ALEC: Rest

So, after my longest run to date (Saturday), I woke up on Sunday with my right ankle/inner calve in major pain. Limped around all day. I guess that twinge I felt on Saturday morning before the run and what I was feeling towards the end of the intervals was more than just a twinge. Yesterday we had plans to have a whole bunch of people over for a 4th of July BBQ and when I woke up my ankle/calve were even worse. I was not in the mood to host a party because I knew I would be on my feet all day and wondered why I was putting myself through this "running" thing in the first place. But as I was reading all the updates on the blog this morning, I know exactly why I am doing this...because I can!!! Everyone's courageous actions in getting ourselves out there one more day and one more step gives me the inspiration to keep going. I spoke with Angelina after she had done her unplanned run and we were talking about what this "running" thing is teaching me. It's not just about learning how to run a long distance, it's about learning how to know when to push myself and when NOT to push myself. Angelina knows this part of me so well. When we were playing rhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifacquet ball way back when, I was flying across the court trying to make sure I hit every ball and ended up ripping my left hip flexor. Not fun, believe me. But it was that same type of personal action that probably got me to why my ankle/calve is where it is today. I need to slow down and listen to my body and mind. I will rest my legs/feet until they feel better, even if it means missing some training days. And when I get back to running, I will take it slow and not push myself past the plan until I know that I am fully healed. I will not let this discourage me and will be at the starting line on September 25th. My lesson..."quit trying to show off"...LOL (j/k). Until my next run...

DL - I've posted the link to the 5K in San Mateo. Kris/Holly do you want to do it?

Been there...

I remember when I ran 2 miles as part of "training" during my years playing soccer. I played competitively until about age 20. I was living in Santa Rosa and would run from my little studio out and around the neighborhood. I ran through all the quaint streets surrounding the local high school and the Junior College. I was so proud of those 2 miles. So, believe me when I tell you that I understand how challenging it can be sometimes to even "think" of going further. I get it.
Even though I have been running road races for quite some time now, the marathon training is FAR FROM EASY. It's a daily commitment. If I am not running, I am thinking about the next run, planning for it. It's a challenge to get the weekday runs in when i am tired after work and have the choice between ridiculously hot/humid weather or more miles on treadmill. It's tough to get up early on weekends, thereby essentially not having any mornings of sleeping in. Wake up call during week isa bout 5:30am. Same on weekends now so i can beat the heat. And sometimes, I just flat out do not want to run. So, yes, I get it.

But then, the moment passes and I am inspired again. I am motivated again. To get out the door and put one foot in front of the other. To see what I've got on the given day. Today, was a scheduled rest day, but after meeting my friend at Piedmont Park after she completed her 1st 10k race, The Peachtree Road Race, i was all pumped up and jumping out of my skin. I was so happy for her and her accomplishment. So, I went to a park about 30 minutes away that I rarely go to anymore cause it is really not convenient to get to, especially during the week. It was about 84 degrees and 66% humidity at the time of 1030am. I ran for about 1 minute and stopped. Whoa, it is hot. Stopped. Reset watch. Started again. 3 miles and then 10 hill sprints. (2 sets of 5) It's hard to tell from the picture, but it's a steep lil "f*#cker!





I think I look kinda mad in the photo...but i wasn't. Just hot and determined! :)

Done with 19+ miles over last 3 days. Tomorrow is rest day.

So, remember. When it gets tough for whatever reason, just put the shoes on. Just go one more block, one more 1/2 mile, one more song on the iPOD.

You can do it.

progress

DL: so today i had to push myself out the door because I woke up groggy, grumpy and out of sorts....best reason to run right? Well, I needed some convincing. So, I got out there and it was a beautiful day, not as hot as I anticipated, and I began running, and after I reached my max thus far of 5 minutes straight running, I decided I had to push myself so I thought I would just continue running because I felt pretty good, so I ended up running triple that max today! I felt still good, but my mind was telling my body that I was tired, and I better stop, so I did for a minute and ran another minute or two and then ran on pavement for a few minutes because I have only been running on dirt thus far, so I need to prepare a bit for road too. So that's my story of today;s training. As the days begin to blur together, I printed out monthly calendars so I can record my progress....feels good. Thanks for the push, Angie! Yes, YOU gave me a push today, in case you didn't know. Alec, when is that san mateo race you mentioned a while back...sorry i just saw it. let me know. Happy 4th of July!

climbing back on the wagon

This all started a few months ago when I told my husband that I would start running if I had a treadmill. Really, I would! It's the only thing holding me back from running! Then the treadmill appeared. uh oh. Now what?!

To back up a little bit....this really all started about 9 months ago (no this isn't a pregnancy story) when I attended Angie's post-birthday run celebration. The event was so inspiring - Angie's life story, the music, the love felt in the room - it was truly a great night of reflection and rejoice. On my way home that night, I had the windows down, music up and was feeling really inspired. Inspired to do what? Now that was the question. I had grand visions of changing the world, or at least changing my world. But suddenly, I was quickly jarred back to reality when I got pulled over for speeding....but that's another story.

So back to the treadmill. I had a pretty successful first month with my new toy. I was running while listening to audiobooks and I really loved the quiet time to myself. But then IT happened. I stopped. What is IT that makes one stop? I can come up with many reasons (others might call these excuses but let's not stick with reasons so I can feel better about it).

So here I am. 83 days away from my first 10k. I plan on running and walking, even crawling, if that will take me over the finish line. So I better get to it. The treadmill is staring at me and I better show it who's boss before it becomes a really expensive coat rack.

P.S. who had the brilliant idea to train during the summer? must be a real glutton for punishment. lol

Cheers from Cali!

-Kris

Kera: Excuses to the Curb

A couple nights ago, I simply couldn't sleep. At 2 am I found myself reading the posts from the HMB Runners Blog. I was upset that I didn't think I could make it out to CA for the run, but still felt a desire to do something. Angie has taught me so much about running. Most of it I learned by just watching her run, listening to her stories, or reading her post race posts. The one thing that she has taught me is that there is NO excuse to not run or be active. So at 2 am I looked for a local race on Sept 25. My very FIRST race, a 10K. I signed up...I made the commitment...and suddenly felt at peace. With 3 kids home for the summer and 105 degree temps in Dallas, I was thinking that I must be crazy. Oh, and I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nevertheless, I still signed up and was determined to start training on Monday the 4th.

Yesterday, it hit me. Why was I waiting to start training? So many excuses...I am NOT a runner. I need new shorts. It is 105 out. I have 3 kids. I need to clean. I can start on Monday, but oh, Monday is a holiday... At 4:30 I got my shoes on and drove to the local rec center. I looked like a hot mess too! No make-up. Didn't match. DID NOT MATTER!

When I got to the front door and was discouraged by the 5pm closing sign, but I went in to get a membership anyway. I was like a kid waiting to get into an amusement park. They had to take my picture, and of course, I made a funny face. They insisted it was the best pic ever. Clearly they must need glasses!

When all was said and done, I had about 11 minutes till closing. I hopped on that treadmill and RAN. I may have been singing out loud too. (my sincere apologies to the guy in the room) With each step, I began to feel more determined. "I can do this." I really wanted to at least get a mile in, so I pushed as hard as I could until they turned off the lights.

Excuses ain't got nothin' on me. Running like I mean it. Like I want it.
.85 of a mile at an 11:04 pace and damn proud.
Training day one: complete
...Say hello to my new friend

Count Down

Love the count down timer, whoever posted it! yeah!!!!

ALEC: Day 7 - Angst

Today is my longest training day, thus far. One hour. My legs are feeling stiff and sore. I was feeling angst (or anxt from the more modern dictionary) all day yesterday knowing that Saturday's are my longest training days and I wasn't sure if I could do it. I texted Angelina this morning to ask her for her advice as I'm not sure when to keep pushing or not because the last thing I want to do is injure myself and interrupt my training. Her advice was to give it a go and see how I feel. To take the time to warm-up and stretch. So, I will move forward today. I think I will run on the treadmill (even though it will be a beautiful 71 degrees in SF) so that I have a little more give as I pound the "mill". Will report back after the run.

Still need to get to the running store and get new shoes. I am wondering if that's why my legs are not doing so hot.