Week 1

The longest race I have ever run is a 5k, you heard me right.  The furthest I have ever run is about 6 miles.  That's just not enough for me so I'm saying it here and now...I am going to run my very first 1/2 marathon, dun dun dun!  May 5th is the Eau Claire Marathon here in my home town.  I paid my registration fee, so there's no going back now, help!

I found these workouts by Hal Higdon and combined two to challenge myself without setting myself up for failure.

Sunday: Rest - I can handle that
Monday: Run 3 miles  
Tuesday: 6X400 at 5k pace (oops, I was supposed to do 5)
Wednesday: Cross train
Thursday: Stretch & strengthing
Friday: Run 3 miles
Saturday: Run 5 miles  

Piece of cake.  I know, I know, I have no idea what's coming.  Trying to stay positive here.

Motivation

Sometimes on hard days I just don't feel like I can do it.  What do you do when you just...can't...do...it?  I try to draw on inspiration, quit complaining and think about what these ladies do to make it where they are...

 The Triple Threat

20 min on...20 min off

I have joined the ranks of my fellow bloggers, and have a bit of an SI joint problem.  I'm so proud of it like a battle wound.  Yes, I will take care of it and therapize it (real word but only on this blog).  I obtained the name of a chiropractor from a co-worker and made an appointment.  Something to think about ladies: you know what happens when you take a shower after a run, throw on jeans and a shirt and go with wet hair and no make up...NEVER DO THAT when you are single and going to see a new doctor!  What happens?  He is not married, young and cute-dimples and all!  In the words of Yosemite Sam fippinglfrackinfruggin!

Anyway, here I am therapizing my back and taking it easy.  I already live in the frozen tundra, is an ice pack really necessary?



 

A little blessing

So, as you know I am "new" to running.  I use that expression lightly because in my heart and mind I have always been a runner, just a different kind of runner.  I am slowly but surely discovering this new world and I feel like I am becoming, well, myself...yes, I'm almost 40, blah blah blah!

If you are a new runner, you must read this blog post by Janae at HungryRunnerGirl!  Stop what you are doing, well, after you are done reading, and go there! She is awesome, her family is awesome, her posts are great and you will learn a ton.


What have you learned, the hard way, being a new runner?

Superbowl Sunday!

Warning: This post has nothing to do with running.  But, yay, today was another excuse to spend time with some family (those that don't have the flu-it's everywhere here!) When this is what is awaiting you, why would you even think about working out?

 

 My Auntie CS is the most creative lady I know when it comes to party planning/crafting/sewing, etc..! (side note: my other Auntie CC is the most creative lady I know when it comes to decorating/visualizing/event organizing, etc..! you will meet her later)  Here is Auntie CS with my uncle RS at their party, they even dress the part ...

We had a little contest to see what the TOTAL score of the game would be, here are our predictions.  I obviously lost, booo (in my defense I thought we were predicting what the winners' score was).

 

We had these organic gluten-free kids cliff fruit rope snacks, de-lish!   No, I don't have any "kids" at home (just a college student) but I will be purchasing them.  Please ignore the top of the package that says "kids" they really are for adults...no really, ha ha.

 

Anyway, a fun time was had by all, regardless of who won...not a fan of either team so didn't matter to us.

What did you all do for your Superbowl Sunday?  Party or not interested in the game?

 

You're hired!

Today I decided it was time to add another mile to my runs, so now I am running...wait for it...4 whole miles ha ha.  I know you are all running double digit miles, but I'm a beginner.  I'll get there some day.  Unfortunately, it was very slippery out today (I couldn't even walk without sliding) so over to the mini track I go.

 

 It wouldn't be so bad but 17 times around for 1 mile?  Really?  I lose track every time I run there.

Me: "Was that 13 or 14? Ugh!"

Please forgive the picture quality, it was foggy/dewy all day yet warm enough for a nice run outside but the lovely slush on top of ice prevented it...boo hiss!

On a lighter note, I have been waiting to hear back for what seems like a week but in reality was 24 hours about an assistant coaching job for a local high school track team I interviewed for yesterday (yes, 24 hours ago, learn to be patient, J) and I got the job!  Yippee.  This is my first, paid coaching job and I couldn't be more excited!  There's nothing like being able to pursue your passion and get paid for it.

Anyone else done some coaching, care to share your experiences?

 

Birthday girl and workout clothes

Today was a cross training day.  40 minutes total of stationary bike, elliptical and walking on the dreadmill and a little ab work for good measure.  I forgot my socks when I was packing my workout bag.

Good thing I had yoga pants on that thoroughly covered my legs/ankles/feet/part of the ground (hello yoga pant makers, our legs are not all the same length!)

In other news, Friday was my mom's 50 something birthday (it's an undisclosed number).  My aunt made her the most delicious banana (did I put enough a's and n's in there?) cake one has ever tasted!  She is an amazing cook, and quite creative, no? 

 

 My mom and her tongue, my niece has the same one-oh the things we inherit. My mom's name is Kathy and for some reason we started calling her Kate about 3 years ago, just to be funny and irritating cause that's the kind of kids we are (she hates it) and now for some reason everyone in the family calls her that, sorry Kate Mom.  

Anyone else have issues with trying to find pants that fit right?  Story of my life-I'll complain about it in another post one day...I know you're dying to read about it right ha ha.

Palpitations

Now I know as a runner you can all relate to part of what I am about to say because it is just part of the gig, unless you are an exclusive dreadmill runner (I mean no harm by that, I just can't do it, it bores me to tears)...today CUJO chased me on my run!

 (google image)

 One thing you will quickly learn about me is that I am deathly afraid of animals, unfortunately.  Therefore, I cannot run on trails in the woods by myself because I KNOW a cougar/grizzly bear/badger...all with rabies of course are going to attack me (side note: I live in the city so we all logically know what the chances of me seeing anything besides a squirrel or bird are).


Ok, ok, it was actually more like...this is what was chasing me, slight difference but pretty much the same, no?

my nephew Jaxon and his puppy Louie

How do I concur this fear?  I cannot keep running on the road forever, I need soft surfaces.

Anyone else have fears/phobias they want to confess to?  No judgement here...

Ready to look the part...

Time for changes in 2013!  I've lost weight, my races are planned for the season (remember, midwest running = racing spring to fall) but am a novice when it comes to proper nutrition and racing gear.  I am the first to admit my diet sucks.  It seems too expensive to eat properly-am I the only one that thinks so?  So for now I am sticking with fruit, veggies, chicken, fish, occasional red meat-maybe once a week, whole wheat English muffins, eggs, nuts, water, coffee and Powerade (never been a soda drinker and lactose intolerant so milk is out).  

As far as racing gear goes, I live in a city that has two sports stores-Scheels and Finish Line, can you say lame-o!  Shoe selection is limited unless you are going for look instead of comfort, and running gear is very limited for women ie.. warm up pants, running gloves, knee high compression socks-if you can't fit into men's sizes you're out of luck sister and accessories...forget it-watches/garmens, gu, shot blocks, sun glasses, glide anti-chaffing sticks, etc..ugh!
 
Anyone care to weigh in and help a sista out?  Diet advice for energy and quick recovery? 

Midwest runnin'

Happy Monday everyone!  Boo, to the weekend being over, I know, I hear ya.  At work today I was reflecting on my race performances these last two seasons and thinking about what my goals are for this year.  I'll let you in on my secret goal that I haven't told anyone, it may be silly to you and it's one I have no control over, it's more the luck of the draw, but anyway, I just want to have my picture taken by whomever takes pictures for these charity road races and be in their slide show they post on their websites with the results.  Why can't anyone take my pic?  I've only invited someone one time in two years to come to my races (only because I'm competitive and since I don't run times I am proud of I don't want anyone to see...yes, I'm embarrassed, I said it) so I don't have pics from family/friends either.  This year I am going to try to change up what I wear, perhaps a cool racing top and shorts, crazy knee high running socks or something.  I don't know what else to do, I just want my pic taken pleeeeeease.  

Back to important goals.  I want to compete with women in my age group.  Each season I run, I see the same local names winning races and winning age groups and I want to be one of them.  So, in order to do that, I have to what?  run faster and workout harder, hello McFly!  I am admitting to you now that I do not "push" myself, you know, make myself uncomfortable when I'm working out.

So I pumped myself up before I was done working today.  I naturally check the weather first before I change and leave work to run to see what I'm up against.  

  

Umm, NO, that's not gonna happen!  I mean I love to run, but this is dangerous (and I just plain don't like the cold).  I also would really like to know what the h..e..double hockey sticks the difference is between 6 below and 25 below, I know they pretty much feel just as painful.  Off to the YMCA's mini indoor track I go where 17 laps = 1 mile, crazytown!  For me, and this is just me, I pretty much dislike running on the treadmill as much as running in the cold so this is my only option.  

 Saucony Triumph 10

 I had to try out my new shoes, inside, to make sure we are a good match before I dirty them up.  Felt like I was running on clouds, I don't know if that is good or bad but I likey.

Stats: 3 mi, 24:20-8:06 pace.  I'm happy with that even though I know in the back of my mind there are no hills/gradual inclines or snow/ice to run on like my regular route.  I usually run an 8:50 pace...trying to push it.

 

Tis' the season

2013 is looking to be a busy racing time for me, I'm shootin' for 13 in 2013.  I'm a fairly new runner so this is a challenge I will gladly take on: 

Feb 16, 2013 Half Fast Half Marathon (5k)
March 17, 2013 Madison Shamrock Shuffle (5k)
April 6, 2013 Spring Fever 6/2 (6 mi or 2mi-haven't decided) 
May 5, 2013 Eau Claire Marathon (2 mi) 
May 11, 2013 Girls on the Run (volunteer 5k runner/walker w/little elementary age girls)
June 29, 2013 RCU Charity Classic (2 mi, kids 1/4 mi-my 2 yr old nephew)
July 13, 2013 Water Street Mile (1 mi)
July 14, 2013 Minneapolis Color Run (5k with non-running friends/walkers so we will be walking)
July 24, 2013 Tortoise & Hare (5k)
August 11, 2013 Pure Water Days (1/2 marathon)might do the 1/2 in May 
August 31, 2013 Buckshot Run (2 or 5 mi-not sure yet) Racing in new age bracket...40!
September 21, 2013 Fall Frolic (5k trail run) 
November 28, 2013 Turkey Trot (2mi or 5mi-not sure yet)


They are short distances and I am only going to do one 1/2 marathon (my first).  What do you think, too much or ok?

I'ma back this thang up...

I should start with a background story about me, a sort of get to know me before I proceed with this real-time blog about myself...don't worry, this is a running blog so I'm letting you in on my running story, not my whole boring life.

Since kindergarten, I have loved to run, not for exercise, just to race.  I used to make my little sister and any neighbor kids I saw race me down the sidewalk...I would win of course, otherwise I wouldn't ask them to race me, duh.  In 4th grade is when I started running in summer running programs through the parks and rec, I was a sprinter, 50 and 100 yard (yes, back then it was yards) dash, standing broad jump, bah ha ha, I am dating myself now, I know, I know.

Look at me go with my mini fro!  It was the early 80's, don't judge.

Anywho, fast forward to High School, still a sprinter and eventually a long sprinter (400m is my luv).  My running idol....

 FloJo (Florence Griffith-Joyner)

Puffy 80's sleeves don't fit in the whole picture

Well, my track coach convinced me, after my freshman year, to go out for cross country because I needed to do something in the off season (I had no idea what cross country was and if he says it was going to help improve my running in track, I'm all over it...again, I had no idea what I was in for).  So first day of practice we run two miles in the sweltering heat of August.  I, of course, run as fast as a sprinter could run 2 miles, trying to keep up with the top runners on the team, why, because I'm a sprinter and that's what we do...obviously I don't really know how far 2 miles is in actual running miles. 

What the h...e...double hockey sticks is this?  My lungs hurt, I can't breathe, gnats are flying everywhere in my face-pretty sure I swallowed a mouth full and dust is flying everywhere from the guys in front of us kicking it up on the trails.  Lawd Jesus, take me now!  I realize this was a test to see who the varsity runners were going to be, as he called it "The Varsity Challenge" but geesh, what gives?!?  

Side note: As you will soon find out in my blog, I am VERY competitive and it's highly unlikely I will back down to many challenges...outright challenges or inadvertent, they are all the same to me.

In case you were wondering, I ended up 3rd on the team that year and after I figured out how to run distance I became 1st runner on the team my Junior and Senior year (I can brag, it's my blog tee he he).  In a nut shell, after high school, I quit running all together.  I mean, where was I to go from there? I missed running to the core but all I knew was I came from a small town school where I was an All Conference runner in track and cross country but was too intimidated to run in college, no one encouraged me to do it (or go to college for that matter), so I did nothing.  Fast forward 20 years, yes I said 20 years, I ran into an old friend from my high school track & cross country team, while riding the city bus of all things,  and he mentioned how he ran track and cross country in college (wish that was me), had been road racing as an adult and coaching high school teams on the west coast...say what now???  I want to do that!  And here I am today, coaching with that same friend at a local high school, and I am as happy as a clam.  Still trying to figure out how to run distance like a real runner but I'm learning one workout at a time; one race at a time.

If you're still here reading, thanks for hangin'
J

Race #1 of the season

Time to get my 1st race of the season on the books!  Super Excited!  In support of a friend to help her stay motivated to lose a little baby weight, we've decided to run our 1st race of the season together...side note: we live about 175 miles apart and we've been trying to plan to race together for about four years and have never connected mostly (well, all) because of me and my injuries and fear of commitment.  So, without further ado....
 
 

Madison Shamrock Shuffle  Sunday, March 17, 2013

 shamrock-shuffle.org 


This probably isn't as excited for you to read as it is for me but you must know that I usually don't start training until Spring and start racing in June-I know, pathetic huh? I just don't like the cold, and living in the Midwest, lawd have mercy, it gets cold in the winter, below zero.  Anything below 32 degrees feels the same to me-FREEZING a little nerdy jokey joke! This is my 1st time running in the Winter and I loooove it (said with a serious, sarcastic tone).  I promise these aren't excuses, I just cannot, no I could not do it until now.

I am overjoyed with happiness and a sense of accomplishment after every run though, long or short, because for the first time I feel like I have the privilege of calling myself a runner.  You know what I'm talking about all you runners out there...I'll save that for another post. 

When is  your first race of the season or do you live somewhere you can train/race year round?

New Beginnings

Ladies and gentlebeans!
I've decided to admit I am a blog stalker (step 1: admit you have a problem) and just do what I have wanted to do for the past two years now (step 2: turn my addiction into a positive).  There, I said it and now I'm doing it...she wipes the sweat off her brow.

As a runner and a single chic, there are two things you now know about me, I sometimes find it difficult to be motivated to do what I know I should  be doing, so this blog has been created to 1. Keep myself accountable 2. Share my passion for running, health and some girly stuffs and 3. Seek the advice slash thoughts slash inspiration from all of you.

Buckle your seat belts people...you're in for a (insert adjective) ride!