#endalz – Page 3 – Run Read Repeat

Marathon Training Week 2

It’s officially week two of marathon training. Or in my case weeks three and four. Going forward- I’m going to just call it what it is- so let’s call this week four. In the week one post I shared how I modified my training cycle on day one because I moved up the weekend I want to run my solo 26.2. The interesting twist this week is that I’m actually scheduled to run an in person half marathon on Sunday. Translation- I don’t really want to over do it this week, while maintaining the training schedule.

Monday

I really like to get my key effort for the week done at the beginning of the week. There’s a sense of accomplishment knowing that the key effort is complete and I can make up the rest of the miles during the week. Key effort this week 800×4. What that actually became was:

1 mile warm up

800 x 4 (at 8 minute a mile pace)/followed by a 400 at an easy jog

1.25 mile cool down

Speed work used to be my nemesis. Which often meant I skipped it. I learned quickly however, that the schedule calls for speed work for a reason…it helps- it makes you stronger and faster for longer distances. Therefore, I’m not religious about getting in my speed work. Lately I’ve been doing my speed work on the treadmill. If the kids ever go back to school my plan is to actually use the track!

The run felt great. I was working hard on my 800s but I dare say I could have pushed the pace a little bit more. We shall see next week what is the right push pace for that effort.

Tuesday

In a “normal” world I would not run on Tuesday. It would purely be a strength training day. But we aren’t living in a normal time. In pandemic times I started a running streak that I just don’t want to give up!! To keep my running streak going I’ve been running two to three miles on my “off” days. However, I made a conscious choice when I kicked off formal marathon training that I would limit the “off” days to two miles and then do some strength training.

I got outside for today’s run for the first time in a LONG time. I have a great two mile loop- out and back. I love that Stava tracks the similar loops and tells me how my run compares to previous times that I’ve done the same effort. Now, there are two thoughts to these runs. I should just go out nice and easy, do two miles and call it a day. But I also ran the 3000 in High School track. Basically, just short of two miles. So subconsciously I’m working hard on this time to see how fast I can get it.

The run felt great- average pace of 7:54 a mile. So clearly, I didn’t take it easy but instead gave it a solid effort. Came back home and did a full thirty minute of Body Weight only exercise with Move Daily Fitness.

So it was a solid “off” day!

Wednesday

Technically not an off day- but with a race looming I am not looking to add a lot of extra mileage. I’m also enjoying watching Bosch on Amazon Prime. The only time I watch is when I run on the treadmill. So the tradeoff is that I’ll run three easier miles and watch some Bosch on my iPad. So Wednesday brought three miles at an average pace of 8:11 a mile.

Thursday

Another “off” day. Back to my favorite two mile loop!! The goal other than getting in my two miles was to test some new items I got before race day. YOU NEVER USE, EAT, WEAR DO ANYTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!! So I was testing one of my new hats to see how it felt and whether it rubbed, along with my RoadID bracelet. Again, it felt good to get outside and off the treadmill.

Friday

Friday kicks off the virtual Rock n Roll running series. This week there were two races a 6K (3.7 miles) and a 10K. My plan was to do the 6K on Friday and then forgo the 10K this week with the upcoming race on Sunday. Again, I got outside to run. The weather was a bit cooler and I felt great! I determined that I can only really control keeping my runs easy when I run on the treadmill. I had no grand plans for this run, but apparently the run had plans for me! For the first time since I started running again I ran four miles all under 8 minutes, with an average pace of 7:48. What?? Who is this person? Bonus, I felt great!!

Saturday

The day before race day. Two easy shake out miles to keep my running streak going! Plus I got to watch part of Bosch. A win, win!

Sunday

Race day! An hour and fifteen minute drive was well worth it for an IN PERSON RACE. Ironically, I raced six months ago to the day in Orlando. The catch-this was a trail race! Read all about the good, the bad, and the ugly here.

Overall, it was a successful training week. The week called for 26 miles total, which I would have surpassed if I ran the full race on Sunday. But I ended the week with 25.2. I’m not concerned about the additional .8 miles. I’m ready to start week five!! Despite the crazy trail experience I’m feeling pretty good to start the week and I’m ready to “never miss a Monday!”

Stay tuned for next weeks review. As always, I run for those who can’t and to #endalz! Subscribe to never miss an update!

The Longest Day- My running Journey

The Longest Day is the day with the most light- the summer solstice. It’s also the day that the Alzheimer’s Association holds a variety of events to recognize the darkness of Alzheimer’s. In conjunction with my fundraising for the NYC Marathon I organized a Virtual 5K. Friends and family around the country participated. Somehow that didn’t feel like enough. But I decided to try something new- something I had never done. In order to recognize the sixteen hours of light I decided I would run 16 miles. But not just go out and run 16 miles, which would have been my longest run but totally doable. Rather, I set out to run one mile every hour starting at 5:30 AM and concluding with the sixteenth and final mile at 8:30 PM. In the abstract this didn’t seem impossible. While it wasn’t impossible it was definitely harder than I had anticipated.

The night before I didn’t sleep well. You know the kind of sleep when you are afraid you are going to oversleep and miss something. That’s how I slept. So I was easily up at 5:15 AM. I wanted my first mile to begin exactly at sunrise 5:39 AM.

While running mile one I reminded myself not to run too hard, as it was the first of many miles. Off I went while the rest of my family slept. I ran the first mile without my headphones. Truly able to appreciate the dawning new day around me.

What I didn’t really think through was how I planned to eat/drink during the day. It wasn’t until after my 6:30 AM Mile (mile 2) that I began my hydration plan for the day. It was very warm and humid, so I knew that even though I was running just one mile at a time, I was going to need to be mindful of my electrolyte balance. So I kept mixing up my Arbonne Phytosport to drink in between miles. It was a delicate balance between staying hydrated and not having too much fluid sloshing around when I was running.

By mile three I realized this was going to be harder than I thought. I was going out between 30-40 after the hour and running on average 8 minute 10 second miles. The trick was that when I got back I couldn’t really sit down because then I would tighten up and needed to stay loose to go out for the next mile. Did I mention, I was running the same loop each time??? It’s literally one mile if I turn left out of my driveway, run to the end of the street then turn around run to the end of the street in the opposite direction and come back to my driveway. So what level of crazy, do we think my neighbors thought I was as I was making these loops throughout the day??

Oh, one other side note. After deciding that I was going to run basically all day, my youngest (4, soon to be 5) was asked to do a special honor at services in recognition of his pre-school graduation. No biggie, right? Wrong, that meant that we had to be on Zoom from 9:30-11:30 AM. This through a slight monkey wrench into my running plans. So my 9:30 mile went off at 9:15. I quickly got back and modified my outfit to be Zoom appropriate. So I wore my “dressy” twist back tank and hustle shorts for the early morning miles and added a blazer for Zoom. While I had “running hair” I did even put some make-up on.

At 10:15 I excused myself from Zoom leaving my husband and boys to run mile six. So at this point in the morning, I’m feeling extra crazy trying to juggle being back and forth. Services should have concluded at 11:00. Big surprise they ran late. My son’s part was at the very end. As soon as he finished, I jumped up to go and run mile 7. It was a typical summer day- translation- hot, humid and the occasional shower. Mile 7 saw the first of the rain. It was that humid, it’s going to storm kind of rain.

Immediately after Mile 7 we ran out to get the items for Father’s Day dinner. I knew we would be cutting it close to be back for mile number 8. On our way back, I decided I would have my husband drop me off at a location that I knew was a mile from home. Trust me, any runner knows one mile in every direction from their house! As he was dropping me off the rain started up again and the sky was dark as night. Rumbles of thunder could be heard and there was definitely lightning. So in all likelihood the smarter thing to do would have been to get home and run on the treadmill. The next smartest option was my husband followed behind me in case the weather “really bad.” You know what- a little bit of fear of the weather and your husband/kids following behind you prompts your fastest mile in a VERY long time!

After mile 8 I had some of the very best cauliflower crust pizza- EVER! Again, not trying to overeat I only had a bit before I headed out for mile number 9. While I was still maintaining a good pace, each mile was starting to feel like a little more work. At this point I knew I was more than half way there. This was a huge mental milestone.

I had hoped to run mile 10 with my six year old. But the weather was still pretty dicey. As a result between miles 9 and 10 for me, he ran a mile on the treadmill, while my 4 year old did a quarter of a mile. They were so excited and proud to be part of the process. Note: we also used fundraising and running as a way to talk about the fact the Pop Pop (my Dad) has Alzheimer’s disease and what that means. It was a very hard conversation but an important one to have.

You know when it rains there are two options- it cools off or it gets more humid. Any guesses what the rain was like on June 20th??? Yup, the humidity cranked up after the rain. So many times I had previously told myself it’s just a mile you can do it. When you start adding all the just a miles on top of each other it becomes A LOT!!

The later miles were definitely harder than I had expected them to be. I did a wardrobe change to try to freshen up. But basically I was hot and sweaty on and off all day.

During Mile 11 I realized I was hungry and was going to need to do a better job with my nutrition. I decided a banana and peanut butter on wheat bread would do the trick. The snack provided just the boost of energy the I needed for Mile 12. Right before Mile 12 friends stopped by with some tasty muffins. I knew those would be a snack for the later miles.

By Mile 13 the humidity was pretty unbearable. I laughed to myself that I had reached a half marathon distance in what my father would call “the hard way.” I chatted with some neighbors who finally asked what in the world I was doing today. We shared that both of our fathers suffered from brain related diseases and commiserated on how hard it is for everyone.

Just three more miles to go. Part of me was like just go and run a three mile loop and call it a day. No one would know the difference- right?? But I would know. While I didn’t anticipate how tricky it would be to split the miles up the way I did, I also knew I didn’t set out to do something easy. It was meant to be hard. So I enjoyed a muffin and headed out for mile 14.

Mile 14 was rough. But honestly not quite as rough as mile 15. I was hot and tired. Mile 15 I modified the route because I just wasn’t sure I could do the hills in my neighborhood one more time.

Between miles 15 and 16 I said goodnight to my boys and tucked them in. Mile 16 was definitely the easiest of the last few because I knew it was the last one of the day. I felt so happy that I had accomplished my crazy goal. But it’s more than the miles. It’s that I used the Longest Day as an opportunity to bring others into the fold of the Alzheimer’s Association.

I started this journey to fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Association and as part of running the NYC Marathon. As it became more and more clear that the Marathon wouldn’t happen this year because of COVID-19 I had to shift my focus to cope with the loss of the race. Yes, I registered because I wanted to run the NYC Marathon (and I still will, just not this year!) but I registered because it is a way to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s and to honor my Dad. I’ve said it many times, while racing might be canceled the need to raise the important research dollars can’t take a pause, so I’m continuing my fundraising efforts.

Now that I’ve completed the Longest Day my attention is focused on what to do next. To complete the marathon training cycle and run my own race as my four year old suggested or just wait until next year. Stay tuned!!

Join me to #ENDALZ

The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. On June 20, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s. Let’s come together and run or walk a virtual 5K. All registration proceeds from the Virtual 5K will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Assocation.

I’m fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Assocation to honor my dad. I’m also training to run the NYC Marathon as part of the Alzheimer’s Team. Alzheimer’s has robbed my father of the prime years of his life. It’s a disease that has taken away his ability to do the most simple things that I no longer take for granted. Every time I run my mantra is “I RUN TODAY BECAUSE SOME DAY I WON’T BE ABLE AND TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY!” Along with “I RUN FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T!”

My Dad is not alone, currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk and we must come together to change the course of this disease.

There are several ways that you can join the effort (without running a marathon!):

Register to run, walk, or sleep in on June 20th All registrants will receive a downloadable race bib and completion certificate. And I’ll run a mile on June 20th for every person who registers for the Virtual 5K.

Purchase a t-shirt to commemorate our virtual race! – T-shirt proceeds will also be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Make a donation: http://act.alz.org/goto/kellyblavatt

Join the Event page for updates, giveaways and more!

Share your experience by tagging #longestdayvirtual5K

I’ll never run a marathon or so I said

In February of 2019, I set out a plan to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2020. Along the way, I began adding more races along the way. August 2019, a twelve miler the Charles Street 12, October 2019, the Baltimore Half Marathon and some 5Ks and 10Ks along the way. During the Baltimore Half the half marathoners met up with the marathoners along the way. And all I kept thinking was I can’t imagine running a marathon.

Then I was in New York the week before the New York City marathon. The energy was palpable. I carefully studied the race route. Then I saw posts on social media and became obsessed with the marathon. I learned you could run for charity. The wheels started turning. Never say never.

A little bit of history. In 2015 my father was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58. Yes, 58. Alzheimer’s continues to rob my father of the prime years of his life. Taking away his ability to remember and do “normal” day to day activities that we frequently take for granted. Not only is the process difficult for him it’s painful for the entire family.

The week after the NYC Marathon I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I still can’t stop thinking about it. So I did what I always do when something is on my mind. I research the heck out of it. And I reach out to my friend Suzy, Runlift Mom to get her opinion. I knew that tackling a marathon is a whole other beast than a half marathon. There are certain things you can fudge on so to speak…i.e. nutrition, stretching, etc. for a half marathon but that is not the case for a full marathon.

I continued my research. I learned that the 2020 is the Fiftieth Anniversary of the marathon. How cool to be part of a historic run??? Again my curiosity continued. You run through all five boroughs and over five different bridges. I learned that you can secure a spot in the marathon by time qualifying (not me) or by lottery. I anticipated that with it being a historic race that the lottery entries would be high. Were they ever. Nearly 185,000 entries for 4200 spot. Wow!! But wait, remember what I said above- you can also run for charity! And you guessed it, the Alzheimer’s Association is one of those charities.

The 2019 NYC Marathon was run on November 3rd. On November 6, I emailed inquiring how I could be part of the 2020 team for the Alzheimer’s Association. Eager much?? Just a little bit. They told me that I was on their list and they would circle back around with me closer to registration. Fast forward to the end of February 2020 and it’s go time. I received the online document to complete agreeing to be part of the team and to fundraise $4000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. In doing so I’ll be part of a team, a community committed to raising fund for the Alzheimer’s Association who will run the 2020 NYC marathon. So this is why you should never say never.

The way I see it- this is the PERFECT time to run a marathon and to have it be my FIRST. See I’m already not saying it’s going to be my only. Both my kiddos will be in school full time for the first time. So it looks like I’ve found a way to fill my “free” time…lots of running!! I’m originally from NY so it’s special to run the NYC Marathon. It’s the 50th Anniversary! And I get to do it for my Dad!! How could I not??

Well, it seemed like the perfect time to train and run for a marathon when I registered on March 8, 2020. But in the weeks to follow the country has been overtaken by COVID 19. We have been home for weeks and there is really no end in sight. There is talk about a Fall resurgence. As a planner, the unknown is difficult!! But I’m going to be optimistic and keep the faith that on NOVEMBER 1, 2020 I’ll be running five boroughs and five bridges in honor of my dad!!

I look forward to documenting my journey along the way. Additionally, if you would like to join the fight to #ENDALZ by making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of my father you can do so here: http://act.alz.org/goto/kellyblavatt

Truly no donation is too small. Each and every contribution will help us to get one step closer to find a cure and provide support to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families.

Thank you in advance for your support!