More is Not Always More

I had an *epic* revelation this week. 

After a disappointing performance at the 15k I participated in on Saturday, I have decided that I need to cut back on my miles for a few weeks.  For the past 6 months, I have been cranking out between 120-180 miles a month (maybe this is a little out of control?).  I’ve been nailing my speed workouts for the most part, yet fell apart on Saturday.  I think my legs might need a break.  While I’m not going to cut out running totally, I am definitely going to back off for the next few months and focus on gaining more strength & try some new things.

Here’s how this week went down.

Monday: rest day with strength work at home – check!

Tuesday: rest day with strength/core work at home – check!

Wednesday:  11 miles, interval workout – nailed it

Thursday:  6 miles easy, strength work – changed it up to an 8 mile speed work out

Friday:  rest

Saturday: Leaping Leprechauns 15k (my first 15k!) – can I get a do over?

Sunday:  8 miles, 5 of speed work – 2 mile walk with my sidekick Roscoe

Total running miles: 28.35 – probably one of my lowest weekly mileage totals in months

Leaping Leprechauns

On Saturday, my frunner Luisa and I ran a local 15k.  I have done several races that this race director puts on and they are always well organized and hilly challenging.  This is the kind of race you can show up to 5 minutes before gun time; where you can park across the street from the start.  Love that.  This was also my first 15k! 

I rocked the first mile out (9:01) and felt really comfortable, even with the hills, but soon everything went downhill.  The humidity that morning was nearly 100% as there was rain coming in.  I didn’t think it would be a problem because of how cool (50 degrees) it was out.  Well, it was.  I guess I should be happy with my time (1:35) because of all of the walking that I had to do in order to catch my breath, but I’m still frustrated and want a do over!

Luisa *rocked* her race.  She ran the hills strong and finished 3^rd in her division.

Luckily, I have a *few* races coming up where I hope to redeem myself. 

Today I took a rest day and went for a walk instead of pounding out more miles.  My IT band has been letting me know it’s there and getting fussy...more validation that I better back off a bit.  Even though every run I do means something (vs. just running to run and get in miles), I need to back off a bit.  I have been in “training” mode since last June and haven’t let up a bit.  Bottom line…more is not always more.

What’s coming up?

Dallas Rock and Roll half marathon (my 5^th in a row!) – March 23

Fairview half marathon – April 5

El Chupacabra 10k (evening trail run) - April 12

What’s your next race?

Weekly Chase!

I am kind of in the “limbo” period of training.  Nothing HUGE coming up, but a few half marathons that I want to do really well at, especially the Rock and Roll Dallas, which will be my 5^th in a row. 

Their first half in Dallas was my first half marathon ever.  This has always been a special race to me.  I have been trying to pull off a sub two hour road race half for a little over a year and have come *so* close, and this year is my year to do it (I hope!). 
So in preparation, I have been following a runkeeper sub 2 training plan

AND doing a lot of core and strength training. 

This week’s plan is:

Monday: rest day with strength work at home

Tuesday: rest day with strength/core work at home

Wednesday:  11 miles, interval workout

Thursday:  6 miles easy, strength work

Friday:  rest

Saturday: Leaping Leprechauns 15k (my first 15k!)

Sunday:  8 miles, 5 of speed work

Weekly total: 34 miles

Other goals:

Continue to increase protein intake

Try to blog more regularly (at *least* twice a week)
Stay on top of strength training

New quarter starting in my NP program - stay ahead of the game
Meet up with my MRTT frunners for more group runs

Confucius is one smart cookie...

What is/are your goal(s) this week?

Peppermint Power!

After running my marathon in San Francisco last fall, I realized I needed a fix.  The same thing kept happening to me over and over.  Waves of nausea would hit me around mile 8 of nearly every long runs and this one was no different.  

 Was this sign made for me?

A common theme was emerging.

I know I’m well hydrated.  I eat nearly the same thing for breakfast (especially before long runs) every day.  My salt intake is where it needs to be.    

It's just that nerves and long distance running do not mix well for me. 

So I started doing some research.  I was taking Zofran before (an anti-nausea med I had taken for morning all day sickness when I was pregnant) and it wasn’t doing the trick.  So I looked into some more natural remedies.  I found that using essential oil might help.  I reached out to a consultant from my hometown, who verified that peppermint oil is a very effective nausea remedy.  It was worth a try.

The GOOD

I ordered a bottle on amazon and tried it out for the first time during a training run.  I apply a few drops directly to my upper abdomen and then put just a little under my nose to aide in breathing and help open my lungs.  I have used it prior to my last 3 marathons and multiple long training runs and have had ZERO issues with nausea, or even worse what comes with it.  

I told some of my frunners about it and now many of us are using it, but for an even better reason….muscle recovery!  When applied directly to muscles, it provides a “cooling” effect to ease muscle aches and pains that come with long distance running.  My friend Alicia used it after a very difficult marathon in Waco and took ZERO Advil/Ibuprofen in the days following.  I thought that was pretty incredible so I tried it myself after the last marathon I did.  Typically I hobble around for 48 hours.  I applied it to my quads and hamstrings shortly after finishing and again the next day.  Recovery time <24 hours.  I even felt like I could have done a recovery run the next day.  Part of the shorter recovery time is likely due to the fact that I am getting much more used to running the long distances more regularly, but still…I will take all the help I can get.

Peppermint can be used in a number of ways.  I apply the full strength oil directly on my skin.  Others use a carrier oil, such as almond or coconut, and add a few drops of the essential oil to that (I'd suggest a carrier oil to apply to larger areas, such as the legs).  Some peppermint oil is ok to consume, such as in a hot tea or a glass of water (ALWAYS READ THE LABELS BEFORE INGESTING).  It can also be used in a hot bath.  In fact, I found a published study (which I have become a pro at after an intense graduate research course) where ingested peppermint was found to improve athletic performance, respiratory status and recovery.   It was shown to have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant effects.  Peppermint can also improve mood and aide in headache relief when applied to the temples.  

 Does a peppermint martini count?

There are many, many other essential oils out there, which I am trying to learn about, and I am aware they are not the “cure all” for all that ails you.  Please do not take this as medical advice, but more of an educational tidbit.  I know I LOVE learning about new things that work for runners that I haven’t heard, read or thought about.

A key to the essential oil is to ensure that it is pure.  I am not endorsing one brand or another.  I have a couple.  I purchased some from a company called Native American and Olympian Labs.  My friends have purchased from Butterfly Express and Young Living.  We have all had great results with those.  Also note that not all oils are consumable.  My peppermint is NOT.  I apply it to my skin only.

The BAD

On an added note, I recommend that if you have ANY illnesses, either chronic or acute, please consult your doctor before you use essential oils.  There is not a great deal of research on the subject, but just like herbal medication and vitamins, there is the potential of drug interactions.

The UGLY

My dad used essential oil for a short time.  He was told by a consultant (whose company shall remain nameless), based on a very expensive “scan” of his hands, that he was deficient of multiple minerals (titanium, iron and gold among others)  and that areas his body were stressed.  While the human body does contain very trace amounts of these substances, as far as I know, only a blood sample would be able to detect such amounts.  Do you know someone who has been told they are deficient in gold & needed treatment for it?  I have been a nurse for nearly twenty years and have NEVER heard of this.  As a health professional, I found this ridiculous and laughable.  I could have told him for free the areas of his body that were stressed, It wasn’t a long shot.  My dad is a type 1 diabetic, with heart disease.  Pancreas, heart and kidneys?  Bingo!  I was very upset and angered that someone had coerced him into doing this, and more so that he was sold hundreds of dollars in essential oils.  Oils that *I* am nearly certain played a part in a dangerous and very lethal potassium imbalance he just happened to have after using them for a month. His physician was not aware he was using the oils, but explained to my mom that he should STOP them all immediately. He is lucky to be alive.

 That's my dad!

Bottom line...do the research.  Consult your physician if on medications.  

But I will say….the peppermint has worked like a charm for me (and several of my friends!) as far as muscle recovery and relieving nausea. 

And it's always nice to smell like a candy cane!

Here is more great reading related to reviews of different essential oil companies.  

http://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/which-essential-oil-companies-should-you-buy-from-my-surprising-findings-on-my-quest-to-find-the-best/

It actually led me to buy some of the products from one specific company.  I find it rather unbiased as the writer was once a consultant for a couple of the companies reviewed. 

Have you ever used essential oils?  What worked?  What didn't?

Love. Run. Marathon. #10

I am still coming down from my runner’s high from this race. 

 

So let’s start with some facts:

Love. Run. Marathon. is a trail run.

Trail runs are no joke. 

I fell 5 times.  Once into a bush.

I ate the best cupcake of my life post-race.

My Mom’s Run This Town frunners are the BEST.  Strong. Driven. Hilarious.  Uplifting, supportive and many, many more things.

I headed down to Huntsville with two of my frunners (friend runners) in tow.  Luisa, DK and I cracked up the entire way there.

We made a pit stop at the famous Collin Street Bakery.  It was legit.  It was Luisa’s and my first time there and they let you taste as many cookies as you want!  As a cookie connoisseur, this was a *dream*!  We all ended up getting some of the deliciousness, pralines, cherry ice box cookies, chocolate white chocolate cookies, muffins, bread boxes they had it all – and we bought it all! 

When we arrived it Huntsville it was off to the Farmhouse Café for dinner.  The Farmhouse Café has great food, but I was told they were known for their pies.  They did not disappoint!  I chose the chocolate mousse pie, but had a bite of my friend Catherine’s peanut butter pie.  It was to die for delicious!  I had pie envy!

Back to the hotel for some chit chat and cheek hurting laughs, then it was off to be for our 5:30am wake up call. 

Race Day!

We picked up our packets that morning in about 30 seconds flat and had plenty of time to enjoy the awesome breakfast the race organizers provided: bagels, cinnamon rolls and coffee.  We waited in the lodge for the race to start. 

Before we knew it, it was time to head to the start, but not before a picture! 

We were off!

I have never, in my entire life, ran on a trail.  I was strictly a road/treadmill runner until Saturday.  It was a little difficult at first to get adjusted to the softer ground, but I liked it!  It was much more forgiving on the joints.  My plan was to stick with my friend Luisa (we became Marathon Maniacs that day!!), but she is a little faster than me, and I didn’t want her to hold back.  Just as I was getting in a groove, one of my goals (don’t fall down) was out the window.  I took my eyes off the trail for a few seconds to start my podcast and I was down.  Little did I know it was just the beginning!!  A little blood never hurt, right?

 The view from below

Around mile 4, I met up with my friend Tona, who was running the half.  I was so happy that happened.  We ran the rest of her race together as we were going the same pace.  I will be forever grateful that she waited up for me!  The first half flew by and I was so lonely after she left me!  Next year she needs to do the full! 

Loop 2

Loop started out fairly well, I was even passing some people, but I lost my sidekick and I fell...again.  In almost the same exact spot as the first time.  Then I fell again, and again.   

Being out in the woods for a couple of hours by yourself is interesting.  It is so peaceful and serene, but it can get a little lonely at times.  There were a few hikers and bikers and then the aid stations every 3 miles or so.  Yet sometimes miles would pass before I saw another runner.  

 

This was incredibly peaceful!

 

It was really different going from such a huge production, like Houston, to a smaller, more intimate race.  I am really starting to prefer the smaller races; less congestion, more camaraderie and often great race perks.  Yet, the larger races still hold their allure as well.  I ran really well until around mile 22, when I started to get a little bored.  I was walking a bit more, checking facebook, texting people and then decided I better get a move on.  Just as I passed my last runner on the trail I fell into a bush, the best fall of them all!  I had leaves in my hair and was bleeding again.  I was mad and determined to just kill it.  I finished the race at 5:03:00, running my second half at only 3 minutes more than my first half, which is a HUGE improvement for me.  My splits are usually 20 mins+.  

 We are now maniacs!!

I loved this race (I have been loving on all of my races lately), but this one was really something special.  Everyone in my group *rocked* this race.  A couple of us placed.  I finally placed in my age group (another HUGE goal of mine).   My friend Luisa WON the Master’s division and my friend Teri won 2^nd in our age group.  All the half marathoners finished strong.  We ALL had a blast and THAT is what made the race what it was.  We celebrated each and every one of our finishes.  We even got the finish line tape for my friends DK and Royce!  

 Everyone wins with MRTT!!

There was also another special finish.  A “local celebrity”, Ted Johnson, would be finishing his 101^st marathon.  101!!  Can you imagine?!?  He did it in a flurry of fanfare.  Team Red, White and Blue escorted him the entire race with flags and he was honored at the finish.  It was so inspiring and incredibly moving. 

So here I sit, still on a high, planning my next race.  Thank goodness our MRTT virtual race is this weekend.  It was satisfy my desire to run a race, more importantly, to run a race with my friends!  We are already planning a return trip for next year & every other year until we can run no more.  Who knows….maybe one of us will be running our 101^st someday.  We will need each other for that.

Saturday was special for another reason...it was Kayle girl's birthday...she turned 11.

Happy birthday to my sweet girl.

**Mad props to my girl DK....for letting me use some of her pictures for my blog.  This girl has some mad paparazzi skills and never lets us forget a moment in time!  Thanks DK!!