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!!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
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!
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