Sloooooowwwww Down

There's studies (probably) about running, that the runners high is more addictive than certain drugs. The feeling you have after an accomplished long run, be it a race, a 20 mile training run, or just a quick 5 mile loop, that can leave you in such a mood that you feel like you can tackle the world. I've experienced this first hand, and yes, its damn addicting. The problem I have is, after I complete a solid race, I just want to do more. Give me the next marathon, 5K, whatever, I want to get back out there, train, and give it my all.

This of course can lead to problems (seeing as the cheapest race I can find is $80. You've seen my sponsor page right? Currently accepting offers). However when I find a race for less than $100, I want to sign up, even if its less than a month after just completing in a marathon that left me feeling paralyzed. I know I need to slow down my racing so I don't burn out, but come on, with a race name like The Lost Dutchman Marathon, how do you say no to that?!? That's why for 2011, I've set a resolution: Compete in a race or run a new challenging course every month. Doesn't necessarily have to be a real race, just something I've always wanted to (like from end to end of the Metro Light Rail; it's about 20 miles), or take the running trail from Tempe to Scottsdale, all 18+ miles. It's what makes me excited, and keeps me going.

Bring on the Dutchman!

Like running on cushions of love

So last week I ran a marathon. Yes, thank you, I know (silences crowd). However during said marathon, I came to a realization: I should probably invest in a new pair of nice running shoes. Actually, during the race, it went something more like this: OWWW holy crap my feet are killing me why didn't I buy new shoes before this race this is stupid OWWW. Also during this tortuous run, I noticed that my calves were hurting quite a bit. Again, race time it was really more of a: SON OF A B!#%* my legs feel like someone is taking a corkscrew and just keeps twisting.

Now after these feelings, I decided it was time to invest in some new kicks. That is why I went to see my good friends over at Runners Den, an absolute running mecca that is full of a staff that knows everything there is to know about the sport, and will be more than happy to help you out in anyway whatsoever. While there, I was introduced to my newest friend:

A pair of Brooks Ghost 3's. I LOVE THEM. They are so amazingly comfortable its like running on clouds while little fairies sprinkle your running trail with love and motivational fortune cookies. I went for a run this morning in them for the first time, and cannot be more excited to train for my next race, which is quickly approaching. Can't wait to set a new PR in these bad boys!

Marathons are freaking long!

So, it's over. After 4 months of training, sacrifice, blood sweat and tears, the race is over. 26.2 miles later and I can now say I've ran my third full marathon. I didn't unfortunately qualify for Boston (missed it by about 30 minutes), but I did set a new PR and learned a hell of a lot along the way.

First off, I need to put in more miles every week, as I definitely found my legs needed more strength. I may be way off on this, but I feel if I can get more miles in, my legs will grow stronger. I'm not the biggest fan of gyms.

Second, calf cramps suck. I got hit with these around mile 12 and they didn't let up until I was sitting down after the finish line. I'm taking this as one more sign to try out compression socks. Gonna get some for my legs, and see what kind of difference they make.

Third, I really need to stay on top of my running shoes. This was my third full marathon in my current pair, plus a handful of half marathons and some short races (plus all the training for all of the above), and after the 500+ miles in them, I think it's time to start shopping for a new pair. Which is fine by me, I love new show shopping. Nothing motivates me more to get outside and run like a brand new pair of shoes.

Now what to get...?

*I'll put together a more in depth race review, as soon as I recover more. I always forget how much a race of this distance takes out of me.

A week.... ONE WEEK!

I can't believe that after everything, months of training, sacrifice, and running, my next marathon is in one week from today. This time of the training is always the hardest for me. All I want to do is get out there and run, but I can't. I need to preserve energy and strength so I have it race day. Anxiousness, excitement, nervousness... they're all about to come during the next week.

This is my third full marathon, and the first time I have set myself a time goal. 3:20. That is what I am going for. I've trained for it, studied for it, dreamed about it. Now its almost time to make that happen. Once I got my race number (1640 by the way, corral 1... no big deal), the reality hit me. Especially after finding out I'm starting at the beginning of the pack, this is probably going to be one of the most fun races for me yet. 7 days. That's all I have left.

Gonna be a long week.

Gin Wigmore

She's a New Zealander living in Australia with a voice thats a mix between Duffy and a non coked up Amy Winehouse. Check out my latest love interest Gin Wigmore.

Swoon

Sticks and Stones may hurt my bones... but, ow, ok seriously that stings

So I would say about 90% of my life I've been considered slim. I started off a little bigger, and don't think I've gained a pound since I was five; I just got taller and thinner. Maybe it's a high metabolism, good genes, or just some crazy aerobic exercises I do. Regardless; I'm skinny. Up until this point in life, I've accepted it. I know I'm not going to be the cover model anytime soon, which is fine. I like being slender. It suits me. It's never been a problem really... that is, until recently.

I was recently gifted a sweet Nathan Sports Running Belt that holds four water bottles, and velcroes around your waste. It's glorious. I love it... it, however, does not love me. The thing was designed for someone with a waste, which I do not posses. I have the thing as tight as it goes, and it's still loose around my bones. The problem is though, as tight as I make it, it cuts into my skin, and bruises and hurts like a biatch. I know I shouldn't complain, cause there are people out there on the opposite end of the spectrum. So I'll keep my mouth shut, strap on a pair of running shoes, and just head out the door. With or without my water belt of torture.

Two Guns

It never ceases to amaze me, how quickly I can go from loving a band, to hating their music, after simply meeting them and finding out how big of tools they are. That being said, on the other end of the spectrum, if I'm a small fan prior to the encounter, and they turn out to be genuine people, my appreciation for their music goes skyward. Such was the case with Two Guns.

I first met Kevin, the lead singer of Two Guns, a few years back when I was still doing the whole "radio" thing. I knew of the music prior and gave it some listens, but just the down-to-earthness of the guy, plus the raw talent he had while he played some songs for a group of listeners, got me even more hooked on the music. Which is why I'm excited to hear that they're currently working on a new album. Until that time, I'll just have to keep myself occupied with my old favorite, One Direction.

New Year... New Goal

For Christmas I got an awesome gift. A Banjo. Well, yes, I got a banjo, but I also got a fantastic book. "Ultra Marathon Man" by Ultra-Marathoner Dean Karnazes. For those who don't know about Karnazes, he is the standard in fitness and endurance. He's completed (and WON) everything from Badwater to the Western States 100 Endurance Run, some of the most extreme and challenging races in the world. Hell, the guy also ran a marathon to the South Pole (as in, he was in the south pole, and then ran a marathon... maybe I won't complain the next time it's only 50 degrees outside). Anyway, back to the book. It's an autobiography about how he got his start in ultra running, and what inspired him to compete in some of the events he has. Probably one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Which takes me to the whole point of this post.

After reading how someone has pushed themselves to the absolute limit, and still found the strength to take another step, is something that I want to try. Don't get me wrong, a marathon is great. It's a chance to show what you're made of, and to learn your limits; that being said, I'm ready for something new. That's why I'm excited that starting in 2011, I'm giving up training solely for marathons, and am going to start higher endurance runs. Running from point A to point B, where point A is one side of town, and point B is the top of a mountain 20+ miles away. I want to see how far I can push myself... and then take another step.