Running Goal

If I could run everyday, I would, and maybe I should. Everything IS better after a run. Today was another cloudy, dreary day, a bit warmer than yesterday and foggy. I decided to meet up with the local Moms Run This Town (MRTT) running group for my long run - to change things up a bit. I haven't run with others in a month, and while I cherish my solo runs, I was looking forward to meeting other mother runners.

The run was a lot of fun (Daily Mile details HERE), and the 10 miles went by quickly. When my right leg started bugging me a little, I knew we went out too fast in the beginning, and suddenly it became clear to me what my running goal is for this year: it's not to PR on the marathon distance or to become a Marathon Maniac. It's to stay injury-free. Sure, it would be nice to get a full marathon PR at Shamrock, but I don't want one if it means I'd be in pain for weeks or months after that. I can't afford NOT to run.

Training for MCM was not injury free

 

Not only do I NEED to run to help get through crazy weeks here at home, I NEED to run in order to stay away from blood pressure meds. Four years ago, before I became a runner, my doc declared that I have high blood pressure. It's genetic, he said - my dad has it, my sister has it, therefore I have it and I have to be on meds for the rest of my life. I wasn't overweight, I wasn't sedentary, I ate as healthy as I could, and I still have high blood pressure. Meds for the rest of my life. It's like there was nothing else I could do. I refused to accept my life sentence just like that.

Blood pressure during MCM training

 

So when I started training for MCM all summer last year, my doc was surprised to see my blood pressure so low with meds that he eventually had to take me off of the meds! I was thrilled to the moon to prove my doctor wrong!

 

But you know what though? After MCM, when running became a once a week thing rather than a 3x a week thing, my blood pressure started creeping up again. :( I was devastated. It totally confirmed that my condition was indeed genetic, and running more consistently helped it just enough to keep it at check.

 

My first thought was, I can't be training for a full marathon for the rest of my life! Or can I? Sure, why not, right? So that is why I am signed up for Shamrock Marathon in March and for Richmond Marathon in November. Now if I can just remain injury-free.

 

That is why I run now. To stay off of the meds. That is why staying injury-free is so important to me.

So I stretch more, I roll more, I ice more, I do my rehab routines more, and I am more aware of any aches here and there, no matter how little. If I can help it, I will stay injury-free.

 

Meet my foam roller, Foamie Jr.

 

What are your running goals for this year? How do you stay injury-free? I'd love to hear some tips!

 

Janathon Day 12

Moon Joggers Mileage To Date: 39

 

Posted with Blogsy

Three Things Thursday: Crazy For Halfs

It's been awhile since I've done TTT.  It's been a challenge for me to keep up with the blog, but I hope to send a waterfall of posts soon.

So as you all know, I'm training for my first full marathon, Marine Corps Marathon.  I am now in the thick of it, having completed my first 15-miler last week (the longest distance for me to date!)!  I'm at Week 9 of 18, exactly halfway through my training!  I can't believe it!  The next couple of weeks are going to be up there in mileage, but I have a couple of weekends where I "only" have to do 13.1 miles.

So what to do when I'm running "only" a half marathon distance?  Whenever I do that distance, I always feel like I deserve a medal for the effort.  I know.  But hey, why not, right?  So that's what I did.  Here are three half marathon races I've signed up for - all 3 within 1 1/2 months.

Just call me crazy.

1)  

Source

Rock N Roll Half Marathon Virginia Beach - September 2, 2012.  It's coming soon!  Almost a week from now!  I'm excited about this one because a) it's flat, b) the finish line is on the boardwalk (thinking about a nice soak in the ocean after the race), c) racing with college friends, d) post-race concert featuring Train, one of my faves, and e) did I mention it's a flat course?

Of course the weather could be really nasty, hot and humid, but I've trained in that on hilly training runs around here.  Do I have a time goal?  It would be nice to get under 2:15, but I feel no pressure only because it's a marathon training run for me and the last I want to do is push myself to the point of injury which I don't want to do.  I'm going to enjoy it.  Every mile. Soak up some sun.  Run happy.

I'm still debating how many miles to do that day.  I'm suppose to do 17 that weekend according to my training plan.  Should I do a 2 mile warm up pre-race then a 2-mile cool down post-race?  Or should I just race it?  I follow my training plans to a "T" especially the long runs, so I HAVE to do 17.  I have 18 to do the following weekend and this weekend is a step down week to 13...soooo I don't know, I'm going to try the 2 pre and 2 post and see how I feel.

More importantly, still thinking about what to wear to this race, LOL!  Do I have my priorities set or what?!

Source

2)  Maine Half Marathon - September 30, 2012.  I'm more than excited about this one because of the course!  Gorgeous views!  By the water!  Cooler temps! (I hope!  Crap. I just jinxed myself.)  Yes, I'm going to be in Maine at the end of September!  This one I will truly enjoy because I have exactly 13.1 miles on the training calendar, and this race is perfect!

Don't know what I'm going to wear (LOL), but I know there will be Zensah compression leg sleeves with this one.  So giddy about this one!!!!

Source

3)  Heritage Half Marathon - October 14, 2012.  Let's just say that this race will kick off my birthday celebration which will continue through until Marine Corps Marathon in October 28.  Not saying when my birthday is, but I will be 40!  Yes!  Big. Four. O!!!!  The course is hilly a little, and it's a small race, but I'm looking to have a great time at this race with friends.  My training gals are joining me on this and so will The Hubs!  Last double digit mileage for us until the marathon!  Squeeeeeeee!!


So there you have it, my crazy half marathon race schedule.  I didn't count the virtual half marathon I have this weekend, nor the other one last month, but the three above would totally get me into the Half Fanatics group which I'm looking to join.  Just because.  Hee hee.

Are you half marathon crazy like me?  Are you a Half Fanatic?  

Thanks for hanging in there...waiting....if you are..for my blog updates.  I appreciate your following my blog.  More to come!  Happy running to all!

MCM Training Week 3 of 18 Re-cap

I am trying to catch up on posts. Still. Slowly but surely! This post is a recap of my training last week.

The week started off...not-so-great, a combination of very bad eating the weekend before, PMS, and lack of sleep, BUT it ended with two awesome runs.

You can read more about that awful Tuesday run HERE and my slow as molasses time HERE.



Wednesday was cross-training day for me. Cardio, abs, plyometrics, and sprints. It felt great to be back in this class after missing it last weekend due to the 4th of July holiday. Push ups, and I mean real push ups that are not on my knees, are feeling easier to do 5 at a time for a total of 4 sets. Planks are starting to feel very easy as well, thanks to the Plank A Day Challenge this past May. My longest held plank thus far is 2.5 minutes!



After Wednesday's class, I took the boys for a cheap treat: free 7.11 oz Slurpees from 7-Eleven!

Thursday was an emotional and exhausting day (darn PMS). I almost didn't run so I was happy that I went out anyway because it was one of my best runs ever. I headed out in the evening again for another shot at 5 miles. I didn't get out until 8:30pm so I stuck to the sidewalks in my neighborhood. It still felt humid out, but it was relatively cooler. Let me just say that this is one of those runs where I couldn't care less about pace...I was running like a kid again, so free. I just let go and ran by feel and with all heart. I could have run longer if I could. I so wish I could bottle up that feeling. It is why I run and that night, I was so in love with running...I know it sounds so hokey, but that was how it felt. Sigh.

Made Friday my rest day for my 6 mile trail run on Saturday.

Have you ever run trails before? If you haven't, you must try it! It is so liberating, challenging, and fulfilling at the same time. It's made me closer to my marathon training buddies. We laugh, cry, empathize, advise, and connect in ways you can't do on the road while running. Perhaps because the woods help protect our vulnerabilities or the scenery inspire us to connect with our deeper selves, not to mention the shade and relief from this heat and humidity!

So that's Marine Corps Marathon Training Week 3 for me, a roller coaster ride from an awful run culminating into two fabulous runs.

Lessons Learned: Don't beat myself up when a run goes bad. It is ok to have turtle days as long as I get the miles in. Listen to my body. I'll never know before a run whether it's going to be a good run or a bad run. Just go, be prepared for anything. Bad runs can only mean the next one will be good. Run solo and run with friends. Pace is not everything. Being in every mile, every step, every breath, is everything.



How is your training going?

Posted with Blogsy

Motivation For Monday: Reflecting and Listening

Happy Monday! Quick post this morning, and then I'm off to Yoga class. I had some time this past weekend to step back a bit and reflect on where I am, where I've been, and where I know I'll be in terms of training for The Marine Corps Marathon this October. It seems to help me when I have one of those days when a run turns lousy all of a sudden last Tuesday's run or when I start to feel like I'm not getting anywhere in this heat and humidity.

 

If you're training this summer for a fall race, take a few minutes to do the same and be proud of what you've accomplished thus far.

 

For those with little ones, I found this (see below) last week....such a great reminder of what matters most.

 

Have a fabulous week!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Cross-Training On A Budget

A couple of weeks ago, I almost signed up for a gym membership.  For $50/month plus more for childcare for my 3 boys, it felt too much like another car payment.  This stay-at-home momma is on a budget, so thanks to very generous moms and the internet, I was able to find a variety of cross training workouts that work best for my schedule, best with my kids, to supplement my running, all for free.  Yes, FREE.

Free Is Really Nice.  I feel blessed and grateful every week for two amazing moms who offer free workout classes every week at their church just because they love sharing their passion.  Yes, FREE classes - yoga and a cardio/abs/plyometric class.  The best part?  I can bring my kids with me too!  We bring out toys from their church nursery room and set them out on the far corner of their gym while we work out on the other side of the gym.  The only catch is that kids roam around the gym freely, and when we do sprints, some days we have to run around and between toys.  I'm not complaining, since it is free, and I get a pretty good work out.  


How To Get It Free.  Don't know someone who offers free classes?  Perhaps you can bring a group of friends together - at a park, or someone's house - and either follow an online workout video or make up your own.  You can take turns leading the class and watching the kids.  One nice day we took our workout outside.  We pushed the kids in joggers and did a power walk, then we jogged, and finally we ended our workout at a playground park doing lunges along the perimeter of the playground, planks, push ups, dips, you name it - while our kids happily played.  It was a nice change to be outside.

Pool Time For Free.  Of course if you have a neighborhood pool, you can do a couple of laps for cross training.  I don't swim.  I can't swim.  I want to know how to swim but that's next year's goal.  Obviously with kids in tow to the pool, it's not a good idea.  My first 2 boys can swim, but are not strong swimmers, and my youngest can't swim at all, so I always keep my eye on all 3 of them even though there are lifeguards there.  You just never know.  This cross training is best when your husband/significant other is with you and you can take turns swimming laps while the other watches the kids.

Free Online Videos are nice when the only time you can get a work out in is at home at 10:30pm or 5am and you have to be home with the kids.  You can find many workouts - yoga, abs, strength, cardio, etc.. on YouTube that it is almost impossible to get bored.  I am currently loving these three videos:

1)  Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown, Level 1 - 30 minutes.  I have the entire DVD too and one of these days I will actually follow it all the way to Level 3.  What I love about this is that you don't go into the poses right away and hold then hold it.  This is dynamic yoga where you warm up muscles before sinking into the yoga pose and holding that pose.  This could just be my body, but the traditional static yoga hurt me more, or maybe I'm just not doing them correctly.  I'm not very flexible.  Anyways, I've grown to love dynamic yoga thanks to Jillian.  Check it out and see for yourself!

2)  Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, Level 1 - 25 minutes.  I usually follow up the yoga meltdown with this video.  I also have the DVD for this and will try and bring this all the way to level 3 also.  This is a great combination of cardio, strength (weights), and abs.  

3)  Yoga For Runners:  Injury Prevention With Fiji McAlpine - 20 minutes.  On my other cross-training day, I double up on the yoga.  I do Jillian Michael's Yoga Meldown and follow it up with this more traditional static yoga.  I'm not very flexible at all, but I find that if I do the dynamic yoga (Jillian Michaels' yoga) first and end with the static yoga poses, the poses gets easier and I am more flexible in the end.  

4)  Yoga for Runners:  Post-Run with Fiji McAlpine - 15+ minutes.  I do this video if I can/have time after my long runs.  It's a nice way to stretch out any sore muscles and it's not too long either.

So my summer training schedule for Marine Corps Marathon looks like this:

Mondays:  6am - 5 mile run
                  9am - Yoga (free class) for 1 hour


Tuesdays:  Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meldown
                  Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred


Wednesdays:  11am - Cardio/Abs/Plyometrics (free class)
                         7am - Track Workout plus miles I need to do to get to 5 miles total.


Thursdays:  Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown
                     Yoga for Runners:  Injury Prevention with Fiji McAlpine


Fridays:  Total Rest Day


Saturdays:  Long Run
                    Yoga for Runners:  Post-Run With Fiji McAlpine


Sundays:  Total Rest Day 
                   
This seems to work for me right now.  I am hoping to get a bike trainer to add to my cross training schedule to keep from getting bored. I have an old bike that I could take out for a spin, but I don't have a lot of time to get outside on my own, so a bike trainer would work out well.

The marathon training plan I am following is a cross between Hal Higdon's Novice 2 plan and Jeff Galloway's plan.  More on that on another post.

Your turn.  What do you do for cross training and what are your favorites?

MCM Training: Week 3 - Some Run Days Are Just Lousy

Someone out there has had one of these runs before, right?

First off, life here has finally slowed down enough that I have more time to blog about my training, yay! Second, I'm going to blog backwards on a lot things here, so please bear with me.

So last night's run started out with, "I don't feel like running, I feel like crap," but from experience, I know that once I get out there, get the blood flowing, I will feel better.

Nope. Did not happen last night. I set out to do 5 miles. The cramps started at Mile 1.87 so I slowed down to walk it off, even splashed water on my face from a lawn sprinkler. My first thought was oh man, the joys of PMS. I basically had to run/walk/run until Mile 3. It was awful. I almost called The Hubs to come pick me up.

Nope, I decided, I'm going to get my miles in, no matter what, so I headed closer to home. By Mile 3 I felt better. YAY! I made up for my slower pace and I felt like flying. I passed the road towards my neighborhood and went a little further down the road. I thought, I'll loop back to home and get my 5 in.

I was feeling good until WHAM! I had to walk around Mile 4.03. Crap. Like literally I needed to crap. But I was a mile away from home and no woods to disappear to. I couldn't remember which house a friend lives. I did another run/walk/run thing, focusing hard on just making it down the street, trying to relax, thinking, "this is good practice for when I have to wait for a Porta Potty during a race, right?"

With just 0.30 miles left, I had to surrender to a full walk. Too much bouncing around in there when I run. I had to focus hard on staying relaxed and walking steady. When I quicken my pace, I start to freak out and lose control. Lol.

Sorry for the TMI post today, but I did make it just in time. Lol.

Has this happened to anyone else during a training run or a race? What did you do?

Posted with Blogsy

Monday Motivation: Pain And That First Step

Week 2 of MCM training done. I will post more in detail. Just back from vacation and I am up to my nose in laundry!

 

The sign above gave me goosebumps and already I know I am going to be a big sobbing mess at the finish line. I am more excited about MCM now and completely putting all trust into my training plan and training buddies. One day at a time, one step at a time.

 

Bring it on!

 

Anyone else start their fall marathon training? How's it going?

 




 

Posted with Blogsy

Monday Motivation: Running Isn't A Sport For Pretty Boys (And Girls)...

Source

No other sport gives me the time to reflect on life the way running does, thanks to the hours spent on the road solo on most Saturdays or to training buddies who somehow extract your deepest insecurities.

Happy Monday, everyone!  I hope you all had a great weekend!  I can't believe it's July already and that we're halfway through 2012!  Marine Corps Marathon training officially started for me this past Saturday, so I'm going to do my best to blog more about my training here.  Now that 2 huge projects are complete, I'm going to do a couple of "catch up" posts soon.

In the mean time, have a great Monday!  I'll be right back!

Monday Motivation

Source

Happy Monday!  I am 3 weeks away from the official start of my Marine Corps Marathon training!  I was able to keep my mileage up since my last half marathon race (back in March), so we are going to start at Mile 10 for a long run. 


My long run yesterday was 10 miles.  My friend "T" and I stopped every mile because it was so hot and humid.  It felt great, but we were slower - 11:18 min/mile - but it felt good the whole time.  My 13.1 mile run the weekend before was 10:40 min/mile pace and I stopped every 2 miles.  I think I liked going a little longer in between water breaks to get into that running groove.  We are going to have to experiment as we move along.

This week, I have plans to put my training schedule on my calendar and hopefully be able to insert a couple of races in there too.  I am both excited and terrified.  I also need to get to the bottom of this nagging pain I feel on my right thigh....on the outside....it is not my ITB, I think  it's a pinched nerve caused by my SI Joint dysfunction issues.  Ugh.  So my head tells me to get it looked at again.  But then I know I haven't been very good at correcting it either, so I might try to correct it everyday and see if that makes any difference.  It doesn't hurt when I run.  I just "feel" it the day after, like say when I'm doing the boat pose in Yoga where you have to extend your legs out in front of you.  Am I that scared to not want to hear, "you can't run a marathon?"  Yes, I am. 

Ugh.

There is nothing more I want this year than to run Marine Corps Marathon.  Maybe it's just nerves, but trying to stay positive and let the energy flow and flush out that dull pain and that fear.  I always ask for the wisdom to know when to slow down, or stop.  I do want to keep running until I'm in my 80s. 

Are you running a marathon this fall?  When do you officially start training and which training plan are you following?

Reborn

"26.2. It will hurt. It will take time. It will require dedication. It will require willpower. You will need to make healthy decisions. It requires sacrifice. You will need to push your body to its max. There will be temptation. But, I promise you, when you reach your goal, it will be worth it." - From I <3 To Run

Source

This is worth re-posting.  October 28, 2012, I will feel reborn.  Thank you, I <3 To Run.

So What's Happenin' Girlfriend?

......my friends!  I've been missing my bloggy world and with the storm/tornado threats raging outside my window, the kids happily entertained by Legos upstairs, I get to have a little computer time and check in here.

Source

Marathon Training.  I am a month away from official marathon training time (end of June).  According to Marine Corps Marathon's FB page, as of last Wednesday, only 150 days separate me from the start line.  I am training with 3 girlfriends, following Hal Higdon's Novice 2 plan, and picking it up at Mile 9 or 10 at the end of this month.  I managed to keep my mileage up around 10-12 miles since my last half marathon race.  I am beyond excited to start, but I am hanging in there, feeling the pull of burn out which I don't want to go to.  I don't know if it's burn out or just boredom, because I have no actual race in the calendar this summer (aside from a virtual half marathon race) until September.  Races usually keep me going and all excited, but even the thought of a summer 5K race bores me.  I don't mean to sound snobby, but I need something more - something.....different.  Any suggestions?

Source

Art.  Yes, art!  This is what's currently consuming me right now.  I entered an art competition over at Lilly Oncology On Canvas.  I am over the moon with this project, and I have one month to do it!  Ack!  The challenge is to express my story of dealing and coping with my mom's lung cancer diagnosis and her passing 3 1/2 years ago through art and narrative.  I am looking forward to this for the searching deep down, the cleansing, the freeing, and for the letting go....Sigh. 

My idea for this piece came to me during my 9 mile run almost a month ago now.  I was running solo, without music, and I went into a zone.  I was thinking about where I am now with my mom's absence, where I am now with lung cancer.  It got me thinking.  When I started running, I ran away from grief, the loss, and the anger.  Then I started to run through those same feelings.  Now, as I run, I feel like I am leaving them behind me and moving towards....free.  I can't explain it, but I am running towards butterflies and this time, I am happy to let them go.  I am anxious to start, but with any art project, I am intimidated by that blank canvas.  I need to just attack it, the way I attack hills on a run. 

Source

Motherhood.  We are just 2 weeks away from summer vacation!  I am looking forward to not having a schedule.  Little Man is already out of preschool which means running for me during the week has been challenging, getting my 5 miles in when The Hubs is home from work (early evening) or at 6am on days when he's working from home.  I haven't gotten my groove on yet with my new weekday running schedule, but I'll get there. 

Source

Sporto is finishing up the spring flag football season.  Deep down, I am happy we have one more game to go.  His football practice schedule made our weekdays crazy and hectic.  I do not like rushing through the day. I don't know how families with multiple kids in sports do it.  It's just not for me.  But Sporto loves football and nothing makes me more happy than seeing my kids happy, so flag football it is and probably will be a part of our life for awhile.  Yes, this is why I haven't blogged regularly!  Blaming it on flag football!  lol.

from www.wpclipart.com

Today, Sporto watched the "growing up" video.  If he wasn't my child, I would've died.  Why are kids these days growing up too fast too soon?  Some friends of mine had The Talk already with their 4th graders.  I wasn't sure how far The Hubs and I should go with this talk.  The video only covered the basics of what happens to your body during puberty, so why give more information?  There are times when I can't believe Sporto is at that age already.  Ugh.


Tank continues to amaze us.  His current obsession is writing and drawing in his journal and playing with Snap Circuits.  We are relieved he has not blown up anything (yet). 

Little Man is sad about preschool ending.  He is obsessed with Bob the Builder and arranging play dates with friends without consulting with me first.  I am grateful for those play dates.  My friends and I take turns watching the kids so that we each have a turn having a kid-free afternoon.  Oh those days go by way too quickly.

So there you have it, in a nutshell, what this girlfriend's been up to lately.  I am behind in race re-caps, but I'll get there soon.

I hope you are all having a good start to this month of June.  I know I am.  

Now it's your turn.  What have you been up to lately?

Five For Friday Is Now For Monday!

I started this post last Friday, then worked on it some more on Saturday, and now I can't believe it's Sunday night so that means this post will be up on Monday!  I'm not procrastinating, just been CRAZY busy here since last Wednesday because of............

Source

1)  ...THIS!!!  After signing up 2 weeks ago (yes, 2 weeks before the official March 7, 3pm EST sign up) with Team Lung Love to run Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) this October, I've been going back and forth between feeling scared/unsure and excited/confident.  This IS normal, right?  When you sign up for your first full marathon?!!

Well my anxiety and self-doubt evaporated (for now), as I watched all 30,000 available spots get gobbled up by runners from all over in record time - 2 hours and 41 minutes - becoming the fastest marathon registration sellout in U.S. history.  Fueled by the mass euphoria on MCM's Facebook (FB)  page as tons of runners posted "I GOT IN!  I GOT IN!", I was freaking out like everyone else, and I'm sure we all sounded like we had just won the lottery! 

I successfully peer-pressured another runner friend (so that made it 2 friends I peer-pressured) into signing up for MCM.  Through her, I felt the rush, the suspense, and the triumph over scoring a spot to run MCM.  So ever since Wednesday, my friends "T", "C", and I have been talking non-stop about MCM - training plans, hotel rooms, goals, schedules....never mind that we each have a big race coming up ("T" has Virginia Wine Country Half, "C" has Charlottesville 10-Miler, and I have RnR USA Half) - I think in our hearts we're done training for those races, and we are ready to tackle training for MCM!!!  Isn't that crazy??!!!! Yup, so I've been BUSY just thinking and reading about all things marathon!!!

Just a few of my crazy runner friends from Ragnar DC

2)  ....Non-Stop MCM Talk!!!  With all the talk about MCM on their FB page, the best part was discovering other friends who made it in too!  Like my friend "L" who just started running in November 2010.  After his first race in November 2010, three months later, he signed up for Ragnar DC with me.  To train for Ragnar, he went on to run more 5Ks, 10Ks.  With Ragnar now under his belt, he will soon run his first half marathon with me this coming weekend - RnR USA Half.  Imagine how much I freaked out when I learned he is running MCM too!  His first full!  I can't be any prouder of "L", and I'm SO excited for him!

I also discovered another friend, "M," who also got in - we had talked about running before and even balked at the idea of running 26.2 miles at one point and there we were, screaming over at FB chat, in disbelief that we signed up for something we never thought we would actually do!!!!

So, yeah, I've been BUSY talking non-stop about MCM lately to whoever wants to hear about it, and I can't tell you enough how exciting it is to me!!  Can you tell??!!!

Source

3)  ....Discovering Red Felt Running Club!  All my MCM talk must be so boring to my non-runner friends and family.  When I posted about running MCM on FB, my friend's brother (who's also running MCM) and I connected, and he added me to this AMAZING FB group called Red Felt Running Club/MCM First Timers.  O.M.G. it's like finding your own kind who understands why you must sign up for at least 1 race every month and don't look at you like you're crazy.  RFRC started out as a group of MCM first-timers last year.  They motivated, inspired, and triumphed together, finishing their first MCM.  They are now 300+ members strong, and already I feel at home, learning A TON, and not feeling as anxious as much knowing I've got these guys and gals to carry me (literally, maybe? hopefully?) to the finish line on October 28.  So I've been BUSY reading all their posts, chiming in when I can (they are a very fun, chatty group!), and taking notes on marathon tips like the geek that I am.

source

4)  ....C25K Coaching!!!  As you know, I've been coaching a group of friends to help them run their first 5K.  Last week, we started running 2.5 miles with no walking breaks and this coming week, we are going to do 2.75 miles.  With their first 5K race now just 2 weeks away, I've been posting and answering questions about preparing for their first race and giving tips - tips I wished someone gave me when I ran my first 5K.  I think I am more excited about their race than my own RnR half marathon race coming up this weekend (weekend before their 5K).  There is nothing like watching them run a distance they haven't run before, seeing smiles & high-fives, and hearing cheers!  Do you remember that feeling?  They have come a loooong way from barely being able to run for 2 minutes without walking to now running over 30 minutes!  I am so proud of them, and I can't wait for their race day!!!

Source

5)  ....Speaking of the RnR USA Half Marathon that I've been training for.... It's going.....ok.  Actually, I've had to change my race goal and strategy.  Due to my PF prone left foot, I'm going to have to run/walk this race, if I want to avoid getting PF again.  Playing it safe, because now my big picture goal is my first full marathon in October AND to keep running well into my 90s!  I really wanted to PR, to get a 2:15 half marathon time, but I'm going to have to let that go and just finish this race.  I *think* I'm ok with it.  I tried the run/walk method with a 4:1 ratio this morning and did ok.  I wasn't any faster, but I felt no pain, so that's good! 

Source

The best part about today's run?  I figured out why my left foot has PF.   My left shoe is a tad bit big for my left foot!  This happened to me last winter and I can't believe I forgot.  I bought my shoes last summer when my left foot was "bigger" and come winter months, since my left foot is not as swollen, the extra room in my left shoe meant my left foot is sliding in them....the arches aren't where they're suppose to be, etc..So this morning, I doubled up on socks - well, I wore a thinner socks over my regular running socks and no pain!  Knock on wood.  So during my run, my left foot was nice and snug and felt fine.  My right foot has always been bigger than my left, so it was just fine.  I am really hoping this is the cause so I can put an end to this darn foot pain.  Still stretching and icing. 

When do you all buy shoes?  Do your feet change in size from winter to summer months?  Or is it just my feet?  

Have you had to change your race goals and strategy due to an injury?    Have you tried the run/walk method before and how do you like it?  

Are you also running MCM this year??  

Not-So-Wordless Wednesday: Foot, Meet Cyro Freeze

Meet my foot's best friend for almost the entire duration of my half marathon training for the Rock N Roll USA in DC - Cyro Freeze Ice Pack.  It's re-freezable, and I can re-shape it to contour the bottom of my darn PF stricken foot.  My PF doesn't hurt all the time...only when I'm walking barefoot on our wood floors, and sadly when I run straight beyond 5 miles at my normal 10:30 min/mile pace.  If I keep my pace slow-er, it doesn't feel too bad.  Training for this race hasn't been very consistent, as I've had to take some days off from running and cross training due to PF and my kids getting sick.  I don't feel as prepared as I did for my first half, but oh well, c'est la vie.

I'm actually thinking about  running this race (oh which, by the way, is in a week and a half) using a run/walk method.  Nothing fancy, just thinking about running 2 miles to each water stop, walk through the water stops, drink, stretch the foot, and then run to the next water stop and do the same.

Do you think that's a good idea?  I've never done the run/walk method for any race, but a friend suggested it since my foot might not be able to last all 13.1 miles of running.  I certainly don't want to injure myself to the point where I can't train for my first full marathon (MCM) in October.  I would appreciate any advice!

Speaking of Marine Corps Marathon, who will be at their computer at 3pm EST today for the MCM registration?  If you'd like a guaranteed entry, please consider joining Team Lung Love with me and help kick lung cancer in the butt!  Feel free to email me for questions!

(I am not being compensated in any way by promoting Team Lung Love.  It's a cause that I'm passionate about and that I hope other runners can join to help raise awareness and funds for this federally under-funded cancer research program.)

O.M.G. I DID IT!! Marine Corps Marathon, here I come!!!

On October 28, 2012, I'll be here.....!!!!!!!

Source

Ok, maybe not right there up front, more like a mile back behind all those runners, but I DID IT!!  I just officially signed up to run the Marine Corps Marathon for Team Lung Love!  I am raising $1,000 for the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) in memory of my mom whom I lost to lung cancer 3 years ago.  She never smoked a cigarette in her life.  I don't have my fundraising page set up yet, but I couldn't help but share this right away because "OMG, OMG, OMG" is all I could say after hitting that "submit" button on LCA's page and making it official.

Running a full marathon is a dream for me, that's both scary and exciting.  I had been so scared about getting hurt during training, about not being able to finish, about the intimidating distance, that I thought I would be sick to my stomach after signing up - and wonder what the heck I got myself into.  Didn't I feel the same way when I signed up for my first half marathon?  But I did it, I survived the half marathon distance!  What's another....13.1 miles, right??!  ;)

So after getting the green light from my doc this morning, getting The Hubs' many blessings and support (gosh I love him so much), and getting all the info I needed from LCA, I realized that I have nothing to be scared about.  As long as I train smart, follow a training plan, listen to my body, know that I have the support of my family and friends, I know that in 8 months I CAN do 26.2 miles.  I just need to believe.  Right??!  ;)

Do you remember your first full marathon?  Which one was it and if you could do it all over again, what one (or two) advice would you give me?  Thank you!

Three Things Thursday: Procrastination? Excuses? and The Marine Corps Marathon 2012

So I saw this post from the Marine Corps Marathon's Facebook page yesterday morning.....

Source

I didn't freak out, I just felt like I was coming down with the stomach bug all of a sudden.  Sporto and Little Man just had the stomach bug, so it's very likely?

Source

No, this one is just from the realization that in 14 days, or sooner, I will be committing to twenty-six point freakin' two, my goal race this year.  I can't believe registration is literally right around the corner!!!!  Last year, they sold out in 28 hours.  Who knows how fast they'll sell out this year??!!  

I know for sure I WANT to do this race.  I NEED to do this race. THIS year.  I HAVE to do this race because I am turning 40 this year.

Yup, new age group, come November 2012!  LOL.  A friend thinks I'm crazy for being so eager to put my body through hell (training and running a full marathon), to celebrate my birthday.  Yes, other girls celebrate turning 40 with a spa treatment, a cruise to some exotic beach, a weekend away with girlfriends, with chocolate, or margaritas...but this girl wants to sweat, to ache, to test my limits, to cry, to go through mental and physical agony and aching feet for her birthday.  Fun, huh?  Can't wait!

Me and my mom back in 2006

So I'm planning to sign up for Lung Cancer Alliance's (LCA) Team Lung Love, a group of runners who train for marathons, half-marathons, and other distances while raising money for lung cancer advocacy and research.  I was really excited to learn that a non-profit like LCA was one of Marine Corps Marathon's charity partners this year because MCM is THE marathon I want to do as my first, AND I also want to raise money again this year for lung cancer awareness and research in memory of my mom.  I always carry my mom with me whenever I run, and I know I'll need her more than ever to carry me through this race.

Source

The nice thing about signing up with Team Lung Love is you get a guaranteed MCM entry.  No stressing and fighting over those limited entries on March 7.  AND you'll be helping out a great cause that is very much needed.  Lung Cancer is the least funded research program in our country, yet it is the #1 cancer that claims the most lives EVERY YEAR, more than breast, prostate, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers COMBINED.


Ok, so why haven't I signed up for Team Lung Love yet?  Why am I procrastinating??!  My Three Things (excuses?) Thursday....

Source

1).  Waiting for this Friday, when I get my yearly physical.  I want to get the green light from the Doc.  I'm having the same nagging soreness on my right outer thigh.  I am hoping it's just my SI Joint.  I've learned to self-correct and I know the exercises to do to help it.  Crossing fingers!

2).  I've got a few more questions for LCA so that I know exactly what my commitments are when I sign up to run for Team Lung Love.

3).  Honestly, I'm scared more about getting injured during training than the actual race itself.  Scared about getting injured and not being able to run this race.  I am so injury prone.  Since I'm still kinda new-ish to running, I could use all the advice I could get to stay injury free.  Like what kind of cross training is best to make me a stronger runner for this marathon, what training plan would you recommend,...ANYTHING!

My goal for MCM is to finish.  So if you've got any advice for this marathon virgin, please leave some below!   Thank you!

Are you running Marine Corps Marathon this year too?  Are you planning or signed up to run your first full marathon?  Please let me know! 

Motivational Mondays

I'm finally home! From a blissful Virginia Is For Lovers 14K race with The Hubs, to reflective moments during the race as I thought of Sherry Arnold and her family, to an awesome and priceless time with my family (sis, Dad, and brother), and then hearing about Whitney Houston, it's been a roller coaster weekend.

I can't wait to share with you this week, my Virginia Is For Lovers 14K Race Report, running for Sherry Arnold, my thoughts on Whitney Houston, and family moments I want to remember.

First, I want to share what I hope will motivate me this week:

Motherhood and doing your best.
 As a mom, sometimes I can't help but feel short of what I "think" I should be able to do at home, for the kids, for The Hubs.....Thanks to Bliss Sisters for reminding me to forgive myself, to be kind to myself, and that I'm doing my best everyday to be the best mom to my boys.

Source

Source

Believe.
I finally got more information about running the Marine Corps Marathon this fall for Team Lung Love, a group of passionate athletes, runners, tri-athletes, who raise money for the Lung Cancer Alliance for lung cancer research and advocacy.  They're based in Washington D.C., and they are one of MCM's charity partners..  The phone call re-assured me more that MCM and raising money for lung cancer is in my future, but there were times over the weekend when doubts creep in, the fear of more imminent injuries, and just whether or not I could do 26.2 miles. 

But you know what?  Just like Ragnar last year bugged me, so does MCM.  I know I just got to keep believing.

10-minute a mile.
I'm a 10.5 min/mile kind of girl for anything above 5 miles.  I need to remember that, and to remember that it's ok.  I've been running with friends who are faster than me, and I have to admit, while I love being challenged and pushed, I am happier running at my 10-minute+/mile pace.  I remember when, almost 2 years ago, my goal was to run a sub 12min/mile pace for a 5K.  Now my 5K PR is a 9min/mile pace!  Sometimes I forget to be patient with myself and I want to run faster sooner.  So this week, I'm going to stay true to myself and embrace my 10-min +/mile pace.  This blog post from The Wannabe Athlete resonated with me so much.  Please check it out! 


Art, What Art?
Still struggling over here to carve time for it, but not giving up, just going with the flow.  This photo inspires me, and I'm going to post it as a reminder.  Not giving up yet.

Green land by Piotr Krol How was your weekend?  Did you run for Sherry Arnold?  What inspires you today?

Three Things Thursday: What Scares Me

Source. This cartoon snake is ok. Looks like a gummy worm.
Freaked out over the other wpclipart photos of actual snakes

While snakes are on top this list, I have no desire to overcome it any time soon, unless overcoming that fear will promise me magic powers or all the money in the world....


Umm...scratch that.  No amount of money or supernatural powers will make me want to get close to one.  No. Not a chance.  But here are scary things to me that I am think sure I can face, thanks to supportive friends who will (promised to!) join me.

Source

1)  Swim.  Swim classes.  Yup, I can't swim.  Or rather, I used to swim, The Hubs taught me how to swim a little, but throw me in a pool right now and I'll be screaming for a lifeguard.  Yes, you don't leave your kids alone with someone like me at the pool.  It's scary, isn't it?  So I'm taking the plunge, literally, and signing up for swim classes in the spring with a friend who doesn't know how to swim either.  I was a little intimidated by it - didn't want to be surrounded by 14 year olds, but thanks to my friend, I won't be the only one in the midst of 14 year olds.  Yup, I NEED to do this.


I'm motivated by thoughts of swimming with my boys and The Hubs this summer instead of just standing at the shallow end looking like a dork.  Oh and the cross training!  Yeah!

Source

2)  My First Sprint Triathlon.  The running part is obviously easy for me, and once I conquer Fear #1, I'm sure this one won't be so bad, but I don't trust myself on a bike.  I'm afraid I'd lose control and literally ride towards cars or fall off the bike.  I have issues about stopping too.  I know, right?  How old am I?  Six?  I don't know what it is.  I just don't bike often and obviously need more practice.


When I was injured last year, I dusted off my bike for a short ride with the boys and ended up almost crashing into them because I lost control.  Pathetic huh?  


Practice.  I just need practice, right?  I need to get on the bike more.  Just give me an empty parking lot.  I'll be ok.  Yes, a sprint tri- would be awesome to try.  Two friends promised me they'd join me on my first tri- race.  Eventual goal:  Irongirl!  

Source

3)  Marathon.  Full Marathon.  I think I'm ready for it this year in the fall.  I wanted a new running goal.  I'm scared about the long runs, the time commitment...running 26.2 miles in one day.  There were so many signs for me lately, though, pointing to 26.2 miles.  Signs that motivated me to just say, yes, I'm going to do it.  More on that later, but I am excited.  I'm not 100% sure yet which full to do, but somewhere close to Washington DC, Virginia, definitely.  Thinking of Marine Corps Marathon.  ACK!!!!  


When I feel the fear, the doubt, I think about this quote, "A life lived in fear is a life half-lived" from the movie, Strictly Ballroom.  So true!


Anyone doing MCM this year or in the past?  What was your first full marathon race or triathlon?  Would you recommend it to a first timer?  Are you training for your first full too?