Journey Fitness

So last weekend I ran the Rock and Roll Marathon, what would be a good followup? Another marathon! I was actually really considering it, but decided that since I’d had pain on RnR that I’d wait a few days to see how my legs felt before committing to the full. In the end I decided to go with just the half. I had some tweaking in my right leg that ran from tweaking to out and out pain, so I was having these paranoid, “What if it’s a stress fracture??” attacks. I’m sure it isn’t.

So Megan and I decided to make it a girls weekend. She was unable to run Rock and Roll, so I found another one a week later on July 4 and suggested she do that. It was on Sauvie Island in Portland, Oregon. We decided to leave on Friday and drive down and spend the weekend together, leaving the guys at home to fend for themselves.

What fun! We drove down, talking the entire time. By the time we got to Portland we wanted to just find our hotel and then carbo load. So about an hour later, we actually FOUND our hotel after getting misdirected about 37 times! It was getting comical! Fortunately they checked us in REALLY fast, and we magically found Spaghetti Factory right away!

We chatted over dinner, both of us belonging to the Clean Plate Club. I think we ROLLED out of there. But we were loaded, that’s for sure! And I don’t care what anyone says, I love Spaghetti Factory…they are my carbo loading restaurant of choice!

On the way down I pointed out some of the areas that, if we were running the Portland Marathon, we’d run through and by. I suggested that she might consider Portland, as it is a GREAT marathon and very similar to Rock and Roll, except it’s flat! She said she’d consider it…

We woke up nice and early Saturday morning after a decent night’s sleep. (I was listening to a Stephen King book on my iPod, and she was talking in her sleep.) We left for the six mile drive to Sauvie Island with PLENTY of time to spare.

As we neared the island traffic slowed.

As we got even closer, it slowed more.

Pretty soon we were crawling thinking that biking to the island might not have been a bad idea. (Never mind neither of us had bikes.)

The race started at 7:00. At about 7:15 we finally parked and saw this:


Hi other half marathoners!!

We didn’t stress at all! It was what it was. We were in the same boat as many others, as you can see from this shot taken just after we started:

Hi other half marathoners not in the race yet!

What a mellow start. We got out of the car, people were milling around despite the fact that most half marathoners had already taken off. The line for the porta potty was long, so we decided to wait until the course. We adjusted our stuff, and sauntered over to the start line, started our Garmins and we were off.

What a beautiful course! It’s a flat course around the island. The island is home to many small farms growing everything from Highland Cattle:

To wheat:

To giant iron ducks:

The course was VERY flat, which was a wonderful change after Rock and Roll. We talked a LOT and had our moments of merriment touching the center yellow line. MUahahahaha! We are such REBELS! (There was a guy on a motorbike riding up and down the course warning us in dire tones, to run on the fog line and NOT go near the center yellow line. How can you NOT touch the center line! We actually incited a bit of a rebellion after Megan touched it, I saw others behind me follow her lead. Use your powers for good, Megan. Use them for good.)

I think that lady on the left may be heading towards the yellow line! Quick! Stop her!

The entire run was just flat out pleasant. The organization was fantastic. Volunteers (except cranky motorcycle yellow line guy) were great. The fire department, for whom the funds were being raised, was out in force directing traffic and cheering us on. The entire course was calm and beautiful.

At about mile 5 Megan says to me, “Okay, you know how you talk about doing things that scare you? Portland Marathon scares me, but I think I want to do it.” Yay! See, I use my powers for good! I told her that with 12 weeks to go and a really good, solid training under her, she could totally do it. Our new training starts in a few weeks, so we’ll just go out and do extra mileage at the end of every run.

Megan’s Action Shot:

As we neared the finish line I could hear the strawberry shortcake calling my name! At that point I was thinking “I could ToTaLlY have run the full marathon” but then Strawberry started singing her siren song, and the pull was too strong. We zipped in, had our photo taken, and hightailed it over to FRESH strawberry shortcake! Best Post Run Food EVER!

We also took some time to take in some of the sights at the farm. What a neat little place! It’s the Pumpkin Farm, with little shops, a little animal zoo, and a cow train:

We drove home, stopping to pick up two dogs on the way (Megan does Aussie rescue), and talked about Portland. As soon as we got home Megan posted to Facebook that she was going to run the Portland Marathon. I responded, and shortly after Erin responded that she would do it if she could tag along! Woot! Woot! Three girls, loose, in Portland running a marathon! CrAzY times ahead!

This was a GREAT half marathon. I will totally do it again and have already suggested to Roy that we do it next year. In fact, both Seattle and Foot Traffic Flat were well organized, well stocked, and wonderful runs. They were quite different…one much more “big city” than the other. But both were equally enjoyable and will definitely be on my race calendar next year.

Tags: half marathon, Journey Fitness, race, running

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I’m kind of bummed our hot weather is gone for awhile, but it does make for more pleasant running weather, that’s for sure!

Just an update of opportunities this week!

Wednesday: Come out and walk or run with me on Wednesday evening at the MPHS track. No charge, no commitment, no sweat…well, maybe some sweat. It’s just intended to be friends running and walking together and having some fun. If you’re curious about any of the upcoming running classes, aren’t sure you’re ready, and want to talk…this is a great time!

Trail Running Series is underway!

We had fun on Wednesday running at Arlington’s Riverside Meadows. It was just a great day for a nice, easy run. Don’t be intimidated if you’re not sure you can run trails…that’s what the series is for! This is a “get your feet wet” kind of program.

This Wednesday we’ll be meeting at 8 a.m. at Jennings Park to trek up to Paradise Valley Trails and run 3-5 miles on very well marked, beautiful trails. I ran this run a few weeks ago and couldn’t WAIT to go back! If you haven’t signed up, you’re welcome to join us for individual runs for $20.

Sunday we’ll run Lord Hill Park in Snohomish. Again we will meet at Jennings Park and carpool up to the trails. Lords Hill is a pretty peaceful trail with some beautiful views of some beaver ponds.

I’ll provide maps, water, snacks, and directions and transportation (as many as can fit in my van)…and guidance and conversation!

The City of Marysville is still taking registration for the 5k class starting on July 25 at 8 a.m. at Jennings Park! I think this is going to be a well attended class, which is great! The more the merrier! Our goal is the AFLAC Irongirl 5k on September 12 (date was changed). This is a GREAT race complete with an expo the day before and breakfast after the race, a medal, a stuffed duck, other goodies, and an awesome technical shirt.

If you’re ready for longer distances, here are some options ALSO starting July 25 at 9 a.m.

Train for a 10k. Irongirl also has a 10k, and some who have already run their 5k asked me about longer distance training. After reviewing the half marathon training schedule, I realized that it would take you right up to a 10k in 8 weeks!

Train for a half marathon/marathon: Our goals are Portland, Seattle Marathon, and/or Ghost of Seattle Marathon or half marathon! If you’re new to long distance running, the half marathon program is the one for you. We increase mileage gradually and consistently. Roy is going to be the half marathon walking coach, and will be taking a course in racewalking for those who might be interested in that.

If you have run your first half marathon and ready to go for the full enchilada, sign up for the marathon program! If you can run at least 5 miles then you too can join us at the Seattle Marathon with some training! Training with a group just makes it easier and more fun!

Are you looking to pump up your mornings with some cross training that helps build runner-specific muscles, including core work, that are essential to injury free running? Consider joining our Runners Boot Camp! BC starts on July 27 at Jennings Park at 5:30 a.m. Yes, you read that right…5:30 in the morning! Imagine getting a great workout in before work and having the rest of the day to feel good about yourself! Wednesday classes will start at Legion Park at 5:30 a.m. Sign up for both classes or just one. Classes run for 4 weeks and will include walking, jogging, glute work, quad work, core work, and a refreshing cooldown. Bring with you your running shoes, a fitness band, and a yoga mat for the last 15 minutes of class. Note all classes are outside and take place on the road and in the parks, even if it rains! After all, nothing like a nice morning shower to refresh and invigorate! (Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.)

For more information, check it out at www.jfrunners.com. All classes available to sign up through Active.com except the 5k class which is run through the Marysville Parks and Rec department. Call them at: (360) 363-8300 or drop in at Jennings Park between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. My programs are all dedicated to getting people of all ages and fitness levels out and having fun!

See you on the road!

Tags: classes, running, training

Slow run, but I’m recovering, plus it was a trail and I had to jump a few logs and avoid MOST of the nettles. Decided to try out the little trail by Union Slough. Pretty flat (except I went the wrong way at first, hence the log jumping). Very pretty day, and while the trail isn’t long (only a mile) I can see running from home to the end and back for about a 4.5-5 mile round trip. Roy waited for me at the trailhead and watched me run (lest a monster eat me), since someone dropped my cell phone in the toilet and it no longer works.

Wrong turn!

Nice little trail

It does grow “up” a bit! I used to be SO allergic to Scotch Broom!

Run: Union Slough Trail
Distance: 3.03 miles
Time: 34:11
Blessing: Being out on the beautiful waterfront
Total mileage this week: 3.03

Then we went to Seattle, had lunch at Cheesecake Factory (note to self…don’t look at nutrition information next time), and wandered around Pike Place for an hour. Saw “Grease” with Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel, and got his autograph for my classroom wall. (I had it from when he was on the American Idol tour, but it burned up.) A very very nice Memorial Day.

Tags: a year of running, running, Trail running, Union Slough

These little guys were cheering me on!

Either that or they wanted to eat me.

One of those…

Run: From MPHS home
Distance: 5.33
Weather: Beautiful and SUNNY! I ran in shorts!
Blessing: These little guys. I also found a monkey!

…but I left it for a little kid to find.

Total mileage this week: About 46 and some change

Tags: a year of running, running

Great feeling run today, for some reason. The weather was PERFECT and I just felt good. I ran to meet Roy so that we could get some things done. We took care of business, then went to dinner and to see a movie (Wolverine…eh, it wasn’t too bad). The 20th is “our” day so we try to spend it together because our first date was on February 20th and our wedding was on July 20th.

Unfortunately my throat went from scratchy to “on fire” in the two hours we were in the movie! What’s up with that? No fair! Shenanigans!

Interurban Trail sign…which way do I go?

Run: From work to Everett Mall
Distance: 5.67 miles
Time: 57:31
Blessing: Walking out of work and seeing that the clouds had lifted and the sky was a brilliant blue!
Total mileage this week: 40.7 miles

Tags: a year of running, Interurban Trail, running, training

Marathon 22 in the bag!

What a beautiful day for a beautiful race! I was running this race with my friend, Lisa, who made “Maniac” status today. Go Lisa! I had run 13.5 miles on Saturday so was pretty sure it wasn’t going to be a PR.

We decided to run 3:1 to see if we could take some time off. Of course in order for 3:1 to work to increase time, you have to really push it in the 3 component but well…we didn’t.

The race is very hilly and extremely beautiful! I had no idea how beatiful the Olympia area is! I’ve run two marathons in Olympia, prior, and had enjoyed them but this one is THE marathon to run if you’re going to Oly! It starts and ends right by the capital building, which is beautiful.

We both felt pretty good throughout the entire race. Really, I don’t think we slowed down at all. We were just about even throughout the race. We did stop and take pictures, and got to know a guy named Jim who is 67 and had run the Redmond Watershed 12 hour race yesterday. (!!)

Saw lots of stuff on the race…horses, cows, calves, foals, emus, lambs, goats, alpaca, and lots of roadkill…dats good eatin’ right der!

The hills were challenging, but not too bad. Did have a little calf pain at the end as did Lisa. I think it was due to some of the downhills!

The route in pictures

Mile 3 or so. The calves were 3 weeks old. Lisa asked the farmer who was rather amused that I was taking pictures of cows. They were really CUTE cows, though!

Seems to me about mile 7 and was trying to get a picture of the big a$$ hill ahead! Oy! I think that’s Mel McCreedy ahead.

Jim saw us both taking pictures of the hill, so he stopped and asked if we’d like a photo. Sure thing!

Look at how awesome Lisa looks! Do these ladies look 44 years old to you? No way! Running keeps you YOUNG!

Alpaca Alert!

This guy was so cute! He was fascinated by the runners and would run up ahead of each group and stop with his head stretched out as if to say, “Seriously? No one has an apple? Lump of sugar? Spare gu? Give a horse some sugar!”

Mile 11 or so…I think. The hill ahead made me cry and induced an amnesiac state.

We were running along and heard this LOUD croak. I thought we’d find a big toad…I think this little guy had short man’s syndrome!

Right at mile 13. What DOES one do with all those pesky leftover bowling balls?

Mr. Emu was struttin’ his stuff about mile 15!

What a beautiful route!

Gorgeous river!

There were a lot of wooded areas, which was nice as the temperatures soared.

I love this yard art! I think we’re about mile 18 here!

There were a number of people with their own water stops set up for us. This little girl (about mile 21) was happily giving out free water, while her cat planned her demise.

We’re almost done! Mile 25!!

Running in the last mile past the capital!

What a beautiful day!

I didn’t think the end was much to talk about. Food was open so little kids had their grubby hands all over it. Shall I get up on my soapbox once again and remind parents…the food at the end is for the runners. It is not for your children. If you MUST feed your child (lest he die), then YOU get the food. I saw two kids go up, grab some watermelon, eat it, then throw the rinds back onto the pile of watermelon. Jerks. I’m sorry, both were old enough to know better. The teens who were volunteering were inhaling the pizza before runners could get any (I did not get a piece because as they opened a new box, three kids (two of whom had just thrown their watermelon rinds onto the cut fruit and each taken 3 donuts) and three teens completely cleaned out the box. Thanks for that!

No medal, which I didn’t like, but we DID get a jacket which is BETTER than a medal. There was also a little printed thingy with our race info in it that was kind of cool and framable. I think I’ll take it to school and put it on my currently blank wall. The volunteers were awesome. Course support was very good, although they only had gu at one station and Ultimaa sucks eggs. Sponges were an awesome touch. I particularly was happy I’d put one n the back of my shirt when, after the race, I couldn’t find a SINGLE portapotty with toilet paper.

Would I do this one again? Most likely. The beauty alone is worth it!

Next weekend, Call of the Wild on Saturday and is it truly insane I am considering Couer d’ Alene on Sunday?

Tags: a year of running, marathon, marathon maniacs, Olympia, running

Met my marathon/half marathon group at the Centennial Trail and ran out for 12 miles. It was a GORGEOUS day!

Here we are at our water stop! Roy is the MAN! He takes care of this for me every Saturday. I’m so lucky.

Shot from the trail:

We are so blessed to live so close to this marvelous trail.

Run: Centennial Trail Training Run
Distance: 13.59 miles
Time: 2:34:11
Blessing: My friends, the day, the husband
Total mileage this week: 35.57

Tags: a year of running, running, training

I so was not feeling the running love before I left. It’s raining, it’s cold, I’ve been feeling overworked the last week…ugh. But I went out there anyhow. Within half a mile I warmed up, cranked up my music, and was flying. I love runs like that. Yup, it was raining. Yup, it was miserable. Nope, no one showed up to run with me…but give me an odd combination of Rutter’s Requiem and songs from The Who’s Tommy and Spring Awakening, and I’m in heaven!

This is a picture of my fingers and what they do when I get cold. Pretty, huh? It’s pretty painful, but it’s also very funky to watch them come back to life. I call it Zombie Fingers or Fingers of the Dead. I believe others might refer to it as Reynaud’s.

I’m all alone on the track…there are hurdles set up…I’m not ENTIRELY stupid so I don’t try to JUMP the hurdles, but I did kinda put my arms out and do figure 8s between them and make airplane noises.

So!?

Tags: a year of running, rain, running

Isn’t that just beautiful!?

Today was our longest run to date as our training group. Erin started early and met us about 10 miles into her run. Ron and Erin and I then ran out, with the half marathoners close on our tails. The halfers ran 9 the full ran 18. I wasn’t entirely sure how this was going to feel, as I ran a marathon last weekend, but I’m always game for a long run.

The run was gorgeous. It’s amazing how much this trail has changed in the few short months we’ve been running it. It’s also SO peaceful! There were lots of other runners, walkers, and cyclists out, but it didn’t feel crowded at all.

We talked and laughed the entire way. I really love coaching the marathoners. I do believe I’ll be doing a Seattle Marathon group starting in July!

Run: Centennial Trail
Distance: 18 miles
Time: 3:13:30
Blessing: Two HUGE bald eagles flew right over our heads…it was breathtaking!
Total mileage for the week: 62.2

Tags: a year of running, coaching, Fitness, marathon, running

I know, I know…I take a lot of pictures of flowers. It is because in the great state I live in, it is SO grey and dreary all Winter. When Spring hits the smells, sounds, and colors are almost overwhelming! Since I can’t photograph smells (which may be a Very Good Thing), you’ll have to settle for colors…or flowers!

This is a petunia in my hanging basket at home. I love my little white house with the funky blue diamonds on the door, the aluminum awnings, and the flowers in the front yard. This color just makes me smile every time I come home.

Run: Ran with my 5k class both at 5 and at 6
Blessing: Chatting with new friends on the run! Coming home to this flower.
Weather: cooling off, a little chilly
Mileage: 5.31
Time: 1:14:41 (we did a run/walk combination)
Listened to: my new and old friends talk.

Have I mentioned that one of my sister’s good friends from high school is in my group? I love that! I have always REALLY liked Lisa (and no, I don’t think she reads my blog so I’m not sucking up). Having her around once a week makes me feel closer to Kendra. I miss her. I miss all my sisters, even Craig.

Tags: a year of running, Fitness, motivation, running, training