As T.S. Noel tumbles through the caribbean, the winds have begun to gust in crashes of air that ebb and flow like waves on water. It looks like we are not in a direct path, but the outer bands of the system are brushing by us, and today's run was an exercise in wind in my face, wind at my back phenomenon. I fully expected less energy and stamina after 2 back to back long runs this past weekend. Fighting the winds of any sort takes so much more strength, but surprisingly the resistance gave me something to lean into, and the rhythm of my steps found the timing of the air currents as if we entrained in a musical improv. I hit the stretch down Arthur with wind at my back and was able to effortlessly focus on gait, posture and core. I flew up and over the road, or so it seemed. Once I rounded back for the stretch home, it was wind in my face, and I leaned into the pressure allowing my legs to turn in a steady cadence, my feet pounding like drum beats I could feel from my heels to the top of my head.
I felt amazingly strong when I finished. The great rushes of wind were swirling all around me as I came into the parking lot. The one thought that kept reverbering was how consistency pays off, no matter what the conditions. The circumstances may change, and factors shift and shuffle, but its always one foot in front of the other. When the timing is right, its not running anymore, its flying.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Step by step
Proof: photo from 30K
6AM, and the Ft. Lauderdale training group is ready to roll. I've taken 2 days off to rest the 'protesters', the body parts that have been aggravated, and to allow my energy to come back. I'm noticing that the more persistent I am, meaning days in a row, the more fatigued I'm becoming....at 40 mpw, I can afford more rest! And it paid off today. Heading up Bayview in the dark, I felt light and in rhythm. At the beach, heading back south, the sun had begun to peek between swathes of grey clouds, shimmering pink and coral colors onto the white caps washing into shore. I took the straight stretch down Sunrise to Las Olas in one big gulp...using the bike path when possible to focus on my gait, and not the sidewalks. Coach finds me on Las Olas and provides fluids, and when I pick it back up, I realize the boat show has brought in heavy traffic on the docks. There are boats everywhere! Luxury, little, impressive in their careful order. I round north through Victoria Park for another stretch straight on enjoying the lovely atmosphere of older homes and the verdent green of the parks hugging the water to my right. Everything seems especially light and irridescent, fragile and shimmering slightly in the early dawn. The park transforms to houses and before I know it, I make a final kick to Sunrise, and the store.
Although I had the ipod today and practiced my pace, I thought, as well, about the gains and goals I'm achieving, when everything about the world seems conspiring to knock us all off balance. The benefits of 'core-training', that attention to the body's mid-section, in providing stability during the run is not lost on me....I have gotten to the core of things within myself, I have found strength and fortitude I never thought I could rely on to carry me through....every mile, each step is an achievement. And whether they come easy, or with extra effort and concerns, the basic rhythms are all there now. All I need to do is relax and go with the ride.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Lost in Hollywood
My first class at NOVA began this weekend, putting a big crimp into my running schedule....3 days of sitting under flourescent lights were incredibly tough, making me stiff, irritable, and at once exhausted and antsy. I realized how much freedom I have at work to get up, down, walk the building, the halls, and do whatever I have to for keeping in motion when I can between sessions. By the time I came home from Sunday's class, it was still afternoon; I threw on my gear and hit the road thinking, I need to put in a long run while I have the time.....
I head west. I use the park just west of Sheridan and 441 as my first stop and contemplate my options. I love the stretch that goes west from the Seminoles; its low traffic, its straight on to University, and I can pump out a good pace by then with plenty of juice in my joints. By the time I make it to University, I have probably put in 6-7....and refuel. I decide to loop south and catch Arthur St. back east, but when I head down University I mistakenly go all the way to Johnson before I catch my mistake, giving me at least an extra mile or 2....
I'm tired...I have a LONG ways to go...I have now about 6+ miles ahead, and my legs don't have any bounce left in them...I try to find a rhythm, a pace and settle in. I think about the class, about the assignments I need to work on, getting ready for work projects ahead, and mostly, the distance in front of me...stretching out in a straight line forever to a disappearing horizon, thinking, how will I do this in the marathon??? By the time I cross 441 and pick Arthur back up, I am cruising back into my familiar loop. My feet and legs are wobbly and wooden. The wind has been into my face making the effort extra hard. I keep scanning down the road, estimating time and distance. Now I'm cutting a corner here and there, aiming for home. And by the time I make it to the last stretch of sidewalk, I am so sore, that when I try to slow to walk, I can't; I keep a kind of hobbling run that is as hard to stop as it was to start.... Total time on the road? 3:50 includes 2 rest stops...probably 3 and 1/2 hours running total.
I am pushing myself this fall, right up against my limitations, and beyond. I shed a tear or two over this weekend from the sheer strain and stress, and had to remember to give myself more sleep, more nutrition and most of all, more encouragement and validation for 'job well done.' We may never get the recognition we wish for from the outside, but we know what we do or don't do. We know, in every run, exactly how far and how fast we went, but mostly what it took to 'gut it out' on the way. I know it was a heroic effort that brought me back after getting lost in Hollywood....and I know it will be like this, on my way to the finish in January.
I head west. I use the park just west of Sheridan and 441 as my first stop and contemplate my options. I love the stretch that goes west from the Seminoles; its low traffic, its straight on to University, and I can pump out a good pace by then with plenty of juice in my joints. By the time I make it to University, I have probably put in 6-7....and refuel. I decide to loop south and catch Arthur St. back east, but when I head down University I mistakenly go all the way to Johnson before I catch my mistake, giving me at least an extra mile or 2....
I'm tired...I have a LONG ways to go...I have now about 6+ miles ahead, and my legs don't have any bounce left in them...I try to find a rhythm, a pace and settle in. I think about the class, about the assignments I need to work on, getting ready for work projects ahead, and mostly, the distance in front of me...stretching out in a straight line forever to a disappearing horizon, thinking, how will I do this in the marathon??? By the time I cross 441 and pick Arthur back up, I am cruising back into my familiar loop. My feet and legs are wobbly and wooden. The wind has been into my face making the effort extra hard. I keep scanning down the road, estimating time and distance. Now I'm cutting a corner here and there, aiming for home. And by the time I make it to the last stretch of sidewalk, I am so sore, that when I try to slow to walk, I can't; I keep a kind of hobbling run that is as hard to stop as it was to start.... Total time on the road? 3:50 includes 2 rest stops...probably 3 and 1/2 hours running total.
I am pushing myself this fall, right up against my limitations, and beyond. I shed a tear or two over this weekend from the sheer strain and stress, and had to remember to give myself more sleep, more nutrition and most of all, more encouragement and validation for 'job well done.' We may never get the recognition we wish for from the outside, but we know what we do or don't do. We know, in every run, exactly how far and how fast we went, but mostly what it took to 'gut it out' on the way. I know it was a heroic effort that brought me back after getting lost in Hollywood....and I know it will be like this, on my way to the finish in January.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Registration has been made!
The commitment to put my money where my mouth has been has been sealed; I registered for the Miami Marathon on 10/17/07. Since I have the option of having my own name on the bib, it will say "Ricci Runs". I posted my estimated time at 5:30. I figured if I did the 30K at 3:45, with a pit stop, then this should allow for plenty of time and wiggle room, whatever the conditions. I'm relieved now that its a done deal....all the hemming and hawing is over and I can focus my mind into a realistic training routine from here on out. I'm glad I began so early in the summer. I feel like I'm just where I need to be now, able to handle some higher mileages, and with a few more months of building intensity and endurance I hope to feel a bit easier mentally about looking down the scope of 26.2.
I didn't go out today for any run, although I had hoped to...so far I have 32 miles in for the week....I'm feeling pretty fatigued, my throat is a little swollen, and all this tells me I'm pushing it a bit too hard. My class is this weekend, so tomorrow I'll try a regular 6-8 miles before I head out for this big weekend push. That should give me about 40 for the week, and keep me adjusted to the extra level of intensity that 30k gave me....
So here we go, nothing's changed, its still one day's run at a time, one foot in front of the other, taking it as it comes, one week building on top of the other....until I reach that starting line.....I've come a very long way to get this far, it's not that long now....
I didn't go out today for any run, although I had hoped to...so far I have 32 miles in for the week....I'm feeling pretty fatigued, my throat is a little swollen, and all this tells me I'm pushing it a bit too hard. My class is this weekend, so tomorrow I'll try a regular 6-8 miles before I head out for this big weekend push. That should give me about 40 for the week, and keep me adjusted to the extra level of intensity that 30k gave me....
So here we go, nothing's changed, its still one day's run at a time, one foot in front of the other, taking it as it comes, one week building on top of the other....until I reach that starting line.....I've come a very long way to get this far, it's not that long now....
Monday, October 15, 2007
A1A Training Run- 30K report
4AM came awful early, but I tried to be sure I was not only prepared and packed but had time to get ready with breathing room. In fact I made it to the parking area off Hillsboro with time to spare, along with the first runners who were, like me, checking gear and hydrating. The winds were stiff in the pre-dawn dark....coming briskly off the ocean in gusty streaks, as I walk the less than a mile to the pavilion where the race begins, and all of the Ft. Lauderdale Road Runner club members who put on this event are out in force, their well-organized troops in camoflauge t's and hats manning their stations. I realize its a good-news, bad-news situation: its not raining (yet), but those winds could be a real pain in the butt, depending on how they're blowing....OK, I'm rested, ready, fueled, hydrated...and I have my blinking blue light everyone is given this year to follow each other through the dark....and while I wait for the start I just try to relax and visualize...9 up, 9 back, 9 up, 9 back....thinking of my morning loops, my long runs, and the last run I did Friday when I felt like I flew down the road on truly light feet....this is such a low-key event. Once we get to 6AM, its a few announcements, a "ready, set go" and we're off!!
I don't know how or why, but it seems EVERYONE is passing me!! ok....I'm good, I'm listening to my ipod, and trying to navigate in the dark....not easy....and just aiming down the road, up the one overpass, and getting into the groove of the straight stretch for the first half. I try to recognize that most runners are younger and fitter than I am, and scan for the smaller bunch that seems to run at my pace. Once I lock on to a few of them, I re-set my 'compete' expectations to fold in with runners at my basic speed and continue on. The dark doesn't lift until the 15K turn-around point, and this is where I fell last year....and yes, the dawn is coming on, but the weather is full of high winds and spotty clouds that scatter up the ocean swells, shielding the sun and keeping the temps comfortable. Good news, bad news as I get battered by those winds pushing into my face, against my side, tripping my footing, making me press extra effort into every step....As I pass that check-point I think, this is it, I'm committed to the 30K. Here we go; and at least I have light. The runners who opted on are mostly ahead, I can see them stretched out far up the road....as once again I find a few in my pacing I slide in with and head up.
Psychologically I find it interesting how subjective distances can be when you're aiming for certain points...The few miles before the 30K turn-around seemed absolutely endless.....and as I approached, running through those runners who had already made the turn, I searched their faces looking for hints of what lay ahead, asking for information "is it far?" All the while I know I have to retrace these steps....but if I just make it this far.....there it is! The far reaches of Siberia!! The team of club members in their battle fatigues manning this outpost, Accelerade and water at the ready.... whoo Hoo!! I stop and give myself a much deserved few moments of rest and shoot the breeze...as is everyone in the Club, they are warm, supportive, encouraging....they let me whine and moan just enough to get it out of my system; once I have enough fuel back in me, I figure OK- here goes! and set off back down the road.
The wind now has my back, sort of. Gusting at unpredictable intervals, once in awhile blowing me sideways, at least its still comfortable, and I'm somewhat over 2 hours in. I feel light cruising back down the road. Somehow it feels comforting to know I just have to follow this walkway all the way to the pavilion, no matter how far....and allow my feet to glide to the music. So I just try to stay with the beat, and a steady stride, taking on hydration at every stop and asking for mileage.....I'm counting down and make it in to the 15k turn point. Another big bunch of Club members give me encouragement, a bathroom stop, and off I go....
Once I passed 16 I realized I was in "no-woman's land"....never having run a step longer than this in my life....I tell my feet, just keep on keepin' on...there is an end!! There are a few runners just ahead that I keep my scopes on, and pace to, one is running just at my speed....I set my sights on her and just try to keep everything in motion, even when my legs begin to feel like they want to fold up under me.... When I see the last water stop I also see the overpass....and I know I am close....after that its a mile+ into the finish, gutting it out, keeping it firm and trying for just a little kick at the end which I do every single run. A lone photographer is standing by the pavilion parking lot entrance, pointing his camera at me as I come in; I raise my hands high in victory signs, a huge smile on my face- he gets the shot. There is no official clock, no crowds, but the Club members that are there to hand me water congratulate me......as I lope in and ...can't quite stop......until I cruise on thru....and shift gears down.....
30K is now under my belt. 3 hours 45 minutes (more or less) unofficial time.
Miami.....??? get ready. get set.
I don't know how or why, but it seems EVERYONE is passing me!! ok....I'm good, I'm listening to my ipod, and trying to navigate in the dark....not easy....and just aiming down the road, up the one overpass, and getting into the groove of the straight stretch for the first half. I try to recognize that most runners are younger and fitter than I am, and scan for the smaller bunch that seems to run at my pace. Once I lock on to a few of them, I re-set my 'compete' expectations to fold in with runners at my basic speed and continue on. The dark doesn't lift until the 15K turn-around point, and this is where I fell last year....and yes, the dawn is coming on, but the weather is full of high winds and spotty clouds that scatter up the ocean swells, shielding the sun and keeping the temps comfortable. Good news, bad news as I get battered by those winds pushing into my face, against my side, tripping my footing, making me press extra effort into every step....As I pass that check-point I think, this is it, I'm committed to the 30K. Here we go; and at least I have light. The runners who opted on are mostly ahead, I can see them stretched out far up the road....as once again I find a few in my pacing I slide in with and head up.
Psychologically I find it interesting how subjective distances can be when you're aiming for certain points...The few miles before the 30K turn-around seemed absolutely endless.....and as I approached, running through those runners who had already made the turn, I searched their faces looking for hints of what lay ahead, asking for information "is it far?" All the while I know I have to retrace these steps....but if I just make it this far.....there it is! The far reaches of Siberia!! The team of club members in their battle fatigues manning this outpost, Accelerade and water at the ready.... whoo Hoo!! I stop and give myself a much deserved few moments of rest and shoot the breeze...as is everyone in the Club, they are warm, supportive, encouraging....they let me whine and moan just enough to get it out of my system; once I have enough fuel back in me, I figure OK- here goes! and set off back down the road.
The wind now has my back, sort of. Gusting at unpredictable intervals, once in awhile blowing me sideways, at least its still comfortable, and I'm somewhat over 2 hours in. I feel light cruising back down the road. Somehow it feels comforting to know I just have to follow this walkway all the way to the pavilion, no matter how far....and allow my feet to glide to the music. So I just try to stay with the beat, and a steady stride, taking on hydration at every stop and asking for mileage.....I'm counting down and make it in to the 15k turn point. Another big bunch of Club members give me encouragement, a bathroom stop, and off I go....
Once I passed 16 I realized I was in "no-woman's land"....never having run a step longer than this in my life....I tell my feet, just keep on keepin' on...there is an end!! There are a few runners just ahead that I keep my scopes on, and pace to, one is running just at my speed....I set my sights on her and just try to keep everything in motion, even when my legs begin to feel like they want to fold up under me.... When I see the last water stop I also see the overpass....and I know I am close....after that its a mile+ into the finish, gutting it out, keeping it firm and trying for just a little kick at the end which I do every single run. A lone photographer is standing by the pavilion parking lot entrance, pointing his camera at me as I come in; I raise my hands high in victory signs, a huge smile on my face- he gets the shot. There is no official clock, no crowds, but the Club members that are there to hand me water congratulate me......as I lope in and ...can't quite stop......until I cruise on thru....and shift gears down.....
30K is now under my belt. 3 hours 45 minutes (more or less) unofficial time.
Miami.....??? get ready. get set.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Preparing for the 30k
At breakfast this past Saturday with some of the marathon training team, Coach tells me "Don't worry about the 30k." Uh huh. Right. The reason for his confidence was the unexpected 13 1/2 miles I put in that morning on a long loop he, once again, miscalculated. "You did the 13, so only 5 more and you have the 30K." Yea, right. It sounds so easy coming from him. An elder stateman of the sport, with his curious accent I find out is an amalgam of English, Belgium and German. He was confident because of his experience. I was skeptical because, well, I've NEVER run that long....and even though I managed that 13+ out of my butt, essentially, flat out, 1 water stop, still! 18 miles??
I ran the same race last year and did the 15K. So I know the first part of the course. Its a beautiful run along A1A in Deerfield, and I tripped and fell just shy of the turn-around. Not only do I remember my complete humiliation, the helpful concern of other runners, but how, once on my feet I saw that turn and the magic split where the 15K-ers headed back and the 30k-ers went on (and on....).... I remember vaguely thinking of it as a kind of no-man's land...where runner's go to trek endlessly into the dawn (the sun had just finally come up over the ocean- still one of my best running/race memories...)- how do they make their way back? This year, its my turn. This time, I have the 'team' with me, as most of the marathon group will be there doing either one or the other distance. Knowing I will be seeing familiar faces makes it a new experience. If I am caught out in those far reaches, somehow I trust that someone will be scouting out my trail. I will be on the hunt for my own stretch of endurance, grit and fortitude.
Because after this, if I survive in one piece, I have promised myself to register for Miami. This is my deciding event.
If I tank, its the Half, again, for me. So time to test myself.
Today, after an easy (yea right, are they ever??) 5-6 on Sunday, I did my 8. I know I am getting stronger, but its tough none the less. Hard to tell whats going on or why. I will still try to put in about 30 miles this week, and on Coach's advice just a very easy 2 or 3 on Sat.
I will have to be up at 4AM to make it to the start- with plenty of time, and hopefully enough gas in the tank, faith in my heart, and depth in my spirit to carry me - all the way in.
I ran the same race last year and did the 15K. So I know the first part of the course. Its a beautiful run along A1A in Deerfield, and I tripped and fell just shy of the turn-around. Not only do I remember my complete humiliation, the helpful concern of other runners, but how, once on my feet I saw that turn and the magic split where the 15K-ers headed back and the 30k-ers went on (and on....).... I remember vaguely thinking of it as a kind of no-man's land...where runner's go to trek endlessly into the dawn (the sun had just finally come up over the ocean- still one of my best running/race memories...)- how do they make their way back? This year, its my turn. This time, I have the 'team' with me, as most of the marathon group will be there doing either one or the other distance. Knowing I will be seeing familiar faces makes it a new experience. If I am caught out in those far reaches, somehow I trust that someone will be scouting out my trail. I will be on the hunt for my own stretch of endurance, grit and fortitude.
Because after this, if I survive in one piece, I have promised myself to register for Miami. This is my deciding event.
If I tank, its the Half, again, for me. So time to test myself.
Today, after an easy (yea right, are they ever??) 5-6 on Sunday, I did my 8. I know I am getting stronger, but its tough none the less. Hard to tell whats going on or why. I will still try to put in about 30 miles this week, and on Coach's advice just a very easy 2 or 3 on Sat.
I will have to be up at 4AM to make it to the start- with plenty of time, and hopefully enough gas in the tank, faith in my heart, and depth in my spirit to carry me - all the way in.
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