Counting down to 2014 and through my good choices of 2013!

Continuing on with my end of the year wrap up!
I really can't believe it is time to count down the last few days of 2013. Shit, where did it go?

So, I'm going to start with my list of good things that I learned and good choices I made in 2013.
There are 10 of these, and they are not in any particular order. Except number one. That's a winner.


10: BETTER CHOICES:
I have been known to make some pretty foolish choices over the years in my athletics which have sidelined me a few times. I am pretty bright though and pride myself on not making the same mistake twice (because that is the definition of stupidity, and is the definition of wasting your coaches time.)
So what brought about this change? A few things. One- as I said, I learn from my mistakes. Two- I had damn good guidance which brings me to our next good choice......

Yes, I still looked like this on occasion. Good choices are relative!
(also proving that I do NOT, I releat- DO NOT always photograph well!)

9: Hiring Coach Kelsey. A great choice. She made me walk the damn line. No more junk miles (well, fewer. I love junk miles...), no more avoiding cross training, no more obsessing over weekly miles. Total life changer. I think about where I am now vs where I was a year ago and I'm dumbfounded. I'm JUST as fit as I was then (or more fit) with NO nagging, repetitive injuries. Furthermore (and this is a big one) except for a month of so in the height of a training cycle when I know I need to be hitting 50+ weekly miles I don't care how many I'm doing. I can now see the big picture better- and the big picture contains more than constantly doing 50 junk miles a week for months at a time.

8: Backing wayyyyyyyy off on the racing. I didn't have a lot of extra cash to blow this year what with Boston AND NYCM costing me a mint. And in all honesty.... I might do fewer races in 2014....

This little medal cost me hundreds of dollars. F'n worth it. Hmmmm strange priorities.

7: Realizing that I do NOT need to PR at every distance: It is just a nice recipe for constant injury. This is a lesson I actually learned in 2012 but implemented successfully this year with good results. I PR'd at the distance I cared about and trained for!

6: Doing an Ultra. I discovered that I can do it! I discovered that perhaps, 26.2 is more my jam....

See, After a 50K I look close to death. Blerch.

5: FINALLY figuring out how to eat during a marathon. THANK YOU running Gods (picky bars) and a year of trial and error. This one is HUGE.

4: Only having 1 goal for my "A" race. It kept me from doing any negotiation with myself. It was BQ/PR or bust for Smuttynose and it worked like a charm! I think I can pull this off maybe twice a year as it was a pretty significant physical/mental effort!

Angie is holding me upright. That's what happens when your legs fall off at mile 25!

3: Realizing that I can't do an "A" race every month. Duh. What a shock. This is another lesson that I learned in 2012 to be honest. I definitely applied this amazing concept until October when I did all the races and quit running. ....it was bound to happen....

2: Applying to be on the Oiselle Team, and being accepted! After meeting so many Oiselle athletes in NYC this Fall I really feel that I'm running with the right people. They are a serious but FUN group of ladies, and they love, love, LOVE running and racing. I loved talking to some of the elite woman- they are SO fast but were so down to earth and friendly- a real pleasure to converse with. I have enjoyed my time with Oiselle thus far and feel that it is a group of people, and a company that I believe in and can picture myself with for a while.

1: Deciding to marry my super wonderful exclusive dating partner. The best choice ever! My feeling is that if you have the opportunity to marry your best friend you should. I'm petty excited to tie the knot in 2014 and to spend the rest of my days having hot athletic dates with him and looking at his sexy physique. We really do have ALL the fun!



Love!

My top 5 favorite things about running.

After my less than glowing report about the Old Port Half I decided it was time to write about the things I love, love, LOVE about running. (because when it comes down to it, I might not love certain races- or every run- but those things don't take away from the fact that running and I are good friends.)

I'm a little fickle when it comes to naming my top favorites about running. I like a lot of things about it! (minus the excessive sweating, pain, agony,vomiting, and things of that nature.)

I goes without saying that I enjoy running. I've stuck with it thru thick and thin for several years now, I've pushed thru injuries, figured how to get a little faster, and have managed to make multi hour efforts somewhat entertaining.

So in 2013 what makes the list for my top 5 favorite things?

This has to do with running as a whole, not gear related. That could be a WHOLE other post, jeesh!

 

Pretty things!
I'm lucky to live in a beautiful place.
I honestly have enjoyed seeing many parts of my town, state and New England from a runners vantage point. Basically, I'm a sucker for a good view.
 

My amazing running outfits, DUH.
I love my duds. Period. The attire makes it fun!
(get new gear when you meet a running goal. very motivational!)

Fun people!
Not just Eric. Although he is very fun!
I have met some amazing friends thru running and think runners are good people.
Running is also a great way to spend quality time with friends (and healthier than drinking beers....)
 

Talking people into making many bad excellent choices!!!
Want to run a race tomorrow? Get there at 5:00 AM (ugh!)
Want to run a half marathon with all of us cool kids? You DO!!!?? YAYYY!
I LOVE how many of my friends have drank the cool aid. Whether it's a first time 5-K or Half Marathon it is exciting to see people get pumped about all things running. It makes my heart all warm and fuzzy.

The number one thing I love about running?
Tangible results.
You work hard, follow your plan and don't make excuses? You will see results.
No matter if you are a complete beginner or a top dog in the sport this is true. You aren't going to randomly bomb (or, randomly run 10 minutes faster than you expect) if you are training in a reasonable, consistent and challenging way.
There are no shortcuts. But becoming a better runner is something that anyone can do with a bit of effort, determination and dedication. And it is completely worth it because there is no better feeling than snagging a PR, setting a personal distance record or discovering you are strong enough to do things you never thought possible.

The top 5 Google searches that brought you to Middleaged Runner

The top 5 Google searches that brought people to my blog thus far, during the month of July.

Brilliant I tell you, Brilliant!!

I must vow to check up on this more often as I find it quite amusing.

"That Damn Butt"

All I can say about this is... "what what??" (but really, WHAT?)

"At mile 20 I wished to puke, at mile 22 I wished to DIE."

Well this is true! UGH!!!

"Peanut butter runner woman"

I am a woman and yet, not made of peanut butter...

"Hairy Armpit"

Obviously not around these parts. Not my thing...

"Are we done, NO are we done?"

HAHA!!! That one is funny. And a good caption for that picture as well.

Maybe I need to make this a monthly topic as I have not been this amused in quite some time.

The top 7 people who I will NOT allow to beat me in a race!

Since I have used a couple of races as training runs this year I have had some thinking time. I find that a non race pace allows me to think deep, profound thoughts rather then concentrate on my suffering. Apparently, when I have extra time to ponder I do not solve the worlds problems (so much for deep and profound) Rather, I count people as I pass them (rude) or I mull over who I will not accept being beaten by (this is rude too, but fun.)
Since I don't want to end up on GOMI (or do I..?? Hahah no I don't!) I think I'll say this: Y'all know I make more fun of myself than anyone so if this offends you calm down. If you happen to BE one of these people feel free to offer a rebuttal to justify your terrible choices. :-)

OK. Without further ado I offer up for your viewing and reading pleasure:
The top 7 people who I will NOT allow to beat me in a race!!!

WHAT???? I won't let Kara Goucher beat me!!??? 
Well, of course she can/would beat me!  She would kick my ass.
However! Do you see her teeny running knickers? If you wear those to the local Half Marathon and you are NOT Kara Goucher (or another amazing elite athlete) I will not let you beat me. Really ladies, don't do it. If you honestly expect to win the race then I'll cut you slack but if you are a: not going to and b: are not Kara Goucher steer clear. Just say no. This goes for men too. I don't think that would be good at ALL.
One of my twitter friends had a brilliant tweet yesterday saying if she ever became an elite that she would wear her race knickers every day, even to Wal-Mart. I second this statement. (but, being elite is key here!)

If you are running in a costume at a non-costume race you many not pass me.
Yikes. I'm not a fan.
Clearly I am a jerk who hates on all things fun.

This guy (well not actually this guy.)
THIS is the guy who runs the first mile at a 6:00 pace even though all his training runs have been at a 10:00 pace. The race was just too damn exciting and he sped off like a boss!!! Only to DIE at mile 1.1 and look like this when I pass him. Sorry dude!
I am against letting this guy beat me although I applaud his one mile of speed work.

The people at the start who say "I'm using this as a lead up to my mud run"
Or my color run. Or bubble run. Or glitter/confetti/make me barf run. Or obstacle race.
That's awesome guys but you may not beat me.

The dudes (or ladies) running a 5K in a Camlebak.
What? You need to hydrate so badly in a 5K that you tote your backpack along?
I can't accept this. Therefore, I will beat you. And then beat your backpack.

 

The Damn moose!!!
Except he is fast. And even in that costume has managed to beat me before!
NEVER again you MOOSE!!!!!
(I won't let him beat me in anything longer than a 5K though, so we are even...)

The NUMBER ONE person who will NEVER be allowed to beat me!!!
A man with a tramp stamp.
(although if it was Ted we'd just chat and I'd ask about the mother of his children, duh.)
(but it is impossible to find pics of tramp stamped men. it is a rare find. thank gahd)
But REALLY! At bands on the run there was a dude with a legit tramp stamp. After I stopped laughing I was like, ohhhhh no and I motored by him. I feel that I need a man with a questionably placed tattoo to chime in here because for the life of me I can't figure this one out.

Well that's it for today. Stay tuned this week for more top 10 (ish) lists,  updates on ultra training and pictures of me suffering horribly in the HOT humid weather!

 

April Recap!

I can NOT BELIEVE it is already MAY!!!

Time for an April recap, only a few days late this time!

Miles run: 118 Gotta love a zero week!

Hours of cross training- Hmmm. 10 I'd guess.  see next question... 

Number of disgusting colds caught- 2 This legit kept me out of Yoga for almost a month. Trying hard not to spread the germs... Really cut down on the cross training hours!

Number of times I puked on my shoes- ZERO! AGAIN!!!!!

Number of times I quit running- ZERO!!! first time ever for realz.

Number of teeny tiny xs girl bikes gifted to me by my exclusive dating fiance partner.
Hang on. What? Shit what should we call each other?!?!
Anyway! One. And I love her. Time to cross train like a BOSS!!

Number of races run: ONE and it was BOSTON so a BIGGIE.

 

Number of PR's: One, thankfully and fabulously

 

Number of BQ's: One, again thankfully. fingers crossed for 2014 as this is gonna be "the" race for sure.

 

Number of times I have reached mile 24 in a Marathon and idiotically thought "I think I want to kick some ass at GCI!!!" Um.... One. One time and never again I bet!!

What have I been doing since Boston?
Well. This.
I mean, we work and work out A LOT too.
But seriously, When you're with a fabulous sexy boy (or girl!) take time to sip champagne!
(this is my way of saying to stop and enjoy what you have right now kids. #sappy)

I leave this blog post today on a mysterious note.

Since I have had a couple of weeks to recover from high mileage and relax (somewhat) what kind of trouble do you think I'm going to get into next? Knowing me he way that most of you do it has become apparent that I have been making a lot of good choices lately and staying out of trouble! I'm not out setting PR's every week like last year (or overtraining like an idiot but whatever...) However, one can only live on good choices, order and decorum for so long before a questionable choice or two needs to me made.. Stay tuned!! 

March Recap, LATE and ONE WEEK until Boston!

So I'm late on the recap, per the norm.

Hmmmm March. What the hell happened?

 

Miles run: 165. I'm surprised it isn't higher. Well, I was kinda recovering from Hyannis the 1st week so I think that explains it.

 

Hours of cross training done: I can't figure out how to find that in my dailymile. I can take an educated guess though.... Between yoga, core and a tiny bit of Spin probably close to 20 hours. It keeps me busy, no time to do normal people things, or clean obviously....

 

 

Which is why I have this guy, duh...

Number of times I puked on my shoes- ZERO! Miracle...

 

Number of times I quit running- Once but it was after I fell in the damn snowcovered stream. Legit.

 

Number or races run- ZERO Anyone who has followed my blog knows that this is extremely rare and unusual. In the name of not overtraining/over racing I put all competitive running on hold until after Boston. It wasn't as hard as you would think, all I had to do was remember my months of shitty shin splint pain last year and that was enough to rein me in.

 

Number of treadmill runs- NONE! TAKE THAT!!!!

 

Longest training run- 19

 

Number of nightmares I've had about Heartbreak Hill- One million billion

This shit is in my damn head!

 

Number of colds I have caught 7 days out from a big race- 1. Yeah, I'm coming down with some sniffly bug. Hope it goes away pronto!

FACT

With one week to go I'm feeling fine. A little sick but fine. Legs have been decent (which is amazing for taper time) and despite my random Heartbreak Hill nightmares I feel well adjusted.

Sure, I wish I had about 6,000 more years to get my hill work in but I've really gone above and beyond- hitting every hill in town. Making sure that every single long run had a monster climb in the last couple miles. Even my easy runs have a seriously punishing hill at the end. My endurance still isn't where I'd like it to be, but in reality Id also like to be a 3:08 marathoner and THAT isn't gonna happen either! So it's all good. The forecast looks acceptable and with only a few more workouts to put in I'm feeling as ready as I can be. Bring it on, Boston!

January and February Recap! LATE....

I am indeed a bit late on this recap but late is better than never.

Hmmmm let's see...

Number of miles run as of March 1- 310

Number of races run- 3 (and only 2 of those actually "raced")

Number of times I stayed up past 9PM- 2. And paid for it both times...

Number of times I blew off workouts due to said shenanigans- 2

(and we all know that I never blow off workouts... oh well it was only 5 days post marathon...)

Number of shoes worn out in 2013- 1

Number of times I puked on those shoes.
One. Not Bad.
There's that overly happy guy again. *sigh*

Number of times, bizarrely, that I ran in shorts OUTSIDE. In MAINE- 1

Longest Training run- 21 miles. And doing it at a 10 mile race was a damn good call.

Number of times this could have happened if my shower was upstairs.
Countless.



Longest run- 26.2 shittttttt yo....

Number of PR's- 1 (at Derry, despite the fact I swore NEVER to run faster than I did in '12)

Number of BQ's for 2013- Z-E-R-O. F-A-I-L!!! Oops...

Number of times that I was invited to Yoga and went- ONE
(more on this later)

Number of times I have had to bail on Spin Class because the weather sucks hairy balls- 3, at least. Maybe 4. Bullshit.

Number of iPods destroyed/lost/or other, requiring replacement... 1 UGH.

Number of times I have quit running- 2 (SOLID!!! I usually quit daily in the winter!)

Number of times I have had to change my long-run-day due to incredibly shit-tastic weather- 4 
(so 50% of the time is what this tells us... holy craopla winter...)

Anyway. A pretty good start to the 2013 season. I have been less than stellar at blogging lately but promise more tales of epic Boston training soon! (really, my last 10 days have mostly been recovering from Hyannis so not particularly fun to read about.)

What I learned in 2012

2012.

It was quite a year, wasn't it?

I have a post New Years recap of 2012 planned, but for now... A few important things I learned.

 

This is what happens when you over train.
That was the most important thing I learned in 2012.

But despite the over training I discovered that I am, shockingly, capable of running 26.2..

We discovered that Jazz Hands are my go-to-pose...
We also discovered that I will say "yes" to almost all bad ideas. 25K trail run anyone?

This is true.
One does not simply marathon into anywhere, duh...

Running is always better with friends.
After being the #1 loner for years I now have a posse.

It was discovered that races without chip timing, I always line up in front.
AND LOOK PISSED!!!! HAH!! DON'T MESS!!!



I can run a sub 20 5K. UGH!
Don't need to do THAT again...

Clearly, it was the year about running with friends.
Running is always better with your best friend!!

And it's always good to have your other best friend there for moral support!

Happy New Year everyone!

My favorite favorites of 2012...

I had a blog all ready to drop on Friday around Noon. One of my merry, silly ramblings about a variety of asinine things.

While I sat in the chair at the dentist waiting to have a renegade wisdom tooth yanked, the nurse came in looking horrified. "There was just a massive school shooting" he said "of kindergartners..." I was aghast and had no words.... He mentioned that his daughters were in school at that moment, in kindergarten and 2nd grade. I could see that he wanted nothing more than to run out the door straight to them, and it was heartbreaking.

Needless to say, I decided to put the emergency brake on my lighthearted post...

Now that a couple days have gone by I've decided to jump ahead a little in my best of/worst of series. (I was saving this post for last...)  No, I don't have kids but I have a wonderful family and the very best of friends. I'm thankful for them every day and huge horrible tragedies make me shut up and reflect on how very, very lucky I am.

My favorite moment/s from 2012 ALL have to do with my truly wonderful acquaintances.

Some of you I've known forever, and some only for a short time.

And you all are the absolute freaking best...

Clearly, THE BEST of 2012 was spending time with my family and friends. (running. and eating. hah)

Here are a few good moments...

Angie has been my best friend for 20 years (scary!)
A year ago, if you had told me we'd be running a 10K together I'd have laughed!
She got out there this year and kicked some serious ass.
I'm so excited to become an Auntie to her first baby, due to arrive in March!
(he's bound to be an amazing runner too, since he tagged along for several races last summer!)
I named her Baby "Baby Blue Sara Bradley Is Awesome Craib" Yeah, I did.

Everyone needs a friend to make terrible choices with.
Thanks Danielle! We LOVE RUNNING! At 4 AM... Around lakes. Especially on trails...
 Sad to have temporarily lost my partner in crime.... Excited to meet Christian Gray Sterling in May.
I have named Danielle's Baby too, lucky her.

Apparently I talked the WHOLE TOWN into running this year...
I ran by myself for SO LONG and NEVER want to again!
Our crazy group of super fast people was the best!

My Sister and my DAD!!!
I love that they both dusted off their shoes and ran a bunch of races this year.
It's clearly a genetic problem. As is looking fabulous, duh...

It was not a solitary running season by any means.
My favorite thing is saying "so, there's a little race this weekend.." And having ALL the people show up!

Yes, running is important.
But so is eating EVERYTHING and taking pics for daily mile and facebook
If pics don't show up on the interwebs then it didn't happen.

And yes, more friends and more eating.
ALL THE FOODS.
Pasta, cookies, bread, more bread, more cookies, I like these people!!

My favorite boys!!!
At the end of a great race, at the end of what was quite a year...

  

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... 2012 edition, the SWAG episode!!

YAY! PRIZES! (no, I'm not hosting a giveaway. calm down.)

I LOVE a good race medal! Truth is, I even like a terrible race medal. One would think that after years of equestrian life I might not be so excited over paltry prizes and merch but come on.... it never gets old to me!

I won a few things this year that made me shriek in joy. After murdering myself and running to 4th place in the 4 on the 4th I scored some sweet gift cards to Maine Running and New Balance, enough cash money to actually buy myself some fun shiny new things *dies in happiness* If I had been smart enough to check at the following races I would have won awesome age group prizes: Great Bay Half, Tri For a Cure 5K and (as we all know) MDI- where I won my AG and due to the low IQ after 26.2 didn't even think to check. And there for missed out on the chance to win the prettiest award ever. I'm still legit sad about this and might be until my dying day *insert too much drama HERE*

The award for the best Swag Bag by FAR goes to the Maine Half Marathon. SO MUCH STUFF. Sweet shirt, samples, coupons, odds and ends and (randomly) a can of baked beans which I certainly could do without. Aside from that I'm always excited to collect my sack of happiness from them and am sad that we are parting ways next year.

OK. Chit Chat over. Time to move on to my favorite (and least fav) prizes!

PS: It was tricky. I actually like ALL my merch from this year. for the most part anyways...

My Absolute favorite! The MDI Medal.
So gorgeous. So Big.
That's what she said.

The hard to photograph All Women's Half Medal.
So pretty! So heartshaped! LOVELOVE!

Quincy Half Medal.
Looks ok from here. But kinda cheezy in real life.
Take my word for it.
(Quincy also had HORRIBLE race shirts which would have been in the running for Worst Shirt had I not dropped it at Goodwill...)

Around the Lake Medal.
Well, it was my first marathon so it has meaning...?
I totally puked on it. (for real.)
But it's really really small. Itty Bitty. I wish for my prizes to be large, damnit.

Pineland 25K Cowbell.
COME ON! IT WAS 25K! Give me a freaking real bell...
It horrifies me whenever I lay my eyes on it. As you can see...

TEENY. TINY.