progress

Well, my legs are about 75% now.

Our coach Troy has said to wait a week before starting to run again- but I know that Teri said she was hoping to run by Friday, nurses do make such bad patients =). I think I will wait a couple more days.

Women from our church are going hiking Friday morning and I am planning to attempt that. Shouldn't be too difficult of a hike- and my FIRST since the summer so I can't wait.

Here we are tired, clean, happy and full after our post-race Mexican fare.
Chips and salsa never tasted so good!

half-crazy

My mind is filled with so many thoughts generated from yesterday's race that it is hard for me to think and write lucidly. I will attempt to give my low-down.

First, let me preface that it was an amazing experience and I would do it again next week if my legs would only let me. My quadriceps are extremely sore & achy; the first of their kind. I kept an electric warmer on my legs all night while I slept- pretty sure it didn't help. I attempted to jog across my house this morning to grab something for my daughter, and in the midst of that moment of mental amnesia, had to grab at my legs because of the weirdest sensation of my muscles spasming so oddly. Definitely could not run to save my life right now.

Looking back over this past year and the last 3 months of rigorous training, I would definitely say that the worst part of all of this was Saturday's pre-race anxiety and lack of sleep. Sunday morning, when our hotel room's alarm clock finally turned 0400, we were amazed to find out that not one of us had a decent night's sleep. But as Teri wrote, I too, experienced a complete sense of calm once we were out of bed and preparing for the race ahead of us. It was as if there was nothing more to worry about, so we didn't.

The morning of the race is pretty surreal to me now. We drove over in a chartered bus from our hotel at 0500. The bus driver was pretty funny making good-natured jokes about us half-marathoners being only "half-crazy" and telling us he would be thinking of us as he drove through Dunkin Donuts on his way home back to bed!

We arrived at our starting point at 0600- and except for the bright generated electric lights, could see absolutely nothing. It was great fun attempting to use the port-a-potties in the pitch black freezing weather (I think it was in the 50s or even cooler).

By the time 0700 came around, the sun had begun to peek around the mountains (we were up in them by Tucson's Biosphere). We had our gloves and layers on ready to begin. It was getting pretty exciting- tons of people, loud music, desert for miles, and one big hug before we were off!

As far as the race went, Kim and I make a great team. She has this internal pacing ability (befitting her personality) while I tend to run faster and then slower depending on my whim (befitting my personality). She is so good for me! We actually didn't talk too much, instead concentrating on our running, breathing and the people we would pass. Having her there, for me, was better than an iPod. Unspoken companionship. From the start, Teri, who is stinkin' fast, was off. She ran her race with the more competitive runners. Periodically, I would think about her or strain my eyes to the course ahead to see if I could pick her out. To run with friends is a great and rare gift I think.

The entire race, we plugged along, never stopping (a successful goal!) though I must admit to the occasional envious glance at the men who would dash into the desert for a quick bathroom break. So completely unfair. Compared to our long runs back at home the miles seemed to go by so quickly for me. At mile 9 I swallowed down some vanilla bean Gu (which actually tasted good for the first time) and then some water (which actually went down the wrong pipe. sheesh.) to help give me some energy- both physical and mental for the last 4 miles left.

For some reason, I didn't have my normal aches and pains and felt really strong the entire race. Only after I saw my husband, kids and mom at mile 11 did I slow down a bit because it definitely made me emotional (Kim and Teri too, such good friends!)and I then needed to get control as the biggest hill of all was looming ahead. Once we hit that the end was near.

All in all, a most amazing experience on so many levels.

We did it!

It is difficult to summarize our amazing weekend experience. Our drive to Tucson was fun and full of fun conversation. Our nervousness became more apparent as we went and picked up our information from the racing event. The evening was fun and we enjoyed our carbohydrate loaded dinner. We were all amazed by our lack of ability to sleep the night before, despite our exhaustion. Okay, enough with the play-by-play!

One thing that surprised me the most was how calm I felt as I dressed for the race that morning. I had difficulty sleeping that night and thought I would just be a wreck as the morning went on. Much to my surprise the bus ride to the race was quite calming. I had the privilege of sitting next to a fifty year old woman who had recently qualified for the Boston marathon. She talked with me about her family and racing experiences. She was very inspiring to talk to, and has me wondering if maybe someday I will want to try and qualify for a major race. Once we arrived at the start line I truly felt better and ready.

The race was amazing. It was a perfect race for an amateur and was an enjoyable course. I was surprised by how many people were out there running. People of all ages. We all were a little disappointed by the walkers/runners who sometimes lacked racing etiquette, but I am sure I frustrated people along the way as well. I want to thank everyone who was praying for our race. I can say that I truly felt your prayers and most importantly God giving me strength. Thank you to all of our friends and family who have supported and encouraged us along the way.

I also want to say a special thank you to my fellow two half-marathon friends. I will never forget our weekend and first half-marathon. You both are very special to me, and I feel like we now share a special bond. Thank you for your support and encouragement along the way. I hope we continue training, and who knows maybe we'll end up in El Paso in the spring.

i'm a real runner!

Wow, I didn't realize how many readers we had out there that would be excited to hear how we did! Thanks so much! Ok, I'll let the other girls share their experience, but here's mine.

2:22:44 was my time. If I'm doing the math correctly, that is a little less than an 11 min. mile pace (by just a tad). I am EXTREMELY happy with this time. The race course was great, a very easy course for us first timers, in my opinion. Candace and I ran the entire race without stopping, which was another of our goals. Slow and steady the whole way! We powered up one hill towards the end of mile 11, which I was really proud of.

I have to tell everyone that Candace really kicked it in gear at mile 12 and left me in the dust - I was so proud of her! (She won't tell you this out of humilty and I hope she doesn't mind me telling you, but she had such drive, it was inspiring!)

This experience has meant a lot to me. Setting your sight on a goal and achieving it feels wonderful. Being a part of the running community is wonderful. Carrying on the family tradition for my Dad who was a GREAT runner (much faster than I'll ever be!) is wonderful. Setting a great example for fitness to my kiddos is wonderful. I could go on and on, but enough said. The longer I sit in the chair, the harder it's gonna be to get out!

weekend preview

We are driving down to Tucson tomorrow- the 3 of us. It will be fun to enjoy the last leg of this experience together.

We plan on hitting the marathon's expo for a couple of hours to get all the freebies and last minute advice we can. Then on to a pasta dinner for the much recommended carb fill-up. The hot tub will be the last stop before bed. We are PRAYING for good sleep Saturday night so we can be as rested as possible before our early 5 am departure to the starting line. Our race starts at 7 a.m.

symptomatic

the countdown is almost complete. race day is almost here. just writing this causes my heart to palpitate and my hands to feel weak. i have been pretty calm and collected up until now. i am not sure what really is starting to freak me out.

tonight at dinner, i was attempting to explain to my husband my anxiety symptoms. as i was doing so, it hit me that i have felt this way before. it took a few minutes of mental contemplation to figure out when, in the past, i have felt this exact same way. it hit me. public speaking. yup, feels the same HORRID way.

it's almost here!

Today was the last run on our training schedule. The next run will be THE RACE! I'm getting really excited - a little nervous - but mostly excited. I know my body can do this because it is prepared. I don't want to start getting nostalgic about how far we've come just yet. I'll save that for when we've actually completed the race. However, it is nice to know we have now completed the training portion of this journey. Now on to the race portion! This is a chance to do something out of the ordinary; a first. Happy running and let's be swift on Sunday. :)

toes

It's official - I'm a runner. I have 1 "black toenail" and 1 toenail that is pretty much hanging by a thread. I ran a couple weeks back in some older shoes that are a little on the big size now, (I didn't realize feet could gain/lose weight during pregnancy, but apparently they can), which caused the toenail issues. The shoe situation is under control now, but when will these toenails be normal again? My Dad, who was an avid runner in his 30's and 40's, told me one of his black toenails took a YEAR to be normal. That makes me giggle.

the beauty of 10 miles

Tuesday morning we awoke at 4 am.

Interestingly, I was dreading the early morning wake time above the 10 mile run we were about to embark on.

Running in complete blackness with the occasional vehicle interrupting the desert's eerie quiet is an experience. To see the sunrise slowly over the mountains is exquisite. Your senses are alert to every noise, smell and sight. I focused on my breathing, the rotating aches and pains, the mild rubbing pain on my toe, and the divots in the dirt ahead of me.

Arizonans run in the morning to escape the desert's arid heat- even in November. The downside would be that total darkness leads to vision impairment. Kim actually twisted her ankle at one point during this run on a rock she didn't see(which fortunately didn't have any lasting effects).

As this is the longest run any of us have done, we are feeling pretty proud and very satisfied! It felt no longer than last week's 8 and we have completed our last long run before the half.

There are so many pieces to running. Even this dreaded but beautiful early morning run. Not many get to experience nature in the way that a runner can.

contagious

My dad is getting the running bug. Doesn't help that I pester him every chance I get. I am hoping he starts seriously running for a few of the following reasons:

1. His health. He is in his mid-fifties and is not physically active other than the occasional walk around the neighborhood. Being naturally thin with a musical-genius bent, exercise is something he is not prone towards. As his daughter, I desperately want him to have a strong heart, healthy body and longevity.

2. Another jogging partner. This one is purely selfish. I enjoy my dad's company. Out of all my family members, he is the one to join me in my impromptu adventures. I LOVE that about him and we have some great memories. From the few times we have jogged together, I already know its a perfect fit. Good pace and entertaining conversation. I love my dad and this would be just another way for us to spend time together.

3. Develop a hobby. Running, I am finding, is a club all its own. I love that. If I could choose a hobby for my dad, outside of his extremely busy life (he is a pastor, a husband, a grandpa, and a published musician), I think running which combines exercise and discipline would be perfect. It can also be a social sport and that is definitely him.

Today he took his first big step. He got fitted for running shoes and invested in them. When he spends money, it is not done lightly. My dad is on his way to being a runner.

running children and serious runners

Kim and I met this morning at the grand opening of the Road Runner Store. I had been looking forward to this store finally opening locally. Kim was on the hunt for some good quality running pants, insoles for her running shoes (more cushion), and socks. I was searching for running shorts, tanks and a light-weight water bottle. Come to find out they have really cute running t-shirts that I couldn't pass up either. Such is the way with shopping.

So our shopping experience would have been perfect except for one tiny detail: our four children ages 6 and under. God-given gifts they may be, put them together in an adult oriented store contaminated with serious runners, the combination is not pretty. Not too mention that it is quite hard to shop or even think when you are attempting to corral your children.

A mutually frustrating and rewarding experience as we both came out with full shopping bags, freebies (gym bag & t-shirt), and crying children. However, just another way in which to expose our little ones to running and the strength and health it brings. They definitely had more fun than us.

Note: pretty sure the store's management did not design the running shoe sculpture to be a child's slide.

upping the ante

Our last scheduled long run is next week. According to our training program we are supposed to be running 9 miles. Our coach Troy is encouraging us to increase that to 10 so our confidence will increase as well. Makes sense to me...on the day of the race, adding only 3 more miles versus 4 sounds a lot less in the grand scheme of all things running.

Definitely this second 8-miler was easier than the first time around and we felt we could have kept going. What an amazing feeling!

Physical discipline- in the form of running- is truly an amazing process.

sunrise!

I thought I would be the first to blog today, but I'm happy to see that Teri was as excited and motivated as I was after today's run. We are on our way to a great race. This morning's run was so nice and the 8 miles didn't feel as long as it did last week, which was surprising. We chatted and commented how great we felt for it being so EARLY. (As our military friends would say, "zero dark thirty.")

I need to send out kudos to Candace for pulling us together and encouraging us to start this endeavor in the first place. Thanks for putting yourself out there and being you!

As we could see the bright orange glow of the sun peeking over the mountains, I was reminded of the things that matter in this life and sharing is one of them. Sharing this experience with you gals is so rewarding - thanks!
P.S. Thanks to our "trainer" for making the early trek out to run with us - your support and advice is generous!

Are we there yet?

Today was our second eight mile run. I am amazed at our ability now to run eight miles (without stopping!). If you were to tell me ten years ago I would be training for a half marathon, I would have told you that you were crazy. It is amazing what good friends, fellowship, and dedication can do for a person. I want to tell you ladies, although I feel like a slacker for not physically running next to you, having you out there with me is motivating. I am so thankful for you both.

Today I was talking with our "coach" about dinner the night before the race as well as what we should do that morning. He told me that they ate at an Olive Garden in Tucson the night before the race, and he gave me some tips for what we should eat. I am so thankful for him and his willingness to share his expert advice with us.

I don't know about you girls, but when I start thinking about the race my stomach feels queasy, and I start getting nervous. However, they say a little bit of nervousness is helpful. I am to the point where I am ready to "get it over with." Not like the race is a bad thing, I am looking forward to the experience.

Have a great week girls! Happy running.

amazing

Click here to read why Runners World listed this nun as one of their 2007 Heroes.

so proud

Our training has reached the point of no return. Last night we ran 8 miles with the company of our "trainer," a seasoned marathon runner who gave us sage advice and nice conversation. He suggested a "out and back" route, which we all agreed was good mentally. There is something about getting to the 1/2 way point, turning around and running the way in which you came that SEEMS shorter. I say SEEMS, because that run was still long.

Looking back, we may have started off a little too fast, but still managed to finish strong without stopping. As the long runs get longer, the more nervous I become! Yesterday, I must have got anxious thinking about "8 miles" at least 10 times. I'm so proud that we are attempting this instead of letting the scariness of it get the best of us. We've done 8 miles now, then 9 and then we're onto the 1/2 marathon! Our dedication will pay off! No fear, ladies, we will do it.

evolution

When I started on the path of running, January of this year, a big catalyst for me was weight loss. I needed to find an aerobic activity that would get me into shape and get rid of the extra poundage. Running was something that always fascinated me because it was always something that I definitely didn't think I could do. Happily, I have proven myself wrong. Really on two accounts. Let me explain.

As I was recovering and stretching the other day following a good run, my mind started wandering. From the glorious relief of accomplishing yet another long run, to the realization that this whole running journey, for me, has evolved.

Though I still check the scale periodically, and have found that numerically the numbers haven't much changed, mentally I am changed. It is no longer a goal to magically shed weight; it is a desire to get stronger.

I am running because I am beating my body. I am running because I am strengthening my body. I am running because I have two little ones who I want to model health for. I am running because.

novice notes

some positive things i have experienced as a novice runner:

1. body glide works.

2. as i increase my mileage in my long runs, what once seemed so long (5 miles, for example) is now not.

3. to stop means i might not restart.

4. i am learning to listen to my body. i am learning to speak to my body.

5. i am overwhelmingly proud of myself; possibly more than i have ever been before.

flying (or at least feeling like i am)

This week began our longest run to date: the infamous 7 miler. As "the day" loomed ever nearer, just thinking about running that far was making me very nervous. Not to mention my symptomatic anxiety an hour before I ran... aching stomach, sweating feet (a new one for me and quite gross), racing mind. You get the picture.

Fortunately, I got myself under control with a good mental beating. I am strong. I have been safely and slowly getting myself ready to be at this point. I can fly.

And I did.

Of course the next day the bird wasn't flying so well. I was limping around at work because I didn't stretch very well and pulled a muscle in my leg. It lasted only a day with some TLC. Lesson learned.

it's cooling off

Finally, the weather is cooling here! In honor of a somewhat cool day (high of 85), I decided to run outside for the first time. I knew of a 5 mile route which started and ended at my house that my husband had mapped out, so I thought I can add 2 to that to complete the scheduled 7 mile long run for the day.

I also used this as an opportunity to test out a piece of equipment that was given as a gift to me last Christmas - a Nike Chip. (I'm so not technical and it took this long for me to be motivated enough to learn how to use it!) The Nike Chip links up to your Ipod and can track mileage.

Well, the run was very exciting! A fresh breeze, nothing to look at but scenery and passing cars. The need to focus on each step prevented me from getting bored like I do on the treadmill. All in all it was a good run and I was tired, but really inspired when I got home. My Nike chip said I ran 7 miles. I got in the car and re-traced my steps. It turns out I only ran 5.6! Then I discovered that I needed to calibrate the chip FIRST!

Encouragment

Hello fellow runners!

I don't have any funny words today, nor do I have any pearls of wisdom. Nonetheless, I felt the need to send a few words of encouragement to my fellow runners.

We are beginning our gradual increase in distance, I believe Monday is 7 miles, and I don't know about you ladies but I am starting to wonder "how long this is going to feel on a treadmill?" One word can probably describe it, long. However, I keep telling myself "what is a mile more." I will be thinking of you ladies as I am completing this long run and know that I am not alone. I am so excited and encouraged by our motivation and dedication to this race. I am glad to have two fellow friends with whom I will be able to complete this race.

I keep thinking about what I will do after I am done training for this race, maybe a mini-triathalon is not such a bad idea!

random thoughts on gear

being the newbies to double digit mile running that we are, it goes to say that we are either going to be well-prepared for the tucson marathon or not so much. by "prepared", i mean, all the gear that one needs to complete a 13.1 mile run.

some would say you need nothing- but i have a feeling most veteran runners do run with a few stand-bys. whether that is some sort of water carrier, mp3 player, sunglasses, hat, sweatbands, etc... the list goes on.

things i have been thinking about.... gear i think i will need (having only done a 6-miler as my longest run thus far): something to wipe away my copious amounts of sweat; my burts bees chapstick (i tend to lick my lips raw as i run which means i will be miserable without it); maybe my ipod; my perfectly comfortable lucy socks.

the rest goes to be seen as i extend my long runs. from what i have researched and heard, will be needing to check into gels, body glide type substance, and maybe a watch.

definitely out of my league here.

here we go

Ok, so yesterday marked the start of our "official" 1/2 marathon training. We are on the calendar using the Smart Coach from the Runner's World website. Up to this point we have been getting comfortable running on a regular basis and becoming familiar with 5 milers as our long runs. Yesterday was our first long run of 6 miles. The run was challenging and frustrating (bathroom break at mile 3 really messed with my pace/flow), but nevertheless, worth it. If the accomplishment of 6 made me feel so good inside, how will the accomplishment of 13.1 feel? Dare I say I'm looking forward to knowing that, despite the pain to get there! Well, here's to the training plan because the next run is a 2 miler on Wed. 2 miles? No problem, this will be over quick.
P.S. After sitting down in a class last night for over an hour, I have to admit it was a little hard to get up out of my chair. A little tight/sore!

what we can expect

This a slightly dated, highly humorous depiction of post-marathon runners. Wondering if this will apply to us to?

never say never

Okay. So I thought I wouldn't be able to run and talk simultaneously. I was wrong. Sort of.

Since Kim and I frequent the same gym we have begun to coordinate our longer runs on the treadmill. We ran 5 miles together last Thursday and it was very momentous for me: the ever first run that I didn't use my ipod for any period. How could this be? Because Kim talked to me the entire time (and I thought she couldn't talk and run either!). Let me tell you, she can talk and it is wonderfully amazing.

I, on the other hand, can talk using one to three word exclamations such as "cool" and "that's so awesome." If I try to speak in longer sentences, which I do attempt, to carry my weight of the conversation, they come out a little more choppy and disjointed. Thankfully, Kim still understands.

All I know is that carrying on a convo while running makes time speed up along with some good girl bonding. Even it is one-sided. Poor Kim.

down one

Just a little note to say that our group of four is now, sadly, three.

Kristen shared with us a few nights ago that she is not going to be able to do the half with us because of her currently way too crazy life. Just starting graduate school and a new job over at ASU has been a huge strain on her commitments and she needed to let something go. We completely understood, just going to miss her!

At least for this race.

Don't forget the pf chang's is just around the corner...

treadmill season

Because of the high summer high heat in our city and the fact that we have small children, getting the perfect early morning outdoor run in can be challenging. This summer Kim and I have taken to using the treadmill at our gym. Convenience always trumps in motherhood.

As a beginning runner, it has also been a bonus to be able to monitor my pace, heart rate and time with only a glance.

Now that the weather is beginning to cool we will soon be able to venture back out on the streets. That should happen by the end of the month. This coincides perfectly with the start of our official half-marathon training schedule.

Note the lovely picture of Kim on a 5-miler we ran at the gym the other day....on the treadmill.

comfort zone

Yesterday I traveled outside of the comfort zone. Actually, not only did I travel outside of my comfort zone, I traveled to my "not-having-any-comfort" zone. For the first time in about 4 years I ran 6 miles. I psyched myself up for it all weekend, preparing for Monday's long, slow, run. It was a good run and more important than the physical accomplishment, it was the psychological accomplishment that was most important to me. Not to get all "touchy feely" here, but knowing that it is possible to gut it out even when your body is not feeling comfortable is valuable to any runner. In my current Bible study one of the topics was how God sometimes puts us in situations which are out of our comfort zone to help us grow. I was reminded of that during my run and upon reflection grateful that he does that for me personally! I'm grateful for this opportunity, as part of this running club/blog, to also be brought out of my comfort zone and grow more into the woman God wants me to be. Happy running!

wow

So I'm finally feeling like I may be able to pull this 1/2 marathon thingy off! My cold lingered a little, but I did push through it and continue my training, which was a first for me. Yesterday I completed 5 miles and felt surprisingly refreshed afterwards. (Tired, but refreshed - does that make any sense?) I'm still running at a slow pace for the long runs which is hard because I do get bored, however, if I speed up I get tired and then struggle to finish. For now, I'm happy that my legs feel stronger and are getting used to the pounding for longer periods of time. According to our training schedule, we have about 2 more weeks to get comfortable with 5 miles and then we start to add mileage. I'm going to also look for some speed workouts (to relieve the boredom), as well. Happy running girls!

online running tool

Breakingthetape.com is a fun website where you can register for free and record your running workouts on a personal graph. Calculates your pace automatically and creates bar and line graphs of your workouts to help you evaluate your progress. If you are like me, you keep track of your daily mileage, for the most part, but this program will put it all together.

Really simple to do and I am looking forward to seeing where I am by the end of the year. Sure beats my lazy calendar jotting.

I didn't start keeping track until 3 months into my running, then I didn't run for 2 months because of all my hiking/trail running, finally subract 2 months out due to a stress fracture in June & July, and it all chalks up to only 71 miles. So not quite accurate on my part, but I am going to keep detailed record now.

inspiration?

I love quotes that move me. I guess this quote by Winston Churchill parallels so perfectly with long-distance running that runners use it a lot:

"If you're going through hell, keep going."

I haven't reached that hellish point in my running yet and am honestly a little nervous just imagining it.

I guess my only personal experience would maybe be like having a baby with no epidural. Oh wait. I had an epidural. Twice.

be the tortoise

Every once in awhile I play around on the computer searching for other running blogs that might peak my interest and provide some useful knowledge. I love this girl's blog. Specifically, I love this post about coming in last.

To all the tortoises out there!

Am I going to be able to do this?

This weekend I had the opportunity to see how far I have come in my half-marathon training. I was enjoying the beautiful high country with my family and was encouraged to take a morning run with the brother-in-law. Mind you the brother-in-law has completed numerous marathons and is getting ready to run another marathon in a month. So I agreed to run the two miles, uphill a good portion of the way mind you, with him. That morning before we left my brother-in-law was explaining his course for a fourteen mile run. He explained to me the two mile run in the neighborhood followed by a 5 mile run on the highway, and then he turns around and completes the last seven miles. So I asked my father-in-law, who is the Gatorade provider for my brother-in-law at the seven mile mark, if he would be willing to drive me back to the cabin "if by some odd reason I am able to finish the seven miles." Of course he said yes.

The running began in the neighborhood, and the hills "weren't so bad" I remember saying to the brother-in-law. So I said to myself "let's just see how far this old lady can run." Once we hit the highway I told my brother-in-law to run ahead (there was no way I would be able to finish the last five miles at his pace). I wasn't prepared to run such a long distance so I did not have my I-pod. I kept thinking to myself, as I am running at the altitude of approximately 8,000 feet, "I need to focus my mind on something other than my breathing." Fortunately God put verses in my mind. As I ran the last five miles, which had a few "hills" according to my brother-in-law (some felt more like mountains!), I was able to focus my mind on verses. For those of you that have ever memorized scripture it is so amazing how God can use those verses you have memorized to be an encouragement to you. Needless to say I finished the seven miles and had a nice ride back to the cabin. Hopefully I can continue to train and conquer this half marathon. I know I can because I have wonderful friends who will be there supporting me.
Teri

Good Week?

This past week was a consistent one working out and running. I did a couple of faster shorter runs (2 miler and a 3 miler) and then a long slow 4 mile run. Felt really good, but now it seems I have a sore throat. Who knows - with school starting and germs flying freely I'm trying my best to stay healthy, but sometimes it feels like a losing battle. So, because of this I'm really focusing on my diet to get me lots of antioxidants to help ward off any illnesses that come knocking. I'm eating lots of berries. A morning protein/berry shake is my new thing. I'm still weight training, although not as much, just trying to maintain where I am at strength wise while I add the running. All in all, it was a good week and here's to the start of another one... I'm just thankful I can run no matter how far or fast, it's a great thing to be able to run!

details, details, details

Every time us girls get together I realize that there is so much we still need to figure out. Little details. Maybe I am way over-analyzing this running thing, but I want to be prepared. At least, as prepared as I can be.

One of our more recent discussions was on the race itself and what we plan on actually doing while we run. I mean, besides running.

Kim informed us that she would be listening to her ipod. She would not be talking. No way, no how.

I, Candace, completely agreed with her. To talk while one runs is begging for a side ache. Besides the fact that I would be sharing what limited oxygen I will be gulping down with my vital organs. No thank you. My lips will be sealed tight- with maybe a periodic grunt here and there. I love to encourage others so this might be difficult; especially in a race setting where we will need all the cheering on we can get. I will have to try the mental form.

The night we discussed this, I didn't remember Teri or Kristin verbalizing their plans. However, I do remember Teri once telling me that when she runs at the gym (daily at 5 am!) she doesn't listen to music. She uses that time to pray. I was so amazed and awestruck. The only time I ever pray while I am running is to beg God to miraculously let me be at my mileage goal. And sadly, I am a pastor's wife.

I asked Teri last night what her plan was and she too is doing the ipod thing during the race.

Darn it. I was hoping she would keep praying. I had some requests. For the race.

five weeks left

Today I panicked.

This last week was so busy with working, out of town guests and birthday parties that I made it to the gym, I am embarrassed to say, only twice. I ran pretty hard the measly two times I went, but will have to make up a bit of running this week to get back into routine. Not looking forward to having to convince my body that this is really lots of fun.

About the panicking. I could not remember the date we were to start our "official" training schedule and was afraid it was this week. My brain has dementia sometimes. After finding the schedule, I was able to breathe a moment as I realized that I still have a whopping 5 more weeks of pacing myself with speedwork and easy runs.

September 30th begins the high level of accountability and progressively longer runs. Can't wait!

lululemon

Found another cute, organic athletic wear company. Its called lululemon athletica. The closest actual store to us would probably be in San Diego, but you can order via internet. Their line is geared towards dance, yoga, running and everything in between.

Mental Toughness

Today I ran 3 miles for the first time in at least a month and it was kinda hard! I finished the run, but not even half way through my mind starting thinking about quitting. I'm hearing it say, "well, you haven't run 3 miles in a little while, so just stop at 2.5 and then tomorrow you can do 3." That is so pathetic! Why is laziness built into the human race? So, to combat this I tell myself, "If you can't make it 3 miles today, how are you going to get to 13.1?" I resolve to push myself; which is why I am doing this in the first place. I'm usually pretty good at pushing myself, but also afraid of failure which in the past has stopped me from going outside of my comfort zone. I've been committed to running, but not completely and totally committed - I can always stop when the going gets tough. Not anymore, sister - it's time to keep on pushin'....
Oh and by the way, I felt great once the run was over and glad that I didn't quit. :)

funny little thing

I begin to announce that I am running in a half-marathon.

I begin to get multiple running partner offers. I am not kidding.

People that have run them before and people that haven't.

Family and friends.

Just kind of funny.

The Look

Preparing for a race involves many aspects: the race, the pace, the shoes, the look, etc. As far as the look goes, I have found this great clothing line called Athleta that I love. They have super cute and functional pieces perfect for active women who want some style as they sweat!

One thing I am definitely purchasing is their sport tee that "proclaims your sport of choice before you ever open your mouth." I am obviously going for the running graphic. Its only $39 and I was thinking that if anyone else got one we could be twins, triplets, or quadruplets! What do you think??

By the way, my favorite female active wear store is Lucy. And not just because it is based out of Portland, OR- where I hail from! Their stuff has the best fit and the softest fabrics while looking ultra hip. Love it.

Ooops!

Ok, it's evident that I'm a first-timer now, you have no idea who posted that! That was me, Kim.

I'm a "blogger" now?

First time blogger and first time half-marathoner. (Who came up with the term "blog" anyway? It's one of those words that I just don't like - it's like fingers on a chalkboard to me, but I am willing to put that aside to participate and hopefully the word won't annoy me eventually). That aside, I'm training and going to run this half-marathon because I want to push myself. I don't think my reasons are any different than most people who run, so I won't elaborate and bore you.

I started running in 2000 when my husband was deployed on a ship (he was a pilot in the Marine Corps at the time) and I was working full-time, no kids, and had a lot of time on my hands living alone (boring nights and weekends). I got up to a comfortable 10 min. mile pace and could run 5 miles. Then I started to push myself and got to about a 9.5 min. mile pace. I was thrilled with that because I never thought I could be a runner due to short legs and a pear shaped body. I started doing 5-k races and loved the atmosphere of race day. My husband returned and we started running together and loved it. Then I found out I was pregnant and needless to say that put my running aspirations on hold. I have since had my second child and running has been a steadfast friend helping to take the weight off after pregnancy and now that I have a little more time, I am at a place where I can get a little more serious and see what this pear shaped body can do!

I'll keep you posted on the training from here on out. This week, just a 2 mile easy run, as I have had a cold/bad sore throat which was lovingly passed from my adorable son, JW. Also, first week of school (Kindergarten mind you) for my sweet daughter, Maggie! Next week promises to be a better training week with more miles for sure!

training thus far

This will be short and sweet.

My workouts were good this week. A few days of treadmill runs at 3 mile distances with one up to 3 1/2. And my favorite workout up at Pinnacle Peak doing a 3 1/2 mile hike with some trail running included. The latter was by far the most challenging and strenuous. Plus the added heat and humidity, even at 6 am. Yuck.

Here is a pic from the hike. A mentor/friend of mine joined me in the early morning fun.

Baby Steps

I have been thinking that it might be important to summarize what brought me to the point of actually thinking I could run 13.1 miles. Or even why I would want to. Especially since I was one of those girls back in high school that would only be involved in sports or activities that involved anything BUT running long distances. I stuck with performing in plays, dancing on dance team and sprinting in track. I tried the 400 once- did great the first 200 meters and practically crawled the last 200 (which happened to be right in front of the bleachers! Lovely.) .

Don't get me wrong, I have always admired those who could run. Primarily because it was something that I felt was far from my capability.

Fast forward 10-plus years, marriage, 2 children and a nursing career.

It started last fall after reading an amazing article from a female AZ journalist named Megan Finnerty. It chronicled her journey from party girl to triathlete (the title of her article, Club Pretty was the inspiration for our blog's title!). For some reason I felt that if she could do it, then so could I! She gave great tips that made it seem feasible, fun, and accessible to novices. I decided to follow her plan of attack and soon after joined a gym. My motivation was to lose all that left over baby weight, get healthy for my family, and hopefully do a mini-triathlon.

Baby steps. My motto.

I started with one mile at a very very very slow jog on the treadmill and occasionally around my neighborhood. I found some girlfriends who just happened to be in the same stage of life that I am in and who were runners. Thankfully, not too fast of runners either. We started talking about training to run a marathon together at the end of the year once the weather cools down. The well-publicized and inspiring PF Chang's occurred right around that time and was the catalyst for me. I wanted to be able to do that. By then, I was jogging about 2-3 miles comfortably.

For the past 9 months I have continued jogging- increasing my speed and distance. I also began hiking about 3 times a week. Something I really enjoyed and included some trail running which was invigorating. Those 2 activities began to strengthen my body in a way I feel has never before happened. Plus, I continually push past the pain which strengthens me mentally as well.

In 4 months I will run a half-marathon.

in the begining....

Tonight we met at a local tapas-wine bar for our first official kick off dinner. We had some things to nail down and we needed to get organized. Choose a marathon, pick a training program, schedule some long runs, nutrition plans, etc.

We chose to do the tucson marathon over the pf chang's for a number of reasons. The primary one being the word "downhill." Except for Kristen, we are all new to the marathon (or half-marathon in our case) scene and this particular marathon is described as "fun, scenic and downhill." Unanimous.

More to come on our training schedule, nutrition and the joys of being 30-something year old Mommy's training for a 13.1 mile run.