Just when I thought I had it figured out...

I've read that running is 80% mental and 20% physical, and I am beginning to buy into that philosophy. I had some great runs early in the week, but then on Wednesday Jackie and I only ran two miles, and for much of that time we were both complaining. I kept feeling aches and pains, and her leg was still causing her problems. We decided to walk, justifying it by the fact that we had done well on previous runs.

After our evening, I talked to another runner and learned what the Schweizer Fest 6-mile run consisted of. I have run everything on the route - just not all at one time! I am just itching to try it, so yesterday morning I crawled out of bed early, laced up my running shoes, and headed to town. Well, it wasn't quite that easy. When I went outside I had to move cars in order to get out. I put what I thought was my husband's spare key in my car so that I wouldn't have to go back in the house, and then I left. I hate starting off behind, but I was determined to get a run in. After I had stretched, I thought I had better check with hubbie to make sure that he had his car key so that he could get to work. I had taken his key. I thought I was going to have to turn around and go back home, but he found an extra key, so I was ready to roll. My time was already limited because I had to go to Jasper to watch Addison play in a golf tourney, but I had time to get 3 or 4 miles in.

The first few blocks of a run are always difficult. My feet hurt; my knees hurt; I can't breathe. It really takes me about 2 miles to really get into some sort of rhythm. I was headed up Mozart, but just felt lifeless. I knew that there was no way I could go 5 miles; I just hoped to get back to my car! I managed to make it 3.2 miles, which would have been awesome a month ago, but since I know that I have been running 4 or 5 miles, I felt really disappointed. What if I poop out in Jasper Saturday? Thankfully, I was pressed for time, so I ran and bought my Diet Pepsi and a candy bar (I know, that isn't really what's recommended for a post-run snack, but I love it - and deserve it!) - no time to dwell on a less-than-gratifying run. I do know that I am sticking with the 2-mile Schweizer Fest run rather than having to walk a portion of the 6-mile. Next year I will be more prepared for the longer run.

Watching golf is undoubtedly one of the most boring activities I do. I am trying to learn to hit the ball, and I don't really mind being on the course hitting around with my family, but to follow someone around for 2 hours and just watch - ugh! But, we do what we have to for our kids, so to Jasper I went with a smile on my face and Morgan in the passenger seat. It was a dreary day, raining on and off, so I rented a cart. Pretty wimpy, but there aren't many places to sit on the course, and we wanted to stay dry. The day didn't start well, as the tournament officials thought that Addison was a boy name, so they had her with the 10-12 boys. The girls had already played, and they had already given awards! Because it was their mistake, they had her play with the boys, and said that they would just use her score in order to place her. She played really well. The girl who had 'won' scored a 52; Addison scored a 44! She won her age group. She also scored at the top of the boys' group, so it was a good day.

Today is supposed to be a rest day since we run a 5K tomorrow. I feel that I have to do something (because I ate a lot yesterday), but haven't decided what. I am not really looking forward to leaving at the crack of dawn tomorrow, but once we get going, I will be fine. I hope that by not running today, I gain some energy back and am able to at least run at the pace I did in the last race, although that course was completely flat, and Jasper is hilly.

To the 4 people who actually read what I write - thanks!!

Summer's Almost Over

The countdown has begun. We only have two more weeks of summer vacation, and I am not certain where the time went. I love my job and look forward to meeting a new batch of students, however I haven't had much down time this summer, and would love a week to do nothing but read and sit by a pool! As it is, this is our last week of hosting our oldest granddaughter, and on Sunday we will meet her parents, drop her off, and bring home her younger sisters. They will be with us next week. My husband will have a few days off while they are here, and I am really looking forward to having him around. Somewhere in this chaos, I have to finish getting my classroom ready for the first day of school. I have most everything ready, but there are always last minute things to take care of.

Running...it is going so well right now. I no longer walk around constantly aware of the soreness in my legs. I am not miserable while I run, especially when Jackie is with me. Having a friend to run with makes the time much more enjoyable. Carrying on a conversation takes my mind off of the hard work. On Saturday Jackie's leg began to hurt too badly to continue, so she went back to the track, and I continued on our route. The whole time my unfit subconscience was using negative talk to try to get me to just stop. My foot hurts. Gosh, my calves are sore today. I am really hungry. It probably isn't very safe to run in the heat when I am hungry. McDonalds sounds really good. Oh, I would love a sausage egg and cheese biscuit. I think I have to pee. I am tired. I just couldn't relax and enjoy the beautiful morning. I made it, though. The 'healthy me' won that battle!

Yesterday morning I met my niece Erin. We had talked about running together for awhile, so I texted her Saturday night and asked her to meet me. I was pretty proud that I was going to be able to run 4 miles with my 22 year old niece. I knew that she would have to ease back on her pace, but I could go the distance. When I arrived, I saw that she was already sweaty. She had run 4 miles on the treadmill before meeting me! There went my confidence! We did have a nice run, and it was great to have some time to chat and get caught up. (I secretly hope she is sore today!)

I ran again this morning, but by myself. I turned the 'Jesus' music on my Ipod, and took off. I wanted to run Mozart Street again, but I also had in the back of my mind to try to add some distance to that run. I normally only run 3.2 miles when running Mozart just because it is a tougher run. This morning I managed to run 5.0! I was actually a bit disappointed because I just knew that with the added distance I had run at least 5.5, but when I drove it I barely hit the 5.0 mark. I know that considering that almost 3 months ago was the first time I ran 2 miles, I should be very pleased (and I am), but I want to eventually get to 6.2 so that I can consider running a 10K.

My husband and I, along with our granddaughter, will be running a 5K this weekend in Jasper. I don't feel that my pace has improved any, but since I have been running further, I hope that the distance will seem easier. The following weekend we run in a 2-mile run. That should be pretty easy! I would like to find some other 5K to run this fall; having an upcoming race is great motivation to get out there and run.

Still Running...

It seems to be getting harder and harder to find time to blog! I can report that I have completed my master's program through Ball State, so classes are finished - until I begin a new program! My hope now is to work on my writing more and to read just for pleasure! There's nothing quite like a good novel on a rainy day.

Running has become such a big part of our lives this summer, I just hope that I can continue to log those miles once school starts. My friend Jackie and I have been running together a lot, which is a wonderful motivator to continue. Last night we ran 4 miles together - in the drizzling rain! I know for certain that we are both hooked! I believe that it was the best that I have felt while running. At no point did I want to stop and walk, and when we finished I felt great. Jackie usually complains about some ache or just the general tiredness that sets in, but she didn't complain the whole run, nor did I. I think that we are both beginning to feel like real runners! Not marathoners or anything like that, but we have both come a long way in a short period of time. For forty-something moms who have never run, we are doing well.

I believe that I have discovered (for myself) another reason to run. Sunday I was suffering from major PMS, which my loving husband would attest to. Some months I am fine, and others I am completely psycho! This was a psycho month. I was really stressed anyway because we have our granddaughter with us, my daughter's friend from Germany was arriving Sunday, and my in-laws were arriving Monday. I felt so tense that I knew I was not worthy of even being around my family. I decided to head out by myself for a run. I turned my 'Jesus' music (it's contemporary Christian) on my Ipod, and I ran - 5 miles. I felt so much better after I had finished. Not only did I desperately need the time alone, but I needed to move. I think that I also have less cramping and bloating since I have been exercising. What a terrific side-effect!

We are signing up for another 5K so that our granddaughter can run with us before she returns to Virginia, and then we have the Schweizer Fest 2-mile on August 8. Our original goal when we began to run was to be able to complete the 2-mile run. I am now running 4-5 miles, and my husband is running 4; the 2-mile will be a piece of cake! My daughter Morgan and I also want to play doubles in the tennis tournament. She might regret playing with her mom when she realizes how inconsistent my serves are! I will continue to sign up for races just because it really makes me work so that I can improve my time. I know that I will never place, even in my age group, but if I can improve my time a little each race, I will be pleased.

Now get away from your computer and do something!

Another 5K completed!

I can't believe that it has been two weeks since I have had time to write! Although we have had an extra child for the past two weeks, and I am finishing up my master's courses, so it isn't like I have been on the couch watching Oprah every day. The good news is that I am still running, and beginning to enjoy it a little more - some days more than others!

After running in the Jasper 5K, I realized that I really needed to work on running hills, so I began to lumber up Mozart Street. I ran it several times the past 2 weeks, and I hated every second of it - that is until I reached the top and thought of the ground that I had covered. Now each time I drive on Mozart, I think I can run this!

One of my best friends, Jackie, has started running, so I have to take a moment to brag on her accomplishments...She is 45 and the mom of three boys; that's exercise in itself! Two weeks ago we ran together for the first time. Her goal is to complete our Schweizer Fest 2-mile run, so we began to work on that. That first evening, she said she just could not get past 1 1/2 miles, so once we hit that mark, she wanted to walk. We did, and then we ran a bit more. Fast forward 2 weeks...Sunday night we ran 3 1/2 miles together! Once she started increasing, she just kept going. I am so happy for her because I know how tough it is, and how easy it would be to give up - especially at our age! Needless to say, 2 miles will be a breeze for her now. I am glad to have someone to run with; it makes the time pass more quickly! I am also happy to be able to encourage her because two of my runner friends, Kim and Laura, have been huge motivators for me. Of course, if Jackie keeps improving at that pace, she will be the one pushing me to go further!

So, about the 5K...my husband and I ran a 5K in Owensboro Saturday evening. It was his first, but since I had already run one, I was an old pro! After running a little too much last week, I had a sore foot, so I wasn't sure that running was the smartest move, but I wasn't about to back out. The evening started out great! As soon as we got to the event, a health fair was finishing up. Some really nice man told us we needed to sign up for a drawing, as he was about to take the box away. My husband, daughter, granddaughter, and I all signed our entries, and when we just finished stuffing in the final one, he took the box and began to draw. The first prize was $100 - he pulled out my name! I don't usually win anything, so I was thrilled. Everyone else in my family won towels. Our granddaughter, Vika, tried to convince me to trade, but to no avail.

After the fair, the girls walked in a 2K fitness walk. It was a good experience for both of them. Next was the 5K. There were about 320 runners. I was pretty happy it was an evening run because I have a lot more energy in the evening. I managed to run the whole time (at my snail pace), as did my husband. We did not run together, but knowing that he was there also participating was really great. Passing people was even greater! I am trying not to be competitive, but I just am. I will never compete with real runners who run 6 or 7 minute miles, but I want to beat someone - even if it's the young mom pushing triplets in a stroller! As I was running at the end of the route, I heard the girls yelling for me. What a feeling! I have spent the last 20 years yelling for my kids as they compete, so it was wonderful to hear them returning the favor! I beat my time from the last 5K, so I was ecstatic. I think a big part of that was that this course was completely flat (yeah!), and the Jasper course was incredibly hilly. After crossing the finish line and having my computer chip removed (those are cool), I grabbed a roll and a banana. It's amazing how good bananas are after running! The girls and I waited for my husband to complete his first ever race. He also crossed that almighty finish line quicker than he had anticipated, so it was a good night. My stats: I was 9 out of 18 in the 40-44 women; 63 out of 180 women in all (that's almost the top third!!!); and my pace time (that's the time for each mile) was 10:04. I had previously been running 11 minute miles, so I was excited. My goal for the next race is to get below 10 minute miles. It might not sound like much, but knocking off those seconds is hard! I have to say that this race was much more fun than the Jasper race. There were big corporate sponsors, and they had a lot going on. One thing I love about the races is that it really doesn't matter where one finishes, everyone cheers and is so supportive. We watched the end of the 10K race, and when the last runner, a lady, came in the stadium, everyone cheered for her! How awesome is that??

And so I am praying that my foot begins to feel better so that I can get out there and really run. I have run, but am taking it easier. Walking all over Nashville in sandals yesterday didn't help a bit!

Debbie, if you are reading this, THANKS!!! I thought Gary was the only one who read it!

I'm getting better!

After learning from my first 5k that I need some serious hill work and speed work, this week I have been diligent in my quest to improve. I did not run Sunday because we made a quick trip to West Virginia to pick up our granddaughter, but I have run each day since.

A couple of nights at the track I worked on speed. I ran two miles at my regular snail pace, and then did a mile of sprinting the straight parts and walking the curves. Crazy as it may be, I enjoyed it. I then walked when I finished the speed work. Please keep in mind that my sprints are not really that fast, but they are fast for my slow old body!

My next mission was to conquer Mozart Street. It is a street in our town that has a long incline - about 11 blocks worth! I started a few blocks away so that I could warm up on flat ground, and as I turned the corner onto Mozart, my heart dropped. The hill was so ominous to a rookie runner. I forged ahead and made it up the first hill. Although the road is mostly uphill, there are three small downhill parts. For my first attempt, I walked the downhills and ran the uphills. I then looped around and finished a 3.2 mile run. I felt great, and couldn't wait to try it again.

This morning, I was determined to walk less of the hill. I went to town at about 7:40. It was a cool morning, especially for July. I decided to take the same route, and to just see what I could do. I made it all the way to the top without walking! I was ecstatic! I continued on to finish my 3.2 miles, but really planned to add to that so that I would run 4 miles. As I was running about 4 blocks from where I had parked, I saw my daughter's golf instructor, and I realized that she had a lesson in 15 minutes! Needless to say, I also did some speed work this morning as I ran to my car. I managed to get her to the lesson, and then ran another mile.

So, as I continue on this adventure, I am feeling better about running. We signed up for another 5K (my husband is also going to run this one), and I am helping a friend who wants to run in a 2-mile race.