Oops

I tried to clear space in order to have more room for pics (because I used up all my free space).  I accidentally wiped out all the pics.  Oops...

This Runners Wish List:

This book & time to read it



Time and ability to race again




Time to watch Endurance

 Basically, time to do things that have to do with running.  I have realized more than ever how important running is in my life and how much I need it to stay balanced, healthy and happy.

I do love the winter but I'm looking forward to the sun being out after work so Rollins & I can run together.

Holy Smokes!

The lady on the left is 92 years old!!!  Her name is Gladys but I bet she is called Glady (look at her shirt).  What an athlete!  She just completed her 5th Honolulu marathon.  She first ran the Honolulu marathon at age 86.  Read more about it here.  This is just amazing.

I have been trying to figure out why I started this blog.  At first it was to train for a marathon.  Now it is for running long time in life.  Even it is one mile I pray I'm running in my 90's.

I missed Monday's run but I made it happen for today.  My problem is getting out the door.  Rollins likes to remind me that he comes first :)

Weather: 36 degrees, I have a little obsession with the weather.

Distance: 1.01 miles

Average Pace: 12:32

Total Time: 12:32

Calories Burned: 91

On iTunes: Go Easy by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

And So It Begins [I hope]

After 4 weeks off, I decided to try my legs running again.  It was nice.  And frigid.  I hope that I gave my IT Band plenty of time to recover.  I hope I have no problems and that other parts don't wish to remind me I'm getting old.

It was only a mile but a glorious one!

Weather: 30 degrees, snow flurries

Distance: 1 mile

Average Pace: 13:12

Total Time: 13:12

Calories Burned: 77 (better than nothing)

On iTunes: Yellow Submarine by The Beatles

Off The Wagon

I fell off the wagon and I hit the ground hard.

Hard.

Marathon is officially not going to happen. 

Last week I was just stupid and only drank a cup of hot tea a day several days in a row (that's not even 8 ounces of liquid)!!  How could someone forget to drink?  Honestly, I'm not sure.  I have dehydrated myself twice this year.  Neither time on purpose!  I believe I'm part camel.  I am rarely "thirsty" and typically have to remind myself to drink.

These were some symptoms I had (others I won't list because you really don't want to know):

• Lethargic
• Weak
• Moody
• Severe headaches
• Overall tired
• Sleepy
• Depressed

Hank was the one that figured out I might be dehydrated.  It really hit over the weekend and I just felt miserable.  I honestly didn't want to care for Rollins when he was awake.  His crying made my headache worse.

I need to formulate a new plan.  I have been two weeks without exercise and that is the reason for feeling depressed.

I really need to focus.  I've been such a flake and it's not my personality.  It is really making me crazy!

I'll hopefully return.  I WILL return with an action plan.

Quotes

"No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success,

although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes.

More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes."

- Don Kardong

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"It's very hard in the beginning to understand
that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners.

Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice
inside you that wants you to quit."

- George Sheehan

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves.
It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go.
It helps us to find out what we are made of.
This is what we do. This is what it's all about."

- PattiSue Plummer, U.S. Olympian

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"You need to look back, not just at the people who are running behind you
but especially at those who don't run and never will...
those who run but don't race...
those who started training for a race but didn't carry through...
those who got to the starting line but didn't get to the finish line...
those who once raced better than you but no longer run at all.
You're still here.
Take pride in wherever you finish.
Look at all the people you've outlasted."

- Joe Henderson

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"The task ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you."

- Unknown

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Click here to see more quotes from my other blog: Born Into The Light

Vulcan Run 2010

Last night was terrible.  I didn't go to bed until 2 am.  Rollins decided that he did not want to be in his crib.  I tried many times to lay him down and the second he felt me let go of him he started crying.  On any other night I would have let him cried it out.  But this weekend we have company and that's just not right.  So, I let him sleep on my chest for the first time until I finally couldn't do it anymore.  Around 2 am I tried again and he didn't notice.  Sadly I was so wound up from trying not to roll over and stay half awake that I couldn't go to sleep.  I was also anticipating Hank's arrival from a gig.  I think I fell asleep around 2:30.  At that point there was no hope in me racing.  I was exhausted and it just wasn't going to happen.

But it did.  And I'm oh so glad!  I ran the first mile slow and steady.  That was not my plan but pride got the best of me.  I felt great until around mile 4.  Mile 5 I started feeling really good and that gave me my best mile as far as splits and pace.  Overall I'm pleased with the race.  I remember when I look at that time that I am running on a bummed leg and not to get sad about it.  I was just so grateful to be running.

Vulcan Run 2010
Weather: 34 degrees, seriously awesome!
Distance: 6.2
Average Pace: 11:01
Total Time: 1:07
Calories Burned: 582
On iTunes: Wolf Like Me by TV On The Radio

I hope to race and beat my time in a couple more weeks for a Thanksgiving 10K!  Hopefully my injury will no longer be an issue and I'll be back at full speed.

Nice.

I've been working real hard at home to stretch out my IT Band and tonight it paid off.  The pain hasn't gone away completely but it isn't hurting as bad.  I'm not out of the woodwork just yet!  I honestly don't think this will just disappear.  I'm prepared for good runs and bad runs.  I have forgotten what an emotion roller coaster training can be.  One minute I feel confident and the next I feel I'm going to lose it.  One minute I feel like dropping out and the next I'm in it 100%. 

Monday's Run:
Weather: 70 degrees, perfect!
Distance 4.23
Average Pace: 12:44
Total Time: 53:53
Calories Burned: 374
On iTunes: Addicted To Love by Florence + The Machines {LOVE LOVE this song}

Thursday MORNING'S run:
Weather: 47 degrees, dark, gloomy, sprinkles... loved it!
Distance: 2.65
Average Pace: 12.20
Total Time: 32:43
Calories Burned: 230
On iTunes: Washed By The Water by Needtobreathe

Next is Race Day on Saturday!!  So excited and scared.  Still working on the IT Band and I have a fear that it will give in on me half way through the race.  It's only a 10K but I'm still nervous!

I plan on placing myself in the back of the pack.  I will start off walking to warm up my legs and then get going on my run / walk method.  Praying I cross that finish line whether I run, walk or crawl!

Meb, Meb, Meb

NYC Marathon is this weekend.  I LOVE watching marathons on TV.  I watched the Olympics, NYC last year, and any others that come on TV.  I remember tearing up when Meb crossed the finish line last year.  Put politics and college football aside.  It was a moment where we were all cheering for the same team... USA!!  It was a moment where I felt proud to be an American!  He was the 1st American since 1982 to win the largest marathon in the world. 

I dream of being at the back of pack of a big marathon like this.  What a feeling to know elite runners and olympic athletes are leading you!

"Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things will turn out for the best.”
- Meb

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" - Phil 4:13

Move With A Purpose

When I have time I love watching The Biggest Loser.  I had to watch Tuesday's episode.  The contestants spent a week training like Marines do.  I'm so glad I did.  It was a very motivating episode!

Here are some things that were said on the episode by contestants and Marines.

• You have 3 minutes to get your gear on.  Do you understand?  No, do you really understand?
• There are thousands of Marines that to go into a combat zone.  These contestants are training to save their own lives.
• You're only as strong as your weakest link
• Let's go!  Turn it up! March!
• I know you are trying but I need you to try harder!
• I'm not quiting!!
• You never leave anybody behind. We are all one team.
• Think about what you just accomplished.  Tell me you can't accomplish anything else from this day forward.  Tell me you can't!  You can do anything you freakin' put your heart to.  Do not quit. Do not give up.  It's just that simple.  Don't quit.  Don't give up. -Marine
• Move with a purpose!
• 5am Get up!  Get in line right now!  Right now!  You have 2 minutes to get outside.
• You're on my time now.  This is the pace.
• You have 30 seconds to go to the bathroom.
• I will tell you when your done!

Will It Happen?

I overslept Thursday morning and crammed a 1.5 mile workout in.  Does that counts as a workout.  I walked a good bit just to warm my legs up a bit.  I felt fine but had to get home and get the day going.

I ran 3 miles on Saturday (running for 4 minutes / walking for 1).  IT Band started hurting so I walked the last mile home.  I had a 90 minute massage planned (thanks Hank).  The massage therapist had an emergency and it was cancelled.  I ended up going to Fleet Feet Sports and talked to someone about my IT Band issue.  I ended up buying another tool to help me.  The Foam Roller.  These tools are helping me, however, everyone I talk to says I'll end up in physical therapy.  This saddens me and makes me now think that the marathon is just no longer attainable.  I'm barely getting in enough time to run; how in the world will I have time for therapy?

Unfortunately the 14 mile I planned has been moved back.  I'm reevaluating my training plan.  I'm basically seeing how far this wimpy leg will carry me.  I'm also going to look into physical therapist (just in case).  I don't want this to really interfere with the marathon (if it happens).

I'm left with the feelings of disappointment, sadness, failure, and just mad. 

This training feels different.  I'm not as connected as I was before.  I don't feel I'm running enough.  I don't feel my mind is in the game!  I don't feel I'm eating right, drinking enough water, stretching enough, or doing enough cross training.  Never mind.  I'm not doing ANY cross training!  I have no where to cross train!  I'm really on the down and out about the whole thing.  I'm discouraged.

Ugh.

I'm so frustrated.

Goal this week is three 4 mile runs and [God willing] a 10K race this weekend.  If I'm physically able to run this race it will be the most humbling race.  I'm prepared for a time over an hour :)  I usually run 10K between 50 - 60 minutes.  I think my fastest was right under 50 minutes.

I think I'll go for a run to clear my thoughts...

via

Loser

Yes, I'm a loser!  I can't sleep.  I'm making this post at 11:09 this evening.  Praying I drag myself out of bed and run in the morning.  Today was a complete wash because of the rain.  I've had 5 complete days of rest and stretching.  Hopefully the IT Band will be ready to go in the morning!

I'm hoping this post will hold me accountable.  I would hate to report that I was lazy.

Injury. Stink!

I'm having IT Band issues.  Nice.  This is a common injury in runners.  I'm pretty sure it is due to missing a few short runs during the week (hence the reason I started this blog - to hold me accountable to runs), starting runs without proper warm up, and adding too many miles too quickly.  I pretty much need to not run for 3-5 days and get a message (seriously).  If it still bothers me I might have to go see a physical therapist.  I've also been given strict instruction to stay away from laundry, ironing, and anything that has to do with sweeping and mopping.  It is going to be tough the next couple days :)

I bought this handy dandy muscle massage stick (called The Stick.  How clever) today to start working on the band.  I have to say after using it on and off during the day my legs feel better.  I've used it on my calves, hamstrings, quads, back, and of course the IT Band.

If the pain continues I might have to forfeit the marathon this year.  I'm hoping it will heal and I won't have to do this.  I have talked to someone about how to continue running.  He said to run until the pain started and then quit.  Keep trying that, doing yoga, get a massage, and use The Stick.  Hopefully with rest it will stop bother me.  I am now on my 3rd day of no running.  I'm going to do yoga tomorrow and try to run again Wednesday. 

GO AWAY STUPID PAIN.  I don't have time for you!

Snoozing Baby = Happy Runner

I had to work around Rollins' schedule for Friday's run.  Even though it's harder work and slows me down I like having him with me.  The perfect time to do things is right after he eats.  He was happy, full, and had a clean diaper.  He was also ready for a nap by the time I put him in the jogger.

Weather: 80 degrees, warm, sunny
Distance: 5.23
Average Pace: 13:30 (see I am slow)
Total Time: 1:10:38
Calories Burned: 460
On iTunes: Windsurfing Nation by Broken Social Scene

I start my watch the minute I step outside and turn it off when I open the door.  My time always includes the warm up , cool downs, and occasional 5 minute walk (or two).

Only 6 miles is on my training schedule for Sunday's long run.  If my right knee will hold up I will try and make it for 8.  On a previous long run I made the mistake of not warming up properly.  I'm obviously still paying for it.  The pain will cause those 5 minute walk breaks.

Motivation from a New Balance Ad

Here's to hoping for a great weekend!

Goals

Hello!  I'm a "back of the pack" type of runner.  I am not in it to win it.  I'm not in it to get a PR.  I'm just here for the experience, to finish, and maybe collect some hardware along the way.

The goal of this blog is to hold me accountable to my scheduled runs, mileage, pace, and overall eating habits.  I had a previous running blog that I regret deleting.  It helped me so much when in training and so I decided to create another one.
 
I have many excuses:  I like to sleep.  I have a baby.  I'm a wife.  I have a full time job.  I don't have time.  It's too cold.  It's too hot.  I'm tired.  My knees hurt.  My back hurts.  I need sleep. Bla bla bla...
 
I really want to burn all those excuses and just make it happen.

I have a marathon I'd like to run in early January.  My goal for this race is to run it as easy as possible.  It is a part of my training for the "real" marathon.

The "real" marathon is in February.  My goal is just to finish it and get my third medal.
 
My ult(ra)imate goal is to run an Ultra Marathon.  I have been wanting to do this ever since I crossed the finish line of my first marathon in April 2009.  I really like long distance running and I want to see how far this soon to be 30 year old body can carry me!

The most meaningful thing in all of this is I have my husbands support.  He knows I'm a better person when I run.  And if I don't run I will most likely get a rep for being one "Mad Momma."

Please feel free to comment, give advice, & follow!  It makes a girl happy to hear feedback!