Oh $%&#!!!

So, this morning was the Tejas Triathlon in Sugar Land, and I competed in the relay with Team BA (which truly is BA, btw).  My new twitter friend, Shannon Henderson, did the swimming (600 yds), Cathlene Webb tackled the bike (11 miles), and I finished up with the running (3 miles).  

Despite the fact that we just put this team together all last minutelike, I was still super pumped about it!  I hadn't raced in forever, and I was anxious to see where I was pace wise since I'm back in a regular running routine.  I was so good yesterday.  I even resisted all vodka temptations. Not only did I want to get an accurate picture of where I was personally, I wanted to lay down some super fastness for Team BA.

While heading home from dinner at my parents house last night I witnessed a horrific wreck.  I had never seen anything like that first hand, and it was extremely upsetting.   When I finally got home either the shock, or the grief, or a combination of both, made me physically ill.  To put it bluntly, I puked my guts up....seriously.  I hope those images begin to fade very quickly, and my heart goes out to all involved.

I set the alarm on my phone for 3:45 and hit the pillow.   I like to get up early before a race, have a little breakfast, take my time getting ready, and I do not like to be rushed at all.  So, when I woke up to daylight and 6:20 on the clock, I friggin' freaked!!  I jumped up and let out exclamation that sounded something like 'duck', only slightly different.  I rarely use this word, so when uttered by me, it is serious, people!  

I got dressed at lightning speed, grabbed my visor, purse, phone, black shirt( Team BA's color was black...because nothing says BA like black!), and flew out the door.  Once in the car, I placed the call to Cathlene.  I explained my idiocy, expressed my apologies, gave assurance of my impending arrival, and asked for directions.  

Next order of business was to acquire some sort of marking device.  There was no chance of me making the body marking, so I would have to stealthily scribble on myself.  Luckily the local truck stop had a plentiful supply of Sharpies.  Once I had my marker, I proceeded to HAUL ASS to Sugar Land.    Mapquest says it's 97 miles from my driveway to Sugar Land, and that this trip should take 1 hour 40 minutes.  It was 6:30.  Our wave started at 7:16.  I had figured in my head that I had somewhere around 45 minutes after our start until I was up, which meant I needed to be in the transition area no later than 8:00.  Did I mention is was 6:30?

I'll leave out the details, but I somehow made it.  I parked the car and went running down the street towards the start with my phone and Sharpie in tow.  I called Shannon, whom I had not yet met in person, to find out where she was, and she guided me right to her.  It went something like this: "Hi, I'm Katy.  Here's a Sharpie...please draw on me.  Oh, and, thanks for getting my bib for me.  Do you mind pinning it on, while you're at it."  One of my most outstanding first impressions to date!!

We quickly walked back to transition, and about ten minutes later, in rolled Cathlene on her bike.  Whew!  I made it!  Off I went....

Not a very good run for me.  I was extremely dehydrated from all the puking the night before.  I actually stopped 2 times at water stops on a friggin' 3 mile course!  Sadness!!  I was about 30 seconds off my pace.  Oh well, my teammates were kind enough to cut me a little slack, and I was just glad I actually made it there.

We ended up placing 3rd (Woot, Team BA!!!), but left without getting our hardware because the idiot results people had it posted we came in 4th.  Maybe they saved them for us...

I ended up bumping into some familiar peeps ...  Cassie (turned out a 10 minute PR!!!) and her hubby Manny, Evan, and Jeremy.  It was awesome meeting Shannon, a.k.a. hendy2, in person.  She is definitely a BA swimmer, and rocked her first OWS with great finesse (so I hear...I wasn't there yet...boo!).   Major props to Cathlene too!  She rocked an 18 mph pace, and was just told she was doing this 4 days ago!!  My only killer performance was propelling the Expedition to Sugar Land unscathed and in record time.   

I hope I get a second chance to 'wow' my Team BA peeps!  And, in closing, may I just say that I absolutely LOVE triathlon relays.  It was the bomb-diggity rolling up with nothing but my shoes!!! :) 

 

Happy NRD!!!

i had no idea there was a national running day, but apparently it is celebrated today; june 3rd.  it was supposed to be a rest day for me; however, coach made exception, and ok-ed an easy 3 miler in commemoration of the day.  

didn't take any music with me for this one.  it was an entertain myself with my own thoughts day.  spent some time thinking about how running has changed things in my life on so many levels.

1.) i am healthier than i have ever been, and not just from the actual cardio activity.  because i am working hard on being the best runner i can be, i think about everything i put into my body. (for the most part. ie. vodka) 

2.) running has provided me great mental solace.  there's been lots of shstuff on my plate recently, and i've survived it like a champ!  

3.) running is so empowering! if you would have asked me 5 years ago if i could run a marathon, i would have laughed in your face.  the thought of running 26.2 miles sounded absolutely absurd!  now i am constantly trying to convince people of how easy it is if you just put a little work into it.  anyone can do, and you will feel like a million bucks when you do!  i can do anything i set my mind to!!  

4.) i love runners!  i have met the most amazing people through my running.  such camaraderie and spirit!!

i am thankful every day that i am healthy and able to enjoy my sport.  go run people!!!

School's Out!!

Thurs:  4 miles on the treadmill.  was not nearly as enjoyable as my last treadmill run.  i think i may have prematurely expressed love for the machine.  i do still in fact hate the damn thing.  i would rather the asphalt be melting the rubber off my shoes than do that again. 3 miles at a moderate pace and 1 mile pushing hard.

Fri:  back on my road.  5 miler nice and easy with my dog and lots of coldplay.

Sat:  was supposed to be my long run, but jp rushed me, and i only got 4 miles in.  ran my fav trail.  no horseflies or snakes, bonus!!

Sun:  nadadamnthing

Mon:  Intervals - 15 minute warm-up. 6 x 3 mins hard with 2 min jogs between. then 15 min cool down.  

Tues:  5 miles easy runnin'.  it was divine.

btw, school's out! woot!!  kids are sleeping in and i can run as early as i want!  however; once they all begin to wake up they multiple very quickly.  i tell myself they gravitate here because i am such a BA mom! 

Following Orders (For the Most Part)

I feel like my training is going really well!  That whole phase one thing I spoke of...I'm past it.  Running is fun again, and I'm back in a groove.  I've been doing set workouts given to me by my awesome new coach, and so far I've only messed up one of them.  The day after Memorial Day...c'mon what do you expect.  I kinda like getting up, checking my schedule, and following orders.  I didn't think I would, but I really do.  I've always said, I'm a much better sheep than shepherd.  So here's what I've done for last few days:

Last Saturday - ran 6 miles at a relaxed pace on trails here at home.  It was an ok run, but I was a bit hungover and blah from turnin' my swag on the night before. 

Sunday - Chillaxed

Monday - Drank beer on a boat (was supposed to do 10 min wu, 4 x 8min (hard) followed by 2 min. jog recovery, 10 cd)

Tuesday - Did the workout I was supposed to do Monday on my road. (minus two of the 8 min sets and the cd....talk about a hangover.  Decided not to drink anymore during this portion of my training)

Wednesday - Was able to run until the afternoon, so opted for a treadmill run.  Did 10 wu, 5 x 8 min (hard) followed by 2 min jog recovery, 10 cd.  Felt great!!!  Treadmill was not bad at all...watched game shows and jammed out to some kickass tunes!

I think I'm going to use the treadmill more this summer.  I just really don't do well in the heat, and my running usually stalls out during the hot as hell months.  The treadmill's not THAT bad, and if it keeps me running, and moving towards my goal...then so be it!

HSP Kicked My Butt!!

Hog's Hunt was the first time I had run at the park in FOREVER!!  HSP trails are way different than my trails, and they did one helluva number on my back and hips.  I think some of the problems with my back are from the way I was using my arms....holding them all weird to help me balance as I attempted to jump roots and stumps.  Then there was all the loose sand.  I don't remember the park being THAT sandy!  Up hill in loose sand is like running in a hamster wheel...and that is what I am blaming the hip trouble on.

I rested Sunday, but got right back at it yesterday.  Just 4 easy miles down my road.  I hope no one saw me bc I'm sure I looked like a friggin' idiot!  My hip flexors only allow for baby steps.  I ran 5 today, and felt better, but still not quite normal.  Guess that's what I get for running 15.5 miles of tough trails completely unprepared!!

Hog's Hunt 25K

Well, so much for sitting Hog's Hunt out!  Nevermind the fact that I was completely unprepared to run a 25K...I just said 'what the hell' and did it anyway.  It actually started out really well.  I felt great all the way to about mile 11 or 12, and then the heat and lack of water started to kick my butt.  There was a 5 mile stretch between aid stations, and it was about 90 degrees outside!  I think I got just a tad bit dehydrated.  Oh well, I lived...

I'm not really sure what my time was...just glad I finished!  It was AWESOME to back out at the park!!!

Chipping Away at Phase One

Phase One - that's where I am right now.  The phase that keeps most people away from this sport.  There's nothing enjoyable about, every step is a struggle, self doubt is rampant, and you want nothing more than to throw in the towel.  I don't know how many times I've tried to explain this to people...when I get "I don't know how you do what you do...I hate running!".   You've just gotta get outta Phase One, people!! 

Luckily, I've conquered this hill before, and I know the awesomeness that exists on the other side.  I am inching my way closer everyday, and I am so excited!  I recruited a coach yesterday too!  I am going to work my ass off to make that sub 4 race!!!

I am signed up to run Hog's Hunts 25K tomorrow, but I'm not trained for it, and I don't see the point of going out there and killing myself.  I think I'm just going to stick to my comeback training plan, and just be a spectator for this one.  It's fun cheering everybody on anyway.  I'm going to bring my camera and photograph and support all my peeps who actually trained for the race.  I'll be back next year fo sho!!!

I ran another 3 miles this a.m. on my road.  I felt much stronger than the last 2 days.  I did walk about 100 yds in the middle somewhere, but I cranked up my go-to tunes, The Killers, and they got me going again.  Mr. Brightside does it for me everytime!!

Game On!!!

I think it was about this time last year when I last posted to this blog.  I have no idea if anyone is still doing it, or reading these things, but I'm gonna start posting again.  I have come to the conclusion that I am much more dedicated to running when I blog about it.  I guess it just helps keep me accountable...who knows.  

All I do know, is that I am determined to get back in peak running condition again.  I don't care if it is hot as hell!  I have set a goal for myself to run a sub 4 marathon this fall, and I am going to do my dangedest to git-r-done...can't believe i just said that.  

anyhoo, here goes!!!

I ran 3 miles yesterday very slowly and sluggishly.  I attempted to run the same 3 mile trail again today, but my dog was attacked by a skunk towards the end.  She was slinging the thing around trying to shake it to death, when it bit a hunk outta her nose and sprayed her in the mouth.  She then proceeded to whine, puke, bleed, and stink very badly.  I walked the last 1/4 mile or so back to the house with her.  I think it's safe that she will never again jack with a skunk!