New Year’s Resolution: July… Do It Yourself 1/2 Marathon

As I was on my trauma rotation and had to work most weekends, and also given that half marathons are scant in July, I wasn’t able to do an official 13.1.  So instead I strapped on my Garmin and ran for 13.1 miles!  It wasn’t so bad, and I wasn’t pushing it too hard given that my training has fallen off recently.  I think in the end it took about 2:20 and my route was just from my house and all around Pacific and Mission beach and into Mission Bay.  It won’t be an addition to my finisher’s medal collection but I don’t mind.  No finisher’s pics either, but no love lost there!  I’ve got the America’s Finest Half Marathon coming up next weekend.  I had hoped to break 2 hours for this next one but I’m not sure if I will as I haven’t been training appropriately.  Should be fun

 

Am I a cyclist now?

My friend Andrew says today was my first real bike ride. If that entails powering through hill after hill after hill and crouching on the downhills so much I feel like I did 200 push ups, he might be right. We did the Great Western Loop today and it totally changed my view of cycling!!!

I bought a Trek 2.3 WSD 2009 off craiglist in preparation for the Mission Bay Sprint Triathlon. A coworker suggested it but only after talking about it with my Ironman friend Albert did I actually sign up. Though I’m trying to focus on half marathons this year, I was encouraged to do it because

1. It’s pretty much right outside my apartment and easy to access
2. It’s a sprint, so not too long of a distance and doable for a novice like me
3. It has the historical significance of being the first race dubbed “Triathlon” and will also be my first triathlon!

After getting my bike at a steal price that came with clip-ins and shoes, I first tried it out at Fiesta Island. Being attached to your bike-literally- is pretty scary and I wanted to try it out where traffic was minimal. Wearing my Garmin, I rode around until I got hungry and decided to see how far I went- 20 miles! Sweet! I then fell to the ground and got a scabbed knee because I didn’t clip-out… amateur move I know!!!

The second time I went out was with my cyclist friend Andrew who loves hills and loves riding at the hottest part of the day. So we climbed up Mt. Soledad, but the ascent wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought and was only about a 13 mile ride.

Today I decided to do a more scenic ride and my staff on trauma, Dr. Shackford, is an avid athlete (seriously, the guy is amazing) and he recommended a few trails.. one being the Great Western Loop. I figured “How bad could 40 miles be?” Um, Leslie, you might need to rethink that logic next time….

It was TOUGH. Climbing and climbing and climbing… at one point my legs were shaking and I wondered if I could even stay upright. And that was only 1/3 of the way into it. Thankfully I brought AccelGels and a waterbottle and my friend Andrew stopped to wait for me a few times, allowing some rest. He’s done a century before, on this same road, yet it was tough even for him!

He was joking about heading back the easy way instead of the full 40 like we planned. To that I just said “I don’t think about that. I just think about finishing.” When I say I’m doing something, I DO IT! Yes it was hard and yes I might not be able to move tomorrow… or the next day…. but damnit I DID it and it was fantastic!! I think I can say I’m a cyclist- so long as 5 years from now I can still tackle that crazy elevation

East of San Diego- 40 miles is a lot more than I thought!!

 

June 2011: Dodge Rock and Roll San Diego Half Marathon

Ran this one after a night shift! Forgot to ask off of work, so had a friend come in an hour early… I changed in the locker room and ran 1.6 miles to the start line in Balboa Park. Waited a half hour for a bathroom… and just as I’m about to get my chance, they play the National Anthem. Being active duty, I feel I should probably stand at attention. The lady behind me starts poking me (I’m trying to maintain military bearing and pay no attention…) until the lady behind her points at all the other people standing at attention, explaining my sudden statue-like state. It was over with quickly enough, after which I had to run up to my corral and figure out my new Garmin!

At the Expo the day prior I stopped at the Garmin counter, asking questions about which one I should get. I’ve been thinking about one for a while, and having just come off a night shift also, was tired and susceptible… and made an impulse purchase. No regrets though! My new Garmin is AWESOME! And my first use was on this race. Boy was I surprised by what it said…

Well I’ll talk about the course itself first. I did the full marathon two years ago, and the planning and execution of the whole event was again very good. Unlike before, the finish was at SeaWorld instead of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. However, I still haven’t truly been to SeaWorld, just its parking lot The half course went through Hillcrest and Balboa Park, but that’s about where the scenicness ended. It was then a slow uphill without rock bands playing until the end of a long stretch of highway, but we were rewarded by a large spectator crowd at Fashion Valley Mall.

We then continued onto a side street of the I-5 and the route got better again at mile 12 when we turned towards SeaWorld and I actually saw a friend working the medic tent! I ran out to see her, and she said “oh my gosh, what do you need?” thinking I was injured. At first I didn’t understand, so all I said was “a hug!” I had packed 4 AccelGels into my SPIbelt and stopped at nearly every water station, a strategy which worked fairly well.

My pace was pretty good until mile 9, when I started to feel the effects of the previous week’s half marathon. On reading the results of my Garmin, it definitely correlated with what I thought! HOWEVER what did NOT correlate was that I found out I was at my Max Heart Rate the whole time!! I knew I was pushing myself- Hey, I wanted to do better than last week- but Seriously??? Wow, I really gotta work on my cardiovascular fitness! Not like it’s terrible, my resting heart rate is 63 but it seems I have room to improve. My time was slightly better, 2:01:36, a 9:14 pace…

Though this race was really nice- my personal trainer met me at the end and we had MGD at the beer garden- it was a bit cloudy and I was tired. I had to go back to sleep ASAP to work a hift that night again… squeezing a half marathon between two night shifts was tough but definitely worth it

 

May 2011: Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon

As my last 2 half marathons were so close together (one on Monday, followed by the next on Sunday) hopefully I can convey just how distinct they were!

Laguna Hills Half 2011

Squeezing my New Year’s Resolution to run a half marathon once a month into the last bit of May turned out to be a really good idea… the Laguna Hills half was great! Initially I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it, so I didn’t sign up ahead of time. On the Sunday before, I figured “sure, why not?” So I made sure to get a good night’s rest and set my alarm for zero dark-thirty (as we say in the military.)

Driving the hour up to Laguna Hills gave me time to hydrate and eat a small granola bar ahead of time. I hadn’t realized I was running late, so when I parked at the Laguna Hills Shopping Center I had a mere 20 minutes to register!! Racing to the registration table, filling out bubble sheets, getting a blank bib, and pinning on #1776 as I’m finding the proper corral took almost exactly 20 minutes

It was a smaller race but the course went through some scenic parts of the local residential area, then into a few local parks. The views were constantly changing, the elevation was variable but not too strenuous, and the vibe of the whole thing was really upbeat! I would most definitely do it again and recommend it to anyone. There were a few challenging hills for beginners but complex enough for someone with a bit more experience.

My time was 2:04:48, which gives me an average pace of 9:32. Better than my last, and the next was better still!!

Me and my medal!

 

Firefighter for a day!

As part of my emergency residency training, I am currently on a month of learning about paramedics, fire rescue, and the policies and endless meetings may someday help me to be in charge of Emergency Medical Services. I’ve done “sit-alongs” with 911 dispatch and also with the radio rooms at the base hospital. It’s a very complicated system that I’d been so ignorant of before!

Let me just say that I was impressed with how all the systems come together and are so efficient in providing emergency care to the streets. Much as we ER docs think we’re on the “front lines” of medicine… those first responders really have that title!

The best part, by FAR, has been my medic ride-along and my engine ride-along. The first 12 hour shift was on an ambulance, where my job was really to sit back and observe, help when I could. Call after call we met the engine already on scene, went into peoples homes, and took care of the patient with whatever was available in what we could carry. After that we’d transport to whichever ER was closest, or whichever they typically go to. I got a tour of San Diego’s ER’s, which was very cool!

The second 12 hour shift I had was with the fireman, which wasn’t nearly as busy. They respond to “medic aid” calls also, not only fires. It was nice that random people on the streets wave Hello at the engine, once even yelling out “hey, you got a girl fireman in there!!” The most exciting call on that day was a highway pile-up but thankfully no one was seriously injured. I did get to help out with using my spanish, something I wish I could get more practice with!

That afternoon there was a vegetation fire that we were called on. As soon as the alert went off in the station, we loaded up in the HUGE engine (that cab can fit my bedroom in it!), lit up the lights and sirens, and went out to investigate. Turns out it was just a small brushfire- it was mostly burned out by the time we got there. However, we still unloaded the hoses to take care of anything still active. After the two firemen finished spraying, they took out some shovels to look deeper in the soil. At this point, one of them said “Hey, how about we get the Doc on the nozzle?” and handed me the hose. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! I took care of the smoking patches around the perimeter… so no I can actually wear my “Junior Firefighter” sticker!!!

 

La Jolla 1/2 Marathon- April 2011

Slowest half marathon race ever! My goal was just to make it up the steep 402 foot elevation at mile 6 and not break my stride- which was a success! Nevermind that my pace was super slow, but as my training got derailed I’m just happy that I stuck to my New Year’s Resolution for the month of April. Yes, I had to skip February and March but I’m back on track now

A friend of mine, who hasn’t run at all this year but has been cycling opted to ghost run with me only a few days before the race. We had the traditional carbo-load at an authentic Italian restaurant in Pacific Beach called Mamma Mia’s then went to see the movie Rango. After a delicious dose of gnocci and Milk Duds I got a good night’s sleep and drove up to Del Mar.

Hint for those driving to a start line: If approaching from a highway and there’s a long line of cars for that exit, drive past and turn around at the next exit. The line from the southbound side of the highway was so much shorter than the northbound. This is also true for concerts or sporting events (tends to be more true when the event is on the outskirts from a highly populated area vs. in the city itself.)

Weather for the race was perfect- 60s and slightly cloudy, a slight beach breeze and minimal marine layer at the start. As my friend had no ipod, I randomly sang songs and he would dance while running, which definitely kept me entertained!! We kept an easy, conversational pace the whole time. I stuck with my tried-and-true AccelGel strategy of one at miles 3, 6, and 9 plus took advantage of every water station. I have to walk and drink, but later heard of a guy who ran with a straw precisely to keep running through the stations- brilliant! Might have to utilize this on my next race…. but then I’d have to figure out where to stash it while I run (though I’m sure my SPIbelt has room.)

The “big hill” according to the elevation map looks like it plateaus out after a half mile but I can tell you- it keeps going uphill till mile 8! No harm done, we kept the run strong the whole time.

la jolla half marathon elevation map

Overall, this was a super, super fun race. The expo and post-race party were abysmal. There was no gear check and almost no port-a-johns through the course. ALSO the race shirt is an uncomfortable cotton- really??? For the price (and it being La Jolla!) I definitely expected more. In the end, my friends made it worthwhile- as did the deliciously salty Bloody Mary at World Famous along with an amazing brunch on the beach. I’m glad I did it as it’s part of the Triple Crown, plus the course was nice, but I don’t feel the need to run it again next year. As a hill challenge locally, Mission Gorge (as part of the XTERRA series) is more difficult, and the Carlsbad was just as scenic plus had a good pre/post event party and a cool shirt. Looking forward to Rock n Roll and the AFC!! Next month- not sure yet!! Stay tuned…

Making a funny face before the big hill!

 

New Year’s Resolution: February Failure!

This will be a short post, as February was a total bust. No half marathon run!

In an attempt to train more on hills and uneven terrain, I overdid a few workouts and aggravated an old muscle injury. As such, I was demoted to elliptical for cardio but did do some awesome strength workouts at my local gym, Wavehouse Athletic Club. Even 20 minutes on an elliptical is torture for me!! I had planned on maybe doing a 2-hour aqua jog in place of a half marathon but then I kinda ran out of days that were designated as being part of the February month. Sooooo I already broke my resolution on month #2.

To ameliorate my breach of NYE oath, I will just make this month an “IOU” and run a half Jan 2012. Don’t think I’m getting too far off track, I have already signed up for a few upcoming races and am looking for a potential March half marathon. I wanted to do the Wild Animal Park half marathon but it filled up! Once I do a race- which I WILL complete this month- I’ll post pics and times

 

Carlsbad 1/2 Marathon: Jan 23, 2011

Starting my New Year’s resolution with a fantastic race! I was pretty worried about making it though, I’ve been sick for the past 2 weeks with a bad sore throat that progressed to laryngitis. I had to whisper for a few days at work- even to my patients! When I had a hard-of-hearing patient, I had to have my corpsman speak for me (who was laughing the whole time). It was kind of funny actually, everyone else started whispering too and said I sounded like I was going through puberty….

But back to the race! It was a gorgeous day, sunny and the kickoff at 7:30 started at about 68 degrees. It was an out-and-back course, running to the coast and going up and down Highway 101. There were beautiful ocean views through miles 3-9 with slight rolling hills. Lots of water stops, especially at the tops of hills!

Since my immune system is complete weak sauce, my training hasn’t been the greatest. Mostly I’ve been in bed, popping numerous pills and cough drops and teas and generally feeling sorry for myself. As a result, I didn’t even care what my time would be. Surprisingly, I did pretty well on hills, even speeding up! My left IT band acted up for about 3 seconds on mile 7, but other than that I ran the whole thing (aside from water stops, I can’t do the run/drink thing.) I ran into an old friend at the “Wave 4″ corral so forgot to check the clock as I crossed the start line, so all I know is that I finished in less than 2:24. Good enough for a sick vocally challenged almost mute … (update: my time was 2:14 and my splits show I sped up on the second half!!!)

The race tee is AWESOME! It’s 100% recycled polyester by Greenlight Apparel and the design isn’t some stupid 1980′s neon throwback like some other race tees….Plus the medal is pretty nice, very SoCal, no?

carlsbad half marathon 2011

carlsbad half marathon medal 2011

So now I’m looking forward to next month’s race, which I have no idea what it will be… stay tuned!
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New Year 2011!

Though I don’t 100% believe in New Year’s resolutions, I happen to have one this year. I thought of it a while back, and it had nothing to do with the peer pressure you feel around this time of year to “give up” something!

My plan is to run a half marathon once a month, each month this year. The idea stemmed from wanting to complete the San Diego Triple Crown, which is doing the three local halves in one year. I also wanted to get the Rock and Roll Rockstar Medal, which means you have to complete 5 RnR events in one year. That’s 8 events right there… why not just keep it up?

San Antonio Half Marathon 2010

Between work and the military’s policy of not allowing me to jet off any time I want WILL make this difficult to keep up. But, 13.1 miles is a good distance for me and it helps my exercise regimen to have a definite date and goal to keep training for. Also I don’t think I’ll be able to leave town enough to hit 5 RnR events, so that’ll just be a goal I’ll push back a few years. Hopefully I can sign up for a local race once a month, but if not I’ll just pick a route and run it on my own.

First up: the Carlsbad Half Marathon on January 23. I’m not expecting to get a PR by any means!!! After traveling over the holidays, being sick for a MONTH straight, and lots of social events, my running has been on the back burner. However, my priorities are shifting back to fitness and I was able to start my morning of Jan 1, 2011 with a perfectly sunny 3 mile run and feel like I’m getting back on track already!

After some research, here’s what I’m hoping to accomplish:
January: Carlsbad
February: Surf City (Huntington Beach) or Palm Springs
March: ?? Maybe something in Las Vegas or Arizona??
April: La Jolla
May: Orange County
June: San Diego Rock and Roll
July: ? Napa to Sonoma
August: America’s Finest City
September: Philadelphia RnR, Disneyland, or Camp Pendleton
October: San Jose RnR or Los Angeles RnR
November: Big Sur or Silver Strand
December: Las Vegas RnR

San Antonio Half Marathon 2010

 

What Makes A Runner

Pick up any running magazine and you will occasionally see an article or a sidebar outlining characteristics of a Runner. That’s capitalized because it’s a title, something you’ve earned. However, there’s no criteria set, no diploma bestowed… so how do you know if you’re a Runner?

Well the alternative is that you’re a jogger. Or you’re someone who just puts one foot in front of the other and there’s some sweating involved. A Runner, as I’ve noted when talking to other Runners, have a few certain things in common….

1. Knows the pain of chafing
2. Runs it to the very end- no giving up!
3. Fights that snooze bar to lace up when you’d rather say “I’ll just do it later…”
4. Has had many a “where do I put my keys?” moment (also, “where do I put all these gels???)
5. Stretches in random places at random times
6. Knows their arch type and shoe type
7. Gets excited about good socks!!!
8. The weather doesn’t matter. Through wind, rain, sleet, snow…
9. A blister is nothing! A black toe nail, hah!!!
10. Knows Runner’s High is the best drug out there

Of course this list is far from exhaustive! I’ve been running going on 9 years now- I know because I have an Iowa Living History Farms T shirt commemorating my first race, and only recently did I accomplish yet another “criteria”:

I puked after running!

It’s been unseasonably hot here in San Diego this past weekend and I wasn’t acclimatized to running in the heat. Though I’ve definitely been through worse weather (hello Midwestern summer humidity!) something about yesterday hit me the wrong way. Or, I just chugged too much water after my run. Hmmmm, that’s probably it. Anyway, the run was fine, ran it WAY slower than usual but after cooling off with a large glass of water my stomach didn’t respond too well. At least it was just water!

Occasionally I’ll accomplish other things that solidify my claim as a Runner- wiping out on the pavement, brushing off salt crystals, spending too much money on Gear, perfecting my “Better! Faster! Stronger!” playlist, or just getting into hour-long conversations with the sales people at a running store. It took a while for me to finally stake my claim as a Runner, but I’m thinking that blowing chunks in the name of my addiction let me finally admit it… I am a Runner