On my first real high school track practice I ran 4 miles. Having not trained over the winter, I had also not run over 2 miles consecutively. That run was terrible. I had to walk some of the way and I couldn't believe we still had a week of practice left. I thought of that as a long run but it turns out it wasn't. It took me over 40 minutes and I was exhausted at the end. I had no idea how I was ever going to get through track.
On Thursday I ran 4 miles. I set a new PR in 30:34 even though it felt like I was struggling. My legs didn't feel too bad though with only 16 miles ran so far this week. Besides the PR, there was one more thing that made this run special. The lead runner was me. My faster teammate wasn't there but I would've been able to keep up with her like I have most of the week. With or without her though, I was in the front. I've been in the front before but never by myself. I was running at a faster pace then everybody else on my team. This time, I was the one everyone tried to catch. This fact was not lost on me, as evident by the random smiles on my face. I felt like I had truly made it. I was flying in front. I was the leader of the run.
I didn't realize until I was stretching afterwards that I had run the same exact route when I first started. My running has changed so much since then, and not only in my endurance. I now look the part of a runner and I am good friends with many of my teammates. I now understand that these miles are neccessary for me to succeed. I love running more than ever. I have run miles and miles since that first practice and have worked hard to get where I am now. It hasn't been easy but on Thursday, when I was in the front, I knew it was all worth it.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
SOARING, FLYING
Earlier today, I set a new PR, breaking the one set on Tuesday. Including this week, I have run 6 miles under 50 minutes three separate times. Two of those runs came this week.
September 22, 2008- 48:17
February 17, 2009- 47:11
February 20, 2009- 46:26
The strangest thing about my run was that I didn't feel like I was going that fast. My legs have been tired so I just wanted a long, slow easy run. I set out to do my own pace and not race with my faster teammate or my coach. I just wanted to get some recovery miles in. During the first half, it felt like I was doing a pretty good job of that. My teammate was ahead of me but still in sight while my coach was behind me. I was feeling good but more of a relaxing run good. Then I reached the halfway point. My watch read 23:11. Tuesday's PR mark at that spot- 24:00.
My initial reaction was to make sure my watch was still going and that I didn't bump any of the buttons. Once I was assured of this, I just thought to myself how awesome it was that my "slow" run was on track to be a PR. I didn't speed up, well maybe a little. I just made sure my teammate didn't get too far ahead and kept going. I did race up the last .75 mile stretch to make sure I got my time but I didn't go fast enough to feel like I needed to stop. I checked my watch once I was done and there was that wonderful number. 46:26 which is a 7:45 minute pace.
I found my teammate after I finished and checked to see what her time was to make sure I hadn't messed my watch up. She said it was 45:something which meant my time was for real. I had really gone that fast. I told her that I didn't believe I went that fast and she responded by saying "Yeah, we were really flying out there".
I'm still in disbelief about my time though. I believe I can run that fast but I didn't feel like I was today. Slow recovery runs aren't supposed to go that fast. It was supposed to be around 50 minutes but I was so much speedier. The biggest thing is that this was after four days of running fast. I'm not complaining though, I'd like these days to come more often.
September 22, 2008- 48:17
February 17, 2009- 47:11
February 20, 2009- 46:26
The strangest thing about my run was that I didn't feel like I was going that fast. My legs have been tired so I just wanted a long, slow easy run. I set out to do my own pace and not race with my faster teammate or my coach. I just wanted to get some recovery miles in. During the first half, it felt like I was doing a pretty good job of that. My teammate was ahead of me but still in sight while my coach was behind me. I was feeling good but more of a relaxing run good. Then I reached the halfway point. My watch read 23:11. Tuesday's PR mark at that spot- 24:00.
My initial reaction was to make sure my watch was still going and that I didn't bump any of the buttons. Once I was assured of this, I just thought to myself how awesome it was that my "slow" run was on track to be a PR. I didn't speed up, well maybe a little. I just made sure my teammate didn't get too far ahead and kept going. I did race up the last .75 mile stretch to make sure I got my time but I didn't go fast enough to feel like I needed to stop. I checked my watch once I was done and there was that wonderful number. 46:26 which is a 7:45 minute pace.
I found my teammate after I finished and checked to see what her time was to make sure I hadn't messed my watch up. She said it was 45:something which meant my time was for real. I had really gone that fast. I told her that I didn't believe I went that fast and she responded by saying "Yeah, we were really flying out there".
I'm still in disbelief about my time though. I believe I can run that fast but I didn't feel like I was today. Slow recovery runs aren't supposed to go that fast. It was supposed to be around 50 minutes but I was so much speedier. The biggest thing is that this was after four days of running fast. I'm not complaining though, I'd like these days to come more often.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
WINTER TRAINING
Right before our school went on Christmas break, I talked with my coach and asked him how many miles I should be running. He told me I ought to be up around 30, which made me lie and say I had done 28 the previous week. I would've done 28 miles but the day I had scheduled a 7 miler, there was some nasty weather. It scared me though, into thinking that I would be completely terrible come February. I had finished my first season as a member of varsity for xc and ran at the state track meet for my previous track season. That small taste of being good had me wanting more. It seemed that the 5 or 6 days a week that I had spent running since November wasn't good enough. I wanted to be more than good enough though, I wanted to accomplish something more. The effort it would take to achieve this took something that I wasn't sure I had.
I was running almost everyday, yet I wasn't doing enough running on those days. The cold weather and lack of daylight to run in wasn't exactly motivating me, but it didn't seem to be the biggest problem. I could overlook these things as long as I wasn't bored. A good route would get my mind off of winter and allow me to focus on something else. The problem was finding somewhere to run. I had found myself doing the same route over and over without any changes. I didn't know where else to run though without running up large hills. One day I ran up those hills, being driven by immense boredom I had concocted a 5.65 mile route consisting of 3 large hills. There was new scenery to watch and it was more of an out and back route that made it harder to skip out on. The challenge it gave me was even better, it forced me to expend the effort that I might make me better.
The weeks since then have involved running that same route while changing up some of the ins and outs. The hills may have gotten a little easier but they were still tough. I found myself having to stop some days and rest my legs but I always went on without walking up them. However, there was one hill that challenged me more than the others. It wasn't the longest or the last one, but it was the steepest. It seemed like no matter how I paced myself, I could not get up it without stopping. Until one day I did. I slowly struggled up it with terrible form but I made it. From then on, the hill no longer seemed as big of an obstacle. It wasn't every day that I could run up it without stopping, but I no longer viewed it as a problem or something that should stop me. It wasn't out to get me, it was just there.
One of my neighbors (also a runner) who lives down the hill, was talking about me with my mother yesterday. He told her that I was built like a Kenyan (only a runner would think this was a compliment) and that I should run the Bix this year. He also said that he was both impressed and inspired by my hard work and determination. He has seen my running up our hill and thought that while some people may have raw talent, not everyone has dedication.
My first reaction to this, was to enjoy his compliments but also to underscore them. I thought that if he would have known how hard it was to get myself outside, how I had struggled with those hills, or how I couldn't wait to get my run over with, that he would disagree with what he had said. I thought I could've done more, that the extra miles I had done weren't enough to benefit me. Even when talking to my teammates who haven't been running very much, my opinion didn't change.
I now look on it with a different perspective. I think of how I was miserable through most of my runs, but I also think of how I did those runs. No one was forcing me to run those hills yet I did. Maybe I do have determination. Maybe all that running I did amounts to hard work. Maybe that was what my winter training was about. Not hitting certain times or doing a certain number of miles, but the going out and running part. I think that is what has made me stronger runner more than anything.
The willingness to undergo tough workouts and do the extra mile is something I hope will carry over to track practices. I have complained many times about our practices, but this winter I found that even the hardest were necessary. I now find myself willing to do those practices because they may be hard but the mental and physical benefits are far greater than the effort I give. To quote my beloved Nickelback "what's worth the price is always worth the fight".
I was running almost everyday, yet I wasn't doing enough running on those days. The cold weather and lack of daylight to run in wasn't exactly motivating me, but it didn't seem to be the biggest problem. I could overlook these things as long as I wasn't bored. A good route would get my mind off of winter and allow me to focus on something else. The problem was finding somewhere to run. I had found myself doing the same route over and over without any changes. I didn't know where else to run though without running up large hills. One day I ran up those hills, being driven by immense boredom I had concocted a 5.65 mile route consisting of 3 large hills. There was new scenery to watch and it was more of an out and back route that made it harder to skip out on. The challenge it gave me was even better, it forced me to expend the effort that I might make me better.
The weeks since then have involved running that same route while changing up some of the ins and outs. The hills may have gotten a little easier but they were still tough. I found myself having to stop some days and rest my legs but I always went on without walking up them. However, there was one hill that challenged me more than the others. It wasn't the longest or the last one, but it was the steepest. It seemed like no matter how I paced myself, I could not get up it without stopping. Until one day I did. I slowly struggled up it with terrible form but I made it. From then on, the hill no longer seemed as big of an obstacle. It wasn't every day that I could run up it without stopping, but I no longer viewed it as a problem or something that should stop me. It wasn't out to get me, it was just there.
One of my neighbors (also a runner) who lives down the hill, was talking about me with my mother yesterday. He told her that I was built like a Kenyan (only a runner would think this was a compliment) and that I should run the Bix this year. He also said that he was both impressed and inspired by my hard work and determination. He has seen my running up our hill and thought that while some people may have raw talent, not everyone has dedication.
My first reaction to this, was to enjoy his compliments but also to underscore them. I thought that if he would have known how hard it was to get myself outside, how I had struggled with those hills, or how I couldn't wait to get my run over with, that he would disagree with what he had said. I thought I could've done more, that the extra miles I had done weren't enough to benefit me. Even when talking to my teammates who haven't been running very much, my opinion didn't change.
I now look on it with a different perspective. I think of how I was miserable through most of my runs, but I also think of how I did those runs. No one was forcing me to run those hills yet I did. Maybe I do have determination. Maybe all that running I did amounts to hard work. Maybe that was what my winter training was about. Not hitting certain times or doing a certain number of miles, but the going out and running part. I think that is what has made me stronger runner more than anything.
The willingness to undergo tough workouts and do the extra mile is something I hope will carry over to track practices. I have complained many times about our practices, but this winter I found that even the hardest were necessary. I now find myself willing to do those practices because they may be hard but the mental and physical benefits are far greater than the effort I give. To quote my beloved Nickelback "what's worth the price is always worth the fight".
BLOGGING
This post is purely for grading purposes, so any followers who actually read my blog, feel free to not read this post.
Blogging has allowed me to connect with others in a way I haven't experienced before. I have found something in common with people I wouldn't have expected to. My followers include a student at UBC, a computer consultant in Ohio, and a paratriathlete who, also from Canada, is trying to qualify for the 2010 Paralymics in nordic skiing. We are so different from each other, but we all have similar interests. Finding people who share my obsessions is what I like most about blogging. In this way, the people who follow the blog are just as important as writing the blog is.
Keeping a blog allows you to really be yourself though. Writing on the internet anonymously plays a part, but being able to write about whatever you want is also important. When people write about something they have interest in, the result is better writing. People are more likely to be committed to something they can exercise a large amount of control in, which makes blogs even better. Access to other resources on the internet is just another added plus.
Blogging has allowed me to connect with others in a way I haven't experienced before. I have found something in common with people I wouldn't have expected to. My followers include a student at UBC, a computer consultant in Ohio, and a paratriathlete who, also from Canada, is trying to qualify for the 2010 Paralymics in nordic skiing. We are so different from each other, but we all have similar interests. Finding people who share my obsessions is what I like most about blogging. In this way, the people who follow the blog are just as important as writing the blog is.
Keeping a blog allows you to really be yourself though. Writing on the internet anonymously plays a part, but being able to write about whatever you want is also important. When people write about something they have interest in, the result is better writing. People are more likely to be committed to something they can exercise a large amount of control in, which makes blogs even better. Access to other resources on the internet is just another added plus.
Friday, February 13, 2009
TOC PREDICTIONS
Earlier this week, somebody was talking about February 14th and they asked me if I was doing anything special. I couldn't figure out what they were talking about. February 14th? That's the day the Tour of California starts. This person doesn't know anything about pro cycling so I was even more confused. Then they helped me along by reminding me about Valentine's Day. Um, who cares? The prologue is going to be raced for the ToC and that's much better.
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More predictions might come later, it depends. I can't wait to watch, or I guess read, the race.
Fabian Cancellara is going to win the prologue. He's just super amazing. He's also one of my favorite riders, so I'm a bit biased, but since he's like the greatest time trialist, I think he has a good chance. I also wouldn't be surprised if Lance won. He's awesome like that.
Although I don't like him, I think Levi Leipheimer is going to win the whole race. He's a boring rider and he's not cute so I'd rather have someone else win but.....it's his race. Leipheimer is from California so he especially wants to win this race and with his team, he'd almost have to throw it away.
George Hincapie is going to win the hardest stage. He excels at those type of stages.
More predictions might come later, it depends. I can't wait to watch, or I guess read, the race.Thursday, February 12, 2009
WHY I RUN (and why I am awesome among other things)
Old 5 mile PR: 38:50 on a rainy day in September with my fastest teammate (great weather conditions).
New 5 mile PR: 37:32 on a windy day in February by myself with 7mph winds.
In my own modest opinion, I totally rock. I beasted this run. I'm still finding myself doing victory dances when I think of it.
I'm not usually this excited when I PR, although this record was one of my fastest and one I was particularly proud of. So I guess I sort of knew that I'd be extra happy when it fell. But since it fell 3.5 days before track starts, it feels even more amazing. This feeling of great accomplishment is one of the best.
My run started out in not so prime conditions. I had decided to run a 5 mile route that went to another high school down the street, but I didn't know what the weather was going to be like so I had to guess (I was right on) and when I went outside, the wind almost knocked me over. It didn't get better because the first half of my route was straight into the wind. I had taken yesterday off so my legs should've felt rested, but when I was less than a mile into my run, my legs were heavy and weren't moving very fast (although it might've just seemed this way). I was struggling against the wind and a slight but long hill was coming up. I contemplated turning back but decided I'd look even stronger if I went on and I wanted to show off to all my classmates who drove by in their cars.
I went on and the wind lessened up a bit. Then I spotted two girls from the high school I was running to. When I spot other runners, especially those I want to impress, I become a vulture and chase them down. Not only would my school look good, but I would look good and they wouldn't (I become a nasty person when I run). I, of course, began speeding up the pace and was less than 5 feet away when.....they started walking. What kind of people start walking when they're about to be passed? I hate when people do this, just let yourself be passed or go faster.
About 100m later I saw another runner from the same school, which I was now in front of, and once he went by me I considered turning around and racing him just for the heck of it but decided that I needed to go the full distance. Plus he was a high school guy so I thought he might be to fast for me to race.
I went about 200m more and actually went the full distance of the route before turning around. I checked my time a few seconds later and it was.....19:35!?! Immediately I tried remembering my PR (I thought it was around 38:30) and knew I was on good pace to beat it. I had just run against this terrible wind yet I was racing right along. I knew I had a good chance of making it because not only would the wind be at my back, but after a long hill it would be downhill. On my way back, I went as fast as I thought I could keep up, because suddenly I really, really wanted that PR.
I sprinted up the hills but also concentrated on my form. At the large intersection which divides the road between the two schools in half, stood the high school guy. He was certainly surprised to see me. Luckily, the uncomfortable silence we stood in was soon over and across the street we went. Naturally, I started racing him. It was at this moment that I decided I wanted to beat this kid. I was feeling good and beating him would make me feel great. Plus he was a boy (males seem to get especially upset when they're passed by a girl) and he was from the other high school. He was also running at the exact pace I needed to run so whenever he sped up, I followed. If he slowed down, I kept going. I wanted to see the look on his face when I passed him. I did get to see parts of it as he kept looking back at me once he realized I was racing him. I was right behind him when he suddenly turned the corner. I could not believe it. We had only been racing for about 400m and he already quit. The road he was taking wasn't even a good option, it offered about 600m more and there were few sidewalks. This made me upset because I love beating guys and he wasn't going to give me the satisfaction (it was a good move on his part though).
I ran even harder once I was alone, half hoping my coach would drive by and see. Even at the faster pace I wasn't getting tired. I felt like I was flying, the noise of my feet pounding the pavement was the only indication I was on the ground. I felt amazing. At the large intersection, I wasn't sure if I was going fast enough to get the PR but with each step I could feel it slip into my grasp. When one of my classmates ran by, I barely noticed him because I was so focused. Because I was going to get my PR.
I sprinted up the parking lot to my school and stopped my watch. I wasn't sure what my old PR was so I knew I needed low 38's to get it. I looked and it was.....37:32. Immediately a huge smile graced my face and it stayed there as I slowly walked back and forth. I was extremely excited and had suddenly gotten a huge burst of energy. I was also filled with a rejuvinated love for running.
I had done it. I had beat myself and achieved a new PR. It was just an awesome feeling to know that the miles and miles of hard work I had put in over the winter were finally paying off. That I was ready for track to start and that even before the start of the season, my PR's were being replaced. Even though the weather was unfavorable and there was no one to push me except myself, I had done it. This PR is proof of the hard work and determination of those miserable long days spent in the snowy streets running. It is also proof that I can do so much more than I thought was possible.
And Happy 200th Birthday to Abraham Lincoln, who gave me a little extra power on this fabulous run. It was superb, kind of like he was.
New 5 mile PR: 37:32 on a windy day in February by myself with 7mph winds.
In my own modest opinion, I totally rock. I beasted this run. I'm still finding myself doing victory dances when I think of it.
I'm not usually this excited when I PR, although this record was one of my fastest and one I was particularly proud of. So I guess I sort of knew that I'd be extra happy when it fell. But since it fell 3.5 days before track starts, it feels even more amazing. This feeling of great accomplishment is one of the best.
My run started out in not so prime conditions. I had decided to run a 5 mile route that went to another high school down the street, but I didn't know what the weather was going to be like so I had to guess (I was right on) and when I went outside, the wind almost knocked me over. It didn't get better because the first half of my route was straight into the wind. I had taken yesterday off so my legs should've felt rested, but when I was less than a mile into my run, my legs were heavy and weren't moving very fast (although it might've just seemed this way). I was struggling against the wind and a slight but long hill was coming up. I contemplated turning back but decided I'd look even stronger if I went on and I wanted to show off to all my classmates who drove by in their cars.
I went on and the wind lessened up a bit. Then I spotted two girls from the high school I was running to. When I spot other runners, especially those I want to impress, I become a vulture and chase them down. Not only would my school look good, but I would look good and they wouldn't (I become a nasty person when I run). I, of course, began speeding up the pace and was less than 5 feet away when.....they started walking. What kind of people start walking when they're about to be passed? I hate when people do this, just let yourself be passed or go faster.
About 100m later I saw another runner from the same school, which I was now in front of, and once he went by me I considered turning around and racing him just for the heck of it but decided that I needed to go the full distance. Plus he was a high school guy so I thought he might be to fast for me to race.
I went about 200m more and actually went the full distance of the route before turning around. I checked my time a few seconds later and it was.....19:35!?! Immediately I tried remembering my PR (I thought it was around 38:30) and knew I was on good pace to beat it. I had just run against this terrible wind yet I was racing right along. I knew I had a good chance of making it because not only would the wind be at my back, but after a long hill it would be downhill. On my way back, I went as fast as I thought I could keep up, because suddenly I really, really wanted that PR.
I sprinted up the hills but also concentrated on my form. At the large intersection which divides the road between the two schools in half, stood the high school guy. He was certainly surprised to see me. Luckily, the uncomfortable silence we stood in was soon over and across the street we went. Naturally, I started racing him. It was at this moment that I decided I wanted to beat this kid. I was feeling good and beating him would make me feel great. Plus he was a boy (males seem to get especially upset when they're passed by a girl) and he was from the other high school. He was also running at the exact pace I needed to run so whenever he sped up, I followed. If he slowed down, I kept going. I wanted to see the look on his face when I passed him. I did get to see parts of it as he kept looking back at me once he realized I was racing him. I was right behind him when he suddenly turned the corner. I could not believe it. We had only been racing for about 400m and he already quit. The road he was taking wasn't even a good option, it offered about 600m more and there were few sidewalks. This made me upset because I love beating guys and he wasn't going to give me the satisfaction (it was a good move on his part though).
I ran even harder once I was alone, half hoping my coach would drive by and see. Even at the faster pace I wasn't getting tired. I felt like I was flying, the noise of my feet pounding the pavement was the only indication I was on the ground. I felt amazing. At the large intersection, I wasn't sure if I was going fast enough to get the PR but with each step I could feel it slip into my grasp. When one of my classmates ran by, I barely noticed him because I was so focused. Because I was going to get my PR.
I sprinted up the parking lot to my school and stopped my watch. I wasn't sure what my old PR was so I knew I needed low 38's to get it. I looked and it was.....37:32. Immediately a huge smile graced my face and it stayed there as I slowly walked back and forth. I was extremely excited and had suddenly gotten a huge burst of energy. I was also filled with a rejuvinated love for running.
I had done it. I had beat myself and achieved a new PR. It was just an awesome feeling to know that the miles and miles of hard work I had put in over the winter were finally paying off. That I was ready for track to start and that even before the start of the season, my PR's were being replaced. Even though the weather was unfavorable and there was no one to push me except myself, I had done it. This PR is proof of the hard work and determination of those miserable long days spent in the snowy streets running. It is also proof that I can do so much more than I thought was possible.
And Happy 200th Birthday to Abraham Lincoln, who gave me a little extra power on this fabulous run. It was superb, kind of like he was.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
SIMPLY WONDERFUL
It was an amazingly beautiful day today. And I'd say this even if it wasn't February. Or in Iowa.
It must've been around 60 degrees and it felt just like spring. Of course that meant I spent most of the day looking longingly out the windows. When I finally got outside, birds were singing, the sky was blue, and I didn't feel cold in my shorts. Simply wonderful.
I ran 5 miles after school with one of my friends on the team. She's pretty fast but she didn't train over the winter so now my easy runs feel fast to her (which secretly makes me feel awesome). I had to go a bit slower than I usually do but I was happy to run with someone else. I did feel like running extra fast so it was kind of a letdown and I even thought about running a couple more miles after we were done, but decided against it because I don't want to overdo it the week before track. We stretched outside after our run and I later played volleyball with my dad though, so I still could enjoy this fabulous weather. If it would have been less windy I might've even done my homework outside.
The temperatures have certainly had an effect on my training. Our run was at a 8:36 pace and felt slow to me, but I've been having trouble getting under a 9:00 pace when it's 30 degrees or less. I wasn't sure if this was because I was out of shape or the weather. The miles seem to be paying off although I'll have to wait for track to start to see the full result. My run really boosted my confidence though and I can't wait for track to start so I can really see how fast I am.
It must've been around 60 degrees and it felt just like spring. Of course that meant I spent most of the day looking longingly out the windows. When I finally got outside, birds were singing, the sky was blue, and I didn't feel cold in my shorts. Simply wonderful.
I ran 5 miles after school with one of my friends on the team. She's pretty fast but she didn't train over the winter so now my easy runs feel fast to her (which secretly makes me feel awesome). I had to go a bit slower than I usually do but I was happy to run with someone else. I did feel like running extra fast so it was kind of a letdown and I even thought about running a couple more miles after we were done, but decided against it because I don't want to overdo it the week before track. We stretched outside after our run and I later played volleyball with my dad though, so I still could enjoy this fabulous weather. If it would have been less windy I might've even done my homework outside.
The temperatures have certainly had an effect on my training. Our run was at a 8:36 pace and felt slow to me, but I've been having trouble getting under a 9:00 pace when it's 30 degrees or less. I wasn't sure if this was because I was out of shape or the weather. The miles seem to be paying off although I'll have to wait for track to start to see the full result. My run really boosted my confidence though and I can't wait for track to start so I can really see how fast I am.
Monday, February 9, 2009
GOALS
The warm weather we've been having (I've been wearing shorts in February) has made me more focused on my running. Running in all this crazy weather helped me finish a goals project for my psychology class. One of my goals had to do with running and although I went a bit over the top, I thought it was pretty good so I'd like to share it.
My Personal Goal
Sometimes I run because of a track. It’s a blue track, one where athletes from all over the world run at in April and where Iowa’s best runners compete at in May, but nevertheless it’s still a track. But through the winter, running through cold, snow, wind, and ice, the idea of running on the track at Drake University in Des Moines keeps me going. I’ll run an extra mile, do another lap, or run up that hill again for the chance to run a few laps around Drake’s track. Because I know it will be worth it.
I know this because I have run there before. When I was in the area during September 2007, I ran a 1500 by myself. While running those laps in the empty stadium with my feet slapping against the blue, I wanted to run there again. I wanted to race there with the stands full of people and other girls beside me. I thought this was a long off dream, maybe something I could accomplish my senior year. Or that maybe it would just remain a dream, something I would always wish I had achieved.
Yet eight months later I was there. I was realizing my dream. I had qualified for the state track meet with my 4x800 team, which we discovered after an agonizing wait. My race was on the first day of the meet, so I first had to take my A.P. World test. When driving to Des Moines, I prepared myself for this monumental event. The circumstances surrounding my race weren’t the best because not only was I incredibly nervous, but I had lost most of my voice, had a bad cough, and was aware of the warm weather. But when I arrived, having not even yet run, but only looked at that beautiful blue track and the crowds of people in the stands, I knew I had made it. As I ran my leg of the 4x800, I looked at the people, heard the cheers, glanced at the famous track, and realized how many great runners had taken these very same steps before me. I had made my dream come true in about two and a half minutes. And now I want to do it again.
In May of 2009, I want to be running around that oval again. I want to be running faster, be better prepared, and healthier than I was in that memorable race. I want to run at Drake in the state meet. Of course, by saying this, it won’t automatically come true. I have to depend on my teammates to do their best and help me get there. If I don’t qualify for an individual race, than it will be my teammates who assist me in attaining my goal. Not only will I have to encourage myself, I have to encourage them. We will have to work together in practice and meets to be able to run at the best meet of all.
Runners, specifically female runners, acquire the most injuries of any sport. They can happen by running too much, not enough, or even the right amount. When training by myself, I have to learn how to stop before doing too much so I am in the right shape in May. Running all the time isn’t good for my body so I will need to take breaks, no matter how many miles I have run. I’ll have to depend on my coach during the season to make sure his workouts don’t give me injuries. I have to take some responsibility also, by communicating to my coach about my running. I am still the one who needs to listen to my body and take breaks however.
Having said this, the only thing that can really stop me from getting to the state track meet is me. I am voice inside myself that makes excuses and takes unnecessary breaks. But I am also that same voice that has the ability to make me run miles after miles no matter what the weather or how I feel. I am the one who will receive the rewards so I am the one who has to work to obtain them.
To make it to the state meet, I’ve had to start training much earlier. I started running in November for the races in May. None of this has been easy. Because of the lack of daylight, I have to run right after school, which means I have to be home right after school. If I miss a run, then I have to trade in my rest day to make sure I get enough miles in. I don’t always get enough miles in, so I am not allowing for my training to be at the highest level. This might hurt my performance when I need to do my best. I also have to fit my homework in somehow so that leaves less time for friends or fun things.
Most of my time is taken up with hard work and it makes me feel like I’m constantly in training. In order for my training to be at the highest level, this is necessary. For example, lunch has to consist of healthy and filling meals so I don’t get hungry or sick during my run. That means no pizza, hot dogs, chips, or fries, while eating more of fruits and vegetables. I have had to widen my eating palate and as a result, the food I have given up no longer seems as appetizing.
This goal is very important in my running right now. Running at Drake is symbolic of the fact that you are good at running. That you have made it, you have achieved what thousands of others have wanted to do. It acknowledges that you have sacrificed so much in order to be at this spot and are willing to do it everyday with no recognition. Running on that breathtaking blue track was one of the most amazing events in my life. Just thinking of it, knowing that I have run at Drake Stadium where Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Jesse Owens, Alan Webb, and many other great runners have also run, it gives you the greatest feeling. One that I am willing to work at to feel again.
My Personal Goal
Sometimes I run because of a track. It’s a blue track, one where athletes from all over the world run at in April and where Iowa’s best runners compete at in May, but nevertheless it’s still a track. But through the winter, running through cold, snow, wind, and ice, the idea of running on the track at Drake University in Des Moines keeps me going. I’ll run an extra mile, do another lap, or run up that hill again for the chance to run a few laps around Drake’s track. Because I know it will be worth it.
I know this because I have run there before. When I was in the area during September 2007, I ran a 1500 by myself. While running those laps in the empty stadium with my feet slapping against the blue, I wanted to run there again. I wanted to race there with the stands full of people and other girls beside me. I thought this was a long off dream, maybe something I could accomplish my senior year. Or that maybe it would just remain a dream, something I would always wish I had achieved.
Yet eight months later I was there. I was realizing my dream. I had qualified for the state track meet with my 4x800 team, which we discovered after an agonizing wait. My race was on the first day of the meet, so I first had to take my A.P. World test. When driving to Des Moines, I prepared myself for this monumental event. The circumstances surrounding my race weren’t the best because not only was I incredibly nervous, but I had lost most of my voice, had a bad cough, and was aware of the warm weather. But when I arrived, having not even yet run, but only looked at that beautiful blue track and the crowds of people in the stands, I knew I had made it. As I ran my leg of the 4x800, I looked at the people, heard the cheers, glanced at the famous track, and realized how many great runners had taken these very same steps before me. I had made my dream come true in about two and a half minutes. And now I want to do it again.
In May of 2009, I want to be running around that oval again. I want to be running faster, be better prepared, and healthier than I was in that memorable race. I want to run at Drake in the state meet. Of course, by saying this, it won’t automatically come true. I have to depend on my teammates to do their best and help me get there. If I don’t qualify for an individual race, than it will be my teammates who assist me in attaining my goal. Not only will I have to encourage myself, I have to encourage them. We will have to work together in practice and meets to be able to run at the best meet of all.
Runners, specifically female runners, acquire the most injuries of any sport. They can happen by running too much, not enough, or even the right amount. When training by myself, I have to learn how to stop before doing too much so I am in the right shape in May. Running all the time isn’t good for my body so I will need to take breaks, no matter how many miles I have run. I’ll have to depend on my coach during the season to make sure his workouts don’t give me injuries. I have to take some responsibility also, by communicating to my coach about my running. I am still the one who needs to listen to my body and take breaks however.
Having said this, the only thing that can really stop me from getting to the state track meet is me. I am voice inside myself that makes excuses and takes unnecessary breaks. But I am also that same voice that has the ability to make me run miles after miles no matter what the weather or how I feel. I am the one who will receive the rewards so I am the one who has to work to obtain them.
To make it to the state meet, I’ve had to start training much earlier. I started running in November for the races in May. None of this has been easy. Because of the lack of daylight, I have to run right after school, which means I have to be home right after school. If I miss a run, then I have to trade in my rest day to make sure I get enough miles in. I don’t always get enough miles in, so I am not allowing for my training to be at the highest level. This might hurt my performance when I need to do my best. I also have to fit my homework in somehow so that leaves less time for friends or fun things.
Most of my time is taken up with hard work and it makes me feel like I’m constantly in training. In order for my training to be at the highest level, this is necessary. For example, lunch has to consist of healthy and filling meals so I don’t get hungry or sick during my run. That means no pizza, hot dogs, chips, or fries, while eating more of fruits and vegetables. I have had to widen my eating palate and as a result, the food I have given up no longer seems as appetizing.
This goal is very important in my running right now. Running at Drake is symbolic of the fact that you are good at running. That you have made it, you have achieved what thousands of others have wanted to do. It acknowledges that you have sacrificed so much in order to be at this spot and are willing to do it everyday with no recognition. Running on that breathtaking blue track was one of the most amazing events in my life. Just thinking of it, knowing that I have run at Drake Stadium where Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Jesse Owens, Alan Webb, and many other great runners have also run, it gives you the greatest feeling. One that I am willing to work at to feel again.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
RUNNING UPDATE
A running update for the week so far.
I took Monday and Tuesday off and my quad felt like it was gradually getting better. It still hurt a bit when walking up stairs or any kind of incline, but I was worried I'd take too much time off and not ready to start track on February 16. I always worry about this even though I have been told over and over again that I should make sure my leg is better before starting to run again. On Wednesday it didn't hurt at all so I went ahead and ran a little more than my planned 4 miles.
I actually didn't feel like running, another reason I don't like to take too many days off, so I was intently looking for the slightest pain. I was kind of sore when I started out but that's because I took two days off. There wasn't enough pain throughout the run to find an excuse to stop, so I ended up running 6.5 miles. Yet there was still pain. Not where it has been hurting so that was good. But now the front of my right quad down to my knee hurts. The left side of my left leg was also kind of sore, but that might be from taking a break. My right leg is hurting right now though, so this might be a different kind of soreness. It almost feels like my knee can't support me, so I end up limping on the wrong side. I'm still deciding whether or not to run today but it depends on how my leg feels later in the day. I don't want to take another day off but I might have to.
Since the beginning of my run was spent making sure I wasn't hurt, I needed something else to keep my mind occupied when I did the extra miles. I ended up doing repeats along a flat stretch of sidewalk. A sidewalk that is now mostly cleared off because one of the houses with an icy sidewalk, has dumped about a foot of sand on it. This may be because they were reported to the city by a certain runner, but they could have cleared it off over two weeks earlier.
One thing I noticed while running along the road was that there was trash everywhere. Most of it was just sheets of newspaper or magazine ads but there were also two plastic bags. This was probably because it was garbage day and windy out but it made the street look like a dump. So I helped save the world by picking up some of the trash. I picked up the paper as I ran and dumped it in the recycle bin of some random person. I'm sure they were wondering why there was still trash in there, but they'd probably thank me for helping the environment once they found out what I was doing. Or they would give me a weird look like everyone else was doing. Not only did I save the environment, I also picked up a garbage bin that was in the middle of my street so someone wouldn't hit it. As a runner I felt it was my duty to do these little things. Plus, it made me feel guilty as I ran by but that is more of a minor factor.
I took Monday and Tuesday off and my quad felt like it was gradually getting better. It still hurt a bit when walking up stairs or any kind of incline, but I was worried I'd take too much time off and not ready to start track on February 16. I always worry about this even though I have been told over and over again that I should make sure my leg is better before starting to run again. On Wednesday it didn't hurt at all so I went ahead and ran a little more than my planned 4 miles.
I actually didn't feel like running, another reason I don't like to take too many days off, so I was intently looking for the slightest pain. I was kind of sore when I started out but that's because I took two days off. There wasn't enough pain throughout the run to find an excuse to stop, so I ended up running 6.5 miles. Yet there was still pain. Not where it has been hurting so that was good. But now the front of my right quad down to my knee hurts. The left side of my left leg was also kind of sore, but that might be from taking a break. My right leg is hurting right now though, so this might be a different kind of soreness. It almost feels like my knee can't support me, so I end up limping on the wrong side. I'm still deciding whether or not to run today but it depends on how my leg feels later in the day. I don't want to take another day off but I might have to.
Since the beginning of my run was spent making sure I wasn't hurt, I needed something else to keep my mind occupied when I did the extra miles. I ended up doing repeats along a flat stretch of sidewalk. A sidewalk that is now mostly cleared off because one of the houses with an icy sidewalk, has dumped about a foot of sand on it. This may be because they were reported to the city by a certain runner, but they could have cleared it off over two weeks earlier.
One thing I noticed while running along the road was that there was trash everywhere. Most of it was just sheets of newspaper or magazine ads but there were also two plastic bags. This was probably because it was garbage day and windy out but it made the street look like a dump. So I helped save the world by picking up some of the trash. I picked up the paper as I ran and dumped it in the recycle bin of some random person. I'm sure they were wondering why there was still trash in there, but they'd probably thank me for helping the environment once they found out what I was doing. Or they would give me a weird look like everyone else was doing. Not only did I save the environment, I also picked up a garbage bin that was in the middle of my street so someone wouldn't hit it. As a runner I felt it was my duty to do these little things. Plus, it made me feel guilty as I ran by but that is more of a minor factor.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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Sunday, February 1, 2009
ACHES
I finished up my 33.7 mile week with a short 2.8 mile run this morning. I saw another runner which was pretty unusual so I raced them for awhile. My run was nice because it was still a little warm out at 31 degrees but.....my leg hurts. Not my whole leg, just my thigh or my quad as it should be called. It's been bugging me for a few days but now it's a steady ache. This has happened to me before and strangely enough the only time it's hurt since then is when it rains heavily. It's kind of hard to describe, but it's like an internal ache or a dull pain deep in the center of my leg. It doesn't really hurt, it just aches. No matter how much research I do, I can't seem to figure out what it is. It doesn't seem to be getting better but I need it to. It's frustrating because it's not enough to take a day off but it's enough to make runs miserable. It's bothering me though and it won't stop aching.
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