long(ish) run ...

In case you failed to notice, I'm running the San Francisco Half Marathon in 41 days. It's a race I have been looking forward to for almost a year, ever since G and I decided it would be our "Girls' Weekend" for 2011 (In 2010, we ran the Bermuda Half Marathon). Anyway, the goal for this race was always "to have fun", but when I was training for National, G and I realized that I should be able to pace her to a sub-2.

But then, I crashed. And my base basically went back to zero.

Oops.

Now with just about 6 weeks left before the race, I am starting to feel like we can get G that sub-2. I'm feeling stronger. I'm running more. And I am ignoring the fact that the last time I ran a double digit run was a 10 miler on April 21. Who cares? That's such a minor detail.

As of Saturday, my longest run since my surgery was 6 miles and about 58 minutes. And every time I had run that distance, it kicked my butt. So, you can probably understand why I was apprehensive about my Sunday long run this week.

8 miles - I was going to have to run for over an hour.

Thankfully, I was with about 300 other MTT runners and had S (who always keeps me entertained) by my side, every step of the way.

Was it the best run?

Well, no.
It was brutally hot.
Miles 4-5.25 was straight uphill.
Auto-pause on my Garmin was a total fail.

BUT ...

We finished the 8 miles, my longest run in two months, in 1:15.
We looked wicked cute while doing it.
I wasn't totally wiped afterward. In fact, I am confident that I could have held that pace for a few more miles.
I finished the week with 28.1 miles - almost twice as many miles as I ran in May.

All in all, I'm calling it a success ...

2010 goals: accomplished

2010 was a pretty big year for me and my family.

I became certified as a running coach and started my own training business. I was also fortunate enough to travel quite a bit for races, toeing the line in Bermuda, Florida, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Indiana, Illinois and Washington. We went to Disney. Twice. J ran his first (and second) half marathon. Dizzle and Doodle each ran their first race, a mile and a half mile, respectively. Dizzle also started kindergarten and lost two teeth. Dilly learned to walk and talk. Simply put, 2010 didn't suck.

When the year started, I put in place a few goals to keep me motivated throughout the year. Here's how they turned out -

• run 1000 miles - accomplished on 8/14, as of this morning I sit at 1787.87 on the year.
• run a 2 hour half marathon - accomplished on 9/26 at the You Go Girl! Half where I was paced by Tall Mom to a 1:58:02
• run a sub-25 5K - accomplished first on 5/29 at the Autism 5K (24:09) and again last Sunday (22:55)
• run a sub 7:10 mile - accomplished, sort of. I never did the mile time trial I wanted to, but my last mile of Sunday's 5K was a 7:08. I'm counting that.
• eat less than 50 cupcakes - accomplished, as of today I have had 48 cupcakes this year. It scares me to think of how many calories that adds up to or how much cash I spent on them (they run $3.25 each).

Not too shabby, right? Now I just need to think of some goals to help make 2011 even better ...

Three Things Thursday ...

1. Revenge of the Pinkeye - Remember last week when I posted that Doodle had been hit with pinkeye? Well, it seems that the eye of pink has taken permanent residence in our home. Dizzle was diagnosed with it on Monday and Doodle (after finishing both an oral and topical antibiotic) woke up all crusty again today. Seriously? Isn't one round enough? Dude, if this doesn't clear up soon, our Disney photos are going to be scary ...

2. Post Thanksgiving Immune Deficiency - Did you know that such a thing existed? Well, it does. For the past three years, I have gotten sick in the week following Thanksgiving. I'm not sure why, but it hits me pretty much immediately after Thanksgiving dinner and it hits me hard.

And because I am a runner first, logical thinker second, I have been running this week despite not feeling great. Yesterday was rough. I didn't know if I just lacked motivation or if my body was trying to tell me I needed a rest day. I hoped I was running low on motivation and headed out in 40+ mph winds with G, J, K and two strollers. Needless to say, sometimes I question our sanity.

3. San Francisco Stalking - Last January, G and I traveled to Bermuda for the Bermuda Half Marathon. It was a FANTASTIC girls' weekend and we decided that we wanted to make it an annual tradition. After much talk (of where we could stay for free), we decided to run the 2011 San Francisco Half Marathon. (Feel free to join us!)

Registration was supposed to open yesterday. So, like any sane person I stalked the website ALL DAY waiting for it to go live. But, it NEVER did. Apparently, there is some sort of technical glitch holding everything up. And although, I know the race probably isn't going to sell out on day one, I REALLY want to register. It makes it all official. And then, J can't change his mind about me going ...

why did no one else come with us?

Let me just start this post by acknowledging that I have not had a real "no kids, no responsibilities" vacation since my honeymoon ... five and a half years ago. Keeping this in mind, I realize that I probably would have had a fantastic time at the Holiday Inn around the corner. But fortunately, I somehow convinced J that he would be fine with the kids for four days so that I could leave the country. (Honestly, I'm not quite sure how I managed that one.)

So, early (like 4 a.m. early) on Friday, I woke up to do some last minute prep before heading to the airport. I double checked that I had all my race gear, my passport and my cash (the only things I really cared about). Then I peeked in on my kids before heading out to pick up G.

Once we got to the airport, things went smoothly. Well, except for that $150 change fee that the airline wanted me to pay for a change that I never made. Long story short, they fixed it (although, the same thing happened on the way back.) And once we were at our gate, we relaxed. Here we are waiting to board our plane.

We connected through Philadelphia and it was evident upon arrival that EVERYONE on the plane was a runner. It's funny how easy it is to spot a non-runner in a sea of runners. While waiting for our flight to Bermuda, G and I saw the best shirt ever. It said, "Nobody trains to be runner up." I love it. And if anyone is generous and wants to buy it for me, I wear a small and it's made by Nike. (I also saw someone wearing those Vibram shoes for barefoot running. They are crazy looking!)

On the plane, we had a blast talking to other runners. It was amazing to hear about where else they had ran, what they had heard about the course and why they wanted to complete the "Bermuda Triangle Challenge." I got off that flight completely energized.

G's mom, MJ, picked us up from the airport and our tour of Bermuda started immediately. We started with lunch at Swizzle Inn, where I had the best $17 hamburger EVER!

After lunch, we visited the Crystal Cave.

It was amazing to see and was highlighted by the over-the-top tour guide, Ron. He had us laughing from beginning to end. After we climbed the 84 steps back to the surface (84 steps that they warned you not to climb if you had a heart condition), we checked in at the Grotto Bay.

It was beautiful and scenic. Look at the view from our room.

Amazing, right? This was pretty much the point that G and I started asking ourselves, "Why did no one else come with us?" Seriously. We extended the invitation. Where was everyone?

Once we got settled, we headed to the Race Expo. It was only an hour into the expo when we got there, but they had already run out of shirts smaller than a men's large. Talk about a bummer. The shirt is way cute and I would have worn it all the time. But it's pretty much a dress on me. I passed it on to J. Other than the shirts, the race bags had some pretty good stuff in it.

We ended our day with dinner at Cafe Gio. The food was delicious. And probably the best value we saw. $30 for an appetizer, entree and dessert. Thanks to that meal alone, I probably consumed 5000 calories that day.

Saturday was really relaxed. We ate our meals on MJ's boat (we tried a boat trip, but turned around after rough seas), played Parcheesi, and toured the island. It was fun and so relaxing and quiet. I love my kids, but it was SO NICE to be able to go out and not worry that someone was running off or throwing a tantrum. Anyway, here are some of my favorite pictures from our island tour.

Sunday was race day. It was awesome. And if you haven't read about it already, you can check it out HERE.

On Monday, we packed up our bags, checked out of the hotel and headed into Hamilton to pick up gifts for the kids and to eat lunch. It rained (the only time while we were there) and G and I joked that Bermuda was crying that we were leaving. It was.

parcheesi strategy ...

The night before the Bermuda Half Marathon, we played Parcheesi. I was having a slow start, but eventually picked up speed. I laughed about it and told G that I was going to use the "Parcheesi Strategy" during the race. Start out slow and finish strong. It worked. Mostly.

2010 Bermuda Half Marathon Race Schedule

5:30 a.m.: Wake up.

5:35-6:00 a.m.: Get dressed in your super cute race outfit. Mentally prepare yourself for all the attention you will get for being part of the best looking duo on the course.

6:00-6:25 a.m.: Eat your breakfast of two bananas and peanut butter while you wait for an overpriced taxi cab to drive you to the race. Chat it up with other runners. Get a feel for the course. Start to understand that the race might be hillier than you thought.

6:25-6:55 a.m.: Drive to the race. Do your best not to vomit in the back seat of the cab (evil motion sickness).

6:55 a.m.: Arrive at the start. Look around. Begin to believe that you might not be in the right location as there are no other runners and not even the beginning of a start line. Start to question if the race is going to be able to begin on time.

7:00 a.m.: Sneeze. Twice. On the second sneeze, seize up your upper back, losing the ability to turn your head.

7:15 a.m.: Watch as race officials begin to construct the start and finish areas. Laugh at the pathetic nature of it all.

7:15-7:30 a.m.: Wait. Wait. And wait some more. (This is us waiting.)

7:30-7:45 a.m.: Head inside to drop off your bag at the "unsecured" bag check. Pray that no one really wants to steal your sweatshirt. Wait in line for the bathroom, then get out of the line as the smell is so overwhelming that you'd rather pee your pants than vomit.

7:50 a.m.: Get interviewed by the Bermuda Sports Network for no other reason than having the most kick a** outfit. (Note the awesome outfits)

7:55 a.m.: Run into Runner's World's Bart Yasso who will proceed to tap your shoulder and say, "Great socks."

7:55:15 a.m.: Snap a picture of Bart as he walks away. (He's in the red and white shirt. We should have chased after him.)

8:00 a.m.: Start running, 100% shocked that they actually managed to set up the race in 45 minutes.

8:00-10:14 a.m.: Run the hilliest and most beautiful half marathon course you have ever seen. Start conservatively and maintain your pace. Take it all in. Laugh as you get passed by Bart at mile 10. Meet your best bud at mile 12. Finish strong and be proud. (This is me at mile 12, thanks to my awesome photographer, G.)

10:15 a.m.: Drink some water as you contemplate the fact that you just PR'd by 3 minutes and 24 seconds on a very challenging course. Start feeling dizzy.

10:20 a.m.: Get interviewed for a second time by the Bermuda Sports Network.

10:25 a.m.: Stand still as your best bud finds you some food so that you don't collapse.

10:30 a.m.: Eat that food and make your way back home.

10:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Do your best to recover. Hot Tub. Shower. Nap. Rehydrate. Eat. Go on a boat and get horrendous motion sickness. Go to bed at 7 p.m.

As you can see, I had a really full day. It was beyond fun. The entire trip was (more on that in my vacation report tomorrow). The course was very challenging. But I did stick to my "Parcheesi Strategy" and walked away with a PR. G and I got so much press. Two TV interviews. Everyone with a camera took our picture. Seriously, did I mention it was totally awesome? So who's in for next year?

i'm leaving on a jet plane ...

After a year of waiting, it's finally here. Tomorrow morning at 7:39 am, G and I will be on our way to the Bermuda Half Marathon. I am so excited. Excited to run. Excited to get a vacation. Excited to have a break from the craziness that is having children. I'm just excited. But also very busy. So much to do, so little time.

My real reason for this post is to thanks Sami at Eat Breathe Run 13.1 for tagging me with the Beautiful Blogger Award!

It's my first award! Sweet, right? Anyway, to accept this award I have to divulge seven facts about myself and then pass it along to seven others. So here we go!

1. I have a weird obsession with threatening crazy violence. I always tell people that "I am going to cut them." or "I swear if you don't stop that I am going to kick you in the face." I have never done either of these things. But, in the past week, I have realized that these "threats" are my substitution for cussing (which I never do). It is now my goal to find a better way to channel my anger.

2. I work as a fitness director and I love it. But, I love running more. Because of this, I am getting certified as a running coach this spring and will be shifting my focus there.

3. I started dating my husband exactly one month after my father passed away. Because of this, I truly believe that my dad sent J to me.

4. This weekend will be the first time I have ever left all three of my children overnight. It's a huge step for me.

5. I have an Ivy League degree that I have NEVER used. It cost over a $120,000 and I will be paying for it until two months before Dizzle enters college. But I don't regret it for a second, I had a great college experience and I met J on a trip funded by that university.

6. I can fold my tongue in half. I can also tie a cherry stem with it and instead of just rolling it, I can make it look like it has three separate rolls. I know. Freaky.

7. I want nothing more than to be a good example for my children. I know that if I am, they will grow to be their very best.

Good list, right?

And now I pass this onto:

Momof3 @ Neurosis of the Stay at Home Mom of 3

Alicia @ Alicia Runs

Allie @ That Girl is a RunningFool

RunHapi13 @ BitsNPiecesOfMe

Kasey @ Diary of A Hungry Mom

Kerrie T @ mom vs. marathon

Fay @ Temporary Stay at Home Mom

Now I'm leaving on a jet plane ... be back on Tuesday!

one week ...

By this time next week, I will be done running the Bermuda Half Marathon. G and I were supposed to run this race as our "PU" (personal underachievement), but her injury still has her sidelined. So, instead she will start the race with me, then walk the course in reverse and run me in.

I'm not really sure how I feel about this race. I'm kind of like, "whatever." Usually, this is a good thing. The last time I felt "whatever" about a race was last year's Carytown 10K. I had run a 5K two days prior and I "thought" my legs were shot. I went out slower than usual, was strong through the finish and missed my 10K PR by a mere 17 seconds. It was the best I ever felt during/after a race. I'm really hoping that I feel the same way on Sunday.

Only 4 days and a few hours until we leave!!

(p.s. - I really hate how this whole taper thing is putting a damper on my quest to reach 1,000. After two failed attempts, I am beyond determined to hit it this year. I wanted to head out on a second long run this weekend (I know, crazy). I didn't. My head won out. Something about having "fresh legs" on race day...)

Christmas weekend rewind ...

It's FINALLY over! I can dismantle the tree. I can take down the lights. And I won't have to hear another Christmas song until next Thanksgiving. All joking aside, our holiday was fantastic. Here is the photographic evidence:

The girls got EVERYTHING they could ever dream of (including American Girl dolls - Thanks Uncle Jeff and Kellis) and I got my Crackberry. My new addiction. I bet if there was a way to effectively combine my addiction of running with that of my new phone, I would do it. I'm never unplugged. How did I ever function before?

Not only did I get a sweet gift, I was a pretty awesome wife too. I hooked J up with his own Garmin Forerunner 305 (now he can stop stealing mine) and a RoadID (safety first people). He loved his gifts and now has no reason to not properly train for his FIRST HALF MARATHON on May 16. So, if you see him, make sure you ask him how his training is going!

Speaking of training, I have a "fun run" half marathon coming up on Jan 17th (or at least that's how we said we are going to run it. But let's be honest, "fun run" is code for race!). Anyway, G and I are going to Bermuda. We were both supposed to be running. But both of us ended up injured after the marathon. I recovered. G, well G is getting there. Looks like she won't be back in time. Honestly, I just want to PR (2:18:17 - would do that), but in the back of my head I would really like to go sub 2:10. I've heard the course is REALLY HILLY. So, we'll see. In the weeks I've been back, I have been working on consistently running faster. Mostly on the treadmill. For a few reasons.

1. I can not run with a triple stroller.

2. I hate running in the cold without a running buddy.

3. I think it's easier to "push my pace" on the treadmill.

Last week, I did 8 miles on the treadmill in 1:09, just above my 10K PR pace. Short runs (3-4 miles) have been just above my 5K PR pace. I got outside yesterday for a 10 miler. I ran the first three alone, then met up with some friends for the next 4.5 and then ran 2.5 miles home. My overall pace was 9:33. And I felt great. Today I am a little sore (obviously from the terrain differences). Anyway, I checked this run against the last 9 miler I did in marathon training. The pace for that run was 10:38. Love it!

and the verdict is ...

So I went back to the doctor for my foot/ankle yesterday and didn't quite get the news I was hoping for. I have some crazy thing. Severe stenosing tenosynovitis (yes, the report actually said SEVERE). It's the progressive restriction of the sheath surrounding a tendon, causing inflammation. And there was indication of something else, not really sure what she called it, but it's not good. Basically, my doc said that my tendon is being choked. She thinks it might be caused by one of several extra bones I have in my foot.

So, she gave me a shot of cortisone and told me to come back in three weeks. If that doesn't work, then surgery is pretty much my only option. Arrr! Hello? Didn't my foot get the memo that we are racing in Bermuda in January?

But now I have a dilemma. I don't want surgery, but if it is inevitable, I would rather have it now and get it over with. I don't want to wait the three weeks, just to have to take off longer. I am waiting for the doc to call me back so that I can see what she thinks. Maybe she'll tell me I am crazy and the cortisone is going to eliminate the inflammation and I'll be fine. Right?

So, what would you do?