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?!