Hills for breakfast, hold the gnats

December 24, 2024

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Location:

Snoqualmie,WA,

Member Since:

Jan 31, 2008

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Boston Qualifier

Running Accomplishments:

Marathon PR: 4:17 at Portland Marathon, Oct. 2007

5K PR 24:37 2009

10K PR 52:58 2010

Have run 22 marathons to date.

No injuries, ever. :)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Qualify for Boston (4:05 for my age/gender) - or, perhaps, to use my desire for a BQ as a way to get in the hated speed work so I don't just get slower and slower over the years. This goal is "under (re)construction" right now, until I figure out whether it is truly what I want. :)

Long-Term Running Goals:

To continue learning about myself and about running, and to enjoy being a fit, happy runner for life. To always know why I am running and the best way to get the most (both mentally and physically) out of my runs. To keep a sense of humor and remain optimistic about myself as a runner. To enjoy running more and more with every passing year.

Personal:

Baby boomer generation. Jogged a little in my 20's and 30's. Started running seriously in 2002. Low-carb runner since January 2010.

I love long runs and cold, cloudy weather. I don't believe in "junk miles." I am an optimist. I adore dark chocolate, fog, my family, and knitting -- not necessarily in that order.

"As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are." -- Joan Benoit Samuelson

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00
Brooks ST3 Lifetime Miles:						891.35
Vibram Five Fingers KSO Lifetime Miles:						23.77
Brooks ST3 II Lifetime Miles:						965.17
Lunaracers II Lifetime Miles:						198.23
Mizuno Wave Universe 3 Lifetime Miles:						104.14
Asics Piranha Lifetime Miles:						536.83
RunAmocs (Softstar) Lifetime Miles:						16.23
Piranha II Lifetime Miles:						219.53

Tue, Dec 02, 2008

Easy Miles	Marathon Pace Miles	Threshold Miles	VO2 Max Miles	Total Distance
4.30	0.00	0.00	0.75	5.05

Objective: Moderate w/ extra effort on hills, and fast finish (last .75 @ VO2max). Tapering.

Weather: 47 F, cloudy, calm, heavy mist (not quite rain) 1st mile only

15 core & weights, last day for any leg work

My sincere thanks to everyone who left comments yesterday. I think I have recovered somewhat from the trauma of yesterday's news. My FIL is still hanging on but remains unconscious. We talked with my MIL last night, who declares -- with some temper -- that everything threatening my FIL right now has come by his own actions: he did not follow the diet he was supposed to follow, he pulled out his tubes, he refused to walk the halls after his surgery, etc. At the same time, we know that certain medical procedures were neglected by his nurses, such as putting on the leg massaging socks that might have prevented the first blood clot from forming. I can tell MIL is struggling terribly with her emotions over this situation. My DH seems pretty stable, but he is coming down with a cold; the body will sometimes express what the mind cannot.

During the past 24 hours, I have come to the conclusion that I must strive to "let go" of the outcome this week. FIL may leave us today, tomorrow, next week, or not for years to come. I have to continue to carry out my marathon taper and travel plans as if nothing is happening, and yet be ready for anything to happen. I have to accept my own lack of control, not something I am very good at. But it's going to drive me crazy if I keep thinking "I'm not racing," then "I am racing," back and forth, back and forth. I've got to find a way to just float through this, que sera, sera.

Red Nike Structure Triax 11 Miles: 5.05

Comments

From Carolyn in Colorado on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 11:00:52

The uncertainty can be really hard to deal with. A little over a year ago my mom had a heart attack and then a triple bypass and did not come through the surgery very well (she is doing much better now). For a while there we didn't enough if she would make it home from the hospital.

I think you're smart to continue with your tapering plans. Just plan on running CIM, and if you have to make the decision at the last minute not to go, then you'll can make the choice then. Don't waste your energy stressing about it. And don't get that cold from your husband.

From Dale on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 12:04:08

For your consideration....

The great thing about marathoning is that there's plenty around to choose from. You might want to consider (just consider) punting on CIM. Sometimes its better to just eliminate the stresses in life that we *do* have control over to deal with those we don't. There's plenty of other marathons around that could certainly fill the gap.

On the other hand, sometimes it's nice to have a distraction available to take you mind off life for a while. If that's the case here, by all means, keep your CIM racing plans intact and in all likelihood things will work out.

Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it'll be the best decision for you. I sincerely hope things improve with your FIL.

From Solemate on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:50:43

Dale has a valid point which I probably wouldn't have considered. As I remember you are taking the train; it isn't as simple as turning the car around if you should need to return home. Can you go by yourself? So many decisions. Just try to give the brain a rest and do something nice for yourself today!

From jefferey on Tue, Dec 02, 2008 at 19:48:22

Did not know you were taking the train. We did that a few years ago and it took almost 24 hours to get to Sacramento. Way too long and slow for me. I would rather run a marathon than take the train that far again. And you are going to be doing both. Wow! Good for you.

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