run cahill run

Race day started out bright and early meeting friends in Berkeley where it was not bright, and more late than early. We left Berkeley at 4:15 and were safely in SF for the start. I had looked at the course elevation beforehand, so I had expected a strong climb leading up to the Golden Gate Bridge. Running over the bridge in a race was even cooler than I anticipated. B and I had run over it when we visited a few years ago, but running with a large group on the road was very cool. What I didn't anticipate were the rolling hills in the neighborhoods after the bridge and before Golden Gate Park. Those were torture. Overall, I felt great and was soo happy I did the half, rather than the full. Getting carded for my Irish coffee at the finish was a perfect ending. Maybe next year I'll do the 2nd half and eventually the full. (hold me to it!) 

On the third Monday in April, the world will return to Boston and run harder than ever and cheer louder than ever for the 118th Boston Marathon. 

I am so excited for the Boston Marathon this year. I honestly think about it 20 times a day. I am not afraid, I am proud of my city and for my fellow crazy runners. The only thing I am nervous about on race day is my emotions. I'm concerned that seeing crying people on the sidelines might make me cry. I'm worried that the emotions of the race will cause my throat to clench and my breathing to get harder. Running 26.2 miles is hard enough, but running with an emotional load on your back. Eek. So if you're out there this year, I have this advice - Cheer. Loudly. And excitedly. And with the biggest smile you've had on your face in a while. Offer high-fives. Make jokes. The best way we can take back this day, our favorite day, is to show the world how we unite as a people. In memory of the three souls lost last year, in honor of those whose lives are forever changed, we must cheer. We cannot cry. We must run on.

As with many of my past runs, despite the gross weather, I could not help but smile and feel incredibly fortunate that in just a few short weeks (23 days!) I will be returning home and running the Boston Marathon with the brave men and women of the Boston Fire Department and their friends. Whatever challenges we face on race day are nothing compared to the challenges BFD faces on a daily basis. I am truly honored by this opportunity. 

Foam Roller - a physical therapist introduced me to this simple but lifesaving post run tool. After every run (and other workout if I'm being good) I spend time massaging out my IT band and hamstrings. There are tons of other uses for this, but I really need it on those two areas. 

Thursday was a lovely evening. C + I were able to take Sady over to Cesar Chavez park for short run before sunset. It felt appropriate because the next day was Cesar Chavez day. The air was crisp, the light was lovely and we had a great time. When we were done, we met up with M and went to an amazing vegan restaurant in North Berkeley, Cafe Gratitude. It was a very hippy, Berkeley night and I loved it.

One of the other runners in my BFD marathon group said it better than I could after yesterday's tragedy. 

http://www.runnersworld.com/boston-marathon/back-to-boston#.UzB0ZimRXyM.twitter

For so many of us, running is a form of therapy. Starting as a way to deal with life's changes and then teaching you how to embrace them. Read one woman's story here. 

Because I'm a crazy person with Google, I found out a bit about Father Brian Jordan here, here and here. He seems like a really fascinating guy. 

Saturday I decided to tackle 20 miles. The team training in Boston had run 20 the week before and I was worried I was behind, despite my own training schedule. However, I lucked out and managed to get it done, and well! I mapped out a course that took me around campus, over the stadium, down toward the bridge and back. I actually hit 19.90 miles at my apartment and forced myself to keep going to hear my Nike+ tell me I reached my goal of 20 miles. Such a competitive goober. Anyway, the run felt good. B + I had stayed in the night before and gone to sleep before 11 so I was definitely well rested. This might have been my first run that I was more physically tired than I was mentally, but it's ok, I powered through! Each time something like that happens, it's so great to know you can push through, because you might need it race day. 

When we got to work the next day, another coworker was wearing this great shirt Nike came out with a few years ago. Too funny.

If you're interested in the cookie recipe, just double this recipe. You can mix and match any of the ingredients to your liking. 

Sunday’s long run was amazing. It started out kind of terribly – with me feeling like I was going to vomit after doing the 3 mile (very uphill) route around Cal Memorial Stadium. (could it be the cheese and crackers and girl scout cookies I had before my run? Or all the beers with my dad and B the night before?) However, the four miles after that went ok and by mile 7 I was in a groove. I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of my run, really taking in the sites and enjoying a new playlist B had made for me. After going around the stadium, I went down to the water, through the Berkeley Marina, onto the pier, into Cesar Chavez park and then back into Berkeley and home. After last week’s not-so-awesome run, I was soo happy this week’s went well. Though my training plan said to do 17 (1 up from last week) I decided to do 18 since I knew most of the others in the BFD training group were doing either 18 or 20. In addition to feeling great, it was my first long run in a while without rain! Now that I know I can run in the rain, I’d be happy to train in good weather from now on.