Hot summer slump

I've hit a slump. It's hot. I've been working & taking care of my son alone for two weeks, and I'm exhausted. I took last Friday off, which was poor planning, because I had a busy weekend and no time for runs Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

Well, maybe I could have squeezed one in, but I'll be honest: I just didn't feel like it.

Yesterday, after four days off, I still didn't feel like it, but I didn't feel I had a choice either. If I take too many days off I will lose any hard-earned progress I've made. I went out late in the morning for a 3-mile run; it was already hot, which made me grumpy, plus I was tired from a busy weekend. I felt like I was moving very slowly, which I confirmed by checking my watch at the end of the run -- 43 minutes for 3 miles! Yikes.

After I got home I mapped my route and realized my mistake. I meant to run 3, but I accidentally ran about 4 miles. I felt a lot better about my pace (11-minute mile) after that.

Then the FitArlington program sent me a link to register for the 10K. After I did, I instantly felt more motivated, with my long-term goal more concrete in my mind.

It didn't hurt to be reminded that other people are watching me work at this and checking in on my progress ... I hope that will be motivation enough to get me out the door for my next run.

Hills

Once you think you've got the "pacing" thing down, try a few hills to get a reality check. The training group to which I have been assigned--Marathon Charity Partners--did the Riley's Rumble Half Marathon on Sunday. The course starts near the Potomac at Seneca Creek, MD, then climbs the foot hills for six and half miles inland, the returns on the same course. The rolling course had few flat spots and played havoc with someone like me who is working to keep a consistent pace. My miles splits ranged from 8:30 down to 7:13. That kind of variation is not good for optimum efficiency. The way to achieve your best time is to run as evenly as you can from start to finish.

The smart thing to do on a variant course like this is throw out the mile markers and focus on two splits: first half and second half. For that I did quite well. 50:40 going out, 50:41 coming back for 1:41:21 total. That's a 7:45 average. I want to run 7:30s in October, so I need to be a little faster. But since its only July, I'll take it for now.

Sunday's long run- same old trail

Yesterday I ended up running nearly 18 miles, but not all at once though. I ran from Ballston to Theodore Roosevelt Island, where I met up with the Miles Ahead running group. Then we ran from there up the Capital Crescent Trail (yet again) and I went just past the Mile 4 marker to Little Falls Expressway. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2119535

The route I mapped above is not chronologically correct, since it shows me doing the Capital Crescent loop first, and then the run through Arlington. But it was easier to create this way....

Anyways, after the run I was literally dripping in sweat. Every part of my skin was saturated in sweat. And even with my sweat-wicking clothes, they were drenched and I could easily wring sweat from my shorts. It seriously looked like I had taken a shower (but I'm sure none of us smelled that great!) I had started out with a full Camelbak and it was completely empty when I finished my run.

Even though summer running might be hard, it just feels so wonderful to be so thoroughly sweaty afterwards and really feel like I got an awesome workout. I'm getting way bored of always running the same route with the group- next weekend I'm heading off on my own and will either hit the W&OD trail or the Mt. Vernon trail, and maybe even make a loop around East Potomac Park.

Getting in my weekly miles

I have started to become a bit obsessive about making sure I put the miles in during the week and the long run, because I have noticed that my exercise tolerance on the long runs has started to improve.

This weekend I was slated to do a 13 mile long run -- I was cramping Saturday morning and had been invited to a birthday party for a 4 year old Sunday morning. So when was I to do my 13 mile run? I realized my best and safest option was running on the clubhouse's treadmills.

While it isn't the best venue, it is safe. But I have to say, it is really mind numbing to run and walk 13 miles by treadmill -- there is only so much Law and Order of any variety I can watch. However, I had to get my miles in and so, I did complete the run.

The good thing I can say is that my running to walking ratio has improved -- I ran 9 miles and walked 4 miles. People should buy stock in ibuprofen and gatorade -- they're the two products assisting me in pursuing this training regimen.

Anyway, I just enjoyed a great hot shower and am looking forward to some heavy carbohydrate loading!

Reuben

Wake up early if you want to avoid the heat.

It has been a few weeks since I posted any comments. I have been running twice a week and see some definite progress.
Midweek I run in my neighborhood which provides plenty of hills. Saturdays, I have been meeting up with the Arlington Road Runners at Gateway Park. This past weekend, however, I decided that the road runners leave a little too late in the morning. They gather at 6 a.m. and by the time the groups head out it is already getting a bit too warm for me. This past Saturday I left the house at  5 a.m., ran over to the C&O canal at Chain Bridge and ran to Georgetown and back.  I think I ran close to 9 miles and thanks to my new ipod shuffle, cool temps and flat ground I had a great time. I didn't even need to carry water, as it is not too hot when you go out that early and it started to get light soon after I began. Yes, after waking at 4:30 a.m., I must admit that I was a little tired later that morning, but I had the rest of the day to catch up on my sleep and enjoyed a couple of short and delicious catnaps. I just treated the remainder of the day as a day of rest which is something that we all can use one day of the week. 
After years of not running I thought it would take much longer to come back, but I see real progress and I am enjoying this very much. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can  continue without injury. I am pretty happy that I am doing this. The first step out the door is always the hardest.   
We are lucky that we live in a great place for running.

Google will Rule the World

So like probably everyone else, the summer brings the opportunity for travel to scenic destinations, visiting old friends etc. This weekend brought the opportunity to travel to Rhode Island and visit my college roommate. However, while I packed for the trip I thought about how am I going to do my long 16 mile run. I packed for the run bringing along the shoes, ipod, bandaids, etc.

When I got to Rhode Island, I looked around and came up with some ideas as to wear to run but had no idea what distance I was contemplating. But like almost everything else on the internet, Google came to the rescue with Google Pedometer. I came up with a route which ran me along the ocean with very minimal backtracking or complicated turns. I must say pretty cool technology. I ran the route this AM and was able to maintain my goal of a 10minute pace throughout. Bit uncomfortable at a few points during the run but powered through. I must admit at the end I came back to my room and slept for about an hour. So I feel OK, but this is by far the farthest I have ever ran. Another week down and one step closer to the Marine Corps Marathon...

Lubber Run Loop

My original thought for this blog was to find new places and routes through Arlington and write about them. I've recently branched out from my normal Custis run out to Key Bridge and back to do a 5 mile loop connecting some of the local running paths. My favorite part about this loop is running through Lubber Run Park which has a beautiful shaded path along a creek.

Here is the route. Starting from the Ballston Metro station you'll head over to N Carlin Springs and then turn into Lubber Run off of George Mason Dr. After running through Lubber you'll make a right along Rt 50 and then catch the Bluemont Park trail off of Granada. This part is a little confusing because there are a lot of running paths going different directions. I always check my route out on gmaps before I leave to avoid getting lost. Once you're on this trail you're basically running through the heart of Arlington's parks and I passed tons of people playing basketball, soccer, baseball, running, cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding.

I stay on this route until Bon Air Park where I cut across the soccer field to connect to Custis. Alternatively you could stay on pavement and go around the field to get to the same place, the route will just be a little longer. Custis takes you back along route 66 and then I turn south on Stafford to run south past Washington and Lee Highschool and back to Ballston.

A little bit of a warning there are some fun hills along the way!

Another kind of progress

The other day I was pulling on my shorts and realized they were a bit looser than they used to be. Hmmm, I thought -- I must have lost weight!

I remembered that I had thoroughly weighed and measured myself in mid-May, and written all the numbers down, before trying a different exercise program (that lasted real long, ha). I dug out that scrap of paper, the tape measure, and the scale.

Since then I have been running three times a week for five weeks. I have lost five pounds, and one inch around my most troublesome area, my waist. Hurrah!

Over the last five weeks, I've been focusing on the fact that running is good for my heart, my lungs, my strength and stamina, and my mental health. I'd almost forgotten that I am also running to lose the weight leftover from my pregnancy (and maybe a little more).

Those numbers aren't huge, I know, but measurable progress, no matter how small, is thrilling.

a newly-minted triathlete

Gosh, it's been a while since I posted, hasn't it? Well, on Sunday I competed in my very first triathlon- it was very small, nothing like an IronMan!! But at least now I can call myself a triathlete, but I'm hoping to do another sprint tri before the Marine Corps Marathon.

I took the day off yesterday and just did some yoga, but this morning I went running and it felt so great! I don't know if I'll be going to the track workout tonight because the temperature will be in the 90s and/or there's going to be thunderstorm. I think that all my run training has been paying off because in the tri, the running was definitely a cake walk compared to the other two legs of the race. And unlike in my training, I didn't feel debilitating soreness in my legs after hopping off my bike.

While my runtime was not fast by any standards (26:00 for a 5K), I was happy to that I passed several people on the run.

If I don't go to the track workout tonight, I'll do the workout tomorrow morning, but there's something about working out with a group that pushes each individual to try harder. I think it's because we all have that competitive spirit in us, no matter how hidden it might be:-)

Working Through Vacation

As summer moves along its inevitable that some of my long runs will have to be on my own. I went to Panama with my boyfriend and his family and was supposed to do 12 miles for the long run. I thought I might be able to run outside but it ended up that the resort we were staying in didn't have the safest surrounding community. Another factor was the heat and humidity which I will try to avoid at all costs (although DC isn't much better). Instead I got desperate and found... a treadmill.

I hate treadmills. I think running on them is boring let alone running for 120 minutes. I tend to get psyched out when I can see my time and know how much more I have to go. To keep myself interested I made myself listen to 5 songs without looking at my time and then I would check out the time and be motivated by how much time had passed. It ended up that 5 songs lasted me about 20 minutes so I did 6 sets of 5 songs. This definitely helped me get through the workout.

Aside from my boring treadmill run Panama was beautiful and I was able to run on the Panama Canal Causeway which goes alongside the Bridge of the Americas connecting the two continents. Pretty Sweet.

Down, but, Not Out

Hi Everyone, just an FYI that I am still having a little problem with my leg however, I did start back walking on Friday, July 11th. I walked also on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and will walk today. My walks take one to two hours. I will join the Charity Partners this Saturday and walk.

Mama needs a new pair of shoes

Well, not anymore. Until yesterday I had been running in a year-old pair of sneakers intended for cross training, which I wore to many step aerobics classes. They are comfortable, have lots of cushioning left, and I thought they were fine for running. But then I noticed my feet were often sore at the end of the day ..... hmmmm. And then I got a $10 off coupon from local running store Pacers in the mail. I figured that was a sign to invest in a real pair of running shoes.

Normally when I shop for shoes, I check out how the shoes look, and how much they cost, before I even try them on. But this time I bit my tongue and didn't ask the price, and I made it a point to not look at the shoes. The most important thing -- the only important thing -- was how they felt on my feet.

The salesman was very helpful. This kind of service is probably not surprising to those of you who have been running a long time and buying appropriate footwear, but it was a real treat to have someone measure my feet, watch me walk, suggest shoes that would be good for my feet and gait ... and, when I couldn't decide between two pairs, suggest I try on one of each. (Brilliant!)

I walked out of the store with a brand new shiny pair of very comfortable running shoes, and tried them out that night. That's when I realized that there is more to running shoes than cushioning. These are much more light and flexible than my old crosstrainers, and my feet are thanking me already.

Hitting the Wall

I hit the wall last Saturday on my long run (13 mile). Two factors affected my performance -- one in my control, the other not. I came to realize that I hadn't eaten properly that morning and ran out of fuel -- which I will not do again. Unfortunately, the heat and humidity wore me out and my pace was most definitely affected. I'm just thankful that I completed the distance, made it home safely and didn't suffer any significant ill effects. And everyone may want to buy stock in ibuprofen, because I'm using it.

Despite my performance during the long run, I was able to enjoy the venue -- the Belle Haven route is quite beautiful and I got to see some lovely parts of Alexandria.

On a positive performance note, I've been able to get in three good runs on the treadmill this week. Other than walking the first 1/4 mile on each run on purpose to assist with stretching, I've finally able to run the entire distance -- either 4 or 5 miles. So I am going to celebrate that success at dinner tomorrow night!

I'm looking forward to this week's long run -- I've never been to Fletcher's Boat House and I hope that I don't find a wall there. Good luck to every one as you approach your long run this weekend!

Reuben

Sidelined due to illness and Injury

After being sick for almost two weeks and after a fall on the path, I have to get started all over again. Frustrating! So I think I will have to adjust my goals and perhaps shoot for a half marathon instead of a full.

Wish me luck as I get moving again!

"Track"ing the fun

On Tuesday evening, I went to my second track workout with the Pacers group. And I dreaded it for three reasons:

1) I don't like evening workouts
2) I don't like exercising in 90-degree weather
3) I don't like the repetitiveness of the track

Despite it all, I sucked it up and ran the whopping two blocks to the track. That was probably five minute of running, but I was a bit tired by the time I got there. I think it helps that I'm not alone in how I feel about these workouts- there are some others who dread them as well. But we realize that they're only going to help us.

We always start off with goofy warm-ups, like running and kicking back to touch our butts. But for me, it serves as a mental warm-up (because it's already 90 degrees!) that I am here with a group, and we're going to run intervals. Let's see if I can remember what we did, in track jargon:

2 x 400 (easy) off 200
1 x 1600 off 800
3 x 800 off 400

Some people did another lap or so after this, but I was pooped!! I did feel good though, especially on the last round, because I started after everyone else but passed several people in my group. I even sprinted the last 80 or so meters:-)

Starting next week, I'm going to work at getting back to my previous running level, where I was able to put in a 10-mile run before work.

Running with 50 extra pounds

My husband just left on a three-week business trip. While he's away I will have to take my son with me every time I run. I push him (26+ pounds) in our all-terrain stroller (23 pounds). Let me do the math for you: I'm suddenly running with almost 50 extra pounds.

No wonder it took me 32 minutes to run just 2.5 miles with him last night!

On the bright side, I am walking less and running more. I learned that if I slow my pace way down when I feel out of breath, I can keep jogging and don't have to stop. Sometimes that means my pace isn't much faster than a walk, but at least I don't lose running momentum.

Interestingly, I feel less self-conscious about running really slowly when I am pushing the stroller.

For those of you who are curious about running with a stroller, I am using the BOB Revolution (about $400 for a current model). We actually bought this stroller when my son was very young, before I started running. We wanted a 3-wheeler because they navigate bumpy sidewalks and curbs more easily, and can go off-road onto trails or the towpath. It is our everyday stroller (and I mean every single day) and we have been very happy with it.

Conveniently, the Revolution can also be used for jogging. (The front swivel wheel, which is so handy for making tight turns, can be locked into position.) We never thought we'd be using it for that -- but here I am!

Progress Report

So like a few of the other marathoners-in-training, I have also missed a few of the longer weekend runs recently. I have been doing them at other times, trying to run the same exact routes when I am in town. This weekend I found myself on a business trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. This was really a challenge to find a 14 mile course for the long run. (I must say however the 22 hours of sunlight made it convenient for my long run on Sunday night.) Also, as some may have experienced, people tend to look at you funny when you respond to their question as to how far are you going to run - 14. As an aside I spoke to the hotel desk clerk who I overheard saying she has been doing a lot of running recently. I asked," Where do you run around here?" Answer - "Outside." Yeah... So I did some internet research on possible running clubs etc. in Fairbanks and came up with a few routes courtesy of the U.S. Triathlon Association. They have a seven mile loop around the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. (Also big news in the Fairbanks paper, they had 37 people register for the Sourdough Triathlon.) Well, I ran around the city for a while along the Chena River and decided to run the 7 mile loop. Mistake #1 - City boy did not take into account what some would refer to as "hills" or 3/4 mile long hills. I did some math and figured I run pretty standard pace of 10 minute miles so the run should take roughly 2hrs 20 minutes.
So I stopped running at 2:20 only to find myself 4 miles from the hotel, saturated in sweat, and a decreasing outside temperature. (Mistake #2) All of which have lead me to purchase a garmin running gps to hopefully minimize future mistakes. Back at the hotel, I found myself cold and a bit uncomfortable. Knees were sore and apparently suffering from some pretty uncomfortable abrasions in various places. All minor and felt better after a shower and 2 extra strength tylenol. Now back in Arlington, resuming "normal" life. I'm not going to be in town again this weekend but no where as exciting as Alaska. I'll be doing more research on where to run...

Diet Tips

Two dieting tips that have worked well for me are:

• If you are hungry before a run or workout, a banana and a handful of unsalted or low sodium almonds can proved quite satiating while not sitting too heavy. (TIP: if you can't find unsalted almonds, you can always rinse the salted almonds under running water before eating) An especially tasty variation is substitute peanut butter for the almonds and put the PB on the bananna- wash down with a glass of skim milk and you'll be feeling great!
  
• Healthy chicken with flavor!! The best way to prepare a flavorful, healthy chicken breast is to spay a non-stick pan with a Pam-esq spray(they now have Smart Balance Spray with Omega-3 and healthy mono and poly fats). Set the burner to medium. Before placing the chicken in the pan, lightly coat each side of the chicken with McCormick salt free Garlic and Herb Seasoning (this seasoning adds no sodium, fat, calories, or carbs and is VERY flavorful.) Place the boneless, skinless chicken breast in the pan and sear each side for about a minute. Once seared, cover the pan with a lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes (you will have to monitor cooking times on your stove to determine what is right for you). The end result is a juicy, flavorful chicken diner that is low fat, low sodium, and generally pretty darn good for you!
  

Chugging along

My sprint triathlon is coming up this Sunday and after that, I plan to begin hardcore marathon training. As I might have mentioned in an earlier post, I've run several marathons, but not find myself to be on somewhat of a plateau. The main thing I've heard to improve is to increase the mileage. Starting next week, I need to begin raising my weekly mileage to 50+ and hopefully 60 by October.

That is an extraordinary feat, in my opinion, and it'll mean running at least four days/week, plus a speed workout on the track. I've been training a bit with the Pacers running group, but so far I'm not reaping the benefits of these "group" runs. I say "groups" because I always end up in the middle and alone- too slow for the speedy group, too fast for the run/walk group. *sigh*

Speed workouts are bound to help me- they can't hurt! Except that I hate running the evening. Last Tuesday I skipped the group workout because it was 90+ degrees, and did the same track workout by myself on Wednesday morning. There's a big different between 67 and 92 degrees!!

I find it disturbing that I'm getting tired out by these "long" runs. "Long" as in 12-14 miles. How will I get back up to 26.2?? Well, in all fairness, yesterday ended up being a total of 17+ miles for me, so that's not too shabby!

UhOh a Setback

UhOh, I experienced a setback this week. I'm going to blame it on my not stretching enough.

I stretched briefly on Monday, July 7 and began my run. I ran from Wilson Blvd and Highland Street to Lee Highway and Veitch when I began to experience right leg and knee pain. I began to alternate my run between the grass and pavement (hahahah).

I made it down to the Rosslyn corridor when I realized something was wrong. I walked from Lee Highway and Fort Meyer Drive to Fort Meyer Drive and Route 50. As I proceeded to walk up Route 50 I had to stop and telephone a co-worker to come and pick me up. I have not been able to exercise this week.

I did start back on Friday with a slow walk and of course, I cut my route short. I will more then likely do my own routine this weekend and get ready to meet the Charity Partner next weekend.

P.S. talk about wanting to eat everything.

Feeling stuck at two slow miles

There are so many different runners with different stories in our group; you may or may not remember that I am the one training for the 10K totally from scratch. Until I joined this program, I had not been running in at least five years.

In June, I started by running one mile, three times, in my first week. While pushing the jogging stroller, it took me 11 or 12 minutes to run a mile. I was shocked and discouraged -- I could have walked faster! Without the stroller I was able to do a mile in a comparatively speedy 10:15.

In week two, I had planned to run two miles three times. But my dad, a longtime runner and six-time marathon finisher, wisely pointed out that it's hard going from one to two miles -- doubling your distance! So I eased up to 1.5 miles instead.

Last week I moved up to two miles. Now I feel stuck at this distance. I ran a mile in 9:30 a few days ago, so that is a little encouraging -- I'm getting faster. But I can't run two miles without at least one break to walk a few yards and catch my breath. (Question: why do my lungs take so much longer to get in shape than my legs?) I want to get comfortable at this distance before I increase to three miles. Are there any other runners out there in the same boat?

1 Month Update

Although I haven't made it out to all of the Saturday runs, since the first run I have followed the coach’s instruction to run 12-14 miles during the week, and then 9-12 miles on the weekend (generally on a Saturday run.) During the week I do moderate weight training M-F and complete my daily workout with a 2.25 mile run on the treadmill (last 1/4 mile being the cool down). I have found that the "Hill" setting is especially effective at teaching me to maintain my pace over varying inclines (this has really improved my outdoor running). I have also begun focusing on leg strengthening exercises. Squats and lunges have proven the most beneficial for me and they can be done with or without weights which is handy when traveling (which I do often).

Of course, with any effective exercise routine, there must be a well planned diet in place to support it. I will be posting my two dieting tips on Monday July 14th.

My story

I am honored to be selected as one of the participants in FitArlington Marine Corp 10k/ Marathon Training. I will only be doing the 10k.

I wanted to participate in this amazing race to help my self get back on my feet. In 2006 I had an AVM ( arteriovenous malformation) rupture in my brain, which caused an Intracerebral hemorrhage and a Hemorrhagic stroke. An AVM is a congenital defect that I was born with. Basically, there was an abnormal vessel in my brain. You never know if you have one and there are really no signs and symptoms until it ruptures. Seizures and headaches are the most generalized symptoms I had neither.

I had been a jogger for all my life. When my son was little I enjoyed jogging with him. Jogging was my passion. I felt that after I had my stroke it was ripped away. When I saw on the website that I could sumit my story, and maybe I would be selected. I was so excited to just give it a try. To me when I saw that I was selected I felt I had won a million dollars!!


Arlington has been a great place for my family and I. I was very blessed that my AVM ruptured in a region where there are some of the nations and world’s best neurosurgeons.

I wanted to do this to show my son and others that no matter what life puts in front of you. . . You must never give up!!! We all have our own daily fights, and this is mine. I am not going down without a fight. Toni Perez

That's terrific! or Are you crazy?

Those have been the two types of responses I receive when people learn that I am training for the Marine Corps Marathon. And there are times still when I have the same response myself.

I have always wanted to complete a marathon -- and I've wanted for a long time to get more fit. The Fit Arlington program came at the right time in my life and I'm glad for the opportunity.

About running and me. I never enjoyed running in the past. However, I didn't realize the difference a good pair of running shoes makes. I have found that I can run on a treadmill for a lot longer than I've ever done in the past and I continue to enjoy it.

I missed last week's long run with Marathon Charity Partners (MCP), as I left town for the 4th of July weekend. But I made sure that I got in several miles of hiking, brisking walking and scrambling upon rocks doing the Cliff Walk in Newport RI. If you've never been, the Cliff Walk in Newport permits amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and magnificent views of the Newport Mansions on the other.

In preparation for this week's long run with MCP, I went running on my current route -- from Columbia Pike, past Fire Station 5 in Pentagon City to the edge of Crystal City and back. This week's long run (12 to 13 miles) takes us from Belle Haven to Riverside Park -- a route I have never taken before. So, I'm looking forward to the run and seeing the sights.

Reuben

Thank you FitArlington Selection Committee

I shedded a tear when I found out that I was selected as a participant in the upcoming 10k Marine Corp. Marathon. I would again like to thank the Selection Committee.

Once I received word of my selection, the very next day, I was assigned to the Marathon Charity Partners Group. Two days after that, I met the Partners at the Crescent Trail in Bethesda for a nine mile run.

If I must say so myself, I did pretty good for it being my first time in training for a Marathon. I completed the run/walk in two hours. The group meets each Saturday at 7:00 a.m. There is always some type of presentation before we begin (proper warm-up, stretch, clothing, shoes, etc.).

Thus far, we have met at Crescent Trail (nine- mile- run), Lady Bird Johnson Park/Columbia Island Marina (eleven- mile- run) and Carderock Trail (twelve-mile-run). "Man oh man", how refreshing.

It took me three hours to complete the Carderock run. I do notice that I complete the run/walks in a faster time when I am familiar with the route (Columbia Island Marina). I am truly loving this step up in my exercise routine and am so happy that I am able to complete these challenges.

I have already lost an inch or so around my waist and a few extra pounds! I tend to focus on weight loss in ten pound increments. I can now say that I am getting ready to tackle a new set of scale numbers (hip, hip, hooray).

Ballston Blurb

“You’re running a 10k while the whole city runs a marathon?” So go the comments from friends, family and lately myself, since committing to you, my fellow taxpayers of Arlington, to deliver a respectable finish this October. By that I mean a 10-minute pace or a 62-minute conclusion, though we’d hope for better. Well sure, before I pinned on this bib I already ran at least twice per week for 30 minutes and for 12 years, though it has yet to feel like a habit. And in that first year of jogging I even creaked in a 10k race, which remains my only race to this day. But my second race, come October, will be different. First, I’m now aged 47. Second, I hate exercise more than when I started. Will I finish this October? No question, Yes. I owe it to you for seeing me wheeze by these myriad dawns, and with thanks for sometimes yielding the crosswalk, sometimes leashing your dogs, and sometimes placing your butts in trash cans although most often not. This summer watch for me stretching calves if not at the rising sun then at least at the first morning taillights of Arlington’s parking enforcement, whose awesome breadth spans all but the Central Library. Or circling the track of Washington-Lee, one of the nation’s costliest, as I build from a barely-in-motion amble to a modest hurry to a plausible jog to an all-out knockknee, all within a highly visible radius of the dewy beer bottles and gently tumbling food wrappers from the 7-11 clientele at Ballston Metro. Having hoped for a well-matched 10k training group but left adrift, then shopped online for a solo program and completed my first week, I’m flush with false confidence. So after the race I’ll let you know what kind of time I’ve run, what kind of time I’ve had, and whether I’ve been good value for your property tax. See you at Iwo Jima. Thanks.

Better Late Than Never!!!!

Ok, so I am finally taking a moment to post. I am new to bloggoing and I am finidng out that is is quite cool. I am also new to the idea of running 26.2 miles, but I am determind to do it. I have been to two of the MCP training runs and have been participating in the four and five mile "fun runs" sponsored by Pacers in Arlington.

I am a new 34 year old who has lived in Arlington since 1997. I am a high school health teacher and I thought what a great way to practice what I preach by training for and running a marathon. I may inspire a few students to do the same. Actually a few of my students, who have graduated, have run the Marine Corps Marathon.

I have had the idea of running a marahon for a while. Once upon a time it became one of the items on my things to do before I die list. Don't worry, I am not planning on doing that anytime soon. I am excited to participate in this training experience and I hope it will allow me to finish the marathon, that is my ultimate goal.

As of now I would say my mile is between 10-12 minutes. I am working on picking that up and making it closer to 10. With each day, I think I will get closer and closer to that.

So I understand I'm a late comer to the blog but I certainly don't want to be the slacker in the crew. Intro, etc...

I'm 34 years old, married with children and have lived in Arlington now since 1997. I originally moved to Arlington from Suburban Philadelphia for shocking, a government job. Since that time, my physical fitness/nutrition has been up and down. Therefore, when I saw the announcement I said why not at least submit my name... There's no way I would actually get picked... As an aside it's funny when I describe this whole thing to my friends because I struggle with my word choice, I won the lottery???? So the idea of running 26.2 is certainly daunting but I have friends and co-workers who have done it, some multiple times, so why not me.

I am writing this blog after a few weeks of training with the Arlington Road Runners Club. Initially was a bit concerned about starting off with a nine mile run. When we met that first morning, I was comforted to know that there were several different pace groups and if I didn't meet some timeline I didn't face removal.... I seemed to fare OK. I have a bit of a problem figuring out what my pace should be but was OK for 9. Then the next week we did 10, then 11. I did 12 this morning. Feel a bit tired but not in pain, etc. Pretty happy with my progress thus far. We'll see how things develop.

Life is like a box of chocolates....

...a sugar free, low cal box of chocolates. OK, to be fair, maybe that isn't life- maybe that’s just my life.

Since this is my first post, perhaps I should begin with the basics- who I am, why I am participating in this program, and what I hope to accomplish.

The Who:
I'm in my mid 20's and have lived in Arlington for just over a year. Of the many cities I have lived in, Arlington (Ballston) has been the most supportive. I originally moved here to shorten my daily commute (previously over an hour drive each way, now just a 3 minute walk!!). However, as I assimilated to the Arlington lifestyle I have found myself leading a healthier, more mindful life. I exercise daily, eat relatively healthy, and enjoy the benefits of a car-free diet. I am undoubtedly in the best shape of my life and am officially addicted to the endorphins.

The Why:
For the past few months I have made dramatic changes in my lifestyle. I have begun to exercise daily, monitor my diet, and volunteer with various organizations (I'm especially passionate about the Green Revolution- taking it beyond the faddish trend it currently is, and transforming it into a way of living for all). Despite all of these efforts, I did not have the support, resources, experience, or confidence to attempt that which I did not believe I could accomplish. I knew that through the FitArlington program I could fill these voids.

The Goal:
My goal is to break through my current plateau (mental and physical) - gaining great endurance, health and a toned body in the process is just a bonus. When I first read of this opportunity I knew that this was my chance- to make a commitment to myself and to the FitArlington team, to potentially inspire others to challenge themselves, to meet likeminded people and create new friendships, and to find an excuse not to make excuses anymore. I look forward to sharing what I learn through this program with all of you.


I will be posting weekly with tips and advice based on my training as well as some of my challenges and successes. Thanks for your support!

first track workout

Yesterday evening was my first track workout with the Pacers team. Dang, so many people are so fast! Even the ones who don't look like they should be fast were still giving me a good challenge. We did 6x800 and while I was not as fast as I would have liked, I was able to keep a consistent time. In fact, I think my last rep might have been my fastest, at 3:29! I've got a LOT of room for improvement, though. The weather yesterday helped too, because it wasn't 150 degrees. I'm sure the temperatures will start getting up there soon, though. I need to keep up with these track workouts to improve my speed.

In addition to these track workouts, I really do need to be building up my long runs, because I've only done 11-12 miles each the past two weekends. Granted, I didn't stop to walk at all during those two runs, but the marathon is less than four months away and I want to be able to blaze through it with flying colors. Last year I did great for the first 22 miles, then slowed down drastically the last four. This year, I want to build on that AND keep going after Mile 22 and achieve a new PR!

Answering the whys and laughs

When I told my family I was running a 10K, they said why? When I told my boyfriend I was running a 10K, he laughed. I answered the whys and laughs by showing up to week 3's track workout.
Deciding to train and run is out of character for me. I've jogged recreationally but never with any focus. When I saw an ad for the FitArlington group, I thought it was my chance to become a runner. I want to take this opportunity to change my lifestyle and add a great habit.
As the weeks pass, running is becoming easier. I have a long way to go, but I can see the finish line.