A week in review

I am completely, absolutely and utterly exhausted. Obama just came to turn up the heat and well, I'm thinking I will too. I'm even thinking that perhaps I WILL start running four days a week. My hamstring still throbs every now and then, but it seems the more I run- read either the more tight I get or the stronger I get, the better it seems. Tonight, I ran the final summer race series at the Marsh Post on the Charles. Tons of fun. 4.2 miles in 33 minutes according to official time. I am happy with the time and felt good. I will gripe and say: Darn blast it that I was slowed down when first my left shoe lace came undone and close to the end, the right un-did itself.

Going back in time a week. I spent vacation lounging and getting great morning runs in. And that blissful route on the bike path and by the bird sanctuary has me + some other good people inspired to run the Cape Cod Marathon relay in October. So, in between a great friend taking us out on his hand crafted boat, biking around the Vineyard, and doing yoga on the beach, I managed some runs. The Shark sightings off Falmouth, and the seals doing tricks certainly had the adrenaline pumping. Of course, the BBQs, lobster bisque and lobster rolls, tons of cheese and multiple trips to the market probably had an averse affect on maximizing my potential time in the scenic hot spot.

A long run, .5 short of my aim did a wide loop to Woods Hole and back. 9 miles that began on some rolling hills and finished on the flat bike path took 1:24:43.

Monday and Tuesday followed with a 4.4 mile run in 41:08 and then a 2.29 run in 21:17. Today's run make a nice hat trick of the first week of back-to-school. When classes begin, I'm going to really need to de-stress. Here's to new running goals for September!

Mad Mission

Unlike last week's long run, I had no willing company for the route. I did, however, manage to run a mile more holding the same pace. I came in at 1:20:14 at the 8.49 mile mark fresh off the Minute Man Bike Path. A shout out to Arlington despite their silly blue laws. Good stuff but I can't believe that I once ran 18 miles- not to mention that April attempt at 26.2. A co-worker and runner extraordinaire just ran 16 miles this weekend: I'm in awe. I'm happy with how I feel and I'll know I'll get there in November, but I envy her determination.


We see what we want to see right? (right now I'm envisioning VT home of sweet childhood memories- see left.) So it's fitting that I feel like I've been slacking off. I ran once last week. 4.1 door to door because I was busy most mornings and running here and there in the afternoons. When I did run on Wednesday morning, it was a great run. A personal run to remember. I felt strong and confident. There is no better moment than the pride that comes from finishing strong. Heh, who knew my motto during college was "just finish. Often done is better than good!"

Which is something to convince me that I signed up for this Mission '09 #2 with reason. To attain personal satisfaction at the end of the day is a beautiful thing and running is one of the few ways I'm conquering these days. I am more determined, each time I set out, to run my own race.

Sure I'm competitive but it's on my own terms. H gets pumped each time there's a race. He loves the excitement and thrill of running with the pack. As noted in a previous post about the F Road Race- more often, I am inclined to kill the pack. Still, there is something to be said for having a running partner, signing up for some summer fun runs (I've done five short races this summer and had a PR in a 5K-this decade at least). But most days, I don't want to run with anyone, I don't want to talk. I don't want to gab. I don't want to listen to someone else's huffing and puffing, I don't want someone to say "good job" at 6:30am as I run up one of the god forsaken somerville mountains.

Some insight on the psychology of sport please? Envious as I was of Taylor's FH team (see photo of team's biggest fan) and the sense of team, my personality is that of a runner. The team may be stronger than the individual but I'd rather have my own shit rubbed in my face than that of 12 other teammates.

Hmm if that's the case, I better get to on the training. As for a time commitment, this upcoming week will again be challenging BUT I'll be hitting the path in Cape Cod several times at the end of the week to make up for lost time at the beginning of the week.

With the lack of sticking to a solid schedule, I wonder why it was so important to me that I run a marathon, no matter how "fast" of a course, but that I ran a marathon, so that I could say I finished with a respectable time. And now, I can't seem to stay on track. Of course, while the psychology is something to explore, there's also a physical opposition. I'm finally going to the MD to see about this hamstring situation.

I suppose, if nothing else, this Mad Mission will just keep raising the bar. Heck last time this year I was having fun in VT but I didn't look as sexy on the beach. (last year berry picking & sitting happy) Just sayin'. It's all relative baby. Today is all that matters. (eww I'm just throwing dogma at you 2 weeks in a row!)

Bikes not Bombs! &, Adventures in Boystown

The year was 1988. At least, that's what I imagine it to be. In actuality, it could have been any time from 1987-1992. These moments are hard to pin down.

I was riding with mom on a hand me down pink bike with a banana boat seat from Kellie. It was amazing. The seat was white with a pink stripe down the middle. I recall adding streamers to the handlebars and those florescent color spoke accents on the wheels. Those were the days.

Instead of riding around the block or pretending the bike was a horse when we played "the olden days" or a car when we played "soccer mom," or a cab when we played "when I grow up I will be an architect," that pink thing was a bike. And I was pedaling quickly as my mother in a bandanna and shorts was running over the overpass near Good Intent Road.

Gloucester County has really good street names like Break neck Road that flies through Mantua or Good Intent Road in Deptford. When I was older I always thought, hmmm where are we going- The path to Hell is paved with Good Intentions, so maybe Hell was really, after all, the Mall. Now I think, maybe maring the failure of actual success with a good intention was speaking to all of this suburban madness. But, at the time, I was young and I lacked the cynicism that makes me who I am today.

I was just biking and mom was just running.

Yesterday, Diana and I reshot the scene on a 7.5 trek along the waterfront. Let me tell you, that girl can bike slowly and as much as she was impressed with me for fighting with the wind for 1:11:34, debuting the first run of the season with barely sub-10 minute miles, I was impressed with her skills, too.

It was a glorious morning that turned into a glorious day. Running through parks, by the triathletes training, the volley ball players diving in the sand, the roller bladers and the marina we later stopped at the farmer's market. mmmm. running and eating ain't bad.

I also finished Three Cups of Tea, which I highly recommend. Books Not Bombs...Bikes not Bombs...it's all the same. Let's stay away from the bombs, friends, even if you're just eating your way to peace after a good run. Five words: Practice Loving Acts of Kindness.

Do that Twist, Shake it up Baby!

Well, not really. I was thinking of James Brown when I signed up for the road race but instead, a band that covers 200 Beatles songs, showed up. And let me tell you, they weren't doddy at all. It probably helped that they weren't wearing James brown wigs.

I had some companions on the run which made running in the blistering humidity that much more appealing despite my hatred of races. I only like competition on my own terms otherwise I am likely to opt out unless I'm pissed off. Then there's no limit.

But last night, it was refreshing to be on a course knowing that there were diehard good doobies who I actually liked even though they are all more committed than I am to the sport. Love the burn as I do, lasidaisical is my middle name.

To the point: I, who is seldom on time, arrived early to survive the race. I started out a bit too fast but reigned it in, walking three times and finishing with a race time of 35:30 and no vomit on my shoes. My own, accurate timing device clocked in at 34:20 so there. Of course, I was notch #403. While I'm darn proud of that speed, 402 people have pick up for me to contend with. Next month I want to at least be in the 300s. Inshallah. This is why I'm racing before Philly right? Feeling good an having fun while I'm at it.

This morning, as part of the post recovery, mid week race, I woke up to do the hottest, stickiest slip-n-slidiest yoga of my life. A Basics class turned wild with beads of sweat rolling into my eyelids, slipping down into my ears and squeaky sounds coming from the mat. I was soaked everywhere. EVERYWHERE!- this blog isn't' for the kids, I should have warned you. But of course, validity for the effort. The practice was worth it. Yoga is awesome for runners. Check out this article.

And now, I'm signing off. Good luck and good weekend, homies. Don't let the long run win!

Another Kick Off to Summer Fun Runs

I've been getting it on the pavement even though I've not been consistent here.

This weekend we ran on the bike path towards Woods Hole after breakfast. That proved to be a very stupid idea. Somerville had sent an advisory to its constituents, warning us of a heat advisory and asking us to check on our elderly neighbors. But still, wanting to get miles in, I thought, only the elderly without central air or ocean breezes might suffer from the heat. Ha, I was young and ignorant. It was sweltering- like sweat droplets everywhere. and by everywhere I mean everywhere. The chaffing heros would have given a standing ovation.

Hans, his sister and I ran the bike path, passed the ocean, and then into the shade before turning around. We set a good pace, all of us running strong. I ran solo the last stretch but only because I told myself that I could turn around only once I got into the shade. Mind over common sense: I'm seeing how well I can manipulate this psychology of my sport.

Yesterday, I ran after work. Running after 10AM is kind of kicking my ass and is, without apology, flipping obnoxious. No wonder you see men with their shirts off and gut hanging out, across the Charles and cutsie girls, the collegiate type in their pastels looking more cute than than buff out at 5pm.

Tonight there's another local race on the Charles to be followed by a nice cold beer and then I'd like to promise myself to get my ass out of bed and run in the morning. That is when running is quite, quite, nice. This weekend in Chi-town will be a start. My first "long run"... I have a half marathon coming up at the end of next month. I gotta start kicking it.

When the World is Ugly but There's no Thunder: Run.

I wonder if there's a saying that goes something like: If you're unhappy with your life, RUN. scratch that. If the 9-5 sucks: RUN. Hmmm. If you only live in your dreams, Run through your days. Oh CHEESE!

I borrowed inspiration for that last one from @sheamusburns. I too had a glorious dream last night. I was in Italia with La Relli su una strada piccolina, piccolina vicino a Santa Croce. It was one of the best dreams I've had in awhile. All my italian was not lost: I was fluent, they understood me. I understoond them and we laughed!! It was an amazing flow of conciousness and subconciousness. It was so real, almost tangible that I woke up singing in Italian. I'm going back anyway I can and while I don't think I'll stay, I'm gonna get there fast.

All this about dreams and finding that sweet bliss outside of the tedious, monotoneous boredom of the sterile brain, because I figured a few things out yesterday.

I ran along the Charles in the evening which was interesting for two reasons. First, I never run after work. If I did, I would never run, period, basta. Second, I ran on the chic side of the river, the beloved esplanade near Beacon Hill. So of course, there were lots of dogs sporting as accessories and that boston pandilla of white people everywhere. On the "muddier" side that I normally skip on, I see fat, skinny, baby stroller, pushing men, women, blondes, brunettes, and fuglies. I see it all co-existing. If not amiably as Prof. Gates would remind us. But on the desirable high rent side, I saw the Boston Type I. Dude, if Westchester is going to desegregate when will the metropolis of Boston start synthesizing the D&Gs with Tiffany blue???

To task. The point, lost somewhere up there. Is that despite my dull day and the inspipid pedestrians bottle necking the esplanade, I found my groove. It came after strong mental resistence, several watch checks and a tear of sweat burning my eye. But when it came, my mind detached from my body to the point where ironically, my mind, body and soul (had to do it) were all integrated perfectly. I smiled even though I was sans ipod. I was walking on sunshine.

It was a moment of: "I can do it" said in my sister's best bravado. I even passed a skinny young thang, too. I will get in shape and do well this november. Just watch me keepin on!

3.93 mi/35:59:16

Ain't over til the Fat Lady Sings

Or croaks. Or however you want to understand that I haven't forgotten that I have a marathon to run in three months. (3 months, oh sweet jesus!!)

I have taken a long, long time off from the blog, without announcement. Shame on me. But, never fear this cynosure has returned to write about her training attempts.

This weekend we got ourselves to Falmouth for the Road Race. H ran all 7 miles although he hadn't trained one mile since the 5K we ran in June. To my great disgrace, I ran only 5 miles. I don't know how I ever ran a marathon.

The winner ran 4:3X minute miles.

So as I choke, digesting that fact, I think I better up the ante!

Follow the Red Brick Road

Sometimes, when I wake and think about getting up for a run, my body feels like a bag of bricks. Mostly it's my eyes, and the bad voice in my head saying I can sleep five more minutes.

When I get up, I'm generally okay as long as I don't think too much and just leave the house. If the process of leaving the house takes longer than 6 minutes, it's basically a done deal.

Then the warm up. Now the run. Pavement, a pedestrian bridge, more cement. Brick path, to asphalt path to more bricks, sidewalk and then dirt. They say varying surfaces is good for your knees by building strength and allowing for recovery. They say. I actually like the brick. It's mostly level and gives for a dynamite stride. The shock absorption? yeah, well I don't know about that.

This course, does make me long for company. There are so many turning points that make it convenient to cut the trek short that having company helps extend the run mindlessly. A running buddy is much nicer than a race. Even if your speeds are slightly different, there's no rush. Sometimes, for me, racing feels like a panic and a pray for a happy ending. The advantage to the course is that there are always runners out. Mostly women around my age or slightly younger sprinkle the course when I get up; when I've run earlier, they're mostly older men.

What is it about the demographics of running?

And beyond that, why is running so darn attractive to some people? My mother ran. But she ran when she met my father (who is not, to any of my experience a runner, walker, trotter. He is most definitely a stroller, rather, a st-roool-ler. hear the undulation in the pace).

I love to run. I love the way my body feels after a run. I love the middle of the run when the cadence of my breath and my feet are the only things of which I'm conscious. There is no thought. I also love the sense of accomplishment. They way the entirety of the day that follows is so simple, so relative. And, that I own it. I own the good runs, the bad runs, the difficult mornings and the late nights.

My sister hates to run. And for some folks, it's harder than it is for others. Some bodies are not meant for running - fast or slowly. The chemistry lacks. And then there are the die hards in which every day is a race, every moment is a competition against the clock, against their self worth.

All I know is that I'm doing what I love and trying to do it well. (oh. and getting ready for Philly. right.)
There's no use doing anything else these days.

Runner's Digest- May 2009

While it's been some time, I have been moving, hitting the pavement here and there. My cool Nike watch, courtesy of HBG), has stored every run since Jan 09. And now, along with all the pre marathon day training, I have some post marathon runs saved. The data capacity on that device is incredible!

While I bailed on the Hyannis 1/2, we instead ran on the bike path and down Sippewissett on the Cape. I ran the charles alone and then Charles with the Somerville Road Runners last week for a 5.2 mi event. (43:39 digital nike/43:50 race clock)

Last night, I ran a 5K Road Race in Sharon, MA. A speedy co-worker who got me back into running along the charles when I moved to Boston joined me with her daughter. It was a great night. And boy, did her wheels keep me motivated. I crossed the first mile marker at 7:05. That time alone practically gave me a heart attack. But, no worries. Keep on keeping on, I panted. While the pace slowed, I am extremely proud to report that I crossed the finish line in 24:49 (official digital Nike watch time). I can't believe I broke 25 minutes. I am no speed racer. And, although it's subjective, I finished 5th in my age group. Yup, that's right. Those 20 and Forever 21's mostly ended up behind me. And the girl who finished 3rd. Well, skinny, mini her, just placed first in some race the other weekend. So la-ti-da!

One of my favorite parts of the course was at the end, running by the lake. Also memorable were the teen boys on their bikes. Young teens, still good kids, they cheered us on. Kid #3 also waved to me and then peed his pants(no lie) as he said, "my mom told me there'd be a race. So, that's why I'm here now. see?" Yes, kid. I SEE you. I see you pee.

Oh boy, let the tangental outbursts ring!

Boys and peeing has got to be a special phenomenon. While it's much cooler and easier to pee just about anywhere, last week, at the Cape where this two week running frenzy began we witnessed the best of the best. I think his mother is hoping he won't be an exibitionist, but I can attest he has it well under wraps.

We arrived on Friday, sat in the sun for a bit. Ate our sandwiches and beer. Along comes a Mom with her two girls who are likely aged 5 and 9. Mom is a jerkface, telling her kids that they're playing in muddy sand is "disgusting" and that they look ridiculous with a floating device anchored at their waist. For the record, as much as I'm not interested in mothering, Puhleez!! I don't think it matters if you look ridiculous while playinig, especially if the item making you look ridiculous is a life safing device...

I digress. Mom + 2 come along. Plop down and eat. Boy aged three with companion/brother/friend/neighbor, comes with him. They venture to the rocks, near where the girls our. Our good friend: boy aged three, drops his pants, faces the girls and pees.

Next, he runs with his pants, still down across to his mother, who has gotten up to prevent the disaster in the first place. (She is not a runner. at least, her shape suggested she was not). She says, "That is NOT the way you pee in the water!!" Then, he ran away from her. She apologies to us, to Mom B who probably thought the whole thing repulsive and then tries to capture, pants below knees boy.

The final scene has girl, aged 8 or 9 showing girl aged 5 the proper way to pee in the water.

For the record. I don't pee in the water or while running.

The end

Olympians

26.2 and still RUNNING!

This morning I ran for the first time since I ran through the finish line on 4.20.09.

Warming up slowly and then three minutes into the actual course, finding the hill up Central St. and then onto the bike path, I sustained a 8:40 pace on this 5K course. So smooth after last Monday. I'm buying time. I've got to train for the next fun run. sick right? like that song Jesse's girl that I listened to. Just gets you pumped for all the wrong reasons...

I began 4.20.09, a few hours shy of my actual birth minute on a bus from Park Street out to Hopkinton. No anxiety, probably due to not getting enough sleep since there was plenty of anxiety the night before, I chit chatted with the woman sitting next to me. She was running Boston as her second marathon, she qualified during her first. I'm not jealous, just impressed, mind you.

The further the bus went, the more worried I became. Really? they want me to run from here? a straight shot home? Really? hmmm. But tens of thousands of people are gonna do it. Sure they're fast. Sure they qualified. Sure they are awesome runners. But still, Why not me? I only ran 3 and sometimes 2 days a week for the past 4 months. "sure ya can," I hear a little sweet pea tell me when I ask her to clean up. There's nothing like empowerment from a 3 1/2 smarty pants. Sure I can. And of course, I do.The fan club met me at Mile 6 when I still looked good. Word to the wise, If you have fans, make sure they see you early on. You wanna look happy in the photo shoot. At this point, I also notice a stream of texts wishing me well. HOLLA Back at you, kids.

(You might think I'm walking but I've actually arrived 55 minutes from take off. On target.)

Of course, shortly after, I fell off target. Precisely, two miles after the photo shoot. Now, I was prepared to get hung up around mile 9. I like running 9 miles. I don't like running 10. I like running 13 miles, I don't like running 10. But, on many occasions, I've made it from mile 9.5 to mile 13. No such luck this time. I started walking at mile 11. BALLS. Sometimes, it just is what it is. I had a happy go lucky guy hand me some water and then scream my name-- he knew me. we were friends. And for some reason, I felt no need to keep up appearances.

I got myself to Wellesley College and here I give a shout out to all the 7 sisters. The remarkable making of an extraordinaire womanhood. You can hear those fans cheering on the windy, winded-wooded path even before you see them. I was "Beware of the Noise" as suggested. Signage is good. As expected, (as reputation permits) those women were all looking for their husbands. "Give me a kiss" was written everywhere. Odd that you have to inform a Women's college that WOMEN were permitted access to run in the 60s. I dunno. Maybe Hillary shared with her almamater the legacy that its okay if to kiss someone else's husband as long as they don't tell-- it is a marathon for crying out loud. woo, the stress. And for the record, Kathrine Switzer was the first official entrant to challenge this all boys club. HELLO, ladies.

But for all the morality, the energy can move you and carry you right through down town Wellesley, into Wellesley heights and into newton falls. the 95 overpass was next and then Wellesley-Newton Hospital and Allison and Amy at DF's stand. The Smith connection lives on.

A co worker met me at mile 14 as I was swinging out my hamstring. Way to go dynamic stretching. Then Team BMC tent and up half way each hill, to heartbreak hill. I saw the second BMC crowd and this time, yes, I was walking because really, that 's the point where if someone wants to argue with you, you can tell them to suck it in the most creative ways.

A note on cheering-- no i don't want you kids to hand me grubby oranges out of the peel and no, your telling me I'm almost there is a lie- at Mile 1 or mile 16. You're not helpful.

But I made it, I made it to Cleveland Circle, to the Publik House and then Coolidge Corner, to Leah (her mother went to Smith). One of my greatest fans met me and we ran/walk/trotted up the final 3 miles up Comm. And at the 1 mile marker when I really didn't think I could run, a voice called out by the train "Hey Devon!" That's right. Sarah G had it going on. Another Smithie! Talk about a network. Talk about love.And then, as it were, I made it. I crossed the finish line, 45 min later than I wanted to and 35 minutes later than I expected to. (4:45:56) It's okay, you know why?I do yoga. I've got peace. Well..AND... 'Cause I just registered for the Philly Marathon!!! HOLLA at me! Another homecoming of sorts. Let November come after a nice, long, warm, beach filled summer. While I appreciate that I raised close to $4,600 for a great institution, don't worry, I'm only raising money this time for my personal bank account.

All checks can be sent to my home address. This is for love of the game.

MAD LOVE.

Trials and Tribulations

While tapering has been a big test -- I still don't quite believe it will work on Monday--I've enjoyed my final shorter runs. Although I'm glancing at the watch 20 min in, I have faith. I know that many talented runners before me have been successful using this plan. Of course, I emphasize 'talented' i.e. elite...

And so, I've distracted myself by participating in a study. I've also had an ultrasound for medical research on marathon runners. The Health Notes contributor to the Boston Globe, published her findings and I've copied it here. But like I said, a distraction...I'm ready to run!

BOSTON GLOBE

MARATHON RUNNERS WILL TEST THEIR TENDONS IN SMALL TRIAL
Posted by Elizabeth Cooney April 16, 2009 04:04 PM

A Boston radiologist studying how well a faster form of ultrasound can detect breast cancer is training the same tool on marathon runners and their tendons.

Dr. Alda Cossi, director of ultrasound in the radiology department at Boston Medical Center, hopes to improve the way both cancer and sports injuries are treated by getting a better picture of them before they get worse.

Typical ultrasound machines, like the ones in an obstetrician's office, send out sound waves, like ripples in a pond. When they meet tissue they compress it slightly, but too fast for the movement to be recorded. A newer kind of ultrasound technology called shear wave elastography borrows software from video games that captures images 10 times as fast, at 3,000 frames per second. That reveals the vibration of the sound waves on the tissue and allows radiologists to measure how stiff the tissue is.

That's important in cancer diagnosis because malignant tissue tends to be harder. That quality is also relevant in for athletes, who know the pain of muscle or tendon stiffness. Or the agony when they rupture, often without warning.

"We're pretty poor at looking at tendons," Cossi said. "You can do an MRI, but all you can tell is is, does a tendon have a hole or a tear? You're not really looking at the behavior of the tendon."

So with the elastography ultrasound equipment she is using as part of a multi-center, international trial of breast cancer detection, Cossi is examining 15 runners in the Boston Marathon before and after their race to measure stiffness in their quadriceps, patella, and Achilles tendons.

A mix of young and old, men and women, charity runners and elite athletes, they are being measured this week and will come in again in the week after they have run their 26.2 miles on Monday. They will be asked both times how stiff or relaxed their tendons feel.

A runner herself, Cossi knows athletes aren't the best judges of their condition, pushing themselves for competitive reasons when the better course might be a day of rest. She also knows some damage to tendons is so insidious that it goes unnoticed until too late.

Her hope is better information on tendon stiffness can prevent injuries and monitor recovery if they happen.

One more week!

I know, I know, you're like-- "what happened to Devon? What type of blogger is she? Did she leave us for twitter?" No, no, no. I'm still here. I've just been spending more time hitting the pavement and less time typing away. I apologize to my loyal fans.

But I have record good news. Three weeks ago, I ran the longest I ever have an awesome 21 miles with Team BMC. I can't tell you how amazed I was that I had made it. And, chaffing aside, I up for a walk around the Charles that evening. I did the most hill repeats I've ever done and then did some yoga afterward. I also completed my final long run (8.6 miles at an 8 min mile pace) and was SHOCKED by that, too. I will take seriously, the free advice I've been getting not to start too fast next Monday.

This tapering business though has me nervous. I hope it will work out. I hear the first 10 miles are supposed to be the easiest 10 miles I've done in my life. I'm counting on it. With 7 days left, I've got new shoe laces in my Brooks, the clothes all picked out, new socks and plenty of anxiety until my 27th birthday! I've raised almost $4,000 including pledges and am hoping those last minute birthday well wishes pull me closer to my goal.

Of note too, is that I'm taking part in a medical study that looks at the tendons of the quad (knee area), patella and achilles for tension before, a week after and two weeks after the marathon. So far, my unscientific study has shown that yoga helps.

One more week until take off, I'm happy to have you with me anywhere along the route.

Start planning to be at the BMC tent (so I can find you) at miles 15 and right above heart break hill. Other friends will hang out at coolidge corner where I expect to need tons of encouragement. More updates and a post party drinking hole location to come!

March Madness

Last Saturday's long run (3/14) to this past Saturday (3/21) has marked the best week of my training to day. Two long runs, one the complete Charles River loop and the other, on the Marathon course from Wellesley and then to the South End/South Boston line were two of the best runs eva-eva. I felt good, my form was strong and I had a little left in me at the end.

This final month is certainly fully of surprises. Spring is here, sunshine and the forecast void of snow for consecutive days, the kids are skateboarding, the sirens are blaring and the preppy kids downtown have on flip-flops...without socks.

Emotionally, every day is different. I'm overjoyed and excited. The next day, free radicals are flying. Craziness, jittered and wild, anxiety takes over. Then, I'm back to being unbelievably amazed that there are only 29 more days to go. I'm sure my emotive schizophrenia isn't hurt by the b ball tourney. The first day of spring was historical and great! Last Friday's game Eastern TN and Pitt...then Siena and OH state. Amazing games. Event Gonzaga and W Ky. This is powerful athleticism. I find it most inspiring that the fight lasts until the last second. I hope I can take that away with me come Marathon Monday. Until then, I plan on enjoying some more fiery competition from the comfort of my living room.

WOOT, WOOT!!

I don't know what the kids are doing these days, but "woot, woot" is kinda like almost sorta, the ultimate shout out, second to HOLLA!

Shout out to all my home kids.

I don't have much to share today, (gasp in shock!) only that I wanted to thank everyone who has donated thus far. I am SO CLOSE to having raised $3,000 and then I'll have just a small way to go before getting to $5,000.

I haven't even run the whole darn thing yet, but there's nothing like coming to work after a morning run and seeing another message in my inbox saying: "Jane Doe or Joe Schmoh has donated to your website -- check it out!"

What is more, is that many of those automated messages are followed by (your generous gifts of course) AND personal notes. The thrill I get after I add another one of you to this ULTIMATE list of do-gooders makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. If nothing else, it has been a real awakening for me to be able to rally such supporters. THANK YOU!!!!

Also, the BU student TV station the terriers this or that, just interviewed me and some colleagues who are all training. When they send me the link, I'll make sure you'll get to see it. giving you good to embarrass me with will only make me happier!

Esplanade meet Sr. Sanz, ("Con mucho placer")

Many years after the fact, I am not ashamed to admit that I did indeed purchase Alejandro's CD 'mas' directly after it was released. I went to El Corte Ingles in Alicante. The basement housed the department store's music collection. I went and paid homage alonge with cash dues to this lyrical genius knowing that after my short lived love affair with the backstreet boys, ( I saw their concert in Barcelona) I would be truly devoted to this man. It was the tumultuous spring of 1997 and I needed these ballads in my discman like no other 16 year old girl.

I would run, one of the only people running in Alicante, through the city, along the waterfront lined with palm trees and past the ocean. That's where I learned the lyrics to Mas, alternating Mariah with Alejandro for variety.

A decade later, I'm still willing to admit that Mas continues to have fair play time in the car's CD player. That says alot. While I spend roughly 40 hours a week at work, I spend most of the rest of that time, running, doing yoga or in my car. Ira Glass and Terry Gross may get honorable mention but Senor Sanz still holds his ground.

So why the post about this Spaniard?

Sure, he quickly faded from the scene after his duet with Shakira. She permitted him a spot, (for marketing) on her Tortura CD. In the US we know Ricky Martin and the father and sons, Eglesias, but Alejandro Sanz isn't as pop culture. Too bad. Because this was the first day I've trained for the marathon that I've taken to the full extension of running on the Charles. From Harvard and Cambridge Port, down the MoS, through the Esplanade, back over the Mass Ave bridge to Trader Joe's. It was a 90 minute run against the wind. And this lyrical genius popped into the shuffle and a jolt of adrenaline shot through me. Sure I was listening about the woes of a heartbroken man but what poetry! True stories of a successful playist.

Someone on YouTube even gives you the translation: Si Hay Dios...

...Lloraré si se llorar
como el tímido rocío de un clavel en mi soledad
estaré, todos se irán, ya lo sé
a tu lado en cada golpe iré
como lo hacen las orillas y la mar
como lo hace el campo y el agua que lloverá.

Podría ser más educado
pero el alma sólo entiende de emoción
y si hay Dios seguro entiende de emoción.
Podría haber llorado un mar de lágrimas saladas
arrojarme a los abismos y partirme en dos el alma
desatar la tempestad y el huracán de mi garganta
y confesar desesperado que no puedo con mi rabia
aunque mi actitud no es hoy tan evidente, no puedo sufrir más.

Que el dolor cuando es por dentro, es más fuerte...

20 miles

This weekend, The Absolutely Fabulous Four were scheduled to run the Hyannis Marathon relay. At the beginning of the month, A friend was injured and left the team. That was okay-- I'd make the relay less of a recovery run and more of a work out. 13.1 is a fun challenge. Done.

Well, not so fast, (sorry for the pun), Runner #2 has a conflict that he learns of days before the race. No problem. I'll just run three legs. A challenging training run...

Yeah. Sucker that I am. It was good for me I suppose. Really good physically to see how I could handle it, but mentally, it's another whole game. That was the biggest lesson. Sure, my hamstrings are tight and I feel like I sprained my ankle but at the end of the day, I'm fine. Better than fine. And, I'll have another great attempt at 22 miles before the marathon in March.

Stay tuned!

SPARK of Hope?

...Is the name of the gala to benefit the SPARK center each fall. Although I've never bid on an item at the annual event, I toured SPARK for the first time this Friday and was overwhelmingly impressed.

SPARK stands for "Supporting Parents And Resilient Kids." The program began over a decade ago, first as respite for parents and their newborns who had HIV/AIDS. As fewer and fewer children are born with AIDS in the area, and we learn more and more about caring and helping people with the virus, the mission of SPARK has evolved. A daycare was added for children with special medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, failure to thrive, and those who are visually impaired or have been witnessed to violence or survivors of abuse. An after school program with group therapy and life skill program to supports the kids who originally found a home at SPARK and a "TICKET to success" internship program is also a core of today's mission.

Learning about young adults and rebellious teens being informed of their status; learning about the importance of their medication; having this community commends the visionaries, clinicians, therapists and staff that are fundamental to this work.

I heard the history, saw the patients, the infants and the students who all made me wish I had 1mm to hand out to these kids and their families. Working towards running 26 miles is a challenge but certainly a humbling experience knowing that running Boston is a choice. Of course, I feel very good about this choice after seeing this program last week.

Zen in motion

On a typical Tuesday evening, I frantically leave work at 5:02, get to my car at 5:11, drive with haste about 8 blocks, dash up the steps at 121 E. Berkeley, change, throw down my yoga mat, practice. At 6:44, I leap up, dash on a coat, stuff my feet haphazardly into boots, jog to the car and dash on 90, walking into the Z residence at 7:16 to babysit for the evening.

What I'm not doing is joining the marathon training team on their weekly hill runs on the Common. This Tuesday with the snow, my play-date with the two sweet peas was canceled. I assume the hill runs were, too.

Knowing that my long run this week will be on mostly flat turf. I wanted to be sure to at least have one intimate experience with the undulating hills. I warmed up by getting lost finding my way back to my hill 3 miles later. How I manage to explore just a left and a right too much in my own neighborhood is not something I care to reconcile.

My hill happens to be that lovely slope from Summer street up to Highland by way of Vinal Ave. It's right by the dog park and where the kickball teams get smashed come spring. If you've seen this hill, you know it's no joke. NO JOKE. It just goes up, up and up. I normally give it a rest at .15 mi and crave recovery not even 1/2 way up the hill. It takes me a bloody minute to do that .15...1:06, 1:04, 1:10, 1:04. Four repeats certainly suffice.

Next week I'm going for 6.

Not a bad life at all

So, with this little snow drift covering the ice on the ground, I've really had enough of this little "winter wonderland" that Boston finds itself in presently. It has me thinking ALOT about Tulum and the wondrous time I had in Mexico. If I think I'm running beside the ocean, I can make the Charles River look like exceptionally prime real estate. (photo of me on the beach.)


The other upside of my delusions is that snow facilitates more cross-training. We all know, cross training is REALLY good for us. It is also boring. To add excitement to it all, I've started mimicking my friend Sara's brick training sessions as she prepares for a triathlon. Bike HILLS and then RUN. It is the best mental work out EVER-- not to mention the wonderful lead sensation in those thighs! (sometimes, It makes me think of Richard Simon's dancing to the oldies. I'm sorry. I had to reference him. had to!)

Lesson of the week is that cross training and dynamic stretching RULE. That hamstring extension that I've been suffering through for umm approximately 16 months..you know? hmmm, well, apparently, it does not hurt if I incorporate some leg swings right before I run and directly after I finish. Fancy that. So long ice baths! bye-bye! So long ibuprofen!... Hello mobility!


The ultimate test was when I ran that last leg of the Marathon Route on Sunday. I got dropped off in Newton/Wellesley and ran 9.5 miles home in 1:26:35. (9 min mile) While this isn't phenomenal time, I'm not ashamed considering the hilly course and I had no idea where I was going as I navigated ice patch after ice patch. I feel really GOOD about training.

Lastly, I send a beauty-pageant, hand-cupped, statuesque wave to my fans for their support, encouraging words and donations. Grazie mille!

Benvenido a la Casa Blanca, Sr. Presidente

Although it's been some time since I've updated you, don't fear: I have been training and what is more, cross training. Having just returned from a glorious week in Tulum, Mexico for a Yoga retreat, I feel renewed, refreshed and ready for intense training. At the Maya Tulum retreat spot, approx 2 hours from Cancun-- relatively secluded and magical--we practiced twice a day for 1.5 hours in the morning and 2 in the evenings. The food- oh the food was so fresh and it was unlimited. I have NEVER EVER EVER in my many moons digested so much goodness! I did manage to add a run to my luxurious week in paradise between massages, yoga and the digesting of delectable course after course.

And today, I am all jazzed for the inauguration. I wanted to make sure I was able to maintain the stunning physique I sculpted while doing yoga on the beach and so I got up and did a quick run around the block, easing my way in to running in the snow and ice. And I have a witness, because despite all the nasty drivers pushing me off the road (you must run in the road for best traction because people don't shovel their sidewalks well), a friend who we'll call, 'G' saw me go by near Powder House Square. Yes, part of this training includes celebrity sitings.

Even so, if you failed to see me this morning, you might be able to stream some inaugural footage via the Internet, the BBC News or what have you.

Buon Capodanno!

And a Happy 2009 to all of you who don't read Italian!

The end of December as you may have noticed from my lack of entries was a busy time with traveling, running in a few different states, joining a gym to avoid the ice and brutal wind advisory and taking a day off now and then. I know I shouldn't admit it, but I'm just an honest girl. I can't help it.

Yesterday, I challenged myself to a hilly course on Cape Cod. I ran from the 1700m mark of the Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth, right into Woods Hole. The hills my friends, were no joke. It makes me think about what Heartbreak hill will not only do to my heart but to my poor calf muscles and roaring hamstrings.

(courtesy of this cool new watch one of my biggest fans got me...)
STATS:
4.2 miles of rOOOlling Hills
34:48 min