If you are not comfortable reading about 'girly' medical issues, click the 'back' button now!
As I had previously posted, since running my first half marathon, I have been somewhat of a slacker, but was beginning to get back into my groove. I love cold-weather running; the winter temperatures are refreshing. Yes, I get chilled when finishing a run because of the layer of sweat in combination with the cold air, but there is nothing like a nice hot shower to warm up! I have been determined to build back up my mileage as well as my speed. God had a different plan for me!
I went to see a doctor last week, and will be scheduled for a hysterectomy. It seems that giving birth to three children, and middle age, is causing my uterus to drop. A lot. My family doctor had told me that it had dropped substantially in the past year, and shortly after I began to experience some pretty uncomfortable pressure. Frankly, I felt like my insides were falling out! She referred me to a gyno. Because my mother had had a hysterectomy at the age of 41, this really came as no surprise. The first day of my Christmas break, my sister and mother accompanied me to my appointment.
After the exam, the doctor told me my options, and the one that made the most sense and would have the most permanent results was a hysterectomy. (another option was to be fitted for a 'device' that is worn inside and holds things in place - gross!!!!) Of course, one of my first questions was how long I would not be able to run. Her answer: 6 weeks. I can't even walk for exercise for 4 weeks! Immediately I had visions of being at home alone for over a month, and spending my time grazing in the kitchen. I had already gained about 5 pounds in the past couple of months, so the thought of gaining even more sickened me. It took some time for me to process everything. I have never had surgery, a broken bone, or been hospitalized except for when I had my daughters. This would not be fun!
I came home, and I began to read. I found a downloadable book - something like 'Have a Happy Hysterectomy'! Is that really possible? They are taking an organ out of me! Though the title is hokie, I did find some useful information. The most useful for me was that I needed to be in the best possible physical shape before surgery because that will enable me to have an easier recovery. That actually went against what I was thinking, which went something like this...well, why run now? I am not going to be able to run for 6 weeks, and will practically have to start all over anyway, so I might as well just sit on my butt until surgery. After reading about how to make this a 'happy' experience, I decided I needed to rethink my tactics. I want to heal fast, and I want to heal completely. I am going to do everything I can to make this happen.
I do not yet know the date for surgery. Because I run, my doctor wants me to have a test on my bladder so that if I need any repair work, it can be done at the same time. She said that it didn't appear that I would need it, but this test would give her a better look. As for the test, it sounds humiliating. I won't go into detail, but somehow they are going to try out different scenarios to see if I leak urine. Yikes! What if I do? Once this test is completed, the date for surgery will be set.
And so I begin to train - for my hysterectomy! It was about 19 degrees this morning, but I got out and ran 4 miles. Tomorrow morning will be just as cold, but I am going to meet my niece for a run. I have told my running buddies that I want them to make me run with them. No whining! My daughter got me a Tervis Tumbler for Christmas that has '13.1' on one side and 'Mom' on the other (in honor of my completing my first half marathon in October). I will take that to the hospital so that when I am feeling weak, I can drink from my cup and know that I am strong! I am a runner.
My husband is going to be training for an April 30 marathon. I would like to be able to run the half marathon that day, but it will all depend upon when my surgery takes place. Somehow training for surgery doesn't seem as fun as training for a big race, but I bet the results will be just as satisfying!
Of course, once the decision for surgery was made, I wanted it done - now! It would be much more convenient to get this taken care of in the winter. If my life is going to be put on hold for 6 weeks, I prefer that it be when the weather is crappy and staying indoors isn't such a sacrifice. I am, however, at their mercy. This gives me time to get into better shape, and to prepare my third graders for a long-term sub. I must say, leaving my students is much the same as leaving my children with a babysitter. No matter how good and how reliable, she isn't me. I know my students and their needs; I know who needs extra hugs, and who needs to be reminded to complete their work. I love them. I also want to get my house ready. I need to have a big stack of books to read, and plenty of yarn so that I can crochet. And I will have my computer nearby. All junk food will be removed before surgery and low-cal snacks will be hauled in by the truckload (I guess that low-cal serves no purpose if I devour them by the box!). Thank goodness that I have a super husband. I know that he will be there every step of the way.
As I train for this unwanted, but necessary, challenge, I will work hard. I wll train as if I am training for a half marathon. I will remain positive, in spite of the discomfort that I know I will experience. I will rely upon educating myself, my family, and proper preparation/training. I will run again! And, friends, I will never have to look at the calendar to see if I will be on my period at race time! Or if I will start in the middle of vacation. Ahhh...there's the up side!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Christmas Gift
Christmas gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and costs. Many Americans spend a great deal of time and money to choose the perfect gifts for those we love. My husband and I don't shop with our children much throughout the year, and we don't buy them new clothes unless they need something, so at Christmas we tend to try to make up for that. We have been very fortunate to be able to buy what they want - within reason. We are practical, so we don't just buy anything that they want, but we try to honor reasonable requests. Over the years we have purchased and received a wide variety of gifts for Christmas. For me, one gift will always stand out.
Several years ago, I would guess 15, I received a surprise for Christmas. To most gift recipients, that might not be unusual, but because I have always been a 'snooper' (my brother taught me this skill at a young age - probably so that I wouldn't tell on him for snooping!), so surprises at Christmas have been rare. I have been known to sink as low as to tricking my girls into telling me what they bought or made me. I know, it's bad. When I was a teenager, my mother thought she had outsmarted me when she locked my gifts in her cedar chest. I knew where the key was. I am also skilled at unwrapping the end of a box and looking inside, and rewrapping it so that no one is the wiser. Is there a support group for this?
So, who actually surprised me? My grandmother! Both of my grandmothers were excellent cooks, a trait that I failed to inherit. My Grandma Greenland wrote few of her recipes down, and when she did, she seemed to forget to write down all of the necessary ingredients. Grandma Allen wrote them down. And she surprised eight out of her nine grandchildren with her compilation. The ninth was involved in her plan. Grandma spent a year writing out her recipes, and sending them to my cousin Mike in Chicago. He typed out all of the recipes, and then bound them into a cookbook. None of us had any idea that Grandma and Mike were working on an elaborate project for the grandkids. That Christmas I received the best present that I have ever received, and each year it becomes more valuable. This gift had no monetary value, yet it is priceless.
Grandma died eight years ago. Each holiday I pull out Grandma's cookbook. I haven't made everything in the book; I have my favorites. Using this cookbook as I am baking reminds me of the time I spent enjoying Grandma's treats. My favorite, and the favorite of most of my cousins, is eclairs. I learned to make them several years ago, and I make them for most holidays and any other important gathering. One year I tried to alter the recipe, but my daughters quickly scolded me for changing things up. My other favorite is peanut blossoms - peanut butter cookies with Hershey Kisses on top. I know that I can find the recipe for these cookies in most any cookbook, but using Grandma's cookbook makes baking those cookies special. I think of her every time I use her book. I wouldn't sell my book for any amount of money. Every so often I have a 'when I die' conversation with my kids. Picture their eyes rolling! I want to let them know what items in our home they need to keep should something happen to me. Grandma's cookbook is on that list. I hope that the book can hold up so that my girls can use it when baking with their children.
I have found that the things I value most are those that were given out of love. I have quilts and afghans from my grandmothers, furniture made by my great-grandfather, a table made by my father-in-law, and many other antiques passed down from both my family and my husband's family. None of it would bring a high price at auction, but we would sell none of it. Our hope is that our children will also find value in family heirlooms. I hope that I can give meaningful gifts to our children and grandchildren. My grandma never had much money. She made her own clothes, saved greeting cards for us to play with at her home, never owned a home, and remained very frugal throughout her life. Despite all of that, she gave us the most valueable gift that I have ever received: she took the time to pass down recipes that sustained her and her family. She put her love, knowledge, and even humor into this project. Thanks, Gram! You gave me a gift that I will always treasure - and taught me that a gift's value isn't in how much is spent, but in how much thought and love goes into it!
Merry Christmas, Friends!
Several years ago, I would guess 15, I received a surprise for Christmas. To most gift recipients, that might not be unusual, but because I have always been a 'snooper' (my brother taught me this skill at a young age - probably so that I wouldn't tell on him for snooping!), so surprises at Christmas have been rare. I have been known to sink as low as to tricking my girls into telling me what they bought or made me. I know, it's bad. When I was a teenager, my mother thought she had outsmarted me when she locked my gifts in her cedar chest. I knew where the key was. I am also skilled at unwrapping the end of a box and looking inside, and rewrapping it so that no one is the wiser. Is there a support group for this?
So, who actually surprised me? My grandmother! Both of my grandmothers were excellent cooks, a trait that I failed to inherit. My Grandma Greenland wrote few of her recipes down, and when she did, she seemed to forget to write down all of the necessary ingredients. Grandma Allen wrote them down. And she surprised eight out of her nine grandchildren with her compilation. The ninth was involved in her plan. Grandma spent a year writing out her recipes, and sending them to my cousin Mike in Chicago. He typed out all of the recipes, and then bound them into a cookbook. None of us had any idea that Grandma and Mike were working on an elaborate project for the grandkids. That Christmas I received the best present that I have ever received, and each year it becomes more valuable. This gift had no monetary value, yet it is priceless.
Grandma died eight years ago. Each holiday I pull out Grandma's cookbook. I haven't made everything in the book; I have my favorites. Using this cookbook as I am baking reminds me of the time I spent enjoying Grandma's treats. My favorite, and the favorite of most of my cousins, is eclairs. I learned to make them several years ago, and I make them for most holidays and any other important gathering. One year I tried to alter the recipe, but my daughters quickly scolded me for changing things up. My other favorite is peanut blossoms - peanut butter cookies with Hershey Kisses on top. I know that I can find the recipe for these cookies in most any cookbook, but using Grandma's cookbook makes baking those cookies special. I think of her every time I use her book. I wouldn't sell my book for any amount of money. Every so often I have a 'when I die' conversation with my kids. Picture their eyes rolling! I want to let them know what items in our home they need to keep should something happen to me. Grandma's cookbook is on that list. I hope that the book can hold up so that my girls can use it when baking with their children.
I have found that the things I value most are those that were given out of love. I have quilts and afghans from my grandmothers, furniture made by my great-grandfather, a table made by my father-in-law, and many other antiques passed down from both my family and my husband's family. None of it would bring a high price at auction, but we would sell none of it. Our hope is that our children will also find value in family heirlooms. I hope that I can give meaningful gifts to our children and grandchildren. My grandma never had much money. She made her own clothes, saved greeting cards for us to play with at her home, never owned a home, and remained very frugal throughout her life. Despite all of that, she gave us the most valueable gift that I have ever received: she took the time to pass down recipes that sustained her and her family. She put her love, knowledge, and even humor into this project. Thanks, Gram! You gave me a gift that I will always treasure - and taught me that a gift's value isn't in how much is spent, but in how much thought and love goes into it!
Merry Christmas, Friends!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Life Lessons
My oldest daughter turned 22 this week. As my girls begin to branch out and become more independent, I can't help but wonder if I have taught them all they needed to learn in order to be successful, compassionate adults. What words will they remember? My sister, brother, and I all joke about the words we remember from our mom: It just isn't necessary! That was her token response whenever we inquired as to why we weren't allowed to do something or why she wouldn't buy us something.
I have spent a lot of time recently pondering what lessons I want my girls to remember. I have been creating this list in my head as I run, or when I couldn't sleep at night. Below you will find my list of random life lessons...some I have done well with, and some are works in progress! I still have much growing to do, as do many of us.
1. You must be able to take care of yourself! Never depend on a man to take care of you. Even if you choose to stay home and raise your children, be certain that you have skills and are employable. Get some type of education, and always do your best. You won't regret it. My father died when I was seven, and he had always taken care of the finances. My mom got a very fast lesson in finance and household management. We do not know what the future holds, so we must be prepared for any situation.
2. If you mess up, which we ALL do, OWN UP TO IT! Never place the blame on others. Admit you were wrong; apologize; accept the consequences for your actions; and move on. When my students do something wrong, and then get angry with those who told on them, I explain that they are the ones who messed up. The person reporting the incident did what I would expect - the right thing. We make choices every day. If we choose to do something wrong or unacceptable, then we are also choosing to accept whatever consequences go with that action.
3. If you hurt someone's feelings, whether it was intentional or not, apologize. I have had children say things that hurt others' feelings, and they say, "Well, I didn't mean to." Well, you did, and if it hurt someone, the right thing to do is to apologize. I know that many, many times I have made stupid comments, or what I meant to say came out wrong, and I have had to go back and apologize. It certainly isn't easy, but it's right.
4. Never jump on a bandwagon without knowing all of the facts, and triple checking those facts. It is very easy to believe bad things about others, and to get right in there with the crowd and hurt people. Think positive! There is no way to know what is in someone's heart or what his/her motivation is. When some gossip says, "They say..." - run the other way! Somehow no one ever knows who 'they' are.
5. One of my favorite quotes from a sermon is Don't say it if you wouldn't sign your name to it. I heard that years ago at Owensboro Christian, and I try to live by that (not always successfully, but I do try!). Think of the gossip that would be eliminated if everyone lived by that mantra! When you get ready to share something you heard, ask yourself if you would be willing to sign your name to that statement. Powerful stuff!
6. Sometimes doing the right thing is hard! Sometimes it means you will lose friends, people will criticize you, or your family will be angry with you. If you know in your heart that you have done what is right, it will work out. Eventually people will learn the truth, and those who don't and continue to criticize, aren't really worth having as friends anyway. You have been taught right from wrong - follow your heart, not the crowd.
7. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and make you laugh. It took me many years to get to the point that I don't care that some people don't like me. It used to drive me crazy if someone didn't like me, even if it was someone I didn't really consider to be a friend. We all have little quirks, and can all be annoying. We don't have to like everyone, nor does everyone have to like us. We do have to respect everyone. If a friendship takes a lot of effort or is stressful, it isn't worth my time. Friendship should be recipricol and natural. I would rather have a few awesome friends, than a bunch of shallow ones. I am very blessed to have reconnected with friends from my years in Northern Indiana, and to have maintained friendships with people I went to school with. I have new friends from work and from running. There are always opportunities to make new friends. Just today, my youngest daughter was talking about her friend she has had since preschool. She said, "Mom, sometimes I wonder how different I would be if Luke weren't my friend." She went on to tell me that he is more outgoing than she, and that she thinks she would be much more shy if they weren't friends. Isn't it amazing that a 13 year old would have that insight.
8. When you are choosing your life mate, choose carefully. You should have similar values and goals in life. You should be treated like a queen, and likewise, you should treat your husband with the utmost respect. He should be your best friend. I am so fortunate to have someone with whom I enjoy spending my time. He makes me laugh, supports anything I try to accomplish, likes sharing time with me, and is great to my daughters. On the occasion that you do fight, have boundaries. No name-calling. Don't say something in the heat of the moment that you will later regret. Tell each other every single day that you love one another. Kiss each other every day!! Don't take one another for granted. Always, always take time for each other.
9. Don't believe everything you hear or read. Especially in the era of the Internet, people can write only what they want you to believe. Proceed with caution. When you are online or texting, always remember that what you write never really goes away. Be smart!
10. Be kind and make others glad that they know you. If you have the opportunity to make someone's day, do it! If you can make life better for a child - do it! You never know when something you say will have a major impact on a child. Make it a positive impact.
11. People are going to disapppoint you. Lots of people. If it was intentional, don't go back for more. If it was unintentional, and he or she apologizes, give it a chance. We all mess up. You, too, will disappoint people, and you will want another chance.
12. My mom always said, "Two wrongs don't make a right!" and "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything". Wouldn't that make the world a happier place??
13. Don't wear dress socks with tennis shoes. Peanut butter on bologna is a great snack. Sometimes a girl has to be a little uncomfortable to look good. Use conditioner. Don't smoke. Exercise so that you can enjoy sweets on occasion (or daily). Don't try on hats in stores - lice! Don't let them put that sombrero on you at the Mexican Restaurant (same thing). The Sound of Music is the best movie ever. Green beans are gross, even when forced down with milk. Always wear a slip with see-thru dresses and skirts. There really is a Santa Claus. Well, this list could go on forever.
14. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! God is the One who will always be there for you. Never lose faith, and know that He has a great plan for your life. We might not always understand, but we must always believe.
You can be whomever you choose to be. Never let someone tell you you can't do something that you have your heart set on. Set goals, then come up with a plan to meet them. If I can start running at the age of 42, and run a half marathon, you girls can do absolutely anything! Don't say I can't. Say I will try.
So, I am certain that there are many more lessons, but those are the ones that have been on my mind recently. Sometimes I wonder if my girls hear anything I say; other times I bubble over with pride when they make great choices. I haven't always made the right choices, but the choices that I have made have brought me to where I am today, and that's a pretty great place to be!
I have spent a lot of time recently pondering what lessons I want my girls to remember. I have been creating this list in my head as I run, or when I couldn't sleep at night. Below you will find my list of random life lessons...some I have done well with, and some are works in progress! I still have much growing to do, as do many of us.
1. You must be able to take care of yourself! Never depend on a man to take care of you. Even if you choose to stay home and raise your children, be certain that you have skills and are employable. Get some type of education, and always do your best. You won't regret it. My father died when I was seven, and he had always taken care of the finances. My mom got a very fast lesson in finance and household management. We do not know what the future holds, so we must be prepared for any situation.
2. If you mess up, which we ALL do, OWN UP TO IT! Never place the blame on others. Admit you were wrong; apologize; accept the consequences for your actions; and move on. When my students do something wrong, and then get angry with those who told on them, I explain that they are the ones who messed up. The person reporting the incident did what I would expect - the right thing. We make choices every day. If we choose to do something wrong or unacceptable, then we are also choosing to accept whatever consequences go with that action.
3. If you hurt someone's feelings, whether it was intentional or not, apologize. I have had children say things that hurt others' feelings, and they say, "Well, I didn't mean to." Well, you did, and if it hurt someone, the right thing to do is to apologize. I know that many, many times I have made stupid comments, or what I meant to say came out wrong, and I have had to go back and apologize. It certainly isn't easy, but it's right.
4. Never jump on a bandwagon without knowing all of the facts, and triple checking those facts. It is very easy to believe bad things about others, and to get right in there with the crowd and hurt people. Think positive! There is no way to know what is in someone's heart or what his/her motivation is. When some gossip says, "They say..." - run the other way! Somehow no one ever knows who 'they' are.
5. One of my favorite quotes from a sermon is Don't say it if you wouldn't sign your name to it. I heard that years ago at Owensboro Christian, and I try to live by that (not always successfully, but I do try!). Think of the gossip that would be eliminated if everyone lived by that mantra! When you get ready to share something you heard, ask yourself if you would be willing to sign your name to that statement. Powerful stuff!
6. Sometimes doing the right thing is hard! Sometimes it means you will lose friends, people will criticize you, or your family will be angry with you. If you know in your heart that you have done what is right, it will work out. Eventually people will learn the truth, and those who don't and continue to criticize, aren't really worth having as friends anyway. You have been taught right from wrong - follow your heart, not the crowd.
7. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and make you laugh. It took me many years to get to the point that I don't care that some people don't like me. It used to drive me crazy if someone didn't like me, even if it was someone I didn't really consider to be a friend. We all have little quirks, and can all be annoying. We don't have to like everyone, nor does everyone have to like us. We do have to respect everyone. If a friendship takes a lot of effort or is stressful, it isn't worth my time. Friendship should be recipricol and natural. I would rather have a few awesome friends, than a bunch of shallow ones. I am very blessed to have reconnected with friends from my years in Northern Indiana, and to have maintained friendships with people I went to school with. I have new friends from work and from running. There are always opportunities to make new friends. Just today, my youngest daughter was talking about her friend she has had since preschool. She said, "Mom, sometimes I wonder how different I would be if Luke weren't my friend." She went on to tell me that he is more outgoing than she, and that she thinks she would be much more shy if they weren't friends. Isn't it amazing that a 13 year old would have that insight.
8. When you are choosing your life mate, choose carefully. You should have similar values and goals in life. You should be treated like a queen, and likewise, you should treat your husband with the utmost respect. He should be your best friend. I am so fortunate to have someone with whom I enjoy spending my time. He makes me laugh, supports anything I try to accomplish, likes sharing time with me, and is great to my daughters. On the occasion that you do fight, have boundaries. No name-calling. Don't say something in the heat of the moment that you will later regret. Tell each other every single day that you love one another. Kiss each other every day!! Don't take one another for granted. Always, always take time for each other.
9. Don't believe everything you hear or read. Especially in the era of the Internet, people can write only what they want you to believe. Proceed with caution. When you are online or texting, always remember that what you write never really goes away. Be smart!
10. Be kind and make others glad that they know you. If you have the opportunity to make someone's day, do it! If you can make life better for a child - do it! You never know when something you say will have a major impact on a child. Make it a positive impact.
11. People are going to disapppoint you. Lots of people. If it was intentional, don't go back for more. If it was unintentional, and he or she apologizes, give it a chance. We all mess up. You, too, will disappoint people, and you will want another chance.
12. My mom always said, "Two wrongs don't make a right!" and "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything". Wouldn't that make the world a happier place??
13. Don't wear dress socks with tennis shoes. Peanut butter on bologna is a great snack. Sometimes a girl has to be a little uncomfortable to look good. Use conditioner. Don't smoke. Exercise so that you can enjoy sweets on occasion (or daily). Don't try on hats in stores - lice! Don't let them put that sombrero on you at the Mexican Restaurant (same thing). The Sound of Music is the best movie ever. Green beans are gross, even when forced down with milk. Always wear a slip with see-thru dresses and skirts. There really is a Santa Claus. Well, this list could go on forever.
14. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! God is the One who will always be there for you. Never lose faith, and know that He has a great plan for your life. We might not always understand, but we must always believe.
You can be whomever you choose to be. Never let someone tell you you can't do something that you have your heart set on. Set goals, then come up with a plan to meet them. If I can start running at the age of 42, and run a half marathon, you girls can do absolutely anything! Don't say I can't. Say I will try.
So, I am certain that there are many more lessons, but those are the ones that have been on my mind recently. Sometimes I wonder if my girls hear anything I say; other times I bubble over with pride when they make great choices. I haven't always made the right choices, but the choices that I have made have brought me to where I am today, and that's a pretty great place to be!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I Met the Challenge
10-10-10...Not only is the date unusual and memorable because of the number sequence, but the date will remain important in my life because it was the day that I completed my first half marathon! My pace...10:10! My friend Jackie and I should receive a special award for running that particular pace on that particular date! What are the chances?
My journey toward that day began in the spring of 2009. When I first donned my running shoes (actually, they were tennis shoes that seemed to work at the time) and took off on our gravel road, I certainly did not envision ever completing a half marathon. Heck, at that time I only dreamed of being able to run a 2-mile local race. My boss had begun running half marathons, and though I envied her stamina, I did not believe that it was something I would be able to do; I wasn't even sure I wanted to run that far. As I kept adding miles to my runs, running a half started to seem slightly possible. Last spring I even considered running the Women's Half in Nashville that was to be held in September, but then the extreme heat hit the Midwest, and I quickly gave up on that idea. This summer my husband announced that he wanted to run the Evansville Half in October. I had friends who had run it, and I knew that it was a fun, and more importantly flat, course. If my husband thought that he could run it, I was up for trying. I talked with one of my running partners, Jackie, and she agreed to run with me - if I promised to stay with her the whole race. So, our training began in August after we had run our local 6-mile race.
We read books and magazines to get training information, but we didn't really stick with one plan. We just ran a long run each weekend, gradually increasing our mileage until we ran 13.1 miles, and ran 3-4 short runs (about 4-5 miles) during the week. We didn't do any speed work, and just ran hills a few times. There were runs that we were both questioning our ability to complete the distance. Another running partner, Jennifer, also ran with us a couple of times a week. She was also training for the half, but had more of a time goal, so she ran with a faster group too. The great thing about training with friends is that when one person is having an off day, usually the other can bring her up. There were, of course, times when we both spent our runs whining about aches and pains. Through all of the ups and downs of training, we stuck together. That's what running friends do.
The weekend of the race was a busy one. The race was on a Sunday morning. That Friday night we had to attend the high school football game where our daughter was performing in the band. On Saturday we had a band contest out of town. Then we had to be out of the house by 4:15 am the morning of the race. I am not a morning person - at all - but that morning I didn't feel too bad. I was nervous, but not like I thought I would be. Gary, Jackie, Jennifer, and I arrived in Evansville, found a parking spot, and boarded a school bus that would take us to the starting line. I usually hate the wait, but it was a pretty morning, and being with my husband and my friends made the wait go by rather quickly. I could feel the energy of the other runners in the air. Our other friends arrived, we had a picture taken, wished one another well, and went to our respective corrals. Jackie and I lined up between the 10 and 11 minute pace cards. The sun was coming up, a prayer was offered, and the gun went off. My first half marathon. I felt great! Because there were over 2000 runners, the start was slow. It took about a mile for the crowd to begin to thin out. We were then able to get into our groove and just run. Our plan was to maintain about a 10:30 pace, but we found ourselves going faster. As long as we felt good, and weren't really pushing too hard too fast, we just kept going.
This race was very well-managed, and the attention to detail was impressive. On a path through one of the parks, someone had written the names of all of the cities represented in sidewalk chalk. That might not seem that impressive, but you would be surprised at how much those little things take your mind off of the running. We ran through parks, a minor league baseball field, nice neighborhoods, not-so-nice neighborhoods, a neat Main Street area, a brick road, and a river walk. We talked about our kids, our jobs, our training. If we were really hard-core runners, we would have been focused only on running our best race and we would not have talked - we are obviously not hard-core! We wanted to have fun, and to complete the race in a decent time. Neither of us had dreams of placing; we were going to PR even if we walked! I did the motions to the chicken dance as we ran past a woman playing the song on her accordian (I had never heard the chicken dance played on an accordian - interesting!), I did little dancy moves as we went past someone blasting rap music, and I threatened to sing, but Jackie threatened bodily harm if I did that. We had fun!
As we reached mile 12, I knew we had it made. I was still feeling good, even as many runners started to walk. At that point, there was no way I was going to walk. We jogged slowly enough to be able to drink water (without too much of it going up my nose), but we never slowed to a walk. Approaching the finish line that was lined with hundreds of spectators was amazing. I knew my two youngest daughters were there somewhere, and Jennifer, who had already finished, was there supporting her two slower friends. Our race bibs had our names on them, which I kept forgetting, so random people would yell our names, and each time I would wonder how he or she knew me! My brain was occupied with trying to reach the finish line, it couldn't be bothered with such details! As we came within a few feet of the finish line, I grabbed Jackie's hand. I wanted us to complete this journey together, just as we had started. It was just as I had envisioned - amazing! Our time: 2:13:07! Seven minutes faster than anticipated. Not bad for two 40-something year old women who didn't begin running until mid-life. What an amazing feeling of accomplishment! I think that even my girls were pretty proud of their old mom!
Jackie couldn't enjoy the moment too long because her son had confirmation the same day, but Jennifer, my girls, and I went to watch my husband cross the finish line in his first marathon. This man has an artificial knee, hadn't run in years because of knee problems, and yet he worked diligently to be able to run 13.1 miles. This wife was terribly proud! As we watched other runners cross that line, I stood in awe of the array of runners - from a 13 year old girl to an 87 year old man. From over-weight middle-aged men and women, to young, buff college students. Runners truly come in all forms, and they are all working hard to meet personal goals. It was an inspiring day, and one that I will always remember. We all cheered as Gary came through the finish. We had all met our goals, and we all felt fantastic.
Will I do it again? Absolutely! I was exhausted by the time we got home (the Ihop pancakes didn't help), and I was sore the next day, but that feeling as we crossed the finish line was worth any discomfort I have had as a result. I ran a half marathon. I RAN A HALF MARATHON!!
My journey toward that day began in the spring of 2009. When I first donned my running shoes (actually, they were tennis shoes that seemed to work at the time) and took off on our gravel road, I certainly did not envision ever completing a half marathon. Heck, at that time I only dreamed of being able to run a 2-mile local race. My boss had begun running half marathons, and though I envied her stamina, I did not believe that it was something I would be able to do; I wasn't even sure I wanted to run that far. As I kept adding miles to my runs, running a half started to seem slightly possible. Last spring I even considered running the Women's Half in Nashville that was to be held in September, but then the extreme heat hit the Midwest, and I quickly gave up on that idea. This summer my husband announced that he wanted to run the Evansville Half in October. I had friends who had run it, and I knew that it was a fun, and more importantly flat, course. If my husband thought that he could run it, I was up for trying. I talked with one of my running partners, Jackie, and she agreed to run with me - if I promised to stay with her the whole race. So, our training began in August after we had run our local 6-mile race.
We read books and magazines to get training information, but we didn't really stick with one plan. We just ran a long run each weekend, gradually increasing our mileage until we ran 13.1 miles, and ran 3-4 short runs (about 4-5 miles) during the week. We didn't do any speed work, and just ran hills a few times. There were runs that we were both questioning our ability to complete the distance. Another running partner, Jennifer, also ran with us a couple of times a week. She was also training for the half, but had more of a time goal, so she ran with a faster group too. The great thing about training with friends is that when one person is having an off day, usually the other can bring her up. There were, of course, times when we both spent our runs whining about aches and pains. Through all of the ups and downs of training, we stuck together. That's what running friends do.
The weekend of the race was a busy one. The race was on a Sunday morning. That Friday night we had to attend the high school football game where our daughter was performing in the band. On Saturday we had a band contest out of town. Then we had to be out of the house by 4:15 am the morning of the race. I am not a morning person - at all - but that morning I didn't feel too bad. I was nervous, but not like I thought I would be. Gary, Jackie, Jennifer, and I arrived in Evansville, found a parking spot, and boarded a school bus that would take us to the starting line. I usually hate the wait, but it was a pretty morning, and being with my husband and my friends made the wait go by rather quickly. I could feel the energy of the other runners in the air. Our other friends arrived, we had a picture taken, wished one another well, and went to our respective corrals. Jackie and I lined up between the 10 and 11 minute pace cards. The sun was coming up, a prayer was offered, and the gun went off. My first half marathon. I felt great! Because there were over 2000 runners, the start was slow. It took about a mile for the crowd to begin to thin out. We were then able to get into our groove and just run. Our plan was to maintain about a 10:30 pace, but we found ourselves going faster. As long as we felt good, and weren't really pushing too hard too fast, we just kept going.
This race was very well-managed, and the attention to detail was impressive. On a path through one of the parks, someone had written the names of all of the cities represented in sidewalk chalk. That might not seem that impressive, but you would be surprised at how much those little things take your mind off of the running. We ran through parks, a minor league baseball field, nice neighborhoods, not-so-nice neighborhoods, a neat Main Street area, a brick road, and a river walk. We talked about our kids, our jobs, our training. If we were really hard-core runners, we would have been focused only on running our best race and we would not have talked - we are obviously not hard-core! We wanted to have fun, and to complete the race in a decent time. Neither of us had dreams of placing; we were going to PR even if we walked! I did the motions to the chicken dance as we ran past a woman playing the song on her accordian (I had never heard the chicken dance played on an accordian - interesting!), I did little dancy moves as we went past someone blasting rap music, and I threatened to sing, but Jackie threatened bodily harm if I did that. We had fun!
As we reached mile 12, I knew we had it made. I was still feeling good, even as many runners started to walk. At that point, there was no way I was going to walk. We jogged slowly enough to be able to drink water (without too much of it going up my nose), but we never slowed to a walk. Approaching the finish line that was lined with hundreds of spectators was amazing. I knew my two youngest daughters were there somewhere, and Jennifer, who had already finished, was there supporting her two slower friends. Our race bibs had our names on them, which I kept forgetting, so random people would yell our names, and each time I would wonder how he or she knew me! My brain was occupied with trying to reach the finish line, it couldn't be bothered with such details! As we came within a few feet of the finish line, I grabbed Jackie's hand. I wanted us to complete this journey together, just as we had started. It was just as I had envisioned - amazing! Our time: 2:13:07! Seven minutes faster than anticipated. Not bad for two 40-something year old women who didn't begin running until mid-life. What an amazing feeling of accomplishment! I think that even my girls were pretty proud of their old mom!
Jackie couldn't enjoy the moment too long because her son had confirmation the same day, but Jennifer, my girls, and I went to watch my husband cross the finish line in his first marathon. This man has an artificial knee, hadn't run in years because of knee problems, and yet he worked diligently to be able to run 13.1 miles. This wife was terribly proud! As we watched other runners cross that line, I stood in awe of the array of runners - from a 13 year old girl to an 87 year old man. From over-weight middle-aged men and women, to young, buff college students. Runners truly come in all forms, and they are all working hard to meet personal goals. It was an inspiring day, and one that I will always remember. We all cheered as Gary came through the finish. We had all met our goals, and we all felt fantastic.
Will I do it again? Absolutely! I was exhausted by the time we got home (the Ihop pancakes didn't help), and I was sore the next day, but that feeling as we crossed the finish line was worth any discomfort I have had as a result. I ran a half marathon. I RAN A HALF MARATHON!!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
One Week From Today...
It's a gorgeous day today: temps in the low 60s and sunny. The best part is that I am at home! After an incredibly busy week, I was determined to stay home, and to do what I wanted, which thus far has included staying in bed until 10:15, watching a worthless Lifetime movie, eating Grippos chips and monster cookies leftover from a band party last night, straightening up from said party, and working on laundry. I do have a rather large stack of papers that need to be graded, and I vow to get to that, but first I needed to write. Since school started I haven't had much time to update my blog. Between work, running, band obligations, and Thirty-One parties, spare time is at a minimum. Life should slow down a bit in November - oh, wait - then holiday preparations begin, so maybe it will be January before things slow down.
One week from today is the Evansville Half Marathon. I, along with Gary and several friends, am running it. A half marathon is 13.1 miles. That's a long way to run. Jackie and I have run 13.1 miles, so we know that we can complete the mileage - in Tell City, on our familiar routes, without 3000 other runners, and without the pressure of having to finish. Can we run it in a race? We are not concerned with placing (that would be crazy), we just want to finish in a respectable time, without walking, puking, or injuring ourselves. We have trained adequately according to all of the literature, but one just never knows what kind of day it will be. My stomach is my main concern (Thanks, Mom, for giving me your unpredictable stomach!). I know what to eat, but my stomach is the first to go when I am nervous, and I certainly don't want to spend time in a porta-potty! The most nerve-racking part will be the drive to Evansville - at 4:30 in the morning - and just waiting for the gun to go off. Once we are about a mile into it, I will relax and get into a groove. Jackie and I plan to stick together; we have spent countless hours pounding the pavement together, so we want to complete this journey together (and neither of us wants to spend two hours and twenty minutes running alone - we like to chat). Our other running partner, Jennifer, will be much faster than the two of us, so we are counting on her to be doing cartwheels at the finish line as we cross! I have often read that visualizing a goal does wonders for achieving that goal, so I have been visualizing Jackie and I crossing that finish line, and I have a spot reserved on my car for a 13.1 sticker. There was a time, not too long ago, that running a half marathon was not even a consideration. Now it's actually a possibility. I can't wait to join other runners as I reach this life-goal.
Last weekend, Gary, my sister Bobbi, and I ran the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. If you ever have an opportunity to participate in this event, take it. It is an awe-inspiring morning. It is not about running fast; it is about supporting an important cause. Both years that we have run, the weather has been perfect. My favorite shirts of the day: "Save 2nd Base" (get it??) and "Just for Tits and Giggles".
There were 14,000 people registered for the Race for the Cure! The majority were walkers. I decided to run with my sister, and I am so glad that I did. She hadn't been running much, but ran 3.1 miles that morning without stopping. I was so impressed! The second half of the race we were also with Gary. That was the first race that he and I crossed the finish line together. I am so proud that he continues to challenge himself. I believe that he has inspired a lot of people who have seen him out running. Most know that he has an artificial knee, and that running isn't easy for him. What a testament to the power of desire and dedication!
If you are awake at 7:00 am next Sunday, say a little prayer for me. I will be shaking in my Asics! I will most certainly be writing about my experience, and who knows, maybe next year some of you will join us! I want to wish Jackie, Jennifer, Kim, and Jennifer C good luck in the race!! Kim, we know you will kick butt - make us proud!!
One week from today is the Evansville Half Marathon. I, along with Gary and several friends, am running it. A half marathon is 13.1 miles. That's a long way to run. Jackie and I have run 13.1 miles, so we know that we can complete the mileage - in Tell City, on our familiar routes, without 3000 other runners, and without the pressure of having to finish. Can we run it in a race? We are not concerned with placing (that would be crazy), we just want to finish in a respectable time, without walking, puking, or injuring ourselves. We have trained adequately according to all of the literature, but one just never knows what kind of day it will be. My stomach is my main concern (Thanks, Mom, for giving me your unpredictable stomach!). I know what to eat, but my stomach is the first to go when I am nervous, and I certainly don't want to spend time in a porta-potty! The most nerve-racking part will be the drive to Evansville - at 4:30 in the morning - and just waiting for the gun to go off. Once we are about a mile into it, I will relax and get into a groove. Jackie and I plan to stick together; we have spent countless hours pounding the pavement together, so we want to complete this journey together (and neither of us wants to spend two hours and twenty minutes running alone - we like to chat). Our other running partner, Jennifer, will be much faster than the two of us, so we are counting on her to be doing cartwheels at the finish line as we cross! I have often read that visualizing a goal does wonders for achieving that goal, so I have been visualizing Jackie and I crossing that finish line, and I have a spot reserved on my car for a 13.1 sticker. There was a time, not too long ago, that running a half marathon was not even a consideration. Now it's actually a possibility. I can't wait to join other runners as I reach this life-goal.
Last weekend, Gary, my sister Bobbi, and I ran the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. If you ever have an opportunity to participate in this event, take it. It is an awe-inspiring morning. It is not about running fast; it is about supporting an important cause. Both years that we have run, the weather has been perfect. My favorite shirts of the day: "Save 2nd Base" (get it??) and "Just for Tits and Giggles".
There were 14,000 people registered for the Race for the Cure! The majority were walkers. I decided to run with my sister, and I am so glad that I did. She hadn't been running much, but ran 3.1 miles that morning without stopping. I was so impressed! The second half of the race we were also with Gary. That was the first race that he and I crossed the finish line together. I am so proud that he continues to challenge himself. I believe that he has inspired a lot of people who have seen him out running. Most know that he has an artificial knee, and that running isn't easy for him. What a testament to the power of desire and dedication!
If you are awake at 7:00 am next Sunday, say a little prayer for me. I will be shaking in my Asics! I will most certainly be writing about my experience, and who knows, maybe next year some of you will join us! I want to wish Jackie, Jennifer, Kim, and Jennifer C good luck in the race!! Kim, we know you will kick butt - make us proud!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Catchin' Up
This title is appropriate in may aspects of my life right now! First, I haven't posted on Traxee or my blog (which is actually the same post, just copied and pasted) for a couple of weeks. I love to write, but have been incredibly busy. My daughter once wrote a story for class entitled 'Unfortunately, Fortunately', in which something negative led to something postive, which led to something negative, and so on. So, unfortunately, my friend Jennifer (whom I had planned to run with this evening) is suffering from plantar fasciatis (no idea how to spell that), and not being able to run makes Jennifer a very unhappy chick. Fortunately, that means I don't have to - I mean 'get to' - run this evening, so I have time at the computer. Unfortunately, that means very low calorie burn (though my fingers are flying); fortunately, I don't really care. I am tired. Getting back into the groove of spending my days with 26 smiling eight-year-olds is definitely tiring. It will take about a month before I am not completely exhausted at the end of every day.
The Schweizer Fest race...the race that I stressed over for weeks...the one I almost wimped out on...the one with the mile-long HILL. It was run on August 14. I was there. I ran it. Six miles in heat and humidity that caused even the real runners to question their sanity. I woke up that morning...actually, I didn't really sleep much the night before...and prepared myself. I ate bread with honey on it (carbs, sugar, and it didn't upset my stomach), and I sat on the deck and had a heart-to-heart with God. I didn't ask for much. I just told Him I was freaking out about this race, and that I wanted to finish without vomiting my bread and honey in front of the fine citizens of Tell City. I just wanted to give it my all. When I get nervous, I don't talk much. My husband tolerates those little quirks, so he didn't push it that morning. Although he admitted that he was a little nervous too, he seemed all calm. Why can't I be like that???
We arrived early, as I always do, and located my friends. I was really excited because several of my friends, many of whom are my co-workers, are new runners, and had planned to run the 2-mile race. Because my 25-year class reunion was that evening, there were several of my classmates participating as well. I tried to work through my jitters, even posing for pictures with friends, but my stomach was churning! My running partner Jackie and I decided to jog a block or two toward the starting line. Once there, we got our spot and waited for the gun. Gosh, it was hot already! Our plan was to run together, but if one of us needed to go faster or slower, that was fine. Finally, it was time. The moment we had trained for and talked about all summer had arrived. Our mayor welcomed the 450 runners, and the gun blasted through the humid air. We were off. Any runner who races knows that it is difficult not to get caught up in the crowd at the start of a race. Of course, we couldn't keep up with the 6-minute runners, but for a short bit of time, we did keep up with those 7 1/2 minute runners. I had on my trusty Garmin, and Jackie kept asking how fast we were running. When I told her, her response was, "We can't run that fast!!" Maybe not for 6 miles, but we could for almost a mile. I told her we were just warming up, and that we would slow down and get into our groove. Afterall, we knew about the ominous hill that lay ahead. We knew we had to conserve some strength and energy.
Jackie and I were very fortunate that morning. We have some amazing friends who crawled out of bed, came down to the race, and cheered us on. How great is that? Joani and Lori are two of Jackie's besties, and friends of mine as well. They actually drove to several points on the course and cheered as we ran by. Two of my besties, Debbie and Melony, stood on a corner that I ran by 3 times. Having these ladies there was such a boost! The first part of the race loops around our Main Street. After that loop, we headed out a long street toward the hill. As we started that way, Debbie and Melony were there encouraging me along. Jackie and I got into our pace and stayed together the first 3 miles. As we began to ascend the hill, I pulled ahead slightly. I push hard on hills, mostly because I want to get it over with! I ran the rest of the race alone, knowing Jackie was close behind. The hill was hard, but I didn't hold back. I walked through the water stop, but started running as soon as I had a drink. I knew if I could just get to the top of the hill, the rest of the race would be rather easy. I climbed that hill, my breathing sounding like a woman in labor, and my arms pumping hard to move me forward. I saw a few people walking, and was so proud that I didn't have to. At the top, I rounded the curve, worked to catch my breath and get back into a rhythm, and paced myself for the rest of the course. Another person that I cannot fail to mention is our unpaid coach, Tom. I also saw him a couple of times, and just knowing he was there was encouraging. Tom has answered all of our questions, and is always open with advice and strategies. Sometimes we are stubborn and don't listen, like when he says we should run the hill several times in one session, but he is very much appreciated. When I had a little more than a half mile to go, I saw Tom coming toward me. He told me to keep pushing, and that I looked strong. Now, I know I didn't really look strong at that point, but hearing those words made me tell myself that I am strong, and that I could finish strong. I don't really know about other runners, but sometimes when I am running a race, I have some really weird self-talk. I could see about 15 blocks ahead of me as I was running the final long stretch of the race. At the end of that stretch where we would turn back onto Main Street toward the finish, there was a police car parked with its lights on. My self-talk: Run to the light...just run to the light. I know, it's strange, but it got me through. I bet if other runners were to admit it, they would be thinking some pretty strange thoughts too. Wouldn't they?
As I turned back on to Main Street, with only two blocks to go, Debbie and Melony were still there, and they were still cheering for me. At that point, they knew that I had already met one of my goals, and when they pointed it out, it made me smile, and it made me sprint (my old-lady sprint). I really do not like being the center of attention, and there were a lot of people lining the finish line and standing around in that area. There were no runners within a block of me, behind or in front. I was crossing that line alone. Please don't take that to mean I was fast, it's just that the ones who were fast had long-before crossed, and I was ahead of a few people. I could hear my name being shouted, but I looked straight ahead. I spotted my daughter immediately, and headed toward her. My time: 57:11! Not the fastest I had run the course, but given the severe heat, I will take it! Bethany grabbed some water for me, and I headed back to the finish line to cheer on Jackie, a couple of other friends, and, of course, my husband. Jackie finished about a minute behind me, which meant that she had met her goal of running it in under one hour. We rocked! We were hot, sweaty, and smelly, but we were also relieved, thrilled, and exhilerated. It was amazing to spend the next hour with my running friends and husband. We had all worked so hard to get to that point, and I wanted to share that moment with them.
So, the results of the chicks I run with or discuss running with (my dear friends and companions):
Me - 3rd in age group; Jackie - 1st in age group; Jennifer (ran the 2 mile) - 2nd in age group; Beth - placed in age group (sorry, Beth, can't remember place :-(); Laura - (ran 2 mile) 2nd in age group; Kim - the running queen - won the women's 6-mile with an amazing time that I can't remember because it isn't even in my realm of running speed! Gary - not a chick - ran 6-mile in 1:20:00, and did awesome! Another group that I am so happy for is that group of new runners who laced up their sneakers and ran their very first race that morning: Kassi, Lori, Emily, Annette, Kelli, and Amy (I don't think it was Amy's first, but it was her first in a long time). Witnessing their excitement was great. (And, by the way, there were a few pukers at the end of the race, and I wasn't one of them!)
Thanks, friends, for encouraging me to step up and run this race! I am so glad that I did, and I know I would have regretted not running it. What's next on the agenda? I haven't actually signed up yet, but Jackie, Jennifer, Gary, and I plan to run a half marathon on October 10. I am not completely convinced of my ability to run that far, but I am surely going to try. That race will not be about speed at all; it will simply be about the thrill of finishing 13.1 stinkin' miles. That just sounds so far. My husband and I would really like to run the Indy Mini in May. I sounds a little fun, although I am not much into crowds, and 30,000 runners make quite a crowd! Perhaps some good anti-anxiety meds will be in order!
The Schweizer Fest race...the race that I stressed over for weeks...the one I almost wimped out on...the one with the mile-long HILL. It was run on August 14. I was there. I ran it. Six miles in heat and humidity that caused even the real runners to question their sanity. I woke up that morning...actually, I didn't really sleep much the night before...and prepared myself. I ate bread with honey on it (carbs, sugar, and it didn't upset my stomach), and I sat on the deck and had a heart-to-heart with God. I didn't ask for much. I just told Him I was freaking out about this race, and that I wanted to finish without vomiting my bread and honey in front of the fine citizens of Tell City. I just wanted to give it my all. When I get nervous, I don't talk much. My husband tolerates those little quirks, so he didn't push it that morning. Although he admitted that he was a little nervous too, he seemed all calm. Why can't I be like that???
We arrived early, as I always do, and located my friends. I was really excited because several of my friends, many of whom are my co-workers, are new runners, and had planned to run the 2-mile race. Because my 25-year class reunion was that evening, there were several of my classmates participating as well. I tried to work through my jitters, even posing for pictures with friends, but my stomach was churning! My running partner Jackie and I decided to jog a block or two toward the starting line. Once there, we got our spot and waited for the gun. Gosh, it was hot already! Our plan was to run together, but if one of us needed to go faster or slower, that was fine. Finally, it was time. The moment we had trained for and talked about all summer had arrived. Our mayor welcomed the 450 runners, and the gun blasted through the humid air. We were off. Any runner who races knows that it is difficult not to get caught up in the crowd at the start of a race. Of course, we couldn't keep up with the 6-minute runners, but for a short bit of time, we did keep up with those 7 1/2 minute runners. I had on my trusty Garmin, and Jackie kept asking how fast we were running. When I told her, her response was, "We can't run that fast!!" Maybe not for 6 miles, but we could for almost a mile. I told her we were just warming up, and that we would slow down and get into our groove. Afterall, we knew about the ominous hill that lay ahead. We knew we had to conserve some strength and energy.
Jackie and I were very fortunate that morning. We have some amazing friends who crawled out of bed, came down to the race, and cheered us on. How great is that? Joani and Lori are two of Jackie's besties, and friends of mine as well. They actually drove to several points on the course and cheered as we ran by. Two of my besties, Debbie and Melony, stood on a corner that I ran by 3 times. Having these ladies there was such a boost! The first part of the race loops around our Main Street. After that loop, we headed out a long street toward the hill. As we started that way, Debbie and Melony were there encouraging me along. Jackie and I got into our pace and stayed together the first 3 miles. As we began to ascend the hill, I pulled ahead slightly. I push hard on hills, mostly because I want to get it over with! I ran the rest of the race alone, knowing Jackie was close behind. The hill was hard, but I didn't hold back. I walked through the water stop, but started running as soon as I had a drink. I knew if I could just get to the top of the hill, the rest of the race would be rather easy. I climbed that hill, my breathing sounding like a woman in labor, and my arms pumping hard to move me forward. I saw a few people walking, and was so proud that I didn't have to. At the top, I rounded the curve, worked to catch my breath and get back into a rhythm, and paced myself for the rest of the course. Another person that I cannot fail to mention is our unpaid coach, Tom. I also saw him a couple of times, and just knowing he was there was encouraging. Tom has answered all of our questions, and is always open with advice and strategies. Sometimes we are stubborn and don't listen, like when he says we should run the hill several times in one session, but he is very much appreciated. When I had a little more than a half mile to go, I saw Tom coming toward me. He told me to keep pushing, and that I looked strong. Now, I know I didn't really look strong at that point, but hearing those words made me tell myself that I am strong, and that I could finish strong. I don't really know about other runners, but sometimes when I am running a race, I have some really weird self-talk. I could see about 15 blocks ahead of me as I was running the final long stretch of the race. At the end of that stretch where we would turn back onto Main Street toward the finish, there was a police car parked with its lights on. My self-talk: Run to the light...just run to the light. I know, it's strange, but it got me through. I bet if other runners were to admit it, they would be thinking some pretty strange thoughts too. Wouldn't they?
As I turned back on to Main Street, with only two blocks to go, Debbie and Melony were still there, and they were still cheering for me. At that point, they knew that I had already met one of my goals, and when they pointed it out, it made me smile, and it made me sprint (my old-lady sprint). I really do not like being the center of attention, and there were a lot of people lining the finish line and standing around in that area. There were no runners within a block of me, behind or in front. I was crossing that line alone. Please don't take that to mean I was fast, it's just that the ones who were fast had long-before crossed, and I was ahead of a few people. I could hear my name being shouted, but I looked straight ahead. I spotted my daughter immediately, and headed toward her. My time: 57:11! Not the fastest I had run the course, but given the severe heat, I will take it! Bethany grabbed some water for me, and I headed back to the finish line to cheer on Jackie, a couple of other friends, and, of course, my husband. Jackie finished about a minute behind me, which meant that she had met her goal of running it in under one hour. We rocked! We were hot, sweaty, and smelly, but we were also relieved, thrilled, and exhilerated. It was amazing to spend the next hour with my running friends and husband. We had all worked so hard to get to that point, and I wanted to share that moment with them.
So, the results of the chicks I run with or discuss running with (my dear friends and companions):
Me - 3rd in age group; Jackie - 1st in age group; Jennifer (ran the 2 mile) - 2nd in age group; Beth - placed in age group (sorry, Beth, can't remember place :-(); Laura - (ran 2 mile) 2nd in age group; Kim - the running queen - won the women's 6-mile with an amazing time that I can't remember because it isn't even in my realm of running speed! Gary - not a chick - ran 6-mile in 1:20:00, and did awesome! Another group that I am so happy for is that group of new runners who laced up their sneakers and ran their very first race that morning: Kassi, Lori, Emily, Annette, Kelli, and Amy (I don't think it was Amy's first, but it was her first in a long time). Witnessing their excitement was great. (And, by the way, there were a few pukers at the end of the race, and I wasn't one of them!)
Thanks, friends, for encouraging me to step up and run this race! I am so glad that I did, and I know I would have regretted not running it. What's next on the agenda? I haven't actually signed up yet, but Jackie, Jennifer, Gary, and I plan to run a half marathon on October 10. I am not completely convinced of my ability to run that far, but I am surely going to try. That race will not be about speed at all; it will simply be about the thrill of finishing 13.1 stinkin' miles. That just sounds so far. My husband and I would really like to run the Indy Mini in May. I sounds a little fun, although I am not much into crowds, and 30,000 runners make quite a crowd! Perhaps some good anti-anxiety meds will be in order!
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Race is To Be!
First of all, an update on my previous post: I WILL run the 6-mile Schweizer Fest race. After much support from family, friends, and Traxees, and a couple good runs over the weekend, I am feeling more confident in my ability to attack the hill and complete the race. How decent my time is will depend upon the temperature and my nerves that morning. For some reason running in a hometown race makes me extremely nervous! I much prefer running where no one knows me. There is something comforting about anonymity when I am feeling vulnerable. So thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to take this risk. If we don't take risks, life will pass us by and we will live with regrets.
The past few days I have been thinking about what and who inspires me. I clearly remember in my pre-running days driving down the street, seeing someone running, and wishing that I, too, could run. I hated running in high school; I was never fast, and distance running never even crossed my mind. I played tennis and was quite dismayed when the coach said we had to run in order to properly condition. Yuck! If anyone had told me that I would one day appreciate running, I would have thought him or her to be crazy. Why would I want to be sore, stiff, short-of-breath, or sweaty?
The first person to truly inspire me was my husband. In the winter of 2009, he decided he was tired of not exercising and of using his titanium knee as an excuse to avoid many activities. I am not certain what made him decide to choose running, but he did. He would venture out in the bitter cold and run to the end of our gravel lane and back. He did this for several weeks, and I sat watching TV and eating snacks. He gradually began to add distance, and I gradually began to really see the 10 pounds that I had gained (at 5 feet tall, 10 pounds in my belly was a lot!). I had used every excuse to not run, but seeing my husband make the time for it shattered those excuses. I started on the treadmill (I was not getting out in the cold to try a new sport!), and worked my way up to running on our gravel road. We figured out that if we ran from our house to our neighbor's barn and back, we would have run one mile! That first mile was the toughest. Fast forward 18 months, and we are both running at distances we never thought possible. Without his love, support, encouragement, and example, I would not be running, and those 10 pounds would now be 20.
The next two people who have inspired me are both co-workers. The first is Kim, a fellow teacher. Kim is a natural runner. She has awesome legs that are as fast as they are toned. She can actually run a half-marathon with the knowledge that she will likely be in the top 10%, if not higher. When I first started running and was barely squeaking out 1/2 mile, Kim pushed me to go further, never doubting that I could. She is one of my go-to people when I have questions. The other co-worker is actually my boss. Our principal, who is also the mother of three young boys, started running. She worked her way up (quickly) to running half-marathons. As busy as she is, my 'no-time-for-running' excuse was shot. She, like Kim, pushed me to go further and made me feel like I could do it.
My running partners are a constant source of inspiration, support, laughter, and friendship. Jackie and I have been running together since last summer. She and I grew up together, and have become closer through our runs. She is a single mom of three sons, works very hard to always help others, yet she finds time to run and to improve herself on a daily basis. Jennifer just started running with us this summer. She is younger, and a more experienced runner. We depend on her common sense advice and her positive attitude on long, hot runs. She is also a swimmer, which I totally admire. My niece, Erin (shown with me in picture), has also spent some major miles with us, but just moved away. She is so positive and just plain fun to run with. I will miss her!
Recently, I have been so inspired by the many new runners that seem to be popping up everywhere in our small town! I am so proud of them for getting out there, working through the frustrations, and tolerating the heat and humidity as they get their running groove. Annette, Kelli, Emily, Amy, Jean, Jema, Lori, and my sister Bobbi...They are all amazing and it inspires me to read their Facebook posts about their runs. I hope that I can always be a source of support for each of them, and that they, in turn, support other new runners. I cannot mention new runners without mentioning my dear friend, Kassi, who just happens to be Jackie's sister. She began running this summer when her family developed their own version of The Biggest Loser. She ran 5 miles last night! She told me that she runs slowly, but she does not walk. She has added miles at record pace as far as I am concerned. This group inspires me to keep going!
I also have some inspiration from some rather unusual places - TV! I will admit that I love The Biggest Loser! I am in awe of the contestants who work so diligently to lose so much weight, and all end the program by running! There have been times when I am having a horrible run, feeling sorry for myself, and wanting to quit. I picture the men and women running on that show and imagine just how difficult it must be for them. How can I possibly complain? This morning on the Today Show, Matt Lauer announced that Al Roker had completed a half marathon over the weekend. My 13-year-old was sitting there watching and said, "Mom, I don't want to hear that you can't run a half marathon if he can do it!". There's some inspiration!
Who inspires you? Have you ever told him or her? What can you do to inspire others? One of the things I love most about running is the support that runners give one another. I have never been among a group that encourages one another more. Experienced runners respect the ambition and courage it takes to get started. I have made some new and wonderful friends and developed deeper friendships with acquaintances through running. It's like an exclusive club. We understand the aches, the need for stronger deodorant, the accomplishment of meeting a PR, the disappointment of a terrible run, hill running, sprints, intervals, LONG runs, hot runs, cold runs, stomach issues, and mostly the sheer joy of lacing up our shoes and running just because we can. How awesome is that?
The past few days I have been thinking about what and who inspires me. I clearly remember in my pre-running days driving down the street, seeing someone running, and wishing that I, too, could run. I hated running in high school; I was never fast, and distance running never even crossed my mind. I played tennis and was quite dismayed when the coach said we had to run in order to properly condition. Yuck! If anyone had told me that I would one day appreciate running, I would have thought him or her to be crazy. Why would I want to be sore, stiff, short-of-breath, or sweaty?
The first person to truly inspire me was my husband. In the winter of 2009, he decided he was tired of not exercising and of using his titanium knee as an excuse to avoid many activities. I am not certain what made him decide to choose running, but he did. He would venture out in the bitter cold and run to the end of our gravel lane and back. He did this for several weeks, and I sat watching TV and eating snacks. He gradually began to add distance, and I gradually began to really see the 10 pounds that I had gained (at 5 feet tall, 10 pounds in my belly was a lot!). I had used every excuse to not run, but seeing my husband make the time for it shattered those excuses. I started on the treadmill (I was not getting out in the cold to try a new sport!), and worked my way up to running on our gravel road. We figured out that if we ran from our house to our neighbor's barn and back, we would have run one mile! That first mile was the toughest. Fast forward 18 months, and we are both running at distances we never thought possible. Without his love, support, encouragement, and example, I would not be running, and those 10 pounds would now be 20.
The next two people who have inspired me are both co-workers. The first is Kim, a fellow teacher. Kim is a natural runner. She has awesome legs that are as fast as they are toned. She can actually run a half-marathon with the knowledge that she will likely be in the top 10%, if not higher. When I first started running and was barely squeaking out 1/2 mile, Kim pushed me to go further, never doubting that I could. She is one of my go-to people when I have questions. The other co-worker is actually my boss. Our principal, who is also the mother of three young boys, started running. She worked her way up (quickly) to running half-marathons. As busy as she is, my 'no-time-for-running' excuse was shot. She, like Kim, pushed me to go further and made me feel like I could do it.
My running partners are a constant source of inspiration, support, laughter, and friendship. Jackie and I have been running together since last summer. She and I grew up together, and have become closer through our runs. She is a single mom of three sons, works very hard to always help others, yet she finds time to run and to improve herself on a daily basis. Jennifer just started running with us this summer. She is younger, and a more experienced runner. We depend on her common sense advice and her positive attitude on long, hot runs. She is also a swimmer, which I totally admire. My niece, Erin (shown with me in picture), has also spent some major miles with us, but just moved away. She is so positive and just plain fun to run with. I will miss her!
Recently, I have been so inspired by the many new runners that seem to be popping up everywhere in our small town! I am so proud of them for getting out there, working through the frustrations, and tolerating the heat and humidity as they get their running groove. Annette, Kelli, Emily, Amy, Jean, Jema, Lori, and my sister Bobbi...They are all amazing and it inspires me to read their Facebook posts about their runs. I hope that I can always be a source of support for each of them, and that they, in turn, support other new runners. I cannot mention new runners without mentioning my dear friend, Kassi, who just happens to be Jackie's sister. She began running this summer when her family developed their own version of The Biggest Loser. She ran 5 miles last night! She told me that she runs slowly, but she does not walk. She has added miles at record pace as far as I am concerned. This group inspires me to keep going!
I also have some inspiration from some rather unusual places - TV! I will admit that I love The Biggest Loser! I am in awe of the contestants who work so diligently to lose so much weight, and all end the program by running! There have been times when I am having a horrible run, feeling sorry for myself, and wanting to quit. I picture the men and women running on that show and imagine just how difficult it must be for them. How can I possibly complain? This morning on the Today Show, Matt Lauer announced that Al Roker had completed a half marathon over the weekend. My 13-year-old was sitting there watching and said, "Mom, I don't want to hear that you can't run a half marathon if he can do it!". There's some inspiration!
Who inspires you? Have you ever told him or her? What can you do to inspire others? One of the things I love most about running is the support that runners give one another. I have never been among a group that encourages one another more. Experienced runners respect the ambition and courage it takes to get started. I have made some new and wonderful friends and developed deeper friendships with acquaintances through running. It's like an exclusive club. We understand the aches, the need for stronger deodorant, the accomplishment of meeting a PR, the disappointment of a terrible run, hill running, sprints, intervals, LONG runs, hot runs, cold runs, stomach issues, and mostly the sheer joy of lacing up our shoes and running just because we can. How awesome is that?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
To Be or Not To Be
Running often provokes many struggles, both physical and mental. Most runners are plagued with an injury at some point in their careers; my first came in the form of hip pain last fall. Many of us struggle with finding time away from our families to work in our runs, and all the while wonder if we are being selfish (we are not). Some of us struggle with deciding if running is really worth the time and effort, or if we should just continue with our leisurely walks. My struggle this week involves racing - and I do use that term very loosely as I am by no means good enough to be competitive with anyone but myself.
I sometimes picture myself with an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other. The demon, wearing his flip flops and holding a piece of chocolate cake in his hand, is shouting, "Just go home, watch America's Got Talent, and eat a package of Oreos! You are 43 - too old to pick up running. You couldn't even run as a child!" The angel, wearing her little white Asics and a sweatband, is saying, in her oh-so-gentle voice, "Keep on moving! You can do this! Just look how far you have come!" Fortunately, the angel usually wins that battle. This week the two are trying to sway my decision on an upcoming race. Our small community celebrates its birthday with a week-long festival, the Schweizer Fest. It is the time of year that friends and family return home, high school alumni host their reunions, and the annual road run is held. The road run consists of a 2-mile run and a 6-mile run, and last year boasted 500 runners. As a really new runner last year, I ran the 2-mile. Given the Southern Indiana heat and humidity, that was long enough! Since that time, I have planned to run the 6-mile this year. That race involves a steep mile-long incline at about mile 3.
I have been running that hill for over a year, and I have yet to feel that it is not difficult. I want to kiss the ground every time I reach the top. My running buddies and I have been running the course - in the evening - every week this summer in preparation for the race. In the evening...when I am wide awake, hydrated, well-fed, and ready to run. On the weekends, I run in the morning, which generally works well. Not so this summer. Even running early does not help my body adjust to the humidity. Back in the spring, I was able to run 10 miles; this summer, my furthest run has been 7 miles. This past weekend, I went out with a positive attitude ready to run at least 6 miles, but I had hoped to go further. I felt good, it was a pretty morning, and I had nothing on my agenda that would require me to hurry up and get home. I was so ready. Then I started to run, and it was hard. I ran slowly, and once I hit 3 miles, I had to walk. That little devil started in, "And you think you can run the 6-mile? Ha! You couldn't even run 6 on a flat course!" The angel was not around that morning. My guess is she slept in! I ran another mile, at a pace 2 minutes slower than usual - I was crawling. I was beginning to question my ability to run. What was happening? It was hot, but not really unbearable. Another walk break...another mile at tortoise pace...disappointment. During that run, I decided, with the help of the evil one, that I would not be signing up for the 6-mile race. I was not going to do it if I had to walk, and apparently that would be the case. I tried to analyze the reason behind my lack of energy: is it just more difficult to put the miles in in the morning because I am fresh out of bed, my muscles are not quite awake, I haven't eaten, and I haven't really drank anything? I have run in the mornings a lot over the past year, but this heat seems to make it much more difficult, if not impossible.
After I returned home from that dreadful outing, and told my husband of my decision. He didn't see my logic. He thinks that I should just get out there and run it; if I have to walk or run at a slower pace, who cares? Jackie, one of my running buddies who has trained for this race with me, had the same sentiment. 'Why can't we just run it for fun and fitness?" she said. That evening, Jackie was going to be running. I rarely run twice in one day, but I had to prove to myself that I could do it. So I went out and ran 4 miles with her, and we ran it at a good pace. I felt great - totally different from just 12 hours earlier. Last night a group of us went out to run the 6-mile course. I ran it, and I ran it well. Our goal is to run it in under an hour. I ran it in 56:39. I want to run that race. I want to run it well. I just know that if I have to walk, knowing that I should be able to run the whole course, I will be angry. When people say to just run it for fun, I am thinking what fun is it to run a horrible race? What fun is it to run slower than I am capable of IN A RACE???
Jackie and I are going to run the course again Saturday at 8:00 am. That is exactly 2 weeks before the actual race. That run will likely determine if I sign up. Which one will win: the little devil or my encouraging little angel? Then I have yet another decision to make: to run a half marathon or not. It is on my bucket list, and there is one in October that is just an hour away. My friend, Jennifer, is running it, so I would have someone to train with. I was really going back and forth on this, and then my husband, yes, the one with the artificial knee, comes home with a half marathon training plan that HE plans to do! If he plans to run it, what excuse could I possibly come up with to not run it?! As if that isn't enough, Traxee has issued a challenge for us women to set a fall goal, and to support one another in meeting those goals. I think my little angel has been busy aligning the stars.
As of this moment, no official decisions have been made. My little angel is working hard by putting the right people in front of me. I do know that I make most important decisions by asking myself what I would be most likely to regret. Would I regret not running the 6-mile race? (yeh, I know the answer). Would I regret not attempting to run a half marathon with my husband? (I know that answer, too).
Note: I added this picture from a New Year's Day run to remind everyone that someday this sickening heat will end!
I sometimes picture myself with an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other. The demon, wearing his flip flops and holding a piece of chocolate cake in his hand, is shouting, "Just go home, watch America's Got Talent, and eat a package of Oreos! You are 43 - too old to pick up running. You couldn't even run as a child!
I have been running that hill for over a year, and I have yet to feel that it is not difficult. I want to kiss the ground every time I reach the top. My running buddies and I have been running the course - in the evening - every week this summer in preparation for the race. In the evening...when I am wide awake, hydrated, well-fed, and ready to run. On the weekends, I run in the morning, which generally works well. Not so this summer. Even running early does not help my body adjust to the humidity. Back in the spring, I was able to run 10 miles; this summer, my furthest run has been 7 miles. This past weekend, I went out with a positive attitude ready to run at least 6 miles, but I had hoped to go further. I felt good, it was a pretty morning, and I had nothing on my agenda that would require me to hurry up and get home. I was so ready. Then I started to run, and it was hard. I ran slowly, and once I hit 3 miles, I had to walk. That little devil started in, "And you think you can run the 6-mile? Ha! You couldn't even run 6 on a flat course!" The angel was not around that morning. My guess is she slept in! I ran another mile, at a pace 2 minutes slower than usual - I was crawling. I was beginning to question my ability to run. What was happening? It was hot, but not really unbearable. Another walk break...another mile at tortoise pace...disappointment. During that run, I decided, with the help of the evil one, that I would not be signing up for the 6-mile race. I was not going to do it if I had to walk, and apparently that would be the case. I tried to analyze the reason behind my lack of energy: is it just more difficult to put the miles in in the morning because I am fresh out of bed, my muscles are not quite awake, I haven't eaten, and I haven't really drank anything? I have run in the mornings a lot over the past year, but this heat seems to make it much more difficult, if not impossible.
After I returned home from that dreadful outing, and told my husband of my decision. He didn't see my logic. He thinks that I should just get out there and run it; if I have to walk or run at a slower pace, who cares? Jackie, one of my running buddies who has trained for this race with me, had the same sentiment. 'Why can't we just run it for fun and fitness?" she said. That evening, Jackie was going to be running. I rarely run twice in one day, but I had to prove to myself that I could do it. So I went out and ran 4 miles with her, and we ran it at a good pace. I felt great - totally different from just 12 hours earlier. Last night a group of us went out to run the 6-mile course. I ran it, and I ran it well. Our goal is to run it in under an hour. I ran it in 56:39. I want to run that race. I want to run it well. I just know that if I have to walk, knowing that I should be able to run the whole course, I will be angry. When people say to just run it for fun, I am thinking what fun is it to run a horrible race? What fun is it to run slower than I am capable of IN A RACE???
Jackie and I are going to run the course again Saturday at 8:00 am. That is exactly 2 weeks before the actual race. That run will likely determine if I sign up. Which one will win: the little devil or my encouraging little angel? Then I have yet another decision to make: to run a half marathon or not. It is on my bucket list, and there is one in October that is just an hour away. My friend, Jennifer, is running it, so I would have someone to train with. I was really going back and forth on this, and then my husband, yes, the one with the artificial knee, comes home with a half marathon training plan that HE plans to do! If he plans to run it, what excuse could I possibly come up with to not run it?! As if that isn't enough, Traxee has issued a challenge for us women to set a fall goal, and to support one another in meeting those goals. I think my little angel has been busy aligning the stars.
As of this moment, no official decisions have been made. My little angel is working hard by putting the right people in front of me. I do know that I make most important decisions by asking myself what I would be most likely to regret. Would I regret not running the 6-mile race? (yeh, I know the answer). Would I regret not attempting to run a half marathon with my husband? (I know that answer, too).
Note: I added this picture from a New Year's Day run to remind everyone that someday this sickening heat will end!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
My First 10k
While sitting through the awards ceremony for a 5k and 10k race in Owensboro last summer, I made the decision that this year I would run the 10k. After running the 5k last year (my second 5k), I felt that I was making necessary improvements, and that just maybe I could run 6.2 miles at some point in time. It didn't hurt that in my age group (40-44) in the 10k, there were only 2 runners, so even if I had crawled across the finish line, I would have placed!
I now run 6+ miles at least once a week, so as July approached I felt ready to take on this challenge. I attempted to get some friends to sign up for the 10k; they also run at least 6 miles once a week, so I knew that it wasn't a matter of whether or not they could complete the mileage. Jennifer said that she just didn't like that distance. I must admit, this scared me because Jennifer runs half marathons, and if she didn't feel comfortable running a 10k, what made me think I could do it? My other running buddy, Jackie, just isn't really interested in racing. So, Gary and I were on our own. My goal was to finish in under an hour, and secretly, I really wanted to place.
I didn't get nervous...until the 45 minute drive to Owensboro. Then my stomach started to question my sanity. In its rumblings I heard what the hell were you thinking? It was hot outside, there were going to be fast runners, and I am no expert at running! My husband never gets nervous about a race. He just goes out, does the best he can, and is satisfied with completing the run. Hmm...
As we lined up for the race donning our numbers and our timing chips, I attempted positive self-talk: I always run 6 miles - this is no different. Just get out there and run. It doesn't matter what your time is; not many people can run 6 miles. Your stomach feels great. You get the point. The gun went off, and I took off. Gary and I don't start together, we just give each other a good-luck kiss and run our own races. I knew no one else, so I was on my own for those 6.2 miles. As usual in a race, I stayed up with the pack for the first half mile. I kept looking at my Garmin thinking you don't run this fast - you can't run this fast - you will be done by mile 2! I slowed down to a steady pace and tried to take in my surroundings. The race was flat (thank you, God!), and through a residential neighborhood. As I admired the huge old homes, my mind began to relax. I was running at about a 9 minute pace, but I didn't think I could keep it up the whole way. I just decided that I would keep that pace as long as possible, and that I was going to really push myself. Who cared if I vomited at the finish line or my muscles retaliated for the next several days? I wanted to see what my 43-year-old body could do.
Hydrate...we all know how important that is in the summer heat, but I still don't like grabbing water in a race. Until this race, I only had once, in my very first race, and that was more trouble than it was worth. So, in my crazy race thinking, as we passed by the water stations, my thoughts were here is my chance to pass some people! I know - it's stupid! I passed up water and was happy when others stopped to hydrate so that I could pass them! Nevermind that I might be passed out up the road a bit, and they could then trample my mean dehydrated butt! And for the record, I did take a sip at the last station (there was no one around who could pass me at that time!).
I did manage to pass a few runners throughout the race. In the last mile, I passed a lady, who I thought could be in my age group, and then she passed me! Ooohh...the race was really on! The finish line was on the track of a college football field, and once we hit that track I used that final burst of energy to pass her - again! At last, the finish line. I had done it! My time: 56:39! My pace: 9:09! I had never run that fast for that long. I was thrilled. I know that to those of you who are really runners, that speed is by no means competitive, but for me, it was flying!
Gary, as most of you know, has an artificial knee, and most orthopedics would say he shouldn't be running. He gets out there, though, and he works so hard. He was determined to run this race, and his goal was to run it in under 1:30:00. He ran it in 1:24:00! He said that he had such a great feeling of accomplishment when crossing that finish line, and that where he placed didn't matter in the least. He had met his goal!
For our area, Owensboro has some really great runners. Because there were cash prizes for this race, they were all there! As I wrote earlier, last year there were only 2 runners in my division; this year there were 7 (just as my luck would have it!). When I went to look at the results, my feeling of elation was quickly deflated. I was 5th out of 7! The overall female winner was from my age group and her time was 39:31! She ran at a 6:23 pace, which in my wildest competitive dreams, I could never do. That's about my sprint pace at the track, and I can only do that for about 100 meters! The runner who placed 3rd in my division ran it in 45:36, so I was 11 minutes from even placing! Eleven minutes! After my initial disappointment and whining, I was still proud of my time and effort. In the female category, I was 26/41, so I did beat some runners. And really, aren't we all winners just for getting out there in front of everyone and running 6.2 miles? How many people do you know who can do that? I know a few, but when we consider percentages of the overall population, we rock! I will go back next year, but with much different expectations.
Will I do a 10k again? Probably. It did take all week to recover, which surprised me. After a 5k I can just jump back into my normal running routine, but I didn't run well last week at all. My legs were just tired and didn't want to cooperate with my brain! My stomach was not quite right for a few days. It started hurting immediately after the race and hurt on and off all night.
Our next race is the Schweizer Fest 6 mile (the 2 mile has been sounding rather appealing in this heat!). It is a hometown race that drew over 500 runners last year. I really prefer to run out of town where no one knows me, but we have been training for this race all summer. I just have to figure out how to train my stomach to stay under control when I get nervous!
On a side note...I am really thrilled that I received the following email last night:
HI Joyce!
Just wanted to let you know that we’ll be announcing your blog name on our Traxee sites this week as a winner of the Traxee “Best Blogs By Women Runners” poll.
Thanks so much to Traxee.com and expecially to Beth Moore, who has been inspiring female runners everywhere!
Keep on Running, Friends! It does a body good! Thanks for reading!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Vacation Running
Heading off for a summer vacation? Don't let that stop you from exercising or running! I have heard people say that they are going out of town and won't be able to run for a few days or a week. Why not? I have only been running for about a year and a half, but have had the opportunity to run in some great places - which has made my trips even more memorable!
Last summer my husband and I took our daughter and granddaughter for a weekend at a bed and breakfast and to visit some caves. Although it was a short trip, I managed to work in a much-needed run. I got up early on Sunday morning and ran before the girls even thought about crawling out of bed. Not only did it give me some time to myself, it also gave me a different view of the countryside where the B&B is located. I prefer to do out-and-back runs in unfamiliar territory; I would hate to get lost out there!
Over Labor Day weekend, my husband and I, along with my sister and her husband, met our cousins in Las Vegas for some family time (okay, and a little fun too!). I was running six days a week at that time, and didn't want to miss fours days. I was a bit leary of running in Vegas by myself, so I got online and looked for a race to run. As luck would have it (appropriate for Vegas), there was a 5k that Saturday about 15 minutes outside of the city. I signed us up! You should have seen the look on my husband's face when I told him I had found a race to run - not a look of appreciation, but rather one of I can't believe you are looking for races when we are going to Vegas for the first time! We did run the race, and it was incredible! I can still picture running along with the mountains ahead of me~breathtaking. I couldn't tell you my time in that race; that wasn't the purpose. I can tell you that it is one of my fondest memories from that trip.
I love Chicago! I spent my first eleven years about a half an hour outside of the Windy City, and I still enjoy going back for a visit. My good running friend, Kim, and I had the awesome opportunity to attend the International Reading Conference in Chicago in April. I was excited about the conference, but I was really excited about the possibility of running along Lake Michigan! That's exactly what we did our first day in the city. Our hotel was a straight shot from Navy Pier, so we ran there together, and then, since Kim is much faster than I, we separated and ran on our own. It was incredible! As I ran along, to my left was the lake, to the right was the gorgeous Chicago skyline, and straight ahead was the Field Museum of History. I was in awe. Even the brisk wind off of the lake didn't deter me from enjoying every step of my run. We were able to run twice while in Chicago (and once on the hotel treadmill, but that doesn't count!). My husband was concerned about our safety when we were out running (okay, he was concerned the whole trip), but I felt completely safe the entire time. I wouldn't go out after dark and run alone, but there were a lot of runners along the lake, and I never felt uncomfortable. One just has to be smart!
This summer my husband, daughter, and I went to Virginia Beach to visit my step-daughter and her family. The trip came up at the last minute, so our budget was tight. We stayed with our family rather than paying $200/night for an Oceanfront room on the Boardwalk, but one of my goals was to run the Boardwalk. Our first morning there we ran in our daughter's neighborhood, which was a great way to see the homes and to learn how to get around. There were runners and bikers everywhere! It was very motivating to see so many people out exercising. On Saturday morning my husband and I drove to the Boardwalk area for our run. Wow! Was it ever worth the $15 we paid just to park! There were runners everywhere. It wasn't long ago that I would have just walked along in envy as I watched the runners pass me by; now I am one of them! The ocean waves were crashing in, children were playing in the sand (or whining to their parents), a couple was getting ready to get married, another older couple was walking along with a huge parrot (that kind of freaked me out when I ran by them - couldn't you just see the headline: FEMALE RUNNER ATTACKED BY PARROT ON BOARDWALK!), and I was absorbing it all. There was so much to see that the run was almost secondary.
From now on I will make running part of my vacation experience. If that means waking before everyone else, I know that it will be worth it. I can see so much more when I run rather than just driving by in the car. I can experience the sights, sounds, and smells, greet the other runners, and get to know my surroundings. I know that being somewhere unfamiliar means that I also have to be more cognizant of my safety. I live in a small town, so when I run I don't take my phone. If something happened, someone would know who I am and whom to contact. I take my phone when I run out of town, run in busy areas and when it is light, and pay attention to who is around me. I also try to look confident and in control. Looking like a potential victim could easily make me one. I am only 5 feet tall, so I definitely don't look very intimidating!
So next time you are going out of town, whether it be for business or pleasure, try to plan some time to run. You might just be surprised at what you see and what you learn!
Last summer my husband and I took our daughter and granddaughter for a weekend at a bed and breakfast and to visit some caves. Although it was a short trip, I managed to work in a much-needed run. I got up early on Sunday morning and ran before the girls even thought about crawling out of bed. Not only did it give me some time to myself, it also gave me a different view of the countryside where the B&B is located. I prefer to do out-and-back runs in unfamiliar territory; I would hate to get lost out there!
Over Labor Day weekend, my husband and I, along with my sister and her husband, met our cousins in Las Vegas for some family time (okay, and a little fun too!). I was running six days a week at that time, and didn't want to miss fours days. I was a bit leary of running in Vegas by myself, so I got online and looked for a race to run. As luck would have it (appropriate for Vegas), there was a 5k that Saturday about 15 minutes outside of the city. I signed us up! You should have seen the look on my husband's face when I told him I had found a race to run - not a look of appreciation, but rather one of I can't believe you are looking for races when we are going to Vegas for the first time! We did run the race, and it was incredible! I can still picture running along with the mountains ahead of me~breathtaking. I couldn't tell you my time in that race; that wasn't the purpose. I can tell you that it is one of my fondest memories from that trip.
I love Chicago! I spent my first eleven years about a half an hour outside of the Windy City, and I still enjoy going back for a visit. My good running friend, Kim, and I had the awesome opportunity to attend the International Reading Conference in Chicago in April. I was excited about the conference, but I was really excited about the possibility of running along Lake Michigan! That's exactly what we did our first day in the city. Our hotel was a straight shot from Navy Pier, so we ran there together, and then, since Kim is much faster than I, we separated and ran on our own. It was incredible! As I ran along, to my left was the lake, to the right was the gorgeous Chicago skyline, and straight ahead was the Field Museum of History. I was in awe. Even the brisk wind off of the lake didn't deter me from enjoying every step of my run. We were able to run twice while in Chicago (and once on the hotel treadmill, but that doesn't count!). My husband was concerned about our safety when we were out running (okay, he was concerned the whole trip), but I felt completely safe the entire time. I wouldn't go out after dark and run alone, but there were a lot of runners along the lake, and I never felt uncomfortable. One just has to be smart!
This summer my husband, daughter, and I went to Virginia Beach to visit my step-daughter and her family. The trip came up at the last minute, so our budget was tight. We stayed with our family rather than paying $200/night for an Oceanfront room on the Boardwalk, but one of my goals was to run the Boardwalk. Our first morning there we ran in our daughter's neighborhood, which was a great way to see the homes and to learn how to get around. There were runners and bikers everywhere! It was very motivating to see so many people out exercising. On Saturday morning my husband and I drove to the Boardwalk area for our run. Wow! Was it ever worth the $15 we paid just to park! There were runners everywhere. It wasn't long ago that I would have just walked along in envy as I watched the runners pass me by; now I am one of them! The ocean waves were crashing in, children were playing in the sand (or whining to their parents), a couple was getting ready to get married, another older couple was walking along with a huge parrot (that kind of freaked me out when I ran by them - couldn't you just see the headline: FEMALE RUNNER ATTACKED BY PARROT ON BOARDWALK!), and I was absorbing it all. There was so much to see that the run was almost secondary.
From now on I will make running part of my vacation experience. If that means waking before everyone else, I know that it will be worth it. I can see so much more when I run rather than just driving by in the car. I can experience the sights, sounds, and smells, greet the other runners, and get to know my surroundings. I know that being somewhere unfamiliar means that I also have to be more cognizant of my safety. I live in a small town, so when I run I don't take my phone. If something happened, someone would know who I am and whom to contact. I take my phone when I run out of town, run in busy areas and when it is light, and pay attention to who is around me. I also try to look confident and in control. Looking like a potential victim could easily make me one. I am only 5 feet tall, so I definitely don't look very intimidating!
So next time you are going out of town, whether it be for business or pleasure, try to plan some time to run. You might just be surprised at what you see and what you learn!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Running Friends
As women, we rely upon our friends for support, encouragement, a listening ear, and laughter. My husband also provides these, but the relationships we have with other women are just different - and necessary! Although my husband will listen to my complaints about PMS, he can't truly empathize. Can a man truly understand why gaining 3 pounds of water is so devastating, or how our hormones can suddenly cause us to want to rip off the head of someone who unintentionally angers us? We are emotional, and sometimes it's just calming to spend time with someone who has felt the same way.
When I am thinking about the many ways that running has been beneficial in my life, I often think about the friends and fellow runners I have been in contact with. Running seems to help create a special bond among people. We all understand how difficult running can be, particularly when one is just beginning. We remember (or still endure) the stiff legs, the pain felt when ascending a flight of stairs, and the feeling of accomplishment when we finally ran that first mile! The first time that I experienced the full impact of the camaradarie of running was at a race in Owensboro, Kentucky. My husband and I had run the 5k, and were watching the finish of the 10k (after having gone to Cold Stone Creamery for our post-race indulgence). We were impressed by the fast finishers, but what most impressed me was when the final runner was coming toward the finish, and the crowd all started clapping and cheering for her. There was more cheering for her than for the young man who had won. She had finished, and we all knew what an accomplishment that was. I was hooked.
Shortly after I began running last year, my childhood friend Jackie started to run. We grew up on the same block, and I spent a lot of time with her family. Her sister is my age and has been one of my best friends for years. Last year, I met goals earlier than Jackie simply because I had begun a couple months before her. It was helpful because when I knew that I could run 2 miles, I pushed her to meet that mark. We ran together about 3 times a week, and I ran on my own a couple of days. Together we complained about our achy legs and feet, the heat, the absurdity of running, and anything else we could come up with. But we kept running. We still run several times a week together. I love that time with my friend; we talk about everything as we run the streets of our small town. What great therapy! Back when I started running I would see runners talking as they ran along, and I wondered how they could possibly talk when I could hardly breathe! Now people ask us the same question. This summer another friend, Jennifer, has started running with us. She is younger than the two of us, and much more athletic, but it has been great to get to know her better.
Running has strengthened my relationship with my niece Erin. She is getting ready to head off to grad school in August, but over the past year we have spent many hours together running. We have run some races together, which is something I will always cherish. Erin has such a positive attitude, and being 20 years my junior, she also has more energy! Many times she runs just a few feet in front of us, but that seems to pull us along and motivate us to run a little faster. Erin's mother - my older sister - has begun to run too. She has been walking (extremely fast) for a few years, so the transition to running is going well for her. She has had some other commitments this summer, but I hope that she gets back into running this fall.
If you haven't noticed, runners like to talk about running! Don't ask me for advice on how to get started or why I run unless you have plenty of time for my answer! There is so much to say about running. I think that most of us feel so blessed to be running that we want to share the joy with anyone who will listen. I want my friends to reap the benefits. I believe that in this sport we should pay it forward. My principal (Laura) and my good friend from school (Kim) have helped me and encouraged me for the past year. I really owe the fact that I can call myself a runner to them. They always made me feel like I could do it, and when I would get discouraged, they were right there pushing. I will always be grateful to them, and I want to do my part to do the same for others.
My husband, who is my best friend, also runs. I find this incredibly impressive because not only is he 16 years older than I, but the man also has an artificial knee! He actually started running before I did, which made it a little difficult to find a valid excuse not to run. He is not fast; he jokes about getting passed by walkers in races. He is out there - and I am very proud. We don't run together because our paces are different, but we do go to races together, and we drive to town together for our runs. We each take off on our own and meet up later. I am glad that this is something we can enjoy and work on together. Fortunately, our youngest child is 13, so if we want to go for a run, we can just go.
About running with friends...the fact is, we all have bad days. Your bad days won't likely fall on the same days as your friend's bad days. Talk ahead of time about how you want to handle that. When I have bad days where I feel like my legs are stuck in quick sand, I don't want to ruin Jackie's or Jennifer's workout - they might just feel awesome that day. Likewise, if I am having a great day, I want to push to see how far or how fast I can go. Having an understanding that it is okay to run ahead is necessary. There will be days when you both might not feel so great; then you can stop and walk together. This past Sunday was a scorcher in our area. We ran at 8:00 a.m., but it was already miserable and humid. Jackie and I took off with the intention of running at least 6 miles, but the hope of going further. By the time we had run 4 miles, I was done. I told Jackie that I was going to walk, but that she should go on. She didn't feel great either, so she also walked. We ended up walking 4 miles, and it was actually enjoyable to just walk and chat, knowing that although we weren't burning as many calories, we were still exercising. Last night Jackie, Jennifer, and I ran a 6-mile course that we will be running in a race in August. It is a tough course with a mile incline in the middle (I complain every single time I run it). We ran together until we got to the killer hill, then we each ran our own pace. We also ran our own pace for the last mile and a half. I like to try to speed up at that point, and I wanted to break an hour. We each finished at a different time, but we met at the finish line.
I have many friends who are now attempting to get started running (esp. Kelli, Annette, Lori, Kassi, and Emily), and I am so happy for them. The benefits are endless. I am in the best shape of my life, I have great new and old friends, I have more confidence, and I can call myself a runner. Share the joy with a friend!
When I am thinking about the many ways that running has been beneficial in my life, I often think about the friends and fellow runners I have been in contact with. Running seems to help create a special bond among people. We all understand how difficult running can be, particularly when one is just beginning. We remember (or still endure) the stiff legs, the pain felt when ascending a flight of stairs, and the feeling of accomplishment when we finally ran that first mile! The first time that I experienced the full impact of the camaradarie of running was at a race in Owensboro, Kentucky. My husband and I had run the 5k, and were watching the finish of the 10k (after having gone to Cold Stone Creamery for our post-race indulgence). We were impressed by the fast finishers, but what most impressed me was when the final runner was coming toward the finish, and the crowd all started clapping and cheering for her. There was more cheering for her than for the young man who had won. She had finished, and we all knew what an accomplishment that was. I was hooked.
Shortly after I began running last year, my childhood friend Jackie started to run. We grew up on the same block, and I spent a lot of time with her family. Her sister is my age and has been one of my best friends for years. Last year, I met goals earlier than Jackie simply because I had begun a couple months before her. It was helpful because when I knew that I could run 2 miles, I pushed her to meet that mark. We ran together about 3 times a week, and I ran on my own a couple of days. Together we complained about our achy legs and feet, the heat, the absurdity of running, and anything else we could come up with. But we kept running. We still run several times a week together. I love that time with my friend; we talk about everything as we run the streets of our small town. What great therapy! Back when I started running I would see runners talking as they ran along, and I wondered how they could possibly talk when I could hardly breathe! Now people ask us the same question. This summer another friend, Jennifer, has started running with us. She is younger than the two of us, and much more athletic, but it has been great to get to know her better.
Running has strengthened my relationship with my niece Erin. She is getting ready to head off to grad school in August, but over the past year we have spent many hours together running. We have run some races together, which is something I will always cherish. Erin has such a positive attitude, and being 20 years my junior, she also has more energy! Many times she runs just a few feet in front of us, but that seems to pull us along and motivate us to run a little faster. Erin's mother - my older sister - has begun to run too. She has been walking (extremely fast) for a few years, so the transition to running is going well for her. She has had some other commitments this summer, but I hope that she gets back into running this fall.
If you haven't noticed, runners like to talk about running! Don't ask me for advice on how to get started or why I run unless you have plenty of time for my answer! There is so much to say about running. I think that most of us feel so blessed to be running that we want to share the joy with anyone who will listen. I want my friends to reap the benefits. I believe that in this sport we should pay it forward. My principal (Laura) and my good friend from school (Kim) have helped me and encouraged me for the past year. I really owe the fact that I can call myself a runner to them. They always made me feel like I could do it, and when I would get discouraged, they were right there pushing. I will always be grateful to them, and I want to do my part to do the same for others.
My husband, who is my best friend, also runs. I find this incredibly impressive because not only is he 16 years older than I, but the man also has an artificial knee! He actually started running before I did, which made it a little difficult to find a valid excuse not to run. He is not fast; he jokes about getting passed by walkers in races. He is out there - and I am very proud. We don't run together because our paces are different, but we do go to races together, and we drive to town together for our runs. We each take off on our own and meet up later. I am glad that this is something we can enjoy and work on together. Fortunately, our youngest child is 13, so if we want to go for a run, we can just go.
About running with friends...the fact is, we all have bad days. Your bad days won't likely fall on the same days as your friend's bad days. Talk ahead of time about how you want to handle that. When I have bad days where I feel like my legs are stuck in quick sand, I don't want to ruin Jackie's or Jennifer's workout - they might just feel awesome that day. Likewise, if I am having a great day, I want to push to see how far or how fast I can go. Having an understanding that it is okay to run ahead is necessary. There will be days when you both might not feel so great; then you can stop and walk together. This past Sunday was a scorcher in our area. We ran at 8:00 a.m., but it was already miserable and humid. Jackie and I took off with the intention of running at least 6 miles, but the hope of going further. By the time we had run 4 miles, I was done. I told Jackie that I was going to walk, but that she should go on. She didn't feel great either, so she also walked. We ended up walking 4 miles, and it was actually enjoyable to just walk and chat, knowing that although we weren't burning as many calories, we were still exercising. Last night Jackie, Jennifer, and I ran a 6-mile course that we will be running in a race in August. It is a tough course with a mile incline in the middle (I complain every single time I run it). We ran together until we got to the killer hill, then we each ran our own pace. We also ran our own pace for the last mile and a half. I like to try to speed up at that point, and I wanted to break an hour. We each finished at a different time, but we met at the finish line.
I have many friends who are now attempting to get started running (esp. Kelli, Annette, Lori, Kassi, and Emily), and I am so happy for them. The benefits are endless. I am in the best shape of my life, I have great new and old friends, I have more confidence, and I can call myself a runner. Share the joy with a friend!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Observations and Confessions
Heat and humidity: the two go hand in hand in Southern Indiana. It just seems that this miserable weather hit earlier than usual this year. According to my over-40 memory, June is typically warm, but not so hot that simply walking outside causes one to sweat profusely and, therefore, need an extra shower each day. I expect that kind of heat in July and August, but resent its early appearance this year. I continue to run, but have had to make some adjustments to my schedule, like rising before 6:00 (I don't do that very often), or running later in the evening. Jackie and I ran 7 miles Sunday, which is the farthest I have run since the temperatures have been in the 90s.
For those of you who are attempting running for the first time, as well as those who are seasoned runners, I want to recommend a book I recently finished: Run Like a Mother. It is written by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, two moms who write it like it is! There is a chapter devoted to peeing, pooping, and passing gas. That's something that we women don't like to discuss (unlike the men in our lives!), but when running, all three can present problems. I ran by myself this past Saturday, and (though I peed several times before heading to town for my run) I had to pee most of the run. I tend to obsess, and all I could think about is peeing and how uncomfortable I was. As I ran the Greenway, I briefly considered going off into the woods, but I am really not coordinated enough to pull that off. I won't go into the other two P's, but suffice it to say that running really works on the digestive tract! Anyway, read the book. It's down to earth and easy to relate to. I love to read about running because it motivates me to continue on this journey.
I am 90% certain that the Nashville Women's Half Marathon is not going to be on my September schedule. I think it will be entirely too hot in Nashville. Since my daughter lives there, I might go visit her and try to go watch some of the race - which will probably make we wish I had given it a try! There is a smaller half in Evansville in October; that looks more promising. I have a running friend, Jennifer, who plans to run it, so we could train together (which really means she will be dragging me along!).
Now for the confessions portion...my personal road to better health has been pretty amazing (no, that's not a confession; I will get to that further down). I am able to run! It wasn't long ago that I would drive down the street, see people out running, and think about how I wished that I could do that. Do people now see me running and wish that they could be like me? That would be pretty incredible, but I would want them to know that they can run! I would want to share with them that although they can't expect to go out and run 5 miles, or even a mile, they can run a few steps, and then add a few each day. They can get out and move forward, which is much more beneficial that sitting on the couch. So, what's the confession? I am still struggling with a healthy diet. I am doing much better; fruit and yogurt are a staple in our home, and our snacks are low-cal or low fat. I just can't get into the veggies, even with the farmers' markets and roadside stands beckoning me. I still love pizza and burgers and fries and desserts and steaks and...you get the idea. My favorite post-run splurge is a large Diet Pepsi and a Little Debbie Nutty Bar. Nutrition at its best! I am gradually trying to cut back on those. After watching Oprah today about her Debt Diet series and the little things we spend money on, I started thinking about how much I spend on soft drinks and snacks in a month. I am not yet brave enough to come up with a total, but I do know that cutting out my post-run snack would help my debt diet and my regular diet. And I guess that grabbing candy bars at the check-outs probably adds up too. If you see me at the grocery store and my hand is reaching for a 3 Muskateers or a Twix, feel free to mention that you read my blog - I will get the message!
As you run, think about what words inspire you to go on - your mantra. Running is such a mental game; it helps to have positive self-talk (another confession: sometimes on a really bad run I just keep telling myself that running sucks - those runs never get any better!). When breathing is labored, my eyes are burning from sweat, and my legs feel as if they will crumble at any moment, my favorite mantra is 'If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!' Run on, Friends!
For those of you who are attempting running for the first time, as well as those who are seasoned runners, I want to recommend a book I recently finished: Run Like a Mother. It is written by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, two moms who write it like it is! There is a chapter devoted to peeing, pooping, and passing gas. That's something that we women don't like to discuss (unlike the men in our lives!), but when running, all three can present problems. I ran by myself this past Saturday, and (though I peed several times before heading to town for my run) I had to pee most of the run. I tend to obsess, and all I could think about is peeing and how uncomfortable I was. As I ran the Greenway, I briefly considered going off into the woods, but I am really not coordinated enough to pull that off. I won't go into the other two P's, but suffice it to say that running really works on the digestive tract! Anyway, read the book. It's down to earth and easy to relate to. I love to read about running because it motivates me to continue on this journey.
I am 90% certain that the Nashville Women's Half Marathon is not going to be on my September schedule. I think it will be entirely too hot in Nashville. Since my daughter lives there, I might go visit her and try to go watch some of the race - which will probably make we wish I had given it a try! There is a smaller half in Evansville in October; that looks more promising. I have a running friend, Jennifer, who plans to run it, so we could train together (which really means she will be dragging me along!).
Now for the confessions portion...my personal road to better health has been pretty amazing (no, that's not a confession; I will get to that further down). I am able to run! It wasn't long ago that I would drive down the street, see people out running, and think about how I wished that I could do that. Do people now see me running and wish that they could be like me? That would be pretty incredible, but I would want them to know that they can run! I would want to share with them that although they can't expect to go out and run 5 miles, or even a mile, they can run a few steps, and then add a few each day. They can get out and move forward, which is much more beneficial that sitting on the couch. So, what's the confession? I am still struggling with a healthy diet. I am doing much better; fruit and yogurt are a staple in our home, and our snacks are low-cal or low fat. I just can't get into the veggies, even with the farmers' markets and roadside stands beckoning me. I still love pizza and burgers and fries and desserts and steaks and...you get the idea. My favorite post-run splurge is a large Diet Pepsi and a Little Debbie Nutty Bar. Nutrition at its best! I am gradually trying to cut back on those. After watching Oprah today about her Debt Diet series and the little things we spend money on, I started thinking about how much I spend on soft drinks and snacks in a month. I am not yet brave enough to come up with a total, but I do know that cutting out my post-run snack would help my debt diet and my regular diet. And I guess that grabbing candy bars at the check-outs probably adds up too. If you see me at the grocery store and my hand is reaching for a 3 Muskateers or a Twix, feel free to mention that you read my blog - I will get the message!
As you run, think about what words inspire you to go on - your mantra. Running is such a mental game; it helps to have positive self-talk (another confession: sometimes on a really bad run I just keep telling myself that running sucks - those runs never get any better!). When breathing is labored, my eyes are burning from sweat, and my legs feel as if they will crumble at any moment, my favorite mantra is 'If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!' Run on, Friends!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Me and My Big Mouth!
How is it that one month ago I felt completely confident that I could run a half marathon by September, and today I am even more confident that I can't? One major factor is the Southern Indiana humidity that hit early this year. I just can't seem to adjust to the heat. I was running 9-11 miles, and now it is an accomplishment to run 6. It's very frustrating. After announcing on my blog that I would run the Women's Half in Nashville, I have to say that I am pretty certain that's not going to happen. On top of the issues with heat and humidity, my hip has decided to act up again. It doesn't hurt much when I run, but afterwards it is quite painful.
I hope to be able to work through the discomfort because my next goal is to complete a 10k (6.2 miles) on July 10. As long as the body holds out, I am not worried about the distance. The race is the Owensboro Classic, and there is a 5k and 10k both in the evening. Last year Gary and I ran the 5k, and it was the first fun race that we ran. The atmosphere was great, and there were a lot of runners. The course is flat, which was great for us newbies. It didn't hurt that if one ran in any race, he or she was signed up to win $1500 in a drawing!
Gary and I ran a race in Owensboro this past weekend. It was the OMHS 5k, and held in conjunction with the groundbreaking of the new hospital. One of the reasons we chose this race was that there was no entry fee, and with both of us running, fees add up quickly! Since it was free, and we got t-shirts, I know I shouldn't complain, but I am going to anyway. First, and this ISN'T a complaint, my teacher-friend, Emily, was also there to run, so she and I ran together. It is great having someone to talk with. She hasn't been running long, and told me that she would try to keep up with me for as long as she could (kinda makes me sound fast!). We took off, and we were running a an 8-minute pace, which is awesome for me! My first race I ran a 12-minute pace, and have gradually improved over the past several months). Emily stayed with me the whole time, and we were able to maintain an 8-minute average. I was excited because I knew I would PR this race - and maybe even place in my age group. Until we got to the finish line. First, the course was only 2.6 miles, which is a half mile short of a 5k. And, they didn't even keep time - at all. So, we ran 2.6 miles in 21 minutes, which is about 8.06 min/mile, and the only ones who knew were us - and my husband. I was really disappointed. There was a race in Evansville the same day, and I really wish I had run that instead.
Jackie and I are now working (along with Erin) on the Schweizer Fest 6-mile course. We are running the course every week so that we are prepared come August. I am also spending time praying for an unusually cool Schweizer Fest weekend! The course isn't bad, except for the Mozart Street hill. I have been running that hill about every week for a year, and it is still difficult. My go-to man for advice (Tom) says that I need to run it 3 times in a row, walking back down in between attempts, but once I reach the top, I am so thankful I have made it yet again that there is no way I am walking down and doing it all over!
Addison and I are also working some tennis into our summer. I love to play; I just wish more people in this area played. It used to be a pretty popular sport in Tell City, with the Schweizer Fest tourney drawing many players, but now it is difficult to get enough players just to keep it going. Gary, Addison, and I went out to hit golf balls for the first time this season. Just like last year, I suck royally. I just don't know that I have the patience to learn - or to listen to advice. I want to be able to play because it is something that we can all do together, but it is sooo hard! Addison is really a good player, so I hope that she keeps it up. In another year, she might have to choose between golf and band, and presently she is leaning toward band. Although I hope that ultimately she doesn't have to choose, I would want her to choose what makes her happy. Her dad, on the other hand, desperately hopes for golf!
Thanks for reading - now get out and move!
I hope to be able to work through the discomfort because my next goal is to complete a 10k (6.2 miles) on July 10. As long as the body holds out, I am not worried about the distance. The race is the Owensboro Classic, and there is a 5k and 10k both in the evening. Last year Gary and I ran the 5k, and it was the first fun race that we ran. The atmosphere was great, and there were a lot of runners. The course is flat, which was great for us newbies. It didn't hurt that if one ran in any race, he or she was signed up to win $1500 in a drawing!
Gary and I ran a race in Owensboro this past weekend. It was the OMHS 5k, and held in conjunction with the groundbreaking of the new hospital. One of the reasons we chose this race was that there was no entry fee, and with both of us running, fees add up quickly! Since it was free, and we got t-shirts, I know I shouldn't complain, but I am going to anyway. First, and this ISN'T a complaint, my teacher-friend, Emily, was also there to run, so she and I ran together. It is great having someone to talk with. She hasn't been running long, and told me that she would try to keep up with me for as long as she could (kinda makes me sound fast!). We took off, and we were running a an 8-minute pace, which is awesome for me! My first race I ran a 12-minute pace, and have gradually improved over the past several months). Emily stayed with me the whole time, and we were able to maintain an 8-minute average. I was excited because I knew I would PR this race - and maybe even place in my age group. Until we got to the finish line. First, the course was only 2.6 miles, which is a half mile short of a 5k. And, they didn't even keep time - at all. So, we ran 2.6 miles in 21 minutes, which is about 8.06 min/mile, and the only ones who knew were us - and my husband. I was really disappointed. There was a race in Evansville the same day, and I really wish I had run that instead.
Jackie and I are now working (along with Erin) on the Schweizer Fest 6-mile course. We are running the course every week so that we are prepared come August. I am also spending time praying for an unusually cool Schweizer Fest weekend! The course isn't bad, except for the Mozart Street hill. I have been running that hill about every week for a year, and it is still difficult. My go-to man for advice (Tom) says that I need to run it 3 times in a row, walking back down in between attempts, but once I reach the top, I am so thankful I have made it yet again that there is no way I am walking down and doing it all over!
Addison and I are also working some tennis into our summer. I love to play; I just wish more people in this area played. It used to be a pretty popular sport in Tell City, with the Schweizer Fest tourney drawing many players, but now it is difficult to get enough players just to keep it going. Gary, Addison, and I went out to hit golf balls for the first time this season. Just like last year, I suck royally. I just don't know that I have the patience to learn - or to listen to advice. I want to be able to play because it is something that we can all do together, but it is sooo hard! Addison is really a good player, so I hope that she keeps it up. In another year, she might have to choose between golf and band, and presently she is leaning toward band. Although I hope that ultimately she doesn't have to choose, I would want her to choose what makes her happy. Her dad, on the other hand, desperately hopes for golf!
Thanks for reading - now get out and move!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Setting Goals
I talked with my students about setting goals today. I explained that setting goals can motivate us in all aspects of our lives. Our lesson was actually about saving money, and setting goals in order to establish a plan to save money, but we took the idea of goal-setting into other areas. The kids have AR goals for reading, goals for DIBELS testing, goals for their grades, and so on. Just as they have goals, I, too, have some life goals. I need them so that I stay active, motivated, and so that I continue to evolve into a better, healthier person.
When I started on this journey of training my over-40 body to run, my goals were minimal. I wanted to be able to run without passing out or vomiting, and I eventually wanted to be able to run the 2-mile race at the Schweizer Fest. As my loving husband will eagerly profess, I am a bit (well...very) neurotic. I might set a goal, but then I want to achieve that goal in record time. The 2-mile race was in August, but I reached my goal in May. So I set the next goal. I wanted to be able to run 3 miles so that I could run a 5K. By June of last year, I could check that goal off of my list. After that, I worked on my speed and adding miles. Knowing that I would never be fast, I was still determined to improve my speed in races, which I have done. I might never be competitive, but I will beat someone!
Over the past several months, Gary and some of my running friends have told me that I could complete a half marathon. I just wasn't feeling it. Running for two hours did not sound at all appealing, and taking time to train for that wasn't a priority. Then one Sunday I ran 9 miles, and the next I ran 10. Is it possible? I felt great on those two runs. After those two runs, I was able to see a dream come true, which has made me even more motivated to train.
While for most of you this might seem a rather strange dream, it was my dream, and I was thrilled to have the chance to reach it. I ran along Lake Michigan in Chicago! Having lived my early childhood years about 1/2 hour from Chicago, I spent time there as a child, and have gone back several times as an adult - but never as a runner. Kim Strobel and I went to Chicago for an International Reading Association conference, and we had time to get out and enjoy the city, so we ran. The wind off the lake was wicked, but I looked to my left and the lake was about 10 feet from me; I looked to my right and saw the amazing skyline; and up ahead was the Field Museum of History. I was in awe, and I was willing to run in that wind in order to experience a beautiful run.
So, now I am back running in Tell City, and I am planning to run the Women's Half Marathon in September in Nashville. I feel that running a women's race will be less intimidating, and it will be a fun 'girly' weekend. I am desperately trying to convince my niece Erin to run it with me. Running for 13.1 miles can get pretty lonely, and if she were with me, I have no doubt we could both finish. This past Sunday I ran 11.17 miles! That is my furthest run yet, and I lived to write about it! I am so excited to continue to add mileage and improve my running. Last year at this time I still hated running! It is amazing what our bodies can do if we are willing to challenge them.
I must tell you another amazing story: My sister, who is 11 years older than I, and has never been an athlete (she is the smart one who spent her time studying), started running a couple months ago. She has walked for exercise for a long time, and she walks fast. I think that made the transition to running a little easier for her because she has already run 5 miles! It took me months to get to that point. I am so proud of her! This Saturday she will run her first 5K, and her baby sister will be right at the finish line cheering her on!
If my sister and I can call ourselves runners, anyone can! We all started out by combining running and walking, and gradually adding a bit more running. We all know how hard it is to get started, and we appreciate the effort that everyone must put in. If you choose to run, you will find more support than you ever thought possible. There is a camaraderie like no other among runners.
Get outside...it's almost summer!
When I started on this journey of training my over-40 body to run, my goals were minimal. I wanted to be able to run without passing out or vomiting, and I eventually wanted to be able to run the 2-mile race at the Schweizer Fest. As my loving husband will eagerly profess, I am a bit (well...very) neurotic. I might set a goal, but then I want to achieve that goal in record time. The 2-mile race was in August, but I reached my goal in May. So I set the next goal. I wanted to be able to run 3 miles so that I could run a 5K. By June of last year, I could check that goal off of my list. After that, I worked on my speed and adding miles. Knowing that I would never be fast, I was still determined to improve my speed in races, which I have done. I might never be competitive, but I will beat someone!
Over the past several months, Gary and some of my running friends have told me that I could complete a half marathon. I just wasn't feeling it. Running for two hours did not sound at all appealing, and taking time to train for that wasn't a priority. Then one Sunday I ran 9 miles, and the next I ran 10. Is it possible? I felt great on those two runs. After those two runs, I was able to see a dream come true, which has made me even more motivated to train.
While for most of you this might seem a rather strange dream, it was my dream, and I was thrilled to have the chance to reach it. I ran along Lake Michigan in Chicago! Having lived my early childhood years about 1/2 hour from Chicago, I spent time there as a child, and have gone back several times as an adult - but never as a runner. Kim Strobel and I went to Chicago for an International Reading Association conference, and we had time to get out and enjoy the city, so we ran. The wind off the lake was wicked, but I looked to my left and the lake was about 10 feet from me; I looked to my right and saw the amazing skyline; and up ahead was the Field Museum of History. I was in awe, and I was willing to run in that wind in order to experience a beautiful run.
So, now I am back running in Tell City, and I am planning to run the Women's Half Marathon in September in Nashville. I feel that running a women's race will be less intimidating, and it will be a fun 'girly' weekend. I am desperately trying to convince my niece Erin to run it with me. Running for 13.1 miles can get pretty lonely, and if she were with me, I have no doubt we could both finish. This past Sunday I ran 11.17 miles! That is my furthest run yet, and I lived to write about it! I am so excited to continue to add mileage and improve my running. Last year at this time I still hated running! It is amazing what our bodies can do if we are willing to challenge them.
I must tell you another amazing story: My sister, who is 11 years older than I, and has never been an athlete (she is the smart one who spent her time studying), started running a couple months ago. She has walked for exercise for a long time, and she walks fast. I think that made the transition to running a little easier for her because she has already run 5 miles! It took me months to get to that point. I am so proud of her! This Saturday she will run her first 5K, and her baby sister will be right at the finish line cheering her on!
If my sister and I can call ourselves runners, anyone can! We all started out by combining running and walking, and gradually adding a bit more running. We all know how hard it is to get started, and we appreciate the effort that everyone must put in. If you choose to run, you will find more support than you ever thought possible. There is a camaraderie like no other among runners.
Get outside...it's almost summer!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Just Maybe Spring is Here...
Wow...I haven't blogged since February! Either life is very dull and not really worth writing about, or I have been pretty busy, and just haven't taken the time. Since life is never dull in a house full of teenage girls, I'll go with the latter.
Before I get to how my running is progressing, there have been some other events in our lives that are worth mentioning. Foremost on that list is that my oldest daughter, Morgan, has spread her wings and moved to Nashville. No, she doesn't sing, nor does she play an instrument (she said that is what everyone down there asks when she tells them she is new in town). She just loves the city. This is my child who has always hated large cities, and swore she would never leave good ole Perry County! She began a job at Ruby Tuesdays this week, and hopefully all will go well there. With Bethany going to Indianapolis for college in August, it is very odd to imagine my girls living six hours apart, and just having Addison here with us. As I look back over their lives, their childhoods seemed to have gone by in a flash. I pray that I taught them everything they need to know, and that they are happy, and they make a difference in the lives of others.
My in-laws also relocated last month. They had been living in South Texas in the winter, and traveling the rest of the year. They sold their Texas home and bought a place in Lawrenceburg, KY, just outside of Lexington. My sister-in-law and her husband live in Lawrenceburg. It is going to be great to have them within two hours. This past weekend we were able to go down to help them do some painting.
Running! I am still keeping up with it. I am so proud that I made it through the winter, and was able to maintain my distance and actually increased my speed a little. We ran our first race of the year on March 13 in Evansville. There were over 930 runners, and a couple hundred walkers. It was a fun race, although it was cold and dreary, even misting the last mile or two. The race was 7K, which is 4.34 miles. My time was 38:17, which is an 8:59 pace. I placed 11/47 in my age group, which was really exciting! Last year at this time, I was hardly running a mile! The next race that we plan to run is in French Lick in April. It is a 5K, and a flat course that winds through the French Lick Hotel and West Baden Hotel. Running in races helps to keep me motivated, and helps me to want to improve. I know that I will never be a competitive runner, but improving is enough for me (well, I do pour over times and try to figure out what I need to do to place if possible, and I am sort of competitive, but I am still realistic).
My sister, Bobbi, is trying to add running to her exercise program. Let me just say that this lady walks about as fast as I run! She is in great shape, so I am excited to see what she can do running. She has been working on the treadmill, and ran 1 1/2 miles without stopping, so she is well on her way. We are going to meet this evening to see what she can do outside.
I have worked really hard to improve my running, get into better shape, and just be healthier, but I still struggle with eating. I do not like many veggies, and I love pizza, burgers, sweets, and candy. I just can't give them up. I have tried to cut back, and I know that I need to have better habits so that Addison will develop better habits, but gosh, it is so hard. Last night was $6 pizza night; I can't cook for that! We are buying healthier snacks (which are way more expensive), and we don't eat much fast food at all, but a person can only eat so much grilled chicken! I think that it will always be a battle for me. Thus far I have managed to stay healthy, yet have never eaten many veggies or much fruit. I am trying to eat more applesauce and drink apple juice, and we always have bananas, but I still need to add more.
We are on spring break this week. While many of my friends are on beaches in Florida, I am home. I am enjoying time at home, and just doing what I want. Addison has to have a test done on Friday to see if her gall bladder is functioning. I am anxious to get that done so that she can begin to get some relief from her constant stomach pains.
Have a terrific week, and try something new! You will be glad you did!
Before I get to how my running is progressing, there have been some other events in our lives that are worth mentioning. Foremost on that list is that my oldest daughter, Morgan, has spread her wings and moved to Nashville. No, she doesn't sing, nor does she play an instrument (she said that is what everyone down there asks when she tells them she is new in town). She just loves the city. This is my child who has always hated large cities, and swore she would never leave good ole Perry County! She began a job at Ruby Tuesdays this week, and hopefully all will go well there. With Bethany going to Indianapolis for college in August, it is very odd to imagine my girls living six hours apart, and just having Addison here with us. As I look back over their lives, their childhoods seemed to have gone by in a flash. I pray that I taught them everything they need to know, and that they are happy, and they make a difference in the lives of others.
My in-laws also relocated last month. They had been living in South Texas in the winter, and traveling the rest of the year. They sold their Texas home and bought a place in Lawrenceburg, KY, just outside of Lexington. My sister-in-law and her husband live in Lawrenceburg. It is going to be great to have them within two hours. This past weekend we were able to go down to help them do some painting.
Running! I am still keeping up with it. I am so proud that I made it through the winter, and was able to maintain my distance and actually increased my speed a little. We ran our first race of the year on March 13 in Evansville. There were over 930 runners, and a couple hundred walkers. It was a fun race, although it was cold and dreary, even misting the last mile or two. The race was 7K, which is 4.34 miles. My time was 38:17, which is an 8:59 pace. I placed 11/47 in my age group, which was really exciting! Last year at this time, I was hardly running a mile! The next race that we plan to run is in French Lick in April. It is a 5K, and a flat course that winds through the French Lick Hotel and West Baden Hotel. Running in races helps to keep me motivated, and helps me to want to improve. I know that I will never be a competitive runner, but improving is enough for me (well, I do pour over times and try to figure out what I need to do to place if possible, and I am sort of competitive, but I am still realistic).
My sister, Bobbi, is trying to add running to her exercise program. Let me just say that this lady walks about as fast as I run! She is in great shape, so I am excited to see what she can do running. She has been working on the treadmill, and ran 1 1/2 miles without stopping, so she is well on her way. We are going to meet this evening to see what she can do outside.
I have worked really hard to improve my running, get into better shape, and just be healthier, but I still struggle with eating. I do not like many veggies, and I love pizza, burgers, sweets, and candy. I just can't give them up. I have tried to cut back, and I know that I need to have better habits so that Addison will develop better habits, but gosh, it is so hard. Last night was $6 pizza night; I can't cook for that! We are buying healthier snacks (which are way more expensive), and we don't eat much fast food at all, but a person can only eat so much grilled chicken! I think that it will always be a battle for me. Thus far I have managed to stay healthy, yet have never eaten many veggies or much fruit. I am trying to eat more applesauce and drink apple juice, and we always have bananas, but I still need to add more.
We are on spring break this week. While many of my friends are on beaches in Florida, I am home. I am enjoying time at home, and just doing what I want. Addison has to have a test done on Friday to see if her gall bladder is functioning. I am anxious to get that done so that she can begin to get some relief from her constant stomach pains.
Have a terrific week, and try something new! You will be glad you did!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
When Will This End??
To say that I am tired of winter, especially snow, would be an understatement. One good snow per season is enough to satisfy the ''Northern Girl" in me! I dream of spring, warm temperatures, tennis matches, and track meets. Of course, that means that graduation is fast approaching, and I don't know if I am ready for that! I haven't even seen Bethany much this winter because she can't get up our hill in her Camry. She has been staying at her dad's in town, or at the Lashers'. I guess this will help prepare me for her move to Indy in August.
Speaking of moves, Morgan made her big move to Nashville this past weekend. I am all for her getting our of Perry County and seeing what this big world has to offer, but would have prefered that she had a job first. Sometimes timing just isn't what we would hope for; her friends found a place, and their lease was up, so if Morgan wanted to move in with them, she had to go now. She is applying anywhere and everywhere for a job, so I pray (hourly) that something will come through. She was asking me yesterday how to sell plasma, so I think she is feeling the pressure.
The last 6 weeks of our lives have been filled with puppies! Izabel had 8 puppies on January 8. They are absolutely adorable, but we are so tired of cleaning poop and pee! My house smells like a kennel, and I don't know that our family room carpeting is salvagable. It needed to be replaced before, and though it is mostly covered with a tarp, it will probably become a priority (at least in my mind) after we have delivered the litter to their new homes - hoping that we have enough homes! We will keep one of the pups, and as of today, it will be Einstein. Morgan plans to take a girl appropriately named 'Presley', although I don't know if she has a plan to cover pet expenses.
Running...though the Mother Nature is doing her best to discourage me, I will not be taken down that easily! I haven't run quite as much, but I am still getting in at least 4 runs per week, albeit some are on that dreaded torture machine - the treadmill. My niece can run 8-10 miles on a treadmill, but I can hardly eek out 3 miles. It is all I can do to make it to that 3-mile mark, and I quit. I just hate it. I stair out my bedroom window into the woods just hoping to see an animal doing something interesting to keep my mind occupied for a few minutes. I wish that there were a good spot to put the treadmill, and the I could have a TV to watch; perhaps then time would go a bit quicker. Somehow, today I am going to get to town and run outside. I might spend my time trying not to break my ankle on a snowmound, but the fresh air would be worth it!
Jackie has had a hip injury, much like the one that I had, so she hasn't been able to run with me for about 2 weeks. Having a running partner makes all the difference. Once in a while, running alone is tolerable. I can try to increase my pace, and then if it hurts I can slow back down, and I can just meditate. I wouldn't, however, want to run alone all the time. Having someone to talk to makes the run so much better. Having that someone be a therapist and a dear friend is an extra treat!
This week there was a picture of me, along with some running friends, and a very brief testimonial in an ad for Perry County Wellness. For those of you who know me well, this is really a stretch! Yes, I have become a 'runner', and I have embraced exercise, but not without fighting it for the previous 42 years! And, if Tony Hollinden had any idea what my eating habits consist of, he wouldn't have my picture anywhere near the word 'wellness'. I am trying to eat healthier, and have been for the past year, but, quite frankly, I think vegetables suck. Oh, go ahead and say it, 'it all depends on how you fix them'. Nope. Not buying that. My taste buds are not compatible with green veggies. Period. My after-a-long-run-favorite-snack? A Little Debbie Nutty Bar and a large Diet Pepsi! My husband is a fan of veggies, and has tried (unsuccessfully) to get me to branch out, but it just isn't going to happen. My mother force-fed me green beans, spinach, brocolli, and any other green, slimy vegetable you can name, but it certainly did not aid in my developing a taste for them. And yet, I am healthy.
Time to move on...thanks for reading!
Speaking of moves, Morgan made her big move to Nashville this past weekend. I am all for her getting our of Perry County and seeing what this big world has to offer, but would have prefered that she had a job first. Sometimes timing just isn't what we would hope for; her friends found a place, and their lease was up, so if Morgan wanted to move in with them, she had to go now. She is applying anywhere and everywhere for a job, so I pray (hourly) that something will come through. She was asking me yesterday how to sell plasma, so I think she is feeling the pressure.
The last 6 weeks of our lives have been filled with puppies! Izabel had 8 puppies on January 8. They are absolutely adorable, but we are so tired of cleaning poop and pee! My house smells like a kennel, and I don't know that our family room carpeting is salvagable. It needed to be replaced before, and though it is mostly covered with a tarp, it will probably become a priority (at least in my mind) after we have delivered the litter to their new homes - hoping that we have enough homes! We will keep one of the pups, and as of today, it will be Einstein. Morgan plans to take a girl appropriately named 'Presley', although I don't know if she has a plan to cover pet expenses.
Running...though the Mother Nature is doing her best to discourage me, I will not be taken down that easily! I haven't run quite as much, but I am still getting in at least 4 runs per week, albeit some are on that dreaded torture machine - the treadmill. My niece can run 8-10 miles on a treadmill, but I can hardly eek out 3 miles. It is all I can do to make it to that 3-mile mark, and I quit. I just hate it. I stair out my bedroom window into the woods just hoping to see an animal doing something interesting to keep my mind occupied for a few minutes. I wish that there were a good spot to put the treadmill, and the I could have a TV to watch; perhaps then time would go a bit quicker. Somehow, today I am going to get to town and run outside. I might spend my time trying not to break my ankle on a snowmound, but the fresh air would be worth it!
Jackie has had a hip injury, much like the one that I had, so she hasn't been able to run with me for about 2 weeks. Having a running partner makes all the difference. Once in a while, running alone is tolerable. I can try to increase my pace, and then if it hurts I can slow back down, and I can just meditate. I wouldn't, however, want to run alone all the time. Having someone to talk to makes the run so much better. Having that someone be a therapist and a dear friend is an extra treat!
This week there was a picture of me, along with some running friends, and a very brief testimonial in an ad for Perry County Wellness. For those of you who know me well, this is really a stretch! Yes, I have become a 'runner', and I have embraced exercise, but not without fighting it for the previous 42 years! And, if Tony Hollinden had any idea what my eating habits consist of, he wouldn't have my picture anywhere near the word 'wellness'. I am trying to eat healthier, and have been for the past year, but, quite frankly, I think vegetables suck. Oh, go ahead and say it, 'it all depends on how you fix them'. Nope. Not buying that. My taste buds are not compatible with green veggies. Period. My after-a-long-run-favorite-snack? A Little Debbie Nutty Bar and a large Diet Pepsi! My husband is a fan of veggies, and has tried (unsuccessfully) to get me to branch out, but it just isn't going to happen. My mother force-fed me green beans, spinach, brocolli, and any other green, slimy vegetable you can name, but it certainly did not aid in my developing a taste for them. And yet, I am healthy.
Time to move on...thanks for reading!
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