Still just "training"

I need to give you all an update on my “training,” I know. But the subject of this post is inevitably going to be about nursing, which is dictating my training. Sorry to go there, for those of you who may be uncomfortable with this subject, but I promise it’s necessary. At least just to explain why my training is still “training,” and not training!

This kid is sucking the life out of me… The plan I had for my great comeback to competetive running and the plan I had for breastfeeding my baby are directly at odds with each other. Basically, the former is a complete wash. I didn’t realize how difficult this was going to be when making these simultaneous plans. I thought I would be at full throtle by now, but I am exhausted! What’s been happening is that I start out the week great – like last week. I did an easy run from home on Monday, a great fartlek on Tuesday, a good progression run on Wednesday, recovery day on Thursday. Then I’m completely wiped for the rest of the week. I can barely find the energy to shower! I take 2 or 3 days of resting and binge eating and then try again. Though I’m feeling far more fit than I did 12 weeks ago, I’m still far from consistent. The most miles I’ve gotten in one week is about 25. What a joke! Ahhh…

I really thought that the main issue holding me back in my trianing was lack of sleep. But recently the baby has been sleeping great – up to 10 hours at a time. So I can’t blame it on that anymore. I’ve tried everything to keep up both the training and the nursing, but no matter how much I eat or how much I sleep, I’m still exhausted. My body is hating me.
With my first baby, I got to three months nursing exclusively. I thought that was pretty good with running and going to school full-time. I had a goal of six months this time. Instead of changing that goal, I’m trying to adjust my running goals. Maybe I won’t run a race before the first of the year? Maybe I won’t run the indoor season? I don’t really know.

Once again I find myself trying to balance family and running. Obviously, baby wins this one. I do long to race again. I definitely miss training hard and racing fast. But, for now, I’ll be perched on the couch every two hours. My plan for next week is to nix any sort of workout and just try to get out the door every day. I think once I establish some consistency I can ramp up the intensity. We’ll see how it goes.

Training recap: very sporatic last couple of weeks.

Last week:Monday – Lunge Matrix (LM), easy 30 minutes from home, 3 min. pedestal routine, Myrtle

Tuesday – LM, fartlek on “hill course” (treadmill) for 6 miles total, Big 10 (10 push-ups/10 v-ups, 9 push-ups/9, 8/8,…1/1)

Wednesday – LM, 5.5 mile progression down to 6:40 pace, 7 miles total, 3 min. pedestal routine, Myrtle

Thursday – planned day off

Friday – planned workout – but 20 min. jog instead

Saturday – my 4-yr-old’s birthday party, wanted to run in the a.m. but was tired/busy

Sunday – wanted to get out the door, but watched football on the couch all day instead :-/

Now blogging at RunningTimes.com!

http://wpblogs.runningtimes.com/blogs/thepregnantpause/

Have I lost my competitive edge?!

I never thought I'd be a runner who would be happy just to squeeze in a 30 minute jog on their lunch break, but without a detailed training plan, that's exactly who I've become (temporarily). Without actually scheduling time in my day for my training, it sometimes doesn't happen. As a family, we're really focused on Brent's training and my pregnancy right now. So between dropping off Ciara at pre-school, Brent off at practice, shuffling to the other side of town for my check-up, grocery shopping,and running errands, I had exactly 32 minutes yesterday to fit in some sort of workout.

At any other point in my life, even during my last pregnancy, this sort of slacking in my running would drive me crazy. I mean, really. I barely had time to change shoes and start my watch to get in (probably less than) four miles. No strides?! No general strength? Not even any dynamic stretching!? Who have I become? ;0)

Well, lucky for me, just as I was finishing up my run and contemplating the end of my life as I knew it, one lucky, middle-aged, over-weight jogger pulled onto the path about 10 meters in front of me. Now if I'm honest, I was completely content not to pass him...at first. We were going about the same pace and it wasn't bothering me. But then - oooh but then - I remembered who I was.

I just couldn't help myself. My pace was quickening and I was pulling up behind him. The thought crossed my mind that I might preserve his ego and maybe just slowly pass. Forget that! I zoomed by him, turned the corner, and did a mini-stride up the hill. Victory! I still pass people on the creek path! I will always be a runner who passes people on the creek path! Now back in the car, off to pick up the family and head home to make dinner...

Baby on Board!

Sorry it's been a while since my last update...

A lot has been going on, so first let me update you on Brent. His training is going fabulously. He's putting in more miles than ever before (he's up to around 105 some weeks). He's never been above 95, so this is new territory for him. He's recovering well and is getting in some good workouts with some other local professional runners. Working with a new coach yet again, it's hard to tell exactly where he is in his fitness, but we all think he's on the right track. Coach Jay Johnson and he are working on an upcoming schedule, though it's not set quite yet. He'll be competing sometime in January for sure. Then, looking ahead to the outdoor season, he'll start focusing on the 10k on the track.

As for me, I'm simply focusing on keeping up my endurance and keeping my body strong... Exciting news: we're expecting Vaughn Baby #2 in June! We couldn't be happier and the timing seems perfect. I'll continue to run throughout my pregnancy, as I did with Ciara. Part of me is sad I won't be competing this upcoming spring and summer, but I'll have plenty of other things on which to focus. We're looking forward to welcoming our new addition this summer, and you can expect to see me back on the track in Januray 2011!

I was lucky enough to do a cover shoot for Running Times in August for this month's edition. Say "bye-bye" to this body for a while. :) The photos are from the shoot and here is a link to the article.

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=18379Article.aspx?ArticleID=18379

Breakfast with Kip

I sat down this morning at Einstein Brother's Bagels to enjoy my pumpkin bagel and OJ. A man walks in, with several trash bags and a tattered adidas duffel bag, and sits at the table next to me. As I was catching up on my email correspondence, he pretended to read the newspaper, but after our eyes met for the third time, it was obvious he was looking for someone to talk to.
A minute later my computer shut off - my crappy battery had run out. So I shut my computer. The man asked me what I was eating. Then he asked if I might buy him one, too. I obliged. I have to admit that I might have said, "sorry" and left, but I learned something from reading Brianna Glenn's blog last week. I thought I would take advantage of helping him out - it was just a few bucks.
I brought him his bagel and began to have a fairly mundane conversation with him. I told him how I graduated last year, how we live up in the mountains. He wouldn't tell me much about himself. But then the conversation turned to sports. First the Olympic bid came up. Then the conversation turned to tennis. But then, after telling him I was a runner, what he said next totally surprised me.
He told me he was a huge Kara Goucher fan! He actually followed her in the sport. Here I was, with this homeless guy from Indiana, having a full-on conversation about a professional runner. I was surprised and impressed for two reasons: 1) Kip knew who she was and knew legitimate stats about her career, and 2) Kara Goucher is really famous. I knew Kara got a LOT of fans, but - I'll be honest - I just assumed it was a cult following of runners. Now I realize her popularity has reached beyond track geeks. Which is awesome, right?! What an amazing opportunity Kara has - she's inspiring to a Kip, an unemployed, out-of-luck 46-year-old.
In turn, this whole morning has inspired me. Why do I want to be as good as Kara Goucher? Why do I want to keep running and keep improving? First off, because I simply have the desire to do well. But secondly, because when people look up to you, you are provided with an amazing opportunity to influence others in a positive way. That's what I want to do. I'm going to keep striving to do better so that I can do good. :)

Seasons Change

It seems like we only had 3 days of Autumn. The leaves were just starting to change, getting more and more golden. I hope this snow and freezing weather doesn't ruin the vibrant reds that are supposed to follow. I'll be disappointed if so. Fall is my favorite - perfect running weather.

But, alas, there's still something about the first snow. It always gives me the feeling of starting new, resetting. Typically my track season would be well over by now. This is the time of year for a little recuperation. One more race for me, then I'm not running a step for at least a week! I'm staying inside, drinking cocoa and playing Candy Land with Ciara. :)

Right now, in more than one way, our family is getting a fresh start. After deciding to move to Portland, then deciding to stay here after all, Brent and I are both looking forward to resuming training feeling refreshed. Brent is officially going to be working with Jay Johnson (coachjayjohnson.com) now! He's excited about putting the '09 season behind him and looking forward to new experiences in 2010. I'm looking forward to new experiences in the near future, as well! We'll keep you posted. :)

Pearl Street Mile

This Thursday, August 13th at 6:00 p.m.

I'll be running the "women's competitive" wave. Brent and Ciara will be there cheering! :)