Road to Colfax

Last week, an intense rush of inspiration came over me in Los Angeles. As I jogged out in the chilly downpour of rain and watched Alex annihilate the LA Marathon, I realized it was my time to have a stab at the 26.2 mile challenge. (Thanks Alex for being such an awesome motivator!)

I've always been a middle distance runner. I enjoy (relatively) shorter, faster races. But, at this point in my running career, I know it's time to try something different. The marathon is on May 15th, 2011. This gives me roughly seven weeks to tune up for the race.

As of right now: The longest run I've recently done is 16 miles (in early February). Alex and I held a solid 7:45 minute per mile pace (if not faster) throughout the duration of the run. Last week, I ran an hour and forty minutes with relative ease, did some speed work, and ran a 5k in 19 min 19 sec--a sub par performance if I must say so myself. I know I could've ran much faster, but it was a decent place to start after nearly four months of not racing.

Anyhoot, I am going to share this seven week odyssey to Colfax. I have no idea what to expect, but I will shoot for the moon and see what happens.

March 21st, 2011
Today, I ran about 55 minutes in Hollywood. It began raining really hard, so I had to cut it a little short. However, during this epic rain run, I saw a sign that brought a smile to my face. It said: "If you are losing faith in humanity, watch the marathoners". Woo hoo!
Total time: 55 minutes

March 22, 2011
When I arrived home from Hollywood on Monday night, I told myself I wanted to wake up in the morning to run before work. There is something very therapeutic about morning runs--especially before a long day. This early adventure allowed me to reflect on this week's goals and enjoy a sunrise to John Mayer's "Vultures". I ran 50minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.
Total time: 80 minutes

March 23, 2011
I felt antsy at work today. Let's be real: sitting at a desk for a prolonged period of time is not my fortay. I wanted to jump out of my office chair to go outside! Oh well, I guess 10 bathroom breaks a day will suffice :) Tonight, I decided to give my body a little break. I cycled for 100 minutes after work and did some sissy strength training. Whenever I up my mileage, strength training tends to get put on the backburner, but I am going to commit to lifting once or twice a week from here on out. I am a firm believer in strength training for runners. (Light weight, many reps). It not only helps prevent injuries, it improves overall running economy. The workout felt very smooth. If it wasn't midnight, I would have biked longer!
Note to self: Kale, tomatoes, tofu, and chia seeds lead to great things. :o)
Total time: 100 minutes of cycling

March 24, 2011
Despite some mid-day slugishness, I felt quite ambitious today. After attending Alex's sister's talent show (which she did awesome in) and going on a sample raid at Yogurtland, I ventured out into the night. I ran a solid 80 minutes at a 7:30-7:35 pace. It felt really smooth. For a while, I got lost in the music and almost forgot I was running. I love nights like these.
Today I'm so immensely thankful. Thankful for my friends, family, health, employment, nourishment, running, and access life's necessities. Tonight, I ran to honor running--in and of itself--and the many things I am thankful for.
Total time: 80 minutes

March 25th, 2011
Today was bittersweet. I attended an old friend's funeral with my dad. During the service, a flood of memories flashed across my mind. It was a reunion with my childhood; a reunion with the reality of life's fleetingness. After the funeral, I ran an enjoyable hour. I thought about the people who've had profound influences in my life. I could name them all, but they are too numerous to count. Some people make monumental impacts; others plant tiny seeds. In a way, I am the sum of all the people and situations that have influenced, challenged, and inspired me. And at the end of the day, it is my desire to influence other people in positive ways too. Today running was not about pacing, pushing, or pain. It was a tribute to those who inspire me, and a desire to pay it forward.
Total time: 60 minutes

March 26th, 2011
Today, various time constraints prevented me from running too long. I ran 35 minutes in the morning and relaxed the rest of the day. I had a heart-to-heart with one of my best friends, which was more refreshing than another run would've been. Afterwards, Alex made some spaghetti and we joked and laughed into the wee hours of the morning. As far as I'm concerned, today was a success :)
Total time: 35 minutes and some spirit strengthening.

March 27, 2011
This morning, I woke up at 7:10 a.m. and trotted out into the crisp morning. I challenged myself to a two hour run and ended up exceeding the goal by ten minutes. I've always had a hard time doing long runs, but for some reason this one went very smooth. I zoned out, fantasized about the marathon, listened to music, and practiced being mentally strong. Running requires a ton of mental strength. If and when the marathon arrives, I know my mental state will have a huge impact on my performance.

After the run, I felt really sluggish. I was quite deflated at work, which made me feel bad. I guess that's the price of running a lot of miles. I think I need to start planning difficult days around my work schedule so I don't devote all of my energy to the trails.
Total time: 130 minutes

March 28
Today my knees were feeling the wrath of the 130 minute run, so I cross trained. Biked about 45 minutes

March 29
After some good rest, I did some mile repeats. I did 5x1600 meter repeats at an average of 6:20 per mile. At the end I did an 800 meter interval in 3:00 minutes. Overall, the workout felt very smooth. I ended it feeling like I could do more. Later, I biked for about 20 minutes.

March 30
50 minutes

March 31
70 minutes

April 1
5 minutes

April 2
Half-Marathon. 1:31. I went out WAY too fast! In fact, I think I PR'ed in the 10k. The race was sloppy, but I learned a lot and I will be mentally prepared for the next go-around. All in all, it was a fabulous race! Time to up the ante!

April 3
Biked for an hour

April 4
Alex and I ran about 60 minutes. Yay for running beneath the stars with my inspiration!

April 5
Today I ran 50 minutes in the morning and 25 in the evening. Both felt okay. Not great, not bad. Other than the bloody nose I got on the second run! EEK!

April 6, 2011
Tonight I ran 60 minutes in the rain scented night. I finally feel fully recovered from the half-marathon last weekend.
Total Time: 60 minutes

April 7
I needed a mental and physical break, so I took the day off. Alex and I took a swing dancing class together and got a tarot reading (purely for the experience). The psychic told me that I should be more attentive to detail. It was great food for thought.
Later we made a pita concoction and relaxed. Yay for swing dancing!

April 8
After a much needed day off, I ran 80 minutes in the evening. It felt very smooth--as if I could've gone longer. I ran without headphones tonight--which allowed me to clear my head and meditate.
Total time: 80 minutes

April 9
This morning, Deanna and I met at the break of dawn at the ol' Reg for an hour run. It was a blast from the not-so-distant past. We took it very easy, talked, and just enjoyed the fact that we were awake and moving!
Total time: 60 minutes

April 10th
Well, today was a milestone in my running career. I completed a 20 mile run on the highline canal trail. Towards the end, I was overwhelmed with such passion and joy.
Total time: 3 hours