Mixed Emotions

Last week we had some rather toasty start-of-Fall weather here. It was in the 90s in my neighborhood on a few days, which is normally 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the county. My inland friends baked with temperatures in the 100s. We usually feel no need for an air conditioner. We just gather every fan we own and turn them all on and say we're buying an air conditioner NEXT year. Logan and Cruiser are usually never seen in the same room together, let alone just inches away. Barking and hissing are usually involved. Here they are within a couple of inches of each other. I think they might have touched once.

Too hot to care. There's a fan on the floor, by the way.

Saturday morning I ran with Rehab United instead of the San Diego Track Club. I had mixed feeling about this because the SDTC is like the boyfriend, and I was cheating on him with RU. I have a lot of wonderful friends at the track club and I did miss them on Saturday, but I needed to change my training and work on issues that are specific to me, and RU offers that, along with an intense strength training and running session on Wednesday evenings. One major difference is the number of people. There's probably about 30 people who are training with RU exclusively for the Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon. The SDTC has about 125 half marathon/whatever members training for several events, even if they don't all show up at the same time. I'm also training for the Silver Strand Half Marathon, which is about 2 weeks before Las Vegas. I need more miles than the folks training for the half at this point, but less than the people training for the full. Another difference is the warm-up and stretch, which is combined. The running part is, well, running. The location is different, but it's not like I went to Mars. We ran from the RU location over at Carmel Mountain Road, to Torrey Pines State Beach and back. I didn't take on the entire hill at Torrey Pines, just a little bit of it, which was plenty. I ran mostly with the marathoners who were putting in 14 miles, but turned back at around right before mile 4, just so I could get in at least 7 miles total. The return miles were by myself, but not unnoticed, and I was grateful . Two runners who didn't need to put in the 14 miles came back behind me just to make sure I was OK. One more marked difference is pictures. There aren't any with the RU group. At some point I'm just going to take it upon myself to take pictures. The run on Saturday was breathtaking. It was cool, foggy and we were running along side the beach. It was like being in a dream sequence in a movie. I loved it, however I have no pictures to share of how dream-like it was. Here's a map from my BiM run tracker page. I know, it's not the same thing, but that's where I was:

The stats:

Distance: 7.69 miles
Time: 1:23:21
Speed: 5.5 mph
Pace: 10' 51 /mi
Calories: 736

...and not just one hill.

Wednesday's song:
Deep Inside Of You - Third Eye Blind - Barbie2be

PEACE

Deep Inside Of You

WARNING

I'm about to get all philosophical...

Have you ever stopped to think about what defines you?

I got to thinking about what defines me. It all started when my PT mentioned that another mom would be joining the half marathon training group, and perhaps (just because we are mom types over 40) that we would get along, and not feel so outnumbered and intimitaded by the younger people in the group, most under 30. I was somewhat perplexed by this. Yes, it's nice that someone thinks I will get along with another person and would like us to meet, but being one of the older ones in a group does not bother me. I'm not intimidated. I live with two people in their twenties -- my own kids. I have no age issues as far as getting along with someone. I'm certainly not age-ist. I'm amenable to everyone, and if they get along with me is another story. I have yet to meet this lady. We'll probably get along just fine. Motherhood or age does not define me, nor does it mean I'm going to get along with other women just because we are mothers in a certain age demographic.

Nor am I defined by:
the city I live in
being a dog owner
being a cat owner
my house
my housekeeping
the car I drive
my running
my education
my job
my money
the food I eat
the shows I watch
the music I listen to
my likes
my dislikes
my family
what people think about me
and so on...

Some of these things are just that, things. Some of these things are from the result of who I am, but they still don't define me.

Try Googling "what defines you?" Plenty of people made lists of things they have done and the people in their lives, but it still does not define them. I found this article that seemed to nail it. As it says in the article, it all comes down to being comfortable in your own skin.

That being said, I had a half marathon training workout last night at Rehab United. I kicked some major butt, and surprised some of the young-uns. Sure, they all ran circles around me and left me in the dust, but I could do more pull ups than a twenty-something year old who looked to be in great physical shape. It made my day. Being in my own skin felt really good.

Tuesday's song:
22 - Lily Allen

PEACE

22

Happy Birthday, Erik!

Sunday's song:
A Whiter Shade Of Pale - Procol Harum - Run-DMZ

PEACE

A Whiter Shade Of Pale

Yesterday

Activity: Run
Date: 09/19/09 07:00 AM
Distance: 6.17 miles
Time: 1:00:30
Speed: 6.1 mph
Pace: 9' 48 min/mile
Calories: 592

My perceived effort is WAY off at the moment.

Yesterday's run with the track club was out at Harbor Island. I thought I was keeping it slow, perhaps about an 11 minute mile average. I really didn't feel the need to go fast or push hard. I thought I was just sort of cruising. I ran with different people since everyone had different mileage agendas, 6 through 10 miles. I only wanted to do 6 miles. I don't have a Garmin (not yet, I'm seriously thinking about it), but a GPS application on my cell phone, so I can't constantly monitor my pace, unless I stop, take the phone out of my arm band, open it just to read it, which takes too long. When I finished my run and checked my stats, most of my splits are in the nines. Perhaps ignorance is bliss? I wonder if I would have slowed down if I knew my actual pace? I was surprised. Happy and surprised.

I normally don't stop at the water station(s) that the track club sets up for us. The water station is usually where someone is taking pictures for this summer training session. I never stop because I have a hard time getting myself going again. Everyone else stops and has great pictures and group shots. Not me. *sigh* I lose momentum when I stop. Perhaps it's just as well. I'm usually hot and sweaty.

Here's Michael's picture at the first water station, around mile 3:

...still looking good and feeling strong.

Since I had to wait for Michael to return after the run, someone decided it was a good time for a photo op with the people who remained:

Just a few of us. I'm third from the left in the bright blue tank top.

After the photo op, we waited, and waited some more. No Michael. We were beginning to worry a little. It turns out that he decided to go the longer route, about 10 miles, and on the way back he had some stomach issues and had to make several pit-stops along the way. He was the last one in. He wasn't looking so great, a bit pale and hot. Luckly, there was still plenty of electrolyte drink left and he was able down several ounces before we went home. It wasn't anything he did while running or anything he ate the day before. He has the flu. One of his employees was out last week with the flu and I guess Michael has the same thing.

Today

This morning our grandson informed us that he "throwed up" and that his stomach was confused. The little guy is doing OK, but he's still not his active self. I hope no one else gets sick. I sure don't want a confused stomach. Michael is feeling better, but is being cautious about what he's eating.

The annual Powerboat Races were held at Mission Bay over the weekend. It was rather noisy in the neighborhood from time to time. I actually contemplated dragging out the ladder just to get on the roof to see a few races, but I didn't want to do that by myself. Getting up onto the roof isn't an issue. It's getting down. I'd like NOT to fall off of the roof, thankyouverymuch. It would totally screw up my running... and everything else. I did get to see a few boats race by within the small view of the bay that we do have from house level.

Tuesday's song:
With a Little Luck - Paul McCartney & Wings - Miss Rachel

PEACE

With A Little Luck

I thought I'd have more time to blog once everyone was back at school, but it hasn't exactly worked out that way. My computer has been buggy and it even took forever to put up a few words on Facebook. I hope whatever Michael did to the computer last night settles the bugs, at least for now.

Lately I've been feeling a little lucky...

I won a canister of French Vanilla Juice Plus Complete from Fair Weather Runner's blog give-away last month. This is pretty awesome stuff because I'm not allergic to anything in it, and it tastes good. I'd give it my seal of approval if I had one. I was also hooked up with a small case of Pom pomegranate juice for free from the nice folks over at Pom. I've tried Pom before, but it has been a while since I've had any. It's still great! I received the Pom and the French vanilla Juice Plus Complete at the same time. I put both products in the blender with some ice and that was a delicious post workout concoction.

I won a shoe odometer from the Runner's Lounge. It's an interesting concept, especially since I became lax about tracking my shoes once I got the GPS running app for my cell phone. Prior to that I would write the mileage on the inside lid of the shoe box and do a weekly total. I'm saving the Shoe Odometer for a new pair of shoes, which will probably happen in another month or so. I'll let you all know how it works then.

Last month Runner's Lounge was hit by a major wave of generosity, and Wright Socks gave their readers who responded two pairs of socks each. That's a lot of socks. I've worn Wright Socks ever since I became serious about running. Quality running socks do make a difference and are worth the investment. The two brands I usually go for are Wright Socks and Ininji.

I also thought I would have a new photo to share. Sorry, no photo. Michael hasn't downloaded the pictures from his camera. It's still at the office. Michael and I went out to breakfast with AKA Alice and Heffer friends Betty and Elsie after our run with the track club last Saturday. Yes, mimosas were served. AKA Alice has proof on her blog here.

This week I was surprised with the track club's half marathon training's "Runner of the Week." I really did not see that coming at all. I have my photo and a blurb about me on the track club half marathon site. I'm not going to link to it because it's only up for a week but here's the blurb:

Irene Morton is proof that a debilitating injury doesn't mean you're down and out for good. Three weeks before last year's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, she broke her hip and immediately underwent surgery, then physical therapy just to learn to walk correctly again. A year later, she made good on that marathon goal and finished strong as part of the SDTC's training program. In addition to being such an inspiration, she's also an active volunteer. Right now she and her husband Michael are training for the Silver Strand and Las Vegas half marathons. Her running advice: "Listen to your body. If something hurts and does not feel better within a short time, rest and/or seek medical advice.”

The quote is missing a the part about "be your own advocate" in regards to medical advice and getting a second opinion. I know they had limited space to put the blurb, and I know I made that advice quote up there, but it sounds kind of obvious. I also realize people dislike having to go to the doctor and put it off as long as possible. Ah, well. I am really, really, really honored to be a "Runner of the Week." It's a good thing.

In addition to the track club, I started half marathon training with Rehab United for the Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in December. OH . MY . GAWD. Can we all say "intense?" I think it's safe to say that I will improve my times working with the RU training program. No luck involved, just a lot of hard work -- really hard work, but it's exactly what I need. There's about 20 of us, all different levels and ages. Since I've just started with them tonight, I'll save my comparisons to the track club for later on.

Whew.

Last Thursday's song:
Only You Can Bring Me Cheer - Allison Krauss

PEACE

Photo by cygnus921 on Flickr

Only You Can Bring Me Cheer

Activity: Run
Date: 09/10/09 08:50 AM
Distance: 5.01 miles
Time: 0:52:59
Speed: 5.7 mph
Pace: 10' 35 min/mile
Calories: 483

Today's run was at the bay. I did mile to mile intervals, meaning miles 1,3 and 5 were slow, and miles 2 and 4 were at 5k pace. When I started out, the air was still pleasant and there was a nice breeze, but on the return there was direct sun and no breeze, and it wasn't even 10 am yet. The return was a bit tough and my splits were slightly slower, but when it was done, and I cooled off and stretched, I felt great. I haven't felt GREAT after a run in ages. I mean, considering my past year and all the rehab, I would feel thrashed/tired after a run, any run. This is the first time that I recall that I've felt good (a sense of well being) after a run since I've started running again. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone, but this is somewhat of a milestone for me. It's all coming back. Now, the next trick is to get that "woo-hoo" feeling after a race. Baby steps, still.

TIART

"Now that we're heading into the fall and winter marathon seasons, and we've talked a lot about how to prepare for races, let's talk about spectators. What do you like and dislike from spectators out on a course? Are cowbells good or bad? Do you prefer to have someone waiting with food or Gatorade? What tips can you give for people who are just out to watch the race and not participate?"

Spectator tips:
No matter where a person is in a race NEVER EVER SAY: "You're almost there!" This messes with my psyche and it automatically does something inside me that makes my body want to slow down. You're almost there when you start the race, really. In my mind I'm almost there when I can actually see the finish line just a few hundred feet in front of me. Also, never yell to a runner: "You ONLY have _____ (pick a number) miles/meters/blocks/feet to go." Duh. We know.

Things that I've heard from spectators at races that I liked:
"Thank you for running today!" Most runs benefit a charity.
"You make a difference." From coach Paul on his bull horn.
"Go runners!" From random people
"Go Mimi!" From my grandson.*

Other things that spectators have done/can do:
*Show up and cheer for the people who have no one cheering for them.
*High Fives - only when appropriate. I high fived a Marine at this year's SDRNR marathon.**
*Cowbells are OK
*Quick hugs from people you know are great at mile 23 of a marathon. (Got a hug from my son at about mile 23 this year.)

Yesterday's song:
What I Like About You - The Romantics - Run-DMZ

PEACE

*Instead of Grandma, he calls me Mimi, which is what he came up with when he was learning how to talk.
** That's me in the red running skirt getting ready to high five the marine.

What I Like About You

Check out this clip of my nephew, Kyle, complimenting twenty-two people in one minute.



Yesterday's song:
Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys - Nine Oh Nine

PEACE

Good Vibrations

While I was not blogging, here are just a few of the activities I participated in:

An excuse to party.
My brother came into town for a few days, joined us for a track club run (which just about killed him because he was *ahem* showing off and went out too fast.) The next day we had an impromptu barbecue, otherwise ALL of you would have been invited. My dad, in true retirement mode, brought a case of beer, his Jack La Lane juicer, a ton of fruit and a Costco sized bottle of rum. A good time was had by all.

My bro donning the SDTC shirt that I made him buy.

Dad chillin' with a brew.

Erik and Sam jammin'.

Sam taught me how to play this instrument.

Spending time with the kid.

It's all about getting to lick the spatula after mixing up the chocolate chip cookie dough. Yes, we baked in the heat of the summer, no air conditioner.

Downloading about 900 photos from Evan's Fisher-Price camera. No kidding. 900+. MANY of the pictures were like this one:

Wonder what he was eating prior to this picture?

Making a discovery...

Fake toenails! I had no clue there were such things!

Dragging my husband to the beach at the crack of dawn on Labor day to boogie board, just so we wouldn't have to deal with the crowds. It was awesome.

See? 7 AM on Labor Day at Mission Beach!


Surf's up!

The fake toenails looked good at the beach. My big toenails are not grown out from when I lost them during marathon training back in April.

Cleaning out some closets and drawers. My husband got rid of a bunch of old and beat up cotton race t shirts, amongst other clothing items. I got rid of a bunch of old work blouses, tops and these:

I did three back to back twelve week Body For Life challenges in 2000 and 2001, lost 30 pounds, got my body fat down to 16%, and all's I got were these lousy t-shirts. By the way, I'm only 5'3" and the t shirts they sent me were XL. I think I wore them as a night shirt a few times, then they ended up at the bottom of the drawer. The program itself is good, and once I figured out how to make it work for me, then it was great. Would I recommend BFL to everyone? Yes and no. It's not the end all in workouts and each person has to find whatever workout plan works best for them. Just about any reputable workout plan is good. The trick is that you just have to do it. There is a lot of work involved. PS... I'd love to be back at 16% body fat, but it's more work than I want to do right now.

Because everyone's a winner!

"Where the surf meets the turf at Del Mar."

No race pics. I was too busy not betting. LOL.

Signing up for the Shelter Island 5k on November 8, 2009, you know, the race that has a full on champagne brunch afterward? Yeah, THAT one! AND I plunked down the cash for the Silver Strand Half Marathon on November 15, 2009, the run that goes from Coronado to Imperial beach and is mostly FLAT.

Wanna join me?

WATCHING AS THE KID RETURNED TO SCHOOL AS A FIRST GRADER!

The obligatory first day of school photo op.

Yesterday's song:
Reason To Believe - Rod Stewart, The Youngbloods

PEACE

Reason To Believe

Thursday's song:
No Time - The Guess Who - Miss Rachel

PEACE

I'll be back to regular blogging soon!

No Time

A super-duper cropped sunset /avocado tree photo taken from my back yard, sometimes last week. It's a challenge to shoot between power lines and have the shot look good. The cropping CAN be a good thing.

Until I can get back in on a regular schedule, perhaps in the middle of next week, I won't be blogging much, unless everyone in my house (besides me) decides to be gone all day. I'm babysitting the grand kid this week because his mom began college classes this week and his school begins next Tuesday. This 6 year old boy has so much to say and wants to do everything like play with cars, play in the dirt, ride bikes and bake cookies.

I'm still running.

Thursday's song:
Penny For Your Thoughts - Peter Frampton


PEACE