I don't know why, but this morning's run felt especially good. Not so much in the physcial sense either. It was my last run of 2010. It was only 2.5 miles. It was outside. It was cold (but not too cold: long sleeves, fleece vest, hat, thin gloves). It was clear and sunny. It felt great.
I found myself, once I realized it was my last run of the year, thinking about all this year has held, both in my running life and real life. Some highlights?
Running
-2 10K races (one kicked my butt...the other, I kicked its butt)
-a handful of 5K races, some good, some not so good
-a marathon relay with my family
-a full year of running with only a short break after 10K #1
-few injuries
-tons of training knowledge gained
-new habits formed
Health
-maintained the majority of my weight loss from 2009
-learned to like healthy foods like homemade yogurt, oatmeal, steamed broccoli, etc.
Life
-daughter went to preschool in the first part of the year and started kindergarten in the fall
-son got glasses and is quickly growing out of the toddler stage
-walked 60 miles and raised $3000 for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure
-Life is good!
I didn't focus on the New Year or new resolutions this morning. There will be time for that later today and into tomorrow. Today is about being thankful for all the blessings in my life. When I got in from my run, there were my two kids happy to see me (for once) and my hubby in the kitchen cooking up some yummy bacon and eggs. Partner those with some toast (Texas Rangers design, no less!) and some plum jam and it reminded me of my grandmother, whose birthday would have been yesterday. And instead of being sad, it just made me grateful for all the good things I've had and all the blessings I have in my life now.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
World Run Day Virtual Run
I'll be participating in this year's World Run Day, which is actually November 6, 2011. However, I'll be kicking off the New Year with a run Saturday, January 1, 2011 as part of the World Run Day Virtual Runs. It's a pretty cool deal. You register for a virtual run and just run where you are, at whatever distance you are comfortable. You get a t-shirt for the World Run Day (so you can promote it all year long) and can print a personalized e-bib. I'm excited to bring in the New Year running. Check it out at http://www.runday.com/ for more information or register on active.com.
I'd love to organize some runners to do that all together here, but I didn't think about it until a little too late. As of right now, there are only two runners registered in my town. I know so many more runners...you'd think there'd be tons of us doing this.
On another note, I didn't do my strength training this week. That will definitely have to be a priority starting this coming week. I've been ruminating on my goals/resolutions for this year...more on that later.
I am planning on getting to the grocery store tomorrow. It's time to restock the healthy foods for home and school. I'm ready to put all the health aspects together into one rockin' package so I can be the best me I can be.
I'd love to organize some runners to do that all together here, but I didn't think about it until a little too late. As of right now, there are only two runners registered in my town. I know so many more runners...you'd think there'd be tons of us doing this.
On another note, I didn't do my strength training this week. That will definitely have to be a priority starting this coming week. I've been ruminating on my goals/resolutions for this year...more on that later.
I am planning on getting to the grocery store tomorrow. It's time to restock the healthy foods for home and school. I'm ready to put all the health aspects together into one rockin' package so I can be the best me I can be.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Let the training begin!
Today marks Day 1 in my half marathon training...and it's an easy day, which is good, since I haven't run but once a week since the White Rock Marathon Relay at the beginning of the month. I'm debating on whether to run outside (where it's really cold) or on the treadmill (where the garage isn't quite as cold). I do have some new running gear from Christmas gifts: a SpiBelt, a long sleeve compression shirt (with thumbholes!), a fleece vest, two new BondiBands, and The Stick. I ordered myself some running sleeves last night as a Christmas present to myself (because I obviously didn't get myself enough before Christmas...heehee...a 3-in-1 jacket, a running hat, iPod speakers...lol). I do get to order myself some Phiten gear as well thanks to a sweet hubby's gift. I'm planning on the blue Air necklace and a 2nd generation bracelet and the stickers. Can't wait!
But back to the training...I am really going to try and stick to my training plan so that I'm ready to go when March 27 rolls around. That means that I HAVE to fit in strength training...I just know that it's going to make a big difference in my running.
It is so hard on Christmas break to fit in my running. It should be easier, especially this week when my husband's home as well, but it just isn't. Probably because I let myself sleep in (you know, all the way to 7:30). But by then, the kids are up and I haven't run. It's just too easy to get busy with them, the house, chores, being lazy, having fun, eating, etc.
But I AM going to run today...oh, yes, I am...even if I have to do it after Christmas #5 tonight!
***Update: I did manage to fit in my run after making a quick run to the store for ingredients for the dishes I took to tonight's Christmas. I was scheduled for an easy 2 miles, but the Garmin died at 9/10 of a mile. I had to guess the rest. According to MapMyRun, I ran 2.5 miles, so not too bad. I have a feeling I'll be a little sore tomorrow (but a good sore) just because it's been so long. It felt great to be outside. I wore my new long sleeve shirt (with thumbholes!), new fleece vest, long tights and my new BondiBand over my ears. It was just about right. I did get a little warm and figured out a way to cool off without too much trouble. I unzipped my fleece vest most of the way and pulled my arms out, leaving the top part flapping across my rear. It worked though. The run put me in a little bit of a rush to get everything ready to go tonight, but that's ok...totally worth it.
But back to the training...I am really going to try and stick to my training plan so that I'm ready to go when March 27 rolls around. That means that I HAVE to fit in strength training...I just know that it's going to make a big difference in my running.
It is so hard on Christmas break to fit in my running. It should be easier, especially this week when my husband's home as well, but it just isn't. Probably because I let myself sleep in (you know, all the way to 7:30). But by then, the kids are up and I haven't run. It's just too easy to get busy with them, the house, chores, being lazy, having fun, eating, etc.
But I AM going to run today...oh, yes, I am...even if I have to do it after Christmas #5 tonight!
***Update: I did manage to fit in my run after making a quick run to the store for ingredients for the dishes I took to tonight's Christmas. I was scheduled for an easy 2 miles, but the Garmin died at 9/10 of a mile. I had to guess the rest. According to MapMyRun, I ran 2.5 miles, so not too bad. I have a feeling I'll be a little sore tomorrow (but a good sore) just because it's been so long. It felt great to be outside. I wore my new long sleeve shirt (with thumbholes!), new fleece vest, long tights and my new BondiBand over my ears. It was just about right. I did get a little warm and figured out a way to cool off without too much trouble. I unzipped my fleece vest most of the way and pulled my arms out, leaving the top part flapping across my rear. It worked though. The run put me in a little bit of a rush to get everything ready to go tonight, but that's ok...totally worth it.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Gift ideas
I have to say, I really like being crafty at the holidays. I really wish I thought of these things, oh, say November, instead of the week before Christmas. Here's what I've made so far:
The first 2 recipes come from Woman's Day.
Lemon Sugar Scrub
1 cup Epsom salts
1 cup sugar
zest of 2-4 lemons
1 tsp. lemon juice
6-10 Tbsp. oil
Mix together and store in tight lidded jar or bottle. I used Starbucks Frappuccino bottles and was able to get four jars out of double recipe.
Oatmeal Cookie Soak
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. vanilla
Blend together (I used a Magic Bullet) until a soft powder forms. This smells fabulous. The instructions are to put a spoonful under warm running water as you are drawing a bath. Then relax and enjoy the cookie-scented water.
Then, on tap for tomorrow is to make Cinnamon Toasted Almonds from Taste of Home, a basic spice rub from Tasty Kitchen, and some BBQ roasted nuts from Better Homes and Garden.
Another gift I've made this year are domino necklaces. So easy. I bought a tin of dominoes for $2.95 at Walmart. I think there were 28 of them. Then I cut scrapbook paper to 1"x2" to fit the domino. I tried to use a corner rounder, but it cut too much off. Instead, I just used my scissors to round the corners. For some, I put initial stickers on the paper. For some, the latest, I used glue and glitter to accent parts of the design on the paper. I used ModPodge to glue the paper on the dominoes. Once dry, I used some glossy clear paint (not sure on the name, but it's made to add a glossy effect) to coat the entire surface. While it was still wet, I dropped rhinestones in strategic places. After that dried, I superglued bails to the back of some and large beads to the top of others. I used ribbon on some of them and those steel ball necklaces on others. They really turned out nice.
The first 2 recipes come from Woman's Day.
Lemon Sugar Scrub
1 cup Epsom salts
1 cup sugar
zest of 2-4 lemons
1 tsp. lemon juice
6-10 Tbsp. oil
Mix together and store in tight lidded jar or bottle. I used Starbucks Frappuccino bottles and was able to get four jars out of double recipe.
Oatmeal Cookie Soak
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. vanilla
Blend together (I used a Magic Bullet) until a soft powder forms. This smells fabulous. The instructions are to put a spoonful under warm running water as you are drawing a bath. Then relax and enjoy the cookie-scented water.
Then, on tap for tomorrow is to make Cinnamon Toasted Almonds from Taste of Home, a basic spice rub from Tasty Kitchen, and some BBQ roasted nuts from Better Homes and Garden.
Another gift I've made this year are domino necklaces. So easy. I bought a tin of dominoes for $2.95 at Walmart. I think there were 28 of them. Then I cut scrapbook paper to 1"x2" to fit the domino. I tried to use a corner rounder, but it cut too much off. Instead, I just used my scissors to round the corners. For some, I put initial stickers on the paper. For some, the latest, I used glue and glitter to accent parts of the design on the paper. I used ModPodge to glue the paper on the dominoes. Once dry, I used some glossy clear paint (not sure on the name, but it's made to add a glossy effect) to coat the entire surface. While it was still wet, I dropped rhinestones in strategic places. After that dried, I superglued bails to the back of some and large beads to the top of others. I used ribbon on some of them and those steel ball necklaces on others. They really turned out nice.
On the run again...
At least I'm trying. I ran yesterday for the first time in a week. I got to run outside, but man, it was a lot colder than I thought it would be! And I only ran 2 miles. It was too cold and the lungs were burning. I'm going to run again tomorrow. Here's hoping it goes a little better.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Oh, this has got to end soon...
Well, I gave in and went to Urgent Care today. After a week and a half of one thing after the other, I had to do something. Actually, I was fine with the fever, and even the cough, but when it went to my head and lodged itself in my sinus cavities...that was it. Eviction notice served. Z-Pack started. Please, oh, please, let this be over soon!
I can not wait for a run! And a real one...outside...and long. Oh, how I need one! I'm hoping my Monday I will be up for it. My hubby will be home, so I should be able to make a naptime getaway.
I'm terrified that this is going to set me back. I'd originally said that my half marathon training would begin Dec. 27. But then I used Smart Coach on RunnersWorld.com and got one to start Dec. 20. However, I'm thinking waiting until after Christmas might be a good idea.
I haven't met my December goals though. I've only made 1 run a week after the relay. I haven't even started the strength training thing...again. Why is this such a big deal for me? Argh. I guess that will be my New Year's resolution...
I can not wait for a run! And a real one...outside...and long. Oh, how I need one! I'm hoping my Monday I will be up for it. My hubby will be home, so I should be able to make a naptime getaway.
I'm terrified that this is going to set me back. I'd originally said that my half marathon training would begin Dec. 27. But then I used Smart Coach on RunnersWorld.com and got one to start Dec. 20. However, I'm thinking waiting until after Christmas might be a good idea.
I haven't met my December goals though. I've only made 1 run a week after the relay. I haven't even started the strength training thing...again. Why is this such a big deal for me? Argh. I guess that will be my New Year's resolution...
Friday, December 17, 2010
7
Since I'm on this oddly-out-of place 12 days of Christmas thing that started well before it should have but has managed to almost work out, I'll make today 7 reasons I run.
1. For sanity.
2. For weight-management.
3. For long-term health.
4. For my kids, so I can be a good role model.
5. For stress relief.
6. Because I can.
7. For charity.
On that last one, I'll start training for the Dallas Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon next week as part of the Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure program. I'm required to raise $250 for this particular event, which sounds so small compared to the $3000 I raised for the SGK 3-Day for the Cure this past year. I'd like to raise at least $500 though (or maybe more!).
I've got more about my journey here: http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/MarathonfortheCure/MarathonFortheCure?px=8723068&pg=personal&fr_id=2052
But I've found another charity that I think I'd like to work with...TeamFox, a part of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which raises funds for Parkinson's. I've long looked for an event to run in that benefitted Parkinson's research as a way of honoring my grandmother's memory, but I've never been able to find one. And then, by chance, I read about one runner's experience with TeamFox in the NYC Marathon after clicking on her comment on the www.runlikeamotherbook.com website.
It's amazing how things happen somedays. I didn't go out looking for this information...and actually had never found it when I did look. And here it is.
My grandmother was an amazing woman. She raised three kids on her own. Held the position of County Treasurer for many years. Supported her grandkids in everything we did. But those things do not tell her whole story.
She was my Gomie, a name I gave her when I was very little that just happened to stick. And she meant the world to me...and still does. She was this fantastic example of Christian love. Her battle with Parkinson's (which, for her, was actually a similar disease called Shy-Drager) was so difficult on her and her family. She had always been so independent, and this disease slowly took that away.
I could go on and on about my memories of her, but I won't. At least not now. I will say, however, that I would love to honor her memory by participating on TeamFox for a marathon. Someday.
1. For sanity.
2. For weight-management.
3. For long-term health.
4. For my kids, so I can be a good role model.
5. For stress relief.
6. Because I can.
7. For charity.
On that last one, I'll start training for the Dallas Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon next week as part of the Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure program. I'm required to raise $250 for this particular event, which sounds so small compared to the $3000 I raised for the SGK 3-Day for the Cure this past year. I'd like to raise at least $500 though (or maybe more!).
I've got more about my journey here: http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/MarathonfortheCure/MarathonFortheCure?px=8723068&pg=personal&fr_id=2052
But I've found another charity that I think I'd like to work with...TeamFox, a part of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which raises funds for Parkinson's. I've long looked for an event to run in that benefitted Parkinson's research as a way of honoring my grandmother's memory, but I've never been able to find one. And then, by chance, I read about one runner's experience with TeamFox in the NYC Marathon after clicking on her comment on the www.runlikeamotherbook.com website.
It's amazing how things happen somedays. I didn't go out looking for this information...and actually had never found it when I did look. And here it is.
My grandmother was an amazing woman. She raised three kids on her own. Held the position of County Treasurer for many years. Supported her grandkids in everything we did. But those things do not tell her whole story.
She was my Gomie, a name I gave her when I was very little that just happened to stick. And she meant the world to me...and still does. She was this fantastic example of Christian love. Her battle with Parkinson's (which, for her, was actually a similar disease called Shy-Drager) was so difficult on her and her family. She had always been so independent, and this disease slowly took that away.
I could go on and on about my memories of her, but I won't. At least not now. I will say, however, that I would love to honor her memory by participating on TeamFox for a marathon. Someday.
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