Wed, Thurs and Friday

What can I say? I've been a bit unmotivated lately. I could tell I wasn't feeling good. I ran Weds. in the hot, humid heat at 7am and it was brutal. It was only 3 miles and I could hardly make that. I had to take at least 2 walk breaks. It was too humid. I'm amazed I finished in 39 minutes my best lap was 12:27 with an average of 13:03. Thurs. I had 4 miles and the weather was a lot better. Cooler without the humidity. I still struggled with what I had to do. I did finish and I had to use my walk breaks. I was nice and slow on the 1st, thinking I've been going too fast at the beginning and managed to have 3 more laps at 13:20. I thought maybe it's because I'm just not feeling inspired lately. If it wasn't for the financial backing I think I would have serious thoughts of not doing this. (I knew I'd come to this point. When can I quit doing this?) In running they call it the wall, I think I've hit the wall psychologically. My runs aren't that great, I've had some really bad one's lately, and my heart just isn't in it. Today is my day of rest and of course I woke with a sinus infection which I knew I was getting. I now know why this week was so hard physically to complete.

Need a little help

Had to run 5 miles today, what a day to have to do it too! 90 degrees and humid there was a little breeze but only if you were standing still. I had to run this evening I decided to go to the park in search of shade. I started running good, I ran 1 mile walked a minute, ran another, walked 1 minute. Then I decided to just go around instead of back at the 2.5 mile. I was slooowww, very slow. I just kept saying to myself,"I'm running my own race, I'm running my own race. Why am I doing this again? Oh, there goes a biker that was a nice breeze. I think I've seen that butt before. I'm running my own race. I think a snail just passed me!" I did finish my 5 miles with about 5 walk intervals thrown in there. Then I had a full mile to still walk back to the car. It was a nice walk. I came over the hill and saw the sunsetting with the reflection on the lake and a windsurfer gliding across (I didn't think there was enough wind!!). It was just beautiful and the song on the i-pod was saying something like we all find our way home. I ran my own race today, saw something I would have otherwise missed and that's why I ran today.

Sat and Sun

There was no team training this weekend so I woke up early and went out to run myself. I was really excited that I wasn't going to be passed by the team and I was able to run my own way. It was very cool out. I got my first 4 miles in and turned around to finish 4 more mile. Yep 8 mile this weekend by myself. I skipped most of my walk intervals I don't even think I walked 8 times. Every time I started a walk interval and started to run my legs were killing me. It was easier to just start running and keep going. It wasn't easy I'm not going to say that but I was proud of myself. I'm not running to win the marathon but I just want to finish. So what if it takes me a while to pass a walker or walker pass me. The point is that I'm completing my miles. I did finish 8 miles in 1 hour and 48 minutes that's 13:30 minute/miles. I really paced myself in the 1st mile and then was pretty consistent.

Today I was way too tired to get up and run and I almost didn't get out the door for my evening run, but I did run 3 miles. As I walked out the door I realized I forgot my water. I started to warm-up and just decided to keep going. I ran the whole thing! At 2.25 I really wanted to stop but I knew I had gone this far so why stop running now? I finished under 38 minutes! That's an average of 12:30 minute/mile. So by not walking I drop 1 minute. I still have a long way to go but at this point I'd be able to run 1/3 of a marathon!

Just another 4 miles

Woke up today tired and stuff. Wouldn't have anything to do with the 12 hours of sleep? I was so tired I fell asleep the moment the kids did. I knew I didn't want to run today especially after yesterday. I decided to take advantage of the short window and go for a run before Bill had to leave. Hoping to return in 1 hour and 10 minutes, I made it. I felt soo good. My best times were completed on this run. My watch wasn't able to record the info, but I remember seeing 12:25 for my last mile which I ran the last .5 without a break. I was shocked by my total time a little over 51 minutes. That works out to less than 13 minute/miles. Yeah me!! I know my first mile was in the 12's. I didn't see my 2nd and I know the 3rd was just over 13. I feel great too not to sore and my knees aren't bad either. Can you guess which way I ran? Yep the hill but it works for me. I've got to get a big incline in my workout, we do run over the Ambassador bridge and back through the Winsdor tunnel both of which are at least 100ft quick elevation. I'm so excited to break the 13 today and I'm also looking forward to a day off tomorrow.

huh

Ran the scheduled 3 mile today. When I run this one path my time is always slower. I thought maybe because of the time of day or heat. I was up early this morning and it was nice and cool. The path has rolling hills but I won't think that was the problem. I thought 3 miles was going to be nothing especially since mileage will be increasing during the week. I averaged 13:22 minute/mile and my knees hurt again. When I left this morning I felt great. I wore my pink running shoes, yesterday the blue ones. I'm wondering if it's the pink shoes. I'll have to experiment a bit more.

I like this

Had to run 4 miles today. It started raining the moment I walked out the door. It felt really good. I was worried about getting the i-pod wet but I kept going. I didn't pass too many people on the path. Guess someone forgot to tell them they won't melt. I decided to tackle "the hill" again. I don't know why but when I go that way my time is better. I averaged a 13:14 minute/mile. I was able to run the last mile without walking again. It's almost like I'm saving up to last the whole run. My knees started to hurt and they felt better when I was running than walking which helped make the decision to just run home.

Much better

I wasn't able to get out on Sunday and do my run. So this morning I got up early and ran 3 miles up "the hill". I did pretty good. I was very encouraged and I felt good. So good I skipped the last couple intervals of walking and ran the whole last mile. I ran average 13:08 mile. Not bad. During my cool down I had the pleasure of walking with an older gentleman on the path. I hadn't mentioned any of my difficulties but his comment to me about doing a marathon in general was you can only do your best and run your own race. I seem to be hearing that a lot.

What's happening?

Well were do I start? Friday I was scheduled to run, Bill had to go into the office so a morning run was out. I was having a garage sale to raise more money so a midday run was out. By the time Bill was home it seemed too late to go run 3 and wake up early for the team run on Sat. So I skipped Friday night. Sat I woke up scared to death, 7 miles scheduled. 7!!!! I had only done 5 at most. I went early walked around to warm-up. We had to tell everyone who showed up our name, race and pace. When they got to me they thought I was joking when I said I was slower running than my friends are walking. I'm not kidding they are faster. They made us start out slow for a warm-up (which is really my pace) then get faster at 3/4mile. I continued with my run 4 minutes/walk 1 which made the group I started with slowly draft away. Then I was getting passed by the faster group. Thank god the walkers went the opposite way I don't think I could have handled it when they started to pass me. I was doing good at mile 2 they handed out water and again at 4 at which pointed I just refilled my water bottle. Mind you I'm the only runner out there, not one team member in sight and at 4.25mile marker I don't know what happened. If it was the pressure from being the LAST runner, the thought of 3 more why am I doing this again, or thought of a recent open mouth insert foot incident but I just started crying which lead to hyperventilating. I've never done that before. I had to skip a whole run interval and walk covering my mouth with my hand and try to calm down. I swear people going by thought I had Asama. Even with that whole episode that mile was 14 minutes. I did finish the full 7 miles in 1hour and 35 minutes which in retrospect is not much compared to 26.2 miles.

I was reading one of my friends blogs and she started talking about how she's got a guardian angel running with her. I don't think she's crazy at all I sometimes think I've got someone helping me train. I think mine helps me in a different way. I think he helps to give me obstacles so that I will be prepared for anything. I believe he throws the worst at me because he knows I can take it and it'll make me stronger. I was thinking about my 7 mile run and I think at the hyper moment the one thing I was so upset about, I was alone completely alone. And I still finished. Yet another hurdle covered. Thanks!!

Where's my hat?

The day off felt great. I very much needed the rest. My legs were starting to feel like lead at the end of my knees. I had a busy day today. I worked on more fundraising. I had my first garage sale were all the proceeds go to the society. After a full day I still had to run 3 miles. By the time Bill came home I was ready for bed with a big headache and toothpicks holding my eyelids open. I said "Noway Am I going tonight!" Then I walked in the bedroom and put my running clothes on. I knew I had to go now or never. I did run my 3 miles. It wasn't in record time but I was out there and now I feel better. I'm glad I did go. Thanks Bill for the support and the ability to drop the kids and run. I know it's only going to get harder. Oh yeah and next time I wear my hat rain, shine or darkness. Not only is it a great shade provider but it's a good bug shield. mmm... protein

Shade

Hard, today was just hard. I'm very excited to have my day off tomorrow. I really need it. It was hot today. I was looking for any shade, "oh look there's a telephone pole that's shade." My average was 13:40. I'm beat!

Am I moving?

O.k. let me expand a little on yesterday's posting, I was running on a treadmill! Today I stayed close to home. I started out slow but I thought that's o.k. I'm on "the hill", it's a killer hill. I just kept looking at my feet the whole time thinking there's no way I'm moving. It seemed sooo slow. Then I decided to go a different way, I don't know how far I went the 2nd mile, but according to my watch I hope it was more that a whole mile. The third was better but I couldn't get into it today. My time was good for the two miles I know were miles and even with the longer one my average was 13:23. I'm going to tackle the hill again. It can only get better, right? Do you think they have a treadmill marathon?

Doing good

Went running today after the kids were in bed and of course the cake from the party. Maybe the cake helped whatever it was I ran 4 mile instead of the 3 miles scheduled. The last 2 miles I ran all except 1 minute. I totally skipped the interval 4 run/ 1 walk. The walk seemed like it was messing up my rhythm. Just when I'd get in the zone I'd have a walk interval. My average was 13:42/mile. I was sore after the 5 mile run and I feel better now.

Not bad

So today was team workout. Beforehand I was so scarred, freaking out. Once there I really didn't have anytime to think about that. They lined us up and away we went. Because I got there so late I didn't get to warm-up like I wanted and I'm a bit sore. I'm hoping that's the reason. I was to run 6 miles but I didn't want to injure myself since I've only been running 3 miles for a week. I ran 5 miles and as I was running wanted to make it shorter, but I stuck to my commitment and ran the whole 5. My average was 13:20! I thought that was great. My girlfriend finished same time only she ran 6 miles. I'm not hard on myself today. I think I did a great job!
GO TEAM

Can you say Treadmill?

Yep! I woke up early and went to the gym. I love the treadmill. Ran 3 miles, I worked on my pace starting slow and getting fast miles in. Averaged 14:20 minute miles, slow? Absolutely! I'm working my way to a faster mile not trying to kill myself. Just a little side note I've noticed my butt is movin' on up! to the top.

Not too smart

Decided to run today at my in-laws. It was perfect they get to visit I get a quick run in. Only it was 2pm and 94 degrees! Needless to say I only ran 2 miles and had to stop at the pool house to cool down. I won't be doing that again.

New schedule

Well my first day of training as a real runner. I ran 4minutes and walked 1. I went 3 miles and averaged a 14:33 minute/mile. Not bad for the first time. I bought a watch to help and I love it. The workout was right on track. The walks weren't too short and the runs felt good. I did slow way down the third mile but I'm just starting. I'm not going to be too hard on myself yet. I can't wait till Sat's training when I line up to workout with the runners. I'm sure I'll learn a lot yet again but I'm still excited.

we train - to accomplish our goals!

Thanks Coach Sandy for the inspiring words. I had to write to the Coaches and tell them I'm switching to running. A new workout to try tomorrow we'll see how it goes. I have taken today off. I've also been getting a lot of inspiring words from friends and family. I love hearing how this affects others whether it's from a personal point or just how they perceive my journey. It's all welcomed.

It's personal

Yesterday was bad, really bad! I've come to the conclusion that I'm not o.k. with walking this marathon. I'm signed up to run and as a personal accomplishment I have to run. Actually run. I'm not a runner, yet. What more of a reason or personal challenge than to run a marathon. I've been working off the schedule my friend e-mailed, to get you to run 30 minutes straight. I'm just scared it's not ramping me up fast enough. The Team is running 6 miles this weekend, if I didn't start running will I be able to catch up? I ran this evening. I ran just under 3 miles only walked once beside the warm-up and cool down. I felt good.

Hot and Humid or Humiliated?

Yet another humbling day. I stepped outside only to find it humid and hot already at 9am for the Team training. I thought I'd be good. I wanted to walk 8 miles. It shouldn't be a problem, right? Wrong! I started walking by myself and kept thinking about this article I read. I said that when doing long runs at least half should be a pace. I don't know why time is so important now. So I decided that at mile 3 I would walk 2, run 1 minute. By the time I got to the Team I was dehydrated, humiliated and just plain beat down. I had been gone 1 and 1/2 hours and only gone 6 miles! It took me 30 minutes to do the last 3 miles. You figure that one out. I felt horrible mentally and physically. I got my first blisters with some new shoes. This definitely isn't going to work.

Wow!

When I opened the mail today I couldn't believe my eyes. Someone is pledging $25/mile that I run in the marathon to my cause. That's it I have to run. I ran again today this time I stepped it up, ran 2 minutes walked 1 for 30 minutes. I could feel it this time. I was very thankful for the rain halfway through the workout. I actually was celebrating as I ran. I'll have to do this one again.