half marathon Archives - wildtalesof.com

June 25, 2013

Running Down a Dream: Rattlesnake Ridge Half Marathon Trail Run

If you’re stuck in a running rut, where you’re bored, unmotivated, or just plain not running for no-good-reason, try trail running.
If you want to put a challenge into your running, but don’t really want to increase the miles, try trail running.
If you need a great excuse to get outside with your family and explore the parks of your region, try trail running.
If you like setting a goal for yourself by signing up for a running event, but hate the huge price tag that comes with larger events, try trail running.
If you’re sick of running the same old routes for your long runs on the weekend (or even your short runs), try trail running.

If you’ve ever thought about tackling or trying an official trail run,

DO IT.

The above series of “if’s” describe my situation a few months ago. To tell you the truth, I hadn’t run, not even a couple of miles, since my half marathon in late November. It took being laid up due to a tooth extraction to motivate me to sign up for a future race. I suppose even just a day or so of being “immobilized” was all the push I needed.

As a newbie to trail running, I did my best to prepare for the half marathon run, running the easier arboretum trails near our house during the week, and choosing tougher, hillier trails for my long run on the weekends.

When I lined up at the start on Sunday, I was nervous. At the same time though, I was confident. Confident because I knew what to expect. The previous weekend, I scoped out the course, so the challenging, never-ending hills with 2700 feet of elevation were no surprise to me.

With plenty of time to think as I traveled through the great trees and bright greens, I came to a few realizations:

Mile 1 & 2: Trail Runners walk. I read about this previously, but I had to see it for myself to fully believe. At times, it’s just more efficient and faster to hike up a tough hill rather than run.

Mile 3 & 4: It’s important to train for the race/run conditions. Knowing the course would be uphill for nearly half of the run, I focused on hills a lot during my training. I also feel like pushing the jogging stroller during training was a huge boost for my strength. Without the extra weight of the stroller to push, I feel so much more open and free making the hills feel less daunting.

Mile 5 & 6: Dress for the part: 20 degrees warmer than air temperature. Just a few days before the big half marathon, my husband Slaed picked up this piece of advice from a radio commercial of all places. With temperatures in the low 60’s, I chose running shorts and a tank top. Sure it was chilly waiting around for the run to start, but I was almost immediately comfortable while others ended up having to tie jackets around their waist.

Mile 7 & 8: Run with water. Before this half marathon training, I had never really run with water. If I run with the stroller, sometimes I stash some since it’s easy to carry, but otherwise, I would just plan a route with water fountains. On road race days, I knew aid stations would be there for me regularly, so I never had to worry. Trail running is a different story. There are no water fountains on the trails. With only 2 aid stations throughout the course, I prepared by toting water via a handheld carrier.

Mile 9 & 10: Downhill running is taxing. Light, shorter steps are best. Sure, uphill climbs can be downright torturous, but after awhile the downhill wears me down. Breathing is easier, but I feel like my mind has to be engaged much more to keep aware of roots, rocks, and other obstacles on the trail and keep my speed in check. In my training, I found that if I went down hills too fast, the pounding with each step traveled all the way up to my head, neck and shoulders leaving me with a headache for the rest of my run. During the half marathon run, I tried my best to stay light on my feet with shorter, quicker steps. Tougher to do as people start passing me by, but better for the body in the end.

Mile 11, 12 & 13.1: Trail Running takes a lot longer than road running, but what a thrill to finish! I knew trail running would be harder than road running, but I didn’t realize how much more time (conditions pending) it takes to run a mile on the trail compared to a mile on the road. I’m not entirely sure of my finish time, but I think I came in at about 2 hours and 45 minutes, compared to just over 2 hours for my road race last November. The scenery of the trail run, time spend outdoors surrounded by nature away from the cars and busyness, and the feeling of accomplishment made that extra 45 minutes truly worth the effort.

Are you a trail runner? What do you love about it? Thinking of giving trail running a try? What’s motivating you?

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My amazing support team!

October 29, 2012

Next Running Adventure: Seattle Half Marathon

For the first time in 5 years, we are NOT traveling for Thanksgiving. With our Kauai trip coming up next week, and a trip to California for Christmas, and even more trips planned for 2013, adding a Thanksgiving trip would just be too much for our little family.

So instead of taking on the challenges of the airports and roadways, I’m relying on my own two feet, and running another half marathon: The Seattle Half Marathon on November 25th. This will be my fourth half marathon, so I’m feeling good about the race, however I’m nervous because this will be the latest I’ve ever planned to run. I decided to sign up just 6 weeks out instead of my usual 12 (or more) weeks. I ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in late June, and have continued to walk, run, hike, and even bike throughout the summer and fall, but until a couple of weeks ago, I hadn’t stuck to a strict plan.

After running 8 miles last Sunday, and yesterday as my long runs for the week, I’m more confident though, and looking forward to the challenge of 13.1!

I also feel lucky to be training in such a beautiful fall environment. I end up doing many of my long runs along Lake Washington Boulevard because of it’s proximity to my house. Plus, it’s an easy, flat trail with plenty of other runners and cyclists to keep me company and motivate me. No interruptions (i.e. stoplights or big, busy intersections to cross) either.

A glimpse at what I’ve enjoyed the last few weeks:

Lake Washington with Mount Rainier in the distance.

I also feel lucky because I have this great support team:

All three of these guys help me out with my training.

Do you have a race coming up?

How do you typically celebrate Thanksgiving?

Have you “liked” our facebook page? You’ll find more photos there, and you can keep track of ALL our adventures!

August 30, 2012

Running on the Road: Keeping up with Training while Traveling

While training for a half marathon this past spring and early summer, I realized that if I wanted to reach my goal of finishing around the 2 hour mark, I’d need to keep up with my training during our travels. This meant thinking ahead, and not always going out for a run at my ideal time. In the end though, I scored some (well-deserved?) alone time leaving me feeling refreshed and accomplished, and I also set a personal record for my half marathon time!

Here’s what helped me get going away from home:

Bring your gear. You’ll be sure to skip out on a run if you don’t have proper equipment. You don’t need much for running, but the littlest things (like the right socks) can throw me off, so I go through a checklist of what I’ll need, and pack those first.
Research places to run. Before you leave for your trip check out places that might work for the distance you need. This gives you a chance to explore somewhere new too. In Denver, it was Cherry Creek State Park. In Portland, I ran along the Willamette River. On the Washington coast, Norman and I sneaked away for a 4 mile run on the beach. If you are visiting family and friends, ask them for ideas. Sometimes I even use “Map My Run” to calculate the mileage.
Plan ahead. Look at your trip itinerary and your training schedule, and determine the best days and times to fit in your run.
Communicate with your travel companions. If I am traveling with Slaed, just before the trip or even on the plane or in the car, I go over my running intentions with him. That way, he’ll know when he’s on “Bergen duty” while I’m off on a run. I also make sure to plan the run around our activities. This also keeps me honest! Solo travel with the baby or kids can be trickier, but while I was visiting my cousin in Connecticut (without Slaed), she was nice enough to watch Bergen while I went on a quick run. I made it easy on her though, and went just after I put him down for a nap!
Think about destination environment and weather. The clothes you wear in your hometown may not work for wherever you are traveling, so make sure to bring gear that works for the climate and weather. Being aware of humidity and altitude levels is also important. I prepped a lot by drinking tons of water before our trip to Denver, and lowered my mileage expectations because of the thin air, and high altitude.
Consider waking up early. Sometimes you just can’t fit a run in any other way. In Portland, I woke up super early before Bergen was even awake, and got my run over with by 7:00 am. Certainly leaves you feeling accomplished for the rest of the day!

Celebrating after a 2:05 finish!

What helps you keep up with your training while traveling? Share your tips!

Come along with us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

April 24, 2012

Half Marathon Adventure: Rundown and Week 4

A quick rundown & plan for week for as I am already late in posting both!

Goal is in bold. What I actually accomplished is below the goal.

Monday: Stretch & Strengthen: Plan to do the strength routine from “another mother runner“, then the yoga pose sequences from “My Yoga Life“. I’m hoping if I keep it simple, then I’ll actually do what I planned!

Did the strength routine & the yoga poses! Both are just the thing for this “stretch & strengthen” day. The strength routine (just 6 exercises) provides exercises that can easily be done in your home, but they are super challenging. One of the 6 is the plank pose, which you are encouraged to increase by 5 seconds each time. Tough stuff.

Tuesday: 3.5 mile run: Plan to run 3. 5 miles with Bergen (and hopefully Norman) mid-morning. Will better align the run with nap time.

Ran 3.5 miles with B & Norm. Not a peep from Bergen. He was much happier today, and took a nice snooze as Norman and I ran our “Madison Park” loop.

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross-training: What else? Total Strength cardio class at the Y.

Another great cardio/strength class at the Y.

Thursday: 3.5 mile run: Plan to run 3.5 with early-morning run with B & again, hopefully Norman. Strength routine in the afternoon.

Ran 3. 5 in the rain with just Norman while B took a nap & hung out with Dad. He was NOT happy even with his cute doggie rain jacket. Guess I need to think twice before inviting him to come along in the rain again. I was practically dragging him home.

Friday: Rest!

Plenty of rest as I packed and prepared for Portland.

Saturday: 40 minute cross training: We are off to Portland for a quick trip via train, and I expect to do lots of walking around the city as we will be car-less.

Definitely more than 40 minutes of walking as we packed as much as we could into a quick Portland weekend. We walked from Downtown to the Pearl, to the Alphabet District, and then up to Washington Park. Then back downtown.

75 degree temperatures & Blue Skies

Sunday: 5 mile run: 5 mile run! Can’t wait! Will do this after we return from Portland.

With Slaed’s encouragement, I actually did an early morning run along the Waterfront Park/Esplanade. This turned out to be a great decision because the train left the station 45 minutes later than schedule, and we were delayed due to bridge difficulties along the way. This was the first time in a long time that I actually ran by myself. No Bergen. No Norman. Just me and the trail.

Plan for Week 4!

Monday: Stretch & Strength: Did the strength routine from “another mother runner“, then the yoga pose sequences from “My Yoga Life“.

Tuesday:3.5 mile run: Ran 3.5 with Norman. He seems to be back in his running shape & it wasn’t raining, so he was happy!

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross-training: Plan to do the Cardio Strength class at the Y.

Thursday: 3.5 mile run +strength: Plan to do an afternoon run. This will be a busy day, so I’ll need to schedule carefully to make sure I fit it in. I also want to map out a new route as I’ve down the same 3.5 mile run 3 times in a row!

Friday: Rest: Hurray!

Saturday: 40 minute cross: Family walk around the neighborhood.

Sunday: 5 mile run: Running the Top Pot Doughnut Dash 5K! Here’s where I’m torn. After the race, should I continue on, and complete my 5 miles, or should I just stop and bask in my 5 K glory, and enjoy the post-race doughnuts provided by top pot? Tell me what I should do!

Your thoughts:

5 miles vs. 5K?

What has been your experience with the plank challenge? I want to hear about it!

All my Running Adventures

April 16, 2012

1/2 marathon adventure: week 3

It’s week 3* of my half marathon adventure, and the miles are increasing. The long run is 5 miles this week, which I am ready to do. I’m repeating my goal from last week with strength training. I will do it after my run on Thursday! It seems that variety is working for me, so I”ll also map out a different 3.5 mile run for Tuesday & Thursday.

If you read the rundown from yesterday, then you heard about poor Norman, and his leg/foot. I think I did a number on him as he’s not completely healed, and still a little unsure of himself as he frolics around in the backyard. I feel horrible.

Norman's war wound.

Norman, the trooper

Plan for Week 3:

Tuesday: 3.5 mile run: Plan to run 3. 5 miles with Bergen (and hopefully Norman) mid-morning. Will better align the run with nap time.

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross-training: What else? Total Strength cardio class at the Y.

Thursday: 3.5 mile run: Plan to run 3.5 with early-morning run with B & again, hopefully Norman. Strength routine in the afternoon.

Friday: Rest!

Saturday: 40 minute cross training: We are off to Portland for a quick trip via train, and I expect to do lots of walking around the city as we will be car-less.

Sunday: 5 mile run: 5 mile run! Can’t wait! Will do this after we return from Portland.

Look for a rundown on Sunday.

*week 1, week 2

All my Running Adventures

What do you do for strength training as a runner? Leave a comment below.

April 15, 2012

the rundown: week 2!

Sending out my goals to the world again proved to be just as motivating for week 2. Part of it is also, of course, just making a plan in general. With a little person around to take care of, it’s important for me have goals for the day, otherwise I’ll get totally distracted, and wrapped up with feeding, playing, cleaning up, and on and on. Another realization I came to this week is how helpful it is to share my training goals with Slaed. Just another person to keep me honest, and support me, and oh, take care of Bergen while Norman and I run!

The goal is in bold. What I actually accomplished is below.

Monday: Stretch & Strengthen: Plan to do a cardio strength class at the Y, and then lots of stretching when I get home. I think the sequence found here will be perfect. It’s from the blog, “my yoga life“. Hal Higdon has some great stuff on stretching here too.

Cardio Strength class at the Y. Similar to my Wednesday class with a little more cardio than strength. This may not be the best class for my stretch and strengthen day. It’s technically supposed to be more of a rest day because of the long run on Sunday, so I’m thinking it’s a bit too much cardio. I did manage to do the stretching sequence, but it wasn’t right after class when it would have been most beneficial. The poses complement the running well, and seem to stretch exactly the right muscles. I need to spend more time in them though.

Tuesday: 3 mile run: Plan to do a DIFFERENT (than last week) 3 mile run with B & Norman mid-morning.

Ran 3 mile with B & Norman. As I checked out new routes using “map my run”, I mapped out a loop run with a mile and a half or so being through our beautiful Arboretum. It was beautiful indeed, however Bergen didn’t seem to agree as he fussed and cried for 2 out of the 3 miles, even with a break for eating. He’s not exactly liking his stroller these days.

B may have been fussy, but at least we got to enjoy everything in bloom at the arboretum.

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross-training: Plan to do my favorite cardio class at the Y.

Total Strength class at the Y was once again great fun. Our instructor mixed it up for us, and brought out steps, so we stepped away to her upbeat music selections. I loved the steps because it added a new challenge, and I also felt like I was in one of those aerobic classes from the 80’s. Some nice daydreaming…

Thursday: 3 mile run + strength: Plan to do an early morning run with B & Norman AND this easy strength training routine thanks to “another mother runner“.

3 miles with Bergen and Norman (same arboretum loop as Tuesday). This time B did not fuss nearly as much as Tuesday. I think I managed to time the run to coincide with nap time: much better. However, he’s still not completely content in the stroller. I think he’d rather be out exploring.

I don’t know what it is…didn’t do strength training AGAIN. I kept thinking about it, but just didn’t get around to it. I need to get the exercise ball out from the basement, and the hand weights out of the closet. Maybe seeing the equipment will get me going.

Friday: REST!

A whole lot of resting was going on at our house. I came down with a cold and was not up for anything.

Saturday: 30 minute cross: Plan to do an early morning walk around the neighborhood with the whole family. We will probably walk for at least an hour though.

2 different 30-minute walks with the family both the Bergen in the ergo. Does that count as strength training?

Sunday: 4 mile run: Plan to run with Norman. I’ve mapped out a pretty hilly route, but I’m excited for the challenge.

Ran 4 miles with Norman. The uphill was tough, but it felt so good to get to the top. Part of the run was along Lake Washington, and since it was such a beautiful day, lots of other runners and cyclists were out. Fun to watch, and feel the comradery. I’m a little worried about Norman though. As we were running past a dog who was fenced in his yard, Norman darted in front of me, and I stepped (or ran) on his poor back foot. He limped for a little bit and didn’t want to put weight on it, but then was able to walk it off. This was just in the first mile. He was able to pull through, and we obviously finished the run, but it seems like it’s bothering him a little bit tonight. I’m hoping I wasn’t too hard on my favorite running partner.

10 weeks to go! Look for my week 3 training plan tomorrow. You can keep track of all of our running adventures here.

Jogging Stroller tips (to make it more fun for baby)? Please share!

If you’ve ever thought about tackling or trying an official trail run,

DO IT.

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