Week 10 – 11: Portland Marathon – Bring it on

Okay, I’ve been slacking off on the update in the past two weeks.  I have no excuse other than I didn’t make it as a priority.   Life, training and work got in a way of my writing lately and it’s been crazy weeks.   So I’m not going to recap my week and going to keep this short.

Tomorrow, I’ll be joining my fellow runner, twenty thousands of them to run Portland Marathon course.   I’m ready.   Not that I ‘think’ I am ready, but I am really ready.   I’ve been training for a while and I’m going to run this race with a bunch of group friends of mine.  That’s what make this race so awesome.   Not only that, I am part of Team in Training, an awesome part of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and tomorrow, October 9 2011, mark a week shy of three weeks of my cancer diagnosis.  So this is half-marathon is personal for me.  Very personal.

I also want to say thank you to all the people that support me, donate to my cause generously.  You are the best.

Bring it on.  I’m ready.

Week 8 & 9: Portland Half – I’m ready. I think.

Okay.  I suck.  Life get in a way and I am 2 weeks behind on my running blog.    Good thing though, my training is been consistent, even though I have to take, yet another week off (during week 8) because I’m sick.    So my post today will be a wee bit different.   I’m not going to list the plan, just the actual on what happened.

Week 8 Summary:

I did NOTHING.   I was sick and wasn’t able to run at all.  Actually, I tried.  Last me about a couple miles while I was huffing and puffing, trying to breath AND cough in the same time.

Week 9 Summary:

Monday:

I ran around my neighborhood and put in a good 4 miles.  I felt strong and able to focus on the run.   After a week not doing much of anything, this run felt really good

Tuesday:

Strength Training.   I did a little bit, well, okay, fewer than a little bit of this at home.   I did only a couple of hip strengthening routines, couple lunges and squat.  12 reps, 3 sets.

Wednesday:

Put in another 4 miles.   I was a bit sluggish as I was tired, but had a good run

Thursday:

Cross training day.  I totally bailed on this one.   Had a lot of things going on, and completely miss the window that I can go to the gym and do this

Friday:

Rest

Saturday

Long 12 miles run day for me.   I went to Snoqualmie Valley Trail around 10am.   Yes, it’s kinda late for a long-run, but that’s the beauty about this trail.   There’s lots of trees around.  Lot of them, so it never really get too hot even in the middle of the day.  The weather is perfect 50 degrees with just enough sunshine.

I turn my audiobooks on, set my runmeter and off I went.   I was doing 3-1 Galloway method.  Run for 3 minutes, Walk for 1 minutes.   Before I knew it, I hit halfway point and felt really strong.   I slow down a bit on the second half as I felt that I ran a wee bit too fast for what I am used to.   I finished the entire 12 miles within 2 hours 19 minutes and still have plenty of energy to do 3 miles walk in the evening for my Light the Night Walk around Greenlake.   Not too shaby for a first-timer.

Sunday:

Rest

Fundraising:

Haven’t done much on this front as I’m going to my second phase of fundraising for the Tinker Bell Marathon.   I’ll be more active about this after my Portland Half.   Link for my fundraising page is here

Week 7: Portland Half – Busy Week

Plan for this week:

Mon: Run 3.75 miles

Tues:  Strength Training

Wed: Run 3.3 miles

Thu: Cross Training

Fri: Rest

Sat: Run 11 Miles

Sun: Rest

I totally flunked this week’s training.   It’s a week leading up to my wedding reception and well, I’m a wee bit busy than normal.  Yes, yes I know.  I should made that a priority but life get in a way and I did not do any of my strength training, cross training and long run (that scheduled on my wedding day!).   I was trying to make that happen though, even pack my running shoes along with my wedding dress but I was not able to do that.  Or let say – I did not make that as a priority.   I choose to enjoy the day with my husband instead.    After all, those 4 inches heels that I wore on Saturday gave my calves a workout as if I ran uphill!

How it went down:

Monday:

I took the girls with me to East Lake Sammamish trail so they can rode their bike around while I ran.  We stopped at my mom’s on the way there and my youngest one decided to stay behind at Grandma.   I asked my brother to join me and since he’s about to go out and did a run himself.    We got to the trail and while my husband unloaded the bike with my oldest daughter, I started the run with my brother.   My muscles felt pretty tight initially (after my 10 miler 2 days prior) but it started to loosen up about a mile into it.   I felt great and was trying on this pose running method that my brother-in-law told me.   It was interesting!  I did have to constantly thinking about it though.  I wasn’t able to just naturally do that.   As we approached the 2 miles mark, I heard someone calling my name.   It was my 5-years old!  She rode her bike (without training wheels) to catch up with me!  I was so surprised as she never rode her bike that far!  We had a little ‘accident’ as she fell off the bike on the 2 miles mark and I had to stop and comfort her, but my husband told me to keep running so I did.   I continued to run back and was a bit distracted as I was worry about my daughter.   Shortly after I finished, I heard a giggle and there she was, riding back to where we started.   I was so proud of her!  My 5 years old rode for 4 miles!  Oh, and I did pretty good myself.   My avg page was 11:20.

Tuesday:

I didn’t really do any strength training, but I went to see my PT and we did a few stretching and strengthening routines.

Wednesday:

Work get in a way and I skipped a run.   I only had an hour sleep the night before and I have nothing in my tank to even walk, let alone run.

Thursday:

I put on my running clothes, laced of my shoes and dropped my girls to school.   I told my husband to drop me on top of the hill and I will run home (yes, I don’t want to run hill).   It was awesome morning and I ran around my neighborhood.  Turn out, even though I avoid the main hill, I still had to run to about 3-4 different hilly road.   I also was trying on different running trick.  The Galloway method.   Jeff Galloway is the official running coach for all Disney event and I’m curious with this run/walk method.   I choose 4-1, which mean 4 minutes run and 1 minute walk and I love it.   My avg pace is 10:32 with this method!!  I *never* able to run below 11 minutes pace!  I want to try this method on my long run and see how that goes

Friday:

Rest Day

Saturday:

My schedule called for double-digit long run today but I have a wedding to have.   I thought that I might be able to do that afterwards, but who I was kidding.   Beside, as I mentioned above, my 4 inches heels that I wore really did a number to my calves!

Sunday:

Rest

Fundraising:

I didn’t do much for fundraising this week, but a few of my awesome friends donated to it without me asking.   You know who you are.  Thank you SO much from the bottom of my heart.   I’m looking for a corporate sponsor.   Yes, you.  I’m talking to all of ISV or Solution Provider company on my circle.   I know you are not doing or selling anything ‘running’ but I’m a DBA and what could be a better way to sponsor your own and have your company logo/name printed on my running jersey that I’m going to use on my Disney run.  Let me say it again.   DISNEY run (which mean, there’s thousands of people who will see that).  On top of that, you will be helping Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.   You are helping ME.   I’m a survivor and these organization play a critical roles on research for MY medicine.   Email me for detail or visit my fundraising page at http://tinyurl.com/HelpYanni

Week 6: Portland Half – Back to Normal

Plan for this week:

Mon: Run 3.75 miles

Tues: Strength Training

Wed: Run 3.75 miles

Thu: Cross Training

Fri: Rest

Sat: 9 miles Run

Sun: Rest

This week is a highlight of my training run so far.  I’m still nursing my IT Band injury but overall, I felt great and this week is my best week so far.   I went to see Physical Therapy on Monday and had a painful yet awesome massage for my injury.   I also learned a few different stretching technique and some different strength training routines to help my injury.    I also (gasp!) decided to register for my second half-marathon race before even do my first one!   Yes, I know – a bit ambitious, but hey – life is short and I can’t see a reason for NOT going after what I want to do.   Not even a stupid cancer can stop me.   On January 29, 2012 – I will also be running half-marathon on TinkerBell Run at Disneyland.   I’m so excited and looking forward to it!    I still need your help though, as my mission to raise money for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to fund research for finding the cure for my cancer still on and to meet my minimum fundraising for the race.

This week, I also did my FIRST double digit run!  If you asked me a couple months ago f I can run 10-miles, I would say – there’s no way I can do that.  Well, lookie here – I just did it yesterday.   I felt pretty awesome and not even once I have to talk myself into keep running.   I am so proud of me!

How it went down:

Monday:

I woke up early and ran at my favorite running trail by my house, Snoqualmie Valley Trail.   I felt really good with my pace and I was able to focus with my run.  I tried to pay attention with my body on recognizing the feeling of each part and made a mental note on how I felt.   The air was crisp and the trail was lovely.   I finished my 4 miles within 46:12 minutes.

Tuesday:

I did my strength training routines that was recommended by my Physical Therapist.   Mostly a hip exercise to strengthen my hips and prevent any future injury as well as a few cores routines.   Gotta love the lunges (all 4 kinds of it).

Wednesday:

I laced up my shoes around noon and head out to this waterfront trail by my office.   I set my iPhone app on and started to run.   I had another great run!  It was perfect day, with perfect breeze and enough sun.   I was focusing on my breathing, my heart beat and the sounds of my shoes hitting the ground, one after another.   I finished 4 miles withing 46:01 minutes and felt great afterwards

Thursday:

I was supposed to do cross training, but life get in a way.   I decided to call it an extra rest day.

Friday:

Rest day!

Saturday:

My brother-in-law and the husband are going out for the run with me.   We were at the trail at 7:45am and did our light warm up.   My husband was on his bike, and my brother-in-law was running with me.    The first mile went by really quick and I didn’t even realize it as I had a good time chatting with my brother-in-law as I was running (chatting and running, can you believe that?  I used to HATE that).   We ran side by side and just had a great time.   Before long, 3 miles went by and I switched to my audio books.   I love listening to audiobook when I run!   The one that I am listening right now is What I Talk about When I Talk about Running and it’s pretty good so far!   It kept my mind occupied during the long run and focus on the words.   I hit the 5 miles mark with no problem (other than the need for the bathroom break)!  I took my Gu shot, down some water with it and turn around on that trail for the second part of my run.   My pace slowed down a bit on the second half, but I still felt great.   Not even once, I had to talk myself to keep on running!   The tweets from my friends during my run were absolutely awesome!   I love you guys!   I finished 10 miles withing 1:58:11!  Under two hours!!  30 minutes faster than the time I was predicted for myself!!  So so happy!

Sunday:

Rest

Week 5: Portland Half – Nursing the Injury

Plan for this week:

Mon:   Run 4 miles

Tues:  Strength Training

Wed:  Tempo Run – 3.75miles

Thu: Cross Training

Fri:  Rest

Sat: Run 8 Miles

Sun: Rest

The knee pain that I’ve been feeling, turn out to be bigger than what I thought.   After doing my Monday run, it actually felt worst and my running coach was very concerned.   He told me to take Tues off and give it a rest, which I did.   After my Wed run – I was barely able to put pressure on it.   I iced it and stretched quite a bit, but it didn’t feel any better.   I took another rest on Thursday and Friday and only run 4 miles on Saturday.    I made an appointment to see Physical Therapy for next week since I want to make sure to nip this in the butt.

I was frustrated.  For those who knows me, patience is not one of my strongest suit.   I was antsy and very frustrated with the fact that I wasn’t able to keep up with my training plan.   My running coach assured me that I would be okay and he was confidence that I would be just fine even though I miss a few runs.   It’s another learning experience.    My body was trying to communicate with me, and I need to listen to it.

How it went down:

Monday:

I went to Snoqualmie Valley Trail and ran for 4 miles.   I felt okay during it, but my knee started to hurt about half way through.  I managed to finish it, but it wasn’t all too pleasant the second half of it.

Tuesday:

Rest.  Coach order

Wednesday:

Tempo Run.  I went to Sculpture Park by Seattle Waterfront and did the whole 3.75 miles.   I ran for 12 minutes (a mile) and did interval of 6 minutes pace-up, and 1 minutes pace-down.   I did that interval three times and follow by another 12 minutes ran.   Total 45 minutes (3.75 miles).   The interval was HARD and I felt like my heart about to jump out of my chest!

Thursday:

Rest.  Coach order

Friday:

Rest.  Coach order

Saturday:

My running coach change my training plan to only run for 4 miles.   I laced up my shoes and went to the neighborhood trail.   I know it’s out there, but never tried one before.   It was interesting trail and boy, it was a LOT of hills.   My calves felt like rock when I was done!  I did good the entire 4 miles, even with the pain in my knee

Sunday:

Rest

Fundraising:

Wow.  I am speechless.   Well, sorta.   I finally sent out my fundraising email out and the respond is completely amazing.   I raised $1,850.00 in a day!!!  A huge shout out to people in SQL Community!  I am so proud to be part of this community.  It’s full with amazing, generous person with a big heart.     You are helping Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, help ME.    Your funds are being used for funding a research to MY future medicine, patient support (ME) and all other wonderful things that this organization does.   From the bottom of my heart, thank YOU for your generosity.   You know who you are.    To participate on this great cause, visit http://tinyurl.com/HelpYanni

Week 4: Portland Half – Stubborness

Plan this week:

Mon: Run 3.75 miles

Tues: Cross Training

Wed: Tempo Run

Thu: Strength Training

Fri: Rest

Sat: 5 Miles

Sun: Rest

Wow.  What a week.   I was feeling the side of my newly dosage of medicine more than last week.   Fatigue hit me fast and hard and the bone pain just made me want to incorporate my pain meds as my diet component.   I am struggling.  Not just physically due to this limitation, but mostly emotionally.   A big shout out to my fellow runner, Jes, Karen, Rob, Erin and Brent which also a really great friend of mine.   They are constantly lifting my spirit up by short emails, tweets and even late night phone call.   I love you guys.   Who would’ve thought that I can have great friendship from this awesome SQL Community?   I’m not just talking about some friendship that we hung out during SQL PASS or SQLSaturday.  I’m talking the kinda friendship that go above and beyond that!

I took a few days break this week because I just wasn’t able to move.   However, I still did one of my short run (4 miles), and cross training and I end this week with an awesome accomplishment on my part of my first 10k race!  I did (surprisingly) good (all things considered), run the entire time and my pace was faster than my normal training pace (yes Karen – you warn me about this).   Despite the fatigue and the pain, I managed to cross the finish line upright and smiling!   Stubbornness can give you an extra fuel when you really need them.   Trust me on that.

How it went down:

Monday:

I was feeling very crummy on this day, but I was not about to give up my running.   After work, I laced up my shoes and John and I headed out to the trail.   I ran very slow to combat the fatigue and after a couple miles, my knee and shin started to hurt really, really bad.   On top of that, I have this bone pain from hip to the knee and the pain was coming from within, radiating out, left me with throbbing feeling.   That’s the side effect of my medicine – have nothing to do with the run, however, it just add the difficulty level on everything.   I ended up run for 4 miles, and it took me 52 minutes to finish it.

Tuesday:

Woke up with a throbbing knee and I knew that I have to give my leg a rest.  This one was from the running.  My coach, Andy, told me the same thing and even change Wed to be a rest day on my training plan.   I iced my leg a lot and really take it easy

Wednesday:

My modified training plan said rest, but I was resting yesterday and I felt somewhat decent.  I decided to do a cross training by walking on the elliptical machine for 2.5 miles.  I felt great afterward

Thursday:

My fatigue hit record high for a week.  I have absolutely no energy and again, this was a side effect of my medicine.   I stared at the dumb bell in front of me while I’m sitting in the couch.  It only took me a few steps from where I was sitting and did some basic core & back routines at home, but I just couldn’t move.

Friday:

Another schedule rest day.  I was preparing for Saturday long run, so hydrate, hydrate and more hydrate

Saturday:

I have registered myself to Railroad Days 10k.   I was a bit nervous since the last time I tried to do a long run, I didn’t go anywhere.  We were at the race location at 8:15am.  There’s about 700 runner on the event.   Both of my girls participated in Kids 1k race.  It was so cute to watch a bunch of kiddos with their running Bib.  My girls did awesome!  They both ran and got their medal!

My Girls and I - Ready to Race

My start time was at 9am.  I was almost at the very back of the all the runner when we start.  I started with my slow and steady pace.   I put my audio books on, turn on my tracking app and went on my way.    I hit the first mile before I even realize it and I was surprise to hear my pace.  I was about a minute faster than my normal pace.   I worried that I started to fast, so I slow down a bit.   Before I knew it – I was on mile marker 5 miles, and I kept on going.   I felt strong, and didn’t feel pain anywhere.   I just focused on6, one foot in front of another and didn’t even care about other runner or time.  After the mile six, I started to see the finish line.   I almost sprint on the last quarter mile and I finished with a huge grin in my face.  I did it!   Despite of feeling crummy, have all kind of discomfort, I managed to finish my first race with not-so-embarassing time of 1:14:14.  See my official result here

Sunday:

Another rest day to recover from the long run

Fundraising:

I did a couple tweet and a few people decided to donate.  I am grateful for those ones!  For those who want to help me and support my run, please visit my fundraising page at http://tinyurl.com/HelpYanni