I'm ba - ack!!

I took a huge sabbatical from blogging – and I’m sorry about that.  I just wasn’t sure if it was the right thing for me or not. 

I will say – I have missed the running/blogging community.  My running has slacked of significantly and I blame myself for that.  I guess I needed a break.

It’s depressing to realize that 6 months ago I was able to run 13.1 miles and today – I’m pushing myself to run 5. 

That said – I am officially back in the shoes!  I’ve signed myself up for several races over the next few months and I’m looking forward to it.  One of those being the Cupcake Classic Virtual Run - hosted by  Run with Jess - if you haven't signed up for it - you should!  She's got awesome prizes and is a great motivator!  

I've missed running - A LOT. Don't get me wrong - I've run over the past few months - but not as much as I was.  I miss the way running makes me feel.  Physically and mentally.  I'd say it's hard to explain - but I know you all get it! 

I hope everyone is doing well and I am looking forward to getting caught up on all of your blogs!!

Finally...my half marathon recap....

Before I move officially move into May (and I promise to be a better blogger this month) I want to be sure I recap my FIRST half marathon. 

I learned a lot about myself on this journey.  This is the first "quest" I've been on that I have stuck with based on sheer determination.  I have been running - since June of last year - 3, 4, 5 days+ a week.  I haven't done anything that consistently for at least 11 years.  (which is how old my son is about to turn!)

Two days before my race - my " running partner" - who has not trained with me in 6 months but had committed to run the half bailed on me.  I can't say that I was surprised but I was forced to really look inside myself. 

The biggest accomplishment of my life I was going to do alone.  I think that's my biggest takeaway from this.  Don't get me wrong - I am proud that I ran those 13.1 miles (at least most of them) but I am really PROUD that I made a decision to go - by myself  - and run for me. 

The race for the More Magazine + Fitness All Women's Half Marathon that took place in Central Park on April 15th.  The race started at 8am and since I live about 90 minutes outside of the city I needed to go in the night before. 

After playing tag with my husband (literally dropping our kids off at his office since he had to work that day) I took the train into Grand Central.  I proudly got my metro card and took the subway downtown to the expo.  Because at that point I was having (and still may be) a love / hate relationship with running I wasn't really into it.  I didn't want to buy more running gear if I was going to lay off running for awhile. 

Subway back up to my hotel and I spent the night by myself.  REALLY SUCKED to be in the city alone.  (and in bed by 9pm!)  Felt like a total waste of money and the experience.  I missed my husband and if we weren't dogsitting for our neighbors I probably would have pushed him to join me. 

Anyways....the weather on race day was really nice.  ALMOST too nice.  The corrals were very clearly marked and the porto potty lines weren't too crazy.  As the race kicked off it started to rain but it wasn't cold so I considered that to be a good thing.   The sun coming out in all its glory about half way through made it HOT. 

I was surprised by all of the walkers.  Right from the beginning there were walkers.  I'm a strict rule follower so I found this kind of annoying.  Walkers were supposed to start in the back. I'm slow - but I wasn't in the walking corral.  :-)

There were just under 8k runners.  We were on top of each other.  A lot of weaving in and out.  This didn't really bother me- I'm so used to running alone that to be in with such a tight group of people was a new experience for me. 

After the first mile I felt pretty good.  (that first mile I always have to push myself through - as crazy as that sounds) Until mile 7.5 I ran at a steady pace - around 10:40 per mile.  

Central Park is a lot of rolling hills with one mother of a hill on the Upper East.  The first time I stopped to walk was at mile 7.5 and I only walked for less than a minute- just to "regroup". 

At mile 10 I hit a wall.  My legs were lead.  The sides of my hips hurt, it was hot and I was TIRED.  I had to push myself to run.  I think I stopped 3 times in the last 3 miles!! 

My end time was 2:23:51.  Just under an 11 minute mile pace which was my goal.  Truth be told - I wanted to be sure I came in under 2:30 and I really wanted 2:15.  2:15 didn't happen - but I was pretty happy with myself. 

Overall it was a great experience and it taught me that for my next one (because I'm sure there will be a next one) I can do it.  Nothing to fear. 

I am healthy, I have trained for this - I am strong.  A good mantra - I think I'll keep it.

The Running Snob...VENT

I want to start by saying how much I love this blogging community and how supportive everyone is.  I wish I could say the same about some of the other "runners" I "run" into.

For us newbies, or slow runners, or "older" runners  - it's intimidating to join a group of people with the runner's mentality.  More, faster, better...

People who don't run admire us.  People see me out and about in my running clothes and ask - are you coming back from a run?  a race?  They are impressed.  I get told now by some people that the "don't recognize me" unless I'm in my running clothes.  (clearly I've got some social issues as I should probably dress a little better at times!)

The not so easily impressed are other runners.  They want to know - how you did.  Pace per mile, how far ....comparing the whole time.  It's human nature - I get it.


What bothers me is how quick they can be to tell you about their accomplishments - in a way that puts yours down. 


I run 15 - 20 miles a week.  A year ago I didn't run.  AT ALL.  15 - 20 miles a week, just about every week, for 9 months now is a MAJOR accomplishment for me.  I'm PROUD.  Those that run 15 miles in a day - put runners like me in a different class.  I am in a different class - no doubt.  But I would like to be supported and recognized for my efforts.


This past week I got it in my head that I want to run a Ragnar.  I went on their website and discovered that they have one in September up near where one of my closest friends lives.  She's always complaining  telling me about how her book club has practically become a running club and how much I'd enjoy it.  (she's not a runner -so she's not too happy about it)


I sent her an email asking her to check with her book club if they are interested in putting a team together.  Here's a snippet from the email she got back from one of them ...


"Ragnar is the same concept of HTC but on a smaller scale. HTC is a shining gem of a race, suspended in time that can't be replicated. But I'm sure it's quite fun in it's own right"


What the f does that mean?  Anyways.....she's out.  Not interested. 


No responses from the rest of them.


Then - there's my other friend's sister who is a tri-athlete.  She's done / does it all.  When we ran our first 5 mile race a few months back - she told us the time we should be able to run it in.  Who does that?  I'm just happy I'm running and I'm finishing.  If I have a time goal - that's personal.  It's mine.  It's not for someone else to tell me what I should be doing. 


I run for myself - so I know what others think isn't relevant.  But as a new runner, a SLOW runner (one that's 42 and 5'1 so let's face it - I'm not gonna get that much faster!) , it's intimidating.  I love it.  I do.  I do it begrudgingly some days - but I get a lot of joy out of it.  My accomplishments, the improvements to my health and my self esteem make it all worth it. 


I hate that other runners are the ones trying to take that away.


 

Supplements - finding what works.

I am not a pill taker.  Yes - I take Advil (now that I've started running more than I ever have) and your occasional Tylenol - but there is something about a multivitamin that just doesn't work for me.

I general believe that if eat a healthy diet - you get the vitamins you need each day.  I also fully understand that most days - I don't eat as healthy as I should and therefore I am sure I am lacking in areas.

I do a lot of research on supplements and how good they are for your body.  I buy them  - and in my cabinet and or refrigerator they sit.  At least - until they expire and I throw them out. 

I'll be 43 in a couple of months and my body is definately starting to remind me of that on a regular basis.  My muscles don't hurt me after a long run nearly as much as my joints do! 

There's a ton of stuff out there on the internet telling me what I should take - and in the end - it amounts to a LOT of pills each day.  I have no valid reason for why I can't / don't take these.  I have a "pill box", I know they aren't bad for me and yet....swallowing those suckers just doesn't appeal to me.  The thought of it shuts me right down.

I'm going to get better.  I'm going to experiment with this and try and keep it as simple as possible.

Here's my plan....

1.  Multivitamin  (problem is most multis are 2 a day.  I never get 2 a day in!)
2.  Fish oil (I've actually found an orange flavored liquid supplement.  If it isn't expired - I'm gonna start taking this)
3.  Calcium - I'm going to try and drink one full glass of milk a day.  I don't generally do this - I usually have it in my coffee and that's it.  I know one glass won't fulfull my daily requirement but it's a start.
4.  Glucosamine.  Here's where it goes down hill.  The bottle I have is expired so I need to buy more.  These pills are ginormous and I'm trying to avoid a situation where I buy them and end up throwing them out again.  Because my joints ache - I'm thinking this will help.  Are there alternatives?  Suggestions anyone?

Do you take vitamins or supplements of any kind?  How do you stick with it?  How do you figure out what works and what doesn't?

No Frozen Boogers.....My Freeze Your Thorns off Race Report.

Yesterday I ran the Freeze Your Thorns of 5K hosted by the Boring Runner.     

Happily the race was uneventful.  Almost boring :-).   As I said in my previous post - Friday was supposed to be a rest (sounds better to say recovery day - I think I'll start using that) day - but my overzealous self signed up for a last minute 5k with a deadline of Friday night.  I ran that sucker as fast as I could so I could get back to my wine!

Needless to say - my legs were killing me by yesterday morning.  Crosstraining is overrated.  I had done a lower body workout on Thursday night - so everything was piling on by the time the weekend hit.  Seriously - nothing makes you feel more out of shape than trying something new!

My stubborn nature (and my constant desire to win free things) had me lacing up those kicks yesterday morning.  Honestly - as much as my legs ached (and that's not an over statement) - once I started running - nothing bothered me.  It was a beautiful - 46 degree - sunny day.  (I live in NY so that's not common for this time of year!)  I ran slow (34:30) - but I was running.  I probably could have shaved a minute off my time if I wasn't futzing around with my phone's camera trying to take pictures for my blog.  (honestly- I need to get a life!)

Needless to say - no great pics....lots of the ground...but all was good. 

So thank you Boring Runner for hosting this event - happy to say - no frozen boogers for me.  Maybe next year!



My son's soccer number.

Friday Five~

1.        I’m running two virtual 5ks this weekend.  1 of them I apparently need to run tonight (I didn’t realize the deadline is for end of day today – yikes!  So much for a rest day).  The first one is to celebrate Toni’s Blogiversary and 34^th birthday over at RunningLovingLiving.  The other one – which I will run tomorrow, is the Freeze Your Thorns Off 5K – hosted by the Boring Runner .  These virtual runs really motivate me to keep moving.  (the fact that I’m running tonight is a perfect example!)

2.       I signed up for a Twitter account this week.  That’s been exciting and has been keeping me busy.

3.       I got very excited this week when I realized that the 2012 race calendars are starting to come out.  I sign up for as many local races as I can (very low budget which is great!) so I like to get these on my calendar and get signed up as soon as possible.  Benefits of early sign up are twofold – first and foremost – early birds usually get a shirt (yup – I’m shallow) and second, once I’m committed there’s always something to train for.

4.       I signed up for a 10 mile race on March 11^th.  This will be my longest distance race (to date) and will be great preparation for my half marathon in April.  Of course, the weather on March 11^th ought to be interesting!  It also happens to be my baby girl’s 6^th birthday so I’ll need to run fast so I can get home and celebrate.

5.       11 weeks till my half marathon.  I’m getting excited.   8 months ago I couldn’t run a mile and now look at me!! WOOT

Running isn't everything - or is it?

The purpose of this post today is two-fold.  When I initially started to think about what I should write for my next post - the subject line was simply Running Isn't Everything.

I'll explain.

I will shamefully admit that I just purchased the 10 minute trainer by Tony Horton.  While I consider myself to be a more advanced "athlete" (ok - I still don't consider myself an athlete) - I would like to think I need to commit more than 10 minutes to exercise.  That said -  I don't do any other cross training besides running.  I want running to be my primary focus and I don't have a lot of additional time - so I thought - what the heck, I'll give it a shot. 

On Saturday morning I put in my first 10 minute DVD.  14 minutes later (because it takes longer than 10!) I could barely walk.  On Sunday - my legs were jello and my muscles were extremely sore. 

It was at that time that I decided Running Isn't Everything.  Clearly my body needs more cross training and even if it's only in 10 minute segments - I need some work! 

Moving on to Monday -

I ended up needing to have a "medical procedure" on Monday - not planned.  I can't run or exercise for a week.  It's Wednesday - I'm depressed, I'm stressed, I'm tired and I WANT TO RUN! 

I NEED to run.  Running may not be everything - but it's a part of me.  It's more than just exercise.  It consoles me, it pushes me - I hate it (a lot) some days - but take it away and I am going through withdrawal for it. 

I'm going to walk today on my TM  - slowly so I don't get in trouble by my doctor - but it's something. 

I hate to rush time - but may this week fly by!

 

Will run for Eggplant Parm!

I went out this morning to get in my "long" run. 

At mile 2 I didn't want to run anymore.

Then I remembered that tonight's festivities will involve Eggplant Parm. 

I ran my 7. 

What are you running for today?

Happy New Year!

Running doesn't make you skinny....and other things I've learned this year....

 2011 was a great year for me.  I became a runner in 2011.  Hell - I've even been called an athlete recently by my doctor (when he was discussing how incredibly low my heartrate is :-).  I still think that's a stretch - but who am I to question my doc?

I did learn a LOT about running and myself  along the way.

1.  Let's get real here people - Running does NOT make you skinny.  I, like most other people who aren't natural born runners, put on those running shoes for the first time thinking that I was going to instantly drop weight.  HECK - that's WHY I started running.   I didn't lose a pound for the first two months.  You'd think you would - after all - when you first start running it feels like one of the hardest things you can do.  (some days - it is still the hardest thing I do!)

2.  Running is good for the SOUL but not necessarily the "SOLE". Running has changed who I am as a person.  My mental health, clarity and outlook on life have improved ten fold.  Along with this new found "ME" comes new worries about hammies, PF, footstrike and other stresses on my joints and bones.  Wouldn't change a thing....just sayin.

3.  It's all about the T-shirt.  I don't know about you - but I am one of those - 1st to register people just to be sure I get the "free to the first" registrants t-shirt.  Exactly WHEN am I supposed to wear these shirts?  Most of them are men's shirts so they aren't exactly flattering to wear around town.

4.  Running clothes can be worn anywhere.  Now that I'm a runner - I wear my seriously unflattering running clothes anywhere and everywhere.  My "identity" as a runner supercedes my concern of how big my arse looks in my running pants.  I no longer get "dressed" to go places - I throw on my gear and assume I'll get a run in while I'm there. 

5.  I'd rather run than drink.  Ok - this one I had to think about.  I do love a good "social" hour. 

6.  I feel better when I run than I look.  I guess it really is mind over matter - but when I see pictures - I cringe.  Where's that grace I'm sure I have? 

What has running taught you?  Have you changed because of it?

Let's talk about form....and my tanking EGO....

As most of us are ....I'm always disappointed, mortified, shocked when I see pictures of myself. I am convinced that I don't really look "that" way. As we all know - pics don't lie.

If you knew me you'd be impressed that I'm actually posting this picture. I do recognize how bad it is. In my defense- it's the end of the race and I'm tired. But let's get real - I'm certainly not built like a runner. I keep thinking I'm getting there and then I see one of "these" pictures.

Here's what I see in this: (be assured I am actually RUNNING in this picture - I know it's hard to tell!)

1. My arms look like they are twisting around my torso. Perfect example of bad form.
2. That I still have some extra pounds to lose and should really switch to black pants! (yikes, yikes and OMG!!)
3. My legs don't seem to bend when I run. This isn't the first time I've noticed that. Is this just how I run? Is this ok, not ok? Am I supposed to run lower (as in squat down lower)? (don't laugh at that question - I'm being
genuine here people :-).

Any tips on how to fix points 1 and 3 are greatly appreciated. Point number 2 is all me. Just another reason to keep pounding the pavement.

Finally Friday!!

What a week! Still doing quite a bit of "running" back and forth to the pediatrician - but I am happy to report that I have also done a little running on the treadmill. I got in 2 - 3 miles on Wednesday and 4 yesterday. Absolutely no cross training but I'll take what I can get this week.

My treadmill experience lately has not been enjoyable. I used to love my treadmill compared to running outside. I found the treadmill so much easier. Now that I can't (or selectively can't) run outside due to the rapidly declining temperature, I find the treadmill more difficult than hitting the pavement.

Tomorrow is my scheduled "long" run. 6 miles and I am hoping to do brave the elements and get OUT OF THIS SICK HOUSE!

I plan on training on the treadmill during the week and for my long run on weekends - doing my best to get outside. How much outdoor training do you do during the winter months? Do you think it matters? (indoors / outdoors?)

I personally think there is a big difference and worry that I will lose ground over the next few months. Tips are appreciated!

I learned a lesson about myself yesterday...

I have been very proud of myself and my quest to become a runner. Apparently I've been so caught up in that pride that I've been holding myself back from becoming the best I can be at it.

I SHOULD be doing hill training, I SHOULD be pushing myself to be faster. It's not enough (at least for me) to just be doing this. I want to be good at it!! I know that I'll never win a race -(seriously...I'm 5'1" and could stand to lose a few pounds) but I certainly should be able to get more outta myself.

I had a very dear friend run with me yesterday. Someone who's never run a race and never even run outside. She only runs for exercise and she does it from the comfort of her living room. I am not trying to sell the treadmill short as I LOVE mine - but for me - there is a huge difference between running outside and running inside.

That said - she came in a minute after me. One lousy minute. I am VERY VERY proud of her and don't want to take anything away from that. In hindsight - what I've realized is that I should have been better. I should have been faster than her. I'm training, running, focusing on my run all the time.

BUT - unless I push myself when I'm training and while I'm running - I'm not going to get better, faster, stronger.

Game on - I'm ready.

A rambling post.....

I've got a few things on my mind tonight so please bear with me....

For starters - I need to modify my goals for the week. Not because I can't physically do it or don't have the mental drive - but because I know better. I KNOW that running everyday - especially when I am trying to improve - is not smart. My body needs recovery days.

Instead of running everyday - on my rest days I will walk and weight train. As I have more time I will try and fold in either Pilates or Yoga - but this week - there is no extra time to be found. PLUS my legs are sore and I need them to be in top shape for the Turkey Trot on Thursday.

Which leads me to my second topic. The Turkey Trot ...

I am new to this world of running and racing so I don't necessarily think of some of the things a more experienced racer would. I don't or should I say didn't think to look at the course map ahead of time.

IF I had - I'd have known that the first half of the race was uphill. I mean....seriously uphill. Hindsight's 20/20 - I could have been training on that hill. So, because I am so predictable - I "raced" home yesterday after scouting out the course, laced up my kicks and headed for the biggest hill I could find.

I'm sure I'm not the only runner that slacks off on hill training...so let's just say that my last minute effort has only made my already tender legs ache. They actually woke me up last night. I'll call it a "wake up call" on consistency in hill training as well as a reminder of how important rest days are - especiallly after a long run.

At this rate my 5 mile Turkey Trot is looking more like it could be a Turkey Crawl.

Lastly (finally)....my quest for healthier eating...

This isn't new for me - I am very aware of what I should and shouldn't be eating. My fridge is stocked with flax seed, wheat germ (although I am considering investigating that whole gluten free thing), chia seeds and bee pollen (yes - I said Bee Pollen). What I lack is consistency. I am a full fledged sugar addict and find it a very difficult habit to break. As part of the HBBC (Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge) I'm trying to drop 15 pounds so I'm refocusing on my daily diet. I've paired up with a wonderful friend and tomorrow morning is our first weigh in. Wish me luck - stepping on the scale in front of someone is NEVER fun!

In the future I will try and find a better way to structure these posts. Focusing on different topics different days. Today I just needed to get it all out there.

thanks -

Bear with me as I figure out exactly how this blogging thing works.....

I've decided to start blogging as a tool to hold myself more accountable for my goals. I figure if I put things in writing, out there for "the whole world to see" (as my father says) then maybe I'll take more responsibility for myself.

As I go along - hopefully you'll see improvements and changes to the format of this page. It may take me awhile as I'm not too saavy about these things!

I started running back in June. And when I say started - I mean I have never been a runner. I'm not the kind of gal that one would consider "athletic". I certainly didn't think I would find myself at the age of 42 starting something new and lacing up my running shoes on a regular basis. When I signed up for the Warrior Dash my husband kept asking me - 'are you sure you know what you are getting yourself into'?

It's been slow, literally. I have a running shirt that says "Why run faster when you can follow this a$$?" on the back of it and it's no joke.

When my friends comment on how much I must really like running - I actually have to stop and think about it. Do I love it? I'm not gonna lie - when my feet first hit the pavement - what's running (pun intended) through my mind isn't how much I'm enjoying myself. Usually I'm thinking "how come this doesn't seem to be getting any easier"?

What I do love is race day. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the energy that you feel when you are standing there with all those other runners waiting to start. Right now - that's what keeps me going. I imagine years from now (at least I hope) as I am still running - I will realize it is something I can't live without. For now - what keeps me moving is my next race.

That said - since June I've run:
(2) 5k trail races
(2) 5k road races
The Warrior Dash
(1) 10k (my greatest accomplishment to date)

My goal now is to be able to run a half-marathon in the spring. Increasing my mileage over the winter won't be easy - but having the goal will help. If anyone has any suggestions for half-marathons in the North East let me know. (preferably FLAT terrain! HA)

More to follow.....

BTW- I did just sign my self up for the HBBC Challenge (Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge) - this should motivate me to rack up those miles!