Post Long Beach Marathon

I am sore. Physically yes, but mostly mentally. Yesterday was just not my day. Everything started great, almost too great, I probably went out too fast. And then I just fell apart. I just didn't feel like running anymore, I can't even explain why. I was just over it. Months of training culminating to finish one race and I couldn't muster up the mental strength to stick with it. Yes, I finished. Yes, I PRed. But it was not the race I wanted. I guess I'm just disappointed in myself, I thought I was tougher than that. I'm sure I will get over it in a few days, but for now I just feel like sulking a bit.

I'm taking some time off from marathon training. I want to get back to shorter, faster, funner races. I also don't have the time between my internship, work and grad school to dedicate to marathon training.

I have already started looking for a half for January, maybe in Houston since my parents both got bibs in the lottery.

There will be another marathon somewhere down the road (no pun intended), but for now it's time to get back to the fun.

It's Marathon Time...again!

Tomorrow is the day! Can't believe it is here and I am doing another one of these damn things. Here are my goals for tomorrow:

Best: 4:05-4:10

Better:4:10-4:15

Good: Under 4:20

It won't be the race I wanted, but I am going to make the best of it. Had a good, confident run yesterday with Mom. Just trying to stay positive and enjoy the day. Good music loaded up on iPod, and I should have quite a few supporters out there as well.

Carbo-loading is done, day is winding down.

I'm off to bed soon.

Good night.

Update

Once again, it has been far too long since I have updated my blog. I really don't know why I don't post more often. It only takes a few minutes and I have had so much on my mind lately. I really need to figure out how to make this thing a bit more interactive (adding links, more pics, and the like).

So part of this blog has been inspired by my uncle, Tim. Tim works in the sport industry and I have always looked up to him. He gives me advice and I send him updates from time to time about what is going on with school and work. Today he sent me an email that said "it is great to see that you are making your life happen". And it is so friggin true. Life won't happen for you, you have to go out and get it. So here's what's been going on lately:

School- finished my first class, pretty sure I got an A, but I won't know for a few weeks. Started my second class, prof is pretty cool, lots of reading and writing for this one, but we get to dress casual, class is discussion based and we will usually get out early, WIN! I know I only go to class once a week, but by 9 PM on a Wednesday, my brain is fried! Side note: I should be writing my paper right now, but I decided to write this blog first...I know bad. Oh well.

Work- I now work at lululemon. I absolutely, positively freaking love it! There are so many opportunities for personal growth and exploration. The next two weeks I am getting ready to write out my goals: personal, health, career and fitness for the next 1, 5 and 10 years. WOW! Also coming up is the Equinox challenge and I hope to get back into the gym routine and not let training for races consume my physical activity.

Internship- I landed an internship! FINALLY, I was started to stress!! I am now working at Fox Sport in the Marketing dept doing on-air promos. It's a rad gig. Today I got to see some filming outside and then watched and logged sound bits for baseball. Thursday I get to start working on football!! Very excited for this internship!

Marathon- the Long Beach Marathon is this weekend. I can't say I am excited. Training was going great, but then I got hurt and my training took a back seat to nursing my ankle. I know this race won't be the one I planned for, but I really just want to PR, hopefully by at least 20 minutes. Goal is 4:05-4:10, but I will be happy under 4:15. I really just want to get back to well-rounded workouts and some shorter races. I need to drop some weight and work on my speed. No doubt I will do another marathon, probably next fall.

So I really need to get back to my paper so I can get to bed on time tonight. I will really try to make my posts more frequently.

Oh, one more thing. I have come up with a new daily mantra (well that's what I'm calling it). Since my life is getting really hectic, I need to make sure that I have a balance...Lulu also teaches us this. So here it is, everyday I would like to do: something good at work, have a great workout, and make sure I set aside sometime to so something that I enjoy (other than running, like watching a TV episode or reading a non-school book).

That's it for now!

Ashley

ps I am too lazy to spell check this right now...

Grad School, Training, Internships, Work

It's been two months since my last post. My life has been crazy.

I left my advertising job a month ago. Went on a two week vacation to Houston and North Carolina. Reminded me once again how badly I wish my parents and the rest of my family lived close by. I would love to go over there are on the weeks and to BBQs. But since I can't, I have to treasure the moments I do have with them.

Grad school started two weeks ago. I am really excited, the program is stellar and if I make good use of it, will really set me up for a job in this industry. Still in search of an internship. I'm trying not to panic yet. I want to make sure I choose a good one and not just one because it's there and available. I reached out to MESP again, but will likely try to do one at Long Beach. I would really like to do one with a professional sports franchise too.

On the upside, I have been offered a part-time position at a women's sports apparel company. I had an interview for another job on Sunday and it went very well. I would MUCH rather get the job I went in for on Sunday, but I guess sometimes you have to take what you can get. Waiting to hear back from them by the end of the week. In the meantime I have accepted the other job. It's always nice to have options.

Training has been going pretty well too. Running for two weeks in the heat in the south killed my mile times, but I kept the mileage up and consistent. Right now I am up to 35 miles per week and did a long run of 16 this past weekend. The 16 miler was brutal, not the distance, but the terrain and hills crushed my legs. I still kept on pace though, and that is very motivating. The hills I have been running can only make me stronger and get me closer to that sub 4 hour goal.

I have also been running with my partner/coach/mentor James. Not sure what to call him, but he has been helping me plan my runs and paces. James is an incredible runner. Someone who is just born to do it. I can't believe he actually wants to take me out and run with me. I feel very fortunate. He has been helping push the pace on my shorter runs.

I have also lost weight since leaving my job. I know that all the training is a big contributor. But I'm also very happy that food is becoming a second thought for me. I'm making better choices and not dwelling on bad decisions. I am choosing foods that are right for my body and will help fuel my training. After seeing positive results, it encourages me to continue the trend into the next week and not fall off the wagon.

That's it for now, I have to get back to some internship searching and go fill out paperwork for my job.

Ashley

Head For The Hills

Day #2 of training has been conquered! Today was a "hills" day with no goal pace. I ran a new course into PV. I ran and out and back course so that I wouldn't get lost because I was running in some unknown territory. The run went by fast, I'm guessing that's because it was a change of scenery and I didn't know what was next. My time was just over 41 min, and I am happy with that. I tackled a pretty big hill that was almost a mile long. Not sure on the elevation change, but it was steep! I took one break in the middle of the hill, and next time I hope to run the whole thing without stopping. My calf held up pretty well, although I did stop once to stretch it and it felt tight. After the turn around I ran the entire distance home without stopping. That was an accomplishment to me because lately I have been feeling sluggish and taking too many breaks. I felt strong during the run. And I know it is VERY early on in training, but I have been running with so much more confidence lately.

Side note: tried on a pair of pants today and they are still feeling snug. (I know I am at a good weight when they fit comfortably) That was a little bit discouraging because I feel like I have been working so hard lately. I just have to keep at it...the weight loss will come. I should probably write another post today to address the list that I made in one of my first posts. That would help me stay positive by looking at how far I have come this year.

Tomorrow is listed as a "rest" day for training, but I will probably go to the gym and do an easy workout on the elliptical. I have been slacking on my weight training again...need to get those sessions in. They are short, there is no excuse.

I watched an inspirational video the other day about running. They always choke me up. Who knew something so simple could make me so emotional. Here's a quote from the video, I will share more in future posts:

"Why do I run?....Because when I do, there is always the chance to be extraordinary."

Training Day One

Woohooo!! Today kicked off my first day of training for my next marathon. I ran 4 miles this morning in 39:13. That's a little bit quicker than the plan, it would have put me at 40:16, but I gave a kick in the last mile because I was feeling good! I did the run on one of my usual courses, down the esplanade to the strand, to the pier and back. Luckily it is still gloomy in the morning which has been keeping the heat away. That also brings a bit of humidity, but I can handle that, it's nothing compared to what I had to deal with in Texas for all those years.

I know it is early, but I am feeling very confindent about the marathon this time around. I learned a lot from the last one. If I can make it through the training and stay injury free I should be looking at a pretty decent PR. Breaking 4 hours will always be in the back of my mind, but I know that it is probably not going to happen this time around.

My "diet" has been going well. I have been counting calories, aiming for 1500-1700 per day. The jeans were feeling a little looser this morning, so that makes me feel good. I went grocery shopping last night and am packing lunches for work again this week. Saves me a ton of money too!! I leave for my parents house 5 weeks from tomorrow and want to look good. I am in training mode now so that helps make me mentally tough and stay on track. Slow and steady. Consistency.

Hoping that this week goes by quickly. Long weekend ahead with some beach time and volleyball action. :)

World Cup

I am loving the World Cup action!! Even though it is half way around the world and the game times aren't the most convenient, I have still managed to watch most of the games. I am very proud of our boys today. Even though the score does not reflect the skill of the two teams (we outplayed Algeria by a long shot), I am happy that we came away with the win. We had many missed opportunities. We will need to make sure we finish in our game against Ghana on Saturday.

That being said, I am super excited to watch the US's round of 16 game. Having grown up playing soccer into my collegiate years, it is amazing to see the support of the viewers. Even this morning people were dressed in flags at the bar at 7 AM. It gives me hope that the sport of soccer will continue to grow here.

The England/Germany game will also be spectacular.

I can't wait for this weekend. I am planning on watching some good soccer, playing beach volleyball and hopefully getting in a semi-longish run (8 miles) before the game on Saturday.