Support Crew

I know my blogging has been, well, nonexistent, but I just have to get this one in there. Yesterday, I ran my first 20-miler, and I had the most amazing support crew ever! I had to miss last week's "fall back" run of 10 miles (which I was really looking forward to after some long runs) because I was sick, so I was a little nervous heading into this run. But it all worked out.

I woke up and checked the weather. 38 degrees. I debated changing what I had planned to wear, but then I saw the wind chill. 18 degrees. Nope. I was fine with my cold weather gear. I ended up ready and waiting for the sky to lighten, heading out around 7:10. I had about 45 minutes on my own before meeting up with my sister, who would be finishing up teaching a BodyBack class at 8.

We got to run about 5 miles together before I dropped her at her car with about a mile back to my house to go alone. Once at home, I met up with Dad.

He was good for a 5K. Unfortunately, the best 3 mile route I know had us heading north right off the bat, and boy, was that north wind cold! We made the north neighborhood loop and headed back to the house where Mom was waiting.

 

I think Mom drew the short stick because my pace definitely fell off during her shift. We had about 5.75 miles together. It was awesome to have company for the majority of the run, with different conversations each time. I felt pretty darn good until right before mile 19. My back was already tight and I could feel my form slacking. But I did it!

I feel like that was a huge mental hurdle. Done. I know I still have two major long runs to go, but I feel good knowing I can do this. I came home, took a warm Epsom salt bath (yes, I know most people take an ice bath...trying something different), showered and got ready to leave. We had to eat, get my daughter some basketball shorts and get to the kids' basketball games (where I had to keep time for one and sit on the floor for the other). After that, we went for ice cream and shopping for Christmas gifts for church. We had a simple dinner of soup and sandwiches (and had to play restaurant for the kids). I was in quite a bit of pain last night, with the worst pain being my knee caps. Yes, my knee caps. I iced them and felt considerably better when I got up this morning. I'm still sore today, but I'm moving. In fact, I'm not sure I ever stopped moving today. With Christmas right around the corner, there's no time to stop :)

Double Digits, baby!

Woohoo! I feel like I'm finally back! Last week was a rough one, and Friday was no exception...really, it was just icing on the cake...and not in a good way. Problems with one kid (as in one of my own darlings, not the ones I teach) at school, long meetings, work stress, and just feeling yucky really took its toll. That's probably when I needed a run most, but I could not make myself get up early for a cold run Saturday. Besides, I had someplace to be by 10:30, and my hubby had a meeting at 9. I really wasn't sure when I was going to run. We ended up going to a do rib joint for a late lunch with friends (much needed!). And then I decided to run. I knew Sunday morning wasn't looking likely with early church and then serving at church for the second service. Granted, running on a full tummy for an afternoon run (not my usual thing at all) was probably not the best idea, but I'm so glad I got out there!

I ended up running 8 last week and knew I really wanted to run 10 this week. I headed out, clicking off the miles by telling myself what percent was done...1 mile, 10% done, 2 miles, 20% done, etc. I was on my own since my sister couldn't join me at this oddball time. I also told myself I had to run faster than the sun was setting. I just barely made that one. It was nice and warm though, around 65...ended up a little pink on my arms. Crazy that it's February!

When my Garmin showed 10 miles in 1:39:01, I can't tell you how big the smile on my face was! Not only did I run the 10 miles, but I ran them faster than any long run ever. Average pace was 9:54, with my last mile clocking in the fastest at 9:21. Man, did that feel good!

I'm using the first 5 miles of the run as my 5 by the 5th hosted by Mommy Run Fast. I love virtual races, and a series that keeps me moving each month is even better!

There's a half here in my town March 2, and I could so be ready for that...except I have to be out of town for work that day. Boo! However, I got some great news last week! As a Refuel with Chocolate Milk alum, I will be running the Rock N Roll Half in Dallas at the end of March as part of Team Refuel! I am so stinkin' excited! This will be my fourth half. I ran the RnR Dallas as my first half two years ago, and I'm excited to be going back.

I woke up Sunday to a little pain in my right foot...the same PF pain I've had off and on for a while now. I wrapped it Sunday for most of the morning. I've worked on stretching it. And then last night, I went and got some KT tape. I've never used the stuff. I'm not sure I've got it wrapped right, but it's feeling pretty good, and I was able to run an "easy" 3.5 this morning.

I've debated on going the full mary this spring, but it just doesn't look feasible right now. My husband's work has picked up, he umpires in the spring, and both kids are playing ball this season. I really should have planned ahead and trained through the winter to do the marathon that was here in town in January. Live and learn, right?

This week

I'm going to go ahead and do this week's miles counting today's run. I'm so off with these back and forth Saturday/Sunday runs, and I'm afraid I'll forget to count a run or two.

Mileage
This week: 18.35 miles
YTD: 68.85 miles

This morning's run was a planned 10 miles. My sister had 8 planned, so I ran a mile before I stopped by her house. It was a brisk 32*...cold for those of us in Texas where temps have been fluctuating from 50 to 70 on a regular basis. The run went well. We took off on a new course that took us out a little farther than normal, and it was a nice change in scenery. I didn't have to stop and walk at all and kept my paces pretty even, hovering between 10:30 and 10:45 for most of it. My first two miles were 11's, but I'm good with that. We kept up conversation for most of the run. We did have one scare with a dog...as we ran by a huge privacy fence, we heard the dog run and hit it and saw its head pop over the top! Holy cow! Well, that's not exactly what I said :)

Carrie stuck with me for my last mile making her run 9 miles. I know that was a boost for her since we've got a 15k in two weeks. It's not that she's never done this kind of distance because she has. However, her little one is just about 7 months old, so this is the farthest she's run since his birth. Pretty impressive!

On that note, my best friend Chandra's little one turns a year old this week. That means that just one year ago, she was pregnant...and now, a year later, she has already run a half marathon and is signed up for a marathon this summer. Impressive!

I didn't have time for an ice bath or even a decent breakfast after my run this morning, and I'm paying for it now. Chad ran on the treadmill while I was out running. We made it to church, but sitting still for that long after a run was not a good idea for either one of us. We're both tired and sore now.

However, I'm feeling a bit like Supermom today...long run, hot shower, two kids bathed and dressed, church, lunch (although Chad made that one!), a 100 days of school project and a 100 days of school snack...now on to a birthday party and dinner at the Johnson's. I'm going to be so glad to see my bed tonight!

Beautiful Run

I can not get over how beautiful this morning's run was! We are actually having a quasi-fall, which is as close as it gets in Texas. The leaves are changing colors and the temps are cooler (although I think it reached almost 80 outside this afternoon). I had to move my long run to Sunday this week due to family pictures yesterday morning, which turned out fabulously.

These are just the ones we took with my camera.

I ran 12 miles this morning. I wasn't as fast as I would have liked, but I have to say, I'm ok with that. It's hard to explain why. I was just continually reminded this morning how blessed I am to run at all, and to get to enjoy God's amazing creation while I'm doing it? Even better! On top of that, I fit in an ice bath and still made it to church, after eating the breakfast my awesome hubby had ready when I walked in the door...and a good thing, too...I was hungry!

For the first couple of miles, my right calf felt like it was going to cramp, but luckily, it never did. I only ended up with one "injury" today...a small spot on the underside of my right arm. I guess my arm warmers rubbed it. They never have before, so that was weird. It was kind of difficult to dress for today. I wore a tank and arm warmers; I had on gloves but ditched them before I started (smart move). I also wore my BondiBand hat, but I had to move it behind my ears just a few miles in. It was warmer than it initially felt, and it kept warming up as the sun moved higher in the sky. I ended up pushing the arm warmers down.

Here are my splits:
Mile 1- 11:15
Mile 2- 11:17
Mile 3- 11:47
Mile 4- 11:29
Mile 5- 11:40
Mile 6- 11:18
Mile 7- 11:05
Mile 8- 11:08
Mile 9- 10:53
Mile 10- 10:14
Mile 11- 10:34
Mile 12- 10:35
Total- 2:13:19

Mileage Report
Weekly: 24 miles
YTD: 700.85 miles

Wow! I'm over 700 miles for this year!

Two steps forward, one step back

That's the way it seems with my running...two steps forward, one step back. I had a couple of great weeks of getting faster, and then Saturday's long run happens. It was slow. But I'm actually ok with it. With a run that long, I had time to really think about it and come to grips with it. I think sometimes we have runs like that to learn something.

What I learned:
1. I never "use up" anything, whether my energy and strength on a run or that Bath & Body Works lotion. I always want to save up for the "what if's" that might never happen. I'm working on it.

2. I'm finding that I finish strong. My last two miles were my fastest. Pretty cool.

3. I'm pretty darn proud of myself. I'm actually up and running when others are sleeping. I'm sticking to my training plan but also taking care of myself when necessary (like skipping a run Thursday). I finish the run.

I know there were a lot of factors that played into this slow run. I didn't have my speed-demon Momma to push me like last week. I had a week of being almost sick (or if I really admitted it, sick). I had two late nights at the end of the week due to the Rangers World Series games. I was up with a sick kid at 4 a.m. before the run. I had some stomach issues of my own before and even during the run. Yes, all those things could be excuses, but they are what they are...factors that had a role in the outcome of the run.

The run gave me lots of time to enjoy the beautiful weather we're having...chilly, for once! One really good thing was the lack of soreness I had afterward. I felt like I could have done another 10 within a half hour of stopping. And I had very little soreness at all and was able to enjoy the rest of the day with my family. Gotta be happy with that!

After spending about an hour fighting with my soon-to-be-replaced laptop, I gave up trying to get a fancy version of my splits (which I'm happy to say, I got my Garmin to do). Here they are:
Mile 1     12:26
Mile 2     12:19
Mile 3     11:48
Mile 4     12:21
Mile 5     11:21
Mile 6     11:46
Mile 7     11:44
Mile 8     11:49
Mile 9     10:48
Mile 10   10:59
Total      1:57:27

Mileage Report
Weekly: 19 miles
YTD: 658.85 miles

Building speed

Training for the RnR Las Vegas is building speed...I had nine miles to go this morning. My husband was out of town, so I planned wisely and headed to my parents' yesterday evening so my dad could watch the kids during this morning's long run.

We had some stargazing fun last night. Sometimes, I miss the small town things like seeing so many stars at night. It was really good to have a chance to visit with my parents and just relax a little after this week.

This morning, Mom and I were both awake at 6. Unfortunately, she had been up with my lil buddy who had thrown up a couple of times. He seemed to be ok though (a red ices, ice cream and strawberry milk might not have been a good idea, huh?). We decided it wasn't light enough and went back to bed for another hour. At 7, we geared up and headed out around 7:30. Both of us had new Amphipod fuel belts to try out. The first half mile was hilarious as both of us sloshed and adjusted and re-strapped those belts. Luckily, once they settled in (or we got used to them) we were fine. In fact, I really liked being able to have both water and Gatorade for once.

The first two or three miles were really rough for me. I just couldn't get loose and find my rhythm. After three, things felt better, but not great. I think I finally hit my stride around six or seven. Crazy, I know, but the last couple of miles felt pretty good.

I am actually building a little speed again. I did a negative split "tempo" run this week with consecutive miles in 9:40, 9:20, and 8:57. I don't know what my splits were today, but even Mom could tell I was faster and stronger at the end than I was at the beginning of today's run. I will have to plug my Garmin into the computer to see my splits though.

Mom was only scheduled for 6 after her Double at the Tulsa Route 66 Quarter Marathon last weekend. She ended up doing the whole nine with me today. I know it was considerably slower than her normal pace, which is probably why she did the whole distance with me, but it was really nice to have company. It didn't hurt that keeping up with her kept my pace up.

I wish we had thought to get a picture of the two of us this morning. I was going to try and post a picture of her and Dad running last week's race, but my computer is just not cooperating.

One of the best parts of today's run (besides the fact that I ran with my mom) was that I finished strong and felt proud of me. I get so bogged down with other people's speed or distance that I forget that I am doing the best job I can do. I choose to run, so I can choose to enjoy it and celebrate my own accomplishments, no matter what that might be for me. After all, I finished nine miles this morning before lots of people ever left their beds. so maybe my confidence is picking up a little speed as well :)

Mileage Report
Weekly: 20 miles
YTD: 639.85 miles

Weekly Check-In

This morning, I drove in to Archer to run the Shortgrass Scamper 10K route with Mom before the race next weekend. The route is a little confusing, so I think she wanted me to run it once so I could help direct people if needed during the race next weekend. I'm not sure how much good I'll be at that. The course is hilly, so I was pretty pleased to run it in 1:05:31 this morning. I won't break 60 minutes and reach my goal for this year, but I knew that would need to happen in the spring. It's been too hot to worry too much about speed. It has finally cooled off, and I'm loving the cooler morning temps!

It was nice to have company, especially considering the company was my Momma! She typically runs much faster than me, so she pushed me (even though she didn't mean to) to go a little faster than I would have otherwise.

My sister ran the 5K route with my Dad this morning. They both did an amazing job! I just wish I could be that fast!

I had to laugh at my horoscope this morning. I don't always read it and I definitely don't live by it, but I saw it later this morning. Here's what it said:

Mom would be one of the "someone close" people, like with this morning's run...the other is Chandra. I ran knowing she was running her own 10K this morning (and rockin' it, I might add!). We were actually probably running at about the same time. I liked that thought. And I was sending her happy running vibes as best I could. She's such an encouragement for me! When I get frustrated by my slowness (which is often) or life in general gets me down, she's right there for me. I love that we get to run Vegas together!

Speaking of which, it dawned on me this week after seeing it mentioned on another runner's blog that the Vegas half is quickly approaching! In fact, it's just 84 days away! Yikes! Training really picks up after the Shortgrass Scamper next week. Here we go!

Mileage Report
Weekly: 15.2 miles
YTD: 533.15 miles (only about 150 miles to go!)

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia :)

Now that I've got that jingle stuck in your head, you're going to have to bear with me...today's post is going to have to be two-fold. I tried to figure out a way to make them separate, but they kind of go together.

I completed the Hotter Than Hades Virtual Half Marathon put on by Fitness Collaborative. The good thing about this one is that you didn't have to complete the 13.1 miles in one shot. Since I need to be averaging 13.1 miles a week to make my goal of 1100km in 2011, I wanted to do it all in one week, starting with my birthday on Monday.

My runs for the week looked like this:

Monday, my birthday: 3.1 miles in 32. 55, counting as my Moms Run This Town Fuelbelts Hydration Hustle Virtual 5K. It was a neat run for me as I remembered my "3 Miles at 30" just two years ago.
Wednesday, my son's birthday: 4 miles in 46:08.

Saturday: 6 miles in 1:16:42, quite possibly my slowest 6 miles ever!
 

Who knew it took this much stuff to "gear up"? And I already had on my SpiBelt, Garmin and BondiBand!
And my RoadID was still MIA as of this morning!

 Today's run was hot and hard. I was dripping sweat by mile 1. I felt decent by the time I hit mile 3. And then I really struggled between miles 4 and 5, taking a couple of walk breaks. I had forgotten, until about 5.25 miles, that I had planned on using an idea sparked by something I read in Mile Markers by Kristin Armstrong for today's run. I had to modify it...a lot...to make it work with what I had left in my run, but basically, what I did was thank God for and pray over each room in our house, one tenth of a mile at a time. I thought about the things I wanted each room to foster and develop, such as family fun in the living room and good conversation in the dining room. I also prayed for my kids, our relationships and my marriage using each room to keep me focused. I wish I had remembered this late night idea when I started the run.

Of course, just almost as soon as I walked in the door, I realized I should have worn my Super Mom BondiBand because I started cleaning up puke from my daughter just about that fast. That's the life of a mother runner, I suppose.

One thing I tried for today's run was chia seeds. 

And yes, I picked a turtle on purpose...because that's what I feel like these days.


Yes, like that kind of chia.

I think the idea of trying chia seeds first popped into my head when I read Born to Run by Chris McDougall. And then I would see bits and pieces of information...just enough to keep reminding me about them. Some highlights I've found...

From Raw Reform:
Chia seeds are said to have:
•2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,
•5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones,
•2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,
•3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
•3 times more iron than spinach
•copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids...

From The Natural Health Yellow Pages:
Some other benefits (especially for runners)
Providing energy
Boosting strength
Bolstering endurance
Leveling blood sugar
Inducing weight loss
 
Then I realized that a local grocery store has started carrying bulk items like granola, beans and flax seed...and yes, they had a bin for chia seeds! The first time I checked, the bin was empty, but they had them this past week. I bought a small bag of them and kept forgetting to do anything with them. I had read that you should soak them in water the night before a run...and I could never remember to do that.


Is it me or does this look like it should be illegal?

This morning, however, I quickly googled what to do with chia seeds before my run. One Runner's World forum person said you could mix them in water with a little honey and just drink before a run, which is what I did (using my Farmers' Market local honey...yum!). While these pictures are from tonight and not this morning, this is what it looked like at first.

By the time I had gotten my gear ready to go, they had "fuzzed" up a little bit, absorbing some of the water. I, surprisingly, didn't mind the texture or the little seeds in the water. The flavor was very mild, especially with the honey.

The fuzzier version

As for the run, it was so hot and sticky that I'm not sure how much good they actually did. And I went farther than normal, so it's hard to tell if it helped with endurance...I mean, I did finish the extra distance, so maybe that does say something.
I'm going to try them again. In fact, I had a glass tonight of the quick version while I was working on making a batch of the gel these little things make as they absorb water. You can use the gel like a Gu or other fuel or you can mix it into things like smoothies and yogurt. Here's tonight's work in progress:

If they look dramatically different in the morning, I'll post another picture.

What is about runners that make us what to try the newest, strangest, silliest things trying to gain some sort of edge? I'd understand if I was super competitive in races, but I know I will never win a race (or probably even my age division). Still, I am all for trying something that might help me run faster, last longer, or look better. First, it was getting a Garmin so I would know how far ago and just how slowly I'd gone. Then I started wearing Phiten necklaces because I hoped they'd give me a boost. Next I got blister-preventing socks (well worth it, by the way). I got fitted for shoes after running in a pair I'd picked out on my own for a very long time. The Stick and a foam roller have taken up residence in my living room. Now I wear compression sleeves and am drinking fuzzy little seeds.

I think there are a couple of things at play here. First, running takes us back to being a kid again...something I was reminded of as I was reading Mile Markers today. So it fits that we like to try out these new "toys" in our running. And second, I think these things give us some glimmer of hope that we will progress and improve and thrive. I'll hang on to that hope for now as I struggle through this hot, slow season.

Mileage Report:
Weekly: 15.15 miles
YTD: 433.5 miles

Saturday Mileage Report

Today's run was nothing fancy. It was over 80 degrees when I started a little after 6 a.m. I knew it would be a slow one, and that was ok with me. I ended up going 5.5 miles and walking another mile to get home.

The problem, though, started a little while after my run. I felt a headache coming and tried to cut it off at the pass with OTC meds, more water, and a bottle of nuun. It didn't work. After brunch and a little birthday gift shopping, I retreated to our nice, cool bedroom. While I did sleep a little bit, the headache stayed put. My mom got a headache after her run today too and neither one of us has found a solution. I'm thinking I probably need some Gatorade or some salt. I'm trying caffeine now with an iced coffee. It's not as bad as it was, but it's definitely set up camp up there.

I'm beginning to think the crunches are bothering my neck/back muscles and that's the cause of the increase in headaches this week. I hate to give them up though. I'm actually sticking with something for once.

Mileage Report:
Weekly: 14.7 miles
YTD: 404.7 miles

This happens to be week 27 of the year, just over halfway, and I'm well over halfway to my goal of 1100km in 2011! And with half training beginning in a couple of months, I know I'll make it! Maybe I should adjust my goal?

The best part of this week was running with my little buddy on Monday. Still makes me smile :)

Saturday Mileage Report

For the first time in a while, I feel really good after this morning's long run. It wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed it! The kids could not get to sleep last night; I ended up taking them to my room with me after 11...that means one on the loveseat in our room and one in bed with me. I woke up around 5:15 and decided to go ahead and get up before 6, which means I got out the door a little earlier than normal. And it was already hot! I decided to try a run/walk interval today. I haven't done that since I first started running. I've been wanting to try it again to see if it helps me, and I figured today was as good as any to try it.

I thought I'd try a 4/1 mix, but then I thought I'd start off running a mile first then going to intervals. However, I got sidetracked by a possum! I had to stop and take pictures (which didn't turn out at all) but I didn't want to make my Garmin beep by pausing it in case it scared the thing. He ran next to a fence and around that house's sidewalk. As I passed him and looked back, he was walking along my husband's aunt's flowerbeds. He was a big thing too!

So that messed up my intervals a little. And then my math is a little fuzzy while I'm trying to run; I'm pretty sure I did a 3-minute run without even realizing it. But I kept up the 4/1 interval until about 3 miles when I went to a 3/2 mix. I could barely eat two sports beans and sip some water in 1 minute. However, at 3.5 miles or so, I decided it was easier to just run the darn thing. And it felt really good!

As I was cooling down, I saw a duck. There's often a pair of them at a house on one of my favorite parts of my run (usually my cooldown, actually), but there was just one today. I looked for my bunny at the end of that street but didn't see him. I like seeing that little bunny because it reminds me of the rabbits that used to hide under my grandmother's shed in her backyard. However, as I turned up the next street, he came running out from behind a tree and across my path :)

It just felt really good to be outside running and walking today. If I'd known everyone in my house was still asleep, I probably would have walked another half mile or so.

I did finally feel some coolness as I neared my house on my cooldown...and then I realized, of course it feels cooler...I'm covered in sweat.

I'm actually sitting out on my front porch with my hair wet from my shower drinking my coffee. It's not really cool out here at all, but the breeze feels nice.

So...here's this week's mileage:
Weekly: 16.75 miles
YTD: 379 miles

I think I'll start my next week of core challenge workout today as well.

Getting the job done

You ever have one of those runs? You know, the one that isn't pretty, isn't fun, but it gets the job done? That was tonight for me.

My husband has been out of town since yesterday morning, so I haven't run since Wednesday. I know that's not a long time for him to be gone, but last night, I did not sleep well without him here. He'll be coming in in the 3 to 4 a.m. range in the morning, so I know he'll need some sleep. And I can guarantee that if I head out the door at 6 for my normal long run, the kids will be screaming at 6:15 and he won't get any sleep. So...when you add the two things together (that I don't sleep well without him here and the possibility of me not getting to run tomorrow at all), I figured tonight was a good a time as any.

Famous last words.

That run had so many things stacked against me:
1. no clean running clothes...easily solved...run in the dirty ones
2. I can't run outside when there are sleeping children inside, so the treadmill in the garage was it
3. the garage is H-O-T-HOT! I even ran inside and grabbed another fan. It didn't help. Not one bit.
4. my iPod is dead...so I thought I'd watch TV
5. I couldn't get the TV remote to change the channels...so I watched Leno
6. running to Leno isn't fun (although the stupid human tricks made me grin and forget I was running)
7. I thought I'd try G2 while I ran since I knew I'd be sweating profusely (understatement of the year)...but it didn't fit in the cup holder, so I kept having to catch it when it slipped
8. I was paranoid that the kids would wake up and I wouldn't hear them and they wouldn't know where I was and would freak out
9. I wanted to go 6 miles, but...
10. Did I mention it was hot? I haven't been this red-faced since my beginning running days

But, here's the deal...the run may have stunk to high heaven (and no, I'm not referring to my sweating here), but the deal is...I did it! I got the job done! When it didn't look like a run would be a good idea tomorrow, I could have just thrown in the towel and skipped it. When the circumstances of the run weren't ideal, I could have wimped out. But I didn't!

Of course, while I was running I realized that I didn't do my crunch/pushup challenge workout for the day, so guess what I did when I came in....yep, I did it too!

Crunches: W3D2, 156 crunches
Pushups: W1D2, 17 pushups

And since I'm done running for the week, here's my weekly miles:
Weekly: 14 miles
YTD: 351.2 miles

I'm officially more than halfway to my goal of 1100km in 2011 (or 683 miles).

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! 

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!

This week's wrap-up and the Saturday sound-off

Ok, I had this all planned out in my head during this morning's long run, but one t-ball game, one McDonald's lunch and two baths has zapped it right out of my brain. So...let's see where the rambles take us. Kind of like my run this morning. We'll start there.

I had planned on getting up at 6:30 for a run this morning, but my son woke me up at 6 instead. I got him all set up with Sprout on TV, cereal, and backup snacks so he wouldn't wake Daddy (a poptart, fruit snacks, and a box of raisins, all pre-opened so he wouldn't need any help). I got going before 7. It was beautiful outside! There was very little breeze, and after yesterday's wind, that was a nice surprise. The temp was perfect (although I have no idea what it actually was...but shorts and a tank felt great). I had 5 in mind. However, my course kept changing as I'd run into loose dogs, which I've only done one other time at all. The first pair come up just 1/3 of a mile in. I turned up a corner and heard a dog and quickly realized he wasn't fenced in but was under a carport instead...and was quickly joined by his big brown friend at the end of their driveway. I did an about-face and changed my course. I kind of looped around to where I normally end my run and headed at my route backwards. That worked out pretty well because it met up with where I normally head over to a different neighborhood. At one of my turns, though, there was another dog...what looked like a German Shepherd. I didn't stick around to find out if he was friendly, so I backtracked around the block and kept at my course. The last dog came up toward the end of my run...and he was what we'd call an ankle-biter. I didn't feel like finding out if he was going to bite my ankles though, so I turned right before his driveway.

The only problem with these course changes was that I ended up finishing 5 miles farther from home than I thought I would. That left me with two choices: 1. walk back home, or 2. run back home. I figured I had to get home somehow and running would actually make it faster. It ended up being right at a 10K with just a little to walk home for a cooldown. I ran it in 1:06:43. At first I was upset with my pace, but then I realized that it was still faster than my fastest 10K race. I'm getting there. I just don't know if I'll be able to break that one-hour mark at my 10K at the end of the month, which I finally signed up for yesterday.

While I was running, I was thinking about the book Born to Run that I read this week. While the narrative is full of flashbacks and back stories (and somewhat hard to follow at times), it is full of tidbits about running that I wish I'd kept track of better. There needs to be some sort of guidebook or workbook to fill in as you read this book. The most memorable things I got out of it?
1. Eat like you are poor.
2. Try salad for breakfast.
3. Cheaper shoes are ok.
4. Our feet are amazing.
5. Easy, light, smooth

It really was an amazing story of how we are made to run if we let our bodies do it. It's also an incredible tale of runners and a race. It left me feeling encouraged in my running...and a little curious as to how far I could really run.

I also thought about some runners I know running in tomorrow's OKC Memorial Run, both in the half and the full. I said a little prayer that their runs would be blessed and can't wait to hear how it goes.

Once I got back from my run, I had to replace batteries in cars, rebuild tracks, find breakfast, dress kids and get to a t-ball game, so a lot of my thoughts have disappeared into mommy-land. I'm sure there were more. However, when I finally got the kids bathed and down for some much-needed naps, I logged onto my computer...and lo and behold! I won something off of Running Diva Mom's blog...some Wright socks! And what's funny is that I really need these since I had to scrounge this morning to find some socks decent enough to run in because my Wright socks were all in the wash. I needed that...just a little sign that said to me "Keep it up!"

And now, here is the weekly mileage report:
Weekly: 17.5 miles
YTD: 264.8 miles

That puts me at just over 60 miles for April. Pretty cool!

Post your miles here!

100th post!

Isn't that cool? I've had something to say 100 times. Now, nothing says that what I had to say was of any consequence or importance, but it's a neat milestone.

I was able to head outside early this morning for a five-miler. It was definitely chilly, but a light jacket, arm warmers and my bondiband hat kept me warm. It was so calm, clear and cool. It was hard to believe that yesterday our area was being windblown like crazy and there were fires all around us. So many areas were in danger...people being evacuated, firefighters and police working nonstop, volunteers manning evacuation shelters. The sky was so hazy yesterday from the dust and smoke. And then this morning. The lingering smoke smell was the only reminder here. I thought about all those involved in yesterday's situations and prayed for them as I ran. It was peaceful, and I pray that the workers and families feel some of that peace today.

I did manage 5 miles in 50:49. I wanted to come in under 50, but I'm getting better at pacing.

So, here's the weekly mileage.
Weekly: 13 miles
YTD: 236.3 miles

Post your miles here!

Saturday Sound-Off

Ok, so I really didn't expect to add any miles to my challenge this week...but I did. I woke up at 2 a.m. Thursday morning and couldn't sleep. Finally, around 3:15 I had talked myself into a little run on the treadmill. I figured I could jog an easy mile or so, shower and get back to bed and actually be able to get back to sleep for an hour and a half before school. I ended up walking a quarter-mile warmup, running (easy) 2.5 miles and finishing with a quarter-mile cooldown. Not bad for the first run post-half marathon.

And then last night, I was invited by a colleague to join her and another girl on a run early this morning. I wasn't too sure about it...first, it was at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning, and while I'm all for early monring running, it's been a long week. Second, they were going 6 miles, and I wasn't sure if I could do it this soon after last weekend's race. Third, she mentioned that they'd run about a 9:30 pace, which is a hair faster than I normally run. I'm hoping I didn't slow them down because I ended up convincing myself that running before the day got started would be a lot easier than fitting it in somehwere. I did want to take advantage of having someone to run with and enjoying an outdoor run.

The run went well. I felt pretty darn good up to 4 miles. At 4.75, I decided I'd stop at 5, but when 5 got there, I convinced myself I could do one more...besides, I had to get back to my car :) I did, however, stop at 6.25 and walked the last quarter-mile to my car. And the good news? I ran it in 1:03:49...beating my 10K PR by another 4 minutes!

I may be a little sore tomorrow, but I think the muscles will be fine. My stomach, on the other hand, is another issue. It hasn't been happy since I got back. I'm thinking I may have been a little dehydrated to start with. After the half last weekend, I had a crampy stomach, and today was similar to that...where my stomach just hurts. It's doing better now though. But now I have a headache. However, we have a sitter tonight and nothing's going to keep me from enjoying a double date with our friends!

So, here's my mileage:
Weekly: 9.25
Yearly: 211.85

Post your totals!

Saturday Sound-Off

This concludes my last "regular" week of training before my race! I can't believe it's finally here! I have a couple of runs left this week, but I am done with "long" runs before the race.

However, this morning's long run did not go nearly as well as I'd hoped. I made it 9 miles in all, but that included a lot of walking...the first time I've ever had to walk, at least during this race's training. I debated getting my lazy rear out of bed at 6:30 this morning, but I wanted to enjoy a little more sleep on this last chance of Spring Break...so I did. And now I regret it. It was much too warm by the time I got out to run, and I really felt it. Or more specifically, my stomach did. And once I took a walk break, it was really difficult to run again.

I'm choosing to just accept this as part of training and keep on keeping on (I can say that now, after a wonderfully relaxing manicure with the promise of a pedicure soon after my half). I know that I can do the distance, and I'm pretty sure I know a few things that will keep me from ending up in the same spot next week. The biggest thing is that the race will be early and not too warm.

So here's the week's mileage:

Weekly: 19.4 miles
YTD: 179.5

Post your miles here!

Saturday Sound-Off

I decided to make this morning's long run 11 miles and do just 9 next week. I was leary of running 11 the weekend before the race. Let me tell you...that was a hard 11 miles! First, I was overdressed. I didn't realize how warm it really was outside and wore my long tights and arm warmers. I hooked those into my SpiBelt by mile 3. I also did not have enough water...again. I should have stashed some somewhere, but I just didn't. There were times I'm pretty sure walking would have been faster. But I'm stubborn and wouldn't walk. Ok, that's not totally true. I did walk once while I was trying to get the sports beans package open.

I think part of the problem was that I didn't find my rhythm for a couple of miles. I could see my ponytail bouncing in my shadow and knew something was off. And I focused too much of what didn't feel right (i.e. hurt) instead of focusing on the run.

Still, having run 11 tells me that I can do the 13.1! What I thought was impossible isn't!

So here's the weekly mileage:
Weekly: 23 miles (my first 20+ week!)
YTD: 160.1 miles

Post your miles here!

This week's wrap-up and the Saturday Sound-off

I haven't posted this week, so this may be a little long. Stick with me...the weekly miles are at the end.

Let's start with this week's runs.

I started the week with 3.5 miles (if I remember correctly, 3 running and .5 warming up/cooling down). Good way to start the week. I was looking forward to being on a normal week...meaning not the "easy" week of last week but back to easy/speedwork/easy/long. And then by Tuesday, I was not feeling good. Ok. That's an understatement. By Tuesday night, my allergies had flared up horribly. It was awful. So obviously, I skipped Wednesday morning's speedwork. And then I didn't think there'd be any way schedule-wise to fit a run in Thursday even though I was feeling better. But I did! My hubby was able to come home earlier than normal because he'd been umpiring baseball, so we had an early dinner and he took our daughter to dance (and took our son with him) because I had a team mom meeting that would have kept me from staying at dance the whole time. But that left me with just a little time to myself. And I could not pass up that chance. The weather called to me. The sun setting called to me. The road called to me. I got an easy 3 in with my new shoes, and it felt fabulous (even after a dinner at Taco Casa). I don't know if it was awesome because it was unexpected, or if it was because I was finally feeling better, or if it was because of the new shoes, or the faster speed, or what...but it was wonderful! That gave me the much-needed boost in confidence for the weekend's long run. I was doubting I could do 10 since I'd missed a long run two weeks ago (only ran 3 on a scheduled 10) and last week had been an easy week. But....

I did it! I ran 10 miles this morning! It wasn't easy, but it wasn't as hard as I expected either.

Some things I learned:
-I need to figure out how to carry more water. I should have stashed some on my route, but I didn't really plan that far ahead.
-I do not like the Honey Stinger gels! Yuck. They gave me the boost I needed but I did not like the flavor.
-My energy chews do not like cold weather. They were really hard to get down.
-Running on biscuits, eggs and bacon isn't as bad as I thought it would be.
-I can do this!

So, 3 weeks from tomorrow, I will run my first half marathon! I'm excited, but now I'm realizing that I really, really, really have to get busy fundraising. I need at least $150 more, but would love to do more than the minimum. And thanks to my sister for donating after I mentioned it in last week's post! Just in case you missed that one, my website is: www.info-komen.org/goto/cmjohnson. Won't you consider donating?

This week's mileage:
Weekly: 16.5 miles
YTD: 137.1 miles

Saturday Sound-Off...on Sunday again...oops

I totally meant to post this yesterday, but then we did a rare thing...we were spontaneous :) We ended up on a double date with some friends of ours last night and had a great time!

So yesterday's run concludes my "easy" week. I ran 4.5 miles outdoors. It was a beautiful day, although I probably should have checked the temperature. I wore my long tights because when the kids and I had gotten out earlier it was jeans and a hoddie weather. But I quickly pushed down the arm warmers on my run and wished for shorts. Still, it was great weather for a run.

Right now, my sweet cousin is running her first half marathon (as is her husband, another cousin, that cousin's wife, a couple of friends from church, and a friend from college). I know she's going to rock it! And I can't wait to hear all of their stories.

It's hard to believe that in one month...yes, ONE MONTH! I'll be running my first half! Scary but exciting. Of course, I have to worry about the fundraising part now, for real. I need to raise at least $200 in the next four weeks. I've got an idea that didn't quite gel, but I think I can still make it work. Anyone wanting to run a "virtual run" next weekend (March 5) with me can go to my fundraising site www.info-komen.org/goto/cmjohnson and donate. Any amount would be appreciated...and then we'll all know we are out there running or walking (any distance, anywhere) for the same cause. Plus, you'll be supporting me as I run my first 10-miler. The sound of that alone scares me!

So, here's the weekly mileage report:
Weekly: 17.6 miles
YTD: 120.6 miles