5 Miles on the Treadmill

I was able to run a full 5 miles without any pain today so I hope my sore ankle and foot have healed.  I sure gave them plenty of rest for about 2 weeks.  But I didn't want to take any chances when I have a long list of marathons on my running agenda for 2014.  It looks like I can get back to normal training runs now.  I will be home again in a few days and then can run outdoors or at least in the Sports Center instead of the treadmill.  It just doesn't feel the same to run on the treadmill.  I am really looking forward to daily runs on the beach in Hawaii in a couple of weeks too. That thought is especially attractive considering that it is currently 20 below zero Fahrenheit here in Deadhorse at the moment.  I could use a little bit of warm for a few days.

I'm holding off on the barefoot running until I can give it a try at the Sports Center. I'm using my Blue Hokas until then. They are quite comfy.

5 Miles on the Treadmill

Back on the Treadmill

I fell on the slick wet floor about a week ago and have been having fairly serious pain in my right ankle and foot ever since.  I've been resting it ever since.  But took a chance on a short 3 mile treadmill run today.  It did hurt while I was running but doesn't seem any worse after the run.  So I will probably continue to gradually work up to speed and distance unless the pain increases.  There is a point where it is time to start exercising a sore muscle again, and I think that time is finally here. It's really hard to get excited about running on the treadmill.  But I am glad I was at least able to run.

Daydreaming on the Treadmill

It's -17 outside and no matter what I do I can't seem to get warm.  So did my 6 mile treadmill run dreaming of warmer places like Greece. My Nike+ iPhone app was certainly doing weird things today.  It decided after one mile it was time to end the run!  So I started it again and set it for 4 miles, since my original plan was to run 5 miles.  But after a while I checked to see where I was because it had stopped telling me.  It was almost at 5 so when it hit 5 I stopped it myself.  I guess it was going to allow me to run until the battery died without telling me my miles. That's probably what I needed actually!

I was wishing I was here:

Where I wish I was today!

A Short Run Today

I'm feeling kind of achy and sluggish today.  It's turned cold again outside, -15 right now.  It is freezing all over my hotel and I just want to curl up under a blanket.  So I go down to the exercise room and run on the treadmill.  Wouldn't you know it, the only room in the whole place that is hot, is that room.  I burned out after 3 miles.  But maybe that was all I really needed today.  It's been a slow workout week for me.  I did run with my Hokas because my feet feel kind of tired from running barefoot.  But once my running sandals arrive I am going to enjoy trying them out.  The treadmill is finally not slippery anymore, so that was a plus.  I felt pretty good in spite of being too hot and feeling kind of lazy. I'm dreaming of places with warm sunshine today.

Treadmill 4 Miles

This morning I spent a significant amount of time with the assistance of two big men and two gigantic graders along with me and my shovel, trying to get our company car out of a snowdrift in the middle of a blizzard.  We finally got it out and I left it in front of the hotel.  When I woke up it couldn't be found anywhere.  I know I can't be lucky enough to have had it stolen, but it would sure be good to replace it with a vehicle that is able to function in snow. During the dig out episode I got really cold and it took hours to finally warm up enough to get some sleep. I had intended to run 10 miles but was totally exhausted so called it quits at 4 miles. I ran without shoes again.  I was feeling a little strain also so it was a good time to stop.

I'm In a 5 Mile Rut!

I ran another 5 miles on the treadmill.  I really did have time to run more but just stopped at 5 again.  I'm still experimenting with the barefoot running method and a little afraid to push it too far early on.  I got my new Nike shoes that I ordered when I thought it was my other shoes causing the slipping and sliding on the treadmill.  I really like them, but found that after 2 miles, I just had the urge to kick them off and go back to running shoeless.  The treadmill is still slippery but has improved a bit.  I would like to find some good running sandals because they seem like a better option for me than running completely barefoot across rocks and broken glass and other things that can show up along roads, trails, and bike trails.  But for now with only the treadmill as an option, just running in my socks seems really great.  I want to try for a barefoot marathon when I run the Eco Slow Marathon in Japan in April. It will be warm there and they give you 9 hours if you are inclined to poke along, which I will probably be without shoes.  By then I hope to find the running sandals of my dreams. 

I'm liking barefoot running.  But my new shoes are kind of cute and quite colorful.

My New Nikes

5 On The Treadmill Again

My legs have been so sore since my 5 mile barefoot run on Sunday that I waited until today to run again.  On Monday I was incredibly sore and yesterday was having some leg cramps too.  But today I just had that pleasantly stiff feeling. So I decided to try another 5 mile run.  I found out that the reason my new running shoes were slipping all over the treadmill was not because there was a problem with the shoes.  The new housekeeping gal here at the Prudhoe Bay Hotel had decided to clean the treadmill belts!  Whoops, it turns out that everyone using the treadmills found they had the same problem as I was having.  It gave me a really good laugh because I was so concerned that I bought some new running shoes and have been waiting for them to show up!  They are due to arrive tomorrow now.

I ran the first mile with my shoes on, but found I kind of missed the feel of running without them.  So I ran the other 4 miles in my socks.  It felt great!  I think the little error by the housekeeping gal has changed my running style forever.  I want to become a minimalist runner now.  From my heavily padded Hokas to bare feet in a single 5 mile run!  I'm not ready to run barefoot outside in the snow or even outside on gravel roads right now, but I plan to work on it.  When I get home I will try my Vibram 5 Fingers shoes and run barefoot on my treadmill and in my socks at the sports center.  The pain I had in my calves was just the result of changing running styles to one that strengthens my weakened leg muscles.  I'm looking forward to seeing how my running changes as I transition into at least a more minimalist running style.  I'm not sure I see a barefoot marathon in my near future, but perhaps one day that will happen.

The Future!

Barefoot on the Treadmill

I have these great new running shoes, Hoka Bondi B's.  I love them and have been running at the Wasilla Sports Complex with them.  But today, they caught me by surprise when I had to run on the treadmill up here in Deadhorse today.  They have very smooth tread and they have almost no traction on the treadmill.  I had to give up and take them off and run in my socks for 5 miles.  It actually felt really good.  It is kind of a free feeling to run in your bare feet.  I can't imagine doing it in the snow or on a rough surface covered with rocks, or on a marathon like some people do. But on the treadmill it felt really nice.  I'm not sure if I will have a friend send me up my other running shoes or just keep running barefoot.

I just pretended I was a Tarahumara Indian of Mexico's Copper Canyon and that I was running freely through the Canyon floor unencumbered by white man's shoes. They are the ultimate of barefoot runners.

Cross Country Skiing

It was a freezing cold day at about -15 degrees.  I went for a 2 1/2 mile cross country ski workout with my friend Diane.  I didn't warm up until she decided to put the crazy dog back in the car.  It's hard to stay warm in those temperatures with a silly dog who likes to stop and start and try to trip you or hit you with the biggest sticks he can find. But Sombra is a sweetheart even if he is just about the most obnoxious hiking and skiing partner a person can have.  It was a gorgeous day even if it was a bit chilly though.

Freezing Rain

I am a prisoner in my house today.  There is freezing rain and really not safe to get out on the roads.  I had hoped to get to the Sports Center today but I'm just going to be lazy and take another rest day.

A friend in Greece wrote a nice little article about me in the Minoan Runner.
It's very cute.  It reminds me why I run - to fight cancer, and find a cure.
Here is the story Minoan Runner.

Ran Indoors

It was -10 degrees and very windy and of course the roads are very icy.  I went over to the Sports Center and ran 5 miles inside.  There was no way I wanted to run outdoors if there was any other option.  I'm still really worn out from my trip for some reason.

I did get my marathon pictures back from the Athens Marathon.  I actually liked some of them so decided to buy the whole package since the price was quite reasonable.

Here is my finishers certificate.  I'm not too proud of that time, but at least I did finish.  That's really what counts.

Athens Classic Marathon

What a wonderful run this was!  It was a tough one though and I must say I was extremely disappointed with my finish time of 6:20.  The course was very deceptive because even though at least half of it was uphill, it really didn't feel like it was uphill.  But I did notice that the uphill section seemed to slow me down considerably.  But more than likely it was just the air temperature that was slowing me down.  It was around 75 degrees.  The wind came up around mile 20 and the last 6 miles or so were either flat or slightly downhill.  So at that point I had kind of a second wind and was able to run faster than I normally run during any marathon.  But certainly not fast enough to make up for my slow speed in the first half.  But for me, it isn't about having some record breaking speed.  I just want to finish before the cutoff time, collect my medal, and enjoy myself.  The course was amazing and the best part was just knowing that I was running the original marathon from Marathon, Greece to the stadium in Athens.  The time limit for the race was 8 hours so there was never any question that I would finish. 

Acropolis Sunrise

How can you possibly improve upon running in the shadow of the Acropolis?

Long Run

I started out intending to only run 5 or 6 miles.  But after I reached about 3 miles I just couldn't seem to stop.  I ended up running 11.6 miles before I found myself back home again.  It was just perfect temperature, about 33 degrees but with no wind, and too warm for ice on the road.  It was kind of foggy most of the time which actually made it more interesting. I love running along the bicycle trail on the Old Glenn Highway.  On Clark Wolverine Road I have to contend with lots of hills.  But those hills are the best running workout I can do.  I know by running up and down that hilly road, I am getting stronger for when I encounter hills in my upcoming marathons.  Especially the Athens Classic Marathon that I am running next weekend.  I hear it has some very long hills.  They will still be tough but at least they will feel familiar.

It was rather pretty out there today as I was crossing the Matanuska River Bridge.

5 Windy Miles

I got out for a short 5 mile run today.  It was so windy that it took me a while to muster up the ambition.  But once I got out there, it was very enjoyable.  I wasn't feeling my best and had trouble sleeping last night so I was really fighting the urge to just go back to bed.  But I am always happier if I get myself out there and do a nice run. I got in some good hills while I was out there too.

I changed the picture on my Team In Training website.  I wanted to use the new picture from the Nike Women's Marathon and incorporate it into my fundraising page.  This is my new picture now, complete with the red text.

 

If you click on that picture it will take you to my fundraising page.

My Nike Photo

I decided to buy one of my photos from the Nike Women's Marathon on Sunday October 20, 2013.  They seem to have lost my finisher's photos which is kind of a bummer.  But I decided to at least get this one. I look like I am still hanging in there.  Not sure where I was on the course in this shot.

Wind Rain Hills

I'm back home now and running up and down Wolverine Road getting a daily hill workout.  Today was kind of brutal with a howling wind and rain.  But adding my raincoat seemed to do the trick.  I didn't get too wet.  I felt really good going up those steepest hills today.  I actually think I may be improving.  I've been doing my best to incorporate the Chi Running techniques into my workouts.  I don't seem to get very sore anymore so I must be doing something right.  I still need to speed up but I think that will probably always be the case.  I was so tired this morning that I wondered if I would ever drag myself out the door to run.  Amazing how much better and how much more awake I feel now that I had a good 5 mile run.  I think most of my tiredness is all in my head.

I loved running in the rain.

I have my minimum for my Team In Training fundraising now, but that's just because I finally donated the rest myself.  But my goal is to raise enough to end cancer.  That's really what all of my running is about. I'm still hoping to raise a lot more than my minimum before I take off to run in New Orleans in February.

Next marathon Athens Greece on November 10th.  Looking forward to that one for sure.

Please help me raise enough to cure cancer by visiting my fundraising page here. 

San Francisco Bay Shoreline

Wonderful 10 mile run along the shoreline today.  I ran out 5 miles then retraced my steps.  I really had no idea where the trails went, but just kept going until I hit 5 miles.  I was quite surprised to find that the trail spilled out onto the bike trail that runs along US Highway 101.  I wasn't expecting that.  I only had to run about 1/4 mile on 101 before I reached 5 miles and it was time to turn around.  It was nice and cool but the sun came out so it was a beautiful run.  I saw amazing birds, lots of egrets, pelicans and coots, and even a beautiful blue heron.  I took a few pictures along the way and even carried my small Nikon camera along with me. I felt pretty good considering that I ran a full marathon just a few days ago.

Nike Women's Marathon

What a perfect day it was for the marathon today.  It had been so warm the last two days that I was really worried about heat issues.  But it was quite cool all day.  The typical San Francisco fog rolled in last night and lingered until way after everyone had completed the race.  I really can't say I beat my old speed record, but compared to the races I have run in the last several years, I definitely picked up my pace.  Back in 1979 I did my first marathon in just about 5 hours, then later around 2007 I did one at 5:36.  But I finished today at 5:39:44.  I guess running 145 miles on the treadmill up in Deadhorse last month paid off because I not only finished with a much better time, I felt great the whole time.  I feel encouraged by it. I suspect the run in Athens will take longer simply because it has some very long hills.  But at least I feel confident that I will be able to complete that one in sufficient time also.

The Tiffany necklace for this race is quite lovely as usual.

Tiffany Necklace

Short 3 Miles

I decided to do a short run up and down the local hills just to test out my shoes.  I have had some numbness in my right toes so tried out an arch support.  I think it helped.  I will probably leave it in for the marathon on Sunday, knowing I could always stop and pull it out if it seems to be causing more problems than it is solving.  It felt fine, but that was a pretty short test run too.  I don't want to run too much these last few days before the actual marathon.  I will probably run a little there in San Francisco though. I am checked in for my flight and anxious to hop on the plane tonight.

5 Miles Indoors

It's pretty nasty outside today. So I decided to try an experiment.  I have not tried to run in my Vibram 5 Fingers minimalist shoes in quite some time.  I have had some trouble with my right toes going to sleep on me so thought I would try running on the treadmill with them.  I did 5 miles with no problems.  They seem a little hard against the balls of my feet so there is no way I would try them on a marathon.  Probably won't use them outdoors until I have a better place to run.  But they did give me a better idea of where my foot actually strikes.  Seems like I do strike mid-foot like it is suggested.  So it was a nice little run.

Yoga class was quite a tough workout this morning though. Love that class.

10 Miles

I started out intending to run 5 miles.  But when I got to the halfway point, it was so nice that I just kept on going.  It was perfect running conditions.  I ran all the way past the Matanuska River Bridge and back.  Lots of long hills, especially on the return trip because it is mostly uphill going back.  I had planned to go cross country skiing but my car was not able to plow through the unplowed snow on the Hatcher Pass Road.  That was really disappointing.  I plan to put my studded tires on tomorrow.  Maybe that will help but I think they just need to plow the road.  It looks like there is plenty of snow up there for skiing.

The view of the new Matanuska River Bridge from the old bridge was gorgeous today.

Matanuska River Bridge

Rainy Hike

I had a very enjoyable but very wet hike with Diane up along the trails by Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage.  We only walked 2.75 miles but it was a really nice little workout.  It was pouring rain the whole time.  I had the Ski Patrol CPR refresher all morning so only had a little time for anything else.  It was nice to get outdoors even if only for a short walk in the rain.

6 Miles

What a lovely run.  6.2 miles in perfect running temperatures.  Up and down the hills on Wolverine Road.  They are tough but I think quite helpful.  On my way down my last  hill I ran into two neighbors who were busy chatting and had a gigantic dog on a leash.  The leash was very long and the dog jumped at me and almost knocked me over.  It took all 3 of us by surprise.  Before the guys could reel him in, he leaped on me again and this time knocked me right off my feet and I went flying down into the brush off the road.  But I managed to stay on my feet.  He was a harmless big puppy dog but weighed more than I do, and I burst out laughing.  The owner was so apologetic but I told him not to worry I was fine.  Sure caught me off guard though.  I will have to keep that in mind from now on even if a dog is on a leash.  I carry pepper spray but didn't think I would need it.

I also had 3 cute spectators as I ran by.

Spectators

Caught In The Rain

It seemed like a lovely day when I started my run to Wolverine Creek and back, but as soon as I got all the way to the creek, it started to rain.  I tucked my phone into an inside pocket and hoped it would stay dry.  It did. My legs are still a little sore from the climb on Saturday.  I am amazed that they would still be sore this many days later.  I guess I got a good workout that day.  Maybe tonight in my yoga class I can loosen things up.  I only ran 5 miles today and actually felt pretty sluggish doing it.  There are some very steep hills on the route that I took, so they certainly slow me down.  But even if I have to slow to a walk sometimes, I think they are better than a totally flat run.

The winds yesterday pretty much eliminated the autumn leaves.  I did catch a few as I drove down the road this morning.  Lots of snow on Pioneer Peak now.

Pioneer Peak & Wolverine Road

Twin Peaks Trail

I did a combination hike and run today.  Up the Twin Peaks trail then down across the creek and up to the top of the ridge to look over into Palmer and the Knik River.  It was an amazing view, and very windy. When I got back down to the second bench at the 2.5 mile mark, I ran the rest of the way down because I needed to meet my friend Diane for dinner. It was nice to get a good run in after a very steep hike.  The fall colors were positively amazing too. The total distance was 7.44 miles.

Twin Peaks Ridge Top View

Eklutna Lake

 

Ran The Road

I just ran 5 miles down the road from home and back.  Still dragging a little getting used to being awake during the day. But it did seem better than yesterday.  The wind was horrible though. Lots of dump trucks going by too, which was distracting.

I got my Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend check today and donated all $900 to my Team In Training fundraiser.  I also got a nice $200 donation in the mail.  I'm almost to my required minimum but I hope to actually reach my goal of $5000 and more I hope.

Wind Rain Hills

Finally able to run outdoors again.  Not my best run, but nice to be out on the road again.  I ran the hills on my road.  It was raining and windy and beautiful with the fall colors.  Leaves were falling along the road as I ran.  It was a beautiful experience, so peaceful.  But I was running pretty slowly.  Not quite feeling my best today. Probably just still recovering from the transition from working nights back to trying to sleep nights.  I had hoped to do my long run but could tell I wasn't quite up to it today.  Also, I ran for the first time in my new running shoes.  I just love them.  So comfortable.

I will take the yoga class tonight and try to gain some flexibility.  I have almost none anymore.  At least that's what it feels like lately.

Beautiful scenery here now.

Matanuska Peak

A Video About The Cause

Only 3 Miles

Definitely a very bad running day for me today.  My calves and ankles are swollen for some reason and my right calf was really uncomfortable running on the treadmill. So I just cut it off at 3 miles.  I hope whatever that is will clear up quickly.  Today has to be my last run here because I have to pack up my running clothes because I leave tomorrow.  I hope I find running outdoors to be a lot more enjoyable.

Time now to push for fundraising to fight cancer.  I updated my Facebook Race 4 Cancer page yesterday.  September is ending so I changed the cover to this really nice image from the Team In Training site.

 

It seems like a good reminder that they are making progress in the fight against cancer.  Click that image to make a donation to help with the fight.

The Treadmill Again

5 more miles but only 2 more days before I fly home and get to run outdoors again.  I can't wait!  The training schedules says 20 miles for tomorrow.  20 on the treadmill!  Chances are fairly slim that I will really do that but I will give it a try if I wake up with enough time before I have to go to work.  I've been reading a book called Running with the Mind of Meditation: Lessons for Training Body and Mind. I think both my body and my mind could use a little of the wisdom in that book! My right calf seems to want to ache and swell lately so I gave it the old snow in the ziplock bag. That worked really well.

10 Miles

I had a great rest day yesterday but back on the treadmill again tonight.  10 miles while watching several episodes of Big Bang Theory on the TV.  I am so ready to get home and have the chance to run outdoors again.  Good workout on the treadmill though.

I sold a greeting card through Red Bubble though.  I only made a few cents but every little bit counts towards my Team In Training event.  Gotta help find a cancer cure.

Great 5 Mile Run

I felt great today doing my 5 mile run on the treadmill.  But for some reason I feel like a slug now.  Maybe it was that long treadmill run from yesterday catching up with me.  I am dying to get outside and run even if it is in the pouring rain or snow.  It's just not really possible here because there is not a place to do it.  But only one more week until I go home.

It's getting down below 20 degrees now.  Winter is definitely here now.  When I go home maybe it will still be fall, although I hear that it snowed a little there today too.  San Francisco will be nice in a couple of weeks when I go there to run the Nike Women's Marathon. I hope my training this month helps me to speed up to a more reasonable pace when I get down there.  I hate feeling rushed trying to beat the time limit clock during my last few miles.  I feel pretty good about my training this time though. 

Long Treadmill Run

17 miles on the treadmill today.  Whew, that gets hard after a while.  It also gets really hot running indoors like that.  But unfortunately where I am right now, it is really the only option.  It is 20 degrees but that temperature is not a factor so much as the condition of the ground.  We have about 6 inches of snow here in Deadhorse.  Even that would not be a problem except there is no place to run except the road. At this time of year, it becomes the ice road and it just isn't possible to walk out there with the truckers.  It has no shoulder at all and getting hit by a truck would be a really bad thing.  So while I am here for the rest of the month, it's going to be the treadmill.  But I get a really good endurance workout on the treadmill, so I think it is very valuable.  Thank goodness we have one here!

I got another donation to my Team In Training fund yesterday.  That is so exciting.  I like to run but I love when I see progress in my efforts to raise money to fight cancer.  Please feel free to help with a donation by clicking the September is blood cancer awareness month picture below:

Cancer be gone!

Big Snowstorm

No chance of running outdoors today.  Several inches of new snow everywhere and probably not even a good day to drive anywhere.  So I did my 9 mile run on the treadmill.  I felt pretty tired and it wasn't one of my best runs.  But I did go over the 100 mile mark for this month.  So that is a good thing.  I'm taking a rest day tomorrow since my next run is supposed to be 17 miles.  I hope I wake up early enough to do that one.  I guess Sunday will be an alarm clock day. 

I love seeing all the snow outside.  It covers up all that mud!

I donated $500 to my Team In Training fund today.  I know I will need to donate a lot more from my own pocket because I have not been having much luck with donations or fundraising projects on my last 4 or 5 events.  I'm happy to share my earnings with this very important cause though.  Every day I hear about some other person taken by cancer.  It really has to be stopped!

Outdoors For A Change!

It was cold, right around freezing, and I ran on fresh snow, but it was dead calm.  So unusual for Deadhorse at any time of the year.  The little road I ran on was the only one around here that was not thick mud.  It was nice running on the snow.  It was only an inch or two deep, but it covered up the mud.  I do get a bit tired of the treadmill.  I ran 8 miles out there and got back to my hotel before the snow started to fall.  It's coming down again now.

A little snow around Colleen Lake

Snowing Hard

Yes, winter has arrived here in Prudhoe Bay.  Another treadmill run for me.  It was a nice 6 miles and I did some speed intervals to vary my workout and try to improve my speed.  I'm still managing to keep up with the Nike Women's Marathon training program. It's a tough one, but seems to be a good one.  I need a marathon maintenance training program though.  I do so many marathons lately that basic marathon training that lasts for 6 months doesn't seem very effective!  I just added two more marathons to my race agenda. Since I will be in New Orleans for the February 2nd race, I signed up for the Mississippi River Marathon for the next weekend since it is reasonably close. Then for the following weekend I signed up for the Myrtle Beach Marathon.  That gives me events three weekends in a row.  Each run will be training for the next one!  I won't have to worry about getting in any long runs in between.

Still no new donations for my Team In Training event in New Orleans.  Hoping to find a way to fundraise for that. 

Click here if you would like to help!

 

PLEASE!

THANK YOU!

Ran 5 Miles

I did my 5 mile run on the treadmill today.  It is snowing outside and looks downright nasty out there.  The Nike Women's Marathon training plan called for speed runs but I don't know exactly what their recommendations mean.  So I just increased my speed for intervals and it felt like it accomplished the task.  It was a really good workout.  I do wish I could run outdoors again but it's not looking too good out there for that. I'm really happy to just get in the required number of miles.  I am up to 80 miles for this month so far and it's only the 17th.  I'm happy with that so far.  I have 7 marathons scheduled so I guess I don't want to be doing any slacking!

I need to get with the fundraising though.  I would love to come up with some great idea but so far, most of my donations have just come from me!

7 Mile Treadmill Run

A shorter run today, 7 miles again on the treadmill.  It's getting pretty winter-like out there.  If it isn't too windy, I may try bundling up and running outdoors sometime this week because it seems to finally be freezing up outside.  It has been too muddy to even walk out there most of this month.

I finally figured out how to make the necessary donation to the Japanese earthquake victims to enter the ECO Slow Marathon in Japan. So simple - just go to westernunion.com and I was able to make the donation directly to their bank using my credit card. 

One of my pictures sold on Red Bubble so I made a donation of the sale price of $90 to my Team In Training fundraising page.  The fundraising is moving pretty slowly though.  My pictures aren't exactly selling like hotcakes! 

Must cure cancer, must cure cancer, must cure cancer.....

 

エコ スロー マラソン印旛 ECO SLOW MARATHON INBA 2014 :

I am signing up for this marathon.  Such a wonderful idea and to help the poor victims of that terrible Japanese earthquake.  I love doing marathons with a purpose.  You can even pick up trash along the way! The last time I was in Japan I didn't see much trash so it could be challenging to actually find some!  I wanted a good excuse to go back to Japan and it looks like I have found one.

エコ スロー マラソン印旛　ECO SLOW MARATHON INBA 2014 :

Long Run

It was snowing when I woke up.  So I had to do my long run on the treadmill.  15 miles, close to 3 hours of running on a treadmill.  I entertained myself by watching Aliens and Predators on TV. I could just pretend I was also running from those slimy ridiculous monsters.  What a silly movie!  But it did help pass the time.  I felt pretty good on that run.  I think my endurance is improving even if my speed isn't.  It is time for some new running shoes though.  I was having some weird cramps in my toes and my right foot kept going numb.  They are close to 500 miles now.

I added a couple more upcoming marathons to my 2014 marathon agenda.  Northwest Passage Marathon up in Nunavut, Canada for July, and Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool for May of next year.  So now I have 6 marathons to train for.  That should stimulate me to run and not get too lazy. Friends are trying to talk me into doing the Paris Marathon again. I'm really starting to like that idea. Guess I need to keep working on my French.
I'm seeing the world 26.2 miles at a time!

7 Today

I made it even though I woke up a little late.  I started to go outdoors to run but the weather was moving in quickly and I could see that it might not be such a good idea to subject myself to it.  So I ran my 7 miles on the treadmill instead.  I definitely run faster on the treadmill but I think running outdoors is a more realistic workout.  But either way, getting in shape is what it is all about.  I added the Maui Oceanfront Marathon in January to my list of upcoming events. 

But getting myself in shape is only part of my reason for running.  It's the cause that matters most.  My Team In Training mentor sent a photo today of Nate, a little guy with cancer.  This was Nate the last Friday the 13th when he was intubated to save his life.  This is the same torturous and promising treatment that gives neuroblastoma kids an extra 20% chance at life. 
 

 

But now he has recovered and is back in school and healthy. That's what I want to see, all kids with cancer back in school and healthy.  That day will come with needed funding for research into better prevention and treatments through donations to fight cancer. 

 

Help support my efforts to end this disease by making a donation today here. 

 

 

Athens!

I just signed up for the Athens Classic Marathon for November. The perfect training run for New Orleans.  I can't wait to see the lighting of the torch in Marathon, Greece.

Today was a rest day from running but I did the Ballet Beautiful exercises for cross-training.



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A Beautiful Day to Run

I woke up to bright sunshine and only 48 degrees but with very little wind.  It was a glorious day to go for a run down by Franklin Bluffs and Caren Pond.  I ran 5 miles, the recommended mileage for today with the Nike Women's Marathon training program. The beautiful weather is no longer with us though.  The fog is so thick right now that I hope I can find my way over to work.

Franklin Bluffs & Sag River

7 on the Treadmill

It was a really nice day and looked perfect for a nice run outdoors.  But they were tearing up the road and making vehicles wait for an undetermined amount of time.  So I quickly gave up and went back in to the treadmill.  I got a really good 7 mile run though, and was also able to watch the president's speech on the TV in front of my treadmill.  So it turned out to be a really good run.  I wouldn't have wanted to miss the speech.  I always seem to run faster on the treadmill because I have no choice but to keep up with the belt.  Now to find a way to translate that speed onto the road!

The Haul Road

I ran a nice 6 miles up and down the Dalton Highway.  It started out as a beautiful sunny day at 40 degrees with only a 10 knot wind.  But I ran the last two miles in a thick fog.  I'm glad I had my bright yellow biking jacket on so the truckers could see me out there. It felt great to be running outside on the road instead of on the treadmill.  I am hoping there will be more days like that this month.

4 Miles

Today was definitely an indoor treadmill day.  It's icy cold, horrible, and windy not to mention totally foggy.  I did a really nice 4 mile run on the treadmill and added some incline.  I'm going to try to follow the Nike Women's Marathon workout plan for the rest of the time between now and October 20th when I do the Nike Marathon.  It looks like a reasonable method.  It's been hard to follow a strict plan because of my recent traveling and the extra marathons that I ran.  But between now and the next marathon, I should be able to follow it fairly strictly, as long as I have access to the treadmill.  Running out there in the Arctic blast is not going to be reasonable or even possible a lot of the time.

I'm having exactly zero luck with fundraising so far.  I've been promoting my fundraising page on Facebook but that's about all.  I'm hoping to find some way to do some more efficient fundraising.  But for now, I will be concentrating on getting myself into better shape.  I am still ridiculously slow, and I really hate that!!



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Back Indoors

The good weather promptly left and the cold, wind, foggy weather is back.
I had hoped to do that 18 mile long run advised by the Nike Women's Marathon app but I found that on the treadmill I just got too hot and too tired.  I did go for 8 miles while watching Life of Pi on the television. 

Nice weather, Ran Outdoors!

It was a beautiful day!  I ran only 3 miles because that is what the Nike Women's Marathon training site suggests for today.  I don't know about being able to do the 18 mile run that it suggests for tomorrow.  But I will give it a try if I have enough time.  It was 52 today and the wind wasn't too obnoxious, although it was challenging running into the wind.  I went for a drive and saw a few musk ox and some tundra swans along the way.

Tundra Swans

5 Today

For some reason, today was hard for me.  I got up a little earlier than usual, probably too early.  My 5 mile run on the treadmill seemed to drag, but I did manage to get through it.  Could be it's just mental based on the dreary sight I see when I look out the window today.  I really want to run outdoors but today can be described only by words such as dank, dark, dreary, dismal, and the most descriptive - slimy.  It is so muddy out there yet not even really raining.  With the permafrost, the water is just standing everywhere and the road is incredibly slippery. I think a person could disappear and drown in mud out there today.  So of course, I had to relegate my run once more to the treadmill.  The way this month is going, I may have to do all of my training on the treadmill.  But it does enable me to artificially push my limits simply by speeding up the treadmill belt.  So maybe that is a really good thing.  My goal is to increase my pace, and it seems that I may be making slight progress. 

Of course the most important goal is the cause.  I'm so happy I am finally signed up for another Team In Training event.  The finish line of ending cancer is more important than any other finish line I try to cross.

Keeping this in mind for this month too.

End Cancer!

 

 

A Short Run

I didn't have much time today but did find time for a 3 mile treadmill run.  Yesterday my bad ankle swelled up and was quite painful so I took a rest day.  But today it felt fine and still felt good after the run.  The weather is terrible and muddy, foggy, and cold. So until it improves I will stick with the treadmill and the other workout equipment.  I get really hot running indoors though.  But I do find it is easier to push myself because I can increase the treadmill speed and force myself to go faster.  It seems like a good training routine.

Inside and Outside

I started running outdoors but first it started to snow, then it started to rain, then in started to rain and snow.  But that didn't bother me so much.  It was the 2 inches of mud that had collected on each of my shoes so that it felt like I was running with 10 pound weights on each foot.  After a mile or so, I decided to turn around and head for the treadmill.  I ran another 4 miles on the treadmill and was able to do some sprints and really push myself.  I think that was a better workout.  Then I did some lifting with the various machines there in the new fitness center at the Prudhoe Bay Hotel.  That felt pretty good.  Trying to take off a few pounds and get some strength as well as pick up some running speed.  This should be a good month for that.  I might be doing a lot of it indoors though if this nasty weather continues.  I think summer is over here on the north slope of Alaska.

Run For Cancer

Finally I found a Team In Training event that doesn't conflict with my work schedule.  I just signed up for the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Marathon on February 2, 2014.  Here is the link to my new Fundraising page. I'm glad to finally have a Team In Training event in my future.  I feel kind of lost without one.  This one should be interesting.  Hopefully I can pick up my pace to something more reasonable than my last few.  At least this one has a 7 hour time limit so I should have no trouble making that one.  But I certainly don't plan on taking that long.  But the most important thing isn't my running performance, but the cause.  I really want to see an end to cancer in my lifetime.



Reykjavik Marathon

What an incredible country Iceland is!  I just drove the entire Ring Road and drove completely around the island, enjoying all the sights I could reach along the way.  Beautiful volcanoes, and glaciers, and erupting geysers.  It is fantastic.  I had to be back in time to pick up my race bib for the Reykjavik Marathon so I got back on Thursday night and spent Friday taking it fairly easy.  Just a trip to the expo and a drive up to Gulfoss Waterfall. 
The weather was not the greatest for the marathon.  Mostly raining and very windy. I was pretty cold most of the time.  But maybe the cold made me speed up.  I was nearly one hour faster than last week at Big Wild Life.  But I was still far too slow. I have really fallen behind in my training, partly because of my sprained ankle from the Kilimanjaro climb.  I can see that once I get home I will have to get busy and really hit the training hard so I can increase my speed for the Nike Women's Marathon in October. I can spend September really pushing myself while working up in Deadhorse.

I loved Iceland though, even with its wind and rain.

Blue Lagoon

Jokulsarlon

Anchorage Big Wild Life Marathon

What a struggle!  I probably made a really big mistake by climbing up Government Peak yesterday because I could tell I was still really tired when I reached the start line of the Big Wild Life Marathon this morning.  I was doing ok for about the first half but really slowed down later on.  I think I only made it because of the help from the lady who was the sweeper!  She ran with me and encouraged me for quite a few miles. I did finish and got my medal.  I am hoping I will feel a lot more energetic next Saturday when I run the Reykjavik Marathon in Iceland. I will be flying out to Iceland later tonight. I bet I sleep all the way there too!

Government Peak Climb

What a wonderful and strenuous climb today with the Walkabouts hiking group.  It was so beautiful and spectacular and the steepest hike I have done in a very long time.  I am exhausted, but the view and the exercise made it all worthwhile. I will pay dearly for this adventure though because I am running the Anchorage Big Wild Life Marathon tomorrow.  I wonder if I will survive!

Government Peak View

Ran and Paddled

I hit the 5 mile run up and down Wolverine Road to the creek, up the steep hill and back again.  After that went for an awesome kayak trip about 9 or 10 miles down the Knik River.  Not quite as much of a workout and it only involved my arms, but what a lovely day in the sun.

Along the Knik River