Maine Cold but Glorious!

I'm finally in Maine for my solo vacation.  It was cool today but it could not have been more gorgeous. I tried to check in early but to no avail.  So I went to the outlets but my heart wasn't in it.  Hard to believe so back I came and this time I could check in. Within 10 minutes I had left on my bike.  I headed to Ogunquit with a first stop at Nubble Point Lighthouse.  Yup - more pics of the lighthouse.

Last year I broke my camera trying to use the self timer when a huge truck went by and the vibrations knocked it off a rock at this very spot.  So this year a goal is to ask a stranger to take my picture once a day.  

When I took some pictures I laid my bike down flat as I didn't want a repeat of an incident from November when the wind caught my bike and it started rolling down the rocks to the water.  Lord knows it is windy enough. WHAT IS IT WITH ALL THIS WIND?

I can't describe how happy I was to be on my bike on such a beautiful day.  I had a crazy grin on my face. People who met me probably thought I was nuts.  I got about 24 miles in. I had thought I might run too but I was too cold by the time I was done. Instead I went and used the hot tub. I bring my bathing suit every time I come here and never use it but I can no longer say that. It felt so good!  

Unfortunately the weather for the next two days is not so great. BUT the rain isn't supposed to come until afternoon, possibly late, so I am going to get up and get going and ride. It may be will be cold so I will wear half the clothes I brought and hope the rain does hold off.  My plan is to go south and find try a new route.

I should make sure I get some running in. I ran 4 times last week but very short distances.  I do have a half marathon again in less than two weeks. Oh well. I know I can do it, it'll be another slow one for sure.  

And of course Maine means clam chowder and lobster rolls. I am so stuffed it is unreal.  But man was it good!  

Getting Ready for Some Ocean Riding

I kept waiting for it to warm up today so I could go for a bike ride.

And waiting.

And waiting.

And waiting.

It was a gorgeous sunny day but it wasn't warming up.  I finally decided to just go for it but I was going elsewhere to ride.  When I left my house the temperature was 33 degrees and not moving. But when I got to Middlebury it was almost 10 degrees warmer.  I had lots of clothes on.  I had on my biking shorts with pants over them and 3 layers on top.  My sweatshirt and jacket both zipped up tight around my neck.  I wore a headband under my helmet.  I didn't have my toe things on my shoes but I would not have been too hot with them.

You know that it isn't very warm when you are happier going up hills than down!  But it wasn't that bad. The wind was considerably less than yesterday and even though it was cool I never had that thoroughly chilled feeling.  I went about 21 miles and by the time I was done it felt a little warmer.  I think it was up to 46 degrees.  I had to laugh when I saw runners and how differently they were dressed. I saw one girl in shorts and a tank top.

The scenery was beautiful. This felt like a good test so I know what I need to wear at the ocean this week. The prediction isn't calling for very warm weather (or totally dry) so I wondered what would be reasonable to ride in. If it's not too windy I can definitely do 40s.

I didn't take many pictures and the ones I did take will look familiar from past summers.

In the morning I plan to get up early, go swimming and then head to the ocean!!!

Run for Boston

Today there was two races in Burlington to raise money for the Boston victims and to honor everyone involved. I was able to get to the second one and Jameson went with me.  It was a cold day with an unbelievably brutal wind but there was a good sized crowd.  Over $10,000 was raised.  The man who organized the event had intended to have a party for himself as he would have completed the Boston Marathon.  He was stopped about 3/4 of a mile from the finish.  He decided to cancel the party and do this instead. I doubt he realized what a response it would have.

I had thought maybe I would run more than the 5K distance but it was too cold after standing around and waiting for the run to start. I was glad Jameson went with me as it is easier to be freezing and miserable while waiting with someone!  The run didn't start until all had had a chance to register.  Then they did waves of 40 or so. It was very informal - an out and back to North Beach. 

I tried to get a picture to show the wind but couldn't do so. But believe me it was windy! In spite of that I was glad to be able to help in even a small way.  I'm glad the suspects are caught/dead but can't stop thinking of all the victims have yet to face.  It was good to be a part of the running community showing love and solidarity.  We won't be stopped from doing what we love.

Three Things Thursday

1.  First, a little more about Boston.  It was strange when people asked me if I  knew anyone running in Boston.  I didn't know what to say.  Because yes, I did. So many of you were running and  I do KNOW you.  But my friends IRL would not get that.  So I kind of stumbled over my answer which I'm sure puzzled them. But I do feel I know you and I am glad  you are safe.

I hope to do a run on Sunday in Burlington to raise money for Boston victims.  Jameson is planning to run it with me. A sad way to be able to run with my son.

2.  One more day and I am on vacation.  I am thrilled!  I have been looking forward to this vacation for awhile.  I am headed back to Maine for another solo vacation. Last year I suspected I would like vacationing alone.  This year I KNOW I will love it. I am a little worried about the weather as my main plans are to bike and run.  I want to go for one long ride and a few shorter ones.  I don't mind running in the rain but I don't want to ride in it.  Weather forecasts are always changing though!  It will be relaxing to do exactly what I want when I want for a few days thinking only of myself.  Selfish?  Heck yes but I can't wait!  (But believe me I will be watching for potholes!)

Always a great spot to bike from...the beginning and

ending of my ride.

3. On a great note this has been my best week work out wise in awhile.  I had doubles Monday, Tuesday and today.  Monday I got up early to hit the gym and run so I could bike after school on what looked to be a sunny afternoon.  Then I headed out on one of my favorite routes for a truly awesome ride. Tuesday it was an early morning swim (2000 yards!) and a run after school.  Wednesday I "slept in" and went for a ride after school.  It wasn't as long as I wanted due to a late meeting - an irritating, not needed meeting - but nonetheless I was grinning ear to ear, short ride or not.  Today it was up for swimming before and another run after! 

This is where I park. I was having too good a time to

stop and take pictures. 

Loving my journey of a return to fitness.

Boston

It's been hard to know what to say about Boston.  So many people called or texted to see if we were okay or if Emily was okay. Were we at Boston?  I felt grateful for the outpouring of concern and it was great to be able to say, "Yes, we're safe."  But I can't stop thinking of the people who can't say that.  The victims who lost their lives, the victims who were hurt so horrifically, the victims who were there and experienced the horror and chaos.  Unfortunately we're all victims in this one. It really hit close  to home. As so many of you I have stood in those spots watching the finish of the Boston Marathon.  I cannot imagine the feelings and fear of everyone there.  I can't stop thinking about it and am surprised by those who can.   Emily expressed a lot of my feelings really well and I would recommend going to read her post on Boston.  Take care all my running friends.

Unplugged Half Marathon

 So I decide to run it. This is probably not a surprise to most of you as you know I love to race. I did question my decision a couple of times.  The first time was as I was leaving my yard looking at the snow that we got yesterday on a miserable day of sleet, freezing rain and snow.  It could not have felt much colder. When I stepped out on my porch this morning it did not feel too bad so I wore capris. I brought both a fleece headband and a baseball cap (thank God) and wore two layers on top instead of the one I considered.  Once I was racing it was fine but it was so cold at the start. This is a point to point race so you are bussed to the start and have no car to huddle in.  Most people had pants on and I am pretty much always cold so I wasn't sure why I didn't have pants on. I wasn't trying to be streamlined for a wicked fast time.  But finally it was time to line up. I was never so glad to start running.

Don't let the smile fool you. I was feeling pretty miserable.  

We head north first and are running near Lake Champlain.  I was still pretty cold at this point and can't say I was enjoying the scenery as much as I would have on a more balmy day. But it did feel good to be racing and running. My plan was to run 10 minutes and walk 1.  I did wear my Garmin - many of you suggested I leave it at home but  I needed it for this. I really didn't focus on my time. There was no point.  I could feel I was going slower.  My ankle didn't hurt but I just don't have full mobility of my foot.  I didn't walk until some time after 2 miles but after that I did walk.  It was never (almost) before 10 minutes but sometimes after.  I found myself looking forward to it and it made the 13 miles bearable. knowing I would be getting regular walk breaks.

I got to the bike bridge and the crowd had already thinned a lot. I was not with the number of people I usually am but that was fine.  There were three girls with fun signs on the bridge and I stopped to get my picture taken with one.

I thought once I got to the end I would post this pic on Facebook. I spent the next few miles planning several clever captions to go with it, none of which I remembered when I was finished.  The last several miles were painful for various reasons. I was quite tired.  I mean I trained for this a whole three weeks, why wouldn't I be tired?  I had to keep reminding myself of this. When I got to Mile 11 the time I hit there, I was done last year.  Oh well.  It's hard not to compare to past years though even though of course I was much slower.  The worst part was that I had some digestive issues and I really needed a port a let. There were none to be found.  Apparently that is part of the no frills. Must be I haven't had this problem before as it is the first year I have noticed this.  I will mention it in my comments if they email and ask us which I think they do.  So I kept looking and yearning for that bathroom opportunity that never came.  This slowed me down as much as my energy.  I also reminded myself to be careful as I was more and more tired. One place I stopped to see if the bathroom was open and when I went back to the race course I rather abruptly stepped off the curb. Not good!  This is when those injuries can happen.  The last two miles are awful because you go past the finish and other runner finishing to a neighborhood with the biggest hill of the race. When I got done  truthfully I could only think of getting to that bathroom. So I am walking up and what happens.........a train goes by and I had to wait and wait and wait! 

 Once I got my food I headed to Jameson's but for awhile he wasn't there.  I changed my clothes and plopped on his couch and ate.  Then he came and Jaxon snuggled with me some.  I didn't get off the couch for 3 hours!  I had no motivation and was EXHAUSTED!  I was also freezing and huddled under two blankets the whole time I was there.

I got back home and everything feels fine although my energy is still not there.  But overall I am glad I made the choice I did and raced this half.  It gave me a time to beat in my next half in 3 weeks! 

Plus I just love to race.

To Race or Not to Race....That is the Question

This coming weekend I have my Unplugged Half Marathon. It is usually my A race for the spring.  That is not the case this year. In fact I am not even sure I will start it.  I thought maybe it would help me to list the pros and cons in no particular order.

More time not racing after an injury helps for long time healing. Con
But I'm feeling better daily with this week showing a marked improvement in my mobility. Pro
I love racing.  Pro
I will be slower, much slower than I have ever been in a half and my name will be in the results with that time.  Con
I can run/ walk it and that will greatly lessen the likelihood that it will lessen my healing. Pro
I really like the route this half takes. Pro
I actually love the route this half takes. Pro
It wasn't expensive so if I don't start it's not a big deal. ????
There is no one it matters to whether I race or not except me. ???
I love racing. Pro
I'm feeling better every day. Pro

If I'm repeating things to have more pros or just because they're true I think you can see which way I'm leaning.  At this point barring any setbacks I expect to be slowly making my way down the Burlington Bike Path along the lake on Saturday with a whole bunch of other runners who love racing.

Do you race when it's not a race but  a run?  

Do you like racing enough to just run a race?

Does it bother you to have a really slow time listed in the results?