Day 81 - New Shoes and a Groundhog

Today's scheduled run: 5 miles

Today's completed run: 5 miles
Pace: 8:33 avg

Old pair (L), new pair (R)

Two great parts about today's run: shorts and new shoes. It should be obvious as to why these two things would be a favorite part. Shorts -- because it's February. This time two years ago we were getting ready for 55 inches of snow. I'll take the warm temperatures, thanks. New shoes -- because they're new shoes. Duh. I purchased a second pair of Brooks Adrenaline (11th edition); this new pair is a bit more colorful, eh? This will allow me to swap shoes, something sagely runners suggest you do. I'll wear my already worn-in but still great pair for shorter runs and the new pair for longer runs.

In other news, you probably heard that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, which means 6 more weeks of winter. The buzz on Twitter this morning was basically this: if temperatures in the 50s and 60s are this year's version of winter, we'll take six more weeks. For sure! I could not have been handed a better "winter" to train for a marathon!

A top-hat man, member of the Inner Circle

A few winters ago, in 2009, I had the distinct honor of waking up well before dawn to walk over to Gobbler's Knob for the Groundhog Day festivities. While other attendees had been out in the cold all night to secure their views of the rodent, my friends and I had VIP passes, courtesy of a friend who's uncle was in the Inner Circle. We were escorted right down to the front for what was one of the weirdest experiences ever. Did you know that Phil's teeth are so sharp his handler wears gloves with chainmail underneath? Me neither, until that day. It was one of those things that you do once in your life and are glad you did it, even though you don't ever plan to do it again.

Anyway, let's hope Phil's right and winter as we've known it these past few days is here to stay for six weeks.

Day 80 - Morning Run Take 2 and a Review

Today's scheduled run: 8 miles

Today's completed run: 8 miles
Pace: 8:48 avg

Knowing that I wouldn't be able to run at any other time today given my schedule, I rolled out of bed (well, more like tripped because one of my slippers was in the way on the floor) and ran this morning. The run was pretty good, overall. Unless you live under a rock, you've probably heard that the weather everywhere on the east coast has been absolutely amazing. It got up to 70 today! If this is the new face of winter, I like it. It was 54 when I ran this morning; I consider that the ideal running temperature. Running along the water to the rising sun was as beautiful as ever, even though one corner of the Harbor boasted a pretty nasty smell. That's beside the point, though.


It was a great way to welcome in February, though I can hardly believe it's already February! 44 days until the big day! I'm excited and a little anxious but looking forward to feeling a great sense of accomplishment. Now if Competitor would just release the course map...

January was a big month of running for me. It was definitely the most running I've ever done in a month, with a total of 126 miles. I also ran my fastest mile ever -- a 7:44, which was mile 7 of an 8-miler. I'm a bit of an accidental runner, i.e. I didn't do anything in particular to get that mile time other than decide I wanted to run fast. It's basically a fluke, but I'll take it. It also is evidence as to how mental running really is.

I'm scheduled for a total of 140 miles in February, and I'll begin tapering (decreasing mileage) at the end of the month. Mileage will be light in the two weeks of March leading up the marathon, and then I plan to sleep for the rest of the month.

Day 79 - A Run and Nothing Else

Today's scheduled run: 5 miles

Today's completed run: 5 miles
Pace: 8:30 avg

A good morning run. Although I don't normally run in the morning, I always love the feeling of finishing before 8 am. The day feels that much more productive, no matter what happens. It was another good time of thinking and praying and listening and finding silence even as rush hour was beginning to pick up.

It's a beautiful day in Baltimore. Thankfully, over the course of this blog and winter, I've been able to say that often. It'll be in the 60's today and tomorrow, barring a weird weather crisis. I'll take winters like this any time. It was chilly when I set out this morning, hovering at about 40 degrees, but the sunrise across the water made it well worth dragging myself out of bed, which is no small feat since I can't seem to get to bed before midnight these days.

Enough with the weather talk, though. I'm off to resume with the normal Tuesday crazy. Be well, blog readers!

Day 65 - Dark and Rainy

Today's scheduled run: 5 miles

Today's completed run: 5.75 miles
Pace: 8:37 (avg)

I had to run this morning, rather than later in the day, because of a busy schedule today. I don't mind running in the morning in the summer, when the sun comes up at 6 am; but waking to run on a dark, cold, wet winter morning is not my idea of a good time. After a fervent internal debate, I got out of bed and headed out. I thought it was going to rain all day today, so I was pleased that it was just damp and cloudy, with some light rain toward the end of the run. Overall, I felt strong. I definitely came out of the gate too swiftly, running an 8:02 mile, even after slowing myself down. One day, I'm going to test myself on a mile and see if I can go sub-8:00. I think I can.

Now, I'm plum tuckered out, so I'm off to bed. One last note, though - the sun came out around noon and the afternoon was stunning. I also got out of my afternoon class early, which left me with plenty of time I could have used to run in the sun at a reasonable hour, rather than in the dark rain at an unreasonable hour. Story of my life.

Day 56 - Trials

Today's scheduled run: cross-training

Today's completed run: 2.5 miles
Pace: 9:something (yes, I used my new Garmin, but I'm too tired to get up and read the actual pace)

I moved like a sloth this morning. I thought I might try and get four miles in, but I felt as though I was running through quicksand. Obviously, I don't know precisely what that feels like, but I can theorize. There are several contributing factors: going to bed at 2 am and waking at 8 am, not eating before leaving the house, and the emotionally exhausting trial through which I am currently walking.

Saturday morning brought with it a significant life change unrelated to running or baldness. I'm not trying to be over-dramatic or secretive by not telling you what it is; I'm trying to find a balance of sharing with you that I'm going through something really hard while not unsafely baring my soul. The point is: this is a season of trial and discomfort and growth with regard to interpersonal relationships. I am praying for great fruit to come of it.

Thankfully, in just 24 hours, I have seen some of that fruit in the form of a rallying community. I tweeted this earlier today: "We cannot walk the road of trial alone. Find someone to walk with you, or accompany someone on their journey." Even yesterday, I was blessed by two times of relaxation and conversation with two different friends. Today, as I looked into a lonely afternoon, I was prompted to reach out to exactly the right people. I was blessed by not one but two church homes - New Song in Baltimore and Grace DC in DC.

There is grieving and lamenting to be done, lessons to be learned, more mistakes to make, more grace to receive, and more fruit to bear; but this is a start. And I will take a start.

Day 34 - Mish-Mash

Today's schedule run: 12 miles

Today's completed run: 12.06 miles
Pace: 8:55 (avg.)

Another run that I am so pleased with and encouraged by. Y'all, I really enjoy running. Have I mentioned that? The weather was great, I felt strong, and it was a really nice time to think and pray and sing. I also threw in some hills, which challenged me in all the right ways. Loved it, though I confess that I'm a little sore now.

Moving on, I do realize (shame on me) that it is technically no longer day 34. The night has crept into Day 35, but since I'm still awake from day 34, I say it counts. Today was full. Full, full, full.

After the run this morning, a friend and I prepared for the Christmas party we hosted tonight at my house. It was a phenomenal mish-mash of people from multiple areas of my life: church in DC, people from school in Baltimore, my family, and some friends-of-friends. It was great, though. We ate yummy food, had some great laughs, sang lots of songs, and went to see the lights in Hampden. Overall, a smashing time.

Afterwards, I used our new Dyson vacuum as soon as everyone was gone. For me, that was almost as exciting as the party itself. (Disclaimer: Dyson did not pay me to say that; nor did they give me the vacuum for free.) Now you know how awesome I am in real life. I get excited about vacuums.

Until tomorrow...

Day 30 - Cement Legs

Today's scheduled run: 3 miles

Today's completed run: 3.02 miles
Pace: 8:06 (avg.)

I did not enjoy today's run very much. I did it, and ran pretty strong, I suppose. But my legs felt like cement, and my pace felt erratic. It's a shame, too, because the weather in Baltimore is perfect for running -- low 40s with brilliant sun.

Alas, tomorrow is another day for running. For now, I'm off to study for a final I have at 2 pm.

Until tomorrow...

Day 27 - I Am A Runner

Today's schedule run: 11 miles

Today's completed run: 11.01 (Yes; I just did that.)
Total time: 1:41:15 / Avg. pace: 9:11

Variables: Wind. Crazy, whipping wind.

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." -John Bingham, marathoner and author

I realized today, as I was pounding the pavement, that I am, in fact, a runner. There's always going to be someone faster, someone better, someone with more endurance, someone with better form, someone who runs for 24-hours at a time, someone who [fill in the blank]. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm a runner; or the fact that anyone who runs any distance is a runner.

I've long said that running is a community sport, and I always get snarky when people treat it otherwise. You can't run alone. You might do the physical running by yourself, yes; but you're not really doing it alone. Even when you do the actual run alone, you probably see other runners. Plus, someone inspired you to run, or encouraged you to keep at it, or taught you how to run, or bought you a burrito after you ran (thanks, mom!). Even if it's only your running friends on the Internet, someone else is involved in your running. And that is a beautiful thing. We all run together.

Forgive the abrupt transition, but we're getting a little too transcendental here. So, let's move on.
Today I combined two familiar routes to make my 11 miles -- Ft. McHenry and the longer of two Inner Harbor routes. It was a glorious day -- 40 degrees and sunny -- though a bit windy, as noted above. I haven't yet figured out how to make myself more aerodynamic when encountering wind resistance; this is much easier on a bike, I think.

I didn't stop to take any pictures, even though the scenery was beautiful, because I was too busy running. Seriously, I loved today's run. Even better, I did it without any music, and that made me love it more. The miles seemed to go quickly, and I was so glad to be running in Baltimore. I was glad to finish and felt accomplished, but I know I could have done more had it been asked of me. I need to hold on to all of these great endorphins for the next time I encounter a run that makes me hate running.


Other great things about today:
1. I found out that my sister is expecting a baby, who we're calling Sticky for the time being. Pretty sure that's the cutest name ever.
2. Burrito for lunch. 'Nough said.
3. My mom got me a Christmas tree and a rug for my living room (FINALLY!). My house is more and more of a home every day.


Now, I absolutely must work on a take home final for my policy class. And probably watch Elf. I'm the worst student ever these days.

Until tomorrow...

Day 25 - Brrr

Today's scheduled run: 3 miles

Today's completed run: 3 miles
Pace: 8:15 (avg.; I was treadmillin' but switching speeds.)

Winter has finally arrived in Baltimore. We enjoyed 60-degree days through November, but I fear those have bitten the dust. Today's high is 46. That may sound warm to some of you; but for someone who breaks out the long underwear as soon as it hits 50, it's cold. I just wasn't made for cold weather. I should have considered this more when I signed up to run a marathon in March, meaning I would train most heavily in the dead of winter. Alas, I did not.

Nonetheless, I press on. I wanted to get my run in this morning in order to put less pressure on the rest of my day. It was a struggle to get out of bed, seeing as I had only gotten into it 5.5 hours before my alarm went off, but I did it. I headed over to the gym and pounded out my 3 miles. It was a good run, all in all. Nothing too exciting to write home about.

Tomorrow - a rest day. And then Saturday - 11 miles. The longest run of this training plan yet. I almost wrote "I'm excited!" but what I actually mean is "I hope I'll be excited after tomorrow's rest day!"

Until then...

Day 18 - Why You Have Eyebrows

Today's scheduled run: 3 miles

Today's completed run: 3.05 miles
Pace: 7:56

Before I say anything else, don't be too impressed by that pace. The street crossing gods were against me today, so I had lots of stops and starts, which may have contributed to lots of sprinting.

All in all, though, it was a good run, especially since I did it on 4 hours of sleep. Yes, folks, it's coming up on finals week here at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. I had a policy brief due this morning, which was an interesting but very challenging paper to write. Regardless, I made it out of bed and onto the streets for a wonderfully sunny but cold run. The Harbor was stunning, as always.

Now, let's talk about the title of this post. The majority of you have eyebrows and eyelashes. Or at least I think you do. I, on the other hand, do not. This is one of those "You don't know what ya got 'til it's gone" moments. I mean, really, I didn't know all of the things eyebrows and eyelashes kept out of my eyes until they weren't there anymore to do the keeping out. Primarily, on runs, this means sweat in my eyes. Sweat, when applied directly to the eye in large doses, burns. Like crazy.

I wear a hat while running, which absorbs quite a bit of sweat, but some still gets out, or in, rather. I have yet to figure out a solution, especially because I probably can't rock the cotton sweat band around my forehead and still show my face around Baltimore. Hello, Richard Simmons.

Moral of the story: be glad for your eye-related facial hair. I won't ask you to be glad for that stray chin hair that pops up every now and then, though...

Day 17 - Bonk

Today's scheduled run: 5 miles

Today's completed run: ~1 mile
Pace: Who knows?

It's a good thing I began this blog with a post about a run on which I totally bonked, because I'm now free to write another, and likely more in the future. As excited as I was to tell you about the 8:10 pace yesterday, I am equally disappointed in telling you about today's "run," which was, in the words of some, an epic fail.

It was a chilly (around 43) but sunny morning in Baltimore, and I set out feeling pretty good about getting in the planned 5 miles. However, around minute 6, every organ in my abdominal cavity began protesting any and all movement. I mean, those puppies were rolling around. I think they were playing tag, or something. I slowed, thinking maybe I could run it out, but it only got worse, turning to dull pain punctuated by sharp pangs. I stopped to walk across a street, thinking that might settle everything, but it didn't. Those organs just kept on hopping.

So, I turned around; and I did the nearly 20-minute walk of shame back to my house. The walk of shame itself wasn't so bad, even though I was dejected and plagued by more rolling organs for most of it. The worst part was that I'd dressed just warm enough for running at 43 degrees -- shorts, long-sleeve shirt, thin pullover and a hat. As you may surmise, this is not warm enough for walking in 43 degree weather, with wind, in the shade of tall buildings. Brrr.

By the time I got home, I couldn't feel my hands or my legs. Not my best moment.

I'm glad to look back on some stronger runs these past few weeks and remember that a bonk is not forever. Thankfully, tomorrow will be a new day.

Did you know that the official definition of a "bonk" is when an athlete depletes their glycogen stores in the liver and muscles? I didn't know this until this morning. Technically, then, I'm using the word bonk incorrectly, because that's not what happened here; but I like the term so much, that I'm going to keep it.

Day 16 - Wrong Turn

Today's scheduled run: 3 miles

Today's completed run: 3.67 miles
Pace: 8:10

Although the weather has since turned, it was absolutely beautiful this morning when I left for a run. I headed out a little later than planned, because I read today's "Watch for the Light" before I even got out of bed. By the time I left at 7:15, it was a balmy 65... in November! The sun was shining, though I think the birds were too confused by the warm temperature to be singing.

My plan was to run a quick three miles. I was intending to try and run at a faster pace than normal, just to see what I could do. Well, I ran my little heart out. I ran it so far out that I forgot a turn and wound up running 3.67, instead of 3 miles. I knew I was running more expeditiously than usual, so I was really confused when I began approaching the 28 minute mark and had still not finished. I kept wondering, "Am I actually running really slowly? Do I have cement legs today?"

I needed to know what was wrong with this equation, so I headed to MapMyRUN right when I got home. I discovered that I'd added the .67 by accident. The route I ran is a portion of a 4.5-mile route I like to run. In my speed-induced delirium, I must have combined the two. Still, seeing that I ran an average 8:10 pace for the 3.67 miles was very encouraging. It makes me want to do a 5k to see if I can come in around 25 minutes. I've never come in under 30 in an official 5k, though I also haven't run one in quite some time. It's nice to see this kind of improvement. I don't want running to become a numbers game, but I like paying attention to them nonetheless.

I'm so glad I ran this morning, because Baltimore is back to yucktastic weather. It is expected to stay through the night, which is actually perfect for hiding away in the library and writing a paper.

Until tomorrow...

Day 10 - Spring in November

Today's schedule run: 5 miles

Today's completed run: 5.08 miles
Pace: 9:04

Today's running entertainment: Timothy Keller sermon, "Real Friendship and the Pleading Priest" -- I'm sure I was "mm-hmm"ing, and I know I was chuckling at some points, but I bet the passersby just thought I was a happy, content morning runner.

Despite not being able to fall asleep until 12:15 am, I woke at 5:50 am to hit the road. My dad and I are traveling to NC tonight as soon as I leave P.S. 124, so I wouldn't have had time to get a run in otherwise. I thought it was going to be raining, so I headed off to the gym, which is about an 8-minute walk from my house. There, I was informed the power was out across campus. Couldn't they get a back-up generator for my treadmill? Apparently not.

Somewhat dejected, I headed back home. About 4 minutes into my walk back, the obvious dawned on me: it's not raining, and it's pretty warm out. I dropped off my gym stuff and headed back out the door in shorts and a t-shirt (in late November!!) to run outside. The weather -- 60 degrees and humid -- had me confused as to whether or not Thanksgiving is actually tomorrow, but I was grateful nonetheless. I cruised at a pretty steady pace through Downtown, past and around Little Italy, around the Harbor and then back through Downtown. Traffic was pretty light for most of the run, as rush hour hadn't quite started yet.

About 35 minutes in, an e-mail popped up on my phone from the campus alert system, alerting me that the power was out across campus. Thanks a lot, guys.

All in all, a great morning run. I often struggle to run in the morning, but I seem to be getting better here. It's a great way to jump-start my day, and it's really nice to feel so accomplished before the day has even started.

Tomorrow I will write from the mountains of North Carolina, where sidewalks are a commodity and I use the altitude as an excuse to run pitifully, even though my dad tells me the addition of 3,000-ish feet shouldn't make a difference...