Toe Woes

Last weekend's race has certainly taken a toll on my body. You don't PR without a little bit of pain. But I believe that after taking it easy and recovering these past few days, I will be up to speed and back on the road soon enough.
Except for one tiny issue - my toes. Allow me to elaborate.

While at the Race Expo is DC this past weekend, my friends and I spent time shopping around at all of the stands. We particularly enjoyed the booth that sold funny running-inspired bumper stickers. One in particular stood out to me, and read "Toenails are overrated." It can be typical, although not especially healthy or fun, for runners to lose toenails. This is due to the repeated impact of your toes on the inside of your running shoes. A simple solution to this issue is making sure you keep your nails well-groomed and maintained by regularly cutting them short, as well as wearing properly fitted footwear. Avoiding excessive hills if possible is also advisable.
But some of us just have to learn the hard way.

The fiasco with my toes began just days before running my first half marathon. I was in the process of moving when the incident occurred. (General note to readers: it can get a little gory from here - photos included - read on at your own risk - you have been warned.) I was assisting in lifting a couch to carry it to the moving truck and I was not wearing any shoes. My toenails were already pretty beaten up from having trained all summer in an exceptionally hilly city while wearing shoes that were not of the highest quality. As I lifted the couch, I stepped my right foot back, and the heel of my right foot caught and snagged the big toenail on my left foot. As I continued to move my heel swiftly back, I ripped the large toenail off of my left foot. Ouch. But it was quick and while a little bit bloody - not too terrible. Just kinda gross. The ER doctor (as my mother insisted we head immediately to Urgent Care) said that there is nothing that can really be done once a nail has been ripped off other than wait for a new one to grow - which can take anywhere for 3 to 8 months! He advised I wear closed-toe shoes at all times (little did he know I work at a company where we wear flip flops everyday.) It took time for the nail to grow back - probably around 8 months for it to be completely healed. To this day it is not 100% "normal" but it works for me.

my left foot - big toe healed!

Fast forward to last Sunday evening. The large toenail on my right foot has been giving me trouble for awhile. I knew that a blood bruise had formed and the nail was slowly dying away. I returned back after the drive home and decided to tackle my toes once and for all. I had to first remove the layers of nail polish
(I am never seen without it!) to reveal what I had to work with. What I found did not surprise me too much - the nail was certainly dead and needed to be removed. I was happy to find, however, that as I began to clip away from the top of the toe, that a new nail had already begun to grow underneath the old one! Hooray! This will significantly improve my toe's recovery time as the new nail is approximately already 60% grown!

i'm not going to let this little guy slow me down

So in short - take good care of your toes, less they will keep you off of your feet (pun intended.)

Winning

NEW PR !!! 02:19:55 at the SunTrust National Half Marathon in Washington DC

I took Thursday and Friday off of work and drove down to Virginia with one of my besties, Sanj. Thursday consisted of a great drive (we only got lost for a few minutes as we were sidetracked in Friendsville, Maryland looking for a gas station) and arrived just in time to head to dinner with Bethie and Jason - two great friends from college. We spent the evening feasting (which became a common theme of the trip) at a Mexican restaurant, playing with their Pug dog Peanut, and watching a terrible movie on TV because no one wanted to change the channel. Just like college all over again. Loved it.

Friday we picked up another friend Sam at the airport and rode the train into the city. After an uphill hike in DuPont Circle carrying too much luggage, we checked into the very posh Washington Hilton. Complementary upgrade? Yes, please - a ninth level room with a city view. We attended the Race Expo to get our gear and prep for the race. The remainder of the day we dined on both French and Italian cuisine, visited a few of the Smithsonian Institutes, made the first of many Starbucks runs, and generally enjoyed the company of one another. For a group of best friends, it can be difficult because we were so used to living together and spending every moment as a group, to shift and transition to living all over the country and only getting the chance to see one another for brief periods of time. Let's just say we savored every moment.

best friends = best memories [you can't sit with us]

(Thank goodness I invested in a quality faux fur coat - 

certainly needed it to survive DC's chilly days!)

We called it an early night on Friday, and were up bright and early on Saturday morning. Dressed and to the Metro well before 6 AM, only to have to stand and wait in the freezing cold for a VERY long time. The DC transit authority decided, only weeks before the race, to postpone the Metro opening from 5 to 6 AM, with a 7 AM race start time. We could not walk as the start line was too far, and it was illogical to take a bus or cab as the streets near the race were all closed. So we huddled with the masses (there were probably close to 50 or 60 people, all runners waiting at our Metro station) for the gates to be opened so we could catch the first train. In addition to the ultra chilly weather, standing down at the bottom of the escalator waiting for the Metro gates to open was like waiting in a perpetual wind tunnel. And this girl HATES being cold. I was nervous my limbs wouldn't be able to function by the time we reached the start line! But we got there, threw our belongings at the Bag Check and dashed to the start. We missed the National Anthem and official start gun, but just hopped into the crowd crossing over the start. I gave a last wave and well wishes to my girls and then I was off!

My friends and I all love running, and we try to get together to do a major race at least once each year. But what I love about these girls is that we all know and respect one another as individuals, and recognize the fact that running is such an independent sport. We part ways at the start and promise to meet again at the finish.

The race was great! Despite almost freezing while waiting for the Metro, the cool weather definitely helped as the race progressed. It was truly awe-inspiring to run through our Nation's Capital city. It made me feel proud to be an American, and humbled to be so blessed to live in a country where I am presented with opportunities that many others may never be able to achieve. It made me feel thankful for our Founding Fathers, and all those who have fought over the years to maintain our country's freedom. The course itself took us all over DC - starting and finishing at the Armory Stadium, along the National Mall past the Capital Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, past the White House (which I totally missed and didn't realize until later!), into DuPont Circle and Adams Morgan, past Howard University and back towards the Stadium. There was great crowd support at different points throughout the race - and spectators definitely help to make the run much more exciting!

Racing is always an emotional experience for me. It seems that there is always something going on in my life and I carry that with me on race day. Inevitably I get choked up once or twice, usually at the sheer beauty of the situation, and my tears are that of pride and joy. This race got to me near the DuPont Circle area. We were racing through a darkened tunnel, with the light of day shining ahead of us. Underground, but we could hear the noise of the spectators cheering and stomping and clapping and shouting above. I noticed a man running ahead of me wearing a t-shirt with a light blue ribbon spray painted on the back. It was in remembrance of his brother, a prostate cancer survivor. Another man - a complete stranger - ran up next to him and motioned to the t-shirt. The man took out his earphones as the second man shouted, "I'm a survivor, too!" and gave the man a high-five. Then they parted ways and jogged off on their own. I couldn't help but get teary eyed and smile - my father is a prostate cancer survivor, and it is amazing runners like those two men, and my ever brave and loving father, that keep me inspired, even through my hardest miles.

The race came to an end all too quickly - and I mean that quite literally - as I finished with a new PR! I was ecstatic with my time and the race was definitely an overall success. The race was tough - there were very few mile markers which made it difficult to pace and we had to finish with a strong uphill - but the challenge was definitely worth the reward.

While my friends and I talked about and anticipated the remaining hours of our Saturday to be a day of rest, the excitement of race day carried us and gave us the spirit to tackle the town. Sam and I spent hours exploring and shopping in Georgetown (of course the only store from which I purchased anything was the fashion company for which I work ... oops ... I consider it an investment in my work wardrobe,) made yet another Starbucks run, and then walked all over the Mall visiting the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument, Executive Office Building, White House and Renwick Gallery. Then we crashed hard at the hotel for a few hours before meeting up with friends for a fabulous dinner and drinks followed by many additional drinks for a night out on the town - also like old college times.

Sunday morning came too soon, so we kicked it up with Starbucks (not surprising) and morning Mass, a quick lunch, and then ample hugs as we all parted ways with promises to call and visit again soon. We stretch across the country, from Ohio to Georgia, DC and California, and soon to be added - Texas, Seattle, and possibly South Carolina. But the miles don't separate the smiles, and when we all get back together, we just pick up right where we left off.

The weekend was fantastic - great friends, great race - what a great life. Blessed.

On the Road Again ...

Just time for a QUICK post:

- Work has been super busy + traveling last weekend
   = no time to update the blog (sorry)
- Had a great weekend visiting my parents at their home
   (including logging some miles at the gym)
- This week promises to be even BUSIER with preparing for my upcoming trip ...

SunTrust National Half Marathon in Washington DC on Saturday !!!

Hopefully I be able to squeeze in a few minutes for an update soon!

Can't wait to hit the road to our nation's capital for the run of a lifetime!

Oh, and I am "tapering" this week ... 

aka I am really busy and using this race as an excuse ... oops

Thanks for being patient as I deal with my crazy life. 

(I wouldn't have it any other way.)

Sacrifice and Judgement

Running is not easy. Don't ever let anyone fool you into thinking otherwise.

Today I came to the realization that being a runner means learning to live with sacrifice. I was presented with an amazing opportunity that I had to turn down, because it interfered with my running. This got me thinking - what do runners sacrifice for this sport? And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how truly dedicated we are to be able to give up so much for something we love.

• Runners sacrifice our time - the time we spend obsessing over the sport each day - planning workouts and meals, studying the weather forecast. There are the hours we spend training each day. The weekends we travel for races. The days we spend recovering. 
• Runners sacrifice money. Shoes are not cheap. Neither is all of the technical gear we pile on each day. And race fees can require their own savings account.
• Runners sacrifice sleep. Sure, it would be nice to spend time in my warm, inviting bed, but the pavement calls to me.
• Runners sacrifice our bodies. The sport is not easy on us as human beings. We test our bodies, taking them to the extreme limits of their thresholds, and then push even further. We run through the pain, even when we know we shouldn't.
• Runners sacrifice our pride. There is nothing less dignifying than running, than getting out there and sweating. And it hurts to know we are not the fastest one out there. That we are not the best. Or that we didn't give it our personal best.
• Runners sacrifice our fears. Running can be scary. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure.
• Runners sacrifice our logic. Common sense tells us we were not meant to run. There is a little voice in the back of our heads, telling us we can't do it. That we should stop. That we will never make it. That we aren't good enough. But we learned long ago to just tune that voice out - never listen to it - ever.

Runners are also subject to constant judgement. In my experience as a runner, I have dealt first hand with the true meaning of sacrifice and judgement. While my peers are partying each weekend at the bars, I drink Gatorade, make it home at a (somewhat) reasonable hour, and wake up early to log miles. I have been judged many times - judged for not drinking alcohol while training, judged when I DID drink alcohol while training, judged because my body was "too thin" or "too muscular," judged because I would rather spend my time dedicated to practicing my sport - and it hurts to be judged for something that brings me so much joy.

But what we have to remember is when others judge us because we are runners, they are probably only showing their own true fears - fears that they could never succeed as well as we have, that they could never show the dedication with which we operate, that they could not sacrifice all that we have given up.

But in the end, is the sacrifice worth the reward?
And the answer is of course a resounding "YES!"

Sure, I was bummed this morning to have to pass up an opportunity, but when I stopped to think about it, I would rather give up this single chance than miss the chance of a lifetime to keep running. Do not let others change you because you are a runner. It will require sacrifice, and you might be judged, but it is worth it. Pain is temporary. Pride is forever.

Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.

Here It Goes Again

Enjoy this amazing video!

(Sometimes I dance while I run, too!)

Happy Monday!

Running on Empty

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels heels

I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels

I look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through

Looking into their eyes I see them running too

- Jackson Browne, Running on Empty

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the period of Lent for Catholics. Part of the tradition on Ash Wednesday is to participate in fasting. As such, my body was in no shape to run a workout at the end of the day. So I thought I would take this opportunity to begin discussing the importance of a runner's diet: aka "Body Fuel."

Let me first begin by saying that the word "diet" is not synonymous with weight loss. Every person has a diet - it is how he or she eats. Diet is defined as the nutrients from food and drinks that we take into our bodies. I like to think of the diet for a runner as "Body Fuel." By running and exercising, we are asking a lot of our bodies, so it vital that we provide them with the proper fuel so that they are able to perform to their peak abilities. Think of how you refuel your car's gas tank with the expectations that your vehicle runs well. You don't fill up with diesel if that's not what you car needs, nor do you put in only 1 gallon and expect to drive for 200 miles. Likewise, it is important that we fuel our bodies with (1) the right types of nutrients, and (2) the right amount.

You are what you eat. This is so true. And this is even more important to athletes, whose bodies rely on the nutrients we put into them. I am a big believer in the Food Pyramid system of thinking. It's probably a simplified version of what we all learned in a Middle School Health class, but I think it works.

Basically, everyone should try to focus on eating a few servings from each of the major food groups everyday. The foundation of one's diet is based on grains and carbs, which is where the majority of your servings should come from, followed by fruits and veggies, then protein and dairy, and topped off by a minimal amount of sugars.

Often we get too caught up in counting calories. The word "calorie" is easily mistaken: calories do not equal fat. A calorie is actually a unit of measure for energy. In order to have the energy to complete your run, you must have enough calories in your system. And if you are trying to lose weight, it's easy math. Simply burn more calories than you take in each day. But remember, if you are running, you will probably be expending approximately 100 calories for each mile you track. Additionally, we burn calories each and every day by simply being - we even burn calories by breathing while we sleep! Take caution on this slippery slope - runners can encounter the risk of using too many calories on their workouts, and not taking in enough additional units to recover.

It is also important when you eat throughout the day. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." We have all heard the old mantra again and again. Why do you think everyone keeps repeating it? Because it is true. In order to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle, it is vital to begin your day in the correct fashion. Eating a healthy breakfast gets our body's necessary vitals functioning early, preparing us for peak performance throughout the day. Breakfast should be followed by two additional full meals (generally referred to as lunch and dinner ... duh) and a healthy snack or two thrown in there. It is also imperative to refuel your body 30-45 minutes after finishing your workout. This helps to aid in rebuilding the muscles you have torn down and will help to quicken your recovery time. And above all else - DRINK DRINK DRINK - lots of water to keep yourself extra hydrated! I keep a water bottle on my desk at all times and easily refill it six times throughout the workday.

A typical day of eating looks like the following for me:
Breakfast = 1 glass of 1% milk : 1 grain serving (oatmeal / cereal / bagel) : 1 cheese stick : 1 mug of tea
Morning Snack = 1 granola bar (chocolate flavored! to add a little sugar)
Lunch = 1 box of orange juice : 1 veggie serving (usually bell peppers) : 1 fruit serving : 1 protein serving (chicken / beef / tuna) : 1 grain serving (rice / noodles / bread) : 2 small pieces of chocolate (preferably dark) : 1 peppermint (for extra fresh breath!)
Afternoon Snack = 1 sports drink (Vitamin Water / Powerade / Gatorade) : 1 grain serving (crackers) or 1 veggie serving
Dinner = 1 grain serving : 1 veggie serving : 1 glass of wine (not each day - but I do enjoy a glass every now and then!) : and sometimes a scoop of ice cream, too!

So it's not perfect, and of course each day doesn't look exactly like this ... (cough cough ... Fat Tuesday ... cough cough.) But I know that my diet is a vital contributor to my running performance, and thus I take what I eat very seriously. If we fuel our bodies properly, and train ourselves to enjoy eating a healthy, balanced diet, we will be able to see the results in our workouts. So be good to your body in the diet you follow and your body will thank you with it amazing results. It is truly incredible what the human body is capable of doing.

Refueling and ready to go tomorrow (if only the impending snow holds off ...)

This post's inspiration ... classic

Inaugural

Welcome! I've been meaning to start a blog for awhile, but have never gotten around to actually sitting down and putting my thoughts into words. So here we go, the inaugural post.

My name is Carrie, and I am a runner. I never thought I would hear myself say those words. Running is a part of me: it is what I do, it is who I am. Growing up, I never especially cared for running, but found myself falling hard for the sport in the Fall of 2008 (stay tuned for details in a future post - more to come on that story sometime!) It wasn't an easy start, but I am proud to say I kept at it, pounding the pavement and adding miles each day. And before I knew it, I was hooked! Three full marathons, three half marathons, and countless miles later, running has become a part of my life each and every day. A lot of the things I do - what I eat, the hours I keep, how I plan my days - all take my running into consideration. I will be the first to admit that I am not a good runner or a fast runner, but I enjoy running, which I think counts for even more!

I love running for SO many reasons. Running gives me a sense of accomplishment - a feeling of independence. Running is amazing for my health and my body - I can eat a few extra calories with a little less guilt. Running connects me to an amazing group - the running community is made up of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Running gives me something to do with my time - keeping me constructive, rather than destructive. Running gives me something to brag about - "Oh yeah, I've run, like 3 marathons ... no big deal." Running is real, running is fun - running is really fun!

So come along with me as I begin my blogging journey. My main purpose on this forum is to discuss my experiences and share my thoughts about running, but there are other aspects to our lives as well - so I will be commenting in with posts from time to time that might seem irrelevant to running, but that are important to me as a person. Please be patient with me as I get started, it's my first time doing this whole blogging thing. And feel free to comment with questions or suggestions, I would certainly appreciate any help I can get ... but in the end I'm going to write what I want. Because I can.

Life is a journey. Enjoy the run.