This past weekend, I turned 48. As I get closer and closer to a new big round number, I keep thinking I'll start freaking out about getting old. But I feel better at 48 than I did at 47 (well, except for that pesky ankle/heel issue.) Last year at this time, I was deep in Marine Corps Marathon training with the Hansons plan. I was also recovering from what had been a month long virus - it started with several days of violent stomach upset that led to weeks of reduced appetite and lack of energy. While I would not recommend that weight loss method (I dropped 7 pounds in 7 days and it stayed off), it was the first time in years that I was not packing on extra marathon pounds. It was also the first time in years that my weight had not … [Read more...]
Ten things learned in ten years of racing
Ten years ago, on March 18, I stepped up to the start line of a race for the first time ever. Running a race had never even crossed my mind, even though I'd been running regularly since Jones was born (about 5 years). But one of my friends convinced me to do it and promised to help me with everything. Little did she know she was creating a monster. A monster who has now run 6 marathons, 62 half marathons, and countless races of other lengths. A monster who recently couldn't resist grabbing a last minute bib to the 17.75 to get the opportunity to earn the Golden Ticket for MCM again. Over the years, I've learned a few things about myself and about racing. Here are my top 10 lessons learned... Zippers are a girl's best friend. I … [Read more...]
Tips for handling race anxiety
My most recent half marathon did not go as I planned. While I think there were some external factors that played a role (humidity, hills, too much time off from training), I'm beginning to realize that some of the problem was anxiety. Despite running 2 marathons, 36 half marathons, a handful of 10 milers, and a random assortment of other race distances in the last 7 years, I still don't sleep the night before a race. It doesn't matter whether it's a marathon or a 5K, I'll be tossing and turning all night. Add in any sort of goal related to the race and I walk around with my stomach clenched for 24 hours or more before the race. Race anxiety. It's real. I've had to learn how to deal with anxiety before a race. And I'm convinced … [Read more...]
