Category Archives: team in training

To Mizuno or NOT to Mizuno

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This week’s runs: 60 min on Tuesday, 60 min today…Missed intervals yesterday morning due to staying up until 3am the night before.

Kim and I got started on our first mile, after the required 5 minutes of therapy on the way to the start.  At the first mile, I was drenched.  The second mile, my stomach was yelling at me.  Raisin Bran is not my friend.  I ate a bowl for dinner, and I guess it was a bit *too* much bran, as the first orchard we came to at mile 3, I had to take a little side trip.  A cop drove by, and Kim waved him off.  Nice.

Mile 3-5 was sluggish and painful. 

Now, for the crux of the post.  Mizunos.  I have a love affair with them, and although they are good to me in the beginning of the relationship, they don’t last.  They lie (hmm…I’m sensing a trend in my life).  Each time, I get 200 miles max out of them.  Then, they are done.  No warning, no long goodbyes.  Simply flatten.  I thought it was my inserts.  I don’t think so.

My question today…I have Nike Women’s Marathon in 4 weeks.  Is it a bad idea to get shoes now?  Honestly, I don’t think I have a choice.  I’ve picked Mizunos so long, that I know the drill.  It’s simply time.

Toenail.  I think I’m losing one. 

And now…I’m $50 away from my fundraising goal.  So, I will run…In crappy or new shoes, with or without my toenail, because after all…nothing could be as bad as having leukemia.  This 6 months has not been about me.  At all.

Peace.

15.5

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Thank you for all the wonderful comments on my last blog post.  Part of me is thankful to have it out there, and part of me is fearful that it’s out there…You never know who will read your stuff.

Onward.

Yesterday, the TNT team did a 20 mile run.  Because I had not laced up on any long run, CharlieBob told me I could only run 15.5.  I listened.  I did.

Got up at 4:30.  Met Rick, a mentor, at 5:20am so as to follow him up to Knight’s Ferry, where the run was.  Got up there at 6:15…and a line of 15 cars was waiting to get in.

First things first:  Fuel…I have such trouble with this.  We weighed in.  I’ve lost 10 pounds in 2 or 3 weeks.  The point being, that we were going to have to weigh in afterward too, to make sure we took in enough fuel.

First four miles: Wonderful.

Then I got lost…up a hill, down the covered bridge (where we took honeymoon pictures, but I digress), then to cemetary hill.  Twice. 

I did it.  CharlieBob ran with me about 3 miles, and it helped me not give up.  We chatted, and I never do that normally.

Finally finished, weighed the same, did a 13:10 pace, which is fine with me because I just want to finish that marathon…

I weighed exactly the same after the run.  S!Caps (Succeed) saved me.  I felt great…not oversloshy and not sick!  Thank you Rick!!

So.  Training continues.  Life does indeed go on.

Hella Sound is Hella Awesome!!!

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More on the TNT front!!  I’m so excited to tell you about this new, fresh fundraiser that John of Hella Sound.  It’s the coolest running music on the internet, and in this fundraiser, everyone wins!!

Hella Sound has offered HALF…that’s HALF, people of his proceeds from your download to go to TNT fundraiser…I’m sure you ALL remember I’m training for my first marathon in October, so this will really help in my fundraising goals.

You get: 

  • A killer song for $5 (download the cadence first to see what you should buy…I run at 170)
  • To know that HALF of that fiver goes to Leukemia Society fundraiser.
  • Props for being one of the *cool kids* who has his music.

It’s a 30 minute song, and I’m telling you, it rocks.  Just this weekend, I downloaded the second song, a mix of metal and rock, and I am running with it tomorrow.

When you check out, make sure you use the coupon code TNTLINDA…

You’ll be doing a good need, and getting a kickass song that will keep your feet moving…

 

Getting it Done…

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Date: 7/16/2009 6:00 AM
Type: Easy
Course: To Sophia’s House
Distance: 5.23 miles
Duration: 1:01:02
Pace: 11:41 / mile
Shoe: Mizuno Alchemy Lime
Weight: 181 lb
Statistics: Calories: 716
VO2 Max: 25.4

Today, Kim had strep throat, so I had to go out by myself.  I started at 6…took forever to get going…At Mile 2, I stopped, but then I just started pounding the pavement.  Mile 4 was over the Fulton Overpass, and it’s a LONG decline, so I didn’t want to stop there.  I just kept running.

I kept running right to Sophia’s door. We had Week 4, Day 2 of Couch to 5K to complete today.  She came outside, and we started our walk.  Today she had to run 3-5-3-5 with breaks in between.  She was barely moving, and I had to run around behind her to get her going.  On the first 5 minute run, she started crying.  Her arches hurt, her incision from surgery hurt.  I just kept saying…keep running.  She had a tough 3…then on the last 5, I knew she wouldn’t do it.  I held her hand, and we ran 3 minutes of it together.  She stopped crying. 

I was excited for her.  Fist bumps, hugging.  She has now puked AND cried…which in my mind, makes her a runner.  I tricked her, and didn’t loop, so I made her walk ALL the way home.  She texted me when she got in.

The boys and I had breakfast in the spa, they swam, I read my magazine, we watered the plants and played with the dogs.  At this writing, I’m waiting to secure a bib for the Wine Country Half Marathon this morning.  I talked with CharlieBob about the training if I do it this weekend.  I asked him about my walk breaks, and his response was that I need to do them, and BRISKLY walk through, so I can finish strong.  At the end of our conversation, he says “You’re going to shatter that PR this weekend”…I hope I can go!!  I will be looking around for a Half anyway, because I’m in race mindset.

Life is good.

PS-Princess is home, and fine!!  Thanks for the support!

A Tough 10.

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Date: 7/11/2009 7:15 AM
Type: Easy
Course: 10 miler
Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 2:13:45
Pace: 13:23 / mile
Shoe: Mizuno Alchemy Lime
Weight: 181 lb
Notes: Felt awful. With team. Walked a LOT. Not a good morning.
Statistics: Calories: 1369
VO2 Max: 22.6

This morning, I woke up and my stomach felt wonky.  Something was up.  I went down to Mr. T’s Donuts to meet for the TNT training run.

CharlieBob says “The first mile is a WARMUP!”…that we should not be going faster than a 10 minute mile (no problem).  What he doesn’t realize is that I don’t even get the concept of warming up, etc.  That 11 minute mile? That’s me, balls to the wall.  It’s the best I can do…

The aid stations are at 2, 4, 6, & 8 miles.  We are told to walk.  Okay.  Here’s my problem…since I started walking, I really am very slow.  Slower than normal Ms. V. slow.  First station I make the mistake of sipping Gatorade.  I had taken an Endurolyte Hammer tablet early in the morning, but I can’t take sweet drinks when I run.  They just come right back up.  I made it to the second station, and by that time, I was by myself.  I enjoyed the time, the trail…the music even, but then my stomach started making noise…like,

No matter what, you have to stop.  Soon.

Did I listen? No, no I didn’t.  I passed Mile 4, and the beautiful Holiday Inn Express that the team said was very helpful in letting us use bathrooms, etc.  I should have stopped there, but was determined to hit it at Mile 6.  I took a hit of Hammer Gel, but that stuff is gross now to me.  The tablets seem to work much better.

Mile 5.  I had a map.  Problem is, I didn’t have my glasses.  So I just kept running.  Rick, one of the mentors came by and said “You’re doing fine.”  I turned the corner, and there were 4 of my cohorts running back.  I so wanted to jump with them, but you know, integrity and all…I just kept running.  Made the loop, and started back.

Holiday Inn Express.  My bowels thank you.  I was soaking, as it was 78 degrees now.

Mile 7 was rough, and at the Mile 8 station, I simply doused myself with water.  I ran through a guy’s sprinklers.  My hat was falling off.

When I turned for that last half mile, I had to pull out my iPod, and count.  I counted to fire hydrants, to signs, to that blue car.  I counted in rounds 10x at least.  I did the Serenity Prayer; I worked the AA Steps on the run (yes, I’m powerless)…and finally…bliss.

There CharlieBob sits, the team is there…clapping, and so kind.  I sit with him awhile, and tell him this may not be for me…that I have way too much self doubt.  He is an Ultramarathoner, and said that his brain tells him stuff on his runs too.  That he should stop, etc.  His wisdom and guidance is invaluable.

I fell asleep in the pool and the spa.  We went and got Scout #2 from camp drop off.  It’s 5:15, and this body is saying one thing:  Pizza.

Happy Saturday, and 10 in the books.

2 miles~2 minutes

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I’m a runner.  It’s highly unlikely that someone like me, can feel that way, given how little effort I like to put into things.  If there’s a easier, softer way for me to achieve somewhat the same result as you putting in the hard work, then I’ll take the easier way.  Every time.  That’s why I liked liquid diets in the 80s.  40 pounds?  Gone.  Shortcuts and speeding?  My style.

However, this running gig:  It’s different.  I always thought doing *runs* was about balls out for however long (5K, 10K, Half Mary).  I had no idea that there were strategies to this whole thing.  For a year and a half, I’ve used C25K, and Hal Higdon, and opted out of the off day stretching crap, etc.  I just wanted to run.

This all changed when I joined the TNT team.  I decided with this running cycle, that I would learn as much as I could from CharlieBob and the other mentors.  I would shut off my head, and forget what I thought was best, and do as they said.  The first time we ran, someone said, “Oh we have to stop and walk for 2 minutes.” I’m like, whatEVER.  I am going to run.

This past weekend, I decided to do what they said.  You know what?  I was fresher, I finished stronger and I felt better.  All day.  I remember the first time I did 6 miles, and I was in pajamas all day. 

So, today was my 1 hour run, and I decided to bite the bullet, and walk 2 minutes after 2 miles.  twice.  Other than a sore back, which I’m off to treat, I feel good.  Legs feel strong, and getting just a touch of liquid from my sexy fanny pack made all the difference in a 5.5 mile run at 70 degrees.  I remember the movie Miracle, where the coach talked about putting *fresh legs* on the ice.

I’m listening.  And learning.  From CharlieBob, from your blogs, from your tweets.  I believe I am humbly admitting that you know best sometimes, and that I have so much to learn.

Today, I get notice of a Half Marathon at Midnight in Modesto on August 8th.  I think I’m in.

That was one.long.mile.

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Today was our long run with TNT in Modesto.  We park at Mr. T’s Donuts  (how cruel is that?)  I’m sure they love us, because everyone is using the restroom.  The San Diego people are in San Diego, so it’s just the Seattle and Nike/Cowtown folk. 

I bring some packets of Heed, because I took them in the HMOD, and hurked a bit.  Didn’t like it.  At all.  I ate half of a Hammer Gel, and put the rest in a water.  It was the first time I wore a water belt, and it was too big, so I fiddled with it a lot.

Our mentor told us to walk after 2 miles.  In my head, I’m thinking…I cannot walk…2 minutes, he says.  I decide to shut my head up, and listen and learn.  Obviously I wasn’t listening too well, because he says, “When you get to the Kaiser Permanente building, that’s 3 miles, and Nike people, you come back.  Seattle is doing 10 miles.”

I see the aid station at 2 miles, and force myself to walk.  Interestingly, it refreshes me.  I am talking with a mentor, and I see MY mentor up ahead.  I decide to follow him.

I don’t know what happened, but I got to the next aid station, and it was mile 4.  I missed the turn.  The whole time I ran past 2, I just thought they must have miscalculated, or this is one long mile.

I had no choice but to run back.  A total of 8 in all, and forcing myself to walk was great.  I was fresh when I came in, and scarfed down a LOT of oranges.  I was starving, and still am!

I feel good.  Not tired.  Base building works.

Ms V. & The Governor

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I haven’t posted since the day after the LA Marathon.  That race, its people and runners are all I’ve thought about all week.  I may make a living just going race to race, living in shelters, and volunteering at Mile 20.  Warms my heart.

Actually, it’s Summer.  Let me break it down for you, people.  I have a Twitter story.

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A few weeks ago, I am dealing with the fact that I am not going to get another teaching job.  No less than 45 applications later in a radius from Sacramento to Merced and Sonora to San Francisco, I got nuthin’.  I got one interview.  It went well, but I’m not hopeful, because let’s face it:  I got fired (Non-Reelected), not pinked.  And yes, there is a difference.  Pink slipped teachers get in line for their jobs.  For Non-Reelected teachers, there is no line.  You wait.

So, I realize I’m going to have to apply for Unemployment.  Me, granddaughter of the Bon Bon inventor, Mayflower Society, grandneice of the Popsicle stick inventor.  Like I would ever need the government to help me.  I have been working since I was 16.  I only stopped a year to have children.  Other than that, I don’t live on the dole.

So, this day in particular, I have been on the phone with PG&E for an hour, negotiating my bill, getting on the CARE program.  I spend hours trying to understand unemployment, food stamps, etc.  I write this post.  I finally scream out on Twitter, this message:

@Schwarzenegger He won’t listen, but I will try anyway. Gov. What do I do? Spent the last hour trying to start in Social Serv system1:11 PM May 12th from web

@MsV1959 Someone on my staff will be in contact with you shortly.

I panic.  My blog gets 84 hits in a half hour.  I’m seriously wondering what I’ve done.  Then, his assistant tweets me.

@MsV1959 Hi my name is Luis and I work for the Governor. Call our office at 916-445-2841 and ask for me and I’ll see what we can do to help

Part 2:

I called Luis.  Since then, I’ve spoken with Luis (a few times), Justin, who called my Superintendent, and Morgan, who today hooked me up with the Housing authorities.  I took Justin’s suggestion and phoned up the School Board President and Superintendent, and have asked for a meeting.  The important thing about this story is not that they helped, but that so many of us don’t know how to ask for help.  They assisted me in many ways, sending links to CalWorks, food stamps, unemployment, housing. 

I applied and received my Unemployment benefit yesterday. $450. A week.  I am saving every penny, and trying to deal with my pre-foreclosure, as it’s awfully hard to re-negotiate the terms of your mortgage if you don’t have a job. 

I don’t know how my former boss sleeps at night.  He admitted to me that he didn’t know what the Non-Reelect letter would do to me.  He was grossly ineffectual, and his evaluative process was horrid…at one point (remember?), he told me I was turning into a great alternative education teacher.  Teaching and Counseling since 1981, and not a blemish on my record.  Until now.

My two boys sit blissfully on our regular Friday night WWE and pasta fest (long run tomorrow).  One day at a time.

Running:  We have not missed a day.  Week 5 ends tomorrow with a 6 miler.  All is well.  For now.

.and, 23 yrs in education.

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23 years of school teaching and counseling may end today.  I find out yesterday that my seniors are graduating.  This tells you the intellectual and professional ethics of my now former boss.  I race to the graduation at 6:15 to find all the graduates and faculty in gowns.  My friend and colleague runs to find me a robe.  I throw it on, and am firmly placed on the stage with the other two teachers.  During the speeches, my boss and his boss talk.  All through the speeches.  All I did was one time lean out to give them the Ms. V. stare, because I am appalled, and hey.  What are they going to do…fire me? 

The above photo was taken as I was leaving to get in my car.  I turned just as they were throwing their caps.  I may have just attended my last graduation as a faculty member.

I know that something will happen as a result of this.  I am fighting to keep my house, to stave of the creditors, although they are starting to line up outside of my door.  As a fellow blogger said to me in a note:  “I would be crushed if I did to someone what he did to you…knowing that your children will be on welfare, and you will be losing your home.”" 

Too bad, not everyone is a good guy. 

For today, Kim and I ran 4×400′s.  Running is saving my life and my sanity.  We had a great mile out and back, then 1.5 miles of running the track.

Lap 1~2:20

Lap 2~2:25

Lap 3~2:35

Lap 4~2:15

I call CharlieBob, because I’m going to the Modesto Tweetup tonight.  He is emailing me the next four week’s workout.  I call because he said I have to call if I’m going to miss a day.  After 4 weeks, we have done every training, and like Billy said yesterday:  As soon as I signed up and trained, I became a runner.

I like that.

Modesto Kaiser Permanente 5K on Saturday, then I drive to LA for the LA Marathon.  If I haven’t said it a bazillion times, my family and I will be on Mile 20 volunteering…

sunday

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30 minute run through town.  Week 4 begins right here.  I wonder why we are going so slow, but this guy Charlie.  I think he’s old school.  Building a base for the first month of marathon training.  We’ve been doing little itty bitty runs of 30 and 40 minutes and 4 miles at the most.  It’s hotter than hell here…It’s 84 at 9am, and gonna be a scorcher.

Thanks for all the well wishes on yesterday’s gloom.  I seem to have an unending supply of stick-to-it-tive-ness though, and I wake this morning with new resolve to figure it out.

My big problem this morning is the group of blackbirds that are again torturing my dogs and leaving huge messes on my car and in my pool.  I’ll save you the photogs of it.

I feel like the kid in Home Alone, protecting his nest.  And that is what I’m doing.  I’m fighting, and today at least, I’m winning.  Started with a run that always clears my head.

Blogging:  I have hardly commented the blogs I normally read.  I just don’t have the time…and I’ve become smitten with Twitter.  140 characters, and I’m out.

Happy Sunday…