The Marathon Rematch

I've decided it's time to face the Marathon Beast again.

Most people just hope to finish a marathon. My goal is to at least start this one. This will be my first time running a marathon, but my second time training to that end. Due to unexpected illness, things didn't quite go according to plan last time. (Read about my Almost Marathon experience here and here!)

It's been hanging over me like late homework, like to-do list items left uncrossed, like a dominant seventh chord unresolved. This stage of my life, however, is devoted to my academic and pianistic pursuits, so I've had to say no to many days on the trails.

My summer will be dedicated to learning my graduate recital music and to part-time teaching. It's the prime time to also focus on mileage and running goals.

My goal? Start and finish a marathon. Is that asking too much?

I don't want to count my chickens before they're hatched, but I'm thankful to say my health has been much improved over the last year and a half. Graduate school notwithstanding, I still have energy. And besides, we all know the Weimaraner needs daily exercise.

Here's the part where it gets crazy.

I'm registered for the Mt. Sneffels Marathon (don't laugh!) in Ouray, Colorado. Ouray is called the "Switzerland of the U.S," and the John Wayne classic, True Grit, was filmed in its mountains.
Colorado! Yes, the girl with Florida gills is registered for a race that takes place at 7000+ feet. 
(What was I thinking?!)

According to my research, we should be arriving with plenty of time to adjust to the altitude. Tyler and I are planning a vacation that just so happens to coincide with this race. We have a bed and breakfast booked, and we can't stop looking at photos of this place!

Photo: David Huddleston

Time goals are out of the question. Some of the literature I've read said I can expect to run up to a minute per mile slower! Wow! No wonder elite athletes train at high altitude. The best advice I've been given is to run based on effort and forget the stats. Listen to my body and pace accordingly. Someone else also recommended running in the heat, as a way to counterbalance the altitude. Texas shouldn't disappoint on that front!

Training doesn't officially start until after finals, but I may have "unofficially" begun this week.

Running significantly helps with end-of-semester blues. Thankfully, I've kept my staple weekend long run, so I've maintained half marathon shape. So far, I've had no trouble jumping into structured training.

Our "Heartbreak Hill" at mile 8 around the lake

We have a couple upcoming races in preparation for the biggie. One involves glow sticks, and the other involves a lake swim. Both involve my husband, which makes me the happiest! Speaking of Tyler, he rocked his first triathlon. I'll save that story for him to tell. Our Tyler Tuesday feature is way overdue anyway...

The Impromptu Race

We've had a month full of races!

Two weeks ago, I ran the Trinity River 10K.

BIG fun with Mary Anna!

The following week, Ty and I both ran the Dash Down Greenville 5K. (Yes, it was basically a beer run. Don't get me started.)

When it's his idea to race together, I'm never going to decline!

Then there was the half marathon. The one I'd planned not to run. It's part of the Rock n Roll marathon series. I've been hearing about this race since the first day we moved to Dallas. My neighbor does it every year. One of my professors has been an annual participant since the inaugural race. Even a man from church told me he had signed up.

But you see, I have a recital in two weeks. In an effort to cut back and learn to say NO!, I declined. I can't tell you how many times I visited the website and nearly registered. I just went about my recital preparation and continued running for the love of it and for the sanity of my dog.

On Friday afternoon, everything changed. I found out that my favorite runner, Olympic medalist and U.S. record holder, Denna Kastor, was leading the 1:45 pace group. My group! (Yes mine, even though I wasn't registered.) And even though this race now had a RunDisney price tag, and even though we had an impending departure time for the youth retreat, I drove to the Dallas Convention Center and registered for the Dallas Rock n Roll Half Marathon a mere 36 hours before the race.

I think I ran twice last week? It rained every day, but I still managed to break in my new shoes a bit. The church youth gave us quite a workout with their endless games of capture the flag. Definitely counting that as sprint training.

We returned home from the youth retreat Saturday night, and I decided I should probably find out details about this Sunday-morning race. With 13,000 participants in the mix, I had to have a plan. The plan? Show Tyler the race map, buy some band-aids for my heels (thanks very much, ballet flats!), and pin on my bib.

While waiting in my corral, I realized I was an arm's length away from Deena! Other people started to notice, too, because the iPhones came out and the selfies ensued. If I'd have had my phone, I might have been one of those girls, too. Thankfully, we'll both never find out. The minutes drew nearer, and the crowd hype simmered. So much, in fact, that Deena spun around and said, "Isn't anyone going to run with me?!" I found the courage to reply, "I am!"

And for thirteen (point one!) miles, I did. A handful of us did. Our pace group talked about dogs, hills, California, ironman races, Deena's daughter, jumping in puddles, Dunkin Donuts, and embarrassing race experiences. Deena coached us up the hills and encouraged and rejuvinated everyone around her. I listened a lot, partly because I'm shy and partly because sub-8s for thirteen miles isn't that easy for me.

Someone was waiting for Deena at mile 12 with donut holes. That was the only time I saw her refuel.

As we approached the finish line, I had to work really hard to keep pace. Normally I run a fast final mile and sprint toward the end. I actually remember slowing way down and waiting to cross with my pace group. All for the "million dollar photo," as Deena called it!

We crossed the line at 1:44:12, and I felt more energized than ever! Not bad, considering I hadn't trained and still managed to knock three and a half minutes off my previous PR. I couldn't have been happier! The course was awesome and the company was spectacular! I still can't believe it happened.

Turns out I didn't need my phone after all. The professional camera men were busy snapping photos. It was fun to see these pop up on social media throughout the day. (I'll save you the ones where I'm drinking water like a pig.)

Don't mind the watermark!

The stats:

5K split: 24:30

10K split: 48:55

10 mile split: 1:19:21

Half marathon: 1:44:12

Average pace: 7:57/mi

Overall: 586 out of 8486

Gender: 133 out of 5164

Division (25-29): 29 out of 725

Yes, yes, the stats are important for this Type-A, but I'm happy to say that this race was truly more about the experience than the numbers!

As always, my faithful fans were there for me!

"She ran without me?!"

After a very unrestful spring break, this busy weekend was exactly what I needed. I guess rest doesn't always mean naps and Netflix. In this case, it was a break from the rigorous demands of grad school, enjoying my hobbies. This was hands-down the most wonderful race experience! Truly an impromptu experience of a lifetime!

Because when life gives you ice cream, you simply have to make hot fudge sundaes!

All this running is making me hungry...

Monthly Musings: February (Birthday Edition, Part I)

My favorite day of the year came and went. It was absolutely perfect. (We're talking about my birthday, in case you didn't know. February = Jessie's birthday.) Texas even got with the program and made my birthday last nearly a week. Monday and Tuesday were both ice days, so the celebrating continued into the week.

Let me back up.

A February birthday for a Floridian means perfect weather: light jackets, sun, and a nice breeze. Dallas made planning a bit tougher. During the week leading up to the big day (Saturday), the forecast changed four times. It vacillated back and forth between torrential downpour and clouds and 70s and 30s. Finally, on Friday it looked as if Saturday would be cool and cloudy, perfectly acceptable for my birthday plans.

Birthday Wishes:
1. Run a half marathon
2. Go hiking with my family

Likely because of the unstable weather forecast, White Rock Lake was wide open. On an average Saturday morning, the lake is highly populated with runners, walkers, cyclists, dogs, strollers, etc. We saw a few running groups training, but I'm guessing many anticipated the clouds would turn to rain and the forecast would change yet again. Mary Anna ran with me, and we headed counter-clockwise around the lake this time. We parked in the neighborhoods surrounding the lake, ran the 9 miles around the lake, and then ran back to the car. Unfortunately, I slightly miscalculated the distance, so we had to add another mile at the end of our run. But in the end, we completed 13.1 miles in 1:48:56. It occurred to me afterward that neither of us have run a half marathon distance since our race in October. Not bad at all.

On top of the dam - I love this stretch!

Hydratin'!

I had a post-run recovery breakfast cooking in the crockpot for when we finished. I called my family on FaceTime and opened their gifts. I think the kids were a bit disappointed in the "grown up" gifts under the bright wrapping, but I've been enjoying my essential oils starter kit daily!

Annual birthday picture! (Looking a little rough, but I had just finished a half marathon, thank you very much. :)

Birthday flashbacks: 2013 & 2014

After a tasty breakfast, some quality foam rolling, and a shower, Ty and I headed to an outdoors store down the street. My Welsh fam sent me some birthday money, and it was burning a hole in my pocket already. Afterward, we packed a lunch, loaded up the dog, and took the highway south to Cedar Hill State Park. What did I buy with my birthday money?

A backpack for Brook!

I have been wishing for one of these for quite some time. I plan to use it for my long runs, so Brooklyn can carry all our gear. Hands-free running is a dream! We're also hoping to do some more hiking/trail running, so I have great plans for this pack. On Saturday, she hauled our lunch. (It's about time she pulled her weight!)

If you thought Brooklyn would be tired after running a half marathon, you guessed wrong. She was wild as ever! We took a 3-mile trail that is shared between hikers and mountain bikers. For safety purposes, we walked counter-clockwise, while the bikers took the route clockwise. Ty's favorite part was dreaming of biking the trail and simultaneously reliving his Nashville biking memories.

Cedar Hill is known for its hilly areas, and the trail had some good inclines. It also veers around Joe Pool Lake, so we could sometimes see that in the distance.

After our hike, I was certainly tired, so I put my feet up, iced my knee, and watched some Netflix. After that respite, the dinner party preparations began. Mary Anna and I had sliced most of the veggies the previous night, so there was very little to do except the actual cooking. After a long run and a hilly hike, I was stoked about this dinner.

Green Curry

Pad Thai

I didn't manage to snap a photo of our dinner guests, but it's because I was entirely present in the evening. After dinner, we enjoyed brownies, hot tea, and the 90's Edition of Trivial Pursuit. I could not have asked for a better evening. Finally, our sleepy guests departed with full bellies and wide smiles, and I was struck by how very blessed I am.

Stay tuned for Part II: Icemageddon!

Celebratin'

You might remember that February is my favorite month. Valentine's Day kicks off the birthday countdown. Since Ty goes out of his way to make my birthday wonderful, I decided I'd go out of my way to make him feel special this Valentine's.

After two and half years of marriage, I finally found the courage to make Mamacita's spaghetti. Miracle of miracles, it turned out okay. Not as good as hers, but certainly tasty! She has a few years of experience on me. ;)

My celebrations began Thursday, when one of my students brought me an orchid and handwritten note. Her gesture blessed me and reminded me that I am where I need to be right now. My job is more than just a job; it's a ministry of Grace to students.

February 14th began with a Valentine's run at White Rock. Mary Anna, Brooklyn, and I broke some new records. I'd say that's a great way to start the day!

10K: 48:33

9 miles: 1:11:34.

We celebrated our accomplishments with some foam rolling and M&Ms. Running and chocolate pair perfectly, by the way.

Valentine's Kisses!

After homework and practice, I set out to make that romantic spaghetti dinner. It was so nice to enjoy a nice meal at home with no deadlines or pressing duties. The spaghetti definitely added a classic touch.

I gave Ty his usual silly card and pack of Reece's. He surprised me with this atypical bouquet - brought all the way from the Arts District in his motorcycle jacket. I was quite impressed.

Rose, eucalyptus, a feather, and some pretty blue flowers (name??!) 

We ended our romantic date with a trip to the video store and the pet store. Yes, the pet store. After all, V-Day is Brooklyn's Gotcha Day, too. A few goodies for her meant an uninterrupted movie night for us.

Who needs fancy dinners and expensive gifts when you already have the gifts that keep on giving? 

And a little throwback to V-Day 2013...

Weimaraner Wednesday: Sweater Weather

We interrupt the Baroque readings to bring you this important message:

We're back on the run!

After nearly three weeks of forced rest (thank you, acute Bronchitis!), it feels good to move again! My schedule is significantly more packed than last semester, so I am grateful for even thirty minutes to get outside and move. I have to treat Saturdays as a school day, but I do allow myself time for a longer run on Saturday mornings. It's a great recharge!

Mary Anna and I ran at the lake last Saturday. It is my very favorite running spot ever. Looking forward to running all the way around again soon.

Some motivation on my wall...love this Brooks advertisement found in Runner's World. I'll bet their model's name isn't Brook, though! Missed opportunity. Brook really would have been the perfect poster child.

Isn't my running calendar cute, too? It's hand-crafted, and each month contains a different drawing and quote. My sister purchased it for me. It's just perfect!

Monday's run was exceptionally cold. With the wind chill, it was sixteen degrees when we hit the road. Brooklyn was shivering inside the house, so I figured the extreme weather called for extreme measures.

I ordered a dog sweater on Amazon.

Then I raided my closet and dressed her in my wool sweater for the time being.

We enjoyed an icy run and even pulled a 7:50 pace on our 5K. I could see my breath the entire time. Not too shabby for two Florida gals.

Brook passed out afterward, and I got back to work. (Lucky her!)

Today her sweater arrived.

Apparently she needed an XL (or XXL!)

"You calling me fat?!"

This crop top won't keep her too warm, but it does show off her girlish figure!

"How about these leggings, Mom?"

And you know what else all this running means?

It's time to eat.

"Like, now."

Monthly Musings: December & January

I know, I know, I've fallen behind on my blog. It's like the laundry: the more you avoid it, the harder it is to catch up.

While January has come and gone with little reflection on the previous month, I've decided to double up and combine my musings into a single summation.

A few pivotal things stand out:

1. Tyler is my rock
He. Is. The. Man. He has picked up more home responsibility in the last two months without even being asked. Since the start of the semester, he has donned the chef's hat. I think it surprised us both how tasty all his food is! This is probably the biggest gift he could give me right now. And I love tacos, so I have no complaints.

Michelle Bill Photography

2. Treasured friends will always remain close, no matter the distance
Neighborhood walks, park dates, a Disney day, late-night couch conversations, breakfast appointments...all these remind me of the rich history I have with a handful of dear friends. I am grateful for the face time - however short - I had with each of them.

Sara G Photography

2. Our church community is for keeping
We're now in process of becoming members at King's Parish. We've wanted to pursue this for a while now, but life just got in the way. Last weekend, I hosted a baby shower for one of the gals at church, and I was struck by how amazing each and every one of those women is. Tyler has benefited greatly from the men's fellowship events, too. We are beyond blessed by this community and the way they keep the Gospel at the forefront of all they do.


3. Performance is a practice
While my practice habits have remained consistent over the last two years, my opportunities to perform have been rare since graduation. Getting back into the swing of things in this regard was a challenge at the start of grad school. It is still a challenge, and likely always will be in some way. In the last six weeks, however, I have begun to put myself out there more and have found that I love the experience of sharing my work with others. This semester I have plans to give a mixed solo and collaborative recital. This is not required for school, but I want to grow more accustomed to the practice of performance. It will be a great way to show my students that I, too, preserve through stage right, memorization issues, and focus. I am in three ensemble groups this semester: a trio (piano, clarinet, and cello), a piano duet (one piano, four hands), and a piano duo (two pianos, four hands). It will be fun to add this ensemble element into the mix, too! Additionally, my trio has a handful of required performances for chamber music, so I'm looking forward to gleaning from those experiences, as well.