So, I had surgery last Monday (5/12) and recovery has gone a little slower than I had anticipated. Most of the pain is now gone, but my stomach has not been happy. I've been limited bland foods because anything else makes my stomach go haywire! Ugh!
I think (I hope) I am turning the corner with that. I took my son out for dinner last night at Texas Roadhouse. It was a fundraiser for a cousin that has Prader-Willi syndrome and Friday is Brady's birthday so I thought "why not?" Looked at the menu and knew I couldn't eat most so I went with the veg plate. Here was my order: salad (no cheese or egg) with honey mustard on the side, fresh veggies, sweet potato (cinnamon butter on side) and Apple sauce. Barely used the dressing or butter and I really do mean that. It was good. Best thing? My belly didn't get upset!
Today, I feel pretty good. I might head out for a short run/walk to see how it goes. First exercise since I ran the Pittsburgh relay on 5/4. That's when I got sick. I'm ready to get back to it. I'm ready to reach for my goals. I'm ready to prepare for the MCM and Dopey challenge. Let's do this!
My favorite running pic!
The Buffalo Creek Half
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Alive and still running...barely!
I've been met with some challenges in the past year or so. I was training for the 2013 Pittsburgh marathon and was doing so well. Hit 20 miles several times but then all was shattered. I injured my IT band and kept running. And it kept getting worse and worse until walking was painful. By the time I saw my PT, as hard as we worked, there was no way I could run the marathon. Devastated! I cried so many tears over that. Training for so hard and not running, watching your friends run it without you...it was hard!
But I worked at getting my IT better and finally was able to run again. I did several 5ks over the summer and even broke 30min on one of them. I'm back! Well, I thought so, but I seemed to lose some motivation. Maybe it was because I didn't have a race I was training for at the time. I don't know.
I was asked to run in the relay of the Pittsburgh marathon on a May 4 of this year. I would be running the 4th leg...6.1 miles total. I didn't train as well as I could have as a month before the race I got sick and ended up with what they thought was the flu and then bronchitis. But I went and vowed to do my best. Race day, my run started great, but then, my stomach was not happy! Now I have never had stomach issues on a race nor have I ever had to use a porta potty during a half, let alone 6 miles. But I had to stop several times. Ugh! The pain was crazy. But I finished. I believe my pace was 11:11 m/m, even with the stops. Happy with that!
Not happy to go to the ER the next day because of pain in my right upper abdomen. To make a long story short, after days of tests, my gall bladder was not functioning the way it should. Surgery was this past Monday to remove it. So now I am recovering from that.
I have MCM and the Dopey challenge to train for. I really could use a break now. I, mentally, am ready to go out there and train. If only my body will give me the green light!
But I worked at getting my IT better and finally was able to run again. I did several 5ks over the summer and even broke 30min on one of them. I'm back! Well, I thought so, but I seemed to lose some motivation. Maybe it was because I didn't have a race I was training for at the time. I don't know.
I was asked to run in the relay of the Pittsburgh marathon on a May 4 of this year. I would be running the 4th leg...6.1 miles total. I didn't train as well as I could have as a month before the race I got sick and ended up with what they thought was the flu and then bronchitis. But I went and vowed to do my best. Race day, my run started great, but then, my stomach was not happy! Now I have never had stomach issues on a race nor have I ever had to use a porta potty during a half, let alone 6 miles. But I had to stop several times. Ugh! The pain was crazy. But I finished. I believe my pace was 11:11 m/m, even with the stops. Happy with that!
Not happy to go to the ER the next day because of pain in my right upper abdomen. To make a long story short, after days of tests, my gall bladder was not functioning the way it should. Surgery was this past Monday to remove it. So now I am recovering from that.
I have MCM and the Dopey challenge to train for. I really could use a break now. I, mentally, am ready to go out there and train. If only my body will give me the green light!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The 20 mile run!
Last Thursday, I was scheduled to head out with my friends for a 20 mile run. When we woke up, it was a balmy 8 degrees, so we decided to meet a little later than we usually do just to give it a chance to warm up outside. We decided to meet at 10:30. It did warm up some by the time we met, at 21 degrees and a bit of a breeze.
So, where we do our long runs now is at a park that has a 5 mile loop. That means 4 times around for the 20. UGH! Our first 2 times around were really good. I felt great! Our mission was to go slow on this training run and just make it as our longest run prior was 17 miles. We were following our plan nicely. Each time around, we stopped at the car and filled up our water bottles and grabbed a snack if we needed one. After the second lap, Linda was hurting with her foot and sciatica. Both Marilyn and I told her not too push it. So she left at about mile 12. Marilyn has run 4 other marathons and is pretty fast. Much, much faster than me. But she stayed with me, which was so nice! :)
At mile 15 or so, I stopped to use the restroom and told her I needed to slow down a bit. I knew she had time constraints and told her I was ok, she could go. I'm not a quitter. I would make it no matter what. She left about mile 15.5. What does that mean? I was on my own. Yep...the last 4.5 on my own.
So, I dug deep. Turned my music up, grabbed some animal crackers and headed off. At about mile 17.5, I really hit a wall. I was sore, tired, hungry, but I knew I couldn't quit. I told myself, "You got this! Only 2.5 left! Don't stop!" Gave myself permission to do whatever I needed to make it. I think I stayed pretty strong. When that watch hit 20 miles, I was beside myself. I couldn't believe it! I got into my car and cried. I did it! I made 20 miles. It took me a long time, I know. 3 hours and 55 minutes, but I don't care. It wasn't about the time. It was about the distance. It was about accomplishing something I NEVER thought I could. EVER. It was about finding the strength hidden inside of me. It was about reaching for your goals, making your kids proud, being a superstar in their eyes for a few minutes! I DID IT!
That run convinced me to change my half marathon registration to the full and so I did. No turning back now. On 5/5/13, I WILL be completing a marathon!
So, where we do our long runs now is at a park that has a 5 mile loop. That means 4 times around for the 20. UGH! Our first 2 times around were really good. I felt great! Our mission was to go slow on this training run and just make it as our longest run prior was 17 miles. We were following our plan nicely. Each time around, we stopped at the car and filled up our water bottles and grabbed a snack if we needed one. After the second lap, Linda was hurting with her foot and sciatica. Both Marilyn and I told her not too push it. So she left at about mile 12. Marilyn has run 4 other marathons and is pretty fast. Much, much faster than me. But she stayed with me, which was so nice! :)
At mile 15 or so, I stopped to use the restroom and told her I needed to slow down a bit. I knew she had time constraints and told her I was ok, she could go. I'm not a quitter. I would make it no matter what. She left about mile 15.5. What does that mean? I was on my own. Yep...the last 4.5 on my own.
So, I dug deep. Turned my music up, grabbed some animal crackers and headed off. At about mile 17.5, I really hit a wall. I was sore, tired, hungry, but I knew I couldn't quit. I told myself, "You got this! Only 2.5 left! Don't stop!" Gave myself permission to do whatever I needed to make it. I think I stayed pretty strong. When that watch hit 20 miles, I was beside myself. I couldn't believe it! I got into my car and cried. I did it! I made 20 miles. It took me a long time, I know. 3 hours and 55 minutes, but I don't care. It wasn't about the time. It was about the distance. It was about accomplishing something I NEVER thought I could. EVER. It was about finding the strength hidden inside of me. It was about reaching for your goals, making your kids proud, being a superstar in their eyes for a few minutes! I DID IT!
That run convinced me to change my half marathon registration to the full and so I did. No turning back now. On 5/5/13, I WILL be completing a marathon!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New year, new goals!
Happy New Year! YAY...we made it to 2013!
With that, I reflect on my running in 2012 (briefly). I set a goal to run 700 miles...I ran 720! By the way, when I set that, I had no idea nor even a positive thought that I would get there! Run at least one half marathon...I ran 4! Run a sub 30 5K...29:42! FABULOUS! I couldn't have asked for more. Really, I couldn't!
Now 2013 is here and I try to think of ways to top the year I just had. I put a lot of thought into this and here is what I came up with. 1. Run 1000 miles. That is 280 miles more than this year. Holy cow! But I think I could do it with the right mix of determination and support. 2. Run a marathon. Although I have run two 17 mile training runs, they were anything but easy. Although I question if there is any way I can make it, in the back of my head I hear "it's now or never". So now it is! 3. Run a sub 29 5K. This, believe it or not, is the scariest of the 3 for me. My 29:42 pushed me to my breaking point. I am not fast (remember the title of the blog...notsofastmomma?). But if you don't continue to push yourself, you'll get nowhere. I want to get somewhere. That somewhere is sub 29.
I'm very excited and apprehensive about these goals. It's all good. I'll keep you posted! By the way, I ran a mile today (I know JUST a mile?) but nonetheless, I am down to 999 to go! Yippee!
With that, I reflect on my running in 2012 (briefly). I set a goal to run 700 miles...I ran 720! By the way, when I set that, I had no idea nor even a positive thought that I would get there! Run at least one half marathon...I ran 4! Run a sub 30 5K...29:42! FABULOUS! I couldn't have asked for more. Really, I couldn't!
Now 2013 is here and I try to think of ways to top the year I just had. I put a lot of thought into this and here is what I came up with. 1. Run 1000 miles. That is 280 miles more than this year. Holy cow! But I think I could do it with the right mix of determination and support. 2. Run a marathon. Although I have run two 17 mile training runs, they were anything but easy. Although I question if there is any way I can make it, in the back of my head I hear "it's now or never". So now it is! 3. Run a sub 29 5K. This, believe it or not, is the scariest of the 3 for me. My 29:42 pushed me to my breaking point. I am not fast (remember the title of the blog...notsofastmomma?). But if you don't continue to push yourself, you'll get nowhere. I want to get somewhere. That somewhere is sub 29.
I'm very excited and apprehensive about these goals. It's all good. I'll keep you posted! By the way, I ran a mile today (I know JUST a mile?) but nonetheless, I am down to 999 to go! Yippee!
Friday, December 28, 2012
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?
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?
Saturday, August 4, 2012
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
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!
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!
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