September 26th, Everyone Runs 4.25 Trail Race

Race 1 down, millions to go!

Everyone Runs Catalina State Park Trail Race

Wow, wow, wow. Ashley and I ran the 4.25 mile trail race and it was intense. This was my first race ever. I absolutely and undoubtedly loved it. For me, this was more exciting and engaging than road running. I ran without music for the first time and it felt wonderful. I was more focused and tuned into my body and breath. The views were amazing and after the dust died down from all the runners, the air was fresh and cool. I enjoyed having to adjust my run because of the terrain and elevation changes. It was almost like a puzzle having to plan my next step. I really liked the rises and falls and jumping over things. 4.25 miles on a trail definitely felt longer than on a road but it was worth it. I used different muscles and felt thoroughly worked out afterwards. They provided a good breakfast, smoothies and Ashley got me a message which was lovely! Below is a picture I took just before the race got underway. I don't know these people but I wanted to remember the atmosphere. I can't wait to do more trail running. I think I could see myself really getting into it. At the moment I am trying to convince my husband to join me.

10 Miles

Okay, so I am posting to catch up from last weekend because I am a lame-o potato. So, the 10 miles run was challenging but exciting. I enjoyed the rises and falls and turns. I actually started the run out thinking I was only going to do 7 miles. I had had a rough week, told myself this isn't for me, felt bored with it, and tried to find motivation. The previous week we ran 9 miles and I was just plain bored. I wanted to hurl myself over the ledge at the Rillito because the pain would have been more exciting than the run. Yet...I pushed on. I finished the 7 miles leg and decided I felt good why not go all the way? It was great to see 10 miles on my runkeeper. Some of the hills on this route were so intense that at one point I actually laughed out loud. I had to stop and take a few pictures to prove that it was real.

It might be hard to tell with these but the path literally goes straight up!

I felt like I had really accomplish something after this run. I feel like I learned alot. Throughout the course I was thinking about how running is a challenge both physically and mentally. I have been really down the last few weeks trying to find support and motivation but I learned that this about the individual. I need to stop looking for support and provide my own. I can't believe I have made it this far! Ashley, of course, kicked the crap out of this route!

blah

I am feeling uber bummed. I just get like this. It happens and I think I would be used to it by now. but i'm not.

I love running. I really do. I'm not such a good night time runner because the events of the day make it hard for me to not be tired, be focused and actually care. I love the way running feels on my skin and the way I sleep so well at night. This time of year is so beautiful outside and I am not enjoying it... nor do I ever, because I have seasonally awful allergies. I am sleepy all the time. I feel like I have a cold, sore throat, runny nose and watery eyes.

My house is a mess.

I'm tired, tired, tired. and I feel lonely. Sometimes I hate feeling like this.

and... i want this.


It doesn't mean I would be any more likely to go running during the week... it just means that I would like the feeling of accomplishment when I was done. Something my nike+ used to do, but it died.

basically i'm throwing myself a pity party and i'm not even caring to use correct punctuation... my kids would kill me. :)

September 20, 2009

The countdown timer says 40 days. That's just over 6 weeks and I'm getting excited with a little bit of nervous mixed in.

Yesterday's run was insane. Starting at Kolb and Sunrise and going to Craycroft and Territory which then turned into a nightmare. There was this hill... I wish I would have gotten a picture. It was insane. Some might say deadly. I certainly would NOT have wanted to walk up it, let alone run. I ran up as much of the hill that I could. I did the first hill okay, then I got to the second hill and I ran up about 3/4 of it and then had to start walking. If there would not have been someone behind me, I would have sat down and cried. It was a great challenge, but wow. Territory went all the way until it hit Kolb again which wrapped around back to the Bashas' parking lot.

Mile 6-10 I had to repeat so many thoughts, mantras, positive sayings to myself outloud just to get going. At this point my knee was KILLING me. Through this whole journey, I have not felt pain while running. Never. I felt tired at one point, cement blocks another, vomited, but never pain. This week I had pain. I felt it. I grunted it. I mumbled it and almost screamed it. I never wanted to be the person that when cars or bikes went by, I had a grumpy face. I wanted to look happy because I chose to do this. For the last four miles, I think I probably had horns out of my head, a tail coming out my backside and smoke from my ears. I'm sure I was red, head to toe because I gave those drivers in their air conditioned vehicles the meanest/ saddest face I had. Not because I had a choice, but it's what was coming out so I would not scream. I had to finish. Exactly 2 hours after I started, I did finish.

Last night I iced and it felt good. I slept with my knee elevated. I stretched. Today occasionally there is some tightness, but overall, I am okay.

Usually I feel some soreness in my calves, but not this time. I feel like maybe I dreamed the whole thing. There's not actually any evidence that I ran 10 miles. Nothing on my ipod to show. I'm not starving like I usually am (except I had a HUGE breakfast). I'm not sore like normal and I don't even remember that much of the run. I am not proud like normal. For the first time, I only feel neutral. Maybe I could have done better, maybe not. I tried my hardest. For now, I will rest. Because that's what I'm supposed to do after a tough run.

9 Miles

Today we ran nine miles and it was a doozy. I started the morning having the feeling that I had forgotten something. But I couldn't figure it out. Never did really. I didn't get breakfast, but instead had a chew. I wouldn't recommend it again though. I was hungry by 1 mile.

Got to Rillito about 545 for the 6 o'clock run and did some stretching. Started running and my ipod kept saying that it was stopping my workout... apparently my nike+ sensor ran out of battery. :(

I didn't get to record the run on my ipod, and didn't have Lance Armstrong telling me that I had reached 3 miles with 6 miles left. Would have been neat. The first two miles I struggled a little bit, my shins were tight and I could feel tightness all throughout. Even my shoulders. Also, my face started itching... not a good sign for someone who has a food sensitivity.
Got to Brandi Fenton park and started feeling much better. I finally got into my stride and made it the next two miles to Campbell without a problem. I stopped just for a minute and refueled for the second time. Face still itching.

Made it back to Brandi Fenton without any problems. I felt really good and I even caught up with a group of girls that were running ahead of me. After I left I started feeling tired. I knew there was just over two miles to go and so I had to push through. I made it to mile 8 and then it became a mind game. I really struggled for the last mile. Plus at this point I had already gotten sick, in my mouth, twice. Itching and getting sick equal allergy for me.

Finished in 1:37.

I got back to the start, got electrolytes, stretched and then said bye to Missy. If I didn't leave then and get an allergy pill, I was going to heave everywhere. sorry.

My shins and knees are sore. I think my knees are sore because I need new shoes. I've definitely worn these ones down and I can feel it. Overall a good run, but I need to make sure to get in two other runs this week, other than the Wednesday runs. 10 miles next weekend and I want it to feel good.

It's Been Awhile

This is how I felt after Ashley and I accidently ran 5 miles (should have been like  3.5 or 4 miles). I felt dead but it was a good dead. Since then I have run the Sabino route where I wanted to cry with every step. I missed a run because I didn't hear my alarm clock. I ran near 8 miles and actually thought it was pleasant. I have also toyed with the idea of quitting because of school. I just need encouragement. It'll be okay. I have learned a lot so far and its been fun!

LIst for life

I found this on one of the DJ's blogs that I sometimes read. Her name is Jennie and she's on 92.9 the mountain. Anyway, she is very into life and healthy living. I like her list and there's a lot of good pointers on here. Take it with a grain of salt... I didn't remove anything she had. Not everyone may agree with everything written, but I wanted to keep it in its entirety.

A Beautiful Little Life Handbook

Friday 08-14-2009 8:02am MT

A Handbook for Life

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.