Finito!

All,

I have done it.  I have run the Amsterdam 1/2 Marathon.  I was nervous and by mile 11, pretty exhausted, but I made it none-the-less.  It overcast and windy, but it didn't rain on me and that's a big win.  I had great cheerleaders at the start, finish, and along the way (thanks again everyone!).   Here are the pics:

Me at the start line - this is easy!

Me at the almost-finish line - camera sensor activated! 

Me and Annie - due to stomach flu, running was a no-go for her :(

Team America!

I'm starting a collection of these puppies!

Thanks everyone for your support and readership of this blog.  You'll be happy to know I've already signed up for a 30km race in Italy in June 2013 along with another 1/2 marathon in NL in May 2013.  Gotta stay motivated and keep up the shape I've whipped myself into over the last 3 months.  For any of you out there considering a 1/2 marathon, if I could do it, anyone can.  I started this project not able to run 2 miles without wanting to die and being sore the next day.  But I persevered and so can you.

Lastly, a shout-out to my Amelia who inspired me to run in her memory and honor.  I couldn't have done it without her watching over me.

Liz

Little bro comes to town..

So, in my last post, I mentioned that I'd write about my little brother visiting Amsterdam.  If you're his facebook friend, or in his google+ circles, you should have seen his pictures.  If not, here's a brief summary:
 - Between two Iceland trips, David & Salua came to visit Amsterdam

- Salua hasn't been here before, so there was lots of tourist stuff to be done:  The Heineken brewery

 - Biking! Editors note: It is not recommended to bicycle and take pictures at the same time.  I was very worried for this lady's life and safety.

 - Drank the traditional drinks at Wynand Fockink in the traditional style

- Ate lots of great food.  Fun sibling time!

It was great to see them both.  I miss these guys!  Also, while they were here, I didn't stick to my schedule.  I ran only once.

David also ran his half marathon on Sunday.  He did it in 1:57, which is great and just under 9 minute miles.  Go bro!!

The running family,

Liz

One week to go!

I never thought I'd run as much in a lifetime as I have over the past year. 540km (335 miles) in a year and a week. But what started off as a few kms on the treadmills at the gym in an attempt to lose some weight has turned into a 20~30km per week hobby. I can't say I always enjoy it but somehow I've become a little... addicted to it? Yikes!

So Liz, Marc and I did the 16km Dam tot Dam Loop 3 weeks ago and I must say it was pretty tough. There were SOOOOOO many people and it was weird running along a completely unknown route. Still, I managed to complete it in 1:34:24 which I was pretty darn happy about. Jason and Andrey acted as our support crew / photographers and all in all it was a pretty cool experience.

Now we're staring down the barrel of this 1/2 marathon... One week from now us Dashing (Amster)Dames (and Marc) will be running from Amsterdam South all the way to the East, past the Amstel, then back past the Heineken museum, down through Vondelpark and back to the starting point. This is when we each find out what we're really made of :)

I went a bit mental over the last two weeks and bought myself new running socks (to try and fight against the damn blister on my big toe), a yoga mat (unrelated to running but still...), tracksuit pants, a long-sleeved running shirt, a wind / rain jacket and... a Liz-bot Batman Utility Running Belt (tm). I also ran 20.45km (12.7 miles) last Sunday to prove to myself for once and for all that I can actually run this 1/2 marathon. I guess we'll see how well I do and how good I feel after it on the day!

So fingers crossed for us all, I hope we all do fantastically! Even crossing the finish line will be a pretty mean feat on it's own :)

Less training, more traveling!

Hey all,

I need to apologize for being horrible about blogging.  I've been working a lot and slacking on training even more.  After the Dam-to-Dam race, I took several days off to recover from sore knees and ankles.  It's also been raining non-stop here.  After the days off I was off to Portugal for a conference and then to Munich for Oktoberfest, where I continued not to train.  Here are some pictures of how awesome Oktoberfest is - also had no idea it would be like a massive state fair with tons of rides and people.

 This is just part of the rows upon rows of amazing roast chicken.... so good!

And then the cool beer tents - each one is different and has different beer, so we visited a bunch - see three examples.  Note: If you're actually going to Oktoberfest, there's quite a system in place, please ask me or look it up - just showing up could lead to problems!

 More glimpses of the huge park at night

 Wen-dizzle having beer at an actual spinning carousel Beer Garden

 The pretzels are massive and amazing.  Here's a tip, bring your own mustard - they don't do it.

 Americans @ Oktoberfest!

This week, David and Salua visited, so I did a 4 mile and 8 mile run, but that's all. Details on that visit in the future.

With promises to be better about blogging,

Liz

The Dam to Dam Race

I might have mentioned in past posts that I'd agreed to join Annie's company in running 10 miles from Amsterdam to Zandam (hence the name, Dam to Dam, hehe).  I was a bit nervous about running 10 miles, because lets face it... 3 months ago I could hardly run 1.. But I DID IT!!!

Anyway, here's where I must thank the book Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield.  There is no way I could have done it without the book's advice and training plan.  Get ready because I'm going to say something none of you will EVER have believed I would say.  I enjoyed the race.  I started with a smile on my face and ended with a bigger smile on my face (note, smile was not present the whole time).  Now, Andrey/Jason/Annie might say that it's my Liz-bot camera sensor since many cameras were on me, but I also felt like smiling.  The energy was amazing.  So many people were cheering us on, kids had their hands out for high-fives and bands/DJs kept up the beats.  It was a really really cool experience.

I'm shocked to say it, because I generally hate running, but I might be turning into a runner.  Maybe.  We'll see.  Next month is the Amsterdam 1/2 Marathon and I feel pretty ready.

I have been gushing so much, I forgot to tell you one of the other amazing things about this race.  I ran pretty fast! I finished in 1:40, which means 10 minute miles.  The energy of the race really helped and I felt great, though my knees are a little achy.  Thanks to the running bible, I have a rehab plan so they don't turn into an injury.  Another cool thing - there will be pictures!  Jason and Andrey brought their huge cameras out and took pics of me, Annie and Marc.  A big congrats to A&M and thanks to J&A.  I will post their pics when available.  In the meantime, here's my medal!

Post-race was a bit of a mess.  There were over 50k racers and 200k watchers, so even though they stagged the It took us over an hour to take the bus back to Amsterdam so I'd felt like I'd been on my feet for  many hours (which I had).  I power-napped on Andrey's shoulder on the bus and now I feel great.

If any of you readers have ever wondered about forcing yourself to run, I think you should.  With the right plan, anything is possible.

Loop in Dutch means run - this was a one way race.

On a running high.  Pretty sure Amelia was watching over me.  Thanks Ladybug!!!!!!!!

Love,

Liz

8 miles in 89 minutes

So this weekend was again the longest run of my life.  It was a crisp, cool day in Berlin and our hotel was very close to the beautiful park the Tiergarten, which is great for running long distances because there is no stopping.  While I'd always heard people talking about their bodies going into auto-mode and just continuing to run, I had never really experienced it, but I *sort of* think I'm starting to understand what they're talking about now.  I ran this alone even though Wendy had to do her long run too - she did 9 miles! and I'm going to pester her for a post about it.

There was no pushing myself with speed as I was just trying to survive 8 miles... eventually, I got into a bit of a groove and my blood pressure when down so I didn't feel out of breath and it felt sort of comfortable to just keep running.  Talk about a weird sensation.  Anyway, it's about an 11 minute mile though miles 2 and 3 were quicker at 10:30.  Have I mentioned I LOVE my Garmin watch?  Getting credit for activities makes me want to exercise and bike to work.

Will add pictures of the weekend soon!

Liz

Moving Day!

So, two weeks ago was moving day.  It was also the weekend of running 7 miles.  I think moving in the Netherlands deserves its own post because it's different than most cities.  This is how:

#1 - Buildings are narrow because taxes used to be levied based on the width of your apartment.  Stairs are very tight and narrow.

#2 - The buildings lean forward and have hooks, so when you need to move or bring in furniture, you do it through the window... see exhibits below. 

See hook all the way up

You hook the boxes into a net with a hook and put it out the window.

Then it's carefully lowered down with a pulley.

Then it's lowered down to the waiting person - SUCCESS!!!

Many thanks to the Amsterdam crew for their moving day help - you guys are the greatest!!!!!

Happy new digs!

Liz

Nike+ Training

Although running stores don't have good things about Nike products (or the one I visited in Middletown, RI didn't at least), I think Nike has more than just a good marketing department.  Their apps are terrific and the games they've come up with to motivate runners are pretty cool.  So cool that I'm jealous of people with iDevices to use their Nike+ stuff on.

What I do have is the Nike+ Training app for the iPad.  I really like it.  The app rewards you with cool stuff after you've worked out for certain amounts of time.  There are certainly improvements that can be made, but I'm a fan.  After doing 30 minutes of trainings I unlocked celebrity athlete's personalized workouts and after 60 minutes I got a bunch of smoothie recipes.

Yesterday I did 3 workouts by a celebrity sprinter (my effort to get faster) a dancer (to tone up overall) and that US gymnast Shawn something for stretching.  Then I tried a spinach, mint, yogurt, and apple juice one.  The taste grew on me, but I felt uber-healthly drinking it.  I followed that up by lots of popcorn (yum!) 

I haven't added any pictures to the blog recently, so here's the blog in a Wordle:

Thanks  to http://www.wordle.net/create

7 miles in 79 min...

This weekend was my 7 mile run.  This is farther than I've ever run in my life or ever thought I could run, but it wasn't that bad.  The bad part is how super-slow I am - 79 minutes means over 11 minute miles.  I ran to Vondelpark and around the park twice (each loop is 2 miles).  Running 7 miles was the first time in my training where I thought, 'I can probably survive this half marathon.' It's a good feeling.  Wendy and Annie are running much much faster than me, but finishing is my priority here.

It's amazing how small, incremental increases in effort can really add up!

Liz

What have I signed up for?

Because I'm _____ <insert any of these here: crazy, nervous about 1/2 marathon, useless when it comes to resisting peer pressure, etc...> I've signed up to run 10 miles with Annie's company on September 23.  Yikes!  This will be my first race since high school cross-country!

The race is the Dam to Dam - which is running from Amsterdam to Zaandam.  Here's some details:
http://www.damloop.nl/en/

Here's the course.... start in Amsterdam center and finish in Zaandam... I have no idea how we get back.

What I've heard about this race is that it's run pretty quickly, the average is 8:30 minute miles... You must finish in under 2 hours, which is 12 minute miles... I think I can do it.  Better, I KNOW I can.  Bring it on!

Keep on challenging yourself!

Liz

Getting fitter

So, yesterday began the week of 50 minute runs... it sneaks up on you, but the ability to run for an hour without stopping impressed me.  Garmin tells me I've run 80 miles, which sounds like a lot! I've also been tracking my commute which has been 178 miles (it's a little over 4 each way)... Racking up those miles!

I don't have a lot to blog about today.  Saturday is moving day and yesterday I found out I have to move my office at work as well.  Lots of new changes in Sept, new apt, new office, new car.  I'm excited.

I'll harass Wendy / Annie / Jeannelle into posting as they've been slacking and I have very little to say.

Happy Tuesday,

Liz

Acquisition mode

In the past week I've acquired a lot of things - most of them not tangible, but some of them are.  Regardless, I've spend A LOT of money.  One of these acquisitions concerns this blog, hence this post.  Here's the list:

Tangible:

Framed dried flowers from a craft market in Helsinki (they're beautiful!)

Lovely art with some Scandanavian animals and such from the same craft market in Helsinki (it's gorgeous)

2004 Renault Megane convertible!  (see pic below!!)

Intangible:

Car insurance contract

Gym contract (through Groupon) - 10Euro/month instead of 50 for 6 months - I'm a bargain shopper!

Privium contract (gets you through the fast lane in Schipol and allows you in a fancy lounge while there)

Trip to Copenhagen (October)

Trip to Riga (October)

Trip to Bucharest (November)

Trip to the top of Finland to see the Northern Lights (January)

Happy Spending!

Liz

6 mile fail then win..

Today was the 6 mile run.  This will mark the farthest I'll have ever run at once (I think?)  I believe cross country in high school we ran 5, but not 6.  Today I didn't accomplish that goal of running 6 miles straight either.  Lemme tell you why.  For this weekend I've decided to try a juice cleanse mostly due to a co-worker raving about it all week in my office, but also because I've been eating horribly on vacation (all-you-can-eat cake buffet was only a single meal of the crazy indulging) and been vacationing A LOT.  This has resulted in my clothes being a little tighter then I'd prefer.  Since I'm in Amsterdam, I cannot just go out any buy new clothes without breaking the bank, SO I'm going to just stick with what I've got.

If you've read my posts before, you know I struggle with running in the morning due to hunger.  Weeeelllll 48 hours of just juice is not conducive to that, so I decided to run first thing in the morning.  This would have been great, except it was/is scheduled to rain ALL weekend.  I get outside about 10 minutes after waking up to find it's misting out.  "Super, this will keep me cool on my 6 mile run" I trade my sun glasses for my sexy "safety goggles" which I wear to bike when it isn't sunny and start running.

Less than a mile it starts to drizzle.  I congratulate myself on my practical glasses which are keeping the rain out of my eyes.  The drizzle suddenly turns to downpour.  I duck under a tree and stop my watch, knowing that Amsterdam rains are not long events.  Except when they are.  I remember to weather.com saying it would rain all weekend.  Crap.  Before long, my tree is no longer keeping me dry.  Suddenly the rain lessens significantly.  Phew.  I start the watch and keep going.  Not even 2 minutes later it gets heavy again.  Now I'm pretty wet.  While under another tree, I decide to turn back before my blackberry, watch and shuffle get ruined.  5 minutes later and no respite. Since the tree isn't any help, I decide to just run back.  I'm not sure I've ever been so wet in my life where I wasn't in a shower or submerged in water.  My handy glasses were fogging up and water was running into my eyes.  I ran haphazardly into big puddles and had completely soaked feet.  I had to disrobe in the hall, bring my clothes in a ball to wring out.  A long shower later, the rain completely stopped and it was a bit sunny out.

The sun should make me happy, but today, it meant that right after my shower, I should go back out and run the other 4.5 miles.  Which I did, and you already knew, because I gave it away in the title.  My average pace was 10:32, and I didn't do the whole thing in a row, but I ran 6 miles today, so that's something.

Signed, the dedicated one,

Liz

The 10 minute mile... for 4 miles

Yesterday I had a good run.  I can't tell what makes me have a good run, but some of the ingredients seem to be, running where I often run (know the route), and wearing my old(er) sneakers.  They seem to have less shoe to them and it makes me just feel faster.  Yesterday the proof was in the numbers - I ran four miles in just under 40 minutes (no short feat of amazing for me).  I did stop at several stop lights and once when I couldn't tell how to get on the bridge and I stopped the clock for those, but I'm making actual progress, which is motivating and good, because I'm still no-where near Anne, Wendy or 1/2 marathon ready.  I have just under 2 months, so I feel ok about that.  

I was also thinking about it yesterday.  I've run in the Netherlands, US, Norway, Turkey, Sweden and Finland.  That stat makes me sound pretty dedicated, and when I check out my workout calendar, maybe I am?  I still wouldn't say I'm addicted or feel any different (when not working out), but I'll keep at it.

Here's some images (you're welcome David):  

You can sort of see where I got a little turned around trying to get on the bridge...

Faster to slower..... but still happy with average pace....

July calendar.  Red = biking (riding to work mostly), blue = running, purple = cross training

Happy fitness!

Liz

Miss me much?

Helloooo everyone!

I'm sorry for radio silence.  I've been training and not training, mostly due to travels. I have been mixing up my cross-training DVD with Nike + Training app, which is really good.  There's been a lot of travel, plus work is a bit more busy, plus researching a car purchase, plus making plans to move, I've been busy!

This past weekend I was off in Sweden and Finland for a little Scandinavia action with my peeps.  It was pretty cool - Stockholm is a great city (much better than Oslo IMHO) and Helsinki was pretty cool too.  Quick summary of the trip include gorgeous sunsets, a photography museum where we saw dead people rotting, going to a palace, buying moose stuff, reindeer steaks, festivals, pastries + ice cream galore, an overnight cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki, fresh fish on the docks, visiting a fort, and finally an all you can eat cake buffet.  It was a good trip.

I admit, I missed some of my training.  I did every run except for the 3 miles I was supposed to run on Saturday.  Since being back, I'm right back on track.  Also trying to eat better to make up for the gorging on cakes that was Monday's lunch (I tried 7!)  Here's the photographic evidence....

All you can eat cake buffet!! Wa wa we wa!

Round 1, still going strong after this

Round 2 and I had to tap out... :(

Happy Hump Day,

Liz

Iron Horse Trail Stalker

You might be very concerned for my health from the sound of that title.  As background, the Iron Horse Trail is a fabulous running and biking path that cuts through my hometown Danville and connects to the towns around it.  It is flat and shaded most of the day.  It is also jam packed with amazing fit looking people of all ages.  As for the stalker, I am sorry to say, that is me.  I am obsessed with everyone’s running gear.  How they carry their water, what gels they are forcing down, other contraptions with pockets, etc.  I have taken to interrogating my follow joggers and sporty looking people in the grocery store.  Luckily, my fellow joggers have been friendly and forthcoming with information. 

On Sunday, my dad and I did a four mile walk on the Iron Horse Trail.  I had planned to run five miles, but I was so happy to be home and catching up with him, that I could not leave him for my jog and decided to make it a cross training walking together day! 

Today, I ran five miles.  It was a little bit cooler than the other morning, but the heat was still pretty rough.  I kept my average miles under 9:30, which is my general goal.

California is so beautiful and energizing. 

I rewarded myself for a good jog with a visit to the local running shop.  I picked up a water container and some of those horrible gels to try out. 

Some like it HOT

It kills me to admit this, but I have acclimated to Amsterdam and it is too hot for me to run at home (at least this week).  It has been between 90 – 100+ degrees every day since I have been home.  While it is not too hot for me to leave the convertible top down or chill in the backyard (with my new favorite cocktail), I almost died on my run the other morning.  The combination of the scorching heat and the beautiful California hills nearly did me in. 

I arranged for my favorite one way jog to Starbucks, where I meet my mom and bum a ride home.  I arrived limp and pathetic.  She of course looked fresh and perfectly coiffed as usual.  I remembered it as a three mile jog and the extra 0.7 miles made me very sad.  The Starbucks guy took pity on my and offered me ice water with my venti iced tea.  Too be fair, if I could run a little bit earlier in the morning I could run while it is still in the 70s (running at 11am is for lazy/stupid people). 

As I think that running the half marathon is enough of a goal for this year, being an early bird will be for another year (note there is no specific year mentioned).  I will just have to toughen up again and sweat it out. 

Oh yeah, I know you are more curious about my new favorite drink than my pace, so….My dad introduced me to a refreshing combination.  50% Aperol 50% prosecco, on ice.  Delicious.  Might go make one now (for the photo of course)!

Well, now I know I can... :)

Oh dear. I just noticed how far behind I am with regards to blogging! Liz, you're a machine! How do you find so much time to go to work, work out, travel AND blog at the same time!!!

Anyhoo. The last couple of weeks have been super busy. The first day in Turkey did indeed break Jason and pretty much destroyed my poor feet. So. Much. Walking! I took my running gear with me with good intentions, but with all the walking and lack of sleep, running didn't happen for me. Very proud of Liz and Marc for going for a couple of runs though - hardcore!

Speaking of running gear - my new Nike shoes were giving me a bit of trouble. Not cool. The right shoe just didn't feel right. Even walking around in them was giving me a sore calf muscle so on Saturday I took them back to the store and they swapped them for a brand new pair without any problems. Thank you Nike Amsterdam Store, you rock! The new pair are much better and my right foot hasn't given me any trouble (except for a big blister on my big toe, oh well!).

Back to Amsterdam on Wednesday night. Two birthdays to celebrate - Andrey's on Thursday and my own on Saturday. Feels like we just haven't stopped!

However, on Sunday, my first day of being 31 years old, I felt the need to try running a full 16km outdoors. I'm going to have to do this in just over a month so I can't keep putting it off. 

It was hard... but I DID IT!! In fact, I ended up running 17.5km, but only because my Nike+ Running app decided to pause itself randomly (I think it happened because I skipped a song on Spotify using the headphone controller) and completely miss 1.5km :( When I finally realized this had happened, I turned it back on and felt compelled to run the full 16km according to the app. I was not impressed by this. Luckily I had another app running in the background (Wahoo Fitness) and it captured the full run.

So how does it feel running 17.5km? Umm... pretty awful. The last 3kms or so were torture. I slowed down a lot and could barely pick up my feet. I'm pretty sure people must've been looking at me thinking, 'ok enough already. stop. you look like you're going to collapse'. It didn't help that I've had a strange chesty cough / cold since the second day in Turkey which made breathing a bit harder. I stopped once because of a horrible stitch that I just couldn't shake and another time for a drink. I think I probably needed to stop more often for water because by the time I got home I felt pretty dehydrated, sore, headachy and just all levels of wrong. I had to lie down infront of the tv for a couple of hours to recover!

But... anyway, I did it! So I'm happy. Now I know I can... :)

The five-mile run - check!

I'm sore... this is no surprise, I have a sedentary lifestyle of working at a desk 5 days a week... I bicycle to work, but I don't often force myself to exercise. Marathon training has changed that.  I now work out 5x per week with the exception of not doing my cross-training in Turkey (though we did a lot of sight-seeing, walking, climbing hills, rocky areas, etc... so I'm not counting that as a total cop out.  After all, the first day we broke Jason.

I haven't blogged in a few days.  Thursday was running + sprints which always leaves me a little sore and is hopefully improving my timing.  I managed to squeeze these in before Andrey's birthday dinner.  Friday I did my workout video because I didn't have time to learn all the Nike+ moves for their workout before Sophie/Tristan's going away party.  The lunges and squats also make my legs sore, so yesterday, for the 5 mile "long run" I was a bit sore already.  It didn't matter, it was a good run and I ran it in just under 51 minutes - which is Verrrrrrrrrrrry quick for me.  Full disclosure, I stopped my running timer at stop lights and busy areas where running was a problem.

I was also reminded that a LOT of people smoke here.  Nearly every bench had a few people sitting on it, where at least one person was smoking.  Mildly unpleasant, but the weather was amazing, so I really can't complain.  After running was birthday boating and then bowling then Japanese food for Annie's birthday.

Birthday boating!!

It's been a busy week (only got back from Turkey around 12:30 on Wednesday night (early Thursday morning).  I've also managed to book two more trips - Berlin in Sept and Stockholm/Helsinki for next weekend... busy busy!! The shock of having our one year anniversary in Amsterdam has made me want to book as many trips as possible over the next year - it's gone by so quickly!!

Happy one year!

Liz

Skipping Work-outs like a slacker (in Turkey)

So Tuesday was cross-training... it was also day 2 of Cappadocia.  Day 1 meant taking a shuttle 1+hours at 6am from our Istanbul apartment to the Istanbul airport, a flight, then another 1 hour shuttle to the new hotel. After we arrived, we made our plan for the next two days and immediately did it (see previous post).  I'm just setting the stage here....

Day 2 began with a at 4:45am pickup from the hotel (no, I'm not speaking in EST, I'm talking LOCAL TIME - sooooooooo early!!) for our sunrise hot air balloon ride.  It was excellent - all of us thought the horribly early morning was worth the sleep sacrifice, but it certainly did cut in on sleep.  We also booked an 8 hour tour starting at 9:30.  Since we were back to the hotel around 7:30, everyone headed back to bed for a 1.5 hour nap.  We then toured all day (some on bus, some on foot) which again, was a lot of fun and seeing cool things, such as an underground city and churches carved into rocks.  When we returned around just before 6pm, we were pretty beat. Being our last night in Turkey, we decided to go out for a 3 hour fancy dinner with belly dancing and the whole nine yards... They were going to pick us up around 8pm, leaving two hours for freedom... As you can imagine, the last thing I wanted to do was cross train.  I needed a shower and some relaxation time by the pool.

Gorgeous photo by Andrey

Another gorgeous photo by Andrey

Part of the underground city - it was really cool (pun intended)!

Pool time... ahhhhh

Interestingly, the traditional Turkish dinner turned into a dance party so we could all learn traditional Turkish dance.  Suddenly YMCA came on (wha?!) and then a few other American tunes.  I danced enthusiastically and did a few jumping jacks so I could count some cross-training time, but mostly I slacked.  Marathoning for Mortals does not encourage getting in extra workouts and says "if you miss one, you miss it" so I rested yesterday in Turkey.  Today I'll run + form sprints... what fun!

A third great photo by Andrey

Regards from the North,

Liz

Running in Cappadocia

Yesterday was the start of week 3 which means a small increase in time (to 40 min) running. I did this 40 minute run in Cappadocia, which is gorgeous. Here are some pics, courtesy of Andrey:

After a day of travel, walking in the scaling sun, touring, ATV riding, a sandstorm, we made it back to the hotel exhausted. Somehow, I dug deep and found the willpower to go for a run. It wasn't a great run, but it was 40 minutes and almost 4 miles. I'm going to worry about distance now and speed later. (thanks for the tip Auntie Darlene! My Aunt has done more marathons than anyone I know, so I'll take her advice!)

Here's the crew in a jump photo - love it!

Andrey's terrific timer took this one too...

Hope you're enjoying August,

Liz

Worst run ever

So today I woke up early in Istanbul, sounds good right? I thought so, until I realized I was hungary and going for a run - oh no!!! The last time I ran on an empty stomach was in Norway and that run was awful.

After debating this, I decided to go for it and bring a granola bar. I survived, but just barely. I was pretty cranky but poor Marc still ran with me so I wouldn't get lost, since we all know that would be a high possibility. Ed, Annie, Jason and Andrey opted out (smart). I was so sweaty that sweat dripped in my eye this was a new experience for me and not one I hope to repeat. Good thing Amsterdam is so cold even in the summer....(silver lining!)

Tomorrow is a rest day and will involve a boat ride and then Turkish baths and massages. Yay. We've probably walked 10+ miles yesterday and today so the rest will be nice.

The World is Flat

Well maybe the world isn’t flat, but Amsterdam sure is and it is great for running.  On Saturday, I increased my distance to 5.1 miles.  It felt great and my time stayed in a good range (9:30 average first two miles and 8:50 average on last three miles).  If there had been even the slightest incline, you could just throw the distance and speed out the window.  Luckily, that’s not the case.  It will be interesting to see how my times and speed plays out the next few weeks in California (which is anything but flat). 

I caved in an ordered a heart rate monitor.  I will get it in California.  New toy!  I just read the running gear/toys section of the Marathoning for Mortals book and I am already dreaming of visiting the running shop in my hometown.

Its pouring down rain today….so we’ll see if I motivate to run. 

Not training in Turkey (so far)

So I'm in Turkey since last night. In anticipation of travel I actually ran in the morning for 30 minutes and then did my sprints afterwards. Today is cross training, but after walking around Istanbul for 13 hours I'm just too weary. Here's a pic of the crew minus me & Andrey...

Istanbul is an awesome city - amazing food, friendly people, beautiful sights and everything is SUPER cheap. Love it. Tomorrow I will run 4 miles early in the morning, let's all send good thoughts.

From Istanbul with love,
Liz

More of a Yang

So it turns out I am more of a Yang… I got out of work early and thought I would take the opportunity to go to one of the 6pm yoga classes I can never get to (yoga counts for crosstraining in our program).  Unfortunately, my options were Yin yoga with my favorite teacher or Ashtanga with a new teacher.  When my teacher saw me and she realized that I was there for the Yin class, she laughed.  She said I would probably hate it, but it would be good for me.  I should have known at that moment that I was in for pain – mental in my case, not physical. 

When we entered the first hip opener pose (of the 90 min class) and she said breath into it, you’ll be here for five minutes, I almost died.  I looked at the ceiling and I was grateful for the intricate molding so I something to stare at.  I was beside myself with glee when after 60 minutes I spotted a bug that I could follow on the window frame! 

All that I know about Yin yoga after 90 minutes is that Yang must be for me.  The only thing worse would have been 90 minutes in one position.

My natural instinct was to go for a run after Yin yoga to counter the ‘active resting.’  But, Amsterdam must be in on our training program…it started to rain right after and I went home and stuck with the schedule.

I ran on Wednesday and swam on Thursday.  The run wasn’t great, but it was such a relief after the Yin yoga.  I have decided that it is no coincidence that I am more of a Yang and 95% of my clothes are black.

I feel like it is time to add another mile this weekend.    

Speeding up!

I'm a slow runner - I admit this.  Yesterday I went for my 30 minute run and decided that I need to run faster, so I did - 10:34 minute miles (see proof below)... Annie didn't mention this in her post, but she's averaging 8:30 minute miles... and Wendy is averaging 9.... so I've still got a waaaaaaaays to go... good to have something to aspire to!

Two days until Turkey with the crew! I absolutely need to continue my 5x a week training plan (we'll be gone a week), so tune in for my complaints about oppressive heat :)

Signed the slightly faster turtle,

Liz

Something is working

Yesterday I had a great four mile jog.  My first mile was almost as fast as my last, which is never the case.  My last mile is always much faster.  Must have started with a good song.  I was pleased with my average pace of around 9 minutes…until I heard that Annie ran seven miles at 8:30 average pace.  Almost twice as long and faster!  Speedy little Tasmanian devil!

The thing I am trying to be the most conscience of is not running two days in a row.  That alone seems to be reducing/eliminating my shin splints.  I have also noticed that all of my pains/injuries are on my right side, so I am doing private yoga classes to sort out some of the imbalance and switched the hand I hold my iphone in while jogging and it is helping. 

All of the heart rate monitor chit chat is making me curious and I am feeling left out of the excitement.  Now that Annie has one that communicates with the iphone, I think I will have to break down and get one too. 

Funny story for the day.  My keys were stored in the little interior pocket in the back of my shorts.  They were making noise, so I adjusted them.  I guess I adjusted them right out of my shorts because there were no keys in there when I got home.  Of course I did an embarrassing search through my shorts to see if they weren’t caught in the built in underwear right in front of my door (on a main street).  TG that Liz and Marc have a back up set and weren’t cruising the canals in their boat when I needed them.   

Photo of Wendy, Liz and Annie post running on Sunday

First outdoor run of the season

I have to admit, I'm more of a treadmill girl than an outdoor running kinda girl. Mostly because I don't like being cold and I seem to always live in places where it gets cold. But obviously this race I've signed up for means I'm going to have to run outside so I better get used to it!


So on Sunday I decided to try my luck at running around Vondelpark. Last time I tried this was September last year and I made it half the way around before I had to come back home because I was shattered. You can imagine my surprise when I made it around the park not once, not twice but THREE times on Sunday morning! I even have proof, in case you don't believe me ;)

http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/activity/running/detail/2018057458?external_share_id=A514AB00-BB84-4F5D-8DEB-315C63219F8E

I must say I was very happy with that result. It was lovely weather for it and I wasn't even that tired afterwards. But it wasn't all fun and joy - my right foot cramped up again (I don't know what that's about, I really hope it's not the new shoes). I also got a stitch during the second lap but I ran through both issues coz I'm hardcore. Also, I almost ate a very large insect that decided to fly straight into my mouth on the home stretch. I'm glad I managed to spit it out within a nano-second of it getting in my mouth because it was big enough to probably have been some sort of bee. Not cool.


This week we're going to Turkey and I'm still debating whether to take my running gear with me. I'm not sure about this working-out-while-on-vacation business but if Liz and Marc are taking theirs... Ahh, we'll see!


Laterz ladies!