The Race

Wow, can't believe it has come and gone. Here's how it went down: I arrived feeling cold because it was still dark and 6:15 in the morning. I had my long sleeve shirt on to keep me warm. I stood around for a little while wondering why they wanted us there so early. Picked up the ankle chip, began stretching and chatting with Danielle and Theresa. We decided to do a a warm up lap around the track to get our hearts pumping and soon after, the race began. The sun had begun to peek over the mountains and right away I was getting hot! By mile 4 I was running and peeling my long sleeve shirt off and re-pinning my number! After that, everything felt great, my speed was good (for me at least), I could breathe and I was enjoying the scenery and peacefulness of the event. I made sure to eat a bit every 20 minutes which did worlds of good. My energy levels stayed high and there was no tummy ache. I even brought along a bit of a chocolate bar!

It was great until...mile 13...everything started to tense up and hurt with each step. My feet, knees and hips felt like they were going to shatter. I started wondering if it was ever going to end. Somehow I distracted myself with thoughts of laying down, taking a nap, anything to not think about the pain. Approaching the entrance to the parking lot that led to the track, I got a surge of energy and began to power through the pain. As I entered the track area, a friendly face was there to welcome me back: Ashley! Sprinting to the finish line, I had all these emotions that caused me to smile and cry like a baby at the same time. Crying because it hurt so much and smiling because it was over and I had done it! Tears bursted from my eyes and I tried to catch my breath to thank my audience (my husband John, Ashley and her husband Jeremy). Finally I calmed down, stretched out and realized what I had done. I ran 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 33 minutes.

The whole journey was challenging, rewarding, confidence taking and giving, adventurous and wonderful. I had a lot of fights with myself about quitting and doubts about whether or not I could or even wanted to do it. I am glad that I stayed.

Thanks and appreciation to:

My husband, John, for listening to my complaints, encouraging me to continue and letting me take naps after long runs!

Ashley, for inviting me to the training group, bringing this activity back into my life, listening to my complaints and getting Starbucks with me after our long runs.

Me, for setting a goal and accomplishing it.

It's not my story...

It's not my story to tell, so I won't. But I want to say that I am so extremely proud of Missy. She kicked butt. She ran her heart out and did it all by herself. She ran even when it hurt, even when she didn't want to and she ran and ran. Good job lady. I am so proud of you.

You ARE stronger than you think you are. You did more than you thought you could.

Night Before the Race

All day I have trying my hardest to think of race day as just another long run. The word "race" gets me all nervous. I am just focusing on resting and getting some sleep tonight. I am having trouble deciding on whether I should wear just the short sleeve Fleet Feet shirt while I run or if I should also wear my long sleeve layer over top of that. I don't want to be too hot but I don't want to freeze either...I bought some compression base layer shorts to wear underneath my pants just for fun. I love work out apparel.

At the beginning of this journey, the deal between my husband, John, and I was that I could name our first child (I think he thought I wasn't going to go through with it!). I think I will also reward myself with a pedicure! What a journey this has been. I have wanted to quit every other week but I just kept going. Ashley's mantra is proving to be true: "You are stronger than you think you are and you can do more than you think you can." Brilliant.

1 Week To Go

This weekend I ran the 7 mile route which was the last long run until race day. It felt mostly good and at the turn around I even thought, "that's it?" It was difficult this week because I had inlaws at my house for a week. I had to forfeit most of my workouts and only ran once! This week there are no excuses. I will do something everyday. I will admit I am nervous about race day. I am nervous to be going at this alone and nervous because I remember how I felt at mile 11 in the 12 miler. I have to remember to eat during the run! I can't believe I made it this far. It feels good to commit to something and see it through. I have to say, I am looking forward to getting up at a normal hour on Saturday morning. I will have to think about that during the race. I don't even want to think of it as a "race," that term puts butterflies in my tummy. I will have to think of it as just another leg of the training. Wow, what a journey.

Every time I think about not running on November 1, I cry.

I've been going to physical therapy for almost three weeks now. Maybe, I don't remember when I started.

My Dr. cleared me recently to run less than 1 mile (and just today uncleared me). Yesterday Waffles and I ran far less than 1 mile. It felt so good for my body, except the GIANT cramp in my side, but my leg still hurt. It hurt less than it did when I ran 10 miles, but it still hurt.

Today when I went to see the Dr. she got to palpate (my new favorite word) my leg. She said my leg is a little squishy. Squishy = swollen. I KNEW something was wrong with it. I didn't think the whole thing could be just in my back. So, she spent close to 20 minutes massaging the heck out of my leg. It hurt. It's tender and I'm a softie. So, while I did something to my back that pinched a nerve... there's also my IT band. I feel like I am a big bag of mess. I'm only 24 and I feel like I'm 48. Yuck. There's nothing wrong with being 48, except that I AM NOT 48.

Anyway... hopefully we have found what is really wrong and we can go on making it better. She gives me exercises, I do them. We find ones that work, ones that I think are awesome, ones that kind of suck and ones that make my knee hurt worse. My favorite one has been the plank... and the one leg dead lift... which killed my knee but it was awesome. I have the best personal trainer ever.

12-Miler

What an experience! At 5:30 on Saturday morning, before the sun came up, I embarked on the longest run in my life. It was completely dark out and I could not see a foot ahead of me. I kept hitting pockets of hot air and soon regretted wearing my new Nike long sleeve layer. We ran toward the sunrise and it was beautiful. Early on I hit a nice stride, didn't have to fight to breathe, and just enjoyed the views. I actually ran without music and enjoyed more than when I did run with music, which surprised me. I felt like it helped me clear my head and be more present in the moment. I also wore a knee band that supported my tendon and it did worlds of good. I felt great....until mile 10. My knees started getting stiff, my hip flexor ached, my side hurt and by mile 12 I was sure I was going to toss my cookies. My body actually freaked out. Every part of me felt like it was abandoning the mission. Yet, as I saw the end of the course, andrenaline kicked in and my aches and pains subsided. During the last mile a kind person actually turned back for me and having that support really helped me keep going. Otherwise, I think I may have laid down and died.

All in all, it was enjoyable and I surprised myself again. I think I am learning a lot about my capabilities and my limits. I realize I enjoy running courses that are 10 miles or less, at lease for now! Today, I am feeling some soreness in my quads and hamstrings and my abs even hurt. This experience is forcing me to live a healthy lifestyle. I recently read some articles about the importance of having a strong and flexible body (abs, back, arms in addition to legs) in order to be a strong and efficient runner. My Dad, of course, cheered me on and I often use his advice, "when you feel like stopping, just think about putting one foot in front of the other." This has helped me get through some tough mental blocks. Ashley reminded me an important motto, "You are stronger than you think you are and you can do more than you think you can do." Words to live by.

hi again!

There's another post that will be coming soon about everything that's been going on in my non-running world. Hopefully Missy will update about her awesome 12 mile run today!

In the mean time, I was cleared to run one mile sometime this weekend. Now, I haven't done that, but towards the end of a long walk, I ran about 200 feet with Waffles and overall it felt pretty good. I can feel some tightness in my leg, but hopefully it's not a bad sign. I can't wait to get started again!

hmm...

I wasn't going to write this post until I know what is going on... but I thought I'd write it anyway.

Two weeks ago we ran ten miles. It's by far the farthest I've ever run, and I ran 90% of it. I walked very little and only because I a.) could no longer run straight up b.) was in such pain, I had to walk.

The day after that run, I was in such awful pain, I was limping everywhere. My right knee and thigh hurt immensely. On a scale of 0-10, 10 being the most painful, I was about a 9.

I rest for a week and felt very dull pain all through the week. I thought I was healing. I iced several times and felt much better.

Saturday of last week, I had a trail race that I had signed up for. 4.25 miles, uphill, down hill, around rocks, loose dirt, 92 stairs, etc. After 4 minutes I was back to level 9 pain. I had to limp down the 92 steps and almost started to cry several times. The rest of that day I was at a level 8 or 9. In the car driving to Phoenix I even reached a ten for about .9 seconds. It was awful. I decided to call the doctor and made an appointment for Tuesday. Tuesday I met with my pcp and she said, IT band, shin splints and possible stress fracture. She ordered x-rays, gave me anti inflammatory medication, and schedule physical therapy. She also told me not to run. I let her know that wasn't an option. She had me promise her I wouldn't run until I saw a sports med dr. I could make that promise. The next day I went and got 45873495 x-rays of my right leg.

I have an appointment with the orthopedic doctor on Monday and he'll go over my xrays. I also start physical therapy on Friday. I'm a little nervous because I don't know what he is going to say. I guess we'll see on Monday.


Until then, these guys are waiting for me, patiently. I can't wait to put them back on. When I do, I'm not sure I'll be able to train for the half marathon I had planned, but I will run anyway and get ready for another one. I will do it, because I want to.

Sad to Skip a Run (or not!)

I had a pretty decent week of workouts and runs. Yet, I am not running the longer Saturday run this weekend...:( Instead I'm going to FALL BALL. Oh my, I'm sooo excited. When I saw the ticker for how close the race is my stomach dropped. Even though I am missing the run this weekend I will make it up. I can't afford to lose my endurance.

Also, got really excited about trail running. Found some information on groups that look like fun. I really enjoyed that trail race.

Have a great run tomorrow, Ashley!

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.

Stressed

I feel like blah. I wish I could get on here and say that I have been rockin' the training, but really, the only training I have been doing is training my brain to think I can't do anything. I am tired, but a part of me is looking forward to tomorrow's run. Or not.

Saturday, August 8-6 Miles Rillito River Path

Today's run was a weird one. The first three or so miles of the run felt like my feet were tied to cement blocks. It was an awful feeling. I felt like I was not in any control. It made me really kind of sad and at one point I wanted to give up. Why is giving up so easy? It should be a hard decision to give up because then people wouldn't do it so often. But I really thought about it. Hard.

via

After running on the dodge side of the road through Brandi Fenton Park, we were stopped at a light and I retied my shoe. My foot woke up (it falls asleep almost always around 3 miles) and then I felt like I got a boost of energy and the cement blocks were cut away from my feet. I loove when that feeling hits. Jer calls it my runner's high and it makes me happy. I can feel my body working the way it should and it is a great feeling.

Thursday Run

Sidewalks in the city are difficult and I don't like waiting at the lights to be able to cross....Oh well at least we got the blood moving!

Long Story...

I was super psyched about running today. Things have been insanely crazy for the past weekish I feel. On Thursday husband's friend came to town and that was enough excitement in itself. NO REST.

He left Saturday morning after coming back from the 5.2 mile run. I slept most of that day because I was exhausted. I don't think it's the run that's making me so tired, I need to figure out what to eat and when. I'm pretty good about knowing what to eat before a run, but after I'm not sure how much to eat after... because it drains me.

Saturday afternoon husband's mom came to town to hang out. Again, I feel like there was not much rest. Sunday again, no rest. Even though my running chart said "rest day". I'm usually pretty good about following that day.

We were up pretty late on Sunday because Danton got into town around 1030 coming back form Virginia. We didn't get home until 1230ish and sleep until past 1. So, sleepy.

So today I was looking forward to following the running chart. It said, 30-40 minutes. With everything going on, it finally turned around 1030 at night and it was time to go. I'm really going to miss the late nights at the gym when it's super empty.

Long story short, my plan was to have a nice little nike+ workout here but... I forgot to take the little part of the nike+ that reads the information. No little widget that tells me how I did. No little graph that displays the speed I was running. I need that stuff. It keeps me motivated. Because I want to stay motivated, I needed a graphic.

Yep.

Tomorrow's Run

I'm having super anxiety about tomorrow's run. I felt that I had a pretty good run last weekend and I am nervous about five miles and what it will be like. After running last week, I got super stiff and was like that all weekend. I ran just over two miles yesterday morning and I am planning on maybe doing some Jillian tonight, but I haven't been feeling too good all day, so I may just skip tonight's workout and hope tomorrow goes well.

30 Minute Easy Run

I am trying to follow the training schedule so that I can get the most out of the program. It is hard to make yourself find the time to do it. When you think about it, 30 minutes is not that long but it seems so hard to find even that amount of time to dedicate to myself. I have making goals for myself but have focused on trying my best to get the work in yet not beating myself up if the day is not long enough.

I learned a lot from the first Wednesday meeting regarding stretches and pace. Ashley and I had planned a 3 mile run but it was cut way short due to lightning which turned into the storm of the century!

I recently told my Dad about this adventure and I learned that he use to run! I knew he ran for exercise but I did not know he did races too! He is very excited that I have signed up for this and that I have such a positive and motivating friend to experience it with! Thanks Ashley!

P.S. We have decided to reward ourselves every 15 miles with something fun like manicures, workout clothes and gadgets. I believe we are very close to our first reward!

Saturday's Run July 18

It's a Tarantula Hawk!

Tarantula Hawk

Week Run

Missy and I ran just over 3.38 miles today along Irvington and I am very proud of both of us. There were a couple small hills and even the chance to get attacked by some vampire-bat-tarantula-deadly-eat-you-from-the-inside-type-thing, but we made it. All in one piece and with smiles.
Everytime we get finished, we always have a beautiful view. Today's view was of the base near by. Sometimes I love Tucson!


Today's info from the nike+ which I love... GO US!

Today' Run -Missy

I set a goal today to run 30 minutes but I only did 20 but it felt like 60. I promised myself I would not give excuses like "It's Monday," or "I had a rough weekend," or "I had a hectic day." I am proud that I at least attempted it. My calves were really tight today. I don't think I run properly. I hope this training will help me run and breathe correctly. I can't wait! Tomorrow I plan to do a short strength session in the morning and go to ballet in the evening!

Wouldn't it be lovely to be this strong and graceful?

Date with Jillian

Tonight instead of running I had a date with Jillian. Level 1. It's still a little tricky for me but definitely a lot easier than when I did it a couple of weeks ago.

Someday I wish to look like her too. Not probable, but a girl can wish.

Today's Run-Ashley

I'm a little bit sad because I don't think my sensor was working. I swear that the graph should look different. I ran some, walked some and even stopped once when my ipod fell, so shouldn't the graph look different? A little confused.

Today's run kinda sucked. And I'm kind of sad about it. Although I knew it was going to. I went in with a good attitude, but today's food options were not the best ones I could have been making. I didn't eat hardly anything nutritious. So, I'm a little bummed but I'm looking forward to learning the good things to eat before and after runs and also how to stretch before a run. Yay!

First Run

Today was Missy and my first run. We ran from her house to the on ramp of the freeway. Somewhere between 1.5 and 1.7 miles. We're starting a training with Fleet Feet to run a half marathon on November 1. Wish us luck!