December 7, 2009
I ran my second-best 5k time last Saturday. 32:17. Despite initial dissappointment, I’m pretty pleased with myself right now. But now is not the time for race reports. Now is the time to come clean. I’ve been hiding something.
2010 is going to be the year of the tri.
At first, it was going to be the year I learned to bike. Despite the fact that all of my endurance athlete friends swore up and down that I’d get bitten by the tri bug, I held firm that I did not want to swim. I should have known it would all be over when I watched Barb take on Ironman Arizona. I learned two things as a spectator on that course: 1. I will do a triathlon this year. 2. I will not ever do a mass swim start. (You can quote me on that one. It was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever seen!)
My first swimsuit came in the mail today! I met with Jen Harrison to map out my 2010 race season. My very first tri will be the Together We Tri indoor triathlon on March 21, 2010. I’m gunning for my first real triathlon to be the Galena Triathlon in May. It’s bound to be a cold swim, but it’s also a short one. We’ll see.
At any rate, 2010 will be a year of learning two new sports, new lingo, new training programs, and maybe even a year to excel at the sport I love most.
November 12, 2009
My daily internet routine consists of checking e-mail, Facebook, a few running blogs, and Pace of Chicago. Today was just another day of surfing the net until I looked at the sidebar on Pace of Chicago — the article David Wallach wrote about running the marathon with me had a new comment!
I’m not embarrassed to admit that I actually squealed when I saw that the comment was from Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run International.
Lauren is, without question, the epitome of what Girls on the Run is all about! Strong, persevering, authentic, open and humble. I consider myself one of the most fortunate women on the planet to be associated with someone like her.
Way to go Lauren. Run on sister!
Molly Barker, Founder of Girls on the Run International
I still can’t believe that an amazing woman like Molly took the time to say such kind words about me. I feel like I owe so much to her for starting Girls on the Run and giving me a great way to bond with my students, enjoy the sport I love, and empower young women. I’ve seen first hand the lives that Girls on the Run changes. Nothing tops the sight of 8 – 12 year old girls beaming after accomplishing their first 5k run. Nothing. And Girls on the Run does more than just that — it empowers young women to believe in themselves, and to stay out of the “girl box.” It’s one awesome organization, to say the least, and one I’m thrilled to participate in.
I’m still smiling over here. Thank you, Molly!
November 9, 2009
The weather has been beautiful lately. The perfect weather for some fall running.
Unfortunately, I apparently have an upper respiratory infection, and have been confined to resting, fluids, and lots of movies this week.
Here’s hoping it goes quickly!
November 3, 2009
I started running three years ago. When people asked, I’d tell them that I didn’t really like running, but I loved the way I felt when I was finished.
This weekend, I realized that’s not true anymore. I’m actually in love with running. On Sunday night, I laced up my shoes to head out for a run. I told Jon, “I’ll be back in an hour. Or more. Or less. I don’t really know how far I’m running, but I have my cell phone if you’re worried.” And then I just went out and ran until I felt like turning around. That’s it. No science, no strategy, no intervals set on my watch. I did run with my iPod for the first time in a long time, because I wanted some tunes. I did wear my running watch, but only so I knew how far I’d run when it was over.
It took almost no time for me to zone out, find my happy pace, and relax. Apparently I turned around at about 3.2 miles, because Garmin said 6.4 miles when I got back to my house. It took me about 1:15, which is shockingly an 11:43 pace, and pretty darn close to my 10k PR. Could Barb be right? Have I been selling myself short?
This morning, I realized I may also be falling in love with fitness. Alarm set for 4:50, I rolled out of bed at 5:00 to make it to a 5:30 am spin class. It was awesome to start my day knowing that my workout was already complete, and I’d have time to come home and cook a nice dinner. I think I may make Tuesdays and Thursdays my 5:30 spin days from now on. I’m shocked that I not only got up on time, but loved it. (Oops. Am I cheating on my love, running, with a new love, early workout?)
It’s official, folks. I’m smitten.
October 31, 2009
In 2007 and 2008, I trained for October marathons and then went into hiding until the Shamrock Shuffle. Determined not to let that happen this year, I set some goals for myself after the marathon. Then, I immediately sprung into action to work towards those goals. I have to admit, I’m a little bit impressed with myself right now.
Have I made it out for every run I’ve planned on? No. But I have done much better than ever before. I’ve gone to Yoga weekly for the past three weeks. Monday will mark my third week of core/spin. I’ve run at least twice a week. I’ve also met with Bridget twice, and have my third meeting already set up. I’m learning great things about nutrition and health, and I’m actually excited to cut the junk out of my diet.
I always used to skip workouts, claiming I didn’t have time to fit it in. There were too many other things on my plate. I’m finally learning something I wish I’d known all along. When I take the time to “fit it in,” I’m actually accomplishing more with the rest of the day. I’m energized; I’m productive. I’ll come home from a 5k and start doing the laundry and grading papers. Finding balance in my life is making me happier, healthier, and I’m accomplishing more. Who knew?
Most importantly, I love everything I’m doing. I’ve also become a total race junkie. I want to sign up for everything. I think every race looks exciting. I keep telling Jon that the money we’re saving on fast food will pay for my new race obsession. The sad part is, it’s probably true.
October 26, 2009
Yesterday morning, I ran the CARE 4 Breast Cancer 5k in Lippold Park (Crystal Lake). I had a blast running with my team, the Pink Princesses. Race day started promising enough, with gray skies but no rain. Once again, we got chillier than necessary waiting for a race with a delayed start. (What was it with races and delays this weekend?!) We huddled together, shaking in the cold, for an extra half hour yesterday thanks to traffic congestion. The good news is a lot of people were coming out to support a great cause. I guess I can’t complain too much, right?
As we made our way to the starting line around 8:45, we heard other runners and walkers saying that runners were supposed to be in the front. Shoot. This was the first we’d heard of this. We tried to get as far forward as we could, but there were more walkers there than any of us realized. I spent much of the first mile dodging walkers and weaving around. Because of the time it took me to start and all of my weaving, mile one came at about 13 minutes. From there, I was finally out of the crowds for the most part. The miles just kind of ticked by. At Barb’s reccommendation, I did this run without any gadgets. I even left the watch at home. Without a run/walk timer going off, I just ran… and ran… all the way to the finish line. Despite a first mile of 13 minutes, my overall time for the race was about 34 minutes. (There were no chip times for the race, so that’s probably as exact as I’ll get.) With a 5k PR of 32:14, I’m pretty psyched that I was able to pull off some really strong times for miles 2 and 3. Could this be the year I get stronger?
After I finished, I ran back to cheer like a crazy person and run in a few friends. Many of the women I ran with yesterday were running their first 5ks, and they all did awesome! It was a whole lot of fun to be a part of so many debut 5ks this weekend. I’m really having too much fun with this running thing right now. Who knew that a girl who used to cry the night before the mile in gym class would ever sign up for two 5ks in the same weekend?
October 24, 2009
Of course as I write this, the sun is shining and it looks like a beautiful fall day. That was not the weather when I woke up this morning. Running weather today was in the 30’s with some lovely drizzle, and even rain at some points. Still, I’ll take fall running over summer running any day.
Regina and I headed over to Palatine for the Halloween Hustle 5k, where we waited in long lines (shivering) to get race numbers and timing chips. Once we were all geared up, I began the search for Dan Malinski. Inspired by the craziness that David and I endured and wrote about, Dan is training for his first marathon, the Chicago Marathon on October 10, 2010. After just two weeks of his running journey, Dan ran his first 5k this morning. Dan looked pumped and ready to go, despite the fact that I’m sure he was a little nervous!
When the race started (about 15 minutes late), we were off at a quick jogging pace, which we held for about 3/4 mile. We passed the first and second mile markers walking at a brisk pace. Just before mile 3, Dan’s co-worker Chelsea caught up with us to give Dan a little extra boost to the finish line. We were cheering and cheering like a couple of crazies, and convinced Dan to run to the finish. (I made sure to cheer for the mile 3 marker too. Mile-marker cheering applies to races of all distances, not just marathons!) Regina caught up with us at the very end, too, and happily became our photographer for the end of the race. (The link is to Dan’s album… sometime this weekend I’ll upload the super cute picture of Regina and I, too!)
With a previous 5k time of 54:00, Dan set his goal for today’s race at 50:00. We were thrilled to come in and see a clock time of 48 and change. (Official chip times are yet to be posted, but our best guess is 47 and change.) Way to go, Dan, for an awesome first 5k!
As for me, I had a blast being a cheerleader today. Because most of my runner friends can run circles around me, it’s not often I find myself in the position of motivator and cheerleader. But it wasn’t about me today. It was about Dan. And focusing on Dan made the miles tick by even faster. Today only solidified my desire to grow stronger over the course of the next year. I want to be somebody else’s “Crazy Barb.”
October 23, 2009
I met with a nutritionist, Bridget, for the first time last night. She’s amazing, and I really think I’m going to learn a lot from her. I also think I’m going to become healthier overall… and it’s about time!
A little less than five years ago, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I won’t go into all the gory details here, but suffice it to say that UC is a chronic gastrointestinal disease. Because of it, I can’t tolerate many foods that are considered healthy — whole grains, high fiber, raw fruits and veggies, nuts, etc. The hardest part about UC is that it’s different for every person. So no one can really give me a list of foods to avoid. It’s all trial and error. Unfortunately, most of the “safe” foods I’ve found at this point aren’t particularly healthy. It was time to talk to an expert.
Living with UC and being an endurance athlete causes another set of problems. Not only do I need to avoid many of the foods that you should eat when you’re training, I need to make sure I’m fueling my body for the amount of work I’m expecting it to complete! Doing all of this on my own just seemed like a daunting task. That’s where Bridget comes in. She’s extremely knowledgeable and realistic. I feel like she’s going to arm me with good information that I can actually use. I’m really excited about the process, and also everything I’m about to learn.
I’m meeting with her again next week, and for now the goals are seemingly simple:
- Stop drinking Diet Coke. Period. (It’s recently stopped tasting good to me, but I still crave it for the caffiene.)
- No more McDonald’s & Taco Bell. If I have to do the fast food convienence thing, at least choose Jimmy John’s or Subway.
- Keep an extremely detailed food journal, including sleep time, feelings before and after eating, amount of food, and as much nutritional information as possible.
I’m less than 24 hours in, but so far, so good. Except for one thing: I have a mini-fridge at work that is full of Diet Coke… and I want one so bad. Looks like I might have to replace the Diet Coke with water…
October 21, 2009
After the marathon, I set some goals. It almost feels like a New Year’s resolution to me. The part that’s different is… I’m keeping it!
So far this week:
- Core strengthening class & spin on Monday night (90 min total)
- 3 miles Tuesday night
- Yoga tonight (60 min)
The best part? I have a meeting with a nutritionist tomorrow! I think this is the start of some really good, life-changing, healthy habits for me.
Two 5k runs on deck this weekend: Halloween Hustle and CARE for Breast Cancer 5k.
Life is good.
October 17, 2009
I think every runner I know experiences the “what next?” that comes after a big race. I suppose it’s like this with most things in life. When you’re really focused on the big goal, and then the day comes and goes, it leaves you with a lot of time and energy to spare. I decided to take advantage of this. Still riding my Chicago Marathon endorphin high, I set some big goals. Some of them are things I’ve been putting off for a long time. And this week, I took some baby steps to get there.
On Wednesday, I went to Fitness Yoga at the gym. I’m pretty sure my instructor was laughing at me a lot of the time. My leg muscles were doing all kinds of shaking and twitching — I don’t think I looked like the most coordinated chick there. But I did it. And next Wednesday, I’m going to do it again. In fact, I’ll be back at the gym on Monday for 30 minutes of core strengthening and 60 minutes of spin. Yeah!
I also set my sights on some races. So far on next year’s race calendar: Indy Mini 1/2 Marathon, St. Louis Marathon Relay, Muddy Buddy, and Chicago Marathon 2010. I’m even thinking about trying a century! (For now, we’ll ignore the fact that I have little to no experience on the bike.)
And finally, I contacted a sports nutritionist/registered dietitian. This woman is amazing. She’s a nutritionist, dietitian, and personal trainer. With her help, I hope to finally figure out how to eat healthy and not cause my ulcerative colitis to flare up. I figure I’ve lived on McDonald’s and Taco Bell long enough. I am looking forward to my first appointment, but not the inevitable food journal.
All in all, a successful post-marathon week. I’ll probably even go for a 2 or 3 mile run tonight.
