The Opposite of Loneliness
Marina Keegan was a 22-year-old activist/writer who was killed in a car accident after her graduation from Yale. I am horrified to have to type the words “22-year-old” and “killed” in the same sentence and my heart goes out to her family.
She was on my mind a lot today because I had a happy day and it was inspired by her piece, “The Opposite of Loneliness.”
We don’t have a word for the opposite of loneliness, but if we did, I could say that’s what I want in life.
More than finding the right job or city or spouse – I’m scared of losing this web we’re in. This elusive, indefinable, opposite of loneliness. This feeling I feel right now.
I’ve never read a better descriptor of happiness: the opposite of loneliness.
I felt so grateful for the long list of people and experiences that make up my “opposite of loneliness” today.
{Source}
My legs felt so dead yesterday and today with falling temperatures, they felt much better.
I ran 3.1 miles in 29:14 today and although there is a part of me that wishes I were throwing out 5 and 10 milers like Speedy Gonzalez but heck, when I can’t run right, I’ll run left. :D
I decided to taste-test a new shot - the GU Jet Blackberry - because it seems that GU gels are at more races than Cliff shots.
It tastes like cough syrup and has a very thin consistency so it went down a bit easier than Cliff. No one needs a gel for a three mile run but I find that testing new gels during longer runs is just asking for trouble. :D
My day started with a yummy strawberry-basil smoothie and toast points with almond butter.
I made another round of homemade iced coffee - anytime I make my own iced coffee I want to weild it like a trophy.
Look at me: I’m being frugal and I’m saving the environment by not using a disposable cup - like a motherf*cking adult!
After my workout, my wisdom tooth extraction site started bleeding.
I called my oral surgeon and they said to place a moistened tea bag at the site because the tannins in tea can stop bleeding (the more you know!)
Luckily, it’s not a dry socket because that pain is hellacious. Lunch ended up being soft and quick - a Fage yogurt with a sprinkle of brown sugar blend.
Dinner was a tapas style take-out meal from Sultan’s Market - my favorite little Mediterranean joint: Lebanese spinach pie - different from Greek Spanikopita because it is always made vegan!
A cup of yellow lentil soup with one of my favorite hot sauce bottles from our New Orleans trip stirred in - Bayou Passion, Louisiana Pepper Sauce.
Alligators and crocodiles are awesome. :D
And since I was missing my greens, I also enjoyed a small tabouli salad - finely diced parsley with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and cracked wheat dressed in lemon juice and olive oil.
Off to do some hatha yoga then turn in early! Hope you had a great day.
WOD: Back to Run, Back to Reality
A little Soul to Soul throwback for you!
I got a face full of bully tongue after workouts today.
I am back to running today with a hot 2.5 miler in 24 minutes.
I ran when it was 78-80 degrees and although I love this hot-as-heck, clothes sticking to your skin temperature, it’s still not something I’m used to when I run.
I was a hit at pacing too: 9:24 for the first mile and 9:47 for the second mile. Quite a disparity, no? ;D
Considering that after the Marine Corps Marathon, I was crying about my knee and couldn’t run for a month, I’m ELATED to be running any distance exactly one week and two days from the Fargo Marathon.
Even though I know it’s only been a week, I didn’t feel super strong during my run and I’m looking forward to that buzz.
My second workout was another Hot Power Fusion yoga class and it felt great because the room feels extra hot with the temperature outside.
I’m going to class every day this week - my greatest hope is that yoga keeps protecting me from being sidelined from an injury as I jump back into marathon training.
I’m experiencing some tension in my left hip and I’m trying to work on fixing this imbalance by holding poses for longer on that side - I feel like a total beginner in my classes again! :)
WOD: Marathon Monday
My dental surgeon’s wife is a marathoner who has run the Boston Marathon fifteen times. So I’m obsessed with her. :D
She gave me three pieces of advice that I’m really paying attention to this time around for the Detroit Marathon:
1) Let other people pass you. “Don’t keep up with them because everyone going faster than me at the beginning, I was passing at the end.” She wasn’t referring to the elites in the photo above. :)
2) Learn to love hills. Hill Training will make all the difference. Find a hill and build up to running it 40 times.
3) Work your upper body, core, and back hard. Your upper body carries your lower body during a run.
In an effort to make # 3 on the list come true, I had an extra-long evening workout session which included a hot yoga class and lifting weights with John.
So first, I completed a Hot Power Fusion yoga class and it was refreshing getting back into my yoga routine!
John then had me do the following workout:
Chest and Abs Routine
Standard Push-Ups
Wide Front Pull-Ups
Military Push-Ups
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups
******
Wide Fly Push-Ups
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups
Decline Push-Ups
Back Rows
******
Diamond Push-Ups
Back Row Style 2
Dive Bomber Push-Ups
Back Flys
There’s a special place in Dante’s Inferno where they make you do this workout - and I was SORE SORE SORE.
I did most of the push-ups girl-style, used baby weights, and can’t do a real pull-up yet.
I consider myself a fit runner but there’s always a new challenge out there and this was it! John really encouraged me through this workout because I was a total baby doing it. :D
I asked John to take a picture of my post-workout exhausted face and this is what he shot.
He’s mature. ;D
A Running Sabbatical
Nigel “makes” his bed by pawing at sheets or blankets before he plops down - somehow this afternoon he managed to wrap himself up into a bully burrito.
Some dogs ride skateboards and surfboard and rocking horses - my baby winks at you. :)
This ridiculous sweet pup. I will be joining Nigel in supreme laziness for the rest of the week while I take a one week sabbatical from running.
Frankly, I’m itching to run again. After the Marine Corps Marathon, I had a lingering knee injury that didn’t go away and a lot of pain - this Monday, I was walking funny but I was shocked by how quickly my body was healing.
I wanted to go to hot yoga today. I wanted to start a new exercise regimen.
I wanted to start base-building for my next marathon - but I don’t fear rest even if it’s hard for me to take this week off.
Highlights from my training plan for the Fargo Marathon:
- I ran a total of 370.68 miles starting right after the Goofy Challenge (including races).
- I completed a total of 47 hours of hot yoga.
- I completed two 20 mile long runs.
- I did a ton of speed work which showed up during the training cycle: I completed a 5 mile race in a little over 45 minutes, finished the half portion of the Fargo Marathon in 2:06 and finished my fastest 18 miler ever - in 2 hours 58 seconds.
I am happy with an adaptive plan - it let me build my endurance and increase speed without being completely run down, burnt out, or injured.
I wanted to run four days a week the entire time but during long run weeks (especially over 15 miles), my plan let me ratchet down to three runs a week - which saved my legs for the race.
I’m excited about this one week sabbatical because of the concept of periodization of training cycles.
It’s easy for me to sign up for race after race because there are so many fun races out there but I don’t want to run a bunch of mediocre races and I have a hard time using races as training runs.
I see a lot written about the love for running and the love for racing - and I love both.
But I love racing fast and getting faster with each passing year - it makes me so happy.
So what’s our next adventure?
We are running the Detroit Free Press Marathon in October. It will be my third racing marathon and my fifth one completed!
For John it will be his fourth racing marathon and his sixth one completed.
My goal is simple: I will hit 26.2 miles in 4 hours.
I write that with so much nervousness - I went from a 4:32 at the Marine Corps Marathon to 4:14 at Fargo. Does my body have those 14 extra speedy minutes in my legs?
Well, I’d rather dream big than dream small. And I’d rather try and fail then not try at all.
You can track my training here. In the following weeks you will see:
- More Mileage! I’ll be running 4X a week still with a plan that starts at 15 miles and peaks at 55 miles.
- Two twenty milers again - but this time a 22 and a 23 miler!
- A lot of hot yoga, as usual. :D
- Kicking or screaming, John will have me lifting weights.
- And cross-training with a new activity for me - Spinning!
Nigel Bear always approves of rest days.
Always.
Stay a While, Crocodile
Here’s a little knowledge on this terrifying Tuesday: the first known crocodiles were 27 feet long and may have been able to swallow people whole.
That’s five of me, standing on top of each other, heading towards you. Menacingly. Nigel would not have survived.
Actually, crocodiles and Nigel have much in common: short splayed legs, a round, chubtacular belly, powerful jaws, and a propensity to lay around with that “derp” expression.
Not quite sure why he’s such an evolutionary fail… :D
After hot yoga last night I was famished - apparently countless bowls of soup weren’t enough.
So I did what I do best - cut up a small pineapple and ate it with my hands.
I woke up not hungry for breakfast so I used the time to pack a delicious lunch - a baby spinach salad dressed with miso-wasabi dressing, miniature red and orange bell peppers and roasted Brussels sprouts on the side.
I also ate an Ezekiel English muffin with a Chipotle “grain meat” sausage - love this sammie!
The Chipotle vegan sausages is primarily made from my favorite veggie: eggplant!
Today’s Workout:
My first workout of the day was a 3.5 mile run easy run in 34 minutes.
My second workout was a 60 minute C2 hot yoga class with my favorite teacher.
My run felt good except for a lot of pain in my triceps when I was pumping my arms.
In yesterday’s and today’s C2 hot yoga class, I finally had a breakthrough in side crane pose but it definitely left me sore!
I think this will be the year of crow/crane poses. Although I can hold regular crane/crow for a long time, I am working on full crane - getting those knees to the top of my triceps. There’s always a new challenge everyday. :)
Cinco De Miler Race, a new 5K PR + Churros are Delish
{We don’t have pictures from this race - this was an accurate representation of how I acted after I crossed the finish line. I love you Kelly Kapowski!}
The Cinco De Miler is the only five mile race in Chicago (the Shamrock Shuffle is 4.97 miles) and this was the first year we got to run it. Like the Shuffle, and the Hot Chocolate, this will definitely be an annual favorite.
I am always impressed by how “small races” in Chicago have nearly 4000 people running!:)
The Cinco De Miler is organized by the same people who put on the Hot Chocolate 15K, and there are churros and egg and cheese burritos at the finish line.
I’ve never eaten a churro before - it’s a fried cigar-shaped biscuit rolled in cinnamon and sugar and it’s delicious! I gave my burrito to John. :)
I love small races - you can run, have fun, and be showered in time to meet friends for brunch - a pretty great weekend! :)
Nigel also had a great start to his weekend - he wasn’t interested in waking up at 7am though. :)
******
I ran the 5 miler in 45:20 - only 20 seconds off my goal of 45 minutes so I’m pretty happy with my performance.
My mile splits were 8:51, 9:13, 9:22, 9:04, and 8:24!
I definitely didn’t feel like I gave it my 100% with the Fargo Marathon less than two weeks away but can I get an internet high five for five mile splits under 9:25!!!
I also reached a 5K personal record of 28:37!
I am excited about this number because at the Shamrock Shuffle it was 29:19 and I shaved off an easy 40 seconds. What can I do if I push myself???!!!
My next goal will be to earn a 25 minute 5K in a race!
Even more impressive for me, was that my average pace at the Shuffle was 9:30 and my average pace here was 9:04!!!
I love speed work, I love speed work, I love speed work!
John finished his race in 39:38 with a pace of 7:56! I’m so impressed and happy for him - and motivated to catch up. :D
******
In more exciting news, do you sometimes think, “I wish I had more Nigel in my life,” or “I would love to send Nigel marriage proposals from my girl puppy?”
Well, wonder no more and enjoy The Adventures of Nigel Bear!
Yes, Nigel has his own Tumblr, where he shares all the exciting moments of his life like third nap or the attractive blonde on his morning walk who always calls him “smooshy face.”
It’s a good life. :)
Runnings and Doings the Yoga
There are beautiful thunderstorms and rain outside and I love running in a storm. Feeling the raindrops on your body when you run is so freeing.
I especially love those moments when you come in after a wet run you get that immediate chill followed by a hot shower.
And yes, I love cuddling with Nigel after an evening run and yes, he is not excited about it. I get pretty jealous that he’s so excited when John comes in from his runs but he just keeps napping when he sees me.
LOVE MEEEEEEE!!!!!
Nigel is super mopey and sitting in a corner with his favorite toy because John is out of town visiting family and Nigel Bear can’t wrap his mind around this. It would be heartbreaking if it weren’t adorable!
*******
WOD
Today’s run was an easy 3.1 miles (5K) in 29:50. I couldn’t have run it faster if I wanted to because oddly, the heat is getting to me. And it’s not even that hot - just 82 in the rain!
I know it seems silly but I rarely warmed up before I ran. I might walk around a bit and do a bit of yoga but I would just get to the line and run.
After the Marine Corps Marathon, I thought, “What am I doing?” I’m practically using the first two miles of every race to warm up and feel more limber and that is a waste - so I got smart and make myself do a warm-up jog now for almost a quarter mile.
I don’t count it towards my daily total but it’s been remarkable how much better my legs feel!
{Why would anyone want to shoot them?}
My second workout was a C2 hot yoga class - we did a lot of “Shoot the Ducks.” I hate the name but love the challenge of the pose - I am no where near getting it but it looks so awesome!
After my run and hot yoga class I was ravenous and enjoyed this delicious combination: toast with berry preserve and fresh rosemary leaves!
I saw an old Gourmet magazine which had sweet jams with unlikely spices in it and I wanted to give it a try. VERDICT? Delicious! It’s an unexpected flavor for me and I love it!
My review of the Rodney Yee yoga DVD for at-home practice inspired a personal challenge posed by Yee: Can I hold Downward Dog for five minutes on my forearms and palms? Let see if I can by the end of the month?!
I have been concentrating on just downward dog on my arms and the longest I’ve gotten to 2:35 - it’s intense and my arms were shaking. :)
Hope everyone had an awesome Thursday!
Meals ‘n Miles
It’s 72 degrees in Chicago. FINALLY.
Nigel took it all in stride but anything above 65 is not good for bullies or any smoosh-faced dogs.
I hear ya, big guy. My first workout today was a 5.25 mile run in 51 minutes and it was hot.
My compression gear which keeps me nice and toasty in 40 degree runs was not fun today so it’s worrying me as I plan on wearing it during the Fargo Marathon. I’ve got a few days to get used to it so cross your fingers that it will work out. :D
*******
I haven’t posted my eats in some time because I’ve been eating the same six things - oatmeal, eggs, salad, tofu, Greek yogurt, and veggies.
Don’t get me wrong, I love what I eat but I will start again tomorrow with the hopes that I will try some awesome new recipes!
Tonight, John is working late so I felt like I was back in my living-by-myself days when I ate a ENTIRE small pineapple for dinner. With my hands.
Yup.
WOD + WOW: 5K P.B. & Our African Adventure Begins!
Today was a intervals day and I ran a 3.3 miles in 26:35 minutes!
My 3.11 mile time (5K) was 24:56!!
I want to thank the Academy, G-d, John, and my mom.
Not really, I want to thank carbs. Pure, unadulterated carbs.
It was tough and this is what I looked like after. :) In race conditions, I am hoping this will translate to a 27-28 minute 5K soon!
With a little over three weeks until the Fargo Marathon, I’m in my taper phase where I bring down my mileage and focus on speedwork and my hot yoga classes.
My second workout today is 90 minutes of yoga at home using Tara Stiles’ book!
I hate to admit it, but I don’t love the Wednesday teachers and I find it distracting to my practice - I know I should overlook mannerisms or teaching style but it becomes so closely intertwined with your concentration that it’s tough to do!
*******
Today was also awesome for another reason: we booked our trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and bought our plane tickets!
Our trip is going to involve a trek up and down the mountain and a two-day African Safari! This is one of my biggest dreams and I am so excited just imagining seeing the lions, zebras, and elephants walking about in their natural surroundings.
We tried to take a family portrait after we bought the tickets but Smooshface McGee was hogging the spotlight as usual.
Sadly, no English bullies up Mt. Kili. :)
My Second 20 Mile Long Run!
I completed my second 20 mile long run yesterday, finishing in 3:13:59!!
I ran it as fast as I could, doing intervals the entire time and finished it more than six minutes faster than my last 20 miler (3:21)!
Mile 1 in 8:37 + Mile 2 in 9:18
I started off way too fast and ran a two miler in 18:44. I’m happy to see the faster numbers but I definitely have to remember, “Marathon means 26.2 miles of running.” :)
{Source}
Mile 3 in 9:38 + Mile 4 in 9:39 + Mile 5 in 9:48 + Mile 6 in 9:37
“The uneventful miles” so I decided to shake things up! I run the lake-front path a lot and around mile 4 when I saw the same bird’s nest in a tree that I’ve seen for the last few weeks, I decided I wanted to see something new - so I went through a nature preserve area.
I got to see all the new plantings (wild grasses and flowers the city put down to help out the birds and bugs) and it is eerily quiet when you lose sight of the city and the water.
I love urban oases. One of the ways I’ve been able to prevent burnout has been constantly seeing something and doing something new - I haven’t missed a run since I started training and I hope the Angels of Injury can keep it that way.
Mile 7 in 9:53 + Mile 8 in 9:47
{Source - Miles 7 and 8 involved me freaking out about my moleskin slipping - I’ve had a cut I’ve been nursing and I didn’t want it to act up!}
Mile 9 in 10:42
My right hip stated acting up and I let the Garmin run while I assumed pigeon pose, stretching it out). My only mile over 10 minutes and most of it was holding pigeon. :D
{At mile 10 - I like to pretend the lake ends here and I’m at the end of the world.}
Mile 10 in 9:54
Back to business with my fastest training 10 miler in 1:37! I definitely had to slow down a few times but I can’t wait to see an even lower number during a race!
Mile 11 in 9:40
{Source}
I run because it makes me feel good. When I’m having a bad day or when I feel like someone has caused me unhappiness, a run makes me feel better. I run because I love it and can’t imagine a life without running. I run because my body thrives on it and I feel more alive when I run. I run because it makes me madly happy even if the run isn’t great.
{Source}
This run was definitely harder because I was running it faster and I had ten more miles to go at this point. I had my honey badger eyes of fury going - but I also had a smile on my face. :)
Mile 12 in 9:26 + Mile 13 in 9:49
I felt tight so I focused on my posture, my hips, my stride, but at a certain point, I think I was just going to have to get used to my body feeling some aches while I forced it to go faster.
{Source}
Mile 14 in 9:34
After the half-marathon mark, there’s always a moment of “Mother Mary, I still have more miles, don’t I?” An encouraging text from John provided a second wind!
{Source}
Mile 15 in 9:38
On my way down the lake-front, I decided to take a section that is closed off with gates and police signs because lots of other runners were jumping the fence.
A quarter mile in, I realized that I (we?) are trapped because the trail leads into the water where it collapsed. I navigated some rocks (imagining I was that dude in 27 Hours) and climbed a small stone wall.
Everyone jumped so I jumped - it wasn’t very high, maybe up to my tummy and I’m only 5’2 - but the pain in my left ankle when I hit the ground - never doing that again!
Mile 16 in 9:51 + Mile 17 in 9:45
At this point, my hands were shaking and unable to open my pocket for Swedish fish. I ran in my Lulu tank top and vest to test out my gear for race day but once the sun was gone, I was chilled.
{Source}
Mile 18 in 9:48 + Mile 19 in 9:52 + Mile 20 in 9:34
My favorite moment in a long distance race is the last two miles - I was extra motivated to finish strong because all I wanted was to go home, shower, and drink hot chocolate! I also started to use Kelly Clarkson’s running advice:
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone!
What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter,
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn’t mean I’m over cause you’re gone
Who knew? Kelly Clarkson, running coach. I didn’t want to think, I just wanted to run so the song was on permanent loop until the end. :)
{Source}
I came home, collapsed in the shower with Gatorade, and then collapsed into bed. :)
