December 31st 2010 Running Blog

"Goals are like stepping-stones to the stars. They should never be used to put a ceiling or a limit on achievement." - Waitley

I did 913.84 Miles in 2010!!!

I have a transformation video coming out tomorrow!! You can SEE what a change running did for me in 2010!! I'm so happy! I kept my last Years New Resolutions and beyond!! I love running! I did the trails today that just made my day! I'm gonna be brief I have some party crashing to do! Happy New Years Eve!!! Time to set new Goals!!!

Boling Park
6.5 Miles

December 30th 2010 Running Blog

"Remember the reasons you are running." - Marathon Cheering Signs


As 2010 comes to an end, I'm remembering the reasons I ran and I'm left with this thought....I'm not the same person, its amazing what happens when you go for a run. Remembering this last year is like remembering someone who isn't anymore, and thankful for it.


Boling Park
7 Miles

December 29th 2010 Running Blog

"A running partner can be a great motivator for cold-weather months" - Marty Jerome

Today was neat. The girls came with me and we all ran together. Kailah did 7 miles, I did 6 and Meghan did 5.5. I must say as far as they go it was their best distance runs ever! I think I could have pushed myself more but I was kind of hanging back just a little to help Meghan not quit. But any way you slice it, running with people is nice in cold weather.

Boling Park
6 Miles

December 28th 2010 Running Blog

"Running, to me, is the purest expression of absolute freedom." -  Via @fiftyforbilly

I ran today! Yeah! I think I have a new lease on life well, life as a runner. I'm so glad I have new shoes :-) The weather was good and I had many distractions but I ran regardless!! Yeah!

Boling Park
6 Miles

December 27th 2010 Running Blog

"Run in heat, run in rain, run in wind, run in snow, run to breathe" - Real Runners (Twitter)


I got my shoes!! The best shoes EVER and probably the ugliest ;-)

Its amazing, I didn't realize how hard my shoes got? I tried on the new ones just to make sure it was the right size and I felt like I was on pillows! Wow! I felt all bouncy and everything! I needed to lend a "helping hand" today so I didn't get to put my run in but tomorrow all the not running stuff should be done. I'm getting my home in order....which in order to do so I must run! 


I put in  666.74 miles on my old shoes.... I suppose it was time :-)


Didn't run

December 26st 2010 Running Blog

"No Doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes." - Don Kardong

Got the flu....Picking up shoes tomorrow.

Didn't run

December 25th, 2010 Running Blog

Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown -
"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

Linus-
"Sure Charlie Brown, , I can tell you what Christmas is all about, lights please- and there were in the same country shepards abiding in field keeping watch over their flock by night and lo the angle of the Lord came upon them and the Glory of the Lord shown round about them, and they were so afraid and the Angle said unto them, fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people for unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savor which is Christ the Lord and this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swalding clothes laying in a manger,and suddenly there was with the Angle a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace good will tward men, thats was Christmas is all about Charlie Brown"

I love Charlie Browns Chirstmas cartoon...thought this might make you feel warm in your heart.

This whole day was simply family.

Didn't run

Charlie Brown Christmas

December 23rd 2010 Running Blog

"Busy: actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime, not at leisure; otherwise engaged. Full of or characterized by activity." - Websters Dictionary

The word Busy Websters seems to make it not so wonderful sounding but can I just say I've been amazed at the gratitude of people around me. And in order for these great things to happen people had to be busy. Many good things are going on around me and I'm delighted to see them flourish. 

I love Christmas time. Grumpy people aren't so grumpy and that says something. Kind and serving people are given a hand to help others during Christmas time. Today was a perfect day to run...did I? Nope. Does that suck? Yes! But I got to see something today that moved my heart and I would have missed it if I went for a run instead. So, out of this whole "non-running" month, for the first time I was ok with it.

Didn't run

December 23rd 2010 Running Blog

"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind." - Mary Ellen Chase

I ordered my shoes today online! I wear Brooks Cascadia trail running shoes. They work best with my feet but they are so ugly!

Boling Park
Started then had to stop (thats all she wrote)

December 21st 2010 Running Blog

"Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts." - Janice Maeditere

So very very tired, my heart is full.
Didn't run

December 20th 2010 Running Blog

"Tis the season to be Giving!" - Toni McAlister

Ok so today is unique indeed!! I went to Boling and gave all the little old Grandpa's out there Christmas treats and cards. It made me feel soooooo Good! I then ran 5 miles and I was in my happy place and all was well with the world! When I got home however, I experienced intense pain and it continually gets worse. I need new shoes for Christmas!!

Boling Park
5 Miles

December 19th 2010 Running Blog

"It’s only when I face frustration and use it to fuel my dedication that I feel myself moving forwards.” - John Bingham


I'm a total zombie today. I went out and had an Italian Margarita in hopes that I could crash and not wake up. I've only gotten a few hours of sleep in almost 2 days....if I wake up AGAIN at 2am. I'm getting NyQuil. Frustration is an understatement! But regardless, I'm going to go to Boling tomorrow, even if its dark, I got mace right??
 
Didn't run - need sleep!!! Please!!

December 17, 2010 Running Blog

"If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then will power is no longer a problem. It's raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's besides the point. It's simply that I just have to." - Emil Zatopek

This is music to my ears. Somewhere within the last few weeks weather, tiredness and distractions mattered. I simply have to run. Right at this point I need to take today hopefully not tomorrow but if I do I need to do it but I pulled stomach and back mucsels from Thursday night....all night throwing up. Turns out I ate a moldy orange. Apparently, I think they are yummy? It was dark, I didn't realize I was doing it. But in 1 night I lost 3lbs. it was bad and I was so weak. My stomach still keeps spasming....I'm gonna try and maybe walk around my neighborhood a little and see what happens. There has been a great change in my home and I have been ultra tired and have had MANY distractions but the weather hasn't helped because its been raining sleet....I just remember last year that this time raining sleet didn't matter, and its remembering last year and the determination back then that makes me sad :-(
 
???????

December 17th 2010 Running Blog

:-( :-( :-( - me

I'm at the point of anger. I'm really really sick. The kind of sick when I first started running....ya. Anyways, I'll wait till the fever passes but even if it's raining frozen needles, I'm gonna run.

Can't run

December 16th 2010 Running Blog

I repeat to myself "are you gonna be a wimp today?" - Peter Maher

I've been doing a lot of activities, I'm busy and I'm tired. Non of which is a result from running....trying not to be sad.

Didn't run

December 15, 2010 Running Blog

"Then He also said to him who invited Him, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid." But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind." And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just." - Luke 14:12-14

All day, I mean ALL day I cooked food for people who probably won't be having a "good" Christmas, well, the way Americans classify as a "good" Christmas. Anyways, we got to serve them and it was such a blessing. I love my little family we did it all together in spite of the fact it was raining ice and we almost wrecked!! :-)

Didn't run - you know what though....this is what Christmas is all about.

December 14th 2010 Running Blog

"Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la" - Christmas Song

Regardless of obstacles....I choose peace and joy, I have to!

Can't run.

December 13th 2010 Running Blog

"Running has taken me in, and continues to comfort, heal and challenge me in all kinds of magical ways. I am not a 'good runner' because I am me. I am a good 'me' because I am a runner."- Kristin Armstrong, Author and runner

I didn't realize how busy I was going to be in December? Um, I'm just glad we are so close to Christmas!

Didn't run

December 12, 2010 Running Blog

"Run rested not restless" - Chris Norton (a runner)

You know sometimes you just need to go with the flo.....the flo wasn't running today but I have peace. I spoke with a friend and she seemed to think I was striving a little bit about going out and getting my runs in an that isn't the best method to use. She said, run rested on restless....meaning have peace before you go so you can go and do it well. I hugged her and felt good about moving on :-) Then it started spitting ice snow and the wind was really whipping hard. I thought hhmmm...do I panic because its gonna be one more day of no running or do I breathe and have peace that when I do run again it will be a good one? I choose peace. The rest of my day was so busy it wasn't until after 10pm that I actually got to sit down :-)

Didn't run.....an thats ok....

December 11th 2010 Running Blog

"ugh" - me

Just in a funk I guess.....

Didn't run

December 10th 2010 Running Blog

"Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her." - Wilhela Cushman

Today is the Winter Ball :-) The girls are getting all dressed up in beautiful dresses that they have been waiting to wear for months now. There is a theme, you need to come as something of Christmas. So, they decided to go as huge presents! Underneath they have midnight blue, sparkling long dresses with white gloves! The gift wrap match's their dresses beautifully. So, you can imagine all the prep work that goes into that! Therefore, there was no time to run today.....all my attention and energy went for them. I'll post pics later!

Didn't run ;-)

December 9th 2010 Running Blog

"No matter where I run, I meet myself there." - Dorothy Fields

Almost ran today but opted to go to the gym with Jeremy instead :-) So, I'll meet myself another day :-)

YMCA
1 Hour Elliptical

December 8th 2010 Running Blog

"If the furnace is hot enough, it will burn anything." - John Parker, Once a Runner

Well, the furnace was hot today! But in a most unlikely way! I swam. I swam laps for an hour. Now, this is the deal. It was freezing outside. The Y has a pool outside and it was froze! Now, I was on the inside, of course but by the time I went outside I was burning up! Meghan was shivering next to me and I said, is it really that cold? She looked at me as if I was dumb and said, "yeeeesss...." It felt so good outside, I was 1/2 wet and the cold air just felt so nice. Basically, I was hot! I was thinking about the kind of laps I was doing. There were other swimmers there and they looked so professional and then there was me. But I thought, you know what? A lap is a lap and an hour is an hour its all good!

One thing I thought of was I'd like to start looking around and sign up for a 10K somewhere. I'd like to start training for it. I'd like to do it in under an hour. I think I'm gonna work myself up to that point and then sign up for that run :-) Then after that I think I'd like to do an actual Trail Race! But lets do the 10K first :-)

YMCA
1 Hour Swim

December 7th 2010 Running Blog

"I like running because it's a challenge. If you run hard, there's the pain - and you've got to work your way through the pain. You know, lately it seems all you hear is? Don't overdo it' and? Don't push yourself.' Well, I think that's a lot of bull. If you push the human body, it will respond." - Bob Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers general manager, NHL Hall of Fame.

haha sounds about right ;-)

YMCA
1 hr. Elliptical

December 6th 2010 Running Blog

"The 40 Runner’s Commandments" - Joe Kelly

1. Don’t be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner, not even other whiners.

2. Walking out the door is often the toughest part of a run.

3. Don’t make running your life. Make it part of your life.

4. Keep promises, especially ones made to yourself.

5. The faster you are the less you should talk about your times.

6. Keep a quarter in your pocket. One day you’ll need to call for a ride.

7. Don’t compare yourself to other runners.

8. All runners are equal, some are just faster than others.

9. Keep in mind that the later in the day it gets, the more likely it is that you won’t run.

10. For a change of pace, get driven out and then run back.

11. If it was easy, everybody would be a runner.

12. When standing in starting lines, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be there.

13. Getting out of shape is much easier than getting into shape.

14. A bad day of running still beats a good day at work.

15. Don’t talk about your running injuries. People don’t want to hear about your sore knee or black toe.

16. Don’t always run alone.

17. Don’t always run with people.

18. Approach running as if the quality of your life depended on it.

19. No matter how slow, your run is still faster than someone sitting on a couch.

20. Keep in mind that the harder you run during training, the luckier you’ll get during racing.

21. Races aren’t just for those who can run fast.

22. There are no shortcuts to running excellence.

23. The best runs sometimes come on days when you didn’t feel like running.

24. There is nothing boring about running. There are, however, boring people who run.

25. Distance running is like cod liver oil. At first it makes you feel awful, then it makes you feel better.

26. Never throw away the instructions to your running watch.

27. Don’t try to outrun dogs.

28. Don’t wait for perfect weather. If you do, you won’t run very often.

29. When tempted to stop being a runner, make a list of the reasons you started.

30. Without goals, training has no purpose.

31. Go for broke, but be prepared to be broken.

32. Spend more time running on the roads than sitting on the couch.

33. Make progress in your training, but progress at your own rate.

34. “Winning” means different things to different people.

35. Unless you make your living as a runner, don’t take running too seriously.

36. Never tell a runner that he or she doesn’t look good in tights.

37. Never confuse the Ben-Gay tube with the toothpaste tube.

38. Preventing running injuries is easier than curing them.

39. Running is simple. Don’t make it complicated.

40. Running is always enjoyable. Sometimes, though, the joy doesn’t come until the end of the run.
 
Nursing a knee right now, not sure if its injured so I'm making sure it doesn't. Went to the gym today and did ab classes - OUCH! Couldn't do it all but then sat on the bike and just worked my knee genitally for about 10 min. After I did that its been cracking so......I'm gonna play it by ear.
 
YMCA
1 hour Ab class
10min. bike

December 4th & 5th 2010 Running Blog

“Endurance? You’ve only got to get out there and do it. Face up to it: man was meant to run.” – Percy Cerutty

It must be the holidays.....its as if I wake up and the day is gone and as far as running goes.....well, it doesn't. I'm having a good time. All is well, but at the end of the day when the sun starts going down I realize "oh! I need to go to the gym but the business of the day takes over and its too late for even that! AND out of all these days running I've in the last couple weeks been so tired from the business that I crashed and didn't even blog that day! Thus grouping day 4 & 5 together.

In the mean time I'm eating like its Christmas Day! Everyone wants to celebrate and it usually around Christmas cookies, hot coco which is wonderful! But that time in my life when I said, "I want to be a runner!" that doesn't go hand and hand with that kind of lifestyle. At this point I'm fighting with my weight, skipping runs.

For the last few months I've just had this thought process of I can't wait till (whatever it is) to be over so I can run the way I want to because its a constant distraction. It was summer then sports and I'm realizing....wow. It'll always be something so now what are you going to do? Good question. I've come to the understanding for myself that it is what happens the night before you run determines weather you will run at all. Because if you run half lethargic what happens when you get home is you get sick. So running for me begins the day before I run. Good night.

Didn't Run

December 3rd 2010 Running Blog

"It's mental until you pass out, then it's physical" - Unknown

You should always run in the morning because after that hour by hour something always needs to be done and the day gets away and suddenly that "oh my gosh! I'm running out of daylight" then panic....what time does the gym close? Geez....then another, "something to do" When its all said and done you're just too tired to go anywhere. Yep! That was my big running/non-running day.

Didn't Run

December 2nd 2010 Running Blog

"You are a feather in my hat" - Tim (Coach Foothills Running Club)

:-) That's a nice thing to say. He said that to me the other day, I ran with him for about a 1/2 mile and told him my time at the marathon and he was really proud of me. I thanked him because he was one of the people that gave me good advice and he smiled and said I was a feather in his hat. Not sure exactly what the means but he smiled and I figured it's the opposite of a rock in someones shoe haha

Today was tough getting out the door. I fell asleep sitting up putting my shoes on!! I went outside and the grass was froze!! I ended up going and doing pretty good as far as distance goes but that first mile my body was pitching a fit! So, I actually started thinking about stopping after 3 miles but then I said wait a minute! You (talking to my body) you talk to me after 3 miles we'll see then, I don't want to hear it! Do you know what? At about mile #3 I started feeling just fine. So I did 4 more!!

Boling Park
7 Miles

December 1st 2010 Running Blog

“Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” - Ralph Marston

I don't know that I was more weary or dilustional because of lack of sleep but I definatly needed rest! Cross Country's season ended then the next week I had a 5K then Volleyball ended then I went into training mode for the 1/2 Marathon but was completely mentally distracted because of the Banquet then I had to prepare to leave town come back in my Birthday/Thanksgiving the FINALLY!! Drum Roll Please....The Volleyball Banquet! So....I need a day of rest for sure!! I did, just took it easy :-)

Day of Rest

November 30th 2010 Running Blog

"Forget it Princess, not even Cinderella is getting this Ball" - Unknown

Ok that was the quote I used on the cake for the Volleyball Banquet :-) It turned out to be a very successful Banquet. I learned something a long time ago and that is what I used. This is the deal, you don't know everything and when you act like you do its a fail. Find people who love to do certain things then let them do their thing. I knew people who were very talented. I let them do what they do best and give them a frame work. If they go outside that frame work.....most likely I'll change the frame because they know what they are doing (sometimes) But this was completely new! Because this was for 90 people! Everything I have done was for like Children's Church. I didn't know what I signed up for. Probably would have passed! God works in mysterious ways - meaning - I got to learn A LOT and totally enjoyed myself! I really learned alot. But it took a lot from my sleep. My mind just works that way. I suddenly wake up at 3am and can't go back to sleep cuz I'm thinking of all kinds of Banquet stuff!! Anyway, the bummer part about that is I missed a lot of runs because I was too tired from not sleeping!! But from about 7am - Midnight I was preparing, having and cleaning up a Banquet.

Didn't run

fyi- 78.6 miles was done this month.

November 29th 2010 Running Blog

"The obsession with running is really an obsession with the potential for more and more life." - George Sheehan

Today I'm running, I'm putting this in to start the day so I will focus first on what I really love but as for tomorrow from 7:30am. till 12pm. I will be gone FINISHING the Volleyball Banquet. Hopefully if all goes well I can get back to whats really important! Running.

Boling Park
6 Miles

November 28th 2010 Running Blog

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”- Calvin Coolidge

Didn't Blog on the 28th so here is what happened.

So busy can't do anything but focus on the Volleyball Banquet

Didn't run

November 27th 2010 Running Blog

“Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength”- Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

Well, I believe my body is settled down now. With all the training and racing and everything that entails I think I know where my body is at, haha I mean its condition. After almost a year, it can be discouraging but at least I know where I am.

My body does not hurt.... YEAH!! I can go up and down stairs with no pain and my feet are fine. I bought some slippers yesterday and it takes all the pain out of my heel in a split second, so I'm good. Everything is fine. However, my body is like two different body's put together. My upper body is out of shape. Every time I start to work on it, it takes maybe two weeks and I stop. I'm just not motivated to do that, well, I wasn't motivated, I am now.

After the 1/2 Marathon I began to take an assessment of what was going on. I noticed I really don't have a lot of upper body strength and my core is not conditioned whatsoever. So, I thought about it and just like I wanted my first goal to not quit running, be faithful to run, I'm making another goal: To not quit working on upper body conditioning, be faithful. I'm not waiting for the New Year like I did last time. I think it would be a good idea to start today. Today is Saturday.

Also, I know how much I weigh and what my nutrition has been and this is where the patience comes in. I've done it very slowly. Not on purpose I don't think, because in my mind I would love to be about 30lbs lighter. by now but I am not. I need to loose about 60lbs. That sounds like a whole lot, in comparison to the way I look, but my body has always held onto weight. Again, common sense says, "If you're lighter, you'll run faster." So, that is why its 60lbs. I bounce all over the scale in a matter of days and hours but if it were averaged out I'm 190lbs. I figured if I were 130lbs that in of itself will make me a faster runner, right? So now, I'm going to start switching out foods for healthier ones and start down that path. From my point of view now, its going to take a lot more discipline to do that. A mountain I have NEVER had victory over :-( I need help on this one.

That being said, I do have some peace about my progress. I've seen Biggest Looser and I congratulate everyone in their success but they end up with so much loose skin that I really don't want that to happen to me. Keep in mind I started out at 226lbs. I have noticed that when people loose weight real fast that is something they have to deal with. I know sooooo many people who loose 100lbs in a year, which is awesome. So, loosing 35-40lbs in a year seems like nothing. But I have kept that off. I know I don't have to deal with as much loose skin as others and its because I've taken it slow.

I forget who said but someone told me to be patient with the weight loss you will not have to deal with your skin looking like that. There may be some but not to that degree. When I heard that I stopped being so angry at myself. I'm more aware of what my body is going through including skin. The pattern has been loosing 1-2 lbs and staying there and some times gaining a little then dropping 3-4lbs. I bounced back and forth between 199 and 201 for months! But then it started dropping more and more and I've maintained that.

Its also pretty consistent in various runs and races I average an 11 minute mile. That is what I'm most proud of!! That may seem slow to some but for me that means I'm good! I can also run 13.1 miles! That may not seem too long for some but for me, I can run pretty far!! I'm proud of my running ability! If you think of it, I was able to run 11 minute miles 13 times! That is so cool!!

I can't stay where I'm at. haha that didn't hit till after I finished the 1/2 Marathon. Believe it or not, I want to run faster and longer! Can you believe that?!?! It sounds funny when I say that because for Toni McAlister doing what I just did is like the top of the world, why would I need to go longer and faster? I don't have the answer to that question. I just know I want to :-) I guess I want to beat Toni haha

If in 1 year I lost 35-40lbs (pending on the time of the month) and I can run an 11 minute mile and run for 13.1 miles why not try to beat that this year? Knocking off pounds, going faster and farther....I think I can do that. Its just funny in my shoes to think of doing something faster than what I do now or going beyond 13 miles....I think the most crazy thing of it all is dropping in weight and size. I think that is where the evidence that I am a different person. You can see some of it now but what will it look like in a year from now?

These are just my thoughts, wondering, what kind of transformation will I be going through again? This kind of patience is active, I like being active haha can you tell? :-) I guess its around the time of my birthday that I'll start keeping track of progress that happens yearly :-) That's fine, I just know I started this blog January 1st but that was the day that I decided to be a runner!

Strength Training

Novemember 26th 2010 Running Blog

"Shopping is a woman thing. It's a contact sport like football. Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase." - Erma Bombeck

She was talking about today, Black Friday! I was up with my girls at 3am! We went from store to store shopping for Christmas things and trying to get good deals on things we needed and we Succeeded!!

That being said we didn't get home till 3pm! It hit me at lunch....holy cow we've been out shopping for almost 12 hours!! How could that be???? Still not sure, I've never done that in my entire life!! I think it was about the fellowship. We all had a good time. Needless to say, I didn't get any running in today! My schedule is all jacked up now.
 
But the day isn't at an end! We're fix'n to decorate the house for Christmas and put up the tree!!! Yippy!!!
 
Didn't Run - but walked around for hours on end haha

November 25th Running Blog

"Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to Toni, Happy Birthday to me! Oh ya, and Happy Thanksgiving too!!" - Toni McAlister

I'm writing this the day after Thanksgiving/Birthday because we traveled to Tennessee and back and I helped clean and cook while I was there and with all the family, fun and driving I came home and crashed!!

You know what though? I went to the gym and found out I wasn't on the "list" so I couldn't work out. I was gonna do upperbody weights because my shins started hurting "BIG NO NO" so, I ended up not doing anything except eating lots of yummy food!!

Oh! And congratulations to Dan!! New PR on Thanksgiving Day Race!! Woot Woot!!

Didn't Run

The Great Race!

November 24th 2010 Running Blog

"People often ask how I stay motivated, particularly on my long runs - but I actually enjoy running. It makes me feel alive and free. When I'm running along the coast or through beautiful forest, I can't imagine anything better. Of course there are days (afternoons especially) when I'm tired and I think it might be nice not to have to train - but it's when you conquer a tough session that you were nervous about that you feel the best." - Paula Radcliffe, English long-distance runner who currently holds several world records

I'm still on vacation, which means I get to run in a new place, that's always nice. However, I'm starting to miss home, home being Boling Park :-) Pretty much till December 1st all my days are spoken for they are fully packed. So, going to Boling is probably going to be like a secret rondaview ;-) But its time. Its time to run on home.

Sterchi Hills
4.5 Miles

November 23rd 2010 Running Blog

"I train the way I do so I can eat the way I do. I over train so I can over eat" - sweetheartmarathongirl

haha um....I'm not denying that :-) But can I just say, Thanksgiving is right around the corner so starting off the week with a 1/2 Marathon and then walking and running everyday and even the day of Thanksgiving, I'm not gonna feel guilty about eating whatever I feel like x2! It is what it is people!

Knoxville Tn.
Deroyal Gym/Sterchi Hills
1 hour walk/run

The day after the Marathon

November 22, 2010 Running Blog

"That is the sort of race which one really enjoys - to feel at one's peak on the day when it is necessary, and to be able to produce the pace at the very finish. It gives a thrill which compensates for months of training and toiling. But it is the sort of race that one wants only about once a season." - Jack Lovelock, a New Zealand athlete

I've been doing a lot of processing since yesterday when I did my very first ever Marathon :-) I really would like to write about this, my heart is still full, things are still sinking in!

I learned so much yesterday. While I was running almost the entire time I was thinking of all the people who had helped me get there but I don't think any of them (certainly not me) thought that I would actually go that far. You know, take it to a whole new level. I do have a couple friends who predicted this would happen and as much I wanted to believe them I really didn't. I would think, "Oh I can do this" then my very next thought, "What are you thinking? You can't do that?" I don't believe I was putting myself down because I would just laugh it off. And I think it was at that point I heard a still small voice start saying, "You are better than what you think you are." It never went away. When I was tired and just knew I couldn't go longer or faster or finish I would hear that and it was like wind at my back somehow I would go longer, faster and finish. That still small voice was with me ever single day I ran. He gets all the credit....He is my King. But also God used A Lot of other people to help me not quit. I mentioned Jeremy, Janet and Dan but there are many more that their voices helped me get through. During the marathon I did not walk once, I kept moving and God reminded me of what they said as I ran. The reason I don't want to walk is because for so long I did not have the ability to run. There are a lot of walk/runners who are faster than me but as for me I feel like I'm living in the past when I walk, just a "Toni" thing. So, that being said, I want to give these people an honorable mention:

1. Kailah and her whole xcountry team! I learned to "lay it down!" Kailah's coach, Coach Bremmel would say that when you get close to the finish, 100 yards or so run as fast as you can all the way through, past the line. Kailah, I think did that more than anyone on the team and also to push through the pain (but not so much you hurt yourself, and the finish is a miserable one, not a fun lesson) But one good side of that injury was Kailah's therapist, Dr. Jouble, he gave us wisdom on how to be a better, faster runner and overcome hills! Coach Kim, telling me what to do for pre-racing; rest, eat right, pray. The voices of moms telling me, "good job!" Hahaha and last but not least a dvd that would touch my heart and push me out the door, it is responsible for many days I didn't blow off, thank you Holcomb family! I wish I could play it for you all but I haven't figured out how to do that....yet! Its the end of the Crown Athletic Xcountry Teams DVD, I needed it!

2. The little old people on the track. My goodness, they were some of my biggest cheerleaders :-) I love them!! How could I stop to walk when they just cheered me on saying things like, "You inspire us!" That helped make me a better runner, I'm not kidding!

3. I have friends at who walked or ran with me who were much faster but they did at least a mile and encouraged me the whole time! I don't know if they'll ever understand the many mornings that they did that actually forced me to be out there because I wanted to sleep in bed but because they were out there, I showed up!

- Nicole, walking and reminiscing about living in Europe, working out things with God.
- Rebecca, totally pregnant running and walking!
- Linda, Michelle, Thomas showing up for the Mcalister Pancake Run haha, it was fun and fun
- Erin, so so so sweet I did my first 11 min. mile with her. I didn't know that was in me? What a victory day it was :-)
- Natylyn, helped me capture my sanctuary, using her gift of photography at Boling Park....its simply beautiful....
- Quin, a friendship that grew from those trails.
- Rachael, going to a deeper place with God and deciding that we were going to "cut the crap!"
- Tamra, who gave me great tips, running by my side and learning "hydration" I came to understand and it got me through!
- April and Justin, who did a 5K with Jeremy and I as couples and had a blast!! Loved it!! :-D
- Meghan, my little Meghan who would do the place I hated (with a new name) Taylor's Victorious Hills (my neighborhood.) She knew I needed it and would say, "I'll do it with you mom," running as far as she could then walked but never quit!
- Marishell who I didn't know lived 5 min. away from me because we went to high school together in Germany! We did softball then, and run together now! Who knew?? Oh wait, never mind, God did ;-)
- Tim, the coach for the Foothills Running Club, knowing where I was at telling me I could do it and gave me strategy to do it. He said, "Use the first 3 miles as a warm up then start cutting your times and you will definitely do in under 3 hours (which was my fear to go over 3 hours!)

facebook, emails or blogging kept me going! You know who you are (I have over 300 fb friends so I can't write them all down.) That is to show you how many people and how much encouragement I had ~ many, many thanks, you gave me confidence! Without confidence you can't move forward...I'm moving forward!!

5. I must recognize my immediate family, who might I say are a military family! Meaning my mom enforced the phrase, "suck it up!" My brothers who from the past (16yrs old) bagged on me to the point I wanted to beat them up but I was soooo tired I couldn't kick their butts! They were yelling at me from the back of a Dodge Ram van while I was running! So, as I run now, I think....I owe them a butt kicking! I'm better now than I was then! Finally, my dad who would push me to be better than I thought I was because he knew I could! Sometimes I had live off what he believed because I couldn't believe it for myself... I love you all and I'm doing it!

Whew! I am sore! Everyone pushed me to my limits I really don't believe I could have done any better! I did the best I could. But I now know whats really in me :-) Not too shabby, yeah!

Do you know what my first prayer was....this is bad and I still have issues, "Dear God, please let me run this without going potty! Please!" For me that determines if my run will be a good one or not. And you never know! Well! It Was A Good Run!! Yeah!! Thank you God, only you could have granted that request! I had two other requests, that I would do it under 3 hours, by the grace of God and I did work hard I did it under 3 hours! That raised my confidence :-) The last request is probably selfish but seriously the day of the race, just a few hours before while I was sleeping I had bad dreams that I would be the last person. That was a my final prayer, "Lord, I don't want to be last, please help me not to be last." Well, the day before I found out it was a small race and it was the real thing no one was going to be dressed in costumes but this was for real, everyone had watches on! And this probably kicked off the bad dreams, it was a timed race! I didn't know that, if I would have known that I would not have signed up! God obviously hid that from me. He wanted me to do this race. I wasn't last but I was praying while I was running that no body would be!

Well, I had to do this. It was a conviction in me! No Joke. I did a 5K at Boling Park and it should have been my best, it was my worst. But one thing that aggravated me and it was mental but it won that day. A girl ahead of me was wearing a shirt that said something along the lines of "Dear God, please let the person behind me, stay behind me" that "person" was me! I remember at the time saying I will never wear that shirt! So, I began to think, what would encourage people? I know I won't be first and so for me and everyone else who isn't first, we are racing against ourselves! So, this thought came, what could I wear that would push someone to beat their PR? Then I remembered, "You are better than you think you are!" Guess what I did? I took a marker and wrote that on the back of my favorite running shirt :-) It was sooooo worth it! I had people yelling it! Runners told me it pushed them to beat their times! People cheered it!! They ran by thanking me for wearing it! I felt like that day I helped people become a better runner and you know what ~ I DID!! They told me so!! It was awesome!! That word I heard from God, I shared it and runners were encouraged....so worth it! That was one of my favorite parts of this Marathon.

Someone asked me, "So, what did you think of the race?" My first words were, "it was simply beautiful." I have NEVER ran in a place that could touch the beauty of the places I ran. I ran right next to Lake Melton. It was quiet and still, like a mirror the reflection of the mountains pierced into the water and it was like a beautiful painting. There was a light fog that rested gently and slowly lifted, there was not a ripple it was calm yet inspiring. Then I got to run into a green way surrounded by a forest through and through. With little creeks running beside me and you could hear it so pretty, the forest speaks. The birds and leaves and creeks moving and singing I was in Gods country. I feel peace in the woods and my body may be shot but I feel vibrant and alive! haha one thing about that lake is in 2002 I tried to exercise and I could not run 100 yards! I was 229lbs. my heaviest ever! I remember, only after I signed up for the Marathon saying, "one day I'm going to run this thing and not be out of breath and sit" 8years later, Isn't it funny how life comes around. It was a such a blessing, wow.

And the lake. This lake has a personal story and as I ran by it, it brought closure into my life. It was a healing process. But I didn't cry and so I know that I truly am free, there some scars but no pain! I will share this because it is a part of my story. Jeremy and I found out in 2004 that a Dr. instead of tying my tubes, cut them out. I had them tied in the first place because I was a sick person and could barely take care of the children I had. But in hopes that maybe God would heal me of the sickness I could get them untied. Well, God did heal me! He used an implant to stop seizures! So, we decided we'd like to have more children. We paid to get them untied only to find out the Dr. who did it, just cut them out.....I can not begin to tell you how emotionally painful that was. It literally took years, years to move on. Well, that being said, I would drive out to Melton Lake at night and in my car talk and pray to God concerning this matter and lets just say many tears have been shed along the places I ran on Sunday! But not that Sunday. I was able to smile at me overcoming the hurt of this thing....Jesus is King.

So, this whole Marathon was victorious in more ways then just beating a PR....what a journey this has become....God is so amazing. I wonder if it will be like the Pumpkin Run? A year later I beat my time at aprox. 15 min. or so....wouldn't that be cool if I cut down my time and next Nov. I was finished about 15 min. earlier??? That thought is too huge, lets move on shall we :-)

Honestly I don't know that I'll ever do this again. Like I said, this became a very personal thing and I needed to finish something. I don't know if "time" or "distance" in of itself would keep me as focused as this became. We'll see. Gods way's are not our ways....I'm not opposed but I don't like the training. Its not the time, eating, distance, racing...its the resting! They have you not run for 3-4 days a week.and you only do one long day at the end of the week! Not cool. I think because running didn't start out to be racing and my relationship with God has developed in a different way through running, the idea of not going out there has to do that, lets just say I broke that rule tons of times. I may have been a better runner if I would have rested more? But my time with God was worth it!!

I'll post this for now, I know there is more to come but I'm tired....hehe I wonder if the Marathon has anything to do with that??? Until later....

Well its later, ha! Do you know what? My watch broke in the beginning of the race, like literally stopped and would not work! I think its my implant. I was really nervous but they had someone at each mile say the time and I remember thinking, oh, ok run as fast as you can to the next guy and that's all I had to go on.

I later learned about pacing. People pace with you while you run. I was asked if I did that, I didn't know how since I've never done it. I told my father in law about it and he explained it to me, and that would be so cool!! You'd have like a buddy running with you and they or you could tell you if you go too fast or slow down, that's really cool! I told him that when I run I just try to hear if my body says slow down or you can go a little faster. But it got really hard at mile 10 and I remember closing my eyes and thinking just put one foot in front of the other. Dan (my father in law) said, "You ran with your eyes closed?" I said yes I couldn't move forward unless I focused. He laughed, I guess you're not supposed to do that :-)

Today I took a lot of Ibuprofen and rested. Tomorrow I'm going to walk because going up and down these stairs are torture! I'm hoping to cause my legs to stretch out cuz I'm ok when I sit but then when I stand up, its a ripping feeling and takes of few minutes to stop limping :-) And you know what? I'm proud of it!! Good night, Lord, I'm asking that my muscles be fully recovered by morning so I can run and not walk, love You.

Day of Rest!

November 21st 2010 Running Blog

2:34:22

"Before your next marathon, think about a person who helped make your marathon possible. Then consider showing your appreciation by dedicating the race to that person." - Joe Henderson, American runner, running coach, and writer

I have so many people to thank and besides God, there is one person either through email or out at the park encouraged me every single day! She has really mentored me in this whole thing and gave me the courage not to quit!

So, if I could dedicate this race to only one person it would be to Janet Jordan. Thank You. Your investment into my daughters has been such a blessing. You are a true friend, a God send. We are different and you helped make that happen, thank you for your mentorship ;-) Who knew I would ever run a stink'n marathon? See ya at Boling!!

You know my heart is really full on this day. I've been way exhausted but I just really have to honor my husband because he has bent over backwards to help me do what I need to do. Just really, really encouraged me but too, his dad, Dan. The very last part of the race Dan ran with me! Encouraging me, he said, as soon as you turn that corner run. I was thinking I can't but he said it again and I did! Thank You Dan!! Suddenly seconds mattered! haha :-)

Oak Ridge Tennessee

1/2 Marathon, The Secret City Marathon!!



November 20th 2010 Running Blog

1

"Well Darl'n, you just go and do the best you can. You'll do just fine. I admire anyone who would go out and run one of them races" Paw-Paw

Tomorrow is the big day! I picked up my bib, its #89 So, I need to head off to bed :-)

last day of rest

November 19th 2010 Running Blog

2

"It's rude to count people as you pass them. Out loud." - Adidas Sports

haha I passed TONS of people!! As I drove from Georgia to Tennessee!! haha We'll see what happens race day?

Resting



November 18th 2010 Running Blog

3

"Breathe and Believe" - April Brown

Only three more days! I had some friends pray over me because I've been dealing with some body set backs. My friend April said, "Breathe and Believe." That gave me peace. So, I'll do just that, breathe and believe.

Resting

November 17th 2010 Running Blog

4

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Words of comfort I needed to hear today, He overcame so I can too!

Didn't run ~

I won't be running till the day of the Marathon there are only 4 more days left!!

November 16th 2010 Running Blog

5

"Running touches your soul, and it’s only those who’ve been in the trenches with you who can touch it." - Xcountry2 (blog)

Five days left people! AND I didn't do what I was SUPPOSED to do.....I seriously was BUSY, like important stuff and couldn't break away to go work on my knees using the bike.

Didn't run/bike



November 15th 2010 Running Blog

"You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That's a part of it." - Denzel Washington

haha thats fine with me...yes, I'm a xcountry runner ;-)

I ran today but I wasn't too happy about it. It felt like I couldn't lift my legs. At some point I was shuffling and I ended up going to the porta potty more than once (I HATE THOSE DAYS MORE THAN ANYTHING ABOUT RUNNING) After mile # 4 I packed it up and headed home.

But one good thing, it rained, oh wait, two good things, I ran with Janet for about a quarter mile and I want you to know I'm proud of that quarter mile but I stopped like walked because my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest. So, I got to run a bit and it was raining so I'm not too too bent out of shape about today, its just not what I wanted.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna do that bike, maybe swim I'm gonna focus on my knee's.

Boling Park
4 Miles....sigh....

November 14th 2010 Running Blog

"A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways as they’re capable of understanding." - Steve Prefontaine

I realized today that every single day since I started this blog January 1, 2010 I have read at least, no less than a dozen running quotes a day. Even on my sick days I lived off them. They are exercise to my "inner runner." I have clung to them as I've ran, they inspire me and push me when I run. They encourage me when I don't think I can move one more step and sometimes I just can't. But to hear and learn from these runners and their races affects me on many different levels. The other thing that I would say is a real PUSH out the door is watching these races and seeing their stories on YOUTUBE.

If running has ever crossed your mind and after running one week quit....do this, look beyond yourself and into the lives of other runners who have overcome and fulfilled their dreams read quotes, youtube, magazines (Runners World) etc. These things are great tools in your journey of a runner. My goal the very first was to be faithful, I was so worried about quitting and it took a very very very long time I would say May? That I believed I would not quit. But I must say, these quotes and watching the races would get me from day to day at times. But my favorite races ever were the xcountry races Kailah ran. I would cheer for everyone and every single foot that crossed that line was like a breakthrough in someones life and it felt good to just be apart of someones victory! Not everyone can be first but crossing the line makes you a winner.

Day of Rest

November 13th 2010 Running Blog

"Blessed are those that overcome" - Precious Moments

I AM SO SO SO SO SO BLESSED!! I AM AN OVERCOMER!!

Well, I didn't die! I actually ran 13 miles in my neighborhood today! I didn't mean to either. I was hoping to do 12 miles without walking but in my delusional state because I was up at 3am! I re-ran things I didn't have to, a whole miles worth! I timed myself I got 2:44:57. I have a hard time believing that so I started thinking.....as many hills as I have to run up I also run down so that's probably why my time was so much more less than when I did 13.1 at Boling cuz that was right under 3hrs.

I was super tired running today! Throughout the run I kept thinking of the little train that could and a statement that Janet said to me once "why do 4 when you can do one more?" I think in my subconscious that thought of doing "one more" took place and consequently I did one more mile I didn't have to! I remember when I was done drinking water thinking....wait? You went down this area more than once. So, I drove the route I ran and it was 13 miles!!

Anyways!! I'm renaming my neighborhood its now called ~ Taylors Overcoming Farm!! haha!!

Taylors Overcoming Farm
13 Miles

November 12th 2010 Running Blog

"Change is Good!" - me, myself &I

I rested today so I could run well tomorrow but off and on all day I worked on redesigning this blog! It has alot more color :-) Like it?

Day of Rest

November 11th 2010 Running Blog

"Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." -William Faulkner

Know what I saw today? Ugh. Fairs are all good and everything but once again this one messed with my distance day. There is an Indian/Veteran Fair going on at Boling this weekend when I'm supposed to be running 12 miles!! Do you know what this means????? I have to now do it in my neighborhood, that stinks! It will either make me a better runner or kill me......(sigh) not fun.

Today I ran but it was pretty much like yesterday. I feel so...so....not moving forwardish? Maybe the problem is I'm not consistent with when I run? I'm seriously running a different parts of the day and today my legs felt stiff. Like my feet hurt and my muscles felt frozen. My warm up mile seriously was just a warm up I had to stretch after that. Then I ran in the woods for about a 1/2 mile then finished up that mile but my legs were so irritated. Finally at mile #4 my legs were fine but I think I was tired of "pushing through" so to speak I just did 5. I was supposed to do 7 :-( Not looking forward to Saturday - its my last long day till the marathon....I'm getting so nervous....

Boling Park
5 Miles

November 10th 2010 Running Blog

"Run Hard When It's Hard To Run." - Pavvo

:-) I stayed in my running clothes all day, everywhere I went so if I had the opportunity, I could sneak off and run. I found an hour break in my day so I ran! Seriously, it was on the go!

Boling Park
5 Miles

November 9th 2010 Running Blog

"On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree. On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, And a partridge in a pear tree. On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing, On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eleven pipers piping, On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Twelve drummers drumming" - Twelve Days of Christmas Song (condensed version)

haha well, today I spend the day with friends and the girls were making 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments. We were getting them ready for decoration the homeschool Christmas Tree in the library :-) Anyways, we had tons of cookies and just a fun time. We talked about how we loved the Muppet's, especially the Muppet Christmas Carol so I posted the song with the Muppet's singing ha! Enjoy!

didn't run

John Denver & The Muppets - 12 Days of Christmas

November 8th 2010 Running Blog

"You don't need to worry about time, you need to take the first 3 miles and use them as a warm up then slowly increase your speed, you will do fine at the marathon, you've already ran 13 miles." - Tim (Foothills Running Club Coach)

Ok so today was weird. Its always weird when I don't get good rest. But basically I walked in the morning then ran in the afternoon which wasn't the best run I ever did and I was disappointed because it was no where near my goal. However, the words of Tim, because I saw him today were encouragement that I could do this.

Boling Park Walk
3 Miles
Boling Park Run
6 Miles

November 7th 2010 Running Blog

"The thing about distance runners is at one point or another they will always catch someone who is ahead of them" - Tom Berrum

So many times that is my encouragement while I run. There are always people passing me but I know if they stayed on the track I'd pass them because they can't go as long as I do! Or I'll be done and someone asks me how many did I do after they passed me a bunch of times, I'll say 10 miles and they reply, "oh! are you serious? I could never run that many miles! wow." I want everyone to run the best they desire to run but let me tell you, that is encouraging. I'll be running out there sometime for 3 hours, I just wished I did run faster. But I know that I can run for 3 hours without stopping :-)

Well, today is Daylight Savings Time -THANK GOD!! Now I can run in the morning and not be concerned with the dark! I didn't like that much. I think its different when you're a lady. Running in the dark isn't safe and I never know if someone I'm familiar with will be out there.

Today I didn't run. I figured since I ran 8 yesterday, in my neighborhood and my joints were hurting yesterday I'd better take today off. But, today I didn't really hurt. So, tomorrow I'm gonna do my long day which will be 11 miles. Literally in 2 weeks I'm running a 1/2 Marathon....can't believe it, it doesn't feel like I am and at the same time I wish it was over already!! I want to go back to normal running :-) So, I was supposed to stick to a schedule and didn't. I'm just down to, run hard, long or fast and rest in between. My life did not do well with a schedule. Today I ate ok. I had a well balanced breakfast, Mexican salad and grapes the rest of the day (took a looooong nap) I know I need to drink more water. Since its not so hot out, I'm not drinking as much. Ok, with that thought I'll go get some water!

Day of Rest

November 6th 2010 Running Blog

"A lot of people don’t realize that about 98 percent of the running I put in is anything but glamorous: 2 percent joyful participation, 98 percent dedication! It’s a tough formula. Getting out in the forest in the biting cold and the flattening heat, and putting in kilometer after kilometer." - Rob de Castella

Today was so hard to the point of CRYING!! It was about running. I was gonna run this evening but when I woke up I did NOT want to do it!! Like, the thought of running at Boling, in the gravel, I don't know?? I was just not going to do it. So, I got on you tube to watch motivational running stories....didn't work. Then I watched the xcountry dvd they made for Crown Athletics- that made me cry and then I just sat there dumbfounded, like why don't I want to run? So, I got on the computer to listen to that song "I'm am Free to run" by Newsboys and just felt discouraged. So, I thought well, last resort, Kailah's ipod. In the past when I don't feel well or am having a hard time I'll listen to it while I'm running just a couple songs over and over. Well, today I listened to the entire play list more than once and it was a mixture of Opera, Old School (80's) Pop, Rock, Rap and Pop Country. It was all a mix of slow fast just all jumbled in there, Christian and Non Christian. It was crazy but I think that is what my head needed to get out of its crazy thought mentality. Complete distraction. I thought, hhmmm...should I do this the day of the race?? Because, I ran 8 miles in my neighborhood without stopping!! The hills were crazy and my ankle bones, shins, knees are feel'n it now but thats how that happened. I still can't believe I did that. Jeremy came to find me and cuz it was getting dark and video taped it! I'm glad he did! This was the day that if there were any dedication in me...it showed. This day needs to be remembered. I don't know as what? But I think this is the hardest time I've ever had getting out the door!!!! I don't feel like I over came anything, it was more like mega distraction....whatever works!!

Taylors Farm
8 Miles

November 5th 2010 Running Blog

"Running. More than just a sport. A passion. An adrenaline rush. A time to forget everything else and just Run. An action that describes so much. To push yourself. To never give up. To focus on putting one foot in front of the other, and nothing else. A runner. One who has confidence in oneself. One who will not give up, no matter what. One who knows their limit, but knows how to push themselves to surpass it. One who will lace up their shoes and just Run. Until your heart is pounding so hard that it is all you can hear. Until you feel as if your legs will give out and you will collapse any second. Until you feel your blood hot and pulsing through your veins. Until you can forget all the pain and just Run." - Author Unknown

Boling Park
1 Mile

November 4th 2010 Running Blog

"The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep." - Robert Frost

:-) It was 7am. when I got out to Boling and it was really dark. I also promised 2 young ladies and told a friend I'd be out there....I would have totally procrastinated if I didn't. It was speed day, bet me I don't finish this and go to bed!

I did a warm up with Meghan and the side which has lights I raced for a 1/4 mile then walked/jogged back. I did that for about 2 miles then did a 2 mile cool down. Both the girls were with me. Meghan has never been out there so early it was dark. She kept saying I hate this, this is too creepy, ugh, this is too creepy! I'm still praying she'll join xcountry :-/ Anyways, all in all it was good but I was rather disappointed in my speed and I could not jog back mostly. Then I thing the Lord encouraged me and said, "you know, last year Nov. 4th you couldn't even run at all, its ok, you're doing good." So, I just kept moving.

Boling Park
5 Miles

November 3rd 2010 Running Blog

Q. How do crazy runners go through the forest?
A. They take the psycho path.

haha - Unknown

I miss the forest. I did swimming today. I figured since I ran 10 miles yesterday my legs would be shot but you know what? They weren't. They were in Alot of Pain Sun. and Mon. but even after 10 miles yesterday, I was shocked to find out they were a little tender and that was about all :-) That's what I'm talk'n about!!

Anyways, what was disappointing was swimming? I could only do laps for about a 1/2 hour because my neck and head started tensing up so bad it was feeling numb like? So....I hope this doesn't affect anything tomorrow.

30 Min. Swim laps

November 2nd 2010 Running Blog

"The beauty of running is its simplicity; the beauty of runners is that we all have a similar drive to improve. We are either trying to run a personal best, or toeing the line for the first time, which will snowball into a future of trying to run personal bests. We road racers are a tight community of mileage-happy, limit-pushing athletes. " - Deena Kastor, long-distance runner who holds American records in the marathon, half-marathon, and numerous road distances

Today I did 10 miles!! Even though I was slow aprox. 2 1/2 hours it felt like it was nothing! I had so much on my mind that I was thinking man. That was interesting.

Cherokee High & Boling Park
10 Miles

November 1st 2010 Running Blog - Redo

"Lord have Mercy" - Toni Mcalister

Today was a day of rest. NOT! This was one of those days where I said at the end of the day, "I'm sooo glad this is over! I'm not doing this again!" I want very much for this to be a positive Blog so I will end with:

Jesus is King!

However, I say that but I also must say some pretty amazing ladies did everything within their power to help us out and they completly succeeded!! My family is sooooo blessed to have such wonderful serving friends!

Rest???

"What a great race! The hills were mild enough not to be a struggle but rolling enough to keep the course interesting. Great participants, a wonderful atmosphere and a FUN finish line. I plan to try to do it every year!!" - MeganStanish

THAT'S CRAP! LIE! LIE! LIE! LIE! LIE! LIE! LIE!!!! Hahahaha well, about the hill part :-p

I found this post on Active.com about the Big Pumpkin Run. Let me tell you, my thighs hurt so bad, it is very painful to walk. I never have been to a race where while I was running my butt hurt! She must be like a full time runner or something :-) I had Jeremy Vlog one of those hills and I heard people say it was the first hill that about blew it for them on their time. Jeremy after the second hill had to walk. So, I'm just say'n.....Cuz he can run 5 miles without stopping.

I got up to run 10 miles but I couldn't do all 10 I simply could not because of daylight or the lack of it and time. The 1/2 Marathon is on a Sunday so I've been trying to run the long runs on Sunday's. Well, its so dark in the morning I wait till its light but it doesn't give much time till church starts. Next week is Daylight Savings Time. I think whoever thought of that was smart but people gotta run in the Morning...Ok!! :-) Oh ya. Um. I was out there all by myself for over a mile and a guy (who looked creepy) just walked out of the bushes, scared me. Um, I debated about leaving because I had a bad feeling, maybe just because he startled me. He was a bird watcher however, next week, I'm running with mace, period. No matter who's out there I won't feel creeped out, I'll be pack'n!

So, this was my thought. If I count Sat. as hill/speed day and today and a casual 5 miles then I can rest tomorrow cuz my legs are killing me then try the long day on Tue. I just want to be able to run without stopping on race day and also not to be out there for hours on end!


Boling Park
5 Miles

PINK SUPERGIRL FLIES IN GA!

October 30th 2010 Running Blog

       "Next year, I'm coming back, I'm going to be fit and I'm gonna wear a Costume!" - Toni McAlister



Yes! I did it! I'm more fit and I came back in a costume!! On the back of the cape is a Superwoman logo and it blinks!! haha Fun, Fun, Fun Day!! I'm very happy too because last time I got 49:49 and this time I got 32:18!! That is my best PR EVER!!! This day is very victorious and FUN!!

    This is what I looked like last year at this same time, same place but I'm not the same!!



 We had so much fun! Jeremy did it with me and we did it with another couple Justin and April Brown :-) Afterwards we had Minces (a yogurt bar) YUMMY!! Burts of flavor in your mouth!!

While I was running it was hard because it had alot of gradual hills! I've never run a race or distance and had my butt hurt! Today was so much fun, later Jeremy and I went out to eat with another couple....can you tell we were kid less today?? haha He improved on his time by about a minute :-)

Today, I think I saw for myself, I've been processing it...I'm a different person....

Pumpkin Run

3.1 Miles

October 29th 2010 Running Blog

"An event with the word shuffle, trot, or romp in the name is very likely to be accommodation to newbies, costumed runners, and the occasional not-so-serious runner. This is also true of races with seasonal words like Turkey, Santa, or jingle bells." - Runners World

Ok so tomorrow is race day! I'm doing the Pumpkin Run haha :-) I picked up my bib # and I'm pretty set to go! I'm so excited because I did this race last year. It was my very first 5K and really what sparked me wanting to run 5Ks all the time! Anyways, it was really fun! It was raining, thundering, windy and people were out there in costumes!! I thought these people are crazy! I smile just thinking about it. Anyways, tomorrow is going to be very fun! Jeremy's going to do it with me and I invited some friends so, we'll all be doing this together :-)

Through the business of the day, I was distracted, cold and tired and skipped running. No drama just didn't.

Didn't run

October 28th 2010 Running Blog

"When I think about running, it feels like the best 45-minute investment I make in a day. It's enjoyable, it makes me feel better, and it's probably paying dividends way into the future. Running is a really easy choice." - John Fixx, son of running legend Jim Fixx

You know, as great as October has been...I can't wait for it to be OVER!!

But I have really cool news!! Doing that bike took about 90% of the pain in my knee away. I've been feeling that for WEEKS! I was really shocked! I can't believe it! I couldn't stretch it fully out with out having pain....wow. I need to spend more time at the gym toning more parts of my body.

I didn't get to run today :-( had a bunch of "teenage drama" to deal with....anyways, when its all said and done, it'll be done! But I have to hold my breathe for a few days! More on this story later....

Didn't run

October 27th 2010 Running Blog

"We train every day of the year under all conditions… A junior once asked me, “What would we do if there was an earthquake and the epicenter was right here?” My answer was, “Then we would run right down to the middle of the Earth!" – Maria Moniz Pereira (coach of 1984 marathon gold medalist Carlos Lopez)

That being said......because of the weather I didn't run haha I went to the Y instead ;-) I did run there on a treadmill, we all know how much I love that :-p but I also spent time on the bike, it actually felt good around my knee. My knee has been hurting really bad. Not when I run but when I rest. Like, I'll sit or rest and when I go to stand up it is soooo painful!! So, we'll see if the bike helped or made it worse or nothing.

XTraining
Treadmill
Bike

October 26th Running Blog

"I don't know if I'm running or swimming its so humid" - Janet Jordan

HUMID

Aaahhh the life of a runner :-) It was good, I wished my run was more fluid not as choppy but I didn't sleep all night, coughing. But I was out there, Kailah was with me.

Kailahs Awards Banquet for xcountry is tonight. Its tough though cuz Meghans Championship is at the same time and Jeremy can't get there cuz of work and I'll be with Kailah....oh well, Since these sports are from the same place, I wish they didn't schedule things to happen like this.

I'm hoping even if I walk to run a long day tomorrow!! Please!!

Boling Park

5 Miles