Fall running in the gorge



Am feeling a bit undertrained for this event and have wondered if I should proceed. Oh what the heck.   I feel as though I can do the mileage but it could be kinda slow...  At least the scenery will be gorgeous and dry weather is in the forecast.  This area is one of my most favorite in the Pacific Northwest. 

http://www.columbiagorgemarathon.com/event-info/registration/

Crazy as a compliment

I have a favorite running route on West Maui.  Starting at Kapalua, running to Honolua Bay and sometimes past that for a longer run.  I just returned from a hotter than usual Hawaii summer.  After a week of running my fave route in 90 degree weather, a cyclist passes me and says "You're crazy!  And that is a good thing".  Yes, drenched in sweat (me, that is) and proud of the crazy label. 

Pink Lady Runner

We've been having an uncharacteristically warm and dry summer in Seattle this year.  I love this weather but didn't realize what a wimp I am running in the "heat".  This girl from Hawaii struggles with running in greater than 70 degree weather.  That is until I discovered my new favorite go-to gear for the summer.  I lovvvve my pink hydration Camelbak.  It holds enough water to last me through a long run and keeps me well hydrated.  It even has pockets to store my cellphone and other stuff.  My Camelbak is not so pretty and pink anymore because it is always going on the road with me. 

 

 

Run your own race

Run your own race.  Set goals for yourself.  Live your own life. 

Definitely not a PR but still Giddy

I completed the Vancouver USA Marathon in June in approximately 6 hours.  The details (minutes, seconds before or after) don't matter to me.  I was giddily happy for the following reasons, not necessarily in this order:
1.  As I rounded the corner and ran into the last .2 of 26.2 miles, the announcer referred to me as the "young lady"!
2. The announcer also commented on me running in with a good kick and a strong finish.  So never mind that it took 6 hours, I finished strong and felt great.  I usually come in slogging (slow jog). 
3.  I never felt like I hit the wall.  So I enjoyed myself and felt good throughout all 26.2. 
4.  Brewfest with free beer tasting at the finish.
5.  Ono kalua pork plate lunch piled high from the Hawaiian food truck. 

I felt good knowing that I ran my own race and had a great time on my own.  And I was definitely on my own for several miles.  At one point, I worried that I took a wrong turn somewhere because I didn't see any fellow racers.  Finally, a volunteer cycled passed and reassured me that I was headed in the right direction.  I'm even registered for VUM 2014. 

Race, no. Training run, Yes!

After analyzing an event, sometimes I pick up clues as to what I could do better or differently next time.  I just completed the Wenatchee marathon last weekend on a sunny day with light winds and a comfortable temperature.  And yet it was the most difficult to complete and I could not determine what I could do differently.  I was doing o-kay and feeling good until mile 21 and by mile 23 my mind and body was determined to WALK.  I could not mentally muster up the will to run at the end.  And I was going to be okay with that.  This 26.2 mile event felt more like a training run (a long one) and I decided to view it that way.  Despite my body's refusal to run the last few miles, I was relaxed, feeling good and enjoying the day.  There's always the next marathon to attempt an improved time!  Or not.

26.2 miles and done. happiness!

Out of hibernation

During the winter, Wahine Sport goes into a semi hibernation.  No expos and little outreach.  The reason is that I have another sideline and that is working at a very busy CPA office during the tax season.  It fuels the detail-oriented, business, number crunching side of my brain and provides structure and focus that I sometimes enjoy.  So my first outing for the year was the Whidbey Island Marathon Expo.  I must admit that I was not really motivated or ready for this.  I was feeling quite exhausted and unsure of the direction this business was headed in 2013.  However after the expo a few weeks ago, I've refreshed my enthusiasm and recaptured the joy of why I do this.  It was so fun chatting with old customers and meeting new ones.  I was reminded of what my products do for women--make you feel more excited about getting out and moving your body.  Want a skort that is a little longer or a jacket with a looser fit.  How about a pair of arm warmers in fun prints and colors?  Some colorful headbands that are sure to add sizzle to your runs. 

Masters of hibernation

Pick up the pace. I can do it.

Today was a 10-mile run according to my marathon training plan.  I've been running around my neighborhood so much lately that I decided  a change of scenery would be good.  My second favorite go-to running path is along Lake Washington to Seward Park.  On the return run, I ran into my friend Paula.  We had not seen each other in a long time and she decided she would run back with me.  My initial thought was "oh no".  Paula is a much faster runner and I thought this would stress me out.  Well I did have to stretch myself to pick up the pace and there were moments of struggle.  I commented on that and she did slow her pace but it was still faster than I would run alone.  At the end of the run, I felt pretty good and realized it was good to challenge my pace and that I could run a little faster if I tried.  Left on my own however, I would never push myself harder.

Learning to swim as an adult

I was born and raised in Hawaii and lived just 2 miles away from the beach.  However, I never learned to swim and the great fear of swimming continued.  Fast forward many years and as an adult I took MANY swim lesson from classes at the YMCA or local community center pools.  It was frustrating and I was embarrased that at "my age" I still could not swim.   I just could never combine breathing, kicking and stroking together.  Finally at age 36 with the help of an excellent swimmer and friend, it all came together and I completed the Danskin sprint triathlon.  Then years later, I worked one on one with a swim coach to learn to swim more efficiently. This opened up a world of fun and interesting experiences of snorkeling in tropical waters. Everytime I'm swimming in a relaxed state, I give thanks to Judith and Denise who enabled me to enjoy the activity. 

The miles were NOT flying by

My training plan for my upcoming Wenatchee Marathon in April called for a 15-mile long run yesterday.  My legs were kinda tired from incredible skiing the day before so I procrastinated until I finally got my butt (with a running skirt, of course) out the door.  I'm running along and I can't believe it's only been 1 mile.  Next I'm hoping to get through 5 miles, at least I will be 1/3 done.  Then anxious to get through 7.5 miles--half way!  It was a longgg slow 15 miles but I got it done.  I followed that up with a deliciously long winter nap.     Some days are just like that.

Running skirt-the best invention

When they first started appearing, I didn't think know what the fuss was all about and was certain I would never wear one.  Now I am SOLD on running skirts. 

Because 1.Lycra running tights and bike shorts do nothing good for my self conscious thunder thighs.  2.Running tights are a little too thin and cold to wear alone in the winter. 

2 of my running problems solved.  Love running skirts.  Now if they could get rid of that nagging pain in my heel...

Winter Running

I've signed up for my next marathon, the Wenatchee Marathon on April 20.  I have been running but not exactly following my intented training schedule.  My body has been telling me it's too dark so start my run later in the morning.  It has also been colder than the usual Seattle winter so my body tells me to shorten the route and spend less time out in the cold.  I'll be kind and listen to what my body wants.  and next week, I'll bust out the headlamp for early morning runs and add another layer to my winter running ensemble and have another cup of hot coffee.