San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon

I have been stewing on this for a while because I wanted to truly reflect on what happened out there. It was by far my worst time ever. I finished in 6:50:34. My worst time ever. My first marathon was 6:02:59 in 2007 (six months after Brodie was born). My second marathon time was 5:50:56 (much better training thanks to Sam). My times aren't the fastest, but my overall goal is to say that I want to finish. I also am usually looking to do better.

San Diego was tough for me. When I decided I wanted to run it, I thought my training would be much better because I wasn't focused on volleyball. I did not take into account writing my thesis and finishing up my education and teaching. Both of which took its toll on me.

I learned a lot of things while I was running. One, I really need to train. I am too old, and untalented to run on whim alone. If I was in my early 20s, I think I would say things differently. My best time came from half-hearted training. The biggest issue I have with training is doing it alone. I know, whine whine. Thanks to having RJ, I am able to go out with a partner. I feel guilty when I don't go for a run with him because he needs it just as much as I do. He keeps me accountable to my minimum mileage. He needs to run a minimum of four miles. Case closed. By the time, I started running consistently with him it was too late. I knew if the run was a half marathon, I would have been able to complete it without any problem. RJ helped with that. I also knew that I did everything to make sure both of us got out for a run. RJ had his surgery about a week before the marathon, and I felt my willingness to go out without him dwindle. I felt guilty because I was ditching him. I also felt exhausted because of the end of the year. No worries. I have a solid base, and the vet told us that I need to build up with RJ. I need to do four miles with him for a couple of weeks. Then I need to add a half mile after that. Eventually, RJ will probably will be running my long runs with me.

Fueling/Hydration:
I struggle with fueling prior to running. For the most part, I don't like to eat before I run. I don't know why. I think it has to do with the fact that I am normally running at 4:30 in the morning. In order to get decent food in, I would need to get up at 4 to eat. That would give me plenty of time to eat, get ready, and get out the door with RJ. I am not sure how much my run would improve, but I have a feeling it would improve by a lot. During the CIM, I realized that I love Gatorade. I bought a hydration pack for my birthday, and I stashed Gatorade in my pack. I got water at the aid stations, but Gatorade from my own belt. No problem there. My stomach didn't kill me. I also got to a certain point where GU was my friend. I realized how much energy I had after I had GU. I need to buy more Gu, and train with it. I am sure it will help with training and doing well. This is a work in progress, but I am tired of bonking when I get to a certain point because I have no fuel.

Post-Race:
Jeremy and I opted to walk the 3/4 of a mile to our car. It was the slowest I think I have ever walked, but I am sure it helped a bit. It was something that I needed. I did eat crap when I was done. The chips in my car tasted oh so good! Who would have thought? When we got back to Jay's house, I took a cold shower. I was not in my own home, so I did not quite feel comfortable taking an ice bath. After my nap, I put ice in bags and iced my legs. I think that saved my legs. I truly think that helped my turn around time.

The Actual Race:
I decided to do five minute run, two minute walk sessions. I thought this will help me because I knew I was not ready to run this race. I knew it. What I didn't plan for was the hills in San Diego. I was feeling pretty good until about mile 8. When we started to climb for a mile and a half, I about lost it. It was tough. Real tough. My mental break down was beginning. It was so wierd how the switch was flipped because the first 8 miles flew by too easily. My students sent me good luck wishes while I was running, and that was totally helpful. I needed that! It made me tear up because I might have done something right. Around mile 14, I was mentally done. I called Sam at this point because I needed someone to babble. I didn't care what was said, I needed to get past that moment. Sam did the trick. I really don't remember what we talked about, but I know it worked. It got me to the next mile. Little did I know that I was going to struggle for the next three miles. As I was walking, I decided that I needed to finish because that is where the car is located. I really didn't want to keep going, but I needed too. Jeremy was up ahead, and I didn't want to let all the people down who believed in me. We finally got to the aid station, and I picked up GU. GU! My new love. If you are thinking of me and want to buy me something, I will take GU. I like the one with caffeine it, but I can't complain especially if it means you were thinking about me. (Wow, I took a side trip there!)

The GU was what I needed. I was able to get back into my run/walk routine. Amazing! I did that for the next hour. I also picked up some Jolly Ranchers from the aid station (again, if you are thinking of me I love those things when I am running). After an hour, I bonked again. I finally read the back of the GU pack, and I guess I was suppose to be consuming those every 45 minutes. Um, I really should have known! Yikes! Mental note, Conner and I will be picking some up tomorrow. I think training with it will make all the difference.

No matter what, I kept going. I finished the race. Many people would have dropped out. I know it. I didn't have it in me to quit. I may talk about it, but I can't bring myself to quit. I don't want to let myself down or anyone else for that matter. They say the marathon is like life. I would have to agree. I tend to keep pushing beyond my limits. I have self-doubts every once in a while, but for the most part I push on.

Around mile 21, I met Kerri from North Carolina. Kerri was a Team In Training member. She had just got her knee wrapped, and we started walking next to each other at that point. We struck up a conversation. For those who were near us probably thought we knew each other for years, but we had just met. Kerri's knee started hurting her at mile 14. She thought about quitting, but decided to push through. She had her knee wrapped, and pushed on. She was in quite a bit of pain by the time we started talking. The last five miles went by so quickly. We were talking like old friends. When we entered the Marine Base, Kerri said she could run. She told me that I could ditch her, but we were in this now till the end. I know what some of you are thinking, but bonds are made out on the course. We started running, and she was hurting. I kept encouraging her to finish up. I knew she could do it, and I knew she would be proud if she ran across the finish line. When we crossed the finish line, we hugged. She had tears in her eyes and thanked me multiple times for helping her get across the finish line. She was going to drop out at about 22 miles, but because we met she finished. Woo hoo! We did it!!

I also realized that I love my music. I didn't run with my music. I will not do that again!!

Where Do I Go From Here?
Well, I am pretty sure I will probably do another one. I want to know what it would be like to train truly. You know for real. As of right now, I am going to build a base with RJ. Then I will see what happens from there. I have plenty of time before I need to register for a marathon. I could do CIM again. Or I can see if I can do Arizona. I am thinking about doing the San Jose half marathon in October. We shall see.

Ack!

The Muse Household is completely exhausted. We should all go to bed right now and quit. Why do you ask? We way overextended ourselves this weekend. We threw Brodie a birthday party on Saturday. It was a great event, but exhausting. Cleaning, being nice, hosting, etc. Tough stuff! On Sunday, Conner had a birthday party to attend. Jeremy, Conner, and Brodie went to the party. Finally, we had another party today. We are thoroughly exhausted! Yikes!

Spring Activities Day

On Friday, Cordova High School had spring activities day. A couple of weeks ago one of my students asked if I would be willing to take pie in the face for charity. Will I get hurt? Oh who cares! Sure, I'll do it. Well, I started encouraging students to come throw pie in my face. As the time got closer, I discovered the prices of pie throwing. $5 for a smash in my face. $3 to throw it, and $1 to eat it. I was running my mouth all week. Hehehe I told the mathletes, the people who I was helping, and my students that they should call my family and in-laws. I was sure I annoyed a lot of people in my life and they were probably good for a few pies. Oh, the kids thought this was hilarious!! I couldn't believe what I got myself into this, but I was determined to make it fun.

Spring Activities Day started off with a bang. The school got tped/couched/pennied by the seniors. It was amazing. I was cracking jokes all morning about the toilet paper. My juniors and some other really awesome students helped me clean up the E-Wing (English is housed here). We were having the greatest time. At one point, I pretended to jump. I missed by a mile, but we were laughing at how I couldn't jump. Then another girl tried. She too does not have hops. I guess white girls can't jump. Hehehe

We were on a short day, so the day was flying by. I wasn't sure if I would be able to fulfill my obligation to arm wrestle a kid during spring activities day. During one of my periods, I arm wrestled the kiddo. I am pretty sure there is pictures and video of the event. As soon as I get it, I will upload it! I lost of course. The kiddo I was arm wrestling is at least twice my size. We had a great laugh, and a lot of fun.

Then the final bell rang. It was time to get pied. I went down to the area, and the kids were ready. I think they were clapping because I finally arrived. I took the first pie in my face, and I retaliated. I threw whipped cream (which is what the pie was made of) at the students. I started a food fight! We had a blast. I took so much pie in the face, I should be beautiful. I know there are pictures out there, but my students have yet to send them to me. As soon as they do, I will upload those too. :o) It was such a great time. The kids are still sending me texts about it because I didn't have a care in the world. The student whose picture is on top of my blog is a volleyball player and one of my honors students. She was one of the victims of Mrs. Muse's retaliation!! I believe Brooke took the picture and posted it on Facebook, and Shushan tagged me in this picture on Myspace. :o)

I am also the sophomore class advisor. Our booth did not make a lot of money. In fact, we lost money. Taco Bell didn't pull through like we had hoped. Also, our current outgoing representatives are lazy and think we should do it all. They are no longer the president and class reps of the sophomore class, so we shall see what happens next year. :o)

Finally, I also was part of judging Mr. Cordova. These are boys who think they are muscular and want to be crowned Mr. Cordova. It was wierd for me to judge this, but I guess it is a tradition.

There is one downside to the story. It took almost two days to get the whipped cream smell off of me and my hair. I had to wash my hair four times to finally get it all out.

RJ's Miles Increased

Well, Jeremy took RJ to the vet today. Apparently, I am building RJ's miles up too slow. I guess he should be running four miles. Okie dokie! I will be running four miles with RJ. Haha Who would have thought kids and a dog would get me into shape and not the round one. :o)

My English colleagues and I are doing a book blog, and I haven't even bought the books yet. I really need to get crackin! I am really excited because we are going to try to get on board with piloting new books. :o) Finally!!

School is coming to an end. I can not wait for both schools to end. It will be only a few short weeks. :o) Woot, woot!

Puppy Love

Well, I have finally wrapped up my masters program. I am currently working on my last course, and then I am finally done.

A lot has happened since I last blogged. We got a puppy (Beagle) for Valentine's Day. RJ, the beagle, can finally go for a walk. We have been doing a run in the morning, and a walk at night. It is funny how I start to feel guilty when I want to sleep in because the little guy is waiting on me. :o)

Life in the Muse house is going well. My family has been totally supportive while I have been glued to my laptop and my books. My weight has stayed the same. Woot, woot! I worked really hard to prevent stress weight gain! Yea me!!

Happy Trails!

My boys...

Here is a video Jeremy published about our boys. He did it at the end of the year as a tribute to our kids.

Ack!!

I am addicted to sugar. Specifically to M&M's! I am ok if they are the fun size, but if it is a big bag which is open I am in trouble. I ate a ton of M&M's today. Great! How am I going to get ready for teh marathon and beat my sisters if I keep this up? Losing to Sam will not make me happy.

I met with a Weight Watchers friend. We spent five hours at a restaurant. I didn't eat too many chips which was great. I did enjoy my time.

Now that I confessed, I know tomorrow is a new day because I wrote it all down. that is half the battle. The M&M's are gone too. Woo hoo!! I can move on with life.

I did not run today. Mostly becasue I was gone, but I worked on other school stuff. Tomorrow I have a five miler on tap. I am looking forward to it. I hope the boys sleep a little better.

Brodie keeps taking his diaper off. I started putting him on the toilet. He thinks it is great. He claps, but doesn't go. Then he washes his hands. It is awesome!

I need to go read to get a jump on homework.

Wind Please!

Ack! The wind is a blowin' baby! I stepped out the door to gusts of winds. The main problem, when will the weather be better today? It won't. At least it is not suppose to be better. The high is 46 with rain in the future. Wind? Rain? Wind? Rain? Either way, I would probably try to talk myself out of running. I put one step in front of the other. I actually glided along through my three miles. Yeah! My work I needed to postpone from yesterday was completed this morning.

Although I love The Biggest Loser show, I think there are some things which are unrealistic. Vicki from the last season sacrificed her family and life to work out. I do not think sacrificing life in general to work out is worth it. I would not learn anything, and my kids would not know who I am when I am done. Running before the boys get up allows me the opportunity to get my run in and hang out with my family when they wake up.

Happy Friday!

Rearrangement

Evening All!

My professor for my American Film course e-mailed us today with the list of this months films. It is course 7 of 10. I checked all of the films on Netflix, and I am ready to go. The one problem, I needed Jeremy to watch two films so I can get mine by next week. My first assignment is due on Thursday. Ack! It looks like I will be watching four films in a week. I barely watch one film a month let alone four a week.

Because of this sudden change, I needed to change my running schedule. I was going to run after I put the boys to bed, but I thought maybe I should take today as a rest day. Tomorrow, I get up early and do todays run. There is no harm or foul in that as long as I git r done. I want this experience to be enjoyable and not a chore. I also like running in the morning because I get so thristy at night. I know, you are thinking excuses, excuses. We shall see.

Until tomorrow!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

The alarm went off a little too early this morning. Brodie decided he wanted to come into our room sometime around midnight-one. I ended up putting him back into bed, so I could get some sleep. Jeremy heard my alarm go off, and he told me to get out of bed. I wasn’t going to, but I didn’t have any other time. I got dressed went outside and was hit by a cold, foggy morning. I set out for a nice, cold tempo run.

For those of you who don’t know what a tempo run is a slow start and then I gradually pick up speed. It is a harder run than normal. I needed to make an adjustment to my schedule because I haven’t run in a few weeks. I struck out for an easy one mile. After my garmy beeped, I picked up the speed for the next mile. My garmy beeps at me if I go too slow or too fast. When it triple beeps, I pick up the speed for the next mile. I do this until my last mile where I cool down with a nice, easy pace. Around mile three, I decided that I needed to slow down and take a nice easy pace to round out my workout. Originally I was going to do five miles, but I have not run consistently since the marathon (Thank you finals, grades, and the holidays!). I have several weeks to build a solid base, so I am going to do a three mile tempo run this week. For my long run, I will do a five mile run. This will ease me into the training. Next weeks tempo run will be a four miler. I will be build up to my actual training start. I don’t want any injuries, and I want to enjoy it. I know what you are thinking…I need to build my mental toughness. You would be correct, but I don’t want to kill myself either. I am going to enjoy this process as much as possible!!

I weighed in today. My starting weight for this crazy adventure is 171.0. I knew I was up because I ate like a mad woman over the last few weeks. Stress, PMS, etc will do that to you. I always fall into a trap when I spend the holidays at home. I love my family, but I tend to over-eat.

Speaking of over-eating…I overate tonight. We had lots of yummy food at our house. I enjoyed every bite, but boy am I totally full. I guess when I journal what I ate, I will have to write down that I am totally and utterly stuffed. Yes, I will journal each bite because that is the only way. Without the accountability, I will not succeed. This is my life and I am totally ok with it!

Happy New Years everyone! Tomorrow or I should say today, is an easy 3 mile run. I can’t wait to start out my New Year running.