When I most need to run, I don't want to go. Thank goodness my husband knows me best and pushed my grumpy butt out the door this morning. Mind cleared. Mood lifted. Nothing beats a hard 5 miles, a little sunshine and time alone with the One who made me. Thank you God for allowing me to run.
I hope you have a HAPPY RUN today.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
the apple tree
Yesterday was an exciting day in our household, and not just because I was able to walk upright (barely) after doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred for the first time on Sunday afternoon. No, the excitement was all about running, of course!
Addison had her very first kids running program session last night! Our local running shop has a 6 week program that prepares kids to run either a one mile fun run or (for older kids) a 5K. Really the aim of the program is to teach running fundamentals, get kids moving, and hopefully begin to develop a love for running in the kids at an early age.
When I cautiously told her about the program,praying she'd want to do it totally prepared for my princess to be offended at the mere suggestion, I was beside myself that she was super excited and immediately wanted to sign up. I tried to hide my enthusiasm and not put any pressure on her if she really didn't want to do it, but nothing melts this mommy's heart like, "I want to run like you Mommy!"
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I run. I run for myself, sure, but when those REALLY tough miles hit and the hills climb steeper and steeper, that's when I always think the most about my kids.
I run to show my kids to be strong, to be healthy, and to never quit on their dreams. We can tell a million things to our kids, but our actions always always speak louder than words. Cheesy? Of course. True? You bet.
I'm happy to say that maybe my apples indeed haven't fallen too far from my tree and we will someday be able to connect and run some of those tough miles side by side. This mommy can only hope.
Now if I could only figure out a way to effectively shrink my ever growing trunk........
Happy Running!
Addison had her very first kids running program session last night! Our local running shop has a 6 week program that prepares kids to run either a one mile fun run or (for older kids) a 5K. Really the aim of the program is to teach running fundamentals, get kids moving, and hopefully begin to develop a love for running in the kids at an early age.
When I cautiously told her about the program,
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I run. I run for myself, sure, but when those REALLY tough miles hit and the hills climb steeper and steeper, that's when I always think the most about my kids.
I run to show my kids to be strong, to be healthy, and to never quit on their dreams. We can tell a million things to our kids, but our actions always always speak louder than words. Cheesy? Of course. True? You bet.
I'm happy to say that maybe my apples indeed haven't fallen too far from my tree and we will someday be able to connect and run some of those tough miles side by side. This mommy can only hope.
Now if I could only figure out a way to effectively shrink my ever growing trunk........
Happy Running!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
the numbers can be deceiving
The circumstances:
The boy has the stomach bug. Yuck. Let's just leave it at that. And when either of my kids are sick, I inevitably turn into human furniture for them to lounge upon. Thus my planned morning run did not happen. Instead I found myself alternately changing numerous diapers, scrubbing out the bathtub after a rather unfortunate attempt at bathing the boy, and then holding the aforementioned sickie as he finally fell asleep in my arms. That last one, that was wonderful. The other two, bleck.
So after a late lunch I set out to run of hopefully 5-6 miles around 2pm on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. WITHOUT WATER. Miserable Fail. I knew it was nice and sun shiny out as I had been trekking back and forth to the outside trash can to dispose of diapers. (see above) I didn't happen to notice that it was HOT and the sun was BLISTERING.
Any who...My legs and I were giddy for a run after a week of massive thunderstorms had squashed any runs during the week. (No I'm not afraid of rain, I am, however, afraid of lightening.) So I set out at a (for me) blistering pace for a first mile of 8:38. Way way too fast. I tried to reign it in for the second mile. 9:16. Better, but still too fast for what I was wanting for the day. Ideally I would have settled in from the beginning between 9:45-10:00 and cruised for an hour.
Alas, it was not to be. As I hit mile 3 I knew I was overheating. Whoops. As I looped thru a shopping district in our suburb I noticed a Jamba Juice smoothie shop. I decided to swallow my pride and ask for some water seeing as how there was little shade or relief on the return trip home which was now 2ish miles away.
Did I mention I own a FuelBelt? Um, yeah. It was at home.
The nice, but somewhat horrified (at mynear spontaneously combusting sweaty appearance) looking teenager gave me a glorious cup of ice water. It was heaven and then I trudged home hopelessly positively splitting the last two miles. Mile 3: 9:57 Mile 4: 10:16
Overall the numbers look good. But that would be very deceiving without the proper explanation.
4.03 miles 38:25 average 9:32/mile
The numbers sometimes lie, but at least I won't soon forget to carry water with me any time I set out for a run in the Oklahoma sun.
Happy (water filled) Running.
The boy has the stomach bug. Yuck. Let's just leave it at that. And when either of my kids are sick, I inevitably turn into human furniture for them to lounge upon. Thus my planned morning run did not happen. Instead I found myself alternately changing numerous diapers, scrubbing out the bathtub after a rather unfortunate attempt at bathing the boy, and then holding the aforementioned sickie as he finally fell asleep in my arms. That last one, that was wonderful. The other two, bleck.
So after a late lunch I set out to run of hopefully 5-6 miles around 2pm on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. WITHOUT WATER. Miserable Fail. I knew it was nice and sun shiny out as I had been trekking back and forth to the outside trash can to dispose of diapers. (see above) I didn't happen to notice that it was HOT and the sun was BLISTERING.
Any who...My legs and I were giddy for a run after a week of massive thunderstorms had squashed any runs during the week. (No I'm not afraid of rain, I am, however, afraid of lightening.) So I set out at a (for me) blistering pace for a first mile of 8:38. Way way too fast. I tried to reign it in for the second mile. 9:16. Better, but still too fast for what I was wanting for the day. Ideally I would have settled in from the beginning between 9:45-10:00 and cruised for an hour.
Alas, it was not to be. As I hit mile 3 I knew I was overheating. Whoops. As I looped thru a shopping district in our suburb I noticed a Jamba Juice smoothie shop. I decided to swallow my pride and ask for some water seeing as how there was little shade or relief on the return trip home which was now 2ish miles away.
Did I mention I own a FuelBelt? Um, yeah. It was at home.
The nice, but somewhat horrified (at my
Overall the numbers look good. But that would be very deceiving without the proper explanation.
4.03 miles 38:25 average 9:32/mile
The numbers sometimes lie, but at least I won't soon forget to carry water with me any time I set out for a run in the Oklahoma sun.
Happy (water filled) Running.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
a fresh (re)start
When I started this blog a couple of years ago I did so because I had just decided to do something that, for the first time in a LONG time, really scared me. Something that I wasn't honestly sure I was capable of doing.
I signed up for a half marathon. (hence the oh so clever name-ha)
Oh and I was still pregnant with my second child at the time. NBD.
Anyway, I gave birth, got sick, trained, didn't train, tried to train and went to the race 6 months post partum still 20 lbs overweight and significantly under trained but DID IT. Ishuffled ran the full 13.1 miles in 2:27 in January of 2011. And I was hooked. I ran sporadically as my family moved back across the country and I settled in as a mom of two, but I never quite forgot that feeling and I just KNEW that I could go faster.
So I ran more, smarter and longer. I overhauled my diet. I started reading running blogs, running articles, you name it. I tried to learn more about it. This is pretty typical of noobies like myself, I'm sure. I ran my second half in November of 2011 and nailed my time goal of 2 hours or bust by running 1:59:59. Seriously.
But along the way I quit writing about it and I sort of regret it, even if it is really only for my own benefit. I think I stopped partly because life is full and wonderfully busy, partly because there are a gazillion other running blogs thatpeople actually read are better than mine, and partly because, honestly, I wasn't scared anymore.
You see, somewhere along the way I started to LOVE running. It is MY time. I can listen to music of my choosing, or better yet NOTHING AT ALL. I can push myself, or sit back and enjoy the sound of my heart thumping in my ears. But, for me, the love just isn't enough. I need to compete even if it's just between me and my Garmin. I need to be just a little nervous and afraid that maybe I can't do it. Nothing motivates me more than that. Of course, I want to improve on my half time, I think I can still squeeze some minutes out, but I've also decided to take my running to the next level, to tackle a goal that makes me unsure of myself again (and to write about the journey along the way).
I'm running a Full Marathon. Ground breaking news, I know. Someone call ESPN, quick.
So that's it. I want to (re)start the journey and keep notes about it along the way. To log the training for sure, but also the stuff of life in between the miles, and let's not forget the crazy talk that happens in my head any time I get much past 7 miles. Join me (perhaps again) as I build back my fitness after losing several months to injury and then run towards my goal this fall.
Then who knows, maybe I'll find the courage to take a crack at a BQ. I'm half-crazy like that.
I signed up for a half marathon. (hence the oh so clever name-ha)
Oh and I was still pregnant with my second child at the time. NBD.
Anyway, I gave birth, got sick, trained, didn't train, tried to train and went to the race 6 months post partum still 20 lbs overweight and significantly under trained but DID IT. I
So I ran more, smarter and longer. I overhauled my diet. I started reading running blogs, running articles, you name it. I tried to learn more about it. This is pretty typical of noobies like myself, I'm sure. I ran my second half in November of 2011 and nailed my time goal of 2 hours or bust by running 1:59:59. Seriously.
But along the way I quit writing about it and I sort of regret it, even if it is really only for my own benefit. I think I stopped partly because life is full and wonderfully busy, partly because there are a gazillion other running blogs that
You see, somewhere along the way I started to LOVE running. It is MY time. I can listen to music of my choosing, or better yet NOTHING AT ALL. I can push myself, or sit back and enjoy the sound of my heart thumping in my ears. But, for me, the love just isn't enough. I need to compete even if it's just between me and my Garmin. I need to be just a little nervous and afraid that maybe I can't do it. Nothing motivates me more than that. Of course, I want to improve on my half time, I think I can still squeeze some minutes out, but I've also decided to take my running to the next level, to tackle a goal that makes me unsure of myself again (and to write about the journey along the way).
I'm running a Full Marathon. Ground breaking news, I know. Someone call ESPN, quick.
So that's it. I want to (re)start the journey and keep notes about it along the way. To log the training for sure, but also the stuff of life in between the miles, and let's not forget the crazy talk that happens in my head any time I get much past 7 miles. Join me (perhaps again) as I build back my fitness after losing several months to injury and then run towards my goal this fall.
Then who knows, maybe I'll find the courage to take a crack at a BQ. I'm half-crazy like that.
Monday, May 9, 2011
back in the saddle
Well, it took me a little longer than I had hoped, but I am back to training. I went to the Y today and rekindled my long lost romance with spin class. It hurts so good. Seriously.
Anyway, the house is unpacked (except for my husband's office) the kids are acting a little more settled and it is time to hammer out a new routine. L is only 10 months old so he really still wants a morning nap, which complicates my desire to workout, in the morning, but not early...
HA! I guess beggars can't be choosers, huh? So as I try to figure the timing of everything out I am just going with the flow and seeing what works, which requires my rigid personality to be a wee bit more flexible than usual. Probably also a good exercise, per se.
I want/need to start cross training for my first triathlon, in August, so I am learning how to do that too... Tomorrow is my first "Scheduled" time to swim. Here's to hoping I have the discipline to force myself into the pool! I am having a hard time with the idea of not running several days a week, but I DO love the bike and will have to learn to love to swim (for the record I only love NOT DROWNING).
My biggest fear this very second is digging out my swimsuit that hasn't been worn in 2 years and praying for a miracle that it comes anywhere close to fitting. I am way too cheap to run out an buy another one and I don't think I can afford to push swimming back too far since I struggle so much with it. We'll see. I think I will wait until the kids go to bed before trying it on. The LAST thing I need is for my opinionated 4 year old to tell me how I REALLY look.......
The only other major work-outish news I have is that I am not eating meat for the month of May. Okay, so I've screwed that up a couple of times already, but I am trying and I am back at it after an indulgent Mother's Day weekend. My biggest problem is not then substituting cheese for all the meat I usually eat. That in no way is a healthier choice, but I am an raging cheese-aholic so it's tough!
So there you have it! An update. I hope to post more now that I am actually working out again...only makes sense, right??
Happy Running!
Anyway, the house is unpacked (except for my husband's office) the kids are acting a little more settled and it is time to hammer out a new routine. L is only 10 months old so he really still wants a morning nap, which complicates my desire to workout, in the morning, but not early...
HA! I guess beggars can't be choosers, huh? So as I try to figure the timing of everything out I am just going with the flow and seeing what works, which requires my rigid personality to be a wee bit more flexible than usual. Probably also a good exercise, per se.
I want/need to start cross training for my first triathlon, in August, so I am learning how to do that too... Tomorrow is my first "Scheduled" time to swim. Here's to hoping I have the discipline to force myself into the pool! I am having a hard time with the idea of not running several days a week, but I DO love the bike and will have to learn to love to swim (for the record I only love NOT DROWNING).
My biggest fear this very second is digging out my swimsuit that hasn't been worn in 2 years and praying for a miracle that it comes anywhere close to fitting. I am way too cheap to run out an buy another one and I don't think I can afford to push swimming back too far since I struggle so much with it. We'll see. I think I will wait until the kids go to bed before trying it on. The LAST thing I need is for my opinionated 4 year old to tell me how I REALLY look.......
The only other major work-outish news I have is that I am not eating meat for the month of May. Okay, so I've screwed that up a couple of times already, but I am trying and I am back at it after an indulgent Mother's Day weekend. My biggest problem is not then substituting cheese for all the meat I usually eat. That in no way is a healthier choice, but I am an raging cheese-aholic so it's tough!
So there you have it! An update. I hope to post more now that I am actually working out again...only makes sense, right??
Happy Running!
Monday, April 11, 2011
on the move. literally
We move home in a WEEEK! Say it with me now... WOOOOOHOOOO! Got a lot to do. A lot on my mind and currently too much sugar in my blood stream. (dang you delicious cupcakes, dang you) I just wanted to stop by and say hi and that I'll be back soon. I'm cutting myself some serious slack until after the move. It is just too stressful to try and do everything and then beat myself up on top of it if I don't get a run in or stick to ye ole diet. So I'm just not. FREE REIGN!! Careful, it's dangerous in here. Any who.... things are coming up and I've added a new goal and possibly a race to fulfill said new goal. I've got new shoes begging for miles, jeans that are again feeling snug and a bike begging to be ridden. I will ease myself back into things as soon as we move into the house, but I've decided that MAY 1 is when everything will kick back into high gear.
Stay tuned. This summer is going to be good.
Happy running!
Stay tuned. This summer is going to be good.
Happy running!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
A bona fide hobby
I don't collect things. Or make things. Or willingly participate in things. But I do want a hobby. Something to call my own. Something to do.
I've decided to make "my thing", or hobby, if you will, racing. I love fitness and working out and everything that goes with it. Plus, if you know me AT ALL, you know I'm a weeeee bit competitive too. (I gladly get that from my Dad)
So what better way to encompass all the aforementioned items than to race? Even if I'm competing against my own PR, it's still competing, AND it puts a focus and reason to my workouts AND I can call it a hobby. It also doesn't hurt in the "get my lazy/sleepy butt outta bed" category either.
With all that in mind, I've started to compile a "race calendar" for the rest of 2011.
This is what I've come up with so far. This would be my ideal "racing" year. (don't worry, the comical value isn't at all lost on me that I keep calling this "racing" as if I'm going to win something or qualify for something) Keep in mind I've never done this before so I have no real idea how realistic any of this is physically, not mention adding in a cross country move, two small kids, one of which doesn't yet sleep thru the night and the fact I have currently NO BASE whatsoever. But hey, go big or go home, RIGHT?!
Please to enjoy:
DATE EVENT LOCATION
05.14.11 Maple Grove Half Marathon (with family) Maple Grove, MN
07.24.11 Chris Brown Duathlon 5K/18.6mile bike/5K Tulsa, OK
09.3.11 Hustle For Hunger 5K Owasso, OK
10.1.11 Zoo Run 10K Tulsa, OK
10.30.11 Tulsa Run 15K Tulsa, OK
11.20.11 Route 66 Half Marathon Tulsa, OK
01.15.12 Rock n Roll Arizona Full Marathon(!) Phoenix, AZ
So there it is. My own personal hobby and motivation. Who knows how many of these I will actually do (especially the first one in MN, it is smack in the middle of trying to move and I haven't started training yet, at all), or what other races not listed that I might find my way into. This is all new to me too. I just know how FUN the half ended up being that I ran in January. I want THAT feeling again.
I know it's risky to put this all out there on the interwebs. It's like making a commitment I suppose I have little or no business making. I just know that I did a whole heck of a lot better at getting my runs in when I felt like they had a purpose. This calendar gives me goals and a running purpose.
My overall goal for 2011 is to get the hang of "training" and "racing" and to get AT LEAST one more half marathon under my belt. My goal for 2012? To complete a full marathon and also to complete a triathlon. Watch for it. It's going to happen. I've already decided.
I hope you will continue to read along as I refocus my attention back to running and on to racing. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Happy running!
mb
I've decided to make "my thing", or hobby, if you will, racing. I love fitness and working out and everything that goes with it. Plus, if you know me AT ALL, you know I'm a weeeee bit competitive too. (I gladly get that from my Dad)
So what better way to encompass all the aforementioned items than to race? Even if I'm competing against my own PR, it's still competing, AND it puts a focus and reason to my workouts AND I can call it a hobby. It also doesn't hurt in the "get my lazy/sleepy butt outta bed" category either.
With all that in mind, I've started to compile a "race calendar" for the rest of 2011.
This is what I've come up with so far. This would be my ideal "racing" year. (don't worry, the comical value isn't at all lost on me that I keep calling this "racing" as if I'm going to win something or qualify for something) Keep in mind I've never done this before so I have no real idea how realistic any of this is physically, not mention adding in a cross country move, two small kids, one of which doesn't yet sleep thru the night and the fact I have currently NO BASE whatsoever. But hey, go big or go home, RIGHT?!
Please to enjoy:
DATE EVENT LOCATION
05.14.11 Maple Grove Half Marathon (with family) Maple Grove, MN
07.24.11 Chris Brown Duathlon 5K/18.6mile bike/5K Tulsa, OK
09.3.11 Hustle For Hunger 5K Owasso, OK
10.1.11 Zoo Run 10K Tulsa, OK
10.30.11 Tulsa Run 15K Tulsa, OK
11.20.11 Route 66 Half Marathon Tulsa, OK
01.15.12 Rock n Roll Arizona Full Marathon(!) Phoenix, AZ
So there it is. My own personal hobby and motivation. Who knows how many of these I will actually do (especially the first one in MN, it is smack in the middle of trying to move and I haven't started training yet, at all), or what other races not listed that I might find my way into. This is all new to me too. I just know how FUN the half ended up being that I ran in January. I want THAT feeling again.
I know it's risky to put this all out there on the interwebs. It's like making a commitment I suppose I have little or no business making. I just know that I did a whole heck of a lot better at getting my runs in when I felt like they had a purpose. This calendar gives me goals and a running purpose.
My overall goal for 2011 is to get the hang of "training" and "racing" and to get AT LEAST one more half marathon under my belt. My goal for 2012? To complete a full marathon and also to complete a triathlon. Watch for it. It's going to happen. I've already decided.
I hope you will continue to read along as I refocus my attention back to running and on to racing. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Happy running!
mb
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