Shamrock pictures

In record time, Team Z pictures are available for viewing (Thanks Seb and Mel!). I'm so happy to see these! Everyone looks great! It just makes me more sorry that I didn't get to see everyone in person. I love Team Z!!!

Here are a few shots of yours truly and my famous tutu heading towards the finish line:

Shamrock Marathon Race Report – Yes I did!

Disclaimer: I do not recommend the IronCat training plan, or lack thereof. I haven’t decided if I am calling this my 2 ½ month taper plan or just plain stupid.

The real question is whether this was an effective approach or not. Do I undertrain next time or do I see what I can do at this fitness level with some good, consistent training?

Whatever it was that I did - or did not do - it worked. Not only did I pull off a 4 minute and 10 second personal record  -woo hoo!- but I actually feel better than I have ever felt after a marathon. I mean, really, that is just wacky, don’t you think?

The Deets

Let’s be honest; Although I was going for the medal and the overall finish, I went into this race hoping that I would finally break 4:30. My previous best time was 4:32:25 at the Philadelphia Marathon in 2007. I wanted to go under 4:30 at NY in 2008, but it just didn’t happen for me. 2009 was the Ironman year, so no marathons for me. It certainly wasn’t going to happen at Disney in 2010. [Oh, that was so fun!]

Normally, I feel like I run a race and have all of these experiences I can’t wait to share: funny conversations, observations, etc. This time around…I ran. I ran and I ran. I didn’t really talk to anyone other than Bob, who I ran with for a bit, or the Z-ers I occasionally leapfrogged. I didn't shout out my usual thank yous to the volunteers. I was totally focused on my form and my garmin.

Typically I am pretty good about pacing myself. I was aiming for running 9:45 miles, and walking 1 minute after each mile, for an average pace of 10:15. However, I was running a comfortable pace and for the first 10 miles or so everytime I looked down I was running a 9:30 pace. I couldn’t seem to slow myself down until I hit the headwind.

I crossed the half point at 2:11. I was pretty stoked about that. I imagined how awesome it would be to finish in 4:22.

At some point, my comfortable 9:30 pace became really difficult. I began running more of a 10:15-10:30 pace, and I had to constantly push myself to run faster. Surprisingly, running faster just wasn’t that much more difficult. It was a mental challenge as much as it was physical.

Around mile 20, the benefit of my experience became even more apparent when the pain really started. In the past I would yield to the aches, pains, and spasms I have known so well out of concern that failing to do so would result in injury or, you know, an amputation. However, having tortured myself in this manner many times before, I recognized the difference between discomfort and danger. There is a certain sense of pride and power in knowing that you can tune out your screaming legs and push yourself forward.

Nevertheless, the legs did try to fight me. About a mile later I was smoothly running along when my left quad spased in a way that caused me to scream out in pain. It was very clear that this was not something that could be completely ignored. I stopped, grabbed a traffic cone for balance, and stretched for 10 seconds or so. I massaged it with my thumbs and then I kept on moving. When it was time for my next walk break I considered that stopping might cause my muscle to seize up even more and decided to skip the walk break altogether.

From then on I constantly watched my pace on my garmin and pushed myself to run at least a 10:15 pace. It hurt like hell, but I was determined to cross that finish line under 4:30.

After seeing some wonderful friends cheering along the final stretch (thanks so much Julie for being there!), at 4:28:15, I crossed that finish line and heard the announcer call my name. I really couldn’t decide if I wanted to laugh or cry, and I couldn’t do either.

Post-race

It was great getting hugs from bunch of my teammates as I made my way to the post-race party. Shamrock has the best schwag of any race I’ve ever done. In addition to the cinch bag and long-sleeved tech tee you get at packet pickup, at the finish line you get a really nice medal, a hat, and a long-sleeved cotton finishers shirt. Then they try to hand you various food items and water, but who has enough hands for all of that?

I saw a few friends as I checked out the scene at the post-race party. Irish beef stew and beer just didn’t appeal to me then. Special thanks to Keith G. for offering to buy me some peanut butter cups.

I went back to the hotel to put on some warm clothes and started to notice that I didn’t feel nearly as bad as I have felt after most of my other races. I headed out to watch for the Knight, on whom my craziness rubbed off and who had decided the day before to join me in my insanity and run the marathon himself. What a pair we are!

He finished and we both enjoyed a good chuckle when, as he approached the finish line, one of our favorite teammates (who may have had a little too much to drink) yelled at him sweetly “Oli, you’re so sexy….I love you!” Another runner shouted to him, “I hope you know her” and he responded, “I’m just glad my wife knows her.” It was really cute. I have to agree with her…he is SO sexy. J

Almost two days later and I am sore but I feel awesome. What a way celebrate my birthday and bring in another year. I must be getting younger.

And for the record, yes, I did beat Oprah’s time (by one full minute).

Thursday Thirteen: New House Edition

1 - On Saturday we moved to the tree house. It went perfectly. The guys from Majestic Movers did an awesome job.

A (very flattering) picture of the front of the tree house

2 - I love the house more than I imagined I would.

3 - The house was built in 1954 and it has a wonderful, mid-century modern style that we want to enhance.

4 - Unfortunately, it also has some retro touches that aren’t as desirable. Who hasn’t heard about my circa 1980s mauve/grey laminate cabinets yet?

Those are them. They are worse in person.

5 - I’m actually starting to appreciate said laminate cabinets. Although I still don’t appreciate the aesthetics, it turns out they are really well made and were probably top of the line in their day.

6 - Earl Grey and Pepper, our two cats, had a very interesting reaction to the move. I brought them over in their carriers and when I let them out Pepper just walked around meowing his head off. Earl refused to leave the carrier for a long time, and when he did come out he very cautiously prowled around for a few minutes, hissing every minute or so, and then hid for a half day. Everyone seems to be happy now.  

7 - We now have a yard and we want to start composting. The tons of discarded pulp from our morning juicing will be a great start. We just have to figure out how to get started.

8 - Our realtor Lisa (the most awesome realtor ever) was right when she said that the silence is deafening. It is quite a contrast to the constant buzz of Clarendon.

9 - We found a great tenant for our condo. Yay!

10 - The new neighborhood is awesome. We moved to Lake Barcroft, a 1000+ home community in Falls Church, between Rt. 50 and Columbia Pike, just west of Arlington and east of Sleepy Hollow Road. During my three-mile run on Sunday, tons of neighbors greeted me. It was only a 4 minute run to the lake via the trail. I think we’re going to love it here.

11 - We now have three fireplaces. The Knight recently referred to me as a pyromaniac. Regardless of whether that is true or not, I am really excited to have real, wood-burning fireplaces for the first time ever. Although it is currently 60 degrees out, I think we should have a fire tonight to celebrate my birthday. For some reason, the Knight disagrees.

12 - Speaking of fire, Tuesday night I cooked on my gas stove and it was so nice. I am really happy to be done with my electric cooktop.

13 - The kitchen is almost totally unpacked. Next I’m going to work on getting my closet in order. I’m actually losing space so it will be a challenge.

Shamrock?

I'm crazy. If you know me, or even if you've just read my blog, you know that already. I mean, just by virtue of the fact that I've run 7 marathons, and done a bunch of triathlons including an Ironman, you can pick up on that. I like to call it a "special kind of crazy."

What you might not know is that last October, while on a dream trip to St. Lucia, I was on the massage table when I decided - suddenly - that I needed to sign up for Shamrock and get another marathon under my belt.

I trained. It was going great! And then stuff happened. Some health stuff. Weather stuff. A bunch of other excuses cropped up. You know -  poor me, I'm going to be away in Vegas and Hawaii and I don't want to run 24 miles while I'm on my honeymoon. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

I decided that I would just do the Shamrock half instead. Good plan. Right?

Yeah, I thought so. That whole thing about the race being full and my need to run it "illegally" was only a small issue.

So this morning as I was getting ready for work and making a mental packing list for this weekend's quick trip my crazy brain took over. They say your body remembers the distance. So, what if I just go out there and run the marathon?

Am I crazy? Well, yeah.

My last long run was 21 miles on January 1st. Since then I've run at least 3-4 days/week, and my long runs have been 6-12 miles. Honestly, most of them have been closer to 6.

I am really undecided. My main reason for switching to the half is mainly obsolete right now, since I don't think that running a marathon on Sunday will have an impact on surgery in two weeks.

Yes, I'll be disappointed if I don't run it close to my usual time (4:30-4:45), but if I can get past that, it would be pretty cool to earn another (marathon) medal.

What do you think? Go for it or play it safe?

Bi-monthly Thursday Thirteen

It appears it has been a while...Better late than never, right?

1. Busyness (not to be confused with business)! - So far, 2011 has been great and it keeps getting better. In January we got married and had a wonderful time on our weddingmoon in Las Vegas, followed by our honeymoon in Kauai. We closed on our new house on Monday, we move Saturday, and that is just the first quarter of the year.
2. Moving – I’ve never met anyone who says they love moving, no matter how good the reason. It has been hectic, but we’re excited about it. I vacillate between complete calm and total panic. I am just ready to get it done.
3. Training – I’ve been keeping fit and working out 5-6 days/week, running at least 3 times/week, weight training at least twice, but I don’t know that you can call what I’ve been doing "training" per se. I think that’s because I haven’t really been following a plan of any kind.
4. ShamWOW- I am signed up for the Shamrock Marathon but for a variety of reasons, I won’t be running the full marathon. The Knight and I decided to head down and run the first 13.1 miles of the race. The half marathon is full so we’re not allowed to transfer.
5. Medal - I really hope that despite the above, I will still be allowed to receive a medal. I admit that when I saw pictures of last year’s medals I put this race on my to-do list. I will understand if they deny me, since I’m not doing what I signed up for, but I do hope that it goes my way. *I need my bling!*
6. Race Calendar – See #3. While 2011 has been a great year so far, there have been a few little complications. I have signed up for the Musselman sprint, but I don’t plan to do the micro (tricycle) race again. I think I’m really scared of what Es is going to do to me to pay me back for last year.
7. Medical – So, without going into any detail, I’ll just say that there’s a little medical issue that I need to address. I found out yesterday that I need to have surgery to get things (you know, female things) in good working order. Soooo…. I'll get it overwith and then I get to hang around my beautiful new house for a week and watch all of the TV I can stand. (Hey Es, that meal that you promised me…do you deliver?)
8. Recovery – Is it bad that one of my chief concerns with the procedure referenced above is that I won’t be able to work out for nearly a month? So not happy about that, but I’m just really grateful that a) it is nothing life threatening; b) I have the resources (medical insurance, support, income) to tackle this.
9. Tree House – We are so excited for our new house, which we are affectionately calling the tree house. It is a raised rambler, which means the main living area is on the second floor. There are a ton of windows and the house is surrounded by trees.
10. Birthday – Next week is my birthday. I love my birthday – and all birthdays. (In case you’re wondering, I’ll be 36.) Unfortunately, it looks like some of the usual fun is being usurped by the house purchase and moving. :( And that pesky half marathon the following weekend. Oh well.  A new house is a damn good present.
11. Parade – Fortunately, one birthday tradition will not be affected by our change of residence is my annual parade. You see, I was born on St. Patrick’s Day. When I was a wee one, I was convinced that annual Macy’s St. Patrick’s Day parade was for my birthday. Explains a lot, doesn't it? It's all about me, me, me :)
12. Green – Yes, I like having a holiday birthday, but there are some downsides. I’m kind of over getting green cookies, bagels, flowers, etc. for my birthday. However, green cupcakes (and all cupcakes) are perfectly acceptable gifts, thank you very much. Money is also always welcome.
13. Online Shopping – I really don’t know what I’d do without online shopping and my Amazon Prime account. My most recent purchase was a medicine cabinet for my new master bathroom (yay, I get to say master bathroom now that we have more than one bathroom!). I ordered it from Amazon for $100 less than I saw it elsewhere and it arrived in 2 days (and shipping was free).

I think that’s enough randomness to last us a while, isn’t it?

Thursday Thirteen

In holy deference to Queen Es (yes, I’m still trying to make amends for micro-mussel 2010), I present to you my first ever Thursday Thirteen.

1. As seen in my previous post, today is National Chocolate Day. Other than eating a lot of chocolate, I think a good way to celebrate would be to head on over to Artisan Confections, my favorite chocolate shop. Not only can you acquire such amazing goodies as fleur de del caramels (covered in dark chocolate, of course), and Chipolte Chile bonbons, but you can also get on the mailing list to find out when Jason will be teaching his totally wonderful chocolate classes.

2. It snowed here in the DC area yesterday. 8 inches of really wet, heavy snow. I was lucky to make it home quickly and easily.

3. It would have been much better to be snowed in last night if my sweetie had been with me to enjoy watching the snowfall. But alas, he is on travel and the poor thing is suffering through a 6-day trip to Florida. Poor baby. Not!

4. I am seriously lacking workout motivation this week. I think ones of the problems is that I lifted weights on Monday for the first time in a long time (squats, steps up, etc.) and that left me really, really sore. Then there was the above-mentioned snow, and a lot of work stuff, etc. 

5. I should go to the gym right now and make up for it, but instead I am writing this blog post while I am on hold with our technology help desk.

6. Why am I on hold with the help desk? Because apparently my agency is in the process of handling my name change request and at the present time I cannot receive email to either my old name or my new name, even from someone who replies to a message I sent a few minutes ago. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I'd most definitely rather be running on the treadmill right now. Grrrrrr.

7. Speaking of changing my name, it is kind of a weird thing.The other day I arrived at a meeting where there were two women I didn't know and a man I had met several times before - although not since last summer when I was representing his division in a case. I introduced myself to the new faces and the man then introduced himself to me. He said I looked familiar but when he heard my name, he wasn't sure.  It was really awkward.

8.   The tech support guy is just. not. getting. it. Sigh.

9.  After writing #8 I went down to the gym and hit the treadmill. Go me!

10. And I've got endorphins out the wazoo!

11. I did speed work. It was tough but great! 10' w/u, 4x800 z4, 2' recovery, w/d. Nice!

12. My belly is screaming so I'm going to find my salad. I think I definitely earned a chocolate for dessert.

13. Light dressing is so not worth it. I really need to get back into the habit of making my own salad dressing.

So, there's my first Thursday Thirteen. Very stream of consciousness. See you soon!

National Chocolate Day is here!

Who knew? Today, my friends, is a day of significance. Not only is it Amanda's birthday (Happy Birthday, Amanda!!!) but it is also, are you ready for this???? National Chocolate Day! I know! How have we gone so long without knowing that such a holiday existed?

And why the heck don't we have the day off? In my book, snow + chocolate surely equals a reason to close down the government. No?

I really do think that this is a reason to celebrate. While it is true that I call myself the "queen of justification" it is not simply an excuse for me to eat lots of chocolate. Okay, well, maybe it is. But it is okay, right, if while I eat the chocolate I appreciate it and ponder how luck I am to have it in my life?

I, myself, am a huge fan of dark chocolate. Don't get me wrong, milk chocolate is good, too. But if given a choice, I am definitely in the dark chocolate camp. Oh, and you can keep your white chocolate. It is nice for decorating the real stuff, but I can live without it.

How about you? What kind of chocolate do you prefer? Do you have a favorite chocolate bar?

Am I making you hungry???

I think a dark chocolate reese's peanut butter cup would taste really great right about now....

Chill Out With Winter Running

Living in the mid-Atlantic region, we truly experience all four seasons in all of their colorful, extreme, and wonderful extremes. And this week we have had the opportunity to experience one of most people’s least favorite extremes: freezing cold.

I am definitely in the camp that says bring on the cold but bring some big snowfalls with it. So far, the DC area has been in a snow bubble and has yet to see any significant snowfall this season. That is bad for getting out of work or school (boo!), but actually, it is quite good if you’re an athlete who likes to soak up the sunshine or fresh air while getting the weekly workouts done.

Now, I’m not going to talk about whether this weekend’s long run actually got done outside – or at all. You know how I like to keep my posts focused on the topic at hand and not digress (yeah right!) . What I will talk about is strategies for outside exercise when the temperatures drop.

There was a day not too long ago where I faithfully followed my own rule not to exercise outside once the temperature dropped below 50 degrees. Well, that feels like forever ago. It turns out that I was missing out. Once I figured out how to dress for the weather, I actually began to enjoy running in the cooler temps.

So my fair-weather-loving friends. Get out there and give it a try. You might find – like I did – that the lower temperatures can make for some of the best running weather. There are many benifits including the fact that you don’t have to worry as much about hydration (notice I said not as much versus not at all...even when it is cold you still need to hydrate). Another big benefit is that the trails are far less crowded,   Let’s not forget about the bragging rights that come with getting your 20-miler done when it is 30 degrees outside. Totally badass!

So, what do you wear when it cold outside? Well, my favorite rule – which applies year round - is that when you’re running it will feel like it is 20 degrees warmer than the real feel air temperature. So, if it is 40 degrees outside, wear what would feel comfortable for you walking outside in 60 degree weather. Got it?

Of course, it isn’t all that simple and you’ll have to experiment to figure out what works for you. My best advice would be to gradually acquire lots of thin, moisture-wicking layers than you can shed as you warm up. So, on a day like today, where it will be around 20 degrees when I head out to “lead” the team run this evening, I will likely wear 2-3 light long-sleeved tops, my fleece vest, smart wool socks, running tights, a thin running hat, and a pair of my treasured Brooks (pulse lite) running gloves. I might add a balaclava to keep my neck and face warm, but I usually find that I want to shed it after a little while. It is nice for the start of the run, though.

Some of my favorite items:

To tell the truth, I whined and cried about having to lead the team Monday-night run the last time it was this cold. I think the wind chill was around 12 degrees that day. I dreaded it all day and secretly hoped that no one would show up so I could just go back home.

As it turned out, a whole bunch of crazy people showed and after a few minutes of running I was pretty much toasty warm. My hands were still pretty cold, so I pulled my fingers out of my gloves and made fists inside my gloves thanks to my teammate Sarah's suggestion.  I think my next purchase will be a nice pair of running mittens. 

For more information on dressing for winter running, check out these links: 

• CoolRunning.com says it better than I can
• Active.com article
• About.com article

If you have any questions or any good tips to add, please leave a comment. I really love comments! :)

Walkin' around the Clizzle

Did you know that Arlington is rated as the most walkable city in Virginia? Yup, it is true. Thanks to Under One Roof and Clarendon Culture for reporting that Arlington was awarded a walk score of 90/100. Just another reason to love living in Arlington. [Anyone else find it interesting that this bit of trivia is being highlighted just as the Washington Post reports that Washington DC is tied with Chicago as having the worst traffic in the nation? No real news flash there either.]

Of course, Arlington's winning walkability score comes as no surprise to anyone who has visited the area recently. It is amazing how the area has flourished since I started law school in Clarendon 12 years ago. If you'd offered me a bet that I would wind up living in a 1-bedroom condo in this neighborhood (and loving it), I would have definitely taken that losing bet. But here we are...

Admittedly, I haven't been outside much lately other than when required. But hey, if I wanted to, I could conceivably get off of my comfy sofa and stroll out of the perfectly-heated condo whenever I wanted to hop over to any number of excellent retail, shopping, and restaurant options. Seriously, though, I just got back from Hawaii and it is below freezing outside. Brrrrr. How many days until Spring???

Happy New Year!

Hello everyone! Happy New Year! Okay, I’m a little late. But it is still January, right?

So, I know I haven’t been around much. But I’m going to try to change that. No – I am GOING to change that. Really.  Hold me to it. [Oh wow, I just realized that my last post was in November. Bad Cat! Okay – I slapped myself on the wrist. Moving on…]

2011 is off to a great start! I am now a married blogger. Yup, the Knight and I tied the knot on 1/11/11. It was wonderful and just exactly what we wanted. A nice, simple wedding in Vegas, followed by five wonderful days in Kauai. J 

So happy together....

Our ceremony was in a gondola

I wish you could see that these are purple snakeskin. So fun! 

 

On a totally unrelated and more serious note, I want to share this post from the Unsuck metro blog. Scary stuff! I don't mean to be an alarmist. I realize that these kinds of crimes can happen anywhere at any time and that this does not make metro inherently unsafe.  But wow! This seems like something that should be publicized. Don’t you think?

Gunmen Storm Orange Line Train, Beat and Rob Passengers

The following was witnessed by a minor who wishes to remain anonymous and does not want to talk to the press. The witness related the details below to their parents who passed them to Unsuck DC Metro. Metro confirms the incident took place, but would provide no details other than saying they'd taken two juveniles into custody.

On Dec. 23, 2010, between 6 and 6:30 p.m., six masked, armed men boarded a New Carrollton bound Orange Line at Stadium Armory and proceeded to rob--at gunpoint--passengers of their wallets, cell phones, iPods, shoes and other valuables.

Three of the men entered through the front door of the car, and the other three entered through the last door of the same car.

Some of the male passengers were ordered to the ground, and some of the robbers kicked them repeatedly. Some were kicked to the point that they were bleeding from their wounds, primarily head wounds.

One woman tried pushing the emergency button several times, but never got a response from any Metro employee.

The car was pretty crowded, and even had children on board. The witness said some people didn't even seem aware of what was happening. The witness said there was a couple with children who where letting the kids play in the aisle. They had yet to notice the robbery taking place. The witness quietly told the mother what was happening and said she needed to get her children to come over to her and keep them quiet. The mother did so, and that family was not harassed by the robbers.

The witness managed to clandestinely call 911 while they were still on board, but hung up on the 911 personnel because they wanted to call someone to let them know where they were because they felt like they were going to die on the train.

The men jumped off at the next station and ran.

Many of the passengers got off at that station, too, but the witness stayed on the train, thinking they didn't want to go where the perps had just gone.

Metro police did not get in touch with with the witness. After they spoke with the 911 operator, the witness never heard from anyone.