Long Time

I cant believe how long it's been since I wrote on this blog! 3 years! Wow. It seems like lifetime ago! So much has changed. I would really like to start running again, but I am not sure how to start. Isn't that weird? I guess I need to get up really early first of all. My schedule doesn't really allow me to do it after work... Unless I run with the stroller and that is way harder. And it's winter and dark morning and night. Lots of excuses, huh? I need to do something soon.

Running the Lake... Sunday

I am going running tomorrow morning. Looks like on my own, since I haven't heard from anyone. I am thinking about going around twice. Then I can eat a cookie or two without feeling so guilty.
Also, we are changing the workout for Sunday 12/21. There is a run in SF to benefit the SF Food Bank in Golden Gate Park that Meave, Vinay and I have been planning to run. Maybe you would like to join us?
Happy training!

Back on Track!

Hi everyone,
We are going to get back out there and train!! Becca, and I (with doggies in tow) went on an hour run on Sunday. Maeve did a slightly shorter run. Good work girls!
Other great news is that Becca is moving to Oakland on December 20! YAY!! So happy to have you on this side of the hill!
With that being said, it will be easier to schedule all of our runs closer to Oakland.
I am hoping people will be up for some weekend runs around the Bay and possibly some evening runs around Lake Merritt. Although it's dark, it feels pretty safe when you have a few people out there with you. Safety in numbers as they say.
So, while you are gearing up to celebrate the holidays, think about getting out there for a bit of exercise too. Then you can eat with less guilt!
I will be back on www.aimtotrain.blogspot.com to post the coming schedule. Check it out!!
Happy training!
Elisabeth

Maeve's First 5K!!!

I just have to tell you all how proud I am of Maeve! (See us in the photos! Don't we look great in our spandex? Oh, yes, I cut my hair off too!) She started running a few short months ago and now she is running 5Ks! We signed up for Run Wild for a Child when she first started running so she would have a goal to work toward. On 11/30/08 Maeve, Vinay, and I drove over to San Francisco at the break of dawn for Maeve's first race. Vinay and I also joined in the race. We could have done a 10K, but we needed to make sure someone was at the finish to see Maeve win! So we also both did the 5K. After a quick warm up jog and a pee in a beautiful redwood grove, we lingered at the starting area. Vinay took off ahead of us. Maeve and I started slowly together, crossing over the start line about 1:25 after the official start. It was a crazy mob scene. There were people everywhere and lots of walkers. I would definitely get closer up next time so as not to get stuck behind a bunch of walkers. Eventually I hit a good pace and left Maeve a little bit behind me. Maeve looked good, solid, and happy. We ran up JFK and out to the Pan Handle, down Fell Street over one block and back up Oak Street. On the way down Fell, we started seeing the first 10K runners who basically sprint the entire race; first men and then the first woman. It is always really exciting to see them and I really love runs that have courses that allow the crossover. I was hitting Fell at a good clip but knew that Oak was going to be more difficult as it is a slight uphill grade. Also, I get psyched out over long straight stretches. But, I kept a good pace and didn't let too many people pass me. There were a few who I could tell I was going to pass at the end. 5K passes very quickly. On the way back down JFK I saw Vinay walking, apparently looking for Maeve. He finished in just 25:35! He is also getting faster and faster. Then I passed the starting area which was a bit weird since the finish is actually around the corner! Darn. Also, it is a bit hard to know where to really kick it in if you don't know exactly where the final chutes are because you don't want to tire yourself out too much before you get there! I did pass the few women I had picked out to beat across the finish line. My official time was 34:59. But factoring in the later start, my time was actually 33:34. This puts me under 11 minutes per mile!! Very exciting. My goal was 11 minute miles.
After crossing I got some water and went to watch for Maeve. She came in strong at an official 41:54. Her actual time was 40:29!! Great job! And I see Maeve getting much faster and more comfortable as she continues training. We are signing up for a 5K on 12/21 just before Christmas to benefit the SF Food Bank. It is so exciting to see her progress. And I also love having a workout partner, my ulterior motives for getting her into running! Thanks Maeve!

Back in the Game!

Today I did a short race in San Francisco to benefit the SF Food Bank. It was a 1 mile (Miracle Mile) race and then a 5k run. I finished the Miracle Mile in 9:45 which is the fastest I have ever run a mile. And, I think with a bit of prep I could have done it even faster. It was a little hard because it starts on a bit of a hill and it took me a minute to catch my breath. But I could have started sprinting to the finish well before I actually did. Although I have to say, my chest and lungs were killing me at the end of that measly little mile!
Maeve and Vinay were with me. Maeve has been under the weather so she was just there for support. Vinay did a 6:50 Miracle Mile. WOW.
Then in about a half an hour later we did the 5k. I ran into a bunch of friends from See Jane Run and Donna who I work with at AC. It was really nice to see them. I decided to do the 5k really slowly so I could hang out with Donna for a while. Her goal was to do it in under 44 minutes. I didn't really set a goal, but ended up doing it in just over 40 minutes. I was running with Donna for the 4k at least and then ran ahead at some point.
It was fun to get back into it and I am looking forward to next weekend! We are running in SF again, Run Wild for a Child. I think there is a link on the blog if you are interesting in joining us. It is a 5k or a 10k and a costume (of your favorite childhood toy) contest as well. I am debating running the 10k. It seems so long :-)

What Do I Do With Myself Now?

The pain is gone. I only have a 10k to train for. What shall I ever do with myself?!
Go to Mexico of course! I am leaving on Tuesday evening. I am bringing my running shoes, in case you were wondering. I would like to do some running down there, but I know I will feel strange. Only tourists run in Mexico. I am sure I will get some looks. That is okay though. I am already feeling antsy, having not done much of anything since Sunday. I would have gone running yesterday, but I got some really nasty blisters from a new pair of shoes. Bummer.
Oh, and did I mention I will be turning 41 soon?!! Wow. Times flies. I feel like I just had my 40th birthday party a couple months ago! The running and training can only get better with age, like a good wine!

I HEART PAIN

There is a painting in Cody's studio made by a kid for him which says, "I heart pain." That is exactly how I am feeling right now. Every time I go down some stairs or get up out of a chair, my legs cry out in pain. And I love it. It reminds me that I am alive, that I just ran 13.1 miles two days ago, that I am able to run, walk, sit, stand and feel pain. I have such gratitude for these simple pleasures. Love the pain. Getting ready for some more running!