tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1898027029151028192024-02-06T21:56:49.495-06:00A Mother-RunnerA read that you will relate to, be inspired by, irritated by, or totally ignore.
A blog of a mother-runner.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-63107671069688069632012-07-27T17:40:00.003-05:002012-07-27T17:40:59.051-05:00Would You Run For This Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1y9RHcCIOZOFyUASBSV0zsqDbU4UEXt3JVwPIv09w_KADq7x87twC0um1OKTTe5BNdqNBmr5PqFShk83un_TjUJ-DCGILjbNJN7Cpyu8XRhN70YVP40hVEz7U2sRhbFSncx9TGhEorYB/s1600/126874914472749971_cWxzW793_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1y9RHcCIOZOFyUASBSV0zsqDbU4UEXt3JVwPIv09w_KADq7x87twC0um1OKTTe5BNdqNBmr5PqFShk83un_TjUJ-DCGILjbNJN7Cpyu8XRhN70YVP40hVEz7U2sRhbFSncx9TGhEorYB/s320/126874914472749971_cWxzW793_f.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>http://www.bakerella.com/baked-banana-french-toast/</b></span></td></tr>
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Ok, runners, wanna-bes, and should-bes. Todays Would You Run For This Wednesday comes at you two days late...ahem, sorry. No really, I was gone on vacation with no power, and I could not send out my mouth blowing, gonna make your run post of this delicious Baked Banana French Toast!<br />
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The recipe is right under the picture posted as always, the only not so great thing, is the nutritional facts are not posted on their site...which means you can figure the calories and fat grams for yourself, or do what I do...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bake, Eat, Run</b></span>.<br />
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The really great thing about the recipe is that there is step by step photos along with the directions for the yummy breakfast just to make sure you are able to move along the delicious path to massive running calories! The other really great thing about a breakfast like this one, is you can plan to make it after a nice long run, to re-fuel and replenish some of those depleted carbs...the trick is to out run your appetite.<br />
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I for one<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> LOVE </span>anything that has bananas in it! So, this Baked Banana French Toast is right up my alley.<br />
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I will definitely be running for this one! Tell me....Would <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You</span></i></b> Run For This?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-57971868695859115662012-07-21T11:55:00.001-05:002012-07-21T21:54:15.863-05:00It Was A Dark Night...My Censored Thought On Aurora's Dark Night<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN7RjFfAOBbwrV0Ek7kKiFhMMZKyOBbUwiJQL8X3T9u4dB-CrAf6smKRu4S5wYQvtSkdZohR8Zp2pQvbiaEhuKMEk3fWUH7nE3gQL69ZBeWvaXKZ_KPBPE2BWO3xB_Kj2YsHRiwWl7Ptb/s1600/aurora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN7RjFfAOBbwrV0Ek7kKiFhMMZKyOBbUwiJQL8X3T9u4dB-CrAf6smKRu4S5wYQvtSkdZohR8Zp2pQvbiaEhuKMEk3fWUH7nE3gQL69ZBeWvaXKZ_KPBPE2BWO3xB_Kj2YsHRiwWl7Ptb/s320/aurora.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora, Colorado<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My thoughts on such a tragic incident have really no bearing on what the families and the community of Aurora are thinking right now. But, I still have them. It sickens me to think that this incident was planned, thought out, and carried through. My thoughts on this, my true feelings, I will keep very censored in hopes to not offend, or disrespect anybody.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am done entertaining the discussions and thoughts of what has transpired now. I will no longer visit that dark place of negative thoughts. I said my piece and said my prayer, now only the light and positivity can shine through.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-57134311418527615292012-07-21T07:15:00.000-05:002012-07-21T11:36:46.030-05:00Getting My Sexy Back, And Make It A Foursome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6ajSFQizz9XH5erA3eqZPQjnoIJZf5zWo5EOLyl857HOdoUm4OxeC-jghwv_JzsYQaZv0XCwr0aShGV7kWcs5IRkVxre1Qb7YuYB8mpKHZlrMnSddzrAImF9G2kbCjAGsNE1IkJVGNal/s1600/242490761156669176_3OmzQgX3_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6ajSFQizz9XH5erA3eqZPQjnoIJZf5zWo5EOLyl857HOdoUm4OxeC-jghwv_JzsYQaZv0XCwr0aShGV7kWcs5IRkVxre1Qb7YuYB8mpKHZlrMnSddzrAImF9G2kbCjAGsNE1IkJVGNal/s320/242490761156669176_3OmzQgX3_f.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup...Sexy</td></tr>
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Getting my sexy back is going to take a lot more than just getting out the door and running, I realized this when trying to get out the door and running yesterday. My four month old was up and ready to go at 5:30 a.m. and that puts a halt on just going out the door. Once he fell back to sleep, the rest of the army rises and wants food, water, toys, and all the other demands children make. I soon realized the only way this was going to work in my favor, was if we made it a foursome.<br />
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With stroller in tow, my three sons and I made our way to the 200 meter indoor track. My two older boys (4 & 5) along with myself, are signed up for a 5K in August called the Color Run. Since we are doing a 5K in August, I figured I would show them exactly what they are in for. As a parent I am very excited to see them participate in their first run. As a runner....I am beyond the moon excited!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfyqWtk5AtN6lxyqPAtsc3cdNqPiw-WOK6xb7ZAr6cdh3DwKssxVWzVnILibE1ZJPz72lQa_2V1ISxk7f0d-EaPzpN50JNII3_W30okswiWw0m8RZDHHZjpMYl3uyJww78SK9v7reGcyw/s1600/color-run-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfyqWtk5AtN6lxyqPAtsc3cdNqPiw-WOK6xb7ZAr6cdh3DwKssxVWzVnILibE1ZJPz72lQa_2V1ISxk7f0d-EaPzpN50JNII3_W30okswiWw0m8RZDHHZjpMYl3uyJww78SK9v7reGcyw/s400/color-run-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, how did my boys do their first training day for their first 5K? They were ah-mazing! They did the whole 5K! Maybe running with my kiddos is just what I need to do to ensure I will have some sort of guaranteed partners as I grow old. If anything, I can pass on my good, healthy habits to my kids rather than any bad ones. How did I do? Not bad. Honestly I felt great. I feel like I only took a few weeks off, rather then months. Not a bad start to getting back into the swing of things.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-45195351995015265912012-07-18T12:49:00.002-05:002012-07-27T16:23:47.209-05:00Would You Run For This Wednesday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Would You Run For This Wednesday</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQosHKBCzepeu12Tb9qT596qWBHltQMn3hDOu0lmD0e7skWe9hEaI0BGQVTHSHbY28jTcO-iRCA8ByXFSJ3kGUsnRuCOmU7D05nvv5tU2-cy-erZq2OXL4iCB4rm1RyvHnVp849NbJ_EH1/s1600/267964246549024755_47A438H4_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQosHKBCzepeu12Tb9qT596qWBHltQMn3hDOu0lmD0e7skWe9hEaI0BGQVTHSHbY28jTcO-iRCA8ByXFSJ3kGUsnRuCOmU7D05nvv5tU2-cy-erZq2OXL4iCB4rm1RyvHnVp849NbJ_EH1/s320/267964246549024755_47A438H4_f.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">http://fakeginger.com/2011/10/02/bang-bang-shrimp/</span></td></tr>
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If you have ever been to Bonefish Grill then you know how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>AH</b><i>-mazing</i></span> the Bang Bang Shrimp is. And if you have been to Bonefish Grill, and you <b>LOVE</b> the Bang Bang Shrimp, this recipe is so close to the original you would swear you were eating take-out from Bonefish.</div>
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If you have never been to Bonefish or there isn't one near your hometown, then this recipe will knock your socks off!! </div>
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One bowl from Bonefish serves 4.....ok, pick your chin up off your lap, yes, I said 4.</div>
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One serving of the 4 is 337 calories, 13 grams of fat (not bad, unless you eat the bowl) 30 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of protein. The killer....600 grams of sodium...<b>YIKES! </b></div>
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So, if you're like me, and you could totally eat one bowl all by yourself here are your totals:</div>
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Calories: 1348</div>
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Fat: 52 grams</div>
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Carbs: 120 grams</div>
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Protein: 100</div>
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Sodium: 2400 grams (OMW!!!!)</div>
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Would I Run For This? <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OH HECK YES!! </span></b></i></div>
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Would You Run For This? </div>
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Quite honestly, if you eat this, you will need too! Especially if you eat it all alone.</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-89624213621246474502012-07-15T17:49:00.000-05:002012-07-15T17:49:07.969-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP9McSOdzBBWJUaQkl00bG8dLNCbk8vtxluD0QN45ZUqSmhiNrvCm7LOh3ssia7F_uTh3sJ-lE6NeUOFwyksHj5vqgEkMKgYU3QMfF5m3r7p4qqY9zBs2NBFbxQVJZc9RUhDdzZMA2M_C/s1600/70650287873891926_pfxmYE4Y_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP9McSOdzBBWJUaQkl00bG8dLNCbk8vtxluD0QN45ZUqSmhiNrvCm7LOh3ssia7F_uTh3sJ-lE6NeUOFwyksHj5vqgEkMKgYU3QMfF5m3r7p4qqY9zBs2NBFbxQVJZc9RUhDdzZMA2M_C/s320/70650287873891926_pfxmYE4Y_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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*does eating count?</div>
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Whether it be small or large, do something each day, that makes you sweat...and no, eating does NOT count.</h2>
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And so it begins, my training that is. I have NOT run since September 2011. It is suggested that you have a good base under your belt prior to starting your marathon training. A good base is running for 1-2 years with a minimum of 35-40 mpw. It is also very highly recommended to have some half marathons in there to, and other distances so you can get a feel for what your body does on race day.</div>
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OK. I have conquered all of these recommendations.<br />
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Prior to my 10 month hiatus I was averaging 65-75 mpw, I have 5 half marathons, 4 5K's, 2 10K's, and 1 marathon under my belt. But I have no clue how to approach my passion once agiain, like a beginner. Becasue that is exactly what it is going to be like. </div>
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I knew this day would come, and I knew I would feel exactly the way I feel right now. I am feeling like I am going to start my routine once again and just really beat myself up. Both phusically and mentally. That first run, is going to kick my butt. My lungs are going to burn. My legs are going to be tight. My butt is going to jiggle....ugh. I loathe starting at the begining yet again. I do love that because of my history and my relationship with running, it will not take as long to get to my base as it did in the begining. I just know that I have not sweat like a runner in very long time. Maybe its also because I know where I was before and how hard I worked to get there, and that I have to do all that hard work again.<br />
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This time around I feel way more prepared. I know what to wear (to prevent chub-rub). I know what to do when my IT band gets tight. I know what I need, when I need it. In that respect I feel very good about this. What freaks me out, feeling like a failure. You know that from reading my past posts, wow, this is still so sad to admit, but in my past I would rather have quit then fail. Now, I have to just accept that I am going to fail a few things getting back, and hell, thats ok.<br />
How in the world will I go out there and NOT compare myself to the old self? I am so competitive with myself that this week will either be a very irritating and self loathing week, or I may just surprise myseslf. Here's hoping for the latter. Here's hoping that failure of NOT being my former self will just propel me into a more improved version of her.<br />
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So, those of you who are facing tomorrow and you are on the brink of starting something this week, let this be your motto :<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"GO DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU SWEAT."</span></div>
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Do it each day. Big or small. Easy or hard. Just sweat. Sweat out the frustrations. Sweat out the irritations. Sweat out the pain. Sweat out the complications. Once you have done that, fill yourself back up with motivation, and inspiration to wake up and do it all over again.</div>
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Heres to a week of sweat...oye vay.</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-37224659859972362502012-07-11T13:54:00.000-05:002012-07-11T13:54:01.940-05:00Would You Run For This Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ezfYdfUU-qXVjDdauX3XacNUTyBClnN8NXAUDn6iQAd-4LRb_ol-fnYcul4AIBfJEWSFf9WF5e2eXNLuOZqn1nvdjU6ZdxYp-ylUPaYdXyKo9LCylREx3jADGEd7oGxVAV0mc8vE6pjl/s1600/178807047675086813_S83COYC4_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ezfYdfUU-qXVjDdauX3XacNUTyBClnN8NXAUDn6iQAd-4LRb_ol-fnYcul4AIBfJEWSFf9WF5e2eXNLuOZqn1nvdjU6ZdxYp-ylUPaYdXyKo9LCylREx3jADGEd7oGxVAV0mc8vE6pjl/s320/178807047675086813_S83COYC4_f.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">http://cookingtheamazing.blogspot.com/2010/01/classic-baking-carrot-cake.html</span></div>
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Would You Run For This Wednesday</h2>
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So, I thought a good way to stay connected to my readers is by connecting life with food. But not just any ordinary food. Food that makes you run harder, faster, longer. Good tasting...no. Great tasting...no. Mind blowing...no. Taste bud blowing food! Yes, that sounds right. </div>
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So, 'Would You Run For This Wednesday' will be dedicated to a food that I find delectable, tasty, sinful, and most of all worth running for. I will provide the link/blog to the recipe and you can let us know if you made it, ate it, and what you thought of it.</div>
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Ok, I for one <b>WOULD </b>run for this food! I <b>LOVE</b> carrot cake...especially with cream cheese frosting. Of course we are talking adding a mile or two, maybe a couple fartleks...but <b>SO SO SO</b> worth this food.</div>
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Would You Run For This? </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-45984339166446412332012-07-11T08:02:00.001-05:002012-07-11T08:02:52.112-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkSa7z3hfc3vSxT-EjlyBcjaTA_bgGIZuskXckY3FCJgIXCshU5D3Ez4oTGYGywTU3-6J-WrBzSKmO6XTsb8DjjkR0K-fi6LSnWRrM7QOCQhjvN-Ckt1Uzy2F6XU3SrSEvZ1_l4f5LxHz/s1600/25895766576898797_NvWAsAyL_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkSa7z3hfc3vSxT-EjlyBcjaTA_bgGIZuskXckY3FCJgIXCshU5D3Ez4oTGYGywTU3-6J-WrBzSKmO6XTsb8DjjkR0K-fi6LSnWRrM7QOCQhjvN-Ckt1Uzy2F6XU3SrSEvZ1_l4f5LxHz/s320/25895766576898797_NvWAsAyL_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This....and a whole lot more.</h2>
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After such a long hiatus, it is time again to record, ramble, and vent the doings of how Mother Runner is going to get her stride back. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>JUST GO.</b></span></div>
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But, is it really that simple? Can one just open the door and go?</div>
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Can one just lace up, in my case velcro my Vibrams, and go? </div>
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Is getting out the door truly the hardest part?</div>
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What does it take for a Mother Runner to gain strength, confidence, and fantastic paces again? Let alone fantastic legs?</div>
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Well, one things for sure...it is not just getting out the door, it is this and a whole lot more.</div>
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So for the non-runner, yes, you have been lied to. Many times. Running is not just you and a pair of your favorite Nikes. It is not the cheapest workout, at least not once you get good at it. It is not all love, peace, and buds in your ears.</div>
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For the beginner runner, you are either just realizing that you need so much more than your sneaks for your new hobby. Wait one tic, did she just call running a hobby? Oh, you betcha! You beginner runners must approach running as your new hobby if you want to progress in any fashion. Your running needs to be come a passion that unfolds and reveals new obstacles and challenges that you want to conquer. You will have no desire to conquer such feats with a workout. With a duty. But with a hobby, that you have a passion for, that is where the battle of conquering is won.</div>
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For the vets, you are reading this and chuckling along reminiscing about the days when getting out the front door was hard. When taking to long of a hiatus was the <b style="font-size: x-large;">LAST </b>thing you did in your running career, only to find unless a dog has chewed the foot off your leg, you would never stop running for any period of time unless that hiatus included Dr. orders of RICE.</div>
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So, getting out the door is hard. But it is on a long list of hard.</div>
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Motivation...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Burning in chest...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Chub rub...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Sweat, everywhere...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Sore legs...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Time management...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Lack of sleep...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Planning...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Training...<b>HARD</b></div>
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Where will you start Crystal? You ask. For me, it all begins with a pencil and my running log book.</div>
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I will scour the beginning pages of my running log, looking for clues on how hard I should push myself that first week out. I will look for past experience to guide my jiggly, post-partum, drooping butt out that front door.</div>
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Yes, post partum. I wouldn't have taken such a long break from the one thing in life that brings me clarity, sanity, pleasure, pain, and great satisfaction for just anything, or anyone. But for that little guy, pictured oh so sweetly above, I would do anything. Including, but not limited too, gaining weight and putting my hobby on the back burner. I had visions of my pregnancy as a runner. A lean, pregnant runner. One of those runners you have no idea is pregnant until I turned sideways. Well, life can throw you a few curve balls here and there. In my pregnant adventure, I was sick. My last long run as a pregger was 10 miles at 8 weeks pregnant, and I just had to throw in the towel (or throw it up) until 15 weeks along, where I felt great and decided to go for a run. Mid run, I did not end up feeling so great. My pace went from 9 mpm to 12...in just few weeks. I was winded. I was tired. I was sore. I was not "that" pregnant runner I had always envisioned myself to be. So, I decided to grow a human instead.</div>
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Now, here I sit planning and considering my time management as I begin my running journey again, with one more mouth to feed. With one more time consumer. With one more distraction.</div>
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No one said it would be easy. In fact many said it would be hard. Thats ok. I embrace every detail in it. Hell, <b style="font-size: x-large;">I'M IN!! </b>And for those who do not know what that means, it mean I'm in the ING NYC Marathon 2013...theres motivation in that...at least I know it will get me out the front door...for now. Then, it will be my desire to remain sane, clear, happy, and of course sporting nice legs that will keep me crossing over the threshold.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-52909027365043490592012-07-10T23:44:00.001-05:002012-07-10T23:44:04.167-05:00I'm baaaaack! New weekly posts, updates on my crazy year off running, and the latest random craziness from a mother runner!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-29409096525684205782011-02-08T18:36:00.000-06:002011-02-08T18:36:52.676-06:00It's ALL About Me.....And Then Some<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIxSNR4ksRqu5uzduLkKH3cKh3GOq6PwIHrma_j6YXOAEwplkrIEpIuv-PscPB62P0tsBWCv5zCC0_k8kNeZHjDb9PyDEkqj_023pNEIif7jpoh0vAwpcFoe1CU_CgHlpZPfjHzyzzfC0/s1600/100_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIxSNR4ksRqu5uzduLkKH3cKh3GOq6PwIHrma_j6YXOAEwplkrIEpIuv-PscPB62P0tsBWCv5zCC0_k8kNeZHjDb9PyDEkqj_023pNEIif7jpoh0vAwpcFoe1CU_CgHlpZPfjHzyzzfC0/s320/100_0956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For some time now I have not quite had my head on right when it came to what I wanted to share with cyberspace. Then it dawns on me. When I run, my mind is (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">usually</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">) so clear, my thoughts are (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">usually</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">) fluid, and I realize......</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">TURN OFF THE DAMN MUSIC!</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I ran for two years without music and fell in </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">LOVE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> with running. I feel in love in with my Creator all over again. I feel in love with </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ME</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. I knew myself so intimately, that at times a 15 mile run could go on and I wouldn't even realize it was over. Running meant that I had time to go deep into my mind, and peek around and bump into old memories and experiences. I had the time to delve so deep into thought, I would go those places most are afraid to go, you know, the who's, what's, and why's of creation and existence. Oh yes, I went that far...that far down the preverbal rabbit hole. Where many never venture because the fear of the unknown paralyzes them. I go there while running, well I did. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I finally ran the other morning without the buds. Without PODRunner. Without BEP's. Without Adam Lambert (yes I listen to him....and no I do not care what his sexual orientation is....he can <b>SING</b>). I ran without EMINEM (and YES I like him too....and no I do not care what he stands for or doesn't...his music pumps me up). Instead I ran with an old friend. I ran with ME. The feeling of joy crept over me like I was intoxicated. My first few strides were that of a newborn yearling.....ok, slight exaggeration, they were that of a runner that has been shown the LIGHT. My mind was consumed by the life pumping in my ears, legs, heart, and veins. My breath quickly became patterned and cadence like. The very best part.....my mind was free. Free of pre-meditated thoughts from Fergie, Steve Boyett, Will-I-Am, and of course Adam. My thoughts were like you opened fire in a racket ball room with a pellet gun that shoots out tiny little rubber bouncy balls. They went <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CRAZY!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My mind became clear, my thoughts became mine, and the rebirth of my creative side took place. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It became so clear that running is for <b>ME</b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Its all about <b>ME</b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MY</b> pace. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MY</b> run. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MY</b> time. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MY</b> heart rate. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MY</b> splits. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MY</b> pr's. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">MINE, MINE, MINE, ME, ME, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ME</span></b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yup, sounding pretty narcissistic right about now huh? Well, running is just that. When you are not doing it, you think about it. When your not thinking about it, your talking about it. When your not talking about it, your reading about it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And sure, we all have our reasons as to why we run. Some run for thinner thighs. Some run for charity. Some run for those who cannot. Some run for doughnuts. Me, personally, you know why I run, I have said before that I LOVE food, and I run to eat (A LOT). But I must admit, being a size 2/4 ain't to shabby either! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In fact it is <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AH-MAZING!</span></b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know, that sounded really narcissistic of me....yeah, well I'm a runner. It's all about numbers, and calories, charities, inches, and pant sizes <b>ALL</b> play a part.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You see, it's <b>ALL</b> about <b>ME</b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Your reading <b>MY</b> blog about <b>MY </b>running experiences, and I share them, because I am slightly (due to running), narcissistic. Is that a downfall? Well, you may say <b>YES</b>, and never want to read this again, or you may find that deep down inside you want to do something bigger, better, stronger, faster, (for YOU) more than you ever have, and reading my truth about how I feel makes you either <b><i>A</i></b><b><i>-</i></b> Live vicariously through me or <b><i>2-</i></b> You get the balls to do it yourself.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As EMINEM would say "You only get one shot, do not miss your chance and blow this opportunity comes once in a lifetime." When I hear that, I think I have been given a shot to utilize this body to its maximum potential.....and why not? Ask yourself that. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WHY NOT?</b></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Why shouldn't I push myself to the edge, look over, and leap with confidence that I <b>WILL</b> land on two feet (running preferably)?</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Quit with the lame excuses. For every hour you work, you can find two that you fill with BS. For every hour you fill your life with, you can CHOOSE what and how you fill it. And I am not saying walk to the edge and leap into running, leap into life and <b>LIVE</b>. Live your life, don't survive it. That is NOT living. Do something that pumps life in your veins, and what ever IT is.....do it with GUSTO! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-44671869235951403462011-01-12T12:17:00.004-06:002012-07-10T23:30:27.114-05:00Fat Bottom Girls, You Make the Running World Go Round!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No your not having "double vision" that is one of me....2 years ago....80 pounds heavier.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Running on New Years Day was something very new to me. I have usually spent the day sleeping in, feeling hungover, or eating myself sick at someones holiday party. Since I set into motion goals that I am determined to achieve, I had to stick to my plan, and that meant running on both Christmas and New Years Day. I completed my 7 mile long run at the YMCA, indoors on the track. It was freezing that day.....bitter, bite you in the bahookey freezing. I averaged a 10:20 mpm pace, which was a little fast, but I was excited to be at the gym on a day that I have spent in the past not doing anything that exerts energy. I continued with my plan and logged 23 miles the following week, with my long run resulting in a 10 miler with a pace of 10:49.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">After I completed my long run I realized that even though I could have bailed on my commitment, stayed up late, ring in the new year, I didn't. You see, I decided a few months ago that I was no longer going to live in a reality that was composed of unrealistic negatives. What this means is, I was no longer going to let anything negative direct my goal making processes. I was no longer going to let <b>ONE </b>single negative thought be in the drivers seat. For most of you who know me, know that I always find <i>something</i> positive in <b><i>EVERYTHING</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. I cannot help it, I am just made that way. So when I go for a run, it is going to be in some way, shape, or form the best run yet. I am not kidding you when I tell you I </span>WILL </b>always find the positive.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Which leads me to the most bizarre silver lining I have ever come across. The silver lining in being a Fat Bottom Girl. I know, your thinking "Really, there is a silver lining in being a FBG?" Yes! There is. There are many. I told you I could find the positive in anything didn't I? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">First there is the <b>Inner Skinny B</b>. I like to refer to this silver lining as the one that trumps all the others in being a FBG. Because, the <b>Inner Skinny B</b> resides in every woman, but rears her skinny head when she is incased a FBG 's body. This driving force is what initiates a FBG to seek wisdom and advice with every nibble, bite, and snitch of food that crosses her lips. The <b>Inner Skinny B </b> starts the transformation of the FBG into figure she desires to be. Whether that figure is a size 2 or an 8, <b>Inner Skinny B </b>knows exactly what she wants FBG to look like.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Then there is the <b>Inner Competitive B</b>. This one may or may not ever reside in all woman, but definitely takes up residency once a woman crosses over into becoming a FBG. Let me explain. When <b>Inner Skinny B</b> shows herself, <b>Inner Competitive B</b> wants to be just like her. She wants to wear size 2's just like her. She wants to run fast just like her. She wants to be healthy just like her. She wants to grab clothes out of her closet, put them on (<i>once)</i> look in the mirror and say "yup, that looks good together", not tug and pull and try to find the one pair of pants that make her "look" skinny. Here is where I interject some hard ass truth to you. If you think you look fat, or you have to ask if you look fat, then you are. Don't ask. You are making the person you are asking feel really uncomfortable. Because chances are they are not going to tell you the truth, thus you are putting them in a situation of lying to you...unless of course you are asking me. Yes, I will tell you, straight up. If you are not emotionally stable enough to hear it, <b>DON'T ASK. </b>Another little tid-bit of truth, just because the size 14 jeans you buy say "Perfectly Slimming" does not mean that they make you appear slimmer. Yes, I purchased those, in that size at one time, and no, I did not look any slimmer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Now, last but not least is the <b>Inner Indulgent B.</b> She lives in us all. FBG or not, we all indulge in one thing or another. The <b>Inner Indulgent B</b> though, needs to be trained by the other <b>B's</b> so that she learns to indulge in activities other than eating. The other <b>B's</b> teach and train <b>Inner Indulgent B</b> to appreciate what it feels like to fit comfortably in a size 4 jean. To bask in the sweat of the FBG knowing that the physical figure of the 3 <b>B's </b>desire, will soon become a reality. You see, <b>Inner Indulgent B</b> transforms and begins to quench that indulgence with blood, sweat, and tears. She wants to indulge in the brownie batter without the consequences, and she will, because the other <b>B's</b> will help make it happen. The three <b>B's</b> become the silver lining in being a FBG, and become the force that makes the FBG become all that she has ever wanted physically. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I will tell you, Fat Bottom Girl's you make the running world go round. Without the FBG, you would not have the <b>Inner Skinny B</b> screaming, and clawing her way to get out. You would not have the Weight Watchers, The hCG Diet, Atkins, South Beach, and thousands of other ways to kick that FBG to the curb. You would not have the <b>Inner Competitive B</b> pushing for PR's and burning calories to look great in wedding photos, thus resulting in the many training plans for marathons. You would not have the <b>Inner Indulgent B</b>, wallowing in a runner's high relishing the moment, wearing her favorite workout gear along with her Asics and Under Armour t-shirt. The FBG then becomes the driving force for the <b>B's</b>. The FBG becomes the reality the <b>B's</b> never want to be a part of resulting in continuous forward motion, striving to be better.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was, and always will be a fat bottom girl. I don't mean this like some pathetic girl fishing for compliments, I mean it like I hold high rank in the F.B.G.C. (Fat Bottom Girls Club), and I am proud of it. You think I am bluffing right? No, really. Unless you are a member, you will never understand where a FBG is really ever coming from. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We truly make the running world go round. We fight for our <b>Inner Skinny B</b> to come to life. We pursue our <b>Inner Indulgent B</b> to enjoy food, drinks, and fun without guilt. We join ranks with our <b>Inner Competitive B</b> to accompany us in achieving our goals that keep us out of the shadow of the former FBG we once were, or never want to be.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>*In case you didn't know....a B is a Bitch.....</i></b></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-57042350858356066652010-12-31T22:09:00.000-06:002010-12-31T22:09:42.919-06:00You've Come a Long Way Baby.......Considering Your Start Line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkaQLfC44r8SZmrrwcr8y11Hsf78G62V1FlgdlsdZjA8Owjkf0tud2R1W9MnZ9xBT-2uUPv66AcP9dUHQ_8Qs002EAsbRnT4OI7-EG62eermYzv2vDY3l2KOJNAWQNY2FvFlaaYcNRVGg/s1600/kara2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkaQLfC44r8SZmrrwcr8y11Hsf78G62V1FlgdlsdZjA8Owjkf0tud2R1W9MnZ9xBT-2uUPv66AcP9dUHQ_8Qs002EAsbRnT4OI7-EG62eermYzv2vDY3l2KOJNAWQNY2FvFlaaYcNRVGg/s1600/kara2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Is it so sad that when I see this woman I want to be just like her? Is it so sad that she is 18 months older than myself, but looks 10 years younger? Is it so sad that she is 5'7" weighing in at 120? No not sad....<span style="font-size: large;"><b>INSPIRING</b></span>. Her PR's consist of a HM 1:06:57 (if it had not been a downhill course, she would hold the record).....let's put that time into perspective for you. When I run 6 miles at LSD (no, not the drug...long slow distance) I run it at 11 mpm. She is doing more than twice that distance in the same amount of time. If I were to run a LSD at the local high school track with Kara Goucher running her fastest, I would be lapped twice as I was finishing my first lap.</span> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Her marathon time is 2:25:53, one most men drool over. Her time that is, well, her too.</span> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">This woman is one to admire.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">As I ponder my New Year's Resolutions, (yes I make them...and YES believe it or not, I keep them) I look to the people I aspire to be like. Spiritually I long to be like the apostle Paul. Mentally I desire to be like Gandhi. Physically, well Kara Goucher takes the cake. As far as achievements and making a mark, Deena Kastor....she has definitely achieved and left a mark. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdo4X6xqs4QAGv6Dorvixz9qvMDojMyNhnBxEwWOjV4hQ5Le9uGjPcJUQaM3rOLm43MnPDuaq0gO9fuseQxe1Hip8R99xqQTD01srNj4NotVO0HfvyfvvazVZEKrF1fN1Cqxgee7P8Z8-/s1600/250px-Deena_Kastor_at_the_2007_Boston_Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdo4X6xqs4QAGv6Dorvixz9qvMDojMyNhnBxEwWOjV4hQ5Le9uGjPcJUQaM3rOLm43MnPDuaq0gO9fuseQxe1Hip8R99xqQTD01srNj4NotVO0HfvyfvvazVZEKrF1fN1Cqxgee7P8Z8-/s320/250px-Deena_Kastor_at_the_2007_Boston_Marathon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Lets just say she is one helluva woman. She holds the following records:</span><br />
<ul style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><li>Women's marathon (set when winning the 2006 Flora London Marathon with a time of 2:19:36)</li>
<li>Women's half marathon (set at the 2006 Berlin Half Marathon with a time of 1:07:34)</li>
<li>Women's road 15K (set at the 2003 Gate River Run in Jacksonville with a time of 47:15)</li>
<li>Women's road 8K (set at the 2005 The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago with a time of 24:36)</li>
<li>Women's road 5K (set at the 2002 Carlsbad 5000 with a time of 14:54)</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I mean can you even imagine running 26.2 miles and finishing it in 2:19:36? The length of a feature film (hopefully it is that long, considering how much you pay to get in).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">While praying to be able to pray like Paul, I am in constant motion, moving forward, changing my mind and body into a physical, living machine. I mean why else would I be home on New Years Eve typing my blog just before tucking myself in? Well, I have goals, aspirations, and a long run tomorrow. I put into motion my goals and aspirations, and once they are in forward motion, they do not stop. I get one shot at this life, and I want to be excellent at it. I want to experience what this body can really do, even if it means there will be times I am bent over dry heaving because I have just done 8 half mile repeats so fast it feels as though my lungs are filled Clorox, and I am seeing black spots. Yeah, it really feels something like this when you really push yourself <b>HARD</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">You see, I am an optimist. The glass is <span style="font-size: large;"><b>FULL</b></span>, always. I always see the <b><span style="font-size: large;">BRIGHTER</span></b> side. I am a dreamer, and because I am, I am also an achiever. My New Years Resolutions are simple. Forgive as my Father forgives. Burn more calories than I take in. Run a sub 4:00:00 marathon. Run a sub 2:00:00 half marathon. Run a sub 26:00 5K.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My goals are attainable, yet challenging. I mean hey, I can bang out an 8 minute mile, not bad for an ex-smoker. I would have to say I have come a long way baby. From 45:00 5K's, to effortlessly holding conversation for 30:00 5K, I am looking forward to Tuesdays speed work, New Year, new 5K time.....26:00....<b>SOOO</b> attainable....considering my start line.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-55764295613536421622010-12-29T14:49:00.000-06:002010-12-29T14:49:08.552-06:00Punch the Dough, Then Let it Rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk8w8XaxIqWdv-bi0e-Af7T00BL9yhDFtOwidqDrp7QlSUuljISqpW6WFwGSA2XGOx1CjNFQRnJj9tsuj4jqUuEH41HBSOG3DTwuu5pc7ep6AcwQFJS-Dx8MdFaPogbTilpBm2B3a6v6j/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk8w8XaxIqWdv-bi0e-Af7T00BL9yhDFtOwidqDrp7QlSUuljISqpW6WFwGSA2XGOx1CjNFQRnJj9tsuj4jqUuEH41HBSOG3DTwuu5pc7ep6AcwQFJS-Dx8MdFaPogbTilpBm2B3a6v6j/s1600/a.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I have never really been the type that is busy around the holidays. I generally stick to myself, buy my gifts, and attend the the "normal" holiday festivities. But this year I took a different approach. Not only am I running and sticking to my plan, I decided to do a lot of baking this year. As it turns out, my long runs fall on Saturdays and this year so did Christmas. Each year my little family has the tradition of eating orange iced cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning before we even think of opening gifts. But, in the light of being so health conscious this year, I decided that my family would have fresh home baked cinnamon rolls with home made orange icing for breakfast. Once I decided this, I took a look at the recipe realized that they take 35 minutes to prep, 50-70 minutes to rise, 15 minutes to rest, 10 more rising minutes, 30 minutes to bake, and then 10 minutes to cool. During the first rise, I will run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Here is where I mention after planning out my entire morning, I had to awaken at 4:45a.m. to dress for my run outdoors (the gym is closed on Christmas), and then begin by 5:00a.m. the prepping of the rolls. I planned it so that I would be out the door by 6:00a.m. to do 5-6 miles and be back in time to punch the dough, let it rest, and while it rests, shower. And that is exactly what I did. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">As I got the satellites to acquire, I head off in the dark quiet morning. The difference in this run from EVERY other run I have done in the last 2 years is this run is accompanied by The Black Eyed Peas, Luda, and Eminem. What is so different about that? Well, I have not listened to music whilst running in 2 years. I decided to this when I started running, so that I could listen to my body, and follow how my body responds to the elements and the amount of stress I put it under. I have since learned exactly how my body responds, and know myself better then ever. So, I decided to run Christmas morning, with some beats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">This run was amazing. I was able to keep my HR avg to 154 bpm, and my pace was 11'29" which is exactly what I wanted. I maintained zone 2 the entire run. I felt amazing, and was so happy to have the BEP's back in my ears, reppin' it. After 6.1 miles I arrived in time to shed my outer layer and punch the dough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The rolls turned out brilliant. Christmas went off without a hitch, my pumpkin pie I baked later on in the day was delish, and the fudge was a daunting task....but also delish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I think the best part about the day was knowing I got my long run in when most were sleeping, or wishing they were while their kids are begging to rip open their presents. I was running while most were still wearing out their sheets. I was wearing out my sneakers. The one thing I love to watch deteriorate because it tells me I am doing something right. I am punching the dough so that it can rest.....Yes, I am the dough, and I did rest later that day with a belly full of rolls and fudge. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-24096051741290878242010-12-20T15:49:00.001-06:002010-12-20T16:45:06.697-06:00Zone 2 Anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The only thing that gets me on, and keeps me on a dreadmill for more than 5 miles is goals, and food. Yes, you read right,<b> FOOD</b>. Like Remy from Ratatouille </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">says "If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff." And I want to eat a lot of it. I love food. Good food. Homemade food. Buttery food. High calorie, un-button your pants, spicy, hot, filling, sweet, rich, food. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My long run that finished last week, was 5 miles. Only 5 miles, but those are the base building miles I crave. I crave them like a double handful of Nacho Cheese Doritos. Ok, I know, those are not homemade, but damn it, somebody made them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Saturdays long run was planned for the dread. Which is hard, because when you run on the dread you feel like you have run so much farther than you really have. You feel like <b>EVERY</b> mind numbing step you take is like 10 outdoor steps. But, what keeps me going past 0.24 distance, (when I swear the last time I looked it said 3.24) is <b>FOOD</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">You see, when you run, long runs in particular, you run them nice and slow. 1 to 1.5 minutes slower than your marathon pace. And if you are not particularly a quick runner like myself, your marathon pace is (well hopefully) 10:00 minute per mile. Which puts your long run pace at 11 to 12 mpm. That is slow.....for everyone. Yes, I said it. <b>EVERYONE</b>. When I trained for my past races, I felt like I was above the long run pace. To good for it. I wanted to run a 10-10:30 all the time, I <b>HATED</b> looking slow, or for that matter being slow. Even if it meant that come race day, I am going to blow it because you need to have those long, slow, runs under your belt to know how to run on tired legs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I have since my last race learned something <i><b>FANTASTIC</b></i> about long runs. When you </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">are running your long run, in the slow, calculated time, you are running in heart rate zone 2.....which means for those who don't know....<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE FAT BURNING ZONE!</b></span> It is the zone your body uses fat as fuel. You got it baby, <b>FAT</b>. The longer and farther you run in zone 2, the more fat you burn. Since I have learned this amazing information, I have since fallen in <i>LOVE</i> with running <span style="font-size: large;">S-L-O-O-O-O-W</span>, only on my long run days of course. I am training my body to tap into fat reserves on those long run days, so that I can be in a calorie deficit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">For example, being in a calorie deficit means that if I burn 3,000 calories per long run (which<i><b> IS</b></i> doable in 15+ mile runs, give or take some), and I burn about 2,000</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> calories to be alive, that means for that long run day I have burned 5,000 calories. Which means if I eat 4,000 calories, I am still negative 1,000 calories. Do you know what this means people? It means that I can have my cake and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>EAT</b></span> it too! This means I can eat like a closet glutton, and still lose weight, or not gain! This means that when it is raining not just cats and dogs, but horses and cattle, I cannot use that as an excuse to not run. Because I can hit the dread, and put myself into a calorie deficit and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>EAT!</b></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">If I could leave you with one last thought it would be, run my friends, so that you may eat and live happily, and guilt free. Run my friends that you may burn your cinnamon buns, and your holiday fudge. Run my friends that you may once again eat like your metabolism is that of a 16 year old boy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Will it be hard? Yes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Will it take time and dedication? Yes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Will it be worth it? Yes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Every finger lickin' moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I eat therefore I run. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-48283563039085283022010-12-17T15:47:00.000-06:002010-12-17T15:47:14.042-06:00Dreadmill Racing....Not Recomended<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7YWNyINMIj6z0m7oe-DwvlTEeAJFyIMEFH8C2OlrOM-YkDfFr4-E1j3_Q_A2N9Mx9hipA4-Bqv7KAlfscciqwGLDeIh4o5i2QU4R7q01Wllmdmn71eTJasRuvJy3eNMWhZRY7EMkLGTn/s1600/shoe1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7YWNyINMIj6z0m7oe-DwvlTEeAJFyIMEFH8C2OlrOM-YkDfFr4-E1j3_Q_A2N9Mx9hipA4-Bqv7KAlfscciqwGLDeIh4o5i2QU4R7q01Wllmdmn71eTJasRuvJy3eNMWhZRY7EMkLGTn/s1600/shoe1.gif" /></a></div><br />
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<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Tuesday nights run (the second one) made for a very tired Wednesday. I was so tired that I napped (which I never do, it usually makes me more tired), I then ended up falling asleep at about 8 o'clock. Which is very early. My workout for the Wednesday...nada. I honestly do not remember the last time I was so tired that I did nothing.</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Yesterday was day one with <b>NO </b>cable. The effects....positive. I was able to get quite a few things done in the evening. But prior to that, I went to the Y for a run. After doing the extra 3 on Tuesday, I decided that I would walk 1 mile, then run 2. So, in rare form, I followed my plan. </span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Even though I was wearing my ridiculous looking Fila knee length shorts. Ugh, why did I ever purchase such a silly looking pair of shorts? I honestly think that these shorts are going to kill me. Here is why. They have become loose on the legs, so I have to adjust them, WHILE RUNNING. This can be very tricky on the dread. As you attempt to bend in the slightest fashion while running at a 5.7-6.0 you can see yourself flying right off the back into the machines behind you. But, you would rather risk utter humiliation, and possibly a broken bone or two, than have your silly looking shorts creep, or sag. Another reason these shorts are going to be the death of me is because they look so re-donk-ulous, and I feel the need to run really fast as I wrapping up my run. Kind of like "Yeah, my shorts make you snicker as I walk by, but baby they are a blur on the dread." I feel like I can validate wearing the silly things because I am running faster than the girls who come and read their magazines on the elliptical. Thus, the running way faster than necessary (<i>under 8 minute mile pace</i>), is going to make my heart explode. Time to buy new shorts. Any that make you look faster than you are?</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My 3 mile jaunt went as I expected. Although I am so sweaty, I am leaving droplets all over the place. You see, I am tracking my heart rate with every run. Ever since I was asked by my doctor (<i>9 years ago, way before I started running</i>) if I was a runner, because my resting HR was 60. I felt like, with my past (<i>drugs, alcohol, smoking</i>) and a ticker that worked so well, I shouldn't let it go to waste. I averaged 160bpm during my little sweat mess, which is just a smidgen lower than what I wanted, but still not quite crazy enough to emit such evaporation. The girl next to me on her power walk had to have been ignorant of it, or pleased about it; because she was not even breaking a huff-and-puff, let alone a sweat, and with every step I took, sweat was splashing off my arms, face, and legs like a shower. Heck, who knows maybe she did like it because it made it look like she was sweating. Ew, I know.</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">One last thought before I sign off. The other thing that just may end my running career in an instant plays out like like this (<i>one of the <b>MANY</b> reasons <b>I HATE</b> running the dread</i>).</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Me</b>: running on dread, 6.2, sweaty, almost done</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Girl</b>: 2 dreads over, running, harder than I, sweaty</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Me</b>: trying to see her pace, distance, and speed while running...I should slow down to take a peek. NO! Can't do that. I am <b><i>RACING</i></b> her! Even though I have no idea what she is doing, LR, tempo run, speed work, fun run, what ever. We are in a race. I speed up!</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Girl</b>: still running, hard, now slowing down</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Me</b>: I speed up, I will show her</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Girl</b>: stops. huffing. puffing.</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Me</b>: lean over rail to see girls stats. stumble. draw attention. raise HR from fear. See death headlines from dread on the news.</span></span><br />
<b><span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH ME?</span></span></b><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I finish shortly after her, and as I walk past her dread to get a towel to wipe the spray from the waterfall spray I emit, off my machine, I am seconds to late to see her stats. Dang it.</span></span><br />
<span id="goog_1645466274"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Next time girl, I will beat you. I will finish first, even though I have no idea when you start, how fast you are going, or how far. <b>I WILL WIN</b>, the dread race.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-23393818715532108902010-12-15T00:39:00.000-06:002010-12-15T00:39:05.418-06:00Doing Doubles During Hellish Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT4HxGlhHg1E0TPuPUwOjn3Y3_vhZxVQCmCqm7lXDTrt_ol5d8ukhtuahcabhNu6Gwuf5wLiTj5qkqSWhFnYmteD_L_oIPMIW4EiE3g_p3qRk0b2lnYfNEqXuGKz56BLpNiVzsWo22Rnp/s1600/slowgoingjan200.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT4HxGlhHg1E0TPuPUwOjn3Y3_vhZxVQCmCqm7lXDTrt_ol5d8ukhtuahcabhNu6Gwuf5wLiTj5qkqSWhFnYmteD_L_oIPMIW4EiE3g_p3qRk0b2lnYfNEqXuGKz56BLpNiVzsWo22Rnp/s1600/slowgoingjan200.gif" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">So, this little slow goin' guy is about how I felt last week starting off my base building. Like I was trudging through solid ground. Like my sneaks had been dipped in concrete, and I was told to run that way.</span> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I got in 7 miles last week, and they say the first mile back is always the hardest. I tend to disagree, it's the second one for me. I have so much adrenaline pumping in my veins, that I go off at the shot like I am Kenyan. I usually round out that first mile at 9.15.00-9.30.00 feeling amazing. Like 'Hey running hiatus of five months, you ain't got nuthin' on me!' Then lap three, of 8.75 of my second mile, the burning in my chest is such that it tastes like my saliva is pure metal. Every swallow makes me think I have got to be swallowing saliva with blood</span>, <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">that is how metallic it tastes. Like iron filled blood. With that taste in my throat I slow down, way down. I go from my shot out the gate 9.15.00 mpm (minute per mile), to a dribble out the honey bear plastic jar that is 3 months old and crystallized, 17.42.00 mpm. Whew, that is pathetic, for me. Even when I was at my heaviest weight (which was WHO-GE), I could maintain at least 11.30.00 mpm. This makes me feel like I have failed. But, I have admitted and realized that I mentally do this to myself, and I know how to fix it. Keep running and just get better. Just get faster. Just keep setting those goals and PR's (personal records), and obliterate them. Oh yeah, and the hard truth I heard today, <i><b>"You just gotta run more races."</b></i> Hearing that can instantly put me in a funk. You just don't understand what race day does to someone who would rather quit than fail. Race day makes you feel like....well, I haven't been able to quite pin down the description of the feeling yet, I just know it is worse than acid reflux.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Worried that last weeks attempt at base building has set the bar for this week, only because you hear that week two is harder on you physically and mentally than week one. I attack this week with mother running vengeance. I am attacking with all my arsenal. Core, weights, rolling, and stretching. What you gotta understand is this, in the past as I have dropped some serious weight (85 pounds if you must know), I have gotten faster. With that comes IT-Band issues. In non-runners terminology: a whole lotta pain while running on the outside of your knee that can go all the way up into your <b><i>boo-hoo-tay</i></b>. The remedy: Stretch it, roll it (very painful by the way to roll it), stretch it, strengthen it, stretch it, and stretch it. So, my base building, and then training will be somewhat different form all the others. This time, my plan of attack is to hit with all my guns, and running when I want to run, even if I already have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Which leads me to today. A I lay in bed contemplating whether or not to lay there for the full snooze and I remember that it was foretasted to be frigid yet again this morning. Which means I had to warm up the car, to get to the Y, to run on the dreadmill, for <b><i>ONLY</i></b> 2 miles. I know, 2 measly little miles. I am going to drive 1.5 miles to run 2. But, by the time you warm up when running in the freezer, your just about to finish mile 2. No point in suffering, hit the dreadmill. These 2 miles were not like what others have said. "Getting back into it is gonna be hell. Especially week two." Well, in your hellish week two face! I didn't consume mouthfuls of metallic, bloody, saliva. I ran. I sweat. I finished my measly miles, went home (my car was still warm when I pulled away), and showered. I returned to the Y again at 7:30 p.m. for my daughter to partake in cardio-kickboxing. Which was humorous, only because the instructor was roughly 300 pounds, and 50+ years of age. I said to my daughter "Have fun, sweat a lot." and I turned around headed back up the stairs, and right to the dreadmill for another round. This time, I was going to make it complicated. I walked for 3/10ths of mile one to warm up, increasing my incline to 12, thus raising my HR enough to warm up quickly. I lower the incline to 0, put my speed at 5.7 (roughly a 10.30.00 mpm) and begin my second run for the day, because <i><b>I wanted to</b></i>. This turns into a battle of my mind. I increase the incline 5, 9, 4, 10, 3, 11, 2, 12, 1, 13, while running a 10.30.00 mpm. I am sweating so badly I decide now is a good time to check my HR....170! Sweet. After 1 mile of doing this to myself, I slow down to a 12.00.00 mpm and bring my HR down to 130, and I begin mile 2 with a 10.00.00 mpm. At the 2.25 marker I bump up my speed to 9.45.00ish mpm. At 2.5 I bump it to 9.30.00ish. I continue doing this until I am sprinting a 7.50.00ish mpm. I finish at 3.2 miles completed. I am a sweaty mess, and I realize that I am wearing cotton underwear, because my intentions when coming back to the Y tonight were to chill on the bike and look at a magazine and not even break a sweat. It just so happens I was wearing an Under Armour tee, and running pants, along with the chaffing enemy. But instead, I pulled a double today. Who does that? I will tell you who. A mother-runner. A mother-runner whose measly miles don't feel so measly anymore. They feel a little bit more mother-runner-ish, like "Yeah, I ran today, <b>TWICE</b>." But, I will reflect on how those non-measly feeling miles are really feeling tomorrow, while doing a plank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>*this weeks miles are no longer 9, but now set for 12ish?</i> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-10113034897574627062010-12-13T21:24:00.001-06:002010-12-14T14:09:28.690-06:00Charted, Dated, and Mapped<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">So last night before bed I decided that I would pull out the 2011 'free' calendar American Family Insurance gave us, and start counting back the weeks from race days. Officially I begin a 13 week training program for the Wisconsin Half marathon on January 31st. A program that I have put together that includes a little Higdon, a little Hanson brothers, and a little of <b>ME</b>.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">One week after the half, I have to start training for the Womens Trek Triathlon. That is the cycling part of it anyways. You see, I have recently decided that I had to take on the triathlon when I went looking for my Christmas present on Black Friday. (Yes, I went to shop for me. It's how you get things done).</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I wanted a Garmin 405 Forerunner. For those of you who don't know, it is a shnazzy watch that is GPS too, and tells you how far, how fast, and your heart rate, all whilst running. Well, these bad boys are spendy. $300.00-$400.00, never on sale. I repeat NEVER on sale. I walked into Sports Authority looking for, well nothing really, because I know they do not carry GPS watches. Then I noticed they had Garmins, they must have just started carrying these, and man was I happy! Then, quickly let down. Because, like I mentioned, Garmins are never on sale.The salesmen asked me if I would like to look at the Timex IRONMAN watch......I laughed. 'Ha, yeah right. I cannot afford those.'</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Well, the Timex IRONMAN watch was 30% off and it had a $50.00 rebate, so I bought that dang thing, and it is beautiful. It has ALL the bells and whistles you could ever ask for in a runners watch. Including everything you need for cycling, and swimming too, hence the IRONMAN name of the watch.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Wait a tic....I don't swim, yet. You see, I have an amazing bike. TREK Womens Edition Pilot 5.0 all carbon fiber. Beautiful bike. Here's the sad part, it has roughly 75 miles on it. I never really use it, because I love to run. I got the bike, I got the running shoes, I bought this fantazmic watch. So, now, I will become a swimmer. </div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Three weeks after starting tri training, I begin training for my full marathon. I do not need any special training for the relay in June, because of all the running I will be doing for my half, and the tri.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The first few weeks of the marathon training are not that heavy in the miles, so I won't tire out before the tri. The heavy miles kick in right after the tri. My main goal this marathon training process is A LOT of miles. A LOT.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">So, for today, as I am re-building my base, I worked my arms and core. Tomorrow, I run. Only 2 miles. Nothing much. This weeks mileage is 9.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I really look forward to the day I type this weeks mileage is 75......goals, gotta love them.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">January begins my swimming lessons. Yes, I know how to swim. But only to save my life, not to compete.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Well, I do need to finish my calendar andI have not yet decided how many 20 milers I wanna hit this training round.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189802702915102819.post-60702238139602142622010-12-12T14:01:00.000-06:002010-12-12T14:22:09.328-06:00Back in the Saddle Again<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">So it begins. A time in my life where I decide what I am going to do to challenge myself in the up and coming year. Last year it was to run a marathon....or in my case cross the finish line.<br />I discovered in training that I am fully capable of running and completing the race; and most certainly with a good time. But to my own dismay, I would rather quit than fail. It was very hard to admit this. During training, if my time was not what I was anticipating, I would quit. Wow, that looks bad in words. I have over come this feeling and have realized that there will always be bad runs. Bad days. Bad weather. Bad times. But there is always good runs. Good days. Good weather. Good times. With knowing that I had to realize that there is also, bad races, and good.<br />My first marathon...bad race. Cancelled race. I felt defeated. My time....we won't go there. I had surgery days after my race, and left running in the dust. For approximately 5 months. Yikes.<br />Well....<span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm Back!</span><br /><br />For <span style="font-weight: bold;">2011</span> I have a few different things planned. All of which are goals too.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span>A half marathon in May. The only person that knows I can run a sub 2.00.00 half ran a 2.12.00 with me (unofficially).<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span>A 200 mile relay in June. We will run from Madison to Chicago, we being a team of 12.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span>A triathlon in July, The Women's Trek 1/2 mile swim, 13 mile bike, 3 mile run.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span>Then (fingers crossed) NYC Marathon. I will find out in April if I get picked through the lottery system. If I do not get picked this year, (year 2) then I will be running the Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee. My goal for the Lakefront is sub 4.20.00<br />My goal for NYC.....<span style="font-weight: bold;">FINISH<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>So for this blog, I am going to post the ups and downs of a Mother-Runner. I am going to post what it takes for a mother to train for the 4 different events. What sacrifices are made. What rewards and punishments I will endure to reach my dreams. Who knows, maybe this will become a daily, weekly, or monthly blog that no body reads, and I find it to be a waste of time that I could have spent running.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531858647795034620noreply@blogger.com5