My lungs do not burn.

Even in the coldest of temperatures, my lungs do not burn when I run outside.  I think they used to when I was in middle school or high school?  (I've been running for so many years that I can't remember that time frame, but I remember that awful feeling.)  This morning a good friend and I planned a run with another girlfriend, completely disregarding the wind advisory.

We met around 5:15 to drive to our meeting place.  The wind was whipping the car around the interstate, but we continued on to the running start point.  Due to a myriad of reasons, we were late in meeting our friend.  Of course, this meant that our friend figured that we were not able to make out for a run this morning!  Even though neither one of us had any desire to run in the whipping wind, we got out and trudged along.  I think we ran a mile- if that!  The air was so, so, so cold and my lungs actually felt a... BURN?!  Very strange. It's been YEARS, as I mentioned, since I've had a burning in my chest from running outside.

So.  Does all this mean I'm a wimp?  This burning nonsense?  Probably.  In the end, I figured there was no need to run four miles in freezing cold temps due to the wind chill; when I could just as easily run for an hour on the treadmill.  This marathon training really requires some dedication at this time of the year.

Absolutely Love this Idea!

I absolutely love this idea!  Read on...

This is from one of the running blogs that I like to check out from time to time: 

Here's the link:  http://themommyminute.blogspot.com/

And here's the plan:                                       "Run 10 for '10

Virtual Group Run

On January 1st, 2010, we need to ring in the new year right! Run either 10K (6.2 miles) or 10 miles any time on New Years' Day and tell me about it in the comments section---who, where, when, etc. You can even divide it up--you can run 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon as long as you total a distance of 10 miles or 10K.

Are you in for 10?

Please pass it on! "

Marathon Training- Week Nine!

I think these new shoes are way too heavy!  I also think they are too big.  Long runs have been miserable by the end, so I'm blaming it all on the shoes (not my lack of sleep).  I did ten miles, or so, on Christmas Eve and by the end I was completely spent.  It seems so silly to blame exhaustion/fatigue on a silly pair of shoes, but I really think I've got a problem here.  Due to all of my injuries, I decided to switch to a mega motion control shoe made by Brooks, which is called the Ariel.  In addition to running in this heavy shoe, I also have the heel cups for the plantar faciitis/heel spur issue.  My shoes feel like weights at this point.  At this point, the logical thing to me is to switch shoes, right?  It's expensive, though, and maybe I need to stop being a wimp and get in better shape?  Any thoughts? 

And, onto the topic at hand- the marathon!  Still have not registered.  Training has been curtailed a bit due to the holidays and the snow.  If I can get myself back on track over the next two weeks, I'm signing up without looking back.  However, if I continue to have things that  creep up, like tax season, then maybe I will postpone my dream/goal until the fall.  For the most part, training is going well, and I'm feeling pretty healthy.  This week's long run calls for 12 miles.  No problem! 

The coffee was too enticing.

Last week was an abysmal approach to marathon training.  I think I ran twice?  Josh was out of town for a few days, there were meetings after school everyday that he was gone.  So, naturally, by the time he got home I was too tired to even think about getting up at four am to run.  I did run on Thursday, the windiest day of the week, and managed to get in about six miles.  Not bad.  This morning I met my girlfriends for a five am run, and I managed to get in the nine miles that the plan calls for.  All I can say about this week's long is that I did it.

Last night I went to bed around midnight and then got up at four to get ready to meet the girls.  Basically, I had a nap last night, which is pathetic.  So, I struggled through the run as best as I could.  I had every intention of hitting the gym afterwards, to either swim or lift weights, or both!  However, by the time I got to the car I was so cold from sweating and doing a cool-down walk that I just couldn't manage to exercise anymore.  The coffee was way too enticing, and so was a long, hot shower. After putting baby Nicholas down for a morning nap, I hopped into bed myself and slept for two glorious hours.  (I really needed that extra sleep!)

Because of last week's craziness, I've decided to repeat week 6, instead of moving on to week 7.  My reasoning is that week 7 is supposed to be an easy week, which seems silly to go that route since I just HAD an easy week.  This, of course, means that the miles will be higher for the next three weekends.  No big deal, though, the highest that the miles go up to is twelve.  And, as long as I improve my sleeping habits, I should be be okay on those long runs.  I can't believe how much I've missed these long runs.  There's a peace that I feel immediately after the long run and the shower.  My skin isn't even crawling at the sight of the kitchen, yet...

Spinning and Week 6 (?)

I think I'm on week 6 of the training program.  I can't remember!  But, someone DID return my planner so I've still got my workouts written down and planned out.  This week is a "hard" week.  The plan calls for 45 min of running on Mon, 30 min of x training Tues, 40 min running Wed, 45 min running on Thurs, 30 min x training on Fri, and then a long run of 8 miles on Saturday.  Wow.  I feel tired just reading that plan.  (Kidding.  Sorta.)

Since today is a cross training day, I decided to try a spinning class with a girlfriend.  We had an absolute BLAST.  It was tough, I think primarily because of using different muscle groups.  However, I have felt great the rest of the day.  I'm not sore at all and I feel motivated to try it again on Thursday or Friday.  This gym membership is worth every penny.  I've been much more motivated to get to the gym because of the marathon program.  Maybe all this cross training will pay off and I'll make it to Boston one of these days.

I've also decided that come December 25, or thereabouts, I will register for this said marathon.  I'm feeling good, but there is a fear that the dreadful pain will come back full force with all of this exercise.  I sure do hope I'm worrying for nothing.

Finally!

It's been well over a year since I've worn a watch.  When I walked away from teaching for a year, I took it off and haven't looked back.  Until I decided to run a half marathon last May.  And then I realized that the battery was dead and probably had been for months.  One would think that I would be tempted to buy a new battery or replace the watch, especially since  I just started working again.  Didn't happen, though.  I bagged the marathon, racing, (and running for that matter); which meant that I was not pressed to buy another watch.  There are clocks in the school and I usually carry my self phone, which can display the time.  Works, right?

But then.... I decided to train for this March marathon and I've recently discovered that I really need/want a watch for training.  I know that there are those fancy Garmin watches out there, but I think knowing the exact mileage would drive me crazy.  Or, maybe it wouldn't? (Who knows.)  Truth be told, I also couldn't stand the thought of parting with that much money for a watch.  I haven't needed a watch for at least a year and a half, so to switch to something that can track workouts, pacing, roads, etc would be a little drastic for me.

Today I finally picked up a cheap little Timex with a canvas type band.  I'm so excited to wear it in the 5k tomorrow morning!  It's been ages since I've raced with a watch!  Maybe I'll run faster?  Or, maybe I'll at least know my time at the end?  (Both would be very good things, right?)

I'm on week four of marathon training right now.  So far, so good.  I've incorporated weight training into my training again.  I completely quit lifting anything after my leg/back issue.  It feels great to be sore again.  This week's long run is only six miles-  piece of cake!  Next week is eight, which is completely do-able.  I think I'm ready for some longer runs now.  It feels so good to be back!

A little of this, a little of that

Training is continuing to go well.

Unfortunately, someone stole my planner at school (they're like gold because of hall passes), the planner had all of my workouts written on the calendar.  SO! I've got to get on the ball and find something else to record my training sessions.  I like to write down every workout, even though I rarely add detail, and then look back at my training in the weeks to come.  I'm strange, I know.

So, this week is kind of like a rest week.  Today I was supposed to run for about 45 minutes, which did not happen.  I stayed up past midnight writing an IEP and then got up at five.  Not enough sleep for 45 minutes, in my mind.  So, I'm torn about tomorrow.  Cross train or run?  I really don't care- I just can't wait to get out there tomorrow!

On Saturday I did the long run, which was supposed to be about seven miles.  I added a few miles to that distance and incorporated a little weight training afterwards.  My muscles were sore, but thankful. After my morning workout, the family headed out for a little Turkey Trot  run/walk.  It was an absolute blast!  We did the two mile course and enjoyed every minute of being together.

This week, in addition to getting back on the training plan tract, I hope to race/run in a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.  It should be lots of fun! I have not ran in this one since well before Mr. MB was born.  It's just a 5k, so it'll be quick and painful. It's my first race "back" since LAST MAY.  How crazy is that?  May!?!? It's about time, I say!

Race report/training report coming one day soon.

Marathon Training: Week Two!

Today wrapped up week two of marathon training:  eighteen more to go!  Yippee!  This week went well overall, though I did miss one 40 minute run.  Surprisingly, though, I did fit in two days of cross training and the "long" run.  And, really, I think I was okay with missing the 40 minute run because I did not take Sunday off, which is supposed to be a rest day.  So, it's all good.  I'm most definitely still on track.

I'm really feeling like I need to run this marathon and get back into shape.  Taking so much time off because of the back/leg injury set me back quite a bit.  In fact, I felt so weak in the pool yesterday.  It was ridiculous!  Other than feeling out of shape and flabby (yuck!  can't stand that feeling!), post injury-wise, I'm doing just fine. The mileage is so easy right now, though, so it's been a nice, gentle, steady incline.

Even though the training is going well and I'm feeling like I can handle the challenge of the training; I'm so afraid to register!  I DO NOT want to back out of another marathon again.  So, I'm going to wait just another month, or so.  Just to be sure.  Because I don't like the idea of giving up on a goal and throwing money away.  At the same time, though, I definitely don't want the race to fill up!  That would be crushing, to say the least.

What to do?  What to do?

Cross Training while Marathon Training...

Today I went to the gym! For the first time in over a month!  Acck.  Not something I'm proud of, by the way....

Just last evening, Josh and I had a conversation about the ole' gym membership.  I feel like I should go ahead and cancel it because I don't think I'm going often enough to justify the cost.  He disagrees.  (How I love him...) We've had a few blips here and there over the past six weeks, so it has been difficult to get to the gym for one reason or another.  I truly don't want to give up the membership because I love the wellness center.  It's so nice and clean- the steam room is reason alone not to drop the membership.  And, I'm always in the best mood when I leave that place.  The people there are great, particularly the receptionist.  It would be hard to part with that membership, but if it doesn't make sense financially, then I will.

The marathon program calls for two days of cross training a week.  One workout is just a half an hour and the other is about forty minutes.  Both are completely do-able.  I'm just trying to figure out a schedule so that the cross training interferes as little as possible with Josh and the kiddos.  It's going to be a challenge, but I think I've got things figured out for the moment.  In addition to the cardio workouts, I would like to add a little weight training.  (Which, was going well until I messed up my back!)

So, as it stands Week 2 of marathon training is going great.  I'm really excited about having a goal and focusing on something positive.  I have to admit that I'm praying that the training continues to go well and that I remain injury free.  : )

A Special Treat.

This morning I was able to sneak away for a mid morning run.  This never, ever happens!  Once the kids are up, it is so hard to peel myself away from home.  The baby took a morning nap, which he rarely does these days. Our other little one is really under the weather, so he just wants to vegetate.  The house was a disaster, when is it not (?), but I managed to give myself permission to head out for about forty-five minutes.

The run was fabulous, I ran a route that I normally don't get to try during the week.  The change in scenery always helps.  While the route itself was fabulous, and while I enjoyed the quiet mid morning time away, and while I enjoyed the beautiful weather:  I STRUGGLED through the run!  It was so much warmer than my past few runs, and for some reason my body always has a hard time adapting to the temperature change.  It's very strange, I can almost count on having a bad run (struggling) if the weather warms up unexpectedly.

Throughout the run I thought more about the spring marathon.  Random thoughts that crossed my mind were, "how am I going to fit in a twenty miler during tax season?"  I even went as far to figure out the course, what we could do with the boys, whether I should try to run on Saturday or Sunday, and so on.  It's crazy to let these thoughts consume me already, but it will probably make things easier in the long run- preparing for the crazy, hard marathon training weeks ahead.  I'm still completely serious about running this marathon in March, and running a PR.  It's the perfect time to try.

The rest of this week will be interesting. I'm thinking that our little guy might have the flu.  And, I'm feeling kind of icky today- very tired.  Naturally, there is a fear that I'm going to be under the weather by the end of the week. Hopefully not....

5, 10, Who's Counting Anyway?

Today was supposed to be my long run according to this new training program.  Of course, the program starts off gently with the long runs being 5, 6, or 7 miles depending on the week. This week the long run was supposed to be about five miles. Hmph.  I've been running five miles all week!  So, I decided to go ahead and do a suitable long run.  I started off just wanting to do seven miles, or so.  But!  I felt so good and my house was so dark and quiet that I decided to keep going and going.  Instead of sticking to the plan (like I should do!)  I ran about ten miles instead.  Tomorrow is supposed to be an "off" day, but I'm thinking about squeezing in a seven miler and then possibly taking Monday off, or Tuesday.  It feels so good to be injury free again and healthy, that I am finding it really hard to take days off or slow down.  I know I need to, though.  Twenty weeks is a long time to train and I know I'm going to be tired by March.  So, just for this week, I'm going to go a little over in the mileage.

Week One of Training and My Marathon Dreams

The first week of training is almost done, so that's what? Nineteen to go?  : ) No problem!  It feels so incredibly good to be running consistently again, I don't even care about the long weeks of training ahead.  This morning, while on my glorious five mile run, I thought to myself "no wonder I have been so down for the past twelve weeks- I haven't been out the roads and I haven't watched the sun rise over the mountains in ages."

While running this morning, I also thought a little about my goals for this marathon. At this point I have three.  The most important goal is to complete the training and to complete the marathon.  Goal number two is to break 3 hours and 50 minutes.  (My PR is 3:51.16 - just a few seconds shy of 3:50.  )  And, of course, there's the classic, never ending goal of qualifying for Boston, which would require a 3:40, or less. I thought a lot about how I am going to get there this morning.  At most marathon expos, you can find these handy little bracelets with your goal time and the pace required to get you to the goal time.  Those never work for me.  It's too much math, too much pressure, they always make me feel like there is no lee-way.  So, I did a little calculating in my pea brain, and figured out what I want my twenty mile time to be, and then I figured out how much time I would have to finish the last six.  Then, I broke down the 20 mile time into two 10 milers.  So,  from my calculations, I think I need to run the first 20 in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.  And then, each ten miler should be 1 hour and 20 minutes.  That sounds do-able and a little less stressful.  With 2 hours 40 minutes, I would have at least an hour to finish the last 6.2 miles.  And, if I go over the alloted hour, which is likely, then I will still be very close to breaking the 3:50 goal.  (It's funny, all of this planning is a perfect example of "chunking"- a term that special ed teachers LOOOVE to use!)

I then checked out my 20 miler times from a race that I like to run in the fall.  Those times range from about 2 hours 45 minutes to 2 hours 53 minutes.  So, I'm going to have to run stronger and harder and faster, but I think it's quite possible.  In fact, I know it is!  : ) Winter running is my absolute favorite, which is crazy, right?  I think the temperatures are going to be just perfect to chase those dreams that are floating around in my head.

I think I can...

The seed has been planted.  I'm convinced that I can run a spring marathon.  Right now I'm feeling pretty good - the aches and pains have subsided for the moment.  And, I found a new plan that I am pretty excited about trying.  I like that I am not familiar with this plan, which I can't say for the Hal Higdon novice program.  The one piece of this program that is very interesting to me is that there are actually rest weeks.  The mileage gradually increases, only by 10%, for the tough weeks.  After increasing the mileage, though, then it goes down a bit.  I kind of like that!  So instead of running a 20 miler one week and a 16 miler the next, this program would call for a 20 miler and then an 8 miler.  That may help with recovery.  Who knows!  I just can't wait to give it a shot.  Provided I can stick to the plan, it should be interesting to see how it pays off in the end.  Instead of being 16 weeks, this program is 20, which probably accounts for the dips in mileage.   I just may go back to Higdon's novice I for next year's Marine Corps Marathon.  We'll see, I guess.

I've also started to contemplate whether I should run in the Colonial Half, which is towards the end of  February.  It's one of my very favorite races, but I'm not sure about two weekends dedicated solely to a race within one month of one another.  The Colonial Half is fun because it's a wonderful FAMILY weekend for us, and it gives Josh a tiny break during busy season.  I'm leaning towards not running that one, sticking to the plan, and running a great race in March!


I added a couple of my favorite running blogs to the links section!  Check them out.  They provide me with the inspiration that I have been lacking lately.

New Plan, New Goal...

It's been ages since I've updated this blog!  Running has been quite slow lately due to a herniated disc issue, strep throat, and a bit of a "life crisis".  Deferring from Marine Corps Marathon was a bit of a punch in the gut, and I've had a tough time getting over the fact that I had to stop training.  It's so easy to forget how badly my leg hurt towards the of August.  It's easy forget about the fact that you could not tie your shoes or shower without crying in the morning.  It's easy to feel like a wimp for not being able to juggle all aspects of life when you're feeling pretty good.

Since I'm still down on myself for not finishing the marathon training and for deferring from the marathon, I've been plotting a new goal.  A March marathon (for whatever reason!) seems like a great idea right now. I do realize that this is one of the most difficult times of the year for my family because of Josh's busy season.  However, having been through busy season for a number of years, I recognize the fact that Josh needs to have extra time with the boys on the weekends (namely, Sunday's).  So, I really think that we could work the training out for this marathon.  We also never go anywhere (except for the Colonial Half) during these months, so figuring out training on the weekends due to traveling won't be an issue, either.  It's a lofty goal, I know, but I desperately need a goal- STAT.

So, I have started to pencil in the training.  I found a new training program that looks perfect for my needs- it's even more do-able than Hal Higdon's plan. The training program is from the book, Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham (RW's Penguin!).  It is an easy, motivating, and interesting read, which is exactly what I need right now.

On a side note, today's run was absolutely fantastic!  There is a meteor shower right now that is just incredible.  I'm pretty sure that I saw about four or five shooting stars.  It was the perfect start to a beautiful day!

Injured Reserves

It's been almost three weeks, which feels like an eternity right now. Three weeks since I have slipped away from my family to meet my friends for an early morning retreat. Three weeks since I have laced up my shoes and pounded the pavement. Three weeks since I have felt well enough to even think about running, or being able to tie my shoes without crying. Three weeks since I have deferred for my sixth marathon.

I never thought that I would have to defer a marathon due to an injury. Never. In 2005, I deferred an entrance to the New York City marathon because we were expecting our first child. What a fantastic reason to defer the NYC marathon, right??? I certainly think so. I have so many friends who have had to defer marathons and step away from running for a bit. I wish that I would have been more supportive of those friends. I wish I would have called them more, just to check in. Because it's a cruddy feeling to defer, to give in before you've even started.

I had to, though. I couldn't tie my shoes. I could hardly put my running shorts on in the morning without being brought to tears. My body was messed up, to say the least. So, three weeks later of doing hardly anything, I'm better. I can tie my shoes and get dressed and roll over in bed without crying. That's good news. I have a slight hamstring twinge that scares me a bit, it's a reminder that the injury is not gone.

Nonetheless, I think I might *try* to run two miles tomorrow. Slowly. Because it's been three weeks and I miss running so much. ♥

On Track...

I knew the second that I joined that gym I would feel guilty for not going every single day of the week. Which is ridiculous, because who has the time or energy to exercise every single day of the week? Call me lazy, but I've had a tough time getting over there this week. I keep telling myself that once we're sleeping through the night, once the baby's teeth finally pop through, once I stop nursing I'll have more energy; then I'll be able to exercise everyday! The truth is, I'm not as tough as many of my running friends. I easily talk myself out of getting up early every single morning. : ) I have yet to get over to the center this week, but I'm going to tomorrow-and the rest of the week-I promise myself! We'll see about that....

Even though I had to take a little bit of time off of running, I'm still on track for the marathon in October! Hurray! This week is an "easy" week of training: 3, 4, 3, and 5. No problem! So far I've gotten two four milers, or so. I missed a day last week, so I figured I could make up for the missed three miler this week. My foot still hurts when I run, but the pain is not as intense and it is not sharp. The weather has been absolutely fabulous for running outside! Absolutely fabulous. This morning the air was crisp and I felt very strong on my short, little run.

Other running related news:

Please check out this awesome site (So Sporty!) , which is for running clothes that are actually MADE in the USA!!!!!! Wow-- that never happens anymore, does it??? Check it out, the tops are adorable. I have two- which were given to me as birthday presents. TJ Maxx also sells these tops in their "active" section. Check it out!! Click on either link to check out the merchandise!! : )

The Night Splint

Two nights with the splint, and WoW!, I feel like I'm cured. Not really, my heel still hurts a little, but it's NOTHING like how I felt a month ago. It doesn't hurt to walk in the morning, after I take off the boot. Whereas, my foot has hurt terribly EVERY SINGLE MORNING for the past six weeks early in the morning. I had to walk around on my tip toes because my heel hurt so badly, which is a classic sign of plantar fasciitis.

Thankfully, I've been able to kinda follow the marathon training program. This time around, I'm sticking with the Hal Higdon Novice One Program. It just works for me. I never get hurt following this plan, it makes you rest (because you should!), and my times are always faster when I follow this one. Some marathoners don't like the low mileage in the beginning, but I've found that the lower miles in the beginning keep me from getting burnt out in the end- which is so easy to do. This week the plan called for 3, 3, 3, and 6 miles. Tomorrow I am going to work on the six miler. I think my foot (heel) will be able to hang, and if it doesn't I'll stop and walk to the nearest pay phone to call for a ride home.

Maybe a report on the six miler tomorrow?

Time to get started!

I haven't run in about three weeks, aside from that one slow mile on the treadmill last week. It's been awhile!! Marathon training starts this week, so I'm hoping to get back out there this week or next. I figure that I will be okay if I miss the first few weeks of training, even though I really don't want to go that route. This week the mileage is totally do-able, but since I've got this bum heel it might be kinda tough. The miles for this week are 3, 3, 3, and 6- no problem!

The whole gym thing is awesome. I have completely fallen in love with swimming again. I feel strong all over when I am finished my work-outs, which is great. Last week I thought I was going to drown, it's been that long since I've been in the water. It is amazing how quickly it all comes back, though. This morning I managed to get in a little over a mile (2000 Meters). Tomorrow I'm going to shoot for 2400 meters and then hopefully next week get up to 2 miles.

Josh has been awesomely supportive throughout this whole injury debacle, which makes me so grateful. He pushes me to get out the door to swim and doesn't make me feel guilty at all for leaving the house for a few hours in the morning. He's a pretty great guy. ♥♥♥♥

So, this week includes a little running and a check-in with the orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday. I am hoping that all goes well!! ✽✽✽✽

The heel is healing!!

Yesterday my heel did not hurt at all, unless I poked on the heel spur to check for tenderness. And, this morning? It didn't hurt when I wore heels to church! Hurray! I won't have to wear sneakers with heel cups for the rest of my life!! How awesome!!

Last week, I think it was Thursday, I felt so discouraged about my injury. I walked with my running partner and my heel hurt. I walked around the house in my running shoes and my heel continued to hurt with each step. The thought of not being able to run in the Marine Corps Marathon this fall crossed my mind. In fact, I was beginning to think about trying to unload my number.

Throughout this whole injury, I have not iced my foot once. That's like the number one thing you're supposed to do when you're injured. That, and stretch, and take Ibuprofen, I have done none of these since the heel issue began! Seriously-- who has time for all of that stuff, I thought. You know what, though? I realized that the ice REALLY helps! And, so does the stretching! I have yet to try the Ibuprofen with each meal because of nursing. It definitely seems like what I am doing right now is really helping, though.

So! Tomorrow I might get out there and run around the block before walking or I might just give myself a full two weeks off and run on Wednesday. We'll see how the day progresses.

For the first time ever...

I'm joining a gym today.  Uggh.  I've always taken pride in my "free" sport, and enjoying the great outdoors.  It's only for a little while, I keep telling myself.  It turns out that I have a Calcaneal Heel Spur, which hurts like a son-of-a-gun! It's almost been a week since I have run, and it looks like I will have another week to go.  The PA gave me these fancy little heel cups to ease the pain and tension in my heel. They are heavenly little things.  The downside is that I am wearing sneakers all the time.  The pain is definitely less, though, and that's more important than anything right now.  

So, tomorrow cross training starts!  I picked up a pair of goggles yesterday and I'm going to pull out my lap swimming suit tonight.  I sure hope I don't regret spending the money on this gym.  If anything, I think I'll get up and go just because of having to pay monthly.  Time will tell...

Running Skirts and Heel Pain

Well!  The week and a half has not helped my heel very much, which is completely annoying.  I think I am going to either go see a body work specialist or see an athletic trainer.  Part of me is leaning towards the body work specialist, simply because I know what the trainer is going to say.  The best treatment for plantar faciitis is rest, rest, rest, stretching, stretching, and ice, ice, ice.  Blah. If I go to the body work guy, he may take the pain away and really help me to stretch those foot muscles.  We'll see.  Maybe I'll do both?  Now that summer is almost here, I want to be running more and limping less!  

On to running skirts!  OMG!!  I LOVE running skirts!  A few years ago, when I started this blog running skirts were just coming onto the scene, so there weren't many styles.  Fast forward a few years and now they are all over the place!  Yesterday I picked up two, one was only 5.99 (can't beat the Ross clearance racks!) and the other one was 9.99 (again!  clearance!  love it!).  They are so fun and cute!  I have all sorts of brands- Brooks, Nike, Target, and Wilson.  Right now my favorite brand for the running skirt is Brooks, but they are very pricey.  

If I could only get this heel turned around, then I'd be able to sport them a little bit more often!!  Stay tuned...

5k Tomorrow!

Tomorrow morning I am going to run in a 5k!  It's been AGES since I've run a 5k, so this should be a great change of pace.  My heel is still bothering me, but I figure that I will be fine since the race is so incredibly short.  : ) It'll be over before I know that it has even started, at least that's what I'm hoping.  My goal for tomorrow is to a run a 22 something...We'll see if I can do it, the boys are coming to cheer for me which might help me run a little faster!  

13.1 Lessons Learned!

A few lessons learned from Sunday's half marathon experience:

1. Do not run everyday in the week leading up to the race because something is gonna hurt after the race and linger on throughout the next week.  My right heel is killing me, I ran six miles yesterday and I'm back to limping around on my toes.
2. If you need new shoes, buy them prior to running the race.  This goes back to #1, my heel really hurts!  
   
3. Buy yourself a post race treat, whether it's a hot cup of coffee or a donut (or, BOTH!) and enjoy the ride home.
4. Wear a watch because believe it or not, there may not be one single clock on the course.  Not one.
5. Relish in your soreness the next two days.  Sounds crazy, right?
6. Have a mantra while you're running.  While running on Sunday, I kept telling myself "Use your arms, take it easy, and enjoy the moment."  It really worked and helped me to relax and reminded me to look around.
7. Even if it's raining, a cup of cold water down your back feels really, really good at mile ten.
8. Drink!  Walk through the stop if you have to, but drink, drink, drink!
9. Think about something that brings you happiness while you're running.  I thought about my boys and how much I couldn't wait to walk in the door and hug them, even our dog!
10. Smile for the camera.  Flash a peace sign if you'd like...
11. Do not over-dress!  I had on a long sleeved shirt, which I took off around mile four because I was so hot.  Due to my lack of planning and thinking, I had to move my number down to my shorts, remove the shirt, and situate it around my waist.  Total pain!  
12. Use your arms up the hills, give your legs a break.  
13. SPRINT to the finish line.  Pick out a person you'd like to pass, especially someone of the same gender/age group.
14. And, since there is a .1 ~~~ Give a pray of thanks for having a healthy and fit body.

Better Day

For the past two mornings I have been able to escape from the babies and run a little bit.  Thank goodness!  I love them, but I really need just thirty minutes to myself to start the day.  The rain and a sick little one certainly make for a long day.  This morning my running friend and I got in a little over five miles in forty-one minutes.  Hurray!  I felt fantastic, not tired at all!  Maybe I'll be able to pull out a 1:50 half marathon in two weeks?  Maybe--if the course is not insanely hilly and as long as it's not incredibly hot and humid.  This weather has been fantastic for running, I love running in spring rain. It's a great start to the day.  I am hopeful to get in another five miler tomorrow morning.  We'll see!  

Frustrated with running.

Running has been really frustrating lately.  I'm tired!  Normally I run in the mornings, but I've been so tired lately that I just haven't been able to drag myself out of bed.  I wanted to do a long run on Sunday morning, but the thought of getting out of bed before seven o'clock made me want to cry.  So, I listened to my body and enjoyed the extra few hours of sleep.  

This weekend I ran in the AB 10k, which was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I didn't even try to race it because I know my body just isn't ready yet.  It was great to get in six miles, but I was completely annoyed with myself for the rest of the day for not at least setting a goal.  

For some reason I am planning on running in a half in just two weeks.  I'm going to set a goal this time and even wear a watch.  We'll see how it goes.  A good goal at this point would be something around an hour and fifty minutes, or so.  I haven't run that far since the last half, but I'm still going to try my best.  

Now that tax season is behind us, I'm thinking that I will be able to get out on a more consistent basis.  At least I'm hopeful for that because right now I feel completely frustrated with myself, even though I haven't had a full night sleep since last spring some time.  I'll sleep again one day, right?  

100 Push Up Challenge

Well, I've been doing this 100 push up challenge that I've read about on the "Internets".   And, WOW!  My stomach, or baby gut, is slowly but surely shrinking!  There's some abdominal definition, which makes me very happy.  Oh, and my arms?  They're stronger, too.  It's an easy program and doesn't require too much extra time.  Completing the set usually takes about ten to fifteen minutes because of the extra long breaks I like to take!  I struggled to complete a mere eleven push ups at first, and now I'm doing anywhere from fifteen to twenty push ups per set.  My arms have yet to fall off!  So, that's been helping my running and my psyche.  

Running is a lot of the same.  It's tax time and it's hard to escape for too long on Saturday mornings with the girls.  We only have a week left, so I am hopeful that  I can get in a ten miler (at least) before this next half marathon.  So far this week I've run two mornings with my friend, five miles each time.  Not bad.  We leave for vacation soon, so I'm going to try to run as much as I can between now and that time.  This way the pressure to run will be a tad bit less, though I'm sure I'll be itching to get out there (or, find a  gym, at least!)  

Runner's Commandments:

A fellow blogging/runner had this posted on her blog. I thought I would steal it and share it as well. I love them all, but I think I need to print it out and post it on my fridge.

1. Don’t be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner, not even other whiners.
2. Walking out the door is often the toughest part of a run.
3. Don’t make running your life. Make it part of your life.
4. During group training runs, don’t let anyone run alone.
5. Keep promises, especially ones made to yourself.
6. When doing group runs, start on time no matter who’s missing.
7. The faster you are the less you should talk about your times.
8. Keep a quarter in your pocket. One day you’ll need to call for a ride.
9. Don’t compare yourself to other runners.
10. All runners are equal, some are just faster than others.
11. Keep in mind that the later in the day it gets, the more likely it is that you won’t run.
12. For a change of pace, get driven out and then run back.
13. If it was easy, everybody would be a runner.
14. When standing in starting lines, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be there.
15. Getting out of shape is much easier than getting into shape.
16. A bad day of running still beats a good day at work.
17. Talk like a runner. “Singlets” are worn on warm days. “Tank tops” are worn to the beach.
18. Don’t talk about your running injuries. People don’t want to hear about your sore knee or black toe.
19. Don’t always run alone.
20. Don’t always run with people.
21. Approach running as if the quality of your life depended on it.
22. No matter how slow you run it is still faster than someone sitting on a couch.
23. Keep in mind that the harder you run during training, the luckier you’ll get during racing.
24. Races aren’t just for those who can run fast.
25. There are no shortcuts to running excellence.
26. The best runs sometimes come on days when you didn’t feel like running.
27. Be modest after a race, especially if you have reason to brag.
28. If you say, “Let’s run this race together,” then you must stay with that person no matter how slow.
29. Think twice before agreeing to run with someone during a race.
30. There is nothing boring about running. There are, however, boring people who run.
31. Look at hills as opportunities to pass people
32. Distance running is like cod liver oil. At first it makes you feel awful, then it makes you feel better.
33. Never throw away the instructions to your running watch.
34. Don’t try to outrun dogs.
35. Don’t trust runners who show up at races claiming to be tired, out of shape, or not feeling well.
36. Don’t wait for perfect weather. If you do, you won’t run very often.
37. When tempted to stop being a runner, make a list of the reasons you started.
38. Never run alongside very old or very young racers. They get all of the applause.
39. Without goals, training has no purpose.
40. During training runs, let the slowest runner in the group set the pace.
41. The first year in a new age group offers the best opportunity for trophies.
42. Go for broke, but be prepared to be broken.
43. Spend more time running on the roads than sitting on the couch.
44. Make progress in your training, but progress at your own rate.
45. “Winning” means different things to different people.
46. Unless you make your living as a runner, don’t take running too seriously.
47. Runners who never fail are runners who never try anything great.
48. Never tell a runner that he or she doesn't look good in tights.
49. Never confuse the Ben-Gay tube with the toothpaste tube.
50. Never apologize for doing the best you can.
51. Preventing running injuries is easier than curing them.
52. Running is simple. Don’t make it complicated.
53. Running is always enjoyable. Sometimes, though, the joy doesn’t come until the end of the run.

Tomorrow!

Tomorrow I am going to register for my sixth marathon! Wahoo! I can't believe this will be the sixth one, something's really wrong with my brain. This one will certainly be challenging with going back to work in the fall, trying to be a good wife, and now keeping up with two babies. It'll work out, though. I plan on using the same training program, Hal Higdon's Novice marathon program. It's doable, and the long runs are not too freakishly long. A bunch of friends are signing up, too, so running this summer will be lots of fun!

It's been ages since I updated this blog. Over the course of the past month I've run a half, taken a week off due to a sinus infection, and started running longer runs during the week. It's been a great month and I'm so thankful to have an outlet during tax season. The runs with my friends help my spirit tremendously, and the runs by myself are just as important. It's valuable to have some quiet time, as well as friend time.

Now that I'm thinking ahead to this marathon, I'll try to start updating the blog more frequently...

The easy way out..

Sometimes I enjoy taking the easy way out by running on the treadmill.  Last week I ran four days in a row.  This rarely happens anymore.  I get tired or I'm busy and up late with the babies, there are so many excuses.  So, last week I was so proud of myself for fitting in running for four days straight.  Thursday was a treadmill run, while I ran with friends early in the morning on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  It was great!  Yesterday I decided to take the day off of running.  It was heavenly!  I slept in until around seven, or so.  As much as I enjoy sleeping in, I don't enjoy waking up with the boys.  I don't enjoy the whining and the demanding as soon as I wake.  That is selfish, I know.  This morning, I woke again with the boys, but I did fit in an hour of running on the treadmill.  The treadmill has become so much fun for me!  It's a good change of pace and I enjoy the extra TV time to myself.  The temperature is also always great.  Instead of counting down the minutes, I usually add more when I am on the treadmill.  Tomorrow was supposed to be an outside run with the group, but I just might have to declare it as another treadmill day!  : ) Time will tell...

Beating me to the punch

The two rascals have been beating me to the punch lately with running, so it's been really hard to get out the door.  Josh is working so much now that he really needs to get going in the mornings, even on the weekends, so I've got to do a better job of getting out the door before the boys wake.  It sounds so much easier than it actually is, doesn't it?  I wanted to do a long run on Saturday, which then turned into Sunday, because M got up so early on Saturday morning.  Which also meant that Josh got up and out the door quickly, so that he could get work done at the office.  It turns out that I didn't run on Sunday either! Grrr.... Sunday I had the time to go in the morning, but spent it with Josh watching the Australian Open.  It's important for us to fit time in together, even if it's six am on a Sunday morning watching tennis.

So, yesterday I got up and out.  I ended up running about 4.5 miles, which was decent since I ran by myself.  Today, since I'm up incredibly early, I hope to fit in at least four or five miles.  It was a long night with the baby and I desperately need the reprieve, even if it's only forty-five minutes of alone time!  

The half marathon is just like two and a half weeks away, and I have not even gotten close to running the ten miles plus miles that I wanted to do beforehand.  Oh well.  My time is not important, this time around, anyway.  I'm hoping that I'll be able to gut my way through it, though...

Lots of Running

Even though the weather has not been great for running this week, I have managed to get in some miles. Monday and Tuesday I ran with a girlfriend, which was helpful and motivating. Tuesday morning we were able to run in the snow. The snow was really wet, though, almost more like rain than snow. Nevertheless, it was still a great run and it was wonderful to have company on the run, especially I was "snowed in" with the babies for two days straight. (That's enough to make you go crazy, or want to run really, really FAR.) : )

Wednesday I took the day off, we all slept in really late and since I woke with the kiddos the treadmill was not an option. Thursday and Friday were treadmill days. It was great to have a change in pace, and to run in the warmth of our basement. The treadmill is so incredibly helpful when I need (or, want) to fit in a quick run. When we first bought it I really didn't enjoy running on it, but now that we have two children? I LOVE it! The past two days I have caught up on Golden Girl re-runs and the news. When the news gets too depressing, I flip over to the Golden Girls! I'm really not sure what I going to do with myself when I go back to work next year. It's rather nice being able to run at 8:00 in the morning, rather than 5 or 5:30 everyday.

Tomorrow will be a long run, hopefully nine miles, or so...Long run days are so much fun...once the run is over, of course!

Long Run for the week!

Today I ran about nine miles with the girls. I felt great and enjoyed every minute. My legs started to stiffen a bit towards the end, but I think a lot of that was due to the temperature drop. I'm not too concerned about getting up to 13 before the half marathon, though it would be great to get in at least ten for the next couple of weekends. Tomorrow I'd like to get out for a slow, short run... We'll see how tired I am tomorrow morning. It's less than a MONTH before the half marathon, now! Wahoo!! : ) (I guess?)

A slow week.

This has not been the best running week, I've been a bit lazy.  Tuesday the weather was bad and I knew that I was going to run Wednesday, so I just took the day off.  Wednesday morning quickly came around and neither boy slept well on Tuesday night, which meant that I only got a couple of hours of sleep.  Instead of making it to the running party, I slept in, which made me feel really guilty.  Yesterday, though, I did manage to get in three miles on the treadmill.  The pace was about ten minutes  per mile, which felt really good.  I wasn't tired at all from the run, it was refreshing to feel so good. 

Today I got back on track with running outside and met a running friend.  We did about 4.5 miles, which was great.  I'm hoping to run both Saturday and Sunday, we'll see if I'm able to fit a run in both days.  Tax season is cramping my style!  I've GOT to get up if I want to run in the mornings on the weekend.  It's worth the loss of sleep, though...

Dragging myself out of bed...

I went to bed really late last night, so I wasn't sure how today's run would go.  All through the night I kept thinking about how I didn't want to get out of bed at five.  Thanks to my running buddy, though, I got myself up and out the door early this morning.  We started out with the intention of just doing two miles and calling it a day.  It turns out that we snuck in four miles, and I felt completely refreshed.  It was a great run, warm!, but great.  I'm so thankful for these running friends,  I think I'd still be in bed with the covers over my head if it were not for them.  

Sunday's Long Run...

This morning I managed to get in about nine miles, or so. Not bad! Thankfully, the weather was a tad bit warmer and the pace was slower. Next week I'd like to get ten in for the long run since the half marathon is just about a month away. The girls and I talked a lot about the inauguration (wahoo!) and the concert that is on the mall today. Nothing like good conversation to get through the long miles. Tomorrow's run will be a short one, three or four.

Makin me stronger...

As crazy as it sounds, this morning's run was fantastic!  FREEZING cold (literally and then some...), but fantastic.  I ran with a big group this morning; there were seven of us who bundled up and braved the elements!  Three of whom, I haven't run with in at least a year!  It was great to catch up with more friends this morning.  As always, I was on a total high the rest of the day and didn't mind being stuck inside all day.  I'd like to run tomorrow as well, but I don't think any of my buddies are running.  We'll see how motivated I am in the morning, supposedly it is supposed to be a degree or two colder than this morning.  Brrrr!!!

Snowy Streets!

This morning I woke up to snowy streets!  Yay!  I love to run in the snow, everything seems so quiet and magical.  My running partner and I got in about 4.5 miles, and for the first time in awhile, I felt strong.  Yesterday I snuck in a treadmill run, while N napped.  He woke from the nap early and got to watch me run for about 12 minutes, or so.  The last four minutes he spent crying!  I felt guilty for running while he was crying, so I bumped up the speed a good bit.  I started off at a 7.0 and then went up to 8.6-- not bad!  I am so thankful for this treadmill, it makes me a better mom and wife.  : ) Tomorrow I plan to run outside, even though the forecasters are calling for an "arctic blast"!  

Resolution for 2009...

I'm going to try to keep a log of my running on here... I used to do this pre-kids, keep a log of my runs, but I seem to have lost the motivation somewhere along the line.  Maybe this will keep me motivated for these half marathons that I have registered for.  The first one is only six weeks away and my longest run is only 8.5 miles!  Yikes!  I need to get some more miles in sometime soon.  Tomorrow is another one of those fun running birthday parties, unfortunately though it is going to be super, duper COLD!  I am hoping to get in five, or so.  I've taken off the past two days, so I'm ready to get out there again.  

Another Goal!

Marine Corp Half Marathon in May!  I'm thinking of bagging the half marathon in March for this one.  The thought of pumping before the half, pumping in the car, pumping in the hotel room just doesn't seem appealing to me at this time.  The more I think about the half in March,  I realize how much work and preparation it will involve and I'm just too lazy!  

This morning I had a great run with my neighbor.  She is really helping me get back into shape, which is awesome.  We ran a little over four miles, but it was a fast four miles!  Tomorrow we're going to run in the country, which means lots and lots of hills.  The hills are tough, but I remind myself while I'm struggling that my quads really need the hill workouts right now.  It feels so good to be out running again, it is one of my favorite times of the day.  

Running Goals for 2009!

1.  Colonial Half in February.  If I just finished this one and had fun while running, I'd be happy.  I'm not concerned at all about my time.

2.  The half in the DC, which is in March.  Again, it'll be a challenge to JUST get there with the baby and tax season.  Just to have a chance to run in a race with the group would be fantastic.

3.  50K in Capon Valley, May.  This probably won't happen, but I'm keeping it in the back of my mind....

4.  Marine Corp Marathon #4!  Maybe, just maybe work towards finishing in under 3 hours and fifty minutes... I'd be soooo happy.  But, I'd need to push myself soooo hard...not sure if I'm up for that challenge just yet.  

I've been back to running for quite some time now.  And, I've even been able to get out with the running girls on the nights that both of the boys sleep.  The extra pounds are slowly melting away, thank goodness!