The Finish Line!

Sunday, October 19, 2008, I made it past the finish line of the Nike Women's Marathon with mixed emotions. After tossing and turning all night, my alarm got me out of bed at 5:00 a.m. We were asked to meet our team at the lobby of our hotel at 5:30 a.m. so we could eat our breakfast, stretch and then make our way to Union Square. As we walked a block or so to the start line at 6:15 a.m. I realized how it was still dark, yet there were thousands of people around. Along with all the madness, the 40 degree temperature woke me up. I was nervous. I didn't know how my body was really feeling as my foot had been injured a week before I was flying to San Francisco and it didn't seem to heel. Moreover, Rachael and I tried to train a few days prior to race day, but somehow ended up running 1.5 miles down to a vineyard, tasting 10 different wines, and heading back with a free wine glass in our hands :). The next day was a trip to Sonoma Valley and later a night out that ended past 3 a.m.

Nevertheless, I was ready - As the crowd took off, I did too. The weather was perfect. Hundreds of people cheered along each mile. Mile 3 was the worst for me as I started feeling shin splits, but decided to slow down. Mile 5,6,7 - until 9 were great. I kept telling myself that this has been the best run ever. The view of the ocean along side and people cheering for everyone was a good distraction. The hilly course made the race interesting. As I ran up and down the hill, so did my emotions. I couldn't believe when tears rolled down my cheeks even when I had so many people around me. I guess it didn't matter. That moment was about me. Knowing that I was finally there - was exciting yet scary. I thought to myself, what will I do now that its almost over. I was so happy yet sad --- can't explain why or even have the words to describe that feeling. I kept going back to thinking about how I got into running. How it makes me feel better. How it has helped me get through some real bad days. The aches and pain after a long run are totally worth the feeling of euphoria that running brings to me. After mile 11, the distance seemed longer and longer. My legs felt heavy and my concentration more focused.

Seeing the finish line and the spectators on both sides of the course was unbelievable. I knew I didn't know anyone in the crowd but I had slowed down to take in that moment and observe what was around me. I was pleasantly surprised to see an acquaintance whom I stopped to say hello. As I crossed, I could really feel my body; As tears rolled down my eyes, the volunteers helped me with a poncho to cover myself and took the timing chip out of my shoe. Next came the tuxedo dressed lad presenting me with a Tiffany necklace - and that of course made me smile!

The sense of accomplishment and this experience was magical! Seeing all the supporters and volunteers cheering for us was very special. I do wish that I had some personal cheerleaders of my own, but hey I chose to go to San Fran where I didn't have much luck. Since so many of the runners were running in the memory of their loved ones, through the race I thought about all the special people that have been part of my life and about all those little things we take for granted.

Congratulations to all the runners who ran with me while conquering the hills & enjoying the breath taking view of San Francisco.

0.1 to go!

Last weekend I ran 13 miles with the TNT group including 2x hill training along the Commons. The weather was great, I fueled myself with 2 chocolate-mint gus and some gatorade and finished in approx. 2.5 hrs. Most training plans suggest you don't cover the entire distance during the training, but as I have been training long since April, I figured I could do it and still have enough time to recover. Moreover, I still have the 0.1 to go. Now, the next few weeks I taper it off to maybe 9, 7, and 7.

While my excitment about finishing the 13 miles and the race day coming close has peaked, this past week has been a bit stressful and slow. Some nights at the gym, an appointment with my general physician, to visiting an orthopedic specialist for some x-rays, and now an MRI scheduling I am not looking forward to. The diagnosis is a meniscus cartilage tear in my right knee --- probably ending with surgery :(. I am staying positive, focusing more on the fact that my doctor has allowed me to run this race --- with some pain killers of course, but then to prepare myself for a new knee....sign!

Are you ready?

I mentioned my knee ache to my coach; I get asked the question about my shoes. I respond, "hmmm probably sometime in...I can't remember but it hasn't been that long."

Well, for me they are still brand new. Not as shiny as when I bought them but they still feel new. Maybe as my last pair was with me for over a decade. Huh, actually I still have the old pair :) -though only for gym use. This ended with the fact that I need a new pair. Huh, I thought it was just recently when I expressed my excitement over my new shiny pair of running shoes. Much to my surprise, I confirm through my blog that I bought them in May and have probably hit more than 300 miles; which in turn means that I probably need a new pair. That gives me about 4 weeks to break into them before the big day. Wow, how time flies!

As the race day is coming closer, I get asked if I feel ready. To be honest, I ask myself that too. One day I come up with, "Can you ever be ready for your longest run?" and on the next, "Heck ya! I just ran 11 miles and feel great."

Less running, more fun

Last week was slow - less running, more fun. One good reason is my hurting injured right knee; hence sleepless nights, miserable days. First it was my stubborness of not calling the doctor, then it came down to my doctor never calling me back. Nevertheless, I took matters in my own hands. Huh, R.I.C.E.ing along all week; resting after work with an Oreo ice pack, using slight compression and elevating with a pillow under my feet, while eating ice cream and watching TV.

In essence, a week of no training and feeling a little frustrated. However, to keep busy, a continued streak of enjoying the last few weeks of summer with a trip to Harvard, MA for apple picking.

Ended the week with a bang! Really...At 9 a.m. Rachael and I made it to the Great Brook Farm in Carlisle, MA for " Run like a girl - 8K". What an experience!!! Muddy, wet and slippery montrail, gorgeous, yet an almost dangerous course of rocks, hills and tree roots waiting to twist your ankle or fall straight on your face after getting your foot stuck on a slippery rock. With my hands burning due to scraping, knees bruised and bleeding, got up and started to walk up the little hill I was about to conquer. A little shaky, a little teary, I gave myself sometime to regain the momentum, and headed towards a huge puddle of rain water that led me to the finish line. Finished at 0:59:41...not sure if I want to proudly announce these digits but happy to have finished with now two injured knees.

#1 on my Wish List...

A heart-rate monitor!

As Ryan, my co-worker is also training for a half marathon this fall, we both chat about our experiences and logs frequently. I may have mentioned a few times that I really want to get a heart rate monitor to determine my performance and endurance through the months of training for him to bring me a spare that he had at home.

Last week, I strapped it on and got ready to go for a 6-miler with Rachael. For the first mile, I kept eyeing the watch but it didn't seem to work. The watch would start and stop after every 5 seconds. So I gave up. I felt good and enjoyed the 70-degree weather. I figured I need to go back, read through the manual online, and see how this gadget really works. 15 minutes into my run I noticed a number pop up. I got excited and noticed 171...hmmm, I thought that sounds like a good number. I did a quick mathematical formula in my head. Now, for all of you who know me well, know that that probably didn't go as accurate as it should. But, with that said, I could barely remember from what I had heard from other runners regarding a good heart rate for long distance runners. Through the 6-mile run I kept looking at how the numbers were fluctuating from 168- 189; with a marginal difference in how I was feeling. Towards the end of the run I knew the reason for the increased heart rate was probably due to tiredness.

That same night, I did some research and found out about the different ways of a calculating your maximum heart rate and establishing a target rate for myself. After the reading, I was disappointed. I realized how my heart rate was much higher than what it should be and that too on day when I was feeling great. I had a great run while I was actually running in an anaerobic state…arrghh…how aggravating! The many formulas confused and flustered me even more. After reading through a bunch of articles, I decided I am going for:

227 – (Age) 27 = 200 MHR

Zone Pick: Aerobic 75%: 0.75 x 200 =150

*My new THR = 150 – 160 bpm

On my quick update with Ryan, I was informed, firstly, I needed to wet the strap for it to work. So I assuming my sweat got it started after 15 minutes. Secondly, I learnt the strap could be adjusted. What a relief…. now I can run without worrying about it sliding down to my waist.

With much excitement, on my next run on Sunday, I strapped the new gadget and started monitoring the rate…With the THR in mind I was on a mission. I started off at 169 but worked on bringing it down to 158 to 161, down 154. And wow, can I say what a breeze of run it was. I bet Rachael, running with me that day, was a bit annoyed watching me stare at the watch every half minute or slowing myself down occasionally to make the right number. But, I cannot explain in words, the difference it made; to my breathing, the time I spent running without stopping, not having my mouth drying up, to no cramps, pain or stress on my knees. Thanks to Ryan, here’s to my new found addiction!

Enough about the heart rate monitor! My last week’s training also included an afternoon of hiking with Andrea and Rachael. We visited the Middlesex Fells on a beautiful afternoon, climbing up a hilly/rocky trail, without a map, occasionally losing track but finding our way back to the entrance, and stopping on the hilltop to see the city view.

Run, Reflect, & Explore

I came back from an enjoyable family vacation where I managed to run 2x during the week. Partially it was the rainy thundering weather that hit Toronto, to me just being pure lazy. I knew I had to keep my body somewhat warm as Rachael was ready to have me run 6 miles on Sunday when I returned. With a slow pace, I finished - but continued logging some mileage for the week. More than milage, I should say, a consistent routine of runs and x-training and so far only having Wed as a rest day.

As my journey to the finish line is going strong I continue to appreciate what this training has given me this year. Apart from just having a crazy schedule, a great tan :), meeting some amazing people, fundraising and more, I have learned to reflect & explore. On my solo run on Tuesday, I realized how walking doesn't do it for me. A collegue of mine forwarded me an article re: walking intervals during training and how it can improve pace for longer runs. So I thought I'd give it a shot especially at a time when my heart rate is racing up. After walking for less than 30 seconds I run; I am impatient. I tried to reflect and think about all those times when I walk off a sweat or tiredness, but don't manage to do so for as long as my body needs it. I race, even when I am training. My mind races, so I start running again. It's getting late, I pick up my pace. Oh, I am almost there, lets keep running. Well, yeah I am training for a race, but I have to have days where I want to run because I fancy it; because it makes me feel good!

With a relax mind and calm nerves I head out to run on Thursday. The runs are pleasant with the weather back in the 70s. Unlike most days, I didn't have a specfic course in mind. Out the door with my iPod. My run takes me to Summit Ave. It had been a while since I did some hill training I thought. The last few times I went up that steep hill, I was so tired by the time I hit the top, I never paid attention to the people sitting on the hill top courtyard chatting with their loved ones, smoking or simply hanging out alone. As I had decide to run up the hill twice that day, I knew I needed a break. I crossed the street to see the most beautiful panaromic view of Boston. With the sunset in the background, the cityscape got me panting even harder..:). My exploration got me thrilled. Amazed as I was at myself, I left the hill thinking, I have been living in this area for almost 5 years and I had never seen this spot. I travelled across country to admire the Bekeley hills while being clueless of what's in my neck of the woods, huh!

Vacation Runs..?

I have packed my running gear for my 10-day vacation . I am not sure if I will be on track with my training and if I can keep up with my long runs, but I guess I am leaving myself with just a few excuses.

As a beginner runner and training for a marathon, it's not just you who has to get used to the schedule, commitment and the time it takes to run your runs. It's way more than that. Its explaining to your friend that you can't make it out on a Friday night because you have to wake up at 6:30 a.m the next day for a run, or letting your co-worker know that you need to leave a little early to race, or god forbid, explain to your mother that you may need a few hours in the morning to keep up with the routine on your vacation, instead of attending a brunch with the family.

Well, I guess my mom needs a little more conoodling than usual. For her to give up her chat-time with her daughter on a daily basis is completely bizarre! So, for me to ask a few hours to run on my vaca - huh, I must be kidding.