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!