
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<br />
Sure, it was only 3 miles but they were 3 miles IN THE SUN! With brisk air -- downhills, uphills, twists, turns. It was wonderful!<br />
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This week the weather looks like it will cooperate again and I should be able to get out for more outside runs.<br />
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Life is good.<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-18197598976281406122015-03-02T20:43:00.002-05:002015-03-02T20:43:13.892-05:00February Half Marathon.That's right. I ran a half-marathon in February!<br />
<br />
Not all at once, mind you. But, over the course of 28 days I ran 13.1 miles.<br />
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13.1 miles. In 28 days! <i>Look at me go . . .</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Now, 13.1 miles may not be a lot. I know that. It is a lot, however, when compared to the half mile I ran in January and the zero miles I ran in December. Compared to those monthly totals, February was a monster.<br />
<br />
And March? Well, I have a good feeling about the month. It is full of promise -- the beginning of spring, the return to substantial mileage. Heck, I might even run a marathon this month!<br />
<br />
Just not all at once.<br />
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I have a long way to go before that happens again :-)<br />
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Have a great week, everyone!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-14089470730952345522015-02-26T09:23:00.000-05:002015-02-26T09:23:26.809-05:00Three months.At the 3 month mark of my injury, I'm feeling really hopeful.<br />
<br />
My recovery is going very, very, sloooooowly. But, anything worth doing takes time, right? And recovering well is totally worth doing. So, if it takes a long time I have to be OK with that.<br />
<br />
I'm running again. The most I've run so far is 2 miles, a couple of times. But, 2 miles is SO FAR from nothing!!! It is a pretty big deal.<br />
<br />
I'm also still using the ellipitical and bike and I'm doing the tv workouts.<br />
<br />
The only thing that has a tendency to discourage me is the snow and cold. At first, I kept telling myself that if I was going to be injured, a cold and snowy winter was the time to be injured. I mean, what would I be missing? Running in the freezing cold? Slipping on the ice? Who needs that?<br />
<br />
But, now --- now, I'm recovering. I'm ready to start running outside but I can't. I can't risk slipping -- or tearing a too-cold and stiff muscle -- and setting myself back 3 months. I just won't do it.<br />
<br />
And that rots. Because, right now, if I could run outside, I'd be farther along in my recovery. Running on the treadmill uses the same motion over and over -- especially because I can't use the incline at this stage of my recovery. So, I get to a point where I have to stop. Yes, I'm taking walk breaks and that helps. But if I was running outside . . . oh, well. I'm not. No sense making myself crazy with thoughts of what could be!<br />
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Spring and the promise of wonderful outdoor runs will be here soon! Until then, I'm content to just be able to run again :-)<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-55124713437265307842015-02-16T10:13:00.002-05:002015-02-16T10:13:48.015-05:00Progress!Slowly but surely I am starting to run. My longest unbroken run has been a mile but I've only done that once since starting back. Mostly, I've been running a half mile, walking for a quarter mile and running another half mile. It is what I can do right now. I'm glad to be doing it.<br />
<br />
Would I love to be logging more miles? Would I love to have the confidence in my body to start considering a fall marathon or half-marathon like most of my running friends are doing?<br />
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Yes and yes.<br />
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But am I sad? Am I discouraged?<br />
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Honestly? Maybe a little. But probably less than you might expect. I mean, it rots, this whole not-able-to-really-run thing. But I'm doing other things. I'm riding the bike and using the elliptical at the gym. I'm exercising along with the "master trainers" on the Radius programs. I'm lifting some weights at home and at the gym.<br />
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None of it is the same as running, for sure. And I do miss running more than a half mile at a time.<br />
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This I know: I'll be back to more significant distance soon. In the meantime, I'll just be hanging around, working on my endurance!<br />
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Have a great week, everyone!<br />
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Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-71460930060278867512015-02-03T10:00:00.000-05:002015-02-03T10:00:12.570-05:00Half and half.Well, friends, it happened.<br />
<br />
I ran.<br />
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Yup, I <b>ran</b>.<br />
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In fact, I've run twice. Twice!<br />
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<br />
This is a <b>big deal</b> here in Happy Runner-ville. I mean, before these two runs, my last run was Thanksgiving day. (A.K.A. Horrible Hamstring Injury day.) That was waaaaay back in November.<br />
<br />
But on January 30th, I ran again. I was walking along on the treadmill and I decided to just go for it. Try it out. See if I could run. Even a little.<br />
<br />
And I did! I ran a half mile. A HALF MILE!!!!<br />
<br />
It was awesome. Yeah, it was slow as anything and my hamstring was barking for the last half of that half mile, but I RAN!<br />
<br />
Best part? Afterward I felt no worse than I felt before.<br />
<br />
So, I went for it again and ran on Sunday. This time, I really pushed the envelope and ran a little more than a half mile. I think I made it all the way to .6 of a mile. Again, I felt it in my hamstring for the last half of the run but I didn't feel any worse afterward.<br />
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Good signs.<br />
<br />
If I can keep this up, I'll be running a mile in no time :-)<br />
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To me, this is a super-duper development in my recovery plan. I've been soooooooooooo patient and I just hope that all of my patience and rehab exercises work so I can come back this spring and start to actually log some decent miles. I believe I will.<br />
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Even if I have to do it half mile at a time!<br />
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Have a great week, everyone!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-40553565580736699542015-01-26T20:58:00.002-05:002015-01-26T20:58:35.111-05:00Monday Motivation.I read a sentence the other day that just hit me, and stayed with me, the way some things do sometimes.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Why not choose to do everything you do with joy and enthusiasm?" </i></div>
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Huh. I mean, really. Why not? Why not <i>choose</i> to do that? The way you live your life, the attitude that you have, those are both your choice, right? Right.<br />
<br />
And if you <i>choose</i> to do everything you do with joy and enthusiasm, it makes sense that everything you do will be more enjoyable. More joyful.<br />
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At least I think so.<br />
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No, I don't <i>think</i> so. I believe it.<br />
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Sure, it is tough to always be enthusiastic about some things. I get it. But, if you choose it, you'll be more likely to get it.<br />
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So this week -- why not choose it? Choose to do everything you do with joy and enthusiasm. You'll feel better. Give it a shot :-)<br />
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Have a great week, everyone!<br />
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*<span style="font-size: x-small;"> The quote is from The Success Principles by Jack Canfield</span><br />
<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-43796836469677720602015-01-25T13:21:00.001-05:002015-01-25T13:21:08.898-05:00Two months.I've been avoiding this blog. Not because I don't love it. And, certainly, not because I no longer love running.<div>
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I've been avoiding the blog because I <i>haven't</i> been running and what the heck do you write about when you're hanging around on the disabled list for months?</div>
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In my case, nothing. You choose <i>not</i> to write about anything because if you did write about something it would probably sound like whining and, honestly, who wants to read that?</div>
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No one.</div>
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And so. Here I am. Two months into living with my injured hamstring. I tried to run earlier in January and it did not go well. So I am sticking with cross-training these days. I use the elliptical a few days a week and sometimes still ride the bike. I've also been doing some HIIT workouts that I've found on the trusty TV. Their fun -- and different. </div>
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What else?</div>
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Well, I've been going for chiropractic treatments and my chiropractor recently started doing the Graston technique on my lame hamstring. Working toward full recovery!</div>
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I've also been very busy with my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EssentiallyHappyLiving">doTERRA business </a>-- teaching lots of classes and sharing my enthusiasm for natural wellness solutions and essential oils with anyone who wants to listen :-) This time of the year, I am especially grateful to have these things in my life -- as people all around me are catching one illness after another, my family and I are staying healthy! Woo hoo!</div>
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So, that's where this happy runner is these days. Recovering. Working. Enjoying my boys. All good.</div>
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Of course, it would be better to be running. But, I'll take what I can get :-)</div>
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Have a great week, everyone!</div>
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Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-61169647941694275812014-12-10T08:44:00.002-05:002014-12-10T08:48:29.862-05:00Back to zero.My running had been going <i>so well</i> and then -- <i>justlikethat</i> -- it all went downhill.<br />
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The day before Thanksgiving, we drove to Long Island. We got caught in the bad snowstorm that hit upstate NY that week and our usually 3 hour drive became 4.5 hours. During the stressful ride, I felt my right hamstring tighten up. For the last hour or so of the trip, it was hurting in that dull, achey, tight way that I really, really should have listened to.<br />
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The next day, I went out for a run with my young niece who was also in town, up from Virginia. A little over 3 miles into our run, I had to stop. I felt searing pain at the top of my hamstring/my glute. I hoped, hoped, hoped it just needed a little stretch. So I stretched gently and then started to run again -- only I couldn't.<br />
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I couldn't run <i>at all</i>. I had a flashback to last spring when I'd torn those muscles in my left hip/glute. And how loooooong it took to heal and for me to get back to running.<br />
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I wanted to cry. But I didn't. Instead, Maggie and I walked back to my sister-in-law's house (well, I kinda hobbled, she walked with her nice brisk I-could-totally-be-running-now stride).<br />
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And I haven't run since.<br />
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We did, however, enjoy seeing so much of the family over the holiday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIti6E3zGeK_hZqzi9dwCBabxqLAyWG4rHVoKkVFtsgTt6svOn70_CRbaJqqaVUUg9FxPU9uHOY3ZC0W2cNN7nn2P8nQI5AyMb7Z8_cEuEIHgRTT_FOfeeynqW1zWcl-6b-y-dabQkM0/s1600/15910_1016903305001925_1310326592643668022_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIti6E3zGeK_hZqzi9dwCBabxqLAyWG4rHVoKkVFtsgTt6svOn70_CRbaJqqaVUUg9FxPU9uHOY3ZC0W2cNN7nn2P8nQI5AyMb7Z8_cEuEIHgRTT_FOfeeynqW1zWcl-6b-y-dabQkM0/s1600/15910_1016903305001925_1310326592643668022_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mother-in-law in the middle with several of her grandchildren.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mother-in-law in the middle with 6 of her kids and their spouses/partners.</td></tr>
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Now, I'm walking a little, riding the bike, getting back to the weight-lifting I neglected during marathon training. I am not running at all for the rest of the year. My hope is that this intentional rest, along with frequent applications of lemongrass oil and Deep Blue rub, and much-needed sessions with my chiropractor, will help my leg heal completely and I'll be back running with no problems at the beginning of 2015!<br />
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Fingers crossed!<br />
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In the meantime, happy December, everyone!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-62760621731789072992014-11-17T08:30:00.000-05:002014-11-17T08:30:00.431-05:0025!Well, after a good long post-marathon break, I'm slowly getting my mileage back up to where I'd like it to be. Not because I'm training for anything. Just because I feel better when I'm running a certain amount each week.<br />
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Last week, I hit it. I ran 25 miles. Oh, how wonderful it was.<br />
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Sure, I started the week running in shorts and ended running in winter tights (and gloves, ear-warming headband, heavy running jacket . . . ) but, hey. Weather is weather and you can't control it. All I can control is how I respond to it.<br />
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And I responded by enjoying it all. Every mile of the 25!<br />
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I'm back. Running and loving it.<br />
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Hallelujah!<br />
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This week I'm hoping for more of the same! Cold weather forecast be damned ;-)<br />
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Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week! <br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-20149360964763104042014-11-03T11:00:00.000-05:002014-11-03T11:00:58.026-05:00The truth.I have been trying to write up a race report for the Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon that I ran three (!!!) weeks ago.<br />
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I just haven't been able to do it. I've started. I've stopped. I've gone on and on about this and that and I haven't been able to publish anything.<br />
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Why? Because it hasn't been real. It has been "my race report with a positive spin on it" and that just hasn't been cutting it this time.<br />
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You see, I'm disappointed. I was disappointed and, quite honestly, I still am.<br />
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I wanted to run under 3:55 and qualify for Boston. I wanted it <i>so bad. </i>I believed I could do it. And for about 21 miles I was on my way. I was <i>doing it</i>. And then I wasn't.<br />
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Sure, my calf cramped and that sucked. But you know what sucked even more? The fact that after I stopped and stretched and massaged my calf, I gave up.<br />
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I saw the pace group getting farther and farther away from me and instead of bucking up and trying to slowly gain back my time, I let it all go. I didn't have any push in me. For the last five miles of the race I walked <i>a lot</i>. I gave up on 3:55 and when I realized I'd have to really get it together to even break 4 hours, I gave up on that, too.<br />
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I just gave up.<br />
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And that is the huge disappointment. I totally let myself down. And I feel like I let down every person who supported me and wished me well as I trained and trained for this marathon. It is a crummy feeling to have and one I need to work out if I want to go after something big again.<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not all doom and gloom about my running.<br />
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I ran a freaking marathon, after all! And, my finish time of 4:05:04 was still really good. I know that. I simply wish I didn't have the breakdown. I wish I had enough mental toughness to achieve my goal.<br />
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It was still a good day. And I am grateful to my friends and family for coming out and cheering me on. Even though I didn't do what I set out to do, I finished. And there is something to be said for that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEekYpg326k-ZgT0Es5ofdXne7hC5sTw1WopqXeMKC9nm3mYZ1rT-42vEVEe_ae_G6kFIn_D-HKdXwhUhj0HycxhKMMCLIV3L-G-znyJ41q6jPkA-aGJXWNl6e91abmZx4t8TXtJS32w/s1600/10640985_10204376873693583_5332694080813221637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEekYpg326k-ZgT0Es5ofdXne7hC5sTw1WopqXeMKC9nm3mYZ1rT-42vEVEe_ae_G6kFIn_D-HKdXwhUhj0HycxhKMMCLIV3L-G-znyJ41q6jPkA-aGJXWNl6e91abmZx4t8TXtJS32w/s1600/10640985_10204376873693583_5332694080813221637_n.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With three of my faves -- Janis, Bridget, me, Elisa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96fFcWZ6A6yhH3-SIolQBF0Cl0bcGHmZoQ6PuOCKEad-RFGOcz0ZffijZQ0ul-FvaoFHdvb8zotWTMlqBY-UsPCmGoO_ufmUwvobwWyN9TaeGlsZ_fLLOqoAlK5IxnzGRbcx6lX9jIM0/s1600/10672373_10204376883973840_4833878854663411712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96fFcWZ6A6yhH3-SIolQBF0Cl0bcGHmZoQ6PuOCKEad-RFGOcz0ZffijZQ0ul-FvaoFHdvb8zotWTMlqBY-UsPCmGoO_ufmUwvobwWyN9TaeGlsZ_fLLOqoAlK5IxnzGRbcx6lX9jIM0/s1600/10672373_10204376883973840_4833878854663411712_n.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my family!</td></tr>
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So, that's the story of my marathon as I see it right now. I'll be back, I'm sure. I'm running a little -- took 10 days off and now I'm getting out for 3-5 miles here and there. I'd like to just run and take it easy for a month or so and see where I end up. That's just where I am right now.<br />
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Funny, writing about how I really feel about this marathon has already made me feel a little better!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and reading my<i> wah-wah</i> race non-report!<br />
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Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-68896451214270500592014-10-09T21:55:00.001-04:002014-10-09T22:04:47.383-04:00Marathon goals.My third marathon is this Sunday. Sunday! That's right around the corner.<br />
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I've trained well for this race, which is good because I have some goals that I would really like to achieve. But I also had that hip injury flare up on me at the end of my training and, I have to admit, that is getting in my head a little bit.<br />
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I am doing my best to shake any doubts out of my head. I ran 4 miles yesterday at an easy pace and when I looked at my watch after the run I was happy to see my pace was well under my goal pace.<br />
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And what <i>is</i> my marathon goal pace, anyway? Well friends, it is a pace that would give me a new PR. It is a pace that would qualify me for Boston. It is 8:55.<br />
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8:55 per mile. For 26.2 miles.<br />
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That's all.<br />
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8:55 per mile would have me crossing the finish line in 3:54. A 3:54 marathon would qualify me for Boston (my BQ time is 3:55:00). I believe I can do it.<br />
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Why? Well, to start, I put my recent (ish) half marathon time into a few race prediction calculators. Here's what they <span style="color: #0000ee;">predicted for my marathon <span style="color: #0000ee;">time</span></span>:<br />
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Calculator #1: 3:50:33<br />
Calculator #2: 3:54:14<br />
Calculator #3: 3:52:04<br />
Calculator #4: 3:54:02<br />
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My training for this marathon has been better than my training for that half marathon. So that's a factor. Another factor in my favor is that the race takes place on my home turf. I know the course. I can sleep in my own bed the night before the race.<br />
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As long as I keep myself in check over the first half of the course, I believe I can run 3:54. I know it will be hard. I know I will want to stop in those last miles. I also know my body can handle <i>way</i> more than my mind gives it credit for. <br />
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I'm excited for Sunday. And nervous, sure. I've gone after big times before and missed them. But I've also gone after fast times and surprised myself by running faster.<br />
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I just have to see what race day will bring.<br />
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If you have good vibes to spare, send them my way! I'll be going after that 3:54 -- running my little heart out for sure!<br />
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Have a great weekend, everyone! Thanks for stopping by :-)<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-62433781198671230412014-10-05T20:16:00.003-04:002014-10-05T20:16:21.798-04:00September recap.September was quite the month with some really solid runs and then, well, then it petered out.<br />
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Overall, the month was a win. But I had to scrap a planned 14-miler at the end of the month <i>and</i> take three full days off of running because my wonky hip decided to flare up.<br />
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<i>Grrrr . . . </i><br />
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So, the month ended a bit down, but not completely. After the rest and loading up with my favorite Deep Blue Rub, I bounced right back. I started October with two joyful runs! Pain free!!<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>Phew.</i><br />
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The month in numbers:<i> </i><br />
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<b>Running (miles): </b>123.1<br />
<b>Races:</b> 0<br />
<b>Cross-training:</b> some rehab on the hip and a realization that I have <i>not</i> been doing enough pre-hab!<br />
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This week, I am NOT going to let my mind obsess about missing my last long run last week.<br />
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Instead, I will obsess about the race day weather. Seems appropriate!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Lcjf4em7UkHXn12ih9mwcV8hC1PisRuladnixAbhYYRwIv5awvYGnU1Eia_ltz8VmkQjwWk7HRj5MRGWcCI033t43jvGywWjgu583jx1lsHJfdlyNeeQY-CsKnGFUeTbFvKCAn622B4/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Lcjf4em7UkHXn12ih9mwcV8hC1PisRuladnixAbhYYRwIv5awvYGnU1Eia_ltz8VmkQjwWk7HRj5MRGWcCI033t43jvGywWjgu583jx1lsHJfdlyNeeQY-CsKnGFUeTbFvKCAn622B4/s1600/Untitled.png" height="73" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh . . . yeah! Looking good!! Fingers crossed that it stays that way.<br />
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Have a great week, everyone!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-59803507221509360642014-09-17T20:44:00.001-04:002014-09-17T20:44:18.347-04:00From worst to best.Two weeks ago I ran that horrible 20-miler. It was tough -- for many reasons. The two biggest reasons were the humidity and my stomach cramping issues. After that run, I wondered (several times) if I was meant for the marathon <i>at all</i>, let alone a marathon with a time goal.<br />
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I wondered and every time I did, I told myself that, yes, I'm meant for it. Now is the time to go for it. Go for that marathon PR. I mean, why not? Right? Right.<br />
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So I forged ahead and have had some rocking runs since.<br />
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Sunday's 22 mile run was the best yet.<br />
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I ran with people I've never run with before: Catherine, Rachel and Jen. Catherine was with us for about 5 miles and then looped back to finish with 14. Rachel, Jen and I continued on. We started in one county, crossed the bridge over the river, and ran on into another county. High adventure for this happy runner!<br />
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Mile 1: 10:03<br />
Mile 2: 9:58<br />
Mile 3: 9:28<br />
Mile 4: 9:16<br />
Mile 5: 9:51<br />
Mile 6: 10:20<br />
Mile 7: 9:53<br />
Mile 8: 9:46<br />
Mile 9: 9:41<br />
Mile 10: 9:38<br />
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After 10 miles, we popped into a 5K in Washington Park. It was such an odd thing to do, but it worked. It got us to pick up our pace on tiring legs. It also forced us to hold back, because we knew we'd have 9 miles left to run after the 5K.<br />
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<i>The 5K: </i><br />
Mile 11: 8:39<br />
Mile 12: 7:52<br />
Mile 13: 8:01<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8-sXf8kMyyD2LfkR07_PHGTW0wcmAwmEBc5hfDw711pPQ1mddVhsnhMlcQ6O4kq9zuhexlc7AiNNHcoyDyzvQMpLBZ4fQSNbgDIEgRQrRqGTOoxo6YCRysDAfVhOF7bBX48D1GyHiy0/s1600/race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8-sXf8kMyyD2LfkR07_PHGTW0wcmAwmEBc5hfDw711pPQ1mddVhsnhMlcQ6O4kq9zuhexlc7AiNNHcoyDyzvQMpLBZ4fQSNbgDIEgRQrRqGTOoxo6YCRysDAfVhOF7bBX48D1GyHiy0/s1600/race.jpg" height="308" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the race: Me, Jen, Rachel. Yes, I was wearing gloves. My hands were freezing on Sunday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We ran together for the race, finished, and ran back to where we'd started. We went a different route back to the start, which happened to be super-duper hilly. But, no matter. We conquered those hills!<br />
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Mile 14: 10:40<br />
Mile 15: 11:25<br />
Mile 16: 10:43<br />
Mile 17: 10:24<br />
Mile 18: 11:31<br />
Mile 19: 10:16<br />
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With 3 miles to go, something happened to me. My body just needed to <i>go</i>. I felt myself pick up the pace a little and I went with it. I worried for about half a second that I would not be able to hold on to the pace, but deep-down I knew I could.<br />
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Mile 20: 9:48<br />
Mile 21: 8:47<br />
Mile 22: 9:18<br />
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And I did. I ran such a solid last few miles. It felt awesome!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMfcKH2AQTLoNZy9xDNWAi4tmOrthgCh9nLB0G-OHBIjxkKX2W6unx7sYJZExru6iI8u6Gco_R57DWIpCMs_xx0K1BI8aJ0r84GQV2OS0r9t2CFmkDTBqa-A8ve_oCtzzPiHREpdjJz4/s1600/22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMfcKH2AQTLoNZy9xDNWAi4tmOrthgCh9nLB0G-OHBIjxkKX2W6unx7sYJZExru6iI8u6Gco_R57DWIpCMs_xx0K1BI8aJ0r84GQV2OS0r9t2CFmkDTBqa-A8ve_oCtzzPiHREpdjJz4/s1600/22.png" height="306" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooray!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Actually, the whole run felt awesome. I loved the company and our pacing and I really enjoyed the mid-run race break.<br />
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<b>Solid Sunday 22-miler = total confidence. </b><br />
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Now, my taper is right around the corner. I'm ready!<br />
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Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-25219860913634410982014-09-03T09:40:00.000-04:002014-09-03T09:40:10.760-04:00August recap.Training got <i>real</i> in August.<br />
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My long runs were longer and my overall mileage climbed higher than it has been in years. I committed to running more in the morning and that's what I did. I had an <a href="http://www.thehappyrunner.blogspot.com/2014/08/clove-run-10-mile-race-report.html">awesome race/long run </a>in mid-August and ran some strong workouts. I also had just about the crappiest long run ever -- Sunday's 20-miler.<br />
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Sure, I got it done. But, man-oh-man if it wasn't hard.<br />
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I don't know <i>exactly</i> what it was that caused my problems, all I know is that the run did not work for me. I cramped after eating my energy chews and felt like I was going to throw up for most of the rest of the run. It really kinda sucked.<br />
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And it totally messed with my head. You know, in that why-on-earth-am-I-even-thinking-about-running-another-marathon kind of way.<br />
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I need a strong rebound run this week to help me get back on track!<br />
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While I work on making that happen, here's a look at my month in miles: <br />
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<b>Running (miles):</b> 143.1<br />
<b>Races:</b> 1 -- <a href="http://www.thehappyrunner.blogspot.com/2014/08/clove-run-10-mile-race-report.html">the Clove Run</a> <br />
<b>Cross training:</b> ha!<br />
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And now it is September. The month of back to school. The month of soccer all the time. The month of peak training AND the beginning of my taper. The month before the marathon.<br />
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Exciting!!!<br />
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Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-40708694956626137192014-08-26T08:43:00.001-04:002014-08-26T08:43:26.926-04:00Yasso 800s in the mix.After focusing on marathon goal pace miles for the last few weeks, I decided I would run Yasso 800s yesterday. I wanted to test myself with some speedwork to kick off the week. My plan was to run 8 Yasso 800s, which requires me to run them at my goal marathon time, converted to minutes. So, 3:50-ish (my goal is 3:52).<br />
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If you're not familiar with Yasso 800s,<a href="http://running.about.com/od/speedworkouts/a/yasso800s.htm"> here's a page that explains how they work</a>. <br />
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I warmed up for about 3/4 of a mile and then took off running. I ran each 800 with a rest lap in between, where I jogged 400. Here's what my laps looked like:<br />
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<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">
Lap 1: 3:47 </span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Lap 2: 3:45 </span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Lap 3: 3:42 </span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Lap 4: 3:45 </span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Lap 5: 3:42 </span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Lap 6: 3:46</span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Lap 7: 3:48 </span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Lap 8: 3:41 </span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">No 3:50s, but I was able to hold on. I mean, look at that 8th lap compared to the 1st -- 6 seconds faster! And I wasn't dying <i>at all</i> during these intervals. In fact, I felt really good. Really strong. I <i>almost</i> added on two more laps. But then I reminded myself to stick to my plan. No need to go all crazy with the Yassos!</span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">That workout was a win. Now, I'm shifting my focus to my 20-miler for this weekend. I don't know where or when I'll do this run but I fully admit that I am already getting excited for it! </span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Thanks for stopping by -- have a good week!</span></span><br />
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Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-49104277015150034072014-08-18T09:18:00.001-04:002014-08-18T09:18:07.380-04:00Clove Run 10 Mile Race Report.Saturday was the day of two runs. My main goal was <b>my 18 mile marathon training run</b>. But it also happened to be the day of the <a href="http://www.vanrensselaerdivision.org/Clove_Run/">Clove Run</a>, a <b>local 10-mile race </b>that I've run for the past few years. I really enjoy the race and was even the <a href="http://www.thehappyrunner.blogspot.com/2011/08/clove-run-2011-race-report.html">top female finisher back in 2011</a>.<br />
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This year, I decided to sandwich the race in the middle of my 18-miler. I figured it would be a good opportunity to test out my marathon goal pace over an extended run. Plus, I'd get to run 18 miles in a race atmosphere.<br />
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I started out by running 2 miles by myself and then hooked up with Elisa and Bridget for a mile. Bridget had already run 4 miles by herself (she was sandwiching the race in the middle of her 16-miler) so she left us and Elisa and I ran one more mile before the race started. I quickly changed out of my super-sweaty shirt and headed to the start line.<br />
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I had a plan. I wanted to run at a steady pace, but walk the two major hills. My marathon goal pace is 8:51 so I was hoping to stick close to that for the entire race. I know myself, however, so I know that I don't always start out slow enough in my races. I tend to bolt out of the gate. On Saturday, though, I kept it in check.<br />
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<b>Mile 1: 8:40</b><br />
<b>Mile 2: 8:33</b><br />
<b>Mile 3: 8:29</b><br />
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I kept telling myself to slow down but I also tried really hard to only look at my watch at the mile markers. I wanted to run by feel as much as possible.<br />
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Those first 6 miles flew by -- surprisingly.<br />
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<b>Mile 4: 8:36</b><br />
<b>Mile 5: 8:15</b><br />
<b>Mile 6: 8:31</b><br />
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There's no marker for Mile 6, but there is one for the 10K, which comes right before the first big hill. Because I had been feeling so good, I <i>almost</i> decided to run up the whole hill. But my plan was to walk at a certain point, so walk I did! My hip thanked me for it.<br />
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At the top of the hill, there is a family that has a water stop for the runners and they were so incredibly nice! I stopped, took my gel (honey stinger) and some water, chatted with the kind family, and then ran on.<br />
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As nice as that stop was, though, it might not have been worth it. <b>That gel did me wrong</b>. Or maybe it was the stopping? Or combination? Something was not right because a few minutes after taking the gel I got a cramp and it stuck with me for pretty much the rest of the race. <i>Boo!</i><br />
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<b>Mile 7: 9:24</b><br />
<b>Mile 8: 8:05</b><br />
<b>Mile 9: 8:29</b><br />
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And then there was the last mile. Ah, yes. The last mile with <i>that</i> hill. I walked it all. See, the hill comes at a point in the race when you've already run 9+ miles. Who wants to run up a steep hill at that point? Not me, that's for sure.<br />
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So, I walked and then tried my best to pull out a strong finish.<br />
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<b>Mile 10: 10:14</b><br />
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I ended up finishing is 1:27:19 -- an 8:45 pace overall and good enough for 3rd place in my age group!<br />
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Not too shabby!<br />
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After finishing, I continued running for 4 more (slow) miles. The cool part of running those miles was that I also got to listen to my aunt's band that was providing post-race entertainment! Pretty<u> </u>awesome!<br />
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In the end, I ran 18 miles with 10 of them just under marathon goal pace. I learned that I do well with nuun in my water, but still need to figure out mid-race fuel. The gels really don't work for me. I re-confirmed that my Injinji toe socks rock for long runs. Same goes for my awesome favorite running skirt.<br />
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I wish I had some race day pictures but, alas, that didn't happen!<br />
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All-in-all, a good day of running! I'm glad I ran the <a href="http://www.vanrensselaerdivision.org/Clove_Run/">Clove Run</a> -- one of my favorite races -- as part of my 18-miler. Breaking the miles up like I did (4/10/4) made them relatively easy!<br />
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Sunday was a nice little recovery run and now, today, I will rest! Hope you had a great weekend -- thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-11350041072694940392014-08-12T12:22:00.001-04:002014-08-12T12:22:18.159-04:00Celebrations!We've been doing a bit of celebrating here in Happy Runner-ville.<br />
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First, Owen and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary on Thursday. We had a great day together. We went to <a href="http://www.adirondackextreme.com/">Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course</a> during the day and then out for a delicious dinner that evening. Lots of fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOBD8mYhdOST9ZzNAGqu5dHhwMoTatIhuexJs9JCNtTS_Yj3d6iwMZV6uD7nI0hj3RksIe7Mf_CyKdwzWnZUawcqQhuq-j7494ahW3SK_Q1jeXp097WZLq93Z-6oKyJlsIJ8xsuvuLT4/s1600/10599674_10152355513096374_2601584815903518643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOBD8mYhdOST9ZzNAGqu5dHhwMoTatIhuexJs9JCNtTS_Yj3d6iwMZV6uD7nI0hj3RksIe7Mf_CyKdwzWnZUawcqQhuq-j7494ahW3SK_Q1jeXp097WZLq93Z-6oKyJlsIJ8xsuvuLT4/s1600/10599674_10152355513096374_2601584815903518643_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Check out that wobbly bridge behind us! It was way up high -- and way wobbly!</i></td></tr>
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Then, on Saturday, we had a surprise 60th birthday party for my aunt at my house. It was a huge success -- she was surprised and so, so happy. Just perfect. Another day of fun!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXc6cAg5KeIE5Q8gV4MBmtNG6pN-Yvd4Lv58b8QRHy5uxSTdZM4UZ85kZWE_Fdv9u1GoUTZDuHhPS2zQyO8vNp-49Y8l-geCHT7vooiH1L7A3q3NsytFMJxFQkvuSJk3QrQqVnucBBwU/s1600/10563068_10152360566146374_1696915144771780529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXc6cAg5KeIE5Q8gV4MBmtNG6pN-Yvd4Lv58b8QRHy5uxSTdZM4UZ85kZWE_Fdv9u1GoUTZDuHhPS2zQyO8vNp-49Y8l-geCHT7vooiH1L7A3q3NsytFMJxFQkvuSJk3QrQqVnucBBwU/s1600/10563068_10152360566146374_1696915144771780529_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We took a break from the party to get a group shot of the family.</i></td></tr>
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To top it all off, on Sunday I ran 10 solo miles and they went <i><b>way better</b></i> than I expected. I call that something to celebrate!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEAv0fiMafJdKM6XvsnTfsPLtbCC_UdheRsTMw-409_TE9omVAzR4jch3SrRWXM_mL-_2G3eeat-Lgd9wh6p85JWR6rdTT8WEKAj-goV6XPLZMg2EGD7wgjGhxWx2ngrLCQQopmyBaOE/s1600/10+mile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEAv0fiMafJdKM6XvsnTfsPLtbCC_UdheRsTMw-409_TE9omVAzR4jch3SrRWXM_mL-_2G3eeat-Lgd9wh6p85JWR6rdTT8WEKAj-goV6XPLZMg2EGD7wgjGhxWx2ngrLCQQopmyBaOE/s1600/10+mile.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Felt great!</i></td></tr>
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All good stuff, for sure. This week is shaping up to be a good one, too. Just not full of celebrations, but still full of fun. I'm going to be disappointed when this summer ends!<br />
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Have a great week, everyone!<br />
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Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-39317624781284127382014-08-06T20:44:00.001-04:002014-08-06T20:44:33.880-04:00Going early, going long.Some days, I don't even know who I am.<br />
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Some days, it seems, I'm an early morning runner. That is <i><b>not</b></i> me. Not at all.<br />
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Except for when I am training for a marathon. In the middle of the summer. Then, apparently, I turn into that strange being that is the early morning runner.<br />
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And I don't mind it -- mostly. So odd, right?<br />
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Now, I usually do all of my long runs in the morning and some other runs as well. But when I've done those long runs, they've been at fairly civilized times. 7:30, perhaps. Or 8:00. Times that allow me to sleep until at least 7. Nothing crazy.<br />
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On Friday, though, I had 16 miles on the schedule and one of my running pals had to get in to work after the run. So we needed to get out early. Which meant I woke up <b>in the 5s!</b><br />
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Nuttiness.<br />
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But I did it. 16 hilly, early-morning miles. Done. The first 10 miles were with Bridget and Elisa and they were full of conversation. The last 6 miles were done alone. Miles 11-14 were run right around marathon goal pace (8:51).<br />
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The last two miles were run right around barely running pace. I was dragging. With a mile and a half to go, I wanted to scrap the whole thing. Not just the run but the whole marathon training.<br />
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I gave myself a virtual slap upside the head, got back in the game and ran on. I finished the whole 16 miles. And the benefit of starting so early? I still had the whole day ahead of me.<br />
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Then, on Tuesday, I got up <b>in the 5s again!</b> This time, to meet a neighbor for an easy run.<br />
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We ran a little less than 4 miles together and I ran a mile on my own. I hadn't run with my neighbor since before my half marathon in May so it was good to catch up. Even if it did mean seeing these numbers on the clock when I woke up:<br />
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Who am I?<br />
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Still the same happy runner, for sure. Just with the renewed ability to bust out some miles early in the morning!<br />
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That's what marathon training does, I guess!<br />
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Enjoy the rest of your week, everyone!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4387275476617323454.post-44327989965607014352014-07-31T18:19:00.003-04:002014-07-31T18:19:49.739-04:00July recap.First, thanks for your comments on <a href="http://www.thehappyrunner.blogspot.com/2014/07/marathon-pacing.html">marathon pace runs</a>. I'm making a few tweaks to my training plan and I'll be incorporating fast finish (marathon pace) long runs into the mix. I feel good about it.<br />
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Second, July rocked.<br />
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It did. I ran more than I've run in over a year. And I ran strong. I'm so pleased.<br />
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Here's the breakdown:<br />
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<b>Running (miles):</b>113.8<br />
<b>Races:</b> 0<br />
<b>Cross training:</b> not much<br />
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Wow. Over 100 miles for the month! That's great for me. I've been serious about rest and recovery, knowing full-well what happens when I skimp on those, so getting up over 100 miles and feeling so strong is a sign, to me, that my training is going well. Hooray!<br />
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I welcome what is to come in August!<br />
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Have a great day, everyone. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Felice Devinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18038461010518039172noreply@blogger.com2