Lost
Author: runsarahrun
•5:19 PM
This afternoon I had a tough 15.5 mile run. It was intended to be an 18-miler, but I ended up calling my husband at mile 15 & asked him to come & pick me up - something that I have never ever done. Ever. I'm usually too stubborn to stop. But I had a nasty blister on the side of right arch, and my IT band on my right leg was playing up something awful. I haven't had IT band issues in well over a year, so I strongly suspect that today's horrendous run was largely due to my rather well-worn runners. Time to get new ones, and pronto. Say hello to my soon-to-be new best friends: Asics GT-2150:
I need to make sure that I have sufficient time to break them in so I don't have any issues in April.  

Mentally speaking, the first 10 miles weren't that bad. I seriously attacked some nasty hills in town. But it got extremely frustrating and rather disconcerting when I got lost. It was the first time that I had done this particular route, and I knew the chances were high that this would happen - I think there must have been 15+ turns I needed to make. So many different neighborhoods and street names - everything was sounding vaguely familiar so I found myself running dead ends and somehow (don't ask me how because I was sure that I had made the right turn) I ended up doing a complete circle?! I love love LOVE my Garmin, which had this course plugged in to it, so if you vear off course it will beep and let you know. But when you so seriously get mucked up and heading off in the wrong direction the Garmin just gives up on you. I was hoping that when I did eventually find myself back on to the course it (the Garmin) would recognize my small victory, but no such luck. 

So I accidentally missed a small section of a gorgeous neighborhood in town that I really tried hard to find. But after 10 miles with my knee acting up and my blister rubbing, I was in no mood. GRRRR ... very frustrating. On a plus side, my splits really weren't that bad all things considered. My goal is to run a PR (personal record) at the Boston Marathon (a lofty goal given the oh-so-conveniently placed Newton Hills over halfway through the race) - which means beating 5 hr., 6 min.. Truth be told I REALLY want to finish in under 5 hours. Which means running (and maintaining - which has been my downfall thus far) roughly a 11 min., 22 second pace. No problem, right? It really all depends on the weather, hydration, fuel/nutrition, and sleep (excluding of course the long runs, hills and speed training leading up to the race itself). We'll see. Anyway, here are my splits today:

Mile 1:      10:39
Mile 2:      10:47
Mile 3:      11:02
Mile 4:      10:49
Mile 5:      11:22
Mile 6:      13:09
Mile 7:      11:32
Mile 8:      11:21
Mile 9:      11:51
Mile 10:    10:59
Mile 11:    11:28
Mile 12:    12:01
Mile 13:    11:43
Mile 14:    12:18
Mile 15:    13:07
Mile 15.5:   6:20


You can check out the map of my run, elevation, etc. here:
Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for Untitled
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Hopkinton is WHERE??
Author: runsarahrun
•10:55 AM
Last night, I was reading one of my new books, "26 Miles to Boston" by Michael Connelly (great read, by the way!). The beginning of the book really does a good job describing the history of Boston from a number of different perspectives (from race directors, town officials, volunteers, amateur runners, spectators, vendors along the route, and the elite runners). The description of Hopkinton and the 1000s upon 1000s of people that will congregate there the morning of the 19th, got me wondering how large the town is. Given the number of port-o-potties that will be lined up, the runners corrals organized on different streets, and the Athletes' Village itself, it really can't be that small - right? 


So I google the area that all of this organized chaos should take place. As was perusing along the Pike via Google Maps, I noticed that Hopkinton is practically halfway to Springfield! I seems like Hopkinton is about 10 miles wide ... do I really have to run from all the way out THERE?? The fact is that its 26.2 miles to Boston no matter how big Hopkinton really is. There is no way to get around that. 26.2 miles is 26.2 miles no matter how you look at it!


As I have been telling people that I am training to run Boston, the common response is "Wow, that's crazy! Why??" I started to ask myself the same question....why am I doing this? Running is something I do for me. Sure, I am raising money for BMC which will greatly impact others, but the physical act of running is just for me. I guess you could say that running is a selfish act. There are very few things in life that we do for ourselves and to me, this is one of them. The fact that I am raising money for people that need it is a great motivator.

I have enjoyed sharing my experiences (both the good and the bad) as I train for this challenge, and look forward to sharing with you this last training push - only 7 weeks to go! Hopefully by the end of it I will be able to answer this question of why?? And if I haven't answered it by April 19th, then I will have 26.2 miles to think about it!!
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Reflecting
Author: runsarahrun
•7:17 PM
For some reason I have been in a reflective mood lately. Not that this is unusual for me – I’m quite an introspective person to begin with. That, coupled with an anal and judgmental personality & I’m never too far from reflecting upon myself and my past. Bear with me here as I ramble …


A few things have got me thinking about my life ten years ago – I won’t bore you with those details. Suffice it to say, I ‘ain’t getting’ any younger …!

Upon reflecting on my life 20 years ago (pre-Hubs), I couldn’t help but think about how I have changed over the years. I was so young, carefree and completely unaware of things like trans fat, white flour, high fructose corn syrup, splenda, diet coke, scales, US Weekly, reality television, bills, jobs, health insurance, law school loans, etc.

Most of my growth has been positive, but a part of me wishes I could have some of my almost 13 year-old self back — the confidence that comes with ignorance and inexperience. So, I thought about what my old self would tell the current me…

Dear Matured Sarah,


You really need to smile a little more. You are way too hard on yourself. Live a little and eat a Snickers every once in awhile. You are good enough just the way you are. Oh yeah, what’s up with the ban on shorts? Your legs aren’t chunky and capri pants are not a good look for you. Work on that, please. Also, you have nothing to prove, so relax. I bet everything will work out as I’ve made excellent 5 and 10 year plans.


Love,


Young Sarah

******

Dear Young Sarah,


You are absolutely right, but I also want to tell you something. You need to be less judgmental. When you meet people, try to accept them for who they are. No, they won’t be perfect and no they might not end up being the best friend you ever had, but they are people and you need nice, kind, fun people in your life. Also, you have nothing to prove, so relax. Everything will work out even if life does not conform to your current plan.


Love,


Mature Sarah
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Miles In Memory
Author: runsarahrun
•7:14 PM
Running 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to downtown Boston for the Boston Marathon on 4.19.2010 is a massive undertaking. I'll be running in memory of lost family members such as my maternal grandmother and aunt on my husband’s side.


I don't want the dedication to lost loved ones to stop there, however. I want to open up this event to as many people as I can. Apart from the obvious effects of raising 1000's of dollars for the Claudia Adams Barr Program, it is my sincere hope that this run will have as far reaching an effect as possible and will serve to inspire and to give hope and comfort to as many people as possible. I know from the 1000's of emails I've received over the last few years, just how much the run in 2007 and the cause I was running for meant to all of those people who got in touch. It soon became apparent that for every 1 runner like me, there are thousands of stories of great loss but usually great inspiration also.
It is my hope that the 100’s of training miles & the actual 26.2 miles itself of the run from Hopkinton to Boston on April 19th will be dedicated to the memory of a lost loved one. Nearer the time of the run, I will create a register on this site of all of the names and provide space for a comment or dedication to be left if the recipient wishes. These people will be in my thoughts as I run each mile and I will most certainly hope to draw on the dedications left for inspiration as well as running in their memory.

If you would like to donate to my Boston Marathon run dedicated to the memory or in honor of someone you can either:

- go to the website below to make a secure online (tax deductible) donation:
   http://www.rundfmc.org/2010/sarahc; or
- make a check payable to "Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge" and send it to me at:
Sarah Crocker
109 Lowell Road, Unit 313
North Reading, MA 01864

Hopefully, all miles will be dedicated, but one thing is for sure, it will be an honor and a privilege to run in the memory of all of those people who are sadly no longer with us.

In closing, I would be remiss if I did not mention the recent donors that contributed in the past week, pushing me over the halfway mark - WOO HOO! This has completely made my week - I am thrilled to be in the company of people with such big hearts! I want to thank the following extremely generous friends & family members: Carol Shea & Family, Diane & Frank Campagna, Banita Butcher, and Shana Krasnow. Thank you all for your continued love and support, it is truly appreciated!  

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Gut Instinct
Author: runsarahrun
•6:40 PM


Despite what my BRAIN was telling me to do this morning (get up and do your 18-mile long run!!!!!), the little voice inside of me (a/k/a the gut instinct) told me NOT to do the long run.
Here is what my brain was rationalizing to me:
•                You need to keep on track with your training schedule!
•                The weather is beautiful
•                You’ll feel great once you are running
•                You will have something fun to blog about
•                You need to prove to yourself that you can still tackle the rolling hills of North Reading & that the highly 
              successful destruction of the Newton Hills a few weeks ago wasn’t just a fluke (??? lol…isn’t it weird what 
              we tell ourselves sometimes?!)

And here is what my GUT INSTINCT was saying:
•                Your body feels off today and it might not be a good idea to run 18 miles
•                Your badly sprained & swollen toe (from getting it caught in the 2-ton dresser drawer knob that you 
              managed to lift of the ground yesterday) should really rest & not go for an 18-mile pounding ‘round town
•                You don’t have that URGE to do a long run today
•                You have such little quality time to spend with your Hubs – you should relish this time and enjoy making   
              blueberry & cinnamon/brown sugar waffles together for Sunday morning breakfast
•                Don’t do it…there are plenty more long runs in your future

At first, I tried to ignore my instinct. I thought I would be fine and there was no reason to doubt that I could do my long run today. I was inches away from heading out the door (mentally) ….
But then I really started to think about it:
•                My stomach felt nauseous (this is actually very atypical of me before a long run)
•                I was dreading the possibility of exacerbating my toe injury – that’s all I need 8 weeks out from the      
             Boston Marathon
•                My toe was still throbbing

When I think back about all of the poor situations I have gotten myself into over the years, it happened usually because I IGNORED my gut instinct. When I listen to the instinct it never fails me- ever.
Today I decided to listen to that instinct and not do my long run, despite really wanting to.
I actually caught myself thinking about what others might think if I skipped the long run (maybe they won’t think I am dedicated or that I am lazy?). Then it hit me how crazy these thoughts were! I shouldn’t do things because I compare myself to what others are doing, I should do them for ME and my current situation. Besides, just because I chose not to do my long run today does not mean that I won’t do the long run – it will just get pushed back a few days & turn in to a slightly dangerous nighttime 3 ½ hour jaunt through the streets of North Reading!
I told the Hubs that I’ll pass on the long run today, enjoyed the rare moments we can just snuggle together in bed with nothing to do and nowhere to go. And then I proceeded to make some coffee and ridiculously yummy waffles. The Hubs was pretty excited at my change of plans, which was so cute.  I love my man! J
As I grow and learn more about myself, I realize how crucial it is to listen to my instinct. I also refuse to let myself feel badly for doing what is right for my body. I don’t think it is a coincidence that I felt this way today. I think my body just wanted a break from its long run this weekend.
Moral of the story - use your gut instinct to your advantage, it is there for a reason. I think society sort of “trains” women to ignore it - do this, do that, not this, not that - but I am certainly my happiest when I listen to my instinct.
~~~
USA Vs. Canada Hockey Game tonight- you are watching RIGHT?!?  J
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Marathon Commandments
Author: runsarahrun
•5:50 PM


  1. I will not run any miles faster than 10:30 pace until I am past mile 20. And yes, folks, 10:30 pace after running 20 miles is fast for such a slow poke like me ...! ;)
  2. I will not freak out if any of my miles are a little slow and try to even it out by running the next one faster.
  3. I will not freak out if I look at my Garmin and the pace is a little off.....this happens and there is no reason to speed up to correct it.
  4. I will not mentally give up.
  5. I will not allow myself to walk (except briefly at water stops so I don't get water up my nose!).
  6. I will run the best race I am capable of running.
  7. I will not make excuses for myself.
  8. I will not feel sorry for myself.
  9. I will trust my training.
  10. I will have fun!
Ok.....so they aren't quite Moses-on-a-stone-tablet worthy, but then again....I don't remember Moses ever running a marathon :)
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The Love-Hate Relationship
Author: runsarahrun
•7:02 PM
Last night I did the run I love to hate. Its the type of run that you dread all day.....that you can't wait to finish.....that makes you feel like you could accomplish anything!


Let me back up...due to my lazy arse sleeping in 'til 6am yesterday morning, I shifted my run to the evening. So last night ended up being what I term the triple play run. It's a little different each week, but always involves a mix of 3 different things. I actually like doing these runs on the treadmill because it allows me to have more control over my pace rather than constantly looking at my Garmin and stressing about hitting the appropriate paces.

Here's how last night's run played out:

15 minute warm up
3 miles at goal marathon pace
3 x 800m at 5k pace with 3 minute recoveries
3 miles at tempo pace
10 minute cool down

Overall it added up to 11 miles for the day. Now looking at this combo of paces you can see why I hate this run....marathon pace + 5k pace + tempo pace.....yikes!! That last tempo mile was rough and I went to my new "go-to" song on my ipod to keep my legs turning over. But once I was finished, I felt great. It gave me such a confidence boost and reminded me that I am stronger than my brain often tells myself that I am!


Can you feel the love yet? :)

On an unrelated note, I want to send out a special shout-out and heartfelt THANK YOU to the following generous donations that came in this week: Diana Campagna, Andrinna Leask, Franklin Gould, and Heather Soni! I am so touched at the generosity of my friends and family ... thank you sooooo much for coming through for me and donating to such an extremely worthy cause. I am honored to be running in memory and honor of so many of your loved ones.
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9 Weeks Until the Boston Marathon!!
Author: runsarahrun
•7:32 PM
This morning, when the eastern sky was still as dark as coal, I stepped out into the frigid New England air and headed to my warm & cozy 2nd home: my gym, for yet another morning run …

It’s hard to believe that there are just nine weeks until my third marathon … the mother of all marathons … the Boston Marathon. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I’m going back for another 26.2 miles of torture fun, and even harder to believe that I’m doing the Boston Marathon, complete with the Wellesley “Sreaming Tunnel” Newton Hills, and the finish line on Boylston. That’s what I was thinking as I started my jog on the treadmill. I hit my two-mile marker in 19 minutes, way too fast for this run, and slowed my pace – lots of miles to go before I’d complete this workout. Still, with warmth of the indoor gym, the comfort of the overhead fans blowing, and the Black Eyed Peas blasting away on my Ipod I was feeling good.

The Boston Marathon doesn’t start on race day morning, Monday, April 19th: it starts with the hundreds of miles in preparation. For me, it starts with these early, winter treadmill runs. It starts with putting on my shoes and putting in the miles. It starts with stretches, workouts, strength training, adequate hydration, complex carbs, and lots of sweat. Marathons are more than 26.2 miles – they’re full of the work to get to the last two-tenths of a mile.

I often wonder how I ever got to this decision. What made me want to get out of bed and run? I’ve never been a runner, I know … and while I have an affinity for working out in general, I have always gravitated to more “graceful” activities like dance and pilates. When I rowed for my college crew team I always hated the running drills. Now here I am, almost 33, and doing something absolutely nuts by many standards.

The reason I run isn’t for the applause of strangers, the thrill of a medal around my neck (okay, so maybe the medal has a little something to do with it!) , or even bragging rights for my friends and family. The reason I run is to prove to myself that I can do this and much more. When I decided to run a half-marathon the idea seemed impossible, and then I did it. But could I run a whole marathon? That idea at first seemed quite silly, and possibly dangerous. And then I did it. And then did it again – in a Noreaster. And now I’m doing another and the notion doesn’t seem silly at all. If I can run a marathon, as crazy as that sounded to me once, then I’m certain I can do much, much more.

With just three miles left in my morning trek on the neverending rubber belt, I take a big swig of water from my latest & greatest love: my funky red Sigg aluminum water bottle. After a few more swigs I dump the water over my head and am refreshed to finish the run.

Finish. It’s a good word, a good feeling, and a goal for any runner. In just a few weeks I’ll be finishing what I started, but no celebrations yet. There are still lots of miles ahead of me and loads of determination behind me.
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Heartbreak Hill
Author: runsarahrun
•9:54 AM
So Wednesday afternoon I left work at 3pm (due to the pending massive snow storm that never quite materialized) and  went straight to my in-home gym (a/k/a my bedroom!), popped in my Jari Love Ripped & Chiseled to do my warm up and lower body, and then proceeded to switch over to Dolores Munoz's Killer Butt, per my normal legs workout. But I guess it wasn’t so “normal” because it is now almost 72 hours later and my lower body is still. so. sore. It’s awesome. ;)


Why is it that both Jari & Dolores can kick my arse, but good 'ole Heartbreak Hill can't break me down? Not that I'm complaining or anything ... which brings me to my next point. So "The Hill" ... the hill of all hills ... well, truth be told it's actually the last hill of 4 hills. At a not-so-convenient place in the 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton to Boston. According to Wiki:


"Heartbreak Hill is an ascent over 0.4 mile (600 m) of the Boston Marathon course, between the 20 and 21 mile marks, in the vicinity of Boston College. It is the last of four "Newton hills", which begin at the 16 mile mark. The Newton hills confound contestants (out of proportion to their modest elevation gain) by forcing a late climb after the downhill trend of the race to that point. Heartbreak Hill itself rises only 88 vertical feet (27 m), from an elevation of 148 feet at the bottom to an elevation of 236 feet at the top,[8] but is positioned at a point on a marathon course where muscle glycogen stores are likely to be depleted—a phenomenon referred to by marathoners as "hitting the wall.""



Hill_lg.GIF.gif



Last Saturday I had one of the most enjoyable and memorable runs of my entire running career to date (which really hasn't been that long, but still ... it was fantastic). The sun was out, I had the best running partner a girl could ask for ... it was a bracing 23 degrees with 15 mph winds but I was in heaven. We drove out to Newton on Route 16, parked the car, and began tackling the hills. It really wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. Of course, I hadn't run 16 miles before I started the hills, so I need to be fair. But all in all it was a highly successful 8-mile jog up and back down Hearbreak. You know how you have certain memories that are etched in your brain forever? And a certain sound, smell or taste will immediately bring a snapshot of that memory to your mind - to the point where you can literally replay that moment as if it were yesterday? Well, last Saturday afternoon was one of those moments. I will treasure that run, and the company in which I kept, for the rest of my life. It was incredible. Who knew that I would get such enjoyment out of running 8 miles in sub-zero temperatures up and down the hills of Newton?! Crazy ...!
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20 Reasons I Love to Go Running
Author: runsarahrun
•2:56 PM
  1. It’s a reward for sitting at my computer or in court all day. Yes, I said REWARD! If you run just enough to make it fun and don’t run when it’s not fun – then it’s always fun – yes?
  2. See wildlife & nature – ‘nuf said.  
  3. I know I’m in the top 1% of the general population by running 3-5 times every week. I like doing as many things as possible to be a 1 percenter! 
  4. It’s never too late to start. I was 30 when I first started running, and hope to continue until I’m old and gray. I continue to run because I can still do it – and it makes me think that “The Body” hasn’t changed much. I feel like I’m in my teens when I run, especially during one of those “flow runs” where it’s effortless and fast.
  5. It gives me a rush when I run. Not only as I’m doing it, but afterwards too. I have this light-headed feeling that lasts for an hour or sometimes more after I’ve finished. I am a worthless endorphine-addicted junkie for the period of time following my runs – and wouldn’t have it any other way!
  6. There are so many gagets & cute running outfits that I am increasingly enjoying shopping for: tech shirts, running caps, my Garmin gps watch, the latest greatest running shoes & sweat-wicking long distance socks ... to lululemon pants & wind-resistant jackets. Who said all you need to run is a pair of old runners??
  7. I have time to myself.
  8. I can be completely alone out in public if I want to. I can run through the woods, down a quite residential street, or on an old country road. There is such a peace about running where nobody else is.
  9. Running through the rain. When it’s warm & rainy, it reminds me of being a little kid and going out specifically because it IS raining outside, just to play.
  10. Running through the rain when it’s cold reminds me of the Newport Marathon run during a Noreaster storm. Which wasn’t all THAT bad an experience. Okay, who am I kidding: yes, it was! I think that’s a one-percenter experience.
  11. I love to sweat. In my mind it means I’ve done something positive. I think growing up I heard my parents and friends and friends’ parents say – “Go sweat a little bit, it’s good for you!” I feel good when I start sweating because I’m doing something physical too. Like I’m pushing myself to do something that the body wouldn’t do on it’s own. I’m showing the body that the mind is in control. If it says “RUN!”, the body runs. I like how that works.
  12. I can FARTLEK to my heart’s content. Huh? Yes, you read that right. Fartlek running is a bit like well, running however you want. There are no expectations before you go – except varying the speed of your typical run. You might do some slow running on the street and then move to a track for some sprints, then head out into the woods and back to the track for some steps at the stadium. You might do some short 50 yard sprints in the middle of your run through the woods. You might do some pushes to 95% and see how long you can stand it. You might skip or run backwards sometimes. It’s a German word for “have fun” or something. Ok, I won’t be lazy, I’ll Wiki it for you… Ok, it means, ’speed play’ in Swedish, not German. And it can be any exercise that, while doing it puts stress mainly on the aerobic system. The intensity of the exercise varies – and is basically up to you. It’s a bouncing between the aerobic and anaerobic systems. I don’t know why it’s called fartlek, but I do enjoy fartlekking all over the place when I run, I’ll tell you that.
  13. When I’m training, it gives me energy all the time. When I’m not running for a few weeks I feel lazy and tired a lot of the time. Running keeps the energy levels up.
  14. It keeps me in a good mood. I’m consistently more positive than I already am by nature. I might think that I’m my same old self when I’m not in steady running mode. Then, I’ll go out and run and I realize – wow, I was missing something. There’s a definite difference when I compare “Sarah not running” vs. “Sarah in running mode going every other day”. A marked difference.
  15. I love to push myself. Though I run mostly by myself I love to push myself during the run if I’m feeling good. I might jack up the pace and challenge myself to hold that pace until I get to a certain place. That place might be 200 yards ahead if I’m flying, or it might be 2 miles away if I’m running 80-85%+ of maximum rate. I am my own best motivator. There is little that motivates me externally. I’m ruthless with myself at times, pushing myself to run when I don’t want to run. Pushing myself to run faster up hills, never slower. Pushing myself to hold a 2/2 breathing pattern until I need to slow down to make up the oxygen deficit that is being created from the sustained push. It’s fulfilling to do little challenges throughout each run!
  16. I run so I can eat a little more of what I like to eat. I love pizza and chocolate, wine & blueberry beer. Because I run I can eat more of these things than maybe the average person with my same metabolism can eat. I will do nearly anything to be able to eat more chocolate. 
  17. I run because if others see me running, they’ll understand that they can do it too. I wish more people would run. Here we are, probably 70% of us have the physical capability to run and 90% have the capability to walk – and yet less than 1% run and less than 5% walk as exercise on a recurring basis. WHY? I want the world to run because then people will be happier, more secure about themselves. They’ll be more confident and happier and I’ll get to interact with a happier and more well-adjusted populace. Put on your running shoes people!
  18. It erases all stress for the time you’re running. It’s impossible to feel stressed as I’m running. I don’t know why, the endorphines I guess?
  19. It’s a part of my life and who I am becoming. When I stop for any length of time, I don’t feel like me anymore. I’ve developed such a love for running and working out, so when I stop – it’s like I’m just not “being me”. It’s like I must do it to keep being me.
  20. The best reason for why I run is that it makes me feel powerful and in control of my body and my mind. It gives me confidence and strength and energy and sense of balance. I feel like I’m a much better lawyer, wife, sister, daughter and friend. I feel like I’m being proactive and a go-getter by running when others are sitting on the couch watching television. I feel like I have more patience to deal with others and also with myself. I have a lot of frustration at things that don’t go smoothly. Computers for instance. After I run it gives me a better perspective on life and things aren’t as serious anymore.
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