The Runner's New Clothes

As a little girl I took gymnastics for a year or two. In my class was a girl who had a wonderful talent. I don't remember her name, or whether she was any good at the bar or the beam. What I remember about that little girl is her ability to make her pony tail swish. She could run down the "runway" and make that ponytail swing from side to side while barely moving her head. It was the coolest thing I had ever seen and I would secretly try to make my straight, stringy hair do the same thing. I didn't go very far in gymnastics but I never forgot that little girl and her fabulous, swinging hair.

Santa was very good to me this year and I got a great new running outfit. Cool new pants and a really pretty shirt. I also got a cute headband to wear over my ears. I decided to head to the gym Monday morning and knock out 6 miles. It was 19 degrees outside and despite the cool new headband I wasn't feeling up to that. So I put on my cute new out fit and headed to the gym. The first 2 miles were fine. The next 2 were brutal, but the last two were great. I really need distraction when I'm running and I found Cake Boss on the TV and he was making a huge car out of cake and I got pretty into that and before I new it I was 1/2 mile from finishing. I kicked it into high gear. I cranked up the speed and was full out running. I wasn't even hanging on to the bar. And then I realized what was happening.....my pony tail was swishing slightly. The image of that little girl running with her pony tail swishing came rushing back and I began to concentrate. Maybe, just maybe, I could do it now. I continued to run as fast as I could and began trying to make that pony tail swing. And swing it did! If you could see inside my head and see what I thought I must look like. Full out running in my cute new clothes with my pony tail swinging high. Oh! I was wonderful.

And then I caught a quick view of myself in mirrors along the wall.

And I almost fell off the treadmill.

Strange times

First of all I hope you have had a fabulous Christmas. I know that we have. I have felt very blessed this Christmas and I am thankful for my precious family and my sweet friends.

I am a good bit behind in my blogging and hope to catch up in the next few days.

I think every generation hears the saying," These are strange times we live in!". Maybe they hear the older generation say it or perhaps they themselves my find it true. Last Wednesday it was my turn to utter this phrase.

My husband has been lucky enough this year to be able to take a week of vacation during Christmas. It has been so great to have him home and we are all enjoying this relaxed time. However I do still need to be running and last Wednesday it was time to get a 3 miler in.

So...at noon on a Wednesday my husband and I went for a run.

These are indeed strange times!

Sent from my iPad

The Curse of the Cul-de-sac

First of all, I am way behind but last Sunday I ran 6.2 miles. By far the longest I have ever gone. 6.2 miles on Sunday morning lends itself to one heck of a nap on Sunday afternoon. It was worth it just for that.

When we built this house 4 years ago there were several reasons we chose this lot. First, we were desperate to find a lot and start building. Second, the builder only had 2 left. Third, we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we were supposed to move to Madison. Many factors contributed to the move but it has been such a great thing for our family. So lot #54 of Cypress Lake Estates it was. One of the things we loved most about this lot though was the location. We don't actually live in the cul-de-sac, but we are up on a little hill and look down into the cul-de-sac. We wanted lots of kids around and we got it. Counting the surrounding houses and the cul-de-sac their are 25 kids ages 12 and under. Neighborhood games of whatever sport is in season are nearly constant and its not unusual for boys wielding air soft guns to come screaming past my kitchen window. It's exactly what we wanted.

Until now. Now I hate the cul-de-sac.

It stands to reason that if you want to run 3 miles you go 1.5 miles out and then come back. Three miles. Right? Not in my world. It will be 2.6 or 2.85. Something just short of three miles. So we run the cul-de-sac until we reach the desired mileage. Maybe once around the cul-de-sac is not bad, but this is happening every time. Sometimes we have to run it twice. I don't know if the app we use is off or if we just can't count good, but I have a theory. I think it's the curse of the cul-de-sac. And it hit its peak last Sunday.

As I mentioned, we ran 6.2 miles Sunday. This was so much farther than I had ever been and I was feeling it by the time we came around the curve and I could see the house. That's when we realized the curse had struck again. We were going to have to run the cul-de-sac. This does a number on me mentally and I begin to whine. It's possible I was already whining but its all a blur.

We get to the house and we are at 5.79 or something like that. So around we go. and around. and around. At some point Jill lapped me and I had to keep going even after she hit 6.2. She stood at her car and watched me going in circles and laughed because I was so cock-eyed. Literally running sideways. But we did it!

Maybe it's to teach humility or maybe it's punishment for whining but

We have been cursed!

Running of a different kind

Today was Christmas Party day. I am Jenny's room mom this year and although not technically in charge of the party I felt responsible that things go well. I have control issues- I realize that-I'm a work in progress! Anyway, how cute are these:

I firmly believe that the Lord created us all with different gifts. Some people are meant to run for office and lead nations. Some are meant to be doctors and lawyers and bankers. I was made to make cute cupcakes and plan 4th grade class parties. It's what I love doing and I'm thankful she still wants me in the room!

The party is done, the teacher gifts are made, wrapped cute and delivered. Exams are over for the 7th grader and I know I haven't technically been for a run today but I feel like I've done 10 miles. This is known as the mom run! Gracious! Time for a nap!

Do Over

Each year our church sponsors a 5K race. It's held in August and hundreds of people participate. Twelve years ago I was one of those people. I was 3 months postpartem....as in....I had just had a baby. I was not exercising at all. I was still nursing a baby who slept not at all. And I still had that yucky, sweaty, leaky, I just had a baby feeling. Somebody say you know what I mean!

Anyway, I ran into some long time friends who were running the 5K. They said I should come with them. No, No I say. I'm not in shape at all. It'll be fun they reply. We are mostly going to walk anyway. Well, Ok I say. Truth is I just wanted to walk and chat with my friends.

The starting gun goes off and so do my friends. I hung with them about 30 seconds and I was done. The next half hour was brutal. Finally I see a table ahead and people cheering. Thank the good Lord... This was over! Then I see it.... the sign that says Mile One!

It took every ounce of self respect I had to not flag down a car and have them take me back. I began to realize that there were only three of us left at the back of the race. Me and 2 old ladies walking and talking. I fought the tears as I tried to take a short cut and the race people (who were supposed "friends") made me stay on course. Than as the finish line came into view one of the old ladies passed me. That move stole from me the last ounce of self respect I had left and I slinked across the finish line 2nd to last. I did not stop walking until I reached my car. I came home, took a shower and have rarely spoken of this until now.

Now...I have redeemed myself!

Saturday I ran a 5K. And I did in fact run it! Most of it anyway. My wonderful friend Jill and my equally wonderful husband ran by my side the whole time. Both of them could have run it so much faster and better but they hung with me and at mile 2 when I thought I was going to die Jill held out her arm for me to hang onto. I am blessed.

When we turned toward the finish line I realized I was about 30 seconds from my goal of 36 minutes. That clock holds some kind of magic power because something took hold of me and I took off. Actually it may have been Jill that took hold of me. Whatever it was I ran faster than I ever have. As we neared the finish line I hear my compassionate and encouraging friend say: "No way you're beating me!" and she surged ahead. I finished in 36:01. I missed it by one second, but I was really pleased! I couldn't figure out why I had struggled so much. We had run 3 miles many times. The I discovered we had run at an 11:36 pace. That was a full minute faster per mile pace than our fastest training run. Holy Cow!

I'm so glad Jill had me do a race because I had no idea we were running that fast (it's relative..I know it's not that fast). It was not a big race at all, but when everyone took off so did I and I'm not sure I could have slowed down. It was really good practice and I hope to do a few more races between now and The Big One!

The race itself was a little disappointing. There was no T-shirt and no race number. So nothing much to mark my first real 5K race. But what I will always remember is my friend and my husband standing by me. I am truly blessed! Here we are before the race:

I would show you a picture of me afterwards, but it involves dry heaves and a very red face. Not pretty. I did buy myself a new running shirt in honor of the race but its mostly hidden by my jacket. It was pretty though.

We have big week this week. The intensity is picking up. I'm excited though. For the first time I think I might actually do this and do it reasonably well.

I did draw the line in the sand at 21 degrees. No early run tomorrow. I will wait for afternoon thank you very much! Actually Jill gave me a choice. Early morning treadmill or afternoon on the road. I wish she had given me a choice about how many miles!

It was a great weekend and as bad as I felt immediately following the race by the time we had gotten home Jill had talked me into a 10K called Chill in the Hills. Let me repeat that CHILL in the HILLS.

I think she slipped me some koolaid!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Subtitle: My Journey to the Darkside

I have long accused my husband and other avid runners and triathletes in my life of being part of a cult. They fit many of the criteria. One of them being- saying and doing things that don't make sense to anyone else.

I think I'm in trouble.

First of all on Monday Jill asked me what was on the schedule for Tuesday. My response: "Oh, Just an easy 3." I seriously said an easy 3 miles. Jill just laughed and said, "Did you just hear yourself?" Oh Dear-I did.

Secondly, It was 23 degrees Tuesday morning. You read that right-23 degrees. Monday night I texted Jill and asked her if she was serious. Unfortunately she assured me she was. However, Later that night she texted back.

"Chris think I'm crazy- let's go to the Courthouse" (the gym in our neighborhood)

My loving and supportive husband then said to me:

"Run! Complete your journey to the darkside!"

I text Jill back:

"I'm ok with whatever. I can borrow Shane's Under Armor and I have cute pink gloves."

Jill: "Outside it is"

Me: "I'm so stupid"

So that's what we did. We ran 3 miles in 23 degree weather. It was cold. Really cold. But not terrible. Jill did assure me that she has limits. She said she doesn't run below 20 degrees.

Well, it's good to know there are limits to the insanity.

After looking at the forecast for the rest of the week I sent Jill this text this morning:

"Just to let you know ahead of time, I don't think I run in the snow. I'm still praying about it."

Her response:

I eat snow for breakfast!

A Day of Firsts!

Yesterday was a pretty big day in my little journey here. There were many "firsts" yesterday!

It was the first time I have gotten up early for a Sunday morning run. It was actually pretty easy and kind of nice to get up at 6:30 instead of 5:00. I got my day of rest in though. Nobody heard from me between 2:30 and 4:30 yesterday.

It was the first time I have paid someone to babysit while I run. Obviously when we run early during the week Shane is home with the kids. And if we run in the afternoon they are plenty old enough to hang at the house for an hour while I run in the neighborhood. But Shane and Will were on a scout campout and I didn't want to leave Jenny alone so Jill's oldest daughter Reagan came to my house at 6:30 to stay with Jenny. Bless her heart! I felt so guilty when she was standing there in her jammies wrapped in a blanket. I showed her the couch and paid her well. Jenny thinks Reagan is the greatest teenager ever and would whole heartily agree!

It was the first time I have left the neighborhood to run. We ran straight out of Cypress Lake and down the main road. That was a huge mental hurdle for me.

And last but not least:

For the first time IN MY LIFE I ran 5 miles. It was a great run too! We didn't have to walk very much and except for the time I told Jill I thought I was going to throw up I felt really good! We were lightening fast too! A 12:48 pace over 5 miles. Ok so it was lightening fast for me! I feel so encouraged and excited!

I became a little obnoxious as the day wore on and felt the need to tell everyone I saw that I had run 5 miles. My poor husband! Just as we were about to fall asleep I said, "Oh hey guess what?" "What?" "I ran 5 miles today!" this was about the 10th time this conversation took place and he was appropriately excited each time! God love him!

Just imagine what I'll be like after 13.1 !!!

Best running Song. EVER.

Today was just a short 2 miler. Needed to get back on track. I was supposed to go with 3 other girls in our group but needed to stay close to home to wait on a delivery man. I decided to do some practice on my walking (another post for another day.) I did pretty good and was keeping a good pace both running and walking. I was just short of 1/2 mile home and had about decided to walk home when this song came on in my shuffle rotation. Can you name that tune?

Burnin' up

Don't know just how that I can go

Soon be home

Only just a few more miles down the road

I can make it

I know I can

You broke the boy in me

But you can't break the man!

DANG IT!

(ok I added that last line)

I looked down at my pace when that verse was on and I was running a 9:50 pace. I have NEVER run that fast in my life. I must play this song on the last leg of any solo run. It spurs me on!

Can you name the song. If your less that 35 probably not-let me know if you know it!

I can feel it burnin' in me!

Take My Breath Away!

If you are a child of the eighties, like myself, one movie sound track come to mind when you see that song title. Anyone?

Yep! Top Gun! I was in the eighth grade and absolutely just aged myself but- wow what a movie and what a song! That was before Tom Cruise went all weird and you can be sure a picture of him in his flight jacket that I tore out of BOP magazine was on my bedroom wall.

Wait...what am I supposed to be writing about? Oh yea...Running, breathing... now I'm back on track!

I will admit to kind of blowing it this first official training week. I have had 2 good runs, but I haven't really followed the in between "stuff". I strung lights in my bushes yesterday and decided to count that as cross training. I gotta get with it! We did run this morning and I hate, HATE to admit that I was looking forward to the early morning run. It's 7:30, the run is done, I'm wide awake and the day is in front of me. It was a really good run too. I felt good, we only walked a couple of times and then it was only up what appears to be mountains that have sprung up in Madison, Ms. I declare this is a hilly neighborhood! My legs felt good. The company was good and overall is was a great start to the day. So here is my issue now:

I can't breathe! I get to where I can't catch my breath. I want a deep good breath and I can't get it. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the 6 Diet Cokes I drink everyday. Somebody please tell me that's not it! If comes down to running or Diet Cokes- well is there really a choice?

A few Christmas's ago I bought my Ironman brother a book he asked for for Christmas. It was an entire book about how to breathe while swimming. That was the craziest thing I had ever heard of. Well, now I'm wondering if there is one for running. I may at least google it.

Maybe Tom Cruise wrote a book about it?!

A training run and a show off!

Well yesterday was the start of Official Disney Training. Our training schedule said I was supposed to stretch and strengthen yesterday. I did have to stretch my arm pretty far out the car window to reach my McDonald's biscuit at the drive through. As far as strength training goes - my bags were pretty heavy at Kroger. That all counts right?!

Ok .... so yesterday was a bust, but today was good. The schedule says 3 and we did 3 solid miles. When we got back to the house it was 2.77 so we had to kind of run in a circle till we reached three but we did it. Jill then decided to be a show off and ran from my house to the gym and went to step class. I got this text a little later:

The next time I decide to be a hero and go to step class after a run....Slap me!!

I couldn't resist this text in return:

Ok..Will do! We good for 5 miles in the morning at 5:00.

Her return text:

I hope you enjoyed that!

I did in fact enjoy having her turn me down for a run instead of the other way around. Truth is, no way I was doing 5 miles in the morning, so it was a little mean.

The schedule has 2 miles for tomorrow and that will be a trick since the 3 today were done late afternoon and I'll have to do the 2 first thing in the morning. Slow and easy and get it in.

I know we have been running for 7 weeks already but the start of "official training" has me excited!" We are really gonna do this and it is really going to be fun.

86 Days and Counting!

Official Disney Training!

Today is the point of no return! Today is thirteen weeks until race day! 88 days! Our training Plan is 13 weeks so today is the day!

It's a little overwhelming to think that we are already to official training! Some days I think I can take on the world and some days I can't help but think I have lost my mind! I'm excited though and ready to really push myself and if I think I can't I can't push myself any further I know Jill will be there to give me a loving shove!

We had a great run Saturday morning. It was me and Jill and Regina and it was so fun to be together and run. We did four miles and did faster than the last time we did four miles. We are going to shoot for 5 miles Saturday and I have no comment on that right now because I am working on only saying nice things.

So here we go. I can't believe I am officially training for something I swore I would never do. But I'm ready for the adventure! Today I celebrated "Official Disney Training Day" with a McDonald biscuit.

This could be quite challenge!

Today I'm thankful

I'm up before everyone else this morning so I can get the dressing made. It's been kind of a bad week at our house. One of those weeks when nothing has gone right and little things seem to be hard to do and water pours out of the cabinet below onto your feet while you're washing dishes. One of those. But this morning I woke up with a smile on my face and here's why.

I'm about to make dressing from a really good recipe given to me by a really good friend. I'm so thankful for her. She makes a difference in my life and I'm so glad she is my friend.

I woke up this morning in my warm, comfortable, relatively clean spacious home next to a man whose love I have not questioned for 16 1/2 years. Who values our marriage and tells me every day he loves me and he thinks I'm beautiful.

I am going to see my family in a little while. My family and his family and my sister-in-law's family will all be together. I am thankful that all these people love each other.

I am thankful that everyone who was with us last year is still with us this year. That hasn't always been the case and it's not the case for a lot of my friends. I am beyond thankful for that this year.

I am thankful for my Daddy, who is not with us. I am thankful that everyday I can see the influence of him in my life.

My children are still asleep and I love it when I am up before them making breakfast, setting their day in motion. My whole life what I wanted to be when I grew up was a mother. I am so thankful I get to be their mother. I'm thankful they are healthy and happy (most of the time).

No running today, only eating. But I am thankful for the fact that if wanted to run today, I could. And I'm thankful that I'm not worried about what we will eat. That I've never once really been hungry. I am thankful for the chance to help others.

I am thankful that I not only woke up in my warm comfortable house, I woke up in the United States of America. I am thankful for the people who sacrifice their lives so I can wake up in my warm comfortable bed. I am thankful for freedom.

Most of all I am thankful that I know my Savior lives! I am thankful that I know my Savior! I am thankful that He knows me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Andy Update

You might remember my post here about my little brother, Andy. The two time ironman. I wrote that he was training for a marathon. Well, his marathon was this past Sunday and he did great! He ran 26.2 miles in 3:14:56. That was 43 minutes faster than his personal best! Holy Cow! If he were 9 months older it would have qualified him for the Boston Marathon.

I texted him back that I was so proud of him. He texted back "Thanks. I can't walk now though."

I hope he's feeling better now but to be honest that makes me feel a little better.

You know at 5K races (that I've seen before) you see those people who run the course before to warm up and then run it again after the race to cool off- that annoys me. I thought Andy might be one of those, but on a marathon level. You know - "Let me run another 26 miles to cool off. "

I'm so proud of him and can't even imagine being able to that.

The website for the Disney Princes Half Marathon states that you half to keep a 16 minute/mile pace. If that is what I do it in, it will take me 30 minutes longer to finish a half marathon than it did for Andy to finish a whole marathon.

Brothers!

Be the Mom!

This is a little phrase I say to myself some mornings when the alarm goes off and I don't really want to get out of bed. I say "Be the Mom!" to myself and out I come, semi-ready to take on the morning. I changed the phrase up a little this morning:

It was a late night with interrupted sleep. A 12 year old who doesn't want to wear his retainer kept appearing at my door. I was sleepy and 5:00 came early. So when the alarm went off I muttered to myself: "Be the runner! Be the runner!"

Here are few observations from the morning run and the week in general:

1. Walking into my house after an early morning run and finding my daughter (9 yrs. old) in the kitchen dressed, toast in the toaster with a diet coke in her hand waiting for me makes getting up that early worth it. That was a remember this moment!

2. Trudging through mud is this weeks theme. One of those weeks that went on forever and I never could get the fire lit under me. My runs followed suit and were a little discouraging this week.

3. Jill Webb is a good friend. I am sure she could get up at 5:00 and run 6 miles without thinking about it and yet she trudges along beside me listening to me whine and encouraging me to go on.

4. At miles 2.5 today I could no longer feel my feet. At all. Dead sound asleep. Not even the tingly kind of asleep. The dead weight kind of asleep. It was strange!

5.I went to the gym in my neighborhood to get a diet coke after I left Jill's this morning. I was thinking what a warm day it was going to be since it was so warm already at 6:15. Then I passed my neighbor out walking the dog in her large, down, ski jacket. I'm glad I didn't advise my kids on how to dress this morning!

6. Cypress Lake subdivision should be renamed The Mountains of Madison. Just sayin'!

7. In fitting form with the way this week has gone I walked into my house and looked down and realized....

I ran 3.94 miles with my shirt inside out!

Fuel for Running or....Eating at Disney!

With all our running and training (and complaining) there is one fact that can not be overlooked. We are not only running a half marathon (gulp) we are running a half marathon in Disney World!

Another fact that cannot be forgotten is that 6 friends are going to be in Disney World together with no kids!!!!! I'm sorry I really should have put a frowny face after that put I just couldn't help myself.

Jill is a Disney connoisseur and has been busy planning our itinerary and meals. We decided we might want to eat at some grownup places since we don't have the kiddos with us, so we are eating with Prince Charming. It is the Princess Half Marathon after all! Here is what our meals look like:

Friday night: Epcot, Mexico Pavilion-new restaurant- La Hacienda

Saturday night: Hollywood Studios- Mama Melrose- Pasta before the race is good right?

Sunday-Post Race: 1900 Fair at the Grand Floridian with Cinderella and Prince Charming.

*As long as they have wheel chair seating at this one I should be fine!

Reservations are made.....

Now to figure out how to run 13 miles!

Thank you God for Rain!

When the alarm went off at 5:00 this morning two thoughts went through my head.

1) You've got to be kidding me!

2)Why doesn't it ever rain at 5:00 in the morning?

It was a busy weekend. I was tired and maybe a little lazy. I got up though and headed towards the bathroom. And then I heard it. The pitter patter of drops on the roof. Could it be?!?!?

I grabbed my phone and headed to the den to look out of the window. I barely got out the bedroom door when my phone pinged with a message:

"No Go...Back to bed."

Praise the Lord!!! and I'm not even kidding. I missed getting to talk to Jill this morning. That starts my days of good. But I think she might have been thankful for the rain this morning too!

I've come along way in the 6 weeks I've been running. Both physically and psychologically but let me state for the record.....

I'm not running in the rain....EVER!

Milestone

Six weeks ago if you had told me I would be up at 5:00 this morning so I could run 4 miles I would have not only laughed at you, I would have scoffed at you! Never in a hundred years was that something I saw in my future. But I've eaten so many words in the last 6 weeks-what's a few more?

Four miles! I actually ran four miles. That really is unbelievable to me. I know eventually that will have to be 13 miles, but I can't really focus on that. I'm just focusing on this day's miles. I'm learning valuable things about running too. Tuesday's run was really awful, and I know it was because I also ran on Monday. Today it had been 2 days since I had run and it was a great run. I felt good, nothing hurt (too bad anyway). And Jill even noticed that I seem to be improving - my best run yet with her. Which means my best run yet period!

Of course I feel the need to reward myself when I hit a new milestone and I felt like today was a pretty big one. I mulled over what to do. New earrings? A manicure? Many possibilities, but honestly four miles did a number on my legs and I was just flat worn out so I stopped and got a cold diet coke, some candy and came home and sat on the porch and read my book for half an hour before everyone got home. It was blissful!

I'm learning my lesson and will not be running tomorrow. I might go to a weight class at the gym or ....

I'll probably sleep in!

Crosstraining or.... I don't feel like running today

I have discovered that running two days in a row may not be the best thing for me. The second day is always bad. My problem is I feel lazy not getting out there but I pay for it the third day when I find it difficult to even walk. So I really didn't want to run today, but tomorrow is out completely because of my schedule so I needed to do something.

So here is what I did:

* I biked to the middle school and back-twice. Maybe a mile total

*I biked to the gym in my neighborhood and back home-1/2 mile

*I spent 25 minutes on the stationary bike at the gym. Mind you this was not fast pedaling. If I pedal too fast it shakes my book and I can't read.

*I went up and down the stairs at church 100 times. Mostly carrying stuff. It was hard. I'm counting it.

So basically it was a squeeze in some exercise where you can day and I think thats ok every now and then. It's a good thing I did thing I did cause:

I've had two Krispy Kreme Donuts today-TWO

Thank you Mr. UPS man

I mapped out a new course last night and for the record hills looks much smaller and less numerous in the dark. I ran it this morning and it took me into a section of neighborhood I had not run yet. I had just turned onto the new street when I heard it: The jangling of tags, the pounding of paws and then it came. Lots of loud barking getting closer. Even over the loud WICKED soundtrack playing in my ears I knew this was not good. Sure enough to my left, coming fast were two large, angry dogs.

I yelled out loud, something very intelligent and strong like "Oh, Oh, AAHHH!" and kind of froze. And then my hero, the man in the big brown van, pulled up between me and the dogs. These dogs must have a serious case of ADD because thats all it took. They never noticed me again and they were on the opposite side of the street from me the rest of the way through that section of neighborhood. They were kind enough to leave a gift for me though and I obligingly stepped right in it.

On another note. I did go farther than I have so far. 3.5 miles. It wasn't good though. I almost turned around, but I didn't. I got it in. Really more walking than running today. I had lots on my mind today. Many friends to pray for today so I'm calling this a 3.5 mile prayer walk with some intermittent jogging. That works right?

It was worthwhile though because one prayer was already answer today and despite being chased by dogs and trudging through I am thankful to be able to do what I can.

God is good-all the time!

Little Brother

This is my little brother, Andy.

I know he looks all tough now but I could totally beat him in a kick fight when he was 9.

This picture was taken about 6 years ago during his first Ironman. You heard that correct-his FIRST Ironman. That means he has done more than one. I haven't yet figure out why he is smiling in this picture. He is either just starting or just finishing a marathon. Yes, that's right. A full marathon - 26.2 miles. After swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112 miles. It's a little obnoxious.

He has been very supportive of my "little" endeavor. The other day when I wrote about my leg hurting I got an email almost as soon as I posted that simply said. "What's wrong with your leg?" He gave me lots of really good advice on how to care for my hurting leg and I really thought that was so sweet. Then he threw in this little zinger, "If it makes you feel better I had to walk a good bit on my 19 mile run the other day." Nice.

One time he was home visiting and he called me from my mother's house and asked if this was a good time for him to run over and say hello. So he literally ran over to say hello. As in he used his legs-not a car- and ran over to my house. Brothers.

He's running a marathon in a couple of weeks. I'm really amazed by him. I feel the need to share with everyone all my trials and tribulations of running a few miles and he quietly runs marathons and Ironmans.

He also brought me a little gift when I saw him this weekend:

At first I was offended because I thought he was calling me fat, but I've been assured that all serious runners use this so I think that was very sweet.

I'll never be as "fit" as he is or as serious about this as he is. It's just not in me. But I am very proud of my little brother. (And he's not really obnoxious-I actually might be the obnoxious one.)

But I'm pretty sure I can still take him in a kick fight!

Just Do it Already!

Today was a cooking day at my house. I cooked all day long! I have a couple of parties at my house next week and a family event this weekend so I was cooking up some goodies. Like these:

If you're ever mad at me I will bring you these. You won't be mad at me anymore.

They are yummy!

Anyway, I had a plan of when to run today, but I got a little off the plan and kept pushing my time to run back. And honestly as the day wore on I really wasn't feeling all that great. So about 1:30 I threw in the towel. Not running today. It's just an off week I guess.

Well, when I got out to run carpool I realized what a beautiful afternoon it was. I started to wish I had gone ahead and run. I decided I might could fit it in before we left town for the weekend. So off I went.

It was in fact a beautiful day. Windy but so nice. I did 2.5 miles but did walk a good bit today. I'm beginning to learn something though. I think because any distance was an improvement for the first few weeks I expect myself to set new records every time I go out. I'm beginning to understand the difference between a training run-adding distance and time and a just do it already run-one to get in some miles and get my body moving. That was today's run- just do it already. And I'm glad I did- I always am. Now-if you will excuse me:

The sweet rolls are calling my name!

Happy Runiversary!

Today is my one one month runiversary! Happy runiversary to me! I can't wait to see what I get! I think it should be fabulous!

One month ago today I hobbled 1 mile around the circle in my neighborhood! Today it's 7:30 and I've already gone 3 miles! That's pretty good. I didn't run it all but I'm getting there!

Today Jill, who showed up this morning, reminded me that "official" training begins November 29. Official training-what the heck have I been doing for the last month! Actually the training program we are going to use is 13 weeks. That starts November 29. It assumes you can run 3 miles so we are using this "grace period" to build up to three miles. Almost there.

Then Jill said these words: "Next week we go to 4." Four? Four what?Four Miles? Crud!

Then she said these words: "You didn't complain near as much today!"

Perhaps I should work on that.

Tinkerbell Sleeps In!

There is a flashback scene in an old (very old) episode of FRIENDS in which Rachel has been stood up for a school dance. She is standing at the bottom of a flight of stairs crying, "He's not coming!"

That was me this morning at 5:30. Standing at the bottom of my driveway crying. "She's not coming!"

Ok, so it wasn't quite that dramatic but the fact remains- Tinkerbell stood me up!

However this wasn't such a bad thing as it brought me to a point of personal decision. You see on Monday morning I set my alarm for 5:00 intending to get up and run early by myself. Well, it doesn't take much to figure out what happened. Well, actually not much happened at all. Turned it off and slept for another hour and a half. The thought of running by myself in the dark was not appealing.

So....there I found myself this morning. In the dark, sleepy and at the point of decision. To sleep or to run was the question and I chose to run. Let me repeat.....I CHOSE TO RUN!

This was a big step for me. As Jill put it.. "It shows a lot of growth." I'm kind of proud of that. I ran 2 miles. Mostly. Walked a little. It had been 3 days since I had done anything and I was nervous I was going to take a big step back. But I did ok.

I would still much rather run with Tinkerbell, but I didn't hate the run this morning. So... thanks Jill for giving me a little boost this morning without even knowing it. And just remember....

I get one free pass now!

Trick or Treat..Smell my Feet

On second thought I probably wouldn't do that. Not to go too far into the "too much information" department but, all this running is doing something not so pleasant to my feet!

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!

Here are scenes from our night:

My Crazy Ole Miss Fan

Jenny as a candy corn and me as Elphaba from Wicked

My sweet candy corn

Shane dressed up as a Daddy with a really bad cold watching the Ole Miss game. He stayed behind to hand out candy. It was the first time he hasn't trick or treated but he really wasn't feeling good.

It's back to the training grind now. And it's a good thing because....

I really like candy!

Note to Self

DON'T BE A SHOWOFF!!!

When a new route is proposed don't go ahead and run it the day before just to prove you can. When you do it again the next morning it won't be near as much fun.

The company was great. The weather was cool. The distance was 3 miles. The leg hurt BAD!!!

Have a great Friday!

I have to go get Advil!

My Own Personal Tinkerbell

The other day I referred to my friend Jill as the angel on my shoulder encouraging me to run on! I have decided to amend that. I think she is my own personal Tinkerbell!

At 6:57 this morning my cell phone buzzed with a new text. Who was it you ask: Tinkerbell herself!

I wanted to give you time to mentally prep. We are adding the Madison HILLS loop tomorrow. We can walk some. Be Ready. 5:30!!!

Did you see that? Madison HILLS! It's called that for a reason. Because its full of HILLS !

Well there is no use arguing so I decided to prepare by going ahead and seeing how bad it is. And it was not quite so bad. It really is so encouraging to be able to see myself improve and be able to add distance. I really am finding that I can go longer and I feel better. I'm finding a groove when I'm running and am finally getting to the point of being able to think about things other than survival. It was 2.8 miles. By far the farthest I've gone. I did walk a few times but not for long. It was a beautiful fall morning with a cool breeze. I really enjoyed it.

I can't wait to show Jill what I can do tomorrow - at 5:30!

On a side note: My IPOD with its great running songs playlist was dead so I grabbed the 12 years old IPOD. How much is too much Toby Mac?

2.8 MILES!

Oh My Word!

No running today-my body and my schedule just wouldn't allow it. I did make one horrifying discovery today though.

It takes roughly 20 minutes for me to drive to church. I leave the neighborhood, drive to Main street and merge onto the interstate. I spend several minutes on the interstate. Once I take my exit I travel down a very long road for more than a couple of minutes. It's an easy drive just not necessarily a particularly short one.

I discovered today that that drive is just over 2 miles shorter than the run I will have to make in February.

This was not a happy thought!

Theme Week: Run in the Dark

Yesterday I mentioned that I would run when I felt like it today. Well~I waited all day and the feeling never came! I'm not sure what it was today. I was sore from yesterdays run- Jill doesn't follow my avoid all hills rule so I took a few for the team and boy my calves hurt today! I think it's also the weather. You look outside and it's kind of dark and cloudy and the leaves are changing and it looks all cold and you feel all cozy and then you go outside. It's like 90 degrees out there. Whatever it was - I didn't want to run. I wanted to nap. I'm a much better napper.

But then I remember that I already paid for the race and that I better get out there so off I went. In the dark. Although 7:30 dark is better than 5:45 dark. I decided to add a little 1/2 mile loop through a section of the neighborhood and planned to do a lot of walking. Well, what do you know! It was one of the best runs yet. I did walk some but I ran way more and I really felt good. I'm so glad I fought the lazy urge. I felt like the cartoon with an angel and a devil on my shoulder. On one shoulder is me pressing for a nap and on the other shoulder is Jill and everyone else telling me to "Just Do It" (and I even have NIKE shoes!) I'm so glad that I listened to the angel! I feel better than I have all day with plenty of energy and it's a good thing because its 9:30 and.....

I haven't done the dishes yet!

The Best Kind of Mail!!!

I love to go to the mail box. I don't know why, but I think it's because as a kid I always wanted mail and it was never for me. I couldn't wait to be a grown up and have the mail be for me! It's not as much fun as I thought it would be but I still enjoy seeing what the mail box holds!

So what did it hold today?

The gas bill (yuck!)

Church offering envelopes (This adds bulk to the mail pile, but it's not really "mail")

Something from the Social Security Administration (double YUCK!)

A magazine (not a good one)

A little junk

And.........

WOOOHOOO! The best mail I've had in awhile. Reservation Confirmation!

No Turning Back Now!

And the clock said....

I promise not to whine each time I get up at the crack of dawn. Technically it was before the crack of dawn, but it's all right. I'm getting slightly used to it. It was shaping up to be a busy Monday so I asked Jill if she would go with me Monday morning early. This is what my clock said when I got in the car. I realize people go to work at this time every single day of the week. I am fully aware of the childish and selfish nature with which I whine. I can't help it. I'm a night owl!

I am however learning to appreciate seeing the stars first thing in the morning-that makes no sense by the way! I am enjoying a visit with a friend first thing and being able to jump right into the days tasks is certainly an advantage.

Not tomorrow though! I will run when I feel like it tomorrow, but I will run! Tomorrow hold good things for me! Just wait and see!

I have discovered one huge disadvantage to getting up so early.....

I'm starving!!!

A Day of Rest

As long as I'm stuck on Annie songs, let me just say that "Yesterday was plain awful!" (Name that Annie song!) Two long, slow, painful miles and I was pooped! It really was plain awful. My time was still good despite the fact that I crawled about 1/3 of the way. I think I shot out of the gate way too fast and man it was hard. But I got the miles in!

Today is Sunday. Over the last several years out family has really tried to implement a real day of rest on Sundays. It really makes a difference in our week. So no running today. Only worshipping at church, visiting with friends at lunch and napping. Everyone is in bed now and I am readying things for the week.

And the week comes early as I am once again meeting my personal trainer, Jill, in the middle of the night. But this time it was my idea.

Oh the shame of it!

What the heck?!?!

My husband was looking at my super cute new shoes and he made this statement last night

"Oh these are Nike Plus shoes. They will sync with your ipod."

HUH??? Was my eloquent response. I don't even know what that means. I mean I know what sync with your ipod means but I'm not sure how you do that with shoes. Thats just odd. He looked it up though and here's the link.

I still say that's one of the strangest things I've heard him say.

But's it's the middle of the night!

My son is in the middle schools production of Annie this weekend. This prompted a family viewing of the movie Annie (my favorite movie as a kid). Do you remember when Ms. Hannigan comes in and tells the orphans to start cleaning (Till this place shines like the top of the Crysler building!) and little Molly says.. "But it's in the middle of the night!" and Ms. Hannigan mocks her in a snarky voice.."But it's in the middle of the night!"

This is the scene that played out in my driveway this morning.... at 5:45. Again using her evil mind bending powers my friend Jill convinced me to meet her at 5:45 to run. The fact that I just wrote that sentence shows a fundamental shift in my life and perhaps the universe as a whole. But there I stood at the end of my driveway waiting for Jill at 5:45 this morning. When she got out of the car I pointed to the still black sky and said.... "But it's in the middle of the night!"

We had a great run though and did 2 miles. Thats twice now that I've done two miles and this time I didn't park my rear on the sidewalk for 10 minutes after 1.4 of those miles. As much as I whined about it I really enjoyed starting my day with a friend and getting a jump on the day. This was a pretty big step!

So I thought I deserved another pair of pants and a new sports bra.

This is getting to be fun!

uh..NO!

I have been standing by my avoid hills at all cost rule. I went out of way to avoid a fairly small hill the other day and Jill called me a wuss! Ok so she didn't really. She politely encouraged me to take the hills for training purposes. Uh...NO!

Also- the race in Disney starts at 6:00 in the morning. Nasty! I don't actually do morning well. I'd rather run after the kids get off to school or even at night. During the same hill conversation Jill politely suggested that I get some morning runs in. I'm planning on it... February 27 at 6:00.

She suggested we do it sooner than that.

UH.....NO!!!

Booked!

Well- It's official. Jill Webb, the master mind behind this plan, could negotiate any peace treaty in the world! She not only talked me into this, she has successfully gotten 6 women on the same page for all the arrangements and all systems are go!

Registered for race....$130.00

Flight booked.............$215.00

Room, tickets, food....$410.00

The challenge of the race and the company of good friends.....

PRICELESS!!!!

Two miles..sort of

Well I had a terrible run yesterday. It was the first time I had run since my mile break through and I was pumped! But I took a left out of the driveway straight up the hill. Big mistake! It was terrible. I couldn't do the mile. So discouraging!

So I tried again today and guess what! I did two miles..sort of. I did a solid 1.4! No stopping! Then I sat down on the sidewalk and rested. Just plopped my hiney down and sat there. Then I ran the .6 mile home. Huge boost! Can't believe I could do that so soon!

Lesson here: Always take a right out of the driveway and avoid the hills at all cost!

One Mile and New Pants!

I ran a mile! I ran a mile! I ran a mile!!! A whole mile without stopping at all! A WHOLE MILE!!! I can't believe it. The only other time I have ever run a mile was 20 years ago in college when we had to run a mile in PE. I thought I was gonna die then too.

Shane ran with me yesterday and I made it the whole mile! I really almost cried when we hit the one mile mark. I couldn't believe it.

It has taken me two weeks to reach one mile. At this rate I'll be ready to run 13 miles in 26 weeks. Not good considering the race is in 18 weeks! Jill assures me I will improve exponentially. She better be right! I'm really proud of myself though!

I always have to have some reward system for myself. So I had told myself when I ran a mile I could get new running pants. So.. I did..and a shirt...and a jacket. I was really proud of myself!

I can't wait to see what I get at 2 miles!

NEW SHOES!!!!

Remember when you were a kid and new shoes made you run faster? Well, I am hoping the same proves true for grown ups! My feet have been killing me on my very short runs these first few days. Really hurting....like I thought I broke my foot it hurt so bad! (I may be slightly dramatic!) Anyway my husband kept telling me togo get shoes so when the man says get shoes I feel it is my wifely duty to obey- I mean how often does a husband encourage his wife to go get a pair of $90 shoes. So they are NIKE.. they are still cute! Don't you think!

Shane asked what kind they were when I called to tell him I had gotten them. Pink Nikes was about as technical as I could get. I did get some cool new socks too. At $11.00 a pair they better be good!

Well- Guess what! They do help you run faster! My feet have felt so much better and I had a great run on our trip to The Grand Hotel. The farthest I have been so far!

So maybe it is true. New shoes can make you run faster!

I QUIT MY JOB!!!

I know thats a strange way to start a blog about running, but I think thats where the journey starts. I loved my job, it was absolutely one of the most rewarding things I've ever done, but it was becoming more and more my focus instead of my family and it became more and more apparent that the time had come for me to refocus on my family. So....I quit my job! And while I am loving being at home and my family is certainly running better and everyone is feeling the calm that it has brought I was lacking some challenge. I am by nature project oriented. I began immediately thinking of what I need to do next! I felt a very strong pull though to just be still. I feel like now the Lord is saying its ok to get moving now and get moving is what I have decided to do!!!

About 2 weeks ago I pulled up behind a car with a princess sticker on it that said 13.1. I knew what that meant and I thought- if I'm ever going to do something like that- thats the one I would do!! Of course to me that meant- "No way am I ever going to do a 1/2 marathon-those people are crazy, but Disney would be fun"

Fast forward a week! I'm sitting on the porch of a family camp we went to. My good friend Jill says, "You know what we ought to do?" And there you have it. I've decided Jill ought to work for the government. In less than a week she convinced me to pay somebody to let me run 13.1 miles. Middle East peace ought to be walk in the park for her!

Let it be known that I can't run at all. All the training programs say "This assumes you can run 3 miles." HAAAHAAAHAAA. I can run to the end of the driveway-does that count? Ok Actually I have been trying for a week and I'm getting better. I can run/walk/lim/crawl 1.3 miles in 18 minutes. That ain't gonna cut it sista!

So-here starts the journey! 20 weeks till race day. Follow along. It should be interesting!