Winter Wonderland

When I first got up this morning, I was thinking that I would try to go running around 10 am.  I would let myself get up, have my coffee, breakfast, and just relax for awhile....I am on vacation, ya know ;)  But then I looked at the weather app on my phone.  It was 16 degrees outside....brrrrr.

I looked a little deeper into the details of today's weather.  The high was predicted for 26 degrees.  Hmmmm....it's going to be a cold run today.  I ended up going out around 2:45 pm.  It was actually 23 degrees when I stepped out the door.  I think that was as warm as it was going to get.

I again strapped on my Yaktrax and GPS watch, along with my warm running gear.  I completed 3 miles today and felt good about completing another run.  So far, I'm doing well on my 9 week plan.  I've completed my 3 mile runs for the week and plan to run another longer run on January 1st.  Cool....literally and figuratively :)

As I was running today, I started to think about how I'm learning more as I go along in the midst of this running thing.  I've started to collect the appropriate running gear and know what my body needs depending on the weather.  So today I'd like to share with you a little of what I've learned about my winter wardrobe.  Here is what I wore today, from head to toe:


1.  Windshield Headband - I like to wear my hair in a ponytail.  So a warm winter hat will not work for me.  I like this simple headband that I purchased for about $5.00.  It fits really well, keeps my ears warm, and stays in place as I run along.

2.  Under Armour Dry Fit Long Sleeve Shirt - I like this shirt because it helps keep the sweat away from my body while adding an extra layer of warmth at the same time.  It also works well on a nice fall day too.

 

3.  Brooks Utopia Thermal Jacket - I absolutely LOVE this zip-up hoodie.  It keeps me warm.  It has reflectors.  It has pockets.  It has a place for my ipod.  It even has a little hole in the hood where my ponytail can fit through when I put the hood up.  It's going to be good for Fall, Winter, and Spring running.

4.  Nike Thermal Pants - I also really love these pants.  They are a loose fit in the legs which works well for the braces I wear on each knee.  They are cozy inside and keep my legs really warm....but not too warm!

 

5.  Under Armour No Show socks - So far, I have been wearing socks that sit around my ankle, but I might start wearing taller socks if it gets even colder.  The one thing I've learned about socks is that they need to be snug on my feet.  I have tiny feet, so this can be hard to find.  Snug fit is better though because if the socks are too big, they can move around in your shoe as you are running.  I had this happen once and my socks rubbed on my foot throughout my entire run....not good!  Anyway...these socks work well, for me.

6.  Brooks Pureflow Running Shoes - I purchased these shoes last April and it was one of the best things I did for my running.  I went to a store that knows about shoes and worked with the sales guy.  He was able to look at my gate and my stride and then give me advice as to which shoe to try on.  I picked these ones because they felt best on my feet.  I'm pretty sure that shoes are going to be different for each person, but just so you know...I LOVE MINE!

As of today....47.4 of 500 done!!  Keep moving our feet! :)

 

 

Determination is My Middle Name

A few days ago I was talking to my Mother-in-Law.  She used the word "determined" to describe me.  I think that is a fair description.  Today I was determined to start my half marathon training.  The weather was not going to stop me!  So I dressed in my warm running gear, strapped on my new Yaktrax, and headed out the door.

The view outside.....8" of snow on the ground, 31 degrees, snow falling from the sky....it was nice :)


Our deck, December 24, 2012

This was my first run in 2 weeks.  I was excited to try out my new GPS running watch (thanks to my hubby) and Yaktrax.  My watch has this cool feature where I can set a goal pace and it will let me know if I'm on pace, ahead of pace, or behind pace.  Sweet! 

The route I chose, included neighborhood streets, city trails, and a busy main road.  Getting out of the neighborhood was interesting.  The roads were plowed, but not all the sidewalks were shoveled.  I ran mostly on the street until I got down to the main road.  When I got to the entrance of the city trail, I felt like I was hopping through the snow piles, like a child trying to walk in an adult's footprints.  I was getting a new type of workout, for sure!

My Yaktrax were fun to run in.  They didn't change my stride or gate or anything.  I felt more confident with my steps, knowing that I had extra traction over the snow and ice.  I heart Yaktrax!!

My goal for today was only 3 miles (Done!).  I wanted to have a good run, but not push myself too hard.  I set my new watch to keep me on a 12 minute mile pace.  I ended up being a little bit behind that pace with an average of 12:35 min miles.  It's ok though.  I think I should take into account that I was running in the snow for the first time, this was my first run after 2 weeks, I was trying out my new Yaktrax, and snow was falling on my head.  I'd say that today was a success....step 1 in implementing my 9 week training plan.....check!

Random thoughts that went through my head while running today:
1.  Do drivers care that I'm running along side the road? 
2.  Do you think they feel bad for spraying me with ice, snow, water, and rocks?
3.  What if one of those rocks hits me in the eyeball?

**Shout-out to the woman who noticed I was getting close to the crosswalk and graciously waited for me to run across....Thank you!

I feel good this evening.  I might go again tomorrow, but if not, I will for sure go for another run on Saturday.  44.4 of 500 done!

9 Weeks for 13.1 Miles

I've been thinking today about my next half marathon.  It's on March 2, 2013 and will be here before I know it.  Looking at the calendar, I have about 9 weeks (excluding some holiday time) to get myself ready for 13.1 miles.  I need to make a plan and stick with it.  I trained for my first half in about 6 weeks, so I know I can do it.

Step 1:  Get back to running at least 3 times each week.  Since the cold weather and holiday time has arrived, it's been much more difficult for me to run regularly.  I recently bought a punch pass to the Rec Center.  So between using that, weekend runs, and my treadmill (if I have to), I should easily be able to get in the miles I need.

Step 2:  Plan how far I'm going to run each week.  I will probably start out with about 3 miles twice a week and then a longer run of 6 or 7 miles on my weekend run.  Then increase to 5 miles twice a week and a longer run of 8 or 9 miles on my weekend run.

Step 3:   Get back on track with a healthy eating plan.  I'm not a nutritionist, but I do know that I could definitely eat less junk/fast food.  Start eating more lean protein, fruits, and veggies.

Step 4:  Stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of water daily.  I plan to drink water before and after my runs, at every meal, and several bottles throughout each day.  While training for my first half, I also decided to stop drinking alcohol during my training period.  I'm going to do this again.  So, after New Year's eve, no more wine for this gal until the evening of March 2nd.

Step 5:  Surround myself with amazing friends and family for extra support.  These people will help me implement my plan :)

Getting started....I've had a sore throat and stuffy nose lately.  So I have not done any running since December 12th.  I'm going to continue to rest and get healthy.  I plan to run on December 27th and 29th (maybe sooner, if I feel better).  Then a fun New Year's Day run with my buddy Chris O.  Can you think of a better way to start the new year off right?

By the way...I have still not tried out my new Yak Tracks. 

I think a little snow would be fun :)

Snug as a Slug

I have been a little bit too friendly with my couch this past week.....I feel like a slug :(

If you remember the end of my last post, my goal was to run a full 10 miles last week.  That didn't happen...sigh.  I had a great run on December 1st, but didn't run again until last night, December 11th.  That is 10 days of NO running, not 10 miles.

Hence the reason I feel like a slug :(

Last night I got on our treadmill with the intention of running 3 miles.  I made it through 1.5 miles and then decided I was done.

So to redeem myself, tonight I went to the Rec Center.  My friend Kerri met me...a little motivation from a running buddy is never a bad thing.  Thanks for running with me tonight Kerri!!

The run tonight was hard.  I felt "sluggish", winded, and just plain tired.....sigh.

The good news....I completed a 3 mile run.  I also walked at least another mile (I lost count of the laps).  I purchased a pass for the Rec Center so that I can go more often now that the weather is not so good.  Although, I am still excited to try out my new Yaktracks soon.  I want to write a blog all about my great Yaktrack run! :) To be continued......

So here is where I stand:

• 10 mile goal for last week.....didn't happen :(
• Miles so far this week....4.5, with 3 more days to go :)
• 41.4 of 500 done!

Keep Moving My Feet!!!

Jingle Bells, Reindeer, and Santa

Ho! Ho! Ho!....I know it is only the 1st of December, but today I ran in a 3 mile race called the Santa Run.  This race sounded like fun since we were promised jingle bells, candy canes, and hot cocoa :)  Costumes were also encouraged!

Many people were dressed up like Santa, elves, snowmen, but I think the most original was a Christmas stocking.  Can you imagine running in that??

I saw a few people I knew.  I'm starting to recognize more faces at the races (hey, that ryhmed!).  Dennis was there again, my buddy from the Turkey Trot.  I encouraged him to run the entire 3 miles today without stopping.  Today is the day...you can do it!

When the race started, I was surrounded by reindeer....a group of teenage girls who were loud, giggling, and singing.  I do appreciate their enthusiasm, but to be honest, they were a little distracting.  I was hoping they would either run ahead of me or run out of steam enough to be way behind me...is that bad?

I had a good run in terms of how I felt and my pace.  I was running just a bit over 11 minute miles, which is good for me.  I ditched the reindeer at the turn around point since the heard decided to pull off to the side.  Yay for me!  Dennis did run the entire way, so I wasn't able to catch him this time.  He was in my sights though.

I finished with a time of 34:18.  Merry early Christmas to me!!

With my run earlier this week, my total miles are 9.3.  I have 36.9 of 500 done!! 

I'm making my way through my goal list :)

• Run the Turkey Trot....check!
• Sign up for the Snake River Half....check!
• Find a 5K to run in December...check!

I'm 4 weeks into my 500 mile goal.  On average I've been running 9.225 miles per week.  I'm close to being on track, but I need to step it up just a bit.  My goal will be a full 10 miles this week.

Today I have 3 shout-outs:
1.  Dan, thanks for driving me down to the run today.  I really appreciate you being patient and cheering me on when I run....AND the quick trip to Petco was fun too! ;)
2.  Laura G, thanks for joining my cheer squad.  It always helps to have extra support!!
3.  Kerri, I know you couldn't join me today, but you were there in spirit...jingle, jingle, jingle!

Running in Circles

This week was all about training, trying to be consistent, and keeping up with the first of the holiday season.

It was raining several days this week, but I didn't want that to stop me from getting in some good runs.  Lucky for me, campus was quiet and the Rec Center was only charging $2.00 per person to use.  So to avoid running in the rain, I ended up on the indoor track.

I had never used the Rec Center track before, but I gave it a whirl....twice!  My boys were excited because they got to come with me.  They played basketball, while I ran in circles around the track.  I didn't know how far I was going to run at first or how many times I would make it around.  So, I made a goal of running for 30 minutes, to see how far that would get me. 

At about 25 minutes, I was finishing up my 20th lap when my friend Kerri flagged me down.  I was happy to see her :)  Kerri said I looked like I had a good pace going.  That's when I found out that
8 laps = 1 mile. Holy Cow!!...that means I was booking it around that track.  My usual pace is about 12 minute miles.  I was on a pace of 10 minute miles....what???  I finished my last 5 minutes (4 laps) fairly easily with another friend, Madison by my side.  It felt good.  24 laps = 3 miles...done!

The next day, I made plans to meet Kerri at the track again.  I don't usually run consecutive days, but my legs felt good.  Let's do this!  Kerri beat me there and was about 18 laps into her run when I joined her.  She was tracking the miles on her ipod, which confirmed that 8 laps does actually equal 1 mile.  How could I be running so fast??  Crazy!!  I again ran for 30 minutes with Kerri and finished 24 laps.  So cool...another 3 miles done!

Today I ran outside again.  I used an app on my phone called "MapMyRun".  It's great to use as long as you have a pocket to carry the phone in.  I felt great on my run today.  It seemed a bit easier than most of my runs lately.  When I finished, the app said I had run 3.8 miles in 45 minutes (back to a little less than 12 minute miles) and burned 622 calories....I like it!

Its been a good running week.  I completed 9.8 miles with my 3 runs.  I'm on track....27.6 of 500 miles done!!

I have plans to run with my friend Chris O. tomorrow.  Of course I will keep you posted.

Before I finish my blog post today, I'd like to give a little shout-out to my little sister, Laura.  She is an extremely accomplished runner, both in her high school and college careers.  Laura turned 30 this week....Happy Birthday Laura....you inspire me.....I love you sis!!

Gobble Gobble

Yay for turkey!!

Today was a little Turkey Trot that began in Clarkston and ended in Asotin....just a short 4 mile run.  This race was very low-key.  Registration was $1, no running number, no t-shirts....it was great!

Dan was a good husband, as usual.  He went with me so I didn't have to make the trip alone.  Thank you babe! 

When we first got there, we were visiting with a guy named Dennis that Dan knows.  Dennis mentioned that someone asked him....why drive all the way down here for a 4 mile run??  To stay motivated, that's why!

We know that we could easily just step outside our door and run a 4 mile loop around town, but there is definitely a difference between training runs and an actual race.  I know I do better on my training runs if I have a race to run in the near future.  It helps keep me motivated to run consistently each week.

So today was perfect....nice weather, a low-key race, and something to stay committed to.  I had a good run today.  No issues with my breathing, no issues with my shins, no issues with my calves....it was awesome! 

Before the race began, Dennis and I were talking about our paces and how long we have been running, how often we run, etc.  Dennis said he was planning to run about 12 minute miles, just like me.  However, let me give you some perspective here....Dennis is a tall man, maybe around 6' 3
and I'm about a foot shorter.  So, I'm thinking my little legs might not keep up with him, but at least I found someone to track during the race.

As the race began, Dennis ended up ahead of me fairly quickly, but he was always in my sight.  I like to run the entire race, if I can.  At about the 2 mile mark, Dennis began to walk...I had my opening to catch up.  I set my sights on him and just kept moving my keep.

A race is so much easier when you have other people around you.  I had people behind me, people in front of me, and goals along the way.  Perfect!

Dennis and I passed each other a few times during the last couple miles.  I kept running, he was run/walking.  We finished within a few feet of each other.  My time today was 48:35....right on pace!

I didn't win a turkey or a pie, but oh well.  I had a good run and it felt good.

17.8 of 500 done!  Next up is the Santa Run 5K in December....ho ho ho :) Who wants to come with me?

Oh P.S.... I bought some Yaktrax today.  I'm actually looking forward to some snow so I can try them out. 

Best of Intentions

Intentions....I've had the best of them this week, but guess how many miles I ran between Monday and Friday?  Did you guess zero???  Correct answer!! :(

I ran 6.1 miles on Sunday, November 4th.  That was a nice run!  However, I had a fairly large cramp in my left calf near the end of that run.  So I wanted to wait a few days.  Thursday would be the day for my next run....for sure!

Thursday came around....um, it was snowing!!  I could have ran on our treadmill, but sitting on my couch, eating dinner, and relaxing ended up being the way I spent my evening.

Here we are now....Today is just a lazy Saturday.  My kids are gone for the weekend, my husband needed to sleep this morning, and I was free to do whatever I desired.  As I woke up, I thought...I'm going to get up, get dressed, and run this morning.  It wasn't that easy.  I did get up, but instead of going straight out for a run, I made coffee, had breakfast, and watched a little TV.

Then the little voice in my head started nagging at me....get up Denise!!  It's not that cold outside! It's not snowing.  It's not raining.  Go run!!

So that is what I did.  I went out and did a nice 3.4 mile loop.  It wasn't easy to get motivated this week, but I did it.  That is the most important part.  The run felt good and now I have the satisfaction of completing a run today.  I like this feeling!

I have intentions to run again tomorrow and Monday.  We'll see how it goes :)

13.8 of 500 miles down!!

I will run 500 miles!

Happy November 1st!

Today is the beginning of a new month and time to set some new goals.  Here is what I've come up with so far.......

• Sign up and run the Turkey Trot on November 17, 2012. 
• Sign up and run the Snake River Half Marthon on March 2, 2013.
• Find a 5K or a 10K to run in December, January, and February.
• Run 500 miles before October 31, 2013.

The Turkey Trot is a 4 mile run that will help keep me running this month.  My friend Kerri is going to do it with me.  After we finish, we could win a turkey or a pie.  Yummo!

I really contemplated about the Snake River Half Marathon.  The first half I did last June had an effect on my body.  It took several months before my right knee stopped hurting when I run.  But it was also empowering to finish.  Another thought was, will I really be able to train properly over the next 4 months....the winter months?  My conclusion is that signing up for the half will be the best way to stay motivated over the cold weather months.  So....I'm registered, along with Chris O. and Kerri.  Bring it on! Yay for 13.1 miles :)

I just made my 3rd goal as I was typing this blog.  So I haven't researched any races taking place in December, January, or February.  I know it will help me prepare for the half if I have other little races to run between now and March.  I will find some.  I'll keep you posted.

Now....this 500 mile idea.  If I'm going to do all this running, wouldn't it be fun to keep track of how far I go??  I think YES!  My friend Rob helped me add that cute little ticker to the top of this blog page.  Pretty cool!  I plan to update it regularly.  It will include training runs and race miles.  In order for me to complete this goal, I need to run about 10 miles each week on average.  I can do it!!

I guess that's it for now.  Come back to check my progress.  I have plans to run tomorrow night and Sunday.  Keep moving my feet!!

P.S.  Feliz dia de los muertos!

The Zombies didn't get me!

I survived ya'll....the zombies were chasing me, but I just kept running! 

Today was the 3rd annual Run for Your Life 5K on campus.  This morning I got out of bed, looked out the window, and my first thought was...yay, it's not raining!  It's overcast today, but strangely "warm" outside (I'll put warm into quotations since it's all relative).  I think I may have dressed too warmly for the race.  I'm still learning about appropriate running attire and what my body needs.  I wore thermal running pants, a t-shirt, and a thermal running jacket  (all dry fit material).  It was too much thermal while I was actually running, but I was just happy that I wasn't getting soaked.

The group of race participants was pretty small again today.  I'm blaming the weather and/or too many people out partying it up last night for Halloween....no?  My main concern with small races is that it's hard for me to find someone to run "with".  I like to find someone to pace against and to push me a little bit, but no luck today.  I was again running the majority of the race alone.  I knew at least one person was behind me though.  That same older gentleman who ran the Care to Share 10K run with me.  He is a sweet guy :)

My goal today was 12 minute miles or less.  I was thinking I could push myself a little since this was only 3.1 miles.  I didn't have to save energy for a longer distance.  What I wasn't expecting though was the change in the course.  I assumed this would be the same course as the Campus on the Run, but they switched it up.  The course still went through campus.  However, to me it felt like it was just ONE BIG HUGE UPHILL. 

I know, I have said before that Pullman is uphill both ways....well, my legs and lungs felt this phenomena today.  I was having trouble with my breathing.  I couldn't catch my breath because there seemed to be no breaks.  I ended up walking twice....I know, I hate it!!  BUT my lungs were wheezing.  I just had to catch my breath for a minute. 

When we did have a few downhills, they were pretty steep and covered with leaves.  I took the downhills slow, watching each step carefully.  I was worried about slipping or twisting an ankle or something.  You have to keep in mind that this is all still fairly new to me.  I keep telling myself that it will get easier....right?

Another issue for me today was my right shin.  It was cramping for the first 2 miles.  I need to figure out what I need to do and/or eat to help with this problem.  It's difficult to run a 3 mile race when it takes the first 2 miles for your shin to loosen up.  I again keep telling myself that it will get better, it will get easier, my body will adapt....right?

Now for the good stuff about this race......

• I received a really cool T-shirt that glows in the dark (see the picture above).  Who's jealous??
• I met a really nice woman named Angie.  We talked for a bit before an after the race.  She could be a potential teammate for the next 100K relay and she encouraged me to sign up for the Snake River Half Marathon in March.  Hopefully I will see Angie again soon :)
• At the end of the race, I met Nathan.  He works for UREC and Outdoor Rec.  He said that he would be happy to run a race with me "at my pace".  What a nice guy!!  I might take him up on that! :)
• I met another guy (didn't catch his name), but he was dressed like Lance Armstrong.  We chatted for a bit while waiting for the awards ceremony.  He made me smile :)
• I ran 3.1 miles today.  It hurt, it was hard, but I just kept moving my feet :)

Oh, I almost forgot to mention....there were Zombies all along the race.  They would follow you, chase you, jump out at you....and they would say....Good job!  They were fun too!  One had really great, crimson shoes :)

Sometimes Plans Change

I  am a planner!  I like to make plans, have a good plan, check off my list of "to-do's" while implementing my plan, but sometimes I have to alter my plans.  This weekend was a nice example of moving from Plan A to Plan C....rather quickly. 

Plan A included me running in the Spokane Half Marathon 10K this morning, fully rested and ready to go.  Plan B also included the 10K run with a busy weekend of events prior.  Plan C was full of Cougar sporting events, spending time with my kids, hanging with amazing friends, and grocery shopping, but no 10K run.

When I made the decision (for multiple reasons) to not go to Spokane, to not run the 10K, I promised myself that I would at least get in a good run around Pullman at some point today.  This promise got me thinking about self-motivation.  Since I wasn't going to be running in a race, what was my motivation for the day?

Around 4:30 pm today, my husband and I were relaxing, but I had this voice in my head saying "go run before it's too late".  I should have had 6.2 miles down already today and that was part of my "plan" for the week.  So I needed to get my butt up, get my running gear on, and get going....Keep moving my feet!! 

I did get up, changed my clothes, and went out for a run.  I had thoughts of running at least 6.2 miles.  I was supposed to do that today anyway, so why not?  My body is ready for it, right?  But then I started running.  I was a little sluggish.  I didn't feel like I had much motivation.  So my plan was again altered with every step I took.  I thought I would run to a certain point or for a certain amount of time before I turned around, but not so much.  My run today was 2.3 miles in 27 minutes....close enough.  I guess.

As I was running, I started counting.  I've been running for about 7 months now.  In that time, I have done the following runs plus numerous miles of training:

• Campus on the Run 5K - 0:41:38
• 100K Relay Team, leg #2, 5.6 miles - 1:07:00
• Seaport River Run 10K - 1:14:00
• St. Joe River Half Marathon - 2:46:55
• Lentil Festival 5K - 0:37:28
• Care To Share 10K - 1:16:45

Looking at that list...it's not too shabby!  So what motivates me the most?  Support from friends, my running buddies, having races in my future, and self-determination.

Next up is the Run for Your Life Halloween 5K.  I can't wait!!

Shredded the Trail

Today is the day that I ran another 10K!

As the weather is getting colder and my body has not yet adjusted, I woke up this morning with the dilema of what to wear.  Thanks to Kerri for suggesting "long sleeves and a pair of ass kickin' shoes :)".  I also decided on long, running pants......just in case you were wondering ;)

Kerri also left this on my facebook wall:
"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."-John Bingham

Go eat some trail!

I was dressed, motivated, and ready to run!

This was a smaller race as far as the amount of people participating.  The majority of people were choosing to run the 5K.  The handful of us running the 10K started first with the 5K runners starting just a minute later. 

As I began running and looked around me, I realized there were alot of people behind me, but they were all going to turn around 1.6 miles into the race.  I was in a situation where it was going to be up to me to pace myself and just keep running.  This seems to happen to me alot.  I'm not fast, but also not in the walking group.  I'm just in the middle, running all by my lonesome. 

My next thought was that I needed to find someone in front of me to catch up to.  So I set my sights on a couple who were doing that run (sprint), get tired, walk thing.  I don't know about you, but this is one of my pet peeves!  Whenever I start a race, my goal is always to just keep running.  It does not matter how slow I end up running.  The important thing is that I keep running.  BUT then I get frustrated by those people who run to sprint ahead of me, then they start walking and I catch up to them.  But guess what??  They start sprinting again and we end up playing this little game for awhile.  I hate it!!  I'm running here people! 

So anyway, I ended up playing that game with the female first because the guy was farther ahead.  I think I passed her 3 times before I passed her for good around the 2 mile mark.  I then set my sights on the guy.  I played the little game with him for awhile longer, but finally passed him for good around the 3 mile mark.  Thank goodness!!

When I turned around, that is when I discovered how many people were behind me on this race.  Exactly 3...the run/walk couple and an older man who had to be at least 70.  I just kept running!!

Let's talk about my pace for a minute.  When I started the race, I decided that 12 minute miles would be a good goal.  This meant my finish time would be around 1 hour 14 minutes.  I'm getting pretty good at keeping a fairly solid pace.  At the first mile marker, my time was 11 minutes 45 secs.  So far so good.  When I got to the 2nd mile marker, I had slowed down slightly, I think my time was around 24 minutes 30 secs.  Not too bad!  The first half of the race was a little slower since we were running slightly uphill with the wind in our face.  I was happy to turn around.  I got to the 4 mile marker around 49 minutes.  Still slightly behind my goal pace, but that was ok. I was still running!

My final time for this 10K was 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 45 secs.  If I did my math correctly, I was running a little bit less than 12 1/2 min miles.  I didn't meet my goal, but I tried my best and I kept myself motivated.

As I finished, I reminded myself of 2 things:
1.  I ran twice as far as the majority of people who came out this morning.
2.  I ran the entire race!!!

Go Me!!

Special Thanks to Erin Y.  It was great to see you this morning.  Thanks for being a friendly face before and after the race :)

The Beginning

I'm starting this blog as a way to keep myself motivated while I continue to push myself as a "runner".  Now, I used quotations because it's actually really hard for me to admit that "I am a runner".  Let me start from the beginning so that you understand.....

I am 40 years old, but I only started running in March 2012.  I have always considered myself to be fairly athletic, but my sports of choice have been swimming and basketball.  I only ran little 5K runs here and there during the spring, just because.  But something changed!

In February 2012, I was asked to join a 100K relay team.  That is a 10 person team who will run 62 miles combined.  I said...sure, I can run one of the short legs.  If you know me well, you know that I never want to let anyone down.  So I decided I better start training so that I don't end up being the worst leg on this team.  I didn't want to be the one who let the rest of the team down.  So, I just started running....cold turkey.

I asked my husband to go to the high school track with me.  He walked as I forced myself to run 2 miles around the track.  It was so hard and completely horrible!!  I ran 2 miles in 27 minutes.  Um, hello??  That is 14 minute miles.  Yuck! 

The very next weekend, I ran in the Campus on the Run, 5K.  I was supported by my friends Kerri, Erin, and introduced to a new friend Cassandra.  They all 3 finished the run in less that 30 minutes (if I remember right).  I forced myself to run the entire way, even with the huge cramp that moved from my ankle up my calf.  I think my time was around 42 minutes.  I cried when I finished.  I was just so happy to be done!!

I then got really serious.  I started to run at least 2 to 3 times each week.  I successfully completed my leg of the 100K (5.6 miles), we got a 4th place ribbon, and I had alot of fun :)

My motivator of the 100K was now gone.  What do I do now?  I signed up for a 10K with Erin.  Finished that easily...check!

Now what??  A half marathon....of course!  I signed up for a 13.1 mile run in St. Maries, ID on June 10, 2012.  My friend Kerri signed up with me and I discovered that my cousin Carrie was also going to run the race.  I was so excited to have the support of others.  I just went for it!!

I continued my serious training with the help of Chris O. and Kerri.  I just kept increasing my distance and slowly shaved off a little time per mile.  Before the half, I ended up doing a couple nice runs between Pullman and Moscow.  The longest being 10 miles.  Everyone says...if you can do 10, you can do 13.  I was ready!!

Half marathon race day:  I was scared and excited at the same time!!  My goal was just to keep running, no matter what.  I planned to trudge along, if needed.  The race was an out and back.  So when we started, I knew I would start seeing runners as they turned around and started back towards the finish line.  I was inspired when I saw Kerri, Carrie, and other runners cheering me on.  I just kept running.  When I got to the 10 mile mark, I was getting tired, but I just kept running.  I was telling myself...you only have 3 miles left, that's just a 5K, no big deal. 

As I neared the end of the race, I saw my friends, Chris and Nancy.  They came all the way from Pullman, just to cheer me on at the end of the race....it was AWESOME!  Nancy even ran along with me for a bit  :)  When I finished, my cousin was there to give me a huge hug!  I was crying again....but tears of joy and accomplishment this time.  I was so excited to get my medal around my neck.  My time was 2 hours, 46 minutes....I did it!!  Who knew??

Ok, so fast forward to present day.  I am starting to enjoy running, but I definitely need to stay motivated.  I have a great running buddy in my friend Chris O.  I have support from alot of other friends who cheer me on.  I haven't been running as much, but the air quality has been messing with my lungs.  I'm back on track now.  I just finished a week of running 3 times, about 11 miles total.  I'm signed up for two separate 10K runs on October 6 and 14. 

I am a runner!....Who knew??