Lisa Sabin’s - Running And Being

I’ve never been so lackadaisical about a race.  I’m not sure why, but it gives me a feeling of freedom.  Maybe, It’s because I’ve reached a lot of my running goals and now I want to run for fun.  Honestly, I entered the race because it was an inaugural event and I thought it would be fun.  It’s also provided a reason to keep training.

Last year I ran the Boston Marathon after 12 years of trying to qualify and struggling with injuries.  I missed the mark so many times.  After achieving that goal, I really don’t feel that I have anything to prove as far as distance running goes.  I learned about my limitations and my stubborness in the process.  In the past I’ve tried to be in control and force the outcome.  I ended up overtraining.  My body failed me time and again.  Now, I just want to be able to enjoy running and I’m not afraid to take time off.

I just got back from Hawaii, where I was able to train along the Ironman course on Alii Drive.  It was so easy to get up and go for a run in the warm sunshine.  It was truly paradise.

Unfortunately, I came back with blisters from the cute sandals I wore on our last night there.  When I got home I slathered on the Neosporin, but the blisters didn’t totally heal.

I got up on race day, put duct tape on my blisters and headed out.  I discovered that I needed gas and stopped to fill up the tank.  My plan was to get a quick Starbucks and find a place to park downtown, then make my way to the Westin, to catch a shuttle bus to the start.  The Lake Forest Park Starbucks was closed at 5:15 on Saturday, so I went to the drive through by Northgate.  It was pretty slow and I only had 30 minutes to get downtown, park and make the shuttle.  I found a spot in a lot that was ony $5.  Score!  Unfortunately, the machine ate my money and ran out of paper to print my receipt.  I found another ticket machine, paid my money and jogged to the shuttle bus line.  I was the second to last person on the bus.  I arrived at the start about 20 minutes before the start.  On the bus, I discovered that my iPod was dead.  I would have to depend on the Rock N’ Roll Bands and Cheerleaders for inspiration.  The bathroom lines were so long that I missed starting with my coral.  Oh well, that’s why they have timing chips. 

Inspite of it all…I ran a steady race.  I just ran without worrying about my time for the first time in my life.  I enjoyed the course and will run this race again. 

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 06/27/2009
• Time: 07:00:00
• Total Time: 1:55:30.00
• Calories: 1336
• Distance: 13.29 miles
• Average Pace: 8:41.74/mile

I have one of the coveted race numbers for the Seattle Rock n’ Roll 1/2 Marathon.  I thought I would continue running 10 milers every other weekend after my Resolution Series.  That hasn’t happened.  I trained Steve for Boston and then quickly fell off my training schedule. 

Real estate is picking up and I’ve been incredibly busy.  This is good news for the economy, but bad news for my running.  I’ve maintained fitness, but haven’t been getting as many long runs in. 

I got out and ran a hilly 9 miler and I’m glad I did.  Now all I need to do is log in 11 this week and 13-14 next week, then I will feel ready.  Of course I will finish….I’ve done about 60 half marathons, so I know I can slog through if I have to.  I just want to enjoy this Inaugural Event.

Workout:

• Type: Run
• Date: 05/16/2009
• Time: 08:00:00
• Total Time: 1:27:00.00
• Average Heart rate: 162
• Max Heart rate: 175
• Calories: 750
• Distance: 9 miles
• Average Pace: 9:39.71/mile