Running Late!

I was anxious to run 8 or 9 miles this morning…but Jeff will tell you I must have been more interested in sleeping in! Yeah, it was my laziness that caused us to begin our run so late this morning…7:15! Any runner would agree…in the heat…if you plan to run more then a few miles, that’s too late! I hate running in the heat…I continually slow down…and can’t stop thinking about how hot it is. Without Jeff I wouldnt have run 8 miles (I couldn’t manage 9). I try to be extra strong (and try not to whine) when we run together because the time and miles go by quicker when someone is with you. But I was happy he sprinted (how the heck could he run that fast in the heat??!!) ahead of me for the last mile…I was toast and settled into a 9:40ish pace and dreamed of my finish. Note to self: get your butt outta bed so you are not running late next time!!!

Jeff’s Post – Looking Back at July

Tamara and I were talking this morning about running stats and numbers.  This was brought up when I started reading her my July running summary that I was about to post on Facebook.  I’m certain if there was a “puke” button on Facebook I would receive it pretty regularly.  I’m also pretty sure I’m motivating a few people to get off the couch (In fact I’m certain I am since I receive a private message every now and then telling me just that).  I love numbers and stats and Tamara actually created this monster when she gave me a Garmin Forerunner 410 for Christmas.  Since January I have been happily gathering daily running stats that I just love to share!

I’m very happy with July and this is a quick recap.  I ran 29 times (13 outside runs – the rest on the treadmill) – 271 Miles – 38:00 Hours – 35,556 Calories Burned – Longest Run of the month 17.1 miles.  The two days I didn’t run I rode the bike (0 Days off in July!).  I ran 5 times when I was in Ocean City (with one run ending up at the Fractured Prune Donut Shop – yummy).  Tamara and I got to run together 4 times – wish it was more!  I also ran the 1^st Annual 4^th of July ½ Marathon – well actually I was the only one running it but I hope to get a few others to join me next year!

I’m excited about my race schedule over next few months.  August – The Annapolis 10 Miler – September – Virginia Beach Rock and Roll ½ Marathon – October – The Baltimore Marathon (my first !) – I will be sharing more about my marathon training soon.  I also want to document as much of the experience as I can – more details soon!

And while I’m sharing numbers I just had to look and see how many miles I have in the can from January 1 thru July 31- so far 1,265 miles – Yeah – Looking forward to the rest of the year.

P.S. Congrats to Michael Wardian on winning the San Francisco Marathon – He is a machine and it is fun to follow what he is doing!

Jeff and Tamara – Boardwalk Run Ocean City, MD

Mmmmm Good!

Jeff and Tamara – Ocean City, MD – Notice my running shirt 🙂

Jeff’s Daily Post – Back to Normal

After 5 glorious days of running at the beach I was back home and back on the treadmill this morning. I ran an easy 8.5 miles.  Short post this morning – I’m running late for run but I promise more vacation stories coming soon!

Have a great day!

 

Jeff’s Post – Love Boardwalk Runs!

I’ve mentioned it a few times before but I love running on the boardwalk.   We are still in Ocean City, Maryland and for the second morning in a row I went for a nice relaxing run on the boardwalk.  Yesterday mom offered to come watch Samantha in the morning so we could run.  I love being up here with family – Thank You Mom for coming to our room at 5:45am on your vacation so Tamara and  I could run together.  The run yesterday was beautiful.  Tamara took the camera so she could take some pictures and that is about all she did the first ¼ mile.  It made me laugh and none of the pictures turned out.  I remember at one point telling her (I was kidding of course) to focus and get to work!  We had a great run and got to watch the sun peek its way through the clouds.  Tamara peeled off at about mile 7 and I told her I was going for another mile.  Well, I have a tendency to push it and ended up running a little over 13 miles.  I felt strong the whole time and loved running with Tamara.

This morning Tamara got up first and went out.  When she returned I went back to the boardwalk.  The boardwalk is 2.2 miles and I wanted to try to get in 8 miles.  I was feeling a little off at the beginning it could have been from the few “Big Fish” I had at Fish Tales last night (I love Fish Tales btw).  At about mile 2 my cousin Bryan shows up beside me and ran about 4 miles with me.  We had talked about running over the past few days (I can’t help but talk about it) so I was thrilled to see him show up.  I was able to get in 8.8 miles.

Ok, done with the blog – need to get back to the beach – another run in my future tomorrow – probably!

Ocean City, MD Boardwalk

The “Big Fish”

Group Shot

2 Beach Runs Down!

7/25 Run – After taking off Sunday, I was ready to get my longest run of the week in on Monday. I was so happy and thankful that Jeff’s Mom was up for sitting with Sam while Jeff and I went for an early run yesterday. We left the hotel at 6am and hit the OC boardwalk. We immediately saw the sun sneaking up through the clouds  – what a great way to start a run! I try to snap a few pictures of Jeff and of the sunrise – not very successful as I didn’t slow down enough. We continued toward the south end of the boardwalk and made our turn at the end leaving the beautiful view behind us. As we ran toward 1st street, we couldn’t help but glance back at the sunrise until it became hidden behind a cloud. I’ve never run on the OC boardwalk before – I loved the view of the damp boardwalk, the rough surf pounding over the early morning groomed sand, and the shops preparing for a bustling day of activity. There were a few other runners, walkers, and bikers on the boardwalk and the longer we ran the more people appeared. It is amazing how quickly my running pace adjusts to Jeff’s, I know it is slower then he normally runs – but listening to our shoes hit the wet boards in sync was amazingly relaxing to me. I wanted to get 7 miles in (1 mile longer then my schedule!), so I let Jeff lead the way. I struggled with a few stomach issues on an off after about 4 miles – and wish I would stop looking at my Garmin. After running the boardwalk, I asked Jeff to lead us to the road for a bit – he did and I followed. We ran the bus lane for a bit – it was early so there wasn’t much traffic. We finished on the boardwalk and I mentioned I needed to break a 63:00 for my 7 miles – and we did…it was 60:00! I was happy! Jeff ran on for another “1 mile” and I headed back to the room – thanks again to Jeff’s Mom – I very much appreciate her! 

7/26 Run – This morning I got the early morning running shift and headed out around 6:15 – drats! I missed the sunrise! I couldn’t see the sun at all, it was hidden behind some clouds. As I start running south on the boardwalk, immediately I notice a group from Jeff’s family out for their morning walk – I didn’t speak as I was adjusting my iPod and trying to get in my pace.  I was happy to be out early and began people watching as I ran. It felt different to be out on the boardwalk running alone – without Jeff beside me. My feet sounded awkward and sloppy as they hit the damp boards – it took me almost a mile to get settled into a comfortable pace. I kept glancing to the left behind me as I ran and soon noticed the sun making it’s way higher into the sky – a big fiery orange ball –  what a beautiful sight – I wished I had a camera (and Jeff!) with me. When I got closer to the end of the boardwalk I was amazed by how many runners were  out – I passed a few and even ran around and past a couple enjoying an early morning ride in a bike surry. Heading back north on the boardwalk I continue people watching. I wonder what the woman sitting on the bench is reading – she looks peaceful and happy. I wonder what the man is typing so quickly into his cell phone as his face seems stressed and worried. I see a couple embraced by the water – I wonder what they are talking about and where they are from. I see a man carrying a small toddler with a bag of donuts – I wonder what is in the bag and if he would care to share! Ahhh….I now see Dunkin Donuts and spy the group from Jeff’s family. I give a shout as they are heading into the shop “Ladies, step away from the Donuts!”, I repeat my chant as I run closer to them and I see them smile. I’m jealous – I want a latte and an egg sandwich! I continue my run and continue my people watching. The miles tick by and I soon make it back to the hotel and finish my 4.5 mile morning beach run. It was envigorating and I am now awake ready to begin my day!

Jeff’s Daily Post – Back on the Horse!

Mentally I had to get back on the horse after yesterday’s running disaster.  It’s interesting, I went 17 miles yesterday in head indexes that were about 105 but my finish was so poor that it almost felt like I skipped a day running.  I was determined to get in another run this morning.  I told myself I would it would be a shorter run (My dad also called me yesterday and told me not to run so far today – “Thanks Coach”).  So today I ran a short 6.2 miles and aside from the first ½ mile where my knees were hurting I felt good the whole way.  It is still crazy hot but I was happy finish strong and happy to finish without having to call Tamara!

Have a great day – I’m looking forward to some more beach runs!

Jeff’s Post – Boy – It is hot out here!

I woke up this morning in one of my favorite places – Ocean City Maryland.  I have been coming here since I was a kid and I just love being here.  Our original plan was to come down on Sunday (with the rest of the family) but Tamara and I decided to leave last night so we could get a head start.  Geez, is this place crowded.  We didn’t have reservations for Friday and Saturday and decided to wing it and see what we could find.  After about an hour and about 15 rejections (Tamara said she was getting used to rejection) we finally found a room.  Way too expensive but oh well!  We are staying in North Ocean City which is new for me.  All of the years I have been coming here we have always stayed on the Boardwalk (that is where we will be going to on Sunday).  So I’m looking forward to exploring another territory.  Funny that I wanted to get to bed before it got too late last night because I wanted to run early this morning – wow how things have changed.  It is hot hot hot and humid in Maryland right now.  Tamara and I decided last night that she would get up and run first and then I would go after.

Now for the not so good part.  When Tamara came back I headed out for my run.  I was determined to run from the Delaware state line to the end of the Boardwalk in Ocean City.  I had no idea how far that was I just knew we are staying on 145^th street and I had to run to 1^st street and back.  Initially, when I headed out it didn’t feel that hot and there was a little breeze.  I really enjoyed the run down going past some of my favorite places – The Green Turtle, Seacrets, Dumsers, The Fractured Prune and many others.  I ran out of water at about mile 6 and knew I needed to get something.  Have you ever tried feeding a wet limp dollar bill into a soda machine – doesn’t work.  I knew I would be to the boardwalk soon and would be able to get some water.  I find a little breakfast shop and see a cooler with some Gatorade.  I go in and hand the nice lady behind the counter two dripping wet dollar bills.  I was a bit embarrassed and she wasn’t too thrilled to be accepting my literally dripping wet money but she took it.  I filled up my amphipod, drank the rest and headed towards 1^st street.  I really should have turned around at this point – I hate stopping in the middle of a run and when I started again I just didn’t have it and it was sooooo hot.  But I said I was going to 1st street and that is what I was going to do.  I really don’t remember much of the boardwalk run I know I went to 1^st street and turned around.  At that time I was out of water again and out of dollar bills but had a bit of change.  I see a soda machine with water for $.40 – really $.40 didn’t think that was possible but I happily scurry over and put my money in.  You think this machine had water, nope all out, so I start hitting buttons frantically after anything at this point and out pops a Mountain Dew.  I initially think, I probably shouldn’t be drinking a Mountain Dew but didn’t care now – I just need to get back.  This is also the time I reach into my trusty little SPIbelt again and pull out the bat phone.  I wanted to tell Tamara not to worry but I was going to be a while.  I think I was at about 20^th street and the thought of running all the way back was a bit daunting.  I felt like I had nothing in the tank.  I started to run again and this began the run/walk that would take me a few more miles.  At about 50^th street I’m dying of thirst again. I considered going into a first aid station asking if they had water but I was afraid they wouldn’t let me out.  I found a convenience store and go in to buy some water.  I end up with a PowerAde Zero (really like those).  There was a huge line in this store and I’m standing in the middle literally dripping in sweat – I almost yelled for a cleanup in aisle 2 because I left a puddle in the floor.  I also call Tamara AGAIN to tell her not to worry that I’m ok but it is still going to be a while.  Turns out she is at the pull tweeting (@werrunners) my progress.  The last 40 streets took forever but I made it back – never happier to be back at the room.  17 miles at a horrible pace (11:00) – I learned a lesson (I think) and will be a little more careful next time.

I Never Sweat!!! Why Today????

Today was my scheduled day off from running – so what was I thinking getting up at 6am on a Saturday – on vacation – at the beach??? Oh, that’s right – I’m a runner! We do crazy things like that!! I was lucky enough to get the first running shift this morning – YEAH ME!!! We are staying on the MD – DE line so I thought it would be nice to run into DE. After a quick call back up to the room to make sure Jeff didn’t miss the sunrise, I headed out. After realizing there was a bike lane I settled into pace with a smile on my face – this was gonna be a good run! What is that dripping down my back and into my eyes?! I am not kidding – I never sweat – ok, maybe that is exaggerating, but I very, very rarely sweat. I managed to maintain a 8:13 pace for the first mile despite having problems breathing from the heat and humidity. I decided to turn around at 4 miles. As I approached my turnaround point I was getting bored with the bike lane and decided to venture to the beach – I could see the small dunes. I found an opening and made my way through the deep (why didn’t I turn around here?) sand to the shoreline. Ahhhh…it was about 5-10 degrees cooler! Nice – now I will stop sweating…or sweat less!! I have run on a few other beaches, so was really excited. Then I took 2 steps and realized the slope was unbearable and the tide must have just turned because there was no hard packed sand! UGH!!! Like a determined runner I continued down the beach – glance at my Garmin and see 11:15 pace – and try harder to maintain my footing. After a 1/2 mile I see an opening in the dunes, I’m outta here! I walk (sand is too deep to run) to the opening onto a path. Huh?! It’s a path to some condos…just my luck…wait, I see a runner through the trees…the road…I find a small, short path through the woods/trees (it’s morning, I’m safe, right?) and book it for the road. The sweat returns – I thought I left you at the beach!? I struggled for another 1/2 mile to get out of the 11:00 pace, not sure why. As the sweat is pouring down my face, back, neck, legs…ok, my entire body…I keep looking ahead for the hotel. After what seemed like miles (was only 1 1/2 miles) I see it!! Hotel, sweet, hotel! When I got back to the room, Jeff was ready to go and immediately heads out the door for his run – I warn him – it is hot and don’t run on the beach!! I glance at my phone to check the weather – it’s 86 degrees with a heat index of 98 degrees…so that is why I was sweating!!! I’ve been back for :30, got the AC on 72, and the sweat is still dripping down my back!!! Time to hit the shower!!! I’m ready for a day at the beach – at least I’m used to the sweating by now!

Can I Run Asleep?

I’ve been getting between 6 and 6 1/2 hours of sleep every night which appears to be enough. Last night I was packing for our upcoming trip (yeah, another one) and didn’t get to bed until about 11:15pm and after getting up to let my dogs out at 3:30am I was not happy when my alarm went off at 4:30am. Ugh!!!! I was soooooo tired…my eyes didn’t want to open…I changed my clothes and headed to the basement to my treadmill, but ended up near my laundry room in a fog not sure where I was going. This happened 3 more times before I found my way to the treadmill. Now I was seriously worried I would fall asleep running. I could just picture my body slamming up against the wall behind me. I would welcome the fall and just curl up in a ball and nap while the miles ticked away. No such luck! The sound of my treadmill and my latest movie, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” woke me up…and kept me awake for 4 miles. So happy the weekend is here!!!!

Tamara’s Daily Post – Ugh…My Stomach!!!

I ran an uncomfortable 5 miles this morning on the treadmill…my stomach was killing me. I jumped off after a mile and snagged 2 tums, but they didn’t help. Regardless, I am following my schedule and hoping to start increasing my mileage soon!