12/31/2010

Happy New Year - Let's kickstart it with some karaoke, shall we?


I hope you all have a great, bubbly and safe (be careful with all this firework!) New Year's Eve!

Have a Runtastic 2011!

Ran: 1.8 miles / 3K with Lordie

12/30/2010

Three Things Thursday - the 'There's a Throwback Thursday in here' post

Ran: 5 miles / 8K with the dogs - 42:50 minutes + Cycling: 30 minutes
1. My new Newtons were sparkly white when I opened the box less than 24 hours ago. This is what one lousy 4.5 miler does to new running shoes. Lucky for me, I'm not going for the fashionable and crispy white look. I like it dirty. ;) Yep, I said 'I like it dirty'. And no, I'm not referring to 'that', I'm referring to trail running. ;)

Aren't they pretty? ;)

2. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve 2010 already. Another year has gone by. As for my private life: it wasn't a walk in the park. Not the easiest year, at all. But I do feel like all these personal 'battles and bumps (to be honest...some were mountain-like bumps) in the road' made me a stronger girl - mentally.
As for running: I do realize that this may sound corny, but it honestly seems like just a week ago that I picked up running (January 2010). And I'm still in awe over how much my life has changed (for the positive) in these past 12 months. It's been a heck of a ride, but I truly feel like this is where I'm supposed to be right now, and that this is the 'real me'. And I haven't felt like that in a long time. A long long time.

3. Last but not least: the post Kevin (http://halftriing.blogspot.com/) has been anxiously waiting for all week. Throwback Thursday!
This is me. I must have been about 2 years old in this photo. The photo was taken in France, on a summer holiday with the family.
As you've probably already noticed, I'm sporting the 'preppy European girl' look. Lacoste shirt: check. Striped Bermudas: check. And, yes, I am a girl. Hence the hair. I actually had the same haircut as my mom back then. And Twiggy. And Agyness Deyn. One might even say that Agyness stole my look. I won't hold that against her. That's just not the kind of person I am. ;) Plus, it looks better on 2 year old Me anyway. ;)

12/29/2010

The Bucket List - part two

Ran: 6.2 miles / 10K running group practice Cycling: 30 minutes
Did you miss the birth of The Bucket List? If so, you can read all about it here:

Last night I did some research (yep, I'm taking this Bucket List thing pretty serious) on the five year Bucket List. Ergo, I was googling for cool races to put on the list. And then I came across this video. Start the video at 3:35 minutes. Sit back, and enjoy.


So, now you probably understand why I HAVE to do this race sometime in the 5 years to come, right? By putting it on the 5 year Bucket List I'll also have a couple of years to save my pennies to register and pay for the trip. And yep, the runners actually have to do a trek to one of the base camps. Because the start is at one of the base camps. And you'll have to hike up there. Just saying that again. Since I'm a bit worried that I might feel the urge to actually run up there. But let's not go there for now. ;) Doesn't this race seem amazing? :)
Oh, and while we're at it. I also did some research on the 'Climb the Matterhorn' plan. Apparently you need to be a Level 4 rock climber (not the level 4 indoor wussies like myself, but actually rock climbing - I know now that there's a difference between indoor licenses and the actual rock climbing license). If you're not a level 4 climber, the guide (I'm not stupid enough to try it without a guide) won't even take you with him. Guess who will be spending a lot of vacation time driving back and forth to Switzerland in the next 5 years to get her Level 4 rock climbing license...

12/28/2010

The Bucket List - the shortened version

Ran: 4.5 miles / 7.2K with the dogs
Just a couple of days left in the year 2010. Soon enough we'll have a whole new year to fill with races and other fun (or not so fun) stuff. ;)
My resolutions for 2011 are...NONE!
Everyone around me seems to be talking about New Year's resolutions. Quit smoking, pick up a hobby, eat less meat, spend more time with the family, spend less time in the bar. All good/ambitious resolutions.
I'm not a New Year's resolutions' kind of girl. If you want to quit smoking, quit today. Feel the need to get into a healthier lifestyle, join the gym - today. And if you want to spend more time with the family, just do so! Don't get me wrong, I do realize that starting off a new year with these resolutions must feel like you're onto something 'great' and off to a fresh start. I just don't get why you would wait till January 1st. Call me nutso. Or a party pooper.
A bucket list?
However, I love lists. Love, love lists. And especially checking things on these lists. Plus: writing 'done' on a list; great feeling!
And I do have a lot of things that I would like to do in the somewhat near future. And I'm afraid that I might forget about some of these things. So, what I'll do is, instead of working on New Year's resolutions, I'll make a bucket list. A 'special' kind of bucket list that is. Not the 'old school' things to do before you die list. Nope, I'm making a 'bucket list' for 2011 alone and a separate 'bucket list' for the next 5 years. Why? Because it's my bucket list! :)
Weird? Corny? You tell me!
I just know that - for example - I really really really want to climb the Matterhorn in Switzerland. But I also know that I won't be doing that in 2011. Because I'll have to turn myself into a rock climber before I give it a shot. And I don't have time for that this year. So, that would be on the 5 year bucket list.
What I can do in 2011 is try my luck at a triathlon. That one would be on the 2011 bucket list. Especially since I can't bail out when it's on the list. I'm working on some kind of 'punishment system' for not doing things on the list for random reasons. (Ofcourse, an injury etcetera would not be included in this system. Being injured is a punishment itself) If you have any thoughts on the punishment system: please do share. ;)
Leaves me to this: do you have a written down or 'secret' bucket list?

12/27/2010

Manic Monday - Runners must sound like total nutcases to non-runners...

Cycling: 30 minutes
It's been crazy busy at work these last couple of weeks, and I'm still freaking out over the pile of case files on my desk. So, I don't have time to write a meaningful post (as if I ever write meaningful posts, but let's not go there ;)), and will just post a video. Personally I think this is hilarious. Do I really sound like this when I'm training for a marathon? Probably... I'd like to apologize to all the non-runners out there. But I won't stop babbling about running. Just so you know! ;)

12/25/2010

Merry Christmas!

Saturday: ran 6.6 miles / 10.5K with dogs - 58 minutes
Sunday: ran 4 miles / 6.5K with dogs


Lordie and I wish you and your loved ones a merry, fantastic and sporty Christmas!

12/24/2010

The night before Christmas

Cycling: 30 minutes
I wish you all a wonderful Christmas Eve with your loved ones.
This clip from the Mr Bean Christmas episode always makes me laugh out loud. For those of you that are into the British, sarcastic kind of humor (I am!!!), eat your heart out:

12/23/2010

Three Things Thursday

Ran: 4.5 miles / 7.2K + 30 min of cycling

1. With The Calf feeling slightly better I'm slowly easing back into running longer distances again. Adding miles to my runs every couple of days. The PT adviced me to add one mile at a time and to listen to The Calf. If it's painfree on a run, it's okay. If it's not, I should not add an extra mile on the next run. That it's slippery outside doesn't really help the pain, but does help strenghten my muscles.


2. Since I'm out on the road again (although not at the mileage pre calf strain yet, but still), I have completely fallen in love with Buff scarves! I already used those for skiing, but apparently they are also great for running! Great way to keep your head and neck warm in these chilly temps!


Plus, they come in great and fun colors. I love this one:


3. In my opinion the runningskirts.com twins deserve an award for their Subzero Hoody. In this winter weather I eat, sleep and live in this thing. I can't get over how comfortable this jacket is! It's soft and keeps me warm (but not too warm) on my runs. Great piece of running gear!
Check out www.runningskirts.com for more great winter running gear!

12/22/2010

Wacky Wednesday: Inspirational running quotes

Ran 3.6 miles / 5.8K + 30 min of cycling
I'm a big fan of inspirational running quotes. Such a big fan that I even have one on my Christmas card. For those of you that received one: I apologize. ;)
I love how these quotes can make you feel that there's some sort of higher meaning in being a runner and in running itself. Some quotes are so inspirational that I even get a bit emotional just reading them. Okay, you can stop laughing now. I'm a total douche, I know.
These are some of my favorite quotes:
- "The greatest pleasure in life is doing the things people say we can not do"
- "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall"
- "All it takes is all you've got"
- "Don't bother trying to be better than others. Try to be better than yourself"
- "Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can"
- "Stadiums are for spectators. We runners have nature and that is much better"
- "No one ever drowned in sweat"
- "A lot of people run a race to see who's the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts"
- "Get going. Get up and walk if you have to, but finish the damned race"
- "Running is one of the best solutions to a clear mind"
What is your favorite running quote?

12/21/2010

Throwback Tuesday! - The Sorority Years and Why I should stay away from fire...period

Ran: 3.2 miles / 5K Cycling: 30 minutes through heavy snow
If I don't post this now, I'm pretty sure that Kevin (http://halftriing.blogspot.com) will put me on his black list, so, here you go! Throwback Tuesday!

The Sorority Years

Sporting some kind of combat-like cheerleader outfit. Why? I don't know. It probably seemed like a great idea at the time.
Why I should stay away from fire...period

Summer 2006, Kenya. Shortly after this tourist trap / ritual the chief asked my mom whether or not she would sell me to him for 50 cows and 20 goats. He was willing to pay her in dollars in case it was too inconvenient for her to travel with all this cattle. Such a gentleman...

12/20/2010

Push 'Repeat'!

Cycling: 30 minutes
How bad is it that I can't get this song out of my head since yesterday's workout. The beat of this song is just great for speedwork.
So, Katy, push 'Repeat'! I'm off for a run! "Baby, you're a firework"!

12/19/2010

Canicross in fresh powder - The "Can you say instant happiness?" post

Saturday: ran 4.5 miles / 7.2K with the dogs
Sunday: ran 2.5 miles / 4K with the dogs









I guess I don't need to explain to you all how much fun this was, huh?

12/17/2010

How to train for an ultramarathon, or 'How not to' - my 78K training schedule

Cycling: 30 minutes
After some (okay, a lot of) tossing and turning, I've decided on the schedule that I'm going to use for the 78K Swiss Alpine Marathon in July 2011. Seems far away, but I need to start the ultramarathon schedule in February (that is, in a little of a month from today), and need to get my base training done before that. Yeah, tight. Let's see how The Calf holds up. I'm adding miles to my runs every week now, and am able to run 4 miles/6.5K now without any serious calf pain. My sports MD and PT told me recovery should take about 8 weeks. It's been 6 weeks now, so, not too bad.:) Progress, slowly, but still: progress. ;)
The Schedule
I decided to work with a Hal Higdon Ultramarathon schedule for my first. To me, it seems like a safe pick. One of the guys in my running group did that same 78K race a couple of years ago, and used a similar schedule. Hal Higdon advices the runners to use the run/walk breaks-method for the 26+ miles /42K+ runs. And advices the runners to do at least a couple of long runs on a very hilly course (that is, a course similar to the one you're in training for). Seems like a plan to me. Since Holland is as flat as my hair after finishing the NYC Marathon (the proof is in the photo...), this means I will have to spend a lot of time in my car driving back and forth to southern Belgium or Germany to get some serious mountain runs in. And you know what? I'm actually looking forward to that! :)

Want to know what the schedule is? Here you go!




Only thing I'm not too sure about: running 75 mile/120K weeks. Ouch. That is going to hurt! :)
I know some of you already did an ultra distance race. So, what schedule did you use? Please share. :)

12/16/2010

Three Gifts Thursday - The 'Santa, baby' post

Santa Baby

just slip a pair of under the tree
For me

Been an awful good girl
Santa Baby
So hurry down the chimney tonight


Santa Baby

A too
Light blue
I'll wait up for you, dear
Santa Baby
So hurry down the chimney tonight
Santa Cutie
Fill my stocking with a
And checks
Sign your 'x' on the line
Santa Cutie
So hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry...tonight

12/15/2010

Are they just trying to sell me those bulky stability shoes? - The 'Stability Shoe' debate



Looking at this slow motion video of Haile confused me a bit. He's obviously an overpronator. No way of hiding that. Nonetheless he's in racing flats (no stability), which means the pronation is all over the place. He's injury free most of the time.
Makes a girl and fellow overpronator wonder. Are they just trying to sell me those bulky stability shoes? Do I really need those? Recovering from the calf strain my bulky Asics GT-2150s make it worse, and my Newtons let me run relatively painfree. Wouldn't it be a better idea to work on my gait, the strength in my lower legs and my running form? And alternate stability/motion control shoes and barefoot running shoes in my training cycle?
I guess I could call this 'Opinions wanted Wednesday'. :)

12/14/2010

This is an intervention!

This is it! Enough is enough! We've had it!


We've been your faithful companions for almost 28 years now. And although we're quite funny shaped (too long, way too long), we've always been happy to have you as a 'human'. You might even say that we loved bragging about you. You always took good care of us. And we smelled nice.

However, some time around January of this year (2010, in case you don't remember), that changed. And we're not talking 'started painting her toenails black' changed. No, our 'human' decided to pick up running as a hobby. Let's just say that it went downhill from there...

The running was bad enough. Callous all over the place. Toenails growing yellow and falling off. Not to mention the smell. But we could cope with that. I'm not saying we were happy campers. No, definitely not. But we were willing to give you your 'moment'. Honestly, we were just waiting for this 'thing' to pass, and for you to sell your running shoes and start wearing heels again.

You made it pretty clear to us that that was not going to happen. You know how we feel about that.

And now you've added swimming to your training schedule. You just had to hit that pool, didn't you? The running alone triggered us enough as it is, but you had to stretch that torture as far as you could.

The straw that breaks the camel's back...

So, consider this an intervention. We've had it! Things will have to change!

These are our demands:

- weekly pedicures;

- at least 2 rest days per week;

- every run will be followed by a foot rub;

- the same goes for every swim;

- every time a toenail tends to fall off, you'll contact your GP about this.

In case you did not give in to these demands by 1 AM next Friday, we will go on strike. How about that, Silly Girl?

12/13/2010

How not to run the Swiss Alpine Marathon 2011



So, does anyone know where to buy 'How to avoid bad encounters with wild animals?'. Might come in handy, since I plan on spending more time on the trails. ;)

Did you ever 'run into' a wild animal on one of your runs?

12/10/2010

The joy of Dutch Winter cuisine - Split pea soup with sausages

Let me introduce you to a precious gem from our high class Dutch Cuisine. Yep, I'm totally being sarcastic here. However, Dutch food might not be considered 'classy', but it is tasty and perfect for those chilly nights in winter!

Split pea soup with sausages
(serves 4)


What you'll need:

- 12 oz of split peas
- pork chops (10 oz)
- 3.5 of bacon
- +/- 2 tablespoons of salt
- ground black pepper
- bay leaf (about 1/2 a leaf (dried))
- 1 potato (diced)
- 3 carrots (sliced: chunky pieces)
- leek (one, large) - (sliced)
- 3 scallions (diced)
- 2 sausages (large)
How to prepare this little gem:
1. Wash the split peas. Drain the water from the peas by sieving through a screen. Bring the split peas, pork chops, bacon, salt and pepper, bay leaf, potato, carrots, leek and scallions to a boil with 0.5 gallon of water. Let this simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir regularly.
2. Add the sausages to the soup. Let this simmer again for about 10 minutes.

3. Remove the pork chops, sausages and bay leaf. Slice the pork chops and sausages and add to the soup again. Season the soup.

Serve the soup in 4 bowls with thick slices of bread. Enjoy!

12/09/2010

Three Things Thursday

1. Amy (http://agiletoes.blogspot.com/) told me about these:



Check these babies out at www.dirtgirlgaiters.com!
I've been looking for gaiters for a while now. With all the trail running and my plan of running a 78K mountain/trail ultramarathon in 2011, I really needed a pair of those. And, yes, I did find several brands that produce trail running specific gaiters. But those are all black. Boring! Not to mention that the gaiters that I found on the internet were pretty pricey.

Imagine my excitement when Amy told me about these! One teeny tiny problem: there are so many great designs on that website! Impossible to pick just one!

2. Slight change of plans for 2011. I originally planned on running several marathons, aiming to PR on all of these and running several trail ultramarathons. Maybe a bit too ambitious. Especially with this bleeping calf strain.
Change of plans:
Swiss Alpine Marathon 78K race pic

I still plan on running all of these races. However, my main priority will be the Swiss Alpine Marathon 78K in July 2011. Every race that takes place in the first half of 2011 will be entered for training purposes only. PRing would be great, but not the main priority. Pfffiewwww. I feel much better just saying that. :)

I truly feel that my body will thank me for this. Not to mention that this approach to 2011's racing schedule will leave me more relaxed and less stressed out.

3. I'm following T's (http://racingwithbabes.blogspot.com/) example: I'm emptying out my closet. Every item that will not be worn in the next 6 months, as well as every item that I am not too crazy about, has to go. Part goes to charity and second hand, but I'm also willing to let everyone around me benefit. So, if you're a size 1 runningskirt and looking for a skirt, check out yesterday's post:

http://sillygirlrunning.blogspot.com/2010/12/wednesday-market.html

Update: both of the skirts are taken! Thanks! :)

12/08/2010

Wednesday market - Runningskirts!

A couple of months ago I purchased these two running skirts from runningskirts.com.

I bought these two babies for a specific race. Me and my outfit were all set, and then the race was cancelled. I've never worn these skirts, and the color/design is just not something I would wear on a training run. Plus winter kicked in in Holland, which means that I won't be wearing any runningskirts until May 2011. And then there will be new designs out. ;)
Ergo, I'm willing to send these skirts to the girl that will wear them and is in love with the design. The skirts are the runningskirt-style (briefs) and a size 1 (wms 0-2). As long as you pay for the shipping costs (about $12 - $15), it's okay with me. Just consider this an early Christmas present...
PS: I'm willing to give them to some one that wants to wear it herself, and not sell it to some one else. That would take away the whole idea behind it. :)
Update: both are taken!

12/07/2010

Oh no, you didn't!

It happened... The thing I swore would never happen. The thing I knew with absolute certainty (if there is such thing) would never happen. The thing that just would never happen. Period!
But it did...and within 9 months after me swearing I would never do it.

I registered for my first triathlon.

OK, pick your jaw up from the floor. I'm not kidding.

Some of you (Kevin @ http://halftriing.blogspot.com/) already saw this one coming. I didn't. Hit me by surprise.

So, what happened? Cycling is what I did for the commute to work, right? And swimming is what I would solely do to keep me from drowning? Or when recovering from an injury, and with the sole purpose to get back to running as soon as possible?

True, all true. But then I got seriously injured, and was forced to spend hours per week on the bicycle and in the pool to recover faster and not lose a lot of fitness in the meantime. Guess what, I actually liked it more than I could've thought when I started the cross training. The blisters on my butt caused by cycling in my running shorts (Big mistake. Big big mistake...) didn't cause a hatred towards cycling. And even drinking half the pool learning this bleeping freestyle stroke couldn't make me not love swimming.

And then - before I knew it - I registered for my first tri. The way my mind works...

So, there you have it. Silly Girl Triing. Just for once. In July 2011. And just to figure out whether or not I like triathlons. I'm not saying that I'm going to change the name of my blog. I love running too much to do that. And with these ultramarathons coming up next year, the triathlons will just be in my schedule for the 'fun!' element. For now. Somehow I wouldn't be surprised if I - in a couple of years from now - find myself registered for an Ironman... Again...the way my mind works...

Oh, and yes, ofcourse I also registered to meet the hot guys in Speedos. Duh...

12/03/2010

So what, I'm still a rock star

Four.
Four weeks since the New York City Marathon. Four weeks since this bloody (Grade II) calf strain. One week of icing, limping around on crutches and resting the calf. Three weeks of lots and lots of cycling, swimming and physio therapy. No running. My sport injuries specialized MD made it pretty clear to me that running is off for at least 6-8 weeks after a calf strain. And the way my calf feels today, I shouldn't rush it. I lost strength in my left leg due to the calf strain, which leaves me with a limpy stride when I do try to run. I keep telling myself that I won't loose lots and lots of fitness as long as I keep cross training. I keep telling myself that I will battle this injury and come out of it a stronger and more determined runner. Fortunately I don't have any full marathon planned till mid April 2011.
Four weeks of total and utter crankiness.
I know the MD is right. I know my PT is right. I know getting back to running too soon will only make it more likely that I will get another calf strain in the near future. And cross training isn't that bad. I'm even developing some sort of puppy love for swimming. I don't even mind getting water in my ears or my nose anymore. I'm not the same girl I was this time a year ago.
But still...cranky. I want to run. Running is what I do. Running is what keeps me sane. Running is what makes me feel alive. Do I still qualify as a runner when all I do at the moment is cycle and swim? No matter how depressed I feel due to the not running, I feel the answer to that is: Heck, Yes!
So, for all the injured, cross training, runners out there, I'm quoting Pink:
So what, I'm still a rock star
I got my rock moves
And I don't need you ('you' being the injury, ofcourse...)
Did you ever have a running injury? If so, what is the longest period of time that such an injury kept you from running?

12/02/2010

Three Things Thursday - Cold weather running essentials

1. The North Face Hybrid Windstopper Running tights. Windstopper: enough said.
Those are 'fitted tights', meaning, they have a somewhat 'loose fit', compared to 'normal' tights. I find this extremely comfy for the trail running I do in winter.

2. Salomon XA PRO 3D Ultra Goretex running shoes. Goretex + Contagrip running sole = instant love. By the way, this doesn't mean that I'll be neglecting my Inov-8 running shoes. :)



3. For the extremely chilly runs in low temps: Vaseline. It will keep your nose from freezing off. Promise! :)

What are your cold weather running essentials?