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!

Friday Five - Things that really bother me when I'm running

I decided to jump on the Friday Five band wagon.  While I was out getting in my 3+ miles  this morning - the following was running through my mind.  Things that really PISS ME OFF  bother me when I'm trying to get my run on.


1.  First and foremost - the drivers that don't slow down when they pass me.  Seriously....for a good part of my run there's a path -but for about 1 mile (of my 2.5 loop) I'm on the road.  NOT a busy "yellow lined" street - but a back road that is very commonly used by  runners.  It bugs the heck out of me that people fly by me.

2.  As I mentioned - a good portion of my run is on a path.  I will glady share "my" running path with fellow runners and walkers.  What I don't want to share is their dog's crap all over the path.  Courtesy goes a long way  - pick it up people!

3.  Chafing.  Need I say more?  Not the first time I've mentioned this and I've been really working hard to deal with this problem.  Just when I think I've come up with a solution - it rears its ugly head!

4.  The fact that several times -when I'm out there panting away - my "former" (former because she's too busy to find the time) running partner will drive by me - slow down - make some catty remark and then keep going.  (probably on her way to the diner for her next meal)  Ok -that wasn't very nice of me - but I would like the company.  It's a lot easier to push yourself for that next mile when you've got somebody pushing with you!

5.  The fact that my kids think nothing of expecting me to pause my treadmill to get them a snack.  I don't know about you- but running inside with my kids home NEVER goes as I expect it to.  I am constantly jumping on and off the TM. 

This post is what I would put into the "why running is therapeutic" category.  So much time with your own mind to go over what "ails" you.  What do you think about when you run?

I WON, I WON....

Just a quick post to brag about  say that I won a prize in the Home for the Holiday Virtual 10K.  Yay me!  As soon as I get it I'll post pictures.  This running, blogging thing is super cool!  Thanks again Robin, Stephanie and Ashley for hosting this!

Have you won anything "online"?

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?

Jingle Bell Hell or Holiday Fun Run? My two day 10K!

So....on Saturday, Christmas Eve morning I went out to get in my 6.2 miles for the Virtual 10K, Holiday Fun Run that I had signed up for with Stef over at Run for Fun. 
Quickly my "Fun Run" turned into Jingle Bell Hell.  Since I've been sick now for 2+ weeks, my running time has been down.  I ALSO haven't run outside at all since the first weekend in December.  That combination had me instantly struggling as my feet were pounding on the pavement.

I couldn't find my stride.  I neglected to charge my I-Pod so I decided to run with my Blackberry and use Pandora.  About 1 mile into the run Pandora stopped streaming.  Then, mother nature called and I was done for.  Traffic on my route was insane and I realized - as I was panting, cramping and fighting off shin splints that I wasn't destined to get in the full run. 

I chalked it up to a learning experience.  I had convinced myself that I could make it through the winter using my treadmill and then just jump back into things outside when the weather was better.  CLEARLY that won't work for me.  Three weeks inside and I was sucking wind (literally!). 


I called it a day and ended my run after 3 miles and marked my calendar for first thing Monday morning.

This was me on Saturday - I wanted to wear my Ho Ho Homer Boxers but my kids wouldn't let me leave the house looking so spectacular!

Fast forward through Christmas - which was an awesome day filled with family, friends and a ton of food - and the next thing it's 7:15am on Monday morning and my alarm is going off.

Time to start the "Fun Run" over again!  This time I was better prepared.  The I-Pod was charged, I had compression shorts on under my running pants (to ensure there were no chafing issues) and mentally I was ready.  So....aside from a pitstop at my local grocery store to use their restroom (which was scary - I've seen cleaner porta potties!!!) the run was uneventful.

I did forget my sunglasses and luckily my husband drove by so I borrowed his. A little big, a little heavy, but they did the trick.

Honest truth - it was no cakewalk.  But I am proud - I finished strong and even though it was not a fantastic time -(1:11:18) I did it.  I actually got in more miles in the past 3 days because of my "do over" than if I had finished the first time out - so I'll call that an added bonus!

I hope everyone had a great holiday ~

Virtual Home for the Holidays 10K Fun Run!!

Stef over at RUN ON! posted about a virtual Home for the Holidays run that she had signed up for and I am all over it. Perfect motivation to get a good run in on Christmas Eve morning before the chaos (and eating) begins.

Not certain I can get my "holiday" running outfit together in time (that may be pushing it as I still have Christmas shopping to do) but I'm definately in for the 6.2 miles. Where do you get these candy cane socks anyways? LOVE THEM!!

The run is being hosted by Run for Fun so click here to sign up and join me!!