Back to the Basics

My long runs are in full gear and the big day is 2 weeks away...  

Sunday morning, I headed out early.  It was a gorgeous morning, probably 56 degrees and I was ready.  I drank my SPARK and ate 3 shot blocks.  It was actually a really good run, despite some hills that I had to add in to get my miles.  Around mile 5, I ate the 3 remaining shot blocks and began the the hills.  Don't get me wrong I was tired, I stopped at a convenience store on my way back and asked if they could refill my water and I ate some Vanilla GU, this was about mile 9.  I always dread the last 3 miles of this route.  It's got long gradual hills and it just seems to take forever!  My last big hill is crossing over the interstate, on this run something odd started to happen...  My eyes got blurry, under and around my pupil.  I could still see but if I looked down it was cloudy.  I kinda got nervous, but to be honest, I wasn't going very fast, I felt strong but I was worried I was going to pass out over the interstate and fall to my crashing death off the bridge to the racing cars below...  A little dramatic, YES.  But I did think that!  Instead, I began to pray.  Prayer is my thing, if you haven't tried it, you should and if you don't want to, that's cool!  Just keep reading anyways...

I always pray before my runs for safety, endurance, strength and protection, I may cover things more than once, but it makes me feel better!  When I get really tired, I pray for a push, etc.  At this moment, I prayed for healing and for God to take control of my body and get me through whatever it was that was causing me the blurriness.  He did and that's why I love my Almighty God!  

I finished out my run and got a good 12 miler in.

However my recovery was not very good!  When I got home I began to stretch and I began to get a headache in my left eye.  Here's where the basics come in...  I should have come in and eat. but instead I proceeded to the shower and began to get worse and worse.  Light headed, nauseous, and a pounding headache in my eye. I laid down on my bed and just tried to rest.  After a little while, I made some oatmeal with peanut butter and only ate a couple of bites but I knew I had to eat something.  Finally it clicked, I bet my blood sugar is low.  I don't usually have a problem in this area, but I've been doing a 10 day Advocare Cleanse so my body hasn't had carbs, just fruit, veggies and lean protein.  I begged my daughter to go to the fridge and bring me a red can, of Coke.  I drank half of it and felt tons better within 15 mins.  So odd!  

After a long discussion over text messages, my running buddy clearing explained that not eating before my 12 miler and burning over a 1,000 calories, that my body was completely depleted.  She was right!  I just don't like to eat before I run, but long runs are different....  My body needed something to use to help fuel me.  Usually I do eat before an event, because they don't start until 7 or 8am and I have to travel, but just getting up and running it's hard for me to eat.  

(Her suggestion) Set alarm, eat, go back to sleep, set another alarm for run time.  

Basics people!  Sometimes they are the hardest part!

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

And I'm running a 10k!

This past Saturday, I headed down to good old Chattanooga to run in the 'Round the Rim 10k.  All week long I heard "It's gonna rain all day Saturday."  And like always, I just ignored the bad news and pretended it was all Sunshine and Daisies!  I actually headed down on Friday to play a little with my BFF/Running Buddy before the race.  I love Chattanooga!  It's such a cool urban town and we walked and the streets and ate some really good food at Tupelo Honey. 

Then it was morning.  A wet wet morning.  We headed up to Raccoon Mtn and waited, in the car until 5 minutes before race time.  Fortunately, we were not the only crazy people who decided to show up!  For that 5 minutes we waited to start all 200 of us were drenched.  Soaking wet.  We headed out and up to the Rim, where the rain was like ice and the wind was fierce!  I prayed and he listened, as the rain let up around mile 2, it was barely noticeable by mile 3, even though it was still there!  At the 3.5 mile marker was a long hill that looked crazy steep from the bottom, but we conquered it like Champions!  We rocked this race...

I can't say it was our best time, but it was a great run, even in the rain!

And check out this "Killer" raccoon race shirt....

Kinda scary, huh!?

Success

I finally completed a long run with success.  I set out for 10 miles this morning and even though I stopped to rest about 2 times, I ran the entire trip.  Around mile 7-8, my legs got really sore, fortunately my fab fam showed up and I was able to stretch and rest for a minute while I kissed my babies!  I love it when they show up on my long runs, it's support, encouragement and even motivation!  

They are my cheerleaders and I am so thankful for them.

In my small little town, you tend to know almost everyone.  And if you don't know them, you've seen them!  When I was training for my last half marathon, I met a older gentleman along my route.  He tended to a horse farm and was very nice, I stopped and talked to him for a minute.  Ever since then, when I'm running I see him on occasion.  Today he passed me and was waving so big and giving me a thumbs up!  I love that...

Today's stats are pretty decent considering the distance, but it's no PR.

Time:1:52:54

Miles: 10.01

Pace: 11:17/min

Pushing The Limits...

(Half) Marathon training is all about pushing the limits.  You set a goal and week by week you push your body one mile further.  Some days you are prepared and some days, not so much.  Lately I've struggled going that extra mile further.  Which scares me about race day.  I so badly want to succeed, 

to meet my goal...still standing!  

Today I ran 4 miles, I so could have stopped at 3 but I knew I needed that extra mile.  It was comfortable.  My body agreed, no energy loss, no soreness...  Just a good ole' run!  This easy 4 miler made me realize my own comfort zone and that I truly am pushing my limits when I attempt a long run.  Truth be told, my body just isn't prepared for anything over 6 miles!  This is not to my advantage come October, but it's my own 

fault.  At this point all runs are crucial and all long runs will benefit me in my race,  

even if I don't successfully run the whole time. 

Too Hot to Trott!

Two long runs and and no blog posts!  That's how busy we've been...

Last weekend I was up for a whopping 8 miles.  As I began to plan my weekend, I slowly lose motivation because I realize that my long run probably isn't going to happen.  I guess you could say I checked out!

Sunday morning around 9am, I get a call from the Hubs stating that "If I'm going to run, I better get my stuff together and go, NOW!"  How nice.  I was so not prepared and even though I truly was grateful for the opportunity, I left home feeling uneasy.  He returns home, I leave out.  Story of our life lately!

Miles 1 - 4 were great.  The heat was coming and I began to feel it around mile 5.  A friend of mine brought me water and I was so thankful, how silly of me not to carry water on an 8 mile run at 10am in August!!! 

 I had actually just planned to stop at the gas station on my way back home and beg 

them for a cup of water...

Around mile 6 I began to get really hot and lost all of my energy and motivation:

BONK: describes a condition caused by the

 depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles, 

which manifests itself by sudden fatigue and loss of energy.

If this is a new word for you, you will never forget it, because you will know when it happens!

I tried to push forward, I walked some, then ran some avoided running any hills and then pushed my way back to my house.  To me it was a fail, however my best bud brought light to my eyes ensuring me that I still did it, no matter how I got there!  Thanks Kimmie. 

Next come my short runs or lack there of.  I did not complete one short run last week.  Long Story - Yada Yada Yada!  I wasn't feeling 100%, I had to work every day and Summer decided to show up with  heat indexes of 100 degrees.  No thank you.

So Saturday morning comes and I'm ready to go, even though I had the worst upset stomach most of the night due to some amazing food that I overate and it made me sick!  I guess that is what Anniversary dinners are for...  Eat a meal consisting of $140, eat to much that you pass out when you get home and spend the rest of the evening in the bathroom! ;)  I am a true Romantic!!

Back to my long run, I head out with my water and my GU, ready to take 9 miles by the neck!  However it took me first.  Again 6 mile bonk, WTF!  Push forward, walk a lot, run some and make it to 8 miles.  I know it has been very hot, I was dripping in sweat after mile 1, but I'm still frustrated.  I have to do better!

Dr. Pepper is the Devil

Do you have a go to stress headache weakness??  Mine is Dr. Pepper! I don't buy it because I will drink it.  This week the hubs came home with a 12pk, thanks honey!

Over the course of the last 2 weeks, I've been struggling with a sinus cold and headaches. So a Dr. Pepper and some Ibuprofen have been my go-top drug this week! 

I guess your wondering if I got my 4 miles is today?  NOPE! But I did get 3 in...  It was hot and humid and around 9am.  Overall pace was under 11 and I have had a headache the rest of the day!  Say hello to my lil' friend...

Balance

I talk a lot about "life circumstances" on this blog because that is what happens to me every single day.  When you have (2) children, a busy working husband, a new career you are trying to learn/grow, it's all about finding your BALANCE!

 

Yesterday I made an attempt to walk/run the 4 miles that was on my training schedule.  I had a battle with my mental and I ended up walking a mile and coming home.  Lil' Brother starts preschool next week and I HATE asking for help or finding someone to keep him, therefore I missed a Sales Meeting and that really ate at my conscience!  So I came home and worked as much as I could.

 

With that, I knew I needed to get that 4 miles in and since Mr. Man didn't get home until 8pm last night, this morning was my only option.  The alarm was set for 5:30am and I made it out the door by 5:40am.  It was a great run but that awful humidity finally decided to show it's face!

 

Lately I have taking it slow, but this morning I surprised myself with an overall pace of 10:12min/mile and my last 2 miles were an equal 9:58 pace.  That motivates me!!!  Remember that goal of a PR at this Half in October??  I haven't been too positive about making that goal and I still may not, but throwing runs like I did this morning lets me know that I still can do it! 

This is a prime example of why it's important to get those short runs in...all of them!

Lucky No. 7

Saturday's run called for 7 miles and I was bound and determined to get it done.  It's funny how life happens and whether you like it not, my prayers to get my 7 miles in were definitely answered.

 

  The night before was suppose to be a date night with the hubs.  We were suppose to stay in the big city of Nashville and eat at one of the finest restaurants down town.  Well that didn't happen, despite the fact that we were downtown and ready to go and I promised my self only a few drinks!  Well when your company of 15 years doesn't book your room for some odd reason, with 2 phone calls confirming our plans to go... you end up turning around and going home. Lucky for me, I had a good nights rest for that 7 miler the next morning!

 

It was a good run.  I did have that "OMG, I have to do 7 more of these in less than 2 months..." panic attack, but I guess that gives you the motivation at this point. I also read a post recently about your runs telling on you...In other words, is your diet correct?  Um, NO!  I was in the bathroom on and off all day Saturday.  Your diet is so important, but the place I'm at mentally, I could almost say my give a damn is busted! 

I know. Bad attitude. 

 

 

 

Runs With Toddler

Since Big Sis is in school and my life is so very hectic, I've had to really evaluate my options:

Wake up at 5:30am

Buy a Dreadmill

Run/Walk with Toddler... in an umbrella stroller!

I opted for the latter.

It was very interesting and hard and easy?!?  

I created a run/walk program on my Garmin 10 because I knew I would not be able to run the entire 3 miles.  I kinda enjoyed it and Lil' Man did too! 

 

My overall pace was around a 13min/mile and I enjoyed it being slow.  However, I can't stand not running with my arms, so most of the time I pushed the stroller one handed!  I bet that was a sight...

When you are down to the grind, you get creative and you get the job done!

Swallow Your Pride!

My mileage is starting to bump up and this week I had to make a decision: slow down or walk/run.   I am not very fast to begin with, but I was having a hard time finishing 3 miles with out being completely exhausted!

I started out for 4 miles Thursday evening and it was a great night to run; low humidity and a light breeze.  I set my watch for a 4min/run, 2min/walk.  However while out I decided to just take it slow and easy.  It was hard to keep my pace down but I felt good and strong the majority of my run. 

4 miles:

Distance:	4.04 mi
Time:	45:49
Avg Pace:	11:21 min/mi
Elevation Gain:	115 ft

 Since I felt so much better slowing down, I decided that's just what I need to do!  So today my schedule called for 6 miles.  Humidity was high, I had one too many Margaritas last night and I was tired!!  My friend was shocked that I actually got my run in this morning, but honestly I was too!  I took Ibuprofen around 3am during the musical beds that happens nightly in our home, eagerly drank my SPARK (Advocare plug!) this morning and overall had a decent run, slow and steady wins finishes the race!! My pace was all over the place, so I know I have to get a better handle on that....

6 miles:

Distance:	6.13 mi
Time:	1:08:44
Avg Pace:	11:13 min/mi
Elevation Gain:	153 ft

"To Your Left..."

Back in the day when I was a cyclist completed some charity rides, I learned that cyclists have a secret language.  When riding along, you will hear someone behind you calling in the distance "TO YOUR LEFT!!!"  This basically means don't do anything crazy because I'm fixin' to pass yo a$$! 

If you think about it, it's really quite genius...

You have plenty of warning and you don't freak out when they come flying by!

Today, as I freaked out yelling "OOOOHHH GOOOOODDDD!" 

I wondered why runners didn't have this secret language?  As I played this out in my head, I remembered that the ghost runner who appeared behind actually tried to warn me, but because I was jamming to Dave, I didn't really hear her.  See runners are dumb like that.  We run with music blaring in our ears.  I heard something, so I turned and freakishly yelled and then mumbled 

"Sorry! I hate doing that to other runners..." as she flew on by me!

Just last week I came up upon some walkers in the wee morning hours.  Knowing they had not yet heard me coming, I tried to call out gently to give them warning and nearly sent one of them into cardiac arrest! Later it started pouring down rain and those (2) walkers drove by me in the car pointing and laughing at me as I shuffled back home... Not really!  Despite my scarring them, they were oh so kind to offer me a ride home.  

It's good to get to know those on your paths, you don't have to talk but smile and wave and know you are cheering for each other every time you pass them. Oh and warn them if you are running up behind them!

Today's run called for 3 miles and of course I hit snooze at 5:30am, so fortunately I had some free time this afternoon and took in a nice run through the city park.  But it was HUMID!!!

My overall pace was 10:41/min. mile and I got exactly 3 miles in.  I started getting really hot around mile 2 so I made myself slow down and really concentrate on breathing.  I'll have to remember how yuck it was to run in the middle of the day next time I want to hit snooze!

Just a Thought...

As I was driving into town today I saw a man running. Shirtless.

I thought "Wow how nice would that be?"  One thought leads to the next..."Men are so lucky."  Then the imagination set in: As I pictured myself running topless through town, the wind through my hair, the air on my...well I'll stop the imagining there! 

 

 Then the realization set in of what I would REALLY look like!

Have fun with that one....

My Enemy! (Therapy Session # 2)

You know when you have those days when you are 100% on it, you got this, you are right and track and then BOOM!  You lose it all, in the matter of minutes.  This how I've been working lately.  I am angry but apparently not angry enough to do anything about it.  You want to know what else sucks???  My running or lack thereof!  I just can't seem to get my long runs in, nor can I seem to drag my rump out of bed before 6am to get in done before the rest of the zoo wakes up.  I'm starting to stress a little.  I have a 10k that I signed up for in September and of course the half in October and I can't get a run in over 3 miles!  I'm starting to even wonder if I can run more than 3 miles. 

 

So I mentioned my enemy...  I guess we can talk about that for a minute! IT's FOOD!  Well Duh, I'm sure you figured that out.  Do you have an enemy?  I can't say mine is one thing more than the other, it's just food!  I use it to substitute boredom, stress, anger, boredom I already mentioned that.  I hate trying to eat right, however the pooch on my belly is laughing at me saying "You are an idiot!  You'll never out run me!"  I feel very defeated at the moment and I just can't seem to shake it.  I want to throw it all away, crawl in my bed and eat. chips. all day.  Yes I am human.  I know we all do this, but I'm pissed that I just can't stay on track, even though I know how!

Life Happens

I knew this weekend I would face some obstacles and I did.  Thursday I got in 3.5 miles when my schedule called for 3 and I was suppose to run 4 on Saturday, however with the hubs schedule this weekend and all other things that decided to go wrong, 

I did this instead....

 The local Community Market in Manchester!  This was my first time and I loved it...

Princess got a handmade Hula Hoop, Pirate got a wooden Sword, we bought Green Tomato Bread, Ah-Mazing, local honey, another baked goodness, Creamy Jalapeno Dip, fresh blackberries, Italian Ice, homemade Lemonade....  We sat and enjoyed, listening to a lil' bluegrass group play Wagon Wheel and yes Princess and I sung along like we were at the Ryman with OCMS!  Good times for sure.  However, the baked goodness has been consumed with every walk into my kitchen and I totally blew my calories Saturday, but it was well worth it!!!

Saturday night my (3) nieces and nephews stayed the night and fun was had by all as well as little sleep by Princess and Blondie, pictured below!  My schedule called for 2.5 miles today and since I had 4 to make up from yesterday, I knew I had to do something.  So we piled in the Mom Bus and headed back to their house, also where I run on most occasions, and while the Oldest cousin kept the boys, the girls and I headed out for 3 hot miles!  They rode their bikes with me and I really enjoyed their company!  

Made those HOT miles not so bad...

  

Even though I didn't stick to my plan exactly, I did get a run in and at this point that is what matters most!  I've had a fun weekend and I am thankful for the time I have had with my family...

61 Degrees and Sunny

Ok guys, as you know, mornings have been a struggle for me to get out of bed.  This morning was no different.  My alarm went off at 5:55am and of course I hit SNOOZE!  All of a sudden, I hear this voice in my head....Get up, it's gonna be a perfect morning to run!  I ever so sleepily, pulled myself out of bed and got dressed in the dark.  The moment I stepped out side, I thanked the Lord for this perfect morning! And Yes it was the perfect morning to run.

Here are my morning stats:

 

I would much rather see this number around a 10 min mile, but I also need to be realistic.... I haven't been consistent, so my goal right now is in a month from now to see my 3 milers around a 10 min mile!

 

 

 

Easy Like Sunday Morning...

Ok so it's Tuesday, not Sunday, but my run was to the tune of Easy Like Sunday Morning... anyway, today was my first run on my new training plan!  Remember I told you today was the day I get my but in gear, from here on out I'm taking the bull by the horns and doing what I know I have  want to do!!!

Today's schedule called for 2 miles... Easy Like Sunday Morning!  It went pretty well, I was a sweaty mess and covered in gnats, but what else would you expect running on a hot summers night??  As you recall, I'm picking up in Week 2 of my training plan.  

Thanks to my trusty Garmin 10, here are my stats:

Time: 21:09.1

Distance: 2.03 miles

Pace: 10:25/mi

Calories: 252

That's about average for me these days, not where I want to be or where I should be though.  My goal for the half is to earn a PR (personal record) from my completion of the Middle Half in 2012, finish time 2hrs. 18mins. and some change, one would think this would be easily obtained, but I'm not gonna hold my breath!

Place your bets now Boys and Girls!!!  I'll be interested to know who thinks I can make this goal ;)

She Inspires Me!

 She lights my fire and inspires me to do better, to lead by example and to be the proudest Momma ever because she is my little fire cracker!!!

 

 She cheers for me when I go out for a 1 mile and she brings me Gatorade when I go out for a 6 mile run.  She drives by hooting and hollering, smiling from ear to ear.  What is greater than that?

Saturday she completed her 2nd Kids Triathlon, talk about inspiration!  That's still on my bucket list.

She did beautifully and I was so proud of her!  She gave it all she had,

 I love that she has a competitive side ;)

 

She is also my little gymnast!  She loves gymnastics and last night I was THAT MOM sitting on the side with tears in my eyes, so excited to watch her go yet another step further and all at once getting promoted to the next level in her class.  Proud is all I can say! 

 

When I think about the effort and the perfection she puts into everything she does, it can only make me want to be like her!  Funny how your kids will do that to you...

She inspires me!

Why Run Mad?

Why Run Mad and not Run Happy?

Well you see I have roughly 11 weeks to train for my half marathon and maybe I'm a little frustrated...with myself, not running.  So you see I will be in a mad dash to get my training in.  

Poor habits; Yes I know!

I often think of a million and one things that would help me run: a treadmill, new shoes, SparkGoosandChews, iPod... Just to name a few!  But like the sign reads above

 "It's Simple, JUST GO RUN"

Get to Work (Therapy Session 1)

I have been very unmotivated up to this point.  I have a half marathon in less than 12 weeks and I really don't have any desire to train...

 

Today was a perfect example: for the 2nd time this week, I have had clothes laid out and ready for the next mornings run. Once my alarm went off, I hit snooze.  Too tired, achy, stiff... 

 I am so disappointed in myself.

 

As I peruse through Pinterest, trying to find some motivation, I pick out a 12 week plan, in which I can comfortably start out at week 2. 

 

 

For whatever reason, I also decided I need to blog for motivation.  My eating as also suffered and my weight is up, thus my emotions are down.  I have determined that I am an emotional sufferer.  I eat and sleep and under stress and change, going through both of these right now! 

 

I'm bored with running.  I love it, I really do.... But this time of year it's hot, I either run really early or really late and that gets lonely and tiresome!  My favorite route last time, I almost got attacked by a dog, so I'm leery to go there.  

 

 Time is of the essence.  I learned this phrase in my real estate classes, but it holds true.  If I don't train, I regress and if I regress then my marathon (half) time will suffer and if I'm not prepared come race day then all bets are off!  How disappointing.

 

So it's Sunday, I guess I have till Tuesday to get ready and quit complaining and be thankful God has blessed me with the ability to do something many can not.