TM! Ah!

It was 8pm before I finally had the chance to get out there and by that point it was too dark. I headed for the gym and the treadmill. It went suprisingly well though. However, I grabbed my water bottle to take a drink after 4 miles and when I went to set the bottle down - I accidentally bumped the emergency stop button. Dang!!! The treadmill immediatly shut off. If there weren't other people in there with me I would have started cursing. I started it back up again but couldn't get back into my rhythm. I forced myself to go another 1/2 mile though and then walked .2 miles. So....all in all it was 4.7 miles. I'll most likely find myself back at the gym tonight. It's only a high of 60 today (yikes!) and is supposed to rain until late this evening - even in WI we're feeling Gustav's effects. As long as I can keep my clumsy self in line, I should be ok. : )

Back again...

Well as I mentioned in my last blog, I did the swim part in a triathlon a couple weeks ago. It was a really cool experience and I hope to take part in the full next year. I didn't swim too fast, 15mins and some odd seconds but it wasn't that bad. It was a whole different experience swimming in a lake than a pool. You don't have the line on the bottom to follow, the flip turns, and the constant idea of how far you've gone vs. how much is left. My relay team did finish 3rd though - yay!

Last night I ran 4 milies. It felt terrible for the first mile but as I kept going it progressively got better. By the last mile I was cruising along at an alarmingly fast pace for myself and couldn't help but smile. I even considered going one more loop around the neighborhood but reminded myself of how much shin splints hurt and didn't want to over do it.

In a few hours I'm flying home to visit the fam for the weekend. I'll be back at it on Sunday evening though with 6 miles on the docket. The half marathon is in 7 weeks....gotta start really pushing myself.

Run/Swim

Last night I was in an uber cranky mood so I ran 2 miles and then went for a swim for an hour. I'm doing the swim part in a relay team for a triathlon next Saturday morning, so it was about time I got out in the water. It felt SOOO good. It's been about 2 years since I've actually swam, but it felt great. I'm thinking of doing it again tonight. My only complaint was all the fish....I hate swimming in lakes. I'm more of a highly chlorinated pool type girl. Oh well, maybe it'll make me swim faster so that I can get out sooner....right?

Blogphobia?

Hey Jen, this one's for you! ; )

I've been completely slacking on the blog writing lately. Most of the reason being that apart from last week, I haven't really been running. I was doing a few miles here and there but nothing substantial enough. I figured if I wasn't bringing it up...no one would yell at me. ;) But, good news is...that I'm back.

My sis and I decided to do the 1/2 marathon and not the full. We came to the conclusion that pushing the full back a few months is worth it compared to the alternatives of either injuring ourselves, becoming bitter running haters, or worse..whatever that could be. So we'll push back the full to next spring. As soon as we agreed on this it was as if a huge load had been lifted off my shoulders. I think I was anti-running for a few weeks because of the stress of thinking about the marathon. I'm not mentally or physically ready yet and the easiest way to deal with that...at the time...was to ignore running all together. Now that we've got that taken care of, I'm back in action and am LOVING it. I had forgotten how addicting it was and how good it felt. And...how much I missed everyone's encouragement and bullying. : ) I love our little running community!

With that being said, I'm not running tonight, nor did I run yesterday. Yikes! But tomorrow will be another story! And..due to the fact that I have a dinner date with a friend of mine tomorrow night, I will be forced to wake up at the butt crack of dawn to run tomorrow. Wish me luck...I am not a morning person!

Never mind!

My body played a trick on me. It wasn't until the 2nd day after my ten miler that I felt it! Ahh! I hobbled around the whole day in pain. I guess I spoke too soon! haha I feel much better today though so hopefully I'll have time to hit the gym for some weights and cross training on the elliptical.

Has anyone checked out Amy's blog lately? She is totally rocking it out and flying past PR after PR. Yay Amy!!

I didn't fall off the face of the earth.....

I've been "blog" dodging for a few weeks...but I haven't quit running! I did a bunch of 2, 3, and 4 mile runs for a couple weeks after the HM - but nothing major.

Last night I got the itch and the motivation to get out there and do a big one. I ran 10 miles and barely noticed. It's amazing what a few weeks of rest will do. I'm not even sore today which is a shocker too. My right hip has been throbbing for about a week but that's not any worse than it was. The humidity was about the only thing slowing me down last night but it was OK. Everytime I felt tired and wanted to walk, I just thought about my big sister and how I'm sure she has felt the same way and didn't stop...so I shouldn't either. : ) Thanks for motivating me without even being there, Amy! The first few miles were rough and I felt like I was a flailing (sp?) idiot that's never walked, much less ran before. After I got into my zone though things went well. I walked about a mile of it total, here and there.

That's about it for me...now I have to get busy catching up on all of your blogs!

HM RR...

I'm learning the new lingo...it's so fun!

The half marathon...so much to say I'm not sure where to even begin! I guess the "pasta" dinner the night before would be a good place. Well this "pasta" dinner was...well...pasta-less! They ran out. Nice going. My dinner before the biggest event of my life consisted of salad and a bread stick. Way to start things off! They actually did bring in more as we were leaving though - good timing.

We returned to our hotel after our "pasta" dinner and chit chatted - I think Lisa was trying to get me to stop thinking about the race, in order to relieve some anxiety...but I think I just babbled her ear off for 3 hours about random crap - oh well. What are friends for, right? We fell asleep around 9:30 or so. I proceeded to wake up every hour, on the hour in panic thinking I was late. At 2am I realized (thank the Lord!) that we never set an alarm. Not that I guess it was needed with me not really sleeping...but I had a flashback to a Seinfeld episode. I set the alarm and kept on napping/panicking. FINALLY at 4:45 I woke up to the alarm and started off the day. I was so nervous that just the thought of food made me want to hurl. I forced down a bagel with peanut butter and sipped my gatorade. We left the hotel at 6:15 and drove out to Lambeau Field. We finally arrived at 6:50 (3 miles later) and rushed to the starting line. As soon as I was standing in the midst of thousands of people...suprisingly, my anxiety went away. I choked back some tears during the National Anthem and awaited the start. I was actually really calm and collected as we started running. I was just amazed at all the people standing on the sides of the roads cheering. It was amazing. I had to hold back tears the entire race...it was overwhelming. At the 2 mile mark, Lisa realized she needed a porta pottie and stat. Fortunately, there was one a half mile later...but unfortunately for me...I felt like I couldn't stop a soon. She told me to go ahead and not wait if I felt comfortable...so I did. I ran the remainder of the race "alone". I did meet quite a few interesting people that made the race fly by. Two older gentlemen were running their 48th marathon. They said their favorite was the one they did last year in Hawaii....I mentally put that on the list of things to do before I die.

The miles seemed to fly past me until the 8th mile. I started to worry about having enough energy to finish...and stressing over the fact that I had never gone more than 11 miles. I really should have done the 13 first so that I would have mentally been prepared. I walked up a hill (about 1 minute or so) and then went back to running. It was around this time that I had GU, which I had never had before. It was gross. I felt like throwing up after I downed it. I kept trying to be positive and telling myself it was fuel, the energy that I needed to finish..but couldn't help but feel it rising in my throat. The entire time I was running I felt like I was being passed by EVERYONE. I completely expected that if I turned around, there would be no one there...that I was going to be the last one to finish. At the 10 mile mark there was a line on both sides of the road for about a half mile of screaming/cheering/smiling people cheering me on...it was MUCH needed. I yelled thank you and felt my pace pick up. When I turned the corner at 11 miles - it was straight into the wind and it got frigid cold..yikes! I plowed through but could feel myself thinking negatively. At the 12 mile mark the HM and FM's split. I thanked God that I wasn't running the full thing! I kept charging on. FINALLY I saw Lambeau in the distance. I walked a few steps, knowing that I would rather walk now than in front of a crowd of people. As soon as I approached Lambeau I saw my husband, sister in-law and a friend of mine. Not sure how, but my pace picked up and it felt like I could run forever. I ran inside Lambeau field...running through the tunnel and out on to the field was AWESOME! The stands were filled with spectators and their cheering kept me going. I ran around the field and then outside again to the finish line. I wasn't sure how far I had to go but when I turned a corner, all the sudden the finish line was right there. I sprinted (or so I thought...I think I was actually going turtle pace) through and WAS DONE!! I DID IT! I have never in my life felt such pride, accomplishment, and happiness at one time. It was amazing. I didn't make my goal of 2 hours and actually missed it by 16 minutes..darn! I in no way feel bad about it though. I know I gave it everything I had and am fully happy with myself and how I did. It wasn't easy...but it's over and I feel great about it.

My body on the other hand...hates me. I have NEVER felt so stiff, sore, and down right OLD in my life. I'm OK with it...for the most part because I'm proud of what I did...but I'm sitting at work and almost cried about an hour ago because it hurts so much. I've been hobbling down the hallways and cringe everytime I need to sit, stand, or move in general. I took some advil a bit ago and it's a tiny bit better...and I made an appointment for a massage in an hour. One of the best parts of this though...is not only the sense of accomplishment..but it's the support of everyone around me. I've had so many people - even those I hardly know tell me how proud of me they are. Thanks to all my fellow bloggers too - and my sister!! for all the support too....makes me feel like part of another family. : )

Next goal...the FULL marathon. YIKES!! :D We are all crazy!

WooHoo!!

I finished my first HM! Yeah!! I'll write more tomorrow...but thought I'd let you all know that I'm alive...barely! My body is uber sore and not happy with me. The entire thing was such a great experience though! I didn't make my goal of 2 hours but came in at 2:16.

Fart-whats?

I'm such a corn ball. While reading the Runner's World mag this past weekend I kept reading "fartlek" and giggling...not understanding what it meant. Finally today, after seeing it more and more I had to google it. Not as funny any more though...hehe Maybe it is.

Nothing new around these parts. Only a few days away from my 1/2 mar. I'm ready and itching to get it on. My shin splints are killin but hopefully I can ice them enough these next few days to be fine before Sunday.

I stumbled upon a blog today Nancy something or other who put on a virtual 10k. What an awesome idea. I'll have to watch for the next one so I can join in. Fun stuff.

That's all I got....basically just needed a few minute break from a hectic work day. Back at er though.

Another PR!

I finally got my butt in gear this weekend and with a little bullying from my running partner, Lisa - I ran 11 miles on Saturday. Yay! We found a new route which was a nice change of scenary but it had a lot of hills. I felt awful for the first 3 miles of the run and if it weren't for Lisa trotting along next to me, I would probably have just turned around. Once I hit the 4 mile mark it was as if 10lbs were lifted off my shoulders and I felt loose and ready to rock. I'm not sure how long it took us because I forget to check the time before we headed out, but I'd say we probably ran 10 minute miles...which isn't too bad.

When I got home from the run I checked the mailbox and guess what had arrived? My first issue of Runner's World that my favorite sister got me. : ) Thanks, Amy! I sat on the floor, stretched, and read the thing cover to cover. I've never been so excited and pumped about running before. I'm fully motivated and ready for my 1/2 marathon in...say it with me....SIX DAYS! My original goal was to finish. Now that I've improved quite a bit this last month I'm setting myselt a time goal as well - 2 hours.

This week my plan for tapering will be to ride the bike for a few miles tonight at the gym. Drink as much water as I can stomach this week and Wednesday or Thursday run 5 miles. That'll be it! I need to change my thought process this week about food though...I have to remember I'm not a calorie burning machine right now and can't eat everything I see. Darn. : ) Almost makes me excited about starting to train again after the marathon so I can eat without guilt again. Gotta love it.

Two and a half weeks and counting....

Well I am officially disapointed in myself. It's been 3 days since my last run (which was pitiful to say the least) and I'm only two and a half weeks away from my half marathon. My sister in law so selfishly (jk) had a baby at 3am yesterday and her husband has been back from Iraq for the past two weeks but goes back Saturday. It has completely consumed my life these days. I've declared tonight the night to get back in the swing of things though. I'm going to the gym for a good solid workout. The plan is 4 or 5 miles on the TM (it's ridulously cold and windy outside) and 20 miles on the bike. I figure this will jump start me back into action. My tapering will start next week so I need to get in a last one or two more long runs before then but need to ease back into it after my week of slacking. It's amazing how long it takes to get into shape and how quickly it goes away. Wish me luck! Hopefully this weekend I can do a PR for chris's challenge.

Runners are awesome!

Well I was all worried about running with someone else for nothing. She backed out on the workout last night. I was pretty bummed at first. Once I started thinking about it though - it really made me realize what a strong commitment to running I have right now. It's so easy for us to say eh, not in the mood today...or come up with one of the millions of excuses...but we don't (most of the time!). We all deserve a pat on the back! With that being said though - I only ran 2 miles last night and then went golfing. It was such a nice day I had to! Tonight I have 3 volleyball games which won't be finised until 9 so that'll have to be my workout for the day. Tomorrow on the other hand will hopefully be a good run. I'm going to go for 13 miles this weekend. While I know that I can finish the 1/2 marathon - I think it'd make me less stressed if I did it at least once first. That's the plan! I'll of course keep you updated!

Ouch!

So I finally understand the full extent of chaffing. I didn't fully realize how cut and raw my skin really was until this morning. This is probably too much information but oh well - I have scabs under my boobs and in the middle where I so wisely stashed my cell phone during the run. I also have a nice battle wound on my right hip where my radio was clipped to my shorts. Ouch!!! Not fun!! I look like I ran threw a blender. Not to mention my shin splints are out of this world right now. I did however, enjoy a night of watching Juno (hilarious movie btw) with ice packs strapped to both shins. It was enjoyable. No pain no gain - right?

I DID IT!

10 mile day! I wasted half of my work day yesterday on mapmyrun.com trying to find a good route where I could run 5 miles out and have to run the remaining 5 back - forcing myself not to chicken out. A guy I work with suggested a beautiful road where my in-laws own a house.


I got myself all worked up and anxious all day - I was so nervous. On my way home from work I stopped at Radio Shack to get some new headphones - which I thanked myself numerous time throughout the run. My oldies were starting to short out on the left side and it drove me crazy. I got some sony ones that wrap around your ear - highly suggest, they are awesome.

So - the run. I first drove it so that I knew where I was going and mentally noted where each mile was. I threw out a water bottle at the 2 mile mark. When I was driving I noticed a guy on a bike with a bright orange hat. Oh great - should I be wearing orange? It is turkey hunting right now and this area is total fields. I called Todd and asked him since he used to live at the farm house that I started at and he said I'd be OK as long as I wasn't wearing a brown shirt with feathers. That shirt was dirty so I was wearing my fav nike running shirt. Good thing! A minute later Craig called to see if I had started or if I backed out. I proudly told him I was just about to start. He suggested taking my cell with me just in case it got dark and I needed help. I stashed it in the back of my sports bra - since my car key and an extra battery were in the front. I looked ridiculous but I was fully prepared. The first mile my heart was beating so hard because I had gotten myself so worked up and excited about it. Once I got to my water bottle I took a big swig and kept on moving. I didn't feel good at this point - at all. In fact, it was not much further when a truck and open trailer drove past - I considering jumping in. I didn't care where he was going as long as it meant I could stop moving. At mile number 3 I was so sweaty my cell phone almost fell out forcing me to put it in the front - I had a large lumpy tri-boob thing going on but I didn't care. I managed to get to the end of the 5 mile trek and start back. I picked up the speed on the way back to make sure I finished before dark. Around mile number 8 I started to lose my mind. I was so bored. I managed to get through that mile and on to number 9 which I think I literally said every swear word 8 times. When I finally made it to the end and started walking - it was the most bizare feeling. I felt like I had prosthetic (sp?) legs. My knees were so tight but wouldn't stop moving....craziness. I finished the 10 miles in an hour and half - which to my suprise is 10 minute miles. When I'm on the treadmill I run 11 and 12 minute miles so this was huge for me. Yay - so now today I can barely walk but I'm so proud of myself it's OK. Today is storming out so I declare it as my rest day. Tomorrow I'm running with a friend of mine - which is scary. I've only ever run by myself. I'll survive though. Yay for finishing my 10 though - who would have thought?!

Blogger.com's most boring "blogger"?

I came to the realization this weekend that my life is completely boring. My sister's blog is always packed with entertaining little bits and humorous stories...mine...isn't.

On Friday I went to the gym for a few hours and ran 5.5 miles, did some weights, and rode the bike for a few miles. I did however, rent the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie which was fun. Am I really this boring? Yep.

Saturday I woke up and went for a run. 6 miles was the max...I about died. It felt like 100 degrees outside by the time I finished..it was actually only 65 but close enough. I did some raking and things around the house for a few hours. My dog was looking a little lonely so I decided to take her for the 3 mile walk to the dog park. She had a blast - my hip flexors, not so much. By the time I got back I was hobbling. Oh well.

Yesterday there was no working out. I did golf 9 holes and passed on the cart though. It's normally more hassle than it's worth with a cart anyway considering I have to stop every 10 yards to hit the ball again. I actually golfed my best game though, a solid 66. : ) Slightly embarassing.

I'm only 30 days away from the 1/2 marathon which is frightening to think about. My goal this week is to get a 10 mile run under my belt. Wish me luck!

The beginning...

I've never been good at keeping track of anything. Organization and details have never been a strong point. Let's see if this blog will help change that. My sister informed me today that I should really be keeping track of my mileage...so here goes nothing. If the mileage box in my blog doesn't move for a few days - dont' worry...I haven't died of shin splints...I'm just too lazy.

So far the training process has been going fairly well. Better than I expected actually. I've never been a runner - I fully believed that one should only run when chased. I started out in February by running a 1/2 mile on the treadmill...which was as far as I could go before feeling slightly at risk of a heart attack..yes, I'm only 23. I've since progressed to where 5 miles is actually comfortable. Never thought that would be possible. My longest run was on Monday of this week at 8.5 miles. I am hoping that by next week I will be able to report a 10 miler. I am running in the Green Bay, WI half marathon on May 18 and the Grand Rapids, MI full marathon on October 19...so I have some work to do - and quickly. I'm slightly concerned about the half marathon but I'm confident that at this point I will at least be able to finish in the vertical position - which is good enough for me.

I should run tonight but instead I'm going out. I have a volleyball game at 6 though so that will give me a little excerise. (We're in the "D League" though so running is optional) A seasonal bar/restaurant that sits right on the water opens tonight and it's a pretty big deal in this small town - so that is where I will conclude my evening. Running starts again tomorrow evening...6 miles is the goal.