Something for the Road

Technology Benefits All

Yes, I admit that sometimes I let other things babysit my children.  I was quite occupied last week (mostly painting), and when I checked on Nora, her dad had her all set up.  She had the tunes going and she was playing, “paper toss,” on Mike’s iPod Touch.  She was in heaven, and she knew how to work every aspect of that little machine.  Hopefully, she’ll still has a chance at growing up alright . . . .

Peter and the Wolf

The kids and I stumbled across this great version of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, the other day.  Suzie Templeton is the director of this classic folktale which takes place in contemporary Russia. I really like her style and the stop-motion animation is amazing, I think. The film won the 2008 Oscar for Best Animated Short.

We came across this movie when we were looking for something to watch on a rainy day and found it on Netflix On-Demand.  I love my Netflix subscription.  And, the on-demand option is new to us and has become quite useful lately, especially since our Dish is still on pause.

The kids didn’t know what to think at first.  The movie is only about 30 minutes long, but about 5 minutes into it, Caleb wanted to know if they were ever going to say anything.  That didn’t bother him, though, because the story is told so well through the animation and music.  You can view a little clip of it here.

By the way, if you don’t subscribe to Netflix, yet, you can get a Free One Month trial by entering one of the following priority codes:  M388617020875 or M368687020835 or M328627020825 or M358637020845.

Paired Up

This is what it looks like when you bottle fruit with a buddy . . . well, at least when I do it with a buddy.  On my own, the fruit looks a little iffy and I’m overwhelmed and I remind myself that it’s hardly worth the effort. 

However with my canning buddy, Kirsten, I end up with beautiful, bottled pears that look like these.  I haven’t yet let the kids try them . . . .I think we’ll save them for the long winter when they’re a true treat.  We ended up with 22 quarts of pears each, and today we did 11 bottles each of pear sauce.  That may seem like small potatoes to some of you hard-core canners, but when I look at the results, I feel like I just won the lottery (not that I play).

They are beautiful, aren’t they?

Phidippides

I think I am ready to return to normal life.  I’m over my disappointment, I think.  I have had so many friends pat me on the back and reassure me and congratulate me for running the Chelan Marathon.  And, although I did not meet my expectations, I have come to the conclusion that maybe my expectations may have been a little high, and just because I fell short I shouldn’t come to the conclusion that I’m at the end of my running career.  (Maybe a little dramatic,  . . . I wonder where my girls get it?).

My sister-in-law, Karen reminded me of the story of the first Marathon in history.  It goes something like this . . . .

“The Athens, vastly outnumbered, desperately needed the help of Sparta's military base to help fend off the attack. Time was short, so the Athenian generals send Phidippides (or Philippides) a professional runner to Sparta to ask for help. The 140 mile course was very mountainous and rugged. Phidippides ran the course in about 36 hours. Sparta agreed to help but said they would not take the field until the moon was full due to religious laws. This would leave the Athenians alone to fight the Persian Army. Phidippides ran back to Athens (another 140 miles!) with the disappointing news. Immediately, the small Athenian Army (including Phidippedes) marched to the plains of Marathon to prepare for battle.

The Athenian Army was outnumbered 4 to 1 but they launched a suprise offensive thrust which at the time appeared suicidal. But by day's end, 6400 Persian bodies lay dead on the field while only 192 Athenians had been killed. The surviving Persians fled to sea and headed south to Athens where they hoped to attack the city before the Greek Army could re-assemble there.

Phidippides was again called upon to run to Athens (26 miles away) to carry the news of the victory and the warning about the approaching Persian ships. Despite his fatigue after his recent run to Sparta and back and having fought all morning in heavy armor, Phidippides rose to the challenge. Pushing himself past normal limits of human endurance, the reached Athens in perhaps 3 hours, delivered his message and then died shortly thereafter from exhaustion.” (taken from The Marathon Story)

So, I am better off than Phidippides.  I did not die . . . .I live on.  And, thus I continue to run, but maybe a little more at my pace and my enjoyment.  And, I try to remember why I run and how it makes me feel and what kind of a person it helps me be.  And, in the back of my mind I try not to think about the urge to eventually return to the Chelan Marathon and conquer the course . . . someday.

Chelan Shore to Shore Marathon

Words I’m using to describe my experience today:  Challenging, Disappointing, Miserable, Painful, and Rewarding.

Number of Marathon Runners:  48
Finish Time of first finishing Female:  3:38
My Finish Time:  5:09
My finish place: 41st

My Support Group

 

See Jessamyne run 1 mile with me when i was discouraged (in her crocs):

     

See Mike try to help me out of the depths of despair:

 

See me run (when I’m not walking)

   

See me finish:

What I learned this time around:

Sometimes the planets don’t collide and the stars don’t align.
I’m a social marathoner – I don’t enjoy running races by myself.
If you aren’t there mentally, it doesn’t matter how much you’ve prepared physically.
Sometimes, even when you’re prepared, it’s painful.
I love Half-Marathons.
Chelan has a lot of hills surrounding the lake.
My family is crucial to my success.
Porta-potties are heaven.
Sometimes the victory comes from just finishing, not your finish time.
Small races sometimes mean there are less behind you and more in front of you.
I am my own worst enemy.
The little train “that could,” must’ve said, “I think I can,” many times.
My husband is the best husband in the whole world.

Disclaimer:  This post was written about 2 hours after I finished the race – if you want a more positive perspective, ask me about it in at least a month.

Happy Birthday, Sister

Jessica, you are amazing.  Thanks for always being available to listen to my complaints and whining.  You are a good sister and a great friend.

Who would’ve ever thought that we would be best friends?  I know, you did.  I was a little stand-offish, but you always were constant and forgiving.  Thank goodness for that.  Who would’ve thought that we would marry people who liked each other?  Another blessing.

You forgave me when I pulled you off the bed by your hair.  You forgave me when I pretended that you weren’t my sister.  You forgave me when I yelled at you every Saturday when we had to clean our room.  Thanks for that.  I’m hoping you’ll forgive me for these photos . . . .

 

Hopefully you’ll continue to forgive me when I fall short.  I’m glad you’re my sister.  Thanks for adding so much to my life.  As Nacho would say, you’re the “beeeeest.”  I love you!

In The Bag

1 Day until The Marathon.

I just finished packing – that seemed to help my mind get there a little more.  I’m going to miss my Dad this time.  He talked to me most of the miles and I loved the way he jumped on all the timing bars every time we passed one.  He is also a very friendly runner – he strikes up a conversation and jokes with anyone.  He has been my inspiration.

I have started taking a small “running bag” whenever we go out of town.  This is new for me, but I love that running is so a part of my life now that I don’t leave it behind when I travel.  So, here’s what I put in my running bag for the Chelan Marathon:

3 Gu Energy Gel (just in case)
Cytomax Drink powder for my water
BodyGlide Anti-Chafing Stick (it’s not optional)
Plastic Bag (for stinky running clothes)
2 pairs of Balega Women's Lady Enduro Sock
1 running jacket
1 long-sleeved running shirt
1 running tank
My favorite running skort (Eddie Bauer)
Running hat
GARMIN Forerunner to track my progress
Bluetooth (in case I need a life-line)
iPod Shuffle
Printed Race Details
New Balance Running Shoes

Looking at this list, I might just be a little techy, but these are all comfort items for me – I’m sure every runner has their own list of what to bring.

We’re off . . . I’m looking forward to the drive, chatting with Mike, spending time with the kids and reading my Runner’s World so I can get a little more motivated.  See you at the Finish-Line!

Friends, Indeed

2 days until The Marathon.

Friends are vital in reaching any goal.  I am surrounded by family and friends who tell me, “I can.”  Isn’t that how it should be in life?  Friends have not always come so easy to me, especially in my pre-teen years – you know the ones where you have tight curly, short hair and your face hasn’t grown into your nose, yet?  And, you’re already a little insecure? (see picture below)

 

 

My daughter struggles with friends.  She told me the other day that she doesn’t fit in anywhere.  We curled up in my bed and talked and cried and my heart broke for her.  I’ve come a long way since those curly-haired days, but I still remember how it felt to be left out and it was a struggle just to muddle through life because it wasn’t any fun without a good friend.  So, I ached for her.  I told her to hold out and be strong – because she does have the confidence I lacked – and someday she will be surrounded by good friends who build her up and lift her up and help her be who she can be.

I have those friends – many of whom are my siblings.  I love that every time I have a race, my phone rings 6 times and I have brothers and sisters asking about my small achievements.  My grown-up friends are exactly the same way, and no matter what they have going on in their lives, they show an interest in mine.  I had 5 phone calls today with encouragement from my good friends.  I have no doubt that if I need to make a phone call during that race, they would be there for me, talking me through – helping me endure.  And, of course I could never accomplish half of what I do without Mike – my biggest fan and friend.

Those are the kind of friends that I hope and pray for Jessamyne.  In this crazy life, those are the kind of friends that are a necessity . . . I’m grateful for mine.

Mental

3 days until The Marathon.

I have physically trained for this race.  With one exception, I have stuck to my training schedule and run every stinkin’ mile, every week.  I have logged every long run, even splitting when necessary.  I have done the speed work to every time specification, every week.  Physically, I have done the work.

The Chelan Marathon is close, and mentally I’m wondering if I could complete a 10k.  I have constant doubts.  My friends tell me I can do it.  Experience tells me I can do it.  My husband thinks I am silly.  I’m wondering if I can make it past the 5-mile mark?  What is going on in my brain?

I haven’t run this course before, but I have run the half marathon course, and it is a great one.  This is the first time I won’t be running with a buddy – that terrifies me.  But, my friends have assured me that they’re all on call so I will be taking my cell phone.  Maybe I should invest in a bluetooth device so that I can chat while I run?  Mike plans to cheer for me along the way – he says if I’m not going to run it, he will.  I wish he were running it with me.

So, what to do?  Last night I started reading my Runner’s World.  I’ve saved the October edition for motivation.  For some reason, I love to read all the stories about all the runners who have overcome something and still run.  I’ll probably pray a lot more.  And, I’ll probably tell myself over and over, “I think I can, I think I can . . . . .”

The Consumption Dilemma

4 days until The Marathon.

I have done quite a bit of research on what exactly to eat when I’m training for a race.  When it comes down to it, it might be fair to say that one of the reasons I run is because I love to eat.  I know, it’s a bold confession.

From what I’ve read, many factors contribute to a great race day.  Aside from sticking to your training schedule, it seems like planets must collide, stars inevitably align.  Although, I do know that nutrition consumed leading up to the race, particularly the week before, is a major factor and one that I have had a heck of a time trying to figure out.

In a nutshell, when training for a race I try not to focus on limiting calories, but really listening to my body (that’s my new strategy, anyway).  My favorite lean protein foods include chicken, turkey, tilapia, and salmon.  I also eat lots of veggies sautéed in olive oil, and my salads are dressed in olive oil and red vinegar.  Favorite carbs include potatoes and multi-grain or whole wheat pasta.  Snacks usually involve almonds, peanut butter, and when I’m in the mood . . . soy nuts. 

And then, there is the big Costco-size tub of chocolate-covered almonds sitting in my pantry.  We don’t have a Costco in town, so I bought them over a week ago and they are screaming my name.  I knew I would want them after the race, so that was the idea, but somehow I had to open them to give some to a friend (yeah, right.)

Here’s what I’ve come across when searching for the perfect runner’s diet:

Running planet points out that those training for a marathon should consume a diet that is 65% Carbohydrates, 25% Protein, and 10% Fat.

Marathon Bible says that the ratio is more 50% Carbohydrates, 25% Protein, and 25% Fat, and that performance is based on the glycogen levels in your body which come from either intense training or the right balance of carbohydrates.

Runner’s World has a great article called, “The Right Stuff,” which addresses all of the do’s and don’ts involving pre-race nutrition.

In the end, unless you’re a competitive, elite runner, you’re doing this mainly because you enjoy it and you’re setting goals that are important to you, but won’t break any records.  And, within reason, just because you’re training for a marathon doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods all of the time.  After all, those first long runs were completed because I had a good friend that kept reminding me there was a chocolate croissant at the finish-line.