To catch everyone up to date, i've been back training, slowly, since June 20th. Prior to that I took 2 months off of running and spend 4 weeks rehabing with a PT following a not so fulfilling NJ Marathon on May 3rd.
Since Jun 20th, i've been easing my way back into training, but also spending time at the gym and making my legs stronger, with the hopes to get my leg better to prevent any future pains. It's been working slowly and I have worked my long runs on the weekend up the 11.5 miles as of this past week. I'm still not completely pain free, but rather am unsure whether or not i'll fee discomfort until i'm out on a run. It's hit or miss, and my PT is telling me that's a sign or progression. At this point the fact that I can run through it without too much discomfort is all I need. It feels like someone just keeps poking me in the knee over and over again.
Tonight we did our 3rd week of Hill training at practice. Yet again it was another hot and humid day....and it's the humidity that is taking it's toll. 90-97% humidity is not only bad for the hair, but bad for breathing and running up hills at top speeds. But I did it, and I'm tired, but I feel stronger. But very sleepy after a well deserved glass of wine (or 2) with friends.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
At it again...
As many of you know, in the past 2 years I have completed 3 marathons and a ½ marathon with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training (TNT). Not only have I reached the finish line in each of these races, I have raised nearly $9000 for patient services and supporting cancer research! But it’s not enough. So, I’m back at it training with TNT for a 4th time!! This time I am training for the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC on October 25th.
Why I’m doing it:
I am running in honor & memory of my Uncle Tom. Uncle Tom passed away in September 2006 after a 9-month battle with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was a loving uncle, brother, cousin and friend-full of laughter and humor. He, like all individuals who have or are battling blood cancers, are the real heroes on our team, and a constant inspiration to me. With this marathon and all the training that goes into it, I will continue to fight his battle against lymphoma in the hopes that other patients and their families will win there battle against cancer.
How you can help:
In addition to running in honor of my Uncle Tom, I invite you to allow me to run in honor of your loved ones that have battled cancer. I will wear the names of your honorees (and pictures) during my race as motivation through the miles.
I am reaching out to you to ask for your support. My goal is to raise $3000 in an effort to further the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission to achieve a 100% cure rate for all blood cancers. The money that I, and my teammates, raise will be used toward advancing scientific research, patient services and education.
To make a 100% tax-deductible donation, visit my website to make a donation or track my progress at: Pam takes on the Marine Corps Marathon to fight cancer!
On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your support to save lives!
Why I’m doing it:
I am running in honor & memory of my Uncle Tom. Uncle Tom passed away in September 2006 after a 9-month battle with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was a loving uncle, brother, cousin and friend-full of laughter and humor. He, like all individuals who have or are battling blood cancers, are the real heroes on our team, and a constant inspiration to me. With this marathon and all the training that goes into it, I will continue to fight his battle against lymphoma in the hopes that other patients and their families will win there battle against cancer.
How you can help:
In addition to running in honor of my Uncle Tom, I invite you to allow me to run in honor of your loved ones that have battled cancer. I will wear the names of your honorees (and pictures) during my race as motivation through the miles.
I am reaching out to you to ask for your support. My goal is to raise $3000 in an effort to further the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission to achieve a 100% cure rate for all blood cancers. The money that I, and my teammates, raise will be used toward advancing scientific research, patient services and education.
To make a 100% tax-deductible donation, visit my website to make a donation or track my progress at: Pam takes on the Marine Corps Marathon to fight cancer!
On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your support to save lives!
Monday, November 10, 2008
NYC Marathon Re-Cap
Well it has come and gone, and I've completed my 2nd Marathon! I've rested, recouped, taken my first post-marathon jog, danced Saturday night away with my running girls, and now recovering from a cold- all in the past week! Not to mention I even signed myself up for a Spring marathon- New Jersey. But before I get too far ahead of myself, I wanted to give an update from NYC Marathon 2008:
A link to some spiffy pictures of me running NYC
Here it goes: NYC Marathon 2008 Recap
Part 1:
Before I left, I awoke to some inspiration magnetic phrases from the one and only Adam Wille.....something that got me smiling and even more excited at 5am! It was a chilly chilly morning as I boarded the bus with about 100 other Team and Training runners at 5:45am, and headed over to Staten Island. It didn't get much warmer, topping out at 43 degrees F. Once to SI, I found a fence and some pavement in the sun and settled in for the 3 hour wait until the start. I met a friendly Floridian, in NYC for the first time and in complete awe of the sight that is 39,000 runners, and 300 port-a-johns sprawled over the base area of the Verrazano Bridge. Something that I guess i failed to appreciate this time around. The chill never lifted and I started the race with 2 extra layers on just to stay warm. It wasn't until mile 3 that i stripped down to my shorts and tank. I felt good, my legs were happy, my breathing controlled, but according to my watch i was flying well, at least by my standards!). At the 5K I had hit 28min, and my first thought was, "Adam is saying to Mom and Dad, she's going too fast, she has to slow down"....and I checked later that day, and that's what he was thinking. I was thinking the same thing! Over the next 10 miles I kept looking at my watch thinking you've got to slow down, but i felt good. At the 1/2 marathon, I was at 2 hours and that's my fastest 1/2 marathon ever-by 6 minues! and i just though, mile 18 it's going to catch up and hit me, and it was largely impossible that I would run a negative split (the 2nd 1/2 faster than the first 1/2).
Part 2:
Running up 1st ave was exciting, I had just seen 4 of the girls and guys I had trained with, another 1 a little bit later, 2 of my friends at mile 16 and at mile 18 THE FAMILY! Adam and Tricia were there and they ran with me for a little, which was good. However, the bad part hit soon after they left me and I headed to the Bronx-at mile 19 i got slammed. This was the part that 7 miles ago I knew was coming, but now it was here with 7 miles to go. Wow, at that point my wall had come hard! Then one of my coaches jumped in right before mile 20....i was dying, my legs were screaming and mentally i was collapsing. He stayed with me for about a 1/2 mile, and got me refocused, and basically told me i was going to run under 4 hours.....he didnt' give me the choice. sooooooo i had to use all the guts and mental toughness i could find because those last 5-6 miles were not run on physical ability! I was in a horrible place, which is funny to think about now. I was lucky yet again, at mile 22 Adam and Tricia were there to greet me again, and joined in the running. Although at this point I was not chipper, smiling or good company by any means, I was so so thankful to have them there to keep me going and getting me water & gatorade. With 3 miles to go I put on a big smile again for the family. Finally, the home stretch, I entered Central Park and had the last 2 miles to go. I didn't think those last 2 miles were going to ever end. But they did and honestly, i almost cried. I was physically drained and my body was screaming and burning but i was so happy- BECAUSE I broke 4 hours (with a negative split and my 2 fastest 1/2 marathons ever)! Something I never thought was going to be attainable. It was a huge PR....by 19min and 6 secs. 3 hours 58 minutes and 13 seconds.
A link to some spiffy pictures of me running NYC
Here it goes: NYC Marathon 2008 Recap
Part 1:
Before I left, I awoke to some inspiration magnetic phrases from the one and only Adam Wille.....something that got me smiling and even more excited at 5am! It was a chilly chilly morning as I boarded the bus with about 100 other Team and Training runners at 5:45am, and headed over to Staten Island. It didn't get much warmer, topping out at 43 degrees F. Once to SI, I found a fence and some pavement in the sun and settled in for the 3 hour wait until the start. I met a friendly Floridian, in NYC for the first time and in complete awe of the sight that is 39,000 runners, and 300 port-a-johns sprawled over the base area of the Verrazano Bridge. Something that I guess i failed to appreciate this time around. The chill never lifted and I started the race with 2 extra layers on just to stay warm. It wasn't until mile 3 that i stripped down to my shorts and tank. I felt good, my legs were happy, my breathing controlled, but according to my watch i was flying well, at least by my standards!). At the 5K I had hit 28min, and my first thought was, "Adam is saying to Mom and Dad, she's going too fast, she has to slow down"....and I checked later that day, and that's what he was thinking. I was thinking the same thing! Over the next 10 miles I kept looking at my watch thinking you've got to slow down, but i felt good. At the 1/2 marathon, I was at 2 hours and that's my fastest 1/2 marathon ever-by 6 minues! and i just though, mile 18 it's going to catch up and hit me, and it was largely impossible that I would run a negative split (the 2nd 1/2 faster than the first 1/2).
Part 2:
Running up 1st ave was exciting, I had just seen 4 of the girls and guys I had trained with, another 1 a little bit later, 2 of my friends at mile 16 and at mile 18 THE FAMILY! Adam and Tricia were there and they ran with me for a little, which was good. However, the bad part hit soon after they left me and I headed to the Bronx-at mile 19 i got slammed. This was the part that 7 miles ago I knew was coming, but now it was here with 7 miles to go. Wow, at that point my wall had come hard! Then one of my coaches jumped in right before mile 20....i was dying, my legs were screaming and mentally i was collapsing. He stayed with me for about a 1/2 mile, and got me refocused, and basically told me i was going to run under 4 hours.....he didnt' give me the choice. sooooooo i had to use all the guts and mental toughness i could find because those last 5-6 miles were not run on physical ability! I was in a horrible place, which is funny to think about now. I was lucky yet again, at mile 22 Adam and Tricia were there to greet me again, and joined in the running. Although at this point I was not chipper, smiling or good company by any means, I was so so thankful to have them there to keep me going and getting me water & gatorade. With 3 miles to go I put on a big smile again for the family. Finally, the home stretch, I entered Central Park and had the last 2 miles to go. I didn't think those last 2 miles were going to ever end. But they did and honestly, i almost cried. I was physically drained and my body was screaming and burning but i was so happy- BECAUSE I broke 4 hours (with a negative split and my 2 fastest 1/2 marathons ever)! Something I never thought was going to be attainable. It was a huge PR....by 19min and 6 secs. 3 hours 58 minutes and 13 seconds.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
San Fran 1/2 Marathon-CHECK
Well, I am back, and another race down! Last Sunday (Oct 19th) I ran the Nike Women's 1/2 marathon in San Fran. I had an awesome time with my girls, and they all completed their first marathon!!!!
I found San Fran to be a bit chilly (a high of 55oC on race day!) and full of Hills!! Although the 1/2 marathon was tough, hilly course, I enjoyed every minute of it. It was amazing to be out there with 20,000 other runners (about 1000 were men, and 5000 were other TNT participants) all taking in the sites of San Fran during our morning run. We ran past Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Now it's only 1 week away until my BIG race....the NYC Marathon Nov 2nd. I am feeling good and ready to taper and load up on carbs! I'm thinking i need to make a pasta and sauce run!
I have posted some pictures that hopefully you can see here, on this site, or if not I provided the link for them (Pam's Pictures).
In addition, there is a second link to official photos from the race here (Official Race Photos)
I found San Fran to be a bit chilly (a high of 55oC on race day!) and full of Hills!! Although the 1/2 marathon was tough, hilly course, I enjoyed every minute of it. It was amazing to be out there with 20,000 other runners (about 1000 were men, and 5000 were other TNT participants) all taking in the sites of San Fran during our morning run. We ran past Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Now it's only 1 week away until my BIG race....the NYC Marathon Nov 2nd. I am feeling good and ready to taper and load up on carbs! I'm thinking i need to make a pasta and sauce run!
I have posted some pictures that hopefully you can see here, on this site, or if not I provided the link for them (Pam's Pictures).
In addition, there is a second link to official photos from the race here (Official Race Photos)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Last Long RUN!
Well time is getting short. I am just shy of 3 weeks now until the NYC Marathon (Nov 2), and 5 day until the San Fran 1/2 marathon. Times are getting exciting!!
This past weekend I completed my last of the Really Long Runs. I did an 18-mile solo run. Solo runs are not nearly as enjoyable as those I do with my running girls, but it was a good time to reflect and focus on the races I will be running in the coming days and weeks. I was feeling really good the first 6 miles, and had to practice controlling myself and not getting too speedy. the next 8 miles went well too, I made sure I ate my Gu and drank my water. I choose to stay in Central Park to get use to a more hilly long run that I will experience in San Fran. It was a bit repetitive running 3 of the same loops, but I took the time to break down the loops into sections and focus on how to address different parts of it....the uphills, the downhills, the flats etc. By the time i reached mile 16, I was tired, my legs were heavy and I could feel them seizing up. (likely having to do with having a bit too much fun friday and saturday night)
However, I made it through my run feeling decent about it. More mentally happy with my long training runs over the past 3 weeks than how I physically felt after this 18-miler.
Now I am getting ready to head out to San Fran on wednesday and tackle the hills and 1/2 marathon. I plan on taking along a camera so hopefully I will get some shots of what I hear is an amazing view!
Thank you all so much for your support!!!!
This past weekend I completed my last of the Really Long Runs. I did an 18-mile solo run. Solo runs are not nearly as enjoyable as those I do with my running girls, but it was a good time to reflect and focus on the races I will be running in the coming days and weeks. I was feeling really good the first 6 miles, and had to practice controlling myself and not getting too speedy. the next 8 miles went well too, I made sure I ate my Gu and drank my water. I choose to stay in Central Park to get use to a more hilly long run that I will experience in San Fran. It was a bit repetitive running 3 of the same loops, but I took the time to break down the loops into sections and focus on how to address different parts of it....the uphills, the downhills, the flats etc. By the time i reached mile 16, I was tired, my legs were heavy and I could feel them seizing up. (likely having to do with having a bit too much fun friday and saturday night)
However, I made it through my run feeling decent about it. More mentally happy with my long training runs over the past 3 weeks than how I physically felt after this 18-miler.
Now I am getting ready to head out to San Fran on wednesday and tackle the hills and 1/2 marathon. I plan on taking along a camera so hopefully I will get some shots of what I hear is an amazing view!
Thank you all so much for your support!!!!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
20 miler!
It wasn't a great week of running for me, last week. Unfortunately, I didn't make it out for many runs since last Saturday's 19 miler. My busy schedule kept me from runs, making me a little nervous about Saturday's long run. I had miscalculated last week, running 19 when I wanted 20, and I wanted 20 this week. I needed it more to be mentally strong than physically, but was unsure how my legs would handle it after a week of not getting workouts in.
Yesterday, we headed out to NJ for our long run at a Park near Rutgers. Three others and myself rented a car. Yup, that's right, I drove a car! It's been a few months, but I managed to navigate the city streets, tunnels and highways without a hitch. The day was chilly and overcast, reminding me of my high school running days. I had enough gels on me for a 20 miler and a water bottle that could be filled up along the way. (Our fantastic coach had strategically placed water at the 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16 mile markers).
Despite the cold, I stripped down to my t-shirt and shorts, as i knew i would be sweating even in the chilly weather-and we headed out. It was an "out and back run"- 10miles out, 10 miles back. At mile 4, 6, and 8 I was feeling pretty good. Jessica and I were chatting away about everything and nothing. That's when I knew i would force myself to do the 20. So, we continued on to the 10 mile turn around point. The trail was beautiful, we were surrounded by a canal on one side and a reservoir on the other, as well as trees that were beginning to change color. Occasionally, we met other runners, walkers or bikers, but for the most part it was just us, and nice and peaceful.
The run was going well. We kept ourselves distracted from the running and spent 3 miles learning everything I could have ever wanted about football from Jessica and she learned all about baseball. Those 3 miles flew by, but I could feel my quads and calves beginning to burn by mile 17. The chatting began to wain and we both began to focus on moving our legs one in front of the other, waiting for the bridge to come, signifying the end of our run. Finally the bridge was in sight and we worked our way back to the parking lot and picnic tables, oh so happy to see the bathroom and the end to our run! We had made it our 20 miles!! Despite having a not-so-good week, the 20 miler built my confidence, and I am feeling good about my training.
Today, I was feeling a bit sore and tight from my hips to my ankles. I took it easy and treated myself to a 90 minute yoga class to stretch out my muscles and loosen up. While I am a little looser, there is still some tightness to work out.
2 weeks until SF 1/2 marathon and 4 until the NYC marathon. So I have begun my countdown and my excitement is growing ever day!
Yesterday, we headed out to NJ for our long run at a Park near Rutgers. Three others and myself rented a car. Yup, that's right, I drove a car! It's been a few months, but I managed to navigate the city streets, tunnels and highways without a hitch. The day was chilly and overcast, reminding me of my high school running days. I had enough gels on me for a 20 miler and a water bottle that could be filled up along the way. (Our fantastic coach had strategically placed water at the 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16 mile markers).
Despite the cold, I stripped down to my t-shirt and shorts, as i knew i would be sweating even in the chilly weather-and we headed out. It was an "out and back run"- 10miles out, 10 miles back. At mile 4, 6, and 8 I was feeling pretty good. Jessica and I were chatting away about everything and nothing. That's when I knew i would force myself to do the 20. So, we continued on to the 10 mile turn around point. The trail was beautiful, we were surrounded by a canal on one side and a reservoir on the other, as well as trees that were beginning to change color. Occasionally, we met other runners, walkers or bikers, but for the most part it was just us, and nice and peaceful.
The run was going well. We kept ourselves distracted from the running and spent 3 miles learning everything I could have ever wanted about football from Jessica and she learned all about baseball. Those 3 miles flew by, but I could feel my quads and calves beginning to burn by mile 17. The chatting began to wain and we both began to focus on moving our legs one in front of the other, waiting for the bridge to come, signifying the end of our run. Finally the bridge was in sight and we worked our way back to the parking lot and picnic tables, oh so happy to see the bathroom and the end to our run! We had made it our 20 miles!! Despite having a not-so-good week, the 20 miler built my confidence, and I am feeling good about my training.
Today, I was feeling a bit sore and tight from my hips to my ankles. I took it easy and treated myself to a 90 minute yoga class to stretch out my muscles and loosen up. While I am a little looser, there is still some tightness to work out.
2 weeks until SF 1/2 marathon and 4 until the NYC marathon. So I have begun my countdown and my excitement is growing ever day!
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