Adrienne Langelier Racing

Wow. I had quite the morning today: I watched an awesome race with Mo Trafeh outsprinting Ryan Hall and Jen Rhines making it look easy, I also had the opportunity to learn quite a bit in the process.

As the alarm clock went of at a quarter til 5:00 this morning I got up not really knowing what to expect or what I had gotten myself into volunteering for the 2011 USATF Half Marathon Championships here in Houston. I knew that my position was considered 'critical'. I drew one of the most and least glamorous position out there:  an anti-doping escort. this is something I am too slow to experience, but interesting to see how the real fast people get handled after crossing the line.Just FYI I had nothing to do with the actual testing...

Another unique thing I experienced this morning was hanging around the elite area without facing any of the pre-race anxiety I have felt in the past. This year, instead of nervously chattering (ok, maybe there was a little bit of that) and bouncing around til start, I was able to scan the room and check out some of the prerace routines: stretches, who's who, etc. That doesn't sound stalkerish, does it?! Honestly, I learn well from observation and picked up a thing or two, especially some new dynamic stretch routines. I also ended up chatting with a former multiple sub-3 marathoner who was also volunteering. She had some good info. to share, which I will soon get to.

After a meeting, we went down to the starting line, surveyed our positions and headed to the second floor of the George R. Brown Convention Center to watch the first loop. I have to say, it was more exciting than I originally anticipated watching some of America's top runners including Hall, Rhines, Tera Moody, Heidi Westerling, Patrick Smyth, and others. I had a serious case of "speed envy" for sure! :) Based on the announcer's updates, there were several lead changes for both the men and the women, making for an exciting race.

Soon enough, the lead men surged through the finish, with Trafeh over Hall and then it was time for me to go to work with the women coming in. Jen Rhines could have been running through Memorial Park after work that's how fresh she looked crossing the finish line. We then headed up with the top 3: Rhines, Serena Burla, and Nan Kennard to the press conference. This is where I had to play groupie wannabe and ask these ladies questions when I had the chance!

I found J.R. to be very engaging and gracious; if I was annoying her to no avail she did not let it show. She reinforced some principles of training that I always struggle with: taking easy days really easy, as did Doris, the sub-3 co-volunteer. She also mentioned always being the one in training to be told to "pick it up", however, she would consistently crack the 3:00.

Also discussed was the concept of taking a break. Like a real one. No pool, bike, or anything like that. In the past, I would rather have had a root canal twice than take time off. Now, this needs to be a yearly (at least) training staple, given my 'propensities'. We also just kind of chatted about future races, what it's like to be handled after you finish a race, and so on. At the press conference, focus was also a big topic and overcoming those low points in a race. Of course as a sport psychologist I find this especially relevant-too bad I didn't have more time to really get into the subject!

 I love hearing things like this from athletes who have been there, and find it refreshing and motivating.

Afterward, I walked the expo, met up with some more of my awesome Brooks ID teammates for pics and decompressed a little from the business of the race. Did I mention I love being in the ID program?! Getting this up-close experience enhanced my sense that I really do have a charmed, blessed life. Better make the most of it!

 I'm still not racing, but my mom is-and I can live vicariously through her for the meantime;)!...Better late than never, here are last weekend's happenings:

As I have blogged about in the past, I'm super-impressed with my mom's entry to running and how well she's done for a relative "newbie". Last Sunday we braved some fairly gross and cold weather conditions for Sugar Land's USA Fit Marathon, Half, and 5k-which was her second race ever. I also had a couple friends and training partners running the marathon that day (shout out to Juliee S.-way to PR!).

Let's just say things got off to a less-than-ideal start. I stayed the night with my parents the night before since we had to be there uber-early due to parking issues; the same parking issues that delayed the start of the races about :45 minutes. Upon arrival it was drizzling off and on, and cold! Apparently I'm out of practice for how to dress for these events as I wore jeans that were soaked halfway up my leg by the end of the morning-blue, numb feet-you betcha! At one point, all of us were considering saying the heck with this and bailing. Anyhow, after finagling and helping Jarrett get into the Univ. of Houston Sugar Land's campus to do some side massage work on us, the races were set to start. After the full and half start, the 5k was off.

Mom and I have kind of started a new tradition at races: as silly as it sounds I always found it helpful to hear a loud "go 'Sis!" before the gun goes off (I guess 'Adrienne' is too long and I come from a large family of two daughters-LOL!), but anyway, I reversed the nickname shout-out trend on my somewhat bohemian and earthy mother-nicknamed "Saffron" (another story for another day) with a healthy "go Saffron!" before the start. Cheeky and cheesy-sure, but who cares, right?! Life's too short to not act like a dork sometimes.


After moving around to stay warm, mom's official finish was 29:34, good enough for 5th AG. Impressive given the conditions and hesitant start to the morning. Unfortunately, the course was an out and back that made viewing tough, but the finish was a long straightaway. I am learning that competitiveness seemingly runs downhill, as she said she was bummed she didn't lower her time from her first event. Looks like running has another convert!

As for the whole event itself, parking and traffic flow seemed to be the bain, but it looks like everything else was quality, such as the shirts, food, etc. The temps and rain did do my wimpy butt no help as I didn't have it in me to stay to watch all the event. I still find that even though there is no equal to toeing the line, I still really enjoy and am inspired by others' performances and being a part of them in a small way. Good for the soul!

*Photo courtesy of Bill Dwyer.

God bless and blow doors.

This blog has seemed to take on the theme of listening to the body, the art I am slowly learning. Key word = SLOWLY...

I can actually now post after that a sense of relief mixed with sheepishness has died down some. As you may have read in my last post, I had a little flare up in my right shin. This bothered me a little, but I remained positive and implemented what I am calling "the protocol": 3 rough runs = 2 days off at least, plus cross training and needed icing, anti-inflammatory treatment, etc, etc.  This did have me a little disappointed and worried as I gingerly approached my workouts this week, but I was proud that I managed to hold back a bit. I actually took 3 days off of running and hopped back in the pool to hopefully clear out everything. During that time, I kept stretching the calves like a crazy woman and felt about 80 percent so I hopped on the treadmill on Thursday morning and it went something like this in my head: mile 1- "ok, not so bad, this is a great song on my iPod", mile 2-"hmmm, ankle tightening up, but the shin's ok", mile 3-tightening and pain under the ankle in heel area--"achilles to Adrienne, get off now and get in the pool"..."mother sucker"....and so I strapped on the blue marshmallow and finished off the hour in the water. After that, I called my sports med. specialist to get everything checked out once again, just in case.

The next day must have been a busy one, as I waited almost an hour at the Dr.'s office to finally be seen after an x-ray ( seeing my friend the radiography tech once again) to get the verdict if I was sore, tight, or full-on injured once again. I could tell by the doc's demeanor (or a muted "you idiot" face) when he arrived that it was nothing to write home about, just as I (for once correctly) thought: shin splints. My soleus had basically turned to stone it was so tight and pulling on the tibia and achilles tendon, needing time to calm back down and lengthen. Apparently, when I received the comment "you have very well-defined calves" it may have not been meant as a compliment. Probably from overkill with strengthening exercises and riding the bike in high gear caused me to grow muscles on my muscles, especially the soleus Great if I'm trying to enter body building competitions, for running, not so much! Cankles, folks, I've got friggin' cankles goin on!As far as injury and pain stories go, I find this one almost comical.

So what to do? Obviously, cut out the calf raises, that's ok because I didn't enjoy doing them anyway, and stretch. I was given stretching exercises and instructed to stop and stretch during activity a few times. I can run, but probably shorter distances until I get some flexibility back-what do you expect when I took some BAD advice a while ago saying that the standing calf stretch was useless. I was on the right track, but probably could have benefited from a few more days stretching this stuff out. C'est la vie. No races on the calendar, just eager to see some satisfactory times come down. No timeframe was given, but I'm stretching like a crazy lady-shutting the door to my office so I don't look like a freak and that sort of thing. If I feel like I really need to, I have no problem with PDS (public display of stretching)!Whatever it takes. I was just glad to walk out of there with a solution.

So I may try running next week, I may not, it depends on what the lower quadrant says when I step out of bed in the AM. I'm also getting lots of ART and some cool chiropractic laser treatments for tendonopathy. Lesson of the week-don't overlook the little things, or you will feel silly and it will hurt a little bit.

Ok, rant over. Now off to Sugar Land to watch my mom run tomorrow. Go mom!!:)

God bless and don't forget to stretch!

I just got tagged from Chris K fort the Stylish Blogger thing.  The basic premise is you tell 7 things about you, then tag 5 people.

So, what about me is actually worth telling...let's see:

1. My name originates somehow from the NE/Quebec area (or so I've been told), and I wish I was more Canadian sometimes.
2. My high school mascot was a Unicorn. Seriously.
3. There should be more blogging with women's jewelry as a prize. That one's for you, Chris!
4. I play the guitar-a little bit, anyway.
5. I used to be a personal trainer.
6. I ran my first organized race in grad school, won it (F's anyway), and thus it created this monster.
7. I always have trouble thinking of people to tag, as my blogsphere is actually quite small...

5 Volunteers??? How about :???
LA Runner
misszippy1
K
Aspire. Strive. Thrive
Jason L.

This morning marked the completion of week 6 of my go-to return schedule. One noticeable thing about this week is that it actually resembles a light training schedule-complete with a couple chances to go fast-which I like!
I made it through these sessions successfully, especially enjoying (yes, enjoying) a 50 minute treadmill run with a freshly loaded iPod. Actually, it's not the running that I think was the most important thing to gain from this week, but how I managed a small setback and listened to what my body was telling me. Hmm... there really is something to that principle. Catch it early, slow down even though you don't want to, take care of it, keep on going!

The setback came in the guise of waking up after my tempo run and feeling like I had been kicked in the shin. Yuck, shin splint-I haven't experienced one of those since my first track season when I was 13! I never forgot how they felt though (I will refrain from giving my graphic mental representation). I have the sneaking suspicion that running on the road did not do me any benefits for the first "faster" workout in over 3 mos. So what to do?: Lots and lots of ice, Fibroplex and double EC Matrixx, calf massage, lighter running/skipping a run (gasp!), and stretching the calves an almost obsessive amount. I soon realized that I was not stretching the right parts of my calves-no wonder! Runner's world had a helpful article that gave this straightforward protocol and it really is effective. I'll admit, I had to fight off the catastrophic thought of "oh crap, now I broke my leg!! Luckily, I returned to rationality fairly quickly:) and just dealt with it. Feels almost gone today, and I have yet to go see Jarrett yet!

For this week's totals, I put in about 8 hours all together: 5 days/24.76 miles running plus several bike rides (about 50-60 miles give or take) both outdoors and on the trainer, plus a swim and corrective weights.  Oh yeah, and my prerequisite rest day too. Monday's tempo was not as fun as it sounded on paper, but I got it done in chilly temps. I averaged about a 6:42 mile for 15 minutes. On one hand, I was encouraged that I could still hit the 6's for a few miles, but on the other hand, geez, a 6- flat or less was what I used to regularly work out at. Baby steps, Adrienne- it will come down as I get fitter, besides pure track work is still months on the horizon but I'm confident I'll get faster at a steady rate.

Wednesday night I spun out about 6 and a quarter on the track in about 45 minutes-feeling a lot easier than Monday's run. I think I'm getting the easy running down. Yesterday I ran 4 on a dearly-missed stretch of Lake Woodlands Dr. and did a "reverse brick" by riding my bike for another 20. I intended to track down a dear friend on her solo 40-miler but forgot my map and phone-ugh! Later I enjoyed the traditional cup of coffee with friends afterward-oh, how I love my Saturday mornings! I alternated surfaces today, plus some really cold rain drove me to 24 Hour Fitness to do my 50 minute easy "long run", which felt pretty good on the legs.

My overall take from this week: work the plan, but be flexible...better yet, work YOUR plan!

God bless and blow doors.

Hey Everyone!

Since all of you have helped put this little collection of ramblings (ok a LOT of ramblings) onto the map a bit, Buildasign.com has graciously donated an allotment of decals (almost like SUAR, but I'm no where near as cool or original;)!) to share with anyone who's interested. I think they're pretty cool, whaty'all think:





Anyhoo, if you want one, all you have to do is shoot me an email at [email protected] with your info, I have about 120 to divvy out. Thanks so much for being a reader!

Soon to come: more updates as I approach 'real' training:)

God Bless and blow doors.

First of all, thanks to all who have the patience to read my ramblings and to those who lent their wisdom, friendship and support over the past year. I hope to have many new and exciting stories to tell here in the next few mos.:)

I guess it's my turn to put my year in review up for the blogsphere and beyond. 2010 was one of those random 12 month spans where God presented me with a grab bag of events and experiences. Many of these were awesome and unforgettable, while some were uncomfortable and forced me to change my direction and focus. Regardless of the value label I put on them, here is a rundown of some of the significant things that transpired in this woman's (humble) running and life in general.Those who have already used this format, please forgive my unoriginality!

January 2010: Second year in a row as a local elite runner in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. This year more surreal than the first given I was escorted out to the start line right next to the likes of Shalane Flanagan, Tera Moody, and a host of other 'real' elites. Ran a 1:22 PR that day despite never really "feeling it" during the race. Projected to run sub-3 at Boston. Very cool stuff (and that's me to the R. of Ms. Flanagan herself)!

February 2010: Training 70-plus mile weeks while working full time and taking a post-master's course to fulfill a TX licensure obligation. May have been a little much at the time as I came down with a severe tendinitis in my left foot after the Conoco Phillips Rodeo Run 10k in Houston. Placed 3rd overall behind Mary Davies and Carmen Ayala-Troncoso. Cue "This boot is made for walkin'," cuz I couldn't engage my ankle after that. Started "Your Competitive Edge" Sport Psychology program (my dream job!) laying the groundwork for helping athletes in my community and elsewhere.


March 2010: Introduced to the wonderful world of aqua jogging, no sarcasm intended-it really helped me get fit fast afterward. The people at the YMCA were awesome in giving me a temp. membership. Get email that I have been approved for sponsorship with PowerBar for the next 2 years! Mmmm bring on the bars and gels! I also hooked up with massage therapist extraodinaire, Jarrett Smilie. If you have not been worked on by him, you don't know what you're missing!

April 2010: Back in the running shoes again. Quickly got back up to speed, ran a 19:56 5k easy within end of the month. Feeling good, although work is crazy and carrying a lot of stress. Slowly start "marathon express" training for Rock N Roll Seattle.Went to Boston for a family vacay since I already had plane tickets and hotel ready to go. Hooked up with a friend from HS there who oddly enough also became a marathoner and watched the action at Mile 23 with Mr. Jon Walk himself right next to the press. Boston is where my dad's side of the family is originally from, and I feel an instant connection and affection for that city.


May 2010: Class ends, loved the instructor, training progressing nicely as I click off sub-6 minute miles in training.

June 2010: "For every uphill, there's a downhill"-Tony Allison while driving the course pre-race. Really needing to get away and itching to race, head up to Seattle for the marathon. This was also my first out of state marathon, or any race out of Texas for that matter. This was the best of times, and the worst of times all in one. Met some awesome people, got VIP treatment from Brooks, had a picture taken with Brian Sell, fell in love with Mt. Ranier's view. For the race itself, went in overconfident and perhaps a little underweight and even more so undertrained. Ran like a dream for 22 miles, then gels quickly began to taste like crow as I hit.the.wall. In retrospect, I'm very proud of that race, given  I overcame intense physical discomfort and embarrassment to place 9th Overall Female and still come in a respectable 3:14. Oh, and more importantly I became an aunt right about the time the gun went off as my nephew Carson was born that day! Soaked it all in with new friends and gawking at Mt. Ranier on a beautiful day.

July 2010: took a little time off from running (ok like 4 of 5 days), ran Lunar Rendezvous 5k in 19:15, which was good enough to win my AG and get 4th overall. Meanwhile, it was really freakin' hot in TX. Took last post-master's course and crossed that off the list professionally.

August 2010: One-year anniversary out of grad school! Despite a nagging injury in my RIGHT foot, another first came in running 2 races in one day. Came in 3rd in the first 5k, got mad, used some sport psych on myself and took the challenge of running a second 5k that evening. Learned that a GPS for me is pointless in a race that short, had a great time, and was First Overall Finisher (sorry, boys!) with a time 9 seconds faster that in the morning. Ran Jon W. in for both races (he did 3 that day), which was fun to do.


 September 2010: Crack! Tired and admittedly burnt out from work and lackluster training, my right foot finally succumbs to an avulsion fracture of my 5th metartarsal , resulting in one of the biggest teachable moment in my running career. Decided to focus on the positive aspects of the situation and heeded the message and started the TOTAL healing process...


October 2010: Get first road bike and throw in some cycling. Yes I did cycle in my boot for a while-gimps need sunshine too! Also did a lot of volunteering and found spectating enjoyable and less tiring. Boot came off on 10/29 and got connected with PHS MedNet as a sponsor as well as expanding my network and supports. Big lesson here: I felt even more supported not running than when competing. Make decision to start moving away from "runningism" as a religion and rededicate my life back to Jesus.



November 2010: Happily volunteered for Brooks Cavalcade of Curiosities at the San Antonio Marathon expo, seeing many local running friends, learning lots, and talking even more. New shoes and jacket were a nice incentive too:) After cross training all Oct. I am feeling much stronger and energetic. Put in first 10 minutes of my re-entry at the end of the month and was tempted to kiss the track, however, opted not to do so! Also spent a lot of time working on Your Competitive Edge.

December 2010: Working the Pfitzinger return to running plan and loving it. I also moved to The Woodlands to be closer to work and training. The running and running community here is fabulous!  Learn that Brooks has asked me back as a member of their 2011 P.A.C.E team-Run Happy-you know I will! Had a great Christmas (first one for the nephew) and running begins to feel natural once again.


Today: Started the New Year pitch-perfectly with a 40 minute run that felt like slicing warm butter. I took the Garmin off the shelf and just monitored my natural pace-around 7:30ish and put in 5.3 miles (plus about 27 miles on the bike in addition). A far cry from this time last year, but quality trumps quantity. I'm excited about my "fun running year" and am feeling this thing again. Speaking of quality, that will be my manifesto when it comes to my athletic pursuits in 2011. Chasing numbers and trying to "keep up with the Joneses" mileage-wise is obviously NOT the way to go. I will never be a Kara Goucher or Shalane Flanagan, but I can be a really good Adrienne Langelier. I'm not one for resolutions, but if there was one tweakage to capitalize on for the fresh set of 12 months, it is to just be myself as a person and an athlete:-who He created me to be- nothing more, nothing less. 

To close out this very challenging yet very rewarding (I see a correlation here for sure), 2010 was all about what us therapists call "breaking the homeostasis": shaking things up and facing adversity in order to make change and grow. Let's celebrate the gift of running this year!

God Bless and blow doors.