Final Words...
THANK YOU!!!



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Fundraising Goal: $3,000
Total Raised To Date: $2,800
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* Donations will still be accepted through end of February 2006*
Thank you for all of your generous donations and wonderful support!
I could not have done it without you!
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Half Marathon Results
Gun time: 2:57:41
Chip time: 2:53:07
Overall: 4540/7768
Sex: 2085/2686
Division/Age Bracket: 362/440
10K: 1:18:56
Final: 2:53:07
Pace: 13:12
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Thurs, Feb 2
My Run - The Play By Play...
I dunno where to start or what to share...there's so much...It was an awesome experience...just awesome!Run day I woke up around 3AM. Roomie and I got dressed and had breakfast. We made our way down to the lobby/shuttle buses around 4AM.I got one last pep talk with my coach who just told us to have fun and not to worry about anything. She said to listen to our bodies as we run and just get out there and do it. At this point I tell myself I can't do anything about anything anyway and all I can do is go run. So there's no point in worrying or fretting.The buses dropped us off at the starting point about an hour and a half early. A lot of that time was just spent walking around and catching up with everyone I hadn't seen the day before. It was great to run into the gals from my pace group and to see many other familiar faces. As other runners started to show up, I could feel the anxiety increasing. The place was swarming with people. I was just amazed at the sight!5:30AM I made my final bathroom stop before the run began. They had the American Airlines Arena open for the runners, so I checked it out. It's a really cool building.5:45AM I make my way down to the corral for the bib number I have. I'm right at the front of my running corral, but still quite a distance behind the rest of the pack of runners, and I can feel my heart racing. I look around but can't find the girls in my pace group. I figure at some point I'll see them during the run. I'm not sure what to expect. There's so much excitement and anxiety in the air.6AM the gun goes off. There are so many people that I shuffle along for some time. It seems like *forever* until I get to the actual starting line. But I get there, and as soon as my leg crosses the start line, I begin running.Within the first mile I think, crap. I gotta pee. This sucks. What am I gonna do?? Already there are men who are peeing in the bushes. I curse being a woman. I curse my bladder. But I tell myself I'll be 'sweating it out'. No biggie. It's not so bad.The first mile or so it takes everything in me to stick to my training method of alternating between 2 minutes running: 2 minutes walking. There are so many people passing me by and I've got tons of energy, but I remind myself that I'll be glad I stuck to this method when mile 10+ come along. I'm focusing on endurance - not time. But still...a part of me is freaking out as I see all these people pass me up. I'm thinking I'll be last to cross the finish line for sure.I see the first set of port-a-potties but there are long lines. Daggit. Do I wait in line too? Or risk it and keep going? I have no idea when the next set will be around. Screw it, I tell myself. I'm not gonna stop now.I keep going and soon there's a water stop. No gatorade. Sucky. I grab water and keep on.I keep running and haven't seen any mile markers. How far along am I?? I have no idea. I hear someone in the crowd say they think it's mile 3, but I don't believe them. It doesn't seem like I've gone that far. So I keep running.The first causeway we pass (bridge) is awesome. It's still dark and the sun hasn't risen. The cruiseships are docked and all lit up. It's gorgeous on the dark water. I take a deep breath and still can't believe I'm in Miami doing this.A second set of port-a-potties...daggit...long lines again. I check in with my bladder. I would like to go, but the momentum is good. So I keep running.Somewhere along the way the sun rises. I don't remember when or where, except that it's getting brighter.I'm feeling kind of tired, but it still doesn't seem like I've gone that far. Just to be safe I decide to eat some GU. Gross stuff, but I figure it's better to eat GU while feeling so-so than feeling totally depleted and then waiting for it to kick in. Dunno if that strategy was right, but it's what I'm going with at this point.A 3rd set of port-a-potties. Lines are short. This looks like a much better place to stop. I'm strategic and go stand behind a line of men. They are SO much faster than women. Even faster than the shortest line of women. Good move on my part! I'm in the port-a-potty in no time! It feels weird to sit down for a few minutes. My head is throbbing. Uh-oh. What's going on? Dizzy? I shake it off. I'm ok. Doing good. I grab water at the stop and keep on going.Still no mile marker. Where the heck am I??I keep on going and there it is. A big orange 6! I've completed 5 miles!!! And the time is 00:54:xx!!! I can't believe it!! I've been running for nearly an hour! It doesn't feel like it at all! About 11 minute miles at this point. I'm in shock at how well I am doing, but also concerned that I'm pushing myself and will be too exhausted later in the run. So I slow down a bit even though I feel ok.I'm thinking 'wow'!! I can't believe I'm almost halfway done and it's amazing how good I'm feeling. Tired, yes, but still going strong. I'm thinking, 'not bad'. Doing good! :-)I turn a corner and uh-oh...what's this? A twitch in my left thigh. What's going on? I'm worried. This has never happened during training, and I definitely didn't expect any sores to happen this early. Maybe at mile 8, but mile 6? This can't be good. The only pains I ever got in training were my knees, but both of them are doing fine. What's going on?? Don't think about it, I tell myself. Don't focus on the pain.At this moment I hear everyone's advice and good wishes run through my head: W's 'whatever you do, don't stop'; B's 'good luck!!!!!!!!!!'; SM's 'go go go go'; and other voices from wonderful friends and family. :-)I keep on going. For the next 4 or 5 2:2 minute intervals I walk a bit more than run. I don't want to risk any major injuries and just to be here is enough. Who am I competing against anyway and why? I'm here just to do it. To complete it for myself. That's enough for me. Don't overstrain. I'm doing good.Pep talk to myself is over. Twitch seems to be gone. Ok. I'm doing ok. I keep going and resume my 2:2 run/walk ratio.A couple of more bridges. I walk the inclines to save my energy, so that slows my time down. I take a moment to look out over the water. Miami skyline is gorgeous! 'Take it all in', I tell myself. This is a moment in your life you won't forget. I look around some more. This area looks familiar...hey...MF and I drove around here. It's near my hotel. This is where we got lost looking for the grocery store. Wow. Cool. This IS far. I've run a lot! A fair distance! Wow.I keep on going. I'm starting to feel pretty tired. I grab GU again. Where the heck is the next mile marker? I have no idea where I'm at. I see my coach! She gives me a high five and tells me how great I'm doing. What a boost! Seeing familiar faces along the way does wonders to a person's mental state. Thanks, Coach C!! :-)Still no mile marker. Where the heck am I??I go through a neighborhood and soon I'm entering a toll bridge of some sort. And there it is!A big orange 10! I've completed 9 miles!! Time is 1:54!! About a 13 minute mile at this point. Wow. I can't believe I'm almost done!!Mile 10 begins with us running through a toll plaza. I chuckle. Sign says $1.00 for pedestrians. Am I gonna have to pay the toll? Ha ha...I keep on going. Feeling pretty tired. I'm walking more. At this point we're entering the slums of Miami. Even the homeless are cheering us on! That's cool! And amusing. :-) I wish I could go back and thank the man on the corner. He was awesome!The twitches. I feel it in my right calf. What's going on? Coach said maybe over hydration. Ok. Feeling thirsty, but won't drink for a bit. I remind myself to listen to my body, so I walk a bit more.Feeling ok again...but very tired. I grab GU again and gatorade at the next water stop. I see this older woman in front me. She seems to be struggling. Dunno why, but I ran up along side her and a said, 'You're doing good. Almost finished'. She gives me this huge smile. I ask if she's doing ok and if she's feeling any pains. She says she's ok and not hurting anywhere. That's good. I ask if she wants me to run with her for a while and she says yes. So I tell her we'll take it easy. I explain to her my 2:2 run ratio, and we keep on going.It turns out Ines is from Peru. She's 49 and also running her first half marathon. Her english is very limited and she has no family in Miami at all. She's got no one there to cheer her on. I told her none of my family was there either so we'll just have to help each other out. My 4 years of spanish were slowly coming back to me, and it was great to know we could communicate the basic way we did.We pass mile marker 12. Wow! 11 miles done! Only 2 more to go. There's no clock with this marker and I didn't dare look at my watch. I tell Ines *only* two more miles! We're almost done! Her demeanor changes. I can tell she can't believe it either.We continue on. We're both feeling tired. I feel more twitches. Yikes.The next 1.5 miles are a blur. Ines and I chat about our jobs. Our families. Our training. We talk about SF, Miami, and other things.With about 0.5 miles to go, we turn a corner and see the finish line. From that point on, the two of us just sprinted to the finish line.I can't believe I did it. I was so excited to finish that I didn't even look at the clock or know my time. Who cares! I finished! And I wasn't last! Ha ha...it's funny the kinds of things that go through your mind through all of this. :-)I wasn't expecting it, but once we crossed the finish line, Ines gives me the biggest hug and tells me, 'I love you'over and over. :-) I can tell she's overwhelmed and since her english is limited I know those are the only words she knows that can express her relief and gratitude for finishing the run. It's funny and touching at the same time. I know we're bonded for life :-)It was an amazing feeling to have that medal put around my neck, to walk through the finish area and to know that I did it.Yay me! :-)
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Sat, Jan 21
I had a moment in the gym on Friday. I went to workout as usual and then it hit me. It REALLY hit me. In one week I'll be in Miami, and in 9 days I'll be running the event! I was so in awe and disbelief of the entire experience and how far I've come since this entire process began. Everything I've sacrificed and the lifestyle changes I've made since commiting myself to this will culminate in this final event. How awesome is that?
This last week I confirmed my flight itinerary, confirmed the hotel accomodations, checked in with my friends in Florida, purchased the essentials for run day, and confirmed the time off with my work.
Tomorrow I am going to complete my 7 mile recovery run, and complete 2 maintenance runs at the gym (Tues and Weds). Thurs I fly out to Florida, and from there it's just some r&r and pre-race festivities. I am SOOO excited!!
And, I am extremely grateful for everyone's support and generosity during this entire experience. A lot of you have seen a lot of my struggles and my triumphs during this experience, and I certainly couldn't have done it without you all.
Next week I'm just going to relish in the moments leading up to the big day. :-) My next post will probably be after the event, so wish me luck!!
Thanks again.
Love ya!
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Sun, Jan15
I'm still on a high after Thursday's 14-mile run. :-) I was sore for a couple of days after it, but it was a great feeling! I still can't believe I've accomplished so much in such a short amount of time!
Today I missed the run at Berkeley due to a mishap with the alarm clock. Our long run this week is 8 miles. I have tomorrow off (MLK Day), so I can make it up then. I might run at Coyote Hills along the bay, or maybe the marina in San Leandro. I'm not sure yet. We'll see how I feel in the morning.
I can't believe Miami is less than 2 weeks away! I am still just in awe of everything so far. My itinerary is set and official. I've RSVP'd for the pre-run pasta party, and just yesterday I received my official runner's singlet (coolmax jersey with official SF Aids Marathon logo on it). This is way cool!! This week I'll be asking my manager for the time off, and then it's just a matter of keeping up with the maintenance runs until the big day!! Yay!!
Thanks for everyone's wonderful support. Donations are still coming in and I'm so, so, SO grateful for your help, emotional and financial support, and your generosity!
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Thurs, Jan 12
I did it!! 14 Miles! Yay!!!
I missed Sat's run in Golden Gate Park, so I made up the 14 miles on my own today. I took the morning off from work and went up to Sawyer Camp Trail up north on highway 280. Gotta love a flexible work environment!!
The first 10-11 miles was no problem, but then the aches started. The aches are expected since I tend to get those once I past mile 7 or 8. But then I started to get some 'twitches' in my calf muscles, which I've never experienced before. I took it very, very easy the last few miles and basically just power walked to the end. I might have pushed myself under normal circumstances if I was running with the team because we usually have doctors or coaches around to help diagnose the situation, but since I was running on my own, I opted to be very conservative. When I got back I talked to a few other people about it and it turns out that the sensations I was feeling was probably the onset of cramps. Yikes!
I sent an email to my coach about my run and what I experienced, so I hope they will give me some tips on how to prevent this or something worse from happening on the big day. I'd sure hate for something to happen and then not be able to finish it when I get to Miami.
I got my official itinerary in the mail yesterday, which made it all SO real!!
It's TWO weeks away!! Yay! I'm looking forward to it! :-)
I took some pics today, too, so I hope to get that up on the url, or at the very least sent out to you all.
Love ya. And thanks so much for the support and good wishes! :-)
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Tues, Jan 3
Happy New Year!!
I came back from warm, sunny skies in Arizona to clouds, rain, and cold in bay area. *sigh*
I caught something while I was home for the holidays. It's bound to happen with all the kids in the house. I had a fever, aches and chills for 3 days, and when the fever finally went away, I was left with a nasal/throat/cough thing. I'm at the tailend of my illness, whatever it was, but I just can't shake it quite yet.
Yesterday I went to the gym for my maintenance run. I did 2 miles on the treadmill, then some weights and ab work. I was quite tired and could tell I physically wasn't 100% yet, but it felt good to see how my body was still in good shape despite the week off I had to recuperate from the illness.
I'm excited about this week's run. 14 miles!! And we'll be running through Golden Gate Park. How cool is that???
Alrighty ya'all. Have fun. Be safe! Post more later this week. :-)
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Tues, Dec 27
Still on vacation. Went for a quick run today with my brother-in-law. It was nice to get out of the house for a bit of exercise. The AZ weather was great to run in.
I think I'm coming down with something, 'tho. The head felt a bit heavy and the throat was dry when I was exercising. I don't think due to the dry weather, but probably due to an oncoming illness. Ugh.
Will be back in the bay area in a few days.
Next run on Jan 7 = 14 miles!!!
I wish you all a great new year!
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Wed, Dec 14
This past Sunday was a 5-mile recovery run. I skipped the run with the group because I had friends in town. I made up the 5 miles on Monday on my own at the gym. I really pushed myself in this last workout: 30 minutes on the treadmill, 50 pull-ups, 300+ crunches (I stopped counting at 320); 100 leg presses, some back exercises, and some dumbell work. I ended with 5 more minutes on the treadmill at a full-on running pace. I'm still a bit sore, but it's mildly amusing. I've really come a very long way since I started training back in September. :-) It never ceases to amaze me at all I've accomplished.
Anyway, now with the holidays coming up it's been tough fitting in gym time between holiday dinners and parties, but I'm still sticking to 2-3 days in the gym.
I saw a sports specialist last Monday who diagnosed me with Chondromalacia Patella, or CMP. There's nothing serious about it - just normal wear and tear on the knee as you get older, and given the serious running I've been doing, this is a very common situation. As long as the soreness goes away after a day or two, there's nothing to worry about. He gave me some physical therapy exercises to help strengthen and stretch one of the muscles that runs along the backside of the leg (can't remember the name?).
This week I also firmed up plans for my Miami trip. The official entry form has been submitted, my plane tickets have been secured, and the hotel is booked! I can't believe it's less than 2 months away! Yay!! :-)
My friend in Florida will be joining me for the pre-run pasta party that is being held at the convention center, so I'm looking forward to hanging out and enjoying my time out there.
This coming Sunday we're running 12 miles!!
It's crazy, but I'm having a great time!
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Sun, Dec 4
Easy, Breezy, 10 Miles SO Easy!!
Today I got up at 5:45AM to make it to Bezerkeley at 7AM for our 10 mile run. It was SO cold and dark outside. I was very tempted to sleep in, especially since I haven't had much down time since I got back from vacation on Weds. But, I dragged myself out of bed and made it down there. It was so darn cold!
I did my 10 miles in 2 hours! How cool is that? I barely broke a sweat, too! :-) No chafing on the foot, probably due to new socks I used. The knee hurt slightly, but it wasn't as bad as the previous weeks. I think the break I took from running during my vacation helped a lot. You'll be glad to know that I have an appt with a knee specialist tomorrow, just to make sure it's all is well with the training.
Next weekend I'll probably head down to Sports Basement again to get a new pair of shoes, some body glide, and maybe some running pants. It's tough deciding what clothes to get, 'cuz as your body warms up during your run, it gets to be a pain trying to carry all the layers with you as you run.
I'm in the process of securing travel and accommodations with the running group. I'm trying to coordinate with my friends in Florida and maybe take 1 or 2 vacation days to hang out while I'm there.
Anyway...all is well with the training. Next week is an easy 5 mile recovery run, so I might skip that and give the knee (and myself) some rest.
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Sun, Nov 20
I just got back from my 9 mile run. We did some serious hills today, so that was quite challenging! Overall, it was actually VERY easy. :-) We ran it in 2:02. Our time is slowing down a bit, mainly due to folks in our pace group starting to develop aches and pains.
Some serious chafing was going on with my foot toward mile 8 today. I see the start of a blister, so a trip to REI for some 'second skin' will happen today. I leave for a 10 day trip to DC, NYC and Italy tomorrow so I think the blister kit and 10 days vacation will be good for the foot to heal, although the effect of all the walking we'll be doing is questionable at this time. I'll probably pick up some Body Glide to help with those areas too.
My left knee got sore again around mile 6, but not as bad as last week. Yeah, I know. I *still* haven't gotten the knee checked out. Sorry y'all, but thanks for all the concern. I do plan to see my doctor when I get back from my trip. I will definitely get it checked out before we do our 14 mile run in a few weeks.
I also received the invite for the pre-run pasta party the night prior to our run in Miami. Any of y'all who plan to join me, let me know! I need to RSVP by January 13th. $20 for adults, $10 for kids under the age of 12. If you want details, drop me an email by clicking on the email runner link (upper lefthand corner).
Next week: 5 mile recovery run. To be run...in Pisa?
Arrivederci! A presto! :-)
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Thurs, Nov 17
This entry is for my dear, dear, DEAR friend, SA. I saw that you donated twice. I'm SO close to my fundraising goal. You're the best! See you soon! *Hugs, hugs, and more hugs*!!!
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Tues, Nov 15
Yesterday I made up the 4 mile 'recovery run' at the gym by myself. Running a long distance on your own on a treadmill is quite excrutiating on the mental realm. I normally dread a 20 minute run at the gym (on a trail by the bay is no problem), but 4 miles at my marathon pace was quite mentally challenging. The first 20 minutes or so flew by because a friend of mine was also at the gym so we chatted for the first half of my run. The second half of my run just seemed to take *forever*. After a long and busy work day, I had to 'just do it' in every Nike sense of the phrase when it came to going to the gym, but you'll be glad that I'm to know I'm still committed and sticking to the training schedule.
9 miles next week!! Bring it on!!
On another note, regarding fundraising I sent out a mass mailing to folks at work and I am touched by everyone's generosity. I don't even know some of the folks who are donating. All the information I get are names and donation amounts, so I can't even send an email thank-you because of that.
I hope those of you who have donated are reading this because this the only way I can extend a heartfelt and sincere 'THANK YOU' for contributing to a worthwhile cause.
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Sat, Nov 12
A happy belated Veteran's Day thank you to all my friends and relatives who have served our country! You all make me proud! :-)
This week has been crazy with a new project at work and various after work commits, so I've only managed to do one maintenance run at the gym instead of the usual 2-3. Sunday we're running a 'recovery run' of 4 miles. The 4 mile run should be fairly easy, so I plan to skip the Sunday 7am run at Bezerkeley and run the 4 miles on my own, probably at Coyote Hills where I can enjoy a different view of the bay. Did I mention how much I love the bay area?? Anyway, I certainly welcome a Saturday that doesn't require an early bedtime and a Sunday where I can sleep in for a change.
I never did get a chance to have my knee checked out this week. I hope to make it to next week's sports injury clinic. It's fine now, but I will do my best to make an appointment with the onsite sports physician at my office next week. Thanks to all of you who expressed concern!
My donation deadline has also been extended to December 31st. Since I solicited the minium of $1,000, I was granted a reprieve on raising the balance of $2,000. Thanks to you early bird donators! That sure helped a lot!! :-)
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Fri, Nov 7
My vacation turned out well, but I only managed to get in one 20 minute run during the week. I think I just really needed a breather from all of my activities at home in SF. No work, no workouts and no classes. A 'true' vacation full of rest and time spent with family. :-)
This past Sunday we did 8 miles. I started out with a group of 8 gals, and eventually 3 of us broke away from the group due to our faster pace.
At mile 4 we had our GU break. This week I tried honey-ginger stinger GU. It was interesting, but that stuff sure has a unique and interesting texture and taste that words can't describe. You GU eaters know what I mean, right?? :-P
Around mile 5 the three of us started to feel some aches. Melinda's ankles and hip were giving her problems, Amy's foot was hurting and caused her to stop training around mile 6, and my left knee was hurting a bit.
Melinda and I finished our 8 mile run in about 1:40, so that was pretty cool.
My knee pain went away around mile 7, but my coach told me to ice the area everyday regardless of pain, and to have it checked out by my doctor sometime this week before next Sunday's run. I guess I'll be making an appointment at the sports injury clinic at my office this week. Stay tuned...
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Fri, Oct 28
A lazy week this week. I wasn't very motivated to workout this week for some reason. My usual 30 minute run, and 30 minute weight/ab routine was more like a 15 min run and a 10 minute routine, but I still managed to go the usual 3xs to the gym. I just didn't push myself. In part, the stress of some new projects at work has added to the lack of energy to go to the gym after work, and also in part due to the change in the weather. The days are shorter and the mornings are dark and cold - so much more difficult to wake up now!
This Sunday we are actually only running 3 miles, but the following week we jump back up to 8 miles.
Let's hope I stay motivated while I'm on vacation next week!
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Sun, Oct 23
An effortless 7 miles today!! Yay!! I finished in about 1:20!! :-) I was SO surprised with myself today. Mentally and physically today was a piece of cake. Last week at around mile 5 I was dealing with the mental exhaustion for some reason. This week, however, I just breezed through the whole training without a second thought!! In fact, at the end of the run I was still mentally and physically energized and really felt like I could run another few miles.
I'm curious, 'tho. Someone mentioned the runner's high, but I don't think I've experienced such an endorphin rush yet. I guess when it happens I'll 'know' (a la my shoe experience from a previous lost blog, remember??) and I'll let you know when it does! :-)
Today they combined a few of the groups for some reason, so this week I ran with about 10 gals. Eventually during our run, myself, another girl also named Christina, and a girl named Melinda broke away from the group because the rest of the group was running at a pace that was a bit slow for us. The three of us ran at a pace that still actually felt a bit slow, but it was just great to 'find my groove' with regards to this training. :-) I'm much more confident in my ability to run the event. I'm SO looking forward to it!!
Half a day later, the left knee is a bit sore, but that was expected because I have bad knees to begin with. When I hike for 7 miles or more, the soreness kicks in so I've been careful with it during the half marathon training. A sports injury clinic offered by the sponsor is coming up. I plan to attend it just to be extra safe and informed!
Next week: 8 miles. We're running from the 'Bezerkeley' Marina to Richmond!! Can you believe that?? C-R-A-Z-Y!!
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Fri, Oct 21
I've been getting a lot of questions regarding the sportswatch with the interval time function I mentioned in an earlier entry. I suppose now is a good time to explain a bit about the training method we are using for this event.
The method is called the Galloway Method, created by Jeff Galloway, the guru of all marathon runners. His method is mainly for endurance purposes and not necessarily for time, although you can modify it if time is part of your goal.
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/index.html
The Galloway Method is set up so you run at a given ratio. My ratio is 4:1. I run/jog for 4 minutes, then walk for 1 minute, and do that for the duration of the total time/distance that I choose to run. Walking for 1 minute allows your running muscles to rest and therefore reduces fatigue. Some of the other pace groups run at other ratios such as 6:1, etc.
The watch that I'm looking for allows you to program this ratio for training purposes and also provides feedback on pace per mile, which is crucial because even though we run at a 4:1 ratio, the pace and distance can vary greatly if we're not congnizant of it.
I stopped by REI on the way home today and picked up more GU for Sunday's run. I'm not looking forward to trying the other flavors, but that stuff sure works! Last week's vanilla was questionably 'vanilla', but decent. Yet still, it makes me nervous about trying the other flavors!
If I had more time I would've checked out the watches. Another trip to REI/Sports Basement is expected this weekend for that darn watch and maybe to return those Mizuno shoes. I've tried them a few times now and haven't quite taken to them at all. I hope I can find another pair of those great Asics I've already got. I think that model might be discontinued. :-( My fingers are crossed! Some of the folks at the stores are starting to recognize me and remember my name. I guess I'm officially a regular there now. :-)
This Sunday - 7 miles! Yikes again!
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Sun, Oct 16
Today I ran 6 miles in a little over an hour! At this rate I'd be running the half marathon in a little over 2 hours. Not bad at all!!
The training didn't start off too well, 'tho. Today I got a little sickly at the beginning of the run, so the trainer had me ease up and run with the next slowest group, which was the 15 minute mile pace group. It was *very* slow compared to my 10 minute group. Unfortunately, there aren't any groups between 10 and 15 at this point, but that was ok. After running with this group, I was amazed at how much *more* energized I felt when I was finished with the run, so my trainer concluded that I wasn't coming down with a virus, but rather that the 10 minute mile group might be too fast for me, which caused me to push too hard, which then caused me to feel a bit sickly.
I'm actually pleasantly surprised and glad to be joining this new group. The current group I'm assigned to is made up of 5 guys and 1 other gal all in their late 30's to mid (and later) 40's. All they ever talk about is their kids and family life. This new group is made up of 2 gals who are around my age and are just very positive and fun to chat with.
Another tidbit of information...apparently I run with a bit of tension in my shoulders. At least that's what my trainer said. She said to just shake, shake, shake it out!! Not sure what that means. I don't feel the tension as I run, but I guess I need to be more cognizant of my form. Hmm....
I also tried some stuff called GU during this run. It's basically an energy supplement that comes in packets. It has the consistency of honey and comes in various flavors. We were told to try these out during our walk breaks as we pass any mileage over 3 or 4 to keep our energy up. I was pretty surprised at the boost it gave me. Throughout training we're supposed to experiment with various energy supplements, shoes, clothing, etc. so that on the event day we've got our system and tried and true methods with us.
After today's run I am pretty positive I can finish the race without too many problems, but I don't want to get ahead of myself just yet!
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Tues, Oct 11
I bought a second pair of running shoes this weekend and tried them out today. The trainers told us it was a good idea to get two pairs of running shoes and alternating between the two while we train so that we don't run the actual race in worn out and/or brand new shoes.
My current pair are moderate stability Asics shoes. They are great, albeit a bit heavy, which I didn't notice until I bought my second pair. The second pair are high stability Mizuno shoes. The shoes are lightweight, but running on the treadmill felt a bit awkward. I didn't really care for them at all. I'll probably run in them one more time before deciding whether I want to take them back or not.
I'm also looking into getting a new sports watch for training purposes. The watch they recommend has the interval timing function on it, which I have now come to know is not a standard feature on sports watches. Who knew these things could be so complex?? I'm still shopping around, so if anyone has any input, feel free to send me your insights!
I'm also thinking about getting an ipod nano to help with the boring treadmill time. I don't know how people can watch the news or read a magazine while on that thing. Anyone know of any good deals out there??
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This week we (my pace group) ran 5 miles in 52 minutes!! I about died at mile 3, but it was great to get through it! Yay!
I must say...G.B. has become the best running partner a gal could ask for! You're the best cheerleader a person can ask for! Thanks for sticking with me last week! :-)
Next Sunday: 6 miles. Yikes!
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Fri, Oct 7
Well folks, due to technical issues my original blog entries have been lost and I am unable to retrieve that information. I never did get a clear explanation from the site administrators about the technical glitch, but at this point getting a clear answer has proven futile.
Bummer about the loss. :-( I was pretty upset initially because this blog had documented everything I had been going through since day one of my decision to train and run. I feel a sense of loss because the thoughts, experiences and events I captured here can't be rearticulated, nor shared again in the same manner. :-(
Anyway, instead of dwelling on the loss, I'm moving on and I am redirecting my efforts to recreating my url and creating new blog entries. I suppose this is a lesson in enjoying the moment and focusing on the eternal and not the temporal. You all know what I mean, right? ;-) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Curious Minds Wanna Know...Q: What inspired you to run a half marathon?
A: A friend of mine asked me to run a full marathon and I just laughed at her. Did she even know who she was asking?? Ha ha. The idea stuck in my head, 'tho, and after a series of random events, I signed up for the next event that had a reasonable timeframe for training. I was also ready for a new challenge this year, so why not?
Q: Why did you decide to run for the SF AIDS Foundation?
A: When I decided to run the half marathon, I had *just* missed the deadline to run the Nike San Francisco Half Marathon (benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Socierty). It turns out the AIDS Half Marathon had an office and resources located in Oakland, which is near my home, so access to training resources was actually *more* convenient for me than other marathon sponsors.
Q: Where do your fundraising dollars go towards?
A: The money I am raising will help the San Francisco AIDS Foundation provide HIV services and prevention programs in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties -- to keep people alive until there's a cure. A portion of the funds will also support treatment access in the developing world.

Q: What kind of training method are you using??
A: The Galloway method. See the following url for more information, or blog entry Fri, Oct 21.: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/index.html

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Random Facts...
- Half marathon = 13.1 miles
- 6 months of training = ~500 miles
- 1M+ Americans and 40M worldwide are living with HIV
- AIDS is now the leading cause of death among all people aged 15-59 worldwide
- 1 in every 50 San Franciscan is living with HIV/AIDS