Running on Empty

So after my motivated self won an inner debate that started at about 3:30 am, I finally dragged my sorry butt out of bed to make up for my missed run yesterday. I knew I had to do it before Aaron left because we had plans the rest of the day. I left the baby with Aaron and thought I would have it easy, only 40 min and just the puppy and I. Boy was I wrong! I don't know if it was the total lack of sleep this week or the fact that I didn't eat breakfast before, or if I didn't have enough water yesterday or WHAT but I seriously felt like my legs each weighed 1,000 lbs. I was going SO slow and hurting SO bad. I hate runs like these but when I want to quit I pretend like I have already run 11 miles of the race and I only have 2 more to go. I know I HAVE to push through because I have to finish the race. I think that its good to have a day like this every once in a while because it teaches us to push when we don't want to push. At the almost half way point the DOG laid down on the ground (it wasn't hot, I guess she was having a bad day too) so we turned around a little early but the uphills on the way home made up the time. We finished the 40 min and I am beat! I hope tomorrow is better! 5 miles didn't seem like much until this morning!

that explains it...

so, i've been wondering why the lack of motivation, the total exhaustion, the nausea, the unexplained crying the extra 2 lbs this week... and my first fear was that i was pregnant. i know, wouldn't that be a riot. but it's worse... that pesky little monthly visitor that i have not missed one bit for the last 13 months has finally returned to me. seriously, why do i have to be a woman?!?!? i was sooo hoping that breastfeeding would get me out of this monthly torment, but no. not me. boo! enough over-dramatic whining for one post?
tuesday i didn't get to my run until 9:00 pm. it took everything out of me to actually get to the gym rather than plop down on the couch (exhausted from being in charge of an all girls activity) to watch american idol. but i knew i couldn't break the habits i'd started, so off i went. and it was actually kind of fun to watch cute little david archuleta (mormon, by the way) sing his cute little guts out while i ran. what was not so cute, however, was the side cramp i had the whole time (probably from the 4 peanut butter cookies i ate at mutual - don't you judge me.)
yesterday was the dreaded day where my womanhood returned. i was not about to do anything physical unless you count lounging around at the beach with baby, puppy, friend, and baby's girlfriend. sweet.
today - the gym again my friends (once again- lazy and unmotivated) and it was a total mental battle the WHOLE time. it's like, if i have an excuse (bloating, cramping, yucky yuck, etc.) i have to do everything to not give in to it. i even thought about walking the last 10 min just because i wanted to, but had to push through it realizing that 10 min was still 10 min whether i was running or walking.
in the end, i only went 3 miles today in 40 min (managed to do 4 miles in 45 on tuesday) and i am just hoping that saturday will be good to me. only 5 miles right? please tell me it will all be ok. (and by the way - what if this happens on race day??!! i think i will die.)

Amen sistah!

Brooke, you are preachin' to the choir! Today was a hard 45 minutes, actually I even cheated and stopped at about :40. I just did my normal 3ish mile loop but struggled. I also went too late and it was hot and I hadn't eaten/drunk enough before hand and my iPod died about 1/3 of the way in -hate when that happens. So today was a "check it off my list" kind of run. Wasn't great, but at least it was done.

Nothing new...

I feel bad when I don't post but I also feel bad when I write boring posts! Monday was uneventful except for the minor heart attack I got when I heard a man screaming at the top of his lungs and turned around just in time to see his HUGE black lab bounding towards us. Luckily it was a nice dog and aside from giving me and Bella (my dog) a heart attack, we were ok. It was starting to get WARM on Monday (we didn't go until 11) so I decided Tuesday we better get out the door earlier.

Thanks to the arrival of a TOOTH on my way-too-young-to-have-teeth baby we haven't been getting ANY sleep and "early" ended up being 9:30 which was still incredibly hot! And I forgot my water so Tuesday was rough but we made it the full 45 min.

That's it folks! Uneventful is good I think! Isn't it funny how 45 min can be SO much harder than 90!?

Detention

So I played hooky yesterday. I had to have my Eli at his 3yr well ck at 8:30, right after I dropped off the other 3 offspring at school. I kept thinking I was going to do it when we got back, after lunch, before dinner...but it kept getting pushed off. Basically I never made it happen. If I don't run first thing, the chances of running drop to like, 2 %. So today I gave myself a severe consequence and I served my time doing hills. Iactually prefer running up hill to running down. Uphill is totally hard, but it seems like you just have to dig in - it just takes more muscle (which I don't have!) but down feels like I may hurt myself and I don't know if I'm leaning too far back or going too slow, it just feels awkward. What do ya'll do? Anyhoo, I also listened to that Oprah book , The New Earth - pretty thought provoking, but for my last five minutes I had to kick over to Xtina and a little "Ain't No Other Man." As Eli would say, "yessssss!" Have a happy day off, think of me tomorrow back in detention doing a makeup day.

monday, sweaty monday...

(sung to the tune of sunday, bloody sunday)

not much to report this morning - except that i am a sweaty mess. yuck. that is always the problem with choosing treadmill over road. oh well. i was feeling lazy this morning (mostly mentally) and didn't want to put the effort into figuring out where i was going to run today, so i went to our gym instead. mondays are slow for me - my muscles seem to be afraid that i am going to push them to the edge like i had 2 days earlier, and sometimes it feels like i'm running in quicksand, or like my feet weigh 50 pounds. anyhow, i managed to keep a pretty good pace and ran 3.8 miles in 45 min.
i forgot to mention in my last post that i tried out bodyglide on saturday. it seemed to work well - no chafing in sight. just a warning though - it stinks like CRAZY! it doesn't smell bad when you put it on, but mixed with sweat and sports bras, it is enough to make you gag. so, beware... and plug your nose!
i'm sure it doesn't stink as much as this though:



sick and wrong, i tell you. sick and wrong.

welcome to the club!

is it just me, or do you also feel like you have just joined some elite club of sorts?
not just anyone can get into this club. it is not for wimps or wusses or whiners. it is not for cry babies, fair-weather fans or pessimists. it is not even for people who have great intentions but just can't seem to follow through.
yes, the admission price is steep. it will cost you valuable time and effort, lots of sweat, maybe some blood and definitely some tears. it will require doing things you think are crazy, impossible, and maybe just not worth it. it would be much easier to sleep in, to make excuses, and to act like you think members of the club are out of their minds (but secretly you'd envy them.)
you may even get excited about things you had never even heard of (gu, pr's, waterbelts, etc.) and you run the risk of driving people who are outside of the club crazy with your obsessions. they just don't get it. you may chafe in places you didn't know it was possible to chafe, you may swear off cotton for life, and at some point, you may even have to pee on the side of the road (hopefully not in your pants) . you will get pumped up by music that you normally would NOT listen to, and you most likely will plan your entire life's schedule around club activities.
BUT, as a member of this club you will also go farther, work harder, get stronger, run faster. you will find muscles you never knew you had. you will find strength (and not just physical strength) that you did not know was in you. you will find peace in pushing yourself beyond your limits time and time again. THAT is powerful. every week you will do more than you ever thought possible. and the next week, you will go farther still. you will gain confidence with each step you take, and you will walk taller (in spite of the sore muscles) and smile wider.
caution: you will get addicted. you never thought you could, but all of the sudden, YOU ARE A RUNNER.

my run went sooo well today. i loved it. can you tell?
94 min, 7 miles. (about a 13 min mile)
i tried out my new waterbelt (love it) and fruit punch beans (i think they worked)
the last mile and a half was all up hill ("survivor" by destiny's child got me through the last 5 min)
so glad we are in this together!!!
you girls are AWESOME!

red tongue from red gatorade and red beans... go cougars!


are you looking at my bum? cool fanny pack...


can you believe it? an hour and 34 min! a-mazing!

Easy Breezy Beautiful

OK, I know I'm probably cursing myself here, but that is how I feel about today's run. It felt great the whole time - I loved it. The hardest part was when I stopped and walked about five minutes home, my knees started hurting then, but I had no problems during the run today - yay! No tightened up calf or shin problems or numb feet. I stopped when I hit the 110 minute mark, but I felt like I could have kept going and going. I ate a banana and two pieces of toast with peanut butter and 2 big glasses of Gatorade about 45 minutes before I left this morning. I really think, again, hydration is key. I had 1/2 pkg beans (lemon lime, actually pretty yum) about half way through and the rest about 20 minutes after that. I stopped and went potty once and refilled my water twice, pausing my watch. The weather was beautiful and I even had a spiritual moment when the blue skies shone before me...ok, I'll stop now, but it really was nice. Google earth says I ran 8 miles - go me! And I guess my yucky shorter runs this week were effective cause I improved from my horrible pace last week, this week I was at about 13.75 (better than 15!)

Four songs that I loved today:
1) We've Got More Bounce in California (than all ya'll combined!) from the Laguna Beach soundtrack - I know, I'm a wannabe tweenager
2) Come Thou Fount - Jordan Bluth (this was when I had my spiritual aha moment)
3) Defying Gravity, from Wicked
4) Dreams - Van Halen - who is not inspired by this 80's classic?

I took a picture of myself past week but I can't figure out how to shink it to post it? Mique will help me, won't you Miq? Anyhow, thankful for a good run, now I gotta get my stinky self into the shower :)

Farting and Running...

Can be dangerous. No, don't worry I didn't poop my pants but I sure felt like I might! I felt like as SOON as I hit the road I had to pee and then about 1/4 of the way through I really had to poop too. I seriously debated stopping at a store or gas station but I just felt too dumb. That was one nice thing about when I ran when I lived in San Diego. I ran by the beach and there were always plenty of porta potties, I used one every time. Anyway, I decided about 1/2 way though that it might just be gas. But I knew that I was risking pooping my pants if I let it out. Thankfully, I was able to let it out, feel much better and not poop! I know, sad the things that bring me joy.

I got up at 6 am, ate my oatmeal, back to bed until 6:45, fed the baby and got out the door. It was pretty cold, but at least it wasn't raining! It was a beautiful day. I made a running playlist on my ipod so it was great to have all upbeat songs keeping me motivated.

I ran the same route I did last time but I kept going past the spot where I turned around last week. I went up a pretty steep hill and then since I still had time started going down what is probably the biggest hill in our whole city. As I ran down, down, I kept looking at my watch knowing that every stride down was one I'd have to make back up in a few minutes. About half way down the hill, right before it got SUPER steep, I chickened out and turned in to a neighborhood to finish out my half way point. I did stop for a minute at the half way point (and stopped my timer too!) to take off my jacket and readjust the ipod and everything. I felt GREAT on the way back, made it up the hill I had just run down and then knew I had either downhill or flat almost all the way home. I tried to keep up the pace but don't think I went too far. I guess I'll have to google map it or drive it later to see. I did get to the same point that I turned around last week a few minutes earlier, but that might have had to do with not hitting any stop lights on the way up. I was shocked when I got back at how good I felt, I know I could have kept going and that gave me a lot of confidence that I CAN DO THIS!!

Now that we go back down in miles I need to focus on getting faster as we build our way up again. Here's to a successful Saturday! (and sorry no picture but the self portrait would have looked pretty much the same)

Uneventful Thursday

We ran the trial, it was nice and cool. Nothing exciting, no runaways. I ran 40 min. I MADE myself run up the big hill (with the stroller). I could really feel the burn in my legs but I made myself keep going and I was proud. I MUST make a play list for my ipod. I'm so sick of pushing next every other song. Oh and mental note... banana muffins are NOT a good prerun breakfast, ugh.
Oh and on a happy note, THREE different people at different times told me yesterday that I am looking good. And the jeans I bought last week are getting baggy already. Yay!

Numb run

So I have a bad cold and cramps (the girl kind) and I'm being whiny and bratty and I didn't want to run today. I finally got my bum out there at around 10:30 cause I knew I had to pick up my daughter at 11:25 (which I did all red faced and sweaty and totally attractive). I tried to keep my pace a little faster. I don't know why, but again I struggled with total cramping in my left calve. I was kinda run/limping. And then my right shin started hurting, I think from having to compensate? Anyhow, I started feeling ok around mile 2 and then the strangest thing happened. My left foot went numb. Like asleep. I was thinking, "how is it possible for my foot to be numb? WHILE I'm running?!?" I felt some tingles go up my leg too, but only for half a minute, and then it kind of went away. Wierd. My husband thinks maybe I had my shoe tied too tight? Any other theories? So I did 3 miles in about 35 minutes and then finished by running up my hill, which is pretty steep. So I guess that's good. I keep trying to say positive affirmations out loud, but internally I've been pretty pessimistic this week. And I'm scared for Saturday.

Oh my!

First of all it looks like I have some weird skin disease but really it's just bruises. So I had no idea what I was in for. I went back yesterday to the PT to finish my appointment since I had to leave early yesterday to pick up Halle from preschool. I had no idea that I was going to be put through excruciating pain! I was there 2 hours and for part of that the physical therapist took the hard pieces of plastic with rounded edges and scraped them up and down my shins pushing really hard. I was sweating and almost in tears. Having 4 babies was seriously easier than these few minutes. He says we have to do this twice a week!!! I am really scared. It is supposed to break up all the scar tissue or something. To top it all off my legs are so sore that even walking hurts. I have no motivation to workout!

the HILLS

today i decided to hit the hills (pretty much the only option if i start at my house) and i think they hit me back. i did run the entire 40 min without stopping, but i really was running at a snail's pace. (i know i am going to feel this one tomorrow!!) luckily i was up early enough that i was able to leave the little one at home, so at least i wasn't pushing the stroller.
ok, so i just mapped it out on google and i guess i wasn't running as slow as it felt like. 3.3 miles - so, about a 12 min mile. not too bad, it just felt like i could walk faster than i was running.
on to other items of business... what's the verdict with the shirt? should we do it, or no? i think if we do, it can't say anything about moms since not everyone running is a mom (which reminds me, i think we have a few new additions!) so, i was thinking if we do decide to do it, maybe it could say "girls run 13.1" or "run! girl run! 13.1" or something like that. if you want, i will order them and everything, but i will probably have to have you all send me checks or something because we are poor like that. anyhow- let me know what you think. i need an official vote. thanks! have a good rest day tomorrow!

Never Give Up!

See my post on my other blog. I think I found the necklace through you, Mique, so thanks!

Running with runnaways!

First of all Carlie I am SO sorry! I hope you recover quickly and now I am a little nervous and wondering if I shouldn't slow things down a little. I have had a hint of my old friend plantar fasciitis which scared me a little but it hasn't seemed to bad and I know I can keep it under control with stretching.
Today I was debating debating debating. But I KNEW I wouldn't want to go on Wed. So since it was a cloudy cool day we got out at 11 and things were fine. I was trying to keep up a decent pace, hard to do with the dog and the stroller, but I do feel like I was keeping up ok.
So it would have been a pretty uneventful run if it weren't for my entertainment along the way...

My jogging trail is down in a valley of sorts (hubby calls it a gully, is that a Utah word?) Anyway, all that is down there is a stream, the trail a lot of brush and plants and a middle school with soccer fields and stuff. So it is a pretty secluded area. I rarely see anyone but other runners, bikers and I can see the middle school kids at PE. Well today there was a lady that from far away I assumed was a walker. Then I realized she was with another woman and they seemed to be looking for something. Were they lost? What were they doing? Then I realized one of the women was talking on a walkie talkie. I seriously had NO clue what they were doing and thought maybe they were setting up a course or something (I see the track kids running on the trail sometimes). So I don't think much of it until a few minutes later I run over a bridge and down in the stream I see a kid, about middle school age, standing on the rocks in the stream. He sees me, seems like he's not sure what I'm going to do but I keep running and he just stands on the rock. So I start to piece things together... middle school, walkie talkies, kid in the stream. Hmmm. I wonder if I should turn around and tell the ladies I know where the kid is. But I don't want to break pace. I knew I was close to turning around so I figure I will just let the ladies know on my way back. I run for five ish more minutes and turn around. This is where things get fun. On my way back the kid is on the OTHER side of the stream and another man with a walkie talkie is trying to make his way down to the stream from the trail (through a lot of brush). On the bridge there was one of those janitor golf cart things and a few other people with walkie talkies. So as I run by I say "what's going on? did a kid run away from the middle school!?" and one of the ladies with the walkie talkie rolls her eyes and says "yeah". I don't know why but I seriously thought this was like the funniest thing I had ever seen! This little 8th grader running through the brush, crossing the stream and all of these adults with walkie talkies chasing after him! Then as I keep running down the trail here comes a cop on a motorcycle! Such a big part of me wanted to turn around and watch, other walkers on the trail had already stopped. But I figured they didn't need an audience. I figure they caught the kid eventually.

Anyway, all that fun made the run go by SUPER fast and I wish I had adventures like that on all of my runs!
We ran 46 min

!@#$%^&^%$#@!

I ran my 45 minutes today on the treadmill and pretty much hated every minute of it - tight calves and stitch in my side (again). I'm supposed to be "upping" my pace but I was dying. Dying. In the up and down cycle of this whole experience, today was a down. But not as down as stress fractures, so I'm shutting up now.

so sad.

i just got off the phone with carlie and am sooo sad that she is hurt! i somehow feel responsible for all of these injuries and feel terrible that i am not also hurt! i know the setback sucks, but your determination to make it to the end will bring you there. hang in there car!!
i guess i should feel good then about my run since i don't have a broken toe or stress fractures or shin splints and even my knees don't bother me any more. this morning was a little slow since i had the stroller, but we made it. i ran the "coastal rail trail" which is between the coast highway and the railroad tracks. not my favorite trail (i know now), but it was alright. the best part was passing an old man on the way out and the way back - on the way back he started shouting at me from like 20 feet away which i of course could not hear (headphones) and when i took them out to hear him he said "you been running all this time?? i passed you 40 min ago! look at you go! you go!" that was enough to push me through the last few minutes with a smile.
we went 3.6 miles in 48 min (took a little longer because of stoplights along the way).

What have I done?

So, after Saturday's run I was feeling great. I woke up Sunday and my shins were killing. I couldn't even walk down the stairs quite normal. We were at the cabin so Monday I thought I'd give my shins a break and switch my rest day from Wed to Mon. So this morning after weights I decided to run and I went about 4 minutes before stopping, realizing that there is something more than shin splints going on here. I felt like my bones were breaking with each step. I called the Physical Therapist (which I have been debating for a while now) and got in this morning. I debated whether I should go or should run through the pain like people have told me. I decided that my long term success was more important so I went. BAD NEWS!!!!! I have stress fractures! I was so dissapointed I started crying on the way home. This reaction puzzled me a little. If a month ago you would have told me this would happen and I was going to have to take an extended break I would have been thrilled! For some strange reason (that you probably understand Mique) I was so sad. Not only do I have to stop, but I probably have to go to the Physical Therapist a few times a week to work on my legs and then I am going to have to start all over again once I'm healed! So sad! So here's the deal. He said it will be a month at the quickest before I can start running and then I am going to have to start out much slower then before. It will take much longer if I don't do the physical therapy and I don't do my stretches and just depending on how my body reacts. So I have no idea if I am out of this totally or not but I am going to pretend like I'm not! He said I can swim and bike (not even the eliptical). So I am going to keep following the schedule and just run or bike for the same period of time. He said this mostly is a problem because I have really flat feet and pronate but also because I started so suddenly, although I showed him my schedule and he seemed to think it was reasonable.
Anyways, wish me luck. I think I will know more tomorrow when I see him again (these are the times you wish your co-pay wasn't $25 but $10!).

"Presidential" run (get it?)

We had a ton of family spending the night with us on Sunday and I wanted to get the run out of the way Monday morning so I could enjoy a big unhealthy breakfast and a fun day with family. I also wanted to work on my snail pace, so what better way than to go run with my husband - he volunteered to be my pace setter. We ran a dirt path along a canal, which was nicer on the knees. He indeed kept my pace up and we ran a little over 3 miles in the 35 minutes (he calculated our pace at 11.3) , so a pretty good improvement from my 15 minute miles on Saturday! I think I'm so nervous that I will overexpend my energy on those long runs and not have enough to last, but hopefully I'll figure out a good pace during these training weeks. Anyhow, one mistake I made: in my concern about getting the run out of the way I didn't eat or drink anything in the morning, and I could really tell. I struggled with a side cramp almost the entire time and I felt no energy. I was reading last night again about hydration and how much you should drink 2 hours before, during, and after runs, and how important it is to maintain hydration levels all day while training. A good reminder!

Treadmill... ugh.

So I measured my run from Saturday and I went 6 miles. That is about 13 min miles and I was disappointed. I don't know WHY I thought I might have gone faster when I was running mostly up hill but I had some hope that I would have gone faster. Anyway, I decided I needed to start picking up the pace. I am hoping I can shave a little time off of my miles over the next few months. I decided the treadmill will help me to get a pace in my head. So today since hubby had the day off, I went to the gym. Ugh. I hate running on the treadmill. It was hot, I had no wind to dry my sweat so I was DRIPPING, and there weren't even interesting people to look at. Plus our gym treadmill automatically puts you into "cool down" mode at 30 min. So annoying! I didn't want to reset it so I just kept upping the pace when it slowed me down so I could run out the last five minutes. I did 3 miles and kept my pace between 11 and 12 min the whole time. I feel ok about that but I know that the road is harder than the treadmill so I feel like I need to get my treadmill time to be faster than what i want for my road time, but it was a start. Tomorrow we're on our own, its back to the trail with the stroller.

blech... it's monday again

i soooo did not want to get out of bed this morning. why does monday feel so different to me even though every day is pretty much the same as a mom??
well, i was super excited when i saw that the run was only 35 min today and thought it was going to be a cake walk and go by so fast. unfortunately, 35 min really drags when you are trying to make it go by fast. i've got to stop doing that and just enjoy running while it is happening, and not just when i'm done. any tips?
so, 35 min, 3 miles - not too shabby i suppose.

Vote please....

I am super impressed with all your runs today. And jealous of course. But more proud than anything. YEAH- awesome job to all of you!!!!
Today I showed Josh my toe and said, "Really, it feels good. Do you think I can start yet?" He was super shocked at how it looks completely fine (no bruising, no crookedness, no nothing). I've been wearing that ugly boot thing since the dreaded day (2 weeks ago on Monday). I haven't done any exercise. I've rested. I've walked only when needed (I do still have 3 kids ya know). SO.................what do you think.....................
Can I start again? Yes or no.
Kristen told me the other day that she wanted a doctor's note (boooooo). I can see why it would seem stupid to just go for it. I don't want to injure it worse. But I really do feel healed.
I'm now taking ballots.

Rock Star

So happy to hear about all of your successes. I also had a fabulous run! I am a snail, but I still felt like a rock star walking into the house after my run. I did 90 minutes!!! I had planned on a minimum of 70, but it's hard to know what route to take so I was throwing in little detours here and there. I was approaching home and was at about 82 minutes, so I thought, why not just go for the 90? I was feeling great, I even ended my run going up the hill on my street and dancing with my arms (to Toxic, by Britney). I seriously felt on top of the world. I'm so proud of myself. I google-earthed my crazy route and I think it was just under six miles. My pace is so slow, seriously like 15 minutes, but I don't care. I will work on increasing my pace during the week, for now I am so happy.

I loved my "fuel belt" (I finally realized it actually has a name). I filled one little bottle with gatorade and one with water and in the little pocket I put chapstick, GU, and kleenex. I started sipping alternating between the two liquids at about 30 minutes, and I did that every ten minutes, just took a few sips. I think this really helped me. I did the GU (strawberry banana, not bad) at 60 minutes. I think that helped too, but the liquids really made a difference.

I think we should all recommend a few songs that give you that extra little boost when running. Jess, you've done this a few times and I love hearing the recommendations. Today my inspirations were "Upside Down" by Diana Ross, and "A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action" (I don't think that is the actual name) by, of course, Elvis. Those really got me going!

One more item of business: have we heard anything more on the registration?

Happy Sunday - day of rest!

WHOO HOO!!

I did it! I had my doubts but I did it. I slacked on Thursday and thought I'd go after hubby came home but it never happened (big Valentine's plans of takeout and Lost). I thought I should make it up on Friday but was too scared to do it the day before the big run. But, maybe being well rested was to my advantage. I knew I HAD to get up because Aaron started his new (second) job today and he had to leave by 8:45. I didn't want to get stuck with the stroller or the dog so I had to get up. Baby woke up at 6 and I fed him and knew I had to just get up and go. So I went downstairs and ate my little bowl of oatmeal. And then I remembered what I used to do for my Saturday runs. I used to get up, eat my oatmeal, drink a big glass of water and go back to bed for a half hour or an hour to let everything digest. So I did that. I slept until 7 and then got on the road. I was feeling GOOD, it was cool, no puppy, no baby, nice. I decided to run to the church and back. I know I need to start throwing in more hills. The entire way up was mostly up hill. I was kicking myself for choosing this route. I was going SLOW. But i was still feeling good so that was all that mattered. I got almost to the church and 36 minutes had passed so I decided to turn around. That was when I remembered why I had chosen that route-- downhill all the way home! I felt GREAT, I picked up the pace, I knocked 4 min off on the way down. So I had a little more time to kill so I ran around the neighborhood for a few minutes. 75 min! You couldn't have told me that a month ago! I am proud of myself! I did bring my water belt (was glad I still knew where it was) and that was good to have. I haven't tried gu or anything yet but maybe I'll try some for next week. Oh and please remind me to take the "relaxation during labor" cd off of my ipod! Nothing kills a running high like hearing a soothing voice come on and say "F E E L your UTERUS"!

And just for Jessica...

I love it!

Okay, I will tell you about the gu in a minute (if the title didn't already give it away!). So this morning I was planning on getting up at 6 to run (we are headed off to the cabin in a few minutes so I had to do it early). Baby Jess woke me up at 5 and after that I just couldn't sleep. I don't know if I was just nervous about today's run or what but I couldn't get off the toilet! My bowels are really sensitive to my over-active nerves! Okay, too much information. So I finally made it out the door at 6 and wondered if I would be running to the bathroom instead of running on the tradmill. So my run started good. No need for potty breaks. I got to 45 minutes and decided to try the gu. I put mine in about 6 oz of water to dilute it a bit and drank the whole thing at 45 minutes. A minute later I was running for the potty (I sure hope that was a fluke and not common to gu drinkers). I then resumed my place on the treadmill. I felt great. My average pace of 4.7 seemed really slow so for the next 30 minutes I upped it to 5.0. Cool, huh! I have never run at a 5 for more than a few minutes! That gu is awesome (minues the potty break!).I think it gave me super powers!

a-mazing!

i am just continually amazed at how much my body can handle and at the steady improvements i am seeing. this morning i ran the bike trail again for a total of 75 min and 6.24 miles. 6.24!!! i am so excited!!! i am definitely tired, but feel so good about what i accomplished this morning. i ran the first 4 miles at about an 11 min mile pace and then slowed down the last third, but didn't stop at all except once to take off my jacket. so, my average mile pace was about 12 min. i am excited about that pace and although i'm not sure i could keep it up for 13 miles at this point, maybe someday... :) (like maybe May 26th-ish?) at the end, i felt like i could have gone farther, but i was really glad to stop at 75 too. anyhow- i hope things went well for all of you - i was thinking of you girls a lot during my run and that helped to keep me motivated! have a good weekend!

Running for croissants

Yesterday I was up and going super early and busy all day (temple, kid's classroom party, errands, making fancy little dinner & dessert). I even fell asleep on the couch while my hubby did dishes BEFORE we watched Lost - that means I was mega tired. So I had a makeup run today instead. Hubs was off and surfing early so I had to do treadmill - hate it, but glad I have that option. The time actually went pretty quickly as I watched Regis and Kelly and directed the kids, who are off from school today, sorting my dirty laundry mountain (darks! mediums! handwash!). I had to stop a few times for potty breaks (my 3 year old, not me) and kid needs, but the run was good - not a great distance - only about 2.5 - but I kept the pace slower (last time on the treadmill I went too fast and couldn't complete my time). This time I could have continued after 40 min. but stopped to conserve for tomorrow's big day! We then all headed to the donut shop for donuts, and croissants, and my favorite laundry boost - Dr. Pepper. And why aren't I losing weight? So, tomorrow I will also be debuting and testing out my water belt thingy and my GU or beans. Can't wait to hear how we all do on this first real long Saturday run!

here's to hearts

happy heart day my friends!
hope you are feeling as good about your hearts today as i am about mine!
40 min, 3 miles, and a happy healthy heart!
xoxo.

Eewww, Gu!

So I did my run today (since I missed yesterday due to soreness) and it was hard, again!

I later went to the running store to get some accessories. Gu, glide stuff, and a water belt thingy. I told the nice store owner about my situation and he got so excited for me. He told me I am in the most exciting stage of running. Where you are realizing how amazing your body really is and experimenting. He asked me what 1/2 I was doing and I told him Laguna Hills. His response was a little concerning. "Oh, Laguna Hills." I then said, "what does that mean?" He told me to just be ready for hills and don't expect to go at my normail pace because I will probably be much slower than my training pace. That was a little discouraging. So, maybe you guys should all fly to Utah and we can do the Moab. I hear it's a good easy one!
Anyways, he says it's a good idea to mix the gu with a little water so it goes down easier and to drink water before and after you take it. I think I will try it on Saturday!

Night Running

So since it was super hot yesterday and we didn't get out of the door early enough, I knew that I would have to go to the gym. But running on the treadmill did not sound remotely interesting or even like something I thought I could do. So after Aaron got home I decided to run around the neighborhood. I did this once before, our little circle is well lit so it is safe. It was boring and uneventful but not quite as boring as running on the treadmill. But here's the thing... I LOVE running at night! I love it. It is cool, it is dark, no sun shining in my face, no one can see how tight my pants really are, it just feels good. I only wish it were safer. I don't really feel comfortable running around Aliso Viejo in the dark and our jogging trail has no lights so its out for sure. Oh well, I think this will be my last night run for a while, Aaron starts a second job on Saturday so its going to be up to me to make sure I get all my runs done during the day, no more waiting until he gets home. It will be tough but I'm up for the challenge. So last night, puppy and I did 40 min which equaled 7 laps around the neighborhood, I still haven't driven that circle to find out how far it is. And someone please tell me how my dog was MORE hyper after that than before!?

Warm and windy

Sorry I haven't checked in. I ran yesterday and today, both my normal route, although later in the day than I like. I miss the feeling of getting up early and getting it over with and starting the day with a success. Waiting makes it much more difficult, like the whole running plan is more intrusive on my time, taking away from my other responsibilities. Of course, that is totally fixable, but I've gotten out of the good habit of going to bed early, and the mornings seem tougher. Anyway, today was quite warm and windy - nothing like running when it feels like someone is pushing you backward. Both days were do-able, not easy for sure, but felt good when I was done. I love Tuesdays after my run, it's like Christmas Eve - no running tomorrow - Yay!

As far as the "new" schedule, I haven't really had the brain power to look at it closely and pray and ponder about it. I'll check it out soon. So, happy rest day manana! Jess, post a picture of your new 'do! I just got full on bangs, not such a great idea, don't recommend.

something old, something new...

something old (and tired): me
something new: carmel valley middle school track
something borrowed: christina aguilera's angst
something blue: my shoes?!?

decided to try out the track at the middle school across the street this morning. although it did bring back torturous memories of mr. ash and the dreaded jr. high mile, it was kind of nice to be outside in the cool morning air, knowing exactly how far i had gone and how far i had left to go, and with not a single hill in sight (and no stroller!). overall, pretty good... i did however forget to stretch yesterday and boy oh boy was i feeling it this morning. it's amazing what a difference that 10 min makes. once again, christina a. helped me through the feeling-like-i'm-running-in quicksand stage. thanks for being so angry, girl.
looking forward to a day off tomorrow, and a new haircut!

new and improved...

i'm not sure if you were patient enough to follow what brooke said about the new schedule, but as for me i am much more of a visual learner.
so, check it out:


and let us know what you think...
(changes are in red)

Now can I make my Monday Post?

Ok, now that I'm feeling MUCH better about the training schedule (I'm glad we had that "talk")! I get to make my Monday post. I slept in (but who can blame me when the baby was sleeping too!?) so I was in a rush to get out the door before it got too hot. But I felt like the running gods were against me today! I go to get ready only to realize that sports bra #2 is in the wash, not the dryer, the wash, soaking wet. Well, I guess I could try to run with one sports bra (big mistake, will not EVER make again, still paying the price). So I was not foiled by the sports bra. Then right as we are about to start I hear it, my kid is making the BIGGEST poop ever. Ok, so out of the stroller, leash off the dog, back upstairs (because I realize there are no more wipes down stairs). Change the diaper, change the OUTFIT, back downstairs and FINALLY we made it out the door. But it is late. And it is HOT. And my boobs are bouncing WAY too much. And they hurt. But I ran. And I ran. And I ran some more. Aside from the boobs I felt pretty good... 46 min. And we even made it half way up the big hill-- running! Very proud. As for the 7 pounds that I had lost the week before, don't worry that I gained back a pound this past week. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the cookie dough, brownies and pizza I ate this weekend. Shoot. So Monday, not too bad!

OK So maybe I over reacted....

Sorry to cause drama! I didn't mean to. Anyway, I think maybe I was over reacting. I think the next two Saturdays were stressing me out but now that I take a second look I think there is no reason we can't just tweak a few things and keep the same plan. So what if we change this Saturday's run to 75 min and next Saturday's to 90 min and then tweak a few of the Saturday runs we can keep everything else the same. I think if we do the 9 miler and then change some of those 7 milers to 10 and 11 I would feel better. I just hated the idea of doing 9 and then not doing as much and then all the sudden doing 3 more miles with 12. I think it was easier to say, ok I did 9, what's one more, I did 10 what's one more, know what I mean??
Ok, so I took Jessica's word document and made some changes in red. I made this Sat 75 min, next Sat 90 min. I changed the first "miles" Saturday to 5 since I think we would all agree 3 is too short. I changed the progression so we go 9, 10, 11, 12 on Saturdays and I moved the 12 miler a little closer to the race, it was scaring me that it was almost a month before, last time I had done it only the week before, it was very fresh in my mind that yes, I COULD do this.
Anyway, I can't figure out how to post a word document on this so I'll e-mail it to Jess and she can redistribute but I want to make sure that looks good to everyone and we all think it works so let me know!!

As for shirts I don't think I would wear one during the race but I would love one for pictures. As long as it wasn't too much $$ I think that would be fine, I'm sure I'd wear it again to the gym and stuff. It would be cool if we could get a tank we could wear during the race but I think they can be sort of pricey so I'm not sure...

do i start every monday post the same way??

I HATE MONDAYS.
ok, now that i got that out in the open... like you carlie, my morning was a rough one. maybe it was all that cheese i ate at the fondue party we went to last night (when all you have to choose between is chocolate and cheese, what's a chocolate-hater to do?).
anyhow- i opted for the treadmill this morning and regretted it as soon as i stepped into that little oven of a gym. since i got started a little later than normal and the sun is actually shining, it was ROASTING in there. and owen was crying the whole time. maybe because it felt like we were in the sahara desert. and i accidentally reset the treadmill halfway through and so i'm not even sure if i made it the whole 40 min. yeah- like i said, i hate mondays.
anyhow - i did manage to run at a 10:30 mile pace most of the run, so that was good, but that's about all that was good.
on with the input:
as you all know, i am no expert on running and have never claimed to be. i know i dragged you all into this, but i really have no idea what i am doing. (sorry! did i forget to mention that?) the reason i liked the plan outlined in the book is that it is a 20 week plan, which sounded perfect to me. following a 10 or 12 week plan seemed way to quick to me, and since this is the only 20 weeker that i had seen, i went with it. again, i don't know or understand exactly how it is all supposed to work, but i agree that the jump to 90 min and to 110 next week scare the crap out of me. however, the thing that worries me a bit about hal higdon's plan is that there is only one rest day on his schedule (click here to see it) and i'm pretty sure that is going to be really tough to keep up with. granted, some of those days are cross training, but i soooo look forward to those days off. (am i the only one?)
i definitely want to do what everyone else does though. i really like being on the same page and even though we don't live close by, it feels like we are training together and like we will all be able to do this together come may since we have done the same thing. and i certainly want us all to make it there in one piece. to be totally honest, i have been more worried about not being prepared enough rather than overtraining, but that is just me.
so, brooke, since you are the one who has done this before, what do you suggest? can we somehow combine the 2 methods to form a schedule that we can all agree on? maybe just make a few adjustments to those long runs that seem too long and increase each long run by a mile (or 12-15 min) instead? maybe you can spearhead that brookie?
and as for the shirts, what do you guys think? i think it would be awesome to have shirts made, but i am pretty sure that if we do that, i will want to take pictures in them and stuff, but won't want to actually run the race in them. that being said, i don't want to spend a ton of money on a shirt that is just for the sake of being cute and team-like. am i the only one? just let me know what you guys want to do and i will be happy to take this on. if we make a shirt, do you plan on running in it the whole time?
ok, one last thing. i have another challenge for you all. hee hee. i challenge all of you to take at least one picture a week of yourself, your trail, your shoes, your injuries, whatever you can that has to do with your training and post it here. are you up for it? i know- you may think it will be humiliating, but i am excited to be able to look back at the journey and already i wish i had taken more pictures. (apparently i am a masochist). i am so glad to have this journal of sorts, but i think pictures will add a nice touch. (i'm also nervous that you will be so scared of me in all my sweaty glory on race day - i thought i'd warn you...) so, what do you think?? are you in???
here's my first entry:


i know what you're thinking... could she get any more beeeea-utiful? i mean check out those wings!



this is my "i hate mondays" face



this is my "act like you like this" face.

there you have it.

What's up?

Before I comment on your post Brooke, let me whine about today. So I went 70 minutes Saturday, which was nice and uneventful. Today's 40 minutes should have been a breeze, right? They were everything BUT a breeze! It was so hard! I again felt like I was dying! I don't know what's up with these off days but I sure hope the day of the race isn't an off day for me!

Okay, so everyone I have talked to says to follow Hall Higdon. So if you want to switch I'll do it. I like the training we are doing but I have been really nervous about the 90 minutes this Saturday. I went 70 minutes last Saturday so next week wasn't such a big increase and I think I can do it now. I love to hear all of your wisdom because when it comes to running I don't have any. I'm up for whatever, but like Kristen, I think we should all do the same thing. It's much more fun that way!

Also, what happened to the shirts? Did that die? Jess, I think you should take charge!

My 2 cents

Wow, so first let me very briefly recap my Saturday run. I had a crazy day (2 birthday parties and lots of shopping with the whole family - Walmart, Sam's Club, Lowe's, a million furniture stores - fun times). So I didn't start my run til around 4pm. Big mistake. Big. Huge. (movie?) I tricked my husband into coming with me (didn't tell him about the 60 minutes) which totally backfired when he was so winded he couldn't talk to me to keep me company and we had to take turns pushing my 3 year old in our stroller (not jogger - regular old non-aero dynamic stroller) up hill against the wind in the snow. Ok, the snow is a lie and he truthfylly pushed it 85% of the time. I'll just sum it up by saying it wasn't the best run ever but I did it and that felt good.

So, Brooke that was a bit of information to process! First of all, I don't know you and you don't know me but you have the experience so I would definitely defer to your wisdom. And I think we all want to do anything possible to avoid injury, from overuse or kicking walls or scooter accidents or what have you. I would be curious to see your old training schedule. I have read quite a bit, in the book we're following and some others. This schedule seemed pretty comparable to me, in fact we are running one day less that other schedules suggested. And there is actually only one 7 mile run midweek, and one six, the rest are all 3,4, or 5. It is a little awkward how she transitions from minutes to miles, like the first "mile" long run is 3, where if you are running 60, 90, 110 minutes the weeks previously you are undoubtedly running more than 3 already. I don't know if maybe it is an ebb and flow kind of training, like increase, then decrease a little, then increase again. Or, maybe the beginning of the training that focuses on minutes allows you to go super slow, include some walking and build up to the remainder of the schedule which for the most part increases each long run by 1 mile per week. Anyway, I'm blabbering but I'm definitely open to looking at something new. I also like all being on the same page, it's nice to hear how everyone else did that day, even when ya'll whipped my tail. I look forward to hearing everyone else's thoughts too...

Lets talk about over training...

So, I've been talking to Aaron about this for a while but I am having some concerns and since we're all friends I think this is something we should maybe all talk about openly. Obviously we can all follow whatever plan we want but I really love us all doing the same runs right now because I love to hear how everyone's runs went that day. However, I am worried that the current plan involves what I would call "over" training. From everything I've read about running the weekday runs are more at pace but shorter and then your weekend would have your "long slow run" where you don't worry about pace but try to get your miles in. I am concerned that in the future the plan shows some 7 milers on week days. In the plan I did before I usually did 3-4 milers during the week, I don't think I ever did more than 5 miles on a week day. Even most full marathon plans consist of mostly 4 milers. I think I CAN do a 7 miler during the week (eventually) but I don't know that it would be conducive to avoiding injury. But what I'm most concerned about are the way the Saturday runs increase. Again, from what I've read you should really not be increasing long runs by more than about 10% a week. Now I think that doesn't ALWAYS apply, when you are running shorter distances but to go from 60 min to 90 min is a 50% increase (yes, sadly I had to ask Aaron to do that math for me). That really worries me. I never increased my long runs by much more than a mile a week before.

SO, since some of you out there have the "book" I would love to hear if it has anything to say about over training, injury and how fast you should really be increasing the length of your long run. I don't think I was running 90 minutes last time until the month or so before the race. I think I CAN but again, I worry about injury if my body isn't ready to go there. I think I'm going to go back to the Hal Higdon website and start trying to figure out a new plan to start in March. I followed the intermediate 1/2 plan last time but I don't want to do speedwork this time, I don't have time, so I think I might try to follow it but replace the speedwork days. I also liked increasing the one mile every weekend. One mile never seemed like THAT much more, plus since I did an out and back I only really had to go a half mile farther out than the last week, which never seemed like very much and helped me to know I could do just that little bit more. However, I would love input and I don't want to feel like I under-trained but I do want to avoid injury and there is something safe about doing the same plan I did before since I know I did that and was able to finish the race. So, let's talk about this a little...
(sorry this ended up really long!!)

Greetings from the couch...

Just a little note to say I'm still checking in, despite my inability to actually participate. In some ways it stings a bit to look at this blog and know I have nothing to contribute. The same way I feel when I see runners on the street- 'Oh I wish I was that yucky sweaty girl with a hat with holes in it and dorky running apparel.' Strange how quickly I embraced my runner-hood.
I saw this quote on Kristi's blog and I love it

"There is only one way to run but hundreds of ways to be a runner."

Sounds like you all did well today. I'm proud of you and thinking of you daily. I can't wait to get my PI's back on and go to town. I only hope I can get back on track when the time comes (24 days and counting).

Think of me when you are cussing inside and wanting to die....

I wish I was right there with you.

Good Run!

Today was a good run. I went to the gym at 7. I love the gym rather than my basement. I like running with other people around. I get a sense of accomplishment and it helps the time pass. I have been really nervous about next Saturday's run so today I wanted to go farther than 60 just to see if I could. I ran 70 minutes. I felt like I could keep going, maybe a little more but I have to hurry to set up our Primary activity. I am so tired though now! It really wore me out. I feel like I can do 90 minutes though next week. I haven't been stopping at all when I run. Doesn't it make you feel like you are starting all over once you start again? The first 10 minutes are the very hardest for me and when I stop and walk and then start again I feel like I have to get through those 10 minutes again.

I tried to go faster today but got side cramps! What's up! I hadn't even drinken any water by the time I got them. Any suggestions? I really need to start increasin my speed but side cramps don't really help. I ran 70 minutes and 5.6 miles.

I really want to add up my totals like you Jess, so maybe tomorrow I can figure that out!

a little detour...

so my run went well this morning... unless you count the totally getting lost part.
i decided to test out the other half of my trail today and all was going fine until i reached a point i had never seen before and a fork in the road with no sign in sight. one way was headed slightly down hill, and the other straight up a huge hill, so, obviously - i opted for the slight downhill. duh.
then i started to notice i was the only one on this trail. at first i was excited about that because it meant i could sing out loud (i don't know why i'm obsessed with that!) but then i realized why i was the only one when the trail came to a dead halt with giant no trespassing signs all over. long story short, i ended up climbing a chain link fence, running up a super steep hill (way bigger than the first one i decided not to run) and somehow making my way up to the actual bike path. still, i was the only runner going up this gradual ascent amongst a whole slew of bikers, but at least i knew i was on a legitimate path.
i guess all the unknowns of this morning's run made it not so boring (as sometimes running for an hour can be) and overall the time went pretty fast. unfortunately i did not feel the same runner's high as i did last weekend, but like brooke i felt like i could definitely keep going.
i have started to walk 1 min between each mile (approximately since there are no mile markers on my trail) on the long runs, and i think i may decide to do this the day of the race. maybe i won't need to by then, but right now i feel like it helps me reset and refocus (and gives me something to look forward to!)
what do you girls think about walking during the race?

min run: 60
miles run: 4.7 (obviously a slower pace today!)
total miles this week: 18.2
grand total miles: 62.9

Did I just do that?

Did I seriously just run for OVER an hour? And not pass out? And feel GOOD at the end? And feel like, maybe, just maybe I could KEEP GOING!? YES!! I did! Today was GREAT! I have slept at least 6 or 7 hours the past two nights, more than I have since before Christmas. I think it is making a huge difference, I feel SO much better. I think you just can't work your body like this with no sleep. The two weren't meshing. But on a good night's sleep I headed out the door at 7:30 since I wanted to avoid the heat that is expected today. I took the puppy because I figured if it wasn't hot she could handle it. I have to say the first 20 min or so of a run are always the hardest for me. I have a hard time getting INTO it but once I am, I start feeling like I could just keep going (ok, this doesn't always happen but it did today). And I discovered where all the runners were I was always wondering about when I was running at 9 or 10-- they are up early! ha. There were SO many runners out there it was kind of cool actually. It was nice and cold, a little too cool at first but it felt GOOD. So we went out on the trail, we went farther than I had ever gone before, in fact I kind of lost the trail, we ended up at some park and I didn't really know what to do so we turned around and went the other way and then, get this, I RAN up the BIG hill! Yup, that's right! The one I could barely WALK up a few weeks ago! I felt so good, I finished out the route with a little sprint and ended up going over my 60 min mark. And I couldn't believe it, I didn't like CRASH and feel like I wanted to die, I just sort of walked home thinking, wow I think I could have kept going! I felt SO good!

Lesson learned

Wow, way to go Jess on the five miler, and at a great pace! Very impressive. Me, not so much. I missed Monday (the infamous toe breaking day) cause I wasn't feeling well and Tuesday I was feeling worse. Wednesday I sure paid for my two (actually three counting Sunday) days off. I could barely run my usual three mile loop! It didn't help that I also had a minor scooter accident while trying to show my daughter how to do a trick on her scooter and ended up eating pavement in our driveway. (Could there be a Santa Clarita curse?) I skidded up my knee and banged up my shoulder - and made a fool of myself in front of my five year old. Anyhow, this didn't help the running (or the self eseteem). It's amazing though how quickly your body can lose momentum. Saturday Mique and I did just under five (including a big hill at the end) and felt great. What a difference three days can make. Anyway, I ventured out again today and did a little better. I miss my running buddy (today my only friend was a "Lost" pod-cast, actually kind of entertaining, but a distant second to Mique's company!). But, lesson learned. Follow the schedule and try to not miss days - the catch up is not fun. Mique - you better find a pool quick and get swimming!

Oh yeah, I have to add, I finally got some new shoes! I went to the running store and was diagnosed as a slight pronater with a fairly good arch and slightly wide feet. I got some asics with the gel in the front - love it. I also bought a water bottle belt thingy. If I ever build back up to running past that hour mark, I guess I'll start practicing running with it. When do you guys plan on starting to run with your water, food/GU, etc.?

Foiled by the PUPPY!

ARG! I was feeling EXTRA motivated today even though I ran at the gym last night I thought we'd all (baby, puppy, me) hit the road for a short run today so I could take Friday off before my big run. I know I'm still trying to get back into things after my slacker week but I was feeling pretty good. I ran a decent pace on the treadmill last night, only went 3 miles (don't know how long it took me because I accidentally reset the treadmill and hadn't looked at the time). Anyway, we ran out, decided to walk up a major hill that I don't usually do, started running back and I feel the dog tugging at the leash. This happens sometimes when I give her slack, she gets distracted smelling something or whatever. So I tug and look back to see what she is doing and she is LAYING on the ground. Just laying there like "hey, its hot and I'm tired and I don't want to move any more". I got a little nervous because it WAS pretty hot and she did seem to be panting and I didn't want to overheat her or anything so we walked the rest of the way home (the short way). She does seem pretty tired and went to town on her water when we got home. Maybe she just had an "off" day (don't we all sometimes!?) Oh well, we were out for 57 min total, not sure how much of that was running but we got in some good hills and I did sweat a TON. For being out 3 days in a row, it was decent.

check it out...

just thought you girls would be interested in this post on the runner's lounge blog - they are talking all about half-marathons today!

5 miles... whut, whut!!

i am really proud of myself today. no fantastically exciting stories, just happy to have run 5.1 miles in 55 min. if you don't feel like doing your math this morning, that is just about an 11 min mile. so, that may not seem that impressive, but since a few weeks ago i was averaging like a 16 min mile, i'm feeling pretty good about my improvements.
you know what else feels good? burning 600 calories before 9 am!
amen, sista!

I'm still alive!!

SORRY! I have been a terrible blogger and an even worse runner the past week! We took off to Utah and although I had high hopes (I did pack my running shoes and clothes) it snowed pretty much non stop the ENTIRE time we were there and with hubby at home I had no one to leave the baby with to try to hit the gym. I sort of wrote off the week which I feel a little guilty about but no worries, I'm back in the game and there will be no more slacking on my part!

The puppy was SO happy that baby and I were home after a week of being home alone all day she just about DIED when I got out my running shoes. So we (all 3 of us) hit the trail this morning, more grateful than ever for the warm California sun. Apparently the puppy already forgot how to run along side the stroller in a non-annoying way so our run was a little rough. We were out of our groove and we'll have to work hard this week to find it. I did 55 min of running/walking with quite a bit more walking in there than usual, but like I said, we'll find our groove again soon!

On an exciting note, guess what I am sitting here wearing as we speak? Jeans that are NOT maternity! I know, I know my baby is almost 4 months old and these are bigger jeans I bought when I was first pregnant but the point is, they button, I can sit down in them and I am feeling pretty happy about that! Something weird happened last week and I lost 7 pounds (I guess being at the mercy of other people for food?) which I know isn't good while nursing but that puts me at a grand total of 13 pounds since beginning this running adventure. I am hoping to get down another 15-20 before the half. I guess we'll see!

So sorry Mique about the toe, I had an injury when I first started running a few years ago and was really surprised at how fast I got back into things once I was able to run again. So no Jessica, you will not be doing this alone!!

Didn't Mean to Leave You Hanging!

First of all, sorry Jess for not writing since Friday. I am still very much in this thing, just crazy life stepped in. I have completed all my runs without incident and am ready for rest day tomorrow! I looked at plane tickets yesterday and it's like $600 for Jeff and I to fly there Memorial Weekend. What happened to the days of $99 flights? So we talked about it and I am going to keep watching and if they don't go down (which I'm pretty sure they won't) I think we'll just drive. Then my kiddies can come and cheer on their mama and we can all take a little vacation. Plus, I always like having my own car when I go places.

Mique, I am so very sorry about your toe. I have been praying to have no accidents during this training process (my sis, Katie just spranged her angle and had to stop running). I hope it heal quickly so you can get back to the wonderful torture!

Kristen, welcome to the team. Now you just need to start a family blog so we can all get to know you a little better!

Jess, I think you need to take charge of the t-shirt designing. I'm really excited about these and I think we need a leader. You got us all into this so I nominate you! :)

I hope you all have a great week. It is supposed to get up to 40 degrees by the end of the week here so I am hoping to run outside Saturday (and hoping the snow melts so we can see the lawn soon).

in loving memory of mique's toe...

may it rest in peace.
seriously.
don't walk on it miq - just let your kids run rampant for the next 4-6 weeks. you've got some healing to do!
:)
i was really bummed last night about big sis's injury and felt somewhat responsible for her sadness since i dragged her into this running nonsense (although- she didn't actually hurt herself while running... definitely ironic.) i was starting to feel a bit alone (where are all of you girls???) and started doubting whether or not i was really up for this. i mean, if i had to do this alone, would i?
the answer is YES.
don't get me wrong. i want more than anything to cross the finish line with you 6 little lovelies, but if i had to, i would do it by myself.
and that is what got me on the treadmill this morning.
no more excuses. this is for ME dang it! i want the sense of accomplishment, and i want the rock hard abs, and i want to say i did something i thought i couldn't, and i want the runners high, and i want the self confidence, and i want the thrill of 13.1 miles in a row.
so there you have it. 4.5 miles, 50min, can't say i loved it, but alas, forward march.

Don't have the heart to write it again.....

Here's my sad, sad news. :(

Bad friend. Bad friend.

Hello blogging world. I am new to the blog scene and although I have been an investigator for a while now, I have been slow to commit. Today something happened that has brought me out of hiding. I broke Mique's toes. On accident. By wimping out on my early morning run-date (ok, I have a bad cold, and my little one does too and I was up with him from 3am on, but, no excuse!). I feel horrible! I made Mique answer the phone and run back to bed and bang her foot into a wall. Bad friend. Bad friend.

I have enjoyed lurking around this cute blog as a sort of "behind-the-scenes" gazelle (Miq's "secret" running partner - until she outed me) and have been inspired by you ladies. Now I feel in tribute to my downed running partner, the least I can do is to step up and take some responsibility and contribute - or at least throw my two cents in every now and then. I don't even know if I am posting this correctly. If not, no one will ever know of my repentant - blogging, but maybe I will feel a little better?

Anyway, best case scenario, Miq and I will be playing catchup this week with our running. Worst case - we won't think about that right now. And now, a moment of silence for Miq's toes......

Broken or not?

SO.........my toes were really hurting. And I finally decided maybe I should take off my shoes to look at them again (since they had been on my feet since 7am). Looky here:

Gee, wonder why they hurt?
And all because I ran into the wall?
I suppose my ugly feet/toenail secret is out too, huh?
I decided against a pedicure with Julia & Grammy last week
since they would just get ruined from the running.
Maybe I should rethink that idea......

you're not alone...

miq- you are not alone on the "i hate mondays" train today. there is one word to describe my run this morning:
ROUGH.
that pretty much sums it up.
i think i psyched myself out because i looked at the schedule for the week and saw that today is 50 min, tomorrow 50 min, thurs 55 min and saturday 60! that started me off on the wrong foot this morning.
i also decided to try my running trail with the stroller since it was sunny out. the trail certainly is not flat, and thus not very conducive to stroller running, but i really didn't think owey could handle 50 min in his carseat next to the treadmill. wow. i seriously struggled.
let's just say i did NOT run 50 min without stopping.
let's just say i walked a little more than usual.
ok, a lot more.
it also didn't help that i saw 3 ladies from my ward (who are like 20 years older than me) running super fast with their jogging strollers and i about died. they put me to shame. i don't know that they recognized me (wearing sunglasses) and i certainly wasn't going to draw attention to my slow self. oh well.
the good news is - i did it (sort of).
so miq - go for it- get that monday run out of the way - and know that your lil sis got worked this morning.

Mondays Stink and Toe Jam

I HATE MONDAYS!!! I got an early call from Kristen today (like 5am early) to say she was sick and Eli too. This makes 3 Mondays in a row. I feel bad that they have felt sick for almost a month straight. I also feel bad that our Mondays have been messed up almost from the start.
To worsen the situation, after I hung up the phone, I turned off the lights and proceeded to run into a wall (well not RUN but you know what I mean) and jammed my toes- 2 of them. It HURT. But I thought- hey it'll be fine in a minute...you know, you stub your toe within 5 minutes it usually feels better. Well not today- I'm limping around everywhere with my dumb jammed toes. ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
I'm hoping to gather up enough courage to go running alone (imagine the thought!!!!) tonight after Josh gets home. We shall see. I hope my toes feel better by then. Kristen offered to let me use her treadmill but I'm not sure that's the smartest move- 2 sick runners would not be good. We're both hoping she feels better soon (and not just so she can run with me; for other obvious- don't want your bf to be sick, reasons).
Am I the only I HATE MONDAY runner amongst our group (I'm pretty sure Kristen doesn't like them either)?

Runners High?

Kristen and I got back from our run a little bit ago. I was nervous for today since we spent yesterday at CA Adventure for my big kids bdays (walking all day and carrying Drew for part of the time; my back was hurting towards the end). My legs even hurt last night at bedtime. And since this week was kinda rocky for me, the writing was on the wall for a painful 60 mins.
BUT GUESS WHAT? It was great. I mean- we ran for 60 mins straight. We ran even further than we had set out to do. In the end, it was 4.7 miles. WOW. Go us! I'm not sure that I had a runners high- no tingling or smiles. But I did feel good. I think both Kristen and I were proud at how well we did. I can't believe that we've run a total of 14.7 miles this week. Are you kidding me? For a decidedly non-runner in the past, I cannot believe that I've ran that much in one week! I totally agree with you girls- limits stink. I think the message in all this is that it feels great to challenge yourself and realize that if you REALLY want to, you can do any darn thing you want. How amazing is that?
I think the past several years of my life I've had lots of challenges that have proved that. Add this one to the list.....

And Brooke, you still alive? Still waiting to hear from KRISTEN! And Erika. What about Amy? Where are you girlies?

remind me in a few months how much i love this...

ok, so i don't love all of it, but i really do LOVE the way i feel right now. i feel happy and healthy and proud (in a good way) and confident, and like i can do ANYTHING!!! (i know that there will be days that i will not feel like this, but i just have to remember that i will LIVE.)
today was awesome. don't get me wrong, there were moments of un-awesome-ness for sure (like running past really stinky horses on the trail i do my long runs on, or scouting out places to pee just in case, or practically crawling up a hill, or getting lost on a part of the trail i'd never been on ... you get my drift.) however, today for the first time i actually felt it. i had started to believe that runner's high was a myth as i had never ever felt GOOD while running. i had heard from someone (or maybe read) that they never got a runner's high until after 40 min (which sounds like way too long to endure pain to supposedly feel a supposed high of some sort). well, i never got a runner's high after 40 min or even after 45. and before today, i had only ever run 50 min, so i never knew that that was the magic number!! today at exactly 50 min (when i had thought for sure i would want to collapse or beg a bike rider to haul me to my car) i felt it! all of the sudden - just a rush and tingling, and a SMILE!! it really was awesome. i also happened to be listening to what is now my FAVORITE (as of today) running song - "Fighter" (Christina Aguilera) - don't you judge me. seriously, if you don't have that on your ipod, YOU MUST GET IT. it made me feel INVINCIBLE! anyhow- i ended up running the second half of my run way faster than the first, so i had to go past where i parked my car for another few minutes and then turn around again. i really was dreading 60 min today, but it's funny how once you break beyond what you think will kill you you start to realize it's all lies. you really can do just about anything (as carlie wrote about last night.) it's also funny that some days i think 40 min is going to kill me, and today i was totally FINE at 40 min and thought "only 20 more minutes!" anyways- thanks for hangin in there with me girls. i know i could not have done this alone and i am so glad to do this together!!!
by the way - have you found any new muscles?? when i took a shower after my run i couldn't help but notice my ever emerging calf muscles. sweeeet. this is me posing for you....



ha ha!! made you look!!!


min run: 60!!
miles run: 4.5!!

BIG Milestone

First of all, I followed your lead Jess and listened to eminem. I had about 6 songs on my ipod (which I had never listened to before) that I played over and over. It was fun to run to something so fast pace (but mine weren't the clean versions unfortunately...oops!).

For the first time in 8 years I feel like I really am able to get back to my old size. I ran for 60 minutes today. I realize I can do the impossible. Even just 3 weeks ago I thought 60 minutes would be impossible. It's not. And neither is losing weight I realize now. If I can run for 60 minutes then I can do anything! I see why the Biggest Loser show works. They show people (like me) that you really can work alot harder then you think. Bodies are amazing, even big fat ones like mine! Wow, that was the worst 60 minutes in my life but also the best. My knee caps felt like jello afterwards. I got side cramps for the first time. I think part of the problem was that I ran late at night instead of in the morning. It seemed a lot harder. We have to go to a sealing in the morning so at the last minute I decided to run tonight instead of tomorrow.

Anyways, thanks girls for all your support. I really feel like this blog has been the key for me to changing my life. Sounds corny, I know, but it's true. I couldn't have done it wothout you! BTW, I've lost 10 lbs!

did you know??

did you know that i just tallied up the approximate # of miles and hours i have run/walked since i started this blog and i am in shock...
since day one (january 7) i have run about 40 miles. i have also run for approximately 653 minutes - or 10 hours and 53 minutes. that's pretty crazy huh??
this coming week i want to start recording how many miles i have run each week. so far this week i have run 9.6 miles and i'm shooting for at least 4.5 tomorrow. that would make for a week total of 14.1. awesome.
wanna join me in the tally?