Good Job

Some days are just harder than others. My husband headed out at 5:30 this morning to attend a master’s swim class at the gym. Two minutes later he re-entered the bedroom to notify me that our car had been broken into. Sign o’ the times? Or just some punk kids? Either way, another bill, another tragedy (of sorts) and another headache. So, what did we do? My husband took the second car to the gym, and I got on the phone with the insurance company who said it would be cheaper to pay for it ourselves than go through them. What am I paying insurance for again?? Anyway, it took several hours to get things moderately wrapped up at work and for the tension to sufficiently build before I pulled on my running shoes and headed out the door. By that time it was early afternoon and all I could think of was how much I wanted to get away from the house/office (same location) and step onto trail, or pavement, or even rocky terrain. Anything, really, but be indoors looking at the number of email requests I needed to return, the amount of work that needed to be done and the bills that continue to pile up. Sign o’ the times?

Back to the pavement. I drove quietly down to the fish hatchery, saying my thanks for a running car, sunshine and some time to myself. You know, running is a mental game. Sometimes more mental than physical – maybe that’s the norm instead of the exception, but it’s hard to overcome. Though my heart was saying, “Just get there and run, Leah,” my mind was whispering, “Are you sure about this? There are so many things you should be doing. It’s getting warm. You know you don’t like to run in the heat.” And on…and on…and on. I could have quit right there and just headed back to work. The mind is a powerful weapon. But, I didn’t.

I stepped out of my car, strapped on my water belt, set my Nike+ Sportband and headed out. Immediately my lungs grumbled at me. They seemed to be saying, “Grrr…Leah…grrr…wheeze…not sure you can do this….” I ignored them, took some deep breaths and plodded on. I was feeling pretty good about my pace, around a 9mm, but then it happened. Some guuuy just had to pass me in what appeared to be an easy lope, hardly even breathing (I swear!) and just kept on going. Oh, how defeating it can feel to be passed as if you’re standing still. I decided to stare at the ground instead of at the back of Mister-Easy-Runner-Dude and told myself to not look at him. “You are out here for yourself. Not for him. Not for anyone else.” I had planned on doing 4 miles, but ended up doing 5.24. Let’s just round up to five and a quarter, shall we? Around mile four my stomach flipped, so I walked a minute, grabbed some Jelly Belly Sport Beans, swallowed a few gulps of Heed, and finished up the run. The final quarter mile was an 8.47mm pace. My overall pace was 9.17. Though I didn’t feel 100% on the run, I’m glad I went. Sometimes, the toughest days are the ones you want to crawl into bed. But I swear to this: I always feel better after I exercise. Even when it’s not the best run, it’s still something. It’s an easy way to pat oneself on the back and say, “Good job.”

What’s it worth to you?

This was my first weekend running with my new team/club, the Folsom Road Runners! There were maybe 15 of us who met at Rodeo Park in Folsom, bright and early Saturday morning. I picked up a new friend, Rebecca, along the way. We met while both of us were running down Almond Ave. and exchanged phone numbers. Turns out she lives right up the street from me and I coaxed her into running with my team this past weekend. Whitney (who also posts on this blog) met us out there for her first run with the team. It was really interesting and a bit intimidating. I felt a little out of place knowing that everyone was probably going to be a bit faster, run farther, etc. But it worked out well. Our coach had mile markers on the bike trail for us and so we headed off in our perspective groups. Rebecca and I made up the five mile group, Whitney ran 9 and there were a few who ran 11. Of course, Rebecca and I chatted the whole time so we actually went just over six instead of five (we missed the turn-around point). Anyway, the exciting part of this story isn’t that I actually got my tush out of bed to run that early in the morning, but the connection I felt out there with the other runners.

Our coach, Kristen, tooled along on her cruiser between the groups. She doled advice, funny stories, suggestions, and answered questions. Everyone I saw said hello (even the cyclists) and all of my teammates were very nice. There is kind of a thrill that happens when you run with a group of people. The time and the miles pass rather quickly. You connect with those who have similar goals and you can find encouragement through just about everyone you meet.

FYI: Folsom Road Runners just changed their pricing schedule. Anyone who joins now will receive an entire year’s worth of training and bi-weekly runs with a USATF certified coach for just $150. It may seem like a lot, but it works out to just $12/month. You can’t buy coaching serves for that! So, what are new friends, exercise, a sense of fulfillment, pride and joy worth to you? Not to mention a great excuse to find a babysitter and work out a little pent up tension (does anyone else have a stressful job?)?

Quick Refuel: The Quesadilla

By Whitney

Hey, this blog says "Fit for Food" but what's it got to do with food?

Leah and I both have an affection for delicious meals. Running helps us to balance out our food intake. While exercise isn't an excuse to eat unhealthfully or overeat, it does justify, for example, a burger instead of a spinach salad. So it's about time we incorporated food into this blog. Frankly, I can't believe it's taken us so long - this is our favorite part!

Last weekend I was famished after running my longest distance ever, 8 miles. I couldn't get food into me fast enough and I was craving Mexican (my all-time favorite.) After a run, you're supposed to rehydrate and replenish with water, fruit, energy bars, etc. That wasn't gonna cut it for me. I didn't want to go to a restaurant in my post-run appearance and I refuse to eat fast food. (Call me a snob but it makes my stomach churn. Maybe it's to do with all of the gunk in it that's bad for you, ya think?) Anyway, my post-run food... it's home-cookin'.

Of the Mex options, the easiest, fastest for me to cook is a quesadilla. I got on to my trusty recipe site, Meals Matter, and found a quick, 15-minute recipe for Stuffed Chicken Quesadillas. (While the cheese and spices are what I really go crazy for, I could tell my body wanted some chicken. I read recently that runners often forget how important it is to replenish protein!) I love Mexican so much that these ingredients are standardly stocked at home.

Ingredients
8 6'' tortillas
2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup Canned black beans, drained
1/4 cup Diced onions 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 Plum tomatoes, chopped 1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups Shredded, cooked chicken
1 Lime, cut into wedges
Sour cream and salsa of choice
Preparation
1. Place tortillas onto workspace. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese over each tortilla.
2. Dividing each ingredient into 4 parts, continue layering on each tortilla in this order: black beans, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, pepper, and chicken. Top each with 1/4 cup cheese.
3. Squeeze lime juice over all. Cover with remaining tortillas.
4. Heat large skillet on med-high heat. Place 2 tortilla stacks in hot skillet and cook 3-5 minutes, or until tortilla is browned.
5. Carefully flip onto other side and cook until cheese is melted.

So simple. So heavenly. So full of fuel.

It's lunch time as I'm writing this, actually... think I'll make my way to the kitchen now.

Where is the love?

By Whitney

I'm new to running on riverside paths. I've caught on to always running to the left, single file if with friends. I've also caught on to the fact that bikers think they rule the road. This fact was made clear two weeks ago when a speed-racer cycling by shouted, "GET OUT OF THE *#$%^@!* WAY!" By the way, I was standing on the left-hand side, getting ready for my long run and he was traveling the same direction on the opposite side of the path.

It made me think, Is there something I'm missing here? Is one on foot NOT allowed on the concrete portion of the path? Are there running road rules? Or is this some hyper dual between sports dominated by Type A personalities? I don't want to be disrespectful of others on the path and I certainly don't want my pleasant run to be ruined by profanities...or sideswipes, ouch. I went to my running club coach for answers. (Yes, I actually listed all these questions plus a few more. Hello, Type A!)

1. Am I correct that running toward on-coming traffic is common practice? (I see people who look like much more professional runners than me running on both sides so it throws me off!)
2. If I'm running with one friend or more, must we run single file?
3. Am I supposed to say/ announce something as I pass walkers?
4. What if I'm running in file with others and have to stop?
5. What else do I need to know about sharing the pavement -- either a river path or a street?

My coach's response was short and concise. She said, "I know runners stay on the left and the cyclists, well...pretty much go wherever they want to!"

So it's not rocket science! Why'd I get yelled at then, when I was abiding by the general rule, to the left, and "they" get to do whatever "they" want? On a bright, sunshiny Saturday you'd think the cyclist and I would be joined in active/ outdoor enthusiasm and solidarity. Comrades, if you will. Honestly, where's the love? I'm not the one who designed those outfits.

I hereby commit to flashing a big, bright smile (and if it's not raining and there's no yelling, maybe even a wave) at every cyclist that passes. And, yes, my ponytail bounces. A lot.


P.S. Just after I posted this, a handy article came through my email inbox: "10 Running Rules to Remember" (Runner's World).

Just a Pipe Dream

Ah, a warm morning with a glorious mountain view and a dry road…what could be better for a bike ride? How about a heavy downpour, slick roads, and being mercilessly honked at by cars? Yes, that is better. Why, you ask? Because although the sun and beautiful scenery make for a nice bike ride, it doesn’t necessarily impart a memory and series of stories that change your life. Last Sunday I rode 20 miles in the Chairman’s Ride – a lesser known ride that precedes the first stage of the Tour of California. People (mostly men over 40 I might add) from across the state, nay nation, gathered together early Sunday morning (some as early as 5:00 a.m.) to eat and be shuttled off to their starting destination. TrekTravel hosted the event, including providing food, shuttles, SAG wagons, VIP passes (to watch the pros come in) and chaperones. I was one of a few women who joined the group, having barely trained and feeling extremely intimated by the number of lean men apparently itching to get up those mountains.

I will start with the fact that my husband is a big liar. After looking at the ride map, he decided that my climb was similar to riding to the top of Beal’s Point. For those of you in the Folsom, CA area, you will know it’s a pretty good climb for a beginner (me). So out I went doing hill repeats pushing about 9-10 MPH going uphill and 23 MPH going down. Alas, my well-intentioned husband was WRONG. My ride on Sunday was probably 10 times the height of Beal’s Point. My beautiful, orange Felt bicycle with its dual crank in front was little match for Sunday’s mountain. I had to stand the entire climb, hovering around 4.5 MPH during the longest and highest climb of the day. How my legs didn’t give out I honestly can’t say. God must have had His hand on my back that day pushing me upward. My legs felt strong, really strong. No burning or aches at all during the day's climbs. My lungs, however, were a different story. I actually had to stop – I mean completely stop – at the top of the first mountain peak. My heart rate was 180 and I needed to rest for about 60 seconds for it to come back down to 165 so that I could churn those cranks over again. That was the only time I needed to stop during the day. There were two other stops to help people with their flat tires, but that had nothing to do with my lungs, legs or endurance.

I wish I was a talented enough writer to describe the excitement that gritty, muddy road water gave me. Or the sense of pride I felt when I crested another hill, rain splattering my face. Or the thrill of taking sharp turns on the descent, the road slick with rain (actually that was a little scary – I’m sure my mother would have had a coronary if she had seen the twisty turns during the descent). Or, after all that rain and climbing, how I still had the energy and legs to sprint up to some of the “men” – who, by the way, totally tried to drop me – and ride across the finish line. It was…amazing. That’s all I can say. It was really and truly amazing.

Oh, I neglected to mention that I rode most of the distance with Troy. He was with TrekTravel and stayed with me (poor Troy) during my slow climbs and raced with me on the downhill (well, as much as you could “race” with a wet road and sharp turns). I was so happy to have met him and thrilled that he stayed with me the entire ride. Unlike running courses on race day, there weren’t any signs marking the way. I would surely have gotten lost without Troy.

I don’t have one, single complaint about the entire day. TrekTravel provided warm showers at the Hyatt in Santa Rosa after we finished (I could have stayed in there for hours), food, bottled water and then VIP passes to watch the “real” riders come in later that day. It was an extraordinary afternoon. The only thing I would change is breakfast. Maybe cereal, or toast or even pancakes... some carbs to get me through the day. Eggs and fruit (yummy fruit) just wasn’t going to cut it. Oh, and even more importantly, I wish they would have had a photographer along the route. For many, this may have been easy, but for me the feat was life-altering. I feel so much more confident now. I’m ready to tackle my next race event. I would have loved to have had someone in the SAG wagons carrying a camera to snap shots of us riding through the rain and coming across the finish line. Anything, really, just to prove that I did it. For all you know, it could have been just one of my a pipe dreams.

Dinner With Lance!

That’s right, folks. Lance Armstrong joined us during dinner the night before the Chairman’s Ride. I actually don’t think he ate, but I did! He talked a lot about Livestrong and why he came back to riding with the pros. It was really inspiring to hear him talk. I wish I could have gotten my picture with him. Darn it!

Patrick Dempsey was also there, along with Mark Paul-Gosselaar, Connie Carpenter-Phinney and Davis Phinney. (Google them, you will be inspired!) I felt terribly underdressed that evening, having just spent the day with my kids, then tromping around the race course in Sacramento without time to shower and re-do myself. Anyway, it’s a funny thing to think about, but I wish I had been dressed in a stunning suit for the dinner--something worthy of the crowd with which I was mingling.

Help, Lance!

Running is a joke. Cycling is a joke. Forget about swimming. What was I thinking wanting to train for a half Ironman this year? How can I work a billion hours, raise three kids, keep my husband happy and train? The task is daunting and I am feeling deflated this week.

I am supposed to ride 20 miles on Sunday in the Tour of California’s “Chairman’s Ride”. There is at least 600-1000 feet of climbing (I don’t believe I’m exaggerating) and it’s supposed to be cold and raining. To top it off, my husband won’t be with me thus I won’t have anyone to draft behind and tuck in out of the wind. For many of you 20 miles of hills in the rain may be like a warm and relaxed walk on the beach. For me, not only is the ride itself stressful, but I want to make sure I do well (or at least finish) so that I don’t let my Task Force members down—especially Assemblymember Torlakson. He’s my fitness hero; if he can work as much as he does and still fit in a ride or run then anyone should be able to. I’ve never seen someone work so many hours and still be in such a good mood. If you haven’t met Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch) you’re missing out! Ah…I digress….

I had my first outdoor run this week in two months. (After CIM (which was my very first marathon last December) I got a severe case of bronchitis and haven’t been able to run.) It was tough. I was the slowest of the three and asked to stop and walk twice on a four mile run. Kind of embarrassing, but it’s true. Today’s ride wasn’t much better. I was huffing and puffing trying to “spin” up this hill while my husband flew past me like I was standing still. I swear he must have some “granny” gear that allows him such fluid motion while going uphill. It seems like two months of not training has set me back three or four months of actual conditioning. Maybe Lance (Armstrong, that is) will take pity on me on Sunday and push me up the hill! Ha! I am blessed to be able to walk, run, and ride. Let’s hope this remains true after Sunday.