Debris, Carnage 12 Miles – Silvia August 25, 2008

I had to laugh when the announcer commentating on the Olympic marathon predicted debris and carnage along the marathon route because the men went out at a blistering 2:04 pace, in the 84 degree temperature with high humidity. i expected bodies strewn all over the place where the men are prostrated on the road, drooling from their mouths. That didn’t quite happen, but it was a thrilling race to watch. I was so glad for the Kenyan who brought home that country’s first Olympic gold (were you as surprised as I was, finding out that little tidbit of information.)

The next morning I did my 12 mile run. I started late, after 11am. Dumb, dumb mistake. It was hot, almost 90 degress, the humidity was at about 60% and I had my dog. The good thing was that my husband made me a leash with some nylon rope so I wouldn’t have to lug around the heavy retractable leash. The bad thing was that we had no water. I know, call PETA on me. I knew there was a pavilion at the ark we were going to, so I was hoping that there was some sort of water there. I wanted to run at a 10 minute pace. I thought I could do that comfortably. The first 3 miles went well. I ran the first mile in 10 minutes, the second in 9:30 (oops- big mistake there) and the third in about 9:48. Then it went downhill. The sun was beating down on me; I was thirsty and felt the energy draining from me. Finally at mile 4, the pavilion loomed before me, like a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. I headed straight for the water fountain. As luck would have it there was a dog water bowl there, and I first filled it up for some water for Barclay, which he gladly lapped up. After I had my fill, I used the facilities. This is luxury – it had a flushing toilet sink, and mirror. Beachwood rocks! (This is the same spot that has wifi access.) I have to say – and you may want to turn away when I say this rather gross piece of information – but when it burned when I relieved myself. My body temperature was so hot. It scared me a little.

rested and refreshed we headed out. I have to say the next 8 miles were just torture. I stopped and walked. I ran. I slogged. I wanted to quit running and I remembered when the commentator mentioned that the Kenyan who won had a runner’s body – lean and light. He was 5′4″ and 112. What the hell am I doing out here at 5′6″ and 160? I have huge thighs, which makes me have more of a sprinter’s body. not a long distance body.

At one point when I had a tiny surge of energy my Garmin’s battery went low so it automatically stopped my timing. I must have ran at least a half mile…for nothing! When I figured that out I was so mad. I eventually made it to another park with another drinking fountain, not before I spent nearly minutes standing under a sprinkler with Barclay lying beside me. People went by us in their cars, laughing. I didn’t care and neither did Barclay the water felt so good. Finally, we hit Barclay’s swimming hole where he got to cool off again. By that time I had about 1 and half miles to go. I was spent. Barclay was refreshed. Oh well. I think I walked about a half mile and then decided to jog the rest.

I did 12 miles in 2 hours and 9 minutes. The men ran a whole mnarathon by that time. I felt dejected and defeated. But, I am not giving up.

11 miles – Silvia August 19, 2008

I looked down at my Garmin 405 and read 4.66. Shit! I am not even half way done! I stopped. I can’t do this. I look ahead and see my dog look back at me as if to say, why are we stopping. Damn dog with limitless energy. I keep going.

The night before I watched the women’s marathon. I was amazed and enthralled with their super lean bodies and blistering pace, despite the announcer saying they were running at a “pedestrian” 5:30. Pedestrian! He even said that one of the runners was “slogging” along. Slogging? That’s my word…that’s me. That’s not them. I was “running” at a 11 minute mile pace – not consistently either.

Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth I ran along the 2 mile dirt road. I was getting sick of trees, mud, and weeds. I saw a deer take off and that was cool. I heard wld turkeys and wanted my dog to chase them for fun, but he didn’t. He was too busy staying ahead of me and then looking back and thinking, come on slowpoke.

I finished the 11 miles, on one hour and 59 minutes. Sick. The marathoners were practically done by that time. How in the hell am I going to run 26.2?

I did decide in my 2 hours of thinking and running and dehydrating ( I didnt have any water…stupid I know) to go on a diet. Perhaps I was delirious. But I can’t carry around these extra 4 bowling balls anymore. It’s just too hard. The day after my 11 miles, I could barely move. My mother is taking care of her husband, who is really sick, and needs a walker to move around. Believe me, I was eying that walker with envy. That’s how sore I was. So, starting Thursday (well maybe Friday because my hubby and I have date night Thursdays) I am going to try to make some lifestyle changes in my eating habits. I will keep you posted.

One more thing.  As I was getting ready for my run, I put on my hefty armor to hold in the girls because this was going to be a long run.  I  checked my luggage and I was aghast because I forgot my Vaseline.  Uh oh!  You know what that means…major chaffing.   So, I decided to improvise and used my Adidas deodorant in all the strategic spots.  I figured the chaffing is caused by the wetness rubbing against straps.  Guess what?  It worked.  There was no chaffing in the spots where I applied the deodorant.  Yippee!  I didn’t worry about blocking sweat glands or whatever because I sweat in so many places that it more than makes up for the lack of sweat near my buxom bosom.   Speaking of sweat.  My ears sweated so much that my headphones (the kind you wear over your ears with the foam over the speakers) were soaked and I could ring them out like a sponge!  YUCK!

8 miles with the Garmin Forerunner 405 – Silvia August 2, 2008

When I got home from Columbus I was greeted with a present from my loving husband.  It was a Garmin Forerunner 405.  What is that, you ask?  Well, its a GPS-enabled sports watch with wireless sync.  At first, I thought it would show me little maps where I could run and avoid nasty stuff like hills, but it’s not like that.  You can go for a run and then it can take you back home using a compass like feature.  I didn’t use that feature.  I don’t even know how to use that feature yet.  I just used the Training mode to show how far I ran and what pace.  It was like running with my treadmill!  I could see how far I still have to go and the time.

This run I took Barclay, my border collie.  I am happy to report that when I untangled him from the leash at around mile 5, he did’t stand there to wait, he actually lied down!  I was gleefully delighted.  Tired, are we, little doggie?  At mile 6.77 I was dying.  I wanted it to be over already.  I looked at my pace and it said 14:48 minute miles. No kidding!  I was practically walking!  What is more shocking I felt I was running!  At mile 7.9 0 sprinted the last bit and I only reached a 9:34 min/mile pace.  I did the 8 miles in 1 hour and 24 minutes, which is about a 11/mile pace.  I am not upset.  That’s why I am training for this marathon.  I realize that it is hard work and it may not look pretty but I can do it!

Right now I am going to download the software for the Garmin.  A new tech toy!  I’m in heaven!