Memorial Day

Just one year ago today, I ran my first 10K. It was hot. It was humid. It wasn't pretty. It was the American Heroes 10K in Arlington, a very fitting Memorial Day tribute.

Bear with me for a little nostalgia. Here, my mom and sister looped back around to finish with me.

And here I am after I finished, looking quite red in the face...

And here are is our running family...

And here are my parents...

Today, my parents ran the BolderBoulder in Colorado. I watched the finish line live. I missed Mom finishing (but I think that was because they showed these little informational clips right when she would have been crossing the finish line), but I was able to see shots of Dad right after he crossed the finish line. Just a little later, I was able to watch the archived video and see both of their finishes. I am so proud fo them. They both came in under an hour on the 10K. I know Mom was worried about the altitude, but it doesn't look like it slowed her down at all. She was 21st out of 397 in her division (can I just say WOW!). Dad was 102 out of 290 in his division. Pretty cool!

And while I didn't run a 10K today, I did get outside for an almost-5-mile run. One of the kids' cousins stayed over last night, which makes the house kind of like a 3-ring circus at bedtime. Unfortunately, I snuck in a nap yesterday with my daughter. Lucky for me then, not so lucky later. She didn't go to sleep until 12:30! And then my son joined us in bed around 3 a.m. So much for sleep. But as soon as I saw enough daylight, I was up and out of here.

While I was getting ready for the run, I could hear the wind whipping around the house. The local weather guy's Facebook update said the winds would be 30-40 mph with gusts of 50. But that didn't stop me! And in fact, once I got outside, the wind wasn't that bad at all. It started back up while my hubby and I were relaxing outside (read: hiding from the kids). The sky was slightly overcast, so the run was really nice.

One really cool thing during the run was that one neighborhood was putting out flags for Memorial Day. It was really neat to see those guys going yard-to-yard putting them out and to see them all flying in the wind. It totally gave me chills and put a spring in my step.

I took most of the run nice and slow since I missed a couple of runs last week, but that's ok with me. It felt good. I need to foam roll my IT bands though. I'm not sure why they are tightening up again. They were doing so well. I did 4.85 and saw my sister heading out for her walk, so I started my cooldown and walked with her a while.

Still, today's run felt so much stronger than the 10K a year ago. It was nothing big, nothing significant, but it made me feel good today. I came back home and was able to step right back into "mom" mode happily. Granted, that didn't last too long, but at least that feeling was there for a little while.

And exciting stuff for tonight!!! The Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon registration opens at midnight PST! My best friend Chandra and I are counting down! Once we get registered, we'll be able to start making travel plans...and training plans! I'm really excited about this one! 

The Weekly Mileage Report

This week did not go as planned in the running realm. I ran Monday and Wednesday...and that was it. I went to the local water park with our eighth graders on Thursday and thought I did pretty good with not sunburning...that is, until that evening. That's when my sunburn showed up and hurt! I had wanted to run that evening, but I wasn't able to squeeze it in, which is unfortunate, because the weather was really nice that evening. It didn't stay that way! It has already hit 110* here this weekend! I had to be back at school for a workday on Saturday at 7, which meant I couldn't get in my normal long run then either. And Saturday was back-to-back activities all day anyway. So, I'll just get back in the groove in the morning. Since my hubby is off tomorrow, I'm hoping to sneak out while it's relatively cool and get a few miles in outdoors.

But for now, here's the sad weekly miles:
Weekly: 6 miles
YTD: 319.9 miles

Post your miles...and happy running!

Wednesday Wonderfuls

So what makes this Wednesday wonderful? Let's see...

*Only a day and a half left of school...and most of tomorrow will be spent at the local waterpark.
*I didn't have to cook tonight because we had plenty of leftovers.
*The kids crawled up on the bed with me this afternoon and let me rest for a few minutes after school.
*The calf cramp from yesterday has mostly disappeared...at least enough to let me run this morning.
*My husband and son brought me lunch at school, and of course, my little one charmed the socks off everyone around.
*I got to watch the video of my daughter's sign language choir performance...made me tear up a little. I can't believe she's almost done with kindergarten!

Maybe I should look at the "wonderfuls" a little more. It definitely changes my perspective...for the better.

I did realize today that I really, really have to get control of my afternoon eating. It's crazy. When 3 p.m. hits, all bets are off. I hate to admit it, but from 3-4 today, I had two little brownies, a 200-calorie bag of Goldfish and an M&M cookie. Yuck. Nothing in there's healthy in the least. And lunch wasn't good for me either today (at least not physically...seeing my husband and son did my heart good though). At least tomorrow's a new day.

Race Report and the Weekly Miles

So I ran the Lyndon Laseman Memorial Run in Henrietta this morning with the goal of breaking an hour. But I didn't meet my goal. It was hot and hilly, two things I hadn't planned on. I made the first mile in less than 9 minutes, probably a little fast. I did ok through mile two. Mile 3 was hard, but not as bad as it's been through some of my training runs. But mile 4? That's where things fell apart. I started having chills and feeling some cramping in my calves. I grabbed some sports beans to try to balance out the ol' electrolytes, but it was too late. I'm going to have to start experimenting with taking Gatorade on my runs. I had to walk quite a bit of 4 and a little of 5. I let some kids douse me with water at the last pit stop, which felt good, but again, it was too late. I crossed the line in 1:06:51. I was fourth in my age bracket. About a minute faster would have gotten me some bling.

I've still got to plug in my Garmin to see the elevation. I really was not expected that. I did set my pace alerts to beep if I fell below a 10:00 mile. I have to say, when I was walking up some of the hills and that thing beeped, I was ready to fling that thing as far as I could throw it.

It was definitely a mental thing. I just wasn't in it this morning like I should have been and I let myself beat myself in my head. Physically, although the chills and the cramping were there, I could have done it. But once I took a small walk break, I told myself I couldn't reach my goal and there the race went. Maybe I need a sports doc...one for the mental aspects, not the physical.

I could blame it on several things, but instead of making excuses, I'll turn it into lessons learned:
1. Use the water stops on hot runs to pour water over your head.
2. Train for hills.
3. Replace electrolytes sooner rather than later.
4. Try out Gatorade or some other drink.
5. Eat more calories the night before.

I had about a cup of pasta, some fruit, a little potato salad and a breadstick for dinner. I went to bed feeling hungry, but I was battling a 3-year-old and didn't feel like getting up again to have something to eat. I should have though. Even a glass of milk would have been good.

And on top of those things, I think I might have a sinus infection. I can feel fluid shifting in my inner ear. It was a weird sensation to feel like I needed to pop my ears while I was running.

The miles:
Weekly: 13.2 miles
YTD: 313.9 miles

Sunday Scheduling

It's Sunday...time to think about this week. The training plan has me doing roughly the same things, just less of them, and I guess I'll stick with the plan.

Monday-2 miles (2, really? I've gotten so used to a minimum of 3 that I'm not sure how this will feel.)
Tuesday-strength train (still not a habit, but I've done it more often)
          -t-ball game
Wednesday-speedwork...2x800 w/ 400 recovery jogs
          -really long meeting after school
Thursday-strength train (maybe an easy 2?)
          -dance for SB
Friday-rest
Saturday-10K Race!

I am really, really hoping I can break the 60-minute barrier this weekend!

And, of course, I'm already thinking past the race. I don't have any races planned for the near future, so I don't have a training plan. I've got to find a maintenance plan or make one up so I'll have something to follow. I can start my half plan now, but it gives me lots of really long runs doing it that way. I'm not sure I want that many. Something to think about.

Saturday Sound-Off

I got up early this morning to fit my run in again. I love the sunrise runs. I was surprised by the cold though. Luckily, my mom had mentioned last night that it was supposed to be in the 40s this morning, so I was prepared...sort of. I have to say, I kind of threw this run together. I did put out my clothes last night, but that's about it. Tights, a tank, arm warmers and a visor...and I threw on a lightweight jacket at the last minute and never had to take it off. My lightweight gloves and a BondiBand for my ears might have been a good addition though, but it wasn't horrible without them.

It still took me almost 20 minutes to get out of the house. I was sure one of the little ones would wake up and then I'd never get out of there. Luckily, they didn't. I tried the new Gatorade Fit Prime energy bites before I ran along with a half of banana. I don't usually eat before my runs during the week, mainly because I run so early. On the weekends, though, I try to get a couple hundred calories down while I'm getting ready. I only had one of the bites (about 50 calories). I liked it...not too heavy but it felt like enough. I think I'll try another flavor though; I wasn't too fond of the cranberry pistacchio. They really should warn you that there is wax paper on both sides of the bites though :)

I thought I had my Garmin programmed for pace alerts. Well, actually, I did have it programmed for pace alerts...I just misunderstood what that meant. I wanted it to tell me when I fell below a certain pace, and instead, it beeped at me when it hit the splits for that pace for mile. Yeah, that's as clear as mud. What I mean is that it beeped at 9:40, 19:20, 29:00, etc. That didn't help so much since once I fell behind, I was always behind. I'll have to work with that this week. I'd like to set it to beep at me anytime my pace falls below 9:40 (or so) so that I can hit my sub-60 goal for this weekend's 10K.

Which I missed. Again. I ran a 10K this morning in 1:02:36. I am getting faster...I'm just not getting faster fast enough. I do pretty decently through the first couple of miles and then the last couple. It's those middle two that are a serious struggle. I think I lose my mental toughness there...my focus goes, quickly followed by my form. Once I realize that I'm slowing down and only have a little left to go, I can focus again and fix all the issues (the bouncing, arms swinging across my body, etc.).

I'm going to work on that the mental aspect his week so that I can really hit this weekend's race with all I've got. I know I can do this.

Anyway, here's the weekly mileage:
Weekly: 18.7 (one of my highest totals outside of my half training)
YTD: 300.7 (look at that! 300 miles this year!)

Post your totals! Happy running!

Monday, Monday...

This was posted on one of my favorite Facebook pages, Run Like a Mother The Book: "When we run we are showing our children, teaching without words, that we value ourselves, our hearts, our fitness, our health, our friendships, our clarity, and our balance." (a quote from Kristin Armstrong in Mile Markers).

I just love this concept. I hope that I am teaching these values to my kids through my running and healthy choices. I hope that they are learning more than the actual love for running. What I mean is that I hope they see my running as something I do because I love it and because it makes me happy and because I want to be healthy and strong...and that they will find something that does the same for them.

I didn't sleep well last night and was visited by both kids at some point last night...and they both ended up asleep in our room by morning. I was already struggling with sleep due to allergies (or maybe it's another sinus infection). So when the alarm went off at 4:30, I really debated on whether or not a run or the extra hour of sleep would be more beneficial. I knew, though, that if I didn't run then, I wouldn't be able to make up that run. So I ran. I checked my training plan to see what I should do and was surprised to see 5 miles on tap. 5 miles. Before school. There was a day when that would have seemed (and probably would have been) impossible. But I did it! And surprisingly, my sinus issues left me alone while I was running. I took it easy since I ran 6 on Saturday. It felt pretty good after I passed the halfway point. Up to then, I wasn't sure I'd make 5.

Running is such a mental thing. I know this. I've seen it in action. But it continues to surprise me.

I'm working on eating better again. I've been eating a lot of stuff I shouldn't. I did well today...until I got home. Then I ate the last two mini-chocolate donuts and a couple of Reece's eggs from Easter. Why do I do this to myself?! It's time to get back on track! I've got to figure out the afternoon binge. I even had a V8 Fusion (light) after school with some cranberry/almond/sunflower seed/pumpkin seed trail mix...and still ate the junk. I get home and see so much to do and start picking up clutter and cleaning up and I reach for sugar. Which would explain why the scale isn't going in the right direction. I really want to drop these last few stubborn pounds.

I know that I probably need to add some cross-training or some weight training to boost my metabolism. That is my plan for this summer. Maybe I can get into the habit of it then. I noticed a new class at the Y called Cardio Kick that supposed to mix cardio and kickboxing. I loved kickboxing and working out on a punching bag back in college. I even have a gift card for a punching bag for the garage, but since we haven't made room yet, I haven't gotten it. I can't wait until we do! I'll definitely need a bigger fan out in the garage then! It's so hot out there!

Happy Mother's Day to all you mother runners!

Happy Mother's Day! We are on the road again, this time on our way home via one more get together at my parents' house. My extended family on my dad's side of the family will all be there. It's supposed to be a hot one...over 100 degrees. So glad I got my run in yesterday when it was a relatively cool 65!

I am so blessed by all the moms in my life. My own mom is amazing! She has always been there for me and she has always encouraged me in all I have ever done, including running. She is also a runner and is totally inspiring. I hope that at 51, I can run as fast as she does now...because I'm not nearly as fast as she is! I love seeing her enjoy her life in such an active way. While watching her play in the yard with my kids, I realized that I hope that I will be able to do the same with my own grandkids someday.

My mother-in-law is a blessing to my life as well. Not only did she bring my husband into this world, but she is also my kids' caregiver. Having her watch over them during the day gives me peace because I know they are being watched by someone who loves them dearly.

My sister, the one who inspired me to lose weight two years ago, can be credited with starting this running thing. I'm so glad she was willing to spill her tips and hints and always provide a listening ear when I needed it and to offer her encouragement. She is a healthy, active mom-to-be this year!

I am also blessed by two beautiful sisters-in-law who are such good mommies to their kids!

I also have so many mommy friends in my life. Knowing I am surrounded by such a wealth of experience, love and support makes my own life as a mommy easier.

And to my friend Chandra...I am so glad you have joined this mother runner tribe! I hope it reminds you how strong you are, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You are amazing, my friend!

I am blessed to be Momma to my two kids. They both enrich my life and challenge just about every part of me. I am a better person for it. I pray that they grow up knowing they are loved and cherished.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention those who are no longer here on this earth to celebrate today with us. I woke up thinking of my Gomie, my grandmother. I miss her terribly, but I feel blessed to have had her for the time that I did. She was and still is such a source of inspiration. I know that she still cheers us on and that we each carry a part of her with us wherever our feet journeys take us.

And that, I think, is what motherhood is...giving of ourselves for the betterment of others, so that someday, they will pass on that piece of us to others when they need it. So...happy Mother's Day to all of you! May you be proud of the job you are doing and know that you are making a difference!

Saturday sound-off...from the road

My Mother's Day gift to myself was a wonderful long sunrise run this morning. Granted, it meant I had to get up early this morning to fit it in. The alternative was to stay in bed a little longer, but considering I had one or both kids in bed with me most of the night, the run definitely won out!

And I'm so glad it did! There wasn't anything magical about the run. In fact, I wasn't sure I'd make it more than a couple of miles at first. But around three miles, it started to feel really good. It felt good to just leave the cares and stresses of this week out on the road. And I knew the rest of this weekend would be busy and crazy, so I banked those good feelings for when I need them.

I did spend part of the run sending good running vibes to my dear friend Chandra, who had her first five-mile race today. She's only been running about two months, and she rocked it! Her goal was to finish in under an hour and she made it in 53 and some change! I am so proud of you, my sole sister!!!

As I write, we are on the way to visit some of my hubby's family a few hours away. We'll have breakfast with his mom and family in the morning and make the drive back to have lunch with my mom and Granny tomorrow. Thank goodness for my husband's iPad! I can get my update done and not procrastinate.

So, without further ado, here's the weekly mileage report:
Weekly: 17.5 miles
YTD: 282 miles

One cool thing about this week (and I have no idea if I've already blogged this) is Wednesday's run. Id had several students ask if they could run with me, so I set up Wednesday afternoon as a chance to do that. I had invited a guy coach to run with us since a lot of the students asking about it were guys. There ended up being six of us altogether. It was a lot of fun. The kids were all pretty good runners to start with. We did have one that headed back to school after a little over a mile. We kept up a ten-minute-per-mile pace for a 5K. It was pretty warm outside, but it was neat to share this part of my life with my students. I'm really hoping next year to start some sort of running club or fitness group. Several other teachers are interested as all. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of the idea.

A challenge

If you like a good challenge, check out this: Aquaphor 30 in 30 Run Challenge on Map My Run I figure I might as well enter my miles here for a chance to win prizes!

Anniversaries

Ten years ago today, my dear hubby asked me to be his wife. It's amazing what we've been through in the past 10 years, and I consider myself blessed to have him in my life. He is my rock, my encourager, my friend, my life. Without him I wouldn't have my two sweet kids and I wouldn't be who I am today.

But today is another anniversary...it's my runniversary! Two years ago today, I attempted to run in our church's Run for the Son, a simple 5K. I say "attempted" because we couldn't even finish the whole 5K. That was it for me. I started running that very week. Here we are at that race:

That was 2 years and 20 pounds ago. I have to say, it's been an incredible two years of growth and pain (don't those things always seem to go hand-in-hand?). If you want to read more about the journey I've been on, check out this link: Looking Back.

I am so grateful for running and all the things it has given me:
-a strong body that can carry me many miles
-energy to play with my kids, even after a day of work
-purpose as I raise money for charities and tackle a new challenge
-a sense of healthiness
-a reason to make good choices about food
-sanity

I am looking forward to many more years of running, but for the next year, I'm looking forward to several running-specific things. First, I'm looking to break one hour in a 10K. Second, I want to break 25 in a 5K. And third, I get to run a half marathon with my best friend!

It's Sunday...time for this week's schedule...

Today has been a rather odd day. A big storm blew in last night and we actually had rain most of the morning. We went out with friends last night and the kids were at the grandparents', so the hubby and I enjoyed a lazy morning listening to the rain. But now it's cold! The kids got home and had lunch, but then they both took naps. I haven't had a ton of things to do...a little laundry, a few crafty Mother's Day things, but that's about it.

I figure I should look at the week ahead to figure out what's coming up and what workouts I need to fit in. I know that last week was supposed to be an "easy" week on the training plan for the 10K at the end of the month, but since I hadn't signed up for it yet, I stuck to my normal easy/fast/short/long routine. Now, the question is whether or not to take this week as an easy week or just keep on trucking through the plan.

If I just stick to the plan (which is what I will probably do), my week will look like this:

Monday-easy 4 miles
Tuesday-t-ball game in the evening
Wednesday-tempo run of 2 miles at 9:49 (which my handy-dandy conversion chart tells me is about a 6.1 on the treadmill) with a mile warmup and a mile cooldown for a total of 4 miles...I may make this another 3 mile tempo
-church in the evening
Thursday-the plan doesn't have anything, but I usually do 2-3 at the Y during SB's dance class
Friday-rest
-SB has an extra dance class this week
Saturday-6 miles (the plan says at 11:32, but I usually do about 10:40 or so)
-t-ball pictures and game
-head to a family get-together out-of-town
Sunday-rest, well at least workout-wise...we'll be having a Mother's Day breakfast with my mother-in-law and driving back home for Mother's Day at my parents' with my dad's side of the family...no rest for the weary :)

Somewhere in there, I need to figure out some healthy meals/snacks, make some homemade yogurt, grocery shop, finish making Mother's Day gifts, and get to the post office.

I'm also trying to stick to my daily crunches, but I missed a couple of days already. It's better than nothing though!