I'm back

It has been more difficult than I thought to manage training with working full time. I just don't wait to miss any of the precious little family time there is and the heat does not help motivate me much either.
After Elyse and I did the Mother's Day 5k together, I signed up for a local training group of women who are training either for a 10k or 1/2 marathon in October. The group meets early on Saturday mornings so I can get a weekly run in without missing much at our house except for a Phineas and Ferb marathon.
A few weeks ago, I had a busy Saturday planned so I was rationalizing with myself that if I just did the same distance in our neighborhood (3 miles) then I would save time since I would already be home at the end of the run instead of driving 20 minutes before hopping in the shower. I had almost convinced myself this would ok, but instead I realized that if I did this it would be very easy to make an excuse the next week as well. So I went. And  I was so glad since our run ended as we met up with runners doing the 1/2 marathon for Hospital Hill run. I even got to see a little girl Elyse's age run up to her mom and give her a hug while she was running. I want to do that with Elyse and Noah!
Yesterday, I pretty much decided that I would opt for the 4 mile run that the 10k group would be doing instead of the 6 mile one for the 1/2 marathon. My training has fell short the last two weeks and I just didn't think I could hack the 6 miles. I figured that I would catch up with the long runs at some point-the 1/2 marathon isn't for almost 4 months. Last year, I started as a non-runner and got ready for the 1/2 in Chicago in about 4 months so I am already ahead of the game this time, right?
When I woke up this morning, I didn't even feel like I slept. Our weather radio kept beeping because of the storms all night long. I silently laid there hoping it was still storming so the training run would be cancelled. No such luck. So I got up and tooled around waiting to see if I would get a message the run was cancelled. Oh well, I decided to get going and was as ready as I could be for my 4 mile run.
The group was waiting when I got there, larger than in weeks past because the long run women's group is now joining us. This is a group that just likes to run long distances, not necessarily training for anything.
As we started I found  my comfortable pace in the middle of the pack but found myself slowly falling to the back. I was in my own zone and just decided to do my best. Before long, the 10kers we finishing there 2 miles and ready to turn around. I didn't feel ready to turn back so I just kept going! I did the whole 6 miles and I wasn't even the last one finished!
After the run, one of the trainers asked me if I felt on track for the 1/2 marathon. Hell ya! Once a 1/2er always a 1/2er. I may be slow but I know I can do it and I will try not to take the easy way out again. But I also won't be too hard on myself if I can't make it one day.
I'm back.....

new challenge!

So I realize it has been a while since I have blogged but now that I am working full time, I have been on a "break". I think about running, but finding the time has been a HUGE challenge.
Speaking of challenge, about a month ago I officially signed up for my next challenge-a triathlon at the end of July. I have been wanting to try a tri, I like the cross training aspect and I was getting bored with the running long distances. This particular tri is 500 meter swim, 10 mile bike ride and 5k run. This winter, I have been getting comfortable in the pool swimming laps. That portion will be the most challenging for me. Especially swimming in a LAKE. I haven't done that since I was a kid. Hopefully, my friend Mindy will help me with "brick" sessions and training in the lake when the weather is warmer. Until then, the pool once a week as I can manage. Now that it is spring-like weather I am back to running outside. Sunday, I ran my 5k loop then came home to pick my daughter up for another mile. It is so fun to run with her and I am so excited that she wants to run with me. We even ran holding hands, how cute is that??? We are going to sign up for a run together for Mother's day. It is the same run I did last year as my first 5k. I hope my time increases from last year.
It was almost a year ago that my bestie girl friends convinced me to train for a half marathon in memory of Jill. At that time, I hadn't run more that a 5k in my life. I found that if I set my mind to it, I can do it.
That same attitude needs to carry through this next challenge...
One other thing, my hubby and I watched the Secret the other night and renewed my belief in the Law of Attraction. I am putting together a vision board and my tri will be one of the focal points. I'll keep you posted!

Easy, HARD, Easier and Fairly Easy

Since the last time I posted, I achieved my goal of running a 1/2 marathon after exactly 4 months of training! I finished in about the time I expected, 3:31. It would have been under 3:30 if I didn't decide to stop at a porta potty that I ended up NOT using because it was disgusting and if the water stations were more prepared so runners didn't have to wait. Otherwise, the run was great, but hard-the hardest physical challenge I have endured-even harder than childbirth. When I ran across the finish line, it was a little anti-climatic because I had no one cheering for me at the finish line. However, soon after I crossed my husband called on my cell phone. He and the kids watched the race on live streaming from home and watched the whole thing. That was cool! I did get teary eyed when I crossed the finish line, thinking I did it!

Now what? The Monday before the race, I did a short 2 mile "easy" run on the suggestion of my friend to build up my confidence after a yucky long run the Saturday before. The rest of the week, I rested!

The week after the race, I also did very little. I took Monday and Tuesday off and went to the gym on Wed and Friday. Swimming and stationary bikes were my workouts. On Saturday, I signed up for the Race for the Cure 5K that would be the next day. I felt good and wanted to build confidence after the 1/2 marathon the week before. It wouldn't say that the run was easy, but definitely easier and it was not competitive so I took my time and enjoyed it.

Today, two weeks later I woke up and ran 4 miles. Thank goodness the heat wave is over and had a comfortable run. Today, I did not track my pace or time, just ran. It felt good. Not sure if I will attempt another 1/2 marathon but I know I will keep running. I like the idea of training, because it motivated me on days I didn't want to run but it is nice to take it easy and not overdo it.

I want to thank my roomies Jamee and Andrea for pushing me to do this, I would have never considered this on my own. And thanks to my friends and family who really supported me and cheered me on. To Al, you are the best husband and motivator of all and thanks for bringing me water on my long runs-you are the best and I love you!

Stay tuned, my next goal is a triathlon in the spring....

Do shoes make a difference?

Yes, apparently they do! When I first starting running in April, I went to Dick's sporting goods to get my "gear" which included Nike shoes with the Ipod tracker. The sales guy did tell me not to get the Nike shoes just because of the Ipod. However, the shoes seemed comfy so I went with them. 2 weeks later I went to a running store to get inserts because I didn't feel like the shoes were providing enough arch support. The guy there told me that my shoes were actually a little small and next time I should go up a size.

In mid-June, I felt is was time to get new shoes. For some reason-probably because I had a coupon-I went back to Dick's. In retrospect, the shoes I picked were a terrible choice especially because the girl who helped me told me she loved them but doesn't run! I was in somewhat a hurry so they felt comfortable and I bought them. These are the ones I have been doing my heavy training AND probably contributed to my planter facitis or sore heel.

Friday, I finally made time to go to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes. The guy immediately told me that I was wearing the wrong shoes. He had me walk for him and picked some different shoes that actually felt comfortable and supported my foot. I bought them.

While I was there, he introduced me to a drink, crytomax. I have been sticking to water because I am not into sports drinks but I thought I would try it since he said all the runners who work there swear by it. He instructed me to drink half the mix with a bottle of water before my run and then bring some along. I figured I would try it if it would possibly improve my run.

I am not sure if was the shoes or the drink or what but I had a great long run yesterday. I ran the whole way, the whole 11 miles! Alan and the kids met me the halfway point with water refills and then I was on my way. The only bad thing was I *thought* I was running faster and harder than I was but clearly the Ipod was off because it said I did 15 miles at 9-10 minute paces. When I clocked the route using my car, it was only 10 miles, but still did it in a good time. One more long run on Friday before the race 2 weeks from today!
If you are in Chicago, come down and cheer us on. Our time will be wearing cool grey shirts with pink writing   with Jill's quote on the back of the shirt. Check out her site and make a donation if you feel inclined!
https://www.kintera.org/site/c.jtJVJ8MSI...

Setting goals

In three weeks, I will be in Chicago for the big race. I am getting nervous but a little reassured with my good long run today. My time was good and I may not need to take the shuttle during the race to catch up to the runners! I read in the race info that if you are lagging too far behind, they will give you a ride to a closer point on the course so they can reopen street. I hope I can avoid this:).

Yesterday was a weird day, I don't believe in coincidences so at 2:13(Jill and my son's birthday), I looked at my odometer in my van and noted that it took exactly 13.1 miles from the zoo parking lot to our driveway and noticed for the first time that the last three numbers of my license plate is 131. Obviously, I have the race on my brain but it was weird nevertheless.

I cannot believe that 3 months ago, I took on this seemingly enormous physical challenge in memory of my dear friend, Jill. At the time it seemed almost impossible that I could run 13.1 miles, however today I ran almost 12. I guess motivation and determination can allow you to attain any goal.

My goal is to finish the race and while  raising at least $1310 for Jill's Triple Negative Breast Cancer fund to help find a cure for this underresearched and aggressive disease with no cure. If you would like to help, please click here:
https://www.kintera.org/site/lookup.asp?c=jjLVL8PSIuG&b=6125601 and indicate me in the "gift note" so I can properly acknowledge your generous contribution.

Getting close

Just got back from a 10 day trip with the family to the east coast. I did a pretty good job of sticking to the training schedule, even did an 11 mile long run(with plenty of walk breaks), a few 3 milers and a 10k. We were at the beach so it wasn't so hot, which was great! I am now getting a bit nervous for the big run in less than a month. I definitely need to pick up my speed in order to finish in the 3 1/2 time limit. It is doable since that is really 15 minute miles but doesn't give much wiggle room for walk/water breaks. I realized yesterday the best way to increase my speed is to do intervals on the treadmill. Since I have been staying away from treadmill and only running outside, this will be a shift but will also help with the training since it is now getting so hot in the late morning when I do most of my running since I have the kids home.
Today, I am headed to the running store to buy more comfy shoes...

Updates

Yikes, it has been a while since I have blogged. This does not mean that I haven't been keeping up with my training, just that I have been busy enough that I haven't found time to write.
Let's see, I have been running every other day 3-4 miles with a long run once a week. My long run last Friday was 8.5 of running and .5 miles of cool down walking. This week, I am going for 10m. As I think of my training schedule, I have about 6 weeks until the big RUN!

On June 5th, I ran Hospital Hill which is a challenging race for a 5k, 10k and 1/2. I did the 10k which was the halfway point of my training. I ran the whole thing but it was a bit humbling that I came in with some 1:30 pace 1/2 marathoners. They did have a 15 head start, but still.

The week before HH, my friend who convinced me to begin my training surprised me with a visit. When we went for a run, she was literally running circles around me. While I am no longer worried about not finishing the 1/2 marathon, I know the girls will be waiting a long time at the finish line for me!

I have a pain in my heel that really hurts, especially in the morning when I get up at 5:00am to take our new puppy for a walk. It improves during the day, but while I know I should probably take it easy I also know that I can't talk a break from running at this stage of the game. Oh well no pain, no gain.

I am sure there is more, but that is all for now. I am working on figuring out how to solicit donations for the 1/2 marathon. This morning I decided my goal will be $1310 and the $ will go to the Jill Landau Triple Negative Breast Cancer Fund.