When time slows down...

I was born in the Hawkeye state - Iowa, and lived there for 18 years.  The movie Field of Dreams was also filmed in Iowa, about 30 minutes from the city where I was raised.  (Fun fact: my great aunt was actually in the movie.)  The picture below hangs in my parent's basement.   

Having lived in various other states throughout the Midwest (Minnesota, Ohio, and now Illinois), I can honestly say that time just slows down when I come back to visit.  The pace of life, or at least the life my parents live, is much calmer than mine.  It is not saying that they don't have things going on...tonight they are at some benefit dinner while I decided to come to Panera to take advantage of free internet and some research for upcoming races. 

One reason why my life always slows down here is because I always go to the spa. 

Aren't feet ugly?  However, my nail polish really seems to pop out against the totally 1990s green carpet.  :)  Actually, a lot of the main living area in their house has hardwoods, but my feet looked better against the carpet. 

I finalized my spring/beginning of summer race schedule tonight!  I'm excited and am doing events that I have never done before.  I need some new challenges/events to get into and to avoid injury.  As much as I love running, I know that I should be doing more biking and cross-training to become a stronger runner.  Starting in April, I am only going to be running 5 days a week instead of 6.  One day I plan on cross-training and then day 7 will be a rest day every week.  I am determined not to get injured this year with major races planned (Chicago Marathon!).  

  Instead of asking a question, I am going to leave you with some comments made by the people sitting around me in.  I know I'm not the only one who enjoys people watching/listening to them, right?  Quality entertainment.

"I am very careful about how many cups of coffee I drink a day.  I am tempted to get a cup right now, but I am not even sure how much caffeine they put in their decaf coffee." 

"I really like the music they play at church.  A lot of times I go home and try to download it, but I try to get it free so I don't have to pay for it."

"She wants to major in what?  A-qua-mar-ine biology?  What is that even? Like, what would you do?"

Friends

My best friend and I have many similarities, including the love of sports and fitness.  I've been trying to convince her to complete a half marathon ever since we've become friends...7 years ago.  Last night she came to a young adult group I go to and we were able to talk before it started and then again after it was over.  Now, you might assume that since we even teach in the same school, we would talk to each other often.  However, that is not the case.  We rarely see each other. 

She is a person who knows me inside and out.  She knows about events that have impacted my life, my interests, my love of running.  And I know everything about her.  Her friendship is something that I feel truely blessed to have. 

After our coversations last night, we both decided we want to complete a duathlon together this year.  I've been wanting to do one for over a year, but just never managed to find one that fit into my training schedule.  I am pretty knowledgeable about upcoming running races and duathlons in Iowa and Illinois so we have it narrowed down to a couple.  When we have it figured out, I'll be sure to post it.  We are seriously considering one based on the awesomeness of the name alone. 

In preparation for an upcoming duathlon, my friend convinced me to get up early on my spring break and go to spinning class with her at the gym we both belong to.  It was okay, but one thing I realized is that the music they play during it and the personality of the instructor make a big impact on the workout for me.  If I would have heard the instructor go "yee haw!" one more time, I was going to punch her.  So, so, so annoying.  But, I am glad I did it. 

I'm off to Iowa for a few days to visit with my family, relax, and be pampered.  There is always something nice about going to the place where you grew up. 

Powerful Words...and Marathon Plans

This summer I read a fairly popular book that I truly didn't think I get a whole lot out of: The Five Love Languages. However, this book has taught me more about myself, others, and how I relate to others and they to me. According to the book, there are five "languages": words of affirmation, quality time, gift, touch, and acts of service. I am, by far and away, words of affirmation.

"Actions don't always speak louder than words. If this is your language, than compliments mean the world to you. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten."

I love it when people give me compliments on anything because it makes me feel good. However, just like mentioned above, if you say something negative to me or insult me, I'll most like remember it forever. I've got a decent memory, especially when it comes to remembering comments.

Today I stopped by a local running store to inquire about a Nike training plan for the Chicago Marathon they had posted on their website. I spoke to an incredibly nice woman who was asking me about my recent times (1:40) and other races I plan on doing in the upcoming months (Ragnar, another half, a 4-mile race or two...). She was explaining how the training went...two runs a week - Saturday and Thursday night, with various pacers ranging from a 3:20 finish time to a 5:00 finish time. She said, based on my time, she thought I should go into the 3:30 group or 3:20 group. This is a big compliment!

 However, I know that I have never run a marathon before and that many times the first one is the hardest just because my body won't be used to the quantity of miles I'll be running. My original goal time was to run 3:59:59....basically, break 4 hours. Running a 3:30 is far different - a breakdown of 8:00 miles, while 3:45 quite possibly is attainable. The running group doesn't start until early June, so I've got some time to think about which group I want to train with beforehand. Any suggestions? I am looking forward to training with a group of runners who are near my pace and fitness level. I want to run with people, but it is really hard to find people who are interested, want to log roughly the same mileage as me, and here is the big key: can keep my pace.

Do you find it hard to find training partners? Or, is running solo your style? I've only recently started to run with others, and realize it is a far different experience than running by myself. I like it...most of the time.

The Dilemma: Doing Well vs. Meeting Goal Times

As I posted yesterday, I ran a new PR of 1:40:14 in my half marathon on Saturday. My previous PR, set almost two years ago, was 1:43:07. The last half I did, in September, was completed in 1:46:20. Just by looking at the numbers, you can see I made a lot of progress: a PR by almost 3 minutes, while cutting 6+ minutes off my last half time. I feel like the regular person would be thrilled to achieve a finishing time of this and cut a significant amount of time off their previous PR and race time. However, after I crossed the finish line, I wasn't filled with joy; rather, with disappointment.

As stated numerous times on my blog recently, my goal was to run in the 1:30s. Saying that I'm a 1:30-something half marathoner sounds much better than 1:40-something half marathoner. Throughout the first 10 miles of the race, I ran between a 7:29 and 7:36 mile pace, which would have put me on track to break 1:40. After my friend and I diverged at mile 8 (he went ahead of me), I knew that I had 5 miles by myself. Just me and the streets, and a man wearing a green shirt ahead of me. I didn't have my music, just my thoughts to keep me company. I kept repeating my running mantras and even sang the lyrics to my favorite running songs in my head. I told myself to leave it all out on the course, have no regrets, and keep pushing through.

My last three miles of the race were significantly slower than my first 10, in the high 7:40s for pace. When the results were posted for the half, I went over and looked, knowing I would be close to the 1:39 mark. After texting some of my close friends and family about the race, I started to process what this meant for me. My dad and I had a conversation about the race. I love talking to my dad because he always puts things in perspective. I should be happy about my race: I PR'd and ran a good pace that many people would like to achieve: 7:40/mile. It is the best half I've ever done. I should not hang my head on the fact that I did not run in the 1:30s. After all, just as in diabetes, it is only a number. It does not define me.

I'm a person who constantly thinks about numbers. Math is my favorite class, hands-down, to teach. Diabetes is filled with numbers. However, in the past year, I've become much better about numbers in my "diabetes" life. I don't get as upset at seeing a high blood sugar as I used to, but rather know that it just needs to be corrected, and everything will be alright again. That one high reading does not say that I'm a "bad diabetic," it is information to help me become better. The same is true for my running.

Running this race tells me that I'm a decent runner, who just needs to work on logging more longer runs so I can finish the race strong. It does not define me, rather, it gives me the information I need to break into the 1:30s. Even though I did not meet my goal time, I did well. When I started running, I wasn't sure if I could run under a 2-hour half marathon. However, in my second attempt I did. Then, I wasn't sure if I could run in the 1:40s, but ended up doing that as well. I am always extremely critical when analyzing myself and what I do, in all aspects of my life. Many times I overlook the fact that I did something well.

Here is what I have come to believe about half marathon #7: I ran well. I crushed my old PR and set a new one. I have come so far in my running, farther than I ever thought I would. A goal is just something I hope to achieve. There is always another race.

Do you struggle with what you want to run vs. the time you actually run? Sometimes I think I set myself up for failure by having specific time goals if I don't meet them.

Sam Costa Half Marathon Report

Sometimes we just want the facts. Here they are:

Goal time: Run in the 1:30s

Actual finish time: 1:40:14

Pace: 7:40/mile

Overall: 113/476

Division place (25-29): 3/21 (got a sweet plaque for this!)

Sex place: 20/194

Other stuff: got a stocking cap for driving 60+ miles to race

There were some great things about this race, and some equality crappy things. Here is part 1 of my race report (part 2 tomorrow).

The Good:

• My friend and I decided to run together for the first part of the race, which ended up being 8 miles. It was awesome to have someone to talk to while running, which helped keep me relaxed.


• My post-race blood sugar was 148. This is the best it has ever been.


• We ran through a lot of neighborhoods with huge houses. It is always nice to look at mansion-like homes while running.


• I PR'd.

The bad:

• I overslept on Saturday morning. I set my alarm for 5:53 a.m. so I could eat 3 hours before the race. However, I somehow turned it off in my sleep. Therefore, I woke up at 7, quickly through on my race clothes, scarfed down breakfast and kept telling myself it was not the end of the world. It also didn't help that I woke up to a blood sugar of 53.


• The race was small, and after my friend and I diverged at mile 8 (he went ahead of me), I felt like I was running alone. Sure, I saw a guy wearing a green shirt for the next 5 miles, but other than that, not a single soul.


• I didn't run with my music and there was no on-course entertainment or even music playing. I was attempting to sing songs in my head to keep the beat to run to...it worked for a little bit, but it is fairly hard to do this for roughly 39 minutes.


• I didn't meet my goal.

Tomorrow I'm writing about a dilemma I'm having with my actual time vs. goal time.

Three Things Thursday: To Do List

I can't believe it is already Thursday. Is this week flying by for anyone else? There are so many things I need to get done before heading to Indianapolis tomorrow for the half marathon.

1. Make a play list. I have not completely decided if I am running with my ipod this race or not. I think there are pros and cons to it. When I run with my ipod I am isolating myself, focusing on my music, thoughts, and not the other runners. However, part of running is connect with others - encouraging them by saying good job, or just taking in the sounds of nature and the beating of my feet. I used to never run with music, and now I never run without it. Bottom line: I'll make the decision race day morning when I am waiting around after I eat breakfast. I need to talk with my friend who is running it to see if we are going to run together or not. If we run together, I won't run with my music. If we don't run together, then who knows?

2. Memorize course map. This race is both a half marathon and a quarter marathon (weird, right?!?). The half starts at 9:00, while the quarter starts at 9:05. I looked at the course map briefly and realized that the majority of the first three miles are together. I feel like this might be awkward due to the fact that the quarter runners will be running faster and passing the half marathoners. I need to realize where the paths are different in the first three miles. I don't want to make a wrong turn!

3. Mentally prepare myself. My mind is playing tricks on me, or so I feel. Running is 95% mental. My body is ready, I've tapered this week, and I know I can PR. When I think about the race, one sentence is "yes, I will PR and cross the finish line in the 1:30s" followed by "well, you might have your first DNF since your leg has been funny this week." I need to focus tonight, all day tomorrow, and especially during the race of keep the negative thoughts out of mind. I've never really had these creep into my head before and I do not know why they are doing so. However, I know I can, am able, and ready to PR.

I'm off to Indy tomorrow night. What a great way to start my spring break!

Unexpected Gifts

Today I got a present from one of my students, shown below. Could it come at a better time? Although I am more tired today than I feel like I should be, this was such a thoughtful idea.

Time to Taper

Today's 10 mile run was my last long one before my half marathon on Saturday. I did not get very much sleep last night so today's run was not the best, unfortunately. However, I know that sleep greatly influences how I run and plan on going to bed early all week, no matter what it takes. I need my rest!

I'm ready to run on Saturday....ready to PR. Like I've said before, I am a visual person. If I can visualize myself crossing the finish line in the 1:30s it will happen. The rest of my workout days will be light, if anything at all this week. Tomorrow I am not sure what I'm going to do, if anything at all. I might just bike for a few miles or get on the elliptical to keep my legs moving, but nothing strenuous. I do plan on running short runs of 5 miles on Wednesday and 3 miles on Thursday, then taking Friday completely off. Saturday at 9 a.m. I'll be racing half marathon #7.

I'm ready to taper, PR, and have fun running on Saturday. Bring it on!

How Many Miles?

Hello, Spring! The weather in the upper Midwest has been gorgeous the past week. Today I ran outside in running tight capris for the first time in months. It felt wonderful.

I wore a North Face jacket, too, but ended up getting really warm. I'd rather be warm than cold any day, though!

How many miles do you put on your running shoes before you buy new ones? I've heard and read anything from 300 to 600, depending on where you miles are logged. I have a little over 400 miles on my current shoes so last week I went to my favorite running store and bought the following.

I got the exact same pair of Saucony shoes because I love them. I am a huge supporter of Saucony shoes. I will not wear anything else. Stubborn, right?

I broke in my new pair with a nice 3-mile run this morning. But, here is the problem: I know I need to wear my new shoes, but I do not want blisters. In 8 days (!), I will be running my first half marathon of the year. I don't want any feet issues this week, before the race, or during the race.

So the question is...what would you do? Wear the old running shoes, or the new ones this week? Do you have a set mileage that you replace your running shoes at?

Three Things Thursday

1. March Madness! Did you fill out brackets? My dad runs a pretty big pool every year, which I always enter, and typically end up near the bottom for the final results. I like to pick teams based on mascots: TCU Horned Frogs are always winners of at least one game for me, as well as Gonzaga, just because I like the name. I used to follow basketball much more than I do now. As you (most likely) know, running is my sport of choice. However, I played AAU basketball for four years when I was younger and then three years of varsity basketball. My, how things have changed. But I will always love March Madness.

2. Thursday is my Friday. Tomorrow I am taking my first day off of school all year, and I am greatly looking forward to it. I need a day off to just "be." I plan on sleeping in, going shopping for a few things, and going to a doctor's appointment with my sports medicine doctor for a follow-up appointment in regard to my Achilles tendinitis.

3. Ms. Thinner = Queenie? My students are doing a persuasive essay on why someone should read their favorite book. I read them one of my favorite books, Mr. Skinner's Skinny House. In the story, Mr. Skinner is lonely and tries to find people to live with, including a sign maker, his aunt, an actor who plays Pinocchio, and a band called the Asparagus Stalks. His skinny house does not work for these people for various reasons and ends up wanting to up it up for sale, until he runs into Ms. Thinner. As my students were discussing ways to persuade others to read this story, they said text-to-self connections. My inner reading teacher was rejoicing as the kids said this. Then they proceeded to tell me that skinny boys could relate to Mr. Skinner and I could be Ms. Thinner, which made me laugh.

Happy Thursday! Happy St. Patrick's Day! I bet you didn't know I'm 25% Irish!