2012 and my running goals

In January 2012, I set 3 running goals for myself.  To see if I could actually achieve them and to keep me motivated to run.  And guess what?  I did them ALL!  Who could believe it?  NOT ME!  I think you set goals to encourage, inspire and motivate yourself to keep going, keep getting better and attaining things you never really thought possible.  That is exactly what I did!

Here were my goals:
1.  To run at least 1 half marathon.     I ran in 4!  My first I completed in 2:20:48.  I was really happy with that time, as I was hoping for 2:30.  The second I completed in 2:28:15.  That was a tough one for me as I believe I was struggling with some dehydration issues and starting WAY TOO FAST!  The third was 2:23:19.  I was hoping for under 2:20, but I loved running in this one!  My last was 2:14:38!!!  Not only did I break my 2:20 goal, but I did it by over 5 minutes!  I was beside myself and was in a zone at this race!

2.  To run a sub 30 5K.  This I knew would be a tough one as I am not that fast (hence the title of my blog!).  As I progressed throughout the year, I could see that I was getting faster.  I could break 20 minutes for 2 miles, but not sure I could keep the pace for 3.1.  My son, Brady, my husband, Kip and I decided to run in the turkey trot.  Brady and I have run races together before.  He wanted that sub 30 too!  So I layed out my plan with him and off we went.  At one point, he went ahead of me.  Which was fine.  I kept him in view and caught up the last mile.  I passed him about 1/2 mile out and told him "let's go!  We're almost there!"  As we were rounding the corner, I could hear him say "Please let it be under 30, please let it be under 30!"  It was then we saw the clock.  It was under 30!  We finished at 29:42!  That was an exciting race!  We both pushed ourselves.  Unfortunately, Brady maybe a little too much as he felt quite nauseous after that.  Poor kid!

3.  To run 700 miles.  Not exactly sure where I came up with that number, but I knew it was a lot.  At least for me.  I DID IT!!  Phew!  I completed it about 2 weeks ago.  Time to spare and everything.  So excited and thoroughly proud of myself.

So what does 2013 hold for me as far as running?  Not sure yet...a marathon maybe, sub 29 5K.  I'll have to think on those and get back to you before January 1st.  I do know that I want to keep running, I want to encourage my kids to exercise and I want to blog more.  What are your goals?

My new kicks!

I've always run in the same shoe...Brooks Ghosts.  I LOVE THEM!  They really know how to treat my feet and feel great.  In the year and a half I have been running (and been through several pairs of Brooks), I only got one blister the whole time.  So, I really can't complain about them, EXCEPT...I am a neutral runner and Brooks shoes for neutral runners (at least the ones that I have seen) aren't very, well, colorful.  And I am a colorful type of person!

So, I went out looking for new kicks.  Not because of the colorful aspect, but because my Brooks had over 300 miles on them and my knees were starting to ache after my runs.  Not hurt, but ache.  A couple people suggested looking into new shoes.  I went down to my local running store (Up-N-Running which I LOVE!) and talked to Ed about my knees and he agreed that I should invest in new shoes.  Something about the fibers breaking down...blah, blah, blah.  All I know is that I heard that I should get new shoes, so that's enough to not feel guilty about telling my husband that I spent over $100 on shoes.  He's kind of frugal!

Walked over to the shoes and said that I need something kind of flashy and colorful.  Corey set me up nicely.  First, I tried some Asics.  Bright orange and yellow.  Nice!  Problem is they kept sliding on the back of my foot when I ran.  But I knew a size down would be too tight.  Next up, Mizunos.  I tried 2 pairs...a purple pair was first.  Loved them!  They felt great running, very comfortable and fit me well.  They next pair was bright orange with one of those air pocket type heels.  You know the one I mean.  Anyway, I didn't like how it felt when I ran.  Although comfortable, the heel bugged me.  I knew the purple ones were just what I needed...flashy, colorful, fun and COMFORTABLE!

My new Mizuno Wave Runners and I will be hitting the road in about 30 minutes to begin our relationship.  I can't wait!  I still have a love for Brooks, I do.  Maybe I'll have room for both in my life!

Getting back into the distance groove

So, after the Pittsburgh half in May which pretty much defeated me, I didn't know how I would feel about running distance again.  It took everything I had to finish that race because of how bad I felt and really contemplated not ever running a half again.  Several weeks went by of being out of the groove and not really having a good time on the clock or on fun!  But something click recently...maybe it was the Butler Road Race.  I don't know.  But I realize that I can do it!  I can!  I am not going to let one race defeat me!

I met a friend on Saturday for a trail run.  Linda is a friend of my other running buddies...the ones who inspired me to run, Joanne and Beth.  I had never met her (but heard lots about her) until we met on the day I ran my first half.  She was running the 8 mile run that day, so we ran the first 8 together. That was in March.  I loved running with her.  Our paces were pretty comparable and we had some nice conversation.  Linda and I had planned on running the Pittsburgh half together, but she was injured and couldn't run.  But she's back!

We ran on Saturday.  Our plan was to do 5 or 6 miles on the trail.  We started out slow, but funny at about 1/2 way to 6 miles, we got into a groove.  Our pace picked up and it seemed like we were at ease.  I learned a lot about Linda on Saturday and realized even more that we are perfect running partners.   It did rain on us almost the entire time, but we didn't care.  It actually felt good.  And when we reached 6, we decided to keep going and we did 7!  It was great!  I think we both could've kept going and I look forward to the next time we run.

That 7 miles on Saturday reassured me that I can certainly run another 1/2!  I have already signed up for one in October and there will be another one that I am signing up for today that is in September.  As far as running Pittsburgh again, well, I have to think about that.  If I do, it will be a mental race for me more than a physical one.  But I have almost a year to think about it.  Until then, bring on the half training!  I'm ready!

5 mile road race post-race thoughts...

About 2 weeks ago, Brady and I ran in the Butler Road Race.  It's a 5 mile race that is held at the end of June.  There is also a 2K race, which we have run several times.  But this year, I knew I could run the 5 miles and as soon as I mentioned it, Brady said he wanted to run the 5 miles too.

As I talked about in a previous blog, Brady is really athletic.  So he didn't need all that much training.  He plays sports in nearly every season keeping him in great shape.  We did go out running several times together.  We made it to just over 4.2 miles on the last long run before the race.  Our typical pace was just over a 10:30 mile. 

I asked him what his thoughts were on the race.  Did he know what his goal was?  He said he really just wanted to finish the race and maybe come in under 1 hour.  I told him that was fair and I could get him there.  We just had to be sure to pace ourselves so we didn't burn out in the end.  I bought him some new running shoes and a SPIbelt.  He really needed the SPIbelt.  His arms are sooooo skinny that an armband for his ipod doesn't stay up.  Before we knew it, it was the day of the race.

At the starting line, Kip,  Gianna and Nick cheered us on.  They were all running the 2K.  And we began...running the downhill.  That's the best part of the race!  At mile 1, we were running about a 9:30/mile.  I figured that, as we ran about 1/3 downhill.  Mile 2, we had a good 10 min/mile pace going.  Mile 3, we were just under 31 min.  Somehow, we lost time between mile 3 and 4...not sure how.  But at mile 4, we were about 41:30.  I figured that with the hill to the finish, we probably would be between 52-53 minutes.  That was great!  We did better than that!  We came in at 51:15!!  What a fabulous race for us!

I couldn't be more proud of him!  He hung in there, we talked, we kept pace and we enjoyed ourselves!  Not to mention, we blew away his goal of finishing under an hour!  Woo-hoo! 

Last year, I ran a 10K in November.  I loved it!  I think I'll let Brady join me in that race.  After this 5 mile race, there is NO doubting that he can do it!

Me and my boy

So, Brady (my 10 year old) has always been athletic.  Very athletic.  He ran my first 5K with me (my husband did as well)...beat me by 21 seconds.  Then we ran another one together on Thanksgiving day, a turkey trot 5K.  Again, he beat me.  But only by 4 seconds!  He has recently asked if he can run the upcoming 5 mile road race with me.  I said yes because I know he has it in him.

We went down to the trail a little over a week ago and ran 4.26 miles.  I was so proud of him!  He did really well and we came in just over a 10:30 pace.  Usually, the trail is a little slower so I figured that was a great time!  The better thing was that he didn't want to cut out early.  He really, really wanted to make it!

Yesterday, we went and ran on the trail again.  We were hoping to get in just over 4.5.  It was close to 4 pm and warm, about 80 degrees.  We took some gatorade prime before the run and off we went.  The beginning went pretty well, a little slow, but we needed to get into a rhythm.  Then about mile 1.5, he felt great.  Said he was in the zone.  I was so glad for him...although I wasn't in the zone.  It was tough with the heat and I was exhausted from little sleep and a garage sale all day that I had.  But I would never let my kids see me quit!  About mile 2.5 he was struggling.  He was really hot and he said his knee was bothering him.  Did some extra walking, tried to run again, but it was just not in the cards for him.  We ran 2.97 miles.  We walked the rest of it to home 2.04.

He kept apologizing to me, but really I didn't care that we were walking.  I was just glad to have a companion, good conversation and my son by my side.  Our time on our run wasn't great, but wasn't horrendous considering he wasn't feeling all that great.  We ran it in 11 min/mile.  All in all, we got 5 miles in running and walking and even with that, we would've finished in 1:05.  I know he'll be ready to go in 2 weeks!  I'm going to give us a goal of 55:00 (just because the last .3 is all up hill).  I'm not going to tell him the goal, but that's what it is in my head.

We have 2 weeks to finish out the training...just me and my boy!  Love him!

Right on target

So, my goals for 2012 were to run a half marathon and to run 700 miles. It's June now (although still the beginning) and I thought it would be a good time to check in on them.

Run a half marathon. DONE! Actually, I have run 2 and I probably have 2 more to run before the year is over. Who would ever imagine me running a half marathon? Holy cow, I couldn't even run a mile in January 2011! But I did it. My first half was on March 31st and I was soooo nervous! But I was with really good friends who settled me down and pulled me through it. Actually, I ran the last 5 miles on my own. Thank you to Beth and Linda for running with me the first 8 miles...I was truly blessed! Time: 2:20:48! I did it! I finished! My second was on May 6th. Not so good for me as I felt sick at about mile 4.5 and it lasted the entire rest of the race. Thank you to Joanne for running with me and for offering to stay with me. But I told her to go ahead, I didn't want to ruin her race. I walked large chunks of that race because of how bad I felt. But even with that, I finished 2:28:15! Holy cow...I thought I would've been about 3 hours for how I felt. That race took everything I had in me. I told my husband that next to Nick's labor, it was the hardest thing I have ever done. 2 more halfs are on the list: One in September, one in October...4 1/2 weeks apart. I can certainly check "run a half marathon" off of my list!

Run 700 miles. That's quite a lot of miles. As of today, I am at 315 miles. I have 35 more to run this month to truly be half way there. I can certainly do it! Although I am not running the longer distances like I was when I was training, with the half in September, I'll be starting the training again in July. So, the miles will build up once again. I'm running about 15-20 miles a week for the most part, so it certainly will get me there.

Next year, I might make a goal to run a marathon, or run a sub-30 5K (yes, I am not fast hence the name of my blog...notsofastmomma!). But for 2012, I am right on target!

Running is not supposed to give you more stress...

On Saturday, there is a 5K run that most of my running buddies will be attending. I have been throwing around the idea of going, but I kept coming back to no. At first, I thought it was because of the little chicken in me. I know I'm not fast, and sometimes I think, do I really want to go and show people how slow I really am? I'll NEVER medal in a 5K. NEVER. EVER. But then the competitive little girl that lives inside of me said, "well, you do want to have a sub-30 min 5K", so I thought about going. Even though, I am not sure I can break 30 min just yet, I have been working on it. I've been really pushing myself with speed workouts at the gym. Yesterday, I had a 2 mile run in 19:55. And I am faster on the road versus the treadmill for whatever reason.

But...on Saturday, both of my boys have baseball games.  One at 11 and one at 1:30.  Could I go to the race and get back in time?  Sure, but it would be pushing it and I'd feel very stressed about it.  So why do that to myself?  Running is not supposed to give you more stress.  Right?  Right.  Running is supposed to relieve your stress.  So, I have decided not to run in the 5K.  At least not the one on Saturday morning.

Yes, I'll see the pictures of everyone running and finishing, and I'll get a little jealous.  But...I will not be stressed in the morning and I will be able to make it to both games without feeling like I have major time constraints on me.  That, I think, will be more worth it.  There are plenty of other 5Ks to run throughout the summer.  This isn't the only one.

Until then, I will continue to do some speedwork.  2x a week if I can.  I will get faster.  I will have a sub 30 5K.  Not sure when, but I will.  But I'm not going to stress about it.  Because running is not supposed to give you more stress!

The athlete in me

I would typically not consider myself an athlete. I never have. Growing up, I was a chubby girl. I didn't do much as far as athletic activities. I played softball around 7th grade or so, but not seriously. Then I played volleyball in high school. I went to a volleyball camp and really learned to love the game, the problem was, I wasn't great at it. I was intimidated by it. But I played through high school. In college, I played flag football and loved it. I quarterbacked some of the time. Still I would not consider myself an athlete. I had often wanted to run. Some friends of mine invited me to go on a run with them around campus. One time around was about enough. I hated it! It was so hard and man was I out of breath and out of shape. I did play some recreational softball on a team where I worked. I loved it. Again, I wasn't great at it, but I loved it! And the last 2 years, I have played on our church softball team. The more I play, the more confident I get. And, of course, I run. As you know, I began running in January 2011 with the intention of completing a 5K. I have since run a 2K, 4 5Ks, a 10K and 2 half marathons. Who would think? I can't believe it myself. I'm not great at it. It's hard for me. I watch people who can run 7,8,9 minute miles and think holy cow...I'll never do that! But I run and I give it my all. My husband, Kip, said something to me when I came home from the Pittsburgh half marathon. It was a tough, challenging run for me with the heat. But I was determined to finish. When I walked in the door, he hugged me and said "don't ever say you're not an athlete again". He told me that what I did today was truly athletic and that I was an athlete. Me...an athlete! Can you believe it? Those words from him touched me and I will never forget them or the way he said it. I do have an athlete in me. I just have to work a little harder to see it. But it's there. I'm an athlete!

The Pittsburgh half

Well, I had hoped to come in around 2:15 at the Pittsburgh half since that first half marathon I ran 5 weeks ago, was 2:20. That was not to be! Let me tell you all about it. We arrived in plenty of time and made our way to the corral. My friend, Joanne, didn't want me to run alone, so we were planning on running together. I was a little worried about this because Joanne is much faster than me, but we trained together and she insisted. I was happy to have a friend by my side. I should mention that it was in the low 60s when we started and the sun was bright with no cloud cover around. And the race begins! The first mile, we went out too fast. Or at least I did! A 9:45 mile. That's too fast for me. We slowed down a bit. Our next miles were 10:53, 10:39 and 10:18 respectively. Then it all went downhill. I started feeling really, really nauseous about mile 4 1/2 or so. We stopped to walk for about 2 minutes to see if that would help and then we started running again. About mile 5, I told Joanne to just go on without me. Her race shouldn't be hindered because I was sick. From then on, I would have no idea about pace as Joanne had the garmin. I don't own one. I tried to slow down and walk when needed. About the 10K mark, I thought I would have to pack it in. An additional 7 miles seemed so daunting to me when I felt so bad. But I just kept going. I met up with a man who was running the relay. I talked with him about the heat and asked if he wanted to switch places, he could do the half, I could do the relay. He just laughed and said I had a great pace. At mile 7, I really had the first positive thought pop in my head. I was over half way there! At every fluid station, I poured water down my neck and back to try to cool me off. And I filled up my water bottle 3 times. At my walk breaks, I always managed to talk to someone else walking. Runners are always so nice. I really thought I was past mile 10 when I hit the 15K mark, so that disappointed me a little. Plus, now I had the chills. Got onto the Birmingham bridge and talked to a nice young lady who was running her first half. I cheered her on! OK...mile 11, only 2 more miles to go! I would make it...no matter what! I wanted that medal! Right before mile 12, I walked along side an older gentleman. We talked about the heat and I told him about my race so far and how I felt. He immediately told me that I needed to drink gatorade and not water. He said I needed the electrolytes. (I hadn't grabbed gatorade at the fluid stations because I didn't train with it and didn't know how it would affect my stomach) Luckily, a fluid station was coming up and he walked over with me to grab gatorade. I drank it and then grabbed water to pour down my back. Turned and there he was with another cup of gatorade. He walked and ran with me a bit and then I told him I was going to go. He had injured knees so wasn't able to run all that much. He told me to be careful and stop if I felt nauseous again. I thanked him several times. He was so nice to me! Luckily the last mile is downhill...thank goodness! Started running and could see the finish line. I would make it. I kept telling myself if I could get across the finish line, I could go to the medical tent. Crossed the line, got the medal, blanket, food and went and sat down...I did it! What a challenge! I ate and felt a little better, called Joanne and met up with her. She did great 2:12...I feel badly I held her up at the beginning. Me, I did better than I thought. With all of the walking (and I had to walk quite a bit so I wouldn't collapse), my time was 2:28:15. Holy cow! I thought I would be close to 3 hours. I was proud of myself for pushing through and having the will and determination to finish. It was by far one of the hardest things I ever had to do. But I did it! I called my husband and broke down a bit. He and the kids were so proud of me! During the race, I was thinking that I never wanted to do it again. But I do. I'm not going to stop. I'm just going to take this race as a learning experience. I didn't adjust for the sun and warmth and I needed to. Almost all, if not all, of our long runs, were in cold temperatures. The warmest was 50 degrees and I think that run was 8 miles. I learned my lesson and can move on. Thanks to everyone who supported me. Thanks to Joanne for sticking with me until I told her to go. What an adventure! I look forward to many more!

Finally...back to blogging!

So, finally our computer is repaired and I can blog once more. So sorry it has been so long. It seems like my last post was forever ago. Tomorrow is the Pittsburgh half marathon. It's the race that I have been yearning to run! The race my friends have talked about, all around the city, the race with people cheering you on everywhere...oh, I can't wait! So excited, but every once in a while, I get this "oh my gosh" nervous feeling. It comes out of nowhere. Last Saturday was our last long run. It was one of my worst! Ughhh...I think it was more mental than physical. I got up thinking I did not want to run. I think my body is just fatigued. I hope it doesn't feel that way tomorrow. I really was struggling on that last long run. Our time was bad, I felt bad...you get the idea. Tomorrow, however, everything I trained for is coming together. Joanne, her sister and I are headed to the expo here in a couple of hours. We will pick up our packets, maybe buy a couple of things and just have a good time! Tomorrow, the race starts at 7:30. What does that mean? It means we will be getting up very, very early to make it down there with time to spare so we are not freaking out! Joanne or possibly her sister will be driving, so luckily I do not need to worry about driving tomorrow. I just need to worry about waking up on time. Funny, but I don't think that will be a problem. I'm thinking I'll be up half the night with nerves anyway. Everything is ready to go. My outfit is picked, including socks. My ipod is charged. I have my gu chomps and water bottle together. I think I am ready to go! I will give you all of the details of the race tomorrow. Until then...pray for me! :)

Almost there

Okay...so its been some time since I have posted. Nothing I can do about that. We are having A LOT of problems with our computer. Sending it to get fixed, but until it is, my posts might be far and few in between. ! Joanne and I ran 12.1 miles on Saturday. In the rain...not a drizzle or a shower, but rain. The entire 12 miles. Ugh! But I'm definitely prepared if it should rain on race day. We didn't do too bad that day, considering the sheer number of hills that were in our route plus the weather. I think we finished in 2:16. I'll take it! At least we got it done. We have one more long run of 8 miles on Saturday and then it should be it. Taper week is next week and then...the race!! So excited, but I know I'll be incredibly nervous! I can't believe there is only 10 days to go! Woo-hoo! Now let's talk nutrition. I have totally been lacking in the good nutrition category. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I need to do better for my body. The exercise is definitely there, but the eating is not. I am going to focus on what my body really needs before this race. I'll let you know how that goes. Until then...

Family Runs

I realize I haven't written in a long time.  I'll try to be better about that.  Life sometimes gets in the way of blogging.  OK...it doesn't, but I spend too much time doing things that don't matter and I really need to focus on what needs done.  But that's a whole other blog.  Today I want to talk about family runs.

Last Wednesday, I recruited my 9 year old son, Brady to go out on a 4 mile trail run with me.  He was so excited to go.  He is very athletic and loves to test himself, so this was good for him.  He has run a couple of 5Ks with me, but that is the furthest he had ever gone.  We headed out the door and made our way down to the trail...it's about 4/10s of a mile from my house.  He didn't really like running on the street because I kept having to call out car!  car!  and made sure he moved over to the grass.  He did enjoy the trail though.  He did really well.  I could tell he was getting a bit tired, so I said that we can stop at the end of the trail, it would be 3.6 miles and then just walk back up to the house, but he didn't want to do that.  He said "no, I want to finish."  There is a hill to go back up the the house from the trail.  It's a decent hill.  I coached him up it and he ran the whole thing.  When we got to the house, he was beat!  We ran 4 miles in 41:59.  I was so pleased with that time for us!  I had told him prior to running that I'd play catch with him when we got back.  After the run, he said he didn't want to play catch (surprising for him!) because he was done.  Several hours later, my daughter said "Is Brady sleeping?"  Sure enough, I went upstairs to check on him, and he was sound asleep...for 2 1/2 hours!  That run certainly wore him out!  But I was so proud of him!

Then on Saturday, I was supposed to run 5-6 miles.  I asked Brady if he wanted to come with me and he said he would as long as it was later in the day.  So I waited and waited...finally I said at close to 4pm...you're not coming with me, are you?  He said "No...sorry Momma."  I wasn't mad, just disappointed.  I was looking forward to a trail run, but don't go there alone, so I guess it was hitting the streets!  When I went to leave, I saw Kip and he asked where I was running.  I kind of whined about the streets and he told me to wait, he'd change and come with me.  Yippee!  We headed off to the trail.  We started off good, but about 2 miles in, Kip's hip flexor was hurting...changed our plan and slowed down, but it didn't help.  He told me to go ahead and he'd keep me in sight.  So I did.  We got in 4.45 miles.  He felt bad that he slowed me down, but I didn't care.  I was glad he offered to come with me so I could run the trail.

I love that my family comes with me.  Sometimes,  I just don't want to run alone.  It's nice to have company.  I often run around the culdesac when Nicholas is home because I can't leave him alone.  It gets boring.  So to change from the trail to the hilly streets to the treadmill to the flat culdesac, that's a good thing!  I love family runs!

My first half marathon!

I did it!  I completed a half marathon and I truly can't believe it!  I'm here to tell you all about it.

Woke up at 5:30 and I was so nervous my knees were shaking.  Oh my!  Took a look at the weather and it said 41.  I thought ok, I'll wear capris, a running tank and a jacket.  Headed out the door at 6:20 to pick up my friend Beth.  Got to her house and waited a few minutes then went and knocked on the door.  Her hubby answered and said he didn't think she was ready yet.  She set her alarm to pm instead of am and just woke up!  She screamed down to me "I don't want to stress you, but I just woke up.  I have everything layed out and will be ready in a bit."  I told her it was no big deal.  I was just glad to have someone to go down with.

So on our way we went.  Made it there early and found parking, hopped on the shuttle and there we were in the excitement of it all!  Found our other friends, made our bag drop and realized it was VERY cold!  Holy cow was I cold!  Luckily, my experienced running buddy Beth brought garbage bags to put over us to keep warm until the beginning of the race.  Got where we needed to be and waited for the countdown.

Once we started, my nerves disappeared.  Our first mile was VERY slow due to the sheer congestion at the start.  Made it through the first 3.1 no problems.  Our split on that was 33:54.  Then came the first of two 5 mile loops around the lake.  Man, it seemed so long to get around it!  At about mile 7 1/2 or so, Beth stopped to use a portapotty so told me to go ahead and "run like the wind"!  So I kept going...my split at 8.1 was 1:27:44.  Mile 8 and 9 seemed ok, but at mile 10 I realized I had a blister under my right big toe and it hurt every time my foot hit the ground.  Then I could tell on my left foot that a toe nail was digging into another toe.  I guess it balanced me out since now I had pain in both feet!

Mile 11 was a killer.  It was really tough.  I was getting tired.  My legs were sore and it just seemed like I had forever to go yet.  Mile 12 was a little bit better.  I started to remind myself that I was close to the finish and my legs weren't going to give out on me.  I could see that the finish line was close and found my friend and training buddy, Joanne, waiting for me and screaming me on!  I was so happy to see her and gave her a high five as I passed her.  Crossed the finish line in 2:20:48!  I cried before I reached the medals.  I was so overwhelmed that I did it!  Got my medal, hugged and cried to Joanne and then we went to cheer Beth on.  She wasn't too far behind me and I was able to get a great picture of her.

What an accomplishment!  I would not have been able to do this without Joanne and Beth.  I was inspired and encouraged by them for the last year.  They are great running partners, women and friends!  I can't believe I did it!  I finished a half marathon!  WOO-HOO!

Tomorrow's the day!

I can't believe it's here!  Tomorrow at this time, I will be getting lined up to run my half marathon.  All the months of training, exhaustion, and hard work come down to this.  I am so excited, but SO nervous!

I was on dailymile this morning and asked if anyone had any last minute advice for me.  Someone said something which will stick with me.  He said "let the race come to you".  I never thought of it that way, but what a good way of looking at it.  We often get so wrapped up in the "race" that really if we just do what we had been doing all along, the race will just be there.  We would be running the race instead of the race running us.  What a concept!  I am going to try to think about that tomorrow.

I think that I have said it before.  I know that I have trained well.  I have never changed my training or missed training.  I stuck it out no matter what the weather or how I felt.  I really, really want to do well tomorrow.  But first and foremost, I want to finish.  I am going to start out running with my friend Beth.  She has done this several times before and I think if I stick with her, I won't give into the adrenaline and go out too fast.  I know that is the key!  With 13 miles to go, I cannot go out too fast.   If I can keep a consistent pace the first half, I am hoping to increase my speed a little in the second half and hopefully have a good bit for the last mile.  That's my plan.  But I know that plans often get changed.  Whatever it is, it is.  I just want to finish.

I know I will be emotional.  I've cried several times just thinking about it.  I told my friends that the other day and they agreed.  They've all been there.  They've had that overwhelming feeling of finishing something you've worked so hard for.  I'll be there.  In just over 24 hours.  Oh my! 

It's coming!

The half marathon that is!  I can't believe it's on Saturday.  Oh my!  I am so excited right now.  Much more excited than nervous, but I know come Friday night/Saturday morning, I will be much more nervous than excited.

On Saturday, we ran a short (haha) 8.25 miles.  In the rain.  Sometimes the pouring rain.  And guess what?  I liked it!  I really did enjoy myself on that run.  I started with a light jacket on over a running tank, but ended up taking it off about mile 2 1/2.  I did buy a hat at the running store before we left on our run and I was so glad I did!  It kept the rain out of my face.  My friend, Beth, forgot her hat and she was complaining that her eyes were burning from the sweat mixed with the rain dripping in her eyes.  I'm sure that hat will come in handy for me many times.

I have decided to run each of my miles for someone during the half marathon.  I asked some of my family/friends to choose a mile.  I read this in a book (although they were doing the full marathon) and thought it was a great idea.  I figured if anything, it would keep my mind focused on who I am running for that mile, even for just a little bit.  Of course, the last .1 I am running for me!

So, it's taper week.  Not much running going on this week.  It actually feels kind of strange.  I only ran 2 miles yesterday and did an hour of yoga last night.  I'll run again tomorrow and then that will be it until Saturday.  I am going to ride the bike today and possibly for a bit on Thursday.  Hopefully, my legs will be fresh, rested and ready to go on Saturday!  I really can't believe it's almost here!

9 days and counting

Oh my!  I can't believe my first 1/2 marathon is in 9 days!  9 DAYS!  That is just crazy!

I know that day I am going to be super nervous.  There is no way to get around it.  Luckily, though, I have offered to pick my friends up so we can go together.  First, I will be driving, so I will have to focus on the road rather than the race.  Second, my friends have run a 1/2 before and they are so stinkin' funny, they will make me laugh the whole way down.

I know that I can make it.  Last week, when we ran the 12 miles, I could've added another 1.1 no problem.  I know I could have!  Not that I wasn't tired, not that I wasn't hurting, but I could've done it.  I'm going to try to remember that when I am on the way to the race. 

I am not going to be running for any certain goal time.  I have heard that is not a smart thing to do in any first race.  Do I have a time in my head of where I think I will be?  YES.  Will I be upset if I don't hit that time?  NO.  I will be estatic just to finish.  I know I will cry.  I'll cry out of happiness, out of exhaustion and out of realizing I accomplished something in my life I never thought I would.  I can't believe I am running in a half marathon.  I just can't believe it.

I have trained so hard.  I never waivered in my training.  I stuck to it when it was snowing, windy, cold...it didn't matter.  When I had to run, I ran.  I have added biking for cross-training and have added miles and miles as well as muscle by riding.  I can't wait!  I can't wait to complete the race.  9 days can't come soon enough!

My 12 mile success!

Yesterday, I met my friends Joanne and Beth for our 12 mile training run.  I have to admit, I was nervous!  I had never run 12 miles before and it was a bit warmer than I am used to.  It was about 52 degrees when we started.  I know...that's not warm.  But when it was 21 degrees last week, it really is.  But it's so nice to run with friends.  They make me smile and laugh even when we are all in misery.

So, the route we take (as you know from previous posts) is quite hilly.  I had added 4 miles onto our 8 mile run from last week using mapmyrun.  I did drive it a few days ago, but made a wrong turn so didn't see the entire route, although I did know there would be a pretty decent hill.  You know, to add to all of the other ones we run!  But the road that I missed the turn on that we had to run...holy hills!  I'm not talking a mild grade, short hill.  I mean steep, long hill.  Maybe I should say hills.  Because there were several and I think the girls might have wanted to kill me!

But you know what?  We did it!  We made it up the hills, we made it though the run, we ran 12 miles!  How exciting is that?  12 miles in 2:26!  I was so happy!  I am really proud of myself for never giving up and for being so disciplined about this run.  Oh my!

My knees and hips were a little sore, so I did a bunch of stretching and iced my knees twice yesterday.  Then I added some 800mg of ibuprofen and guess what?  Today, I am good to go!  I am actually thinking of running a couple today and that way, I can rest tomorrow and just bike.  I truly can't believe that I feel this good. 

I would never have come this far without these girls.  They inspired me from the beginning as they were training for their races last year.  They continue to inspire me.  I know now that I will make the entire 1/2 marathon.  I could've run another 1.1 yesterday.  Even with all of the hills!  That is the best feeling ever!  What a success!

My big upcoming training run

OK...I am getting very close now.   A little over 2 weeks until my first half marathon!  I can't believe it.  No, really, I can't!  I hope I can make it.  I keep telling myself to keep up with the training and I will be fine.  Speaking of training...

Saturday is our long run.  12 miles.  Yep!  That's what's on the schedule.  Holy cow Batman!  I actually was a little bit proactive in preparing for this run by going on mapmyrun.com and planning out our run.  I used our 8+ mile run last weekend and just added to it.  And then, I drove it yesterday.  Boy, am I glad I did that!  I missed a turn and that would've made us run over 13 miles.  Besides that, it is a good route.  It's just incredibly hilly.  But that will make us stronger, right?

My running buddy, Joanne, texted me about the run this morning.  She said she's looking forward to it.  I replied that I am 1/2 looking forward to it and 1/2 dreading it.  (Please note that Joanne has run 2 half marathons already, I have not!)  She then replied "Do not dread!  We will just settle our minds and bodies in for a long relaxing run!"  Is she kidding?  Relaxing should not be used to describe a long run...EVER!  It will be grueling!  That's definitely a better word.  A long, grueling run!  That sounds much more realistic.

I love Joanne!  She's funny, kind and great company.  She always encourages me.  Always!  And she talks the entire run.  She gets my mind off of the thousands (JK!) of miles we have to run.   It's amazing what we talk about.  And, I am getting better at talking through the run and the hills!  That means I'm getting stronger, right?

Anyway, I will be nervous on Saturday.  I just will be afraid I won't make it.  If I do, I might just cry.  12 miles is a long run.  At least to me.  But if I can get through this 12 miles, then I WILL be able to run the half in 2 weeks.  I'll update after the long, grueling (not relaxing) run!  Until then...

Sometimes it just feels good...

Friday night, I was exhausted from working at our church fish fry.  We were very crowded and I was on my feet and running around for several hours.  I was a little worried how my long run would fare come morning.  We had an 8 mile run planned.

I had learned from the last 3 weeks of fish fries to not eat fish the night before my long run.  I found that my stomach was all upset the next morning during my run.  Not to mention I felt very sluggish.  So this week, I tried something different.  When I got back from working, I just had a bowl of raisin bran.  I knew I had to eat something, but it was about 8 pm and didn't want too much.

Next morning, I woke up and had my usual Nugo bar and cup of coffee and then got ready to head out the door to meet my running buddies.  I could tell the difference in my stomach from the moment I got up.  I had made the right decision avoiding eating fish that late and before my long run.  Started on our 8 mile run and felt awesome!  This was the best I had felt in weeks.  I felt great the entire run.  Of course, it didn't hurt that the weather cooperated.  It was sunny and in the low 20s.  Cold but hardly any wind and sunny, so I can't complain.

I don't know if it was the food that made me feel so good during that run or all of the training or the wonderful company that I had that day.  All I know is that I felt great and sometimes it just feels good...I love those days!

Training really works!

Yes, it does!  Training works!  Do you believe that?

After my lyme disease, I basically had to start all over with running.  I wasn't feeling so good because I had missed 3 months of training and several races that I REALLY wanted to run in.  But I knew I wanted to get back to it and would put in any and all of the work required.  I changed my training plan and started focusing on distance rather than speed so much.  I needed to build back up my endurance.

I began training again in mid-September.  I started feeling pretty good.  Brady and I signed up to run the Y Turkey Trot in the beginning of November.  Turns out it was the day after the cub scout sleepover at the Y.  Not really a sleepover, an up-all-nighter.  I was tired, so didn't put any expectations on myself.  I was planning on walking a good portion.  But about mile 1 1/2 or so, I started feeling pretty good.  I finished at 33:39.  My worst time, but considering I was up all night playing volleyball, climbing rock walls and listening to excited kids (plus not eating well), I was pretty happy.  I was more happy that I just got to complete the race.  That lyme disease kicked me in the butt and I really didn't know if I was ever going to have the energy again.

The weekend after that, I ran my first 10K.  It was a last minute decision.  I was there alone, but found someone I knew there who is a great runner.  I was talking to her about it.  She was running the 5K.  Her name is Jinny.  It was a beautiful run.  On the trail, by a river, almost the entire time.  It was chilly, but sunny.  I just tried to keep my pace the entire run.  Every time I looked at my watch, I was at the same pace.  I couldn't believe it.  I told Kip I anticipated 1:15-1:30 finish time.  I came in at 1:04:36!  Holy cow!  I was so happy!  Jinny was there at the finish line cheering me in.  I thought it was so nice of her.  I felt great.  From that moment on, I knew I liked distance races and set in my mind to run a 1/2.

On Thanksgiving Day, Kip, Brady and I ran in a turkey trot (Brady begged us to do this one!).  Brady took off very fast and I stayed at my pace and made Kip go and slow him down.  He was mad, but I know he would not have the endurance at that pace to make the entire 5K.  I was right and he knew it!  I coached him the whole way and we had our best 5K times yet.  Brady - 31:29, Me - 31:33, Kip 31:44.  It was a great day!

Shortly after I signed up for a 1/2.  I've been training for it since.  I run about 4 days a week. 3 of those days I run  2-4 miles on those days, with some speed and hills thrown in and 1 of those days is my long run I run with Joanne.  I am VERY disciplined about getting my runs in, plus I crosstrain with the bike or step class another 2 days.  But it's working!

I'll give you 2 examples.  First, on the second long run Joanne and I ran together, we ran 6.2 miles.  It was a nice day, but our typically hilly route.  We ran it in 1:11.  It turned out to be an 11:27 pace.  Fine for a long run. I wasn't disappointed.  Last week, we ran 10.1 miles.  It was a horrible windy day.  Wind advisories were out.  40-50 mph wind gusts.  And it was our hilly route (VERY hilly).  We ran it in 1:54.  The pace:  11:17!  We took off 10 seconds per mile and the conditions were FAR worse!  That is one example that training works.  Second, yesterday I ran 3 miles.  I came in at 30:09.  I ran negative splits:  10:22, 10:15, 9:32.  Had I gone .1 more to make a 5K, I would've beat my best 5K time by over 30 seconds! 

I will continue to train the way I have for the past few months.  I know it works.  I have 3 weeks until my first half.  Am I nervous?  Yes!  Excited?  Yes!  But I will complete it because I've trained for it and I know, training really works!

Too much or just right?

I have struggled with my weight pretty much my whole life.  When I was in elementary school, I was definitely "chubby".  My father would tell you I was fat, although he didn't do anything to help me not be fat.  I'd lose weight, gain weight, lose weight, gain weight, etc...you know the deal, the yo-yo dieter.  That started at a very young age.

I am pretty happy with my body.  Note the word "pretty".  I have been at the weight I am at now for about 9 months or so.  It's been constant, fluctuating just like any weight does because of excess water weight and stuff like that.  I really wish I could be about 5 pounds lighter, but not sure that is in the cards.  Currently, I am 5'5 and weigh around 133-135.  That's where it is almost EVERY day.  I was hoping to be 130 or so. 

I workout faithfully about 6 times a week.  I said to Kip the other day, "I can't believe I haven't lost any more weight.  I workout more than I ever have...you would think it would be flying off me."  Really...I think I should have lost a little bit.  I know,  however, I am in the best physical condition of my life.  That number just gets me.  I should throw out the scale I think.  Granted, I don't eat perfect.  I certainly have a cookie or two but believe me, I don't overdo it.  And I think for the amount of work I do, I should be allowed to eat a little junk.  There might be the problem. 

Kip has a different take on it.  He seems to think it's because I am not eating often enough.  He says I might not be getting enough calories and I should eat smaller meals.  That's hard to do.  I find it to be tough when I am running around all of the time.

I have also mentioned to Kip that I would like to join a gym when Nicholas goes to kindergarten in the fall.  I LOVE to exercise, but I am very limited on what I can do here at the house.  Maybe I need to shock my body with some different exercises.  Who knows?  If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. 

Maybe my weight shouldn't be a concern.  My BMI is good after all.  In the end, maybe I don't weigh too much...maybe I'm just right. 

The brutal run

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...right?  I sure hope so!  Yesterday's 10.1 mile run was brutal to say the least.  Really, really tough.  By far, the toughest run I have ever encountered.

I knew it was going to be windy.  And I knew I had 10 miles to run.  What I didn't know was that it would take everything I had NOT to quit.   Got to Up-N-Running at 7:50, as did Joanne, and we were off at 8 am.  I could tell I was tired right off the bat (hours of working fish fry the night before certainly made me extra tired!)...I could tell as we made our way up that first hill.  Let me also make note that this is a VERY hilly route. 

We got about 3 miles in and we started up a decent hill.  As soon as we started, a wind gust was right at our face, pushing us down the hill practically.  Wind gusts were between 40 and 50 mph.  It was crazy!  I felt out of breath, a little nauseous and just plain bad!  I stopped to walk for a few steps.  I just couldn't handle to wind while I was trying to make it up this hill.  I just wanted to tell Joanne I was done and would walk back.  But I didn't.  I stayed the course.

About mile 5, I started to feel much better.  My breathing was good.  My legs were ok.  I thought...ok, I'm halfway there.  Joanne said she was feeling better too.  About mile 7 or so, we had a double hill.  Pretty steep too!  Ughh!  It was tough.  But we did it!  Mile 9, I hit a wall.  Oh my!  I was so tired.  My legs hurt.  I just kept thinking how am I going to make 13.1?  But it was a tough day with the wind and the hills and my exhaustion.  Our time was 1:54 for 10.1.  I thought it would have been much, much worse.  It actually was a respectable time.  It broke down to about an 11:17 mile.  Really not bad considering the circumstances.

So glad I got it done!  So glad I had Joanne!  On to next week...less than 4 weeks until my half!  Woo-hoo!  Hopefully, it won't be so brutal!  And the run didn't kill me...I do feel a little bit stronger!

This not so fast momma is getting faster!

I've had a great week of training.  I really have!  On Sunday, as already blogged, I ran 9.33 miles in 1:41!  That I was so proud of.  To go that distance with a pace of under 11 min/mile...I was proud!  Then I ran 3 miles on Tues(?) in 30:15.  That breaks out to a 10:05 min/mile.  Fantastic!  On the bike yesterday, I couldn't believe how good I felt even at mile 9. I could feel myself getting stronger and I loved it!  But the icing on the cake?  That came today.  I decided that since I was reading of a lot of people doing 800m repeats, I thought I should give it a try.  I did 4 x 800s and I did fantastic!  My times ranged from 4:19 to 4:25. 

To someone who is really a fast runner, this might not seem like such a big deal.  But to me...it was a HUGE deal!  I'm exercising 5-6 days a week now.  About 4 days running, and then I generally get in 3 days biking (some overlap with the running) as well as a day of yoga or step class.  I think everything is helping me to get stronger.  And because I am getting stronger, I am getting faster.  Because I am getting faster, I am growing my confidence.  Do you see the cycle?

Maybe, just maybe someday I'll be fast.  I still look at those runners who make it look effortless and wish I could do that.  I know I'll never be there.  But maybe one day, I'll break a 30 min 5K!  That would be something.  For now, I'll bask in the glory of knowing that I am getting faster.  Even if ever so slightly, it's happening!  And I love it!

How great it feels...

Went on my weekly long run yesterday.  Typically, we go on Saturday, but we rescheduled because the weather was HORRIBLE on Saturday!  Who wants to run 9+ miles in 20-30 mile an hour winds and snow showers?  NOT ME!  Luckily, my running buddy texted me Friday night asking if we should reschedule.  What a great decision it turned out to be!

Usually, we run a pretty hilly route.  But yesterday, we decided to venture to the trail.  It's good to give yourself a change of scenery every now and again and give your body a different kind of run.  It was a beautiful day.  The sun was shining and it was mid 40s.  I like to call that perfect running weather.  We walked to the trail from my house.  It's only about .4 of a mile.  And then the run began.

We were really keeping a nice pace.  I could tell we were pushing it a bit more.  Not sure if that was because it was beautiful or because we were on the trail, but we definitely pushed a bit.  This was a long run, but when you have good conversation, it really isn't that bad.  We talked about all different kind of things.  Kids, running, husbands, books, food, etc.  It made us focus on other things besides the fact that we had 9 miles to run.

In the end, we ran 9.33 miles in 1:41!  It ended up being a 10:51/mile pace.  I love that!  Last week, we ran 8.17 miles in 1:36.  So we took off a lot of time for a longer run.  So, so proud of us.  It feels great!  Only 4 more miles to add for the half marathon.  It will be here in less than 5 weeks.  I can't believe it!  But this run certainly gave me some confidence...so glad we rescheduled because I know our time in the bad weather wouldn't have touched this and I really needed a good run.  And I got one. How great it feels!

Only 5 weeks to go

Oh my gosh!  I only have 5 weeks until my first half marathon!  I can't believe it!  I already feel myself getting nervous/anxious about it.  But I also know that I have done the training (although I still have a bit to go) and I can push my body.  Joanne tells me not to worry about it...I'll be fine!  That's my running partner, always encouraging!  I think she believes in me and my running ability more than I believe in myself!

So tomorrow we are scheduled for a 9+ mile run.  I actually am looking forward to it for the most part, except for 3 things:  snow, WIND and the hills!  I looked at the forecast this morning and we have the possibility of getting 2 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow morning.  Ugh!  As long as the roads are pretty clear, I don't have a problem with that.  The wind, that's another story.  I HATE running in wind.  It just makes it so difficult to catch your breath, so between the wind and the neverending hills tomorrow, well, I'm a little concerned.

Not sure of our route tomorrow.  We'll need to change it up a bit to get in the extra mile.  I actually like running different routes because my body never knows what is coming next.  I think it makes you push yourself just a little bit harder.  It's always nice to go back to the routes you know, but I think sometimes it gets boring.  Just my opinion.

Hopefully, the snow will be minimal, the wind will be nonexistant and the hills, well, the hills will be tolerable.  Those are my hopes for tomorrow's run.  Oh yes...and that I'll make it because 5 weeks is coming up quick!

Fartleks...ugh

So today, I decided to venture into the world of fartleks (or ladders).  I haven't done them in VERY long because I dread them!  The last time I did them I remember feeling like I had been run over by a train.  I hurt everywhere.  But I know that speedwork is important, so I decided to bite the bullet and do it.

Here was the plan:  5.0/5 min, walk/1 min, 5.3/4 min, walk/1 min, 5.5/3 min, walk/1 min, 6.0/2 min, walk/1min, 7.0/1 min, walk/1 min, 7.5/30 sec, walk/1 min...then go back down...I actually changed it up once I got to my 6.0.  Instead of 2 min, I did 2 1/2.  Then I did 2 at 7, 1 1/2 at 7.5 and 1 min at 8.  Went back down only to 5.8 (instead of 5.5 because I felt good) and threw in an 8.5 for 30 seconds in there.

The difference is amazing!  Granted it's been probably close to a year since I've done these, but at that time 6.0 was my fastest...today 8.5!  Woo-hoo!  I'm going to try to include these once a month or so and adjust as necessary.  Maybe they will help out with my speed.  All in all, I went 4 miles in 44 min.  Great considering I walked all of those recovery periods.

I do not feel like I was run over by a train.  That is the other AMAZING difference!  I feel pretty good.  During the whole thing, I felt pretty good.  Tired, yes.  A little breathless at the top speeds, yes.  But overall, pretty good.  I don't think I dread them anymore!

Conquering "the hill"

Today was my regular group run that's held at our local running store.  I always run these long runs with my friend, Joanne (I know I've mentioned her several times before).  The first time I went and ran there, I was shocked at how many hills there were, but one in particular seemed to kick me in the butt!  We'll refer to it as "the hill".  You'll always hit this hill a little over 1 mile from the end of the run.  So, it's when you are exhausted!  And this hill is long! 

I have never been able to run the entire hill.  Joanne always tells me "if you get to the car mailbox, you're 2/3 of the way there" and every time, I quit about there and start walking.  It truly is a tough hill!  UGH!  Today, I conquered that hill.  YES I DID!

We headed out for a 8+ mile run.  We went on a different route because we needed to add a couple of miles from the last we did.  I knew it was going to be hilly.  I've heard everyone talking about it.  They weren't lying.  It was tough.  At mile 3, I felt like it should've been mile 6.  A little after that, Joanne said "this is not for the faint of heart".  She was right.  It took everything I had in me today to complete it. 

About 2 1/2 miles from the end, I started getting a second wind.  I don't know if it was the chomps I was eating that gave me the extra energy or just knowing that we were getting close to the finish, but I definitely could feel something going on.  And then it was time for "the hill".  I actually kept my head down instead of looking straight ahead because I didn't want to know how much more I had left.  I just wanted to keep at it.  I didn't want to fail.  I wanted to conquer it and I did!  The feeling I felt at the top was unreal!  So, so happy!

I couldn't have done it without Joanne.  She motivates me, she inspires me and most of all, she encourages me - every time we run!  She believes in me.  Not to mention, I love to run with her.  We talk the entire time.  And talking certainly makes 8 miles more enjoyable.  As does conquering "the hill"!

To run or not to run...in the Spring Thaw...that is the ?

So, there is a race coming up next weekend called the Spring Thaw.  You can run 10, 15 or 20 miles.  I, of course, would do the 10, as that is where I am at with my training.  I have yet to register for it (I know I am late!) because I was not quite confident enough to take it on.  But I am truly considering it now.  It is on the same course my first half will be on.  That 1/2 is scheduled for March 31st.

A friend of mine is running in the race.  I asked her if I could run along side of her.  She said YES!  So I think I am going to register for it today.  If I complete that 10 mile race, I think it would give me a boost of confidence for the 1/2 on March 31st.  I haven't told my husband yet.  Hopefully he won't mind so much!

On another note, got in a good 10 miles on the bike today.  Hoping to get out and run 2 or 3 later, but I certainly was pleased to get that in.  I've been trying to bike once or twice a week to work some different leg muscles.  I think it helps.  We'll see this weekend when I have my long run with Joanne.  I'm hoping to do 9.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this time.  There is certainly no guarantee for that!

Here's to a great day!

Back on track

Last week was crazy for me with the planning of Saturday's huge school fundraiser.  It threw all of my running and additional workouts off a little, so I really didn't get in the miles I think I needed to.  I did, however, finish the week strong (my week is from Mon-Sun) with a 6.05 mile run on the treadmill yesterday.  I feel pretty good about that.  What I didn't feel good about is that I hadn't worked out since Friday.  And it wasn't just because I was busy.  We were supposed to have our long run on Saturday, but it was SNOWING a lot and very, very windy.  So we decided to bag it.  Weather was definitely an issue.

This week, I plan on getting back on track.  I hope to work out at least 5 days this week with about 15-20 miles of running.  It's still quite cold out today and since I did a long run yesterday afternoon, I probably will just ride the bike today for about 30 minutes or so.  The bike isn't quite as hard on my legs or knees and I am sure they will appreciate the break.  I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

The fundraiser is behind me.  It was GREAT in more ways than one!  Now starts the church fish fries for the next 7 weeks. But at least I'll have most of my days back.  The fundraiser just took so much of my time and energy.  I was truly exhausted last week.  I think I'm starting to get my energy back.  Yep...it's time to get back on track!

I need to slow down!

NO...not at running.  I need to slow down with doing other things.  Tomorrow is our school's fundraiser.  It's a huge reverse raffle.  My friend, Kathy, and I are in charge of it.  This week has been full of stress, nine thousand text messages, many, many phone calls and endless running around.  I'm exhausted!  UGH!

I've tried to keep up with my training, but this week proved to be tough.  Although I did make sure I did get some workouts in if only to keep the stress level at bay.  But my running wasn't terrific.  I'm supposed to have a long run tomorrow.  That would be GREAT!  It would be a good way to start the day before the chaos of the event night.  BUT...it's supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow.  Yep, another reason I am stressed!  We don't need snow for the event and my run!  We'll see what happens.  I can't do much about the snow besides pray we don't get hammered.

I am looking forward to Sunday.  Going to church, coming home, throwing on my jammies and staying in them ALL DAY long!  I'm hoping that happens.  I'm not sure it will, but that's what I really want to do.  And sleep.  I need to catch up on sleep.  But next week start's our church fish fries for 7 weeks.  Did I mention I do a lot for that too!  I need to slow down in my every day stuff and get faster at running.  Is that possible?

A little pep in my step!

So this not so fast momma had a nice short run today!  I decided I would head out for a short one mile run today with one goal:  Break 10 minutes.  I know, that might seem like a joke to some that are quick runners, but to me, it's no joke!  I haven't been under 10 minutes since before my lyme disease.  That was the end of June.  And I was only that fast because I focused on speed work for a 2K for weeks.  Right now I am focusing on endurance more than speed for the 1/2 marathon.  But today...today was a great day!  I ran my mile in 9:36!  Woo-hoo!  I was so excited!

Actually, I'm still on a little high.  So, you know that the next time I try for the mile time trial, it has to be under 9:30, right?  That's just the way it works for me.  I'm always wanting to get better.

Back to the 1/2 marathon.  It's coming up soon.  7 1/2 weeks to be exact!  Holy cow!  When I think about it, I actually get really nervous and tend to doubt myself.  But I know my friends will pull me across the finish line.  My running buddy, Joanne, is so encouraging to me when we run.  I think she can always tell when I need to hear, "you're doing great!" because she seems to say it at just the right time.  I know she will be there waiting for me along with my other friends cheering me on.  It's going to be a great day! 

I'm not looking to finish the 1/2 in any specific time.  I just want to finish.  And I want to finish strong!  Hopefully, the hard work and training will pay off.  I'm sure it will and it will be an accomplishment that I never would have imagined.  I'm a runner now...how about that?

The stress of it all!

So this week is a really stressful week.  My friend, Kathy, and I are in charge of the school's biggest fundraiser.  The fundraiser is a reverse raffle which is being held on Saturday night.  Not only is it a reverse raffle, but we have many other things going on that night as well.  A chinese auction, silent auction and a live auction.  It's a great night filled with a lot of fun and excitement!

BUT...it's a lot of work to plan.  I'm sure I'll be at the school every day this week, as well as several nights.  So needless to say, I'm a little stressed.  So to get rid of some of that stress, I decided to go for a run today.  Horrible idea!  Everything felt bad, especially on my left side.  I have this big toe issue that has been bothering me for about a month now.  Not sure what is going on, but it hurts.  Not all of the time, but through most of my runs.  Then my left hamstring and calf were really tight as well.  UGH!  So, it wasn't my best run.  Good thing I forgot my watch.  I think my time would've been HORRIBLE!  I did end up doing 3.2 though.

I felt a little bit bad when I came in after that run because I knew it wasn't such a great run.  So to make up for it, I rode the bike for just over 5 miles.  It felt much better on my body and I felt better knowing that I did a little more.  And wouldn't you know, I forgot about everything that needed done for the fundraiser.  My mind was clear, if for just a short while.  I love exercise!

It was a great kind of running day!

My usual Saturday morning partner, Joanne, couldn't run this morning.  So I was left to do my long run on my own.  Not that I haven't done it before, but it has gotten more enjoyable to have someone with me. 

This morning, my hubby said to me "do you want me to run with you?"  I said, " Are you going to run all 7 with me?"  I knew he would struggle with that distance.  He hasn't run since November.  So we decided that I would run the 4.5 or so to begin (that's the hilly road work) and he would meet me at the trail to finish up the last 3 1/2.

I had a great pace going through the 4.5.  Kip and I met there at the exact same time, I was coming up the hill, he was coming down it.  He was surprised to see me as he left the house a little early, but my pace was really good.  Then it hit...a wall.  I started feeling really bad...tired, no energy.  But it didn't last long!  Then I got back into my rhythm.  We slowed down a bit for Kip, as he has a bit of a cold and as I mentioned before he hasn't run since November.  But I didn't mind slowing down.  I just enjoyed having some company! 

All in all, I ran 8 miles in 1:29:39.  I think it came out to a 11:13 pace.  Great for a long run for me!  Kip seems to think it would've been around 1:15, but I didn't slow that much for him.  I maybe could've picked up 4-5 minutes, no more.  I felt great after the run.  We'll see how the body feels tomorrow.  I wanted to get in 7 today and I got in 8...now that's a success! :)

Holy cow...I'm still running!

In January 2011, I told myself I wanted to run a 5K.  I did that just so I could prove to myself that I could do it.  I wanted to complete something athletic before I turned 40.

I would never have told you prior to me running that I am an athlete.  Sure, I played volleyball in high school for 2 years.  But I wasn't great at it.  I'm much better at it now.  I am not a natural athlete.  If I want to do something athletic, I have to work really, really hard at it.  My husband is a natural athlete.  He could probably play almost any sport.  Not me!

Don't get me wrong...I love playing sports.  I just find it fun.  I'm not great at many sports, but I am kind of competitive.  OK...I'm really competitive.  I like to win.  So it's funny that I run, because I am not fast (hence the name of my blog).  I'll never win at running.  Never.  There are just soooo many people out there who are much, much faster than me.  But I'm ok with that.  I am.  I'm just proud of myself for doing it.

Today, while I was running on the dreadmill I realized that holy cow...I'm still running!  I think when I said I was going to run a 5K, I figured I would run it and be done.  But not so.  I've run several 5Ks and a 10K and I'm registered for 2 half marathons this year.  I'm still running!  The girl who was never athletic is an athlete.  Who would've believed that?  Not me.

The good with the bad

So yesterday proved to be good in some ways and bad in some ways.  The good was that I was able to get my run in and did pretty well.  It was a nice day, although VERY windy with gusts of 30 miles an hour, but I was able to get in 3 miles at 32 minutes.   Totally happy with that.  So I was thinking to myself that this wasn't going to be such a bad day.  But I was wrong.

Not sure what happened.  My dog had surgery which I was prepared for, but when she got home, she just looked so sad.  It broke my heart.  And then that stupid cone she has to wear.  She bumped into so much and looked at me almost begging to take that thing off.  Again, it broke my heart.  Then I broke a present my son got.  Not on purpose...I tripped over it.  It was only a month old and cost $160.  Crap!  Are you kidding me?  We just had to pay the deductible for my husband's auto accident, the surgery for my dog, the school tuition (my kids go to a Catholic school) and now this!  I just sat there and cried!  My daughter came over and tried to console me a little bit.  Barely had time to scarf down some dinner as I had a meeting and the whole breaking of the gift happened at about 5:30.   Ugh! 

However, at the meeting, some of my friends told me to return the item that broke to the store that it had to be defective.  I will try to do that before I panic.  If they take it back, I will be SOOOO happy. 

I slept in the living room with the dog last night just because I was worried about her.  So needless to say I did not get much sleep at all!  I am very tired today.  Not sure I'll get a run in.  If I don't, I'll go and workout with my neighbor and then run tomorrow.  Hopefully, today will be all good and no bad.  We'll see...

A little of everything

So this is going to be a mixed bag.  I'm exhausted today.  I actually fell asleep for a little while at about 7:30 or so...pretty pathetic, right?  My husband and I went out last night to a reverse raffle and we were big LOSERS, but we had a great time with our friends!  Didn't fall asleep until about 1 and was up at 6:30ish to get ready for 8 am mass.  Then today I went to the open house our school was holding and then for 3 hours of bowling with the cub scouts.  Fun, yes!  Tiring, yes!  That could explain my exhaustion.

On a good note, I went for my long run yesterday with Joanne at a group run my favorite running store, Up-N-Running, was holding.  It was a nice morning to run.  About 32 or so, cloudy, not too windy.  We wanted to run between 6 and 7 miles and we did.  We came in at 6.2 miles in 1:11.  I was happy with that because I don't really worry about time on long runs.  It's all about building endurance.  What I was really happy with is that this is only the 2nd time I've gone on this group run.  The first time, the hills kicked my butt!  I was actually kind of dreading going this time because of how many hills there were.  But I felt MUCH better this time!  I think because I was mentally prepared for them.  I still didn't make it up that last, very long, hill, but I came closer.  Next time, I'll conquer that hill.  It will not win!  But until then, I'm satisfied.

On another note, I'm hungry.  I'm trying not to think about it because I know if I go and eat something, I'm not going to be satisfied with something healthy.  But I'll try to choose healthy over non-healthy.  I'll try...if I eat anything at all.  I'll let you know what I chose to do tomorrow.  Until then...

Stress...what to do?

Yep...I'm stressed.  I, along with my dear friend Kathy, are the chairpeople for a huge fundraiser at school and we're a little bit behind.  Especially in ticket sales.  And...I also co-chair fish fries during Lent for our church.  That will be here before you know it.   So I have tasks/assignments/responsibilities for both.  On top of day to day stuff.  So I'm a little stressed!

I think everyone does something different when they are stressed.  I typically eat.  Chocolate, preferably!  I am going to write an entire blog sometime soon on my love for chocolate.  It makes me feel good.  No really...it does!  If I can't have chocolate, then it has to be some other kind of sweet treat.  You can say I have a sweet tooth.  I love sweets...cookies, cake, candy, especially chocolate!  So when I am stressed, I usually eat something sweet and feel better.  Not such a great thing to do for my body, I know.

Well...today instead of eating chocolate, I rode the bike for 30 minutes.  10 miles later, I felt much better.  Hmmm...I might be onto something here.  Maybe I will try exercising instead of eating when I am stressed.  I'm not sure if that is totally going to work though, because I am still thinking about that chocolate.  But instead, I am going to try to think about all of the good I just did by riding the bike. 

What do you do when you are stressed?  I also tend to get a little snippy.  My family takes the brunt of that.  Unfortunately for them!  Chocolate, however, seems to keep my snippy comments at bay.  Yes...I love that chocolate, but today, I love the bike!

Next time...I'm getting those hills

So I went out for my run today.  Wanted to do somewhere between 3 and 4 miles and decided on my usual 3.2 which I use when I am looking for that distance.  This 3.2 is a somewhat hilly course.  Not all of it, but it does have several hills that can kick you in the butt!  The worst of the hills is at the very end.   I dread that hill...actually it's 2 in a row.  One shorter one, then it flattens out for about 10-20 strides or so and onto the longer, steeper one.  I start thinking about those hills when I hit the halfway point and turn around to come back home.  I hate that I do that to myself, but I do!

So anyway...today I tried not to think about it too much. (Of course, I did think about it but I certainly tried not too!)  I was having a pretty good run, I felt good and really thought I could do it this time.  That is what I thought at the beginning of the first hill as it flattened out, I was getting tired, sore and those negative thoughts started getting going in my mind.  Made it about 1/2 way up the second hill and I stopped and walked for about 20 steps or so and then started the run again.  Ughhh!  Those stupid negative thoughts kill me every time.  Next time, I will not have it!  I will make it up both of the hills.  I will!  Those hills will not get the best of me anymore.

All in all, it was a good run today.  Not too bad...35:46.  It worked out the 11 min/miles.  I'm happy with that!  I have another run tomorrow and then a long one with the group on Saturday.  I will probably try to take on the double hill on Monday.  I'll let you know how it goes!

The Climb

Yesterday, we were on the bus on the way home from the March for Life and I sat back and turned on my ipod.  A song came on and reminded me of how far I have come in such a short time (as far as running, that is!).  The lyrics really have a way of hitting home for me.  What is that song?  The Climb by Miley Cyrus.

Now, I'm not a Miley Cyrus fan, but this song really does something to me, from the very beginning of it. "I can almost see it, that dream I'm dreaming, but there's a voice inside my head, saying you'll never reach it".  How true that was for me!  When I started running, it was so hard (heck, some days it's still hard!).  That dream of running a 5K seemed so far away to me.  And there would always be the voice saying, it's too hard, I'm too tired, it hurts, you'll never make it.  Sometimes when I run, that voice still talks negatively to me.  But it happens less now.  And when it does happen, I know better.  I know to talk myself out of it. 

"Ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about what's waiting on the other side, it's the climb".  It is about the climb.  The climb gets me emotional.  What a journey!  I might not be fast, I might not medal in these races, but I climbed and conquered it!  I was able to run several 5Ks and a 10K.  And to be climbing the mountain to get to the top of my first 1/2 marathon...how wonderful that will be!

There WILL always be another mountain and I'm gonna want to make it move.  As long as I appreciate the climb and all I've done to get there and conquer it, then that will be what matters.  Someone once told me, if running was easy, the streets would be full of people.  How true!  It's not easy.  It's hard.  Especially for those that don't have that natural athletic ability.  But the climb is what makes us stronger and fight harder.  It makes us sweat more, go for more and cry more.  So I'll keep on moving, keep on climbing and for sure, I'll keep the faith.  It's the climb!

Finally, a feel good workout!

As you might have picked up from some of my recent posts, my confidence in my running was wavering.  I really needed a distance run that I could feel good about.  Today, I did that!  FINALLY!

After doing a bunch of housework, laundry and grocery shopping, I made the decision to go to my inlaws (a big thank you to them for allowing me to use their treadmill whenever I need to) and run on the treadmill.  I told myself 6...I need to get to 6 miles.  So I got situated, got the extra mile podcast going on the ipod and I began.  I felt great!  I actually couldn't believe how good I felt today while running.  It had been a long time since I felt that good.  I wanted to take it slow and just worry about the distance, not the time.  12:00/mile is where I wanted to be and I came in just under that.  I ran 6 in 1:11:15.  It really was a good run.  So happy! :)

This was my first time working out to a podcast.  I really enjoyed it.  I found the time went by really quickly because I was listening to the interview with Jeff Galloway, the advice and everything else.  I think I'm going to download the next one for my next long run.  I ran longer than the podcast, but it was a good 45 minutes long.  My music kicked in after that!  This run was just what I needed.  Yep...it was a good day!  Tomorrow will be even better though because my little guy turns 5!

Really? That's a jog?

So I follow Courtney Crozier from Biggest Loser 11 on twitter.  I really have always liked her (because she was always so bubbly and positive on the show) and continue to be inspired by her.  But something struck me as crazy today.  She posted on her blog Brett's (BL former trainer) treadmill workout that she uses.  This is what it said :

BRETT’S TREADMILL WORKOUT!:
Warm up in any way you usually do (I walk at a 12 incline at 3.0 for 5 minutes)
-5 sets of jogging intervals! 2 minutes on, 1 minute off
2 minutes on run at a fast jog/slow run (I run at a 7.5-8.0)
… 1 minute of walking at a very slow pace (2.0-2.5)
Do that 5 times for a total of 15 minutes
THEN
-6 sets of sprint intervals! 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off
30 seconds at a full out sprint (I do these at a 10.0-11.0 depending on the day)
30 seconds walking at a very slow pace (2.0-2.5)
Do that 6 times for a total of 6 minutes
THEN
-Jog a half mile at your own pace (I usually do it at a 6.5)
THEN
Cool down! Walk it out at your own pace.

Let me just make mention of a couple of things.  First, my inlaws treadmill doesn't even go up to a 12!  Second, fast jog/slow run to her is 7.5/8.0.  Are you kidding me?  A fast jog, slow run to me is somewhere between 5.0 and 5.5.  Then full sprint is 10-11?  REALLY???  I have never even been up that high.  I don't think my legs could move that fast!  LOL!  Does the treadmill go up that high?  My sprint is usually a 7.0 -8.0.  I once did a 9 for 30 seconds.  Then at the end it says "jog (note the word jog) a 1/2 mile at your own pace", she does at 6.5.  That is certainly not a jog to me, it's an all out run, bordering on hard run.  This just blew my mind!  Ughhhh...I'm slower than I thought!

If you have any comments on this, let me know.  I do really like Courtney and following her.  She does go on to say in her blog to remember that these are her speeds and we don't need to use them.  And that you can walk if you need to, but I can honestly say that blog did not do anything good for my confidence.  No way!  Good workout, yes!  Unrealistic speeds, yes!  That's all I have to say about that!

Not just 1 half, but 2!

Well, today I did something that might just be crazy.  I registered for a second half marathon.  What's crazy about that?  I haven't even run my first one yet.  HA!  Do you believe that?

Some friends of mine convinced me to register for a half marathon to be held on March 31st.  I had mentioned it in my blog this week, but hadn't committed until today.  I had already registered for the Pittsburgh half which is on May 6th.  The Pittsburgh half was going to be my first.  Well, I just cut my training time by 5 weeks.  I better get my butt in gear I tell you!

There is no turning back once you register.  That is, unless you just want to throw money away.  Which I can't imagine anyone would want to do.  Registering for a race gives you the drive to go out there and get it, especially on those days you just don't want to.  It commits you to train.  Because you don't want to go out there and not be ready.  At least I don't!

There are 2 really good things about this race I just registered for.  Your registration fee includes a pair of Asics shorts and socks!  Woo-hoo!  How cool is that?  The other good thing is that my friends that helped me decide to do it, will also be running. They are all faster than me.  Why is that good?  Well, because I'll have my own cheering section at the end of my very first half!  And what can be better than that...

3 more miles down...not so fast (of course)

OK...so I decided to run tonight on my inlaws treadmill.  I didn't have to as I ran 4 miles yesterday, but I thought I better get my butt in gear if I am going to not die on this 1/2 marathon.  So I went over a little before 7pm.  I had hoped to get in 5, but only did 3.  Yep...I stopped.  So mad at myself, but I didn't have it in me tonight.  I ran about a 12 min. mile.  That stinks, believe me, I know.

I'm struggling this week with my confidence.  Don't know why, I just am.  It's having an affect on my time and its even made me shorten my runs.  I have to get over it...I have to!  Like I need to get over it this week.  I think what I need is a long run so that I can believe in myself once again.  A good long run.

But at least I did 3, right?  And at night too!  I am typically a morning run.  That's when I have my energy.  But I don't want to make excuses, just trying to be proud of myself for making the effort to get the run in.  Until tomorrow...

My not so fast run, but it's all good!

So, I had been off a couple of days (ok...more than a couple).  But it really all wasn't my fault.  A family emergency needed dealt with.  But, I'm back to the running.  After all, I have a 1/2 marathon coming up before I know it.  I am registered for the Pittsburgh 1/2 on May 6th.  But a couple of friends of mine have convinced me to register for one on March 31st.  Yep - 2 of them!  Can you believe it?  But that means I cannot slack off...AT ALL!

Decided on a 4 mile run.  It's about 4 miles, probably a little more.  It had 4 very nice hills.  When I say very nice, I do not mean nice to look at.  I mean not so nice to run.  You get my drift, right?  I felt pretty good during the majority of the run until the last 2 hills.  They are truly back to back and at the last 1/2 mile of the run.  They do not make me happy!  So my time was 44:41.  I know, not so fast! (Now do you get why I titled my blog what I did?)

Don't get me wrong...it's all good!  After all, I got out there.  I ran what I could.  Did I overly push myself like I would do if I was racing?  NO.  Not that it would make that much of a difference.  A little, but not that much.  However, I noticed something today.  I've lost a little bit of confidence in my running ability.  Not sure why or how it happened, but I feel it.  I feel like it's not quite good enough.  Gotta work through this.  Fast or not fast, I have 2 1/2 marathons coming up and I need to be confident.  I'll reflect on it a little tonight and maybe revisit it tomorrow.  Until then...it's all good!

Getting beyond the thighs

I looked in the mirror this morning and thought to myself  "I look pretty good for 40".  I wouldn't say I'm skinny and I'm definitely not fat, I'd say I'm just right except for 1 thing...my thighs!

Gosh, if I could just have nice looking thighs.  I've struggled with that my whole life and I've struggled with weight issues a good part of it.  Not that I was ever obese (with the exception of elementary school...I think I would've been classified as obese then), but I would say I was overweight.  I was truly "skinny" 2 times in my life.  Once right out of college.  That was only because any money I made went straight to rent, utilities, car and insurance.  Sometimes I just didn't have much to eat because I didn't have any money to buy food.  My husband will attest to this.  He was still in college when I had my first apartment (I'm a little older than him).  He'd come over to visit and he says he'd look in my refrigerator and think "oh my gosh".  Why?  Because there wasn't much there.  I'd live on yogurt, bagels, pasta and some microwave meals.  That's about it.  I dropped down to 116.  I'm about 5'5.

The second time was after my second child, Brady, was born.  Not sure why, but I dropped weight really fast.  Again, I fell to about 119 or so.  Unreal and I knew it wouldn't last.  And it didn't!

One day, when I was at that 116 right out of college, I was at my dad's house.  My grandma was there and we were outside getting some sun on the deck.  She looked at me and said "well, you've lost the weight, now you have to work on those thighs".  Yep...I'll never forget it.  It replays in my head all of the time.  So, my thighs will never be what I want them to be.

I've been running for one year now.  A year ago, I weighed between 151 and 152.  My highest ever except when I was pregnant.  I was down and didn't know what else to do.  I complained about it every day to my husband.  That's when I started running and I dropped about 20 pounds.  Currently, I weight around 133.  I did get down to 130 and I often fluctuate between 130 and 135.  I'm happy with that.  Yep, I'm ok with it.  My thighs might still bug me, but the overall picture is good.  I worked hard to get back here and I'm going to be proud of it! 

No snowy road running for me!

So today I was supposed to run 6 miles with my friend, Joanne.  We run with a group from a local running store on Saturdays in our training for the Pittsburgh half marathon.  But it snowed yesterday and last night and when I woke up this morning, I looked outside and thought, "there is no way I am going to run on this today and risk hurting myself!"  Soooo...I sent Joanne a message (as of yesterday she said she was still going) and told her I was out.  Then I went back to bed.  I felt a little guilty, I have to admit!

Soon after I got a message from Joanne saying her hubby came in from getting the newspaper and said the roads were snow covered so she was not running either.  Phew!  She said she was secretly hoping I'd have the same reaction she did when she got out of bed.  Glad I didn't let her down.

Now that's not to say that I get off without running.  I have to run!  When you have already registered for an event, you can't let up.  So, I will have to go to my inlaws to run on their treadmill (by the way, I HATE running on the treadmill).  But I'm glad they have one because I do not have a membership to the gym.  I would like a membership, but don't have one YET!  Hopefully I will convince my hubby sometime this year.  Until then, I'll call up my inlaws and ask them if I can use their workout facility.  They have yet to say no. 

6 miles, here I come!

I love food!

So I have been eating too much lately.  Not necessarily bad foods, but too much.  I seem to get hungry every couple of hours and, well, I love food!

I'm part Italian.  I grew up with an Italian grandma who had food out every time anyone visited.  She'd tell me on the phone to come over and we would have some coffee "and."   What followed "and" was whatever she had in the house.  Cookies, candy, cake, bread...that's what you had with your coffee.  And then she'd offer you some leftovers of some kind.  Are you hungry? she'd ask.  How about some cavatelli?  How about some chicken and sausage?  How about some soup?  I think my grandma believed everyone was hungry all of the time and that the key to happiness was through your belly.  You know what?  I loved it!  I loved going to her house to sit and have a cup of coffee (with grounds in it of course!) and something to eat.  I loved catching up with her that way.  Because it made her happy.

Food makes me happy.  Coffee makes me happy.  I have tried over the past year to eat better...and I do.  I really do.  But that doesn't mean I don't have a piece of chocolate (have a mentioned I LOVE CHOCOLATE!) or a cookie.  I do.  But I also eat healthier.  I am not a health nut.  I applaud those who are.  I'd love to learn from them.  I don't think I could go through life without sweets.  I definitely have a sweet tooth.

Getting back to eating too much, I have been doing that lately and I need to be better.  So I'll check in here every now and then and let you know how I am doing.  I am going to try to drink more water to curb the growling of my stomach.  I am also going to try to do a chore every time I think I am hungry (unless it is meal time).  What do you think of that?  I hope it works, but my love for food might win out.  We'll see!  If you have any suggestions, let me know.  I'd love to hear from you! 

The meaning to the title

So, when I decided I was going to write a blog, my daughter's first question was what are you going to call it?  I thought about this for quite a while and came up with the current title, "Not So Fast Momma!"  Do you want to know why?  (Even if you don't, I'm going to tell you!)

That title came to me for 2 reasons.  The first is that I am a newbie runner.  Yes, I have been running for about a year now...BUT I am NOT fast!  So there you have it...I am a not so fast momma.  I enjoy runnning.  It gives me time to unwind, unstress and for once in my life, it allows me to do something for me.  We, as moms, are so used to doing everything for everyone else (our husband,  kids, church, school, family, friends, etc) we never seem to take time for us.  I do now.  And I feel great about it.  Even when I go out for an hour to 2 hour run, I don't feel guilty.  I used to, but I don't anymore because I deserve it!

Anyway, getting back to the not so fast part.  I typically run a 10-11 min mile.  Yep...there you have it!  I am not fast.  I have run a 9:05 mile, but that is only when I am running a VERY short distance.  I'm just slow!  I have to accept it.  That's all there is to it.  When I ran my first 10k in November 2011, I finished in 1:04:37.  That was about a 10:25/mile pace.  I was thrilled with that!

Second reason for the title:  I need to slow down in life sometimes.  Although I don't work outside of the house (I'm a stay at home mom), I am constantly volunteering.  Whether at the school, church, scouts, etc.  You name it, I do it!  And I have a hard time saying "no".  But I'm learning.  And one of my goals this year is to slow down.  To not feel obligated to do everything.  That it's ok to say no.  There are plenty of other people to do it, right?

So there you have it.  I hope to share my running accomplishments and struggles (especially as I train for my first 1/2 marathon) and my attempt to slow down.  Hopefully, we can help each other!  Let the day and the blog BEGIN!