Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Let's Do This

O hai! I forgot I had a blog. Where were we? I think rather than take you through the details of the last two and a half weeks I'll try to quickly wrap it up. Then we can get to the good stuff, which is that I'm officially in marathon training!

I'm feeling a lot better these days despite having a rocky couple of weeks. I think that even though life has been pretty tough, my attitude is better and I'm finding strength I didn't know I had. Without going into details, my mom has been sick and had to have surgery and all kinds of other stuff. She's doing good now and is healing up. I'm going up to visit this weekend and I'm really looking forward to seeing her. It's been hard on the whole family, but there is a silver lining which is that it's brought us all closer together. We're talking and planning trips together and just generally appreciating each other a lot more. My mom, dad, and brother (and sister-in-law, and grandma, and aunts and uncles...) are really incredible people and I'm so blessed to have them in my life. I know I have a lot to bring to the party too- a positive attitude, a healthy lifestyle, and a super kind husband. I know we are all going to get through this and come out stronger than ever. :)

I also have to give a quick shout out to my amazing friends who have provided so much love and support to me lately. My great friends here and my bestest friends in other states were all right there by my side and I love them so much for it. Emily, Alisa, Deana, Dana and our other friends have been keeping me company here in Portland and Maritza and Inga have been just as close from a distance. And of course thank you to my Zach, husband extraordinaire.

Well that is the condensed version of my situation, but there is a lot of running to be discussed so let's move it along!

I won't post every workout for the last few weeks, but I've been increasing my running mileage, doing yoga 2x a week, weight training several times a week, and stretching very consistently. I even got out for a short bike ride! I ran 31 miles two weeks ago and then 26 miles last week. I did a long run of 12 miles, mid-week runs of 8 miles, and a mix of easy and faster runs. All good stuff. I also managed to lose a couple of pounds, mostly due to stress, but I'll take it. I'm feeling strong and ready to tackle the big miles of marathon training.

So my training started this week. I'm doing the Pfitzinger 12 weeks/55 miles per week (max) plan again for the Eugene Marathon on May 2. I've done this plan three times and two times I PR'd/BQ'd. I'm going for the BQ again this time which is 3:40. I'm not going to bother trying to run a PR (3:36:something) because I think BQ is going to be a big enough challenge! This is my first stand-alone marathon since December 2008 so I'm thinking of it as my "come back" race. I'm just excited to be training and running and completing my 8th marathon (9th if you count the Ironman). It's going to be tough, but it's going to be fun.

I've already done two runs this week and they both went great. Here's the stats:

Monday
8.0 miles/1:09:00/8:38 average pace
GA run out on the river path with 10 x 100 m strides in the middle. In the past I've blown off the strides so this time I'm really going to try to do them. The run felt very comfortable. The sun was out which is happening more often these days- love it! Also loving the longer days so I can actually get the miles in during the daylight hours!

(Monday- weights, at home)

(Tuesday- yoga at gym)

Wednesday
9.0 miles/1:16:28/8:30 average pace
Forest Park run. The sun didn't stick around for long this week and so this run took place in the cold rain. Alisa went up with me and did her own cold, muddy run. She at least had tights on -I was underdressed and uncomfortable but otherwise the run was good. I haven't run up in Forest Park for a while so it was fun. Nice and muddy! I always love running that last downhill mile and can't help but run it all out. Today I think it was 7:07 or something. Yay!

(Wednesday- yoga at gym, after a hot shower to get the feeling back in my extremities)

I have an easy run on Friday (planning on running with Deana for that one) and my long run on Saturday (running that one with Zach because some of the miles are supposed to be at Goal Pace and he's my dream pacer). Then I leave for Montana and will be coming back Tuesday. I'm not sure I'll be able to run at all while I'm there due to snow/cold but we'll see. I'll bring my running things just in case.


I'm going to update my blog more, it's a new goal of mine. I know it helps keep me committed to and motivated for my training. Plus it helps to put it all out there, good or bad. It might not always be super sunny in Portland or in my life but I can't stay inside and hide from it. Thanks for sticking with me! :)

Here are a few pictures from a couple weeks ago. I took them on my bike ride along the river.








18 comments:

Aron said...

YAY i have missed your posts :) so excited you are training again and we are kind of training "together" again since i am just a week in front of you! your runs are going really well and are speedy! keep up the awesome work and have a safe trip home to visit your mom. <3

Dragonfly on the Water said...

Glad to see your update & your goal for the next race. Keep that beautiful smile on your face & see ya soon.

ShirleyPerly said...

Hey Jen, good to hear from you! Glad your mom is OK and your running is going well. I remember running a LOT when my dad was terminally ill. Nothing like getting out into the fresh air and pounding the pavement to help with stress.

Anyway, best of luck with your Eugene marathon training plans and hope you have a good visit back home!

Petraruns said...

Oh Jen - it is lovely that you feel able to put this all out there for us. We are all your friends and will all support you through this. I am so relieved and happy to hear that things are better with your mother and that you have been able to use this as an opportunity to get closer to everyone again - that's really good news.

As for your marathon training - I love how you're "just" going for the BQ - I can still smell IronJen in there somewhere. Good luck with it all - especially traveling home this weekend. Much love, me

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! So how does only training for one event feel? Sounds like you are back in the swing of things. Great pictures as always.

I hope all is ok with your mom. Sending her well wishes. Enjoy your trip home.

Kim said...

jen! i've missed you! welcome back to bloggervile :) sounds like you are getting some really awesome runs in. you BQ and we will party in beantown :)

Unknown said...

Sounds like your runs have been going great and I loved the pictures! :) Welcome back to bloggerland! :)

Amy said...

I'm sorry to hear your mom is/was sick but it sounds like she's on the mend. I'm so glad to hear that. Family truly is the glue that holds you together in tough times (and I include friends in that too).

And, yes, the IM marathon most definitely counts.

teacherwoman said...

Glad to hear your mom is doing well. *hugs*

I am excited to hear all about your training!

Carolina John said...

glad you're feeling better and getting back at it! hang in there Jen. sounds like a fun marathon.

Alisa said...

Yay a blog post from you!

Anytime you need an easy run partner I'm here for ya.

So glad to hear your mom is doing better, you know my door is always open to chat and my phone is always on. (yes, even at 1 am!)

Kelly said...

Great runs recently, yay for that. Go be with your mama. You won't regret it. Glad to hear your family is all rallying around your mom. Perfect. My thoughts are with you girlie. I didn't mean for my post to be all down but sometimes life just sucks and there's nothing you can do.

Enjoy your weekend.

KK said...

So sorry to hear that your Mom has been sick. That is terrifying. But I am glad you have such a huge support system.

The marathon training sounds like it's coming along nicely. And you are doing a LOT of cross training. Give me your secrets, I can't seem to do more than just one extra thing.

Hang in there. Every winter has a spring.

Ewen said...

Thanks for posting Jen. That's tough what your mum's been going through - not only for yourself, but for your family and friends. I'm sending positive thoughts your way!

The marathon training news is exciting. You're running well already - that 9 miler was quick. Go you!

Portland is looking good in those photos - I like the different colours of the buildings and the light. The log reminds me of the old saying: "a fast runner gathers no moss".

Susan said...

Yay welcome back! I'm sorry to hear about your mom...I hope she's doing better! I'm glad to hear that the 12/55 plan worked well for you, since it's my first time using it! :) Excited to hear about your training again!!

Keri said...

I am excited to read about your training for Eugene!

Beth said...

Hi Jen. Sorry to hear your mom has been ill. I hope she is on the mend now. Best wishes to her and your family.

Marathon Maritza said...

Hope you had a great trip, schnookums! I miss you!!