15 Miles and a 10K

Wow! Can't believe I did it. A 15 mile run last weekend! Though my time was nothing to write home about, I am delighted that the mileage felt very doable. Personally I think there were many factors that played a role:

1) the sun was out for the first time in months

2) the temperature was warmer than 30 degrees

3) there was no wind

4) I was well-rested

5) I ate the right breakfast

6) I had no wardrobe or gear issues

7) I ran with a training buddy

8) I took some salt at mile 10

9) I ate some pretzels at a water stop

For weeks I have been experimenting with different elements and have been amazed at how each factor plays such an important part of the day's training exercise! For the first time, I nailed them all at the same time. Let's hope I can continue to fine-tune as time goes on.

Unfortunately, though, I continue to have ankle pain which has a fairly negative impact on my timing. It has me so concerned that I did see a podiatrist last week. Although there is a good bit of irritation in the joint, I do not have any injuries that could sideline me. Say a little prayer though that it gets better soon.

So, after 2 weeks of long runs (14 miles and 15 miles), this week is a recovery week. The mileage is very low, in anticipation of the next 18-miler in a week and a half. In the meantime, I am proud to participate in the Charles Harris Run for Leukemia this coming weekend. Though it is really a short race, I am looking forward to the race "experience".

Thank you again for all the support and encouragement over the past few weeks. You all continue to motivate me!

Until next time,

Lisa

My Team

Here is a picture of my team (or part of) on a cold day before the last GTS. As you can see, the injuries have started to appear.

Rock Star in Training

Let me start by saying THANK YOU to all of the kind and generous people who have contributed to my fundraising efforts on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As of today, I have raised just over $4,000 for this extremely worthy cause.

Today, our team was challenged to raise more than our minimum contributions of $5,500. With that, I have set a new fundraising goal of $6,500! If I reach the goal, I will have exceeded the minimum by $1,000 and earn the designation of "Rock Star" on race day. In addition to the wild recognition that comes along with Rock Star status, I will also receive special apparel to sport on race day.

As I have been since Day 1, I am delighted and honored to be raising money to support the work of this wonderful organization. I encourage anyone reading my blog to consider making a donation in any amount. Every dollar gets LLS one step closer to a cure and me one step closer to becoming a Rock Star!

Thank you for your support,
Lisa

2 Months from Today - Start Line!

Time is flying by! I can hardly believe in exactly 2 months I will be standing on the starting line of the Paris Marathon!

I continue my training runs several times a week, but have been a little disappointed that I have seen little improvement in at least a month. Yes, it is true that I have added lots of mileage, but my stamina and endurance are not where I think they should be. I am really hoping that I have one final cycle of improvement in the next 60 days or I am predicting a very long (and painful) race.

These days, my shortest runs are 5 miles and the weekend runs are never less than 10. I continue my experimentation with food, clothes, and hydration, but feel that I am making little headway in the nutrition category. Supposedly a common issue with novice runners involves a certain lack of resilience from your digestive tract. I have found that I can barely tolerate any food at all before a run, but know that I cannot run a marathon without fuel. This situation is yet to be solved.

Because I have still have not lost any weight (and because I can see how critical nutrition is to this training), I have decided to consult a sports nutritionist. Sadly, I can not get there until next Friday, but something will be better than nothing! In addition to the 14-miler I will run on Saturday (after a snowfall), seeing the nutritionist is my next milestone.

Between a strict diet and 30-40 miles of training a week, I expect to see some real changes before the big day. Thanks again for all of the ongoing support and encouragement. It really has made all the difference during this long, cold winter of training.

Until next time,
Lisa