Oops, I did it again

I actually ran another 4 miles! And this time wasn't so bad! I joined a running group in Waco and ran w/ them the first time on Saturday. I got up at 0530 (remember, this is on a SATURDAY) and somehow made myself go out the door. The group in Waco ran 3 miles last week and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to hang in there, I'd be dragging behind them, I'd faint, I'd be made fun of, etc, etc. But I did it and the 4 miles wasn't so bad. Running w/ other people is definitely funner. So, I am planning on doing this every Saturday (so much for my rowdy parties on Friday nights, oh well). We are supposed to do 5 miles this week, so I have to do some running before then. I got up this morning and ran for 40 minutes, and you know, it's really hot at 6 AM. I've found running in the evening after work just never seems to happen, something else comes up; I'm too tired, I'm busy, I'm quitting, I'm too fat, I'm a loser, you know, something always stops me. So morning running is very, very important.

Things I've learned while training for Marathons - When and where to put the vaseline...running in the rain makes blisters...never ever go on a long run in new shoes...where you can get water while on a country road...move over for cars - they are bigger than you...don't forget your sweatband because sweat in the eyes burns...watching your neighborhood wake up is pretty cool...training with a friend is far better than training alone...the .2 part of the 26.2 marathon distance is the hardest...you can make wonderful friends and solve lots of problems while running...crossing the finish line is awesome!

Those are just a few of the things I've learned while training for the 10 marathons that I have run. I haven't actually started my training for the Miracle Match Marathon yet but I do run an average of 4 mile a day and have been for the past 25 years. I will begin my training in earnest around September 1.

Good Luck to you all with your training. If I can do it, anyone can.

Easy Come, Easier Going

Well it's that time again and I am happy to say that I have increased my distance by .2 of a mile and will be increasing another .2 by the end of the week. I know it's not much but in the big picture for me at this time that says alot. I find myself not cringing everytime the alarm clock goes off in the morning. The puppy is not hating it anymore either, when we go she seems to enjoy the run, I have even gone as far as taking off her leash and for the most part she follows fairly close. My wife says she can see a difference in my appearance, she says that I look leaner. I don't feel that way I haven't lost any weight but I do feel Healthier. Well to all the other runners"Happy Trails" to those reading, take it from me It's not so bad once you get started and get past that point where you tell yourself "Is it Worth It?". YES IT IS! not only for your health, but also for the cause.

Slow, but steady!

Three weeks in and I am still here! Granted, I am only running three times a week and I have only run two miles at a time, but my mileage will increase. This time last year I couldn't run two miles without some walk breaks. Looking back I can see that I am much improved! Also, as a part of my new training routine, I am doing more cross-training. I do some yoga, light weights, and work on my arms and core with Maya, the aerobic goddess in the Xbox game "Yourself Fitness" (this puts the Xbox to good use!). I feel stronger already. Today, my husband John and I and my two kids did 30 minutes of a yoga tape. Doing any kind of exercise with kids is an exercise in patience! However, it feels good to have the whole family involved. Late this evening I ran my two miles. I am fortunate that my neighborhood has streetlights or I probably couldn't get away with running after dark, but it is frequently the only time I have to get it done. I have read that exercising at night can cause insominia. I can't vouch for anyone esle, but it doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I think it may help me be more relaxed. However, sitting here on the couch blogging about my run is not helping me get any more sleep! I will write again soon. Happy running!

Time to "just do it"

I did the 1/2 MMM last year, which was the first time I ran anything in my life, and actually went on to do full Marathon in Houston in January, but hurt my knee (and also got a little burned out) and almost completely quit running in the last 6 months. I'm sorry to say, I have become again a couch potato, I'm out of shape and fat. So, here I am starting to train again, and it's very much harder than last year. Last Sunday I got myself together for an afternoon run, I picked a course I used to run all the time. Hey, I used to do 6 miles easy here! But I'll only do 4 this time, I thought. Well, I can be a real idiot at times. It was a hot afternoon and after about 1.5 miles I started to feel nauseated and remembered I had had a hamburger for lunch only about 90 minutes earlier. I could really feel the extra pounds I've put on, in fact, my stomach seemed to stick out in front of me as I ran, and sort of took on a life of it's own, bouncing up and down like a meaty beach ball. At about 2 miles I started getting dizzy, thank goodness I brought a bottle of water which I drank some of and the rest poured over my smoldering head. That's when I started walking, and felt better and jogged a little to finish it out, but the 4 miles took over an hour. I felt like quitting right then and there. But later, after the sweat dried off and my mind began to clear and my stomach stopped quivering, I felt like I had really done something worthwhile. Even though it was hard, I did it. I guess I'll keep trying.

Off to the races!

As I begin my blog, I find myself thinking, "What is it that I find so enjoyable about running?" It isn't the sweat dripping off the ends of my hair. It isn't the aches and pains and stitches. It isn't the unlady-like smell of my favorite running gear. I have to talk myself into it everytime I go out to run. The first 1/2 mile is miserable. Why do I keep doing it? At first I think I needed to prove to myself that I could do something physically demanding. Now, I think I just like how I feel afterwards. Not the sweaty, stinky part, but the way my body feels, warm and relaxed. I also like the fact that I can eat without worrying about the calories and that I look fitter now then I did 10 years ago.
I started my training last week with light mileage and a hefty dose of cross-training. This is quite different from my earlier training regimens that focused on mileage and almost daily running. I decided that I wanted to be stronger this year. So far I am just sore. However, my legs feel great and the rain has definitely cooled things down, which makes the running very pleasant. So far, so good!

Trying Times

Well I have my first weekend under my belt and If I knew I would be training for a BIATHOLON(running, swimming) I would have thought better of it. No just kidding,running is starting to feel like it use to way back when. I just don't remember ever having to run in this much rain. My route isn't so bad because its mostly street but those corners can get awfully deep at times my only thought is "I hope I can get past that corner before the car behind me catches up and soaks me to the skin". Well no-one ever said running was going to be easy or dry(who would have thought at the end of June we would be soaking wet) at least it's better than 100 degrees in the morning. Well to those of you reading, my first suggestion is to pick a route that is scenic with variety. I learned after alittle while that same house I past 3 to 4 times is not getting any better looking. Best of luck to all you runners and walkers may your goals be met with satisfaction and as little pain as possible.