This is a quick update on a few things going on, just to keep current!
1. RACES!!! I’m in the mood to race, and am succumbing to peer pressure. My dear friend Gwen keeps saying “Boston is in your future”. I never really had the urge to run Boston, but maybe, just maybe, I could qualify and then do it? A bucket-list sort of mentality, at the very least. That being said, to qualify for Boston means I need to run my FIRST EVER MARATHON. That’s right, folks, Lara’s longest races have been Half’s. I’m thinking of making the California International Marathon (CIM) my maiden voyage. Gwen ran CIM last year and tried to talk me into it. Last year I wasn’t ready, but this year? I’m ready to give it a shot! Question: what’s your favorite method for training for a marathon? Who has the best tips? I’m open to all suggestions!
2. I just registered for the LaSportiva Eldora 11K Trail Race, held in Eldora, CO on August 8. That’s in a week and a half. Those of you following this blog know that I’m just coming back from a long vacation and the flu, which means my endurance and strength is pretty low. I’ve had a few good runs this week, but don’t have any illusions that I’ll be PR’ing at this race. I’m going to have a good time, and that’s about it. Is anyone else running this race next weekend? Come on, it’ll be fun!
3. I’d like to do a Half in September, and am thinking about the Boulder Backroads Half Marathon on September 12. It’s pricey for a Half, which might actually make me look elsewhere for a more reasonable race. I’ve heard this race is great, but $80 for a Half? Yikes. Do you know of an awesome Half in September somewhere in the Colorado area that’s under $50? If so, PLEASE tell me about it!
4. I’ve been working with a nutritionist/acupuncturist on my chronic digestive issues. I’m cautiously optimistic that she has recognized some pieces in the puzzle, and that the supplements and treatments will actually make things improve. She says that if this works, I should actually have more energy within a few weeks, and a ton more in 4-6 weeks. This is huge. Will add more to this later, when I have something concrete to report.
5. I gained about 3 pounds this past month, and feel incredibly flabby. There’s a roll that hangs out over my bikini bottom now, and I’m incredibly self-conscious about it. Here’s the funny thing though; when I complained about it to my husband, he didn’t have any idea what I was talking about. He LIKES the softness of my belly, and what makes me cringe is actually something that is desirable. I’m still a little flummoxed by this difference in perception between us, and need to think on this some more. Men and women, what’s your perspective on a little belly softness in an athletic woman?
Okay, that’s all I’ve got right now. I have to go look at a bug house my daughter made out of sticks and bark. See ya this weekend after my Saturday morning run!
That trail run sounds deluxe! Looking forward to reading your report – pictures please! : )
I’ll definitely bring my camera! Since I won’t be trying to PR, I’ll have a little more leisure time to notice the scenery!
I’ve always been able to run marathons injury-free following one of Hal Higdon’s training schedules. He’s very forgiving to people who have actual lives outside of running.
The half marathon is Aspen in $40! I think some of the other ladies are planning on doing it and splitting rooms.
The half marathon is Aspen in $40! I think some of the other ladies are planning on doing it and splitting rooms.
That's perfect! I need to get in on that action, it's exactly when I want to run and that would be so much fun. Are you going to do it?
That's perfect! I need to get in on that action, it's exactly when I want to run and that would be so much fun. Are you going to do it?
Still undecided, I need to get my knee in order before attacking too many more downhills. Uphills are good but downhills send me running for the ice pack!
Still undecided, I need to get my knee in order before attacking too many more downhills. Uphills are good but downhills send me running for the ice pack!
Sounds like IT Band issues. There are lots of stretches that can help that, as well as the foam roller. Your hip might be pretty tight too, which causes the knee to compensate and the whole thing to get out of whack fast.
I've been to the PT and they say patellar tendonitis. I'm still doing all the IT band stretches and making sure that my piriformis is stretched out as well. That and the knee taping helps a lot. I did 9 miles today but right around 7 miles on the Coal Creek Trail it started really talking to me. Stretching seems to take up a large part of my day!
Let me know how the acupuncturist/nutritionist goes… I have a lot of digestive troubles too and would like some kind of resolution!
It’s interesting how different others see our bodies than we see our own.
I’m itching to race too… haven’t been able to sign up for many races since I’ve been coaching. I’m signed up for a half marathon in September in southern Utah and one in November in AZ. Looking forward to those! I wish there were more races in this area on Sundays, then I could coach on Saturdays and race on Sundays!
Isnt it amazing how a few pounds can make you feel so icky- I am up seven from last summer but I feel it everywhere!!!!
Lara – Congratulations on getting set to take on “the full”. You are picking a great and FAST course for the CIM. So happy for you.
Normally, any first-time marathoner I would tell to just train to “finish” and “enjoy” the experience – Hal Higdon will get you to the start injury free and through the race – no doubt about it given your base mileage and experience.
If you are really going to make a run “at a time” in your first full. You are going to have to train “at goal pace” for some of your longer training runs.
That final 10K in a marathon is like nothing you’ve been through before. Nothing to be scared of, but the body wants to do “strange things” after you reach that 20/21 mile stage and your fuel sources are depleted.
To make a time – you really have to train to hit that specific pace. You absolutely can do it! No doubt about it as you are a very talented runner. Just look at one of the Intermediate Training Plans as opposed to just the Novice Plan that Hal has and you will be good to go.
I used Hal’s Intermediate II plan to hit my BQ at Pittsburgh in 2009. You are super-dedicated – I know you can do this.
Drop me a line anytime to chat or to look at your training plan when you put it together.
Congratulations once again! Best, J