So it's here....the 1/2 is tomorrow and I'm excited and I do have some nerves but that's a good thing. I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to a strong run. I'm hoping the weather holds out, looks like it will be a nice day, I just hope the rain stays away.
I think I'm a little nervous about my friends and if they'll enjoy their first 1/2 marathon experience. I hope so!
Anyway, I'll update how the run goes. Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and support, you all will be with me tomorrow!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
9 miles
I ran 9 miles yesterday and it was wonderful!! I felt strong and made sure I was hydrated and refueled with my Clif's Shot Bloks. I didn't hit the pavement until 4:20 and ran 2 hours. I passed some resturaunts and I'm typically not a huge fan of Pizza Hut but it smelled GOOD!!! I was suprised at some of the hills that I was able to complete. I was thinking because this long wrong was happening at the end of the day I wouldn't be able to run some of the hills, and I was OK with that. So I was super amazed when I actually made it up them with ease. There were a couple times that my heart rate was a bit high so I took a walking break outside my normal run 9 minutes walk 1 minute pace. I brought the heart rate down and then back to running I went.
I think I surprised myself in a good way. Yesterday a friend of mine put together a day of prayer between friends. We all added items to the list and we would all pray for them. I did ask that she pray for me to have the strength, courage and the confidence in myself for my the 1/2 marathon. You all know that I occasionally struggle with confidence in myself at times so I just wanted to be sure I had all the support I could behind me and I really felt it.
I'm looking forward to a lazy weekend, it's rainy and icky and I'm happy to have my long run out of the way today!
I think I surprised myself in a good way. Yesterday a friend of mine put together a day of prayer between friends. We all added items to the list and we would all pray for them. I did ask that she pray for me to have the strength, courage and the confidence in myself for my the 1/2 marathon. You all know that I occasionally struggle with confidence in myself at times so I just wanted to be sure I had all the support I could behind me and I really felt it.
I'm looking forward to a lazy weekend, it's rainy and icky and I'm happy to have my long run out of the way today!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Take two
That's because this is the second time I'm trying to post this LOL
I've taken a week off from running because of being sick last week. It was the right choice to not run but I miss it and I'm looking forward to a strong run after work. The run is coming up soon and I'm getting excited. The 2 ladies I'm running with are getting excited too and I hope they have a great experience as I did on my first 1/2 marathon. If they decide they never want to do another that is fine, I'm just happy that I've inspired them for this one and could be there to cheer them along.
Yesterday we were at a birthday party for my cousin's daughter. It was good to be around my family from Illinois for a second week in a row. It got me to thinking how I really want to be closer to them so I need to come up with ways/opportunities for us to get together, even if it's just for a cook out. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. My mom didn't have us spend a lot of time with family when we were younger, I now know it was so that no one would spill the beans about my brother's dad being alive (and well now we all know he's my dad too). There were so many lies that it really was the only way for her to protect her scheme. Sadly it was my brother and I that really got short changed and we weren't able to spend as much time with our aunts and uncles as I would have liked. Truthfully she hurt herself too but not having them around, now she's kind of all alone, even when she is with family she hangs with her grandkids...and they are getting too old to want to do that.
But on another note, I spent a little time with my Grandpa. He's 89 and just wonderful in my eyes. Last week A asked for an apple cake, one of her favorites especially when it's from great grandpa and he delivered. It's mighty tasty too. But I could see the years are catching up with him. He's slowing down some and I'm not sure how many more years he'll be with us. When I was younger and we'd visit my grandma and grandpa I loved it. Icecream, cookies, gum all the things we were never allowed at home. I would sit and paint my nails with my grandma and then grandpa would scratch my back for hours. It really was wonderful and my little escape from the realities of our home life which weren't great. I don't think my grandparents will ever know how important they were to me. I think my grandparents were amazing, of course my mom recounts how strict they were etc but I guess that's the difference between kids and grandkids....I can see it with how my mom treated me and how she treats her grandkids. I guess it's the normal cycle of life between kids and grandkids. :)
I've taken a week off from running because of being sick last week. It was the right choice to not run but I miss it and I'm looking forward to a strong run after work. The run is coming up soon and I'm getting excited. The 2 ladies I'm running with are getting excited too and I hope they have a great experience as I did on my first 1/2 marathon. If they decide they never want to do another that is fine, I'm just happy that I've inspired them for this one and could be there to cheer them along.
Yesterday we were at a birthday party for my cousin's daughter. It was good to be around my family from Illinois for a second week in a row. It got me to thinking how I really want to be closer to them so I need to come up with ways/opportunities for us to get together, even if it's just for a cook out. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. My mom didn't have us spend a lot of time with family when we were younger, I now know it was so that no one would spill the beans about my brother's dad being alive (and well now we all know he's my dad too). There were so many lies that it really was the only way for her to protect her scheme. Sadly it was my brother and I that really got short changed and we weren't able to spend as much time with our aunts and uncles as I would have liked. Truthfully she hurt herself too but not having them around, now she's kind of all alone, even when she is with family she hangs with her grandkids...and they are getting too old to want to do that.
But on another note, I spent a little time with my Grandpa. He's 89 and just wonderful in my eyes. Last week A asked for an apple cake, one of her favorites especially when it's from great grandpa and he delivered. It's mighty tasty too. But I could see the years are catching up with him. He's slowing down some and I'm not sure how many more years he'll be with us. When I was younger and we'd visit my grandma and grandpa I loved it. Icecream, cookies, gum all the things we were never allowed at home. I would sit and paint my nails with my grandma and then grandpa would scratch my back for hours. It really was wonderful and my little escape from the realities of our home life which weren't great. I don't think my grandparents will ever know how important they were to me. I think my grandparents were amazing, of course my mom recounts how strict they were etc but I guess that's the difference between kids and grandkids....I can see it with how my mom treated me and how she treats her grandkids. I guess it's the normal cycle of life between kids and grandkids. :)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Feeling icky
That's right, I'm feeling very icky. On Tuesday I started not feeling well, somewhat of an upset stomach. I left work a little early and by the time I was done picking up the kids from school I was down for the count. I plopped myself on the couch with a pillow and blanket and didn't move the rest of the night. I took 2 Tylenol PM and I was out by 7:45 or so. Yesterday I WFH and tried to relax. Feeling a smidge better than the day before. I'm not sure if I have a stomach bug or if it's from eating too much Activia. If I recall about a year ago I was on the Activia challenge and after while my stomach was not right. I stopped taking it and I was fine. I vowed that I wouldn't eat it with regularity. J wanted some so I picked up a big multi pack at Sam's and I started eating it again....I'm wondering if the bacteria just doesn't like my system? Who knows. In today's lunch I have 2 pieces of bread and an apple. Breakfast was a chocolate soy milk/banana smoothly. I figured neither would bother my stomach and would give me some much needed energy.
No running for me this week so far, I need to let my body heal itself. I'm hoping I feel better by Saturday to get the big run in but I won't push myself....I need to get well first.
On the plus side, I lost some more weight. I'm now 6 1/2 lbs down from the beginning of the year. I believe that going off BC and taking vitamins may be helping!!! Imagine that! Although I'm happy that I may be on track it is kind of hard to swallow that J has lost 15lbs since the beginning of the year and me only 6.5...doesn't seem fair but perhaps I'm on my way!!
No running for me this week so far, I need to let my body heal itself. I'm hoping I feel better by Saturday to get the big run in but I won't push myself....I need to get well first.
On the plus side, I lost some more weight. I'm now 6 1/2 lbs down from the beginning of the year. I believe that going off BC and taking vitamins may be helping!!! Imagine that! Although I'm happy that I may be on track it is kind of hard to swallow that J has lost 15lbs since the beginning of the year and me only 6.5...doesn't seem fair but perhaps I'm on my way!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
A good weekend
Saturday I run 6 miles outside, the longest run outside to date and it was wonderful. It was a new route which brought about new scenery that was very enjoyable. I had a good time, 6 miles in 1 hour 15 min or so. If I keep this pace up I may finish this 1/2 marathon in the same time as my first one in Napa. I felt strong and I enjoyed myself which is very important.
Yesterday I ran with my niece. We ran 2.5 miles in 20 min. She did finish before me but that was OK. I wanted to be sure I kept my my 1/2 marathon pace. I want to be sure I don't run these shorter runs any faster than what my long distance pace will be. Both days were so very nice. The sun felt good and each day had just enough of a breeze out there to keep me from overheating. I couldn't ask for more.
Vitamins seem to be getting absorbed into my system. I've felt great and strong. I guess the real test will be next week as that would be my "difficult" week while on BC so we'll see. But thus far I'm feeling very optimistic and hopeful that these vitamins will help even out my hormones and get me feeling like I should be.
This week is a busy one on tap, Block Watch meetings, Religion, Softball practice (for A) and then a Awards ceremony for A's basketball participation. It will be packed that's for sure but I'm sure it will be fine.
On a side note, I'm slightly disappointed that J won't be at the finish line after the 1/2. He will be Turkey hunting. It will be fine as I finished Napa without him there. A will be there as she will sleep over with her friend and her mom is running with me so her husband will bring them. I still need to find a place for E to go as we plan on spending the night at a hotel the day before the race so we don't have to get up as early. I know it will all work out, yet it's just one more thing I need to arrange. Could be worse I suppose.
Yesterday I ran with my niece. We ran 2.5 miles in 20 min. She did finish before me but that was OK. I wanted to be sure I kept my my 1/2 marathon pace. I want to be sure I don't run these shorter runs any faster than what my long distance pace will be. Both days were so very nice. The sun felt good and each day had just enough of a breeze out there to keep me from overheating. I couldn't ask for more.
Vitamins seem to be getting absorbed into my system. I've felt great and strong. I guess the real test will be next week as that would be my "difficult" week while on BC so we'll see. But thus far I'm feeling very optimistic and hopeful that these vitamins will help even out my hormones and get me feeling like I should be.
This week is a busy one on tap, Block Watch meetings, Religion, Softball practice (for A) and then a Awards ceremony for A's basketball participation. It will be packed that's for sure but I'm sure it will be fine.
On a side note, I'm slightly disappointed that J won't be at the finish line after the 1/2. He will be Turkey hunting. It will be fine as I finished Napa without him there. A will be there as she will sleep over with her friend and her mom is running with me so her husband will bring them. I still need to find a place for E to go as we plan on spending the night at a hotel the day before the race so we don't have to get up as early. I know it will all work out, yet it's just one more thing I need to arrange. Could be worse I suppose.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Weekend
The weekend started with talking myself into a run on Saturday morning. My hormones had the best of me and I really wanted to come up with every excuse NOT to go. My husband is the best and he helped motivate me. Just start running and then you'll feel good. So I started running, wearing my Napa technical tee to help give me inspiration and off I went. Selecting a new route to change things up. The run was going well, a bit cool but that helped me from over heating. Then came some sprinkles and then it got a little heavier. I was still running strong and it was a nice route but then finally I figured I should turn around. The shirt I had chosen was white and it was getting pretty wet so I figured I didn't want to give anyone a show so I called home to get picked up. I then went on to Map My Run and the distance I ran was 4.31 miles in 50 min. I was supposed to do 10 but that was my longest run so far this season outside and I was strong, I could have kept going. I paced myself really well and felt good. That helped change my mood for the day.
We also colored Easter eggs later in the night and that was fun. The kids are getting older and I was afraid that they wouldn't still enjoy the experience but they did and that made me happy. They still even posed for the yearly egg picture (the kids lay down and I put the eggs they colored around their heads and I snap the photo). Saturday ended on a high note that's for sure!
Sunday, Easter, spent with family what could be better??
On a side note....I did get my vitamins and today is day 4 of taking them. I'm feeling optimistic that they will help and give me relief. Time will tell I suppose, but I am looking forward to a week with some relaxation, good runs, and not being short tempered or irritable.
We also colored Easter eggs later in the night and that was fun. The kids are getting older and I was afraid that they wouldn't still enjoy the experience but they did and that made me happy. They still even posed for the yearly egg picture (the kids lay down and I put the eggs they colored around their heads and I snap the photo). Saturday ended on a high note that's for sure!
Sunday, Easter, spent with family what could be better??
On a side note....I did get my vitamins and today is day 4 of taking them. I'm feeling optimistic that they will help and give me relief. Time will tell I suppose, but I am looking forward to a week with some relaxation, good runs, and not being short tempered or irritable.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Warm weather helps warm the heart
This warmer weather has been wonderful. I ran my 3 miles outside yesterday. I was stronger than I thought I was going to be. I really wanted to talk myself out of not going for a run or making it shorter but somehow I didn't let that happen. I did walk some as running outside is much different than on the treadmill. I also am not 100% back to full energy strength with my hormones still being somewhat out of whack.
On my run I really paid attention to the quiet (when no cars were passing me by), the sound of my footsteps as they hit the pavement. The birds that seemed to be singing just to me. And when I was feeling like I was defeated a nice breeze was at my back giving me the extra burst that I needed to continue and not let myself fail. I've been praying more often, not just for myself but for those that I love and care about and I think if you listen and pay attention you get the response that you need. Yesterday it was the wind at my back. It was like a little extra push to keep going, telling me that I am strong enough and you can do it!
My vitamins are also on their way. I'm really hoping that these help with all the symptoms that I'm experiencing, tiredness, irritability, feeling bloated, restless nights sleep, not losing weight and everything else. Hopefully it will be just what I need so I can go back to my sunny disposition and enjoy life, family and friends.
On my run I really paid attention to the quiet (when no cars were passing me by), the sound of my footsteps as they hit the pavement. The birds that seemed to be singing just to me. And when I was feeling like I was defeated a nice breeze was at my back giving me the extra burst that I needed to continue and not let myself fail. I've been praying more often, not just for myself but for those that I love and care about and I think if you listen and pay attention you get the response that you need. Yesterday it was the wind at my back. It was like a little extra push to keep going, telling me that I am strong enough and you can do it!
My vitamins are also on their way. I'm really hoping that these help with all the symptoms that I'm experiencing, tiredness, irritability, feeling bloated, restless nights sleep, not losing weight and everything else. Hopefully it will be just what I need so I can go back to my sunny disposition and enjoy life, family and friends.
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