Still dealing with the time change here and find myself wanting to take lots of naps even though I cannot actually SLEEP when I try. Last night, we went out and saw some street vendors and a a bit of a crowd and wondered what was going on. One block turned into many and we found ourselves in the thick of things and people. How fun!

I just HAD to eat some greasy thing made of some sort of glutenous rice that they deep fried on a stick. There was a vegetable leaf wrapped around it so I call that my veggie serving for the day :) Here's me waiting at the stand -- it was SO COLD last night!

Then this morning we headed off to the Korean Tourist Center and got a lot of helpful tips from the first person we met who spoke English well enough for us to converse. I got a map to the orphanage and also a number for Korean Social Services. I may call them on Monday to make an appointment but just at this point, I am trying to take things one minute at a time. It is still quite cold here even with the sun out and I am in the lobby trying to thaw out before venturing to a nearby market.

So looking at this blog, I really look like a slacker for the past 2 days but I do get to use the excuse of a day of travel (24 hours total on a bus or plane) AND losing 1.5 days in the time change.

The trip there was fairly uneventful but I did start to cry a bit when looking at everyone else who was boarding the plane to Korea but that was about it. When we finally arrived (4 movies later), I was so tired, I slept on the 45 minute bus from the airport to the hotel. Went to bed shortly after checking in @ 9 PM and slept fitfully because I was trying to sleep during my most productive time.

There is a gym on the 19th floor in the hotel, a very small but immaculate one with some very nice treadmills overlooking the city. I got in an aerobic run and overestimated my speed because I did not think km conversion thoroughly. I had to stop halfway for some water and ended up blacking out the tiniest bit so I took my speed down to a more reasonable pace to finish strong.

10 km run @ 01:00:00

This morning, I decided I wanted a real Korean breakfast and after finding a bagel for Jen, we ended up in a restaurant where there was no English evident. I ordered the rice cake soup by pointing at the picture and had it, with some Kimchee and other pickled veggie. I did okay but was chased after when leaving because I tried to leave a tip and she would not take it.

Then off to find out where to pick up the race packet and it was in an office building. After turning over my passport to the lady at the front table in exchange for a card key, I found the place, identified only by the pile of Asic boxes on the floor. My shirt is rather unattractive and rather large because I had no idea of the size and ordered the second to largest one I could find.

We were very close to the palace so we went there to take pictures and marvel at its sprawling buildings and grounds.

What is striking to me is how clean the city is. I have yet to see any litter both on the streets and in the subways. The subway appears to be easy enough to navigate but there is just little enough English to make it difficult.

For lunch, we checked out the food court across the street. It was very crowded with office workers and the system was a little intimidating. First you walked around to restaurant after restaurant and picked your dish by a number. But you had to go to a booth to order it by number and pay. Note, WRITE DOWN the number of you may find yourself eating Albalone Gruel - a green colored fish smelling bowl that ended up being one of the more expensive dishes there rather than the yummy seafood pancake thing you wanted... Oh and then being yelled at when told to pay more money than the amount the pancake was. It was okay, but I may have to hit one of the many Outback Steakhouses before we leave just to be sure I get what I mean to order.

I did have to console myself with chocolate after though and got a supply to last through my PMS :)

Fortunately, traveling with someone who is white has been helpful because she gets all sorts of help and props for trying while I am looked at curiously. Maybe I am appearing to be mentally challenged because I kinda look the part but sure cannot even fake it for a moment...

Yoga class was good again and I even had a small victory! My right
heel touched the ground during downward dog.

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

Sent from my iPhone

The Greenlake pool is now closed for a couple of weeks so I got in a lift before core class.

Weights @ 00:30:00
Core @ 00:30:00

Then I got in an aerobic ride on the rollers before Katie came over to help clean out leftovers and help me pack.

13 Mile Roller Ride @ 00:45:00

I met BR at Gasworks for our planned 13 mile run. We ended up making up our own route and I put together a decent run that included the Arboretum, running ALL the way up Madison and Lake Union. As usual, the company was perfect and the taper run felt really great.

14 Mile Run @ 02:18:00

I opted to ride inside instead of with the cycling group because I did not want to risk getting sick right before my trip. I really did wus on the distance and got in less than 25 miles total...

24 Mile Ride @ 01:40:00

Happy Birthday to ME! Swam with the big girls today and hung on as best as I could...

2500 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Then went to Core and they all sang me Happy Birthday too :) Jen gave me Birthday Eve cupcakes from Cupcake Royale to take to class and they were well received!

Core Class @ 00:30:00

This morning, I did a 10 mile time trial on the rollers. I set the resistance back to zero and warmed up for 4 miles, did the time trial for 10 (00:33:20 - 17.9 mph) and then cooled down for 1 mile. Now I have a decent baseline to improve on as I continue to get in better shape.

15 Mile Ride @ 00:54:00

I planned to do a stair workout today using the stairs here because it was just so darn miserable outside. Unfortunately, when I got to the door to the stairs, there was a big sign that it was for emergency exit only and an alarm would sound :( I really need to contact facilities to get access for those for future stair workouts. So I went outside and decided to do an interval workout and used the stretch between Royal Brougham Way to Dearborn (.29 miles) with a 45 seconds or so walk/easy jog in-between. I kept negative splitting my laps unintentionally and was actually not happy about it because I did not want to kick my own ass today.

6 Mile Interval Run @ 00:50:00
10 x 2.9 @ (2:12, 2:11, 2:08, 2:06, 2:08, 2:05, 2:03, 2:06, 2:05, 2:01)

I swam in my old lane today but led it so I got in a good workout. We did a ladder increasing by 25's to 200 and back down. I got in a lot of rest in between and even managed to sprint the last 50.

2675 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Then I ran around the lake. I am not sure of the time because apparently I did not look closely enough at the clock when I took off so either I did a killer sprint in 23 minutes or poked around at 33 minutes. I definitely did not sprint but I did keep my pace up so I will just call it good at 30 minutes.

3.2 Mile Run @ 00:30:00

I get some serious points for getting in my lift tonight! My cousin was in town to drive with her daughter back to CA and we met for Happy Hour. Even after a drink and some appetizer bites, I still made it to the gym after I got home. The gym was super crowded and I had to do some adjustments to get in my workout. My iPhone also kept acting up on me and kept switching to the spinning MP3's I had downloaded. I guess that it was the universe's way of not letting me listen to my Pandora's playlist of country songs full of stories of regret.

Weights @ 00:30:00

Last night, Wally and I stretched (not kidding, he stretches at the top of my head) and he is way more flexible than I. This hamstring thing continues to be tight and even though I am stretching EVERY DAY, I barely seem to get any more flexibility out of it. The good news is that it does not interfere with my swimming/running/cycling.

Yoga was really good in that really hard way today.

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

Made it to core this morning and Jon was uncharacteristically kind to us...

Core Class @ 00:30:00

Then I ended up staying at work a bit later than expected so I cut my bike workout short. However, I do not have an issue with it because I (finally) increased the resistance on my rollers by one increment and that was definitely harder!

7.6 Mile Ride @ 00:30:00

I really have been in denial about the fact that I am doing a marathon in less than 2weeks but this e-mail helped to remind me.

Thank you for contacting Seoul International marathon.

When you registered at our website, if you left foreign address or registered after Feb 23, we could not send a package(The race bib number and other amenities).

So, you have to pick it up personally.The race bib number and other amenities can be picked up on March 9 ~14.If you want pick up the package on Mar 10~14, you can pick up marthon committee. (Am 10:00 ~ PM 6:00)

Marathon Committee is 7th floor Dong A -Ilbo building which is in front of Gwanghwamun station exit number 5 on line number 5.If you want pick up March 15, you must pick it up at information center at starting point.

Start line is closer to Dong A - Ilbo building.When you pick it up, please let us know your name and birthday.

Please contact us back if this information is not enough and we will provide follow up assistance.

Warmest regards
Seoul International Marhthon Comitte
Tel : 02-2020-0708
Email : mararhon@donga.com
Fax : 02-2020-1639

동아마라톤사무국 Tel: 02-2020-1630　 Fax: 02-2020-1639

BR picked me up at 7 AM and we headed East for a run on the trail. We started at the park on Exit 32 (hi Ann!) and ran the Iron Horse Trail for 85 minutes before turning around and coming back. My quads were not very happy with me the first half hour especially since we were running slightly uphill. We hit some snow and wind about 70 minutes in but felt like bad-asses as we continued. On the way back, we had a tough time keeping our pace down and ended up negative splitting it by 10 minutes...

17 Mile Run @ 02:40:24

Here's my smile for the day from Cheryl :)

I was happy to learn that the weather was going to be conducive for a ride this morning. I started at Gasworks and did a Lake Washington South end loop. Got lots of time in my aerobars (need to continue to work on flexibility) and kept the pace steady. 45 miles is such a civilized distance and offers me the time and energy to actually enjoy the rest of my Saturday!

45.4 Mile Ride @ 03:00:00

Got in a lift today and even did my core work. I figured that I would work from the bottom up and started with legs, did core and finally upper :)

Weights @ 00:40:00

This morning was a swimmer's 50th birthday so our set was 50 x 50. Fun :)

2750 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Jon is currently "spring cleaning" her body and has given up caffeine, sugar, processed foods and alcohol. Unfortunately, that just means more suffering for us as she was even more energized :(

Core @ 00:30:00

I was looking forward to a light afternoon and getting in a lift before Happy Hour plans but no good deed goes unpunished in the world of web. I made a couple of quick updates to try to save a developer the time but ended up mangling a page a bit by pushing the wrong code and ended up frantically trying to fix it far too late into the afternoon :( So no lift but I did make it to the very tail end of Happy Hour and the cosmos that was waiting for me (thanks Jen!).

I am also really beginning to feel internally escalated about my trip and while I appear fully functional on the outside, too often I am fighting back a flood of tears during the most innocuous moments of the day. I found a really good article by an adoptee who wrote about her experiences going back to her birth country. While she had many good points, the last really spoke to me. I am finding myself not telling people about my history when mentioning my upcoming trip because I just don't want to deal with their excitement/expectations about it. I know people mean well but I have been searching for years for my birth family and found nothing and I know that simply going there will not offer me any more answers. This first trip is just to see how I feel when both feet are back on the ground there. I want to be immersed in the sounds/smells and see if I feel anything. I have no illusions that I will remember a thing but I wonder how being there will shape my dreams.

Just trying to breathe right now...

Just when we though spring was here, we got another blanket of snow to let us know that winter is not yet done with us. I got in a good tempo bike on the rollers even though I really find it tough to get warmed up on morning rollers workouts. The workout was a 10 minute warm up, 20 at tempo pace (17+ mph), 5 recovery, 20 tempo and 5 cool down. About 15 minutes in, I started to feel tired and had to remind myself that tempo workouts are not supposed to be FUN. They are supposed to be hard :)

15.6 Mile Tempo Bike @ 01:00:00

After waiting for 45 minutes at the bus stop for a bus that never came, I headed back home to thaw out and work from there until the roads cleared a bit. Of course, once I started to work, I could not find a breaking point to leave to hop on the bus so I just continued from there. Afterwards, I headed to the gym to get in my tempo run for the week. I warmed up for .5 at a 10 pace, then did 5 miles at an 8:34 pace followed by a .5 mile cool down. I am quite addicted to my iPhone now and the Pandora app kept me from going completely crazy!

6 Mile Tempo Run @ 00:52:00

Got in a lift this morning before core class. During core, Jon had us hula hoop and I actually was able to do it for short intervals of time.

Weights @ 00:30:00
Core @ 00:30:00

After work, I got in a run from home to and around Greenlake.

5.5 Mile Run @ 00:52:00

I was so glad to go to yoga this morning and sure did need it! It was pretty hard today because we did lots of twists but I was glad for the workout and stretch.

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

Even though I was in bed by 8:20 last night (so whipped), I did not sleep as well because my legs ached through the night and would wake me up. I did manage to make it to swim practice and did my best to hang on with the big kids through a 1000 yard 100's workout.

2500 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Then I hopped on my bike to make it a brick and to make sure I got in a bike because of dinner plans tonight.

10 Mile Bike @ 00:40:00

Yesterday pretty much felt like an endurance brick workout as I went pretty much straight from cycling to girls night to sleep to running the next morning at 7:30 AM.

For the first few miles, I struggled to wake up but I had BR and Karen to keep me moving. I definitely started to really feel tired after mile 18 but was grateful to have the strength and stubbornness to make it through.

22 Mile Run @ 03:40:00

What an amazing day for a ride! I was planning to get out on my bike close to 9 AM but ended up messing around with my aero bars (AGAIN) and did not get started until after 10. I put together a great route in my mind and started at Log Boom. From there, I went over Juanita (added Holmes Point), to Bellevue and around Mercer Island. Then I took the trail through Factoria to Lake Sammamish, then Marymoor and then the trail back to Log Boom. I felt really good -- the sun sure helped and I seemed to get a lot of tailwind gifts along the way.

I also was able to get in aero position a bit and that made it worth all the futzing around this morning. Near the end of the ride, my hip flexors were getting tired and it was a good reminder to keep focusing on them. It was also 6 miles longer than I was supposed to do but I did owe a few miles from last week so it worked out. All and all, it was a perfect ride and I am very happy with it!

66 Mile Ride @ 04:20:00 (15.2 average speed)

Went to a social last night and made the mistake of telling the bartender that I had a taste for ginger. He made me a modified version of what he called the "Dark and Stormy" with bourbon. Yum! I was tired from my day and drank it like soda...that did not serve me very well the next morning when my alarm went off at 4:40. I rolled over to just skip swimming but Wally decided that I had slept enough and got me up and out the door. Swimming with the big girls, as always kicked my butt and the little bourbon haze I had going did not help....

2500 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Made it into core class. Jon is back from her vacation and proceeded to make us make up for HER two weeks off :(

Core Class @ 00:30:00

Got in one of Triharder's spin workouts this morning at the gym. Good workout and nice mix of effort, elevation and cadence.

Spin Workout @ 00:50:00

Got in a stair workout after work that included a 2 mile WU and 2 mile CD.

Stair Run @ 01:00:00

I swam a lane up today again and really had to hang on for dear life with today's distance workout. There was a set of 4x150 and they rotated who led. Unfortunately, they made me lead and I almost killed myself trying not to slow everyone down. After that was a 400 and by the time we hit the 150's again, I was so pathetic and slow, they just let me stay in the back.

2700 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

I then changed into my running clothes and ran around Greenlake. I kept my clip up and managed to finally make it around the lake in under 30 minutes. Not sure how I could be so pooped in the water and then have a good run, but I will take that single victory!

3.2 Mile Run @ 00:28:00

Penni agreed to come to the 5:30 stretch class tonight before our celebratory dinner and I was so glad she did! We got in a good stretch and I learned how flexible she is :) Great conversation after and something to be repeated often I hope.

Stretch Class @ 01:15:00

Had to be at work early for a launch on our site so I went to swim practice and got out 10 minutes early.

Swim Practice @ 00:50:00

Got in my weights between work and my late afternoon appointment.

Weights @ 00:30:00
Core @ 00:10:00

I was pretty wiped last night so I slept in instead of swimming and managed to get in a good 9 hours of sleep! Went to core this morning and plan to fit in a bike ride this evening. Not sure when I will get in the lift I missed this weekend but it should be in the next day or so.

Core Class @ 00:30:00

Then I planned a nice aerobic roller ride after work but instead, I kept adjusting my aero bars so only ended up getting in 30 minutes total.

7 Mile Aerobic Bike @ 00:30:00

Met everyone at 7:30 for our 20 mile run and had another good one with BR. Other than my cycle starting at EXACTLY mile 7 and cramps hitting hard at mile 17, it was a good run with great company. My ankle held up really well and did not even need to be iced...

20 Mile Run @ 03:20:00

Today took more work than usual to get in my bike ride. I drove to North Bend to do a loop she sent me before hooking up with her for the rest of the ride. As I started to assemble my things, I realized that I only had ONE SHOE. I tore apart my bag and car looking for it but it was not there. I called her and headed back. When I got home, I found the shoe. I had actually put it away on the shelf. Who puts one shoe away on a shelf?

I also decided then that I would put on my aerobars and that, of course took longer than expected AND I still want to adjust them again. I also decided to do the ride indoors because I was so pressed for time at this point. After getting 9 miles in, I really could not stand it much longer and took off outside to get in the rest of the ride by going North around the lake.

I went out a bit too hard and by the time I was halfway through the long side of Mercer Island when I realized I was really pooped. Fortunately, Jen was kind enough to scoop me at Leschi so I would not have to ride uphill (and way past my mileage) home although I was 4 miles under the 55 I was supposed to do.

51 Mile Ride @ 03:16:00 (15.4 ave speed)

Had a really great swim workout this morning. There were just two of us in the faster lane and I was able to hang in there because the intervals were short. I also asked the coach to help me with my pull because I am so darn slow at it and he advised me to really finish my stroke and that seemed to help.

2500 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Core class was great too.

Core Class @ 00:30:00

For a bike workout this morning, I tried another of Tri Harder's workouts. I believe it was called Sweatfest and she was not exaggerating. Did a lot of climbing as well as some sprinting. One part that made me laugh out loud was when she was pushing us to go faster and instructed us to visualize a cyclists ahead...and on the leg of that cyclist is the number of OUR age group :)

Spin Workout @ 00:55:00

I have an appointment with my Dr. this afternoon to take a look at my foot and then I plan to drop my bike at Speedy Reedy and run around Lake Union (if I am cleared) right after before going home and back to work.

I love my doctor for many reasons but this visit was one of my favorites. She walked into the room and said, "so you decided to run 18 miles on a rolled ankle?!?" -- her tone the equivalent of a slap upside the back of the head. And on it went. She was the voice of reason and made no attempt to hide her sarcasm at whatever questions I had such as exactly when will it heal? can I run a marathon next month? if I got a brace at a drugstore, would that help? if I rest for 2 more days, can I run 20 miles on Sunday? Finally she said, "believe me, if I could give you a shot and send you on your way, I WOULD."

So basically I did stretch out a tendon that happens to get stretched when people roll their ankles but because I could bear weight, there was no need for an x-ray. The pain I felt on Monday was because my body changed my stride because my ankle hurt. She also said, "and I know this may sound crazy, but try running ONE mile and see how it feels and go from there". Her prescription is to run if I feel good and STOP when I feel pain. She only had to say that 17 times ... And she finished with this gem combined with an eye roll. "And if you really want to buy a Bartell's brace, be my guest."

So I ran around Greenlake and the foot/ankle felt good.

3.2 Mile Run @ 00:28:00

Getting into a good pattern of going to bed around 8:30 so the 4:50 AM wake up is not nearly as brutal. Today was distance day at swimming and I got to swim with only two others and was well challenged! Because it is Wednesday, I dressed to run but when I went into the parking lot, there was a thin sheet of slippery ice on it and I opted to wait to do my run later. I also have an appointment with my Dr. tomorrow afternoon so I should know more about my foot. It has been feeling a bit better because I have been wearing my Earth shoes every day this week so far and they always help.

2700 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Made it then into core and Tija substituted for Jon and made us all suffer...

Core Class @ 00:30:00

I had grand plans to get in my 3 mile run, a lift and check out the new deep stretch class at Seattle Fitness before dinner plans but my technical ineptitude combined with a complete lack of instructions kept me (and a very patient developer) at work much later than I was hoping. I was able to get in a lift although I did looking longingly through the glass at the stretch class because that was exactly what my tension riddled body needed. Instead, I substituted 2 martinis at dinner :)

Weights @ 00:30:00

Wally tried to wake me up at 4:30 this morning but I resisted and he let me sleep another 20 minutes before I had to get up and catch the bus. Yoga class was good and very low key -- exactly what I needed after missing last week.

Yoga @ 01:15:00

I was surprised by the snow this morning but still made it into swimming. Swam in the faster lane and was able to keep up, mostly because the set distances were shorter. I really do need to continue to focus on my pull. Our main set was a 1000, going up in increments of 25's with 5 seconds rest (for me, that just meant a gulp of air on the wall and off I went again) up to 200.

2500 Swim @ 00:55:00

I got out of the pool a few minutes early to give myself a time cushion with the weather. But it actually just meant I got more time to wake up because I opted to do my core at home instead.

Core @ 00:15:00

My foot/ankle really really hurt this morning and I had difficulty walking without pain. I did wear my earth shoes today and that seems to help. I am going to call my Dr. to get an appointment with the foot specialist she and I talked about a few months ago. I am concerned that I may not be able to run the Seoul Marathon if 12 miles makes me hurt so much :(

I had a choice tonight to go home, clean my bike and then get in a workout or go to a spin class. Unfortunately, I am not crazy about the Monday night instructor but I stumbled upon some free spinning podcast workouts by trihardest and I figured I would give it a try. I hopped on a spin bike at the gym and proceeded to get my butt kicked by the little voice coming through my ear buds. WOW! I worked much harder than I would have myself and she did a great job motivating through the workout that was challenging and had enough variety to get in a good honest workout.

Spin Workout @ 00:45:00

Had a very nice run with KarenD today and got to work some good hills. My ankle started to hurt a bit near the end but I was still able to whip out a pretty decent last mile fast mile at the very end. Then got to catch up with Jeff over a cup of Starbucks oatmeal after :)

12.2 Mile Run @ 01:56:00

Met Ann in North Bend for a ride in her area and was so glad I did. The company was perfect, the views and sun amazing and the route offered exactly what she promised -- a bit of everything. Apparently this is my time to get "schooled" as she proceeded to do so the second half of the ride. I hung on for dear life while mentally trying to figure out if I had enough parts to put on my aero bars, that were a bit mangled after IM Canada 07 so I might have a chance of keeping up with her next time.

After, I got to meet her husband who I liked instantly :) He also let me know that my fingertips were not just still cold, as I had thought but instead, that I was feeling a bit of Carpal Tunnel and needed to move my hands more during longer rides. Great to know!

31 Mile Ride @ 02:02:00

Got in a lift too before my dinner plans and because I was pressed for time, decided that I would do my core on Sunday.

Weights @ 00:40:00

Swam a lane up and got schooled by the big girls but managed to stay
with them for a 10 * 50 set.

2000 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Then made it to core but Jon was not there so we all did our own
class, still got in a solid workout and had fun saying things she
would say :)

Core Class @ 00:30:00

Sent from my iPhone

Wally woke me up 15 minutes before my 5:30 alarm but I felt well rested so I got up and hopped on my bike. I had planned a tempo workout with a 10 minute WU, 20 minutes @ 17 mph, 5 recovery and then 20 minutes @ 17 mph again with a 5 minute CD. It felt like a good solid workout.

Tempo Bike @ 01:00:00

During swimming today, we did "T20" after a very nice long warm up. Because my lane was so crowded, I hopped into the next one up and did get lapped during the T20. It was a really great measuring stick for Ironman (not even close to ready...) and I got in 1250.

2700 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

After a lightening fast clothing change and a quick ankle tape, I ran around Greenlake and my pace was no faster than two weeks ago :(

3.2 Mile Run @ 00:30:00

I need to confess that I have not exactly been thorough with my weight workout. Jerome added some core stuff and that has been the first to go whenever I was the slightest bit pinched for time, or just not in the mood. I figured my core class would make up (even though Jerome was clear that this was in addition to core class). So today, I went home, did my core at home FIRST and then did the rest at the gym.

Weights @ 00:40:00

Worked from home today and rested and elevated my ankle. Because I did not go to Yoga, I did a stretch/yoga CD I had picked up a few weeks ago and it was an okay substitute...

Yoga @ 00:40:00

Last night, I iced and elevated my ankle and downed some Ibuprofen. It is still sore today and I am glad I do not have a run planned until Wednesday so hopefully it will heal a bit. Made it into core class this morning.

Core Class @ 00:30:00

My ankle is still giving me grief and I am now on the couch icing, elevating and resting it. I got in a roller workout and even was able to stand without any pain. However, once I was off the bike, the limping started again :( I already let my manager know that I may work from home tomorrow to continue to ice and elevate and I am 99% certain I will stick to it.

15 Mile Roller Bike @ 01:00:00

Worked late last night and then up again at 3 AM for more work. Got to sleep in late so that was lovely. Did some stuff around the house, ran an errand and got in an abbreviated lift.

Weights @ 00:30:0

I am scrambling a bit but am eating a light lunch and then headed out for my 18 mile run before it gets dark...

I finally headed out for my run and managed to roll my ankle within a block of my home. Fortunately, it really did not hurt until the last 2 miles. My route was pretty much made up but I got in some good elevation, including the Howe Street stairs. I forgot to do a race pace mile and was awfully glad when the run was over.

18 Mile Run @ 03:00:00

I was so excited this morning to wake up and see the sun! I drove to Gasworks and started my ride around the lake a little before 11 AM. I rode South first and was so very happy to be outside instead of inside for this ride -- been so very lucky with the weather.

I did have a small victory and did not touch my brakes when descending unless there was a reason aside from being freaked out because of the speed. I also kept gearing fairly easy and focused on my spin. I was hoping for a sweet tailwind on the trail at the end but that request was denied by the universe and I ended up having to work to keep it at 14mph.

52 Mile Ride @ 03:30:00

I woke up for swimming and just wanted to roll right over and go back to sleep. Fortunately, Wally helped me out by laying on my chest and would poke me occasionally with his paw to keep me from falling back asleep so I took that as a gift and headed to swimming. Of course, once I made it, I was glad I did and even though we had to do some starts from the block (ugghhh), it was good overall.

2000 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Then made it into core practice where I learned, once again how incredibly whimpy my lower abs are :(

Core Class @ 00:30:00

I slept in a bit this morning but managed to make it to the gym and get in a quick interval run before my day started. I decided to do my thing of 800's on the 3:45 and did three sets. Not bad since there was a bit of a gin cloud around me on the treadmill!

3.2 Mile Interval Run @ 00:30:00

Last night it occurred to me that I had 3.5 hours of exercise planned on a workday. So this morning I skipped swimming and ran only.

6 mile run @ 00:56:00

Seattle Fitness put together a 2 hour special spin class with 4 instructors each kicking our butts. It was a blast and my legs sure took a beating! After, we celebrated at Crimson C where they bought our first round :) Pretty much a perfect evening after a tough day at the mothership...

Spin Class @ 02:00:00

Yoga was especially nice today. Perhaps because I was not fighting with myself to stretch into poses and just let them go the best I could. I do think though that I am getting more flexible because I was happy with my results, and not just because I lowered my standards...

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

I then went to my favorite spin class at Seattle Fitness to make up for yesterday's bike. Unfortunately, it is about a 2 hour round trip to get it in so I probably will not have a chance to do it too often.

Spin Class @ 00:55:00

I was so tired last night, I could barely keep my eyes open after 8 PM and was completely asleep before 9. I did wake up when the alarm went off for swimming but opted to sleep instead and happily did so until 6:30 when I got up for Core Class.

Core Class @ 00:30:00

I had a bike workout on my schedule but I just did not have it in me. I was battling tears all day long and when I got home, I just went straight to bed and had a good cry with Wally doing his best to comfort me. I know that booking the tickets to Korea was going to stir some stuff up for me and it seemed to peak this day. Or at least I hope it peaked because I do not want to spend any more days like this before the trip.

I woke up to light snow this morning and met the group at the Greenlake track for some quick warm up exercises before the run. BR and I did our chilly long run and got in a race pace section along the Arboretum and then did last mile fast mile on the flat section around Greenlake. It took a bit of time to warm up and I was definitely tired the first 30 minutes but rallied and felt strong and steady and even fast during the intervals when we sped up.

16 Mile Run @ 02:30:00

Got in a lift at 24 before dinnertime but really need to get my lift in on Saturdays rather than procrastinating until Sunday night.

Weights @ 00:45:00

Brrr.... I waited for a bit (a long bit) to get on my bike and started from Gasworks close to noon. I took the trail all the way to Marymoor focusing on cadence and speed. I was psyched to have averaged slightly over 16 mph even with a bit of a headwind the last 5 miles and hoped to keep it up.

I hopped on to the path parallel to 520 and got a bit mixed up in Bellevue but found my way again across Mercer Island and finally across the bridge and back to to the car. By the time I got to the car, I was quite cold and completely sweat soaked but my spirits were high and I was so glad to actually get in a sunny ride outdoors in January. I sure love living here :)

47.5 Mile Ride @ 03:11:00

Got in a god workout during swim practice and I think have finally hit the tipping point where the swim is better than the sleep. I am getting to know the team a bit better and do enjoy it. We did have a set where we needed to sprint a 100, and I have been so out of it, I was afraid of my time but was happy with my 1:28. It gives me a good starting point!

2500 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

I had a plan to make up my run from yesterday (ended up going out to welcome a new team member on Thursday instead). Set out to do my run but had forgotten to pack a running bra :( so I just let it go.

Booked the flights to Korea and am trusting that the universe (read the economy) will not prevent me from making this important journey.

This morning's bike workout was strength. I decided to warm up for 10 minutes and then up my resistance 2 levels on my rollers and ride 4 minutes in my big gear and recover for 1 minute x 8.

Definitely got good resistance from the rollers but I know it is not comparable to the hill work I need to get done.

10 mile resistance Bike rollers @ 00:57:00

Swim practice was pretty tough this morning but in a good hard way... I ended up alternating leading a distance set and got in a great workout.

2500 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

I had a run right after swim practice on my schedule and threw on my running clothes (always unpleasant when still wet from the pool) and ran around Greenlake in the dark and fog. Not so much fun but I was glad that the lake was not 6 miles! Next time, I need to be sure to eat or drink something before I start running because my pace was pretty slow...

3.1 Mile Run @ 00:30:00

Got in a quick lift after work at Seattle Fitness. Didn't do core so I could catch the last express bus on time and promised myself I would do it at home. Of course, by the time I got home, I was hungry and just wanted to feed and decompress from my back to back meeting day :(

Weights @ 00:40:00

Had a very tough time falling asleep last night and was up until about midnight. Did get up on time for Yoga and was so happy that Gisela came to this class to check it out.

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

What a busy day after a busy weekend. Last night, I decided that I would sleep in to try to catch up after working late on Saturday night and getting up early both weekend mornings. I managed to sleep in until 7:30 AM and it felt marvelous :)

I also decided to work from home and call into the few meetings I had. I figured I would get in a quick spin during my lunchtime and maybe even get in a lift before my dinner plans. I changed into my indoor cycling clothes and saw a bit of glass in the rear tire that I took out. Then it was on to another and another until I started to dig a bit too much into an especially large gash and punctured the tire. They were pretty shredded anyway, not surprising because they were the same tires I raced IM Canada 07 in. So my spin turned into a trip to Greggs Cycle to get another tire and change it before my next meeting started.

When I finally thought I was getting ready to wrap up for the day, I got a couple of last minute time sensitive requests and ended up working a couple more hours and bailing on dinner :(. When I finally got on the bike, I was pretty much wound up and had some excess energy to burn and it paid off! Worked really hard on keeping my cadence up and I felt strong and fast.

18 Mile Bike @ 01:04:30

Today was the first day of Cheryl's running group and BR and I ran 14 miles together. It was great to catch up with her a bit and the weather was simply perfect for the run.

14 Mile Run @ 02:04:00

Last night's book reading was very intense and I am still trying to make sense of it all. The author is a bi-racial woman whose mother married a white American soldier and moved here with him. It cost her her life even beyond her 14 year death. I learned a new word. Yanggongju. It literally means "Western princess" and broadly refers to Korean women who have sexual relations with Americans. Also known as Yankee whore. These women, whose chance for a life better than the one in the war ravaged country would work at base camps for the Americans. Some were sex workers and others were not but it was a way for a future for them. Upward mobility was to marry a soldier and be taken the myth of a paradise in the United States. The price for that was to be shunned forever and severed from her family, culture and country.

This new information has cracked my birth mythology. I have always been told that my birth mother and father loved me very much and he was going to send for us when he reached the US. After she had not heard from him, she finally had to give me up because I would not have had a good life as a bi-racial child in Korea. But now I wonder, but may never know. I suspect that it would be very difficult to place a child of a sex worker with a nice Christian family in the US so maybe that information was scrubbed out. I also wonder how knowing something like that would have affected me growing up. Would I still be as well educated? As driven as I am today? Again, maybe not but I do know for sure that my birth mother suffered having her desires for a good life soldered with the shame of being a Yanggongju.

And that alone brings me some understanding of one of the threads of this invisible hooded cloak that weighs me down more some days than others.

Someone who had loved me once, and loved someone else recently said "It was really nice to be with someone who laughs all the time." I wondered what it would be like to be a person who does laugh all the time? How does one cross over to that place of light?

Ann and I met at Gasworks this morning for a 40 mile ride around the south end of the lake. We both questioned our sanity as we bundled up in lots of layers. Once we warmed up, it was a great ride even though we both were suffering a bit near the end. No speed records were broken but it was entirely appropriate for January base training. The company was exceptional!

40 Mile Ride @ 03:00:00

I have been encouraged to write down some of the thoughts I have have about an upcoming trip, and figured this is the only place I write consistently so I am going to give it a try here. I have decided to run the Seoul Marathon this March. The race is not nearly as significant as the location because I was born there, lived the first three years of my life there and have not been back since.

It is a place I wonder about every day and have always planned to go to at some point but could never find a clear destination for that journey. I started the search through my adoption agency for my birth family over 3 years ago but have never heard anything. I have no illusion that this journey will lead to any answers about where I came from but I need to see, smell, experience this place that imprinted me so powerfully even though I have yet to retain even a wisp of a memory from my early years.

I decided to do the marathon because that is my place of comfort and it will help to ground (exhaust) me as I travel with the range of emotions that will surround me. Tonight, we are going to the Wing Luke Museum to hear Grace Cho, who is the author of Haunting the Korean Diaspora: Shame, Secrecy and the Forgotten War. I believe that when one is determined to go down a difficult path, the universe offers all the information, help and support needed. I am a product of that war and this not entirely painless step is one to be taken today.

I went to bed AT 8:30 last night but the alarm was still not exactly welcome... Had a good swim practice and made a point of reminding myself while swimming how very much I like it.

2200 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Made it on time to core class and am happy to report that my (workout) day is DONE :)

Core Class @ 00:30:00

When the alarm went off this morning at 5:15, I had the worst time motivating myself to get up and even dozed for a few minutes. Finally, at Wally's insistence, I dragged myself up and on the rollers for my first hard workout of the day. Hmm....perhaps a correlation between not wanting to get up and my first double-hard workout day. Or not :)

For my bike, I warmed up for 15 minutes and then did 5x intervals of 5 minutes hard, 2 minutes recovery. During the 5 minute intervals, my hr would hit 150 and I worked to keep my rpm to 80. I definitely have a long way to go but it was a good start that I could maintain.

12.5 Mile Bike Intervals @ 00:50:00

Got in a hill workout during lunch today and repeated the Beacon Hill Bridge 8x. Kept my interval under 2:40 for all of them.

6 Mile Hill Workout @ 00:56:00

This morning's swim practice was a bit brutal and included my first 500 in months and months. Plus they made me lead :(

2650 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

Then I came home and hopped on my bike to make up for the bike I did not do on Monday. I was sluggish, tired and my legs were sore so I did not do a lot, just enough to feel the pain of my first brick in over a year. I was a bit discouraged thinking that I had done less than the swim distance of the IM and could barely make it through 8% of the bike distance. But that is why it is January, not May, right?

8 Mile Bike Ride @ 00:35:00

Definitely tired again today. Will get a multi-vitamin this weekend and start to take it. Got in my weights at Seattle Fitness before heading home because I knew that once I got home, it would be all over!

Weights @ 00:45:00

Yoga today was really good and worked on letting my poses "flow" rather than trying to muscle into them. It did not make me any more flexible but it was a good practice for me to work on. I am definitely feeling much stronger in my upper body and was able to do some poses for a second or two longer than I have been able to do in the past.

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

I juggled around my workout schedule after missing my bike yesterday and decided to get in a run today during lunch, and bike after swimming tomorrow.

4 Mile Aerobic Run @ 00:35:00

This past weekend was a bit tougher on me than I thought it would be so 5 AM swim practice was completely out of the question....

I did make it into core class but that was it for the day.

Core Class @ 00:30:00

Met Katie this morning for a 12 mile run. We ran the familiar route from her place, down to and around Lake Union and then back up the other side of Greenlake to the Starbucks. Ted was kind enough to pick us up there -- and I got to see the Ann's for a minute or so :)

The pace was pretty quick and of course, we blamed each other for pushing the pace and would slow a little bit when we remembered. I was definitely tired when I was done and have no question that Iron training has begun!

12 Mile Run @ 01:50:00

Speaking of Iron training, Cheryl and I met yesterday and worked out the plan for the next few months. It is going to be a bit of a challenge to get in everything but she came up with a plan that will make it all work. I did try to get her to give me extra credit for the roller ride because I heard somewhere that each mile on the trainer/rollers counts as 2 on the road, but none was given. Mistake to try to get credit from someone whose 500 mile roller record from '90 is still unbroken...

Got in a lift this evening. The gym was surprisingly busy for a Sunday night but I was glad to see that the resolutioners were still sticking with it!

Weights @ 00:45:00

I ended up choosing being social over another workout yesterday :) Ann and I also had planned to ride together this morning but we took a look at the weather and decided that we would be weather weenies while we still had a choice. We did both commit to riding indoors for a specific time or distance and I was so glad because I had to mentally remind myself of that when I wanted to quit at mile 25.

Ended up being a good ride and I mixed it up with standing and sitting and managed to keep my speed slightly above 15 mph.

35 Mile Ride @ 02:17:30

This week, I have been cutting out my nightly ritual of a glass of cheap wine at home so last night's Happy Hour did hit me a bit harder as my endurance was a bit down :)

Had a good swim practice workout this morning. After practice, the coach said "thanks for whipping your lane into shape and keeping them in line today". Apparently I can be bossy, even at 5 AM! I skipped core class in favor of a slower coffee in bed morning and packed running and lifting clothes for later today as I still have to lift a bit and get in an aerobic run.

2400 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

I got up at 5:30 to get in a 20 mile roller ride. I started super slow and just figured that I needed time to warm up. Seven miles later, I still did not feel any stronger or warmed up so I just went for an hour and called it good. I did do a 5 count down and 5 count stand during the commercials so my quads were not too angry with me :)

14 Mile Roller Ride @ 01:00:00

Got in most of my lift after work but did not have enough time to complete it all before my Happy Hour plans with a work friend.

Weights @ 00:30:00

Got 8+ hours of sleep last night and I could have used 4 more but I settled for that and then made it to Core Class.

Core Class @ 00:30:00

I got in a good run during lunch to West Seattle and back. I worked to keep a decent pace and stayed between an 8:30 and 9:00 mile.

8 Mile Run @ 01:15:00

Last night's sleep was a little better but still the 4:45 AM alarm was a bit brutal :(

Yoga class was good -- my legs were shaky at some points but she ended it with some really nice stretching. I also rolled my IT Band last night and it feels much better today than it did yesterday.

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

I slept horribly last night. I think the snow just made things too bright outside and I was pretty much awake every hour. When the alarm went off, I decided to skip swimming and Wally actually agreed by putting a paw over my arm and falling right back asleep. It was easy for him to fall asleep but not easy for me :( so I got up and dragged my butt to swim practice. I did need to try out my new pull bouy after all!

We did a variety of 300's and the group made me lead the larger set 0f 1200's. I was whipped by the time we were done and even though we could not get through that twice, I did convince them to do the first of the 300's again with the remaining 6 minutes we had left...

2800 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

I called Seattle Fitness to see if Jon had made it off the hill and learned that she had so I managed to catch the bus and made it to core class.

Core Class @ 00:30:00

I had an appointment with Jerome to get a new lifting routine and I was feeling so tired, I was tempted to cancel. However, I rallied and was super glad I did! Jerome had a great new plan for me and I think it is the perfect combination for IM training.

Weights @ 00:40:00

I decided to get in an 8 mile run today to prepare for next week's Bridle Trail 10 miler. I woke up this morning with pain in my right IT Band and was quite surprised by it. I cannot imagine that I did anything to provoke it and it just seems so out of the blue. I stretched before running, after running and am still continuing to stretch but it is pretty painful. Ugh. My run was fine but my legs were a bit tired so my pace was pretty slow. I ended up running 9 miles because the route I planned did not work as well on the map.

9 Mile Run @ 01:32:00

I also decided it was time to take the "on sabbatical" part off my blog title because I am already starting to get ready for Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2009 although I have not yet met with Cheryl to get my official marching orders...

Was up last night working so I slept in a bit this morning. I thought I would get in my bike workout by now but ended up working again through the morning and early afternoon. I had to run some errands and finally ran to 24 to get in a quick lift.

Upper Weights @ 00:30:00

I added 5 miles to last week's long bike ride on the rollers and managed to get my average speed up bit but my legs were too pooped to do much standing so I sat a lot.

30 Mile Roller Ride @ 01:55:00

Swim practice this morning was a series of 25's and that was pretty much all my shoulders had in me. Definitely feeling yesterday there!

2350 Swim Practice @ 01:00:00

My soreness continues as the day progresses! I am working from home today and did get in a run during lunch on my usual route down and around Greenlake and back.

5.5 Mile Run @ 00:48:30

I decided to greet the New Year differently this year. The last couple of years, I have done the Resolution Run with a dip in the lake but since 2008 has been such a difficult year on so many levels, I really wanted to try starting this one differently. When taking the beginning yoga series, our instructor mentioned a class she does on New Year's day - 108 Sun Salutations. I decided to give it a try since she said it has been transformational for some people. It sounded hard in a new kind of way and I was intrigued.

I LOVED it. She split it up into 12 cycles of 9 and added enough variety and difficulty to keep it interesting. At the end of each cycle, she had us stand at the top of our mats, put our hands into prayer position and close our eyes while she read different passages/quotes to us. Each one was exactly what I needed to hear in the moment. I was so happy to have made it through every single one and even though I know I will feel it tomorrow, it was worth it.

Yoga Class @ 02:00:00

Oh and at about salutation 80 something, I TOUCHED MY TOES!!!!

I didn't swim this morning and threw an extra hour of sleep at my cold. It helped. Jon was super kind to us during Core Class and we did a combination of core work and stretching. Near the end of class, I sighed in frustration about always being on the short bus during Yoga and stretching. She kept me after class for a little extra stretching remediation and promised me I would be on the long bus in 2009. I am disappointed that I did not hit my goal of touching my toes by 2009 but I am proud of completing my first Ultra-Marathon in 2008.

Core and Stretch @ 00:30:00

Got in good 8 hours last night but still could have slept much longer after the alarm went off :(

Yoga Class was good -- but I really noticed the difference from missing just one week!

Yoga @ 01:15:00

I hab a stoopid cole...but went running anyway... Got in an aerobic run doing my regular 4 mile loop.

4 Mile Run @ 00:36:45

I had a terrible sleeping night. Took quite a while to fall asleep and then had some of the freakiest dreams. Need to remember the 7th path after the traffic circle - but on the trails, being in that family's house in Korea (circular bed) and the old man. Guess my brain is starting to process my trip early.

I did think that rolling over and going back to sleep after my alarm went off was a terrific idea but Wally disagreed and gently woke me up again and sent me swimming. I got there 5 minutes late but was very glad I went. Led another set of 6 x 100's on the 1:45 (ouch ouch).

2450 Swim Practice @ 00:55:00

I dashed to the bus stop afterwards to make it to core class only to stand there for the longest time waiting for the 77, that never came. I learned a bit too late that it was not running because of Metro's holiday schedule. I did hope on the 73 and completely missed core class :( Bummer bummer bummer!!! And Jon was even back - I saw her truck as I went straight to work.

Did get in a lift after work though and got in some core too.

Core @ 00:10:00
Upper Weights @ 00:30:00

I set the intention of adding 5 miles to last week's long distance ride on the rollers. I lucked out again with a movie on TV and again stood during all the commerials. Not easy but I was able to get my speed up to 15.6 mph although I usually averaged 14 when standing and 16 when sitting.

25 Mile Roller Ride @ 01:42:00

I was up a bit too late last night reading and almost fell back asleep after my alarm went off. Fortunately, Wally woke me up again and convinced me to get my butt to swimming. I was glad I did. Got a nice aerobic workout in and even had to work a bit leading a 6 x 100 set on the 1:45 (ouch).

3550 Swim Practice @ 01:20:00

Got in a second workout at the posh Pro Club today. Did some core and then a 6 mile run on the treadmill. It was a bit hard because I picked a challenging elevation route and my lungs were not exactly thrilled with me...

Core @ 00:15:00
6 Mile Treadmill Run @ 01:56:15

My health took a nose dive again today and after standing outside for almost an hour for a bus that never showed, I signed in to do a bit of work and then crashed for a couple of hours before driving into work for the afternoon.

I finally hit 24 in the evening and got in a quick treadmill run and upper body weight set.

3.2 Mile Run @ 00:30:00
Upper Weights @ 00:30:00

Had a great Christmas Holiday. I talked with my mom earlier in the day and when we were catching up, I reminded her that I had completed my 50 mile race. However, the only thing that made her say she was proud of me was when I told her I was actually going to attempt to cook Christmas dinner for some friends including my first turkey :).

I do have to say I am pretty proud of that too as the dinner was a culinary success (thank you Real Simple magazine) and the company was just perfect.

Did get in an hour spin and watched an episode of Law and Order. I kept it aerobic BUT made myself stand through all commercials -- that is HARD to do but I think it is making me super strong!

14.5 Mile Roller Spin @ 01:00:00

Ended up working remotely and pretty much feeling like crap. Took a long nap during the day and braved the snow a bit in the evening. Didn't get a single workout in though :(

After re-thinking driving to the gym, I took the bus and got there in time to just miss the first 15 minutes of Yoga class. Unfortunately, I did not get the e-mail Tija sent out the day before letting everyone know it was cancelled :(

I quickly dressed and headed into work before leaving again around noon for their annual holiday spin class (1.5 hours!). Unfortunately, I am fighting a cold and even my dose of cold medicine did not stop my quads from feeling like lead before it was over but I made it through -- and felt like a little puddle when it was done.

Spin Class @ 01:30:00

Set the alarm for 6 AM and called Seattle Fitness to see if Core Class was still on. Tija answered and said Jon could not make it down the hill but everything was open so I could come on down and get in a workout.

After a very long bus wait, I managed to hit downtown @ 7:30 AM and picked up a latte for Tija on my way in. Got in a run on the treadmill and finally headed into the office that feels like a complete ghost town...

6.4 Mile Run @ 01:00:00

This has got to be one of my very favorite Sundays this year :) I slept in until 8:30 AM and got lots and lots of cuddling from Wally as I slowly woke up. I decided that this was going to be my first real "Latte Sunday" and would get myself one from Cloud City across the street. But even they took the morning off and I saw many disappointed bundled up people wander up and then leave without a coffee in hand.

I was fortunate enough to just have to walk across my living room into the kitchen in my pajamas and make my own. After a bit of cleaning, I hopped on the rollers and got to watch a fun action movie on TV and the snow fall as I really mastered standing -- enough to go over 12 mph for half a mile!

20 Mile Bike Ride @ 01:23:40

I walked to 24 to get in a quick lift before they closed. It is so beautiful out!!!

Upper Weights @ 00:30:00

This morning, I FINALLY made it to the pool for swim practice with GLAD and managed to make it through the entire workout (well almost...we ran out of time). I swam with a really nice guy, although I did nickname him slowskie during the practice but it did give me a lot of the rest and that was not such a bad thing for my first time in the water in a couple of months...

3300 Swim Practice @ 01:30:00

Jon couldn't make it down the hill for Core but Tija was kind enough to put together a quick mini-core workout for Sandy and me. We chatted, did some core, chatted, stretched, repeat :) That ended up being it for the day.

Core @ 00:15:00

I set the alarm for 5 and hopped on the rollers to get in an hour spin before my day started. It felt so hard to go above 12 mph and I wondered how I could have gotten out of shape so quickly. It actually turned out that my tires were out of shape and once I pumped them to the recommended pressure, I was fine although I had lost a lot of enthusiasm for the ride itself by then.

10 Mile Roller Ride @ 00:45:00

After waiting at the bus stop for 30 minutes for a bus that did not show, I decided to "dial it in" and work from home today.

I worked a bit and waited for the light before bundling up and going out for my first run. I made it across the street before turning around deciding that I did not want to risk a wipe out on the ice. Later in the day, I got in a treadmill run at 24 and did a pre-programmed aerobic workout that included some varying elevation.

6 Mile Treadmill Run @ 00:57:30

Yoga was good today -- the instructor said that she saw the progress I was making :)

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

Yesterday was cookie making day at Katie's and I ended up replenishing any calorie deficit from last week's race in cookie calories....

This morning, I lifted and and went to core class. I plan to try out the 5:15 spin class today at Seattle Fitness. Tija (my favorite) is not teaching but I am curious to see how Dave is as an instructor.

Upper Weights @ 00:30:00
Core Class @ 00:30:00

Dave was not the best instructor (the toe rings were an indication that perhaps hard cycling was not his priority) but it is a good opportunity to push myself individually.

Spin Class @ 00:55:00

This morning, I decided to get in a ride outside before the winter storm everyone has been talking about would hit. I got out a bit late and the weather started to turn for the colder when I began.

I parked at Leschi and headed to Seward Park hoping to warm up my legs slowly. Then I went around the bottom of the lake with the thought that I might turn around for an out and back, or go around. I ended up doing a the bottom loop of the lake and came across Mercer Island (the short way). I felt fairly strong the whole time but I was freezing at the end -- particularly my toes that went completely numb. Brrrrr!!!

It's crazy that I rode about half the distance I RAN last week.

26.5 Mile Bike Ride @ 01:53:00

Got in a lift and core class this morning.

Upper Weights @ 00:30:00
Core Class @ 00:30:00

Got on the rollers this morning and my butt could only handle 40 minutes :(

8ish Mile Ride @ 00:40:00

Got in a lift and core class today. I also found out that I am not allowed to run this week (or preferably next...) That changes things...

Upper Weights @ 00:30:00
Core Class @ 00:30:00

Went to yoga class this morning and got in a really great stretch. A perfect welcome back to my regular routine :)

Yoga Class @ 01:15:00

12/6/08 North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Miles Race Report

3:00 AM

Of course, I did not sleep well but did manage to get some in before the alarm woke us all up. I immediately scooped some coffee into the press and emptied instant oatmeal packets into a mug before heading to the lobby to fill both with hot water. Dressing for a race is always such an odd moment because I am so dry and fresh at the moment but know that at the end of the day, my body and clothing will be completely wrung out in ways I cannot even imagine.

We drove to the shuttle drop off (thanks to Ruth, who is an AMAZING navigator pretty much anywhere she goes) and I got on one bus while Cheryl and Ruth got on the spectator one. We were dropped off in the pitch dark and filed into the start/finish line area.

After a quick race meeting, we were off at 5:00 AM. All 172 (38 women) of us in the pitch black with our headlamps as the only light. It was a very low key start with everyone jogging easily and chatting. We started to spread out pretty quickly and all I could see was the outline of the mountains, the stars overhead and little lights from the faster runners bobbing ahead to indicate the road ahead.

I did embrace this part of the run but wished after an hour for the sun to rise so I could see beyond the tiniest ring of light from my headlamp. During my first rest stop, I really was not hungry for anything but circled back to grab some food after remembering Cheryl's gentle supportive words "If you don't eat, I will shove it down your throat..." Continuing on, we were treated to some of the most stunning views and got to see and hear the waves crash as we ran along a technical rocky path on a steep sea cliff.

Cheryl and Ruth were waiting for me at the rest stop at mile 18 and I was sad to see that they were freezing after waiting for so long. For a moment, I felt guilty because it took me so long to get there but I knew I was keeping a reasonable pace and the elevation was already more difficult for me than I had imagined. I had 12 miles to go before coming back to that same rest stop at mile 30 when Cheryl would run with me, so I dropped off my long sleeve shirt and gloves as I headed out.

There I hit the most brutal descent and at one point, there was a LADDER. Apparently it is famous but it was not super easy on tired shaky legs. I took it backwards.

After descending into what seemed to be the bowels of the earth, we ascended for a very long time through a beautiful trail with switchbacks where I got to see the roots of trees, and then the tops of those trees and over and over again.

After a seemingly unending out and back (sensing a theme here?), I finally made it to the rest stop where I got to pick up Cheryl at Mile 30, who paced me for the next 14 miles. I also got to see Katie and how already wound up she was :) and knew I would need her energy for the last leg.

We set off descending right away and picked up another runner, Nikki who had gotten lost and fallen a couple of times and decided to stick with us for a while. Side note: My knees and quads are actually beginning to ache as I type this two days later! Cheryl kept us moving and eating and drinking and when it was flat, we got a nice pace going. During the second half of that leg, I started to get slower and slower as the hills continued and my right IT Band started to, what I can only describe as "seize up" creating a lot of pain in my right knee especially during descents. Cheryl kept going telling me stories about her endurance events (she is a very accomplished athlete who still holds unbeaten world records 20 some years later). I figured that if she could tough it out without many of the conveniences we enjoy, then I could suck it up for one day.

She really pulled me through the last part (through tears and all) and I am so grateful for her encouragement and techniques to help me manage the pain while moving forward although I got no energy whatsoever from that stupid bush we passed ;). Four and a half hours later, we finally finished our 14 miles together and made it to the aid station at mile 44.

She happily handed me over to Katie with instructions that I did not pay attention to as I tried to stall as much as I could by sampling anything I could at the aid station table. Katie finally dragged me away, and bounced up the hill like Tigger while I reluctantly followed. Her friend Hans, mentioned after that he knew there would be trouble when they saw Katie running up the hill and me, much further behind not walking at any great speed.

The sun was setting just as we started out and as the light disappeared as our contest of wills began. Me, wanting to walk, preferably stand still and whine. Katie, wanting to finish this 6 miles before the next day. She tried lots of motivational talk and ideas, and I rejected many of them straight out although after a while, I was just too tired to argue and just let my legs try to follow. The pain in my right leg got worse and a couple of times, I would just yelp with pain and could not move another inch. Until, of course I did move that painful inch and then another and then another.

There were a few times when she would say something like "at this marker, we are going to get moving" and I would respond incredulously "but I AM moving" and really was to the best of my ability.

My running pace at that point was equal to a brisk walk for her. Almost 2 hours later, we finally hit the finish line because of her persistence and I am so grateful for my amazing support staff, who surprised me with t-shirts and carried me through the entire race in one way or another. It takes a village to get me through 50 miles and 10,700 feet of elevation.

No, I do not plan to run 100 miles anytime soon but I will do another 50 miles, maybe one with a little less elevation...

I finished within the cut-off time but only by 30 minutes. It was BRUTAL and I will blog more once I get home. But I am proud to be one of the 48 women who signed up (32 finished) to do the 50 miler of the 210 who signed up. I dealt with with some pretty bad pain in my right knee the second half of the race that had me limping (whining and crying) quite a bit but I had some pretty amazing support from my "crew".

50 Mile Run @ 13:30:00

Here is the elevation map of the course. I probably should have looked at it closer before signing up...

We drove into SF this morning to pick up the race packet and Cheryl, who came in on the Bart from the Oakland airport. The swag was pretty sweet -- a North Face technical t-shirt, hand held water bottle and a really nice cap that became my race day favorite item.

Unfortunately, there was not a lot of information on some of the logistics. For example, how to get to the start in the morning but I let Cheryl and Ruth figure that out. I was surprisingly calm that day, unlike other times I have been super escalated before a bit race.

We went out to dinner at the restaurant next store and Ruth's friends, Malia and Sandra (who live in SF) also joined us so it was great to see them and catch up a bit. I did cut out early to get to bed as close to 8:30 as possible to make the 3 AM wake up call a bit less brutal.

I had some serious packing anxiety last night (as in I never started because I was so anxious thinking about it) and decided to leave it until morning. I always have packing anxiety -- there is a theory floating around about how this stems from the packing/unpacking I did in an orphanage a very long time ago. Regardless of where it comes from, it is only aggravated by having to pack for the scariest race I have ever signed up for in my life.

Somehow I did manage to throw enough in a suitcase and make the connecting buses on time to get to the airport. I had a little snafu when I accidentally threw my keys into the garbage dumpster when throwing out Wally's litter :( but made it through. After flight delay after delay, we finally headed out and and I made it to SF, and the Marin Connector (with a big rainbow painted on the side that made me smile) to my hotel.

I went for a lovely little 3 mile run along a path that is right behind the hotel and very much enjoyed the sunshine and new scenery.

3 Mile Taper Run @ 00:30:00

Had a nice dinner at the restaurant next store and then Ruth, the first of my support posse got here around 9 PM. Cheryl comes in tomorrow afternoon and then Katie about halfway through my race.

I have pretty much hit my escalated peak and have a raging headache. Unfortunately, because I am in taper mode, I have NO outlet :( I leave tomorrow morning for SF and I sure hope they don't kick me off the plane for excessive crankiness.

Core Class @ 00:30:00

I was bummed when I got to the gym and found out that the yoga instructor was sick and there would be no class. Put on my running shoes though and did my 3 mile taper run. I barely got even sweaty! I was disciplined and stretched for 30 minutes after.

3 Mile Run @ 00:30:00
Stretch @ 00:30:00

I am officially going crazy and my taper week only just started :(

Core Class @ 00:30:00