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
Sunday, August 12, 2012
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)
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