Time to Start Lacing up Again

I'm back... muahahaha

I know this blog went MIA. I never even recapped The Blue Ridge Marathon from April. That's because somethings are just too wonderful to put into words. I went on vacation shortly after, and by the time I came back I really didn't think I had the writing skills to do the event justice. But, a picture is worth a thousand words...

With tears in my eyes I secured a 4:48 finish, beating my previous Roanoke personal record by over 6 minutes. I'd say this was my strongest marathon. Arguably I was in the best running shape of my life right there...

Present Day

The other reason I've been MIA is bc I lost that fitness level, fast. I haven't done any running worth blogging about since the end of April. I barely survived a trail half marathon in June (almost 3 hours to finish), and now running more than 3 miles seems like I'm exercising in the 7th circle of hell. I've been lifting 4 days a week and 'running' (I guess that's what to call it) 2 days a week. And for some reason I'm running a trail Ragnar in 4 days :)  To say I'm underprepared is a big understatement. But, at least I will have something interesting to blog about next time. From what I've heard from other runners, trail Ragnars are more of a camping event/festival as opposed to an all out running event, so it will be a nice way to ease back into the sport. 

To Vegan... or Not to Vegan

I recently decided to see if I could give up meat, and eggs... and dairy. I've had eggs for breakfast everyday for the past 14 years. I also don't think I've ever gone a day without chicken or fish (and occasionally, beef). More than 'changing my lifestyle' due to a documentary, I'm taking this as a personal challenge to see what I'm capable of. I've been following the plant based diet for nearly a week now, only faltering once on a bite of a fish taco and an octopus tentacle (I love all seafood; it was delicious). Tofu and beans have replaced my previous protein main stapes, along with more rice and quinoa. And although I didn't feel so great last week, I really feel on top of my game the last couple days. I went for a 5 mile run that didn't completely suck, I feel more alert and focused, and my energy levels throughout the day are more consistent. Hell, I even decided to get back to updating this dying blog. I must be doing something right. 

And based on how I feel... we'll see about a fall marathon. Not sure if I'm ready for the commitment just yet... maybe in the spring :) I think a half marathon (or 2) are in my future this fall. But I'm not deciding either way just yet.

Cheers everyone... fingers crossed for an awesome Ragnar experience this weekend!!!

India 

Another Training Plan Completed

I just crossed run number 63 off of a 64 run training plan (the final 26.2 will happen Saturday)!!!

Crazy, amazing, and horrible things all happen simultaneously when you train to conquer 26.2 miles (or 26.7, as the Blue Ridge Marathon is officially .5 miles over the marathon distance - just one more little hurdle to throw into the mix).

1. Your weight will fluctuate. Some days I was up, some days I was way down. But I rarely weighed the same on any 2 consecutive days. That being said - I look pretty good naked ;) I have packed on muscle in my legs and my waist has thinned out....my pants are all loose. It's a win-win!

2. Hunger is going to happen. I thought I was avoiding it this time...but alas... I am starving 24/7. Which is OK-I mean I was running upwards of 40 miles a week.

3. Drinking isn't fun. I love beer, but whenever I over do it now I feel 100% awful. I've learned it's better to skip it all together the night before a long run. Hangovers and dehydration are NOT fun.

4. You become obsessed with tracking the weather. Right now it looks like I will be getting drenched at some point on Saturday. I'm updating my app every 15 minutes, hoping for good news.

5. Dedicated= stubborn. I was obsessed with figuring out how I would fit in every single run on the training schedule. This was much harder a few months ago when daylight was scarce. And getting in runs meant sacrificing. My evenings, weekends, and even my work schedule were affected by my 'dedication'.

6. Running will break and heal your heart. Some days it's impossible; some days it's therapy. But you never regret the run after you're done. I had a lot of emotional days where I would start crying while I was running. You don't realize how many things are building up, but running allows you to release it all when you need to.

Less Than 24 Hours Until I Leave!!!

I cannot put into words how excited I am for this race. I love Roanoke. I love that I was chosen to be an ambassador. I love the volunteers, the crowds, and the challenging course. I said I want to beat my time of 4:54:54, but honestly just finishing this marathon is a big enough accomplishment. Last time I did this race in 2015 it chewed me up and spit me out. The heat got to me, and I finished with a time of 5:32. I KNOW I will do better than that this time. My biggest fear is the rain...hopefully it's light and refreshing (not a torrential down pour). But regardless, in less than 48 hours I'll be climbing 3 mountains!!

One of the most beautiful views on Mill Mountain - MooMosas!!!

I'm ready to rock this course.  You can track my progress here 

- http://www.blueridgemarathon.com/get-race-app/

I'm bib number 213!! I will also Facebook Live the start and a few portions of the course (weather pending; I'm not ruining my phone)

Cheers!!! I will be celebrating my a$$ off Saturday afternoon/evening. But for now, it's time to rest :)

India

Boston

I've been following the damn marathon ALL DAY.

I have a few friends/running gurus I follow on social media who are running this race today. God am I jealous. I want to be there with the crowds and excitement; the one race that separates the 'recreational runners' from the elite. I wonder if I could ever earn my way in... and then I look at my marathon times and lose all hope.

But still... there is that shy, low voice....asking myself... 'could I do it?'. And an even lower voice whispers, 'Yes'.

3:35 is the qualifying time for women 30-34. If I wait long enough, it would be 3:40 for a 35 year old. The first logical step would be to break 4 hours... and I've been so close twice now. I know I can do that.

So... what if I really really want to go to Boston? Is it crazy... is it possible? I've never spoken those words out loud, because I never thought it was possible. But what if it was... what if I trained like an elite? Could I get a BQ time?

It's these crazy thoughts that keep me motivated and keep me coming back, run after run, after each heartbreak, after all of the torture...

Just a few weeks ago I was saying how I wanted to give up running and take up other activities. Nonsense. Just crazy taper-talk. I'm not going anywhere ;-)

5 days until Roanoke!!!

Mentally Defeated

Let me start by saying I DID NOT get a bad time at the Reston Half Marathon today. Not by a long shot.... But I repeatedly told myself I was going to PR this race. If I had kept up the same pace for the last 3 miles that I had for the first 10, I wouldn't be writing a blog post now. But I was...defeated? Hit a wall? No, that's not possible for a half marathon ;-/ You don't 'hit a wall'.

According to RunKeeper my time is 1:51:22. I think the official results will show a few seconds less - time to start, time to stop, etc. But it should be pretty close. My half marathon PR was 3 years ago, a time of 1:49:32. It was a much flatter course. I chose this race today because Reston's courses are notorious for hills, and I wanted something slightly comparable to the Blue Ridge Marathon course in 2 weeks.

It didn't feel good. From start to finish I never 'felt great', never got a runner's high, or anything remotely close.  I felt nauseous multiple times. And I know it was my poor pacing that set up my failure.

I took off like I was running a 5k or something. I don't know why. I'm sure people who saw me assumed 1 of 2 things:

1. I was a crazy talented runner who has qualified for Boston multiple times, or
2. I was a novice who had no idea what I was doing

Now, neither is correct, but the 2nd would be closer to accurate. At mile 10 I puttered out. My legs were in shock and I felt completely numb. I tried to run up the steep hills, but everyone was passing me; my 'run' was really an awkward looking walk with vigorous arm movements.

I'm just replaying everything I did wrong - and how I could've done so much better had I paced myself from the start. I know I could've ran faster the last 3 -4 miles and broken my 1:49 PR... which is all I wanted to do. Meh, I'm going to take a long bath with epsom salts and try to shake the negative feelings off.

2 weeks to Roanoke.... I've gotta get my mental game back on track.

India

Welcome to Taper Town

The Hardest Part is Through

Here I am, once again.

I've run over 387 miles during the last 13 weeks. Now it's time to cut back.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ready for it to be over. I'm sick of running for hours at a time. I love it, but I hate it. It's complicated. I love pushing my limits, and doing things I didn't think I could. But I also love sleep, and having a social life, and drinking beer. I mean, I still do all of these things, but I have to be conscious of upcoming runs and how I prepare.

19 days to go. It's going to be a long 2 1/2 weeks. And now I really have to watch my diet...I'm only putting in half the mileage these upcoming weeks as I have been.

 Maybe after this marathon I'll join a gym and work out like a regular human being again. I need to try something new... any suggestions (no cross-fit, please)?  I want to get back to lifting weights a bit more, and limiting cardio to 30-60 minutes at a time. Maybe shift my definition of 'weekend warrior' to encompass running in the local 5k. I want to reclaim my love for fitness - not only running.

Now what am I going to do with all of this free time.... Probably research all of the hot spots in Negril ;-)

Even while 'taking it easy' I am running a half marathon on Sunday!!!

Upcoming Races

• Runners Marathon of Reston (Half) - 4/9/17
• Blue Ridge Marathon  - 4/22/17
• AOL 5K - 5/7/17
• Twilight 4 Miler - 6/24/17
• Crystal City 5k - 7/22/17
• Rosary 10k - 7/23/17

Ready to Tackle 3 Mountains!

27 days until the marathon. That's only 3 more weeks of work. In one week I will begin my taper. I've made it to my highest mileage week of the training plan (which means I can eat that second helping of lasagna without almost any guilt). Only 3 more long runs, 3 more weeks of building my conditioning, and 3 weeks of following an intense marathon plan.

And guess what? I'm not even nervous this time.

I haven't been losing sleep or worrying about everything that 'could go wrong', as I have uselessly done while training for prior marathons.  Actually, I've been sleeping great. Between my job (busy proposal season) and following the training plan, I've been exhausted by 9 PM most nights (no glass of wine required). I LOVE sleep :)

Rather than stressing myself out, I am thinking of all the awesome times I've had in Roanoke the last 2 times I ran this race. The first time I ran this race I felt amazing the entire time. It was a stunning course- very humbling and difficult, but unlike anything I'd ever participated in.  I saw G-Love from only a few feet from the stage at the concert afterwards! Not to mention all of the local bars and downtown scene makes for a great party to celebrate your finish.

Blue Ridge Marathon - G.Love concert 2014. I look tired and happy :)

Blue Ridge Marathon -Big Head Todd and the Monster 2015

I'm still not even sure what being a "VIP" blogger means yet - but I know it's going to amplify the already awesome experience.

I'm ready. I'd run this race tomorrow if I had the option. I know I still have a good portion of training left, but I feel healthy and strong and ready to conquer those mountains. 

Remember - use code BRMFRIENDS for 15% off of a race of your choice at Roanoke!

Jamaica

Possibly another reason I'm in such good spirits these days - I'm leaving for Jamaica 4 days after the marathon! At 31 years old, I just got my first passport a month ago! Crazy, I know. Joel and I are staying at Couples Negril for 6 whole nights. I am bound and determined to look fit on that vacation. Between the 4-day a week running marathon plan, sweating it out a Title Boxing 2 days a week, and lifting at our community gym twice a week I will be ready for the beach.  April is going to be a fantastic month!

Upcoming Races

Runners of Reston Marathon (Half) - 4/9/17

Blue Ridge - 4/22/17

AOL 5k - 5/7/17

Twilight 4 Miler - 6/24/17

Crystal City Twilight 5k - 7/22/17

Rosaryville 10K - 7/23/17

West VA Trail Ragnar - 8/11-8/12

Of course, I may add to this. Tons of 5 and 10ks during May-July in Northern VA :) But I am taking a break from distance this summer.

Cheers and Happy Running!!  India <3

Stronger Than Ever

Finishing Strong

Recently I have had two phenomenal races. I didn't mention the 10K much last month; a good 10K time isn't representative of a marathon. And it could be a fluke. But, it has been a couple years since I got a sub 51 minute 10K (and only 1:23 off of my PR). 

Still, after this race I had 2 long runs that were subpar. I, once again, began doubting my abilities as a runner. Unusually hot weather in February posed threats of dehydration. And to think I was worried about dealing with too much 'winter weather' when I began this training cycle.

Last Sunday, I ran the Reston 10 Miler, and all of my doubts were eradicated. I maintained an 8:10 pace for the entire course (sub 8 min miles for the first 4 miles). And for anyone who knows the Reston PRR routes, this was not an easy feat. Rolling hills (more like mountains) dominate the entire race course. I saw many people who started strong putter out and slow down to a gentle walk. I saw people run off the course and receive a 'dnf' (did not finish). Despite the 19* temperature and my self doubt, I felt like a rock star from start to finish.

How to get a PR 1:21:51 10 Miler

I am mentally tough. That's one thing I learned about myself this past Sunday. I ignored the nagging voice in my head telling me to hold back and pushed past everyone in my way. I kept thinking I needed to slow down, until I realized I was almost done. At mile 8 I took off in a full sprint - uphill. 

Let's  look at the side by side comparison for this same race, year on year:

March 6, 2016

March 5, 2017

All I can say is wow... I've come a long way!!!

More Than Halfway....

Only 44 more days until Roanoke. Only 5 more long training runs.The next few weeks are going to be brutal! And my hunger is picking up once again... no way to contain that with the 40 miles + per week I'm cranking out. 

I like this plan. Previously I always ran at one speed - the fastest I could on any given day. Now, some days I force myself to go slow. Some days I have to force myself to sprint. Some days I want to give the plan and this entire training season the middle finger. But some days.... some days everything is just perfect.

Upcoming Races:

Reston Runners Marathon (Half) 4-9-17

Blue Ridge Marathon  - 4-22-17

AOL 5K Fun Run - 5-7-17 :) (yay for a short race)

Twilight 4 Miler - 6-24-17

Cheers and Happy Running!

India

First Awful Training Run

It Happened

Of course, shortly after I was boasting over how well my training was going, I had one of the worst runs of my life. That all-out, I'm not gonna finish, I may call an uber/rescue or I might die, kind of run.

It was only 14 miles. 

I woke up Saturday feeling a little off. Dehydrated, maybe. I didn't sleep very well. Maybe eating cheese pizza was a bad idea. Either way, I chugged some coconut water and told myself everything was fine. Spoiler alert - it wasn't.

Since my bout with dehydration at the Hemlock Half last September, I've been terrified of experiencing anything like that again. I promised myself I would be better at listening to my body, and that I would not drink too many beers the days before a run. Since my kidney issues last fall, I am also prone to noticing how much salt is in my sweat or if I think my urine has a funky smell (more so than normal). Needless to say I've got a lot to keep track of, but I get annoyed. The little voice in my head taunts me " you just want to get out of this run", and partially, he/she/it is right. It's a fine line.

So I began the daunting journey of a 14 mile run. Here is the break down:

Mile 1 - This, Fucking, Sucks, I think I should turn around.

Mile 2 - Wow it's really hot for February. The sun is beating me down (even under layers of sunscreen and a visor). Well, it is really pretty out.

Mile 3 - Endorphins! I love running - I can do this forever. I love Roanoke - I can't wait to go back. Ah, love.

Mile 4 - I think my toe bone is out of place. My foot hurts. Damn I wish I wore shorts. It's too hot...

Mile 5 - Only 2 miles to go till half way. That's nothing. Ok I need Gatoraide now.

Mile 6 - A very 'voluptuous' woman is running right in front of me. We both stop at the cross walk, but she decides she can't wait for the walking man signal and darts into the road (nearly getting hit by someone making a left turn). That's why you wait... When the signal finally came I sped up and left her in my dust - wasn't worth stopping traffic to get ahead of me was it??!

Mile 7 - Why did I sprint like a goddamn idiot to pass her. OMG I'm going to die. Just get to the 7 mile marker...I'll eat a honey packet and then I just have to get home.

Miles 8 -11. Fuck my life. Salt was visible through my capris, and my arms, and I could smell it. I was actually starting to feel dizzy. Shit. I realized I'm dehydrated. I should call an Uber. I'm more than half way...

Mile 12 - Another runner (opposite direction) waved to me and he stopped. I pulled my earbuds out and he asked if I was OK. He said I looked very pale. Not good. Shit. I told him I was almost home (kinda true) and I was OK.

Mile 13. Less than 2 miles. 2 miles may as well had been another 12. I actually laid down in some grass and wanted to have a pity party. I wanted to scream and cry and curse the day I decided to train for another marathon. This is so stupid. Why can't I go to the gym for an hour like a normal person?

Mile 14- One foot in front of the other. Just get home. Just get home. Every step I took I felt like I would dry-heave. Just get home.

At the end of the day I got it done... even though it was miserable. Not really complaining about the 70* weather in the middle of winter tho...

Let's hope this is just a one time occurrence; I can't afford more piss poor long runs this training season. This upcoming weekend I'm running 15 miles, then on March 5th I'm running the Reston 10 Miler. 

Body Goals

On another note - have you seen Aly Raisman??? This is my new inspiration

Ok time to shake off the bad run and get my butt in the gym - I've got work to do!!!

Cheers and happy running!

India

Blueridge Training is a Success!!

Training - Done Right!

This is the best running -shape I have been in, in a very long time. The Runkeeper plan is working! At least, that is partly it. My experience is starting to build and I'm finally balancing my mileage and food without devouring excess calories or starving.

I have lost 8 lbs since new years (!!!). I never thought I would see my body hover around 130 lbs again. My mileage isn't significantly higher or lower from my last training plan (although I am doing more speedwork and sprints), and I'm not on a 'special' diet. But I am not eating nearly as much as I did last fall.

Instead of indulging in pasta and multiple helpings of rice, I am eating lean protein and veggies for every meal. I know - this is counterintuitive to the necessity of 'carb loading'. And it may not work for everyone - but I am getting faster too! 

The truth is we EAT TOO MUCH. It's OK to be slightly hungry while training (running is not easy on a full stomach; it can be a disaster). The night before my long run I'll add half a sweet potato to my dinner. The morning of maybe a lite english muffin or piece of toast with my eggs and spinach. That's it. I don't eat 2 lunches like I was before. I don't stuff myself and justify it by my 'rigorous training', We really don't need to (and really shouldn't) eat that much. 

I also think I've become better at burning calories; my body has become accustomed to the high training intensity and I no  longer feel like I'm starving. Most importantly - I can't believe how good I feel! My mood, health,  and physical stamina all have dramatically improved. 

Worst is Behind Us

Last night the sun set at 5:30. I left work at 5 and it was still light out (!!!). Only 5.5 more weeks until daylight savings. Around 4-5 PM is the most beautiful time of day to run right now. I love the pink and orange skies followed by the blue/lavender undertones... Thankfully I have had some flexibility with my job, so I have been able to run in the afternoon a few days a week. 

It's hard to believe that last time I trained for a winter marathon I was working 9 AM - 6 PM everyday (mandatory hours) and I was also finishing my bachelor's degree. No wonder things seem a bit easier this time around :)   

I'm running the For the Love of it 10K this Saturday....time to see how my training is paying off!!

Cheers and happy running

<3 India

Winter Blues

I have a confession. Every time I finish a marathon, I have runner's amnesia.

All of the misery associated with training seems to disappear. I forget the relentless obsession with planning workouts, timing my meals, and getting enough rest.

I guess the feeling of finishing a marathon outweighs all of this, so in the end, it's always worth it.

One thing I completely eradicated from my mind was how much running in the winter sucks. Luckily, we've had  mild weather the last few weeks. A year ago right now VA was preparing for a 15 inch snow blizzard. So, comparatively, 50 degree temps is January are a blessing.

The first week of marathon training was a bit challenging, as it did snow two days in a row.

However, I had the proper gear to see me through. Nano spikes on my feet, three layers of shirts, and a face mask to help alleviate the adverse conditions for my nose/throat.

The trouble really comes with the lack of daylight. It's tough to find a free hour throughout the day to get in a run; it's usually before or after work. And it's always dark.

Minor Incident

Last week, around 7 PM on Thursday, I was almost hit by a car. In all my years of running this has never happened. I was wearing a headlamp, and the car stopped when I was about to run across the intersection, so I assumed  he saw me. I was wrong.

If I had been LITERALLY one second slower this would be an entirely different post (or worse, I'd no longer be here to post). He nearly swiped me going by. The angry adrenaline from almost having my life ended kicked in; I started screaming at him and flailing my arms. I called him a blind crazy asshole and I dropped a few F-Bombs. People nearby at the bus stop all turned around to watch me.

The man then had the nerve to roll his window down and call me a crazy bitch. He also said something about run inside or something like that; I really don't know. I mentally snapped. He almost killed me, then he calls me a crazy bitch? In a blind rage I picked up a large stone on the ground and hurled it at his back window. Then I took off running again...

I'm not bragging or proud of what I did. For the remainder of my run I was looking out for police cars, as I assumed he may have reported me. Long story short - be extra cautious. Double stop at every intersection. Take the hit to your time. Your life is worth a bit more...

Jesus.

Upcoming Races

I've added a few more races to the calendar, as I knew I would :)

2/4/17 - For The Love of it 10K

3/5/17 - Reston 10 Miler

4/9/17 - Runner's Marathon of Reston (I am doing the half)

4/22/17- Blue Ridge Marathon

Cheers, be safe out there, and happy running!!!

India

Marathon # 5

Playtime is Over

Did I really run a marathon 7 1/2 weeks ago? It doesn't seem that long... Seems like I just finished a rigorous training cycle and I still should be reaping the benefits of well-deserved rest. But, I digress, my next marathon is in roughly 15 weeks.

Not just any marathon, but Blue Ridge, America's Toughest Road Marathon. Since I have completed this course twice, I can tell you it does live up to the hype. With 7,430 ft of elevation changes, and a narrow course limited to only 750 runners, it is the most unique racing experience I've participated in. 

Blue Ridge Marathon - 2014

 When I ran this in 2014 I was in the best running shape of my life. I finished with a time of 4:55 ( I was told to add an hour 10 or an hour 15 to my marathon time to calculate a strong personal finish - I've never broken a 4 hour marathon). My guess is I could have ran a sub four hour marathon on a regular course when I ran this race for the first time.

You take on 3 separate mountains, all of which are ridiculously steep. Historically the temps are higher than average for this time of year on race day. When you've been training in sub freezing temps it can really throw you off... Challenging doesn't begin to describe the nature of this event. 

But it is worth it. Every breathtaking view, the energetic volunteers (the beer, wine, and mimosas are also a plus from spectators), and the jamming after party... To top it off I'm an official blogger for Blue Ridge this year. Which means I'll be celebrating my finish from the VIP tent...with several other blogging fanatics and more than just a couple post race beers. I feel like I won the freaking lottery!

Training

I am trying a new training plan from RunKeeper. It's a sub-four hour plan, but I'm pretty sure they didn't have Roanoke in mind when they developed this. Either way it's much harder than the plan I followed for Richmond a few months ago. I'm still running 4 days a week, but adding in more speed work and consistent, timed repeats (miles, half miles, 30 second sprints etc.). This means I will be incorporating the 'dead mill', which could be a blessing on cold winter days. Here is the plan schedule:

https://runkeeper.com/fitness-class/running-marathon/10?calendarType=MONTHLY&menuSelection=SCHEDULE&startDate=01/08/17&page=0

Wish me luck, with a lot of dedication and little bit of luck, I'll be third time Blue Ridge Marathon finisher on April 22nd!!!

Don't forget - BRMFRIENDS = 15% off the Blue Ridge race of your choice.

Cheers!

India