Ashley Runs is Moving.....

So I have my other blog and I thought this would happen... its really hard to work with two blogs even though I wanted this one to be only running. So I am combining the blogs... I will see all my running buddies and friends over at my 

ashleyrperry.blogspot.com!!!

No News is Good News

Well Like I said, no news is good news and I dont have much to blog about here in the running blog. I have been blogging up a storm in my other one though so go read some good stuff there. ashleyrperry@blogspot.com

I have managed to run here and there, but my schedule has been busy seeing the sights and soaking in the rays over here in Istanbul. I have been trying to find a good time to run since the weather is so hot all of a sudden (they pretty much skip spring over here).  I can't really wake up early enough to go on a run since the kiddie are up and about around 7am. I have tried going early in the morning but it makes for one awful long and tiresome day. I can't go anytime throughout the day (unless there is a wind factor or some clouds) its too hot. So the evenings have been getting all my affection. I love and hate running in the evening here. First of all there is a huge hill that the sun goes behind so its still light but cools off very fast. This makes for a wonderful temperature for running. Then there is also a slight evening breeze along the seaside. Just perfect. The part I hate is that evenings are when there are the most people out an about along the seaside and messing around in the roads. I am not a big fan of running when being stared at but I have come to just ignore it and look like i dont care. 

So there is my update blog... short and sweet, no new news... I wish I was looking forward to a race or something cause it at least gives me a good reason to run everyday.

Elliptical Finally!

Yesterday was the first day I was able to work out since the Istanbul Half Marathon on Sunday. I know it was a long time, trust me I was ready to run on Wednesday but for two reasons I didn't. The first reason being that I had some trouble with working out too soon after the Berlin Half marathon and didn't want that to happen again. The next reason being that there are 5 LARGE blisters on my feet. Two are on my toes (one was underneath the toe nail... nasty... I wont go into detail on how I dealt with it.) Then there are a couple more on the ball of my foot, one about the size of a nickel. The third reason I guess would be that I broke my blackberry and am still upset about it, I have no music to listen to.

So today my host mom took me to the gym! The Turkish one that actually super expensive to be a member at and as much as I love the stationary bike, elliptical , and the stair stepper, I refuse to pay the ridiculous price. I have not been able to use them... until NOW! It was so nice to use the elliptical for 45 minutes and watch TV not having to worry about running back home, or who was watching, staring at me.... and all that outside running nonsense. PLUS my joints and tendons are really thanking me today for giving them a rest of impact on the nasty cobble stones. I think in the future I will try and use the track paved road in Emirgan park more often. 

I don't have anymore half marathons or races planned so I am feeling a bit lost.  

What do you do when you have nothing (no upcoming races) to train or look forward to? 

 My nothing to look forward to I mean in the immediate future. I am going to start my marathon training here within the month. My first one will be Portland Oregon October 10th! Which is the day after my birthday! WHOOP!

Golden Horn Half Marathon

This last Sunday, April 25th was the Golden Horn Half Marathon here in Istanbul! Here is a detailed blog about the race! Unfortunately since I run with my blackberry for music, and since I didnt bring my camera for fear of it getting stolen, I took pre race photos with the blackberry. Which I continued to then dump water all over myself (due to the heat I will get to in a minute) and therefore ruined my blackberry, leaving me picture less..but worse blackberry-less which means no more music for me....damn it. Here is a photo I just snapped of the race shirt, my bib number and my medal!

Pre Race- Sunday morning was a crispy fresh morning, one of those morning that just smells good, looks good and feels good. I woke up at 5:00am to the morning prayer call from the local mosque here in Istanbul. Which is the most important prayer of the day so to me this was a good omen! A good luck charm if you will for my day to come. I had some coffee, got dressed, waited for the sun to come up and light the roads then went on a short 2 mile warm up run just like I did in Berlin. I was trying my hardest to mimic what I did in Berlin since it worked so well for me last time. After the run I decided on what to wear - it was already warm outside so I picked my pink shorts, black tank top and sports bra with a pull over to keep warm until the race. Then I packed my race bag with extra clothes, shampoos, deodorant, my flip flops and other essentials. I made sure to stretch for almost 20 minutes this time. Lots of leg kicks and crosses which are my favorite. Then I had my breakfast, as I have said before its a bad idea for me to eat within two hours of a run, my stomach cant handle it so its 6:45am and I have one hard boiled egg, some Gatorade, and a banana with toast. I was listening to come calming music while doing this, sitting on the couch to try and relax my body. Then at 7am I was off to Feshane, where the race starts!

Feshane is an expo center now right at the starting point to the Golden horn. Quick bit of Info: the Golden horn is the body of water that extends inland from the Bosphorous Straight and the Marmara Sea creating the peninsula that is Sultanahmet Square where you can see Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque as well as Topkapi palace. (Click on those links and you can see my other blogs info about those places and what I did when I went there!) Here is also a fun interactive little map that the race website had, so you can see what I mean when I describe points in the race! Click here for map! 

So once at the main center awaiting the start of the race I was immediatly shocked at the amount of people who were there, I mean mouth dropping shocked.... No there was not thousands, in fact there was not even one thousand! It was so small! Only about 700 runners 63 of which were women. So see why I was shocked!! It felt empty, it felt like there was not this huge even taking place but rather a bunch of gym buddies decided to put together a show and name it a half marathon. I guess I just expected something more like Berlin. 

The Race- After trying to focus my nerves and think, visualize the race, get my head in the game. I took a short lap around the parking lot, did some butt kicks, knee highs and such. Then I got into place in the start area. I was at the front.... realizing this is NOT where I wanted to be I started stepping backwards only to bump into some American Army guys who were there running and thought I was crazy (not for running but for coming to Istanbul, never having seen the place, and deciding to stay/work for 8 months) It was nice to distract my mind which was racing with nerves. Then just like that the race started and I was off running. With such small amounts of people and with everyone so spread out it was difficult to really judge my pace (compared to others.) There were the obvious athletes passing me, the ones who will no doubt finish in under 1.5 hours. Then there were the seasoned group of teams who have been training all year for such events. They seemed to pass me as well, I started to realize that my energy was missing, the music I was listening to was not helping me to run in anyway. I started to sing songs, and remember stories to distract my mind. I was able to hit some bursts of energy here and there which was supposed to be my plan to come in under 2 hours. Then we left the Golden Horn and started running along the Seaside at about kilometer 7.5. 

This was the hardest part of the race, not only is it that middle part (7.5-12.5KM) but it was 75 degrees along the seaside at 10am! They had water stations for us with sponges as well (this is how my blackberry got broken, in my stress and rush to cool off I dumped the sponge all over my body before removing my blackberry from my shirt... it was soaked...) I am even a bit sunburnt on my shoulders from the sun which I wont complain about, but my nose being sunburnt I will. Its peeling a bit and it hurts! After we came out of the seaside area and back along the Golden Horn the wind really picked up, a head wind that was making me feel like I might blow over! Add this to the fact that they didn't do the best job of making sure that pedestrians stayed out of the crosswalks and I defiantly had to dodge an old grandma trying to cross the street. 

The scenary was gorgeous however, we started in the oldest district of Istanbul you could still see the old Constantinople city walls. Once out of this area we hit Eminönü a lovely district with the New Mosque and the spice bazaar on out left. The sunny seaside gave way to views of the seaside wall of Constantinople and the old 6th century port gates. As well as the Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque minarets. The end was lovely because you were facing the oldest cemetary which has the Pierri Lotti cafe at the top. This Pierri fella was a famous poet that I don't know too much about, but apparently that face is where he wrote most of his poetry. Its a huge hill and that turned out to be great motivation or me. I was thankful we didn't have to run up the hill!!!

Post race- In the end I was not able to beat my time in Berlin. I crossed the finish at 2:15:58 about 8 minutes longer then last time. At first I was a little disappointed but then I realized that I did my best, the sun was not a factor I had anticipated and neither was the wind or the hills. I made my other goal of never walking, never slow jogging, but to keep the same pace which I am very proud of. I think my body deserves a bit of a rest and some relaxation (chocolate is where I will start). One thing about the post race was my stomach did not agree with the bananas and the water I was given. I had the worst stomach ache for the next 3-4 hours and sleep was the only thing I could manage on my day off... somewhat of a disappointment again since I only get one free day to explore. Until next time!! I wonder where my next race will be.....?

Pre Istanbul Half Marathon

So Its only four days away, Istanbul's Half Marathon around the Golden Horn, and I wanted to make sure that I got a good record of how I was training up till the day. As I mentioned in the last blog this Icelandic Acid rain thing has got everyone kinda freaked out and by freaked out I mean really freaked out. Although I don't really believe there is much harm that can come from it here in Istanbul, the government thinks differently. State schools were shut down today and probably other public buildings. The news was talking about how all the sulfuric ash in the sky will damage the monuments and corrode the bridges, telling people to not take their kids outside and to not darn go outside in the rain which of course it rained off and on all day. 

So with all this tension over it in the air (I mean they are canceling flights and such as well.) I decided that I would not run today. (I think it qualifies for a good excuse which was a topic of a blog i read recently but I am blanking o whose blog it was.... sorry) 

This means that I will run short 3-5 mile runs Wednesday (5 miles), Thursday (3 miles), and Friday (3 miles). Saturday will be my rest day as well as find the building where I am supposed to pick up the information packet day. Its crazy to me that they have this packet pick up the day before the race and only the day before, in a very not obvious place that is almost impossible to fine and even harder to get to by public transportation so wish me luck....

Speed Training like NEVER Before

All you need is a somewhat nice day, your best running shoes, 6-15 boys ages 8-11 and  A LOT of space! No I am not kidding. I went for my weekly English lesson for two twin boys and they didnt have much homework to do so we went outside to play. They gathered up all the neighborhood boys and we played a game called Cops and Robbers. There was a ton of sprinting involved, lots of running up hills, around corners, and even stairs as I tried to dodge the kids or catch them depending on which position I was at the time. We were in this apartment complex that was all hills, hardly any even straight patches and the boys wanted to take the scenic routes through the yards. Tons of blackberry bush dodging as well as a near fatal fall off a ledge.... it was probably the most fun I have had with that many children in a long time. We continued this game for, no joke, an hour and a half! I was so tired. The funniest thing happened to make the games actually stop, it had started to rain and since that crazy Icelandic volcano has been spraying ash all over Europe of course these kids have heard of it. They all assumed it was acid rain and wanted to go home after that. Oh well. I will be suggesting this game next week for sure! It was a great workout!

One week till Istanbul Half Marathon... I am focusing on relaxing and short runs Tuesday-Friday then all rest on Saturday!! I want to break my PR of 2:07:58!

Hypochondriac....?

So first of all read my post before this, OUCH!  if you have not done so already, since this is an off shoot or rather an add on to it. So I was having a hip issue that was rather scary since it was in an odd place and very painful for no reason at all. I had not gone running that day, didn't fall or otherwise injure myself. I did walk around for several hours but took breaks here and there so it was a little frightening. I did what every well educated college graduate would do.... I GOOGLED  the problem. I found this article on Hip Pain, which described my pain fairly accurately and is actually part of a blog I follow. I took some great advice from some of my fellow blog friends and did some hip flexor stretches which made it feel better after a bit. 

I was however digging deeper into the best-running-tips.com blog and low and behold this article crossed my screen, Sleeping Foot. I am not kidding when I say that I have a bad circulation problem, it starts with my fingers and only recently have my toes been going numb. I did what the fellow in the blog post did and switched everything yet it still happens.... creepy right? Well I shrugged it off and continued reading when yet again... another coincidence? Swollen Calf Muscle. Ok so I dunno if any of you remember this but a while back I wrote about THIS EXACT SYMPTOM which eventually went away without me wondering what it was but now I am so freaking curious as to if this is what I have... so you see I think I have become a hypochondriac.

On the bright side though, I have stayed off the hip and iced it and the pain is gone. Tomorrow I start my taper down since the Istanbul half Marathon is in two weeks. I am going to stick to easy 3-5 mile runs every other day or so. Nothing to serious. I think one thing that really helped me a lot was that I spend the three days leading up to the half marathon hydrating myself. I drank water like crazy! So I will do that again was well. I am getting pumped! 


PS  I love people who bribe me to read! Check out the 3 Changes Challenge and you will know what I mean! I have even fallen into this bribery Idea and it seems to work pretty well. 

OUCH!

Yesterday was an AMAZING day! First of all it was a no running day, Saturday I did a long run and therefore rested on Sunday. But, technically no rest was really given and today I am feeling it big time. I spent the entire day walking, uphill, downhill, under bridges, over bridges, through Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and all over the Spice Bazaar. If you want to read more about my adventures at these places (and see the pictures) you will have to read my other blog Ashley Renee Perry

Well all this walking was probably great for me since I ate like 3 simits (Turkish form of a bagel) but it did a toll on my hip. Literally the joint of my hip is sore, like its been rubbed raw or something. I tried taking a break and stretching a bit but it still hurts this morning. Which means no running today for me... bummer. Regardless I still think that I will be able to run tomorrow I don't think its took serious just a bit sore. My fingers are crossed! Anyone know of some good hip stretches? besides the obvious hip flexor one?

Steppin up My Game

Ok so two weeks to go till my second half marathon here in Istanbul. (April 25th.) Today I am off on my last long run (13+ miles to the Bosphorus Bridge and back.) Today I want to finish it as it it where a real half marathon I was running. I want to time myself and see how close to 2 hours I can make it. 

There is this website I follow called Active.com and here is an article I got in my email today; 5 Ways to Run Faster I am going to focus on these things for the next 2 weeks.

Stamina, Endurance, Tempo, Speed, Power.  

All words I love!

Basically the article wants you to focus on the stamina you have to finish the race, without stopping. The Endurance to make it through the middle "hard" parts of the race, the Tempo to run comfortably, Speed to get that time you aim for and the power to do this while feeling relaxed, not exerted. Pretty easy goals right? They are mine for the next race, or rather the training ones for the next race!

Anticipation

In Anticipation (as well as excitement from my Berlin race.) I wanted to start running and training again so that the next half marathon (April 25th) I can run better, faster, stronger. I gave myself 3 whole rest days thinking that was enough, and it really seemed that way. Long story short the Thursday after by race I ran 2 miles, Friday I ran 5 miles and on Saturday I attempted 8 miles. 

It didn't go so well. About 3 miles in to the run I got these sharp pains in my legs that made running impossible and walking almost unbearable. I was on the point of tears as I walked the rest of the 8 mile loop all the way. I hate turning around and I hate going through the same crowed of people here in Istanbul, one long mysterious stare from each person is enough from me. This pain was nothing to freak out about I had a feeling it was just too much running too soon. I dont want to drag out the details of my death walk home, I was pretty upset and my facial expression showed it. 

I then took another 3 days off. I also tried out an ice bath (which was really just cold water in the tub). I stretched a lot, walked a lot. Yesterday I ran again, 6 miles and it went fine so we will see what today brings!

Ok So I started this post, then ran, and am now adding my run for today... another 6 miles which I am tempted to just say is really like 5 miles. Google earth might be off cause I sure can finish it faster then I should be able to. Who knows maybe I am improving drastically but I really doubt it. I can do the whole "6 miles" in 40 minutes... so ehh.... Regardless I felt fine and I even finished up with some intervals. 


I have been looking for a good Marathon training program to start to follow and this is what I have found. So far I like it... tell me how do you train for a marathon? Remember this is my first one and its in October 2010.

The Winner is....

Kristin!!

Keep watching the video of Joy and her interiew for Fox... here is the link again...or rather the link to my blog that talks about Joy and her interview which also includs the video to watch!! Watch it as much as you can so she gets as many votes as possible!!! Thanks again guys!

Kristin shoot me an email of our address so I can send you a super cool awesome post card from Istanbul! ashleyreneeperry@gmail.com

So a quick review of my first run post half marathong, It was great... no problems, not one soreness or cramp... couldnt have asked for a better 2 mile run after such an amazing race. Training continues starting today with a 5 miler (hopefully this afternoon if not in the evening). Oh and I found an awesome forest type trail with track turf paths so I will be using that a ton since its so much nicer on my knees!!! Keep reading and tell your friends and family!

In Berlin, Germany I ran 13.1 miles and this is how it went....

March 28th, 2010 in Berlin, Germany I ran 13.1 miles and this is how it went....

One of the best feelings in my life was crossing that finish line on Sunday. Not only because I was dying and ready to stop running 6K before, but it was the fact that I had just accomplished something that people only talk about doing, most never do, and few have finished feeling as I did...strong. 

Before I tell you about my half marathon experience I want to take a moment to recognize the 43 yr. old German participant that died 500m from the finish line that day. I don't know his name but I saw the scene and can only imagine what his family is going through. I send my support to them and wish them the best that's possible at such a hard time.

This half marathon was such an inspiration for me, it made me feel like "Yes I Can!" (no pun towards the Obama campaign intended there,) but seriously I now feel like anything I ever want to do or accomplish will probably seem like a piece of cake. I now understand why people strive for more runs and much longer runs, such as the marathon, the iron man, the centennial and all those ultra marathons. Its like OK how much farther can I now go? Well this chick is seriously the happiest girl alive at the moment I cant imagine what I will feel like after a marathon! So here goes, I will try my very best to fill in all the details of my first ever half marathon, the fun, the pain, the anguish, the struggle, the achievement, the hope, the relief, the excitement and the beer. I hope you have free time to read this cause it will by no means be a short one. 

POST RUN: There was one minor detail that I was not going to freak out about (visibly anyway) and that was day light savings time. I know that those of you in the US experienced this like 2 weeks ago but for us over here in Europe that wonderful time of year where we lose one hour of sleep happened at 4am Sunday March 28th, the day of the race. I was not too worried, but in all actuality I kept thinking it might cause a problem which of course it did. I wanted plenty of time for a post morning run, breakfast, relax/pump up time, and a chance to calm my nerves. So to me 6am seemed like a perfect time to wake up, giving me plenty of time to ease myself into the events of the day until race time at 10:45am. I was under the impression my phone would not change time on its own so I woke up at 5am thinking in my head that its now 6am. Well I asked reception what time it was since it was still dark outside and they said its only 5am and then continued to explain to me the point of daylight savings time. I went back to sleep.... (If you know me then you will understand I am early for everything, I have some weird fear of being late and so I was really forcing myself to go back to sleep and that the extra 2 hours of sleep would be needed. 

7am: I am up, dressed for a 20 minute, 2 mile run I planned out the day before. I stretched a ridiculous amount and then headed out the door. My morning started off with knee pain, like the kind of pain that is caused by a pinched nerve or a too cold and too sore muscle. It shot from my right knee down to my ankle. I thought great, awesome, this is wonderful. I tried to convince myself it was just the cold (and Berlin is a VERY cold place especially in March at 7am.) so I pushed through the warm up still nervous about what the heck I was going to do with this pain. I gave myself a massage, ate a banana, hard boiled egg, water and some free coffee (the women who owned the hostel loved that there was a "girl" running the half marathon staying at her hostel). I had also picked up some PowerBar energy gel things at the expo center the day before and downed one of those.  

Side note: I liked the energy gel and I really think it worked but since the directions were in german I am not sure if I did it right... I just ate it but maybe you should be mixing it with water? I dunno...

I also took 3 IBprophrins, this seemed to do that trick and thank god the pain stopped. We headed to the race which was super close to our hostel. The entire walk was like a crazy dream for me, my stomach had about a thousand butterflies in it while my head was like on over drive with reminding myself how to breathe, what my strategy was, how to prevent my knee from hurting, what my warm up was going to look like, not to fall, what music should I start with.... etc. I wont even try to explain how fast my heart was beating but lets just say it probably broke records. The race area was packed with people, over 27,000 contestants about 13,000 women runners. The weather was freezing, gushing wind and threatening to pour (which is did but in small amounts). I began my warm up and magically my knee was not hurting anymore, I might have the medicine to thank for the warm up but probably both. I did all kinds of jogs, skips, high knees, butt kicks, toy soldiers, stretches, more kicking, more stretching, for a good 20 minutes. I got in the ridiculously long line for the bathroom and right at 10:45am decided to jump the fence and enter the race pack!!! 2 minutes later a count down started, a gun went off, and the pack of 27,000 people started moving!! RACE TIME!

THE RUN: We started over by the Berlin Dome and ran at first down Unter den Linden street through the Brandenburg Gate. I knew from all my Running Buddies and their great advice that I needed to start out slow, don't try to get a head of everyone (although it was necessary to navigate oneself a bit through the crows). I was feeling wonderful, so much energy, no pain, I felt strong and ready to have a great race. Then it started to rain... It poured down rain for about 15 minutes but we all got soaked, and it was freezing... I really am surprised I did not catch cold.  So for the first 8-10K of the race I was feeling wonderful, enjoying all the scenery, all the monuments and plazas we got to pass by really motivated me to keep running, just KEEP RUNNING, it actually helped me focus on other things so running didn't seem like such a chore. I was determined to not only finish but finish strong and not only strong but without stopping, I would slow down to a jog but I refused to walk... refused!

I think that in refusing to walk it makes this experience so much more gratifying. Before I left for Berlin my boyfriend told me to make a list of goals, hide it, and look at it after the race. Well here it is....  

Finish 
Finish under 2:20:00
Finish Strong 
9 minute per mile pace
2 mile warm up/lots of stretching before and after
Stay head strong
Don't give up on the hills

I stuck this paper in my drawer at home and am looking at it now thinking... damn... I did good! The hardest part during the race was kilometer 13-19. Seriously dreaded each step, but didn't walk because I knew that all I needed to do was convince myself that we were close, I was close, I was almost there. This is where my games activity came into play. I picked a person in front of me and I made sure that the distance between me and them never changed.... assuming this person was not slowing down (actually they always seemed to me speeding up). This kept my pace up and really helped me to focus on not slowing down. I changed people often and even at one point sprinted for one or two minutes ( I started to notice a lot of people passing me and thought maybe I was going slower then it seemed.) 

There was a point between kilometer 15-17 that I was sure I was not going to meet my goal of finishing under 2:20:00. I had seen the 10K marker and the timer at that point read 1:24:00 and I to me it seemed like more then 30 minutes had passed and we were only on about 16K. Something inside me said to not give up, that if one goal was not made then at least the others could be made (Finish strong, Finish, etc...) So I pushed on. One somewhat disappointing thing was that it was not until water station 4, the last one, that I realized they were handing out tea, warm tea, and not just cold water. I took two cups and kept on running, this tea saved the 17-21K all the way to the finish for me. I think cause it was warm it was like a burst of energy. I was able to pick up speed, pass people again, and really pump out the last stretch! 

Side note: Having people cheer you on almost the entire way is the most awesome feeling in the world, I have never been one to play sports other then in high school and so I think I missed out on this feeling. It was so motivational to hear "USA" being chanted when I came around a corner early on in the race. Also they had bands playing every other kilometer, as well as crazy (drunk) fans and family members. It was so cool I felt like they were all cheering for me too which made me finish stronger then I could have imagined! 

Then there was that feeling.... that feeling when you see the finish line... it was like "OMG I am almost done, OMG run faster, get there so I can finally strop running!" Then, once I got there it was like, "OK now I can stop running!" "I finished, I am a winner!" 

Here is a cool link that is me crossing the finish line

Which is something I think is super cool! I have been showing all my family and friends the clip. I was able to finish in 2:17:24 which is what the clock above the race finish line read. I was ecstatic! I could not believe my time, really I was shocked that I did so well! I was at the point of crying, no joke! I feel immeasurably proud of myself. The realization of what I had accomplished hit me like a flash and my body was thrown into this struggle to stay calm, not shout, yell or scream (which honestly would have been except able). So you can only imagine the absolute shock when two days later I realize, "oh hey the time you were looking at was the start of the race as a whole, you were not a part of the first group that started running, but rather you were in the E group toward the back.... which means that maybe you should look at the button timer that was on your shoe... which read 2:07:58!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

2:07:58 was a time that I never imagined I would get.... never imagined that it would feel this way, to finish so strong, so great, and so proud!

I can't wait for the Istanbul Half Marathon April 25th!

Berlin, Germany... Watch Out!

So I had my run today which was the best one I have had in about a week! It was the Tarabya 9.4K loop. I made a new play list and wanted to try it out. Not only do I have all the right songs for a long run but they are in the right places. I know that around kilometer 7 the incline increases till about kilometer 11 so during that time I have strategically placed some "telephone" "Pump IT" and "DJ Earthworm" to really get me motivated to keep going. 

I have stretched, made some goals (hidden them and will not look at them till I am finished with the race, recommendation from my BF). I am about to start the two hour journey to the airport! 


this was supposed to be posted when I left last Friday but obviously something went wrong.... 

AHH!!!!!! PRIZES

I feel like screaming... here is one reason why I have not been giving to much attention to this running blog but tonight I know will be one of endless sleep so I am planning on really making it look all amazing! 

On another note- I have an amazing friend named Joy! (that's her blog) and she is trying to get a job as the new Face of Fox for the local news company in New Mexico. So if you have few minutes, which I know you all do! (or wish you had that much time.) Could you please go to her blog... and watch the video she has posted on her blog... here is the link

Basically just watch the video as many times as you can... every day!

For an incentive to watch the video... THERE WILL BE A PRIZE! Just leave me a message and tell me if you watched the video...next Friday.... I will choose a winner and that person will get a postcard from me over here in Istanbul!!!

 PS- Your vote is based on watching the video ENTIRELY and you can watch it over and over again to rack up the votes!!! PLEASE DO.... if you watch it everyday for a week leave me another comment.... and you get your name added again if you join as a follower on my blog!!!

Like I Have Said Before... I Would Do This

So If you know me well enough you would know that  I love making list, organizing just about anything and everything. When I get into "that" mood there really is nothing to stop me. So in my much anticipated excitement for this race, in less then a week, I have created a schedule which I tend to stick to. 

**First of all I would like to note that keeping this schedule is highly unlikely in my circumstance since my routines and daily schedules, outside of running, are subject to change at any moment, for any reason and those changes will greatly effect my running schedule. However I was in that "mood" anyway. 

Both Saturday and Sunday were running days for me. Saturday was a shorter run, Sunday was but a bit more then the Saturday one. I dont want to injure myself, I know I need rest days but there needs to be a place to put all this energy and anxiousness I am feeling, hence I run. The plan is simple, 

   Monday- I will do a short 35 minute run but a fast one which I will time to get a feeling of my new fast pace which has been gradually increasing. 

   Tuesday- I will do a timed 4-5 mile route but not so much fast pace only a race pace. 

   Wednesday-OFF Day with tons of stretching, abs and push ups

   Thursday- Will be a longer steady race day 6 miles (Fahit Bridge and back)

   Friday- Rest day with tons of stretching (My flight is at 11pm to Berlin)

   Saturday- This day is packed full of walking so that will be a great way to keep my joints oiled.

   Sunday- RACE DAY!!! WHOOP!

I have already made a "list of materials to print" aka race confirmation and bib number, directions to place to pick up pre race packet, and directions to the race. I have made a "things to pack" list. "Things to see in Berlin" and a basic itinerary for our weekend! I hope Sarah doesn't hate me after this weekend!!!

If I forgot to mention this, Sarah, who is also here in Istanbul doing what I am doing. She is coming with me! So I have at least one person cheering me on who is actually present since I know everyone of you and my friends and family back home will be cheering me on as well!

Oh I almost forgot! I am making a USA head band to wear... so keep checking to see the pic of it I'll post when its finished!!!

8 miles... naw... 5.5 is enough

The past day or so has been a rut, I wanted to run Friday but didnt for two reasons. Reason number one was because I was super busy taking care of the kids (host mom is out of town so its pretty much an all day thing). I really had no time to run, since on top of taking care of the adorable little ones I was hosting a friend of mine who was feeling a little homesick. It was all bad timing. I should have ran when Ege was napping but didnt cause I didn't feel like it (which was reason number two). So I was going to run after by friend left but turns out she wanted to stay the night! YAY! Hence just no time and bad planning on my part. I justify it as an extra rest day which meant that today I was planning an 8 mile run. 

I woke up super excited cause the sun was out and shining, no clouds, no wind and it was hot! I put on my running shorts, and a long sleeve and ran out the door! I was really loving the run, I am diggin the Telephone song by Gaga and B. I think I had in on repeat for like 6 times in a row. I love the parts when the track jumps. At about mile 5.5 miles I got a rock in my shoe and stopped to get it out, stopping was so amazing not because I needed a rest but the sun felt AMAZING on my face. I rested there for about 10 minutes soaking in the sun rays. Then I just turned around and headed back since I didn't want to be gone too long. 

Berlin in one week! I am getting all my music ready!!! 

Game Time!

Ok so today I was feeling super guilty which was actually a motivation since in the am I was dreading the run I had planned for the day. I took yesterday off since I am trying to not over strain myself even though every ounce of me wanted to run! The sun was out and shining. Low and behold the sun hides and the rain comes when I do run.... I am only running every other day and no more then a 9.4K route which includes some whopper hills. (I might do speed work on the off days... but only like 2K its still to be determined.) Mentally I am so ready for this race! Like I posted before I feel myself getting better and stronger. I started thinking about how I will start my race day such as what foods I want to eat and when. I already know that personally I cant eat starting 2 hours before the race, my stomach is a slow digester and it makes running miserable. I have started to time my eating (before the runs) and 2 hours is perfect if its a light meal. I am thinking beagle, peanut butter and a banana with coffee obviously... lots of it! I think I will sip on a Gatorade about 45 minutes before the race as well since I have tried that and it seems to settle fine in my stomach. Here are some photos from today's run. I actually got lost, like literally lost up on the hills of Istanbul looking for my street. My great navigational skills told me I was going the right way but all of sudden the streets were unfamiliar and rather then downhill like they should have been by that point it was flat and parallel to the Bosphorus... I needed downhill perpendicular to Bosphorus.... One thing that really amazes me as how much more I know about the bus stops in this place then the people who actually live here. I asked like a dozen people "Which way to Istinye Dereici bus stop" in Turkish and everyone had this look of "WTF" on their faces. Maybe they just didn't want to tell me but I highly doubt all of them are that mean. These are just poor people walking around with nothing better to do. Regardless I figured it out and being on top of the hill made for great photos!!! 

 This photo is the starting point for the Eurasia Marathon, it runs from the Asian side to the European side. It a great milage marker!

This can be a drinking fountain, I don't think I will try it out though.

Dunno what this building is but I'd love to live here....

Same Building just the other side....remember I am running while I take all these photos... not stopping!

This photo is the reason I got lost, I had to get a good view of the chicken in the backyard of the apt building complex so I turned around and ran by it again and again.

Point where I realized I was lost, My house is down there somewhere and I should have ended up a lot closer then this... Off to the right is the industrial/business district with all the skyscrapers.

Still too high up to see my house....

Oh there is my house.... the shortest pink apartment building.. and I am still like a mile away, I need to go down the hill I am on and then up the hill the apts are on. gees....

Well that's it for now...

Easy Breezy Beautiful 9.4K

Today was a beautiful day here in Istanbul, the sun was out, there were hardly any clouds and barely a breeze. The perfect not too hot sunny day or a great new run. By new run I mean I went a different route to spice things up a bit. This one was intended to include some hills and unfortunately there was more down hill then uphill which I didn't want since down hill is stressful on my left knee. Once I got to the seaside it was all flat till I got back home though. I Google mapped the route and this is it. 9.4K  Home-Tarabya-Istinye Harbor- Home I didn't set a timer since I wanted to enjoy the run but actually I ended up doing this at a very fast pace. I had to be home by 4pm to Huma (my host mom) could pick up Ece from school. I started at about 2:45 and realized that the run was doing to put me very close to 4pm so I raced home. 

I loved this race/run because I felt so great afterwords. I had so much energy and good spirits which really made me feel ready for this marathon. I was feeling a bit down on Saturday when I tried to run the whole 13 miles again with as much energy as when I did it the week before, not surprisingly it was hard, more strenuous, and boring. (Hence the game I had to play). So thank god I chose a new route, I was able to see new things and places which made it enjoyable. 

I am extremely surprised at how well I am doing. I can tell that I am becoming a stronger runner, my legs don't get as tired, my breathing is not as forced, my muscle are adapting to the longer and longer runs. I can really tell that the intervals and the Fartleks are working to increase my lactose thresholds.Its amazing to me the things that  your body will adapt to once your mind gets set on something, and my mind is set on this half marathon, running strong, finishing strong, (hopefully under 2 hrs.) and accomplishing a goal!!!

Did I miss something Mr Boston?

Today was a very good day for running, at 6:30am and after 2 cups of coffee I started my warmup which I timed to make sure I am actually stretching and taking a full 10 minutes to do so. 10:25:15. Then I started my run off with a pump up song (the new Lady GaGa and Beyonce Telephone song...get it.) I did my usual route because I love running by the sea, it has wide paved side walks (mostly, sometimes it changes to cobblestone and then I move to the road.) It also means less chance of being hit by a car or motorbike. I went a whole 11.4 miles today 9.8km there and back took me 1:51:24 so just add about 20 more minutes to that and its my estimated half marathon time.

With todays run I decided to play a new game, thanks to the technology of my blackberry I can take photos while running and they come out clear rather then blurry. So I pulled it out every so often and took pictures of what I was seeing. Now usually I am the only person running but for some reason there were like a dozen other people including Mr Boston... Which is the guy in the photo above... if you can see him. I call him Mr Boston cause he was wearing a Boston University sweater... and he lapped me! He was running really fast so my first game was to see how long I could follow him (about 8 minutes) then it was bye bye Mr. Boston. He actually just disappeared so I like to think he fell in a manhole and therefore I got a head of him and won the race. When in reality he probably turned down a different street. But there were seriously a dozen other runners all spaced out, some club must have had a practice or something for the upcoming Istanbul Marathon (April 25th). My next picture was right about the time I lost Mr. Boston.... Its a Mosque and one of the older ones. I didnt get the name but if you look in the background you see the begining to my next picture. The Rumelihisari castle build in 1453 ish. I have ran by this castle before but have yet to grab a picture of it. Its important cause it marks the fall of the byzantine empire. Here are the rest of the pictures in the order they appeared to me in my run.

This next one is the Bosphorus Bridge right before I round the bend to the main road.

Next is a beautiful picture of the Asian side as the Sun comes through the clouds.

Then this one is actually from a few days ago... a stray dog followed me for, I am not kidding like 5km until I noticed he didn't have a tag on his ear indicating he was neutered and had his shots so I shooed him away.

Ok back to today's run, this one is of some flowers along the seaside followed by the final one which is so funny cause I had to take a second glance and actually backtracked to take the photo.

Ok you decide.. typo or this person lived a really really long time....

So there you have it, my fun 11 something miles and the game I played to get me through it.

Kuş Kuş Kuş!!

Kuş is run in turkish! You say it Koosh! Today was an easy run day for me. I finished off 4.5 miles in about 45minutes which left me a great cool down walk. The weather over here as been really upsetting. Lots of misty rain and strong cold winds. I bet you know what I mean when I said its no fun to run in strong winds. Its actually hard to do! I started out a little stiff mostly in my calves (which I remembered to stretch well post run.) I also notices a weird uncomfortable feeling in my feet. Could be from my new shoes (I am hoping) it wasn't a pain just weird. If it keeps up I will try and explain it better so maybe someone can help me out. I think it might have been caused my the sore calves as well. I am extremely proud of my breathing which is something I have been working the most on. I can run for one whole hour (and longer) without that "omg I can't breathe, maybe I have asthma, my lungs are screaming" feeling. So yay for me! 

Also my wonderful boyfriend suggested push ups as a way to build some upper body strength to help even more with breathing better. I hope he is proud when I say that so far, for two whole days now I have done push ups pre and post run. I can officially do nine. 

Oh and I bought some Nike dry fit socks that are awesome! Really comfy and soft. I am taking tomorrow off, and maybe even Friday so that this weekend I can do my practice half marathon again since it is the 2 week mark before my race!