Tuesday, August 24, 2010
20 miles...I did it!!!
So I ran the 20 miles...all of it :) It took us 4:03:52 to finish...it was humid, but overcast, and breathing was rough, but I did it all! We run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute, and I got through the entire run thinking, "All you have to do is run 3 minutes, then you can walk 1." There were really hard 3 minute segments and there were really easy ones...but I did it! I was congested, spitting up phlegm (gross, I know), and my nose was a runny mess, but I dragged my sorry butt out there and did it! I didn't want to end up running on my own or missing one of our last long runs...so there ya have it :) If I can run 20 miles with a nasty head/chest cold and congestion, then I can totally do the full marathon healthy :) Woo hoo!! Now two short weeks and then our 23 mile run :) I'm getting closer and closer to the finish line! And I can't wait!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
20 miles...it's go time...
So this Saturday is our 20 mile run...I'm kinda scared of how I'm going to feel during it, b/c I really haven't been running the past two weeks. I took the first week off b/c I was having major knee pain, so I rested and iced and didn't run at all from Saturday to Saturday. I ended up running that Saturday, but it was a 6-mile run. I felt great...then along comes Monday and I was sick as a dog, and I didn't run at all for the entire week b/c I couldn't breath and my head hurt, etc., etc. Being sick is NO fun...then I ran the Run Amuck on Saturday with my wifey, but it was a 3.5 mile run and full of obstacles. So I have to get back into my runs this week...at least 2 one-hour runs, then Saturday is our 20 miles. I'm actually really scared of how I'm going to react...of whether I'll be able to hold my own and last the full mileage. I felt great the two Saturday runs, but short runs are definitely way different than the long runs. Thank goodness for group runs and people who will keep me motivated and moving forward through the run. So we'll see how I fare on Saturday...
On another note, I can't believe we're already half-way through August. I honestly have no idea where the time has gone...this pretty much means there's 2 1/2 months until the marathon. We have three long runs left, I have a 1/2 marathon and the Army Ten Miler, then it's time for the marathon. That's kinda like whoa...who would've thought it'd be here so quickly?? Wasn't it just May? If I can make it through the last 3 long training runs, then I should be golden for the marathon :) I have plenty of support from my family and friends, and I have a great running partner...his wife and friends will be meeting us at certain points during the race to provide water and food and anything else we may need. The next thing I think I need, though, is new shoes...I love the running shoes I have, but only for short distances. For the 17 mile run, my feet were KILLING me...I need better shoes for those long distances!! That's for sure...but I won't get them this week...it'd be silly to get them for my first long run now, LOL.
Anyways - I'm off to bed...tomorrow starts another long week. Yay for Mondays :) Everyone enjoy it!
Quote of the day ~ "Don't go through life, GROW through life."
On another note, I can't believe we're already half-way through August. I honestly have no idea where the time has gone...this pretty much means there's 2 1/2 months until the marathon. We have three long runs left, I have a 1/2 marathon and the Army Ten Miler, then it's time for the marathon. That's kinda like whoa...who would've thought it'd be here so quickly?? Wasn't it just May? If I can make it through the last 3 long training runs, then I should be golden for the marathon :) I have plenty of support from my family and friends, and I have a great running partner...his wife and friends will be meeting us at certain points during the race to provide water and food and anything else we may need. The next thing I think I need, though, is new shoes...I love the running shoes I have, but only for short distances. For the 17 mile run, my feet were KILLING me...I need better shoes for those long distances!! That's for sure...but I won't get them this week...it'd be silly to get them for my first long run now, LOL.
Anyways - I'm off to bed...tomorrow starts another long week. Yay for Mondays :) Everyone enjoy it!
Quote of the day ~ "Don't go through life, GROW through life."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
17 miles...oh my!
So 17 miles...yup...I ran it...this morning. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but it was 17 miles, LOL. It wasn't as hot as it has been, but it definitely was still humid. I was dripping with sweat within the first mile. It didn't help I found every spider web on the trail...I spent that first mile getting the webs off my arms, my face, my legs, and my hat. It was DISGUSTING. I felt so creepy crawly until finally we were through the worst part of the trail and I was sweaty, so it didn't matter anymore, LOL. Gross, but true :P
Overall, it was a great run. I was properly hydrated (yay!!!), I had plenty to eat before, during and after the run, and I used body glide so I didn't chafe! Woo hoo :) My legs are sore, and I've been hungry all day, but that's kinda what happens when you run 17 miles, right? But I'm getting more confident in that I can complete the long runs with strength and stamina. We have two weeks of short runs (one is a fun run with my wifey, yay!), then our 20 mile run. Not only are we on double digits, but it's in the 20s! Oh boy. I hope I don't get overwhelmed by the number, but it's only 3 miles more than today :) I can do it! Yay!!
Here's to getting ready for the marathon...conquering all my fears and realizing I can overcome my athletic-induced asthma and my knee problems. I feel amazing that I'm able to do this :) My body has carried me this far...only 9 miles more til I hit the full marathon :) :) :)
Quote of the day ~ Everything happens for a reason!
Overall, it was a great run. I was properly hydrated (yay!!!), I had plenty to eat before, during and after the run, and I used body glide so I didn't chafe! Woo hoo :) My legs are sore, and I've been hungry all day, but that's kinda what happens when you run 17 miles, right? But I'm getting more confident in that I can complete the long runs with strength and stamina. We have two weeks of short runs (one is a fun run with my wifey, yay!), then our 20 mile run. Not only are we on double digits, but it's in the 20s! Oh boy. I hope I don't get overwhelmed by the number, but it's only 3 miles more than today :) I can do it! Yay!!
Here's to getting ready for the marathon...conquering all my fears and realizing I can overcome my athletic-induced asthma and my knee problems. I feel amazing that I'm able to do this :) My body has carried me this far...only 9 miles more til I hit the full marathon :) :) :)
Quote of the day ~ Everything happens for a reason!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Half Marathon
So 11 weeks into training and yesterday was our half-marathon distance...13 miles. I knew it was going to be rough only b/c I went to Hershey Park on Thursday. I (silly me) didn't drink enough water throughout the day and was sweating like crazy...well, lo and behold, I got really nauseous and totally out of it. Yup, I got dehydrated (me, the water drinker...the "I have to pee" girl). So I spent Thursday night and Friday all day drinking as much water and electrolyte drinks as I could possibly stand, but I still knew my muscles would be sore come Saturday morning's run.
So along comes Saturday morning...the run starts at 6 a.m., which of course, means I have to wake up even earlier to take care of the mutts. And I see it's raining, or has been, so I check my email over and over to see if the run was canceled...b/c for the life of me, all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed. But alas, the run wasn't canceled, so I dragged my sorry butt to Arlington to run 13 miles...as soon as I parked in the lot, the sky opened. The rain was coming down so hard, it was a joke...the second I stepped out of my car, I was soaked. I knew it was going to be a pleasant run (note the sarcasm). I was surprised at how many people were actually there...we definitely are die-hard runners. So, of course, I sit in my car until the last minute hoping the rain would let up even the slightest bit. So I didn't stretch at all (mistake number 1). We get into our groups and start out a little after 6...there are 6 people in our group, much less than normal, and most of us are still dead tired and now soaking wet. So needless to say, we're all a little quiet as we start out. The plan was to run out 3 miles, then back 3 miles to the "halfway" point where there was a bathroom and an "aid" station with water, gatorade, and little treats. Let's just say I thought I was going to die the first 6 miles...my legs hurt, the rain was miserable, and the hills were killing me.
On to the first break...thank GOD for the first break. I had some water and a couple little treats, which really saved me...I also stretched my legs, which totally saved me! I don't think I could have finished without the stretching. We then ran out 3.5 miles the other way and 3.5 back. That 7 miles was MUCH quicker than the first 6. I was more lively, felt better, and actually WANTED to be running. It certainly is mind over matter when it comes to running long distances...not every run is going to be fun, nor are you going to want to run every long run. But you psych yourself out and you get it done...b/c after finishing the 13 miles, I realized I had no idea how I got there. I truly have no idea how I pushed my body to run the 13 miles. I was sore when it was over, but I stretched and iced, and I feel MUCH better today. Thank god for a group to run with, b/c there's a large possibility I wouldn't have made it through without them.
So next Saturday is 15 miles...I'm hoping it isn't raining and I'm hoping I stay fairly well hydrated throughout the week. This week will be a combination of staying hydrated, stretching, icing, and making sure I can get through this long run without being a total grouch, LOL. 15 miles will be the longest I've ever run, so it will be a true test for me...one more step to the full 26.2 :)
So here it is Sunday after a long run...and I feel great. I slept in for the first time in ages, and my legs aren't sore...it's great :) Let's hope I can keep it up over the next few weeks of training. 26.2 miles is a long way...but I'm moving in the right direction to being able to finish strongly :) October 31st...wooo buddy...it'll be here in a blink of an eye!
Quote of the day ~ "When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice." (This is so true!! Hahahaha)
So along comes Saturday morning...the run starts at 6 a.m., which of course, means I have to wake up even earlier to take care of the mutts. And I see it's raining, or has been, so I check my email over and over to see if the run was canceled...b/c for the life of me, all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed. But alas, the run wasn't canceled, so I dragged my sorry butt to Arlington to run 13 miles...as soon as I parked in the lot, the sky opened. The rain was coming down so hard, it was a joke...the second I stepped out of my car, I was soaked. I knew it was going to be a pleasant run (note the sarcasm). I was surprised at how many people were actually there...we definitely are die-hard runners. So, of course, I sit in my car until the last minute hoping the rain would let up even the slightest bit. So I didn't stretch at all (mistake number 1). We get into our groups and start out a little after 6...there are 6 people in our group, much less than normal, and most of us are still dead tired and now soaking wet. So needless to say, we're all a little quiet as we start out. The plan was to run out 3 miles, then back 3 miles to the "halfway" point where there was a bathroom and an "aid" station with water, gatorade, and little treats. Let's just say I thought I was going to die the first 6 miles...my legs hurt, the rain was miserable, and the hills were killing me.
On to the first break...thank GOD for the first break. I had some water and a couple little treats, which really saved me...I also stretched my legs, which totally saved me! I don't think I could have finished without the stretching. We then ran out 3.5 miles the other way and 3.5 back. That 7 miles was MUCH quicker than the first 6. I was more lively, felt better, and actually WANTED to be running. It certainly is mind over matter when it comes to running long distances...not every run is going to be fun, nor are you going to want to run every long run. But you psych yourself out and you get it done...b/c after finishing the 13 miles, I realized I had no idea how I got there. I truly have no idea how I pushed my body to run the 13 miles. I was sore when it was over, but I stretched and iced, and I feel MUCH better today. Thank god for a group to run with, b/c there's a large possibility I wouldn't have made it through without them.
So next Saturday is 15 miles...I'm hoping it isn't raining and I'm hoping I stay fairly well hydrated throughout the week. This week will be a combination of staying hydrated, stretching, icing, and making sure I can get through this long run without being a total grouch, LOL. 15 miles will be the longest I've ever run, so it will be a true test for me...one more step to the full 26.2 :)
So here it is Sunday after a long run...and I feel great. I slept in for the first time in ages, and my legs aren't sore...it's great :) Let's hope I can keep it up over the next few weeks of training. 26.2 miles is a long way...but I'm moving in the right direction to being able to finish strongly :) October 31st...wooo buddy...it'll be here in a blink of an eye!
Quote of the day ~ "When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice." (This is so true!! Hahahaha)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
7 weeks in...
So I've been training for the marathon for 7 weeks, and so far, the longest distance we've gone is 11 miles. We did the 11 yesterday, which was rough...I didn't sleep well this past week and I don't think I had enough water, so it was a difficult run. I was able to finish with my group, but I was hurting all day yesterday. My muscles were okay, but boy was I NOT feeling good. What's funny is the morning was cool and breezy with no humidity. We did 10 miles two weeks earlier in nasty humidity and I felt amazing...just goes to show you how different each run is. We're doing 4 miles the next couple weeks (speed work and due to the 4th of July holiday), but then we do 13 and 15. I'm hoping I plan/prepare better for those runs b/c bad runs are definitely no fun. So far, I'm really enjoying the group I'm running with. We always have tons to talk about and it helps make the run easier (yeah, I know...running that far is not really easy, but you know what I mean). It also makes the run go by faster, which is nice :)
On another note...I'm in such a different place in my life than I was last year, and I am so incredibly happy :) I've stopped worrying about things I can't control, and I've learned to just go with the flow. I can't control everything (although I like to try), so I've let go...I'm living one day at a time and enjoying every minute of it :) It's actually very freeing...I've stopped analyzing (or over-analyzing in my case) every little thing b/c it's not needed. Not everything has a hidden meaning and not everything needs to be looked into again and again. I know I'm exactly where I need to be in my life...I'm trusting God to lead me in the right direction :)
It's nice to be happy for a change :) And worry-free. It's definitely different, LOL. 2010 has turned out to be an amazing year...and we're already half-way through it! I can't wait to see what the rest of 2010 has in store for me :) :) :)
Quote of the day ~ "You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing."
On another note...I'm in such a different place in my life than I was last year, and I am so incredibly happy :) I've stopped worrying about things I can't control, and I've learned to just go with the flow. I can't control everything (although I like to try), so I've let go...I'm living one day at a time and enjoying every minute of it :) It's actually very freeing...I've stopped analyzing (or over-analyzing in my case) every little thing b/c it's not needed. Not everything has a hidden meaning and not everything needs to be looked into again and again. I know I'm exactly where I need to be in my life...I'm trusting God to lead me in the right direction :)
It's nice to be happy for a change :) And worry-free. It's definitely different, LOL. 2010 has turned out to be an amazing year...and we're already half-way through it! I can't wait to see what the rest of 2010 has in store for me :) :) :)
Quote of the day ~ "You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing."
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Pondering Life
Sometimes I look at where I am in life and I wonder if I'd be here if I'd gotten married to any of the guys I previously dated, thought I wanted to marry, etc. I know I'm where I'm supposed to be and I've accomplished so much, but sometimes I wonder if/how different my life would be if I'd taken another path. Is there really that one guy out there for me? Am I too picky for my own good? I know I'm supposed to be patient...and I know I'm supposed to trust in God in that everything happens for a reason and that I'm where I should be. But it's difficult when I feel like the last man standing...I see my friends getting married...having babies. And I have 3 pugs...I feel like I'll end up being the crazy, old pug lady (but at least it's not cats, right?).
And I know feeling like this is crazy...I'm 28 for pete's sake...I've gotten my Bachelor's, I'm in the career I've always wanted to be in, I've gotten my Master's and am attempting to pursue a second Master's (don't ask me why). I'm in my own house that I purchased on my own...and yes, I have 3 pugs...my babies. It hasn't been easy with my baby boy Raf getting sick in January, and my brother rescuing Rayna (which meant I miraculously (and automatically) had 3, LOL)...but I've managed. Rafael is still alive...he is doing wonderful. We are getting the follow-up MRI next month, June 30th to be exact...the neurologist doesn't think it's the pug dog encephalitis (or the necratizing encephalitis). He thinks its GME, or the non-fatal encephalitis. Which would be fantastic news...except I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster. In January, I was on the lowest of lows...I had no idea if and/or when Raf would pass away...then over the next 5 months (today marks the 5 month date), I was on the rise...he was alive...he was doing well....no more seizures. Nothing out of the ordinary...just my normal crazy baby Raf. Granted on a lot more medication than normal. So now I don't know if I should be happy or sad...if I should be up or down...b/c on one hand, the MRI could show Raf as having GME, which would be fantastic. But on the other hand, it could show he has PDE...which I guess wouldn't be any different b/c that's what we've operated under since January. So I have no idea what to think...
And yes, I know I totally have ADD and jumped from one topic to another...but this is what this is for, right? Blabbing and getting my thoughts out. I guess I don't really know what to think...I know this is all part of God's plan. I'm where I should be...but I'm terrified of being alone the rest of my life...I have my family, and I have my friends, and I have my pugs...I know I'm not alone...but I'm still terrified of ending up that way.
Quote of the day ~ "Life is simple, it's just not easy."
And I know feeling like this is crazy...I'm 28 for pete's sake...I've gotten my Bachelor's, I'm in the career I've always wanted to be in, I've gotten my Master's and am attempting to pursue a second Master's (don't ask me why). I'm in my own house that I purchased on my own...and yes, I have 3 pugs...my babies. It hasn't been easy with my baby boy Raf getting sick in January, and my brother rescuing Rayna (which meant I miraculously (and automatically) had 3, LOL)...but I've managed. Rafael is still alive...he is doing wonderful. We are getting the follow-up MRI next month, June 30th to be exact...the neurologist doesn't think it's the pug dog encephalitis (or the necratizing encephalitis). He thinks its GME, or the non-fatal encephalitis. Which would be fantastic news...except I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster. In January, I was on the lowest of lows...I had no idea if and/or when Raf would pass away...then over the next 5 months (today marks the 5 month date), I was on the rise...he was alive...he was doing well....no more seizures. Nothing out of the ordinary...just my normal crazy baby Raf. Granted on a lot more medication than normal. So now I don't know if I should be happy or sad...if I should be up or down...b/c on one hand, the MRI could show Raf as having GME, which would be fantastic. But on the other hand, it could show he has PDE...which I guess wouldn't be any different b/c that's what we've operated under since January. So I have no idea what to think...
And yes, I know I totally have ADD and jumped from one topic to another...but this is what this is for, right? Blabbing and getting my thoughts out. I guess I don't really know what to think...I know this is all part of God's plan. I'm where I should be...but I'm terrified of being alone the rest of my life...I have my family, and I have my friends, and I have my pugs...I know I'm not alone...but I'm still terrified of ending up that way.
Quote of the day ~ "Life is simple, it's just not easy."
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Holy Running, Batman!
So for the rest of 2010, I am signed up for 4 races...a "fun" run called the "Run Amuck" in August, the Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon in September, and the Army 10 Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon in October...yes, I signed up for my first marathon. And I've been training since May 1st. Yesterday was our 5 mile run...next Saturday will be 6 miles. Sadly, these are my longest runs I've done in awhile. I truly dislike being injured (two knee problems which sidelined me last fall)...so I'm taking it easy, doing the run/walk method, which I actually really like. I feel great during the runs, as well as after. And I've been MUCH better about stretching and icing my knee after my runs. I.e., actually taking care of myself better :P Shocking, I know. The best part about these runs is that 3 of them are with my beautiful wifey :) So we're going to have a blast training and running these races together. Plus I get to see my beautiful babies too :P
On another note, I can't believe we're halfway through 2010 already. Where does the time go? I feel like we just welcomed 2010, but so far, I've learned so much about myself this year. And I've learned how to trust myself and my feelings. I've stopped second guessing myself and put myself first for a change. I've found I'm not staying with anyone (guy-wise) who I don't really want to stay with. I'm making sure I get what I want without hurting myself or anyone else in the process (or at least trying not to, LOL). It's been an interesting year, but I'm having a blast :)
So here's to training for and running all my races, particularly my first marathon :) I've inspired a sorority sister and a co-worker to run with me, so I think we'll totally have a blast :) October 31st will be here before I know it!!
Quote of the day ~ "The trouble with jogging is that, by the time you realize you're not in shape for it, it's too far to walk back." (Priceless, LOL)
On another note, I can't believe we're halfway through 2010 already. Where does the time go? I feel like we just welcomed 2010, but so far, I've learned so much about myself this year. And I've learned how to trust myself and my feelings. I've stopped second guessing myself and put myself first for a change. I've found I'm not staying with anyone (guy-wise) who I don't really want to stay with. I'm making sure I get what I want without hurting myself or anyone else in the process (or at least trying not to, LOL). It's been an interesting year, but I'm having a blast :)
So here's to training for and running all my races, particularly my first marathon :) I've inspired a sorority sister and a co-worker to run with me, so I think we'll totally have a blast :) October 31st will be here before I know it!!
Quote of the day ~ "The trouble with jogging is that, by the time you realize you're not in shape for it, it's too far to walk back." (Priceless, LOL)
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