Hello running world! I'm back with another post. I'm finally really starting to notice a change in my body structure and am more in tune with my body's needs more than I have ever been. It's awesome to be able to tell what my body is craving and nourish it properly instead of giving in to the craving. I have almost been running for a year now and it has been a wonderful journey. In January, I will do a year recap post, but for now I will just leave it as a "wonderful journey."
I'm now in the middle of week 5 of marathon training. With each passing day my anticipation and excitement grows. Running is definitely an addiction, and frankly that is all I want to do is eat, sleep, and breathe running. (weird, right?) I feel my legs and mind getting stronger each week. Only 13 more weeks of training. I'm currently looking for a half marathon to sign up for, for week 8.
I missed two days of running two weeks ago and I was very frantic about it. However, I picked back up last week and was fine. Getting into my higher mileage weeks though, I will have to be sure to get all my runs in so my body gets used to the distance.
Happy Running!!!
Total Mileage: 446.23
Marathon Countdown: 101 days 18 hours 13 minutes
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Back to Running
The last month has been kind of a let down in the running department for me. Brandon and I have gone on a few trips that didn't allow for my long run on Saturday, I dealt with a small sinus infection and I was just bored with running. I started an 18 week marathon training program well in advance of 18 weeks of actually running a marathon. Needless to say, I took it easy over the last month, but am back at it now.
As of last week I am 19 weeks out from the Cowtown Marathon. I started training last week, so I have a week of rest time before the big race. The program I follow doesn't allow for that week of rest, but it is something that I have decided to take after some talks with my mother in law.
I haven't been totally lazy over the last month; I did run the Rahr 5k with a friend of ours. It was pouring rain, I had a sinus infection, we were stopped for traffic, I walked A LOT and I set a PR for a 5k. Just goes to show with training you can do great things. I wonder what I could have done had all those other factors not been there.
I feel like I'm in the home stretch of training for the marathon even though it is still 18 weeks away. I'm sure they will go quickly.
Total Mileage: 404.18
Marathon Countdown: 124 days 20 hours 39 minutes
As of last week I am 19 weeks out from the Cowtown Marathon. I started training last week, so I have a week of rest time before the big race. The program I follow doesn't allow for that week of rest, but it is something that I have decided to take after some talks with my mother in law.
I haven't been totally lazy over the last month; I did run the Rahr 5k with a friend of ours. It was pouring rain, I had a sinus infection, we were stopped for traffic, I walked A LOT and I set a PR for a 5k. Just goes to show with training you can do great things. I wonder what I could have done had all those other factors not been there.
I feel like I'm in the home stretch of training for the marathon even though it is still 18 weeks away. I'm sure they will go quickly.
Total Mileage: 404.18
Marathon Countdown: 124 days 20 hours 39 minutes
Monday, August 27, 2012
Week 2: Marathon Training
I'm proud to report another successful week of marathon training. My 2nd week, I feel like was more successful than the first and I was less tired after each run. This week of training consisted of 3,3,3,7 for a total of 16 miles.
I had a pretty long stressful weekend with work, so my 7 mile run on Sunday was super easy. I got to run all my frustration and stress out. It was so nice. I even rewarded myself with a nice ice cold Coors Light afterwards :)
Normally, my long run is on Saturday, but I decided to run it on Sunday instead. I still got it in, which is the most important thing to start building distance. Only 19.2 more miles to go for a marathon...easy breezy, right?
Words of Wisdom: Even if you miss your long run day on Saturday/Sunday, make it up on Saturday/Sunday. Getting that distance in is what is crucial for building up your distance and stamina.
Quote of the Day: "Pressure is nothing more than the shadow of great opportunity." - Michael Johnson
Positive Side Effects: Again...frustration and stress relief
Total Mileage: 341
Marathon Countdown: 180 days 14 hours 55 minutes
I had a pretty long stressful weekend with work, so my 7 mile run on Sunday was super easy. I got to run all my frustration and stress out. It was so nice. I even rewarded myself with a nice ice cold Coors Light afterwards :)
Normally, my long run is on Saturday, but I decided to run it on Sunday instead. I still got it in, which is the most important thing to start building distance. Only 19.2 more miles to go for a marathon...easy breezy, right?
Words of Wisdom: Even if you miss your long run day on Saturday/Sunday, make it up on Saturday/Sunday. Getting that distance in is what is crucial for building up your distance and stamina.
Quote of the Day: "Pressure is nothing more than the shadow of great opportunity." - Michael Johnson
Positive Side Effects: Again...frustration and stress relief
Total Mileage: 341
Marathon Countdown: 180 days 14 hours 55 minutes
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Week 2 of Marathon Training
Hey Running World,
I have almost made it through week 2 of marathon training! Saturday is another "long day" at 7 miles. I'm very excited to report that my diet and water intake has greatly improved with my increase in running. I'm back to consistently running 4 days a week, and this week will be my first Sunday to do cross-training. Not sure what I am going to do yet though.
Every run is always a surprise and different than the run before it - wait I just described how my husband describes baseball. I re-tract my former statement. Just kidding! Different strokes for different folks, right? Last Saturday when I ran I found a small treasure in the road - $1 peso. It's not much but it sure does look fancy. If I wasn't so lazy right now I would hook my phone up and put the picture on here.
Marathon training has been absolutely fantastic and has definitely re-energized and re-motivated me to get serious about running.
Words of Wisdom: JUST RUN!
Quote of the Day: "We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves. The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable." - Sir Roger Bannister
Positive Side Effects: In a matter of two weeks all my prior worries and heavy heart are gone. My mind, body, and heart have been restored. A lot of this has to do with God and my husband, the rest has to do with running. Running focuses the mind.
Total Mileage: 333.99
Marathon Countdown: 184 days 10 hours 52 minutes
I have almost made it through week 2 of marathon training! Saturday is another "long day" at 7 miles. I'm very excited to report that my diet and water intake has greatly improved with my increase in running. I'm back to consistently running 4 days a week, and this week will be my first Sunday to do cross-training. Not sure what I am going to do yet though.
Every run is always a surprise and different than the run before it - wait I just described how my husband describes baseball. I re-tract my former statement. Just kidding! Different strokes for different folks, right? Last Saturday when I ran I found a small treasure in the road - $1 peso. It's not much but it sure does look fancy. If I wasn't so lazy right now I would hook my phone up and put the picture on here.
Marathon training has been absolutely fantastic and has definitely re-energized and re-motivated me to get serious about running.
Words of Wisdom: JUST RUN!
Quote of the Day: "We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves. The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable." - Sir Roger Bannister
Positive Side Effects: In a matter of two weeks all my prior worries and heavy heart are gone. My mind, body, and heart have been restored. A lot of this has to do with God and my husband, the rest has to do with running. Running focuses the mind.
Total Mileage: 333.99
Marathon Countdown: 184 days 10 hours 52 minutes
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Marathon Training: Day 1
Yesterday was my first training day for the marathon in February. I was super excited to get back out there and have a goal. Yesterday was a easy hard, and I mean hard three miles. I hadn't ran in 10 days and been eating and drinking terribly wonderfully yummy things.
It was a brutal 3 miles and I really felt like I wanted to die. My phone stopped working due to "heat" and so I just guessed on mileage. It stopped working at 2.88 miles, so I'm sure that I made it the full 3 miles. Even though I felt terrible I still finished. I can't wait till we start seeing 60 degree temperatures again!
Here is a picture before my run of day 1 - there is no after picture, as I looked half dead
I really want a Garmin gps watch for running and a shuffle for my music instead of wearing the arm band.
Words of Wisdom: Find something to be excited about when you run and re-energize your motivation. Register for a race, even a small one. It gives you something to work towards.
Quote of the Day: “Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough.”
-Hal Higdon
Positive Side Effects: Increased focus on nutrition and training. Reminds you of all the bad things you put in your body (like the yummy chicken tenders and sweet potato fries I had for lunch, that I will feel while running this evening).
Total Mileage: 315.96
Marathon Countdown: 192 days 17 hours 35 minutes
It was a brutal 3 miles and I really felt like I wanted to die. My phone stopped working due to "heat" and so I just guessed on mileage. It stopped working at 2.88 miles, so I'm sure that I made it the full 3 miles. Even though I felt terrible I still finished. I can't wait till we start seeing 60 degree temperatures again!
Here is a picture before my run of day 1 - there is no after picture, as I looked half dead
I really want a Garmin gps watch for running and a shuffle for my music instead of wearing the arm band.
Words of Wisdom: Find something to be excited about when you run and re-energize your motivation. Register for a race, even a small one. It gives you something to work towards.
Quote of the Day: “Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough.”
-Hal Higdon
Positive Side Effects: Increased focus on nutrition and training. Reminds you of all the bad things you put in your body (like the yummy chicken tenders and sweet potato fries I had for lunch, that I will feel while running this evening).
Total Mileage: 315.96
Marathon Countdown: 192 days 17 hours 35 minutes
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Hitting The Reset Button
Isn't it nice that no matter where you are in life you can decide that today is going to be the day you decide to start over, create a new beginning, and in turn create a new ending?
I have been really down on myself lately for letting external factors get me down and put a damper on my running.
I was going to run my first half-marathon in October at Texas Motor Speedway with some family members, but my training for it had really slacked off and I just wasn't feeling that great about it. Brandon and I decided to go to California when Brandon's brother Kyle returns from deployment. We don't know an exact date for it, so we are kind of on hold with any "fall plans." Seeing him return from deployment outweighs any other plans we may have had. However, I do hope that we are still able to attend our beautiful cousin's wedding in October.
With all of that I made up my mind on Friday that I was going to register for the Cowtown Marathon in Ft. Worth for February. When I was 21, I always said that I was going to run a Marathon BEFORE I was 25, but it was always with a sense of "yeah, right" in the background. I turn 25 the end of this month, so I didn't make it before 25, but at least I'll still be 25.
Running has always been in my heart ever since I won my first race in high school. To think about running a marathon both excites me and scares the daylights out of me. As soon as I clicked the "Submit Payment" button on my registration I felt like I was going to be sick.
I set about making a plan, contacted my mother-in-law for some tips to get started on the right path, and by the end of the day I was super excited. I purchased Hal Higdon's "Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide" and am working my way through it. I have already teared up several times while reading it simply because of the thought of how it is going to feel to cross that finish line.
So, back to my opening line of this blog....I'm starting over. I'm starting my training all over as if I've never ran a race in my life. I have a renewed sense of excitement in my soul for this journey I'm about embark on. Tomorrow is a 2 mile day...yes, I said it 2 miles...really, that is just a warm-up for me. With the heat of the summer though 2 miles is probably about all I can tolerate right now in this heat. At the peak of my prior training, running 30 miles a week, to now running 10 miles in a week, I'm sure it is going to feel like a breeze in the beginning.
I'm not going to include my normal things in the blog such as words of wisdom or total mileage, but I am going to leave with these final thoughts from Hal Higdon's book.
"26 miles 385 yards"
"Even thinking about running that far takes a certain amount of endurance. And courage. And maybe even arrogance."
"Finishing a marathon changes your life forever."
"Completing a marathon is like tacking a PhD at the end of your name, getting married, or having a baby. You are special, and whether anyone else knows it or not, you certainly do."
I can't wait to write a blog the week after February 24 and put down all my emotions into words, if that is even possible.
Happy Running!
Marathon Countdown: 195 days 16 hours and 36 minutes
I have been really down on myself lately for letting external factors get me down and put a damper on my running.
I was going to run my first half-marathon in October at Texas Motor Speedway with some family members, but my training for it had really slacked off and I just wasn't feeling that great about it. Brandon and I decided to go to California when Brandon's brother Kyle returns from deployment. We don't know an exact date for it, so we are kind of on hold with any "fall plans." Seeing him return from deployment outweighs any other plans we may have had. However, I do hope that we are still able to attend our beautiful cousin's wedding in October.
With all of that I made up my mind on Friday that I was going to register for the Cowtown Marathon in Ft. Worth for February. When I was 21, I always said that I was going to run a Marathon BEFORE I was 25, but it was always with a sense of "yeah, right" in the background. I turn 25 the end of this month, so I didn't make it before 25, but at least I'll still be 25.
Running has always been in my heart ever since I won my first race in high school. To think about running a marathon both excites me and scares the daylights out of me. As soon as I clicked the "Submit Payment" button on my registration I felt like I was going to be sick.
I set about making a plan, contacted my mother-in-law for some tips to get started on the right path, and by the end of the day I was super excited. I purchased Hal Higdon's "Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide" and am working my way through it. I have already teared up several times while reading it simply because of the thought of how it is going to feel to cross that finish line.
So, back to my opening line of this blog....I'm starting over. I'm starting my training all over as if I've never ran a race in my life. I have a renewed sense of excitement in my soul for this journey I'm about embark on. Tomorrow is a 2 mile day...yes, I said it 2 miles...really, that is just a warm-up for me. With the heat of the summer though 2 miles is probably about all I can tolerate right now in this heat. At the peak of my prior training, running 30 miles a week, to now running 10 miles in a week, I'm sure it is going to feel like a breeze in the beginning.
I'm not going to include my normal things in the blog such as words of wisdom or total mileage, but I am going to leave with these final thoughts from Hal Higdon's book.
"26 miles 385 yards"
"Even thinking about running that far takes a certain amount of endurance. And courage. And maybe even arrogance."
"Finishing a marathon changes your life forever."
"Completing a marathon is like tacking a PhD at the end of your name, getting married, or having a baby. You are special, and whether anyone else knows it or not, you certainly do."
I can't wait to write a blog the week after February 24 and put down all my emotions into words, if that is even possible.
Happy Running!
Marathon Countdown: 195 days 16 hours and 36 minutes
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Dedicated to Running
When I started this blog I was running regularly and really wanted to share my stories and experiences with everyone and was excited that I had finally made time in my life to write a running blog in addition to our family blog. Over the last few months I have been dealing with some very stressful and emotionally taxing things. It seems as if no matter how much you try to listen to someone, help them, be there for them, and go above and beyond in doing for them, it will always come back around to bite you and somehow comes out be your fault. Over the last year my sweet husband and I have spent a lot of time and money on an event, and being there for people. However, when it comes down to it you can't change the way someone is. I'm thankful that I only have to answer for my actions and not the actions of others. I have learned that having a job, responsibilities, feelings, and the right to make my own choices somehow makes me a selfish person. But I guess if having a career, being successful, being true to my feelings, and making choices that are right for me are selfish, then I'm okay with that.
Things like this really make a person stop to evaluate why they even try to do nice things for others and really makes you want to give up on doing nice things for people all together. However, I have made the choice that I will continue to go out of my way to help others and be there for them whenever I am given the chance. I do several things in my day to day life to be nice, kind, and helpful to others, and the anger I was holding on too because of what I went through was not fair to me or anyone else.
So as much as I am dedicated to remaining true to what I know is right, I am going to find my dedication to my running and blogging once again. The overwhelming stress of everything is gone, and I can again focus my energies on running and eating right and not stuffing my face with cupcakes, cheesecake and wine.
Words of Wisdom: Stay true to who you are no matter how hard it is or what others think of you. At the end of the day the only person you have to answer for is yourself. Don't let stressful situations interfere with your motivation; in the end it will only make you feel worse.
Quote of the Day: "Reputation is for time; characters is for eternity." - J.B. Gough
Positive Side Effects:Well, I haven't had in any in awhile but looking forward to filling this section back in soon.
Total Mileage: 313.08 (only 7.03 more miles than my last blog)
Things like this really make a person stop to evaluate why they even try to do nice things for others and really makes you want to give up on doing nice things for people all together. However, I have made the choice that I will continue to go out of my way to help others and be there for them whenever I am given the chance. I do several things in my day to day life to be nice, kind, and helpful to others, and the anger I was holding on too because of what I went through was not fair to me or anyone else.
So as much as I am dedicated to remaining true to what I know is right, I am going to find my dedication to my running and blogging once again. The overwhelming stress of everything is gone, and I can again focus my energies on running and eating right and not stuffing my face with cupcakes, cheesecake and wine.
Words of Wisdom: Stay true to who you are no matter how hard it is or what others think of you. At the end of the day the only person you have to answer for is yourself. Don't let stressful situations interfere with your motivation; in the end it will only make you feel worse.
Quote of the Day: "Reputation is for time; characters is for eternity." - J.B. Gough
Positive Side Effects:Well, I haven't had in any in awhile but looking forward to filling this section back in soon.
Total Mileage: 313.08 (only 7.03 more miles than my last blog)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
300 Miles and Counting
Hey running world! So I have officially passed the 300 mile mark. I have been a terrible blogger, but have had a lot going on in my world that I'm trying to sort through, so I do well to even get out there and run. I recently joined a gym so I could continue training like I need to for a half-marathon, but running on the treadmill is just so dang boring.
The company I work for instituted a "Live Healthier" campaign, so everyone that I work with is trying to work out and be healthier. This past Monday we played in a basketball game against JV boys. I haven't touched a basketball in 9 years, but I didn't do too shabby. However, as in shape as I am, my body is aching. I went for a short 2 miler yesterday to loosen up, and it was agony the entire way.
Words of Wisdom: I have no words of wisdom for this post. My mind, heart, and body are all drained.
Quote of the Day: "Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those be well-tried before you give them your confidence" - George Washington - What a great reminder on how to pick your friends!
Positive Side Effects: Running is an outlet for anything!
Total Mileage: 306.05
The company I work for instituted a "Live Healthier" campaign, so everyone that I work with is trying to work out and be healthier. This past Monday we played in a basketball game against JV boys. I haven't touched a basketball in 9 years, but I didn't do too shabby. However, as in shape as I am, my body is aching. I went for a short 2 miler yesterday to loosen up, and it was agony the entire way.
Words of Wisdom: I have no words of wisdom for this post. My mind, heart, and body are all drained.
Quote of the Day: "Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those be well-tried before you give them your confidence" - George Washington - What a great reminder on how to pick your friends!
Positive Side Effects: Running is an outlet for anything!
Total Mileage: 306.05
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Running..A True Companion
Something I have learned about running is that it always gives back. It listens to your heart, propels your body along, and clears your mind. Running is always there to listen to your feelings when others aren't or don't understand. I found out yesterday, the more stressed, hurt, and upset I am, the better my run. When my world is flooded with emotions, I just lace up my Brooks, put my ear buds in, and start pounding the pavement. With each step I take, I feel my legs begin to loosen up, my breathing regulate itself, and pure happiness flow through my body. Crazy, right?
Yesterday, was a day just like any other day. Worked all day, had lunch with some co-workers, put promotional materials together, marked things off in my planner. There was nothing different about my day, it pretty much just rocked along smoothly. I went to the gym and did an upper body workout and then ran 1 boring mile on the treadmill. As a side note, treadmill running is for the bird, and not this Bird.
Somewhere between dinner and driving home I started having this overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry, kick and scream. I walked in my house grabbed my arm band, set my phone, stuck my earbuds in and set out. It was already 8 o'clock, so I knew I only had about an hour to run before it got dark. Normally, when I set out to run I have a distance in mind. Yesterday, I didn't know how far I would run.. .5, 1, 2, 10 miles..I didn't know. All I knew was that I justwanted needed to run. I ended up at 5 miles with a few minutes of daylight left, and felt like I could have run 20.
I'm still not 100% emotionally okay, but running is an outlet for me. In the past when I would get those overwhelming feelings, I would just shut down. Literally, just lounge around, eat and do nothing. Running keeps me going.
Words of Wisdom: Find something to be your emotional outlet other than people. So often when people get emotional they take it out on the ones they love. Running, pounding the pavement, keeps me centered and focused, and gives me time to de-stress without taking it out on those around me.
Quote of the Day: "Everyone who has run knows that its most important value is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day may bring" - Jimmy Carter
Positive Side Effects: Free Psychiatric Care
Total Mileage: 292.02
Yesterday, was a day just like any other day. Worked all day, had lunch with some co-workers, put promotional materials together, marked things off in my planner. There was nothing different about my day, it pretty much just rocked along smoothly. I went to the gym and did an upper body workout and then ran 1 boring mile on the treadmill. As a side note, treadmill running is for the bird, and not this Bird.
Somewhere between dinner and driving home I started having this overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry, kick and scream. I walked in my house grabbed my arm band, set my phone, stuck my earbuds in and set out. It was already 8 o'clock, so I knew I only had about an hour to run before it got dark. Normally, when I set out to run I have a distance in mind. Yesterday, I didn't know how far I would run.. .5, 1, 2, 10 miles..I didn't know. All I knew was that I just
I'm still not 100% emotionally okay, but running is an outlet for me. In the past when I would get those overwhelming feelings, I would just shut down. Literally, just lounge around, eat and do nothing. Running keeps me going.
Words of Wisdom: Find something to be your emotional outlet other than people. So often when people get emotional they take it out on the ones they love. Running, pounding the pavement, keeps me centered and focused, and gives me time to de-stress without taking it out on those around me.
Quote of the Day: "Everyone who has run knows that its most important value is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day may bring" - Jimmy Carter
Positive Side Effects: Free Psychiatric Care
Total Mileage: 292.02
Thursday, July 5, 2012
New Perspective on Running
I've recently gained a new perspective on running. I read Women's Running, Runners World, track down articles on running, and follow runners on Twitter. Basically, I spend a good amount of my time learning tips, tricks, healthy eating habits, and what a runner's body needs. The last month I have really been in a low with motivation and determination to run. I normally run on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. When I trained for my 5k and 10k, that is the routine I did. However, the mileage was much shorter then and everyday was a "short" running day. Back them my longest day was 5 miles, which I thought was a killer. Now, my longest day is 10 miles, which I usually run on a Saturday.
I've been slacking and skipping days so my long days seem impossible, and I'm not going to be able to do a half-marathon if I keep up this trend. The other day while I was on Twitter, Runners World posted an article about common mistakes that runners make. One of them being, stuck in a running rut; following a strict schedule instead of just running when you and your body feels like it.
So, I got up this week determined that I was going to hit my mileage this week of 22 miles. Ran 4 on Monday as planned. Tuesday we were out of town in the evening for a concert - normally this would have been a 6 mile day. Wednesday's are normally my rest day, but I felt like running yesterday, so instead of being stuck to my "schedule" I went and run along the Concho River yesterday. It was so FREEING. For me to alter one of my schedules is really unheard of, but I did it and it felt great. And the added bonus is, I'm still on my schedule to hit my mileage this week.
Words of Wisdom: Don't be so tied to a schedule that you forget to enjoy your runs. Don't view it as part of your schedule, but as something you want to do. Don't confine yourself to only running on certain days and deprive yourself of running on days you really want to run.
Quote of the Day: “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
Positive Side Effects: The feeling you get from freeing your mind while running is like no other feeling in the world. The non-runners don't understand this, but the runners do. Once you break past the wall, and you don't even realize you are running - this is where the true enjoyment of running begins.
Total Mileage: 283.00
I've been slacking and skipping days so my long days seem impossible, and I'm not going to be able to do a half-marathon if I keep up this trend. The other day while I was on Twitter, Runners World posted an article about common mistakes that runners make. One of them being, stuck in a running rut; following a strict schedule instead of just running when you and your body feels like it.
So, I got up this week determined that I was going to hit my mileage this week of 22 miles. Ran 4 on Monday as planned. Tuesday we were out of town in the evening for a concert - normally this would have been a 6 mile day. Wednesday's are normally my rest day, but I felt like running yesterday, so instead of being stuck to my "schedule" I went and run along the Concho River yesterday. It was so FREEING. For me to alter one of my schedules is really unheard of, but I did it and it felt great. And the added bonus is, I'm still on my schedule to hit my mileage this week.
Words of Wisdom: Don't be so tied to a schedule that you forget to enjoy your runs. Don't view it as part of your schedule, but as something you want to do. Don't confine yourself to only running on certain days and deprive yourself of running on days you really want to run.
Quote of the Day: “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
Positive Side Effects: The feeling you get from freeing your mind while running is like no other feeling in the world. The non-runners don't understand this, but the runners do. Once you break past the wall, and you don't even realize you are running - this is where the true enjoyment of running begins.
Total Mileage: 283.00
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
New Shoes, New Outlook
Hello running world,
This past weekend, I was finally able to make it to Luke's Locker to find some new running shoes. I had put over 200 miles on my Nike Lunar Eclipses, and they could have taken a few more, but I really hated those shoes. Running in a pair of shoes you hate totally zaps you.
I ran 4 miles in my new Brooks yesterday, and my feet were a little sore, but today I feel absolutely great - no soreness. They are a much lower profile shoe, but they still gave me the support I need. I definitely feel like I found a new best friend. After all, we are going to be spending the next 200-300 miles together. I'm not crazy about the color, but it will grow on me.
Words of Wisdom: Invest in a good pair of shoes. Runners encounter injuries of all types even with the proper shoes, but investing in a good pair of shoes can make a world of difference in a runner's longevity with running.
I've really been under a lot of stress lately in a lot of different areas in my life, and my short 4 mile run yesterday completely cleared my head. People that don't run can't really understand how putting yourself under physical exertion, in the heat especially, does anything for you. But, running is its own therapy.
Quote of the Day: "A run begins the moment you forget you are running."
- Adidas
Positive Side Effects: New shoes on a regular basis!
Total Mileage: 262.89
This past weekend, I was finally able to make it to Luke's Locker to find some new running shoes. I had put over 200 miles on my Nike Lunar Eclipses, and they could have taken a few more, but I really hated those shoes. Running in a pair of shoes you hate totally zaps you.
I ran 4 miles in my new Brooks yesterday, and my feet were a little sore, but today I feel absolutely great - no soreness. They are a much lower profile shoe, but they still gave me the support I need. I definitely feel like I found a new best friend. After all, we are going to be spending the next 200-300 miles together. I'm not crazy about the color, but it will grow on me.
I've really been under a lot of stress lately in a lot of different areas in my life, and my short 4 mile run yesterday completely cleared my head. People that don't run can't really understand how putting yourself under physical exertion, in the heat especially, does anything for you. But, running is its own therapy.
Quote of the Day: "A run begins the moment you forget you are running."
- Adidas
Positive Side Effects: New shoes on a regular basis!
Total Mileage: 262.89
Monday, June 11, 2012
Catching Up
Hello there! I have done a terrible job this last month of keeping up with my runs via the blog world. With the move to a new house and an addition to our family (Ranger - the Augie), I have had limited time to blog. Normally, I blog during my lunch hour. I shut the door to my office, eat lunch, and have an hour of undisturbed time to focus on writing. However, the last month has been crazy at work, and I'm lucky if I even get a full hour for lunch. So I'm going to do a short recap of the last month.
I'm not going to include Words of Wisdom, Quote of the Day, or Positive Side Effects. My lack of motivation over the last month has left me with no words. I really am only writing this blog post out of a sense of obligation. I put it on my planner to do today, so I knew I would have to do it.
Total Mileage: 242.83 miles (only 64.63 miles since my last blog)
- Started training for a half marathon
- Finding it hard to be motivated
- Ran my longest distance yet...9.5 miles
I'm not going to include Words of Wisdom, Quote of the Day, or Positive Side Effects. My lack of motivation over the last month has left me with no words. I really am only writing this blog post out of a sense of obligation. I put it on my planner to do today, so I knew I would have to do it.
Total Mileage: 242.83 miles (only 64.63 miles since my last blog)
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Finding Time to Run...
My husband, Brandon, and I are in the process of moving into our first home together and it has been raining on and off in San Angelo for over a week now. These two things combined have made finding a time to run a little more challenging. I haven't blogged since my run last Tuesday, so I'll give y'all a brief update.
Thursday was a short day at 3 miles. It was an easy, quick, nothing out of the ordinary run. Saturday was an 8 mile day. This also happened to be the day that both of our moms came to help us move and get our house set up. However, I was determined I was going to run especially since I needed that long run. I felt like I would never finish on Saturday. I had the horrible-est, oddest thing happen to me while I was running that took a chunk out of my time. I won't go into detail as to what it was, but it was just HORRIBLE. My actual running time wasn't that long that day, but it ended up taking me over 2 hours to finish 8 miles..crazy.
I set out for a 4 mile run yesterday in the rain. It started raining harder when I was about half a mile down the road, and I decided to turn around. Even though my phone was in a case on my arm, I didn't want it to get water damage. I need to invest in a running rain jacket, as well as some more protection for my phone, so I don't let the pouring rain get in my way.
Normally, I would run today - 6 miles, but I'm going to delay it till tomorrow. Reason being: Brandon and I have a race on Friday, so I want to get a run in on Wednesday so I can rest Thursday (normal running day), so I can be at my best for Friday. It is just a 5k, so nothing too strenuous, but I want to improve on my time from my last 5k.
Words of Wisdom: Spending a great deal of time running, you will more than likely see something that needs to be reported. Don't be afraid to stop and call someone if you see something happening that shouldn't happen. Don't be afraid to report something. Just keep running until you feel that you are in a safer area, and then stop to call someone. My mother-in-law has been running for 10 years and has never encountered anything before; I've been running for a little over 4 months and have, so it is hit or miss. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings
Quote of the Day: "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” - Thomas Jefferson (this doesn't really tie to the blog today, but I thought it was great anyways)
Positive Side Effects: Being told that you are looking beautiful, gorgeous, and someone acknowledging that your hard work is paying off...and NOT by your husband, wife, or family member.
Thursday was a short day at 3 miles. It was an easy, quick, nothing out of the ordinary run. Saturday was an 8 mile day. This also happened to be the day that both of our moms came to help us move and get our house set up. However, I was determined I was going to run especially since I needed that long run. I felt like I would never finish on Saturday. I had the horrible-est, oddest thing happen to me while I was running that took a chunk out of my time. I won't go into detail as to what it was, but it was just HORRIBLE. My actual running time wasn't that long that day, but it ended up taking me over 2 hours to finish 8 miles..crazy.
I set out for a 4 mile run yesterday in the rain. It started raining harder when I was about half a mile down the road, and I decided to turn around. Even though my phone was in a case on my arm, I didn't want it to get water damage. I need to invest in a running rain jacket, as well as some more protection for my phone, so I don't let the pouring rain get in my way.
Normally, I would run today - 6 miles, but I'm going to delay it till tomorrow. Reason being: Brandon and I have a race on Friday, so I want to get a run in on Wednesday so I can rest Thursday (normal running day), so I can be at my best for Friday. It is just a 5k, so nothing too strenuous, but I want to improve on my time from my last 5k.
Words of Wisdom: Spending a great deal of time running, you will more than likely see something that needs to be reported. Don't be afraid to stop and call someone if you see something happening that shouldn't happen. Don't be afraid to report something. Just keep running until you feel that you are in a safer area, and then stop to call someone. My mother-in-law has been running for 10 years and has never encountered anything before; I've been running for a little over 4 months and have, so it is hit or miss. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings
Quote of the Day: "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” - Thomas Jefferson (this doesn't really tie to the blog today, but I thought it was great anyways)
Positive Side Effects: Being told that you are looking beautiful, gorgeous, and someone acknowledging that your hard work is paying off...and NOT by your husband, wife, or family member.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Getting Stronger..Setting PR's
Instead of bombarding my blog with details over every run, I'm going to combine my Monday and Tuesday run into one blog post.
Monday was a 4 mile day; on my old training plan for a 10k it was a 3 mile day. It poured rain most of the day and I was worried that I was going to have to run inside on a treadmill, which would not have thrilled me. Thankfully, it cleared up a bit and I was able to run outside. I just had to jump over and avoid puddles. I also got splashed by a car passing by. They could have moved into the other lane, but I guess the prospect of splashing a runner was more enticing.
Tuesday was a 6 mile day. I was going to get up early and run before work since I need to spend my evenings packing and getting ready to move. However, it was pouring rain again (and I am NOT complaining). The rain has really cooled things off and made for a comfortable run. I ran my fastest 1k, 5k, and would have beat my 10k time as well had I ran the additional .20 miles.
With every run I feel myself getting stronger, and it is exciting.
Today is a rest day and tomorrow will be a short 3 mile day to give myself a break before an 8 mile run on Saturday.
Words of Wisdom: Don't be afraid of the weather. Don't let the weather dictate whether you run or not. Don't let the weather be an excuse. I have completed some of my best runs and times in below freezing weather, and this week I set a couple of PR's on rainy days. Sometimes inclement weather makes for the best run.
Quote of the Day: "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner
Positive Side Effects: Eating two slices of pizza after a 6 mile run and not feeling guilty...although I'm not a proponent of rewarding myself with food. We just had pizza last night since we are in the process of moving and everything is turned upside down.
Total Mileage: 178.20
Sunday, May 6, 2012
A 5k with a 4.9 mile warmup
Yesterday was my first time to run 8 miles. I'm training for a half-marathon, so my runs will continue to get longer. I just focused on getting through one mile at a time. It was a beautiful morning for a long run even though the West Texas wind was blowing like crazy. As I ran around the high school in Sweetwater, I thought about how many times I ran the same roads around the school. I tried thinking about what I was like back then, and came to the conclusion that I don't even know who that person is anymore. That is another perk of running. It gives you alone time to think, plan, and reflect.
After about mile 5, my legs really started to loosen up, and it became easier to keep propelling myself along. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. At mile 5 I stopped for a few minutes, walked around, and drank a half bottle of water. Hydration is important, especially on long runs. For me I have found that it is a good idea to hydrate about every 30 minutes. The last 3 miles were a breeze compared to the first 5.
I'm excited to start another week.
Monday - 4 miles
Tuesday - 6 miles
Thursday - 3 miles
Saturday - 8 miles
This past week I convinced my husband to sign up for his second race, which will actually be his first race.
On May 18, we are going to run in a Relay for Life fundraiser here in San Angelo. I'm going to do the 5k and Brandon will do a 1.5 mile run.
Words of Wisdom: Use your running time as "me-time." I plan my day or the next day, I think about my goals, and reflect on my past and how far I've come. I think about my next run and set goals for that run. Anything that is bothering me or a stress in my life I think about during this time, and let it go. My running time has become my alone time and something that I look forward to. After my run I can focus on everything else that I need to do.
Quote of the Day: “Success isn't how far yougot, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” (I don't know who said it)
Positive Side Effects: Alone time that you don't really have to fight for. Lets face it, you go run 3,8,10 miles...who is really going to want to go with you?
Total Mileage: 168.20
After about mile 5, my legs really started to loosen up, and it became easier to keep propelling myself along. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. At mile 5 I stopped for a few minutes, walked around, and drank a half bottle of water. Hydration is important, especially on long runs. For me I have found that it is a good idea to hydrate about every 30 minutes. The last 3 miles were a breeze compared to the first 5.
I'm excited to start another week.
Monday - 4 miles
Tuesday - 6 miles
Thursday - 3 miles
Saturday - 8 miles
This past week I convinced my husband to sign up for his second race, which will actually be his first race.
On May 18, we are going to run in a Relay for Life fundraiser here in San Angelo. I'm going to do the 5k and Brandon will do a 1.5 mile run.
Words of Wisdom: Use your running time as "me-time." I plan my day or the next day, I think about my goals, and reflect on my past and how far I've come. I think about my next run and set goals for that run. Anything that is bothering me or a stress in my life I think about during this time, and let it go. My running time has become my alone time and something that I look forward to. After my run I can focus on everything else that I need to do.
Quote of the Day: “Success isn't how far yougot, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” (I don't know who said it)
Positive Side Effects: Alone time that you don't really have to fight for. Lets face it, you go run 3,8,10 miles...who is really going to want to go with you?
Total Mileage: 168.20
Thursday, May 3, 2012
5 AM - 5 Miler
My alarm went off at 5 am this morning beckoning me to run. The warm covers and my kitty snuggled up next to me beckoned me to stay. I normally do not run in the morning, but tonight Brandon is being inducted into an Accounting Honor Society, so I wouldn't have time this evening to run. Finally, at 5:20, I convinced myself to get up and get out there. Lets face it, running at 5 am is a little insane (at least to me), but then again so is not sticking to something..so there ya go.
Training for my 10k, my schedule was 3 miles on Mon, Tues, Thurs and 5 miles on Saturday. 5 miles were my long run days, but now, training for a half marathon, 5 miles is soon going to become my short runs. It's about adjusting your mind and body. So not only did I run for the first time at 5 am before work, but I ran my "long" run on what normally is a "short" day for me. Needless to say I didn't kill the run, but 5 miles is 5 miles.
Saturday will be an 8 mile day - the longest distance I have run in one day. Looking forward to it!
Words of Wisdom: Invest in running clothes and a good pair of running shoes. Buy enough running clothes to last a week (4 or 5 days of running). You will be less likely to use "no clean clothes" or "no workout clothes" as an excuse, plus with the money you spent, you will almost feel obligated to use them. I did this before I really committed myself to running, but spending that money in the middle of saving for a house, guilted me into those first few weeks of running. Another thing, I never let my "running clothes" become lounge clothes. They are strictly for running. So if I want to wear my cute Nike shorts with the polka dots or my running skirt I have to RUN. I buy most of my stuff from Target, but I did splurge on the Nike shorts for my first race.
Quote of the Day from RW: "You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through." - Rosalynn Carter (This rang true this morning. I knew I could do 5 miles at 5 am, I didn't want to, but I had to be tough enough to follow through)
Positive Side Effects: Goes along with "Words of Wisdom" - cute running clothes, new shoes, and accessories
Total Mileage: 160.20
Training for my 10k, my schedule was 3 miles on Mon, Tues, Thurs and 5 miles on Saturday. 5 miles were my long run days, but now, training for a half marathon, 5 miles is soon going to become my short runs. It's about adjusting your mind and body. So not only did I run for the first time at 5 am before work, but I ran my "long" run on what normally is a "short" day for me. Needless to say I didn't kill the run, but 5 miles is 5 miles.
Saturday will be an 8 mile day - the longest distance I have run in one day. Looking forward to it!
Words of Wisdom: Invest in running clothes and a good pair of running shoes. Buy enough running clothes to last a week (4 or 5 days of running). You will be less likely to use "no clean clothes" or "no workout clothes" as an excuse, plus with the money you spent, you will almost feel obligated to use them. I did this before I really committed myself to running, but spending that money in the middle of saving for a house, guilted me into those first few weeks of running. Another thing, I never let my "running clothes" become lounge clothes. They are strictly for running. So if I want to wear my cute Nike shorts with the polka dots or my running skirt I have to RUN. I buy most of my stuff from Target, but I did splurge on the Nike shorts for my first race.
Quote of the Day from RW: "You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through." - Rosalynn Carter (This rang true this morning. I knew I could do 5 miles at 5 am, I didn't want to, but I had to be tough enough to follow through)
Positive Side Effects: Goes along with "Words of Wisdom" - cute running clothes, new shoes, and accessories
Total Mileage: 160.20
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Because Being Lazy Was Just Too Easy
I've been contemplating for a few weeks now about starting a running blog, and finally decided that it should be on the priority list for my life. I'm by no means a seasoned runner, but I will be, and this blog will be a tracking of that. I've already missed 4 months of tracking, but like I said, it takes a while for me to commit to something and make it a priority in life. This first blog is just an overview of my journey thus far.
My life is all about priorities as any life should be. Everyday you start with a list of things - high priority to low priority. Balancing a career and a marriage leaves little room for anything else to be added to that list of priorities. However, there are some things that you just have to make time for, and for me, running is one of those things. It also helps when you have a support structure. Besides, your training and nutrition, a solid support structure, I feel, is the MOST important thing for runners. It keeps you motivated on those days you lack internal motivation - and yes, you will have these days.
On January 17, 2012 I told my husband that I was headed out for a run. Much like any other time I went for a "run" my husband probably thought, "well, there is her one run for the month." I ran/walked 1 mile that day and thought to myself...ugh, not doing that again. But, I was out there the next day, and so became my journey as a runner. Now, I don't know when exactly you get to classify yourself as a runner: is it when you run your first mile, first 5 miles, first 100 miles, first 1000 miles? Who really knows the answer to that. I think you become a runner when you make the decision that you aren't giving up and you make it your lifestyle.
I'm a goal-oriented person in everything I do and running is no different. So, I signed up for my first 5k at the Cowtown Marathon, and ran that in February. After my recovery days I started training for a 10k, which I ran this last weekend in Fredericksburg, TX (Wildflower Run). I have now started training for a half-marathon. Below are pictures from my first 5k and 10k, respectively.
Finishing Strong
At this point, my times aren't great, but I'm not trying to win these races. For me, it is about finishing and self-satisfaction and doing the best I can do. You have to run your own race, don't get caught up in someone else's pace, stick to your pace and do what you know to do.
Every blog, I'm going to try to give some words of wisdom from my own learnings, maybe a quote that I wish I had come up with, but didn't, some positive side effects to running, and total mileage.
Words of Wisdom: Run till it becomes a habit, once it become a habit you will be less likely to quit. Don't give up on it till you make it a habit..then just TRY to give up. Chances are you won't be able to because your body will crave running. Experts say 21 days.
Quote of the Day from RW: "I run to overcome my fears and to remind myself and others that our limits may not be where we think they are."--Chrisse Wellington
Positive Side Effects: weight loss (slowww at first) and meeting runners anywhere you go. Runners are a subculture just like cyclists. If you are runner you will always have something to talk about.
Total Mileage: 155.20 miles
My life is all about priorities as any life should be. Everyday you start with a list of things - high priority to low priority. Balancing a career and a marriage leaves little room for anything else to be added to that list of priorities. However, there are some things that you just have to make time for, and for me, running is one of those things. It also helps when you have a support structure. Besides, your training and nutrition, a solid support structure, I feel, is the MOST important thing for runners. It keeps you motivated on those days you lack internal motivation - and yes, you will have these days.
On January 17, 2012 I told my husband that I was headed out for a run. Much like any other time I went for a "run" my husband probably thought, "well, there is her one run for the month." I ran/walked 1 mile that day and thought to myself...ugh, not doing that again. But, I was out there the next day, and so became my journey as a runner. Now, I don't know when exactly you get to classify yourself as a runner: is it when you run your first mile, first 5 miles, first 100 miles, first 1000 miles? Who really knows the answer to that. I think you become a runner when you make the decision that you aren't giving up and you make it your lifestyle.
I'm a goal-oriented person in everything I do and running is no different. So, I signed up for my first 5k at the Cowtown Marathon, and ran that in February. After my recovery days I started training for a 10k, which I ran this last weekend in Fredericksburg, TX (Wildflower Run). I have now started training for a half-marathon. Below are pictures from my first 5k and 10k, respectively.
At this point, my times aren't great, but I'm not trying to win these races. For me, it is about finishing and self-satisfaction and doing the best I can do. You have to run your own race, don't get caught up in someone else's pace, stick to your pace and do what you know to do.
Every blog, I'm going to try to give some words of wisdom from my own learnings, maybe a quote that I wish I had come up with, but didn't, some positive side effects to running, and total mileage.
Words of Wisdom: Run till it becomes a habit, once it become a habit you will be less likely to quit. Don't give up on it till you make it a habit..then just TRY to give up. Chances are you won't be able to because your body will crave running. Experts say 21 days.
Quote of the Day from RW: "I run to overcome my fears and to remind myself and others that our limits may not be where we think they are."--Chrisse Wellington
Positive Side Effects: weight loss (slowww at first) and meeting runners anywhere you go. Runners are a subculture just like cyclists. If you are runner you will always have something to talk about.
Total Mileage: 155.20 miles
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