Thursday, March 31, 2011
Counting down to taper
I have two or three more hard workouts left until I start to taper for the Boston Marathon (April 18). I have always found these last few weeks before the marathon the toughest and the most likely time to get hurt or lose focus. Usually, I am feeling physically and emotionally fatigued from all of the long runs and workouts, but this time I feel more refreshed having taken some time off - both planned and forced.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
counting down to boston
With roughly three weeks to go until the Boston Marathon, the physical preparation is coming to an end, but the mental preparation is just revving up. Dealing with the nerves of race day, reminding myself that it will be painful, believing in my own training, and playing out several race scenarios are just a few things I will be thinking about on my runs until the gun goes off.
I'll be writing more on this subject in this week's column. - blake
I'll be writing more on this subject in this week's column. - blake
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Runner's World chat
Blake had some rather interesting things to say in a recent chat with Runner's World. Among them: "I think if I had to retire tomorrow, I’d be somewhat satisfied with my 10K PR, but not quite satisfied with my marathon PR, so that’s what keeps me going for just a little bit longer in this event."
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Good day to get muddy
This morning is dawning bright and beautiful on the Monterey Peninsula. Of course yesterday, well it was a perfect day for a mud run.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
A championship experience
This week's column:
My coach and I embarked on quite a journey March 14 to get to Punta Umbria, Spain for this past Sunday’s Cross Country World Championships. Had I known it would take us more than 20 hours to get there, I might have hesitated. But now, having run a solid race, finishing 19th and walking away with a bronze medal as a member of the United States team, I’d say it was well worth the journey.
I had done a little research on Punta Umbria before the trip, but it wasn’t exactly what I expected. It is mostly a resort town, so since it was the off season things were pretty quiet. The USA team was one of the first to arrive. I was relieved to have a extra few days to acclimate and get the plane ride out of my legs. We did manage to work in a day of sightseeing.
One of the the nice things about these trips is that I get to run with people for a change. Usually, I don’t mind plodding along on my usual streets alone, but before I race it’s nice to just relax and have fun with my teammates. We ran as a team most days and talked about upcoming weddings, race strategies, and everything in between. Our team ranged in age from a newbie just out of college at 23 to a veteran at 37 (no, I was not the oldest). The running around there was amazing with beautiful bike paths along the ocean and miles and miles of dirt trails through the woods. It was too bad we weren’t running too much before the race.
When race day finally arrived I found that, even though I am a veteran, it’s hard not to be intimidated when you see the other teams warming up. The six Kenyan women were running in pairs and their strides were synchronized. They looked beautiful and effortless.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a close look at them during the race. I didn’t see anything but their backs.
It was the most challenging and prettiest course I have ever run. It had a grass loop through the woods with three sets of three 24-inch logs to jump over. It doesn’t sound like much, but that meant jumping over 36 logs and running some hills in between. Cross country races always have a frenzied start, and I did not get my best one.
Halfway through the 8-kilometer race, I realized I was in fourth place for the USA team and the top four places scored. We knew we needed to get four runners in the top 20 to guarantee a bronze medal, so I just squeaked in at 19th place.
I haven’t had a USA uniform on since the Beijing Olympics. It’s hard to describe how proud you feel wearing the team uniform with a big USA across your chest. Apparently, other countries covet them as well because as soon as you cross the line at these international events the other athletes start asking to trade singlets. Though I have a few sets of them in the garage, I never trade. I figure one day Quin might want to take some to show-and-tell or play dress up in them with his friends.
He’ll have no idea how hard I had to work to get one. By then I anticipate my competitive running career will be long gone — but with lots of happy memories like this past week in Spain.
My coach and I embarked on quite a journey March 14 to get to Punta Umbria, Spain for this past Sunday’s Cross Country World Championships. Had I known it would take us more than 20 hours to get there, I might have hesitated. But now, having run a solid race, finishing 19th and walking away with a bronze medal as a member of the United States team, I’d say it was well worth the journey.
I had done a little research on Punta Umbria before the trip, but it wasn’t exactly what I expected. It is mostly a resort town, so since it was the off season things were pretty quiet. The USA team was one of the first to arrive. I was relieved to have a extra few days to acclimate and get the plane ride out of my legs. We did manage to work in a day of sightseeing.
One of the the nice things about these trips is that I get to run with people for a change. Usually, I don’t mind plodding along on my usual streets alone, but before I race it’s nice to just relax and have fun with my teammates. We ran as a team most days and talked about upcoming weddings, race strategies, and everything in between. Our team ranged in age from a newbie just out of college at 23 to a veteran at 37 (no, I was not the oldest). The running around there was amazing with beautiful bike paths along the ocean and miles and miles of dirt trails through the woods. It was too bad we weren’t running too much before the race.
When race day finally arrived I found that, even though I am a veteran, it’s hard not to be intimidated when you see the other teams warming up. The six Kenyan women were running in pairs and their strides were synchronized. They looked beautiful and effortless.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a close look at them during the race. I didn’t see anything but their backs.
It was the most challenging and prettiest course I have ever run. It had a grass loop through the woods with three sets of three 24-inch logs to jump over. It doesn’t sound like much, but that meant jumping over 36 logs and running some hills in between. Cross country races always have a frenzied start, and I did not get my best one.
Halfway through the 8-kilometer race, I realized I was in fourth place for the USA team and the top four places scored. We knew we needed to get four runners in the top 20 to guarantee a bronze medal, so I just squeaked in at 19th place.
I haven’t had a USA uniform on since the Beijing Olympics. It’s hard to describe how proud you feel wearing the team uniform with a big USA across your chest. Apparently, other countries covet them as well because as soon as you cross the line at these international events the other athletes start asking to trade singlets. Though I have a few sets of them in the garage, I never trade. I figure one day Quin might want to take some to show-and-tell or play dress up in them with his friends.
He’ll have no idea how hard I had to work to get one. By then I anticipate my competitive running career will be long gone — but with lots of happy memories like this past week in Spain.
Team USA singlet - A valuable commodity
Before last week's Cross Country World Championships, I hadn’t had a USA uniform on since the Beijing Olympics. It’s hard to describe how proud you feel wearing the team uniform with a big USA across your chest. Apparently, athletes from other countries covet them as well because as soon as you cross the line at these international events the other athletes start asking to trade singlets. Though I have a few sets of Team USA singlets in the garage, I never trade. I figure one day Quin might want to take some to show-and-tell or play dress up in them with his friends.
He’ll have no idea how hard I had to work to get one. By then I anticipate my competitive running career will be long gone — but with lots of happy memories like this past week in Spain.
He’ll have no idea how hard I had to work to get one. By then I anticipate my competitive running career will be long gone — but with lots of happy memories like this past week in Spain.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
I'm baaccckkkk
My coach and I embarked on quite a journey a week ago Monday in order to get to Punta Umbria, Spain for the Cross Country World Championships. Had I known it would take us over 20 hours of travel to get there, I might have hesitated. But, having run a solid race finishing 19th and walking away with a bronze medal for the United States team, it was well worth the journey.
I'll be writing more about the experience in Saturday's column.
I'll be writing more about the experience in Saturday's column.
In the meantime
After returning from Spain, Blake's been under the weather. Seemed like a good time to share an interesting running story from the Herald. Don Buraglio and Mike Dove wrote about Charlie Engle, a former Salinas resident who was recently sentenced to a 21-month prison term. He was found guilty of 12 counts of bank fraud and mail fraud. He's said to have used that money to help fund his running adventures.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Koll's view of the world championships
Editor's note: Lance Bergeson of the Des Moines Register caught up with Lisa Koll of the U.S. Cross Country team. Koll was disappointed with her race in Spain, sorry that she couldn't keep up with Blake and the crew. A little later this week Blake will weigh in with her observations.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The rest of the big sur story
Editor's note: Blake is busy writing about her experience at the World Cross Country Championship in Spain. Meanwhile, a lot of running news here in Monterey County. Here's the Herald upcoming story on the Big Sur Marathon opting to go with an out-and-back course after the recent landslide on Highway 1:
B y D E N N I S T A Y L O R
Herald Staff Writer
o The uncertainty of the timetable to permanently repair the damage on Highway 1 prompted officials from the Big Sur International Marathon to confirm Tuesday that a modified course will be used for the 2011 race on May 1.
This year's 26.2-mile course will begin and end at Rio Road in Carmel — an out-and-back course — as opposed to the traditional Big Sur to Carmel setup.
The change was necessitated when a 60-foot section of Highway 1 fell into the Pacific Ocean on March 16, making the road impassible. The damage occurred about two miles south of Rocky Point.
The Department of Transportation said a temporary fix for the road is expected to be completed by April 16. A two-mile section, from Bixby Bridge to Palo Colorado Road, remains closed to all traffic.
Julie Armstrong, marketing and communications director for the Big Sur International, said the exact course won't be finalized for several weeks, but the hope is that the race can be routed through parts of Point Lobos State Reserve.
A meeting between marathon officials and state parks officials has been scheduled Thursday to determine whether the park can be made available to the marathoners for the event. The Big Sur International already uses part of Point Lobos for its 9-mile race on the same day.
"We really started looking at (using an out-and-back course) right after the slide. We had a precedent to do it," Armstrong said, referring to the 1998 marathon, which was altered to an out-and-back race when the El Niño storms destroyed part of Highway 1. "The information we're receiving from Cal Trans is that there might be a temporary opening of the road in a month, but we can't go forward on the assumption that all will be fine on May 1, and then find out two days before that we need to change our course. So the decision has been made."
Armstrong said logistical considerations such as transportation, aide stations, security and location of the musical acts have to be made, and all of the information has to be communicated in advance to the runners.
The Big Sur International Marathon page on Facebook has been inundated with comments from registered participants. Armstrong said the vast majority of the posts have been positive.
"We've been emphasizing some of the positive aspects of an out-and-back course," Armstrong said. "The runners won't have to run Hurricane Point, they'll hear twice as much music, they might get to see part of Point Lobos, and headwinds won't be as much of an issue."
Photos of the washout have been posted on the Big Sur International website to help participants understand the scope of the problem on Highway 1.
The new course, when finalized, will be a certified 26.2-miler, since Big Sur International Marathon times are used as qualifiers for the Boston Marathon and other major events.
Dennis Taylor can be reached at dtaylor@montereyherald.com or 646-4344.
B y D E N N I S T A Y L O R
Herald Staff Writer
o The uncertainty of the timetable to permanently repair the damage on Highway 1 prompted officials from the Big Sur International Marathon to confirm Tuesday that a modified course will be used for the 2011 race on May 1.
This year's 26.2-mile course will begin and end at Rio Road in Carmel — an out-and-back course — as opposed to the traditional Big Sur to Carmel setup.
The change was necessitated when a 60-foot section of Highway 1 fell into the Pacific Ocean on March 16, making the road impassible. The damage occurred about two miles south of Rocky Point.
The Department of Transportation said a temporary fix for the road is expected to be completed by April 16. A two-mile section, from Bixby Bridge to Palo Colorado Road, remains closed to all traffic.
Julie Armstrong, marketing and communications director for the Big Sur International, said the exact course won't be finalized for several weeks, but the hope is that the race can be routed through parts of Point Lobos State Reserve.
A meeting between marathon officials and state parks officials has been scheduled Thursday to determine whether the park can be made available to the marathoners for the event. The Big Sur International already uses part of Point Lobos for its 9-mile race on the same day.
"We really started looking at (using an out-and-back course) right after the slide. We had a precedent to do it," Armstrong said, referring to the 1998 marathon, which was altered to an out-and-back race when the El Niño storms destroyed part of Highway 1. "The information we're receiving from Cal Trans is that there might be a temporary opening of the road in a month, but we can't go forward on the assumption that all will be fine on May 1, and then find out two days before that we need to change our course. So the decision has been made."
Armstrong said logistical considerations such as transportation, aide stations, security and location of the musical acts have to be made, and all of the information has to be communicated in advance to the runners.
The Big Sur International Marathon page on Facebook has been inundated with comments from registered participants. Armstrong said the vast majority of the posts have been positive.
"We've been emphasizing some of the positive aspects of an out-and-back course," Armstrong said. "The runners won't have to run Hurricane Point, they'll hear twice as much music, they might get to see part of Point Lobos, and headwinds won't be as much of an issue."
Photos of the washout have been posted on the Big Sur International website to help participants understand the scope of the problem on Highway 1.
The new course, when finalized, will be a certified 26.2-miler, since Big Sur International Marathon times are used as qualifiers for the Boston Marathon and other major events.
Dennis Taylor can be reached at dtaylor@montereyherald.com or 646-4344.
out and back for Big Sur Marathon
Editor's note: Just talked to the folks at the Big Sur International Marathon. The out-and-back course for this year is virtually a done deal. Caltrans may have the road repaired before the May 1 race, but it may not be ready to hold all the bus traffic that flows down Highway 1 on race morning. If it's any consolation, part of the race will go through Point Lobos, one of the most beautiful spots on the Monterey Peninsula. Go to montereyherald.com for the latest developments. Also BSIM.org has lots of information, including a FAQ. - dave
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spain's nice, but ...
Judging from the photos on the World Cross Country Championship website, Spain is a beautiful place to run. Of course, we don't do too bad ourselves here on the Monterey Peninsula. The picture here is from Cypress lookout in Pebble Beach. I took it while on an early morning Monday run.
So Blake: your boys (Jon and Quin) and the ocean are calling you home. - dave
Sunday, March 20, 2011
World Cross Country results
Looks like Team USA finished third in the women's competition behind Kenya and Ethiopia. Shalane Flanagan was the top American finisher in third. Blake finished 19th, in 26 minutes and 30 seconds, 1:32 behind the winner. U.S. runners finished 17th and 18th as well, suggesting they were sticking together.
Complete results at:
http://www.iaaf.org/wxc11/results/eventCode=4527/index.html
Complete results at:
http://www.iaaf.org/wxc11/results/eventCode=4527/index.html
Saturday, March 19, 2011
World Championships Sunday
Editor's note: Blake isn't writing a column this week. She's in Spain for tomorrow's world championship, which starts about about 4 a.m. our time. Blake recommended a couple of sites to check results if you're up that early. Hopefully Blake and I will touch base later in the day and I'll update.
The World Cross Country Championships are Sunday March 20th In Punta Umbria, Spain. After Daylight Savings Spain is +5 hrs for the east coast, +8 hours for the West coast. The Senior Women are at 12:45. Here are some links for info and results.
For Live video on Universal Sports. You may need to register and pay a few dollars. It's under Track and Field.
http://www.universalsports.com/track-and-field/schedule/index.html
For the quickest full results go here:
http://www.iaaf.org/wxc11/results/eventCode=4527/index.html
The official meet site:
http://www.puntaumbria2011.com/
The World Cross Country Championships are Sunday March 20th In Punta Umbria, Spain. After Daylight Savings Spain is +5 hrs for the east coast, +8 hours for the West coast. The Senior Women are at 12:45. Here are some links for info and results.
For Live video on Universal Sports. You may need to register and pay a few dollars. It's under Track and Field.
http://www.universalsports.com/track-and-field/schedule/index.html
For the quickest full results go here:
http://www.iaaf.org/wxc11/results/eventCode=4527/index.html
The official meet site:
http://www.puntaumbria2011.com/
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lotsa runners
Rather interesting graph from this morning's Herald story on the Big Sur Marathon plans in the wake of the slide: The major difference between this year's race and the 1998 event (when the race was an out and back because of road closure) is the number of runners who will be affected. Kastner said about 8,000 will participate in various Sunday morning events on May 1, compared with around 4,500 who ran in the marathon and 10-miler during the El Niño year.
Another testament to how popular this event has become.
Another testament to how popular this event has become.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Big Sur Marathon has a plan
Monterey Herald story that just went online:
After the slide: Big Sur Marathon has a fall back plan
B y DENNIS TAYLOR
Herald Staff
The Big Sur International Marathon will go on as planned — albeit with possible alterations — despite news that part of the course on picturesque Highway 1 has fallen into the Pacific Ocean.
Caltrans has not yet been able to estimate how much time will be needed to repair damage that occurred when about 40 feet of the two-lane highway washed out just after 5 p.m. Wednesday on a curve south of the Rocky Creek Bridge, wiping out the southbound lane and a piece of the northbound lane.
As a result, Big Sur International Marathon race director Wally Kastner said he already has a contingency plan if the road is closed on April 29, when the three day event begins with a Health & Fitness Expo. The "Just Kids" 3K run is scheduled April 30, with several other races, including the 26.2-mile marathon, slated May 1.
Kastner said he planned to submit his plan to the Board of Directors at tonight's regularly scheduled meeting.
"We had a similar situation when 'El Nino' washed out part of Highway 1 back in 1998, so we've been here before," Kastner said. "Our race went on that year with an out-and-back course (from Carmel's Rio Road to the Bixby Creek Bridge and back).
"If we're unable to use our traditional 26.2-mile course this year, the plan is to put the turn-around at the south side of the Rocky Creek Bridge (12 miles south of Carmel), with a jog through Point Lobos (State Natural Reserve) on the way back to the finish line (at Rio Road)," Kastner said.
A similar backup course would be used for the 21-mile run and the marathon relay. Kastner said 10-mile run and the 9-mile run/walk would be combined into one walking event, and starting time for the 5K would be pushed back an hour.
Dennis Taylor can be reached at dtaylor@montereyherald.com or 646-4344.
After the slide: Big Sur Marathon has a fall back plan
B y DENNIS TAYLOR
Herald Staff
The Big Sur International Marathon will go on as planned — albeit with possible alterations — despite news that part of the course on picturesque Highway 1 has fallen into the Pacific Ocean.
Caltrans has not yet been able to estimate how much time will be needed to repair damage that occurred when about 40 feet of the two-lane highway washed out just after 5 p.m. Wednesday on a curve south of the Rocky Creek Bridge, wiping out the southbound lane and a piece of the northbound lane.
As a result, Big Sur International Marathon race director Wally Kastner said he already has a contingency plan if the road is closed on April 29, when the three day event begins with a Health & Fitness Expo. The "Just Kids" 3K run is scheduled April 30, with several other races, including the 26.2-mile marathon, slated May 1.
Kastner said he planned to submit his plan to the Board of Directors at tonight's regularly scheduled meeting.
"We had a similar situation when 'El Nino' washed out part of Highway 1 back in 1998, so we've been here before," Kastner said. "Our race went on that year with an out-and-back course (from Carmel's Rio Road to the Bixby Creek Bridge and back).
"If we're unable to use our traditional 26.2-mile course this year, the plan is to put the turn-around at the south side of the Rocky Creek Bridge (12 miles south of Carmel), with a jog through Point Lobos (State Natural Reserve) on the way back to the finish line (at Rio Road)," Kastner said.
A similar backup course would be used for the 21-mile run and the marathon relay. Kastner said 10-mile run and the 9-mile run/walk would be combined into one walking event, and starting time for the 5K would be pushed back an hour.
Dennis Taylor can be reached at dtaylor@montereyherald.com or 646-4344.
Blake weighs in from Spain
From Punta Umbria, Spain, host of the 2011 Cross Country World Championships: We made it. Ironically, the only trouble we had was getting out of Monterey due to fog in San Francisco. Sev and I made our flight to Frankfurt with 5 minutes to spare and settled in for 15 more hours of travel before we got to our hotel.
I just did my last short workout today and now there is nothing left to do but a few easy runs and wait. The few days before a big race are always the hardest. You try and do enough so you are not sluggish, but not so much that you are tired. Luckily, despite all the travel I am feeling good.
I ran the course this morning, and it is beautiful and challenging. Lots of rolling hills and a series of logs to jump over with every lap of the course. I am starting to get excited as more teams start rolling in, but for now we wait.
Blake
I just did my last short workout today and now there is nothing left to do but a few easy runs and wait. The few days before a big race are always the hardest. You try and do enough so you are not sluggish, but not so much that you are tired. Luckily, despite all the travel I am feeling good.
I ran the course this morning, and it is beautiful and challenging. Lots of rolling hills and a series of logs to jump over with every lap of the course. I am starting to get excited as more teams start rolling in, but for now we wait.
Blake
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
An obstacle for Big Sur marathon
Editor's note: Big slide on Hwy. 1 today. Big Sur Marathon veterans will know this portion of the course well, between Bixby Bridge and Rocky Creek Bridge. CHP officials seem to feel the road can be repaired in time for the May 1 race, but looking at this picture makes me wonder. More photos and information about the landslide at www.montereyherald.com
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
just run
Check Wednesday's Monterey County Herald for an interesting story on the youth running program "Just Run" that just achieved a milestone. One of the teachers involved in the program says the program benefits from a strong running community, which includes many parents. That, she says, is a key to the success of the program at her school.
"When you get the adults interested, the kids will get involved," she said. "Kids love to run. They just need role models who support and praise them."
Like Blake has noted in previous posts, Quin doesn't stand a chance. Fit him for his running shoes now. - dave
Snapshot preview
A quick overview from IAAF on upcoming cross country world championship in Spain:
http://www.iaaf.org/WXC11/news/kind=100/newsid=59526.html
http://www.iaaf.org/WXC11/news/kind=100/newsid=59526.html
Sunday, March 13, 2011
On running and babies
The last time I competed in the World Cross Country Championships was 2006, when it was in Fukuoka, Japan. I remember the members of the Japanese women’s team giggling and looking at us. Finally one of the girls got brave enough to come over and talk. The entire team was probably under 20, while our runners were all in their mid 20s and 30s. They were shocked we were so old — ouch! They looked at us in wonder and asked, “What about babies?”
No one on our team that year was a mom, but a witty teammate replied, “We have dogs.”
Before Quin, I can’t say I was around too many babies.
My only other experience with a competitive running mom was my college coach at the University of North Carolina, Joan Nesbit. She had just had a baby when I started as a freshman and made it look so easy. She brought the baby to practice on occasion and would race back and forth across the track with her little girl in a backpack, calling out splits as we did a workout. When the baby got older, you could find her in the long jump pit, using it as a big sandbox. Coach Nesbit seemed tireless dealing with running and parenthood. She even made the 1996 Olympic team in the 10,000 meters.
Now I realize there were probably tons of behind the scenes things I never know about. I took Quin to my first two races because I was still nursing and frankly could not bear to leave him. Though he was wonderful during the day, night was another matter. Maybe it was the over-stimulation or the disruption in his routine, but regardless, he cried both times from about midnight to 3 a.m. before the race. My husband Jon and I tried everything to calm him down.
It finally took a car ride with Daddy for Quin to get back to sleep. Though I never want to make excuses before I race, getting just three or four hours sleep the night before is never fun.
Luckily, taking Quin to practice or races has become much easier now that he is almost 2. While I was relaxing in the room the morning of my last race, Quin and Jon were playing in the hotel pool. I passed them walking to the race course and as I was warming up that day Quin yelled, “Hi mama” as I ran by.
Coach Nesbit used to say she did not like having her kids at her races because it made her soft. I have to say, I love having the whole family at my races. It helps that Jon and even coach Bob Sevene are on Quin duty the day of the race so I can focus on the task at hand.
There are some days where Quin says, “Mama, no running,” as I’m heading out the door. I hate that I have to go. Most of the time as I leave he says, “Mama, run fast.”
The poor kid doesn’t stand a chance with two parents who are runners. In fact, if you stopped by our house on most nights around 7, Quin can be found doing his nightly laps through the kitchen and living room. The other night, we must have done 40 laps, enough that I think I should count them into my weekly mileage.
Though Jon jokes we should stick a golf club in Quin’s hands, I admit I am proud of my little runner.
No one on our team that year was a mom, but a witty teammate replied, “We have dogs.”
Before Quin, I can’t say I was around too many babies.
My only other experience with a competitive running mom was my college coach at the University of North Carolina, Joan Nesbit. She had just had a baby when I started as a freshman and made it look so easy. She brought the baby to practice on occasion and would race back and forth across the track with her little girl in a backpack, calling out splits as we did a workout. When the baby got older, you could find her in the long jump pit, using it as a big sandbox. Coach Nesbit seemed tireless dealing with running and parenthood. She even made the 1996 Olympic team in the 10,000 meters.
Now I realize there were probably tons of behind the scenes things I never know about. I took Quin to my first two races because I was still nursing and frankly could not bear to leave him. Though he was wonderful during the day, night was another matter. Maybe it was the over-stimulation or the disruption in his routine, but regardless, he cried both times from about midnight to 3 a.m. before the race. My husband Jon and I tried everything to calm him down.
It finally took a car ride with Daddy for Quin to get back to sleep. Though I never want to make excuses before I race, getting just three or four hours sleep the night before is never fun.
Luckily, taking Quin to practice or races has become much easier now that he is almost 2. While I was relaxing in the room the morning of my last race, Quin and Jon were playing in the hotel pool. I passed them walking to the race course and as I was warming up that day Quin yelled, “Hi mama” as I ran by.
Coach Nesbit used to say she did not like having her kids at her races because it made her soft. I have to say, I love having the whole family at my races. It helps that Jon and even coach Bob Sevene are on Quin duty the day of the race so I can focus on the task at hand.
There are some days where Quin says, “Mama, no running,” as I’m heading out the door. I hate that I have to go. Most of the time as I leave he says, “Mama, run fast.”
The poor kid doesn’t stand a chance with two parents who are runners. In fact, if you stopped by our house on most nights around 7, Quin can be found doing his nightly laps through the kitchen and living room. The other night, we must have done 40 laps, enough that I think I should count them into my weekly mileage.
Though Jon jokes we should stick a golf club in Quin’s hands, I admit I am proud of my little runner.
Adios amigos
Travel Day has arrived!
Tomorrow starts an epic journey to get to Punta Umbria, Spain for the World Cross Country Championships. Brace yourself....Monterey to Los Angeles to Frankfurt to Barcelona to Seville then a 90-minute bus ride to Punta Umbria. I am taking the attitude that I will get there - eventually. Luckily, I talked my coach into going, so I will have some company the entire way.
I am wishing I knew some Spanish. Unfortunately, I took French in high school and could get by if I were in France. My husband works for the Defense Language Institute, so I asked him to download a basic Spanish lesson for me. Well, next time I won't ask for his help because the lesson started with "hello" and quickly progressed to, "Is this your grenade?" and "Are there any weapons here?" I guess next time I will be more organized and buy a book.
Tomorrow starts an epic journey to get to Punta Umbria, Spain for the World Cross Country Championships. Brace yourself....Monterey to Los Angeles to Frankfurt to Barcelona to Seville then a 90-minute bus ride to Punta Umbria. I am taking the attitude that I will get there - eventually. Luckily, I talked my coach into going, so I will have some company the entire way.
I am wishing I knew some Spanish. Unfortunately, I took French in high school and could get by if I were in France. My husband works for the Defense Language Institute, so I asked him to download a basic Spanish lesson for me. Well, next time I won't ask for his help because the lesson started with "hello" and quickly progressed to, "Is this your grenade?" and "Are there any weapons here?" I guess next time I will be more organized and buy a book.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Diego Estrada at NCAAs
Diego Estrada of Watsonville, CA just ran a brilliant Indoor 5,000 meters at the NCAA Division I Championships tonight. He placed 4th in a time of 13:29:01 and was pushing the pace with a mile to go. The winner from Iona State went on to break the NCAA record in 13:26.01. Estrada is a sophomore at Northern Arizona and his time puts him as one of the fastest collegiate runners to come out of California. My coach Bob Sevene has been a huge fan for several years and knows how to spot talent. Diego is one to watch!!!! In fact, he is racing the 3,000 meters tomorrow. Congrats to a local boy.
Full results can be found here:
http://www.flashresults.com/2011_Meets/indoor/03-11-NCAADiv1/Results7-1.htm
Tsunami warning
Here in the Monterey Bay area, we were jarred awake at 6:15 a.m. by an emergency phone call telling us of a Tsunami warning in the wake of the earthquake in Japan. Knowing that it was bad enough warrant a phone call for our coast line, I am feeling for the people in Japan as they recover from some serious devastation.
We also received our usually phone call from Jon's family in Boston concerned that we are near the ocean. They usually call after every earthquake in California even if it's in LA! Luckily, we assured them that we are quite a ways up the hill and safe and sound. Be safe everyone-especially if you are a fearless surfer. - Blake
Editor's note: I was actually looking forward to a nice run by the shore early this morning, taking a path I know Blake really loves. I was greeted by emergency officials who had blocked off the beach. The popular walking/running trail had been cleared of the usual joggers and dog walkers. At www.montereyherald.com we have a ton of local updates and photos from the tidal surge, as well as a wealth of information from the ever-changing situation in Japan. - dave
We also received our usually phone call from Jon's family in Boston concerned that we are near the ocean. They usually call after every earthquake in California even if it's in LA! Luckily, we assured them that we are quite a ways up the hill and safe and sound. Be safe everyone-especially if you are a fearless surfer. - Blake
Editor's note: I was actually looking forward to a nice run by the shore early this morning, taking a path I know Blake really loves. I was greeted by emergency officials who had blocked off the beach. The popular walking/running trail had been cleared of the usual joggers and dog walkers. At www.montereyherald.com we have a ton of local updates and photos from the tidal surge, as well as a wealth of information from the ever-changing situation in Japan. - dave
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Count down
We're about 10 days away from the cross country world championships in Spain. Got to admit, this seems like a pretty sweet place to go to compete.
Here's an overview of the city.
Here's an overview of the city.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tragic accident
Sad news this morning about the death of marathoner who qualified for the Olympic Trials. I raced against Sally Meyerhoff but can't say I knew her.
The accident makes you appreciate trail running and safe bike lanes away from cars.
Here's the story from her hometown paper.
The image is from her website/blog
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Run Quin, Run
There are some days when I'm heading out the door to run when Quin says, “mama, no running.” Those are days I hate having to leave. But most of the time as I leave Quin tells me, “Mama, run fast.”
If you stopped by our house about 7 on most nights, Quin is usually doing his nightly laps through the kitchen and living room. The other night, we must have done 40 laps, enough that I think I should count them into my weekly mileage. Though Jon jokes we should stick a golf club in his hand, I admit I am proud of my little runner.
If you stopped by our house about 7 on most nights, Quin is usually doing his nightly laps through the kitchen and living room. The other night, we must have done 40 laps, enough that I think I should count them into my weekly mileage. Though Jon jokes we should stick a golf club in his hand, I admit I am proud of my little runner.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
In the long run
"The long run puts the tiger in the cat.” — Bill Squires, coach
Since I am getting ready for the Boston Marathon, I am doing plenty of long runs. I have tons of time to think while I am out there, and I realized that I have been doing a long run every Sunday morning since 1993 when I started running at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Aside from some illnesses, injuries or pregnancy, it’s just part of my weekly routine.
Of course , my long runs have, well, come a long way from when I began running.
In high school I ran about 20 miles a week. My long runs were about 50 minutes.
My first day at UNC was a 55-minute run (about eight miles) and that was considered an easy run. I guess I would say my training did not officially begin until I went to UNC and began a structured program.
Gradually, I worked my way up to 80 or 90 minutes while in college, but I was wrecked for the rest of the day. I remember barely making it back to my apartment on my bike because I was so tired and light-headed, and then sleeping on the couch before tackling my studies. Long runs were always a struggle for me in college, so it is a bit ironic that I ended up in the marathon.
While I was getting my masters in physical therapy I had a little more freedom with my training and starting putting in more miles. I found the last thing I wanted to do at the end of a long day of class was go running, so I started doing most of my running before class. I often would slip out when it was dark and come back to find my roommates had locked me out. I would always forget to carry a key, which meant I broke plenty of windows getting back in.
At the time, I was doing most of my long runs with with one of the best steeplechase runners in the country — Jon Russell, my future husband.
We met a group of other competitive guys every Sunday morning at the park for a 7-mile loop around a lake. Training around the lake made me increase my long runs to 14 miles each week.
One time I decided to jump into a 30k (18.6 miles) trail race around the lake for my long run. It was the first time I had run that long, and to my surprise I kept feeling better and better. That race is what planted the marathon bug in my head.
When we moved to Boston to work with my current coach, Bob Sevene, I was still doing about 14 miles for a long run. It was not until I started to train for my first marathon in 2003 that I consistently ran longer each Sunday aiming for two hours or more or around 18 miles.
The key with doing long runs week after week is to do as much as you can on trails to minimize the pounding on your legs. I ran by Walden Pond and the surrounding trails almost every Sunday.
Now, even if I am not in marathon training I hardly run less than 2 hours on Sundays. In fact, this past Sunday was one of my longer runs at 22 miles.
While I was running in the former Fort Ord, I passed some mountain bikers and said, “Good morning.” I then realized that it was just past noon. I had started running at 9:30, and it felt like time stood still.
Since I am getting ready for the Boston Marathon, I am doing plenty of long runs. I have tons of time to think while I am out there, and I realized that I have been doing a long run every Sunday morning since 1993 when I started running at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Aside from some illnesses, injuries or pregnancy, it’s just part of my weekly routine.
Of course , my long runs have, well, come a long way from when I began running.
In high school I ran about 20 miles a week. My long runs were about 50 minutes.
My first day at UNC was a 55-minute run (about eight miles) and that was considered an easy run. I guess I would say my training did not officially begin until I went to UNC and began a structured program.
Gradually, I worked my way up to 80 or 90 minutes while in college, but I was wrecked for the rest of the day. I remember barely making it back to my apartment on my bike because I was so tired and light-headed, and then sleeping on the couch before tackling my studies. Long runs were always a struggle for me in college, so it is a bit ironic that I ended up in the marathon.
While I was getting my masters in physical therapy I had a little more freedom with my training and starting putting in more miles. I found the last thing I wanted to do at the end of a long day of class was go running, so I started doing most of my running before class. I often would slip out when it was dark and come back to find my roommates had locked me out. I would always forget to carry a key, which meant I broke plenty of windows getting back in.
At the time, I was doing most of my long runs with with one of the best steeplechase runners in the country — Jon Russell, my future husband.
We met a group of other competitive guys every Sunday morning at the park for a 7-mile loop around a lake. Training around the lake made me increase my long runs to 14 miles each week.
One time I decided to jump into a 30k (18.6 miles) trail race around the lake for my long run. It was the first time I had run that long, and to my surprise I kept feeling better and better. That race is what planted the marathon bug in my head.
When we moved to Boston to work with my current coach, Bob Sevene, I was still doing about 14 miles for a long run. It was not until I started to train for my first marathon in 2003 that I consistently ran longer each Sunday aiming for two hours or more or around 18 miles.
The key with doing long runs week after week is to do as much as you can on trails to minimize the pounding on your legs. I ran by Walden Pond and the surrounding trails almost every Sunday.
Now, even if I am not in marathon training I hardly run less than 2 hours on Sundays. In fact, this past Sunday was one of my longer runs at 22 miles.
While I was running in the former Fort Ord, I passed some mountain bikers and said, “Good morning.” I then realized that it was just past noon. I had started running at 9:30, and it felt like time stood still.
Friday, March 4, 2011
A preview: In the long run
Since I am getting ready for the Boston Marathon, I am doing plenty of long runs. I have tons of time to think while I am out there, and I realized that I have been doing a long run every Sunday morning since 1993 when I started running at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Aside from some illnesses, injuries or pregnancy, it’s just part of my weekly routine.
Of course , my long runs have, well, come a long way from when I began running. In high school I ran about 20 miles a week. My long runs were about 50 minutes.
My first day at UNC was a 55-minute run (about 8 miles) and that was considered an easy run. I guess I would say my training did not officially begin until I went to UNC and began a structured program.
You can read this week's entire Marathon Mom column in Saturday's Herald
Of course , my long runs have, well, come a long way from when I began running. In high school I ran about 20 miles a week. My long runs were about 50 minutes.
My first day at UNC was a 55-minute run (about 8 miles) and that was considered an easy run. I guess I would say my training did not officially begin until I went to UNC and began a structured program.
You can read this week's entire Marathon Mom column in Saturday's Herald
Thursday, March 3, 2011
When time stands still
Even if I am not in marathon training I hardly run less than 2 hours on a Sunday. In fact this past Sunday was one of my longer runs at 22 miles. While I was running in the former Fort Ord, I passed some mountain bikers and said, “Good morning.” I then realized that it was just past noon. I had started running at 9:30, and it felt like time stood still.
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