Not According to Plan

I really hate when things don't go according to plan.  I am still dealing with some major stomach issues and nausea.  The past two days total, I think I have eaten 2 yogurts, a few graham crackers, and a little bit of applesauce.  I have no appetite and today I didn't even have the strength to exercise.

It seems like for the past couple of months everytime I set a goal for myself...or have a race to train for...I get side tracked by illness.  So, day three and nothing to record.  I am really hoping that when my alarm goes off tomorrow morning, that I feel back to myself again.

Day #3 - A big, fat 0

Day Number Two

I went to bed last night with the worst headache...the kind that make you feel like you are going to throw up at any minute.  When my alarm went off this morning, I was still not feeling too hot.  I am determined to stick to my goal though.  So, I got on my spinning bike after dropping the kids off at school and rode for forty minutes.  I am still not feeling the greatest, but hopefully I will be back and running tomorrow morning.


Total for today - Spinning bike: 40 minutes

Dia Numero Uno

This weather has taken a toll on my running.  This cold makes me want to make a bee line for my bed, pull the covers over my head, and stay there until the next 60 degree day.  It's made rolling out of bed for my 4AM workout difficult, which is probably why I have been averaging around 12 miles a week...sad, sad.

Yesterday, after sleeping through my morning alarm, I set a goal for myself and hope to make it out of my bed for my morning workout and get my mileage back up there.  Today I did.  One day down, six more to go.  I need to get my butt in gear and make it through this winter still in decent shape.

Today, I did 3 miles on the elliptical.  They felt good and I averaged 7:15/mile.  Then I jumped on the treadmill for 2 miles.  I averaged 9:56/mile.

Total miles for Day #1 - 5

Playlist : Without You

http://youtu.be/YO9THtRWb2s

Switch Up

I have been back to working second shift 24 hours a week for almost a month now.  The weather is getting a lot colder, which means less running outside and more gym time.  I have had a really difficult time sticking with my 4AM workouts.  There have been way more mornings than I would like where I don't even hear my alarm, turn it off without knowing it, and continue sleeping.  When the kids were all very little, I could deal with sleep deprivation, but I am not too good at functioning on less than 6 hours these days.

I need to rethink my morning workouts...maybe not for the entire week, but for the days that I have to work.  Next week, I am going to start working out after I get out of work and see how that goes.  I really like getting my workout in first thing in the morning...it just makes for a much better day...but when I am only getting them in 50% of the week (or less) as opposed to five or six days a week something has got to change.  I am hoping that I will like the late night workouts...but I have never been much of a night person.  So, we will see how it goes.

Back Up and Running...

Marathon morning, I woke up to a Garmin that wouldn't turn on.  I tried everything I could think of, but even when I put in on the charger the "battery charging in progress" didn't even show up on the screen.  I need my Garmin...I would choose that over my ipod most days...and for 26.2 miles it wasn't working!

On Monday, I was too sore from the day before to run.  I didn't even attempt...but I did hold out hope that a miracle had happened over night and my Garmin would magically turn on.  Much to my surprise, I pressed the on button on the side and heard the beep.  I don't know what happened...why it would not even turn on Sunday morning but it's working now.  I couldn't be happier.

Since the marathon on Sunday, I have run a total of 10 miles this week.  Tuesday it was slow going, but today it felt more normal with minimal soreness.  I am looking forward to getting back in the gym and losing the few pounds that I gained over the summer...yes, over the summer...isn't that only supposed to happen in the winter?

You Win Some, You Lose Some

I don't know if I would consider finishing 26.2 miles a total loss.  So, maybe my title is inappropriate.  But, this definitely wasn't my best...but it sure was fun.

(Ready to run!)

I ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon yesterday.  It was amazing being apart of the 45000+ people that were racing.  The stream of people seemed to go on forever and I was never alone.  The crowd support stretched for all 26.2 miles, the volunteers were awesome, and the course was great...the heat however was not.

It was quite a feeling going under the bridge after the start line and looking around and hearing the people cheering.  I got teary eyed about just what I was actually a part of.  I ran a pretty good half marathon.

(Mile 11...feeling good. )

It wasn't until about mile 16 that I felt myself falling apart...and at mile 18 I hit a wall.  I am just not the type of runner to run long distances in temps close or at 80 degrees.  It's just too hot for me.  So, miles 18-22 were terrible for me.  I lost a lot of time and kept feeling like I was either going to pass out or throw up.  If it wasn't for the crowd's encouragement, the last six miles would have been way longer than they already seemed.  I wrote my kids names on my left wrist and I kept looking at them for the last four miles.  There were a few tears those last couple miles...not only because of the pain, but also because I felt so blessed to be able to do this again.

So, I crossed the finish line in my usual fashion with my hands in the air and my head down.  With tears in my eyes I walked to have my medal placed around my neck.  I got the worst time thus far...5:32...almost 40 minutes slower than DesMoines.  After the last half of this race, I was just happy to have crossed the finish line and still be alive a well.

Immediately after I said I was done running marathons...but that was a temporary moment of insanity...and the pain talking.  Done with full marathons?  No way.  I will be back to Chicago for a rematch in 2013...next year I will take on Detroit...and hopefully in the next couple of years I will get my goal of 4:45 or under.

(After walking to the train station I got a foot long sub for the way home.  When we got home I had a Big Mac Meal...delish! )

Running 26.2 miles is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life...but obviously there's something about it that keeps me coming back for more.

Ready or Not

It's been one thing after another these past three weeks.  Do I feel as prepared as I was for my last marathon?  Not really.  Am I ready?  I sure am.

I have been fighting a chest cold for the past two weeks.  It knocked me on my butt a few days after my kidney issues subsided and a day after I recovered from the stomach flu.  I hate being sick...and I don't think I have been out for this long since before having kids.

Today I laced up my shoes and went for an easy (and slow) four mile run.  It's the first run I have done in the past two weeks that I haven't had a coughing attack during or after...so that was encouraging.

I've got my playlist ready, my snacks picked out (I like to eat and run), and I am getting my outfit picked out today.

Ready or not, Chicago here I come!!!

Zip, Zero, Zilch

...Just some words that can be used to describe how many miles I have logged this week.  I can count on one hand the number of times I have had a week like this one in the past almost 6 years.  With my upcoming marathon it leaves me pretty concerned.  I don't know if I will even be able to get a long run in this weekend and I have my kidneys to thank...or my gene pool for that matter.  I was knocked down with what was thought to be a UTI...after having a miserable three days after visiting the immediate care, I found myself a primary care physician (I dislike doctors and haven't really been regularly since having my last son).  Diagnosis: kidney stone.  Luckily there were no clusters of them, it was not lodged somewhere, and there was no need for talk of surgical removal or stints (all of which pretty much every member on my mom's side of the family has been through).  So, I have just been sucking it up, laying in bed, and trying to flush my system out.   I woke up this morning, after the best nights sleep that I have had in over a week, feeling the best I have in over a week.  I am thinking I am on the mend, but don't want to get my hopes up of a long run this weekend just yet.  I am driven and determined and I might not let my body win on this one...we shall see.

I'll say it again...

...I really hate change.

The ear phones that I have had for the past 5 years bit the dust.  I love them and for the past few months only the left one had been working...but I would rather just deal with only one head phone than get new ones.

It was four in the morning, I wasn't really awake, and I turned on my ipod to start my morning run.  No sound.  For a few seconds my thoughts went several different ways : Great timing for my ipod to brake.  Now what am I going to do?  I must go back home and go back to sleep.  What a way to start my day.  Stupid piece of junk.  My ipod was still lit up, it still had the little play arrow up in the corner, and it was still switching songs...just no sound.  So, rather than chalk it up to "my stupid ipod" I decided to plug my ear phones in to the treadmill tv and see if they could be the problem.  BINGO.  At that point I was relieved that it was only my head phones...but sad at the same time.  I have worn them for every single run, every single race I have run.

It must have been since this incident happened too early in the morning, because by the time I was getting around head out for my next run I had forgotten I had no head phones.  Out of desperation (rarely can I run without music...yep, I am that kind of runner) I grabbed my daughters.  They are the kind that are shaped like a bullet, instead of the flat, round ones that I was used to.  I didn't know how this was going to go...but I was hoping for the best.  After running twice with them, I decided they weren't so bad...and now, I love them.

I hate change, but when I am forced in to it, I usually find it's not so bad.

Still Running Strong...

I haven't stopped doing what I love to do...I guess I have just stopped writing about it (from the looks of this blog).

Up and coming is The Chicago Marathon that I am running on October 9th.  I am getting really excited and looking forward to the challenge of another twenty-six point two.

I have been upping my mileage, with which comes the good and the bad : more mileage means more calories burned, that feeling after a good long run, the feeling of accomplishment, how good that shower feels afterward, time alone in my head to reflect on a lot of things....the bad : this nagging pain that has been shooting up my ankle, another UTI, stomach issues, and time eaten up on my weekends with the long run that I have to get in.  The good outweighs the bad and I guess that's why I keep doing it...there is almost nothing on earth better than crossing that finish line after running a marathon.

This past week, I logged 46 miles...and my long run at the end of my week was made more uncomfortable by a UTI...lovely.  I doubt that I am going to have a good mileage week this week because of my recent diagnosis.  But, I just keep reminding myself that for the DeMoines Marathon I decided to run it about a month before, did one long run leading up to it, and did better than the one I really trained for.  I told a friend the other day that once someone gets to mile 20 it's all heart and soul until the end anyway.

So, hopefully in the next couple of weeks leading up to Chicago I will be on here more.

Happy Running.

My Fourth CRIM

This past weekend, I ran my fourth CRIM...with my sister by my side.  You can read about it here.

To Motivate

Motivate - (v). Stimulate (someone's) interest in or enthusiasm for doing something

There are many things I want to be known for after I leave this earth. I really hope that one of the things is motivating those around me to live a more active lifestyle. I realize that not everyone was born to run a marathon...maybe not even run around the block...but I do believe that everyone has an obligation to their loved ones to live a healthy, active lifestyle. I hope by speaking to me, reading my blog, glancing at my status on facebook, or even emailing me to ask me a question about running gear, vitamins, or running in general I "stimulate an interest or enthusiasm" for getting active and being the best you can be. The sky is the limit...you just have to want to take that first step and keep putting one foot in front of the other when the going gets tough.

This time of year...

Seven years ago, I had just had a baby. My body was transformed in to something I had nightmares about. I had gained a huge amount of weight (50pounds) and my princess weighed under eight pounds. It was stressful enough trying to get in the the routine of being a new mom, I couldn't even think about exercising.

I look back on that time and see how far I have come. I stepped on the scale a few weeks after having K and saw the numbers 1 - 8 - 4. It seemed as if I had no choice other than to surrender to my fate. My body would never be the same and I would never be able to fit back in to my pre-pregnancy clothes. I spent almost two years in the mind set.

After I had my middle man, I decided that I didn't want to live like this anymore. I got a jogger and a little determination and I changed my outlook. This time of year always reminds me of the choice I made to turn things around...to be active...to not be the Mom on the sidelines, but the Mom that can have fun right along side of her kids. It isn't easy. Some days I am exhausted. Some days I just want to skip a run. But, then I think back to how I felt more than 50 pounds heavier than I am now and I would much rather be tired or exhausted.

So lace up those shoes...and give it your all...it's worth ever ache, pain, and bead of sweat.

Girls On the Run 5K

I had the privilege of being my nieces running buddy for a program through the school district called Girls On the Run. Here is a little bit about the program taken from the website:

Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping girls climb out of the “girl box” using a 24-lesson curriculum designed to promote good choice for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. The curriculum, designed specifically to address “girl box” issues, uses warm-up, and workouts which encourage emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois prepares girls for a 5K run/walk event and challenges and encourages girls, whatever their fitness level.

This past Sunday was the 5K that all of the girls have worked so hard to get ready for. It was an amazing event and so neat to see all the little runners out there. It made me really look forward to Kait being old enough to participate...not this school year, but next.

My little niece did great. I ran a practice run with her a few weeks ago and got a feel for her pace and what she could do. She did a great job then and come in second. During the race on Sunday, I was talking to her, singing to her, and trying my best to motivate her to keep going and finish strong. We picked walking points and objects where we would start walking at and then ones that we would start running again. When we would start back to running she would go hard at around a 9:50 to 10:24 pace. I was so proud of her. She really gave it her all and finished her first 5K in 36:32! I got a little teary when we crossed the finish line and they put the medal around her neck.

Now to gear up for my last half marathon this year...so hoping for a PR!

Another Half

Upon waking up this morning, I knew that my 2:10 goal was pretty much not going to happen...didn't mean I wasn't going to still try.

I finally started my period this morning...of all mornings. Guess there's a first time for everything...first time starting on race day. The joys of being a girl.

I was oblivious to what was going on outside and it was probably a good thing that I was because I would have crawled back in my warm bed. I walked outside to head over to my bestest's house and got hit with cold temps, a little drizzle, and a gust of 22 mph winds. Lovely.

I love the motto "No Excuses", but today I already had a few...and it wasn't hard digging for them either.

No turning back...we headed out to Rockford, found a parking spot, hit the port-o-potties (which I must say that with each passing racing year, I get more and more used to them...I don't even give it a second thought anymore), and waited against a building (for warmth) to line up at the starting line.

We lined up toward the back, wished each other good luck, and we were moving. I love the energy of a race, the people cheering, the sound of hundreds of people's feet hitting the pavement...just love it.

I kept my music off for about the first mile to take it everything around me. I tried to stay behind the 9:44 pacer and a head of the 10:18 pacer. I thought of my sister and noted the exact point where we lost each other last year...I missed her, but sucked it up and ran for her.

The mile markers were off anywhere from .05 to .2 which really drove me absolutely nuts. I would hear watches beeping all over, including mine, and then hear people comment about how far off the markers were.

I kept a great pace until right before mile nine. I stopped at a port-o-potty and then waited about 45 seconds there until standing there waiting just seemed like a waste. I couldn't let my watch tick any longer and so I just continued on. I knew that I could still finish at about 2:11:30 at that point, but at mile 12 I fell apart. I was yelling at myself in my head saying, "You only have a mile to go so why are you walking?!" And to myself I was saying back, "The mile markers are off and the race is technically 13.26 miles long so really I have about 1.4 miles to go!" So, I started thinking of all the reasons why I run, fought through my terrible cramps, and how cold I was.

I saw the corner coming up and knew that just about two tenths from there was the finish line. I ran at about a 7.2 minute mile sprint to get there and finished in my usual style with my arms in the air and my head down. It felt good...tears in my eyes good. I thanked God silently for another race...another medal around my neck.

I walked over and grabbed a water, a bagel, and a banana and was going to head over and wait for Hol. I looked up as I was walking and there stood my gorgeous man with our three beautiful kids in tow. It didn't register at first that they belonged to me...and then I really wanted to cry. I was so happy my man surprised me and they made it to see me finish. It made the race.

I didn't get the 2:10 that I had originally hoped for...but I ran 13.1 miles and had a great time considering all of the things that could have made it the worst race for me.

I'll get my 2:10, I will!

A Love Affair

It used to be with Nike. I was a big fan. Wouldn't wear anything else on these feet of mine until...

I went to a running store right before my first ten miler and was fitted...

and ended up with a pair of Asics.

That was almost four years ago....

and my love affair continues.

Today, my doorbell rang and the kids yelled that it was the guy who delivered packages. Packages? I didn't order anything...Daddy would kill me if I ordered anything...not really, but it wouldn't be something he would smile about. My heart started beating faster and I immediately got my hopes up. I felt like my three year old with his "wish flower" yesterday. If I had one at that moment, I would have said (with my eyes closed), "I wish for new Asics Gel Nimbus 13, size 8.5...perferrably ones with pink on them!"

I should have known that my Prince loves to make my wishes come true and knows what I like. A rectangle packaged was laying at my feet when I opened my door. I knew my wish had come true. What I didn't expect was for them to be so beautifully perfect. I am in love. No more foot and ankle pain.

I am looking forward to all the miles these babies will take me...and the memories I will make along the way.

Playlist: Run the World

That Time Again...

When I got to Michigan, I was so excited about lacing up my shoes and hitting the dirt roads with my sister. My heart sank after looking all over for the bag that had the shoes in it...I had forgotten my running shoes by the laundry room door of my house. My Mom told me to go grab an old pair of hers to use. I was desperate and at the time didn't care that they were a different brand and different size than I wear.

By run number three, my feet were really bothering me. After it was over, I took off the shoes and blisters that I had gotten the day before had popped, leaving my socks a little blood stained. I would do it all again to run with my sister...but I am still paying for it.

I know my shoes that I am currently wearing have a lot of miles on them. I got them a bit before my Marathon in October and it's now the beginning of May. It could have a lot to do with the pain I am in. After my long run on Sunday and this morning's run, I am hurting. I have a shooting pain in the arch of my left foot that goes all the way up the side of my leg in to my calf...which has led to two sleepless nights.

I did all but beg this morning when my husband was getting around for work...I will beg if I have to...just waiting on the go ahead for my new shoes...and praying it's before Rockford in less that two weeks.

A run with my sister

Her and I
we can go months
running hundreds of miles
apart
then spend a few days together
and it feels like we have
been running side by side
our whole lives

Playlist: Umbrella (Travis Barker Remix)

A few more weeks...

Rockford Half is soon approaching. I am excited to get back to racing. I am feeling a little unprepared but I still have several weeks left to get a few long runs in before race day.

I feel like last year I was able to get outside more than this year. I have been trying to make it a point to run outside at least twice a week...with Dan's hours at work and me working most every Saturday it's tough though. I resort to running on the belt to no where the rest of the time.

This morning I wanted to crank the incline up for my second mile. I just picture those hills on the first couple miles of the Rockford course and really wonder if I will be able to maintain speed on them. So, I dropped my pace back a bit and put my incline at 4%. After about a quarter of a mile I could really feel my heart rate increase and my legs start to burn. I kept it up for the full mile and the dropped back to 1% for the remainder of my 4 miles. I think I have to do a major overhaul on my play list. It's boring me to death. I actually went back to some of the first songs I ever purchased and listed to them this morning for a change. It's amazing how much a boring play list affects my speed and endurance...totally dependent on my Forest (my ipod).

I Run...

One day
my knees will give out
my lungs won't be able to take it
my legs won't move as fast
my body will fail me

It's a day I think about
when I don't think
I can run any farther
run any faster
take one more step

For now I run with everything I have
I run to enjoy myself
I run to feel better
I run for me
to feel the wind in my hair
everything in me working together

And if I do it enough
maybe I will remember
what this feels like
and keep it with me
until the day I leave this earth

For now, I run.

A Beginning

When I started running almost 5 years ago, I intended to make it not only part of my life, but a part of my children's lives as well. I understand that not everyone is made to be a runner...and that might be true of my kids. But, I wanted to show them that physical fitness is important (whether it's running, biking, swimming) and Mommy is dedicated to keep herself in shape. It became part of our daily routine. We would get up, spend the morning playing, and then every single day at 10 AM I would load both K and L in the double jogger and head out for my 3 miles. They have grown up thinking that is just part of life...Mommy runs.

I don't know what sparked it, but my little princess asked me yesterday if I could help her "get in to running". Without hesitation my answer was obviously "yes". Since they are on Spring Break, it makes it all the more easier.

Well, today after lunch, my princess picked out her running outfit with extra care (although she's a tomboy...she has a really girly side too). I helped her tie up her shoes and we headed out the door. My littlest man wanted to ride his bike. My middle man, however, wanted no part of the physical activity and decided he was going to ride in the jogger. We walked to the end of the drive and we were off. I told my little girl to pace herself. It's not about how fast you can go, it's about going the distance set out before you. She did great for her first little run...at only 6 years old. She was able to make it a half mile straight. After that we walked on and off another half mile home. Her goal is to be able to run a whole mile.

On the way back, I told her that we needed to finish strong. She wanted to stop so bad...but it was pretty cold out there and Momma just wanted to get home....C was complaining of frost bite and difficulty holding on to his handle bars...and L was comfy cozy. I thought back to when my family and I would ride about 20 miles on our family bike rides when I was little...and we swear that my little brother was all of 3 when my parents made him go the distance. Huge hills would be in my sight and my mom would start chanting, "I think I can, I think I can". Until we were all up. It's something I still run through my head when I want to quit....and I used it today too. I started chanting and we started to pick up a little speed. She held on to the jogger and we finished strong. She walked to the mailbox and then sprinted the rest of the way home. I was one. proud. momma.

Never Again

There have been many, many times that I have left home with nothing electronic on my person...no fuel belt...I just wanted to run and not feel held down by anything...including my cell phone.

On Saturday morning, Jamie and I set out on our weekly run. Her sister was in town and came along. It was a gorgeous day. For the first two or so miles, we were keeping a steady 10 minute/mile pace. It was really comfortable and felt great. At about 2.4 miles, Jamie and I both looked back and didn't see her sister. We waited for about a half minute and decided to back track and see where she was. When we came around a curve, there she was...and she was not smiling or running anymore. She had taken a fall and cut up her hands and messed up her leg...and none of us had a cell phone.


It was decided that Jamie would stay with her sister and I would run the 2.2.miles back to the house. I was determined for it not to take me more than 20 minutes to get back there. My average pace for those two miles was 9:03/mile...and at one point my fastest pace was 7:17/mile. My lungs and legs were burning...and although I knew that nobody had life threatening injuries, I wanted to push myself and see how fast I could make it...especially since I had 2.5 miles already under my belt.

I got back to the house and made the trip by car (with Jamie's husband driving...I was jello) to pick them up. Jamie's sister apologized for ruining our run. I actually thought of it (for myself atleast) as the total opposite. I still ran the same distance that I set out to run...I just ran it faster...and I was pretty pleased with my run that day. Not ruined at all...and my cell phone will now be with me at all times.

"Running Free"

Yesterday morning, when I drove by the bank, the thermometer said fifty-eight degrees. It was an ideal day for a run outside...temps that I have been waiting for since the beginning of November. I saw a bunch of people all over taking advantage of the beautiful weather. My time came during the two hours I have alone every Wednesday evening...a wonderful break in the middle of the week. I didn't even think to charge my Garmin after my five miles on Sunday. I was bummed when I strapped it to my wrist, waited for a signal, and the message popped up saying "low battery". I guess every runner needs to "run free" every now and then.

Since I wasn't going to have my Garmin to keep track of my distance, I decided on a usual route that I knew...a route that I haven't run in a few weeks. I have run this route so many times that I can actually imagine in my head the exact spots where my watch beeps to let me know another mile has gone by. I started out fast and decided just to go for it. The last half mile was difficult to keep the pace, but I finished with my usual sprint. It felt good...and it felt fast...one run that I wish I would have had my Garmin for. Which reminds me, I need to put him on the charger right now.

Trail

Sunday, I went out with my marathon running buddy (and good friend) and ran my first trail run this year. To our surprise there was still quite a bit of snow left on the trail that made some parts of it a really good workout...almost like running in sand. It was nice to be outside in the sunshine...with my friend who has been beside me for some of the hardest miles of my life. After we finished our 6 miles and said goodbye, I called my sister (who I miss terribly) and told her that I loved running again. I am thankful that I am able to hop on a treadmill and get my run in that way, but my eyes were opened on Sunday to just how much it's been cramping my style...and boring me to death. When we had one more mile to go, I let loose and upped my speed...and it felt great. So great, that we're going to make a habit of it now that it's March and the weather is supposed to be getting nicer.

For the Love of Food

Seems like around this time every winter, I lose all self control. Maybe it's because I am all cooped up in a house and I swear I hear things calling my name from the cupboards in my kitchen. I have been trying to be ever so committed to my workout schedule...but my eating habits are in the crapper.

I realized just how bad things were when, on Sunday, I downed a whole box of Samoas (and maybe you will understand if you love samoas yourself) all. by. myself. As I was savoring the very last bite of the very last cookie in the box I had one of those ah-ha moments...okay maybe not, but my stomach did and it made sure that I wasn't going to do that again...at least for the rest of that day.

When I came out of my sugar coma and back to my senses I realized when I had done...and, girls (or maybe just a single reader) the scale doesn't lie. I experienced a little eaters remorse...you know, after you finish off that dessert at your favorite restaurant. You swore you were stuffed after your meal, but you just couldn't walk out the door without a taste...and then you ate the whole thing. You had to literally stuff the last bite in your mouth...because your parents always taught you that there are starving kids in Africa and you need to eat everything on your plate...it has stuck and to this day you can't stand wasting food...so, the button on your pants is about to burst and you could hurl if you saw that dessert ever again...really, any other food for that matter. Anyway, I have gotten totally side tracked by reliving my last visit to On the Border. Forgive me. Where was I?

Oh yeah, I came out of my sugar coma and realized that these extra 5 that I have put on could very easily turn in to 10, 15, 20 and I am not about to go there. I have a hard enough time dropping five pounds these days. Any more is just too much hard work for me. It's been back to the grind. I have a splitting headache and feel a little bit shaky, but I know it will all be better soon. There's 6 boxes of girl scout cookies downstairs and I am wondering when the outta sight, outta mind things kicks in...but so far, so good.

I have traded convenience for quality...I would much rather grab two cookies than cut up an apple or peal an orange. Late night eating has taken it's toll on me too. I eat dinner with the kids and then enjoy another dinner with my husband when he gets home (because his cooking is way better than mine). I know my eating is the culprit, not inactivity, because 4 miles a day hasn't put a dent in maintaining my weight. So, here we go again...time to climb this slippery slope. Racing season is soon approaching and I need to be back down to where I was. I need a few more PR's this year!

Possible

"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."

-John Hanc

Playlist: Would You Hold It Against Me

This makes me turn up the speed...

A Change of Plans

I have scratched my Spring marathon plans. It just isn't in the cards for me this time. With my kids being sick so often this winter, me getting sick (it's almost unheard of!), and the lack of motivation that varies from week to week, I am just not feeling it.

So, I signed up for the Rockford Half Marathon in May. I ran this one last year with my sister while I was still on my Marathon high...from running my first marathon just two weeks before. The course was decent, it was a smaller race, and it is close to home. My goal is to get my time down to about 2:05-2:08. It would make me really happy.

The deciding factor for me not running a Spring marathon as planned is signing up for The Chicago Marathon in October of this year!! I am excited to be running such a big race. I think it will be quite an experience...one that I will remember for the rest of my life...and I just may make it my annual thing. I am hoping that the third time is a charm and I can get my time between 4:30 and 4:45.

Week Two : Complete

After a very bad first week, I was happy to complete my scheduled run today...and complete week two.

Last week, I had a head cold and was PMS-ing pretty bad...just not a good week for running. I am thankful that it's early in the game and I can put it off until next week.

This week, I stuck pretty closely to my schedule...just not the days that I was supposed to get my mileage in:

W - 4
Th- 3
F - 4
Su - 7

Total mileage for this week:18

I found out at work on Friday that I am anemic, which explains why all I want to do it sleep. I have just been dragging all day. So, I am back to taking my iron pill 3-4x a week and hopefully that will help. Other than that, it feels pretty good to be back. The soreness in my legs today after my seven miles was wonderfully familiar. Not to mention the fact that I have been able to go to the gym on days when it's in the single digits (apparently my husband knows who anonymous is and they called him up and told me that I have a little longer left on my membership!!!). Hoping to up my mileage next week.

Happy Running!!

Playlist : Mercy

I recently added this funky song to my playlist. Makes me want to dance.

My Future Running Buddy

(My Macy girl showing off her new collar)

We have a pit mix. She is precious. We adopted her from a shelter almost three years ago. She was a mess, pretty skinny, and in need of some TLC. We put some weight on her, spoiled her, and loved her to pieces. She's an old girl...about 8 or 9 years old. She runs with me when I know I am going to be running back roads that kinda freak me out. She's a good running buddy, but she poops out after any more than three miles. I literally have to drag her home.


For the past two months, we have been talking about getting her a friend. We looked at different breeds, checked out different shelters, and thought long and hard about it. Two weeks ago, we brought our little girl home...my future running buddy.

She is a precious Shepard/husky mix. She is super smart and fits in well with our wild and crazies. She is doing great with potty training and this past week has been going to the door and letting us know when she needs out...instead of us following her around and watching her like a hawk. She is getting used to walking on a leash and learning some other manners. She loves her new house and her big sister...who she likes to play with and tease. I am really looking forward to working with her and conditioning her to go on those long runs with me...she just needs to be a little older first.

I have always been an animal lover...it was just a lot easier when I wasn't the mom....and it wasn't my house. *grin* But, I am so glad that my kids are growing up with the same love that I have. Two dogs?! Yep, we are crazy...but this is just how we roll.

I am sure I will be posting a bit more on my new little running buddy...especially when we take our first long run together.

Here's where it all begins...

This is my starting week. The weather is less than ideal, but I am super excited about getting back to the grind...not to mention, I have an awesome new arrangement with a friend to help me out.

Even though I have two marathons under my belt, I still feel like I have a lot to learn. I am really going to try to use these next four months to better my running. I have run one marathon with a whole lot of training and then I have run another with little to none. I don't want to over do it this time but I would like to go in to this marathon prepared to better my time...hopefully coming in somewhere close to 4:30.

Here's what my first week look like (the first couple weeks are the best!!):

Mon: rest
Tues: 3 miles
Wed: 5 miles
Thurs: 3 miles
Fri: rest
Sat: 8 miles
Sun: cross train

I am having a few reservations about the training plan I am doing. I am going to see how it goes, but I might have to switch it up a bit as far as my running days. Also, with working almost every Saturday, I might have to switch my long run day to Sunday instead of Saturday...or even Friday since my hubby has Fridays off until the weather gets nicer and work picks up. So, these next few weeks will be a trial period until I get the kinks worked out.

Let the training begin!

So it begins...

I am beginning my marathon training next week!

I am thrilled with the way things have worked out. I will have to brave the cold, but I have made a deal with a friend and we will be swapping kids so that the both of us can run kid-less two days a week. Then, with my hubby having Fridays off until the colder weather passes and also the weekend, it leaves me for a pretty good running schedule. My running days will be Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Now to work out the kinks, come up with a plan for those bitter cold days, and get it all down on paper. I am beyond excited and looking forward to getting back out there. I love my little running buddy, but it will be nice to not have to push him in front of me...and have a little bit of a quiet escape for one to two hours.

2011 Good byes, Goals, and Races

Happy New year!

One year ago, a huge gift lifted my spirits during a stressful season in my life. I was given (by an anonymous person) a years membership to my local gym. It was a huge blessing and really made my marathon training possible. So, today with the new year, comes the loss of my gym membership. It's going to take some getting used to. I am really going to need to work on toughing it up and getting out there in the cold...or getting creative with my workouts. I will especially miss it the next three months.

This time last year, I really wanted to start a new habit of logging all of my running miles. My Garmin keeps track of my miles run outside, but I did not keep up with logging my miles on the treadmill (or the times that I left all my equipment at home and just ran where my legs took me). So, that is a goal of mine this year and I am going to try it again. We'll see how it goes.

I have been thinking about what races I want to run this year. I am hoping to keep it as local (and inexpensive) as possible. I am thinking this is how my racing season is going to play out (give or take a race or two):

May 15th - Rockford Full Marathon (I loved the 1/2 last year...looking forward to the full)
June 4th - Milk Days 10K (I missed doing this last year)
June 12th - Northshore 1/2 Marathon
August 27th - The CRIM (my 4th!!!)
Sept - QC Marathon (loved doing the relay here...really nice race and course)
October - ?Local 1/2 Marathon? (Still looking) Pumpkin Fest 10K

Good luck in your 2011 racing season prep...or whatever fitness goals you have set for yourself! Happy Running!!