The finish line

The Finish Line!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:33:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:42:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:01:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:40:00 +0000

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...

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:48:00 +0000

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..?

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:42:00 +0000

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.

The toenail is back!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:19:00 +0000

Yippie!!! Under my pinkly painted toenails, I had tried to forget about my missing little toenail. But, I am glad to announce that its back. Yes, it's back! I'm thrilled to know that it looks as normal as ever, and my slight fear of aiding a fungal infection has diminished. OK, maybe it was all in my head, but I am glad its over.

Moving along with the good news, I realized how I complain less less about my aching knees. I had anticipated that with the increasing mileage, I would be looking into researching and investing in a knee brace or even getting an appointment with a physical therapist so I could get a better idea about the persisting pain and how I could improve the condition especially since the race day seems to be approaching pretty fast. Much to my surprise, the knee pain has subsided.

But, then we always need something to complain about, Right? Maybe its me...from the start I have admitted I am not much of an athlete, so here I am stopping in the middle of my runs due to some excruciating pain in my shins. It wouldn't be the real experience to making it to my finish line without touching on all of the "Big 5 Injuries for Runners", now would it?

Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:32:00 +0000

I have been slacking on blogging but kept up with running. Not so much with the distance, but a consistent routine that has allowed me to run our normal 4-5 mile run in the neighborhood, to running with the group around Charles, and then meeting up with a friend on Thursday(who's also participating in his first marathon this November). It's definitely advantageous to everyone when we run together in a group. I have mostly struggled with pace. Typically running with a group makes me run faster with some improvement in my speed. However, I am not sure yet, if its actually proven to be helpful, but definitely picks up the momentum while making the run feel shorter. I am not much of a talker when I run. Group runs begin with a little chit chat, later everyone zones out, concentrating on either how good or bad the run is. On good runs, I get to admire the beauty of Charles, observe the different runners & bikers while feeling motivated, enjoy the release of the negative toxic energy from my body, feeling the lightness of my mind, and appreciate the good things in life, including running! Haha..

Then you hear a story about a friend's conversation between his co-worker who took the comparison of running to marriage. It 's something you know is painful, yet you do it! So True!

Going the distance…

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:02:00 +0000

One of the running articles mentioned how new runners should take a pick…distance or time. We picked the distance! After a busy week and a fundraising party that ended late Friday night, Rachael and I skipped our Saturday morning run with the TNT group. Instead, we decided to wake up early Sunday and hit the road. I decided not to put my alarm but knew that the only way we could get through the distance was if we woke up really early. Rachael knocks on my door around 7:00 a.m. while I am dreaming about something fantastic…ha, or so I want to believe. With a fake excitement in her tone, she wakes me up. I roll out of bed with some resentment; but the smell of coffee got me in a better place. However, thinking about how we were running our longest on a humid hot day got me a little worried.

We laid out our course, grabbed our frozen chocolate gu, plugged our iPods (mostly discouraged but agreed upon for this one) and started the 10 miler. I need not mention how long it took us to finish the 10 miles, but I have to say it was long. Now you know why I started with you pick one…distance or time! We were drained. But again, you never know how drained and tired you are until you stop. We stopped a few times to hydrate but I think another shot of sugar would have helped boost our energy.

As I recap, I like to think about my long runs. I think to myself about my body and how it responds to the long run while I am running. Then I realize, what I don’t do is think of my mind as part of my body. I set it aside. I don’t give my mind the credit or the role it plays to improve the condition of my body or my run. Well, not to confuse anyone or myself, I have to admit it’s completely bizarre for me to even think or write about this.

Anyway, so they say, the body is meant to be an intelligent system. And, I guess I am trying to figure this system out. But here’s my confusion - Along with the feeling of tiredness and fatigue, there also comes a sense of relaxation. It’s a feeling hard to explain…more so a mental relaxation. Along with the stiffness in your legs, there is a sense of elevation that calms you down. Like most runners, I wonder if running long distance is deemed hard due to physical or mental toughness. And, we all think we know the answer. I’d say probably a combination of the two. However, I think it may be different from person to person and day to day. There are some days where I look forward to my runs, yet other days where external affirmations are to be credited. So the question is when we think we are tired, as I did on this run, why then did I end up running faster while feeling better about the run at the last stretch. As the speed picks up, the pain disappears. Or as the pain disappears, my speed picks up.

Nonetheless, not sure what the lesson learned here is. But, starting slow, ending strong always feels good. As people we all have short term memory…don’t we?

Dog days of summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:44:00 +0000

A great picture from my team coordinator! It reminds me of my sweaty runs after work. OK, maybe I am trying to justify that I was not as dedicated as I expected myself to be and run during the 4th. However, I have to say, I have been motivate to beat the heat and hit the road almost 4-5 days a week since I have been back from my short vacation.

It is a little disappointing to know that the heat slows me down tremendously. I need to occasionally stop to hydrate or walk off the sweat. My body doesn't quite respond well to the sun and the 90 degree weather. I never thought I'd complain about summer and the heat after such cold days of winter in Boston. This is what we look forward to - few good sunny months. But, this year, I can't wait til it cools down!

This weeks training update:
Monday: 6-mile run from Harvard Ave. to Cleveland Cir., around Resovoir and back.
Tuesday: 4-mile run around the Charles with the Brookline running group.
Thursday: 5-mile run as a participant of the Marathon Sports race
Saturday: 6-mile run with the TNT group in Newton (we are checking out some hills -:))
Sunday: 10-mile (potential)run with Rachael (course TBD)

*Friday: Rest day. Ending the work week with the benefit party to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Felt where friends and collegeues are joining us to dance the night away!

Beat the Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:13:00 +0000

We have had some real hot days in June. I am still figuring out ways to feel motivated to run in the still humid evenings of the week or the hot sunny mornings of the weekend. I really don't think there is a perfect formula to beat the heat; however, I can only hope that through training, my body will adjust and adapt to the 80 degree weather. I have made changes to my routine a little by waiting until almost 8 p.m to start my run, wearing running attire that can keep me cool (not sure what that is :)), moving from chai latte to crystal light in the afternoon, & mentally reminding myself that the day of the race, it will be a cool 65 degrees.

Along with the heat, summer is just a busy time. Keeping up with the training program has definately been a challenge with all the other things that keep coming up. Now, I am headed to the beach for the long weekend. And, guess what - I am taking my running gear. I am hoping to get away for a few days to relax, hang out with friends, read and mull over some important or not-so important things. With that said, I really don't think my vacation would be complete without my running shoes. Ha, as if I needed another pair of shoes to be packed in my tiny suitcase. Anyway, I figured I'd run in the morning while beating the sun and then cooling off on the beach.

Lets see how that goes!

Some good days!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:35:00 +0000

Finally I finished last week with an enjoyable 7 mile run with the TNT group. Rachael and I squeezed in a day of training up hill on Summit Ave. We went up Summit a couple of times which has now been added to our weekly Wednesday training. Slowly, the momentum and energy is back. I truely believe the weather has something to do with. After the 7 mile run, I was swore all of Sunday. However, as the evening approached I asked Rachael if we were running. I got a big NO. She said, "its our day off." I said, " I know. I have been hurting all day. I thought the only way I will feel better is if I run."

I had a bad day again!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:02:00 +0000

Last week was disappointing. I logged less than 10 miles during the week and even running those short runs were hard to start and finish. Blame it on the 90 degree weather. Yes, from running in the 60 to 70 degree weather, we reached a high of 97 degrees in Boston. It was hot and humid. Last Sunday morning, I met my running group at Charles for a clinic, and then for a long run. The nutritionist gave a clinic on what to eat and do before and after your short/long runs. There I was, sitting after going out with friends the night before, slept for 4 hrs, hardly being able to make it out of bed. I sat through the clinic, trying to mentally prepare myself for a 6 mile run. As the nutritionist spoke, my stomach growled; I knew I was in trouble. I did everything wrong. The chai latte was definitely not going to help me through. After a mile or so I knew there was no way I could even think of running 6 miles. I told Rachael, its 3 or none. I have to head back or else I will faint. I was dehydrated, tired, sweating buckets.

This week, the weather got better. It was a slow start, still hotter than what my body is used to, but both Rachael and I, tried to get out there to get our momentum back. Now, our group meets with the coach on Saturday mornings, so we decided to take it easy on Fridays. Agreed that it sounds crazy - but I'd rather wake up at the crack of dawn, than to run when the sun is beating down at its best.

As Friday rolls around, I did everything right. We went out for a 4 mile run in the evening, which felt good. Had a good dinner and went to bed by 11:00 p.m., so waking up at 6:30 would sound OK. I had a good breakfast and hydrated myself before heading to MIT to meet the group. The run turned out to be good. It was hot, but bearable.

Like I said, I did everything right! But, not enough; I had a bad day again. I lost my little toenail. Yes, my entire toenail. It came off. At first I laughed when Rach made a joke about it, but later, it was a little scary. I want it back - it better grow back!

Right after our run, I googled "loss toenail", to find that it can happen to runners. I guess now that I think about it, it does make sense that the friction of the socks with the shoes, and the aggressive back and forth motion is probably pretty hard on our feet; especially the nails. From all the other things like injure prevention, hydration, nutrition & etc, how was I to know that I must also think and care about my nail(s).

Anyway, lesson #... Make a pedicure appointment!

I put more mileage on my shoes than on my car!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:36:00 +0000

This past week I logged 24 miles which included an 8 mile run on Sunday. This time Rachael and I were prepared. Well, some what... how do you ever prepare for a hot morning? The sun was beating down pretty hard as we ran our course starting down Comm Ave. to the Charles, back through Memorial drive and home. Sweating, huffing & puffing, and cramping after the mile was over. And, how do you ever prepare for your longest run? Along the way we stopped for water, tried vanilla flavored gu, and kept dodging the bikers & runners around the esplanade and kept going.

A tip I learned from a running read regarding long runs was, one should not think about the entire course and stress about how many more miles to go, rather enjoy and conquer each mile that you accomplish. I try to keep that in mind - but it only works for the first 4 miles and then you start thinking.. shit, I am tried, my legs hurt, it's so freakin' hot, these people around me need to move....why is there a kid pooping on the side of the park in public - yes, that's what Rachael and I witnessed while running on the esplanade...looked at each other in disbelief
and gagged - almost! Then, as you hit the 7 mile, the cramps are gone, you are no more hot and start thinking, wow I am almost there. Rachael looks at me and says, "wow my cramp's gone - ready to continue for another 8." Haha, why don't you get on that and I'll meet you at home -:)", I said. After an hour and 15 mins of non-stop running, I feel like a machine. Your body is so hot and energized that you are almost numb. You don't feel anything until... you stop.

I am not a stretch-er....(if that's a word). I get bored after a minute or so of stretching. But, on Sunday, I knew my knees were going to be locked in pain so I continued until I could move again. Yet another miserable Monday morning, while Tami at work tells me, I can't limp like that if I want to run a marathon...Motivational!!!

Oh, What a Feeling Continues....

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Mon, 26 May 2008 00:51:00 +0000

The feeling of waking up at 6:00 a.m, putting on your running shoes, and meeting your friends to run for a cause. With thousands of other runners around you, the energy is thrilling. Making it past the red lights and cross walks without stopping or looking for a car running you down is exciting. Having your good friend next to you, sucking on some GU, and motivating you at the last stretch, is exhilarating. Hearing the beep of the chip at the finish line is sensational. For now, the cheering crowd at the finish line is a blur , but for the next race, I plan to fix my hair, smile and pretend this was a piece of cake.

The feeling of when a friend tells you that I have inspired them to get in shape....Humbling, yet a little stressful, but just enough, to make me work hard to accomplish my goal of making it to the finish line.

The finish line means differently to each person. So for now, I'd like to keep it vague. But, only to make it clear, that 2008 has potentially become " My First Ever" Year. Time is flying by, but I am chasing it down at 9.0 minutes a mile. With that said, I just got back from My First Ever Lacrosse game; Thanks to Bob, it wasn't just a game, but the NCAA Lacrosse Championship!

Oh, What a Feeling!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:27:00 +0000

There is nothing like that feeling on your skin after you have broken a sweat. Or of a pounding heart; a sensation of euphoria. Here I am, wondering why I didn't start sooner. As I am learning about running, I am learning so much more about myself with each mile. Heck, I didn't know or think I could ever be a blogger. Or a logger. Yes, logging each day the number of miles I run and manually logging the experience. I think it will be delightful to look back and read the manual the day after the marathon. The journey from start to end.

So far, each run has been different. On a recent long run, it started to drizzle and rain. We all know, there some people, who genuinely enjoy pouring rain. Me - Never been a fan; especially, since it doesn't do justice to my hair. But, as Rachael and I ran our 7 miles, it started to slowly rain. I can't believe I enjoyed every drop that came down, brought the cool breeze close enough to our skin to calm us down. I looked at Rach and said," Have we become one of those crazy runners, who don't care about rain or shine but keep running?"

Now so much for enjoying the run in the cool air and the feeling of finishing the longest run of your life. At the end of it, I was beat. I guess the feeling had changed. It was now concentrated around my legs & knees. Even while my body was hot, as I stretched, I knew I was heading towards a rough night. Yes, indeed, I was up all night trying to make sure my heating pad would give me some relief. It kept going off after an hour and I kept turning it back on.

As hard as Monday mornings can be, this one was agonizing. Must I admit, I was happy I made it to work, however, extremely miserable through the day. But, then I thought to myself and said, what was I supposed to do; Not to go to work, because I ran. Hmmm, now that wasn't going to fly either. So, I quickly searched for a quick fix for runner's pain in the legs. So, what do I learn: Heat before, Ice later....

My Shiny New Running Shoes!

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:19:00 +0000

This week ended with an exciting purchase of my shiny new pair of running shoes. Yes, so very exciting; especially after a painful week of trying not to limp after a run. Stiff and soar knees can be excruciating. After attending a clinic on running shoes/attire, I made a stop at Marathon Sports where the sales rep helped me pick a pair that would support my pronated feet. It was great to know that Marathon Sports educates its staff to really learn about the different foot structures and find the right fit for you. They took the time to watch me walk/run with and without the shoes and finally after trying many different pairs and brands, helped me pick the right pair. In other words, I finally realized that it is true - the most important investment runners should make is in a good pair of running shoes. Before I made the purchase, I snuck a quick one and said "Do these come in any other colors?"

Aha, I am glad I avoided the #1 mistake beginner's make according to the Runner's Magazine.

Mistake #1: Buying for looks. "Some runners are too concerned with fashion, and we try and steer people away from that. Often, when they get a shoe that looks cool, they end up coming back in a few months and saying, 'This shoe hurts me. I had a problem with it.' When you buy, think feel and fit, not fashion." - Bryan Mahon, Philadelphia Runner , Philadelphia

With that said, I was looking forward to my run on Sunday with Rachael. We both woke up a little tired and decided to run in the evening. While given a choice, I prefer to run in the morning on weekends, as I feel my energy at its peak, but we were sure we would have a better luck completing our first 7 miler, with no cries or complains, if we rested Sunday morning.

As 5 p.m rolled around, I put on my new shiny shoes (haha, I really do think they are a bit shiny and white) and mapped our course. We have yet to figure out where and how we can stop for hydration or bathroom stops, so we decided to make a 5 mile loop, back to the house so Rachael would sip her new found energy drink, while I grabbed my chap stick and some water.
We ran back out to complete the remaining 3 miles. While passing people by on Comm ave., I realized how pedestrians were getting smarter. It was surprising as often times, I find myself irritated, as people don't look before they leap. To spurt "excuse me!!", several times, can be a challenge on a long run. And, then we have days where people are thinking and acting fast....That's fantastic!

As my right iPod ear plug comes off, I figure it out. Yes, it was Rachael and I, breathing heavily, which made people turn around and look, then, be nice enough to give us way. I learnt the trick.

Who am I Kidding?

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:43:00 +0000

Yes - that's what I said to myself after signing up for the Nike Half Marathon.

It all began early this year when I started going to the gym for just a simple workout. Like anybody else, I decided to use the treadmill as a way to get my cardio for the day. Very soon, I started looking forward to running after ending my day at work. I was enjoying the workout sessions, putting my iPod to the music that allowed me to disappear. I'd be running, not thinking or caring about anything or anyone around me, but disappearing in my thoughts. I had come to realize that that was my only alone time. Even though I was surrounded by so many people, I was alone. I felt elevated as if almost floating in my thoughts. I could think, plan, dream about things and the motion of running only made it better. The frustrations or anger, excitement or curiosity of life would ease but not my pace. I enjoyed this moment of solitude; it helped me energize, relive the happy moments and tarnish the sad ones.

Running makes me feel lighter - not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.

Slowly, within weeks, I started noticing that my stamina had improved. From being able to run a comfortable mile, I could run two, three and finally almost six in an hour. I was impressed, I have to admit!

Just around the same time, my friend Rachael, who's also my roommate, mentioned about participating in a race. I was excited and said of course, lets do it. Rachael's friend had emailed her regarding the Nike race and registration. We went ahead and registered without putting much thought to it....But then it hit me. " A half marathon - who I am kidding!" I knew running on the treadmill was way different from running outside. I knew that I knew nothing about running or participating in a marathon.

But we continued - we started looking into options about how to train and stumbled upon the Team In Training group and their efforts to raise money for a great cause while helping people run - run each mile to save lives of those suffering from Leukemia and other blood related cancers. This was the perfect combination. After attending the first meeting with TNT - we knew we were ready....ready to commit.

Please visit my fundraising site http://pages.teamintraining.org/ma/nikesf08/aaltaf to support the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society's mission of saving lives for those who are battling blood cancers.

Week 1 - Official Training Week

noreply@blogger.com (Amina Altaf) — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:18:00 +0000

Week 1 - Mentally, I don't consider this as the first week of training but lets treat it as one. It is to me the Beginning is the End is the Beginning or so I want to call it. The Beginning of a commitment yet the end of a long run on a Wednesday after work. Rachael motivated me through to complete our so called long run for the week. We decided to run from Coolidge Corner to Mass Ave. over the bridge to Charles River and took the most beautiful and serene route back home. By the 3rd mile, I could feel my knees hurt, but I knew I had to get home. We joked how we had no way to get back home other than running, as we didn't even have a dollar to take T back. I felt my body feeling the tiredness of the long day, no food since probably 3 hours prior to the run, but Rachael kept me going. For the last mile, she kept telling me how close we were to making it back.

We got home and stretched. I felt better and I thought so did she. We were tired but not too much, however, enough, not to want to prepare dinner. Within minutes of getting inside our apartment, we decided we deserve a burger - Yup, our favorite place, Publick House was going to have us visit them yet another time. As soon as we got there, Rachael started feeling uneasy. After a few trips to the bathroom, while I sipped on a cold drink, I knew something was wrong. As she walks back, before I could ask her about how she was doing, " Oh, I feel better now. I just threw up," she said.

Through our training, we are learning new things about our bodies and ways that will help us get through. After that run, Rachael knew it was dehydration. I knew it was my shoes.

It's funny how I started to talk about this week with the long run while skipping the other short runs or cross training days. I guess it's because the long runs come with the tightness in the legs. Getting out of bed the next day for work was a challenge. More than that, I now knew that my knees weren't enjoying the pressure of running over the not so evened terrain. All of sudden, I felt a bit stressed. This is just the beginning. After a 5 mile run, my knees are hurting. What I am going to do when we have to run 7,10,13....???

This week was also the first with the Team n' Training group. They have been such a wonderful source of motivation, resource, friendship and of course, coaching. Meeting with the team on a Sunday morning was exciting. We ran an easy 3 miler around Charles and realized, after all we aren't doing that bad, especially since our training manual expects us at half mileage for the week than what we have been doing.