Jelly Bean Race, Long run, Easter and Elephant!

Happy Easter everyone!
This was a busy weekend!  Yesterday no running, I decided to rest before my 12 miles and see if this will help.  So we had the usual Saturday Soccer game.  Will had 2 great chances to score but unfortunately he was the only yellow guy against 3-4 red so no goal.

Today I went for a 12 miles run.  This was my last long run before the half marathon.  In one week at this time it will all be done!  I got up early so that I could come back for the Easter egg hunt.  It was pretty cool outside, maybe 12 Celsius.  3 miles into my run: RAIN!  Crap.  This was not good, cold rain and of course some wind.  I wished I had gloves.  At around mile 6 I realized that I forgot to hit start on my GARMIN at the last stop light maybe 1.5 miles or so ago.  Crap again.  Good thing I had map my run and I knew how far I needed to go before turning around: 15 fwy;  easy to remember.   The rain was getting worst and  I was completely soaked, my shoes were super heavy.  At least I did not feel as bad as last week.  The worst part was my hands,  they went numb because it was so cold.   I did not walk like last week, only to take my water out for a few sips and that's it.  I had a liquid shot with me, I took some at mile 5 even though I was not feeling the need for it, I thought better to take it BEFORE I need it.  It went down OK, but next few sips did not.  I almost got sick.  First time this happens with this fuel. :(   I got home and the kids had painted some eggs!

I signed up for Jess Jelly Bean virtual Race and I used the first 10k of today's run for that!  (Do you see Maggie sneaking in the back?)  Thank you Jess!

I was soooooo cooooold it was still raining when Bill took that picture.

I took an ice bath, that was no fun.  I was already pretty cold.  To put my poor hands in the water was almost impossible.  I lasted 10 minutes and then took a hot shower.  My stomach was not happy, pretty bad nausea. 

Because of the rain, I had to hide the eggs inside the house for the boys.  They were still happy to go look for them and get some surprises!

While I was out running they went to the store and got me flowers and 2 bags of ice!!!

After all this, we headed to the movies.  We did not have any family plans, mine is all in Quebec and Bill's is...sadly I don't have a nice word to describe them...
I went to see Water for Elephants with one of my dear friend who is going through a hard time and Bill and the boys went to see RIO!  Boys loved it and Bill said it was a good nap!!!
Water for Elephants: it was good.  I did like it.  It is not as good as the book and they changed and skipped parts.   If you read the book, the guy who plays August was perfect.  I got to say that the Rob Twilight dude...he was very good as well and he is not ugly.  I recommend the movie.

The Ugly Truth - Virtual Marathon part 1

I started my COOL KIDS VIRTUAL MARATHON  today!

Check out my Cool Bib!

Went for my long run this morning.  Got up at 6 am to try to beat the heat. 
Not early enough.   :(

Miles I ran: 11

Time it took: longer then I wanted but still at faster pace then my first half but slower then last 2 long runs of 9 and 10 miles.

Walking breaks: Too many.

Temperature: Way too hot...about 86

Times I said really bad words like Calisse, Criss or Tabarnac (Anne so sorry I know these are very bad) to bikers who almost hit me: TWICE and I am not sorry about that!

Times I wanted to quit and call Bill: ONCE  but I didn't.

Number of squirrel I saw: 1

Side pain: Yep one that lasted about 3 miles.

Number of salt tablets: 2 before I left and 2 after 1 hour: not enough.

I was under my first half marathon pace but slower then my last 2 long runs so I am a little discouraged with this one.
This was a hard one for me.
At times my legs felt really heavy.  I am glad today was NOT race day.

This is me after I got back, I am smiling because it is OVER.  11 done, 15.2 to go!

Last week I had pain in my knees after my 10 miles, did not want that again so I decided to go for the ice bath for the first time.  I hope this will helps.  That was not fun, aouch!
My kids thought it was hilarious that I was taking a bath with ICE in it and that I had clothes on!!!  Cannot see the ice really good on the picture, but there was some!!! I added another bag after that was taken.

Warning: gross picture coming up
My toe is hurting....it is as ugly as my run today
That white part of the nail is about to fall, it is broken.

So there you have it, The Ugly Truth is not all runs go well.  Today it sucked.

Moving on.

Boston runners if you are reading this: GOOD LUCK!!! ENJOY!!!

100 FOLLOERS!!!! Julie is #100! thank you all!!

Favicon anyone? And the long run.

I got a new Favicon (website icon) ! See little blue girl with her arm up in victory? That's me finishing my first half marathon!  Thank you Dion! You can get your own free flavicon here. 

Yesterday I went for an easy 3 miles run.  I did not want to be tired for my long run today and we had soccer at 11 am.

Today: 10 miles. 
Good cool sunny not too windy weather, cannot ask for better then what I got.  I took one salt pill ( Endurolyte) before leaving.  I brought another one with me with water and a vanilla liquid shot.   Lot's of bikes and dogs on the path I use today.  I have problems with both.  The bikers: well they are just plain rude.  They think the path is JUST FOR THEM.  They pass runners and walkers REALLY close.  I run with my Ipod but it is not loud so I can hear people and if those morons were nice enough to warn people as they pass them I would not almost have a heart attack every time they speed by me.  The dogs, well I love dogs and my issue is really with their owners who cannot be bother to pick up the smelly gifts their furry friends leave on the path (this is a concrete path).  There's bags and trash cans at every mile for that.  ALL FREE.  No EXCUSE.    So back to me.  My 10 miles went well.  At mile 4 I realized I had been running with gum! I have never done that before.  I threw it away and I took my first dose of liquid shot and a few sip of water.  After that I took little sips of liquid shots at every mile.  I took a second salt pill at mile 6.  I think this is helping me.  It is hard to know for sure because today it was not a hot day and I have a hard time in hot weather mostly.  At least by trying the pills I know my stomach is OK.   Mile 9 I got a little tired , I felt like I was running faster, looked at my Garmin and well that was all in my head! :)  I am happy with how it went.  Last time I ran 10 miles was in January.  Today I ran my 10 miles 12 minutes faster then I did that day.  I am happy with that.

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on my last post.  I appreciate all of your advices. You are all very kind and generous with your time, thank you.
I have decided that unless I get injured, I will keep up with the plan.  A wise friend told me that I should go slower for the  long runs.  Another wise runner's advise was to evaluate recovery time for my 10 and 11 miles.  That makes a lot of sense to me.  And then there is Pam who used the same plan I am using and got great results.  All that is enough to make me want to stick with the plan!!

Ending this with some soccer pics of #5

WANTED: YOUR 2 CENTS

Yesterday I did my speedwork: 9x400
3 at 9:13
3 at 9:05
3 at 8:41
5 miles total.

I had horrible heartburn yesterday..sometimes my GERD flares up for no reason.  I did not eat or drink anything different then what I usually take.  I slept maybe 2 hours last night.  It sucks.  Good thing today is a rest day.

Ok now the 2 cents part.
My Half Marathon is May 1st.
I follow Hal Higdon's intermediate plan you can see it here.

I have 3 long runs before the race.
Sunday I have 10 miles.

Then I start week 10, the long run is 11 miles.
Week 11 the long run is 12 miles. That is one week before the race.
Week 12 is Taper: Rest, 4 miles, 3 miles, 3 miles, Rest, Rest, Half Marathon.

Here's where I need your 2 cents (please):
I have had a few people who advised me to cut the last long run from 12 to 8 miles.   I don't know what to do.  Follow the plan or cut back.  For my first half I did the beginners plan and it only had one long run in the double digits: 10 miles. I think looking back this was not enough to prepare me for the race. 
This time the mileage was higher all around and I feel better about my training.  I ran 8 miles, 9 miles and did a 10k race in the last 3 weeks for the long run day.

I value all of your experience and so I am asking you to give your 2 cents on the last long run..should it be that long? or not?  I know everyone is different but I am interested in what you have to share. 

Thank you for reading and thank you in advance to leaving a comment! :)

Me, Keith and Bryan

THANK YOU JIM!!!!

Aren't those great?

I decided to do my long run today in case the rain decide to join the nasty wind we have.  Yes once again some wind for my long run.  I am getting a little tired of it.  9 miles today.  5 of those facing the freaking wind.  At times it was so strong I lost my balance.  Bill's response to that: "Put some weight on!".  No comment.   I took these 2 guys with me in my ears for my run:

I took the picture of Keith the first time I saw him in concert, front row seat, that was great.  REALLY GREAT.

I also took EFS liquid shot, this time vanilla flavor.  This one is better for me.  Less sweet. I can even take it while "running".  I have to slow down but no need to actually walk.  Last week I did not take any water with the EFS liquid shot.  This week I took some and followed Chris K's advice and took small sips after taking the shot.  It worked fine for me.  I cannot tell you how happy I am that this stuff works for me.

If I run like I did today for my next half marathon and even If I crash for the last 4 miles (WILL NOT HAPPEN) I would get a PR.  :)

Next week I won't have a long run, I am racing on Saturday (10K) and my best friend from Quebec will be in San Diego for a medical seminar and we are headed there to meet her! I cannot wait!  I have never been to the city of San Diego, I have been to the San Diego Zoo, that's it. 

Now time to go park my behind in front of the TV.  Loved the games yesterday! We have a true Cinderella in the tournament! VCU!  The look on the VCU coach's face says it all:

Yes EMZ I will be cheering for U fo A.

I am still leading my pool, even with Ohio loosing. That is crazy.

I still have a chance to win this thing, I need the CATS to take UConn OUT.

If I win, I will make another donation for EMZ's crazy 24h hour run on a treadmill.  You read that correctly.  If you don't already know about this go here: 

 http://royalpitatoias.blogspot.com/2011/02/dirty-little-secret-all-american.html

GO CATS!

DOUBLE DIGIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to welcome MYSELF to the double digit club!  That's right people I ran 10 miles today and I could not be more pleased with dear old ME!

Ok enough with the lovefest, I am already nauseated.  You have to understand,  a year ago I was trying to prepare for my first race; The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure a 5k.  At the time I could not run 2 miles without walking.  Running 10 miles was not something I thought I would ever do.  NOT A CHANCE.  Well here I am.  I am not going to lie, it was hard.  Mile 7 was hell.  I tried a different kind of gel...does not work.  Water is even hard for me to take.  I get really bad side pain that takes forever to pass.  At mile 9 I was in a lot of pain, I had to walk.  I know I will have to drink, or I will get really dizzy and I would not want to pass out.  I am wondering if I should take a salt pill...if yes when? Before the race or during?  If you have experience with those I am looking for advices.
I iced my legs when I got home I hope I can walk ok tomorrow!!!

I know I can do the half.  I could have at least walk 3 more miles so I know I will finish and for the first one that is the goal.

I have made some decisions

You are not invited to my Half Marathon:

The belt because I don't like you bouncing on my back and also because you push on my belly and are not helping anything stomach related.  ITouch: well you and Nike+ are liars and also because you need a new battery and I need music for more then 2 hours.

You are invited to my Half Marathon:

You because I need music and you are tiny and you will last over 2 hours.

You because you are the perfect socks (Nike Livestrong running sock) and compression Nike Pro shorts because you stay in place and well...I am pretty sure I would not like that chaffing thing so you are in!

You 3  because I know I could never do this without you.  Best supporting crew ever! Also because I will need you to hand me some water as I pass by you and maybe a granola bar or a piece of banana.  And a lot of "Let's go mommy!" " You got this"  "Don't give up".

 Today I ran 10 miles.  Just had to type that again.

I saw 4 movies this weekend

Social Network, The kids are all right, Inception and Blue Valentine.

Social Network: Good not as excellent as they say.  Justin T.  Excellent in it though. B+
The kids are all right: Excellent! Loved it! Love Annette Bennings. A+
Inception: not for me, I gave up after less then 30 min.
Blue Valentine: Excellent.  Very sad, broke my heart.  Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams are great in it.  Highly recommend.  A+

Off to watch the Golden Globes!

The long run

Today I ran 8 miles!

For a lot of you this is nothing.
For me it is the longest run I have done.

The weather was perfect: Overcast and cold enough to need gloves. 
Dear mother nature I would like that same kind of weather for my half marathon.
Thank you.
I did not run fast, I wanted to do the whole 8 miles and not cut it short like I did last week.
I used my belt for the first time.  It was OK, it did not bother me too much.  Still not sure if I will use it for the race, we will see, I got one more long run next week.
I tried GU for the first time also.  I waited until mile 7 because I wanted to be close to home in case it did not go well and I start cramping or having reflux.  I took less then half of the pack of Vanilla GU, one of the flavor they will give at the Half Marathon...Boy that is sweet!
I am not used to eating sweets anymore...I needed a lot of water after that and that lead to getting a stitch so not good.  Now I know I can take that GU  but just a small quantity.  This week I tried a GU Gel..that did not go down well for me so I will never use those again.

I did not take any chances and I iced my chins when I got home and did a lot of stretching.  Let's hope I am not in pain tomorrow!

I am really happy with my run today.
I ran 8 miles.
And here's the best part: I know I could have gone longer.

After that my friend took me out to the movies to celebrate my upcoming birthday.  We saw Black Swan.  Very intense.  Some parts are hard to watch.  Nathalie Portman is excellent in it, must have been a difficult experience to play that role.  If she does not get an Oscar nomination for this it will be a real shame.

The first game...

Must type fast...my kids are driving Bill crazy...and I don't want WWIII in my house tonight!!!

Went to the gym this morning...today was cross training...did 30 min on elliptical...gym was full some guy came and said : "I CALL 30 minutes on you!" What?? I said " You could just say can I please have a turn now or are you almost done"...anyway...I got off and all that was available was those bikes that are lower...I hate those..so I did only 10 minutes on that.

I had to get ready for my younger son's basketball game...I guess I can say their names...instead of older and younger all the time.  I did give them names when they were born...OK so Jonathan is the almost 5 yrs old one.  He had a game at 10:30..it is just hilarious to go to those games. 

Jonathan is the one with the ball

Then at 12:30 I was coaching my older son, Will. 
We are the Mavericks and it was our first game.  Well I did not need to go to the gym this morning, this was a real workout!  And I lost my voice!  We did OK but they sucked all the energy I had left.  I ran that court for the whole game while 2 out of 5 were almost asleep watching the others play!  These are 6 yrs old boys...the expectations have to be really LOW!!

Will is #4

Tomorrow long run.  This time I will not cut it short no matter what, if I have to walk then so be it.  I got my new fuel belt and I am going to try GU for the first time.  Let's hope my super picky stomach likes it!