My Fundraising Webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates
I did it! This Saturday was our longest training run to date, and Andrea and I officially ran 13.1 miles! That is the exact distance of the half marathon, so I know I can really do it! Don't get me wrong, that last mile was not pretty, but we attempted to keep talking and reminding each other that we were almost done until we made it to our little finish line. Mile 12 took us to the part of the trail in Reston where we did our first trail run of the season back in August (where Andrea and I realized that we run at the same pace). It was kind of surreal to be back there, remembering how three miles exhausted us so much at that time. Then, there we were, about to complete the whole half marathon distance. The amazing thing is that outside of coming down with a cold, my body really didn't suffer too much. Maybe I really am becoming a runner!
The week before, I did not participate in the training run because I chose to do the Jingle All the Way 10K instead. The course and starting point were the same as the Veteran's Day 10K, except that the tents were filled with the sounds of Christmas carols and the smell of hot chocolate. People were dressed as elves and reindeer, and there was even someone in a full Santa costume. In addition, I got to see the Juggler. There's this guy who juggles while he runs, and apparently he even runs marathons while juggling. It's pretty impressive to watch.
It was a really chilly race, and I felt like the cold air was working against me. Still, I sped up when I saw the time clock at the 5k marker and realized that I was a little behind where I wanted to be. I also moved as quickly as possible for the last mile once the finish line was in sight, and I attempted to sprint for the last .2 miles. I managed to shave about 50 seconds off my last 10k time, so I was pretty proud of myself. However, between running a bit faster than usual and not stretching enough after the race, I paid for it the following day. Still, it was a good experience, and I'm definitely glad I did it.
That was my last race before Phoenix, and this weekend was the last time I will run 13.1 miles before the big race, as well. I'm more excited than ever, and I can't wait to cross that finish line. What I nice belated Christmas present to myself that will be. Happy Holiday to everyone!!!
My fundraising webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Thank you Border's Shoppers!
My Fundraising Webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates
Thank you so much to the Border's shoppers who made today's gift-wrapping venture far more successful than last week! I want to send a special thanks to the man who had us wrap just about all of his Christmas gifts, and then gave a very substantial donation. It really meant a lot to those of us who were wrapping today!!
For anyone who took one of my business cards today in hopes of finding out more about TNT, you can visit the local chapter's website via the following link: http://www.teamintraining.org/nca/
Tomorrow I'll be running in the Jingle All the Way 10K, and next Saturday is our full 13-mile run. I'll be in Arizona before I know it!!
My Fundraising Webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates
Thank you so much to the Border's shoppers who made today's gift-wrapping venture far more successful than last week! I want to send a special thanks to the man who had us wrap just about all of his Christmas gifts, and then gave a very substantial donation. It really meant a lot to those of us who were wrapping today!!
For anyone who took one of my business cards today in hopes of finding out more about TNT, you can visit the local chapter's website via the following link: http://www.teamintraining.org/nca/
Tomorrow I'll be running in the Jingle All the Way 10K, and next Saturday is our full 13-mile run. I'll be in Arizona before I know it!!
My Fundraising Webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates
Saturday, December 6, 2008
12 Miles and Feeling Good (Sort Of)!
My Fundraising Webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates
Today was my first 12 mile run!! I'm so proud of myself, and I can't believe I made it. After a pretty draining 10 mile run two weeks ago, I was a little nervous about how this one would go, but it really wasn't bad. The coaches had send out an email saying that they would be there earlier than usual in case anyone wanted to get a head start. Since Erin was planning to get there early as well, Andrea and I decided to meet at 7:15am and start our run as soon as possible.
I was a little disappointed to see that there was no bathroom anywhere near where we were running, which meant no pit stops and no place to change after we were done. Fortunately I didn't have to use the rest room during the run, and Andrea and I made the decision to locate a gas station or similar establishment after finishing up, where we could get out of our soon-to-be wet and freezing clothes.
The run itself went really well, and we spent the whole time talking, as usual. It was insanely cold out, to the point that the water in my bottle started to freeze and my thighs got so numb that I couldn't feel it when I touched them. Since Andrea and I started earlier than most people, we were at the head of the pack for a change. It felt good to know that we would be finishing earlier than usual, and we kept ourselves busy by breaking the run into smaller segments (only four miles until the first water stop, only two miles until we pass it again, etc.). Every now and then we'd see Coach Jim, who would tease us for cheating somewhere along the way, since we were so far in front of everyone else.
Before I knew it - well, about 2 hours and 20 minutes later, but who's counting? - the run was over, and we gratefully gulped down non-frozen water at home base. Andrea accidentally poured some on me when I was stretching on the ground, but I was already so cold and covered in sweat that I barely noticed! We also munched on chocolate peanut butter brownies and piping hot pizza slices, even though it was only 10:00am. Hey, I had just run 12 miles - I deserved a reward!
After our sketchy changing session in the bathroom of a local McDonald's, Andrea drove me home so that I could shower and quickly eat a bit more food before heading over to Border's. I had arranged to wrap gifts for 6 hours in return for donations to the cause, although I actually wound up staying for 7 hours. Wendy, one of my teammates, was there helping me for about 5 of those hours, and I was very grateful. Having her there made the time pass more quickly, and she was also more vocal about attracting customers. Plus, she's a way better gift wrapper than I am, and she gave me some pointers. I came away with a new little chunk of money for my fundraising efforts, and I got to spend most of the time sitting down, so I can't complain. Thanks to the Border's employees and the kind people who made donations today!!
A couple of weeks ago, Dave and I baby-sat for five children all under the age of five as a fund raiser. While they were adorable and their parents were very generous, I don't think I could have done that today after running 12 miles! I have another Border's fund raiser next weekend, and my father said that he'd pass my fund raising information down to his friends and church groups, so I'm hoping to continue my efforts for another couple of weeks. Every little bit helps!
Next week is a down week for mileage (only 6), so I might do the Jingle All the Way 10K instead of going to training - I haven't decided yet. In two weeks, we have to run the full 13 miles, so then I'll really be able to say that I am officially prepared for a half marathon! Wish me luck!!
My Fundraising Webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates
Today was my first 12 mile run!! I'm so proud of myself, and I can't believe I made it. After a pretty draining 10 mile run two weeks ago, I was a little nervous about how this one would go, but it really wasn't bad. The coaches had send out an email saying that they would be there earlier than usual in case anyone wanted to get a head start. Since Erin was planning to get there early as well, Andrea and I decided to meet at 7:15am and start our run as soon as possible.
I was a little disappointed to see that there was no bathroom anywhere near where we were running, which meant no pit stops and no place to change after we were done. Fortunately I didn't have to use the rest room during the run, and Andrea and I made the decision to locate a gas station or similar establishment after finishing up, where we could get out of our soon-to-be wet and freezing clothes.
The run itself went really well, and we spent the whole time talking, as usual. It was insanely cold out, to the point that the water in my bottle started to freeze and my thighs got so numb that I couldn't feel it when I touched them. Since Andrea and I started earlier than most people, we were at the head of the pack for a change. It felt good to know that we would be finishing earlier than usual, and we kept ourselves busy by breaking the run into smaller segments (only four miles until the first water stop, only two miles until we pass it again, etc.). Every now and then we'd see Coach Jim, who would tease us for cheating somewhere along the way, since we were so far in front of everyone else.
Before I knew it - well, about 2 hours and 20 minutes later, but who's counting? - the run was over, and we gratefully gulped down non-frozen water at home base. Andrea accidentally poured some on me when I was stretching on the ground, but I was already so cold and covered in sweat that I barely noticed! We also munched on chocolate peanut butter brownies and piping hot pizza slices, even though it was only 10:00am. Hey, I had just run 12 miles - I deserved a reward!
After our sketchy changing session in the bathroom of a local McDonald's, Andrea drove me home so that I could shower and quickly eat a bit more food before heading over to Border's. I had arranged to wrap gifts for 6 hours in return for donations to the cause, although I actually wound up staying for 7 hours. Wendy, one of my teammates, was there helping me for about 5 of those hours, and I was very grateful. Having her there made the time pass more quickly, and she was also more vocal about attracting customers. Plus, she's a way better gift wrapper than I am, and she gave me some pointers. I came away with a new little chunk of money for my fundraising efforts, and I got to spend most of the time sitting down, so I can't complain. Thanks to the Border's employees and the kind people who made donations today!!
A couple of weeks ago, Dave and I baby-sat for five children all under the age of five as a fund raiser. While they were adorable and their parents were very generous, I don't think I could have done that today after running 12 miles! I have another Border's fund raiser next weekend, and my father said that he'd pass my fund raising information down to his friends and church groups, so I'm hoping to continue my efforts for another couple of weeks. Every little bit helps!
Next week is a down week for mileage (only 6), so I might do the Jingle All the Way 10K instead of going to training - I haven't decided yet. In two weeks, we have to run the full 13 miles, so then I'll really be able to say that I am officially prepared for a half marathon! Wish me luck!!
My Fundraising Webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/pfchangs09/ayates
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