Runner Girl

Really, I have been running...

2008-11-11T06:35:00.000-08:00

I just haven't been posting any of it here.

Some big things have happened:

I ran a half marathon.

My job has allowed me to start a running club and be involved in managing the club.

I am trying to increase my usual workout from 3 or 4 miles to 6. And I want to do it in under an hour.

I run even if my friends can't join me.

I miss running when I am unable to get to the gym.

Which reminds me, I better get running...

Back on Track

2008-07-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

I think I am finally back on the right track. I had a few annoying injuries and the surgery in May. I was allowed to start running again in late June. It was tough getting back, but I feel like I am back to where I was before April.

I ran the Palmer Lake 4 on the Fourth Run. 4 miles - 38:52
Thanks to Karen for running with me. It made for a fun morning.

This weekend was another big milestone, my first 10K. The Classic 10K was run from Tiffany Square to North Monument Valley Park. My boys dropped me at the start and cheered me on at the end. Thanks guys! 10K - 1:00:09

Waiting

2008-04-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Doogie Houser sent me for an x-ray. I tried to pump the x-ray tech for info, all she said was, "You should wrap it for support." What does that mean? Muscle injury, shin splints, or stress fracture?

What a pain!

2008-04-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

My left leg hurts.

It started after the April Nielson challenge. I iced it and rested it for a few days and it felt a little better. I took a few Aleve and ran the Tortoise and the Hare 5K this past Saturday. Then it really hurt. I iced it and rested it. And iced it and rested it. Some running friends said "shin splints" other running friends said "stress fracture." I have been limping around for 5 days. This morning I am limping into the doctor's office for a professional opinion.

I have a feeling this will be bad news for my running season.

What is in a number?

2008-04-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

My weight was written on my racing bib. I had to walk around like that for 20 minutes before the race. I had to run the race with my weight listed. I may be in need of some therapy after this run.

The Tortoise & Hare 5K is a handicap race. You get your bib, give your age (38), height (64 inches), and get on the scale (I am not posting my weight). They figure everyone's handicap and start the clock counting backward from 20 minutes. This is supposed to level the field by taking into account the limitations of running with more weight on your shorter, old legs. When it gets to your number handicap you start running. My handicap 9:24. So I had a 9 minute headstart over the punks lined up behind me snickering about my weight.

My cheering section was very vocal. Thanks boys! The chants of "Go Mommy Go" really helped me focus on the finish.

I finished in 28:17. Crossed the finish line 28th. And beat those snickering punks.

However, if I had known that your weight was listed on the bib, I wouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning. Hopefully by next year I will have forgotten or lost 20 pounds. On the bright side, I beat my last 5K by 7 seconds. And of the 27 people ahead of me, only 1 had a higher handicap. So, I am pretty good for an old, short, chunky chick.

It was a beautiful day for a run...

2008-04-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

...and I convinced my mom friends to join me! Thanks Jennifer, Paula and Karen. This was Monica's second month to run! I think it is always more fun to run with friends. I am always trying to recruit the moms to come out and run. Paula even asked me if the race organizers were giving me a commission!

My time improved over last month, 18:07, and I ran the entire thing. I usually walk a tiny bit of the back loop but not this time. This is my last Nielson challenge for a few months, I am having some scheduling conflicts with other races and summer vacations coming up.

My next race will be Tortoise and Hare 5K handicap challenge, April 12th. They use your age and weight to determine your handicap so I should be AWESOME!!

Then the UCCS Bash the Bluffs, April 27th. They have a 10K and 5K, I havent decided which I am doing yet...

still chugging along..

2008-04-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been a while since I posted. I had some soreness in my left knee that I am attributing to my left ankle injury. So I took it easy and have been going slow and steady even since. No big 10Ks, just a few easy miles every few days. I am also trying to get some cycling, StairMaster and weights into my workout. I have been reading every running book I can get my hands on too!

The Nielsen challenge is Saturday and I may have recruited more moms to come out and run. It is an easy course, and gives you a good way to measure your progress.

My latest big achievement is that I crossed the 200 mile mark on my nikeplus. I crossed the 100 mile mark in November, so I have logged 100 miles since then. In fact I have over 91 miles so far this year. At this rate I may be able to hit 400 miles this year.

My next big race is the Take 5 in the Garden (Garden of the Gods), I plan to do the 5 mile race. It is VERY hilly, if it would stop snowing I could go out and run....Come on summer, I am ready.

As a side note, Griffin has joined the Landsharks, an elementary school track program. He is quick too. I will post his results after his meets.

Dear Runner

2008-03-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Runner,

Yes, I know it is a crowded start however I was standing here first and you really shouldn't squeeze right in front on me. I was a good little runner and headed to the start line a few minutes before the scheduled start. Can I have some personal space please? I did not save this spot for you while you were busy hitting the bathroom one more time and fixing your ponytail. And by the way, please stop flipping your ponytail in my face, I think I am allergic to your shampoo. You know, there is probably more room towards the back of this pack.

And I don't mean to be mean, but you should start roughly where you anticipate finishing. For instance, if you know you will be in the last 20% of racers to finish, you should start in the back 20% of the crowd. If you have never finished in the top 10%, you really do not need to have your toe on the starting line. Most likely this won't be the race where your bionic speed finally propels you across the finish line before anyone else.

It is also a pain to pass you and your three girlfriends when you run side by side, the trail isn't that wide. Do you really need to do everything together, can't you just hug after the race?

Thanks for being more considerate next time. I know you do not realize what a pain you can be. Just remember to line up appropriately and keep your ponytail out of my face.

Sincerely,
Colorado Runner Girl

St. Patrick's Day 5K

2008-03-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

The car thermometer read 32 degrees as I drove downtown. Well, it is warmer than the Rescue Run. My running friend Tammy found me, "I just look for your pink hat," she said. I was happy to have found a familiar face. There were a lot of runners, my largest race so far. It was a crowded start and the competition kept me going.
I set a new personal record for the mile 8:49. I finished in 28:24, another new personal record.

I wish the guys could have been there to cheer me on and stay for the parade, but it was Pinewood Derby Day and we had trophys to win.

Protecting your knees

2008-03-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article I found from my new favorite site. Protecting your knees.

If you are looking for more articles on running and cycling check this out.

Thursday morning run

2008-03-13T15:20:00.001-07:00

Yes, life was too busy yesterday for a run so I skipped. This morning I made up for it. When my 55 minutes on the treadmill were almost up I realized I wasn't too far off from completing a 10K. I decide to keep on going and try to set a personal 10K record. 1:04:54. And I ran all but .10 mile. It felt great. I am taking tommorrow off to rest for Saturday.

Tuesday morning run

2008-03-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

We were back at the YMCA today, Hayden loves "Y school" and I sold the jog stroller after our last few aborted attempts to use it.

I lucked out again and got the treadmill with cable, I love HGTV. Since the 5K is coming up this weekend I decided to try to time a 5K and see if I can beat it on Saturday. I ran the entire time, no walking even to drink. My 5K time was a new record for me, 30:42. I seem to run faster in races than training so hopefully I can beat it on Saturday.

After the 5K I walked for .4 miles then ran at a slower pace for the remainder of my hour, another 2 miles. So the treadmill showed a total of 60 minutes, 5.75 miles.

I am going to try to do 4-5 miles a day through Thursday, take Friday off and run like crazy for the 5K race.

Monday morning run

2008-03-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

As I drove the few short miles to my Monday morning run, I thought about my blog and how I would describe the gorgeous journey I was about to experience. I have never driven this stretch of road but the are fantastic homes to the east and Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak to the west. Beautiful scenery.

I thought of giving thanks for living in such a wonderful area, people come here to visit these mountains I see everyday when I open my door. I thought of how lucky I am to have two strong legs so I can run. I thought of these things as I headed out on my run, down the gently sloping hill.

My run today was an out and back. On the way back, I thought maybe I should collect my racing bibs in a flatter area. These roads are really hilly. When is the hill going to end? Is this even the same street I took out? Where is my treadmill with cable tv??

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Find more Runs in Colorado Springs, Colorado

What...No Ipod???

2008-03-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Apparently some people crank their ipods up so loud when running that they are not only deaf, but blind and completely unaware of their surroundings. So as a result many races have banned headphones during their races.

Yikes..I had to run the Nielson Challenge without my nikeplus. Where was Lance cheering me on? Where was Carly telling me how vain I am? Where was Justin to bring sexy back? Wasn't I looking bootylicious? It was the longest 2 miles of my life...Ok maybe not quite. But it was really tough because I always wear the ipod. I did leave it on in my pocket to track my miles but I was missing the beat. Anyone have a good way to listen without getting busted?

And BTW what's on your ipod?

February finish

2008-02-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

I ran another 4.65 miles today with an average pace of 10:50. I was excited about my pace until I came home and realized my nike plus goal is to have a pace of 10:39 or faster, so my run didn't count toward that goal. AARRGGGHHHH!! Next time run faster!!

I finished up February with 16.53 miles logged, average pace of 10:32. Don't forget I was out for 3 weeks with my bum ankle. So I average 2.06 miles per day. In January I had to scramble to finish with 40 miles logged for the month (1.29 avg per day).

I am excited that my pace has increased over the last month too, from 11:56 to 10:32. Can't wait to run in March and blow these numbers away.

BTW the nike plus profile is laurajane

Gearing up for Saturday

2008-02-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

Yippee, I ran 4.5 miles today on the treadmill with an average pace of 10:30. That is great for me.

Saturday is the Nielson challenge, the two mile loop downtown. Last month I took 4th (with the handicap computation, I didn't cross the finish line 4th) and my face was frozen from the snow. This Saturday is supposed to be gorgeous. I can't wait.

I'm BACK!

2008-02-26T13:34:00.001-08:00

It has been 23 days since I ran and 21 days since the exercise class injury. After our hike this weekend, I figured I could try to run again. The ankle is feeling better, not perfect, but better.

I lucked out and got the treadmill with a tv, since we do not have cable at home this is always a treat. I warmed up for a 1/4 mile and gave running a go. It felt GREAT! I was so happy to be running again.

I kept it to 2 1/2 miles so I didn't over do it on my first day back. My pace was about what I was doing 3 weeks ago. I was pleased that I didn't appear to backside too much. Then I hit the stairmill (I love the stairmill) for a few minutes.

Hope to get to the gym all week since the Nielson challenge is Saturday.

My exercise class injury

2008-02-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

I posted this on the Testosterone Zone Tales, but thought it should go here as well.

This January I decided to finally lose the 10...ok 15...FINE 20 pounds of extra weight I put on when Ben and Jerry were helping me deal with my mother's death. So I have been running, I have 3 racing bibs so far. I love running, my nikeplus system makes it fun and motivating. For the last few weeks my friend has been telling me about this great exercise class she goes too. So last week I finally went with her.

We start out warming up with a simple grapevine step, I am so uncoordinated, I can barely master this when the instructor takes it up a notch and adds a turn. Ahh, I am lost but muddle through. Oh why does this exercise room have windows to the strength room, everyone can see me look like a fool. I finally (sort of) get it and it is time to move on to the obstacle course.

Put our toes on paper plates and drag yourself across the room with the strength in your arms....Are you kidding me?

Jump side to side over several yard sticks. This I can do.

Jump from BOSU ball to BOSU ball, there are 5 of them. What is this instructor smoking?

Jump onto and back off of a raised aerobic step. Seriously girl..put the crack pipe down.

So rather than listen to my inner wimp saying "run, run far away from here." I decide to try the obstacle course. We start with the paper plates and move through the circuit. My first injury starts with the BOSU balls. I step on one and attempt a jump to the next, lose my balance (big surprise) and roll my left ankle. I walk it off, try to look tough and head to the aerobic step. I jump up, oops not high enough and roll the left ankle again.

This time I see stars, feel like vomitting and hear that crack. No, not from the pipe, from the ankle. I try to make it to the bench outside the room. I indicate that, hell yes I need help, and I am instantly surrounded by 8-10 YMCA employees watching the crazy mom on the bench almost pass out from an exercise class injury.

"We need real ice," one staffer shouts. "Is there anyone we can call for you," another asks. I am just mortified and vow never to return until my hair is a different color and much shorter. My friend just repeats the mantra, "Laura, I am so sorry, I am so sorry." Its not her fault, I now know for sure I am completely uncoordinated and should not be let out of the house.

My 10 year old son helps me hobble to my car where I sit and cry for ten minutes before attempting the drive home. Luckily I have an automatic. We arrive home just before the cub scout meeting starts in my living room. I try to hobble upstairs undetected. Carter makes himself my nurse and fetches ice, ibuprofen and a glass of wine. What a kid!

At the Doctor's office the next day, the nurse and doctor both cringe when they see it. Wow, that makes me feel better. I am sent for an MRI. It turns out I have a avulsion fracture. http://orthopedics.about.com/od/brokenbones/a/avulsion.htm
Apparently I broke part of the bone off my ankle. So now I have been referred to a Physical Therapist. This injury happened on February 5th. I can walk on it, but it is painful if I turn my ankle the wrong way. I haven't been able to start PT yet so I can't run on it anytime soon. I am forced to scratch the next two events off my racing calendar. What a bummer.

Maybe next time I try an exercise class I can participate for longer than 7 minutes.....Who am I kidding, I am never doing one of those again.

My Running Blog

2008-02-04T06:18:00.001-08:00

I have decided to create this new blog instead of cluttering up the Testosterone Zone up with my running info.

My big accomplishment so far this year is logging 40 miles in January, a workout record of 6.4 miles on January 31st. My pace is now consistantly 10:30 or below. During Saturday's Nielson challenge I recorded a personal best for the mile at 9:05 and with handicap calculations finished 4th.

I am a beginning runner, beginning athlete, beginning fitness freak. I received the Nike + system for Christmas 2006. It took me until November 2007 to log my 100 mile milestone. Now I have 159 miles logged. My greatest frustration is when the nike+ locks up and I lose precious mileage. Luckily that doesn't happen too often.

My next race is February 29th, a 5K. I am taking an unexpected day off from training today, sick child.