2 Attempts, 2 Lessons…11 Miles

Hello Out There! I hope you’ve had a good Thanksgiving weekend…shopping, turkey leftovers…relaxing, enjoying time with family – whatever you were doing. I have not been as productive as I would have liked.  Still not at 100% from the CRUD but do finally have the congestion draining which is a good sign (but impacted today’s run – read on). Anyway, I just kind of took it as I could stand it.  If I felt like I need to rest…I rested. 

I didn’t get the house completely cleaned on Friday and didn’t make the spin class either. But did get started on the house and hope to get it finished this week (or at least by this time next week). Then Friday night had a little family drama. Ended up having to make a trip to the Emergency Room to bring my Dad and Grandmother home for the night.  We had brought my Grandmother home for the holiday weekend.  My Mom had a cat bite that got infected and she had ended up in the ER for IV antibiotics and was being kept overnight as she may need surgery.  YIKES!! 

After getting my Dad and Grandmother settled I headed home but did not get in bed as early as planned and didn’t sleep well.  But did make it to the grocery store on time Saturday morning.  Some kind of miracle that was… After getting off work I came home to take a short nap…and see if Mom was going to need surgery.  Thankfully she didn’t and was going to be discharged but I wasn’t sure if she would need me to take my grandmother back to the assisted living facility early or not so I kind of hung loose around the house.  No long run…but I knew I could go today.

And I got up this morning and headed out.  Was dragging a little bit but knew I could put in 12 miles.  No problem. Today I was going to Riverfront Park because it is not quite as boring on those really long runs as the dam. I get ready to set up the iPod for the run…What the FREAK? The battery is dead. DEAD! OMG!! I can’t run 12 miles without my iPod for music, mileage tracking, music, encouragement…music. Oh DANG! Now what…think, think, think.

Well, I had two options…come home, charge the iPod and come back later or run the 12 miles without the iPod.  Of course if I go home there is always the chance that something will come up and keep me from coming back.  I can not afford to miss this run.  I simply can’t…but 12 miles without my iPod just sounded like torture to me.  So, I headed home…knowing that NOT coming back was NOT an option.  And learning my first lesson of the day…check the iPod the night before a long run and make sure it is charged. HELLO!!

Came home, grabbed a short nap (told you I wasn’t at 100%…I only nap this much when I’m sick – or depressed and that may be compounding the sickness but the depression is better so I think it has more to do with the CRUD.) For lunch I decided to eat the leftovers from dinner last night. I had a craving for pigs in a blanket and had made them.  Now, they’re not really appropriate on my glycemic index diet. Okay, they’re totally not GI at all but I had a craving and figured it probably couldn’t hurt. 

Not like I’ve been completely GI this past week anyway…which may affect the scale on Tuesday… but I’m not too, too worried.  Clothes are looser…have another pair of jeans I’ve been able to fit into…and I checked the goal pants today…I’m closer.  Not close enough but closer. So I know I’m losing…inches, pounds – something.  But I’ve digressed…severely.

Anyway, I made the pigs in a blanket for dinner last night. Decided I’d just eat the leftovers for lunch today. Didn’t think about if this was proper fuel for a run or not…and I realized too late that it most certainly isn’t.  Of course, I already know this.  You don’t eat anything heavy like that before a run. And I paid for that on my run.  Lesson 2: Fuel the body properly before heading out the door.  Actually I know this lesson but got a HARSH reminder today.

Mid-afternoon I headed back to Riverfront Park for my 2nd attempt of the day. When I pulled in I was feeling good and ready to run. It was such a BEAUTIFUL day and the park was pretty crowded.  And there was a Rescue Truck and two Police cars in the parking lot.  I thought great if I collapse they’re prepared…LOL! And I still don’t know what was going on but part of the park was closed off with yellow tape and there were officials keeping people out. But I figured they were letting people enter so it ouldn’t be a dangerous situation.  I pressed on.

My plan for today was to walk 2 minutes after each two miles through the first 8-10 and then after that every mile if necessary. I started out at an easy to maintain pace. Reminding myself that I had a long way to go. And I no more than got started and Critical Cybil started chattering away. (Critical Cybil is what I’ve decided to call my internal chatterbox for now. Writing a little poem about her and will post that when it is done.)

But anyway Critical Cybil who never has anything good to say started chattering away about how far it was, how hard it would be, how I couldn’t do it…blah, blah, blah. Whatever.  I just tuned her out and pressed on.  Two miles…walk break but my stomach is starting to feel weird. The running has really got my sinuses draining which is good but that is not helping the stomach issue. I press on… Four miles…walk break and stomach is definitely not right.  Not feeling well at all…but am headed in the direction of the bathroom.  I can take a bathroom break if necessary.

With roughly a mile to go to the bathroom (and the halfway mark) I was in trouble…had to stop running but kept a brisk pace and started praying I would make it to the bathroom.  Did not want to get sick on the path.  That would be embarrassing.  But running was out. I made it to the bathroom…but barely. Got ill…and felt a little better.  Now I have a choice. Call it a day with only 6 miles completed…or try again.

Well, quitting is never really an option. And I knew I wasn’t ill because I was sick.  I was ill because I didn’t fuel my body properly and my sinuses are draining like crazy. I decided to press on… And at first I was okay. Still a little queasy but nothing I couldn’t handle.  Made it down to the end…have to go back now and a little further to finish the twelve. I headed back…but the stomach really started being uncooperative – queasy and cramping. I had to take walk breaks more than I would have liked…but I made it back. I had a mile left to go…but just didn’t have it in me.  I really didn’t…

But I figured 11 miles…was far better than 6 miles. And I felt confident that had I been at 100% I could have finished the twelve no problem.  My legs felt good…the rest of my body felt fine…just the stomach issues were slowing me down today. So I ended the run. And when I did Lance Armstrong came on the iPod and said Congratulations! That’s your longest run ever. Now that was cool!  Hope I hear from him again after my half-marathon… That would be really cool!!

This week I have a 60 minute run tomorrow.  It will have to be in the morning because I’m actually scheduled to work at the grocery store tomorrow night (shocking I know). Cross-training on Tuesday so I’ll hit the 5:45 pm spin class (yeah, won’t be getting up at 4:30 after working tomorrow night). Speed work on Wednesday…rest day on Thursday (which is good because I don’t want to have another 7 days in a row), cross-training on Friday so I’ll be at that 5:30 am class…then my long run on Saturday morning – a long 6 miles…yeah, I can handle that.  I’ll get that done before I go to work at the grocery store at 12:30 pm.  I know working 2 days this week…what in the world…LOL!  But that is a good because maybe I can get a decent paycheck…

So, there you have it.  Learning more lessons, running more miles…pressing on…making progress.  Until next time, press on.  Dreams really do come true…as long as you keep moving towards them.

Turkey Trot Rundown

Happy Black Friday! If you’re one of those crazy Black Friday shoppers hope that you racked up on all the good deals and had a great time. And if you’re like me and avoid Black Friday like it’s the Black Plaque…hope you enjoyed a relaxing day doing something you enjoy.

So, I can honestly say that I was totally pumped after yesterday’s race. It was just AWESOME!! I’m still pretty pumped today…although I’m also a little sore but I did push it a little bit so that’s not totally surprising.

Unlike most races that start at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. this race had a start time of 9:00 a.m. But I still woke up early and had plenty of time to get ready. About 7:45 I headed downtown to give myself plenty of time to pick up my chip, warm-up and get ready. And I had plenty of time…after getting my chip I went back and sat in the car for almost 30 minutes because it was too cold to walk around outside.

It was so chilly yesterday morning. But I knew that once the run started I’d be good and warm. At 8:45 I headed back towards the race start to warm-up and line-up. As I was warming up and stretching…guess who I saw also warming up. Yep…it was Grandma.

The same Grandma that beat me in October. And I said, “Not today Grandma. Today you’re going down.” Okay, I didn’t say that out loud. That would be rude. And frankly I am inspired and awed by her accomplishments so I would not ever want to be rude to her…but I said it to myself.

After a little more warm-up it was finally start time. But no one was at the starting line. No one was lined up (well, there was about 30 of the 400+ runners wandering around the start line.) I was like what gives. Let’s go…and finally at almost 9:15…we started.

I was at the back of the pack…I like to start in the general area where I’ll finish. That way I get passed by fewer people…lol! I started out at a reasonable pace, easy to maintain. I kept trying to remind myself that this was just a training run…not to blow it all out today.

Within the first 5 minutes we hit our first hill. And hills are just not my thing. I know I need to do more hill work but the Myrtle Beach Marathon course is flat…and right now I’m training to finish 26.2 miles…in hopefully a modest time. You know, like maybe 12 hours or so…LOL!! Actually under 4.5 hours would be GREAT but the first marathon is just about complete…eventually…

But anyway that means I’m not focusing on hill work at the moment. But I didn’t want to have to walk in the first 5 minutes either…so I just talked myself through it. “Easy pace, slow it down, don’t blow it out now…you can do it.” I probably sounded like a crazy person to those around me but it worked. Ran the first hill…and I felt good.

Back past the start, around the corner…up the next hill. Yep, I ran it too. Excellent! So far, I had passed numerous people including a chef with a butcher knife (plastic and it played music from psycho) and two guys with turkey hats…being chased by the chef. Get it? It was funny.

But I had seen no sign of Grandma. Of course I knew in over 400 people I may not see her at all. I just focused on running the race and doing my best…and tried not to think about the fact that I had to pee…BAD!

A little lesson that I learned from yesterday…if you REFUSE to use port-a-potties don’t drink a cup of coffee, a cup of water, a smoothie  (remember my rule about hydrating…LOL) AND then take your diuretic before a race. It’s not good…not good at all. I did have a back-up plan though should the bladder not hold out (running into a gas station on the course) but only if it was an emergency. And who knows maybe that was why I ran so fast yesterday…

But I digress…I felt good. I wasn’t struggling. And just before I hit the halfway mark…I spotted Grandma. I had her in my sights. But I had planned to take a 2-minute walk break at the half-way mark. Brief break for recovery and prepare for the last half…but I was gaining ground on Grandma.

But I chose to be rational. I know from experience that I should take the break…and I did. But I kept my eye on Grandma. And that was the longest 2 minutes of my life. I didn’t think it would ever end. But finally it did and I started running again…

Slowly gaining ground on Grandma. And then before I knew it I was even with her. And I was also even with another runner who I had passed earlier and then she passed me on my walk break.

As I went by she said something but I had my headphones on (do I ever run without my iPod – not by choice… ) so I didn’t hear her. I took my headphones off and said “I’m sorry. What?” She said, “I knew you would pass me. I’ve ran with you before.” I don’t know if she meant that day or in October. But it felt good that I was “recognized” and “remembered” even if only from 15 minutes earlier…lol. Truly when you run in a race you become a “big family” and encourage and support each other along the way. It’s just a good feeling…one of the reasons I enjoy running.

I told her “I’ll slow down again in a minute and you’ll pass me.”  As I passed on by I said “I’ll see you in a few as you go by.” She laughed. But I never saw her again…waited for her at the finish line but didn’t see her there either. Not sure what happened to her…maybe I just missed her along the way.

But now I was past Grandma too. I did refrain from looking over my shoulder to see if she was gaining on me but I wanted to… Just kept telling myself it was not a race…just a training run. Yeah, right.

I kept moving along. Maintaining my pace and feeling good. I did take one more brief walk break. We were approaching a series of hills and knew that if wanted to run the hills I’d better take a brief moment to recover. I walked for a minute, maybe a minute and a half then ran up the next hill. And the one after that…SWEET!!

We come around the corner and went downhill (finally), turn another corner and back uphill (I always forget how many hills there are in downtown and they all go up) but still running. Finally we make another turn (it was a winding little course) downhill to the flats, another turn and flat to the finish.

I just kept going. As I approached the finish I could see the time clock and realized I would finish in under an hour. It was an amazing feeling. And I crossed the finish line at 57:18. Oh yeah…I ROCK!!

And I waited…and at 59:49 Grandma came across. Under an hour too…YEAH for both of us. We are amazing women…and we can inspire other women to do amazing things. I came home totally pumped and ready to go run a marathon…and I will – in February.

It was a GREAT race. I ran a good pace, I ran all the hills, I only took 2 walk breaks…and I beat Grandma. Can’t ask for more than that. I will have to pay attention in Kiawah though and make sure that I set a reasonable pace at the beginning so that I can run to the end.

Not sure I can run 13.1 miles at the pace I set yesterday morning. Of course, I didn’t have to run 13.1 miles yesterday…but it’s also easy to start out hard when you feel fresh and lose it at the end so will have to focus on pace tomorrow (for my 12 mile run) but especially for Kiawah. And I’ll have to remind myself that Kiawah is just a training run too. I won’t have time for recovery so can’t blow it out on that “race” either. 

My plans for today include cleaning my pigsty (i.e., my house) it is filthy.  I just haven’t had time to do more than a wipe down the last few weeks so looking forward to getting it clean today.  Hoping to be finished in time to make the 4:45 spin class at the gym.  There were only two classes today 9:15 am or 4:45 pm.  Didn’t quite make it up in time for 9:15 am.  But if I don’t make it to the spin class today I’m sure that cleaning the house from top to bottom will suffice for cross-training…

Going to hit the bed early tonight.  Got an early morning tomorrow and want to make sure I’m well rested for my 12-mile run.  I’m really looking forward to it.  Does that make me crazy?  Well, maybe that doesn’t.  But on Wednesday I was checking out the Lake Tahoe Triple (3 states, 3 days, 3 marathons:
http://www.laketahoemarathon.com/indexframes.html) and I’m seriously thinking about giving it a shot after Boston and Goofy’s Challenge (a half marathon on Saturday, whole marathon on Sunday). 

I mean why not?  I think THAT probably qualifies as crazy…   But what a challenge…and an accomplishment it would be.  We’ll see…I haven’t even finished my first marathon and that may put an end to several goals… No…I know it won’t. I’m going to ROCK it!!  Until next time, hope you are enjoying yourself and pushing yourself to achieve great things…even if they sound crazy…

Truly Thankful…

Happy Thanksgiving Roadies! I hope that you are enjoying your holiday and giving thanks for the blessings in your life…I am.  Since this is our first Thanksgiving together… I mean let’s face it this journey to Boston is going to take a while…very likely that we’re going to have a few Thanksgivings together.  With that in mind, it seems appropriate to start a new tradition and share some of the things I’m thankful for with you…

There are many, many, many things that I am thankful for this year. Many more than I could possibly list here.  I feel very fortunate this year.  Some of my blessings are obvious – my family, my health, my jobs (both of them), our military and their families, our freedoms, etc.  There are others that may be less obvious and are worth mentioning here:

My Sunshine: You bring so much joy and light into my life and into all the lives you touch.  You are bright, beautiful and funny and you are a blessing to me.  You are loved and adored…always remember that.

My Moon & Stars: You light the way in the dark and bring so much humor and happiness into all the lives you touch.  You are smart, funny, and wise beyond your years and you are a blessing to me.  You are loved and adored…always remember that.

My Friends: I’m not even going to try and name them all here…I am truly blessed with many true friends and would hate it if I inadvertently left someone out.  They have all been there for me through thick and thin this year. They have celebrated with me…cried with me…yelled with me.  They have been there through it all.  They have respected my decisions and supported me…even when they knew I was headed for disaster.  And they have lovingly and graciously helped me pick up the pieces when the inevitable happened.  And never once have any of them even hinted at “I told you so.”  Thank you all!!  Without you, I don’t think I would have survived the last few months.

My Roadies: I am thankful for all of you who have joined me on this journey.  I am thankful for the support and encouragement you have given me along the way. Many of you are “strangers” to me and I have been amazed and thankful at the willingness of complete strangers to post comments, follow my journey and support me.  Your support does make a difference. I am very thankful for my “virtual” friends.  Thank you for coming along!

My Counselor: He has helped me lift the FOG of confusion, despair, guilt, fear and emotional pain that I have been struggling through.  He has helped me to see and accept what I have been denying for the last 4 years.  He has helped me to understand why this happened and is helping me heal and move forward.  He has given me a gift that I can not repay…he has given me the gift of TRUTH and with truth comes acceptance…and with acceptance comes forgiveness…and with acceptance comes freedom.  I am thankful!

I am truly blessed.  And I imagine that no matter what your circumstances that you are too.  I mean you’re able to read this and that is more than many are able to do.  Be thankful, give thanks…enjoy the food, watch football…take a nap… Until next time, celebrate your blessings.  And remember that I count you among mine…

Ah…How Sweet It Is

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! Hope you’re prepared for a wonderful holiday tomorrow. I am…ready to enjoy some turkey, stuffing, mac and cheese…and other yummy stuff with my family. Going to be a small group tomorrow. Just six of us. Usually there’s more like 10-20 depending on which uncles, aunts and cousins show but kind of all scattered around this year. Of course sometimes smaller is better. And I’m sure we’ll enjoy the eats and the company.

So, today I was feeling a bit better (thank you God) and decided to try and run today. I was still pretty congested so wasn’t sure how it would go but was determined to at least TRY. I’ve been itching for a run since…Saturday.

Funny…it wasn’t so long ago that I looked for excuses to NOT go run. Being unable to breathe through my nose would have more than qualified…but not now. Now I try to find reasons to go run and get frustrated when I miss a run – even if I have a good excuse. Guess that’s a good thing.

Started out with my usual 5-minute warm-up. No problems. Started running…but started off easy. After 5 minutes I was feeling pretty good. Started thinking about the race tomorrow, the half-marathon in two weeks…visualizing the start and crossing the finish line.  Realized I was running faster…still feeling good.  As I approached the half-way mark I was starting to feel it…and could tell I hadn’t ran in a week. 

I took my two-minute walk break at half-way (it was needed and appreciated) and then hit it again. When I reached the last 5-minutes I was struggling a little bit but pushed through and finished strong.  With warm-up and cool-down…4 miles in 50 minutes.  That was SWEET!  It was a really GREAT run.  I’m looking forward to the race in the morning… I’m looking forward to 12 miles on Saturday…although my internal chatterbox is rattling off about how hard it’s going to be…how my last long run (of any significant distance) was a few weeks ago, I’m not ready, I can’t do it…blah, blah, blah.  But you know what…that’s just talk and talk is cheap.

I’m learning that my little internal chatterbox (I need to come up with a name for it) is repeating what others have said in my past.  And they lied…and I used to believe the lies but now I know the truth.  I know that I CAN do it…I AM good enough…I will NOT fail.  Nope…don’t believe the chatterbox anymore.  Just lies…and there is a high price to pay for believing those lies.  I know…I’ve been paying it for a long time…but not anymore.  So, you stupid, lying chatterbox…you can just SHUT THE HELL UP!!  I’ll rock it tomorrow…I’ll knock it out of the park on Saturday…and I’m going to OWN that 13.1 miles in Kiawah in 2 weeks…you watch me…and before all is said and done I will replace you with the TRUTH…

And I’m really looking forward to that day. I suspect it is just around the corner. I am already beginning to feel the shift back to who I really am…and I am becoming who I am meant to be… Glad you’re coming along for the ride…it’s going to be a good one. Until next time, I hope you are well and that your internal chatterbox is telling you the truth…YOU CAN DO IT!!

Talk About Bad Timing…

Knock, knock…Hello? Anybody out there? Anybody still reading this blog? I have been seriously absent but it hasn’t been exactly by choice.  I’ve been sick…well, I’m still sick but on the road to recovery I think.  I got up Friday morning (at 4:30 am) and my throat was really sore.  But I shrugged it off and headed out for the 5:30 spin class.  Great class, great workout…but I was just dragging all day.  I thought it was a combination of a super early morning and a relatively bad night of sleep on Thursday.  Really didn’t think much about it.

Called it an early night on Friday because I was super tired but also had an early morning on Saturday with having to be a the grocery store at 8:00 a.m.  Woke up with a sore throat still…and feeling pretty crummy but my only part-time hours for the week so I sucked it up and headed off to work. And can I just digress for a moment and say that the holidays bring out the worst in people? Really! Not necessary to yell at me because you forgot your turkey yesterday and now I have to call customer service manager so you can get the sale price.  Good night in the morning Maureen!! 

Of course, I’m in such a Bah Humbug mood already that other people’s crabiness really didn’t help.  But that is a post for another day. Got off work Saturday afternoon and was really hoping to get in my 10-mile run but I figured since I’m working early again next Saturday that if I waited until Sunday it would not be a big deal. I could use next Saturday as my rest day and do the long run again on Sunday (so no 7-days in a row workouts…LOL). So, I headed home…planned to take a little nap and then head back out for my run but that was all she wrote.  I barely moved from the sofa the rest of the weekend.

I had shrugged off the signs that the crud was creeping up on me and it caught me off guard. I was sick…fever, sore throat, congested, sneezing, coughing…UGH!!!  No way.  This can not be happening.  I had a 10-mile run…two races this week…and a half marathon in less than 3 weeks.  I do not have time to be sick.  No, NO, NOOOOO!!  But yes…I was sick.

I have a rule…if I’m running a fever I don’t work out. Right or wrong (and you can find arguments for both) I feel that if my body is already fighting something so fiercely that I have a fever…wearing it down with exercise probably is not going to help. So, I skipped my run on Saturday (thinking I would get it in on Sunday)…and didn’t make it out on Sunday because of a fever.

So, I had a genius idea. Or so I thought.  My plan was to knock this crud out on Sunday with drugs, fluids and sleep…get up early Monday and run 5 miles in the morning…and grab another 5 in the afternoon.  There are actually many runners that always split their long runs into 2 or 3 runs in one day.  Supposedly, it makes no difference on race day and can actually help you run faster.  I don’t know…haven’t tried that approach.  But was willing to try it in order to not miss a long run. 

Well, you know my philosophy…a plan is just something to deviate from.  And THE CRUD had other plans.  Monday – which has been the worst day of this CRUD thus far – no run at all.  Not morning or afternoon.  I barely made it through the work day.  Actually, I didn’t make it the whole day.  Left about 45 minutes early.  But that’s okay.  It’s just one long run.  This will not impact my performance at Kiawah for the half-marathon…nor my performance at the whole marathon in February.  I’m not happy about missing two run days but not the end of the world. 

Was determined that I would be better today.  I did not want to miss my race tonight.  And I am better…to a point.  Still congested but don’t feel as crummy today as I did yesterday.  I had every intention of running my race (a modest 5k) tonight. But when 5:00 pm rolled around I was tired, feeling feverish and questioning the wisdom of running in the cold…and possible rain.  It was misting off and on all day.  Head congestion, fever…cold and wet.  This could be a dangerous combination.

But I really didn’t want to miss my Sleigh Bell Trot…so finally after going back and forth with the decision for half an hour…texting with a friend facing the same decision…I asked myself one question.  Is the race tonight worth risking your half marathon?  A 5k worth a half marathon?  If I ran tonight in the cold, wet air and ended up delaying my recovery or worse getting bronchitis or pneumonia and losing 1-2 weeks of training instead of 3-4 days…that will impact my performance in Kiawah and could put that entire race in jeopardy.  So, is running a 5k (3.1 miles) today worth the risk?

No, it certainly wasn’t.  I just couldn’t justify the risk. Am I disappointed?  You betcha! But I’ll be more disappointed if I miss my long-run this weekend.  I’ll be far more disappointed if I miss my half-marathon.  So, I played it safe…I remembered the LONG-TERM goal and sacrificed the fun run planned for tonight.

One thing I have learned about training to run a marathon is that you must be willing to sacrifice.  Your time, sleep, other activities (because you’ll be busy running 20 miles)…possibly your toenails, and yes, sometimes fun. I won’t regret it. I’ll rest.  I’ll recuperate.  I’ll recover…and hopefully tomorrow I will feel well enough to run.  Hopefully I won’t miss another day.  I can still do well on my Turkey Trot on Thursday morning.  Hopefully, the sacrifice will pay off.  But I won’t second guess the decision.  It was the RIGHT decision. I just have to remind myself of how terrible I would feel if I did the race tonight and blew the half-marathon (and potentially the marathon).  As bummed as I am today…there would be no comparison.  Sacrifice…bringing me one step closer to the goal.

So, the tentative plan for the remainder of this week is relatively simple.  I hope to feel well enough to run tomorrow.  Training plan calls for 40 minutes so hoping to hit that. Shouldn’t be a problem. Thursday (Turkey Day) will see me running the Boys & Girls Club Turkey Trot (a modest 8k) which will be fun and meet my training plan of 45 minutes (and then some probably…I mean does anybody see me running 5 miles in 45 minutes?)  If you do, I want some of whatever you’re taking…LOL! 

Friday is cross-training day and I plan to hit the spin class but since Friday is a holiday I don’t have to be at the 5:30 am class.  Plan to hit one of the mid to late morning classes and try to avoid traffic of the crazed Black Friday shoppers.  Saturday is my long-run…12 miles.  I’m actually looking forward to it.  I don’t think that missing last Saturday will be an issue.  I feel confident that I can run 12-miles on Saturday. I get off work at 1:00 pm on Saturday so even if I need to come home and grab a nap…running Saturday afternoon should not be a problem.

So, that’s my plan.  Of course all of this hinges on me getting a knockout on THE CRUD (or at least breaking this fever by tomorrow.) So, we shall see how my “plan” holds up.  But regardless of how quickly I get rid of THE CRUD…I will get back to running.  I will reach my goals…I will not fail.  I will make whatever sacrifices I have to make…I will cross the finish line.  Until next time, I hope what ever sacrifices you make today get you closer to your goal.

That’s No Way to Win a Marathon…

After work today I made a quick costume change and prepared to hit the gym. As I filled the water bottle my co-worker, LawyerMan, was in the breakroom. I told him that all I really felt like doing was going home, lying on my sofa and watching TV. He said, “That’s no way to win a marathon.”

I replied, “I know. And that’s why I’m doing speed work for an hour.” And off to the gym I went. As I went through my workout I thought about the exchange.

And it’s true. Running a marathon is huge goal…and it takes months of training (and in my case years) to get there. But the choices I make TODAY will impact if I get there…how long it takes me to get there…and how well I do when I get there.

Yes, I could have come home, laid on the sofa and watched TV…but that wouldn’t get me closer to achieving my goal now would it? So, I chose to take the option that would move me a little closer.

And I had a great workout. Overall, I got in 5.4 miles in 1:03:03 which means my pace was under an 11:00 minute mile.  SWEET!!  It felt really good.  But I was beat by the time I finished the hour.  And I do think I’ll take a “rest” day tomorrow.  I may meet a friend at the gym for a quick 30-minute swim but no running tomorrow.  And still planning for my 5:30 a.m. spin class on Friday morning.  Even invited my friend to join me so we’ll see if she makes it.  But that will be my second class this week…because I did go yesterday after work.  I’m so loving this class…which makes it a little bit easier to find motivation to go. 

But the real lesson from today is knowing that the choices I make today will impact who I am tomorrow. It is just one day…just one workout…but it makes a difference. And if I want to be a marathon runner tomorrow…then I need to make the choices that take me down that road. If I want to lose weight, I need to make the choices for that road. If I want to be a meeting planner for Disney (DREAM JOB…hello… ) then I need to make the choices for that. Whatever my goal, whatever my dream…I need to make sure that I’m making the choices today…that will help me achieve the goal tomorrow.  Until next time, hope you are making the choices today that will lead you to where you want to be…tomorrow.

Runs Like This…(The Flip Side)

Make it easy to visualize myself crossing the finish line of a marathon. Make it easy to look forward to my half-marathon in just under 4 weeks. I got that. No problem.

Runs like today…remind me of why I run. Going into it I didn’t know what to expect. Today I felt really stressed out. Pretty much from the moment I got up this morning but I knew that could fuel my run…or hamper it.

I was tired at the end of the day but I was not going to miss my run. In fact, it has really become habit. I don’t even look for excuses not to go anymore. I know I’m going…and I go.

I got to the park, set-up the iPod…got a good laugh at myself when the music came through the headphones and startled me – really?  like I didn’t expect that when I hit play…so highstrung today…but that laugh broke my level of tension and I got started with a smile on my face. I left the MAJOR issues we’re having at work…behind. I left all the emotional crap I’m dealing with right now…behind. And I just ran.

I focused on me. I focused on visualizing crossing the finish line in February. And I just ran…

It felt good. I didn’t struggle. I maintained a good pace. I wasn’t checking my time every few minutes (which I tend to do when I’m struggling). In fact, I didn’t check it at all during the run.

I ran 4.8 miles in the 60 minutes (50 minute run, 5-minute warm-up/cool down). My pace was 11:24. I took one walk break at the halfway point.  And frankly, I was having to force myself to walk.  I just wanted to run but I have learned from experience that taking that one small break helps me hold my pace through the last half of the run…so I walked and anxiously waited for go time again.  Last Monday, when I did the same run…I did 4.25 miles with a pace of 11:52.

That kind of improvement was SWEET!! It was empowering and encouraging. And honestly I didn’t want to stop running when the run was over. Never thought I would say that… But I really didn’t. I could have kept going.

But I did stop. One it was dark and running the path around the lake was becoming a bit of a challenge…and dangerous.  I almost fell once as it was.  Apparently our tax dollars in this state do not buy lightbulbs.  There were several places along the path where the light was out.  Not good if it’s dark.  And also because I know this is just day one of the week. I’ve got a long run on Saturday so need to make sure the legs are ready for that. Right now my legs and butt are a little sore but not bad…what you would expect after a good run. 

Tomorrow is a cross-training day and I’m planning to hit my new favorite workout…spin class.  LOVE it!! Whether I go at 5:30 am or 5:45 pm will be determined by what time I get in the bed.  I’m hoping to go to bed early and go to the morning class…BUT there is a new episode of Million Dollar Listing (MDL) on tonight. I have it set to DVR and can watch it later I know.  But tonight we find out if Josh is facing cancer…which is what they’ve alluded to in the previews.  He probably has a hangnail…LOL!!  But what if he is facing cancer?  I don’t know that I can wait until tomorrow to find out.  I love my MDL boys!  We shall see…

Either way I’ll get in a spin class in tomorrow.  Then my speed work on Wednesday and I’m leaning towards making Thursday a rest day.  Not because I’m lazy but it may make sense to take a rest break before that long run.  I’m still planning to hit the spin class on Friday so the legs may deserve a little rest this week.  And on Friday I will to go to the morning spin class because we’re having ladies night after work on Friday.  Me, Tink19 and another friend from work are having dinner at Olive Garden. 

This is a tradition for Tink19 and I.  We go every year at this time to indulge in the pumpkin cheesecake they have for the holiday season.  It is soooo YUMMY!!!  I’m looking forward to it.  Of course…maybe I should run on Thursday to burn a few extra calories…LOL!! We will see as we go along. But we have started the week on a high-note…let’s hope we end it that way.  Until next time, hope you’re hitting the high notes.

Runs Like This…

Make me question my goal of running a marathon. Hell, after yesterday’s run I was questioning my goal of running that half-marathon in a few weeks. Good grief it hurt…and I struggled to finish the 6 miles. It was just frustrating.

Not that I was expecting my best run ever. Let’s be real here. This was my 7th day in a row to workout. I added a second spin class this week. And I spent almost all day Friday stuck in the car. I was stiff and sore – all over.

I went into it knowing I would take more walk breaks than usual and was trying to prepare myself for the fact that my legs may give out early. But they held up to the end. Of course after standing at the cash register for over 6 hours last night they are in serious protest today. But today we’re taking a much deserved rest. Hopefully, the protest will end peacefully before my run tomorrow…

And I suppose in many respects it wasn’t that bad. I finished the 6 miles in 1:17:07 which is an 11:39/minute mile pace.  And truly considering all that I accomplished this past week I should be proud.  Even if the last mile was a real struggle…I made it through the 6 miles.  And even though I was hoping to make it 7-8 miles (since last Sunday was a bust) finishing 6 miles is nothing to be ashamed of. 

Now I head into another week…with new goals to achieve. The training schedule is similar to last week.  I’ll run tomorrow, cross-train Tuesday, speed work on Wednesday, cross-train Friday, and run 10 miles on Saturday/Sunday. Thursday can be either a run or rest day.  I’ll decide which is the best course of action based on how I’m feeling when I get there. 

And the long run may end up being on Sunday this week.  I’m scheduled to work at the grocery store from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm next Saturday.  So, no way I’ll get in 10 miles before my shift.  Depending on how I feel after 6 hours on my feet will determine if I knock out 10 miles or take it easy Saturday afternoon and bust a move on Sunday. But either way I’m hoping for another successful week of training and to continue to make progress and move forward…one millimeter at a time.  

Progress is progress and I’ll take it. And right now I seem to be making progress in all areas.  Some of it is a slow-go but I’m still going and that is what matters.  Until next time, remember that slow and steady wins the race – just keep moving towards the finish line.

You’d Better Sit Down For This…

WARNING: The following information may cause loss of consciousness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and the inability to speak for more than two consecutive minutes.

Okay, well I warned you and you’re still reading so guess you can handle it. Here it goes. I got up at 4:30 am this morning…and made it to the 5:30 am spin class at the gym. Barely…walked into the gym at 5:29 but was there before the class started and even had time to set up my bike. 

And what a ride. He worked us hard this morning. As we hit our interval workout…I remembered that today is the 6th day in a row that I’ve worked out because my long run last weekend was on Sunday and I haven’t missed a day this week. No wonder my legs are a little sore.  They can be a little sore.  They’ve earned it…

But it felt really good. It was a GREAT workout. I just love the spin class.  It was funny though, I got to my office at 6:30 in the morning and realized that I had locked up the building and left about 12 hours before…now I was unlocking the building. Probably should have just stayed…LOL!!

But I am really proud of myself. Getting up at that time in the morning is quite an accomplishment for me. And I guess now that I have done it once…no reason why I can’t do it again.  Who knows, maybe I’ll turn into a morning person.  Yeah, right…LOL!!

Now I just have to survive driving to the beach and back. Bet I’ll be beat by the time I get home tonight. But that’s okay…I’ll just DVR my Friday night shows and hit the bed early. I did come prepared today though. Packed some healthy snacks for the trip and going to take a couple of bottles of water with me so I can make sure I stay hydrated. Will probably have to stop 12 times to go to the bathroom but that will be better than having another bust for my long run tomorrow.

I will say that I’m really glad that I only have to run 6 miles tomorrow. More than that and I think my legs would just walk off and quit… Me AND my legs are looking forward to a good rest on Sunday…before we start this all over again next week.  Well, just wanted to start your day off with what I can only imagine is quite a shock…but good to get the blood flowing first thing in the morning.  Trust me…I had mine going before God was even up and it felt GOOD!!  It’s gonna be a GREAT Friday the 13th…   Until next time, step out of your box and do the unexpected.

Bringing You Up to Speed

Happy Friday Eve (well, guess it is almost Friday now)! Hope your week has gone well. Progressing along here. Been a bit slack on my blog posting this week… Sorry about that but I’ve been working hard. Let me bring you up to date.

Tuesday night I went to the 5:45 pm spin class at the gym. I am so in love with spinning. It is such an awesome workout and great for those lower body muscles that don’t get worked when I’m running. I could easily see myself reaching a point where I try to spin 4 or 5 times a week. Shooting for 2 this week already…

Wednesday was speed work. The training plan called for 5 minutes at tempo pace and 1 minute of brisk walking repeated 3 times. So, I started out with my 5-minute warm up (as usual)…then 5 minute run and hit it at a 12:00 minute mile pace…hoping I wouldn’t pay for that before the speed work was over. The I ran 5 minutes at a 10:45 minute pace…walk 1 at 15:00 minute mile…no problem. Repeated it…was starting to feel it at the very end but not that bad. And then again…by the end I could feel it but made it to the end. Then I went back down to a 12:00 minute mile pace and banged out another 30 minutes…total was 5.2 miles in 62 minutes…the total overall pace – 10:52/mile. This is a small improvement…we’ll take it. It felt really good!!

Today was just a normal run day. I had hoped to run outside since I was on the treadmill yesterday but the weather was not cooperating. Rainy and cold all day. So, I banged out an easy 45-minute run on the treadmill. Started out at a 12:00 minute mile pace but after 10 minutes I was feeling that. So, backed off to about 12:30 and that was manageable. Walked 2 minutes just a little over halfway and ended strong able to maintain the 12:30 pace the rest of the way. Pretty cool!!

Also today I registered for two more races…both this month and both the week of Thanksgiving.  One is a 5k on that Tuesday and then the second is an 8k Turkey Trot on Turkey Day.  Looking forward to both runs.  I’ve done both before and they’re a lot of fun and then I won’t have to feel so bad about indulging on Turkey Day.  I’m going to EARN my Thanksgiving day dinner…

Tomorrow is cross-training.  I’m scheduled to drive to the beach and back tomorrow for work.  I have to go over some things with one of the hotels I’m working with.  This means I’ll spend the bulk of my day in the car.  Sounds like fun doesn’t it?  Wish I could stay one night…but not in my schedule right now.  So, I’m going to have to get up and get my workout done in the morning.  And yes, the alarm is set for 4:30 am…going to try and make that 5:30 am spin class.  If at first you don’t succeed…try, try again.  I’ll try again…

But since I’ll be traveling all day tomorrow…and Saturday is a long run (6 miles) followed by my one-shift this week at the grocery store it may be Sunday before I get to post again.  I may try to post sooner…would hate for my Roadies to go into withdrawals…LOL!!  I know you’re just hold your breath and wait my next intelligent, wildly amusing commentary…   But should that be the case I wish you a FABULOUS Friday and a WONDERFUL weekend! Until next time, keep trying and you will succeed.