The tavern was crowded and yet no one was drinking. In a few short moments, the large green group of us hoped to be racing. It was pouring outside as if God and the angels had decided to turn a pressure washer on the Earth. I had signed up for the St. Patrick’s Day theme 5k with a hope of a decent time and I could not really pass up a race that offered free beer at the end. It was a miserable day, I had stayed up way too late the night before watching NCAA track ( I am a track junkie, I watched over 14 hours this weekend) on my tiny computer screen and had forgotten about daylight savings time so my I felt a bit tired. Did I mention, it was pouring rain? As usual, I was dressed for a bit warmer weather.
I sat in the bar trying to scope out my competition, there were two women who looked particularly fit. The race director then shuffled us outside. I had learned from my last road race experience to line up in the front. I did next to a female runner that looked a bit like the current cover girl dressed in Nike. I soon realized that yet again looks mean nothing. The race started and I had left Nike girl before the first mile, well I think. There were no mile markers, there was head wind and hard rain so it was hard to judge my effort. I could feel my pace slow, midway through the race and I attempted to pick it up. I had been left in no man’s land with no one behind and the racers in front of me too far ahead. The race director had talked about a turn-around spot that I assumed was midway through but when I reached it and looked down on my watch it read 16:04. I was way off pace. I continued to run into the driving rain and on the hilly course. A large hill stood in my way, so I tucked in and went for it. I was very surprised to come over the hill and having to break tape. I was the first female and I had run a decent time, the turn around had come much later in the race.
The best part was the post race, free food and drink. I was slightly embarrassed to be congratulated. My time was ok (21:36) but that would have placed me midpack in the races I am use to racing. I have such a hard time just taking a compliment. It was the same time I had ran at conference which is a bit uplifting since I am midway through a half program and haven’t done much speedwork. I do not believe I will be racing a mile any time soon. I was able to bring home a large plaque which I find slightly embarrassing. Hopefully, this summer with a bit more work the old PR of 20:40 will go down, I would love a 19.
As usual, I have no pictures just words.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Ah-Ha!
I am stressed out.
My best running friend is in Australia and that is not helping my state. I am trying to juggle school, internship, graduate school details and running. I will say that running is the most enjoyable part of my day. I sent e-mail to Nicky about living up to all the standards I put on myself. Her response was;
“This is exactly like when you cried after you got a PR”
I could not help but laugh at this, she was right. I have these high standards for myself that I try so hard to live up to, that sometimes I do not realize all that I have accomplished.
I still have to finish an honors project, finish two more essays, and figure out how I am going to get Austin, Texas. You know what, I’ve made it this far and I can be proud of that.
Training is going well (though I am hating rest days. I just can't figure out why any plan would have two rest days. I guess my mileaholic side is coming through again). I just really need a good fitness indicator, I am longing for the track more and more lately. I even miss 400 meter repeats.
Saint Patty's day race this weekend! I am hoping for a fairly quick 5k.
My best running friend is in Australia and that is not helping my state. I am trying to juggle school, internship, graduate school details and running. I will say that running is the most enjoyable part of my day. I sent e-mail to Nicky about living up to all the standards I put on myself. Her response was;
“This is exactly like when you cried after you got a PR”
I could not help but laugh at this, she was right. I have these high standards for myself that I try so hard to live up to, that sometimes I do not realize all that I have accomplished.
I still have to finish an honors project, finish two more essays, and figure out how I am going to get Austin, Texas. You know what, I’ve made it this far and I can be proud of that.
Training is going well (though I am hating rest days. I just can't figure out why any plan would have two rest days. I guess my mileaholic side is coming through again). I just really need a good fitness indicator, I am longing for the track more and more lately. I even miss 400 meter repeats.
Saint Patty's day race this weekend! I am hoping for a fairly quick 5k.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Not disappearing..
News in general floats in and out of my mind quickly with maybe enough time for me to digest a few facts (what healthcare bill is getting passed, medal count for the winter Olympics and job loss). News that is important but not vital.
Then there are stories that shake me. My mind continues to come back to it; over and over. The murder of Chelsea King on a running trail outside San Diego is one of those stories.
She was beautiful, blonde, fair skinned cross-country runner for her high school team. She was senior who could not wait to graduate but was also looking forwards to prom. She was active in many clubs and charities. According to all those that knew her, she was upbeat, hard-working and caring.
Five years ago, I was ready to graduate from high school. I was narrowing my college choices down. I was looking for prom dresses and stressing about finding a date. I was very excited about my senior track season and was making sure to make it my best.
Much like Chelsea, I hit the trails at my local park. My parents knew where I was going and for how long. My training partners did not like to run in the winter, I went at it alone. I left my cell phone in my car; I had ruined many during run either due to sweat or dropping them. I put headphones in with loud music blasting. I felt invincible or like that Bob Seager song, I felt like a rock. I was as strong as I could be.
The difference between Chelsea and I was that I was lucky. There was never a sexual predator waiting around the corner for me.
I have become more careful since college. I try to run with a running partner at all times. I always call or text someone where I am running and how long. I make sure that they call me at a certain time to check that I’m ok. I carry my cellphone. I wear my road id. I listen to my music but not loudly.
I still make mistakes; I will rush out the door for a few more miles, alone and sometimes forgetting my cellphone. I will not make that phone call. I make it too easy for me to disappear.
Don’t let yourself disappear.
I’m buying pepper spray this weekend.
Then there are stories that shake me. My mind continues to come back to it; over and over. The murder of Chelsea King on a running trail outside San Diego is one of those stories.
She was beautiful, blonde, fair skinned cross-country runner for her high school team. She was senior who could not wait to graduate but was also looking forwards to prom. She was active in many clubs and charities. According to all those that knew her, she was upbeat, hard-working and caring.
Five years ago, I was ready to graduate from high school. I was narrowing my college choices down. I was looking for prom dresses and stressing about finding a date. I was very excited about my senior track season and was making sure to make it my best.
Much like Chelsea, I hit the trails at my local park. My parents knew where I was going and for how long. My training partners did not like to run in the winter, I went at it alone. I left my cell phone in my car; I had ruined many during run either due to sweat or dropping them. I put headphones in with loud music blasting. I felt invincible or like that Bob Seager song, I felt like a rock. I was as strong as I could be.
The difference between Chelsea and I was that I was lucky. There was never a sexual predator waiting around the corner for me.
I have become more careful since college. I try to run with a running partner at all times. I always call or text someone where I am running and how long. I make sure that they call me at a certain time to check that I’m ok. I carry my cellphone. I wear my road id. I listen to my music but not loudly.
I still make mistakes; I will rush out the door for a few more miles, alone and sometimes forgetting my cellphone. I will not make that phone call. I make it too easy for me to disappear.
Don’t let yourself disappear.
I’m buying pepper spray this weekend.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bare legs for All!-B/C I was feeling goofy
Despite never liking shoes when I was younger (I lived in warmer climates with a grassy yard), I am not qualified to weigh in on the barefoot running debate. I am a communications major with limited knowledge about biology. This debate has made me pause and think about the essentials of running.
I have always thought that all it takes gear wise to run in perfect climates for me is a sports bra, shorts, socks and a good pair of shoes. Some runners will debate that socks are not a necessity and more runners are debating about if shoes are one. Men go without shirts often in the summers. I have questioned at the gym if some women were wearing sports bras under their shirts. So that leaves the essential piece of running gear to be a good pair of shorts.
Lets get rid of shorts too! Lets start a bare legs revolution. I am not going to advocate for the extreme (streaking) but would rather take a minimalist approach. Besides, there are public indecency laws that I do not want to be blamed for breaking. I am suggesting an alternative: bun-huggers.
As you can tell from the pictures below, they cover the essentials. I have raced my fastest in them and have gotten faster since wearing a pair. (There might not be a correlation). One does not see Kara Goucher, Anna Pierce or Jenny Barringer wearing shorts.
( Just a few of the styles ranging in length)
They are aerodynamic; shorts have been adding drag for years. That drag time must be adding seconds to our race time. The extra material is making our legs move in an unnatural manner that I am sure increases torque (there have been no studies so far). Our legs have all the covering they need especially if you don’t shave. Evolution has made it possible for us to be barelegged.
Doesn’t seem odd that clothing companies keep increasing the inseam of our shorts along with the price. Just look at how baggy basketball shorts have become. Bun-huggers are more environmentally friendly; they use less material and less time to manufacture.
Besides, why keep one’s finely toned legs under wraps? Haven’t we as runners worked hard enough for beautiful muscular legs? We have run on when others are warm under covers, on day when we think Mother Nature has hated us and at time when it seems the whole world is asleep. We do all this to make our legs strong and faster.
So my fellow runners, lets raise our voices loudly and declare “Show some leg!”. Now who is with me?
I have always thought that all it takes gear wise to run in perfect climates for me is a sports bra, shorts, socks and a good pair of shoes. Some runners will debate that socks are not a necessity and more runners are debating about if shoes are one. Men go without shirts often in the summers. I have questioned at the gym if some women were wearing sports bras under their shirts. So that leaves the essential piece of running gear to be a good pair of shorts.
Lets get rid of shorts too! Lets start a bare legs revolution. I am not going to advocate for the extreme (streaking) but would rather take a minimalist approach. Besides, there are public indecency laws that I do not want to be blamed for breaking. I am suggesting an alternative: bun-huggers.
As you can tell from the pictures below, they cover the essentials. I have raced my fastest in them and have gotten faster since wearing a pair. (There might not be a correlation). One does not see Kara Goucher, Anna Pierce or Jenny Barringer wearing shorts.
( Just a few of the styles ranging in length)
They are aerodynamic; shorts have been adding drag for years. That drag time must be adding seconds to our race time. The extra material is making our legs move in an unnatural manner that I am sure increases torque (there have been no studies so far). Our legs have all the covering they need especially if you don’t shave. Evolution has made it possible for us to be barelegged.
Doesn’t seem odd that clothing companies keep increasing the inseam of our shorts along with the price. Just look at how baggy basketball shorts have become. Bun-huggers are more environmentally friendly; they use less material and less time to manufacture.
Besides, why keep one’s finely toned legs under wraps? Haven’t we as runners worked hard enough for beautiful muscular legs? We have run on when others are warm under covers, on day when we think Mother Nature has hated us and at time when it seems the whole world is asleep. We do all this to make our legs strong and faster.
So my fellow runners, lets raise our voices loudly and declare “Show some leg!”. Now who is with me?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Looks like I am tranversing the country this year
I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL AT UT AUSTIN!
I really doubted I would get in especially with my GRE scores (they weren't great). UT Austin was my first choice and they have a great communications program. I am super excited and 99.5% sure that is where I will be next year (.5% would be if I had a dreamjob offer).
So now how do I move from PA-TN-TX?
I really doubted I would get in especially with my GRE scores (they weren't great). UT Austin was my first choice and they have a great communications program. I am super excited and 99.5% sure that is where I will be next year (.5% would be if I had a dreamjob offer).
So now how do I move from PA-TN-TX?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Valentine's day race..
“didn't have a camera by my side this time
hopping I would see the world with both my eyes
maybe I will tell you all about it when I'm
in the mood to lose my way with words” John Mayer 3x5
Starting this post out quoting a John Mayer song which means one thing, it can only get better from here.
I decided to race this weekend and of course me being who I am came to my final conclusion the night before. The race was just a 5k called the Cupid’s chase in Princeton, New Jersey (yes, that Princeton). The race was about 1.5 hours according to my GPS way from Emmaus. I usually never drive that far for a race but I have been itching to race for about month now, especially after hearing my teammates talk about indoor track back at Carson-Newman. I figured since I had no Valentine here there was really no reason not to travel.
I did practically everything wrong before this race.
If you have been following me at all, you know that I am very bad at shoveling snow. So after three days, I finally had to face the beast and shovel the rest of the snow off my car, Nicodemus ( yes, I have a nickname for my car). The only problem is that I failed to build proper time into my schedule for this. I ended leaving at 8:30 for a race that started at 10:00 which gave me very little time in case I got lost. By having to shovel the snow, I completely forgot to eat breakfast unless a cup of coffee and Tasty Kake counts. This time limit also made me forget that to check the weather, so I assumed it would be in the mid-30s which I count as short weather with winter top apparel (hat, gloves, under amour and jacket). The high was only 28 that day.
I found the exit for Princeton pretty easily but what I did not count on was my GPS to go crazy on where the exact location was located. So I pulled up to the race at exactly 9:48. I had enough time to sprint to registration, hand over my 20 dollars, pick up my red (way to big medium) shirt with Available printed across the back and run back to my car to remove my over sized sweat pants.
I made it the start line and tried to figure out where I needed to stand. I guess it comes from my background as a runner on an organized team but I am the worst at guessing where I need to line up. I am so use to lanes/boxes. So I spotted some fast and fit looking women and stood behind them. Looks can be deceiving, I ended up stuck behind a group of people for my first mile. Usually, this isn’t a problem, I am good at bobbing and weaving my way through the crowd. Due to the snow and ice the racers were shepherded unto sidewalk that weren’t very wide. Also due the recent snowfall, the snow was up to my thigh only making my legs colder. Finally, I came off the sidewalk and was able to fall into a good pace, I hit the first mile in 7:45 which is about 45 seconds off of what I would like to run for my first mile.
The race got better as we headed towards the one big climb and I was able smoothly past people. I hit the 2-mile mark in 15:00, which is still off of what I would like to run but at least I was getting faster. I saw another female in front of me and began to focus on passing her before the end. With about a half mile to go I did.
My legs were starting to freeze at this time due to my stupidity at not putting tights on but I was able to open up my stride. I let my mind focus on the people cheering ( “Nice Stride” “If you run faster you can go get warm”) and was able to pick up a few more people before the finish line. I ended up running a 21:51- a full 1:10 off my PR for cross-country but I will take it considering all my silliness.
I was able to go grab my oversized sweat pants and shirt to put on before the award ceremonies and it was still cold! Runners were huddled around the outdoor heaters, getting to know each other almost a little too well (I secretly think this is what the race directors wanted). The top three women overall were not much further in front of me which was uplifting and not one broke 20. What I found funny was that all the top women finishers had Available shirts on while the top men finishers all wore the Unavailable shirts. I ended winning my age group and received a few "good jobs". Unfortunately the only number I received that day was my race number.
My GPS decided to take me home yet a different way of which I came and I ended up touring around most of Princeton. I regretted not remembering to bring my camera but later decided maybe it was best just to have some mental snap-shots.
hopping I would see the world with both my eyes
maybe I will tell you all about it when I'm
in the mood to lose my way with words” John Mayer 3x5
Starting this post out quoting a John Mayer song which means one thing, it can only get better from here.
I decided to race this weekend and of course me being who I am came to my final conclusion the night before. The race was just a 5k called the Cupid’s chase in Princeton, New Jersey (yes, that Princeton). The race was about 1.5 hours according to my GPS way from Emmaus. I usually never drive that far for a race but I have been itching to race for about month now, especially after hearing my teammates talk about indoor track back at Carson-Newman. I figured since I had no Valentine here there was really no reason not to travel.
I did practically everything wrong before this race.
If you have been following me at all, you know that I am very bad at shoveling snow. So after three days, I finally had to face the beast and shovel the rest of the snow off my car, Nicodemus ( yes, I have a nickname for my car). The only problem is that I failed to build proper time into my schedule for this. I ended leaving at 8:30 for a race that started at 10:00 which gave me very little time in case I got lost. By having to shovel the snow, I completely forgot to eat breakfast unless a cup of coffee and Tasty Kake counts. This time limit also made me forget that to check the weather, so I assumed it would be in the mid-30s which I count as short weather with winter top apparel (hat, gloves, under amour and jacket). The high was only 28 that day.
I found the exit for Princeton pretty easily but what I did not count on was my GPS to go crazy on where the exact location was located. So I pulled up to the race at exactly 9:48. I had enough time to sprint to registration, hand over my 20 dollars, pick up my red (way to big medium) shirt with Available printed across the back and run back to my car to remove my over sized sweat pants.
I made it the start line and tried to figure out where I needed to stand. I guess it comes from my background as a runner on an organized team but I am the worst at guessing where I need to line up. I am so use to lanes/boxes. So I spotted some fast and fit looking women and stood behind them. Looks can be deceiving, I ended up stuck behind a group of people for my first mile. Usually, this isn’t a problem, I am good at bobbing and weaving my way through the crowd. Due to the snow and ice the racers were shepherded unto sidewalk that weren’t very wide. Also due the recent snowfall, the snow was up to my thigh only making my legs colder. Finally, I came off the sidewalk and was able to fall into a good pace, I hit the first mile in 7:45 which is about 45 seconds off of what I would like to run for my first mile.
The race got better as we headed towards the one big climb and I was able smoothly past people. I hit the 2-mile mark in 15:00, which is still off of what I would like to run but at least I was getting faster. I saw another female in front of me and began to focus on passing her before the end. With about a half mile to go I did.
My legs were starting to freeze at this time due to my stupidity at not putting tights on but I was able to open up my stride. I let my mind focus on the people cheering ( “Nice Stride” “If you run faster you can go get warm”) and was able to pick up a few more people before the finish line. I ended up running a 21:51- a full 1:10 off my PR for cross-country but I will take it considering all my silliness.
I was able to go grab my oversized sweat pants and shirt to put on before the award ceremonies and it was still cold! Runners were huddled around the outdoor heaters, getting to know each other almost a little too well (I secretly think this is what the race directors wanted). The top three women overall were not much further in front of me which was uplifting and not one broke 20. What I found funny was that all the top women finishers had Available shirts on while the top men finishers all wore the Unavailable shirts. I ended winning my age group and received a few "good jobs". Unfortunately the only number I received that day was my race number.
My GPS decided to take me home yet a different way of which I came and I ended up touring around most of Princeton. I regretted not remembering to bring my camera but later decided maybe it was best just to have some mental snap-shots.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Snow Lessons..
Being a fairly educated person (I almost have the undergrad degree), I figured that I knew the basics of snow. The textbook definition of course is frozen precipitation in the form of white or translucent hexagonal ice crystals that fall in soft, white flakes. Pretty much it is cold and the way to defeat is for it to melt, salt helps the process. After the past few days, my upbringing as a Southerner left me with some new knowledge about this weather phenomenon.
Lets go back to Tuesday; I knew that with word of the Snow-Apocalypse that I should go to the grocery store. We do this in the Tennessee when we get word of an inch of snow. Besides, I had run out of creamer. The lines were long and the store was having to stock up on milk (I prefer soymilk so I had no problem). It was a scene that I had figured. The smart choice of the day on my part was purchasing a shovel before heading back to the confines of my apartment.
The snow began falling like I had never seen before with visibility very low as I looked out my window. I snuggled up with a cup of hot chocolate and settled for a long winters nap. I got awaken at 11:00 P.M. by my advisor from Carson Newman with editing changes for my Honor thesis (but that is a whole different story). By that time, the snow had cover most everything and the offices were closed.
The snow continued the next day; I have never seen such a constant barrage. I decided to go investigate so not to get cabin fever. My first lesson was learned. Sperries, despite being boat shoes are not made for snow. I quickly turned around after maybe three steps out the door and looked through my closet for my fake Uggs. I was never a fan of these boots mostly because I saw no reason for them in the South. I had seen way too many girls wear them with shorts or short skirts and no tights. I had simply owned a pair for after ice baths. After walking around for about 20 minutes I realized that I was not going to be able to get out on the roads and the fitness center was completely snowed in. I skipped on the running. The snow finally stopped around 5:00 P.M.
Thursday, I decided to work from home (mostly because of the honors thesis and another late night editing session with my advisor). Around 3:00, I had decided it look warm enough to go on a run. I dressed warmly though only in half tights and went out. Second lesson learned, just because roads are plowed does not mean sidewalks are. I ended steepling snow piles for 30 minutes. I then got this grand idea to run through an old abandoned golf course behind my complex. Lesson three learned-snow is not solid no matter how deep it is. I, being somewhat stupid, decided to go ahead and “run” (more like high knees) through it until I could get to next sidewalk. Lesson four learned-half tights do not keep your calves warm in the snow.
I decided that I should shovel a bit around my car after my run. It was not easy and after 30 minutes it seemed like I made no dent in the snow. I gave up and figured I would do it in the morning. I woke up and hour early this morning to finish up the job but after an hour I was still not done. I had work in an hour. I gave up and ended walk to work this morning (which ended up being less time then driving?). Lesson six learned, snow does not melt quickly and clearing a car takes a long time.
I am just praying that somehow, that the snow I left clears. I plan on driving to race a 5k tomorrow.
Lets go back to Tuesday; I knew that with word of the Snow-Apocalypse that I should go to the grocery store. We do this in the Tennessee when we get word of an inch of snow. Besides, I had run out of creamer. The lines were long and the store was having to stock up on milk (I prefer soymilk so I had no problem). It was a scene that I had figured. The smart choice of the day on my part was purchasing a shovel before heading back to the confines of my apartment.
The snow began falling like I had never seen before with visibility very low as I looked out my window. I snuggled up with a cup of hot chocolate and settled for a long winters nap. I got awaken at 11:00 P.M. by my advisor from Carson Newman with editing changes for my Honor thesis (but that is a whole different story). By that time, the snow had cover most everything and the offices were closed.
The snow continued the next day; I have never seen such a constant barrage. I decided to go investigate so not to get cabin fever. My first lesson was learned. Sperries, despite being boat shoes are not made for snow. I quickly turned around after maybe three steps out the door and looked through my closet for my fake Uggs. I was never a fan of these boots mostly because I saw no reason for them in the South. I had seen way too many girls wear them with shorts or short skirts and no tights. I had simply owned a pair for after ice baths. After walking around for about 20 minutes I realized that I was not going to be able to get out on the roads and the fitness center was completely snowed in. I skipped on the running. The snow finally stopped around 5:00 P.M.
Thursday, I decided to work from home (mostly because of the honors thesis and another late night editing session with my advisor). Around 3:00, I had decided it look warm enough to go on a run. I dressed warmly though only in half tights and went out. Second lesson learned, just because roads are plowed does not mean sidewalks are. I ended steepling snow piles for 30 minutes. I then got this grand idea to run through an old abandoned golf course behind my complex. Lesson three learned-snow is not solid no matter how deep it is. I, being somewhat stupid, decided to go ahead and “run” (more like high knees) through it until I could get to next sidewalk. Lesson four learned-half tights do not keep your calves warm in the snow.
I decided that I should shovel a bit around my car after my run. It was not easy and after 30 minutes it seemed like I made no dent in the snow. I gave up and figured I would do it in the morning. I woke up and hour early this morning to finish up the job but after an hour I was still not done. I had work in an hour. I gave up and ended walk to work this morning (which ended up being less time then driving?). Lesson six learned, snow does not melt quickly and clearing a car takes a long time.
I am just praying that somehow, that the snow I left clears. I plan on driving to race a 5k tomorrow.
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