Glitter and Dust

The Spirit of an Athlete.

Dark Days, Training Highs, and Halloween Laughs

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Welcome to dark days. Being a morning person, I am actually a fan of the time change. I was really struggling with the early mornings, trying to get out of bed with darkness lingering during those a.m. hours. Now that it is lighter, I am up and out of bed in no time. At least, I’m two for two.

I must say, this was a pretty great week of training, and in unfamiliar territory. Never have I proceeded to enter back into a training cycle immediately following a marathon. I expected to feel more tired and fatigued than I do, which is encouraging. The two weeks of rest combined with listening to my coach and following my training plan precisely has led to some great results thus far. I feel energized and excited each time I head out for a run. How could I not though… fall running is the best!

Fall Running In Shevlin Park

Monday: Rest day. I worked and graded from sun up till sun down. I also came across this article and research, suggesting that suppressing emotion can hinder performance. Personally, I can’t imagine exposing people to the video as described in the article, but I guess it’s all in the name of science. Moral of the story – just let it out.

Tuesday: 8 miles of trail running in beautiful Shevlin Park. I’m glad to report that I somehow missed the rain and watched the storm roll in just as I was finishing. I was able to capture a beautiful rainbow in the distance (the picture does not do it justice) and savor the sun for the majority of my run before the clouds funneled down from the mountains.

Shevlin Park RainbowBlue Sky Shevlin Park

Wednesday: 5.5 easy miles at base pace. I had a few people ask me about base pace and what it means. My coach puts together a very fancy run zone chart for me to follow, that integrates all of these different speeds and zones into my training schedule each week. Base pace is different for every runner based on a number of factors, but when I am running at base pace it means that my heart rate is typically below 140 for the majority of the run and my pace stays within a 7:50-8:50 min/mile pace. I follow these zones precisely when I go out for a run and these are structured to my level of fitness and Lactic Threshold, which I had tested last winter. This is one of the many benefits of having a coach and someone with this advanced knowledge of fitness and training.

Running Zones

Thursday: Rest day. My husband finally got his cast off and was put into a walking boot. He starts physical therapy next week and will be off crutches in about a week. Progress!! Because we had a pretty busy day, I was unable to fit in a run. But that’s okay because I had a glass of red wine and apparently this is equivalent to getting an hour of exercise. Ha! I wish!!

Friday: 6 miles of speed work. I have to admit that this workout almost didn’t happen because it was cold, windy and rainy when I woke up. However, speed work is one of my favorite workouts and I new I couldn’t skip an important training day. I bundled up and made my way down the street to a paved path that stretches along our neighborhood for a couple miles. After a mile warm-up and measuring a flat 800m stretch, I spent the next 30 minutes running 800m intervals at 3:03-3:11 per 800m (6:06-6:22 min/mile) pace. The weather actually ended up being perfect.

Saturday: While I failed to get in a workout, I watched other people work hard at the annual Halloween Cross Crusade cyclocross race. It was a cold, but sunny day and nice to get out in the fresh air with Justin. Although he is still on crutches and in a walking boot, he can progressively start putting more weight on his foot every day.

Kristen and Justin

Halloween Cyclo Cross Crusade

Sunday: 13.1 mile long run at base pace. In an attempt to get a feeling for what the descent of the CIM course will entail in December, my husband dropped me off a few miles west of town toward the mountains so I could run downhill and get a feel for quicker leg turnover for a longer period of time. I had the entire Cascade Lakes Highway to myself and ran on the shoulder of the road, enjoying the peacefulness and watching the sunrise in the sky in front of me. My legs felt fresh and I had no difficulties with the additional impact of downhill running on my quads and calves.Fall Colors Around Bend

The next three weeks will be critical in preparing for the CIM. I will be building mileage, and hopefully speed, before entering the taper zone near the end of November. My coach has 52 miles on the schedule this week, with a couple good track workouts, and a few long runs at base pace. I’m hoping to explore some different trails and mix up my regular routes, especially because the weather is supposed to be decent. Must take advantage.

I hope everyone had a fun Halloween. Justin and I handed out three huge bowls of candy to hundreds of trick-or-treaters before calling it a night. It never gets old. In fact, I was laughing so hard at some of the things the kids were saying that I decided to document the experience and write it down. These were some of my favorites, enjoy!

Me: Take two.
Kid: Last year you only gave me one. This year is SO much better.
(yes, we are that much cooler this year)

Me: Take two.
Kid: Really? I only get two?
(and next year you will get zero with an attitude like that)

Me: Take two.
Kid: Oh my gosh, two? WOW! Thanks!
(can I adopt you?)

Me: Russell Wilson! I love your costume! (The boy was probably 5)
Kid: It cost 55 dollars.
(can your parents adopt me?)

Justin: (as he was trying to put a couple pieces into the kid’s bucket) Here you go.
Kid: NO!!! NO!!! (pulling his bucket away) I want to pick my own!!
(future politician?)

Justin: Take two.
Kid: Two? They almost gave us a bucket full at the last house.
(keyword… almost).

One kid decided to walk right on in when I opened the door. I almost adopted him he was so cute.

The most common question from trick-or-treaters… “How many pieces can I take?”

Are you a fan of daylight savings time? 

Any funny or outrageous Halloween stories you would like to share? 

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Comments

  1. It is just so beautiful in Oregon!! I would be so excited to go out to run if I lived there too. It sounds like you are going to be so well prepared for CIM!

    Thanks for sharing the info on base pace. It is something that I sort of knew about, but I definitely need to get better at wearing my HR monitor when I run. I typically go off of perceived exertion only on my runs, but could definitely benefit from a bit more data!
    Kelsey recently posted…Race Report: Newburyport Half MarathonMy Profile

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    • I used to train without any of this knowledge and it was fine, but I didn’t see much improvement in speed or strength. I was also more prone to injuries when I didn’t control my speed and slow it down from time to time… every run had to be fast and “something to prove to myself.” Now that I have this information I have seen huge changes and improvements in the way I run.

      Reply

    • No filters whatsoever… and then you have the parents in the background scrambling to say something to distract from what was said. Every parent reacts differently too!

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  3. For the one millionth time I will tell you that your pictures are incredible! They make me want to move to Bend every time I see them!

    I can’t believe you’re back up to 52 miles in a week already! That’s incredible!

    I am not a fan of daylight savings time at all. By the time I leave work now it is completely dark out which makes me feel like I have no life outside of work. Thank goodness I have an office with a window otherwise I would only see the sun during my drive into work!
    Kristina recently posted…Then and Now: How I’ve Progressed Since Last FallMy Profile

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    • Yeah, I can imagine how daylight savings would be difficult when getting off work at 5pm and it’s already dark. Is it at least cooler outside? I am a fan of full moon activities during the winter… do you like running or being outside when there is a full moon?

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  4. Haha those convos are great! Kids say the funniest things. Those greedy ones though… Oh man.

    My knees would DIE running all downhill, but it sounds like a great run for you, especially watching the Sun!

    As always, your photos amaze me.

    Reply

    • The greedy kids definitely have a sense of entitlement – something our culture needs to work on! My knees held up pretty well. I try to ice my knees every other day, regardless of how they feel, to keep them healthy and fresh.

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  6. Trick or treat was a lot smaller this year for us, so I had tons of candy. I felt like we couldn’t give it away…first group, 3 high school girls, I hold up the candy basket. They say “No thanks, we are here to collect canned goods for the food pantry.” So I gave them 3 cans of tuna. They cheerfully were leaving, when I said, “Wait, don’t you want some candy?” They each took 1 piece.
    My son and I waited an hour without another door knock. My son says, “You know it is a slow year trick or treating when the only thing you have given out is 3 cans of tuna…” We did get a few more groups…but I think I still gave out more canned goods than candy! (Thank goodness I had pasta, tuna and soup!) We live out in the country, but as we are one of 2 neighborhoods (That would be 9 houses in over .5 mile) We usually have a lot more.
    Your pictures are absolutely beautiful. Do you take them after your run? I somehow can’t imagine you stopping…
    Thanks for explaining the base pace!
    cheryl recently posted…Weekend rambles…My Profile

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    • Haha, your son’s statement about the three cans of tuna totally cracks me up! I grew up in the country and was probably the only trick or treater my neighbors got. They always had a TON of candy waiting for me. 🙂

      I take a lot of pictures while I am running, but I usually try to kill two birds with one stone. For example, if I have to go to the bathroom, if it’s time to fuel with GU, if I need to strip a layer, etc. I will do so when I have a great photo opportunity as well. There are certain routes and trails that I know I will stop once or twice just to get a picture. It honestly doesn’t take a lot of time to pull my phone from my pocket and when I’m not in a race environment, I don’t mind the quick break. 🙂

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    • We did the same thing at the end of the night. One parent even said, “you must be closing up shop” as we dumped the rest of the candy in their kid’s pillowcase.

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  12. HAHA I love that you posted quotes from the kids! I was pretty impressed with one who blurted “TRICKORTREATICANTHAVEPEANUTS!!!!!” You could tell he was very keen on the fact that if he got candy with peanuts he had to give that up, so he spit that whole sentence out before we could even open the door all the way 😛 Parents trained him well!!

    I love getting the extra sleep and becoming a little more of a morning person while I readjust, but it is rough to go home when it’s dark :/

    Those pics- WOW. I’m so jealous.
    Bae @ the riley recap recently posted…Sleep. Run. Yum. November!My Profile

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    • That kid reminds me of me when it comes to coconuts. I always avoided the almond joy and mounds candies when I was little, or would hand them back if they were given to me, haha. Yeah, when it gets dark at 5pm, it’s kind of rough.

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  13. I am pretty sure we had some f the same kids here. We also gave out two pieces/kid. One had to make sure he got kit kats for his mom. So after I gave him two kit kats, he took three pieces for himself. Uh, ok. He was by himself so we didn’t say anything. Your pictures are gorgeous!
    Amy recently posted…My Favorite NYC Marathon HighlightsMy Profile

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  15. Your run photos always look so stunning! Glad it’s been going so well getting into it soon after your last marathon!
    And yay that Justin got his cast off! How was the cyclocross race? That would be pretty awesome to watch.
    Kids are just the cutest. We were out of town on Halloween so took treats with us. Nobody came to our place, so we went looking for kids! I felt like a bit of a creep offering chocolate to kids on the street, but they were pretty excited.
    Abby recently posted…Running through pregnancy – first trimesterMy Profile

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    • The cyclocross race was pretty entertaining, however I wish we had gone down there the next day because all of the riders were dressed in outrageous Halloween costumes. I saw some of the pictures and can not wrap my head around how some of the people were able to ride a bike.

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  16. I LOVE the photos!! We did not do trick or treating this year as we had other commitments, but those are some really funny comments!! Since I get up between 4 and 4:30 am, it is still dark outside even with daylight savings right now 🙁 I am definitely a fan of the longer daylight hours that we have during the summer months and not as much a fan of the shorter daylight hours that come with winter. I do love the changing seasons…if only we could be long daylight hours year ’round and still have 4 seasons…humph.
    Kecia recently posted…The Contents of My “Oh Crap Bag”My Profile

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    • Yeah, DLST does not benefit you very much as you get up SO early. How do you get up that early? I guess we will all need to move to AZ or HI if we want longer days.

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  19. Your pictures are AMAZING! Is it ok if I come over and run because it’s just SO beautiful! I have a love hate relationship with DLS. I like it because it brings back memories of cold, dark, cozy nights prepping for the holiday season. BUT, I also don’t like that I can’t really do anything outside (exercise) after it gets dark. I’m glad it’s working out well for you! I love working out in the morning.

    Reply

    • Guests are always welcome in my household and I’d be happy to take you to some great running spots. 🙂 I agree, there are definitely pros and cons with daylight savings. I think if I had an 8-5 job, it would torture me.

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  20. As usual, your posts are informative (the chart is filled with a gold mine of running info), visually appealing (breathtaking pictures) and entertaining (the psyche of trick or treaters).

    I’m indifferent to the time change. I enjoy the extra hour when the change occurs, but I don’t like how short the days are. I’m not a big fan of Halloween because while I enjoy children, I’m very uncomfortable with strangers knocking on the door. I also grew up in areas in Miami that for whatever reason, nobody trick or treated, so Halloween was never a big deal in our household.

    Great news about your husband! I’m sure you are an inspiration for him.
    Luisa recently posted…Running DetourMy Profile

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    • I grew up out in the country and we never got any trick or treaters. My parents always had to take me into town to trick or treat, even though some of our neighbors out in the country always had a little stash for me. 🙂 I do like to dress up, but didn’t this year. Next year I’ll have to make up for it.

      My husband started PT and was able to swim for the first time today. I think his spirits are lifting already.

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  21. How you take the most gorgeous pictures is beyond me! I wish mine were as nice 🙂 I agree it is nice to have it lighter in the mornings makes getting up to run a bit easier (though it is still dark at 4:30 most days) but I do wish it was light later I love to work out in the evenings and that sure makes it difficult. Good luck to your husband on physical therapy!!! I greatly enjoy reading about your adventures they always make me smile!
    Kayla Lloyd recently posted…Just Keep Running ~ Just Keep RunningMy Profile

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    • Thanks, Kayla. I wish I had the energy or motivation to work out in the evenings. It’s interesting how we all are different in when we like to get our exercise in. Justin started PT yesterday and made it to the pool today. Things are going well for him. 🙂

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  22. Found your blog from RunningFoodBaby. Your pics are amazing and I’m a bit jealous of those trails! We just switched up the clocks and it was exactly what I needed to get out in the morning. I’m 14 weeks preggo with #3 and last year while training for a spring marathon I thought nothing of running before the sunrise, but now I’m more cautious. So it’s nice to have that little bit of sunlight!
    Sarah @RunFarGirl recently posted…A Different Approach to Running During PregnancyMy Profile

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    • Thank you so much for stopping by, Sarah! Wow, number three? That’s awesome! It’s always encouraging when I see other moms and women who are pregnant working out and still able to train. My husband and I are planning to have kids at some point and that is definitely one of my main concerns. 🙂 I would be a little more cautious too, running this time of year. Glad that DST is working out for both of us!

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  23. Great training so far and i am sure it will get better as the month goes on!! This weather has been great! I can’t believe you are doing another marathon in a month!! 🙂 So awesome!
    I don’t like daylight savings for the only reason that i would rather go to work in the dark and get home while it is light instead of the other way around!!

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